A fun, just-released video by the MINI5280 folks documenting last year's MITM for you to enjoy.

I see a very familiar and particularly good looking Astro Black Cabrio Sidewalk Edition with U of I tags at the 1:07 mark...oh, and it's sitting right next to a particularly handsome--and equally familiar--Hyper Blue MCS. Those who attended might see some other familiar faces and MINIs.

Sure "plants the seed" and gets one thinking about how fun it would be to head out there and motor in the mountains again.

 

Ya know I noticed after I started the Window Tint thread the Administrator popped up with a "Thread Starter" reminder. Did you guys notice that? I feel like I should go stand in the corner, not go outside for recess and miss out on the milk and cookies. Bad Smokin' Jo.

 

Yes, but motoring the the hills in May is gonna be great

 

I didn't read it, but I wouldn't sweat it if I were you. New threads are started almost continuously; I doubt that reminder was directed specifically at you (notice it pops up in every club forum). You posted it in our EIM forum and, by doing so, the intent was clearly to stimulate discussion among our group and not everyone on the site.

I think the main mods have just grown weary of seeing the two hundred-fiftieth repeat of the same old tired thread title in one of the General Discussion forums (e.g., "MC vs MCS", "Does your MINI have a name?", "How do I change my oil?", etc.) and are overly sensitive to it. As a co-moderator of our EIM forum (D3m0N is the other) I'd make a point of weighing in if I felt it was necessary, and I think I've only intervened once in the 41 months we've had our own forum.

Always good for the thread titles to be as specific as possible, but when you're in the EIM forum there's no need to be shy.

 

We'll have none of that corner/recess/cookie stuff! None of it!

 

Hi all, I'm pretty new to the group, we have not had the MCS for a whole month yet. I am really having a hoot driving it every day, its much more entertaining than the turck. (now it can be just the tow vehicle for the camper and car trailer.)

With spring coming, I am getting excited about my other hobby as well, autocrossing with the Sports Car Club. I have been pretty active with the SCCA for a long time now. How many of you have tried an autocross? It doesn't seem like we see very many Mini's at the local events. You all do know you have one of the best cars for the sport right? If you really want to have some fun and find the limits of your Mini in a safe venue autocross is for you!

 

JD, I'm guessing that we probably have a few folks that might be keen on trying out their skills at an Auto-X.

If you're interested in setting something up in an organized way, I can help you deconflict your plans with events that are already on the EIM schedule. Feel free to PM me with your ideas.

Glad you're enjoying the MINI!

 

I would be interested in the Auto-X. Don't you need fancy equipment like helmets and stuff??

 

This is a great “why didn’t I think of it “ idea! I have done figure 8 autocrosses and I think everyone should .Warning it is very humbling , we all have incredible tools at our disposal ( Minis) but mostly , getting the best out of them is an entirely other matter. One thing ,on the right course you can beat Corvettes( I wasn't on the right course)

 

You really don't need anything. We (the Iowa Region SCCA) have loaner helmets. All you need is your car and maybe something to wipe the grin off your face.

I will post our schedule here soon.

Something we have done in the past is to create a special class for a group that wants to come out and try auto-x. Its nice to come out and just compete informally with friends and get a feel for what its all about.

So I'll get the schedule rounded up this weekend and post it and maybe we can figure out an event that works. Of course everyone is welcome at all of the events as well.

 

I tried it at the Dragstrip one summer in Cordova Ill.

 

Here is the full Auto-X schedule for the Iowa Region SCCA

April 17th Waterloo Greyhound Park
May 22nd Greyhound Park
June 5th Greyhound Park
July 3 & 4 Oskaloosa Airport
July 25th Hawkeye Downs Cedar Rapids
August 14th Oskaloosa Airport
Sept 11th Hawkeye Downs
October 2nd Marshalltown GoKart track
Octover 23rd Oskaloosa Airport

You can also check us out at www.iowaregionscca.org There are links there to the Great River Region and the Des Moines Valley Regions as well.

Happy Motoring

 

In addition to those who want to independently try their hand at auto-x on any of these dates, I think June 5th in Waterloo would be a great time to plan a full EIM group event. Those that want to participate can, and those that want to watch and cheer instead can do that too. We'd work a meal or ice cream or something similar in as well.

Sound reasonable?

 

that sounds great

 

Excellent idea! I have it on my calendar

 

Changed my oil yesterday. Here's a tip: When the little rubber casket on the filter holder thing (I know it has a name ) breaks- lots of oil spurts out Imagine my surprise when I drove her off the ramps and left a trail of oil. This is the 3rd time we have changed my oil and never had a problem. Either I didn't get it set in the groove properly or we had a bad gasket. I suspect the latter. Since it is kind of important to have, we reused the old one. I am ordering a new filter today (I don't think I can get just the gasket) just in case the old gasket fails.

My question is- Would I be wise to change it out immediately?? The good thing is with the filter up so high you lose very little oil when pulling the filter off.

 

Yeah, that O-ring can get dorked up pretty easily when putting the filter cover back on. Gotta oil it up good with your fingers so it slips on nicely. Sometimes the filter cover threads can cut it a bit too. Or it might have had a flaw to begin with.

I would say if you're sealing up okay with the old O-ring, you'll be just fine until your next scheduled oil change. You're not the first (and certainly won't be the last) person who's reverted back to the old O-ring.

 

Thanks! I am feeling less stupid knowing I am not the first person to bugger it up.

 

Spotted a PW/B in town..gave lights & wave...no response. Is there a word that describes these "Mini owners but not Mini people"? If not we should create one.
Welcome to daylight savings!!

 

how about "shouldhaveboughtatoyota"

 

I too, see more and more of these non-MINI people behind the wheel of a MINI and it saddens me.

 

Yep, but I'll continue to smile and wave, or give 'em the old . If the other driver thinks you're wacko, nothing lost. But there's always the chance that such outreach will allow someone to reflect on where that enthusiasm came from and ultimately "see the light."

Totally unrelated thought: Only 6 days, 7 hours, and 5 minutes until we can retire this thread for the season and transition over to the warm weather babble one.

 

On a positive note to this thread, my grandson and granddaughter gave me a Minnie Mouse antenna ball for my Clubman S for Christmas. It certainly has generated much conversation in fellow drivers of all cars at stoplights, etc. I know because I see them pointing, etc in my rear view mirror.

 

Gary,
Thanks for sending out the monthly newsletter. Is there going to be a 'printable' Calendar of Events like last year? I like to post it on the fridge and highlight the dates of the events so my GF knows what I'll be doing.
Thanks.
Noro Lim!

 

The New York Times reviewer describes the Countryman as "brutish." It may not have that huggable look most of us like, but there is no way it should be described as brutish! I want one, and I will be very proud to have it parked in my garage.

http://tinyurl.com/4abhmhr