***RSVP link has been added -- let us know you're joining us by clicking ---> HERE ****

Linda and I are planning an abbreviated East Meets West event for EIM friends on June 29 in Winona. Details for the whole official event can be found here: http://www.minimeet09.org/

Our shortened version looks like this:
Those close to Cedar Rapids leave at 8:00 am on Monday, June 29.
Gary and others join the caravan in Decorah at 10:00.
Arrive in Winona at noon for a picnic.
In the afternoon enjoy the best twisty in SE Minnesota (according to the Motorcycle Association of America). Free.
In the evening enjoy a fine dinner, followed by partying until the wee hours.
On Tuesday hang out with hundreds of MINIs at the Show and Shine (Free) and
Participate in the Panorama Photo (Free). I will show a sample at our April event.
Head for home in the late afternoon,

There’s a little resort in Wisconsin, 25 minutes from Winona http://waumandeehouse.com/theresort.php
which has 6 cabins reserved for us until the end of March. I think it would be great fun for us to take over the whole resort! There are 3 of the $49 cabins left. If you call for a cabin, please let Jennifer know you are with the MINI Cooper group. Also, please let our group know you’ll be staying with us by posting here.

See you soon. Lots of great MINI adventures coming up!


Daryl

 

Got it added to the Events Schedule and the NAM EIM Calendar. This looks like a whole lot of fun. It goes without question that I'll be there.

Edit: I went ahead and reserved a cabin this morning (3/5). I grabbed the Exec Suite to leave remaining double-Queen cabins left on Daryl's hold list (minus one that I presume Daryl will reserve) for everyone else.

[Daryl, Jennifer's Dad (to whom I talked) told me there were still six cabins available on your "hold" and that none had been reserved yet...not sure how you came up with three...was that assuming some set-asides?]

Just a reminder that the "hold" status evaporates at the end of March, so everyone will want to make reservations before then.

 

I just reserved one today!

 

[Daryl, Jennifer's Dad (to whom I talked) told me there were still six cabins available on your "hold" and that none had been reserved yet...not sure how you came up with three...was that assuming some set-asides?]

This is how my math skills work: There are six "regular" cabins. Gary said he'd take one, Linda said she'd take one, and I will take one. 6-3 = 3. I didn't know you were gonna be a big spender and take the Executive cabin, so there are now four left (I think).

 

I figured it was worth the $10 extra to free up one of the six cabins with multiple beds for other interested EIMers...but I pledge to you that I won't bring my computer and do work while there. MINI trips are strictly for MINI fun.

 

Plans continue to develop for the event in Winona. Stay tuned for updates!

 

Yo deanman -- I added an RSVP link to your initial post for this event.

All EIMers, if you're planning on joining in the Mini-MINI Meet fun in Winona, please click the RSVP link and add yourself to the list. Thanks much!

 

Monday, June 29

8:00 Leave Marion
9:06 Stop in Oelwein (54 miles)
10:30 Stop in Decorah (53 miles)
12:00 Arrive in Winona. (66 miles) Stop at Hy-Vee or Subway for picnic food (or bring from home). Picnic at Gavin Heights Park in Winona.
1:30 Check at Event Hotel for exact venue for Tuesday’s events. Chat and get the lay of the land.
4:00 Twisty Drive (Lansboro-Rushford-Preston)
7:00 Dinner at Jefferson Pub and Grill in Winona
8:30 Head for Waumandee House Resort (23 miles)

Tuesday see the MINIs at the Show and Shine and be in the Panoramic Photo. Head for home at our leisure.

 

It's not too late to make plans to join in the MINI fun. We leave on Monday, June 29 and return the next evening.

 

Looking forward to it!

 

Weather is looking good for this event!

 

All participants -- be sure to check your PMs if you don't have them as pop-ups. deanman is making final rendezvous/coordination plans.

 

Greetings all...

I've uploaded my pics from our trip to Winona on Flickr. Here's the link (make sure you have Show Info set to "on" to see captions):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmm57/s...7620788386058/

I don't even know where to begin describing the past couple of fun days, but I'll start with thanking Daryl and Linda R. for the idea of the EIM "Mini-Meet" in the first place...and special kudos to Daryl for the expert planning of our activities ...setting up the Waumandee Resort stay...and the fantastic restaurants too!

Sandy and Denny, I'm so glad we were able to meet up at Garvin Heights! Thanks for coming, welcome to our illustrious group, and hope to see you again soon at an EIM gathering. We love your new MINI!

Steve and Peggy -- what a nice, unexpected surprise that you'd also be staying at Waumandee! We all really enjoyed meeting you and checking out your pristine '02 LY/W MC, and thanks for joining us for lunch on Tuesday. Hope we have the chance to cross paths again!

Gary and Linda, so glad you were able to join us at St. Mary's on Tuesday (and show off that new Clubby)!

Bill and Alyce -- always a pleasure motoring with you two! Thanks for coming along. Special thanks to Bill for acting as the "sacrificial lamb" against Linda at the pool table for our viewing pleasure .

Nate, thanks for coming along with us and congrats again on your engagement!

Shirley, glad to have you along to keep Daryl in line.

 

It was a great time, for sure. Lots of fun things to remember, but a picture just doesn't capture it. MINIs and MINI friends are a winning combination.

http://picasaweb.google.com/deanman2...eat=directlink

 

I had such a great time! So much fun seeing the classic minis. Thank you, Daryl for the great planning. The cabins were terrific. The lady there was exceptionally nice.

The only problem is that Nate & I are really hooked on restoring one! We have already decided on the style of headlamps, mirrors, color (is there any color besides purple?), etc., etc. We each need a second job!

I have included the link to a few of my pictures from there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3028273...7620731318005/

 

Did everybody check their mailbox today?

 

I'm on travel this week...is there something in particular I should have Jan be on the lookout for? I don't want it to end up in the recycle bin.

 

She won't think to recycle it

 

I did!

 

Did what? Check your mailbox, or recycle it?

 

Checked my mailbox I wouldn't mistake it for recycling.

 

If anyone is interested, they posted photos on the East Meets West website. Some are pretty cool.
http://www.minimeet09.org/Pictures.aspx

 

Thanks for the tip. I wouldn't have thought to go back to that site. Ever.