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in my Amazon cart for a while.
Just finally pulled the trigger.
Funny - as I haven't had to push-start a car in nearly 35 years. (a 1967 shortened/modified VW bus)...
This was a first in my 21 years of Mini ownership
I keep one of (3) Noco jump boxes of increasingly large cranking amperage jump boxes in my MINI, Jeep Rubicon and F150 (latter being their largest model suitable for diesel truck engines vs my 6.2L gasser). I chose to equip with those rather than keeping jumper cables and with no desire to push start any of them. Also switched to Noco chargers vs the Battery Tender brand after decades owning those. Good stuff, IMO...
Cruising along whilst wasting time and gas - I just happened to notice....
As much as I had hoped to have stored my Mini before it reached 100k...
It's just too much fun to resist the thrill of driving at the expense of putting on the miles.
With any luck - I'm hoping to post again if I'm lucky enough to reach 222,222.
I've been a bit bored with the mountains as of late. Wind blown dirt across the valley/wasteland has really taken its toll on my 21 y/o R53. I've taken very good care of this car and
I can't image - Who doesn't love driving their Mini?? - It has always been my adventurous spirit to seek out new territories across the country... which is especially fun in this little car.
Yesterday I set a course Northward from the mountainous region of Albuquerque to the high plains and grasslands of whokowswhere?; for a 350mi + joyride to explore the northern
most nexus where the four corners of North Eastern NM converge with Texas,Oklahoma and Colorado....
As much as I miss the ocean, beaches and palm trees - I absolutely love the the flat plains of the high desert and hundreds of miles of nothing grassland as far as the eye can see...
or as far as you care to drive your Mini...
3.5 hours later, I wound up in the TINY , desolate little town of Clayton, NM - Population 2,400, primarily surrounded by nothing but horse ranches for near hundreds of miles in all direction! Top tier gas available here in NM is 91 octane. I really miss the Chevron 93 my Mini has always been brought up on since new.
However, after filling up on 91; I was pleasantly surprised to have driven back from Clayton to ABQ on just 3/4 tank!
Inspite of the high altitude/thinner volume of air, that reduced my max boost from 15psi down to 12psi - I had a blast!!!!
Yesterday everything was an exceptionally good, "everything was OK today" day.
Having still not decided where I might be headed next when I leave the deserts; I am still enamored with the ever changing beauty of the New Mexico landscape .
I wanted to take in all I could traveling and exploring all corners of the country side, e.g: White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns etc...perhaps even Roswell (???).
as long as I'm here.
Yesterday my Mini and I decided it might be fun to take a little 6 hour+ roundtrip cruise up to the ancient ruins of Chaco Canyon.
So we set a course from the SW valley of Rio Rancho across the wastelands and mountainous terrains 160 mi North Westward across the state.
Despite my dislike for dirt - I find New Mexico amazing as to how the landscape continues to vary from mile to mile. Scenic overkill - indeed.
Off in the distance - The "Other" Devil's Tower...
Arriving at the "entrance" to Chaco Canyon ancient ruins (so I'd thought), after a wonderful 3hr 160 mi scenic journey across the vast desert.
Now, if you read the sign in the above pic; The arrow points to the right further denoting 20 miles. One would imagine a paved road leading to a tourist attraction "welcome center" ....RIGHT?
...BUT...
...NO! - it's a 20 mile long dirt road to reach the site of the infamous Chaco Canyon ruins
WT#....??? The road TRAIL was so undulating, rough and weather beaten I had to go slow (10-20mph max), with due diligence to avoid bottoming out my Mini.....
Nope. Not a chance in hell in a (lowered) Mini. After a teeth grinding attempt to traverse the rough trail in 1st and 2nd gear - I had to give up hope and turn around.
Unfortunately my Mini and I would never get to see ("experience") the wonders of Chaco Canyon...
With no other real option but to turn around and head back to ABQ. Even though my Mini only used a little over a 1/4 tank in 160+ mi to get to Chaco;
There wasn't a gas station in sight along our journey across the middle of nowhere NM.
I thought it might be prudent to top off the tank before making my way back.and stopped at the ONLY gas station I've seen in 100+ miles along my route .
While topping off at Sinclair and giving the Mini a well deserved cool down/rest; I met a new friend...
The sweetest desert mutt you could ever hope to encounter.. He had no collar (perhaps feral ?) and maybe looked a little bit part Dingo (?).
We played for about 30min in the lot. When I opened the door to the Mini ready to leave, he jumped in the front seat! He must have thought we had bonded enough for me to take him home with me.
I had to spend a minute or two to pursued him out of the car. Eventually, he reluctantly complied. What a great lovable dog. It was sad to say goodbye and to see him standing there as I drove off.
Although my plans to experience Chaco Canyon were dashed by a precarious bumpy back trail and a lowered suspension...
My Mini performed beautifully with great gas mileage to boot - Everything was OK yesterday!
^^ As an old Baby Boomer native and now 11 year refugee from SoCal, rides on various sport motos (incl Yamaha FJ1200 / FJR1300 plus various BMW boxer twins) as well as sports cars (notably from-new 1974 ALFA GTV for 25 yrs), I frequented the Angeles Crest Hwy with kicking tires stops at Newcomb's Ranch nearly as often as to the much closer Mulholland Hwy's Rock Store (is the "Need Gas? Eat Beans" sign still on that vintage and long defunct island pump?). In any case, your pics bring back memories of very fun times back then.
At my current easternmost AZ home location at 7.4k' elev, USFS announced access to a favorite paved loop just a few miles from me will reopen seasonal gates tomorrow. I'm planning on doing the shortish 55 mile but scenic higher elevation loop Wednesday to give my own R53 an opportunity to stretch its legs. If so, pics to follow...
You car looks really nice and clean with those wheels. If I remember correctly, aren't those from a 2008 R52 Sidewalk Edition? I always loved the look of them.
^^^ I knew I had to have one someday, when I was an SCCA courseworker at the long ago defunct Riverside International Raceway (RIR) during the glory years of SCCA National Sports Cars, TransAm and Can-Am racing. Watching Alfa GTA racecars with their sliding block rear axle round my usual station at the top of Turn 6 with inside front wheel lofted, amazed me how nimble those cars were. At that time, I still owned my first-ever brand new car (1968 Camaro SS/RS 350 4-speed), however a few more new cars came and went before buying that GTV - being the last year of 115 Giulia production (105 Euro spec / 115 North America spec). The cars between that Camaro and the GTV are interesting stories of themselves.
Haha, in high school for a while I had a 1970 Camaro handed down from my uncle. I'll never forget the first time I had it over 110 mph and the front steering became very, very, terrifyingly light (because the nose was lifting). Gently, gently... foot off the gas!
QUOTE=MCS4FUN] ^^ As an old Baby Boomer native and now 11 year refugee from SoCal, rides on various sport motos (incl Yamaha FJ1200 / FJR1300 plus various BMW boxer twins) as well as sports cars (notably from-new 1974 ALFA GTV for 25 yrs), I frequented the Angeles Crest Hwy with kicking tires stops at Newcomb's Ranch nearly as often as to the much closer Mulholland Hwy's Rock Store (is the "Need Gas? Eat Beans" sign still on that vintage and long defunct island pump?). In any case, your pics bring back memories of very fun times back then.
At my current easternmost AZ home location at 7.4k' elev, USFS announced access to a favorite paved loop just a few miles from me will reopen seasonal gates tomorrow. I'm planning on doing the shortish 55 mile but scenic higher elevation loop Wednesday to give my own R53 an opportunity to stretch its legs. If so, pics to follow... [/QUOTE]
My "everything was OK" today was rolling over 9k miles odometer while doing the short loop planned last week. The Apache-Sitgreaves NF remains mostly dormant thus far due to little Winter precipitation, resulting in later than normal Springtime greening and wildflower blooming. The "Point of the Mountain" overlook is at 9k' looking west, north and east towards New Mexico in the near distance. This short but paved loop runs between 9k' and 9.5k' and passes southwest before turning northwest (clockwise) through part of White Mountain Apache Reservation and back to the main 2-lane highway.
A huge portion of this forest was destroyed in 2011 by the Wallow Fire which burned so hot it essentially "nuked" the soil. Recovery continues very slowly, with stands of Ponderosa Pines gradually replaced by small groves of Aspens (or nothing at all) while the burned dead and down remain where they fell almost 14 years ago. Despite that, most of the ASNF remains pristine and Alpine-like, with herds of elk, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, wild horses and even a few Mexican Grey Wolves frequenting the entire area. The high plains region where I live is rural ranch land and volcanic in nature with fields of malpais as those were called by ancient Native Americans, however just 2 short miles from my house is an unpaved forest access road heading south up into those higher mountains and fanning out into an entire trail system, allowing trail runs roundtrip from home garage avoiding the need for trailering to staging areas. One of the primary reasons why I moved here last year is that my buddy (2006 JCW Checkmate) and I love doing off-pavement recreation in our Can-Am rock-crawler UTVs and our Jeep Rubicon rigs. The ASNF is truly a beautiful spot, referred by locals as "The Other Arizona". Being dormant right now, I didn't attempt to capture any color pics today.
Last edited by MCS4FUN; Apr 28, 2025 at 07:39 PM.
Reason: TMI - edited a bit for brevity
Hey everyone, this is slightly off topic but I'm a bit stuck.
Can anyone tell me how long new thread (by a new member) moderation normally takes? I've tried to post something a couple of times now but they seem to have gone into a black hole.....Thanks!
Recently picked up a 2005 R53 MCS in Black with 32k miles on it. Sadly, it is an automatic. I have a 1961 Austin Mini Mk1 that is manual. I like to joke that I have all the first generations of Minis.
A sad yet happy day. Today my 2004 MINI S (R53) became someone else's MINI. I took one last little joy ride earlier this morning, and almost changed my mind. But the new owner is so excited to have this car, and so looking forward to making it his MINI, which is exactly what I wanted. Let the happiness continue.
Although I do a fair amount of recreational driving on a monthly basis; I have since heard/discovered by the locals about this wonderful 100+ mi route on Hwy 14, affectionately known as the Turquoise Trail.
Not a very convincing photo - yet nevertheless; the Turquoise is a fun, twisty, curvy thrill ride through the beautiful scenic mountains of Santa Fe.
Along the way, I just had to stop and snap this pic of just some of the massive rock formations that were peppered with blasting holes as a result of the turquoise miners, long ago.
I finally found it!
The last time I was here in NM 38years ago on contract, (I, myself, being an sculptor), I'd met someone who took me to this incredible outdoor sculpture park in Santa Fe.
Although I would never forget it - For the life of me I could never remember where it was! It was just by chance (38 years later) that i would happen to come upon it during my leisurely journey up the Turquoise Trail.
Unfortunately the sculpture park/garden is closed on the weekends.
Whilst driving, heading back to the city (ABQ), I nearly hit this little guy as he ran out in front of me crossing the road.
I had never seen a road runner before (other than on Saturday morning cartoons), but he was kind enough to sit still for a moment for me to pull over and take his picture.
They are fast little runners indeed!
Arriving back from my little road trip from the Turquoise, I'd stopped off at a local gas station overlooking the valley. Yup - even after a week/post July 4th; they're still setting off fireworks out here.
140 miles - round trip.
Needless to say the Mini ran great, exceptional gas mileage (34+mpg) and as always - a blast to drive!!!
But best of all - no animals were hurt during the course of this little journey
Although I do a fair amount of recreational driving on a monthly basis; I have since heard/discovered by the locals about this wonderful 100+ mi route on Hwy 14, affectionately known as the Turquoise Trail.
Not a very convincing photo - yet nevertheless; the Turquoise is a fun, twisty, curvy thrill ride through the beautiful scenic mountains of Santa Fe.
Along the way, I just had to stop and snap this pic of just some of the massive rock formations that were peppered with blasting holes as a result of the turquoise miners, long ago.
I finally found it!
The last time I was here in NM 38years ago on contract, (I, myself, being an sculptor), I'd met someone who took me to this incredible outdoor sculpture park in Santa Fe.
Although I would never forget it - For the life of me I could never remember where it was! It was just by chance (38 years later) that i would happen to come upon it during my leisurely journey up the Turquoise Trail.
Unfortunately the sculpture park/garden is closed on the weekends.
Whilst driving, heading back to the city (ABQ), I nearly hit this little guy as he ran out in front of me crossing the road.
I had never seen a road runner before (other than on Saturday morning cartoons), but he was kind enough to sit still for a moment for me to pull over and take his picture.
They are fast little runners indeed!
Arriving back from my little road trip from the Turquoise, I'd stopped off at a local gas station overlooking the valley. Yup - even after a week/post July 4th; they're still setting off fireworks out here.
140 miles - round trip.
Needless to say the Mini ran great, exceptional gas mileage (34+mpg) and as always - a blast to drive!!!
But best of all - no animals were hurt during the course of this little journey
Sounds like a fun day. There are roadrunners in my neighborhood, and they occasionally run through my yard and carport.
Spent today tidying up odds and ends after getting the new engine last week. Just shy of 233k miles, the original spun a bearing. The new engine was accompanied by a new Scorpion header, which souds and works great. Modded my tail lights' bulb carrier boards so the former rear fog light bulb comes on with the brake light, as the brake/tail bulbs are LED ones that flash quickly a few times before staying on, to assist with drawing attention to the fact that I am braking. One jumper wire, one cut trace - easy peasy!
Oil Change Break-in - Oh boy, Not another H2G travel story?
Same 'ole boring story... Nothing broken. Nothing wrong...
Completed my routine, 3,500 mi oil and filter change over the weekend, so I decided to "break-in" the fresh oil with a 300 mi round trip drive up to Las Vegas, NM...
If not just for fun; or- just so I could get the oil dirty enough to be able to read the darn level on the dip stick.
Decided to take my latest favorite route: up Hwy 14 aka: the Turquoise Trail.
Yep. More scenic pictures of big rocks and mounds of dirt
Although I'd spent most of my day touring and hangin' out in Santa Fe - Along the way, I'd a made a conscience decision to play tourist and made a few stops to take in some of New Mexico's rich, artsy, if not quirky culture.
Stopped for a moment at a little, cool tourist trap in the small town of Madrid just outside of Santa Fe along the Turquoise Trail.
*A side note: I'd must have passed a dozen Minis during the entire day - and not a single one gave me the kindred "MINI wave".
What is this world coming to???
While having a blast driving and negotiating the twisty trail, giving the Mini some well deserved exercise (sometimes in excess of rare, 135mph, spirited driving), I made the opportunity to pull over from time to time for a little cool down rest and relaxation.
Nothing wrong here - Just my R53 Mini; taking a well deserved, leisurely rest after being put through it's paces.
All 'n' all - it was a nice 12hr day with nothin' to do but drive my Mini.
And BTW: The darn oil is still as clear as the day I did the oil change. I suppose that's a good thing.
Everything was just dandy today.
I've just upgraded all my engine mounts with Powerflex and a Vibra Technics upper engine mount. What a difference. A little more vibration at idle and low rpm but the benefits in performance and handling are well worth the trade-offs.
In that regard - Everything was OK today. But...
It's tough trying to keep a car clean out here in the SW desert. Especially during what they call monsoon season where 45mph wind blown dirt mixes with torrential down pours of rain. What is referred to as "Rain" - it actually rains - mud.
I literally (no exaggeration), wash and polish my Mini every day.
I have to admit - I am really over it!...
Yesterday the forecast called for all day rain with gusty winds under monsoon conditions. It's my day off. I spent an hour or more, that morning, washing my Mini.
No way in h*ll was I going to stick around to have my beloved Mini subjected to being pummeled by another horrendous mud storm. I GPS'ed the surrounding unaffected state and high-tailed it - 300+ mi North East towards Amarillo, TX....
However, as we all know by now -Weather can be unpredictable. Never trust the weatherman! 80 miles short of reaching Amarillo I was met with this...
After driving through one of the worst sand mixed, rainstorms, dodging and staying as far back from the rooster tails kicked up by the long line of semi tractor-trailers, the storm had finally passed...
...So, I made a pit-stop for a quick wipe down and fill-up at a rural gas station.
Being so close to the Texas border, I was surprised to find top tier/premium at only 90 octane!
Nevertheless; running on only 90 octane, given the lower elevation, my Mini ran great and boosted to 16 psi.
This was something I hadn't seen in almost a year since moving to the higher elevation (5,000 ft), of the Sandias, NM.
After a long mixed day of fun driving and anxiety, during a 600mi round-trip, failed attempt to out run mother nature...
The drive back up from Amarillo was a little more relaxing and we were welcomed to a beautiful sunset.
I would never argue that most of my "everything was OK today" post are largely related to travel stories. I think that most would agree; many of us Mini owners who put as much time and money in maintaining a car that is mostly fun to drive but needs to be dependable.
I am one of those (despite putting on the miles), who loves to work on my Mini. Comfortable in knowing/hoping that it can take me anywhere - at anytime...or for no reason at all.
Happy motoring!
(just avoid the mud storms if at all possible)
