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General MINI TalkShared experiences, motoring minutes, and other general MINI-related discussion that applies to all MINIs, regardless of model, year or trim.
Has anyone driven over the Rockies? I am going to be driving from Seattle to Pikes Peak, CO. So not only will I be going over the Rockies but the cascades. I left 2 days for me and my co driver to get there plus there are some extra days where nothing is going on so if we run late. Anything to know with driving a mini cooper there?
Just be sure to give the car a once over to make sure everything is in good working order. You will notice your MINI may sound or drive a wee bit different due to the altitude change. Colorado Springs is beautiful and Pikes Peak is even prettier! It's going to be a bit chilly so be sure to pack lots of warm clothes. Do be sure to share some pictures with us.
This time of year, have snow tires and your car ready for winter driving.
It's a beautiful and fun drive. Bring your camera and take your time to admire the scenery. If you are in a hurry, you can probably get there in around 12 hours on a good day if the roads are bare. So 2 days should be plenty of time.
Has anyone driven over the Rockies? I am going to be driving from Seattle to Pikes Peak, CO. So not only will I be going over the Rockies but the cascades. I left 2 days for me and my co driver to get there plus there are some extra days where nothing is going on so if we run late. Anything to know with driving a mini cooper there?
Snow and the close roads sometimes. Extra time, snow tires , maybe studs. And snow chains / mobility tire kit might be needed,
A have to drive in S-W CO is the Million Dollar highway, Rt 550, we've driven it from Durango up to Montrose. If not, Rt 50 East from Montrose over to Salida is a beautiful drive going over Monarch Pass. Not sure about the winter conditions though.
If you get in to Grand Junction for the night, don't pass up a chance to drive thru Colorado Monument and we'd strongly recommend the Columbine Motel.
Last edited by Fly'n Brick; Dec 31, 2015 at 01:11 PM.
I always carry the following when I drive any distance in the winter . Spare Water, MRE's ( Meals Ready to Eat ) Blankets, tarp , gloves , chemical hand warmers and Kitty Litter .
I always carry the following when I drive any distance in the winter . Spare Water, MRE's ( Meals Ready to Eat ) Blankets, tarp , gloves , chemical hand warmers and Kitty Litter .
^ Aside from the general mechanical once over, make sure your battery is in good condition because I've found really cold temperatures make old batteries super cranky. Also, make sure your wiper fluid is the kind that doesn't freeze.
And to echo wabiker3576, definitely an emergency kit with food/water, blankets and a battery operated/wind up radio. Gloves and winter shoes/coats are a must when installing chains and kitty litter to help you get out of slippery situations, literally. Living in the Sierra Nevadas, I've seen too many people trying to chain up over Donner Summit in shorts and tennis shoes--even flip flops, and that's a recipe for a bad time. An ice scraper/snow brush is a great idea too.
