Motor Greater Galena (9/29-9/30)

Dustin Jul 31st, 2007 Link

Love the coffee link, LOL

Karen and I will be there for both days and all events. Hope to see many of you there too.

Cecilia Aug 1st, 2007 Link

George and I will be attending the trip and overnight as well. can’t wait! We love Galena!

Cecilia

Jeff Aug 1st, 2007 Link

Looking forward to it. Rhiannon and I will be there for both days.

Chicago MINI Motoring Club » Archive » Events Events Events Aug 1st, 2007 Link

[…] Galena Drive - September 29th and 30th Head out for the day or stay overnight. Lots of good roads and fun things to do!! […]

john & tommy Aug 2nd, 2007 Link

hey, for once in y sorry life kids’ soccer and MINI’s coincide. We will be in Muscatine on Friday and Saturday, but go east and will try to hook up on Sunday!

The Seeker Aug 2nd, 2007 Link

It’s unfortunate that the date picked for this event conflicts with a previously posted activity. Perhaps this can be an annual event with no future conflicts.

Dustin Aug 2nd, 2007 Link

The date was picked based on Galena event weekends. It was the last weekend before weather risks that there was not something going on in Galena. We wanted the roads for Coopers, not a ton of RV’s :). The other event was a “non-CMMC” event, and few more hours away. The dates also worked well for the team working on the event. We wish anyone going down for the Route 66 event a safe and fun time. See Ya in Galena next year.

Jeff Aug 6th, 2007 Link

Turns out Rhiannon and I can’t make it. Heading to a concert Saturday night. Maybe we can drive out and meet up with y’all Sunday night.

Dustin Aug 6th, 2007 Link

I know there are more then a few driving out for the Sunday 1pm drive, it will be worth the effort.

Maria Aug 26th, 2007 Link

I would love to go to this event! It would be our first event, and I was curious if it costs anything?? We live in Davenport, IA, and there are no MINI clubs around here I know that Marty would have a great time on this little trip

Steve Aug 26th, 2007 Link

I was curious if it costs anything??

There is no charge for the event itself, but meals, hotel, and any activies (like the sledding) would be on you.

Hope you can make it out. More cars=more fun!!

Jeff Aug 26th, 2007 Link

Concert has been postponed. We’ll be there Saturday and Sunday

Rob Aug 29th, 2007 Link

Wife and I plan on being there coming from the Iowa side. Meet you all out at the ski resort.

Paul Sep 2nd, 2007 Link

Looking forward to this weekend - we have some great roads planned.

I hope everyone who is planning to stay overnight has made reservations!

Steve Sep 2nd, 2007 Link

My wife and I and kids will be joining on Saturday and I will be joining on Sunday.

Dustin Sep 4th, 2007 Link

Iowa MINI’s if you want to enjoy the last and best 30 miles of the AM Sat Drive, please jump in line while we pass though http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Loran+il&ie=UTF8&ll=42.235969,-89.910092&spn=0.006974,0.014462&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1 Loran IL. Target time to be in Loran is 11:15 AM. Hope to see some of you there, trust me, you’ll love the last 30 miles.

Terri Sep 4th, 2007 Link

Count me in for the overnighter…..can’t wait. Will try and catch up in Rockford Sat.

Tim Meegan Sep 4th, 2007 Link

If all the planets align that will be the weekend I pick up my new MCS. I live down river in the Quad Cities and would love to join all of you. A favorite stop in Galena for a great meal is the Perry Street Brassery.

Dustin Sep 5th, 2007 Link

Hey Terri, you may want to meet us in Loran, but would always be good to see ya in Winnebago too.

Tim, we will keep your toes crossed for new MCS to show up. Where are you picking it up?

Maria Sep 9th, 2007 Link

We’re planning to come up on Saturday around 1 or 2, so see you all then

Dustin Sep 17th, 2007 Link

9-17-07 Notes from Dustin.

A few of you have asked if you can only come one day which day is the better driving day? I would say come on Sunday for the 1pm start in Galena. We will have two legs around Galena and one fun leg back to Chicago area.

If you do not have a room yet for Sat night and the places you have talked to have a two min. Call them back the week of the 24th and you may find some of them are more willing to give you one night, you must ask for it, they don’t do it if you don’t ask.

Terri Sep 18th, 2007 Link

Hey Dustin, where in Loran, what time? Just want to pick up the group somewhere. Looking so forward to the run.

Dustin Sep 18th, 2007 Link

See my above posting for the Loran details.

Matt Train Sep 18th, 2007 Link

All:

I have family in Galena, and I am friends with Blake (BBQ Drive). I will be coming along on the drive as a guest, bringing my wannabe-MINI, a black ‘02 Focus ZX3. It has the SVT suspension kit, Pirelli P-Zeros, and a driver with track time under his belt, so hopefully I qualify as a corner-carver.

Anyway, I am very familiar with the area and would be more than willing to help out with the event. If anyone has any questions regarding where to go, where to drive, or what to see, I would be happy to provide that information.

I also have a very good “A List” recommendation of restaurants in the area.

Let me know if I can help!

Matt Train
SHO220Z@yahoo.com

Troy Sep 18th, 2007 Link

Dustin, my sister and I will be there for both days.

Blake Sep 18th, 2007 Link

Matt, you are my HERO!!!

Troy, a sister? What is the deal with her? Is she single? Does she like MINI’s?

Troy Sep 18th, 2007 Link

Blake, Yes. She’s recovering from a sex change operation!…joke (her words not mine) I have no recollection. She loves MINI’S!!!!

Terri Sep 18th, 2007 Link

Dustin, i’ll meet you guys in Rockford. easier for me to get there, 10:30. MOTOR ON…..

Terri

Dustin Sep 18th, 2007 Link

I can see it now, Galena 2008 Drive to the Chapel.

Matt Train Sep 19th, 2007 Link

In case anyone needs any good restaurant suggestions:

Downtown:

I highly recommend Fried Green Tomatoes. I also recommend Vinny Vanucchi’s. (sp) Both places are italian, and VERY good. There’s a new hamburger joint that opened up near Fried Green that has some really good burgers. THe Log Cabin is a steak house and has great food as well. Cannova’s is a good place if you are looking for homemade pizza. The Market House Tavern is a little hard to find, but serves AWESOME fried pickles and cream of portabella mushroom soup.

The Territory:

Spikes is just off Route 20 in the Territory and has great food.

Side culinary trips include Galnea Canning Company (I understand they have been on the Food Network), Galena Wine and Cheese, Great American Popcorn Co (DO NOT LEAVE GALENA without going here) and the chocolate place right next door. Kaladi’s Coffee Bar is not to be missed, and Jamie’s Wine Cellar (I might have that name wrong, but its close) just opened up a year ago and is a great place to enjoy wine and live music on a Saturday night.

Don’t forget Galena is only 15 minutes from Dubuque IA and the river, and for those feeling lucky, Diamond Joe’s Casino is right off Route 20 on the River (you would need to be blind to miss it). There is also the Mississippi River Museum, and Dyersville IA is only about 35 minutes away. For those who don’t know, Dyersville IA is where they filmed Field of Dreams, and yes the baseball diamond is still there.

victor Sep 19th, 2007 Link

damb blake keep the pants on. she might look like troy. no ofence troy. and the focus guy comon man does this say small hach back get together? lol. just messin around guys ill try to make this trip sounds like fun…oh ya is there any racing event on this trip?

Matt Train Sep 19th, 2007 Link

There are no racing venues to my knowledge in the area.

Also, I know Dustin will be briefing you all pre-drive, but I want this to be known now so we don’t have any balled up MINIs:

I know these roads pretty well, and some are not to be taken lightly. Do not go out on this drive expecting to set new speed records. Almost all of these roads in Galena are rural farmland with lots of ridges and hills, with a lot of undulating blacktop and blind corners. There will be lots of tourist traffic near Route 20 and downtown, and there will be lots of farmers in pickups everywhere else - some of whom have never even SEEN a MINI.

I realize this is pretty obvious, but it needs to be stated:

Please, drive within *your* comfort limits.

Matt Train Sep 19th, 2007 Link

Oh, and FYI: I need to follow up on this, but supposedly there is some sort of hot air baloon event in the area during that weekend, for those who are into that sort of thing.

Steve Sep 19th, 2007 Link

Please, drive within *your* comfort limits.

Amen.

Nothing spoils a day quicker than a busted up car or person.

Dustin Sep 19th, 2007 Link

This will be a SAFE and FUN event with 7 leaders that have already driven the routes to then lead like minded drivers on the routes in small groups.

Bruce Sep 19th, 2007 Link

We’ll be 2 cars strong:^)

Dr. Paul Sep 20th, 2007 Link

Look for Austin and I on Sunday. We’ll be leaving early and driving the Saturday section before the Sunday meetup.

Brent Sep 20th, 2007 Link

This sounds like a great event. I am not a club member, but can I still join in? I hope to make it for both days but will have to see if I can find accomodations. I will have 1 Mini and myself.

Blake Sep 20th, 2007 Link

Brent,

Yes you can come!!! Your MINI is your admission ticket and in some cases you don’t need to have a MINI (just a Focus.)

See you there.

JPM Sep 23rd, 2007 Link

Hi, Both myself and my wife ,Brenda plan on driving from Clinton to Rockford Sat morning to meet up with everyone on route 20.

Dustin Sep 24th, 2007 Link

INFO ABOUT SUNDAY DRIVE

Some of you have asked about timing for Sunday and when you might get home. The 1st leg starts at 1pm, will take about 30 mins to drive, then the 2nd leg will be about 30 mins back to the starting line in Galena. The 3rd leg out of Galena back east to Rockford area will start about 3pm and put us back in the Chicago area by 530pm. If you want to skip the 3rd leg, you may and get back to Chicago area about 430pm. Hope that helps.

Rich Sep 24th, 2007 Link

Oh geez…Speed & Accidents??? We sure don’t need a repeat of Starved Rock!!! Should I pull the Demo Derby car off the trailer and hope it’s not necessary?? I’ll be there on Sunday, but PLEASE, I really don’t want to NEED to show up on Saturday!!! Watch out for those Blind Curves, they catch you quick!!

Paul Sep 25th, 2007 Link

Looks like we’ll have a really nice group of MINIs this weekend See you all there!

Susan Sep 25th, 2007 Link

Hi y’all! This is Matt Train’s GF. Thanks for letting us tag along with our wannabe-MINI. We’re really looking forward to meeting all of you!

pan Sep 26th, 2007 Link

i’ll be there on sunday

Frank Sep 26th, 2007 Link

I will also be joining the group at the Rockford stop for this fun drive!!!
C-ya saturday!

Dustin Sep 26th, 2007 Link

Did all the test driving today and have all the turn-by-turn and maps ready to go. It’s Great back-back road Fun for all. See YOU this weekend.

Matt Train Sep 27th, 2007 Link

THanks for letting me tag along Dustin!

The routes rock, people. Check all your tire pressures before you leave, and bring Dramamine, GPS, and a Valentine One.

The test drives went well. We only killed 1 bird and 1 brake rotor. The tires are a little worse for wear, I’m afraid.

Dustin Sep 27th, 2007 Link

Gang, if you have ever thought about getting a GPS, NOW is the time, you will enjoy this drive, and any drive more with a Garmin GPS. Buy one, borrow one, you will love it and enjoy “seeing” the road ahead like never before.

Jeff Sep 27th, 2007 Link

WOW!! Drove it with Matt and Dustin yesterday. Got a little lightheaded through one down-and-up. Defintly a can’t miss drive. Also, a sure fire way to wear down the run-flats

Bad news, Rhiannon won’t be able to make it due to audit time at her company. So i’ll be driving solo. Major bummer.

Matt Train Sep 27th, 2007 Link

…and if your runflats still need help…hell, give me the car for an hour.

Taylor Sep 28th, 2007 Link

I will be joining you on Sunday! Yippee.

Blake Sep 28th, 2007 Link

Very Cool Taylor!!!

Tim Meegan Sep 28th, 2007 Link

The delivery of my new mini has been a cliffhanger but I am heading out the door to pick it up right now! Ihope to join you all for lunch.
Tim

Dustin Sep 28th, 2007 Link

A Brand NEW MINI, that will be great, looking forward to seeing Tim and his NEW NEW MINI.

Jeff Sep 28th, 2007 Link

Tim’s going to be crazy having to stick to the break in period. OUCH!!

Dustin Sep 28th, 2007 Link

Hey Jeff, we’ll have him follow you, LOL

Dustin Sep 28th, 2007 Link

Cubs WIN, MINI Clean, Tires at 40 each, bags packed, route sheets and maps made, back to the Brew Crew Game. GO Padres!

Blake Sep 30th, 2007 Link

Good times!

Thanks Dustin, Paul, Matt and Jeff for the great routes!

See you all at the ROCK.

Bruce Sep 30th, 2007 Link

Here, here!!! You guys did a GREAT job!!! Thanks for all the effort. It showed!! :^D

Rob & Lisa Oct 1st, 2007 Link

Thanks for putting on the event. I had a great time and hope to make some of the driving routes next time. See you all at the next meet I hope. Ill have some pictures up soon for you to view. Thanks!

Maria Oct 1st, 2007 Link

You guys did a great job and thank you so much for letting us join in on the fun! We had a blast and if any other events come up near Iowa, we will try to be there!