Last month three of us (Wife and toddler Daughter) moved to LA from NYC and we decided to take almost three weeks to do the drive. We took the northern route starting at Niagara Falls, then on to Chicago, the Mall of America in Minnesota, the Badlands, Rushmore, Colorado (various places and NP's), Arches NP, Zion, Vegas, and then to Los Angeles. Over 3500 miles and 2.5 weeks later we arrived! I am sooo glad we decided to take the time and see America in our Clubman! Before this trip we were NOT driving people and I might add we even hated driving. Let me just say that driving is fun when you find the right car for you personally. Photos in my gallery, enjoy!

 

Where are the photos?

 

I'm happy for you because so many people just won't take the time to see everything America has to offer. I twice did the cross country on my Harley Davidson and enjoyed every minuite of my trip. I will do it again in my 2009 JCW and I'm going to add in a few things I missed on my other trips.

Going across our great country is a true adventure every one that owns a Mini should enjoy.

I really was looking forward to Mini takes the states and Mini in the Mountains but had to opt out because of my Doctors appointments for my cancer are all spread out. I hope they do it again in two years so I can go. I'm really happy you and your family did the drive.

 

The photos are in my gallery. I'll try and get them here in this thread when I have a minute more. Btw, Ronnie, I wish you a speedy recovery so you can keep motoring so to speak!

In LA and NYC MINI's are EVERYWHERE (especially LA) but not so in Canada and the Middle of our country as you all know. One young man in Canada literally freaked out asking about my, "station wagon version of the MINI." Pretty funny.

My favorite parts of the trip were the western states and the National Parks. Simply wonderful! Badlands, Zion, etc...I have always lived on the east coast so the west was new to me.

MPG wasn't so great with a roof box and a car loaded down 100% LOL. Man we stuffed our Clubman full. I averaged about 33mpg and certainly a little more when I stuck to below the speed limit on highway only days. Driving 75+mph (I had never driven on a road with 75mph signs before this trip) with the roof box and the extra weight took a toll. Usually on highay only driving I average 38-40 mpg if I drive the speed limit.

Over all the car performed well with zero issues. The only thing that happened was I had to reset the TPMS in Canada for some strange reason..oh and some jerk dented my rear left panel with their door in the parking lot of the Mall of America. Yet another door ding and run for my MINI. Arg!

 

Sorry didn't look in the gallery, looks like you did the move the right way, drive and see America. Back in my younger days I saw a lot of the country mostly from behind the wheel (except Alaska on a tour) and New Hampshire, just never got there. Have done the cross country twice, 1968 San Fran to NYC, 1972 NYC to LA, took the time to drive both ways. Back then from 1963 to 1998 I was on an airplane 3 or 4 time a month, tired of flying, still am. I hope that now you have taken a nice long drive you will keep it up, California is a great launching pad for motoring .

 

Nice pictures jb! Looks like a great and really fun trip! How did the cartop carrier work out?

I'm planning a cross-country trip on US-50; anyone ever taken that road? I love hearing about everyone's adventure and appreciation for the beauty of the US via the 'road less traveled'.

Sitting in my post office as I type are two travel guides I can't wait to devour: Road Trip USA and National Geographic Guide to Scenic Highways & Byways.

To me, this is what the MINI is all about and I can't wait to get on the road!

 

Nice pictures jb! Looks like a great and really fun trip! How did the cartop carrier work out?

I'm planning a cross-country trip on US-50; anyone ever taken that road? I love hearing about everyone's adventure and appreciation for the beauty of the US via the 'road less traveled'.

Sitting in my post office as I type are two travel guides I can't wait to devour: Road Trip USA and National Geographic Guide to Scenic Highways & Byways.

To me, this is what the MINI is all about and I can't wait to get on the road!

ronnie, I'll be looking for your pics of your cross-country trip in a couple years! Is Mario going with you?

 

I can't wait to motor up the west coast from LA into BC Canada. We have so many things to see in Cali! We just got new mountain bikes and started with some local biking on class one trails here in LA. We'll eventually get out of town as well to explore. We also have yet to do our first dives since moving here. Probably head over to Catalina or do a shore dive at Redondo beach soon...oh...and I want to learn to surf....better schedule more drive and play time!!!

The roof top box we have is the smallest and lightest and cheapest one Thule makes. It's called the "sidekick" and is around 200 bucks. It's softer (more flimsy) than the normal, very hard ones that Thule and Yakima and others make. It worked very well for our needs. It goes onto the mini (or other) cross bars easily and because it is small and light, it is easy to store in a closet or in a small space in the garage. We basically fit the stroller, a bag of dirty clothes, and the pack-n-play in it. It stayed on and kept everything very dry with no leaks even in driving rain. Our boot and back seat were filled with luggage, toys for my daughter, cooler, food, and god knows what else! If you need a cheap weekend box I suggest it but many complain that it is too small/low weight limit for their needs. Basically it fits two golf bags or about that size.

 

Well it sounds like you have the California lifestyle well in hand, good luck, I loved living out there and I'm sure you will also. The only trouble is having to go to work, what a PITA.