Scavenger

I just got cleaned up after the long drive back and thought I'd start this thread. I had a blast at MOTD and I bet a lot of others did too. Let's hear it! :party:

Sounds like you're on the right path. Yeah, Haemish, for the purpose you need these for, definitely don't go under the required strength rating. Good luck!!!!

Haemish, you should also call the closest dealership in NC and any along the route. Perhaps, someone can pick it up on the way. Also, this is a standard BMW part, going by this: M14X1.5X101, so you might even be able to try a BMW dealer. (The part number is the same)

Yes

It's been a long time since my car was *really* cleaned, but today, I went all out. I washed it, then clay-barred it, and finally waxed it! Then I cleaned the interior - which hasn't really had that done in years :embarassed: Plus - with new wheels and springs.... I think I'm Dragon ready :rock:

Excellent, let us know how that route goes if you do. I think it will be slightly quicker than 26.

I think that works. Right now, I can't map it on Google Maps since they still show that section of I-40 closed. But, looking at some other maps, it appears that taking I-40 will only add about 10 minutes to the trip, BUT, if we don't have to slow down

ok, will it be in Annandale, I might call in a little while

Yep, that *was* our route plan, and thanks for the speedtrap warning. However, with the news of the re-opening of I-40, We'll probably change the route slightly since I believe I-40 will be faster than I-26 AND hopefully have less speedtraps. I just haven't had time to review the maps yet. Something to do this weekend

Route opening As was posted on some other threads, it looks like I40 is reopening. Maybe we should see if this gives us another alternative that might be faster. I'll look at the routes again over the weekend.

Thanks for the dancing sheep :laugh: I can't wait to see what your new look will be for your MINI

Just wanted to say is was nice meeting those of you I hadn't before at the Spring Fling and having a change discuss the drive. I'm getting really excited:rock::top::motor:

urayamu, great video! :top::top:

I had new Springs and Front Fixed Camber Plates installed today. The Springs are the MINI Madness Lowering Springs for R53 and the plates are from Ireland Engineering. Mach V did the work. They probably aren't fully settled yet since they've only been on a few hours at time of posting. See the attached Before and After pictures.

Great Video Jay, can't wait to see the twisty bits!:rock:

Cool, we shouldn't need to add Edge though, he's going down on Sat or Sun I think. Also, Daniel (D-Unit) might be joining also.

Let me try this again! OK, I remapped two different routes in Google Maps, so here they are: Fontana via Asheville 540 miles, 9 hrs, 14 min <---According to everyone I've talked to, this should be quickest Fontana via Smokies 544 miles, 9 hrs, 40 min I sure hope these links work this time! :pcguru:

Well, I screwed up my routes trying to recreate the one through Asheville. I'll take another stab at it later. Anyway, I think the time difference was between 30 minutes and an hour.

I'm glad you like it, but I actually would prefer getting there quicker. So, if there is a quicker route, then great. By quicker, I suppose a difference of 30 minutes or less is probably insignificant - in which case I say, "take the fun route". Brian, I'll check out your route an compare.

Just messing around with Google Earth and thought I'd take a pic looking up at Fontana Dam

I just put together a Google maps route including the recommended detours. UPDATE: I just "virtually" drove the detour section in Google Earth and I think the portion of Hwy 71 through the Smokies is going to be awesome! If we leave early enough that it will still be daylight when we get here, it'll be nice. Edit: see the routes I posted later in this thread.

Is the Starbucks you're referring to the one at 14423 Chantilly Crossing Ln, Chantilly, VA? For Mr EZ and I, this would have us going more North past 66. Maybe we should pick a meeting spot along 66, or perhaps in Centreville?

OH YEAH!! I am stoked too

I was originally planning to leave on Thursday, but now, I've decided to take the extra day, so I too will be driving down on Wednesday. :rock: I'd like to join the group, so I'll have to get my a** up early!! :laugh:

Or drive remote controlled MINIs? (I might bring mine) :laugh: