MINI2

paulr · Aug 28th, 2005, 04:59 AM

Hi everyone. I'm back on the road again. Sure do miss motoring around in the MINI. So in order to get my MINI fix I visited one of the local MINI dealers

Talk about a mini MINI showroom. I always thought the showroom where I purchased mine in Chicago was small.... this one is only big enough for two MINIs next to each other, a desk, a glass display case and a couple of small tables in back. Everyone in MINI Roppongi was really really nice. They had some Japan only (I think, maybe in the EU also) products in their display case. I've been to many dealers in the US and have never seen the following.

Everyone here has stuff hanging from their mobile phones. In some cases, the stuff attached to their phone is much larger and heavier than the phones them selfs

So, I suppose it was no surprise that I would find MINI branded phone straps on display.

They also had these three really nice race track key chains.

Apparently these only work with '05 keys. I purchased the one on the right.

They also had on display an accessory NAV unit. If your nav unit doesn't pickup traffic, pay your tolls and do a gizzillion other things, it's last decades model. The BMW nav just doesn't cut it around here

I left with my key chain and many other free MINI Roppongi branded things: some magnets, a little MINI Roppongi notebook, and some Japanese MINI International books with music CD's inside. I would have liked to taken away a MINI Roppongi license plate frame to replace my dealer one but I don't think they do that here because your license is locked to the car by the government.

If any March 05ers would like me to bring back any of the straps or key chains please PM me by Tuesday. The leather straps are pricey, around $40. The plastic straps, about $15-20. The key chains, about $25-30. What can I say, there's two things going against us wrt price, one, it's MINI, and two, it's Japan

Sayonara

gaminicool · Aug 29th, 2005, 06:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L

Hey, Y'all!

Glad to see the March Builders won't stop yackin'! I must confess that I've slacked off a bit, but I have a bit of an excuse:

On August 5, a new Motorist was born. Elizabeth Helen. 9 lbs, 4 oz, 19". Baby and mother are doing fine; Dad is up to his elbows in nappies (gotta speak the lingo, right?), spit up, and most of the household chores. Needless to say, I've been, uh, busy.

And, while she didn't ride home in Black Jack from the hospital, she did take her first Motoring trip before she was a week old (mom didn't go, but she greatly appreciated a little break!).

Okay, that's all for now. I'm enjoying a small moment of "alone" time right now. I wish you all well, and I'll try to get back as often as I can. Cheers!

Oh, and put me down for a shirt!!! XL!!

Congrats JohnnyL! Great looking kid you got there

dpacker · Sep 2nd, 2005, 01:14 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L

Hey, Y'all!

Glad to see the March Builders won't stop yackin'! I must confess that I've slacked off a bit, but I have a bit of an excuse:

On August 5, a new Motorist was born. Elizabeth Helen. 9 lbs, 4 oz, 19". Baby and mother are doing fine; Dad is up to his elbows in nappies (gotta speak the lingo, right?), spit up, and most of the household chores. Needless to say, I've been, uh, busy.

Congratulations Johnny - what a little cutie! That explains where you've been for a while!

gaminicool - hope that you've fully recovered from your wisdom teeth removal. I remember having that done in college. I was black and blue for a week! Nice picture too! I've never been to Savannah, but I hear it's beautiful. I think it's only a couple of hours (maybe a little more) from here, so I might have to motor down one Saturday.

Hi crosebud! I think it's good that we're keeping this thread alive. When I motor in my MINI, I often think about you guys. The March Production Group thread is just like a part of MINI ownership! I can't imagine it not being here!

Hi April. Hope you've had a good week! Did we get enough t-shirt requests?

Have a great weekend everyone!

Debbie

AprilWhine · Sep 2nd, 2005, 01:21 AM

Have a great end-of-summer holiday!

Deb, not yet on the tshirt.

Tazminia · Sep 5th, 2005, 11:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine

And what do we want them to say?

March 2005 Production Group

Champion Internet Big Mouths

?

You know...there's a witty retort just sitting there but I haven't been in here in ages so I can't bring myself to say it. Instead...how about a "Howdy!" from us old farts in Illinois?

I promise (weakly though) to stop in more now that I have shuffled the kids back to college for the year. I'll go back later and read back into the posts for the last few months so don't be surprised if you see an old quote again.

Taz...still here..but kind of...fading a little...

AprilWhine · Sep 5th, 2005, 11:52 PM

Welcome back Taz!

Tazminia · Sep 11th, 2005, 03:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine

Welcome back Taz!

Why thank you Miss April...I have missed talking to you and the others.
Now that I'm here-albeit only occasionally- I have a question for you (since you have owned multiple MINIs). Do you notice a pretty fair decrease in get-up-and-go when you turn on the A/C? (for that matter..DO you ever use the A/C?) Recently we went on a 4 hour trip and it got pretty darned hot in the car. We finally broke down and used the A/C which was niceee and colllldddd. BUT...our acceleration dropped noticably when we used it. Anyone else notice this or might ours be a pup and need looked at?

Otherwise...our toy still turns heads, still draws questions about it's size and origin, etc. Still gets lots of ooohs and ahhhs from people. We now have one rock chip in the front from our trip so it's no longer a virgin in that respect, but otherwise it's still in excellent shape since we park in another area code when we go to WalMart.

Taz

am0eba · Sep 11th, 2005, 03:57 PM

Definitely get the performance drop when using AC, Taz...

Folks in the local club tell me the 15% reduction supercharger pulley mod works wonders for this problem (S models only).

_Dave_

crosebud · Sep 11th, 2005, 04:02 PM

Hey Taz, nice to have you back!

AprilW: Uh oh, just read there's been a mandatory evacuation of Ocracoke Island due to hurricane Ophelia. Wasn't your Blackbeard/Ocracoke run scheduled for this weekend?

erickvonzipper · Sep 11th, 2005, 05:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tazminia

Do you notice a pretty fair decrease in get-up-and-go when you turn on the A/C?]

I have a Cooper and yes, there is a noticeable drop in acceleration with the AC on. This phenomenon has been more noticeable in every 4 cylinder car I have owned that has had AC. In my experience, sixes and eights have not been _as_ affected.

Zip

AprilWhine · Sep 11th, 2005, 10:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by crosebud

Hey Taz, nice to have you back!

AprilW: Uh oh, just read there's been a mandatory evacuation of Ocracoke Island due to hurricane Ophelia. Wasn't your Blackbeard/Ocracoke run scheduled for this weekend?

It was scheduled for today

Here's what I posted in the Run thread:

Quote: Originally Posted by me

Blame the hurricane.

We started down Hwy 12 and saw the sign saying Ocracoke Island open for residents only. We had already decided to drop the ferry ride part of the run, so that was ok. But about 20 minutes down the road, the clouds were roiling and sand blowing enough that we stopped to discuss it with the other brave ones on the run. While parked, a lady in an SUV pulled in, coming from the south. She said that the sand was blowing so hard farther south that it was like a winter white out! So, that cancelled the rest of Blackbeard's Run.

We stopped at the Bodie Island lighthouse, and ate at a restaurant recommended by the park ranger.

Doug, your hurricane dance worked!

We'll have to plan on doing this run another day...

AprilWhine · Sep 11th, 2005, 10:33 PM

I'll have to go against the flow and say that I haven't noticed any power decrease with AC in either my MC or MCS.

But that may be because I have the windows/top down if the AC is off.

gaminicool · Sep 11th, 2005, 11:35 PM

Hi guys. My AC also drags on the engine

But like April, I usually keep the top down so i really don't use it that much.

AprilWhine · Sep 12th, 2005, 02:00 AM

Ocracoke Pictures

I posted a LOT of pictures, starting with post #44.

crosebud · Sep 13th, 2005, 06:16 PM

AprilW: Bummer about your Ocracoke run being thwarted by the Ophelia hurricane evacuation. These are strange time we live in . . . On a slightly different topic, while waiting for the Ocracoke ferry in August a homeland security policeman stopped us and somewhat sternly asked to see my brother's driver's license. Maybe a likely place for a hurricane, Ocracoke, but hardly a high risk terrorist target . . . Oh, well.

Anyway, loved the photos--especially the one of the flying saucer house. I'll post a little something about it on the North Atlantic thread.

gaminicool · Sep 13th, 2005, 08:09 PM

great pix April!

Johnny L · Sep 13th, 2005, 08:09 PM

I can vouch for that! I haven't noticed much drop off at all. In fact, the effects of the 15% pulley have been greatly enhanced with a few 50 degree mornings recently

I keep thinking about other mods (exhaust and a chip), but, OH slippery slope!!!

Besided, with the new baby . . .

Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba

Definitely get the performance drop when using AC, Taz...

Folks in the local club tell me the 15% reduction supercharger pulley mod works wonders for this problem (S models only).

_Dave_

Kellzir · Sep 16th, 2005, 10:17 PM

Hey guys, long time no talk. The AC slows down my motor too. If I use the AC, I wait to turn it on until I am already on the freeway. I recently installed an intake, and I love the noise of it.

JohnnyL - Congrats! She looks precious.

Tazminia · Sep 17th, 2005, 02:12 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Kellzir

Hey guys, long time no talk. The AC slows down my motor too. If I use the AC, I wait to turn it on until I am already on the freeway. I recently installed an intake, and I love the noise of it.

Hello again all.
Thanks Kellzir and everyone else who added their thoughts about the A/C. I finally figured out it works best to do like Kellzir did and just use it on the highway. Once I'm up to speed it's not so bad. I noticed it mostly when getting back onto the highway when I'm trying to apply power and it just_wasn't_there. We'll live with it because the only time we really use it is on the highway anyhow. In town driving requires us to have the windows down and the top open to enjoy the air-no matter how hot it may be. We still get "nice car!" comments when someone pulls up to us and it would just be rude to not be able to answer them.

Oh..I came up with a totally off-the-wall idea that I think may be worth doing (and have picked up materials today). Anyone ever drive long distances and realize it would be nice to have a travel pillow-or kidney pillow as they are sometimes called? (about 8"x17")
I am going to make a couple of them up in colors to match our CR/W MINI. One side will be red, the other will be black and white checkerboard. Still trying to figure out what to put on the red side..probably just large MINI letters, or I Love My MINI..something like that. As soon as I finish them, I'll attach photos. (assuming I learn sewing really fast that is)
Keep scootin' down the roads people..quick but safe, ok?
Taz

dpacker · Sep 17th, 2005, 03:18 AM

Hi guys!

Sorry about your run getting messed up by the hurricane, April. Darned hurricanes! Nice pictures though!

On the AC topic, the only time I notice a difference is during takeoff...I have to give a little more (a lot more) gas when taking off if the AC is on. Other than that, I haven't noticed a huge difference.

I took my MINI on a road trip to Virginia this past weekend. I got to take my Dad for a ride. He was pretty excited. He's a huge vehicle lover and he's been down and out for almost two years because of a stroke. At this point he can't drive much, so it was cool to get to take him for a ride. I believe that he enjoyed his ride!

I also took my niece (age 6) and my nephew (age 9) for a ride. My niece was in the back seat giggling about the pop-pop noises...and my tire screeching in 2nd gear. She loved it. Then we headed up a curvy mountain road. My nephew has his eyes covered, but not my little niece - there she is in the back seat yelling "Faster Debbie, faster. I want to go faster!" It was the cutest thing. After that, she was telling everyone that she got to go for a ride in the MINI Cooper. So sweet!

I drove the 4.5 hours home on Sunday with the windows open and the sunroof open. Nice ride...and I've had a cold ever since! :-)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Debbie

Aug 28th, 2005, 04:59 AM	#2401
paulr Ramblin Man Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Local Time: 04:47 AM Posts: 188 Offline	Hi everyone. I'm back on the road again. Sure do miss motoring around in the MINI. So in order to get my MINI fix I visited one of the local MINI dealers Talk about a mini MINI showroom. I always thought the showroom where I purchased mine in Chicago was small.... this one is only big enough for two MINIs next to each other, a desk, a glass display case and a couple of small tables in back. Everyone in MINI Roppongi was really really nice. They had some Japan only (I think, maybe in the EU also) products in their display case. I've been to many dealers in the US and have never seen the following. Everyone here has stuff hanging from their mobile phones. In some cases, the stuff attached to their phone is much larger and heavier than the phones them selfs So, I suppose it was no surprise that I would find MINI branded phone straps on display. They also had these three really nice race track key chains. Apparently these only work with '05 keys. I purchased the one on the right. They also had on display an accessory NAV unit. If your nav unit doesn't pickup traffic, pay your tolls and do a gizzillion other things, it's last decades model. The BMW nav just doesn't cut it around here I left with my key chain and many other free MINI Roppongi branded things: some magnets, a little MINI Roppongi notebook, and some Japanese MINI International books with music CD's inside. I would have liked to taken away a MINI Roppongi license plate frame to replace my dealer one but I don't think they do that here because your license is locked to the car by the government. If any March 05ers would like me to bring back any of the straps or key chains please PM me by Tuesday. The leather straps are pricey, around $40. The plastic straps, about $15-20. The key chains, about $25-30. What can I say, there's two things going against us wrt price, one, it's MINI, and two, it's Japan Sayonara "So," I said after I'd had enough, "you've ruined it". Chicago MINI Motoring Club \| R56 & R53 \| PPW 12, MMC 284, TRIP312 \|

Sep 2nd, 2005, 01:21 AM	#2404 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:47 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Have a great end-of-summer holiday! Deb, not yet on the tshirt. Global Moderator

Sep 5th, 2005, 11:52 PM	#2406 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:47 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Welcome back Taz! Global Moderator

Sep 11th, 2005, 03:57 PM	#2408 (permalink)
am0eba the ZERO is silent! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Pedro, CA Local Time: 12:47 PM Posts: 256 Offline	Definitely get the performance drop when using AC, Taz... Folks in the local club tell me the 15% reduction supercharger pulley mod works wonders for this problem (S models only). _Dave_ "Murray" 2005 MCSC (click here for more) "F" the ineffable!

Sep 11th, 2005, 10:31 PM	#2411 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:47 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by crosebud Hey Taz, nice to have you back! AprilW: Uh oh, just read there's been a mandatory evacuation of Ocracoke Island due to hurricane Ophelia. Wasn't your Blackbeard/Ocracoke run scheduled for this weekend? It was scheduled for today Here's what I posted in the Run thread: Quote: Originally Posted by me Blame the hurricane. We started down Hwy 12 and saw the sign saying Ocracoke Island open for residents only. We had already decided to drop the ferry ride part of the run, so that was ok. But about 20 minutes down the road, the clouds were roiling and sand blowing enough that we stopped to discuss it with the other brave ones on the run. While parked, a lady in an SUV pulled in, coming from the south. She said that the sand was blowing so hard farther south that it was like a winter white out! So, that cancelled the rest of Blackbeard's Run. We stopped at the Bodie Island lighthouse, and ate at a restaurant recommended by the park ranger. Doug, your hurricane dance worked! We'll have to plan on doing this run another day... Global Moderator

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Aug 29th, 2005, 06:22 PM	#2402 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:47 PM Posts: 326 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L Hey, Y'all! Glad to see the March Builders won't stop yackin'! I must confess that I've slacked off a bit, but I have a bit of an excuse: On August 5, a new Motorist was born. Elizabeth Helen. 9 lbs, 4 oz, 19". Baby and mother are doing fine; Dad is up to his elbows in nappies (gotta speak the lingo, right?), spit up, and most of the household chores. Needless to say, I've been, uh, busy. And, while she didn't ride home in Black Jack from the hospital, she did take her first Motoring trip before she was a week old (mom didn't go, but she greatly appreciated a little break!). Okay, that's all for now. I'm enjoying a small moment of "alone" time right now. I wish you all well, and I'll try to get back as often as I can. Cheers! Oh, and put me down for a shirt!!! XL!! Congrats JohnnyL! Great looking kid you got there

Sep 2nd, 2005, 01:14 AM	#2403 (permalink)
dpacker MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: East Coast - SC Local Time: 03:47 PM Posts: 227 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Johnny L Hey, Y'all! Glad to see the March Builders won't stop yackin'! I must confess that I've slacked off a bit, but I have a bit of an excuse: On August 5, a new Motorist was born. Elizabeth Helen. 9 lbs, 4 oz, 19". Baby and mother are doing fine; Dad is up to his elbows in nappies (gotta speak the lingo, right?), spit up, and most of the household chores. Needless to say, I've been, uh, busy. Congratulations Johnny - what a little cutie! That explains where you've been for a while! gaminicool - hope that you've fully recovered from your wisdom teeth removal. I remember having that done in college. I was black and blue for a week! Nice picture too! I've never been to Savannah, but I hear it's beautiful. I think it's only a couple of hours (maybe a little more) from here, so I might have to motor down one Saturday. Hi crosebud! I think it's good that we're keeping this thread alive. When I motor in my MINI, I often think about you guys. The March Production Group thread is just like a part of MINI ownership! I can't imagine it not being here! Hi April. Hope you've had a good week! Did we get enough t-shirt requests? Have a great weekend everyone! Debbie

Sep 5th, 2005, 11:16 PM	#2405 (permalink)
Tazminia 333...I'm only half evil Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Illinois Local Time: 02:47 PM Posts: 577 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine And what do we want them to say? March 2005 Production Group Champion Internet Big Mouths ? You know...there's a witty retort just sitting there but I haven't been in here in ages so I can't bring myself to say it. Instead...how about a "Howdy!" from us old farts in Illinois? I promise (weakly though) to stop in more now that I have shuffled the kids back to college for the year. I'll go back later and read back into the posts for the last few months so don't be surprised if you see an old quote again. Taz...still here..but kind of...fading a little...

Sep 11th, 2005, 03:16 PM	#2407 (permalink)
Tazminia 333...I'm only half evil Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Illinois Local Time: 02:47 PM Posts: 577 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine Welcome back Taz! Why thank you Miss April...I have missed talking to you and the others. Now that I'm here-albeit only occasionally- I have a question for you (since you have owned multiple MINIs). Do you notice a pretty fair decrease in get-up-and-go when you turn on the A/C? (for that matter..DO you ever use the A/C?) Recently we went on a 4 hour trip and it got pretty darned hot in the car. We finally broke down and used the A/C which was niceee and colllldddd. BUT...our acceleration dropped noticably when we used it. Anyone else notice this or might ours be a pup and need looked at? Otherwise...our toy still turns heads, still draws questions about it's size and origin, etc. Still gets lots of ooohs and ahhhs from people. We now have one rock chip in the front from our trip so it's no longer a virgin in that respect, but otherwise it's still in excellent shape since we park in another area code when we go to WalMart. Taz

Sep 11th, 2005, 04:02 PM	#2409 (permalink)
crosebud MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Francisco Local Time: 12:47 PM Posts: 107 Offline	Hey Taz, nice to have you back! AprilW: Uh oh, just read there's been a mandatory evacuation of Ocracoke Island due to hurricane Ophelia. Wasn't your Blackbeard/Ocracoke run scheduled for this weekend?

Sep 11th, 2005, 05:03 PM	#2410 (permalink)
erickvonzipper MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Local Time: 02:47 PM Posts: 137 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Tazminia Do you notice a pretty fair decrease in get-up-and-go when you turn on the A/C?] I have a Cooper and yes, there is a noticeable drop in acceleration with the AC on. This phenomenon has been more noticeable in every 4 cylinder car I have owned that has had AC. In my experience, sixes and eights have not been _as_ affected. Zip

Sep 11th, 2005, 10:33 PM	#2412 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:47 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	I'll have to go against the flow and say that I haven't noticed any power decrease with AC in either my MC or MCS. But that may be because I have the windows/top down if the AC is off. Global Moderator

Sep 11th, 2005, 11:35 PM	#2413 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:47 PM Posts: 326 Offline	Hi guys. My AC also drags on the engine But like April, I usually keep the top down so i really don't use it that much.

Sep 12th, 2005, 02:00 AM	#2414 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 01:47 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Ocracoke Pictures I posted a LOT of pictures, starting with post #44. Global Moderator

Sep 13th, 2005, 06:16 PM	#2415 (permalink)
crosebud MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Francisco Local Time: 12:47 PM Posts: 107 Offline	AprilW: Bummer about your Ocracoke run being thwarted by the Ophelia hurricane evacuation. These are strange time we live in . . . On a slightly different topic, while waiting for the Ocracoke ferry in August a homeland security policeman stopped us and somewhat sternly asked to see my brother's driver's license. Maybe a likely place for a hurricane, Ocracoke, but hardly a high risk terrorist target . . . Oh, well. Anyway, loved the photos--especially the one of the flying saucer house. I'll post a little something about it on the North Atlantic thread.

Sep 13th, 2005, 08:09 PM	#2416 (permalink)
gaminicool What's this red line for? Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Atlanta Local Time: 02:47 PM Posts: 326 Offline	great pix April!

Sep 13th, 2005, 08:09 PM	#2417 (permalink)
Johnny L MINI2 Senior Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: S.F. Bay Area Local Time: 12:47 PM Posts: 404 Offline	I can vouch for that! I haven't noticed much drop off at all. In fact, the effects of the 15% pulley have been greatly enhanced with a few 50 degree mornings recently I keep thinking about other mods (exhaust and a chip), but, OH slippery slope!!! Besided, with the new baby . . . Quote: Originally Posted by am0eba Definitely get the performance drop when using AC, Taz... Folks in the local club tell me the 15% reduction supercharger pulley mod works wonders for this problem (S models only). _Dave_ Hang up and drive! > Black Jack Pictures <

Sep 16th, 2005, 10:17 PM	#2418 (permalink)
Kellzir MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bay Area, CA Local Time: 11:47 AM Posts: 256 Offline	Hey guys, long time no talk. The AC slows down my motor too. If I use the AC, I wait to turn it on until I am already on the freeway. I recently installed an intake, and I love the noise of it. JohnnyL - Congrats! She looks precious.

Sep 17th, 2005, 02:12 AM	#2419 (permalink)
Tazminia 333...I'm only half evil Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Illinois Local Time: 02:47 PM Posts: 577 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Kellzir Hey guys, long time no talk. The AC slows down my motor too. If I use the AC, I wait to turn it on until I am already on the freeway. I recently installed an intake, and I love the noise of it. Hello again all. Thanks Kellzir and everyone else who added their thoughts about the A/C. I finally figured out it works best to do like Kellzir did and just use it on the highway. Once I'm up to speed it's not so bad. I noticed it mostly when getting back onto the highway when I'm trying to apply power and it just_wasn't_there. We'll live with it because the only time we really use it is on the highway anyhow. In town driving requires us to have the windows down and the top open to enjoy the air-no matter how hot it may be. We still get "nice car!" comments when someone pulls up to us and it would just be rude to not be able to answer them. Oh..I came up with a totally off-the-wall idea that I think may be worth doing (and have picked up materials today). Anyone ever drive long distances and realize it would be nice to have a travel pillow-or kidney pillow as they are sometimes called? (about 8"x17") I am going to make a couple of them up in colors to match our CR/W MINI. One side will be red, the other will be black and white checkerboard. Still trying to figure out what to put on the red side..probably just large MINI letters, or I Love My MINI..something like that. As soon as I finish them, I'll attach photos. (assuming I learn sewing really fast that is) Keep scootin' down the roads people..quick but safe, ok? Taz

Sep 17th, 2005, 03:18 AM	#2420 (permalink)
dpacker MINI2 Regular Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: East Coast - SC Local Time: 03:47 PM Posts: 227 Offline	Hi guys! Sorry about your run getting messed up by the hurricane, April. Darned hurricanes! Nice pictures though! On the AC topic, the only time I notice a difference is during takeoff...I have to give a little more (a lot more) gas when taking off if the AC is on. Other than that, I haven't noticed a huge difference. I took my MINI on a road trip to Virginia this past weekend. I got to take my Dad for a ride. He was pretty excited. He's a huge vehicle lover and he's been down and out for almost two years because of a stroke. At this point he can't drive much, so it was cool to get to take him for a ride. I believe that he enjoyed his ride! I also took my niece (age 6) and my nephew (age 9) for a ride. My niece was in the back seat giggling about the pop-pop noises...and my tire screeching in 2nd gear. She loved it. Then we headed up a curvy mountain road. My nephew has his eyes covered, but not my little niece - there she is in the back seat yelling "Faster Debbie, faster. I want to go faster!" It was the cutest thing. After that, she was telling everyone that she got to go for a ride in the MINI Cooper. So sweet! I drove the 4.5 hours home on Sunday with the windows open and the sunroof open. Nice ride...and I've had a cold ever since! :-) Hope everyone has a great weekend! Debbie