the ride was very nice. sometimes difficult to keep it under 4500rpms while climbing in the mountains and such, but it was really a treat. I got sooo many looks from people at stop lights and one old fellow in Cour d lain turned off his motorcycle to have a chat with us while we waited for the light to turn.
The Canadian Border guy asked if he could take it for a spin and when we stopped for the night in Fernie, the desk clerk asked all sorts of questions.
the seats were comfortable, the sound system with the iPod interface was great, the AC worked like a charm since it was about 37 or so in the Spokane area.
The boot had more than enough space for the two of us to take what we needed for a few days away and we still had the whole back seat we could have filled up.
I think even with trying to vary my speed i was still the front runner in most packs of vehicles and the twisty roads were where i really pulled ahead of some drivers.
If anyone ever tries to decide between the Cooper and the S, i can say that the Cooper is more than capable. I'm glad i went with the Cooper now....but we shall see what i feel like with a new air intake and engine remap
PS. The only problem i had with the MINI was the first fill up. Craig never explained that the doors had to be unlocked for the fuel door to open so i spent a few moments looking for a fuel door release. and then taking the cap off i kept trying to spin it....luckily i am used to motorcycles or I'd have been there all night trying to get it unscrewed hahah