Jonathan B. Feb 13th, 2008 Link
It was great to meet some of you tonight @ Knauz and look forward to my first Spring Drive!!!
CMMC Spring Forward Drive March 9th
Sections: CMMC Events, General Feb 13th, 2008
WRAPUP: A total of over 50 MINIs from the Chicago MINI Motoring Club and the MilwaukeeMINIs invaded the Lake Geneva area. We explored a few twisty back roads, and had a great time despite the not so spring-like weather. Francis raised quite a bit of money in Tom’s name with the MINIs Motoring Against Cancer banner, and associated raffle.
Huge thanks to Kevin, Dan, and Laurel from Knauz for opening up shop on an early Sunday morning and providing coffee and donuts to the caffeine and sugar deprived, Theresa from the MilwaukeeMINIs for teaming up with us, and to Dustin for planning the route and providing giveaways.
Please forward a link to your pictures to steve@chicagominiclub.com, and I will add them here..
Pictures by Tamara (requires free account)| Francis | Eric | Dan | Arnie | Chris | Caren | Tom |
It’s time to replace the Skis with wheels-n-tires on the front of our Cooper’s and Kick off the 2008 Driving Season.
Our friends at Knauz MINI [Map] will host our drivers meeting with coffee and donuts at 9am.
We will motor northwest to Burlington WI to meet our Milwaukee MINI motoring friends. After a restroom break and 2nd drivers meeting we head west.
The lunch location has been changed to Houlihan’s (with food for every budget and taste)in the Lake Geneva area.
CMMC will announce the winners of the 2008 club elections and share details about many new and exciting events for 2008.
This 3 leg route will be well over 100 miles, Knauz to Burlington, Burlington to The Lunch location and Houlihan’s south to the Volo split.
Details;
Sign up below to give us a head count for The Lunch.
Set your clock ahead one hour before going to bed Sat night.
Have a full tank of fuel.
Dress for the weather.
FRS Radio to stay informed along the way.
At a glance:
WHEN: Sunday March 9th at 9am
WHERE: Knauz MINI 409A Skokie Hwy, Lake Bluff to Burlington WI to Lake Geneva to Volo, Il
WHY: Just for fun!!
WHO: Anyone can come along. Please post a comment below so we can plan for the correct size for Lunch.
Check out this link to see what Francis is doing with the MINIs Motoring Against Cancer banner to help assist club member Tom. There will be an exciting raffle associated with Francis’s efforts, so be sure to check it out!!
Written By: Steve
80 Comments
Chris M Feb 13th, 2008 Link
Lori and I are in!
Rich Feb 14th, 2008 Link
Dunno Blake. I’ll be there. If I can get the 14 inches of snow away from the storge bay door where the MINI sits, I’ll even bring it out!!!!
Kevin Weinstein Feb 15th, 2008 Link
I am in, with a passenger.
Jonathan B. Feb 16th, 2008 Link
Oh yeah… my wife will be there too.
Paul Feb 16th, 2008 Link
I’ll be there without co-commander.
Rose Feb 17th, 2008 Link
Sounds like a blast, but will have to miss this one. Will be in Arizona, house and dog sitting for a week.
Have fun hugging those curves.
The Seeker Feb 18th, 2008 Link
Sounds good. Will try to make it.
john & tommy Feb 18th, 2008 Link
So far its the only thing on the calendar for that date.
Eric & Noreen Feb 20th, 2008 Link
In for sure. Gotta build up seat time endurance for AMVIV.
Arnie Feb 21st, 2008 Link
Lena and I will make it, if the weather is 1/2 decent.
Jeffrey Feb 21st, 2008 Link
I’ll be there, bicycle tires and all!
Dustin Feb 21st, 2008 Link
Karen and I will be there.
Yes, Snake Road is on the 2nd leg of the Route.
Paul Feb 23rd, 2008 Link
Barbara and I will be there.
Mark Feb 24th, 2008 Link
I’ll be there!
Penny Feb 25th, 2008 Link
Laurel and Myself from Knauz will be going and looking very much forward to it. =0)
Adam Feb 26th, 2008 Link
Count me in for 1 definitely and 2 probably. And hopefully it won’t be cold and snowy….an actual winter in chicago?!?!?!?! who would have thought!
Tom G. Feb 27th, 2008 Link
My wife Paula and I are looking forward to our first CMMC drive since picking up our MINI in Sept.
Borys Feb 28th, 2008 Link
Count me in for one. After a long winter it will be a great way to start the Spring.
Cecilia Feb 29th, 2008 Link
George and I will be there!
Drew Letcher Feb 29th, 2008 Link
Ok, you talked me into it. Probably going solo.
charles high Feb 29th, 2008 Link
I will be there if the weather is OK. I have 1.5″ less clearance after installing H&R coilovers. What’s your route from Knauz to Burlington, I will try to intercept you….
Charles High
02 MCS
Chief Instructor, Badger Bimmers
Dustin Feb 29th, 2008 Link
While the weather is treading up and looks to be dry on March 9th it will still be cold. I have designed a new route to test Sat once I have tested it and make any adjustments needed we will have a nice route on the best pavement I can find. Thanks to Google for great maps and Street View in places only locals would go. :)Charles High please email me for route details at dustin@chicagominiclub.com for intercept info.
cathy Feb 29th, 2008 Link
Gary and I should make it. please don’t snow, please don’t snow, please don’t snow. Car please start, car please start, car please start.
Evan Mar 1st, 2008 Link
well i got my MINI all back together and it is driving very well now. i am planning on being there with a buddy. should be a fun time and i am looking forwad to hopefully meeting a fun group of MINI enthusiasts
Dustin Mar 1st, 2008 Link
Anyone from Racine/Kenosha area can meet our groups about 10:15am at This Link
CMMC will be headed west on Burlington Rd from that intersection.
The route is done, 2 roads were closed, it’s shorter but still fun. Karen vetoed Snake Road it is covered with ice and sand. We also have set aside parking at Houlihan’s. The route is a nice mellow country drive at or under the speed limits.
Tom (MiniShagz) Mar 2nd, 2008 Link
Hey all!
Since my stem cell transplant has been pushed off for 3 weeks, I am planning on coming, barring any illess or the like! 
Of course, I’ll be coming via the Milwaukee MINIs route to Burlington. Can’t wait to see you all of you!
Dennis Mar 4th, 2008 Link
We’ll be attending with at least three and possibly a fourth! See all of you Sunday!
Francis(MiniMac2005) Mar 4th, 2008 Link
Looks like we’re going to have a nice group on SUN!!! If anyone is interested, I’m bringing the MINIs Motoring Against Cancer banner and I’m raising money for the American Cancer Society for our friend and club member Tom (MiniShagz). If you’d like to sign the banner before it travels to AMVIV check out the thread here: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129934
also, we will be raffling off 4 - single passes for Chicago Indoor Racing (CIR). Click the link above for more details. Thanks for looking!! See you Sunday!!
Arnie Mar 5th, 2008 Link
In addition to myself and Lena (counted somewhere above^^^) please raise the Head Count by TWO more MINI’s and TWO more heads (four heads are better than one). Our friend Michele will be joining us with her BRAND NEW MINI and she has invited another friend, SARI and her MINI. It’s their first Club Event and Drive
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Sari Mar 5th, 2008 Link
I’m looking forward to cruisn’ in my mini!! This will be my first adventure with the CMMC and I’ll probably be solo. BUT SERIOUSLY WHO CARES….I’VE GOT THE MINI!!!
Paul Mar 6th, 2008 Link
Tom, We had great time hanging out with you and everyone else last Sunday! See you this Sunday!!
Tamara Mar 6th, 2008 Link
I am looking forward to the trip! (My Mini is mad at me for not driving very much).
Blake Mar 6th, 2008 Link
The weather is looking not so horrible! I may get to drive my MINI for the first time in nearly 2 months!!!
Jay Mar 6th, 2008 Link
I’m in. Sounds like a good time.
Bruce Mar 6th, 2008 Link
Looks like we will have 2 full cars!(6 people)
If the weather cooperates, maybe we could coax the Gherkin out of hibernation.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!!
Worth repeating Francis…
Looks like we’re going to have a nice group on SUN!!! If anyone is interested, I’m bringing the MINIs Motoring Against Cancer banner and I’m raising money for the American Cancer Society for our friend and club member Tom (MiniShagz). If you’d like to sign the banner before it travels to AMVIV check out the thread here: http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129934
Hope you can make it Tom!:^)
John Mar 6th, 2008 Link
planning on attending with wife and two daughters
Francis (MiniMac2005) Mar 6th, 2008 Link
Hey Bruce & Becky! can’t wait to see everyone on SUN!! Thanks for the bump for the banner! There’s still lots of room to sign for those interested in donating. Click the link and thanks again! http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129934
LTL M CPE Mar 7th, 2008 Link
I’m with you Blake, hope it’s clear enough to take the MINI and it’s hard tires out for a spin. I started it Sunday to make sure I still could and cleared the snow out of the way.
Jim
02 DS/W MCS
08 HC/S Clubman awaiting production (Thanks Laurel!)
Dustin Mar 7th, 2008 Link
I’ve been tracking the weather and it’s changing every six hours. I know the roads were is good shape last weekend and trust they will be for the most part this Sunday. This will be a mellow drive. Our route moves us away from the lake front area very fast which will lower our risk of snow. The good news, most areas are out of salt 
Even I’m sick of this winter.
Becky Mar 7th, 2008 Link
In otherwords.. don’t take the snow tires off yetB^/
Dustin~ we’ll be joined by a couple we met with 2 MINIs out of Hoffman Estates <~(I think). They have a silver and an o7 yellow with a travelocity gnome in it:^) (I suspect they will couple-up in that one) Be sure to welcome Tony and Robin!
Kirsten is ck’ing with a Dr she works with to see he’s interested in coming… lic BRIT DR
This could be a really big newbie event :^D
Will Houlihan’s hold us all, or will we have to spill over into Popeye’s?
Terri! You coming?
Dustin Mar 7th, 2008 Link
At this time we are looking at about 100 people and growing. Houlihan’s is staffing up for us.
Mohan Mar 7th, 2008 Link
I hope you have some twisties!
Dustin Mar 7th, 2008 Link
There are twisties
Kevin~Knauz Mar 7th, 2008 Link
So, looks like a strong showing. That’s outstanding. Do ya’ll prefer Panera or Krispy Kreme? I lean toward the latter myself. Tally Ho Ya’ll!!!! Kevin
P.s. Comet + Rudolph will be there to pet + smooch.
Mr RCH Mar 8th, 2008 Link
Count me in plus one. See you on Sunday!
Jonathan E. Mar 8th, 2008 Link
Count me in!
Becky Mar 8th, 2008 Link
ummmmm Panera :^)
Warren Mar 8th, 2008 Link
Add one more to the list. See you all on Sunday. Panera and Krispy Kreme both sound good, just as long as there is some hot black coffee to go with it.
Jonathan B. Mar 8th, 2008 Link
Krispy Kreme in honor of my North Carolina roots!
Blake Mar 8th, 2008 Link
Looking more and more like the MINI will emerge from the shop tomorrow. I went first thing this morning to renew the registration.
All it needs is a rinse as it is all dusty from the long winter.
My vote for breakfast is Panera. Thanks Kevin!
Arnie Mar 8th, 2008 Link
Since Election voting is over, might as well vote for Breakfast.
2 votes for Panera and a bump back for Tom.
Francis(MiniMac2005) Mar 4th, 2008 Link
Looks like we’re going to have a nice group on SUN!!! If anyone is interested, I’m bringing the MINIs Motoring Against Cancer banner and I’m raising money for the American Cancer Society for our friend and club member Tom (MiniShagz). If you’d like to sign the banner before it travels to AMVIV check out the thread here:
Eric & Noreen Mar 8th, 2008 Link
Got my Hellas wired up and got a new Wisconsin temp tag for mine. If I get lazy and don’t re hang my bumper tonight we will be in my lovely wife Noreen’s Mini two votes for Panera (we already rsvp’d for the drive)
Keith & Quasar Mar 8th, 2008 Link
Count us in for 2 please, see you all tomorrow!
john & tommy Mar 9th, 2008 Link
Woo Hoo!
Anthony Mar 9th, 2008 Link
Looks like a good turnout so far–wish I could be there. You all have fun!
Dustin Mar 9th, 2008 Link
Anthony, we will miss having you along and also miss your pics. Look forward to seeing you at the next event.
Jonathan B. Mar 9th, 2008 Link
That was a freaking blast!!! My camera got dropped and all the pics went down with it. Please post as many pics as possible wherever you can so I can pirate some! Thanks! Thank you to everyone who put work into this drive, your passion and dedication was very evident!
Robin G Mar 9th, 2008 Link
Tony and I just wanted to say that we had a BLAST today! (I love driving fast!!) Thank you to everyone who did such a nice job planning everything. We also wanted to say thanks to Bruce and Becky for inviting us. We will be joining the club, so we hope to all of you in the near future.
Robin G Mar 9th, 2008 Link
Any advice on a two way radio? There are so many out there. We borrowed one of Paul’s today - worked great. Thanks, Paul.
Blake Mar 9th, 2008 Link
It was great seeing everyone and meeting some of the new folks. Now none of you can say that I don’t drive my car in crummy weather. Here at home it is SUNNY and 42!!!
Steve Mar 9th, 2008 Link
I had a great time as usual. It was a blast following the MINI with the stuffed animals waving out the back window!!
Thanks to everyone for participating..
Please send links of pictures to steve@chicagominiclub.com and I will add them to the top of this post for all to view (please don’t send the actual pictures because I don’t have e-mail space for large attachments).
Arnie Mar 9th, 2008 Link
Robin G. FRS RADIOS, these work well and were a great value.
Best Buy $49.95 Two (2) Motorola radios w/ rechargeable batteries and cradle. 12 mile max and 22 channels. Part # Model: FV700R | SKU: 8341537
EVERYBODY: Thanks for coming out to play. It was wonderful to see old friends and new faces. What a great showing. Our pictures coming soon…
Thank you for your support and I assure you, we are already working on enhancements headed the clubs way.
Happy Motoring!
Jeffrey Mar 9th, 2008 Link
Great drive today. How many Minis did we have?
Thanks to Dustin for organizing.
Nice pics Tamara! Glad you were able to make it.
Dave Z Mar 9th, 2008 Link
Great to see old faces and new. Perhaps next year we’ll actually get to have a real spring drive.
One point of contention though, IMHO, it would be beneficial to see the route before the day of the drive.
john & tommy Mar 9th, 2008 Link
great time, even if we did get the “extra tour”
Dustin Mar 9th, 2008 Link
Great Pic Francis, thanks for going to the pit stop ahead of the group to get the great pics.
The Seeker Mar 10th, 2008 Link
Great time. Anybody know the name of that “roller coaster” road we were on around Burlington ?
Dustin Mar 10th, 2008 Link
Hello All, here is a link to the 2nd leg of Sunday for those that missed any part of it and would like to “run” it again.
Bruce & Becky Mar 10th, 2008 Link
Great time!! Thanks Dustin, and all those in planning!
Route… (fun!)maps would be helpful, but I suspect we will still have navigational errors.%^o If you were with our group.. our missing Back Rd on 50 brought nothing but grins as everyone belined it back. The chaos the ensued was most agreeably memorable!!
MINIs rock, and MINI owners are a breed apart!
p.s. Great restaurant choice!
Francis(MiniMac2005) Mar 10th, 2008 Link
Hey everyone! happy to see such a great turnout! I really wish everyone could have had the view I had when everyone came rolling up to Culver’s, it was quite a sight for sure!
Wanted to also say thanks to everyone who either made a donation or bought raffle tickets in honor of Tom! I hope everyone had a chance to sign the banner. In one week, we were able to raise $1000!!!
Special thanks to CIR, CooperCards, MC2, and our friends from MKE - Mike & Linda (Fabric Fusion) and Pat & Nancy (MINI watch) for their generous donations for the raffle prizes. Thanks again!
I met so many new people I can’t get the names straight, but I do remember all of the smiling faces. MINI people are great or what?!?! We’ll see you at the next outing!
Tom (MiniShagz) Mar 11th, 2008 Link
Hey gang!
I can’t say enough how much Sunday meant to me! The Spring Drive has always been a special one for me. Two years ago, it was my first drive with my newly broken in 06 MCS. Last year, it was my last drive before being diagnosed with cancer. This year, it is again my last drive for a little while, but in hopes of being on the road again soon.
Thanks a million to Francis for putting together the fundraising for the ACS. I’m honored to be the “Banner Boy,” but I know that there are plenty of other folks whose lives have been touched by cancer. We’ve done something great and all deserve pats on the back.
Thanks to Dustin for getting the drive together and plotted. Fun as always! And thanks to you all for all the support and great memories.
Hope to be motoring with you all sooner rather than later!
-Tom
P.S. My pics are still coming. Have to sort through them and post ‘em.
Caren Mar 13th, 2008 Link
What a terrific event! Thanks again to everyone who helped organize it.
I have more photos up at http://minibessie.cpilgrim.com/wp/adventures/road-trips/spring-drive-08/
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