I have just sent an update to all folks whom I have registered. If you did not get that email from me, send me a PM with your email, name and phone and I will add you.

Feel free to ask questions and add comments here.

Thanks,

Jonathan Doug and Jim

 

I've been so busy, Big 4 day car show at Lowes MotorSpeedway in Charlotte took best in class and Best of Show (minis) April 18th Asheville NC Charity run, next day driving to Clemson University for car show, MOTD 26Apr-2May, then rest couple days and off to Black Hills, hopefully back by 23rd may for Charity run in Charlotte, who said retirement was boring? See you guys soon!

 

would ya?


JPS

 

for those leaving Denver Metro area has been decided:

- 10 am MTN time (Alliance NE is still MTN time)
- BASS Pro Shop, Stapleton North (north of I-70, E of Quebec)
- We will hit 270 then I-76 to head north from here
- Meetup at 9:30 or so, get a Starbucks (right inside) and let's go
- Restrooms and other facilities in store

Thursday, May 14th, 2009.

Who is in? Whom shall we expect?

Jonathan

 

Rick & Wendy are IN.

 

for High Plains Motorers:

• Jewel Cave National Monument - www.nps.gov/jeca At 144 miles, the 2nd longest cave in the world. 13 mi west of Custer, SD....
• S Dakota Air and Space Museum, Ellsworth Air Force Base www.ellsworth.af.mil FREE. 28 aircraft and home of the B1 Bomber. Just outside of Rapid City.
• The Dahl Art Center, home of the 200 ft long cyclorama (mural of American History) FREE.
• The Journey Museum of the Western Frontier - Rapid City SD. Fee.

Come join us....

Jonathan

 

So far the count from the KC MINI Club is 6 MINIs and 12 people .
There will be 4 MINIs leaving on Wednesday and the remaining 2 will be heading out early Thursday morning. The excitement is building daily.
I just love the pre-rally anticipation!

Since some of the groups have changed arrival times in Alliance, is the group picture still on for 5:00 pm at Carhenge?

See you all soon!

 

I'm just putting this out there for general information.
My Dad has a B&B near Scottsbluff, NE. In fact it is at the base of Scottsbluff.
He has offered 20% off for any MINIs that book a room. Not just for this event but forever.
Just tell him you're driving a MINI and know someone from MINI5280.

Barn Anew website: http://www.barnanew.com/

Chuck

 

holding out on us?????

And it appears that he is as meticulous about his landscape are you are about your carscape....

JPS

 

From the South Dakota Tourism Office:

Celebrate 100 Years of South Dakota Parks with a Free Weekend


In 1909, South Dakota established the Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GF&P) to help manage, protect and enhance the state’s natural resources and wildlife. A century later, GF&P manages more than 54 parks and recreation areas including Custer State Park—South Dakota’s first and largest park. You can discover all the facilities across the state during the Free Open House Weekend, May 15-17, 2009. There will be free park entrances and free fishing. Plus, there will be special activities and celebrations.


Experience South Dakota:
The Faces of Mount Rushmore Part 3: Theodore Roosevelt

The third face on Mount Rushmore National Memorial is that of our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. Teddy Roosevelt was one of the nation’s most powerful advocates for protecting and developing our country’s natural resources. During his presidency, Roosevelt signed legislation establishing five national parks, including Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. He also signed into law the Antiquities Act of 1906. This gave the President authority to establish national monuments, which protected historic landmarks, structures and other objects of historic or scientific interest from destruction or excavation.

It was because of Roosevelt’s passion for conservation and his leadership during a time of economic expansion that Gutzon Borglum chose Theodore Roosevelt as the third face on the mountain. Learn more about the faces of Mount Rushmore with a vacation to South Dakota.


Notice of Correction:

In our in April edition of Travelsmart, we mistakenly wrote that Thomas Jefferson was the author of the Constitution. That information was incorrect; however, Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. We strive to make sure all our information is correct and apologize for this error. Thank you to all our loyal Travelsmart readers.

 

I think I will go on this ride. And save some bucks $$$.

JPS

 

Getting excited!

 

Jonathan and Jim, the MINIs from EIM are firming up our travel plans and while there are a few details yet to be worked out, we can give you some insights for planning purposes. This guidance applies to deanman, D3mon, R56MINICooper, 05MINI, Atomic #47, and me.

We will work our way north in Iowa on Thursday by various routes in separate gaggles but plan to rendezvous along I-90 just west of Albert Lea, MN and head west on I-90 from there. When we reach Cactus Flats (probably about 5:30 pm MDT) a subset of us plan to exit and take the Badlands Loop (SD-240) around to Wall. The group continuing on to Hill City are likely to arrive before 8:00 pm. Those that do the loop will probably show up about the same time as the larger group coming up from Alliance.

I also know of at least two MN/IL MINIs (one signed up on the NAM calendar and one not) who are coming across on I-90 a couple of hours ahead of our group.

Almost all of us EIMers have lodging in or near Hill City. We have one couple with lodging in Rapid City. We'll stay tuned for any instructions regarding any potential Thursday night meet-up or coordination of Friday drives, and certainly will be ready to rendezvous Friday morning at whatever place and time is designated.

Oh, and I have a new cell phone number which I'll send you via email.

14 days and a wake-up.

 

and will be at the event for purchase for a modest $3. Our friends Clint Cope at DOS www.DefendersofSpeed.com and Doug Travis from AMM www.AmericanMINIMates.com have created this one-of-a-kind item.

Please post your departure date and time and ETA in Hill City, SD. We will be posting our dinner drive location or you can call me at the phone # I provided in the emails I send.

If you are still not getting the emails, PM me your info again...we will get it to you.

Thanks,

Jonathan

 

The Saint Louis contingent can't wait to meet up with everyone in Alliance. What a great trip with good friends!

 

That's US -- basil49 and MiniMac2005 from CMMC -- led by n0uk (I think) and contingent of Minnesotans; we leave the Twin Cities about 0730 Thursday, and should hit the Blue Earth Rest Stop along I-90 in MN (the EIM north-route-team rendezvous-point) just ahead of EIM, about 1000 or so.

 

With only 10/11 days (depending on 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 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 called

 

It's a sickness. Or maybe a behaviour. Or a phobia of dirt. Or a compulsion. Whatever, lot's of us share it.

JPS

 

Well 7 1/2 days and leaving Charlotte NC to meet up with part of the St Louis Minis. Just got home from 6 days at the Dragon. So I am resting up and just can't wait to get started. The 5280 club was really missed at the Dragon. I am ready to leave now, already packed up!

 

at the usual number.

See you soon.

JPS

 

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 I took off Nigella years ago. Let me know if you need some.

JPS

 

Got my instructions on meeting the St Louis MINIs and can t wait to get on the road again. Luke

 

Got my 17" S-lites with my summer tires on yesterday so I'm ready to hit the road too. I'm going with the other 3 KC MINIacs to N.Platte, so we'll either hook up with the rest of you west of your Kearney meet up with Zyamfier or see you all in Alliance.

Blucoopr it'll be fun to compare notes, I have an EB/EB '03 JCW with lots of chrome too, although we'll be driving our new LB/LB Clubster on this run.

Only a few more days, I can't wait to hit the road..........

Hope I don't jinx it but right now the weather looks perfect, sunny days in the mid 60's - low 70's and cool nights in the low 50's!

 

Dave, love the boot view of the 2 MINIs

Saturn and I will be giving our MINIs the full spa treatment tomorrow to get ready for the road trip. (Can't drive a grubby MINI. )

We will see you in Hill City, if we miss you in Alliance.
Do you have a channel preference for a KC MINI channel on the 2 way radios?
It will need to be 20 or under with no sub channels-so Davester can use it also.

See ya soon!!!