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Bimmerfesters' Climb to the Clouds IV, June 9, 2012

83K views 979 replies 44 participants last post by  Zooks527 
#1 · (Edited)
The Bimmerfest 'Climb to the Clouds IV' will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012 in The White Mountains of New Hampshire. <O:p
For the fourth year in a row we're going to be touring the White Mountains of NH in our BMWs. This event is open to all Bimmerfesters, old and new, the only requirement is that you bring a BMW. In the past we've had a good mix of late model 3's, M3's, and a Z or two. It would be great to have a few E30's, E36's, E46's and maybe even an F30 along. All are welcome. Get ahold of your buddies and caravan on up, you'll have some driving you won't forget anytime soon!
<O:p
As the event has grown many of us have decided to make a weekend mini vacation out of it and stay at the Mount Washington Hotel, or at the Bretton Woods Hotel. Others are daytrippers and drive in from the New England states. They meet at The Tilton Diner for a good breakfast, and then drive north to meet in Woodstock with the 'vacationers'. We all then convoy the rest of the trip which you can read about below.

As we have done in the previous Climbs, we will again be raising a charitable contribution which will be made in the name of "Bimmerfesters Climb to the Clouds". Please read about the worthy cause we have selected at the end of the second post in this thread.

<O:p</O:p
The Plan<O:p</O:p
After everyone meets in Woodstock (huge McDonald's parking area we have all to ourselves!) we hit the road. And what a road it is, the Kancamagus Highway. It's 30 miles of one of the most scenic roads in the USA. All mountains and passes through a National Park.
<O:p</O:p
Next highlight is a great photo-op, a picture of your BMW exiting the Jackson covered bridge, that'll be a keeper. <O:p</O:p
Then we're off for the main feature, the 7.2 mile long road to the summit of Mt. Washington. I'll leave it up to other 'Festers to post their pics and tell a little bit about that adventure, it is one unforgettable trip!
<O:p</O:p
We'll regroup at the base head across the street and have a chicken barbeque lunch hosted by the Mt. Washington Auto Road Co. This will be a first this year and I think the food and the view will be spectacular.

After lunch we head for our next stop, The Mount Washington Hotel. Getting there is half the fun, more perfect BMW style roads. You'll get a chance to check out this magnificent old world resort hotel and then we'll split into two groups.
<O:p</O:p
One group will spend some extra time enjoying hotel amenities and ambience, while the second group heads out for Bear Notch Road. BNR is arguably the best driver's road in New England and it is an experience you won't soon forget.
Both groups then reform at The Woodstock Inn where we will have our Banquet. This fun event, held in an old New England inn and brewpub, has been a relaxing event where many of us have formed new friendships or renewed old ones. As we've done in the past, we'll have an auction to raise funds for charity. In previous years we've donated almost $1700 in the name of 'Bimmerfesters Climb to the Clouds' to Susan G Komen for the Cure.
<O:p</O:p
This year a different charity has been selected, Furby will post about that later in this thread. Check it out, it's a very worthy cause.
<O:p</O:p
After the banquet some Bimmerfesters head home, others go back to their hotel for an evening of drinks and good conversation. A hearty breakfast gets everyone together again before the weekend is over and we're off for home.
<O:p</O:p
The trip is very family friendly, and all ages will have one heck of a day. Last year we were honored to have many friends, spouses and a few children along too. Several lasting friendships began on the Climb, and many more will. It's a fun way to meet your fellow Bimmerfesters. I can honestly say that everyone who has been on the trip has been a pleasure to have along, and we're often surprised that in real life we're a bunch of genuinely nice, and generous, people.

The Details

'Festers, save Saturday June 9, we're gathering for our fourth annual Bimmering adventure! Again last year there were no arrests and all drivers were present and accounted for at the finish line. We're going to push our luck and do it all over again. This actually is a very family friendly trip, and you are encouraged to bring your S.O. and kids along. I guarantee they will see things that they will talk about for years.

Here's a Google Map showing our trip. It is fully interactive so check out all the features. Click on the blue links on the left side and the map will bring up those locations.
When you get to the map, 'pull' it down so you can see the actual tour area. When the map first displays it has the Tilton Diner at the center. You need to look further north.
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en...,0.973663&z=10

The daytrippers will meet for breakfast at The Tilton Diner in Tilton, NH and go over the plans one last time. We'll convoy through back country to "Woodstock where we meet the weekenders, and then you're going to find out what 'Freude am Fahren' is all about, NH style: The Kancamagus Scenic Byway. The "Kanc' snakes 35 miles through mountains and valleys of the White Mountain National Forest at an average elevation of 2900 feet. Dozens of twists, turns, hairpins, rises and dips will test your car's suspension, and your concentration while surrounded by spectacular scenery.
http://www.nhtourguide.com/triprepor..._hampshire.htm

The Kanc winds up in Conway which we'll bypass for Jackson, the home of a beautiful covered bridge and the opportunity to take a picture of your BMW passing through. Then it's 45 minutes more of spectacular views on our way to the Mt. Washington Auto Road.

Although plenty wide and mostly paved the Auto Road will not be an adventure for the faint of heart. There are no guard rails, not a single Jersey Barrier, just you and the mountain. And the valley floor over a thousand feet below.
http://mtwashingtonautoroad.com/drive-yourself/

There will be a 'Fest photographer snapping a souvenir photo of your BMW rounding an uphill switchback with the mountain on one side and...nothing...on the other.
<O:p</O:p

At the top is the Summit House and you'll get a half hour to explore (it's kid safe-mostly). It is unlikely the wind will be like the day when it set a (recently eclipsed) world record velocity of over 230 mph right where we're parking. It's all downhill from there, literally. Driving down can be even more***8230;............ um, interesting, than driving up.
<O:p</O:p
After arriving at the base you're all invited to something new this year, a chicken barbeque. It's across the street at the base lodge, and it should be a great lunch while enjoying an unbeatable view of the Presidential Range.
<O:p</O:p
We'll then head north and west, skirting the Presidential Range and check out a few more sights along the way while passing through Crawford Notch and dipping south to The Mount Washington Hotel.

The MW Hotel, one of the few remaining Grand Dames of a bygone era recently underwent a multimillion dollar restoration. It's a great photo op and not to be missed. Plan on taking in the view of The Great Whites from the lounge before our group picture out front!

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/BrettonWoodsMountWashington.aspx

Those of us who want to have a little driving adventure are heading for Bear Notch Road, others will get to soak up the hotel ambience for a little longer.

http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/nh_bnr.html

BN Road, which would itself be a major attraction if not for the Kanc, ends at the Kanc which we will now travel to Woodstock. There we regroup with the rest of the convoy for our banquet.
http://www.woodstockinnnh.com/default.php

Total trip time, start to finish, is estimated at 8 to 9 hours. I'll be driving the route in late May (can't now, it's still snowbound in sections), and will verify all roads and the schedule.

Each driver will receive an info packet with route maps when we meet. However I will post the final route and schedule in late May so that anyone with a GPS can set waypoints if they wish. It won't be required though because the roads are all well marked and you will get maps with your itinerary.

This will be a great opportunity for you and your family to enjoy a day together with your fellow Bimmerfesters. You might even want to stay overnight into Sunday..

Again, all the details will be posted by late May. The trip date is set in stone, Saturday the 9th of June (the 17th is Father's Day).

FAQ

Q. How many BMWs will there be?
A. For tactical reasons we're going to limit it to 40 confirmed cars with 5 more stand-bys as fill ins. Reservations are on a first come, first served basis.
We'll be convoying in groups of 10, each led by someone who did the trip in a previous year. Groups will be formed based on driving style. Everyone will be comfortable with their group.

Q. How are the paid events paid?
A. You handle everything yourself. Don't forget the 'Toll' up the Auto Road, lunch, a drink at The Mt. Washington Hotel if you'd like one, and the banquet for which there are individual guest tabs i.e. you pay for what you consume.

 
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#112 ·
:rofl:

Okay, no fair guys. I'm supposed to be in study hall and I keep getting diverted from my umlauts and eszetts.

Break time (for me) is over. :rolleyes:
 
#126 ·
This is one mighty tough crowd. (What have I gotten into?) ;)
The special wing of the asylum set aside for the high-functioning crazies. New arrivals get choice of rooms with leather or leatherette padding, although the question of how to tell the difference sparked a debate that raged for days.
 
#125 ·
What part of Jersey? I am coming from Philly. I want to know so I can find you on the road up :)
 
#133 ·
I called the hotel today and my contact is not working until Monday. I will be calling her Monday, so I will definitely get the update :)
 
#135 · (Edited)
Hey, did I miss the description of what the charity is this year?

Reading between the lines, it looks like we're kicking in $20 each to get a children's charity to guide Furby up Mt. Kilimanjaro. If that's the case, can we give $40 each to convince the guides to misplace him there? ;)
 
#138 ·
You know. They might very well be willing to leave me up there for $40 each!

Though, to your dismay, apparently texting/web connectivity is available at the top of the mountain (go figure).

DSX is reviewing a "message" that I crafted (with CA). Once that is approved he will post it in the first thread. It should give a lot more information. Though no need to worry, the cost of the trip will be purely out of my own pocket :) Your donations are going entirely to the charity.

On a side note, one of my friends did say he is donating just so he can laugh at the notion that I will be freezing my butt off for 8 days.

-Furball
 
#140 · (Edited)
Hi All,

DSX just posted the below statement for me, on page one. Since most people are not going to page one, I wanted to post the information. The statement below will tell you a little bit about the charity I volunteered for, my involvement, how all of us can help contribute, and some of the methods we are doing so.

I appreciate everyone taking the time to read and your contributions!

Regards

Furball
--------------
Climb to the Summit of Mount Kilimenjaro to raise money for impoverished children in East Africa.​

On Monday, September 3rd, 2012, Furby and dozens of other volunteers, from all over the world, will stand on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to commemorate the success of raising money for the VSO charity which helps underprivileged children in East Africa. Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world summiting at 19,340 feet.
Furby and the other climbers will be is raising money for Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) to help underprivileged children in East Africa who are suffering from devastating poverty. 100% of the money raised will go to VSO who in turn will send skilled professionals (doctors, teachers, construction workers) to build schools and provide an education for these children. The education that the children will receive will give them the skills they need to help them succeed in life! After completing the fund-raising portion Furby and the other volunteers will travel to Mt Kilimanjaro, at their own expense, to climb to the summit and celebrate the success of the fund raising.
VSO is the world***8217;s leading independent international development organization that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries. VSO's high-impact approach involves bringing people together to share skills, build capabilities, promote international understanding and action, and change lives to make the world a fairer place for all. Every day around 1,500 VSO volunteers are working in carefully selected placements, sharing their and experience and working to tackle poverty by empowering those really affected by it.

The road to Kilimanjaro***8217;s summit starts now!
The VSO team has already begun to prepare, train, and fundraise in order to enable a successful trek and more importantly, to make an impact on the devastating poverty afflicting these children. The success of the trek and the difference that we can make in the lives of the region's children depends on you. Each trekker is required to raise approximately $7000 to enable the work of VSO. These funds are above and beyond personal trip costs, such as equipment, airfare, etc., so you can be sure that all of your donation will do the most good by directly supporting those in need.

How you can help!

This year Bimmerfester's will be raising money to help the children during our fourth annual Climb to the Clouds event. We will cruise through the gorgeous terrain of New Hampshire***8217;s White Mountains, climb the Mt Washington Auto Road in our amazing machines (hoping to avoid limp mode), celebrate the friendships that bring together BMW enthusiasts from all over, and to raise money for a wonderful cause via donations, auctions, and raffles. While we are anxious to see as many Bimmerfester's as possible, we understand not everyone can make this trek. This year we are providing a mechanism for every 'fester to participate in this event and support the charity. There are several different options.

1. Direct donation on the charity web page:
The easiest and most straight forward method is to donate on the charity web page: http://www.justgiving.com/ClimbToTheSky.
This page accepts Credit Cards and PayPal, and is the fastest/simplest method of donating. If you so desire, please state a Bimmerfest message in the comments so we can acknowledge your generosity.

2. 50/50 Cash Raffle.
The winner receives 50% of the pot, and the other 50% goes to the charity. For this option please PayPal the funds ($5/ticket) to: bimmerfest.c2c4@gmail.com
Please make sure:
  • To state your online name and to mention the C2C4 charity raffle
  • To do this a few days in advance so funds can clear by the raffle event and
  • To check "sender pays fees" if you are funding this by your credit card.
During the C2C4 event we will draw a random ticket. The winner will receive their winnings along with a receipt and acknowledgement of winning the raffle.

3. C2C4 Auction
Auction items (TBD)
This auction is held during our annual Saturday Night Climb to the Clouds IV Dinner on July 9, 2012. This year we are going to open up bidding to those who are not able to attend the event. While the items to be auctioned are still being added the process will work like this:
  • Decide which items you are interested in
  • E-mail Furby (bimmerfest.c2c4@gmail.com) stating which items you would like to bid on, the incremental bid, and the maximum bid. During the auction Furby will proxy for you. If you win the auction you can then PayPal Furby the money (plus actual shippingcosts) and the item will be shipped to you. To help you calculate shipping costs, the items will be shipped from Philadelphia, PA.
  • Watch this post for a list of the items that will be auctioned. We are going to have some very nice items this year and you will not want to miss an opportunity to place your bids.

We encourage everyone to contribute items to be auctioned whether you are attending the climb or not. Take a photo of the item and email it with a brief description to (bimmerfest.c2c4@gmail.com). If you are attending the climb bring your auction items to the dinner. If you are not attending let Furby know in the e-mail and he can provide you with the mailing address.

On behalf of Bimmerfest Climb to the Clouds, VSO, and the grateful beneficiaries of VSO's crucial work in East Africa, thank you for your support!

Feel free to contact Furby with any questions.

Please also consider forwarding this message widely - to anyone who may be interested in learning more or supporting.

Avi/Furball

VSO Charity number 313757
 
#141 ·
Hi All,

I am getting the contract today or tomorrow. So, some news:
Due to the hotel being at 70% occupancy right now the price will be higher; lower then the web price, and you can book one night, but still higher then last year.
The Bretton Arms will be the new price, and by the time we arrive they will have completely renovated it so it should be like a new hotel
Prices are for double occupancy (two people). If there are more then two people in the room (ages 16+) it will be an extra $20/person. Children under the age of 16 stay free. The first two 16+ per room are at the cost of the room

I will have more details as I get the contract (should be today or tomorrow).
 
#144 ·
Hi All,

The information below is valid, but don't call in yet - the contract is still being written up:

6/8/2012 – 6/10/2012
Omni Mount Washington Hotel Traditional Queen Rooms at $269 per room per night for single or double occupancy – hold 8 rooms
Omni Bretton Arms Inn Deluxe Rooms at $159 per room per night for single or double occupancy – hold 7 rooms

If we think we need more then 8 rooms at Omni and 7 in Bretton then let me know. They just don't want to hold 30 like they did last year.
 
#145 ·
Furby, thanks for doing the leg work on this!

Their website lists the following for Jun 8-Jun 10:

Omni Bretton Arms Inn at Mount Washington Resort

Room 1 Adults: 1 Children: 0
Best Available Rate from $159.00 / night [ + ] [ - ]
Take advantage of Omni's special web rate! Rate also includes Deluxe Country Breakfast each morning for each person registered in the room.

So is the deal you are working on better than their $159 posted web rate?
 
#147 ·
Does the rate above include double occupancy ($20)and the hotel resort fee ($20)

But thanks to you I did get a bit better of a price.
 
#146 · (Edited)
Hotel update

I have the contract in hand and just need to return it to them (not that easy when I am not home). I think the hotel I am at this week can help me with that tonight.

This is what we got, and while not as good as last year, it's not bad considering the hotel is at 70% booking:

  • Mt Washington (Main hotel) - Hotel Traditional Queen: Single/Double Occupancy $269/night. Each additional adult (age 16+) is +$20/night
  • Bretton Arms Delux - Single/Double Occupancy $139/night. Each additional adult (age 16+) is +$20/night
  • Omni waived the resort amenity fee ($20/night)
  • Prices do not include taxes
  • You can book the hotel for one, two or three nights
  • The room block is under the name: Bimmerfest.com Climb To The Clouds IV for VSO/Kilimanjaro Charity
  • The room block is not active yet. I have to get them the contract and it takes about 5-7 days to get activated. I will post as soon as it is. No worries about getting the reservations :) This room block is gauranteed until May 9
  • Hotel cancellation policy: If you book the trip, but need to cancel you need to do so 72 hours in advance or be charged one night room + tax cancellation fee
 
#148 ·
First off, thanks for working on our behalf for the room reservations. :thumbup:

The info I got on their website was $159 for single and $179 for double
This does not include $20 resort fee or taxes. Both the room and the resort fee are taxable.

$139 is still better than $159


from their chat agent:
Shanin: The rate of $179 (for double) doesn't include the resort fee, the resort fee is added after room and tax. The final total would include that fee

you: can you tell me the amount of the resort fee?

Shanin: The fee is $20 + tax a night/per room
 
#149 ·
First off, thanks for working on our behalf for the room reservations. :thumbup:

The info I got on their website was $159 for single and $179 for double
This does not include $20 resort fee or taxes. Both the room and the resort fee are taxable.

$139 is still better than $159

from their chat agent:
Shanin: The rate of $179 (for double) doesn't include the resort fee, the resort fee is added after room and tax. The final total would include that fee

you: can you tell me the amount of the resort fee?

Shanin: The fee is $20 + tax a night/per room
So, their webrate (for Bretton) is $179 double + $20 resort fee) for $199. Do they require two nights stay?
The brokered rate is much better, and includes double which is important for most of the attendees. Also you have the option of booking 1, 2 or 3 nights.
 
#278 ·
I'll be staying at Hampton Inn (in Tilton) on Friday, and in the Omni main on Saturday. If anyone else is saying at Hampton, give me a shout and maybe we can meet on Friday night.
We had quite a group stay there the year before last. Good reports.
Have done a bit of a re-vamp of our plans - We too will be at the Hampton in Tilton on Friday night.

What time is breakfast at the Tilton Diner on Saturday morning?
 
#152 · (Edited)
Please PM me if you plan to stay at Omni:

  • Name (first is fine)
  • Main or Bretton Arms
  • Fri, Sat and/or Sun
  • Phone number (optional)

I will let the hotel know, in case we run out of rooms in the block so we can get more.

I will arrive Friday night. Last year we had dinner there. It's not "officially" part of the event, but since people are there it is a nice thing to do. I definitely will be having scotch, cheese and olives on the veranda :) A drunk Furby will be around.

As we get closer to the event I will ping the omni attendees my number so you can let us know when you arrive. It's nicer if we do things together - but you are certainly not required to do so.

As of 3/28 at 12:34PM ET, only one person told me they are staying. While I know others are staying, just ping me to confirm the hotel/date(s). That tracking will help for the room blocks.

EDIT: Signed contract has been received. I should get a call in the next couple of days and then we will be setup to bombard them with hotel reservations (new and changes)
 
#156 ·
We will be staying in the main hotel Friday, Saturday and Sunday,

CA
 
#157 ·
I got some good items, so far, for the event. I have a feeling that I will be bringing a bunch of things.

On a side note, I had a happy hour yesterday, and not including what the bar (The Bards) will donate, I raised some good money and people had a fun time.

I am very much looking forward to this event!

On Monday I will call the hotel to see if the contract was entered into their computer systems.
 
#158 ·
The April 2012 Roundel has a great article beginning on page 34 titled 'White Mountain High'. In it they take a 400 HP 335i on a grand tour of the Kancamagus Highway. The same Kanc we'll be touring in June. Smartly, they also take a diversion up Bear Notch Road, giving kudos to it's...ahem..."more technical turns" and elevation changes. Ah, yes. The same BNR is on our itinerary.
The issue is just arrivng, check it out when you can.
 
#159 ·
Thanks for the heads up. But since I mentioned this to SO, I'm betting that my new issue of Roundel will be all riffled and dogeared by the time it lands on my desk. :thumbup:
 
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