I received my MINI Takes The States welcome package in the mail today!! Only 18 more days to go!

 

I got mine too. The excitement is growing.

 

For those not going to the Historics Weekend, how about a caravan to Monterey from the Southbay? Or Scotts Valley? Or Santa Cruz?

Anyone? Bueller?

 

Got a box from MINIUSA today and was so stoked 'cause I thought it was my MTTS packet. Nope! I got a "Secret Black Box!"

We'll be leaving Scott's Valley early Monday morning. If anyone knows what time the festivities start in Monterey we can coordinate a caravan.

 

The complete schedule is posted on MTTS website (http://www.miniusa.com/mtts/pdf/MTTS_full_route.pdf), I copy the description of the first lag here for your reference. Looks to me any time between 7am and 9am is ok.
I put the official vinyl sticker on the boot window two days ago, have yet to see another mini with it .
Looking forward to meeting you guys in Scott's Valley. How long do you think the drive will take? need to get back on the same day.

==========
Total Daily Drive Time: 4.5 hours or 245 miles (stops not included)
Suggested Departure Time: 7:00 am - 9:00 am
Average Arrival: 1:30pm (not including stops)

Main Route Synopsis: Stop by the morning departure desk at Monterey Beach (285 Figuero Street) between the hours of 7am and 9am to receive information and details on the day’s drive and the upcoming stop. SIRIUS, MINI’s official satellite radio partner, will be providing the daily tip sheet at every ‘check point’ to all participants informing them of the daily route, traffic alerts and activities – so no one will miss a beat. SIRIUS will also provide the best in 100% commercial-free music at each stop.

After the beach event in Monterey, MINI motorists will have the opportunity to sample one of the best driving highways in America. California Highway 1 travels through Big Sur and alongside some of the most dramatic coastline on earth. Expect plenty of scenic vistas, crashing ocean surf and rolling California hillsides. And a few cows too! For your convenience, the arrival desk in Santa Barbara will be located at Hotel Andalucia (31 W. Carillo Street) in the Chapala room.

Main Route directions: Monterey, CA driving on CA Highway 1 to CA 101 to Santa Barbara. Driving through the cities of: Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Santa Maria, Solvang and Santa Barbara.

Special Events/Info: Western Regional Event Kickoff Beach Party The Western Region of MINI USA kicks off MINI Takes the States
with the “Let’s Get Up and Go” Beach Party event at Pirate’s Cove Beach House at Monterey Beach. This early morning event will combine music, food, beach bonfires and a special guest appearance to wave the start flag for the MINI Takes the States cross country adventure. This event follows the Rolex Monterey Historics Automobile Races at Laguna Seca Raceway.
Famous designer, Shepard Fairey will create a special custom designed limited edition poster for MINI Takes the States. It’s a must have, one of kind offering which will be distributed to registered MINI Takes the States participants at all four regional events and arrival points along the route courtesy of Swindle Magazine.

MAXIM magazine models are joining the journey! Two female MAXIM models will drive along in a MINI awaiting MINI Takes the States motorists at the end of each day’s drive. They’ll be on hand to help MINI Takes the States participants relax and unwind with chair styled massages.

WIRED MAGAZINE has officially joined the road rally! MINI USA and WIRED have hooked up to provide MINI Takes the States motorists with wireless Internet access throughout the entire journey. The MINI Takes the States WIRED branded tour bus will serve as the daily ‘check point’ for participants, where event updates and information can be obtained in addition to accessing the internet.

 

Nikki,

They have set the "sign-in" for 7:00-9:00AM at 285 Figuero St. in Monterey. But the Beach Party starts earlier than that. The Beach Party is at Pirates Cove. I'd plan to be there by 7AM.

My understanding is that the "green flag" drops at 9AM.

 

Thanks for the info, Hong!
But if the "suggested departure time" is between 7am and 9am, what time does the kickoff party start???

EDIT ADDED:

Okay, just saw Norm's post as I was typing up mine...
That makes sense. Thanks guys!!!

 

no idea, I guess Norm's plan is bullet proof

 

We will be at Bubba Gumps for dinner Sunday night. Probably sitting on the beach thereafter until the party starts. Come and join us anytime.

 

I had a time finding Pirate's Cove. This is where MTTS is having the Beach Party.

Adventures By The Sea—Pirate's Cove

299 Cannery Row
Monterey 93940
Phone 831-648-7236
Fax 831-372-4103

 

Alright! An all-nighter! Haven't done one of those since college!

Thanks for all the info, Norm!
See you at MTTS.

 

We can do a Scotts Valley to Santa Cruz to Aptos caravan. I think I live the furthest south so we can meet up off the State Park exit and hop back onto 1 down to Monterey. There is a Snow White right off of State Park at the entrance to Seacliff Beach with a good size parking lot with easy freeway access. What do you think?

 

Is that Snow White a little burger place? I'll let Nikki take care of the Logistics, but yes I agree we should all meet up and caravan down to Monterey.


Cheers,
Skottoman

 

Yup, it's the extra greasy spoon on the right as you exit the freeway.

 

I'd say the less stops the better (but that's just me).
If everyone is cool with that, let's just meet in Aptos around 6am and leave Snow White by 6:15am.

Snow White Drive Inn
223 State Park Dr
Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-4747Map

See you there!

 

Ugghh! I am going to be a zombie that morning.

 

The only difference is that you typically didn't jump in the car and drive for 6-7 hours after an all-nigher. It's probably safer just to make it an early morning instead of an all-nigher.

 

Question: If you didn't sign up, can you still tag along, and join in on the fun at the stops?

 

I think you can. You might not get into some of the events (unless you can grab a wristband from someone), but there shouldn't be any reason why you can't do the drive(s) and hang around with everyone.

 

Hopefully I'll get the time off - if so I'll be at the Snow White at 6:15

I'll be traveling solo - with an extra wrist band for the first leg - if anyone needs one.

T

 

Great Tim! Hope you can make it

 

Pirates Cove is at 285 Figueroa st, right at the enterance to the Municipal Warf. Turn into the Municipal Warf's main enterance from Del Monte Ave and you'll see the building on the right. It's easy to miss as there is not a big sign out front, just little words painted on the side of the building. Went by there this morning to check it out.

 

Escape Pod,

Thanks. I checked all over the internet and had a hard time finding much at all. This is very helpful. I make sure to post this everywhere I can.

 

This is going to be the longest workweek EVER!

 

thanks god I don't live in monterey . Mondy has never been so attractive.