First off, I'd like to apologize to Ryan for riding your ass most of the day. I tried to keep the distance as much as I could, and rest assured, when I was close to you, it wasn't b/c of brake fade or something lame like that. Please don't think that I was ever out of control when I was close.


I apparently had a GRAVE misunderstanding of what these events were all about.

Later in the day, when I had a chance to lead the group on the last leg of 60, I took it.

I am accustomed to going out with other people who are there to drive the turns and hills, sharpen their skills and have a great time doing it. I was under the impression that the people who went on these drives were of the same mindset. Hence the people who show up the the meet, but don't attend the drives.

Once again, I apologize for my assumptions.

Maybe I'm the only one here who feels this way, but for me, these drives are not about the scenery.

Additionally , I don't think that any members of our group should be socially outcast from the board because some people like to drive faster than others. We all bought BMW's for our own reasons. I bought mine because I think it is one of the best handling cars ever built. I like how the car feels, and how it makes me feel when I'm driving the s**t out of it.

I also have a great appreciation for the sheer sight of 32 BMW's rolling as a group, enjoying the cruising factor. I'd still like to have that option.
Hopefully, the response to this thread will let me know if I'm the only one in our group who feels this way, or who would like to take a different approach so we can all live happily ever after.

I thank Geordie, Ryan and their better halfs for keeping us together as long as they have, and hopefully pursuede them to keep it up, and not throw in the towel.

So here is a suggestion that I'd like some feedback on....Hopefully we can refine it as time goes on and end up with a viable solution as I have much faith, and respect for my fellow board members.

I'd like to offer myself as the organizer for group drives for those of us that drive like I do.
Hopefully Geordie or his successor will continue planning the scenic, but spirited drives, allowing our members to have the option.

Bret,
I'm not mad and I don't hold grudges so no worries. You got a small taste of my reason for those distances as we approached the narrow bridge on 180.....I have very good brakes. I did hear someones ABS kick in behind me, but I don't know if it was you or the RX-8 behind you.

Anyway, obviously the roads are open to anyone. I would suggest keeping to 2-5 cars and go up in the early morning (7-10am) if you plan on highly spirited driving. Its safer and will allow more enjoyment if that is the type of driving you wish to do.

I enjoy the hwy cruising with the large groups (lots more cool photo ops)......with the mountain drives I prefer just a handfull of cars.

I'm going to miss these roads, but I will find a new playground. Y'all have fun and be safe however you decide to continue.

I had the same misunderstanding the first time I went with this group. My later questioning of the intentions of the group as well as stating that it may be better to arrange the group by intended speed somehow ended up pissing off G and a few others.
I think the problem is that for some it was fast (too fast perhaps), and for others, it was a day of *being stuck in traffic* in the mountains. The problem is the diverse capabilities of the drivers as well as cars.

I'll go up to the mountains for scenery occasionally. Usually in the fall though, and its often a *scenic* drive up, a quick blast in some areas (DG usually), and perhaps a *scenic* drive back. other non-purely-driving mountain routes usually include food for me, such as the Dillard House. (though after gorging yourself at a place like that, you'll want to take the highway back. :stickoutt )

I don't see this being an end to mountain drives. just a change of organization. Perhaps making a distinction between the *mountain drives* and *mountain cruises*.

I don't see this being an end to mountain drives. just a change of organization. Perhaps making a distinction between the *mountain drives* and *mountain cruises*.

The mountain cruises would be cool. Like someone said in a previous thread. 30 Bimmer's cruising down the higway is an impressive sight. I don't care if we go slow or fast. It's fun none-the-less.