I started working for MINI/BMW in 2006. Before then I never really gave a MINI a second glace. Then I drove a R53 and noted how fun they really are, but "I would never own one". Fast forward to 2010 and I'm behind the wheel of my own R56 S... An impromptu choice coupled with benefits from working for the brand. I was hooked.

After owning and modding many BMWs, daily duty in trucks, delving into VW, and a quick american muscle stint this car proved superior to what I want; not to discredit any of the above. I knew this car and I were in for an adventure. I had no idea.

It started slow. Found an intake on sale in the marketplace? Sure, pick it up. Thicker rear sway? Yep, jump on it. DP, intercooler, tune, and exhaust? Fine.. After those and some personal interior/exterior bits I was satisfied with my car. Driving was pleasure. I lived in Cincinnati and a trip to Deals Gap was in order. The proving grounds for most of my cars...

I went solo, took zero pictures, soaked in the scenery, and drove home with a smile. This was a start to something good.

Friend was back stateside for the first time in over a year, and I made a trip the east coast to see him. The MINI was parked partaking in the fun on the beach with its music blaring. First time it has seen the Atlantic that didn't include it being on boat. Zero issues for the entire trip. Things like this happened on the east coast for 2 years.

In 2012 I made the move from Cincinnati to SoCal. On a whim. With no real plan. Scared and only having one contact out here. Packed her up and ventured out. No issues. None. Just an optimistic MINI waiting for me in the hotel parking lot. Made it and enjoyed sunny SoCal until now.

The time has come to turn her in. This is due to company agreements. I thankfully acquired a job (better) working for MINI and BMW again. Therefor I have a brand new 2013 (last manual transmission this dealership is getting) on its way. Currently on a boat. While I'm anxious for the next step I'll no doubt miss the first. It's the reason the shift **** will be switched out. Some part of her will continue on, and it's my understanding an enthusiast is purchasing my car. I hope he appreciates what it has to offer.

Enough of my rambling. Pictures are worth 10 of my posts...



Changed these before a big meet at Deals Gap. Good thing.



Right before I departed. Such an awesome weekend ahead.



Made it! This was my third trip there, and proved to be amazing... Stay tuned.



Freezing morning didn't deter us from exploring. These cabins were amazing!



Another shot of the cabins.



In line with Porches, Noble, and other MINIs.



Grabbing some much needed gas after multiple runs through different roads.



Success! Many great runs with a safe and fun crew.

Only picture of my last trip to Deals Gap. Leafs blew into the engine bay and started smoking against my red hot turbo. Put out and inspecting... Co-Driver was much help; taking pictures and all.



Then I had the itch to be warmer.

__________________________________________________ _______________



Packed what I could and proceeded on a 2,300+ mile cruise.



Would not recommended this hotel in TX...



Made it to Long Beach and my friend's shop. Only 40 miles left to the house I currently call home. Nice to have this resource so close.



Ahhh, home! Took me 4 days before I took it to the track...



Such fun! Times were on par with some serious machines. Very proud of what it was able to turn out.



Most recent picture. Woke up early to experience St. Angeles Crest. Completely worth it. Not as technical as GMR (no pics sorry), but so secluded.

I look forward to the next chapter and hope you enjoyed reading about my previous one half as much as I did experiencing it.

More pics or clarification if requested. Comments and questions highly welcomed!

 

Great read my friend I dig the pictures. So what color is your 13 going to be? I to got one of the last Manuals brought to the dealership. So far i am digging the crap out of this vehicle. Way better than i expected.

 

That was a nice chronicle. Thanks for posting it!

 

Glad to hear you're enjoying it! Went with Midnight Metallic again, almost felt obligated. While I'm not particularly fond of blacked out cars something about all black MINIs with no stripes appeals to me. This new one will have black headlights and rings too. Might be too much so I might add something down the line to even it out.

Thank you for reading it!

 

Good read, glad your keeping it in the family!

 

Glad you're getting a new one! And welcome to Southern California! I don't see many black minis down here.

 

Also, if you ever have the time, you should take a trip up to the bay area. Long scenic drive along the coast with awesome twisties on the way to Santa Barbara =]

 

Glad to hear you're enjoying it! Going with Midnight Mettalic again, almost feel obligated. Something about all black MINIs with no stripes. Not sure why I like it so much as I'm normally into "off" colors. Heck, my last M3 was purple (Techno Violet)

Thank you for reading it!

Thanks -- glad to be apart of it!

A trip up the coast is certainly in order once time allows it. I've done short rides up the PCH but never that far up.

 

The drive from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara is indeed gorgeous. Honestly, one of the most beautiful things you'll ever see. Especially that part of the PCH after Malibu right up until you hit Point Mugu. But awesome twisties? Get out here. It's by means no boring drive, but they ain't twisty and they're covered with cops.

Deer Creek Road is twisty as all get out. A good portion of it was repaved since I last had my Mini up there in 2012. There are some bad parts where it's really rough, you go by park and there are Rangers up there, quite a bit of residential drives poking out too... But other parts are empty. No traffic. No railing. It's amazing and very unforgiving.

Also, CA-33 that goes up thought Ojai through park lands and eventually up to the 5 is bar none the best driving road in America. It's often over looked too. Newly repaved so it's super smooth, it's wide. It has AMAZING turns with hairpins and sweepers. Very low traffic. Low CHP traffic as well. An absolute blast!

I miss Southern California so so so much. Best place I've ever lived. Good luck out there! What dealership are you working for? Or are you working with BMW/MINI corporate out in Oxnard?

 

There are a lot of detours on your way up north. No twisties directly up but there are back roads near San Juan Capistrano and Carpinteria. A couple years ago my buddies and I mapped out a whole trip taking back roads up to the bay area.

I love Southern California. I don't care what people say about the economy. I will never leave here.

 

All this driving talk isn't making me any less anxious to take delivery!

SoCal has been very good to me so far. While day to day driving is quite terrible (traffic), the weekends more than make up for it. Living 5 minutes away from GMR isn't too bad either.

Speaking of SoCal...After much thought I deceided to purchase a few goodies seeing as winter wheels and tires aren't mandatory anymore. So, JB+, BC Racing Coilovers, H-Sport Sway Bar, JCW Strut Bar, NM Torque Arm Insert, and of course a stubby antenna were all purchased recently. Impressions, pics, and updates will be posted once I take delivery of the car. As well as much needed praise to various supporting vendors. Every transaction so far has been top notch.