[justamy]

I just found out about this today. This weekend, Jan 10-12, the World of Wheels show will be in Chattanooga, TN. There will be an appearance by Verne Troyer, the actor who played Mini Me in the last two Austin Powers movies.

I've located a phone number for the chairman of the event, and I can't help but wonder what his response would be if I called and said "There will be a dozen new MINIs at the World of Wheels. Any chance we could get our picture with Mini Me?" In addition, I have a couple of connections with some of the media in our area. I'm going to make some calls tomorrow.

The bad news is that it appears he will only be at the show this Friday. As of this minute, I still don't know if I'll have my MINI by Friday, although ASK MINI tells me it's on the truck and on the way to the dealer.

I work next door to the convention center where this event will be held. I'll be there in my MINI (I hope, I hope, I hope). Anyone care to join me?

Amy

[justamy]

Just found more information that indicates the show will be 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday night, so those in Atlanta, Knoxville, and Nashville might be able to head to Chattanooga after work rather than making a full day of it.

Amy

[2nd Mini]

Folks, while you are there, you really must run Lookout Mountain. Here is a suggested route:

Begin on Interstate 24 in downtown Chattanooga. Follow signs for US Hwy. 27. You will split off from I-24. Shortly after you begin on Hwy. 27, take the exit that says Hwy. 41, 58 South, Market Street, and Lkt. Mtn. Stay in the left section of the exit. You will drive past a Ramada Inn on your left. Continue straight ahead (one block), then turn left onto Broad Street. Broad street will take you 1.4 miles through a small industrial/business section of town. When you see Bi Lo Grocery on your right, turn left at the next light onto Tennessee Avenue. Stay on this road (.5 mi.), go through two lights and just before the third light, veer right to start up Lookout Mtn. (Actually bypassing the light). The road suddenly climbs steeply up the mountain. Follow this road (Ochs Highway, HWY 58) all the way up the mountain, taking no turnoffs.

You take Ochs Highway (HWY 58), a lovely twisty thing, up the mountain past the intersection with 157, continuing with it past Rock City into Lookout Mtn Georgia (town). On the left, across from the intersection of Ochs Hwy and 157 (which comes down on the right), there is a lovely walk to "Glen Falls". There really isn't anywhere to park. Continue up the mountain on Ochs Highway. Watch for the 200' hairpin turn just before you curve right to enter Lookout Mtn. Ga and pass Rock City on your left. In the town, there will be a right and then an immediate left to continue on to Scenic Highway, Rt 189, about a mile away. Enjoy the twisties! Turn left at Rt 189 and run about a half-mile to Covenant College, the highest point on the mountain and a place with lots of scenic views both East and West. It is the castle which can be seen on top of the mountain from miles away.

After enjoying the views and castle, get back on 189, which rides the ridge of the mountain, and take it back North into Lookout Mtn Tennessee and to Rt 148, the "West Brow Road". This road takes you to Point Park Civil War Park and scenic overlook. After taking in the history and spectaular view of Chattanooga, continue on 148 (now called "East Brow Road") and follow it all the way down the front of the mountain via some more lovely mountain twists and turns. At the foot of the mountain, follow the signs to I-24.

That ought to float 'yer boat with lots of neat hairpins, twisties, and moutain driving. Watch out for the Lookout Mtn. Tennesse police who are sharp with their radar guns.

MAP from Yahoo

2

I lived on the mountain during college. Bon highway appetite!

[Hotelcalif]

Keep me posted!! I'm interested!!

[justamy]

Spoke to the organizer today. Verne (Mini Me) will be there for the entire evening on Friday signing autographs. Since there haven't been many replies to this thread, I don't guess we'll have a dozen MINIs. I do plan to go get an autograph, and I hope to see one or two of you there.

As my signature now says, my Cooper is at the dealer, and I have an appointment to pick it up Thursday. Mine will be the silk green Cooper that still has that new exhaust smell.

Thanks for the great drive suggestion, 2. I've been up Lookout and Signal Mountains, and both are fun. Your drive sure sounds like it will extend the driving pleasure. It's nice to have some good twisties right next to downtown!

Amy

[AprilWhine]

I wish I could attend this one, Amy, but it's just too far from Norfolk!

[Hotelcalif]

Amy
Drop a e-mail tonight if you see this.We may try to go.Might meet up in Athens at the Rocky Top Market next to the interstate.(Shell station)

[minimotorin]

Wish I could go so Verne could see my front plate. Dang!