BBQ Drive (09/16)

WRAPUP: Fantastic weather brought out over 2 dozen MNIS (plus a couple of really cool Minis). There were several new people out for their first event, and people from as far away as Madison, Wi and as far east as almost Indiana. We split up into a couple groups to enjoy fifty miles of empty back roads and entertaining curves. The faster group inadvertently split up into a couple smaller groups that “decided” to do some extra credit mileage.

We eventually all made it back to Blake’s place for burgers, dogs, chips, drinks and sweets as well as a chance to hang out and socialize.

Huge thanks to Dustin, Blake and all who helped plan, organize and test-run this event!!!

If you have links to pictures, send me an e-mail and I will put them here..

Photos by Steve | Francis | Michael | Tom |

September will be a chance to take a drive in the west burbs, and enjoy a BBQ and socializing time with some MINI friends!!

When: Sunday September 16th, Rain or Shine. Meet at 9:30, depart at 10:00 for a drive around some twisty back roads.

Weather is expected to be SUNNY and 68, great weather for a drive and BBQ!!

Where: Start is in the Jewel Parking lot, 107 East Galena Boulevard in Sugar Grove. Finish is at Club member Blake’s place in the town of Bristol, Il

What to bring for the BBQ: Chairs, Sun Screen, outdoor games, your favorite MINI apparel, and a smile.

The Chicago MINI Motoring Club will provide Hamburgers, Hotdogs, and Buns for the BBQ.

Cooper S Drivers: Please bring along a 6-pack of Soda or Water to share (Note, this is a no alchohol event).

Cooper Drivers: Please bring a bag of Chips to share.

Convertible Drivers: Please bring a bag of cookies or similar to share.

Classic Minis: Bring along whatever you like!!!

It is important to add a comment to let us know you are coming, so we can plan for the correct amount of food. Hope to see you there!!!

  • http://www.chicagominiclub.com Steve

    I’m in for 1..

  • Dustin

    Karen and I will be there too.

  • http://kropp.poetshome.com/blog V70R

    So does that mean Cooper S convertible drivers should bring soda and cookies? ;)

  • Francis (MiniMac2005)
    So does that mean Cooper S convertible drivers should bring soda and cookies?

    HA!! So I’m NOT the only one who thinks that way! LOL!! Chips AND Cookies for me?? LOL!!

  • Dustin

    LOL, convertibles, bring JUST cookies.

  • Blake

    I will be there, I guess :) I can’t wait till this event!!!

  • Lori

    Sounds like fun! Count me in for 1! :)

  • Jim

    I think I am in. Is that Blake’s BBQ? Impressive!

    Jim

  • Blake

    No, that is not my BBQ. We could park a few V8′s next to it. I think that we have 2 chevy big blocks in stock :)

  • Paul & Helga Robarts

    This sounds Great! We would be two new comers to the group but have been looking for something out our way! Count us in for 2. Looking for ward to participating!

  • http://www.chicagominiclub.com Steve

    I am planning on leaving Skokie area at about 8am (294 to I88) if anyone in interested in caravaning.

    I am hoping the billboard is working again.. There were generic MINI messages this past Friday instead of a single dot, but I forgot to bring my key fob.

  • Chris

    Gonna be in Wisco on Saturday for a blues festival. What time do y’all think the party will go to? We would love to stop by after the run.

  • Dustin

    The event is on Sunday, I bet we will be there till 2 or 3 in the afternoon.

  • http://www.waymotorworks.com Blake

    I just got off the phone with Way from Way Motor Works and he would like to come out for a MOD party on the day of the BBQ. If you need some work done before the Galena run and the Rock Run this would be the perfect time to get it done.

    Please post interest here and also send an email to Way. info@waymotorworks.com

  • Chris

    Yes… Sunday, we will be spending the night in Wisco and heading back to the BBQ Sunday morning. See you there!

  • Mark

    Count me in!

  • Kathy Kershaw

    I’ll give it my all to be there (it’s a free weekend between two of my art shows). Maybe both my husband and I will be able to attend. I put a link on the MadisonMini site to see if more from here will join in the event. Sounds like fun. Kathy K.

  • Francis (MiniMac2005)

    If Waylen is coming out… I’ll have to make it to this as well!!!

    For those with “just a Cooper”.. the DDM/Works CAI is awesome! I had mine installed by Way at MOTD and haven’t regretted it, money well spent IMO.. well, except for that need to want to hear it all the time!!! LOL!!!

  • Dustin

    After that side by side drive last weekend, I’m getting the DDM/Works CAI for my “just a Cooper” :)

  • Dustin
  • http://web.mac.com/shagz Tom (MiniShagz)

    I am a definite maybe for this. (There’s a commitment for ya! :) )It sounds like a blast and I’d love to see my “southern” friends again. I’ll have to check to see how I’m doing and what my schedule looks like.

  • http://www.jbmotorsports.net Rich

    I’m hoping to be there…. This ‘work’ thing is really getting in the way of free time. I could use a break from work and chill out at a BBQ. Hope to see y’all there!!!

  • http://www.minisinil.com Brian

    Count 2 of us in. We’re current members of M.I.N.I. and will be joining CMMC at this event. We’ll be bringing my Classic.

  • http://www.chicagominiclub.com Steve
    We’ll be bringing my Classic.

    Glad you will be there Brian. Looking forward to seeing your Classic!!

  • Paul

    I’m in for this. It’s been famine for me with the club so now it’s time for some feast.

    Rear sway bar time perhaps?

  • Larry Wysocki

    Elaine and I will be there. Sounds like fun!

  • Jeff

    Count us in as well. The rear sway bar time idea may have hooked me!

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/mauberley/ Anthony

    I will be there. Steve, I might try to meet up with you to caravan…

  • Cliff

    Talked to Waylen and if he can make it I’m getting a pulley.

  • http://www.waymotorworks.com Blake

    Worked on the final drive route today with the help of Dustin and it is going to be cool. Well, as cool as a route can be in a flat part of a flat state.

    One cool thing, here in the country they built all kinds of sweeping 90Ëš turns where the speed limit stays at 50-55! There are some that are back to back s curves, VERY fun. Can’t wait!

  • Blake

    I just spoke with WAY and he will not be able to make it out for this event due to a commitment that is beyond his control. Sorry folks. We will still have a great time.

  • Dustin

    Bummer Waylen will not be there, but thanks to Blake, I hope to have a Carbon Fiber Hood to show and maybe install at the BBQ. http://www.erebunicorp.com/accesscustom/minicooper.htm

  • Kathy Kershaw

    I’m really disappointed that Way can’t make it. I’d spoken to him about doing my pulley last week. Now that I’ve finally deceided to do it I can’t. Oh I hate being patient! I still plan to drive down from Madison to join you all. KK

  • Blake

    I am sorry Kathy but it was something that he tried to get out of but he could not. We will still have a great time.

  • cathy

    Gary and I plan on being there.

  • Jim Statwick

    Although I am not a member of CMMC, I would like to “crash” my MINI into your party, figuratively, of course. I am a new owner of a Chili Red ’06′ MCS, and want to see what your club is all about.

    See you there. Jim

  • Dustin

    Weather for the BBQ will be SUNNY and 70 NO RAIN. :)

    Sign Up Today

  • Drew

    I’ll beheading over afterIclea the Knauz run, need tomake up for some lost MINI time.

  • http://www.chicagominiclub.com Steve
    Although I am not a member of CMMC, I would like to “crash” my MINI into your party

    Hey Jim, please do come on out!! Always fun to have new people checking the club out.

    I’ll be the guy in the red/white Cooper with offset stripes.

  • Paul

    Barbara and I will be attending!

  • http://www.motoringfile.com Gabe

    Assuming nothing else gets in the way I’m going to attempt to make it. How’s that for commitment :)

  • Francis (MiniMac2005)

    Nice Gabe!!! let me know if you want to caravan out from the northside.

  • http://www.motoringfile.com Gabe

    I’ll let you know. I’ll have my new JCW MCS :)

  • Blake

    Shoot, I may have to ride with Gabe. ;)

  • Troy

    I would like to crash the party as well if I could?gp605

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/mauberley/ Anthony

    If there’s a north side caravan forming, a couple of Wisconsinites may be looking to join you :)

  • Dustin

    Karen and I will be heading down State Rd 83 to 53/355 to 88 west to event. If the WI crew wanted to join us near our home, or at Lake-Cook Rd and 53 let me know. I bet we can meet up with others along the way.

  • Blake

    Troy, I was waiting to see if you would post. Dustin is going to distract you while I strip your car :)

  • Doug

    I am going to attempt to crash the party and join up also. That is if Classics are allowed? Thanks

  • Francis (MiniMac2005)
    I’ll let you know. I’ll have my new JCW MCS :)

    cool! can’t wait to see it!!

  • Dustin

    WOW, it’s becoming a “show and tell” event, COOL!

  • Francis (MiniMac2005)
    I am going to attempt to crash the party and join up also. That is if Classics are allowed?

    We love all Coopers!! Come on out Doug! Should be a good time!

  • pan

    I’ll be there.

  • http://www.motoringfile.com Gabe

    Bad news.. something has come up and I can’t make it out. Sorry guys!

  • Blake
    pan Sep 11th, 2007 Link I’ll be there.

    Good, I won’t be the only Hyper Blue.

  • Matt

    Sounds like a lot of fun, I will see you all there!

  • http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113632 Blake

    Please check out the “This is what I am bringing to the BBQ” thread and let us know what you plan on bringing.

    http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113632

  • Jeff

    I’ll see if I can time the onramp to 53 South perfectly to meet the southbound caravan at Higgins.

  • Troy

    Dustin Sep 10th, 2007 Link Karen and I will be heading down State Rd 83 to 53/355 to 88 west to event. If the WI crew wanted to join us near our home, or at Lake-Cook Rd and 53 let me know. I bet we can meet up with others along the way.

    I would like to meet up with you guys as well. 53/355 and Lake Cook Rd works for me! What time will you be there?

    Blake Sep 10th, 2007 Link Troy, I was waiting to see if you would post. Dustin is going to distract you while I strip your car

    Blake, I will guard my car with my life!! Troy

  • Dustin

    I will meet anyone that wants to drive together from the north at the shopping center on the SE corner of Lake Cook Rd and Hicks Rd. See You there at 8:45 am. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2365+N+Hicks+Rd,+Palatine,+IL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=30.599615,59.238281&ie=UTF8&ll=42.154241,-88.028834&spn=0.006983,0.014462&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1

  • http://web.mac.com/shagz Tom (MiniShagz)

    OK! So it looks like I AM coming after all. I’m 99% sure I’m will be sans navigator.

  • Michael

    Just got my MCS Cabrio. Can I join the CMMC at the BBQ? Hell, I’ll bring soda AND chips if I have to! Put me down for two, boss.

  • Dustin

    Michael, congrats on the Cabrio and you can join at BBQ, cookies would be great. What color is you MINI?

  • http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113632 Blake

    Michael, Welcome and congrats on the cabrio!

    Yes you can join up at the BBQ. Soda and chips are great. If you could post here telling what you are bringing so we have a good list.

    http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113632

    See you there,

    Blake

  • Dustin

    This is the list, I dont think we need one on NAM.

    The Chicago MINI Motoring Club will provide Hamburgers, Hotdogs, and Buns for the BBQ.

    Cooper S Drivers: Please bring along a 6-pack of Soda or Water to share (Note, this is a no alchohol event).

    Cooper Drivers: Please bring a bag of Chips to share.

    Convertible Drivers: Please bring a bag of cookies or similar to share.

    Classic Minis: Bring along whatever you like!!!

  • Mr RCH

    Count me in! Steve, I may caravan with you and the others,

  • http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=113632 Blake
    Count me in! Steve, I may caravan with you and the others,

    It will be good to see you, it has been forever.

  • Michael

    Michael, congrats on the Cabrio and you can join at BBQ, cookies would be great. What color is you MINI?

    Thanks for the warm welcome, Dustin. It’s dark silver with a black interior. No major mods — yet.

  • http://www.mongoosedog.net/ Anthony

    YEAH DARK SILVER WOOOOOO :)

  • Jim

    Dustin,

    I plan on meeting you at Lake Cook and Hicks. With a six pack of something. ;)

    Jim

  • Dustin

    I’m going to buy food on Sat afternoon, Please sign up before NOON on Sat so I can buy the right amount of food for Sunday.

  • Dustin

    And Yes, I will get more than we need for the last min crowd. Looks like 40 people and counting, if you have not yet signed up, please do.

  • cathy

    I have a cooper, but would like to bring a coffee cake. mmmm yummy hope it’s ok……….

  • Blake

    Cathy, that will be just fine! ;)

  • Kathy K

    I will be comming from Madison, my husband will not be with me afterall. I’ve washed CHEQQRS and I’m ready to go – well almost. See you all tomorrow!

  • http://www.chicagominiclub.com Steve
    I’ve washed CHEQQRS and I’m ready to go – well almost

    I’ve wiped mine down with the cleanest garage rag I could find, and scrapped the bugs off with an ice scraper.. I’m all set too ;-)

  • Rich

    Hey Blake—- You won’t be the ONLY ONE with a Hyper Blue /white Roof Car out there…. Except Mine might sit a slight bit lower than yours!!!

    You’ll see me there… Even with an exhaust hanger for Dustin and some parts to be carbonized for you!!!

  • lori

    I made a cake to add in to all our goodies! See you there! :)

  • Dustin

    My Check List.

    Meat, cheese, and Buns, Check

    Chips, Paper goods, Check

    Clean MINI and Wheels too, Check

    Carbon Fiber Hood loaded, Check

    Radios set to 1.01, Check

    Making sure I don’t forget Karen, someone better call me about that.

    Meeting some of you at 8:45 and along the way, Check

  • Jason

    I’m not a member of the Chicago MINI club, but would like to come to the BBQ (I have an ’06 Checkmate MINI) and join the club. It will either be me, or me + 1…. If I may come of course :)

  • Dr. Paul

    Ahh, yes…A clean MINI. Other than Blake coming and getting the grill, it looks like a great day tomorrow.

  • Blake

    Jason,

    Of course you are welcome, after all you have a MINI!

  • Dustin

    The more MINI’s the merrier.

  • http://www.taylorsmith.biz/Mini.html Taylor

    Unfortunately I have to be back in Deefield at 1pm for a soccer game; however, I am going to join you all for the beginning of the drive. It’s really my loss that I can’t stay for the whole event, however I have to carefully manage my obligations so I can do Starved Rock and Galena. Oh, so many events and so little time…

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/mauberley/ Anthony

    Tom and I will be routing around the tollways–Rt. 47 all the way down. See you all there!

  • http://www.chicagominiclub.com Steve

    Thanks to everyone who attended the drive today. I had a great time driving the back roads and hanging out at Blake’s place.

    It was nice to have so many new people out as well!! (Hope they didn’t mind too much getting lost on the drive).

  • Blake

    I would like to send out a BIG thank you to EVERYONE who showed up and brought all the yummy food. I know it was a hike for some of you but I think that everyone had a good time.

    It was nice meeting all the new folks and I can’t wait to see you all again.

    Blake

  • Francis (MiniMac2005)

    kudos to Dustin and Blake for a really good run and BBQ. Thanks to Paul (aka Chef!) for slaving over the BBQ.

    Good to see all of the familiar and the new faces. Hope everyone had a good time. We’ll see you down the road!!

  • Jeff

    Great event everyone! The extra credit miles were well worth it. And thanks to the local LEOs who saved there ticket writing until after the event (when me was driving much slower)!

    See everyone at Galena.

  • Dustin

    Thanks to everyone for helping to make the End of Summer BBQ at great event. Each of you played a part and made it an event to enjoy looking forward to next year.

    Special Thanks to Jeff for feeding LEO on the way home.

  • Michael

    Thanks a bunch to Blake, Dustin, and everyone else from CMMC who made the BBQ a success. I had a great time at my first CMMC event. You made a stranger feel welcome, and I’m grateful for the hospitality.

    How do I post pictures that I took at the event on this site?

  • http://www.chicagominiclub.com Steve
    How do I post pictures that I took at the event on this site?

    Many of us use flickr, but there are many places that will allow you to put pictures out on the internet (and several are free).

    After you do that, just e-mail me a link to steve@chicagominiclub.com and I will add them into this post..

    Glad you had a good time Michael.. Hope you will be out to more events soon!!

  • http://web.mac.com/shagz Tom (MiniShagz)

    Thanks to the CMMC for another great event. I had a blast. It was great to see some of the old familiar faces as well as some new ones. Kudos to Dustin and Blake for putting all of this together. I’m still chuckling over the “Euclid CloverLeaf” and can still hear the bottles of Sprecher Root Beet rolling around the floor of the passenger seat! :) Happily, they survived!

    Thanks again, and hope to see you all again sometime next year when all of my craziness is over!

  • Dustin

    You helped me unpack it, now you can see the Carbon Fiber Hood at http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1763811#post1763811

    Maybe one of you that know more than I do can get the pic on CMMC somewhere.

    (here it is, from Steve)

    Dustin's hood

  • Dustin

    Thanks Steve for posting the pic. Now I need to find a grill and finish the fitting.