So Maggie arrived one day before the big NE February blizzard this year and it has been darn cold almost every day since. Today, a warm snap finally reached New Jersey and I had 60 degree temps greeting me at the train station for the ride home - albeit at 10:30 pm.

The top went right down and I braced myself for the reason I got the cabrio - to keep the MINI open whenever I could. Man, that was fun. Crusing home with Dire Straits on the iPod connector ("Money for Nothing") and actually passing another MINI on the route (not also topless but what the heck...) It is a whole different experience topless - not like the huge American convertibles I owned as a teenager (where you felt like you were at the helm of a ship) but pushing you to feel closer to the space around you - when you look around you see the environment and not the car. The windscreen and roll bars now seem tiny and the sky so huge. It feels like you are in a bobsled zooming down a track.

Ok - enough colorful language. It was great - and validated my choice of the Cabrio. For all the drawbacks in visibility, roof wear, etc., those times when you are open more than make up for the drawbacks.

Can't wait for summer.....

Bill

 

ahhh... now you're talking Jersey_Bill

love your description! The ride is even better during the daytime! Just lean back at a stop light and take in the scenery when your top is down. I'm still waiting to go topless this year

 

Yo JB,
I believed our Mini was shipmates on the Patriot. You definetly made the right choice, my top has been down every day since I got mine (of course I live in Florida ) I do still have to carry a leather jacket for some cold mornings, but that top is staying down. But thankfully spring is in the air for all my fellow Northern Miniacs!!