I am planning my first long trip from New York to Key West and back in April 2010. I've never driven that far in a MINI, honestly in any car. I am reading different accounts of those who travels a lot and reaches far but still have some questions.

What would you seasoned X-country drivers do differently if you start you long trip first time in new MINI again? What would you take with you and what not? Would you prefer to stay overnight with people you know or would you sleep in a motel?

When would you start? Saturday night, Sunday morning or on a weekday afternoon? How to avoid the rush hour traffic around large metropolitan areas and when? Gas, food, and so on and so forth.... the cheaper the better... but to a certain point... affordable.

I will have 10 days for the trip. Also planning to visit an airshow in Lakeland FL.

Any, any suggestions appreciated, especially from local drivers. My MINI is begging me for this trip she wants to see places...

 

Vlad I'm surprised that no one has jumped in here with a bunch of suggetions for long trips. 30 to 40 years ago I used to make trips of 1000 to 3000 miles in length with some regularity i.e. a couple of times a year with shorter 500 +/- pretty much monthly. I remember them fondly, and as you have not done one I am sure you will have a great time in April.

When to start? I liked to hit the road early 5 am to 6 am., get 400 miles in before noon. This could put you in Virginia for lunch, unless you decide to do some sight seeing around D.C., or Richmond or wherever. I really can't advise you here because I don't know what you want to do on this trip. Sight see enroute or get to Key West as fast as you can? We used to do 1000 milers in a 15 hour sprint. But if you want to relax and enjoy the scenery, 500 miles per day is the way to go.

By all means if you have friends along the route spend the night unless they are 3 hours out of the way or you blow 4 hours of driving time. Find your self a clean motel that is far enough from the freeway to sleep. Make sure that you can park your car safely.

When you stop for lunch, take at least an hour, do some walking around stretching, whatever to loosen up.

Make sure you know how to change a tire. I am not real impressed with the changing kit that comes with the MINI, I think I would get a scissors jack and a decent star wrench. It wouldn't hurt to have a warning triangle or two, also toss in a couple of flares, and a couple of wheel chocks. Nothing ruins a road trip like being run over along the roadside.

I guess you are probably in your twenties but don't drive if you are the least bit drowsy or impaired. I have done it in the old days and by the grace of God got away with it, I know better now.

Make sure you have some cash, can't always depend on finding a ATM and have a good cell phone with the batteries charged!

If you are planning a solo trip, try to find a fellow traveler. A road trip is a lot more fun when you share it with someone else, if not a person then your dog (cats don't offer much company).

Well these are a few suggestions, have fun. Try to at least take a drive around South Beach in Miami. Interesting place!?

Ben

 

I am one of those people also who use to do alot of long X country driving, and I still do 2 or so trips a year of over 1000 miles.
Getting up early is always key, I normally like to hit the road by 3 Am to get out of the city area, and if i am heading south beat the DC traffic.
When i was younger not much planning went into these trips, but now they are well thought out, with were I am staying and for how long. I find it very helpfull to be as organized as i can be when I drive. With the mini I even had a list of dealers that could help incase i get stuck, which I never did.
Check the spare tire and have a emergency kit with you. As stated above traveling with someone is always more fun, and actually a rule with me, I Never travel alone.

If you know your exact dates let me know, I may be willing to make the run with you in my car as I love the airshows also and hit at least 2 a year. If its Mid April I may time it to hit the Dragon on the way back since I am already booked for that.

 

As Ben mentioned, start early. And as JRoc suggested, time it to avoid the DC jam (which can actually be all day except for early Sunday).

Don't eat a heavy lunch. This is to avoid the afternoon drowsy syndrome.

Don't use your debit card for gas purchases. If the wrong folks get your numbers they'll drain your bank account quicker'n you can spit. Use a credit card for gas purchases. That way if anything goes wrong it's up to the credit card company to go chase the bad guys/gals.

Try to stay within 5mph over the posted speed limit. If you have a TomTom/Garvin they most generally will have mph feature so take it with you for navigation and mph reporting.

If you are traveling alone, you may wish also to provide someone you trust with your itinerary.

Sounds like a fun trip. It's also fun to watch the temperature rise on your thermometer as you head south!

BTW, just a wee bit south of Jacksonville is Daytona Beach.

 

For a long motor trip, I like departing (well rested) the evening before, drive all through the night and next morning until shortly after Noon.
(Take no chances with falling asleep at-the-wheel though, very deadly idea if not well rested.) Past the "DC Jam" before dawn.

Motel costs the same for a 1 PM check in as a 8 PM check in and you can take advantage of same cost of accomodation for longer time. Also would have advantage of less hurried visit, if you are staying with friends.

That first 15-20 hour run should have you into Florida (16 hours NYC-JAX) Just one overnight on the road instead of two. Long State, Daytona to Key West is a good days run alone.

 

May I also add if you have a Blackberry or Iphone you may want to try the trapster program you can download, it is not perfect but it has helped me avoid some of the unpleasant stops by the local revenue collectors.

 

The first thing is to remember that you are on vacation so don't get in such a hurry that you get all stressed out from the driving. Just relax and enjoy the drive.
Get a good nights sleep and leave NY when you wake up.
Don't worry so much about going thru Baltimore or Washington because you will get to below Richmond soon enough.
Stop at a rest area every now & then to walk around and move your legs.
If you get tired just get a room and sleep as long as you like. I personaly like places with free breakfast. Comfort inn is my choice (A little expensive,but nice) I travel with my dog and he is welcome at comfort inn's.
I like to be off the road before it gets to late. Around six is good for me. I always call pizza hut etc. and have food delivered to my room.
I eat at the motel for breakfast and then check out after eating in case I need the bathroom.
Do NOT let your gas get under 1/4 tank. (EVER) always keep your eye on that. You do not want to have Fuel Pump problems or get so low you get stressed out. Always get gas before you need it. "ALWAYS"
A good way to go is to go down route 13 to 301 south and you will bypass Baltimore & Washington but you will have to go right through towns like Waldorf and a lot of red lights and stop & go traffic. It is no faster but it puts you back on I-95 just above Richmond.
I just went to Elkton Maryland a few weeks ago and went up I-95 and came back using 301. Of course I'm never in a hurry.
You should make it to Key West with only two Motel Stops.
South Carolina the first day.
Stop in Fort Louderdale the second day.
Third day just take you time going thru Miami and the excellent drive to Key West.
The Mini Cooper is a great long distance car to travel in. Just relax and enjoy the drive.
Ronnie948
A few pictures of my travel buddy. We are going to Denver next September to Mini in the Mountains.
We left Elkton Maryland at 9:am stayed in Hardeeville South Carolina and still made it to Daytona by 2:pm the next day. We have to stop at just about every other rest area on our trips because I have health problems and Mario just plain likes to walk the dog areas.
Do NOT stay with people. It is not worth the $$$ because they want you to stay longer and you will not get the type of rest you get in your own room. There are rooms as low as $24.00 (not nice rooms) Get the discount books they give out at the Welcome centers. They can save you a lot on a room.

 

All good advice so far. But don't forget the car. Check everything, tire pressures, tires too for that matter. All fluids, wipers, lights, everything!

I too like leaving early, get plenty of miles under your belt before dawn. Avoid big cities at peak traffic times. Mostly DC and Baltimore, but lots of the north east can be bad. My kid's in school in Rhode Island and it seems anything up that way doesn't flow great. Richmond isn't that bad, but 95 from DC to Richmond can be hectic.

All the other is advice is bang on. Just be smart and careful. I especially subscribe to the never let the fuel get below 1/4 tank philosophy. As well as don't over eat. When you stop of gas, make sure ya grab snacks. Sometimes they can make all the difference. A small cooler with drinks works too, but don't forget the add "biological" stops needed with fluid consumptions. And avoid the Interstate rest stops, I hardly ever use them. With all the fast food places and fuel stops right off the interstate, they're usually safer in my opinion.

My MINI has been from VA to Boston, Chicago (both of them were MTTS), Orlando and Rhode Island. You'll be fine.

And if you're in Richmond no a weekend and plan a lunch stop let us know, I'm sure we'll get a group up to grab a bite with ya if ya have time.

 

do "NOT" pick up hitchikers------do"NOT" pick up hitchikers----do"NOT" pick up hitchikers------do "NOT" pick up hitchikers----
Never ever let a stranger into your car.

 

I have to laugh at this only cause many times that I have traveled down the PCH in California I have picked up people, some who worked on the oil Platforms, others just looking for a ride. I guess I was just very lucky as I never had a problem.

 

Hi JRoca,
It must be different on the west coast because on the east coast you would probably have been robbed or killed.
I still say to N666BK to "NOT" even think of picking up a hitchiker. It is just plain not safe.
Ronnie948

 

I do live on the east coast and actually lived in NYC for 30 years, was held up at Gunpoint twice as a teenager. Neither time was fun, You are 100% right about not picking them up. I have a big heart that sometimes get me in trouble, so no more picking up hitch hikers for me, even on the West Coast

 

Hi JRoca,
Even the female hitchikers are dangerous. We had one here in Port Orange that killed a bunch of men. Her name was Aileen Wuornos. She was a hitchiking serial killer. I slightly knew her because I hung out at the last resort bar. To know her and talk to her you would never have known she was a serial killer.
I think N666BK will have a nice time driving his Mini to Key West. He will probably get the travel bug like we have.
Ronnie948

 

N666BK,

You don't say, but are you trying to get to Key West as quickly as possibly (and the same for the return trip)? If not, enjoy the non-Interstate route. (Check out the book Road Trip USA)

I did a 3,000+ trip this summer in the MINI, albeit with other MINIs. Still, some recommendations I'd make:

- GPS: Yeah, I survived without it and we all made it without 'em for years. But I really think it would have been helpful.

- stop at least every couple hours for a stretch break. If nothing else, helps keep the blood flowing in your legs.

- for my trip I packed a small cooler with water bottles and would mix in drink packets. Helped save on the cost of drinks. I also packed snacks to help save money.

- as others have said - be sure to check over the vehicle and carry emergency stuff. Better to have it and not need it.

- pack some Tylenol/Advil, whatever to have handy

- remember the sunscreen.

Enjoy!!!

 

Your booster seat is so funny...
i concieve that i have also have some space to my *****...........

 

Hi Jim,
As you most likely know I just came back from Florida for my granddaughter's wedding in November and the Mini performed flawlessly. As it turns out, my son just enrolled this January for Law Enforcement Training in the Ft. Myers Acadamy. My wife and I have been giving some thought to driving down for his graduation. We're not sure exactly how long his training will be for, but we think it is in the 4-6 month time period. We'll have to keep in touch...A Mini caravan to Florida...what a great idea. What is even more coincidental is that my wife mentioned to me that she would like to take a trip down into the Keys at the same time...small world!

 

What a great idea indeed!

I will depart NYC early morning on April 10th, 2010. It's Saturday and on my first leg I will stop at Poquason, VA for lunch with very active local MINI Club. Then I proceed to Chapel Hill, NC where I plan to overnight with a friend of mine. The tracker will be on all the time and APRS coverage is good in that area so if somebody local is on the road close to my route I would appreciate an escort of MINI or two

Second day planning is not final yet. Very likely it will end at or by Fort Lauderdale, Fl on a sunny April Sunday .

 

Wow, I mentioned in my last post about what a small world it is. I've been talking to a fair number of my local Ham buddies about APRS, but just haven't taken the time to get set up for it yet. My Mini is equipped with 450 and 2 Mtrs. although I'm not a great fan of 2 meters anymore. I monitor the Lakehurst, NJ 450 repeater (443.350 PL-4A [141.3 Hz] W2DOR/R) all the time during my short trips in to work (~06:30-07:00) and back again in the late afternoon (~15:00-15:30). I haven't heard many stations coming in from NYC, but you could give it a try if you have a 450 xcvr.



WA2ZYU

 

I am a big fan of APRS tracker. Recently I've passed my Technician exam just to get that tracker activated and trasmit. As MotorOn suggested I will post a DIY writeup about the setup as soon as I get some free time
Glad to see some interest in century old technology.

 

One of the younger members of our local amateur radio club has been playing with APRS for some time. I probably should sit down with him and find out exactly how the network functions. Are there local repeaters in the area that are set up for receiving the gps data and putting it out to the web...I guess I should take this to PM...it could get involved!

Been a radio amateur since 1962. My first introduction to AR was on 2 Meter AM. Spent a lot of time (years) on 2 meters back then, both CW and AM...fun days! Long before low noise solid state preamps were thought of (or even existed). Everyone used Western Electric 416B gold frame grid triodes (surplus) for their converter front ends...jabber jabber jabber!

 

Well, the idea of a caravan to Florida is still a good idea in my mind, however it looks like my date is not going to align up with an April run. My son just emailed me back and his graduation is scheduled for June 24th 2010. So if anyone from the northeast is planning a trip closer to this date, but NOT on or after I'd be interested in a group run.

 

N666:

We just finished a trip to Key West in our Mini.

I've driven the length of I95 many times.

You will have no issues.

There are four main pieces of advice.

1. Take the western route around Washington DC (the one that goes to Northern Virginia). You'll find traffic much smoother. Turn off or hide your radar detector in Virginia (Illegal).

2. Watch your speed in the Carolinas and for the first 50 miles in Georgia -- they buy all of those new police cars with traffic fines.

3. Don't get caught up in all of the "bypasses" in north Florida (read: Jacksonville) -- the direct route is usually just as good trafficwise and is always shorter.

4. DO take the western bypass around Miami (Look at the map closely, the bypass seems to come up right near Fort Lauderdale). If you don't, I95 dumps you onto city streets in south Miami when it ends. No real problem, except that by then you want to get to the Keys and it takes forever to get through Miami (although you do pass a Mini dealer if you do).

You'll find lotsa Minis in Key West, but watch your speed through Key Largo and through the deer protection areas -- they have new police cars, too.

You'll love the trip. Its easy, and you'll have one of the only cars that's easy to park down there.

 

A lot of experience and good advice from friends. Two more I've found from dear experience.
1. If you really must use a lonely rest area at night consider your self in a dark alley in bad neighborhood, no matter how far from an urban area. Wake your buddy up, apologize and make your partner stand guard. Day time is much better and crowds are your friend.
2. Feeling sleepy? Be honest with yourself. Pull into a safe parking lot and catch a 15 min. nap. The change is remarkable. A few lucky close scares and you will be a believer.
Since your a radio head a good scanner can be loads of fun when the CB gets annoying (about 10 min these days) and useful when the frequencies are local. I've got I-5 dialed in on my old Uniden BC700A from Portland to LA, it's another world. Watch your mirrors and enjoy.

 

I like to keep a packet of chocolate covered coffee beans in the glovebox. When feeling a little less alert, but not really sleepy, crunch on a few of those. Chew them thoroughly and roll the crumbs around in your mouth. Or even leave some between your cheek and gums. The caffeine releases quickly through the mucus membranes of the mouth and you are alert again in no time. Plus the chocolate makes them go down easy. You can pick up a bag at the trendier coffee shops and candy stores.

 

All wonderful tips and suggestions posted above I printed and know by heart

What else I did in preparation. The most exciting part is that I invited a co-pilot. He is a travel enthusiast with excellent stick skills. He lives half a world away, in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Two days ago I met him at JFK and planted him in a hotel. Now he is exploring Big Apple and trying to switch his biological clock - night for day

He did the most exciting thing I could imagine - printed and brought here a pair of T-shirts and caps. I was stunned after I saw this

Front


Back


They are very creative in faraway land of Siberia. We would like to take a picture before our departure in this "uniform" by the Brooklyn Bridge with MINI on Friday but some things may pop up... Will see.

Ready to launch early Saturday morning as planned.