Alright MINI5280ites - June 21st is the first day of summer and it happens to also be a Saturday. This is too perfect to miss.
Come up with a ride to celebrate the summer solstice; make it pagan, make it themed, make it early, make it late, make it short or make it long but let's do something (even if its wrong).
How about two rides, one from the north and one from the south meeting up somewhere in the middle? Wearing nothing but flowers and shrubbery (OK might be too much).
Suggestions?

 

I was going to suggest July, but hows bouts another Castle Run?

I may be able to get us into Glen Erie Castle (An English style Castle just North of Graden of the Gods) for a photo shoot. My son in law may be taking a maintenance/EMT job there today.

Then we drive scenic, twisty back roads to Bishop's Castle, taking a reverse route from last year. (We will keep Shellbell away from Mr. Bishop this time!)

This will be an all day run but leaving Bishop's Castle we would come out at Colorado City @ I-25 which takes everyone home somewhere along the way as we head North.

My thoughts,

Mike

 

Good suggestion Mike, it is on the list.
Anyone else?

 

This isn't a test, just give it your best shot. No ideas too ambitious; just post some that you always dreamed of doing with a bunch of fellow MINIacs.

 

Problem for me Chuck is that I don't think I can go on a run on June 21. I'm not going to volunteer someone else for my idea, nor would I enjoy missing out on my ideal run.

Mike's idea sounds good, Glen Erie is supposed to be beautiful and the drive for the castle run was good too. Reverse would be just as fun I believe.

Though I suppose that if I had to plan a drive in summer, I might be tempted to shoot over toward Independance Pass. We had a blast on that road for MITM and want to go back sometime. Though I hear it's a bear in summer months when tourism is high. Also I know that lots of folks enjoy white water rafting, and there's a bunch of places one could drive to and catch a raft before coming home. More of a day trip, but there it is.

Good luck on finding an idea that works for folks.

 

That is SOOOOOO funny!!!!!! My buddy Mr. Bishop!! I had a great time on the last ride to the castle!
June 21st......... I might be a "crazy woman"...it's my recently ex husbands birthday. Someone else in the club will be recently divorced by then so we could both get crazy & celebrate.

 

Shelly - I have a new position for you. Now not only are you the official club liaison with Schomp, but you are also the writer and director for our new newsletter soap opera feature. Call it "As The MINI turns", "General MINI" or even "Days of our MINIs".

 

Shelly, I didn't realize that you were buddies w/ Bishop , I thought maybe you somehow reminded him of a worst moment w/ his ex-wife.......

 

I'm going to close this contest by the June 10th meeting. Did I fail to mention it was a contest? Complete with fabulous prizes for the selected route?

 

These all look like good dates...June 11th my birthday, June 22nd our wedding anniversary. Let's party!

Here's some ideas I came across:
Past Limon on I-70 is the "Wonder Tower" in Genoa, CO.
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/COGENwonder.html

From there, find some back roads up to Fort Collins/Timnath to the Swetsville Zoo. http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attra...wetsville.html

Never been to any of these places, but sure look interesting. Maybe with more research, a better route could be planned as well as eating!

There, there are my ideas to submit. I hope I win! Teena (and Rich)

 

Nice entry Teena, you need to put together a route though (hint: check out last year's Yalla Yalla to get east). BTW, do we need current rabies shots for these locations?

 

I've just posted the official contest rules and date in the club calendar.
So far two participants:
1. Castle Run
2. Wonder Tower
3. Summer Solstice Sunrise & Sunset (SSS&S)
4. Trail Ridge Road
5. Castlewood Canyon Picnic
Any others?

 

"Summer Solstice Sunset and Sunrise"

• Part 1 happens in the AM on Saturday. The ride leaves at 3 am to arrive at the top of Mt. Evans by 5:30 in time to take sunup pictures. Bring a breakfast picnic.
• If you cannot make the AM ride...
• Part II happens at sunset the same day....the ride leaves at 5 pm in time to arrive at the top of Mt. Evans by 8:30 to take the sunset pictures. Bring an evening picnic.
• Since we are in the Northern Hemisphere, this is the longest day and the shortest night of the year.
• MINI5280 Posts a 'guard' to be there all day and take pics of ALL the MINIs that join up. Each MINI seen on top of Mt. Evans gets a nice gift from MINI5280 and Ralph Schomp. (What is the budget, Chuck???)

Yes, this is TWO RUNS IN ONE. Take your pick. But enjoy one end or the other of the solstice.

Any takers?

Jonathan

 

Good theme Jonathan. You are offically entered.

 

Yea. That's it.

JPS

 

Are we still thinking? Too timid to put it on line?
There is no bad ride (except one involving dirt roads) so don't be shy.
Did I mention stunning prizes and tons-o-accolades?

 

No dirt roads? There go all my favorites!

I can't come on this drive unfortunately, so good luck to everyone going! I'll see you at the meeting next week though, we can drive then.

 

Trail Ridge Road in the National Park then down through Granby, Fraser Winter Park to I-70?? I know there is a fee to get through the Park but its always a fun drive. There is also a great road off of Hwy 34 called Devil's Gulch Rd which is very fun to drive??
Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to make this ride since it is my girlfriends birthday but thought I could suggest something.

 

Added and noted, thanks Envy!

 

When is everyone's birthday????????

 

The anniversary of the day they were born silly! Oh that Shelly; you've got to worry about her sometimes.

Mine's in December.

 

I've never had one.
... Shelly, just how exactly does this question relate to a Summer Solstice ride?
Don't make me clean up this thread!

 

Psst, Shelly.....

Before Chuck cleans up this thread, mine's 12-18-19??

 

Mine is June 22, so therefore, the solstice ride would be in preparation for my B-day. That's my take anyway.

 

June and January for us...