The First MINI Meander - Five Years After (11/17/07)

[GBMINI]

The first Boston area MINI drive happened five years ago (11/16/02), organized back then on MINICooperOnline, now NorthAmericanMotoring (see this thread if interested). We had a total of 11 MINIs attend - and that included two MINI of Peabody dealer MINIs driven by Gary, Scott and Kevin!

There's some pictures on GBMINI.net (back then, I didn't own a digital camera or website or anything, so the coverage was not best!)

In 2003 we repeated that run and had about 40 MINIs attend. I didn't organize any further repeats because it's the same route every time, etc ...

But now, let's celebrate five years after and repeat the inaugural Boston area MINI run! We'll meet at MINI of Peabody about 10:30 on Saturday November 17th, to depart about 11am - I'll bring printed directions which will likely take us up route 128 past Beverly to exit 17, then down Hart St to (coastal) route 127. We'll drive through Manchester (stopping on Ocean St) and Gloucester - probably stopping at the "big rock" in Stage Fort Park rather than the "Man At Wheel" (assuming there's more than 15 or so MINIs).
Probably skip Rockport, since it's slow driving all round there, and hit the two route 128 rotaries on our way back to Essex and Woodmans.


I've built a proposed route using Google Maps - Google reckons 1-1/2 hours for just under 40 miles ... beware that all the roads (except route 128) are residential and slow, with posted speed limits between 25 and 40.

On the upside, the scenery is great, driving along the coast - especially Ocean St and Bass Rocks.


If we leave MINI of Peabody at 11am, with stops, we'll likely reach Woodmans about 1pm - remember to have cash with you because Woodmans doesn't take credit cards!

[rknrll]

Hey cool...I actually posted in that thread back in '02. I was 20...CRAZY.
I will try to get to this one.

It was also funny reading posts about the Roadfly forum...what a mess that place was (...is?).

[snid]

I'm in for a repeat of my first MINI event. Hopefully, it doesn't snow / slush / freezing rain on the way back like it did after the first one:

[jwardell]

I too much of a newbie to have made the first two so I'll be sure to make this one!

[senorsock3]

Sounds good to me.. I just requested the day off work..

[MINIRANDOLPH]

Donna and I are planning on attending.

[chili_redR56]

I posted on NAM, but I'll be there

[rainymornings]

But now, let's celebrate five years after and repeat the inaugural Boston area MINI run! We'll meet at MINI of Peabody about 10:30 on Saturday November 17th, to depart about 11am -

I might be able to make this one....I might even get brave enough to go it alone if all else fails me.
Would anyone south of Peabody be interested in meeting along the way? I'm lousy at finding my way anywhere and besides... it's more fun travelling with other MINI's.

Let me know. Thanks... and thanks GBMINI who I never got to say hello to on the Lighthouse Tour!

-Susan

[GBMINI]

Susan,
Making your way to MINI of Peabody is easy ... you need to get on to route 1 north of Boston (which you can do by going up 3/93 through Boston, or going round 128/95 if you prefer to avoid Boston).
Once you're on route 1, north of 128/95, you just need to pass MINI of Peabody (which is on the southbound side), and then do a U-turn to get on to route 1 south.
You can take route 114 west exit off route 1, go under route 1 and then back on the southbound; that's just a few yards U-turn. The route 114 exit is right after you pass Costco.

[rainymornings]

Thanks GBMINI, sounds like a job for the GPS but I might give it a try. I do appreciate your help!

[GBMINI]

Great news!
In addition to providing morning coffee, MINI of Peabody will be offering discounted merchandise on Saturday morning prior to our departure:
15% off Motoring Accessories and Motoringgear. And 10% off JCW Accessories

[senorsock3]

That is great news.. I need a new MINI sweatshirt..

[rknrll]

I might be too busy prepping for Amsterdam and/or drinking, to make it to this.

[GBMINI]

ATTENTION:
Please, if you are planning to attend the drive this Saturday, send me an email to confirm the number of MINIs and people coming - thanks!
GBMINI@MINIsOnTop.com

[GBMINI]

Thanks to the THREE people that emailed me to confirm their attendance.

Is that really all that is going to come on Saturday?!