Tag: MTTS2024

They’re More Like “Guidelines”

Posted on June 23, 2024 by Bruce

Once upon a time… When I first bought a MINI Cooper there were only a few of us and MINI catered to the idea that a small car was unique. During that time their ad folks came up with a bunch of advice for MINI owners all part of the “MINI Book of Motoring” which was handed out at dealerships to prospective owners so they would understand what they had gotten themselves into by taking that “first step into a larger world” by just looking at a MINI. I keep a copy of one in my glovebox as a reminder of those simpler times.

MINIs marketing was irreverent and dry, never being too serious and had advice and new vocabulary like “Farking Spot” which was when someone parked and was hidden from view by other cars making it seem like the spot was empty so you would get your hopes up and think you could park there. The idea was as a MINI owner you should keep this in mind and not pull all the way in, line up your boot with the surrounding cars. Other things like wear dirt as a badge of honor and Miles = Memories were ways to say “Have fun, drive and don’t worry.”

Owning a MINI meant you were off to adventure and mostly fun. I do my best to follow this holy scripture, better than many people follow the rules set forth by their organized religions. You wonder where the concept of “Whimventure®” came from? It adds the MINI concepts to times when you can’t Motor. These are just some highlights from the holy book:

The car, besides being small, was quirky and there were things you had to get used to- like the switches for the windows and locks were in the center column, not on the door. Then executives decided that they were being marked down on all important surveys for these quirks and started changing things- making MINI bigger, and moving things around so it was more “normal.” One of my favorite advertising campaigns was one of the last pushing the uniqueness of the MINI- “Not Normal.” Sadly, while MINI is still unique in some cases, the newest models are just like most cars on the road. As I have stated elsewhere, I do like the current interior with the ginormous round screen, but I really can’t tell from the outside that it’s a MINI unless I see the logo. You can’t miss the logo- it’s almost as big as a classic Mini!

During the early days MINI set up some rules, created by marketing and cobbled together from various local clubs. They also were shorthand for those found in the “Book of Motoring.” These have kind of stuck. Unfortunately, many owners don’t have a clue about them (kind of like many church goers haven’t a clue about what their religion actually is about 🤪). MINI has become successful enough that most owners think of it as a car. Something to get them from Point A to Point B (See the definition of Motoring in the MINI Book of Motoring). The concept of “motoring” has vanished. If you adopt a pre-owned MINI you may never know about the community. For those in need here are the Official Rules as presented at MTTS (MINI Takes The States) in 2022 (Cecil was added for clarity):

  1. Always park next to another MINI. Notice it doesn’t say “Back into the spot.” I don’t understand the importance of backing in, but to many that is also a rule. I think since back up cameras became standard it became more of a thing. Originally maybe it was to be able to drive off quickly… I’m sure there is a reason, but not compelling enough for me to participate. I just think of the times when I’d go see the Indianapolis Symphony and all the old folks would slowly and laboriously back their cars into spots… 🙄
  2. Wave, dammit. This can be disheartening since so many owners have no clue about the “rules.” Either that or they are on their phones. The other issue I have found is I wave to cars and then realize that it wasn’t a MINI! MINI has done such a great job making sure that the design doesn’t get dinged in surveys that I can’t tell a MINI from a Hyundai, from a KIA.
  3. Give your MINI a name. I have always done this, but then again my grandmother did this with all her cars. When you name your MINI it starts to develop a personality and becomes your partner in crime and one of the family. Yes, it’s “Not Normal” but that’s what MINI was all about. My first MINi was Penfold, my classic Mini is Tink, my current Roadster is Alfie although he prefers to be called Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All. Sue’s MINI is Poppy.
  4. No two MINIs should be alike. The MINI term is “Youification” you want your MINI to stand out in the crowd. I once owned a black Honda Civic sedan… do you know how many times I came up to the wrong car in a parking lot?
  5. Treat SUV drivers with compassion. This rule was before MINIs started to be as big as some SUVs. We are supposed to feel sorry for the SUV owners because they can’t possibly have as much fun as we do in our little cars zooming around them, and gas mileage. I know many Jeep Wrangler owners would argue this point.
  6. Put away the middle finger. “Carma” be nice to people, there is no reason to be in a bad mood if you are driving a MINI. For many of us this is so true. We get in our little car and smile as we hit the road. Every trip is fun, even if it’s just to go to the drug store to pick some aspirin.
  7. Embrace the MINI community. This can be difficult, but learn about the MINI groups around you and online. When my brother bought a MINI the first thing I told him to do was find out about the club nearby. I recall my first experience with a car club. It was Sue’s Honda S2000 and everyone involved was a guy, and all they talked about was their cars. They wouldn’t talk to her, since she was a “girl.” I had to keep pointing them in her direction since I rarely drove the car and knew very little about it. My first MINI club meeting we talked about life, (and our MINIs) but everyone there was treated the same. It was right before the first Mickey & MINI and we were all excited to head down to Florida. Now it has to do with online groups and MINI events around the country. Yes, I missed MINIs on Top to go to a comic book convention.😱
  8. Find a copilot who’s ready for adventure. For the most part I have Sue, but when she thinks what I’m about to do is too silly, or she has other things to do (work) I have Cecil. Yes, my copilot is a stuffed monkey, but that monkey has been on more adventures than most people and having a stuffed monkey as a copilot is definitely “Not Normal.”
  9. Admire your MINI. I like to add – admire other MINIs too. It’s all part of the Youification thing, your MINI is yours, and someone else has made their MINI uniquely theirs. I have seen a multitude of MINIs and each one is different and amazing.
  10. They call it #37. Always be ready to rally. This is the core of whimventuring. Since the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964 Mini (the car was #37) has had a “Rally Heritage” that we should embrace. Be ready to hit the road at a moments notice, you never know when an opportunity my come up.

Are there other “Rules”? Everyone has added or changed them. Unfortunately, like having a large menu, at a restaurant it gets confusing. Sometimes it’s hard to remember which ones to follow, and we sometimes forget. Gordon Ramsey’s first act when he swoops in to save a failing restaurant is usually to make their menu smaller and easier to navigate. So 10 rules is fine, if we all know and follow them as best we can. If you go to a large MINI event you’ll see most people following these and other obscure rules.

I know, I know… What about ducks? There are some MINI owners out there who like to put ducks on other people’s MINIs. This is a way to say “Hi!” “I like your MINI” “quack” or whatever. While it is a Jeep thing, according to many, a MINI owner started it. Ummm… sure, fine, whatever. Even if that is the case Jeep is doing a much better job at it, along with the Wave (See Rule #2). While driving home from North Carolina I saw multiple Jeep Wranglers with windows filled with ducks… I didn’t see a single duck on a MINI. Should we stop? No, you be you. If it makes you happy, go ahead. If you get mad because people say it’s a “Jeep Thing” maybe MINI should invest more in PR, but I don’t think they really care. People might get angry over who started it (See Rule #6). In a time of “Alternate Facts” the winner writes the history books (or bans them). This is a battle I don’t choose to fight, but I find it amusing to poke the bear when people start getting really serious about it.

The best response I heard from someone when it comes to ducks was “Google it!” Like the Internet is ultimate proof. You google “Ducks on cars” and every link and AI assist gives you stuff about Jeeps and some person in Canada who “started” it. I don’t know, like I said and I don’t really care. I know there are many who do, which is why I bring it up. Yelling about it won’t change the fact that Jeep seems to do the duck thing better.

Next Steps?

I suggest we all start with a personal focus on one rule that we can do without worrying about anyone else. I don’t care which rule it is… For me, It will be #2 Waving. I have a friend who always gives a peace sign ✌️. For me I will do my best to give the Vulcan “Live Long, and Prosper” sign 🖖. I know I will forget sometimes, but with MINI Takes the States coming up I should have a lot of practice. Of course the sad part is not getting a wave back. There’s nothing I can do about that, just be happy I spread the joy, the “logical” joy of owning a MINI and not being normal.

Mostly, You should make friends along the way. It starts with a simple wave. You may find people who you wouldn’t normally hang out with who are awesome people and the only thing you have in common is MINI. Just remember there is probably only one thing that doesn’t fit in a MINI- that’s politics, especially in this day and age. See Rule #6. One thing all MINI owners can agree on is that the MINI (no matter how much bigger they make it 🙄) is an awesome car.

MINI Takes The States 2024 is coming up and if you are attending it’s a great time to get into practice following the rules and becoming a better Motorer. People will wave, people will park and gather, people will duck, and button, and sticker, and whatever… MTTS is uniquely MINI and an awesome opportunity to motor with other like minded “Not Normal” individuals. If you happen to be along the route… look out for us- “We’re all mad here.” 🤪

Planning a Whimventure®- MINI Takes The States 2024

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Bruce

I know I’ve posted about this before, heck I spent a year drawing monkeys based on MTTS badges. So this is a pretty big thing for me, but it’s also just another Whimventure.
In 2006 MINIUSA, back when they did some amazingly innovative things, decided to put together a cross country roadtrip to celebrate the MINI JCW GP the end of their first iteration of the new MINI. It ran from Monterrey, CA to Limerock CT. They had no clue what they started. Over the years it’s changed into the current version. Every two years MINI owners get together and rally. With the exception of COVID this has been the case. So how do I plan for this? Like any other Whimventure, with a few subtle changes.

There might be an app, we’ll know closer to the start. People have been on the various groups in Social Media asking questions, trying to sell things to help offset the cost of the trip. Some people get sponsors. Some people take it way too seriously. Think of it this way, it’s like going on a cruise where you know where all the ports are, but you are captain of your ship and decide how to get from port to port. Online, be nice, but right now, I’m doing a lot of ignoring, there are “experts” out there, I’m not one of them. Your mileage may vary. I’ve been doing MTTS since 2006. I’ve been on all or part of every single one. My favorite, was probably 2012 (I know it was my wife’s favorite). I’ve seen the event evolve into what it currently is. Do I miss somethings from the past? Sure, but I also understand things change. I’ve learned a lot over the years, and forgotten even more than I’ve learned. As I get ready to head out next month, here’s what I’m doing. It’s your Whimventure® you do you.

MotoringFile does have a nice report on MTTS although it is is filled with ads (somebody’s got to pay for it) You can also go to the MINI Takes the States website for the official word along with so many groups in social media, many being set up as I type this to grab your information and sell you shirts, stickers, magnets, hand knit socks and other stuff. Caveat Emptor.

The Route

This year the route starts in Albuquerque and ends in Seattle. So there’s the first part- getting to the starting place. Some people ship their MINI, I prefer to drive. It will be a drive in which I’m playing some of it by ear, not knowing where I will stop for the night. I do know I am planning on arriving a day early to just take a breath.


In the past only the stopping locations were known. It looks like they have announced a basic route along with host cities. The thing is now, the morning event is pretty much the only mandatory thing each day. So once you get into the city you have time to explore before getting up the next morning and starting all over again.

In the past there were morning events and then an evening event. People really had no time to see where they landed for the night. Making sure you got into town on time added a level of stress to everyone, although some of those evening events are the most memorable parts of the experience. One of my favorites was Washington D.C. in 2012 and watching fireworks over the Mall from the Newseum.
How do so plan for the route? I don’t. I will check Atlas Obscura and Roadside America for quirky place between point A and point B. I also will see what cool places are at the destination. Sue will check things like geocaches with massive favorite points, and stuff like that. We will use the Geocaching and Adventure Lab Apps for ideas as to where to make that left turn instead of right. Now we are on the look out for Thomas Dambo’s Trolls. We will deviate from the route when needed or just on a whim.

Hotels

It’s one night, so it isn’t that big of a deal. Early on MINIUSA had set host hotels with room blocks. Usually these were boutique hotels and a bit pricey, now it’s every MINI owner for themself. Some grab hotels the second the host cities are announced, others wait until the morning venue is announced. I waited until I had time, there is no rush. You could do it on the road if you really wanted, but some cities the number of hotel rooms may be scarce. Should you be close to the morning event? How about downtown? It’s up to you. There will most likely be a line to get into wherever the morning event is happening so just how far do you want your drive & what do you want to spend? We’re kinda all over the place. I just didn’t want to be in a hotel that would smell of antiseptic or so loud that I can’t sleep. It’s only one night. I just finished booking my hotels, and it’s a mixed bag of types and locations. Some cities were really expensive, others, not so much. I’m from Indiana so my idea of expensive, might not match yours.

Packing

They have stores throughout America (it’s called “capitalism”) and while corporate greed has been driving up prices if I really need something I can stop by a store along the route. I understand that there are Dollar General Stores every 200 yards in some communities. So while I do pack, I also don’t worry too much if I forget something.

The First MTTS Grill Badge from 2006
One of the tubs of other MINI SWAG from various events over the years. I consider myself conservative and very selective on what I actually keep.

This is the opportunity to wear all your MINI t-shirts! If you’ve been doing this as long as I have, you have a bunch to choose from. One thing I will guarantee is that you will come back with more shirts than you had when you left. I used to bounce between not wanting to be like everyone and wanting to fit in. Which means wearing a MINI shirt everyday and not wearing one. This time around, I’ll pull out some of my classic shirts (mostly black, because… classic MINI shirts were ALWAYS BLACK) I figure I don’t have a chance to wear these much, so why not?

As for anything else, I pack some jeans maybe a pair of khakis, socks, underwear, my meds (since I am old), a toothbrush, and some toothpaste. I may have time to do a load of laundry since there is a break between Salt Lake City and Bozeman, but who knows what I might want to do instead. It is only 9 days on the road with MINI so I should be able to fit most of my stuff in a carry-on. You may need to plan more if you own a MINI Convertible and are traveling with someone. I know my Roadster is more than capable to take on the task of lugging Sue’s and my stuff around. I also pack at least two pairs of shoes. I learned that wearing the same shoes every day for more than week can get uncomfortable. Also, some shoes are better for driving while others are better for walking.

Buttons and Stickers and Ducks… Oh My!

Here’s where it gets interesting. Originally MINIUSA would provide participants with lanyards and then each day you would get a button in the morning. It was a way to prove you had actually been to wherever they had stopped. Jim McDowell (then VP of MINIUSA) had his Bulldog button, which was coveted and only given out by Jim. You had to do something besides just ask for it. I recall the first ones were given out to those people willing to lift their leg like a dog near a fire hydrant… Cecil decided to make his own button the next MTTS (maybe some others, but I only remember Cecil’s). The next MTTS the floodgates opened and more and more people had buttons to exchange. There isn’t enough room on a lanyard for all the buttons! Then people started giving out other items, stickers, business cards, koozies, you name it. MINI still gave out things, but I think after The Great Thermal Umbrella Stampede it hopefully has settled down. What is the big item everyone wants? Who knows what will happen this year. In 2022 it was MINI Financial Services magnets from each destination. With people stealing them off of cars which is very unMINI like.

Why? Are these are ways to prove your existence? Like having 1,000,000 Facebook “friends” or followers or whatever. It gives people a sense of belonging, of importance. It’s nice that someone is tracking you down so they can have a complete set of buttons. At some point the question becomes, what will I do with all this stuff? My “collection” is in a tub, in the basement. I may do something with it sometime.

Do I have SWAG to give away? Yes, I’m a lemming. My problem is I get so many ideas and it is so easy to have things made now days. I have a button for MINIon 4238 (that would be me) I have a button for MINIons Take the States along with a sticker. I have a classic MINI Takes the States sticker. I have a “Start in the Wrong Place” button and sticker. I even have Whimventure® Stickers. My plan is to not have anything specifically MTTS related left before I get to Seattle. So I didn’t buy that much of any item – maybe 50. (It also makes my stuff a lot more “collectible.”)

What the duck?!? Yes, while the Jeep World (that has a much better PR department) has been overwhelmed by “ducking,” the urban legend is that it all started with MINI. I’ve seen news reporting both. Some people will place ducks on your MINI. I have avoided this, probably because I just haven’t found a duck I like, plus, I like things that are unique. Will I be putting ducks on people’s MINIs? You’ll know when the time comes. If I had a 3D Printer… things would get ugly.

What should you do? Whatever you want. If you want to pass out ducks, or buttons, or stickers, or hand knit socks… do whatever you want and what you can afford. Owning a MINI isn’t cheap, going to #CampMINI isn’t cheap. Don’t feel the pressure to do anything you don’t want to. Some MINI Owners will do everything, others will do nothing. Don’t be surprised if you have some left over.

Past Experience – A Typical Day

Get up, get out of bed, drag a comb across your head. Once you check out of your hotel, head to the Rise and Shine. Wait in line and be directed where to park by the friendly and helpful parking staff. You’ll get to know these folks and everyone else working the event over the course the Rally. There will be people with ginormous flags marking their location because… I really don’t know, but it makes them happy.

If it’s your first time, have your paperwork in order. Be that printed, or on your phone, or tattooed to your ankle. When you are checked in you will get a lanyard and a badge for whatever you paid for. In this case, I’m guessing one day, will get a wristband, “Going All the Way” will get one kind of badge, if you are only doing half (Ending in Salt Lake City or starting in Bozeman) you’ll get another.

Check in every day this might be getting your badge scanned, it might be something else entirely, but check in. You should also be able to pick up a paper map for today’s route. They’ve tried a bunch of different technological solutions, but a paper map makes a lot of people more comfortable. There will be breakfast there (maybe even yummy breakfast burritos).

There should be a row of tables, and tents. One of the tables is where you check in. There will be a bunch of people looking lost (these will be the people just joining). Each table will offer something different. There will be SWAG, MINI Financial Services, MINI Service, a local charity, I’m sure I’m forgetting something, but basically like a comic book convention walk the tables, enter in the raffles they are having, pick up the SWAG. Throughout the morning there will be announcements, and entertainment, and the “Pocket of Doom.” Meet people, look at and admire everyone’s MINI and the You-ification they have done to make their MINI “Not Normal.” After the final raffle drawings and announcements (maybe even an auction of rare MINI related stuff) everyone will be asked to get ready to leave. This means, everyone will rush to the bathrooms. Once everyone is back to their cars, the lines will be sent off to much fanfare. After you leave the location, it is up to you as to what you do next.

Somewhere on the route, there might be a “Surprise and Delight” what is it? I don’t know, it’s a surprise. It usually is a roadside location or someplace cool. Sometimes there is SWAG there to pick up. This makes those folks who need it all (See the Great Thermal Umbrella Stampede) rushing to get there first so they don’t miss out! Other times along the route you might see a group of MINIs stopped for a photo op. Stop and see what’s so exciting. Maybe they just stopped on a whim, maybe for ice cream.

You’ll see a MINI on the road- don’t forget to WAVE. If you have a radio you might call out to them. Channel 7 sub 21 is typical for MINI, but some groups set their own so that they can avoid unnecessary chatter. When you get to your destination, check into your hotel. Explore the city if you have a chance. Eat dinner, got to sleep and do it all again the next day.

I have always said when you buy a MINI you get a new family… usually with an overwhelming number of weird uncles and aunts who your parents have told you to not follow their example. MINI Takes The States is a great way to get to know other people who love their MINIs as much as you do. If you didn’t why would you spend the money to register, and be a part of this adventure? Over the years I have sat with many of my friends who I would never have gotten to know if it weren’t for this crazy little car. I look forward to meeting new people and just having fun once I arrive in Albuquerque.

Something Will Go Wrong

Yes, as they say “The best laid plans of mice.” It could be something new they are trying like a map app, or breakfast, or they run out of whatever SWAG is in demand this year, or your hotel, or whatever. Be patient, be kind. Yelling and complaining will get you nowhere and it is the most unMINI thing I can think of. MINIUSA and the people working MTTS will do everything in their power to make sure you have a great time (kinda like staying at a Disney Resort) but they can only do so much and be so nice. If something goes wrong, DON’T PANIC, “It’s all part of the show.” To prepare ahead of time, I’m taking my 2012 Roadster in for a check up (Tire rotation, fluid top off, alignement check) and at least an oil change. Alfie (aka Stormageddon, Dark Lord of All) has been on every MTTS since 2012 when he went cross country on temporary plates, he’s not missing this one if he can help it. If something goes wrong, I know MINI will have people there to help and will schedule time at the nearest dealership if needed. It won’t be free, but it is a bit of piece of mind. Getting to Albuquerque and back home, I’m on my own (unless I win Roadside Assistance for a year in a morning raffle). but that’s all part of the adventure.