I finally got to take my "S" out for an extended drive. With 5K on the clock, fresh oil and wax, it was time for some serious bonding. It was only a quick trip from eastern TN to Chicago and back (you do the math) and here in short are some observations and tips for those inclined to travel far and travel hard:
1. I'm glad I bought the "S". The hills of Kentucy only allow occational opportunities to pass the logging trucks and I'm glad I had the h.p. of the super-charged MINI.
2. Usable storage sucks. I know; it's a driving car, not a minivan. However, I found a day pack unused in our closet and hung it around the passager head rest. It helt maps, camera, munchies, journal, pistol, calculator, etc. I traveled solo so it was always handy. With a passenger I've simply swung it around on the back of the chair.
3. Best milage: 29.7mpg. And this was mostly blue highway miles at 80-100 mph. Worst milage: 25.3 mpg.
4. I keep a cooler with cleaning supplies in the "trunk". It's heathly and wise to stretch every 2 hours, and what better exercise than washing windows and extracting bugs from the grill?
5. Give yourself extra time at stops. Without exception, I had to entertain the curious at rest stops and gas stations. Some people ask to sit in the car. Fine, as long as I have the keys in my hand!
6. I'm also glad I spent the money on a good radar detector! Invaluable.
7. Problems: none. I'm a motorcyclist so I'm not used to being pampered on long trips. I found the MINI to be a very capable touring machine. I hope you do too.

 

Great to hear you are loving the S too i'm on 900 miles so far and live in London so no long hilly journeys for me yet! I am thinking of taking the wife to the west coast of Scotland though.This trip would give the S every possible type of driving condition. I won't need a pistol though maybe just central locking to keep the Brave hearts out.
Ash


MCS Dark Silver, Chilli,Sun roof. :smile:

 

>>I finally got to take my "S" out for an extended drive.


AWEsome writeup!

You sound like a man that was cut from the same cloth I was.

I must confess I sold my bike to get my Mini.

 

PS: The Mini seems to love it around Oxford St, Picadilly Circus ,Park lane etc though.
Ash

 

>>>>I finally got to take my "S" out for an extended drive.
>>
>>
>>AWEsome writeup!
>>
>>You sound like a man that was cut from the same cloth I was.
>>
>>I must confess I sold my bike to get my Mini.

Damn, sold you bike!? Hard decision to make, but the MINI is like a motorcycle with four wheels. Like my bike, I look forward to pushing it around corners and passing zombies. Looking forward to your 5K post!