I thought you might be interested in this quote from Ben's blog at http://dealsgap.com/ (Ben runs the Store).

"Its Sunday at Deals Gap, and I am dragging my butt this am because I went to hang out and watch the Midnight Run of the Mini's last night. It was kind of anti-climactic actually with no where near as many cars in the parade as we were hoping, but the "cuteness" of the Mini rubs off on you after a little while, and you get into it just as they do. A very special thanks to all the Cooper Owners this weekend, for being a fantastic group of people who are mindful and respectful of all the others that we share the area with. You guys are all a class act !!"

 

Awesome feedback- thanks. I always wonder what the "locals" think of us after a weekend. Good to know it's something like this. Great job everyone!

 

I was talking to a few locals that night at the Gap, and they all said they thought the MINI group was the best group that comes. "There just more friendlier, and nicer" he said to me

I said for all of the MINI Community, Thank you for the compliment and have a wonderful drive and they are looking foreward to us next year.

 

Well, I'll tell ya.... out of all the car groups, the MINIs are by far the favorite of the Locals. The MINIs are well liked, as opposed to other groups that can be just plain d1cks. Notice Ben let MINIs park in the Store parking lot.... the Miatas he makes park across the street LOL

 

HA!

 

On a few occasions I had people come up to me asking what was going on with all the various MINIS/Minis seemingly everywhere. I was taking some photos of my car on the helipad (I know, no parking) and an older couple drove up and engaged me in conversation about the cars being everywhere. I clued them in and they were genuinely impressed, fascinated by the number of cars. Another time as I stopped for gas on the way back from Bryson City some folks at the gas station/bait 'n' tackle shop asked me about what was going on. Again, all positive responses. I think we are one of the most visible and well-behaved groups that descend on the area, and we tend to spread out in a bunch of organized drives into nearby towns that add to the visibility. It also helps that so many of the cars are customized.

 

Having dinner one night at the Sweetwater BBQ the waitress mentioned that she liked it when the Minis were in town. She said that they looked like "colored ants" all scurrying around.

 

Yeah - we always hear the same comments from folks in the restaurants - that the MINI people are the nicest and most fun of all the car clubs that frequent the area...

 

We were topping off in Whitter and was ambushed by a woman that wanted to know what was up. Don't know if she did but after taling to us she said she was going to get her husband and kid and take a ride up to Fontana.

 

I'm happy to hear from other sources that we were so well received. The local folks that I spoke with said much the same thing of us and I was glad to hear it. I spent a while Sunday after I checked out at Fontana Dam talking with an older couple (mid 80's!) from Chattanooga who were vacationing by volunteering in the information center at the Dam. What a great way to spend retirement!