Hey all you Michiganders, on Saturday, October 11th, the Michigan MINI Motor Club is having a Fall Color Tour. We're meeting at the Amtrak station in Ann Arbor at 1pm, and then doing a 3.5 hour drive through the beautiful woods and countryside. Some technical and twisty roads, some relaxing country roads, and all fun!

You can contact me to get the route specifics, or check out MMMC online for the details.

Hope to see you there!
Cheers,
Ryan

 

people in canada and other states welcomed too! they did a dry run of the roads we are going to take saturday and they said it was a super nice drive. i'll be there! hope you can be too.

 

Last Saturday, Ryan and I did a pre-cruise run of the route for the Fall Color Tour. This Motor has something for everyone. Bucolic farmlands, glorious foliage in full brilliance, 4 prisons, (for those that are into that sort of thing), a stop in Hell, ancient cemetery's, country churches and a stretch of the meanest twisties this side of the Dragon! Bring a camera, for there are untold opportunities to practice your composition skills. Bring an appetite, for there are Cider Mills, Farm Centers and restaurants galore. Bring your best Paul Newman Grand Prix attitude, for Hankered Road will test your nerve!

Robb

 

The Hankered Road section is especially nice. When Ryan and I went through, I was first behind the wheel and stayed in 2nd, 5500 to 6600 rpm and that new intake SCREEEEEEEEEMED! Sounded like Le Mans. Averaged 40 in the turns and 65 on the straights.

Then Ryan took a turn, stayed in 3rd 4000 to 5000 rpm about the same speeds. Having now traversed the course, he had another go at it. 3rd gear, 5000 to 6500 rpm, 45 to 50 mph in the turns and 70 to 80 down the straights. To tell the truth it was a bit difficult getting a good fix on the speed, what with being tossed about the cabin like a rag doll. The blur of trees right at the edge of the road going by like a picket fence. The occasional squeal of rubber on asphalt and the big stupid grins we were wearing! The DSC did blink a few times, so we were pretty well riding the knife edge.

I suggest that everyone brings either a drool rag or a sick sack. Oh, and that 20 mph turn works quite well with a 4 wheel drift.
Robb

 

Sounds like a blast! If wife and baby are up to it, I'm there for sure. Common Grill is tasty!

 

woah, stovepipe, I never knew you in Detroit!
sounds like you've been to Common Grill before, and like it - cool!

hopefully we'll see you at the train-station
Cheers,
Ryan

 

only 3 days away! and nice weather is being called for! gas up them mini and get some film, we are a driving !

 

Ouch!! I want to come but already have a comittment this Saturday. Was doin' an Indiana "Fall Tour" pre-run today for our event on the 19th and I AM HOOKED! What time are you all getting started?

God speed.

 

 

we are starting at 1 dinner around 5

it's tomorrow!!!!

 

I went to Hell and back with the MMMC! A very cool trip with some very cool people. Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to put the event together. I wish I could've hung all the way to Chelsea and The Common Grill. I'm sure it was tasty fun.
Next time, perhaps...