PDX MINI - GRAN RUN TO THE LODGE (The "Gran Prix to Grand Lodge" Run)
Saturday, 10 March 2007

THE WAIT IS OVER!!
The Grand Tour is the beginning of a promising year of driving experiences. The scenic countryside is beckoning MINIs to motor along the back roads of nearby counties for a preview of spring.

Gran Prix Imports

Gran Prix Imports has graciously allowed us space to begin our journey to The Grand Lodge in Forest Grove. Arrive early at GPI so that you may spend some time viewing the automotive masterpieces they have available and also greeting the PDX MINI motoring family.

http://www.gpimports.com





http://www.gpimports.com/our_story/tour.html




McMenamins Grand Lodge




The original lodge was built in 1922 as a Masonic and Eastern Star Home, envisioned as “a pleasant haven from the stress, turmoil and the storms of life’s voyage”. The McMenamin brothers seized the opportunity to purchase the property when the Masons relocated to a new facility in 1999. The buildings were given a creative and respectful renovation that enhanced their classic, original features while adding their own personal artistic touches. The lodge now has 77 rooms for guests, plus a restaurant and several meeting rooms.
This picturesque edifice will be the background for our traditional “family photo” — smile, you own a MINI! Lunch will be inside at the Grill Restaurant where you can order individually off the generous menu. There will be ample time for photo ops, to stroll through the gardens or rock away some time on hidden porches.

http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?...ion%20Homepage

Meet-Up: Saturday 10 March - 10:00AM. First cars out at 11:00AM
Gran Prix Imports - 25300 SW Parkway Ave – Wilsonville, OR.

Directions: From I-5 take Exit 286 east. Turn left (north) at the first signaled intersection onto SW Parkway. GPI is on the right.

Lunch: Grill Restaurant at The Grand Lodge - No Host - $6-12 range.

FEE: $5.00 Members, $15.00 non-Members per car. (Payable at the event meet-up point)

We will be running with FRS/GMRS radios set to Channel 7 - Subchannel 21.
If you don’t have a radio there will be loaners available at meet-up.

RSVP: No later than Thursday, 1 March to grand-tour-rsvp@pdxmini.org.

Info needed:

(1) How many cars will be attending.
(2) How many will be eating lunch with the group.

This is a great way to scratch that unexplainable itch that has been happening all winter when you walk by your MINI. You both know you’re ready to hit the road again, so let’s do it with friends.

Let’s Motor!

 

We're filling up fast, gang... so RSVP quick! This might be out largest event yet.

 

so the drive is from wilsonville to forest grove yes? I need to choose my rallys wisely.

 

Thats my take on it. See you there!

 

Wilsonville to Forest Grove is right.

And, I get to lead a group... you better have fresh, sticky rubber on that GeeP!

dan

 

I get to sweep a group. Where I belong... at the back of the pack.

 

We just pre-ran this baby. The route was masterfully designed and was an absolute blast to drive! It has twisties, hills, dales, lakes and beautiful scenery all the way through. This will be a fun one; the perfect first run of the year!

dan and sara
(and barley the MINI Schnauzer)

 

 

Hey everybody!

Just wanted to thank everybody for the warm welcome on my very first run with PDX MINI.

The run was will planned and very will organized. I liked the idea of small run groups.
I know it takes a lot of work before the run to bring it all together like yesterday's.

Well Done .

May your road be clear and your turns tight.
Till next time,
Keith

 

I had a great time and look forward to the next event. Kudos to Grand Prix Imports for being great hosts, great hospitality. :-)

 

It was a great run. But how did we find every offcamber turn in Oregon? I'm not too fond of offcamber turns.

GPI has some of the nicest cars I have ever seen in one place, the Vanquish was my personal favorite, my fiance was drooling over the Spyker, which is a really sweet car. Who knew that something so cool could come from the Dutch?

 

Glad everyone had a good time. We had a big turnout! Nearly 50 cars, and between 80 and 90 people. SWEET!

Too bad the weather didn't cooperate for the bulk of the drive. I spent untold time washing (and claybar-ing the rear of) our two MINI's yesterday. They were DIRTY!

I imagine how fun the roads would've been, had we had dry conditions... Whee! .

Thanks to Cindi Harris and everyone at Gran Prix Imports for hosting. I'll take a Lamborghini Murcielago, thanks... . That or a Vanquish.

 

Sorry dude, I already called dibs on the Vanquish.

 

dammit.

Ok, the Murcielago? I sat in this for a couple minutes...



http://www.inventory.gpimports.com/w...px?iid=1489020

 

I would have called dibs on the Murcielago until I sat in it. Not the best car for my physique.

 

LOL! You look 9 feet tall in that thing.

All the more comedic that 6'9" NBA players like Kobe Bryant roll in them. head out the window, dog style.