GreenCactus

I have to agree with Dale. I think they're a cool idea if you want to add some color to your wheels, but I don't think they'll protect much.

Last Thursday, near Shirlington, I had a nice conversation about wheels with the owner/driver of GP 0805. I didn't have a chance to ask him if he knew about the club because the traffic light changed.

As long as Ali doesn't continue to spill green goo in Tigger, we should leave her alone. She did try to clean it. I've seen far worse MINI-crimes commited. Wheels that have never been cleaned, never driving more than 40 mph, etc.

The rain is ok, but does it need to be so cold??

Yeah, I have work to do, but I'm just not interested in it. Who cares about invoices and contracts when there are MINIs to be detailed, bags to be packed, drives to be planned. Seriously, this week is the worst. The weather isn't helping, either.

Don't worry, I'll make the back seat look like new. Craig - if it happens again, we'll confiscate Tigger and make her drive a Smart.

It could be worse... It could be the Hello Kitty Smart. :stupid:

I can bring my random orbital, too. Ali - I owe you an interior detail, so I'll bring all of my leather cleaning stuff.

You need nutrients to be able to drive, so I'd bring a little food. Maybe protein shakes? That way, it would still be a liquid diet, but not just :cheers:

Purple Haze might be a 2006-only color. I'm not sure why they didn't keep it around longer, it's a great color!

Can we just leave now? :motor:

Has anyone else noticed a lot more MINIs around? I've seen at least one BRG/W every day for the past week. Are they getting excited too? They probably aren't even going. I can't wait to see what 700+ MINIs looks like!!! MINI traffic jams are ok with me! :motor::motor::motor::motor::motor: :motor::motor::motor::motor::motor: :motor::motor::motor::motor::motor: :motor::motor::motor::motor::motor:

Yeah, me too. No one here "gets it", either. I got a "you people are crazy" the other day. I think we should all just leave now. It's not like we'll be productive next week anyway...

I just checked the Gas Buddy app - It looks like gas is around $4/gallon in/near Robbinsville.

My parents have a "cabin" too. It has electricity, running water, cable and a phone, but it's still a cabin. I didn't believe the pictures on Fontana's website, so I came prepared. :top: Now I realize I only need to bring 45 pairs of shoes and a bear bell. :rofl:

I had to get a roof rack for the shoes.

I saw that discussion too. In my opinion, that's overkill. If you fill up everytime you go into one of the larger towns, you won't run out of gas. Worst case, you'd have to spend a few dollars extra on gas at Fontana to get you to Robbinsville. I'd rather pay a little extra than have the risks associated with carrying around a smelly gas can. There is a gas station at Deals Gap, but as a courtesy, most car clubs don't fill up there. They leave that for the bikers. If you do have to get gas there, I believe they have an 8 gallon limit.

BMWNCC just posted there are only 9 spots left and they will not be taking walk ups, so if you are interested in going this Saturday, you should register ASAP!

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm starting to get things ready to pack. My first MOTD, I took WAY too much stuff. I had myself convinced that the cabin was more of a primitive tent. A few things that are important to bring: Calling card - cell phones don't work, so if you need to call anyone, you don't want to have to pay hotel rates for long distance. Basic first aid kit (aspirin, band aids, etc) Flashlight(s) and batteries - It is really dark out at night! Bug repellent Ant traps Clorox Wipes Snacks - It can get expensive to buy everything at Fontana and it's about a 45 minute drive to the nearest grocery store. Rain gear - Umbrella, jacket, etc. Folding chair Detailing Supplies - don't worry if you forget, just come see me. Camera and extra memory cards Sweater/Jacket - It can get really cold at night. Beer/Wine/Liquor - Graham County is dry. You can buy alcohol at Fontana (in the restaurant), but not to take to your cabin/room.

Now that we've scared everyone... One of the things I do before I leave, is watch MINIBee's first-timer video. It's a good reminder of how you need to drive. It's not a subsitute for his orientation, but it's still really helpful.

Ali - I'm happy to drive it slowly with you. If I want to go fast, I'll ride with Haemish. :motor::motor::motor::motor::motor::motor::motor::motor::motor:

The other thing that hasn't been mentioned yet, is the importance of paying attention to the road. If you're a driver, you don't get to take pictures, look at the flowers, wave at the bears, etc. Your eyes need to be on the road at all times. A lot of times, other drivers will signal if there's something you need to watch out for. It might be that there's a cop, but it might be that a large vehicle is coming through or there's been an accident. It gets intense and it's ok to pull over if you need to. Also, if you're arriving via the Dragon, make sure the stuff in your car is secure. You don't want suitcases, coolers, food or pets falling on you. Have we sufficiently scared all of the first-timers, yet?

MINIBee put this video together from MOTD 7. Don't end up on one these videos!

Yeah, and since Graham County is dry, it's probably a crime, too, since I don't have a license.

Also, there's a lot of drinking that goes on at night. Don't even THINK about going out for a drive after you've had a drink. You need to be 100% when you're out on those roads.