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A little more than 15 years and 8 months ago, a sheet of metal was placed in a press. Several thousand pounds of pressure later, the side panel of a car came out. Hmmm, no roof. Ah, a convertible. The rest of the pieces came together, and robots and humans worked to assemble them. Then, the body was finished. No hood scoop, so no Type S. Soon after, a dip in the primer bath, then off to the paint shop. Horizon Blue, a nice choice. Next came the rest of the choices that were boxes checked on the order form. The “standard” 5 spoke 16” alloy wheels. Black non-leather interior. Harmon Kardon 10 speaker sound system, an excellent choice for a convertible. Cold weather package, heated seats are always a plus. Bi-Xeon Headlamps, all the better to see the road ahead with. Chrome grill, headlight surrounds, tail light surrounds, mirror caps, jeez, so much chrome. And here comes the top. Uh oh….it’s the brown top. Yikes, not good. But it’s time for the marriage. When the powertrain and the body come together. And yes, whew! It’s the proper 6 speed MANUAL transmission. And so, on 2/25/10, the final result rolled off the assembly line. Only then would her journey begin. First a long boat ride, then a short truck ride to the Maryland dealership. Her protective coverings were removed, everything tidied up, and placed on the lot. Now all she needed was……well, a home. However, that was not to be. For see, she was to most, an ugly duckling. So, she sat, and sat, and sat. Many months went by, however no one wanted her. Then, over half a year later, someone inquired. You see, it was the end of the model year, and dealers wanted to clear their inventory. One dealer in Virginia offered $6300 off of each of the two manual transmission convertibles on their lot. Would the dealership in Maryland do the same? Yes, they said they would. A picture was emailed: Hmmm, could the brown top be dyed? The chrome should be able to be covered or replaced. There were possibilities…..hopefully. Could this ugly duckling be transformed? Well, after the initial $6300 off, plus a $2000 coupon for attending a local event, suddenly the $27,700 MSRP turned into $19,400. Yep, for that, let’s roll the dice and see what we can do. At the end of October, paperwork was signed, and she was driven to her new home. Slowly over time, things began to happen. With a VERY lucky warranty swap, we suddenly had a black top in place of the brown one. Black mirror caps, plastidip for the rest of the chrome, black boot and bonnet stripes, and a find of someone selling their 17” wheels to replace the 16” silver ones. Yes, things were coming together, and the ugly duckling was now……a beautiful swan. But, much more importantly during this time, something also happened. I cannot tell you when or where it did. Most likely some curvy back road. The love affair started. Driving was something to look forward to. Excuses were made to take the “back way” instead of the interstate or such other major road. With each curve, each shift of the stick, the relationship grew and grew. You were there in the good times. You were there in the bad times, especially when the (now ex) wife purposefully dragged my son’s battery powered car across your hood, you still kept my other possessions securely locked in your boot as that was the only safe place in the house during the bitter 2 yearlong divorce. Now that we’re both free, we can go anywhere, at any time. You’re there for me when I need a pick me up, a night time drive with the top down after a long day. Carving up a twisty road, with both of us getting a good workout. Or just running to the grocery store. So, to you, my love of the past 15 years………. Happy Anniversary! I’ve enjoyed all of our adventures, and can’t wait for the next ones. Speaking of which…….look, our favorite sign is up ahead Left foot at the ready, hand on the stick, and smile….well, that’s been there the whole time.

Event Title: MINIs Go a-fill’-n-distillin’ (Adults 21+ only) Event Date: 11/22/2025 07:45 AM Event Address: MINIs Fillin, Distillin' & Chillin' (Adults Only) Saturday, November 22 2025 Replay some of the old, add some of the new. Cross-posted. Limit 15 MINIs. Adults Only. Fillin' Stop # 1 Meetup: 745am BOJANGLES 1312 W Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21703 Details: ... call it breakfast. WheelsUp: 8:30am SHARP to Distillin' ("adulting") Bottling Workshop at Catoctin Creek Distillery 120 W Main St Purcelleville, VA MUST Secure a FREE TICKET (link below) Workshop Starts 10a / Ends 12N Details: a free bottling workshop for curious spirits fans (and anyone who’s ever wanted to be part of a production line.) After a tour, including a primer on the basics of mash bills, fermentation, distillation and barrel-aging, it is time to play distiller and try your hand at bottling, capping, sealing and labeling. After all that hard work, it will be time for a much-deserved tasting of the Catoctin Creek specialty spirits. Ticket Link (please only reserve if you intend to participate): Bottling Workshop Tickets (free) HeelsUp: 12N (10 minute walk through historic Purcellevillle) Fillin' Stop # 2 Knead Wine (with sourdough crust bread pizza!) 721 E Main St Purcelleville, VA Details ... call it lunch Chillin' Gruto's Ice Cream 141 W Main St Purcellville, VA Details: ... MINIs-n-Ice Cream (nothing more need be said) RSVP on the event here:

That sounds good David, I haven’t heard from Corey about the tri state so I hope that date is ok

I don’t know where we are with HSBs, but I can put one together for the 19th of October leaving from Leesburg. Let me know and I will put it on the calendar.

Because this is an external event, technically there should be no RSVP since it is not a DCMM sponsored event/run, although I see there is mention of one by the OP.

Who's going? Join in for even just a day .. There is also 24 Hours of Lemons at Summit Point the same weekend .. 15 minutes from the host hotel in Winchester!

Not seeing a way to RSVP ... but looking on my phone so maybe I'm missing it? The link takes me to the calendar, but the calendar doesn't have an RSVP button (that I'm seeing) Also Event Date at the top shows 8 - 10a, Time above shows 9 - 11a. Anyway, looks like a good "appetizer" to the Annual Meeting at Sedona Tap House ... perfect timing! Who's leading the drive

Event Title: MINI of Sterling invite to Cars and Coffee Event Date: 09/27/2025 08:00 AM to 09/27/2025 10:00 AM Event Address: MINI/BMW OF STERLING, 21710 AUTOWORLD CIR,STERLING VA 20166, Sterling , Va You're Invited: Cars & Coffee – Saturday, Sept 27th! Get ready for a Saturday morning filled with cool cars, hot coffee, great music, and even better company! MINI OF STERLING is hosting a Cars & Coffee event and you won’t want to miss it. When: Saturday, September 27th, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Where: MINI/BMW OF STERLING, 21710 AUTOWORLD CIR,STERLING VA 20166 What's Brewing? Free fresh-brewed coffee Complimentary breakfast bites Music to fuel the vibe A stunning lineup of local rides We’d be thrilled to have your unique and iconic MINIs on display. Come show off your rides and represent the spirit of the MINI community! This is a family-friendly, open-to-all event. Whether you’re rolling in a classic, a custom build, or just love cars and community — you’re welcome here. Come early, park proud, and stay for the vibes. Let’s make Saturday morning legendary! Thanks see you soon! G RSVP on the event here:

That's great Susan, thank you!

Mark me down for Open in November but it will a) be a Saturday and b) I will not know the date until sometime in October. If someone else signs up, that's fine - I can either bow out or run a 2nd as long as it's not a date conflict. It will likely start in Frederick County.

I have you down already for the Tri-State open run in October, so would the HSB be in addition to that, or would that be the only run you want to do in October?

Lori, Mark me down for a HSB in Oct I will figure what weekend this weekend Corey

ALL: My tenure on the Board is coming to an end after the Annual meeting on the 27th. As club VP I was responsible for the club calendar, so as my final act, I'd love to get those last few run openings filled for our 2025 season! If you'd like to lead a fall run please let me know below SEPTEMBER: HSB LEADER OCTOBER: HSB LEADER NOVEMBER: HSB LEADER

Adding the GPX for the run tomorrow. DCMM Excursion Luray (14SEP25).gpx

Thanks

I put the K&N kit on my 2017 JCW. The performance gains are too small to notice in my opinion, but the sound change was quite enjoyable. Whether it's worth the price is entirely up to you.

Really sound effect but it depends on if the BOV recirculates or releases into the atmosphere. So there can be benefits depending on the unit you choose.

Thanks and regarding the blow off valve, worth the $40? or are they just for the sound effect?

Other than what you commented on I really don't believe it will and it's why I have not gone to it either.

We are a little less than a week away from this event and the weather is looking great. We are doing this run a month earlier than last year's, so the impact from the Skyline Drive leaf traffic should be very minimal. So, get your MINI prepared and your driving gloves ready for this twisty drive to Luray. We hope to see you this Sunday and if you have any questions, please let us know.

Scott, like you I have the drop in filter right now. I'm curious if the 350 is worth few more horse & MPGs and will it actually give me more than the drop in. Also the turbo blow offs, will give me the sound but, will it do anything else?

I have not added a cold air intake myself but I do know some that have and while it's not going to boost HP all that much it will though give you added turbo sound and you will get a more pronounced swoosh from the blow off valve. I have added a K&N filter but I went with the drop in and I do like it. Is it worth $350.00 to do? That really will depend on you really and if it is worth it to you to see if you get any performance from it.