I'm keeping this one on my radar! ... and we've added a link to you here from the Chicago MINI Motoring Club website --

 

Found a quote from the South Dakota Governor on the tourism web site.

We like to brag that we're one of the few places on Earth where people dare to carve mountains; not just a little bit of the mountain, but the whole thing!

 

This just in...provided by a member of 5280.org

Will be making T's available on the club merchandise website. When the graphic is finalized with dates.

 

In an effort to get all our ducks in a row it would be appreciated if those of you who have an interest in going on this trip would follow this link and sign up for the event on the 5280 calendar. If you are not sure if you are going or not that is no problem. You are able to remove your name if you choose not to attend in the future.

 

The CORN store front now has the Black Hills Run t-shirts in long and short sleeve. Follow the link www.cafepress.com/CORNclub

 

16 days and a wake up.

 

so what is everyone doing for lodging?

 

Most are finding a place in Hill City, SD as that is where we are making a base of operations when we arrive. I will be at the Holiday Inn Express. There is a Super 8 across the street and a Best Western just up the road.
You may want to look at the thread on 5280 to get more information than what is here. Also, get your contact information to Jsouz (Jonathan) so we don't miss you at Carhenge. He will need Name / cell phone # and where you will be staying.
You can also call me. Just PM me and I will send you my number.

Jim

 

With only 11/12 days (depending on your departure date) the excitement is building and as we finalize our packing plans, routes, ect... I thought I would post some info on car washes around the Hill City area so we can keep our MINIs shiny and tidy .

( It's a sickness) Remember to pack your favorite products and a few towels.

Custer Car & Pet Wash
932 Mount Rushmore Rd
Custer, SD 57730
(605) 673-4007

info based on recorded message:
• Open 24 hours or there is 6 am to 10 pm option

Graffitti's Car Wash
2335 W Main St
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 394-9611

• full service tunnel type wash ranging in price from $7.25 - $12.25 for exterior only packages. Interior option also available.

Hours Mon – Sat 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (til & 7:00 pm after school is out)


Mt View Car Wash
502 Mountain View Rd
Rapid City, SD 57702
(605) 342-9753

No answer or recorded message when I called

Parkway Car Wash
206 E Blvd N
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 343-4637

• Automatic car wash with cloth heads starting at $6.75
• Self service with wands starting at $2.00

Hours Mon – Sat 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Classic Car Wash
3306 W Chicago St
Rapid City, SD 57702

No answer or recorded message when I called


See ya all soon

 

When I was up there in January there was a wash right across the street from the Holiday Inn Express in Hill City. It was a nice touchless wash with wand booths also.
It was one of the few things that was open during the off season.

 

Zyamfier,

When and where are you and some of the St Louis MINIs passing through or near KC? Maybe we can join up in route? 4 of the MINIs from KC will be leaving on Wednesday, but there are 2 of us leaving Thursday am... hopefully by 4:00 am at the latest.

See ya all soon!

 

From what I know Doug (Zinful) and Dan (bigfun04) as well as the rest of the St. Louis group will be arriving Wednesday night in St. Joseph, MO. Leaving the next morning. You may want to contact either of them. It may be noon before you all get to me so I will be well rested and waiting in Kearney, NE along I-80 to join in the fun.
Jim

 

Just booked my room and PMed you (Zyamfier) and jsouz with contact info. I may meet up with you folks in Kearney. What route were you thinking of taking from there?

Wow, this'll be my first MINI gathering of any kind! I'm also going to MITM, but this will be a nice way to meet some great people and try out the Clubbie on some twistier roads before that big event. I'm so looking forward to meeting you all!

 

I have sent you a PM but at this point Kearney to almost Ogallala, NE (Roscoe) then North on paved back roads to Alliance (Carhenge) where everone else will meet up. Then on to Hill City.
Those of you that are watching plan on meeting up in Kearney around Noonish. I will firm up a time when I talk to St. Louis and K.C. travelers.
Jim

 

Great, just Great. After a weekend at the track I noticed Trogdor seems to be stopping umm not up to his potential. So take the car in to get a brake inspection.
1 All rotors glazed over.
2 Brake shoes that were new for the track. Yea they are glazed too.
3 Front calipers both with melted dust covers and leaking fluid from the seals.
4 Brake fluid more than likely cooked.

So now it is up in the air if everything can be fixed by next Wednesday afternoon. My fingers are crossed.

1 Replace rotors with ATE slotted front and rear rotors.
2 Replace brake pads with Hawk ceramic street pads
3 Replace seals and boots on calipers.
4 Brake fluid needs replaced.

So all in all a pain in the **** but I hope it makes for more fun in the Hills when all is done. As long as it is done in time.

 

That's the most distressing news I've heard in a long time! I sure hope things are in tip-top shape by next week!

 

wow Jim... thats some serious brake-work you got going over there. you have to go to the Hills... it wouldn't be the same without our lead scout

 

Only time will tell. For now I am getting to know the bike a little more.

2003 with less than 7K. miles most of those were put on
before I got the MINI

 

Jim,

First I hope your MINI is repaired soon!!!!! Your bike is sharp, but can it pull the Dragon wagon?

4 of the MINIs from KC will be leaving early to mid afternoon on Wednesday and will over night in North Platte, NE.

Saturn and myself will be leaving KC Thursday morning at about 4:00 am ish running straight up 1-29, so we should be getting to St Joe by 4:30-4:45 am.

Will you all have 2 way radios for the trip, if so what channel/sub channel will you be on?

See ya soon

 

Yes, what channel will we use?

 

Good news is parts "should" be in on Monday so Tuesday is the projected finish day. That will allow me a day and a half to clean and pack all the gizmos into the car.
The bike is getting me around but you are right it can't drag the wagon. Oh well the trailer is in need of some spring cleaning and repair so it won't be making this trip anyway.
As far as radios go Doug and Dan from St. Louis will probably be up in the
22-1 range to insure long range. We will be out on the plains so a couple miles between front and rear cars is not out of the question. You guys can all get that together when you meet up with everyone in St. Joe.
I will PM you with my # because if you miss the St. Louis group (I think they are leaving sometime around 6:30/7. You can always call me if you want to arrive early in Kearney, NE for a meet-up here for lunch.

The Kernel

 

Great news on the repair!!!

I picked your cell number and sent you mine.

We can not wait to leave..I hate the last few days before a road trip

 

Trogdor strikes again! Bwaaaahaaa

 

Nice pic Jim.

 

Here it is. Enjoy