I've always enjoyed the "Southern California MINI Spottings" thread, and usually post something when I have had a good encounter with another MINI, but I've also wondered how many people I've spotted that are actual NAM members.

I thought it might be cool to have some sort of "field guide" where people can post a few pics of their ride and maybe say what freeways or roads they usually take. That way you can know who to look for while you're out on the road!

As for me...I am usually on the I-5 or I-14 (Valencia area), I-405 and I-101 (both FWYs in San Fernando Valley)

I drive out to see clients several times a week...so I can really be on any freeway within LA County, but I'm mostly in Santa Clarita, SFV area. Sometimes Antelope Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Greater LA and San Gabriel Valley. Sorry...that doesn't really narrow it down too well for me...but I'm probably a rare case.

I'm easily spotted by my personalized plate. LEGAL PI

SEE YOU IN THE WILD!

Here are my pics:

 

Okay, I'll bite. You'll know me by my checkers!

I can be seen in Penny Monday through Friday driving north on 163 to 805 to 5 to the Via de la Valle exit. Usually start around 8:30am and arrive around 9 when traffic is willing.

I take the reverse trip beginning a little after 6pm, but sometimes will go 5 to 8 to 163 (or take the coast up Torrey Pines, past UCSD, down the other Torrey Pines and up to 5) if traffic is terrible.

I used to see an EB MCS with OB MINI plates and a BRG MCS with SPOYLED plates on my morning route, and have lately seen a PW/B MC on 805 in the evening a couple times.

 

Cool idea! Weekdays I am either westbound on 101 going to Woodland HIlls in the morning, or eastbound in the afternoon, or southbound on 405 going to Santa Monica in the morning if my wife is driving and than back again. We think we are hard to miss with a big old "33" on the side. Feel free to get our attention. We alwasy enjoy other happy Mini people. Makes our day.

 

Here's a clickable thumbnail of mine.


From September through June I'm mostly up and down the 605 between Imperial and Carson.
But during my summer break, I'm all over- most any freeway ending in 5.
(Yeah, I'm a public schoolteacher by profession. ) I get bored at home so I'll sometimes take off anywhere.

-Juan

 

Except when on SCMM excursions, Mini Knievel hangs on the West Side. Although sometimes we may be found up near Newhall/Santa Clarita trap shooting on the weekends.

Steve

 

Here's Koopee with C3 sticker Usually in O.C., sometimes Carlsbad & Desert Hills, occationally Long Beach & L.A.

 

Here is Nigel. I'm usually in OC area.(South County) Starting September, I will be driving the commute to LA again which will be the 405 and the 110.
See you guys on the road!

 

I don't have a regular commute, but I spend most of my time with "Murray" around the PV Peninsula area/Torrance/ Long Beach, etc. I always try to wave, beep, or flash my lights when I see another MINI.

_Dave_

 

Hey Krassanova,

Got you spotted on 101 around Topanga Cyn headed east around 5:20. That was me honking at you in my silver A6. Forgot which car I was in. I must've looked like a deranged loonatic.

 

 

Good idea for a thread!

Although I only have a 2 mile commute, I do frequent the 405 on the weekends. You can catch me heading up to the 14, or down to Manhattan Beach. You may also catch me at the BMWCCA Autocross... like so:

 

OK I drive the 605 to the 91 to 110, I work in Torrance, and aroung the San Gabriel / Arcadia when home

 

Here I am...


Usually found in South OC during the day (405 between the 5 and Harbor Blvd), 55, 5 and the 73.

I see lots of you running around, but are you seeing me?

 

Congrats to Goaljinky at being the first person to use the field guide with success (on the first day, even).

I'll keep my eyes peeled for everyone on this list!

 

I live and work in Irvine (a three mile commute), only usually on the road to and from the SCMM runs.


Always on the lookout for other MINIs.

Bill

 

Hey CooperSS, I'm in Irvine as well. (Oak Creek) I will keep a look out for you. I'm in the PW/B MCS with black stripes. I usually love going up to the Quail Hill roundabout by that new Albertsons.

 

Bar10girl,

Yes, I know about that round about.

Next time your looking for a little spirited driving fun in our area try this.

Get on the 405 North from Irvine Blvd by the Spectrum, then

Take the 133 south exit , a very tight decreasing radius turn, then

Over the bridge and take the 405 South exit ramp, then

Take the 133 North ramp back over the bridge, then, get off at the first ramp which will bring you back to Alton.

That gives you three leaves of a cloverleaf, if you are lucky enough to hit it with no traffic you can really bend through those three corners and two short straights.

We have a group of guys here at work (MCS, STI, EVO Viii, 911) that use that little run as a test after we make some changes to the car to get feel for any improvements.

Bill

 

What's the name of the Company you work for?? .... the car list kind of matches the description of the one my buddy works for.

 

Camel,

Alcon, on Alton Pkwy.

Bill

 

CooperSS:

Thanks for the "track." It is a great run. I can't wait for the weekend to be over so I can really run it properly. Thanks again for the tip.

Karen

 

Pileated Black-Crested Streetcreeper
(Crisis Midlifeii 'Cooper')

Description:
Similar to but slightly larger than the Common Streetcreeper, but distinguished by a small fin-like crest at the rear of its head (versus an elongated spine). Also distinguished by an enlarged central nostril on its somewhat short, truncated beak.

Voice:
Low throaty purr punctuated by a shrill whine during high speed flight.

Habitat:
Dry, open valleys, urban canyons, cultural vacuums, suburban blight, and freeway corridors.

Nesting:
Rumored to mate for life. Remains reclusive to the extent that no know observation of domestic habits have been observed to date. Believed to be child free. Possibly eats its young.

Range:
Generally confined to migratory corridor between Pasadena and Calabasas with occasional forays between Pasadena and Irvine. Migrates frequently in season often completing its entire route in one twelve hour period.

Only one Pileated Black-Crested Streetcreeper is currently known to exist although it has been seen in Calabasas with other Lesser Black-Crested Streetcreepers, Common Street Creepers, and assorted others of the same genus.

 

Being as that it has been bloody hot lately, especially in the 909 where I live and work, Banana Wind has been garaged lately, and I've been spending time in the 545i. But, when I am out, it's in the Redlands/Yucaipa, Ontario areas. I-10 West in the mornings (7:30ish) , I-10 East in the evenings (6:30ish)

 

I don't really have a normal commute, but I'm often in the Marina del Rey area since I live by there, and work in Pacific Palisades--so I'm either taking the 405N to 10W to PCH or 405N to Sunset to almost PCH.

These were pix I took today of my car as it was being towed from a few miles from work down to the MINI dealer.

 

uh oh... why was it being towed Richard?

 

Transmission went KA CHUNK!! Wouldn't shift into any gears from the stop light just behind this pictures.

More info here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=41626

Richard