August 21, 2006:

MTTS#1: Monterey, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

(download route info here)

Total Daily Drive Time: 6.5 hours or 360 miles (9:00am – 5:30pm)

Main Route Synopsis: After the beach event in Monterey, MINI motorists will have the opportunity to sample one of the best driving highways in America. California Highway 1 travels through Big Sur and alongside some of the most dramatic coastline on earth. Expect plenty of scenic vistas, crashing ocean surf and rolling California hillsides. And a few cows too!

Special Events: Western Regional Event Kickoff Beach Party
The Western Region of MINI USA kicks off MINI Takes the States with the “Let’s Get Up and Go” Beach Party event at Pirate’s Cove Beach House at Monterey Beach. This early morning event will combine music, food, beach bonfires and a special guest appearance to wave the start flag for the MINI Takes the States cross country adventure. This event follows the Rolex Monterey Historics Automobile Races at Laguna Seca Raceway. California welcomes the entire Western Region for MINI USA and what a better location than right on the beach.

Famous designer Shepard Fairey will create a special custom designed limited edition poster for MINI Takes the States. It’s a must have, one of kind offering which will be distributed to registered MTTS participants at all four regional events courtesy of Swindle Magazine.

Points of Interest: Big Sur Coastal Highway 1, San Simeon and Hearst Castle

Fun Facts: Monterey named by Sebastian Vizcaino after Count de Monterey, a viceroy of new Spain. The Royal Presido Chapel is the oldest structure in Monterey, constructed by the Spanish government in 1794.

Club Connections: SCMM