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Coming Up:
Mike will be leading his popular drive through the fun, twisty, hilly roads of Wisconsin countryside near Taliesin in Spring Green. We'll leave from MINI of Madison at 11 AM, the drive will run a little over 2 hours with one bathroom stop, and then we'll enjoy lunch at the wonderful Spring Green General Store.
- For
the enjoyment of all involved, drives are limited to 10 vehicles --
please sign up early to secure your spot on a drive. (There will be a
waiting list if all spots fill up.)
- While drives often stop at breweries/wineries/restaurants serving alcohol, imbibing alcohol is not required, and by no means does Mad City MINI encourage drinking to excess.
SCCA Roads Scamper Road Rally | Sunday, August 13, 2017
Past Events:
Toast to Jim | Tuesday, July 25, 2017 | 7-9 PM | Cafe Hollander (Hilldale Mall between Target and Macy's)
Come out to raise a glass of your favorite beverage to toast our Jim and chat with fellow MINI fans. Wear your MINI t-shirt and find us in the bar!
Taliesin Dash | Sunday, September 25, 2016 | 10:30 AM
MINI Takes The States | July 9 - 23, 2016
The MINI Takes The States bi-annual event is preparing for the fifth crossing from one coast to the other with interesting sights and activities along the way. This year the route passes through Wisconsin and it is sure to be a really fun event enjoying MINI camaraderie and terrific scenery. Even if you can not do the entire drive, it will still be as a good couple of days from lower Michigan through the Upper Peninsula, Central Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
If you're interested in driving the entire event with Mad City MINI members, please contact us to let us know that you're planning on attending and would like to coordinate activities.
Registration for the event is required. For updated information, please sign up for email updates on the main MTTS web page.
Roads Scholar Road Rally **Sold Out** | Sunday, June 12, 2016 | Start time 10 AM
Sports Car Club of America 2016 Roads Scholar Road Rally has sold out with 6 MINIs in the 40 car line up. This year's event is on Sunday, June 12, 2016 and will again start and finish in Verona, just south of Madison. Like last year's event, this road rally is designed especially for people who have never run a road rally before. The rally is 100 miles in length and takes about 4 hours to complete. The course runs entirely on paved, public roads. On last year's Roads Scholar, MINI was the predominant marque.
Some openings still exist for Checkpoint Workers. No prior experience is necessary. Please contact Jim at the links below if you are interested in assisting during the event.
Two weeks before the event; the rally coordinator will email the General Instructions to all contestants. These explain the details of how the rally works. Basically, you and a partner (driver and navigator) will be issued a set of Route Instructions on the morning of the rally. You'll use these Route Instructions to follow the course. Each road on the course is assigned an average speed (below the posted speed limit). The game is to follow the course and maintain the assigned average speeds. Along the route, you'll be tested on your powers of observation, reasoning, and ability to follow explicit directions. We'll set up checkpoints along the route that will record the time that you arrive. You'll receive penalty points for arriving either too early or too late. The team with the fewest penalty points wins. Trophies will be awarded to the best teams. It's not a race, it's a game of precision driving and clear thinking. The rally roads are fun to drive and the scenery is marvelous. There will be a mid-rally break in New Glarus.
The entry fee is $15/person and you'll need two people per car - a driver and a navigator.
If you have any questions, please contact the rallymaster, Jim Crittenden, at 970-261-2144 or james.a.crittenden@gmail.com
Holiday Lights Drive & Dinner | Friday, December 18, 2015 | 6-9 PM
We'll meet at MINI of Madison to begin a 90-minute city drive featuring some very nice lights displays on the south/west side of Madison, ending with dinner at Biaggi's to celebrate the season. Bring radios if you have them (extras if you're willing to share) so you don't miss out on any witty banter! Note: it doesn't matter what car you bring to this event ... it's not a MINI rally, it will be in the dark, so everyone is welcome!
We'll leave from MINI of Madison at 6 PM.
Fall Colors Drive | October 24, 2015 | 2 PM
Join us on Saturday for a drive through southern WI to enjoy the beautiful fall colors. We will be meeting at MINI of Madison at 2 PM to kick off the drive of roughly three hours. Please RSVP by email to Mad City MINI with the names of those who plan on attending.
Drive-In Drive | September 4, 2015 | 6:45 PM
It's been a few years but we're going back to the drive-in ... this time to enjoy Minions, Inside Out, and Ant-Man at theHighway 18 Outdoor Theatre.
We'll leave from MINI of Madison at 6:45 PM; the scenic drive from Madison to Jefferson is about an hour; and the movie begins about 20 minutes after dusk (different every night). There is no carried-in food or drink allowed ... be sure to familiarize yourself with their policies.
Please RSVP by email to Mad City MINI to reserve your spot.
City Drive & Ice Cream Social | August 26, 2015 | 6:15 PM
Our annual City Drive has become a favorite because of the neighborhoods and parks you get to see that you might not even know existed.
We'll leave from MINI of Madison at 6:15 PM; the drive will run about 90 min.; and then we'll enjoy treats and conversation at Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.
Please RSVP by email to Mad City MINI to reserve your spot.
JCW Racing in the Continental Tire Road Race Showcase at Road America | August 7-8, 2015
MINI of Madison and MINI USA have invited all MINI & Mini owners to The Continental Tire Road Race Showcase events this weekend August 7 & 8 at Road America.
This will include a MINI specific Car Corral (free parking), and on Saturday: a Lunch and time permitting a meet and greet / Autograph Session with the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge JCW Racing Team.
To participate, please RSVP with the names of those attending to tonine.mcgarvie@bmwnaext.com and purchase your standard price tickets directly from Road America.
For additional details see the pdf
MINIs on the Mack | Saturday, August 1, 2015 | 9 AM
The MINIs on the Mack event started out as an attempt to beat a Guinness Book of World Record with the most MINIs on the Mackinac Bridge. The record was not beaten in 2013 and they are trying once again. Even if they don't succeed, it's turned into a really fun event that is an excuse to go up to the U.P. and enjoy MINI camaraderie and terrific scenery.
Registration for the event is required and can be found at MINIs on the Mack. Additional information may also be found on their Facebook page.
If you're interested in driving up with a group from Madison that Friday morning, please contact us to let us know that you're planning on attending and would like to join in the caravan.
Taliesin Dash | Saturday, July 18, 2015 | 11 AM
Mike will be leading his popular drive through the inspiring Wisconsin countryside, ending up near Taliesin in Spring Green.
The two-hour drive will once again include some of our fun, twisty, hilly roads (DDL 9/10) and end with a nice meal.
We'll leave from MINI of Madison at 11 AM, the drive will run a little over 2 hours with one bathroom stop, and then we'll enjoy lunch at the wonderful Spring Green General Store & Cafe.
Please RSVP by email to Mad City MINI with the names of those who plan on attending.
Sinful Beer Tour | Saturday, June 27, 2015 | 1 PM
Join us on Saturday, June 27 for a drive through southeastern Wisconsin as we pass a multitude of glacial lakes in search of recent brewing establishments you may not be familiar with. This will be a more leisurely drive (DDL 3/10), but it does have a significant amount of highway speed travel.
We will be meeting at MINI of Madison at 1 PM to kick off the driving part which lasts roughly three hours.
Along the way we will visit Second Salem Brewing Company in Whitewater, Geneva Lake Brewing Company in Lake Geneva, and St. Francis Brewing Company & Restaurant in St. Francis (south Milwaukee) where we'll end up for dinner.
Please RSVP by email to Mad City MINI with the names of those who will need salvation. :)
Roads Scholar 2015 SCCA Regional Course Road Rally, Sunday, June 7, 2015 | 10:30 AM
If you are not already participating, please come out and watch 9 MINIs compete as the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) w/ MINI of Madison present the the Roads Scholar 2015 SCCA Regional Course Road Rally on Sunday June 7, 2015.
This is a 110 mile TSD rally which will take participants through the scenic country roads west of Madison.
Regularity rallying, also known as TSD rallying (Time Speed Distance), is conducted on public roads with the objective to maintain precise times and precise average speeds on various segments of a predefined route.
Each team/vehicle will consist of a driver and navigator. SCCA Membership is not required and this event is open to all skill levels and road/street licensed vehicles.
Saturday in the Baraboo Hills | Saturday, May 23, 2015 | 2 PM
Join us on Saturday, May 23 for a drive through the twists and turns in the Baraboo Hills area. We will be meeting at MINI of Madison at 2 PM to kick off the drive of roughly three hours, ending up at Little Village Cafe in Baraboo for dinner.
Holiday Lights Drive & Dinner | Wednesday, December 17, 2014 | 6-9 PM
We'll meet at MINI of Madison to begin a 90-minute city drive featuring some very nice lights displays on the south/west side of Madison, ending with dinner at Hubbard Avenue Diner to celebrate the season.
Bring radios if you have them (extras if you're willing to share) so you don't miss out on any witty banter! Note: it doesn't matter what car you bring to this event ... it's not a MINI rally, it will be in the dark, so everyone is welcome!
We'll leave from MINI of Madison at 6 PM.
Something Old, Something New Drive | Saturday, November 22, 2014 | 11 AM
This newly created drive will link an old favorite, Lake Louie Brewing in Arena, with a new kid on the block, Port Huron Brewing Company in Wisconsin Dells.
Anyone who joined us at Lake Louie the first time will attest to how great the tour/talk/beer is (we will arrive for the noon tour).
There is no food at either place so have a late breakfast or bring snacks, and we will plan a stop for take-out on our way to Port Huron (where outside food is welcome).
There will be no planned return drive to Madison, so you will be free to roam as you please from the Dells. We'll leave from Middleton Park & Ride at 11 AM.
Taliesin Dash | Sunday, October 19, 2014 | 11AM
Mike will be leading his popular drive through the inspiring Wisconsin countryside near Taliesin in Spring Green.
The several hour drive will once again include some of our fun, twisty, hilly roads and end with a nice meal.
We'll leave from MINI of Madison at 11 AM, the drive will run a little over 2 hours with one bathroom stop, and then we'll enjoy lunch at the wonderful Spring Green General Store.
Cheese Days Drive | Saturday, September 20, 2014 | 11AM
For the first time ever, Mad City MINI is planning a drive to Monroe to enjoy the biannual Green County Cheese Days!
It should be a fun day starting with a drive south of Madison followed by all the cheese tasting and information you could ever want.
We'll leave from MINI of Madison at 11 AM with a pleasant cruise to Monroe, and then you can enjoy the cheesy festivities for as long as you like.
New Brew Thursday | Thursday, September 18, 2014 | 6:30 - 8 PM
One Barrel Brewing Company | 2001 Atwood Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin, 53704
See what Madison’s first and only Nano-Brewery has on tap for you to explore.
They brew unique beers, one barrel at a time, and serve them for a limited time.
Plus they offer wines, hard ciders, a unique saloon menu, and partner with local purveyors for delicious eats.
In fact, the only thing they don’t offer are the answers to life’s greatest questions…although some say they can be found at the bottom of a glass!! or driving a MINI!!
City Drive & Ice Cream Social | Thursday, September 4, 2014 | 6PM - 8:30
Our annual City Drive has become a favorite because of the neighborhoods and parks you get to see that you might not even know existed.
We'll leave from MINI of Madison at 6 PM and end with a nice bit of ice cream to celebrate the end of summer.
Please email us to tell us if you'll be there. [Note: Even though we've been watching the forecast, Thursday's weather seems to be changing daily. In case of rain we'll email a plan to reschedule.]
New Brew Thursday | Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 6:30 - 8 PM
Wisconsin Brewing Company | 1079 American Way, Verona, Wisconsin, 53593
Come check out the facilities at Wisconsin Brewing Company.
Relax on the Backyard Patio by the pond and soak up the summer heat or stay cool in the indoor tap room.
Either way you can check out Kirby's latest brews and discuss the latest MINI news.
New Brew Thursday | Thursday, July 17, 2014 | 6:30 - 8 PM
Next Door Brewing Company | 2439 Atwood Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin, 53704
Lift a pint or two in honor of John Cooper's Birthday at the Next Door Brewing Company;
with 2 for 1 pints until 7 and a release of MobCraft's latest beer "Mistah Tea" (a Tea infused Red Ale).
Mini Meet East Meets West | July 2 – 6, 2014
The 2014 Mini Meet: East Meets West is a destination experience - with the whole family in mind. There will be opportunities to participate in the car show, Funkana, fireworks, educational workshops and plenty of local flavor from beer, brats, cheese, custard and lots of music. Local drives will include a Brew City scavenger hunt along the shores of Lake Michigan, a rustic roads drive through the Kettle Moraine, and even a tasty Cheesy Saturday drive.
It only happens every five years – you don’t want to miss it in 2014. This is a great event for modern MINI Coopers and classic Mini enthusiasts. In addition to all the Mini events, you can take in the world’s biggest music festival, Summerfest, or quench your thirst on one of many brewery tours, while in Milwaukee too.
Please register ASAP! Main activities are on Thur/Fri/Sat of July 4th weekend. Event info and registration here: minimeet2014.com
New Brew Thursday | Thursday, June 26, 2014 | 6:30 - 8 PM
Karben4 | 3698 Kinsman Blvd., Madison, Wisconsin, 53704
Come and sample some more of the most recent additions to the Madison Craft Brewing scene at Karben4
Pirelli World Challenge Series | Friday, June 20, 2014 | 8AM
Jim plans on attending the Pirelli World Challenge Series at Road America, to cheer on the Spec-B MINIs for race #1 & 2 as they challenge the terrain of the 4 mile road course. Join him if you would like for a fun route up to Elkhart Lake. Click these links for Ticket Information or for the Event Schedule.
British Car Field Day | Sunday, June 15, 2014 | 9AM
Join Mad City MINI as we travel to Sussex to enjoy some classic and some not quite so classic British Automobiles and Motorcycles. Socialize with the car owners, marque aficionados and other local MINI groups who will also be in attendance. The event is held rain or shine and we will be leaving MINI of Madison at 9AM. You may return whenever you wish. For more details on the 2014 event see this link.
"Summer Has Arrived" Drive | Saturday, May 31, 2014 | 1PM
Join us for a summer afternoon of motoring south and west of Madison. We will depart from MINI of Madison about 1PM and finish by 4PM. The route is based on some of last year's drives, it should be both fun and fast in some stretches.
New Brew Thursday | Thursday, May 29, 2014 | 6:30 - 8 PM
The Flying Hound Ale House | 6317 McKee Rd, Fitchburg, WI 53719
Jim has decided since so many members seem to like beer and socializing that he should plan some events around that. (Milwaukee MINIs seems to have the ice cream/custard thing worked out.) So, in that regard, let's sample some beer from some of the new brewers in the Madison area on one Thursday evening each month. Join us if you can for New Brew Thursday.
F56 Bloody Original Launch Event | Saturday, April 19, 2014 | 10:00 AM - 4 PM
Come meet the new MINI Hardtop. With a MINI TwinPower Turbo engine, a brilliantly reimagined interior, 8 airbags and new LED headlights, the new MINI Hardtop packs a motoring punch. Please RSVP with MINI of Madison to take the new chap for a spin. Even if you don't take the new F56 out for a motor. MINI of Madison will be celebrating everything British with the Groovy London Event | 9:00 AM - 4 PM. There will be a show at 3 PM paying tribute to the Mini skirt, due to it's British designer, Mary Quant naming it after her favorite make of car.
Holiday Lights Drive & Dinner | Saturday, December 21 AND Sunday, December 29, 2013
It's time for a very special MINI holiday celebration!
We're offering two dates for this event, squeezing in one drive before the big storm, and one between Christmas and New Year's. We hope you can join us for our annual tour of holiday lights in the south/west part of Madison, starting at MINI of Madison, going through Olin Park and winding our way west for a holiday dinner after.
We're thinking of starting around 4:30 but can move it a bit later if need be. Remember: it doesn't matter what car you bring to this event... it's not a MINI rally, it will be in the dark, so everyone is welcome!
Fall Leaf Peepshow Drive | Saturday, October 19, 2013 | 1 PM
Wow, Fall has really arrived in southern Wisconsin so it is time for the group to gather together for another Leaf Peepshow. We will motor from MINI of Madison through southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois and back to downtown Mount Horeb. The afternoon drive will primarily be about enjoying the rolling countryside and great smooth roads. I expect it will be about 3+ hours in duration. If you plan on attending please RSVP.
Hair of the Dog Tour | Saturday, September 7, 2013 | 10:30 AM - 6 PM
Doing a drive around WI sampling beer and cheese got Jim thinking about similar places in the Madison vicinity. Considering we just led a route to various beer purveyors, we decided to call this the "Hair of the Dog" Tour. This is an all-new route including Lake Louie, New Glarus Brewing, and Ale Asylum, with lunch at Freddy Valentine's or the Spring Green General Store and Cafe in Spring Green. We will leave from the Middleton Park & Ride at 10:30 AM.
City Drive | Thursday, August 29, 2013 | 6:30 PM
Join us for our 6th annual city drive, departing from MINI of Madison at 6:30 PM for a tour of interesting Madison neighborhoods and parks. The drive will conclude with an ice cream social at Hubbard Avenue Diner.
Central Wisconsin Beer & Cheese Tour | Saturday, August 24, 2013 | 9 AM - 9 PM
Missed the Great Taste of the Midwest Beer Festival last weekend or did not get enough of it? Then join us as we drive from Madison into Central Wisconsin to explore some of the state’s prominent growing craft breweries and, as a bonus, some cheese manufacturers along the way.
This daylong event will start at MINI of Madison, with lunch at Culver's in Mauston and dinner at Red Eye Brewing in Wausau. After dinner we plan to return to Madison, but anyone interested in staying overnight in the Wausau area should let us know so we can assist with accommodations. Please reply to RSVP as soon as possible, so that we know the level of interest to help us plan accordingly.
Businesses we will be sampling include:
Cedar Grove Cheese Inc.
Carr Valley Cheese Co.
Dairy State Cheese Co.
Why Dairy State Cheese?
Central Waters Brewing Co.
O'So Brewing Co.
Bull Falls Brewery L.L.C.
Red Eye Brewing Co.
Red Eye Food Menu
Cruisin’ to Taliesin | Saturday, June 29, 2013 | 11 AM
Join us for a drive through the inspiring Wisconsin countryside out to the famed Taliesin Estate, Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor Center, and Riverview Terrace Café. The several hour drive led by Mike will once again include some of our fun local twisty and hilly roads and a lunch/brunch stop at the Café. We will leave from MINI of Madison at 11 AM and anticipate that attendees will be able to dine and browse the gift shop before resuming a leg back to Madison. The drive to Taliesin will run a little over 2 hours with a bathroom stop at a local park about 1:20 into the drive.
As the Riverview Terrace will be quite busy this weekend; we need to ask that you RSVP for the drive, as well as indicating how many people will be dining, so that we may adjust the reservation. Please kindly RSVP for the Taliesin event by Monday June 24th.
A Saturday of Vintage Sportscar Racing | Saturday, May 18, 2013 | 9:30 AM
Join us for a drive to Road America on Saturday May 18, 2013 for the 1st race of the Spring Vintage Weekend. The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) hosts this event each year and it kicks off the Road America racing season with an amazing collection of classic race cars restored to their original racing specifications and livery.
We will leave MINI of Madison at 9:30 AM in order to catch all the racing action.
Tickets are $30 and Road America accepts Cash, Mastercard, Visa or Discover.
Spring Jaunt 2013 | Saturday, April 27, 2013 | 2 - 4 PM
Join us for an short excursion and social departing from MINI of Madison and ending up at Greenway Station in Middleton for Chocolate and/or Gelato at Chocolaterie Stam.