The Independent American Magazine for all Mini Owners
Issue link: http://mc2.epubxp.com/i/33537
________________________________________________________ Merry MINIs On The Mountain 2010 he Ozark Mountains of Arkansas are more than just beautiful in the fall. They have also become the premiere playground for MINI owners from around the United States. Merry MINIs On The Mountain (MMOTM) has become the event MINI owners count on to experience the roads of the area to the fullest. The burst of color from the old growth Ouachita National Forest frames some of the best driving roads in the United States. Whether you come for high-spirited runs up and down the World Famous Arkansas Pig Trail (AR Hwy 23) or just want to take your time to experience the sights and sounds around every twisty curve, Northwest Arkansas is the place to visit during late October and MMOTM is the event to take in this experience. The 2010 MINI event hosted 50 registered drivers from all over Middle America with par- ticipants hailing from as far away as Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, and Kansas. Neighbor- ing states also had represen- tation with drivers from Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. For the past four years, MMOTM has been held at the Lodge at Mt. Magazine. The lodge is perched on the highest peak in Arkansas and has been the base of operations for MMOTM since its begin- ning four years ago. On the schedule, were six drives, two social gatherings and one “Very Good Cause.” The event is the major fundraiser for the Arkansas MINI Owners Klub (AMOK) partner charity, Camp Aldersgate (www.campaldersgate. net). Jim Sanderson kicked off MMOTM with a drive to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Saturday’s drives included the “Pigtrail to Dogpatch, U.S.A.”, led by Jim and Nancy Baskin. Dustin Etheridge led 60 MC2 Magazine www.mc2magazine.com “Easy as 123” featuring Arkansas Highway 123. The Peak-to-Peak drive between the two highest points in Arkansas and a Pig Trail run were led by yours truly. Our kickoff drive to Hot Springs included a per- sonal tour – for 17 attendees – through the Spa City’s, Fordyce Bathhouse and lunch at Angel’s Italian restaurant. Saturdays drive’s, “Pig Trail To Dogpatch U.S.A” and “Easy As 123.” took differ- ent twisty routes to the famous Ozark Cafe in Jas- per, AR for lunch. Then each tribe returned to the lodge via more awesomely curvy roads. The “Peak 2 Peak” tour and “Pig Trail 180°” were dedicated to the MINIs that like to take their time. On “Peak 2 Peak”, MINIs traveled between the two highest points in Arkansas, Mt. Magazine and Mt. Nebo. The “Pig Trail 180°” was a quick, yet slow, run up and down Highway 23 with a stop at Turners Bend to pick up Arkansas Pig Trail souvenirs. As all Arkansans know, North- west Arkansas roads are perfect for thrill driving and scenery. Al and Bev Kieckler came to the MMOTM from Apple Valley, Minnesota. “The drives are great. We have nothing like this in Min- nesota, “ said Al. Bev is an environmental engineer and Al is a software engineer. According to Bev, Bob has owned some great sports cars but according to Al, “…the MINI is, by far, the most fun.” Dustin Etheredge, owner of AutoXCooper in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, drove down to give a tech talk and lead a couple of the drives. All attendees were happy to have someone so well versed speak to them about current issues and after-market products for the MINI. This was Dustin’s second year to participate in Merry MINIs. When asked how the Arkansas Ozarks compared to a certain (ahem) fire-breathing lizard T