Greetings to the ZBimmers!
 
The ZBimmer Spring Weekender to Lexington KY will be Friday, April 21 thru Sunday, April 23.  Jeff and Kim Ball and Donna Mallany are coordinating this ever-popular outing.  As you may remember, this event always has a few surprises and many memorable moments.  Please plan to join you ZBimmer buddies for the Spring Weekender in Lexington.  Following is Jeff’s description of the trip.
 
It's Springtime!
 
OK, well maybe not here but, Lexington Kentucky is a few weeks ahead of us in that department.  Consider this your personal invitation to spend the weekend in the horse country of north central Kentucky. 
 
Meet at the TravelCenters of America (330-769-2053) in Lodi at I-71 & I-76 at Rt. 224, Exit 209.  There is a restaurant on site and fuel is available.  Plan for an 8:00 AM departure.  Sorry for the early start but we have a couple of full days planned and don't want to spend them all on interstate highways.   Please let Cindy or me (jeffball880@netscape.net) know you are going.  We don't want to leave you at the start if you're running a bit late.
 
Friday, we'll speed down 71 and get thru Cincinnati. At that point I have some back roads and some interestingly named places to pass through or near, so keep your cameras at the ready to capture the city signs.   
 
After we give the cars their 'German spring tune-up', we plan to help you part with a portion of your hard-earned cash.  Some of the best horses in the country will be running at Keeneland Race Park (www.keeneland.com).  The racing starts at 1:00 and the last race goes off at 5:30. We plan to arrive in the middle somewhere.  Not too many mint juleps, but ya have to have at least one. 
 
After we've lost our shirts at the track, Donna will get us to our hotel. This is a huge challenge since getting out of the track together is nearly impossible.  Keep your maps and Talkabouts at the ready!  Then she has dinner planned after a quick freshen up at the hotel.  Did I mention it was a full day? 
 
On Saturday, we'll visit a couple points of interest and drive through the scenic horse farm countryside.  Expect a few surprises!  Dinner will be downtown in the old part of Lexington.  Sunday is pretty laid back. We'll find breakfast somewhere and head back on the highway. Time to be determined by how late we need to sleep.   
 
We have a block of rooms reserved at the Holiday Inn Lexington South. If you are going, please make your decision and call early, before April 7.  The closer it gets to our departure date the more likely there will be a full hotel, especially since the horses are running at Keeneland.
 
The hotel reservation info, as provided by Holiday Inn. 
Thank you for choosing the Holiday Inn Lexington South to host the BMW Car Club on April 21-23, 2006.  Per your request, we have the following rooms reserved for your group:
 
1 king with sofa sleeper smoking @ $79.99 plus taxes per night
9 king with sofa sleeper non-smoking @ $79.99 plus taxes per night
 
The group block is set-up to be handled individually, meaning everyone will call-in to make their own reservation and will be paying their own charges.  Please ask that everyone make their reservation by the cut-off date of April 7, 2006 in one of the following ways:
 
1. Contact the hotel directly at (859) 263-5241 and mention that you are with the BMW Car Club arriving on April 21-23, 2006.
2.  Contact the central reservations office at 1-800-HOLIDAY and mention that you are with the BMW Car Club arriving on April 21-23, 2006 at the Holiday Inn Lexington South in Lexington, KY.
3. Visit our website at www.holiday-inn.com/lexington-s and make your reservation.  After entering in the arrival/departure dates and that individual’s room requirements, enter the group booking code of “BMW”.  This will ensure the group rate will be displayed.
 
Here's the boiler plate for the Spring Weekender to Lexington.  Please join us for the entire trip or just the part that's convenient for you.  Bring along all the Zs that you can find.  Dress appropriately for the temperature because we drive regardless of weather.  Don't forget sunscreen and sun glasses if it's bright.  Have a full tank of gas to start the drive.  Bring your Talkabouts tuned to channel 7,5.  Be sure the camera has batteries or film.  Remember your tank of gas donation for Make A Wish.  

Looking forward to seeing you on the Spring Weekender to Lexington and driving some miles together in the warm weather.  Won't it be wonderful to cruise horse farm country with the top down?  Let someone know you're joining in the fun and don't forget your Parade Permits!
 
Cindy