Just put over 1K on the MINI on a run from central Oregon to SF and back. We took US Route 1 back from SF up to Oregon- gorgeous day, what a pleasure to have something so nimble on the twistiest of twisties (but it did make for a 14 hour drive!!). Funny moment: most motorists were great about pulling off when they had the opportunity after the MINI came zipping up behind, except for this one gent in a new club cab Dodge something or other. He sped up, I stayed behind a couple of car lengths. He sped up a bit more, I stayed in his rear view mirror. A mile or so of this amidst killer curves, and suddenly, at the bottom of a full hairpin, he skids over to the side, almost causing a wreck. I know he's steamed, though he made no attempt to let me by, and so I avoid him and continue past, speeding up to move along. I look at the mirror, and he's right behind me (think "Duel" w/ Dennis Hopper), apparently bent on showing me that he had a machine which could make me squirm. MINI and I decide to make tracks. I start hitting the curves and making my 16" run-flats chirp a bit. I look behind, and through the first 2 or 3, he's doing everything he can to return to my rear bumper and terrorize the impudent driver of this little silver upstart. I watch him come through another 15 mph bend, see his rear tires jump and throw up gravel, and then he must have realized how ridiculous a thing he was attempting. 4 or 5 curves later and he taking the turns the way he should have been after courteously letting the little silver car pass him. Had to smile at his attempt to completely disregard all laws of physics in favor of machismo. Can't feel good about dusting him, as that was like taking candy from a sleeping baby, but if we'd been on a long straight, I might have had to worry, so the twisties saved the day

 

:smile: :smile: I can tell you are still smiling while telling the story - what a great feeling eh? US Route 1 is a killer road.....
donna@dcmetrominis.org

 

Love the story! Just goes to show that Size really doesn't matter, right?

 

Great story. My other car is a Bronco. I'not have thought about trying to keep up with you unmess of course it was a dirt road, then I MAY have had a chance.

What was he thinking?

 

Ain't it great to have physics on our side???

 

There are lots of cars(some trucks) that can outrun us in a straight line, but if we can trick them into following us into the twisties, it can be a lot of fun to show what a MINI can do in its natural environment.

 

>>think "Duel" w/ Dennis Hopper

Actually that was Dennis Weaver, but it's a good analogy. Glad the encounter didn't escalate.

 

Your right about highway 1. My wife and I got on 1 just north of San Fran and went to Bodega Bay last week. Highway 1 had to be made just for the MINI. Curves, curves and more curves. The MCS loved the cool air too!

 

Hey Fms
I had have simular situations, Big old BAD PICK'UM TRUCK inches away from your butt. They must have the # 3 decal on thier trucks ( the intimidator ).
The person that you encountered, was probrobly driving a Dodge "HEMI".
It Boast's a One HP an Cubic Inch. 345 HP.

My better half has one, Phil loves her truck ( Phyllis ) . I get to drive it towing the RV, ( happy, happy , joy ,joy )
The Truck has got lots of guts!!! It's a large four door Cab. but it still moves quick!
But it's a "Go Straight" vehichle.

I have two friends at work that own "HEMI'S", they tease me all the time, but talking to the one friend that actually races during the weekend. ( Dirt and Asphalt ).
He know's he hasn't got a CHANCE against my MINI.
MAYBE I can convince him to go small British car!!!
The other Friend thinks that it's a challenge, he knows that my coop is 115 HP, but has said he is scared of the "S", since I have changed the pulley and such.
My Racing buddy, knows better, the power to weight ratio, don't come close.
Yes our MINI's are a bit heavy, butt those trucks weigh in at 6700 pounds.

Take'm to the back roads! they can't do it.
as a back up, carry a can of SNUFF and a shotgun.

 

Duop! Of course it was Dennis Weaver, not Dennis Hopper. And yes, Mcooper, I believe it WAS a Dodge Hemi, by the way. Just wish I could have filmed it trying to impersonate a car that can handle. As I said, really don't know what I'd have done if we'd suddenly come to a long straight stretch- could have gotten ugly, as I'd never have stood a chance in that environment.

 

PCH (HWY 1) north of SF is MINI heaven. You got no worries about long enough straight stretches for pickups to catch you. Your story makes me want to go out to the coast right now.

Thanks for the great story. Highway 1 north of Jenner is my favorite stretch.

Andy

 

We just got back from our run to Seattle, ( more on this in another post soon )and we had a similar experience - twice! One was a Suburban that thought they could hold off our MINI in corners, and finally gave up and pulled over after scaring himself, and then an old Hyundai that got real squirrelly and the guy pulled right over in a panic. I wasn't pushing these guys at all, and I just went thru the corners with no slow-down or braking most times, while they were both getting on the binders HARD, and then when they try to keep up - adios. I was also followed by a new 'S' Jag that would brake deep into the corners just to keep up, until I got serious, and then bubye! ( BTW - I found a great road in Oregon - see future posting! )

BCNU,
Rob in Dago

 

>>>>think "Duel" w/ Dennis Hopper
>>
>>Actually that was Dennis Weaver, but it's a good analogy. Glad the encounter didn't escalate.

Dennis Hopper would be coming the other way with a shotgun as the nightmare truck scenario.

 

Hahaha go MINI go!

 

Way to go Vanwall, I guess you show this driver what a MINI can really do.