Can,t wait to see these curves in person! From behind the wheel and on the gas
Looking forward to the Border Skirmish.

 

Hi, All!

I'm thinking of having some custom painting done on Pepe, and wonder if anyone knows a good automotive artist?

 

I hope you will publish or email the route, just in case. I haven't been very good at keeping up with the other drivers, but would like to come along.

 

We are definitely looking forward to the April skirmish, as well as other excursions. We can't thank you all enough for the warm concern and attention that everyone has expressed.

But, can I ask for some ideas? I've tried to convince Bobbi, to no avail, that the posted speed at curves and twisties are only "Suggestions".

 

Steve, you can share these links with her:

http://www.iowadot.gov/traffic/manua...itbrochure.pdf

http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/pubs/itcd/speedlimits.pdf

Note in Para 2 of this second link the difference between regulatory and advisory speed limits [emphasis mine] - "Several types of speed control are used on streets and highways. These include statutory limits established by state code, such as in school zones or business districts, other regulatory limits, which are established by the authorities responsible for the road, and advisory speed limits, which are unenforceable recommendations often used in situations such as curves and work zones."

Now there is a "catch all" right up front in the Iowa Code, Section 321.285 where it states the following:

"Any person driving a motor vehicle on a highway shall drive the same at a careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the highway and of any other conditions then existing, and no person shall drive any vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than will permit the person to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead, such driver having the right to assume, however, that all persons using said highway will observe the law."

IMHO, since the MINI stops on a dime, and since the "careful and prudent" speed we use in the twisties can be considered "reasonable and proper" for a MINI, I'd say we've got the bases covered nicely.

 

Just have her go 10mph over on the next one. She'll see that the MINI just eats it up and asks for more.

Clover leafs would be good practice. They normally suggest 25mph but I do 50mph.

 

That'll happen when I get the entire drive mapped out and tested...probably in about six weeks or so. Thus far I've settled on the pre-lunch route and I called the restaurant at our lunch stop to make sure they could handle the group size (hint: it's not Doc's Blue Moose this year... )

 

Afraid I can't be much help on this one... CR/IC folks?

 

why does the Tracking Mod thread display differently than the rest of them?
So annoying.

 

??? I don't see any difference...

 

I just realized I have spring break coming up March 10-18 and will need a MINI adventure! Anyone have a suggestion of where to go/what to do?

 

Hmmm.... not aware of any major events. Will have to put the thinking cap on.

My initial gut reaction was, "Head South!"

 

Definitely South!! Until I hit the 65 degree mark (temp that is!). I'm planning on attending the Branson event in May, and Mickey & MINIs in Orlando in September so someplace other than those directions... Arizona?

 

for graphics try RK Graphics here in Clinton.

 

Thursday and Friday we'll be out in Des Moines at Willis.

 

Hey gang, we received this post on the EIM website's Q&A page:

"I'm in the North Liberty area and looking for a used (2009 or newer), relatively low mileage Cooper S convertible with an automatic transmission and wondered if anyone in the club might know of a good one."

I know there are not a plethora of Cabrios around, but if you happen to know of any leads feel free to post a reply in this chat thread (I've directed the Q&A poster to look here).

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ship-50&cat=20

 

Check out our Website or our Facebook Page for exciting news about MTTS 2012!

 

Yay mtts ia

 

I hope to do Chicago - Des-moines with events at both.

 

Me, too.

 

I've been trading emails with some of the guys over at CIMC to see if there might be any collaborative participation opportunities (within the realm of things that are simple, doable, and fun). I'm not envisioning EIM trying to head up any sort of official MTTS stop in eastern IA that would require a whole lot of people, resources, planning, and work/time commitments. If someone else feels called to organize such an event, they're welcome to do so. The MTTS schedule of events, when it comes out, will likely dictate what is possible and what is not.

I'll keep everyone posted on what I hear.

OBTW, I see myself doing the same as deanman and D3m0N. We'll crank up a separate coordination thread once we know more.

 

It would be great if on the way through to have several hundred MINI's take over the I80 Truckstop

 

+1

 

That idea has tremendous merit. (I guess it's safe to assume that the gaggle will come over on I-80 as opposed to US-30...)

I wonder if there's anything we could do under the EIM "corporate" name at such a stop that would stand out, plus be easily planned and executed? Thinking caps on.