The MINI adventures of Chris and Jax

Lac d'estaing

2009-06-13T08:54:00.001+01:00

We had mammoth trip into Spain yesterday, taking in the Col du Aspin and a twisty 30 mile road the likes of which we can only dream of back in the Uk.

With the temperature rising by the day we decided to take some time out at a local lake where Chris rustlf up a Cassule whth Toulouse saurages on the camp stove.

Now its onto Carcassone on the way to the South of France where the temperatures currently 32 and sunny.

Better get the sun screen on!

St Savin

2009-06-10T08:22:00.001+01:00

Our base for the next couple of days is the hotel Les Rochers in the picturesque village of St Savin (10 km south of Lordes).

We spent the day yesterday, exploring the area to the west and took a ride on Europe's highest railway. Although it was cold in the open carriages, the scenery was magnificent and the Marmottes almost tame, coming right up to the train when it stopped.

Ile De Re

2009-06-08T08:37:00.001+01:00

We had a marvelous drive down to La Rochelle, yesterday avoiding the motorways. Having stopped off for an ice cream we then made our way across the 3km bridge to the Ile De Re.

Our hotel (Maree) is situated right on the front, overlooking a beautiful bay and the bridge.

After dropping our luggage off we toured this wonderful island. With the sun shinning it had the feel of a Carribean island, with its little houses, blue sea and white beaches.

Before we returned to our hotel, we stopped off at the Islands capital (St Martins) to have a Campari whilst relaxing and overlooling the gorgeous harbour.

Ile De Re, if you get a chance to visit this place, do so, its stunning.

Bagnoles

2009-06-06T21:25:00.001+01:00

First stop at time for a cool beer overlooking the lake. Bagnoles is a very pretty town which might be a little too 'Disney' for some, with its pristeen shop and cafes.

A chance for a guick swim in the hotels pool for some of us and the dinner at a local bistro, with the some of the biggest plates of food that i've seen. Including a plate of duck (consisting of confit, smoke, roast and fois grais with pickles and salad). Phew! bedtime i think.

D-Day has arrived

2009-06-06T06:53:00.001+01:00

Preparing to board our ferry at Dover and we've been joined group of Caterhams. The weather in France ir currently wet so i know where i'd rather be and that's in our MINI.

After an early start we're hoping to catch some breakfast on the ferry before we set off, to our first stop of Bagnoles, near LeMans.

MINI Grand Prix

2009-05-24T11:20:00.002+01:00

Chance to grab some more laps of the karting, Newminiseverns style.

Its the pits!

2009-05-23T16:57:00.002+01:00

Got a go on the track, but only one lap as an earlier accident in the Challenge race took out 3 cars which has delay everything else.

Its super hot here and not like being in the UK. In fact, after coming off the track, it felt like the cars coming towards us, were on the wrong side of the road. Eek we'd better remember were in sunny blighty.

Car Wash

2009-05-23T13:08:00.001+01:00

A familiar car on the car wash stand with Chris and my son James enjoying the experience!

"Oh to have a hand wash like that back home!" james exclaimed. Anyone whos experienced the Mini United car wash in the past will know exactly what he means.

Works for me!

2009-05-23T10:54:00.001+01:00

A beautiful sunny and warm morning to start day 2 of Mini United. The immense complex has plenty to do and see, trying to fit it all in is the hardest thing.

The night decends

2009-05-22T20:56:00.001+01:00

And the partys getting started

Premier MINI

2009-05-22T19:34:00.001+01:00

We!ve arrived at the Premier Inn and having a quick bite to eat before we return tO Silverstone for the evenings entertainment.
The car park here is already packed with MINIs and some fabulous examples too. I think everyond has made an extra effort for the 50th Anniversary of the Mini and adorned their cars with plenty of decals.

MINI graveyard

2008-11-08T15:55:00.001+01:00

I take it these cars won't be on the rollers today. It's so sad to see someones once pride and joy cast aside, but these cars realy are beyond repair and ready for the breakers.

We've had an interesting and noisy afternoon. And a massive thankyou to our host, Paul from 1320 Autos and the guys from Mini Torque who've helped to raise more money for the Charity, Kidsout.

Interestingly, for those of you that follow our adventures, today on our way home we got caught up in the middle of the Huntingdon Hunt.

With 20 plus horses surrounding the car, you can imagine how nervous Chris was, considering his last encounter with a horse!

Mini Torque

2008-11-08T13:37:00.001+01:00

Back from the Italian Job and off to 1320 Autos, with Mini Torque for a rolling road day. Where's some 20 or so, performance MINIs here plus or Snoopy (although Snoopy's being spared the thrashing on the rollers today)

The day after the night before

2008-11-02T13:33:00.001+01:00

Or should i say the day after the 9 days before?

What a fantastic time we've had again the year and met some great friends along the way, too many to mention but two of them, team Team 69 (aka Missing In Action) followed us for a while on the way out of Brighton.

Thank you to the organisers, who yet agaim, put on a fantastic show, you're hard work is truly appreciated by all the Jobbers.

Finally, on a personal note, a MASSIVE thank you to my better half Chris, who just over 10 weeks ago, succombed to my badgering and agreed to do 'The Job' again.

We've had a blast and hope you've enjoyed the trip too. Remember if you can, please donate a couple of quid to Kids Out, because our fund raising continues beyond the Italian Job. Thank you.

Finish line

2008-11-02T13:12:00.001+01:00

Unfortunately owing to yesterdays appauling weather, the usual finish on Madiera drive had to be cancelled. We drove all the way from Paris in the pouring rain, only to land on UK soil to find more of the same. It made the drive to Brighton extremely tiring and most of the jobbers made their way to their hotels.

Our hotel was the Myhotel in Brighton. It wasn't cheap, but no decent hotel in Brighton, at the weekend, ever is. This hotel, is bright, modern and has a fantastic Cocktail Bar, and i would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for somewhere special to stay. Aldo Zilli has a restaurant in the hotel, and although the famous Italian Chef doesn't cook there himself, the menu is scrumptious and very reasonable with mains in the region of £10 to £14. If breakfast was anything to go by (including honemade baked beens and sussex) i wish we were stopping for another night.

We arrived at the Hilton Hotel for the Gala Dinner, where we were greated with Champaign and our finishers medals and certificate. After we were piped in, by Purplepiper (aka Vikki) we had a superb 4 course meal. The Hilton absolutely surpassed previous years' menu with this one.

A few speechies and then onto the presentation of this years awards. Our glasses full, it was then onto the dance floor, and the days arduous drive was totally forgotten.

First drink of the night

2008-11-01T20:09:00.001+01:00

Campari and soda for jax and Vodka Martini for Chris (with olives).

Paris

2008-10-31T23:11:00.001+01:00

Strangely enough we got into Paris without any trouble and then made our way to the Eiffel tower. Unfortunately at the top cloud coverage meant we couldn't soe the famous sites.

It's been snowing!

2008-10-30T22:48:00.001+01:00

We left Monte Carlo on a beautiful sunny day and taken the N85 over some amazing passes above Monaco. These wide fast roads with sweeping bends make a change from the passes we've done up to now. I can't help imaging what a fantastic road this would be to drive a Ferrari on.

On our approach to Grenoble it started to snow and the ploughs were soon out. Not like the chaos in the UK when there's a bit of snow!

Col ee Turini

2008-10-30T10:56:00.001+01:00

What another great montain pass! Not the most challenging of passes (although the leaves and rocks on the road, brought down by the rain did make it intesting to say the least!) But certainly a very pretty one.

We arrived at our hotel, the Novotel, jvst arond the corner from the casino, and made our way straight to the bar, for Vodka Martinis (shaken, not stirred of course!) This is a fantastic modern hotel, with plasma TVs in your room, but normally you would pay over €300 a night to stay here!

After quite a few cocktails we took a stroll down to the harbour and the Stars and Bars restaurant for a burger. This is a lively bar and you can wait quite a while for a table, but it's worth the wait and not too (for Monte Carlo) at €14 for our burgers.

Lingotto

2008-10-29T10:52:00.001+01:00

Bah... It's been raining so we can't do the actual wall today as the cobbled track gets slippery when wet. However, we've been allowed up on the rooftop and those that are brave enough, have walk up the steep banks to get a fem pictures.

Now it's onto Monte Carlo, but not before we get a few more mountain passes, including the Col de Turini.

Turin parade

2008-10-28T19:58:00.001+01:00

The Turin police have, as usual, provide an excellent service, by escorting the Jobbers in a parade around Turin. This year, the tourist girls have surpassed themselves, by ensuring the parade takes in all the key fikm locations from the original film.

It's just a shame the weather has turned and started to rain.

Dreaming

2008-10-28T19:34:00.001+01:00

Back in Turino now and we've been treated to dinner and now the Dream Exhibition. On display are concept and prototype cars developed since 1950 to the present day, including this wonderful Lancier Stratus prototxpe from 1970.

Turino

2008-10-28T10:57:00.001+01:00

Yeah, after last year pathetic attempt at navigating Turin, this year we've arrived with the organisers.

We was going to ditch our notes, but thought better of it,

Ferrari

2008-10-27T21:52:00.001+01:00

The ultimate car colletion, with just about every Ferrari old and new that you can think of, at the museum. But i did so have the urge to shout out "Hamilton!!" our local lad.

We've had a fantastic time at Imola and tomorrow we head for Turin, but tonight is our farewell dinner.Piazzale "amedeo di savoia"

Longing for a Zonda

2008-10-27T11:54:00.001+01:00

If the Lancia was one of Chris' favorite cars, then this is definitely mine. A gorgeous Zonda tucked away in our hosts a garage that also contains numerous Maserati.

I have to admit that i only have eyes for the Zonda.

Dam It

2008-10-26T15:47:00.001+01:00

What a beautiful warm afternoon we're having here today!

After lunch todays run took us to the breathtaking dam at Ridracoli, where we've been given special permission to drive on to the top of the Dam. Unfortunately pictures just can convey the size of this structure, but looking down on the cars, it did make a fabulous view.

Time to return to the hotel now, and the route is up to individuals, so we'll see what we can find on the way back.

Into the mountains again

2008-10-26T11:52:00.001+01:00

Well we had another great night last night with yet another delicous meal followed by plenty of drink and then Italian Job auction, which raised over £3,000 for the Charity.

Today, we're off to the south of Imola, where, yesterday we found some wonderful twisty turny roads. One road which was in excess of 40km climbed over 1500 metres and was delightful to drive in the warm autumn sunshine.

We've managed to get a couple more mountain passes in today on the Navigational, but there's been loads of cyclists also on the road, but not like the cyclists on Stelvio. These seemed pleased to see us.

Wot a Castle!

2008-10-25T22:10:00.001+01:00

Oh my God, what a find. The afternoons excursion involved a visit to little castle who!s owner had a small collection of abou 50 cars plus bikes which included rare Bugatti and one of Chris's all time favorites, Lancia Stratos.

Ducati

2008-10-25T11:44:00.001+01:00

We've had a tour of the Ducati Museum and then onto the factory. Employing 1000 staff the factory produces 100 bikes per day in the winter and over 200 in the summer.

There's some stunning bikes here, but if you want one you'll have to wait about 3 months.

And the price, well that varies but we were shown one on the production line for €63,000.

2 Oranges or a Pair?

2008-10-25T10:17:00.001+01:00

First leg of the Navimational today, is to Ducati. We managed to get lost twice on the way, but still arrived in plenty of time.

Special stages

2008-10-24T17:18:00.001+01:00

As per usual, we've had some cunning special stages, including the nerve wrecking cup crushing and the forward and reversing challenge, where you have touch thd marker without knocking it over.

We all try to act cool prior to our turn, bv when it comes to doing the test we seem to be possesed by the gear crunching fairy! Paul and Becky would be proud of mum and dads attempt of protecting the family honour, probably one of the fastest, wheel squeeling goes of the day, it's just a shame that no one seemed to have explained to the that "ya supposed to get the bloody cups!" Only joking, but i think he's in trouble, because as they crossed the lind i!m sure i neard another squeal...

That's my car your driving ;-)

San Marino Circuit

2008-10-24T12:00:00.001+01:00

Or otherwise knowm as Circuit De Enzo Ferrari De Imola. We've been treated to a huge buffet before we do some special stages which should be interesting in the Clubman. We're hoping to the get a couple of laps of this famous track.

Day one on The Job

2008-10-24T08:47:00.001+01:00

After yesterdays downpour we've woken to wonderfully warm sunshine. After a hearty breakfast at which Chris appeared to be going for the world record of cake eating in the morning, it's time for the cars to be scruitineered before they're issued team numbers.

The Navigational rally starts this afternoon after a briefing from Freddy on etiquitte during the run and then we're off to the San Marino racetrack.

We've arrived!

2008-10-23T15:36:00.001+01:00

Unforvnately the weathers turned but still Chris can't wait to give Snoopy a bath, and Snoopy's found a friend already.

On to The Job

2008-10-23T13:32:00.001+01:00

We spent the morning doing some more mountain passes including the impressive 2000 metre, single track Manghan. This is another technical drive, but luckily we had a clear road apart from a couple of lorries putting out the snow poles ready for winter. This is great passes but not one to be done on a day the locals use ht for a cycling tour which is evident from the chalked messages on the road. Spectators as with the Tour de France write messages to encourage the participants, but to be honest when you see the climbs on some of these passes, i never comprehend how these men and women cycle up them.

This morning we had a couple of huge Stag Dears run out whilst we we're on one of the passes. They were really awesome to watch and made a change from falling dogs.

We've left the mountains behind and now making our way to Imola, for the start of the Italian Job 2008, and boy what a difference in temparature. In the mountains we struggled to get above 10 degrees but now in basking in 21.

Humm... Time for some icecream me thinks!

Room 101

2008-10-22T19:28:00.001+01:00

Crikey we're in room 101, i hope it doesn't mean we get binned like they do in the program!

This evening we're at the hotel Ideal Park in Laives just outside of Bolsano. From the outside this hotel looks nothing special, but inside it's like a different world, with 2 swimming pools, including one on the roof with spectacular views over the valley. Our room is HUGE. Prior to our swim this evening (we chickened out, when it came to the rooftop pool) i actually went for a jog in our room!

We've had another amazing day, doing 8 mountain passes before we found a gem of a restaurant, where we had the menu of the day which consisted of Four Cheese pasta for starters and Escalape for main and all for €9 each. Hence, tonight we're doing another Bear Grylls and having dinner in our room with a bottle of Prosseco for drinkies.

HIC, I hope i've typed this OK!

It's raining Dogs?

2008-10-22T13:34:00.001+01:00

After an early start to avoid any of the predibted snow, we made our way to the Fluelapass the through the Livingo Tunnel after which we found diesel at €0.83 or 66 pence a litre! Only problem we didn't need any fuel. Darn it!

From Livingn we decided on another pass instead of Stelvio which we've done previously. So we decided on the Mortirolo and boy was we pleased. The Stelvio might be higher, but this starts lower down, then climbs and climbs and climbs some more. This stunning single track pass is technically a much more challenging drive than Stelvio and we've picked this as our all time favourite pass.

New one today as well. We had a dog and a load of stones fall off a mountain, just in front of us. EEK. Dont know who was more shocked, Chris or the dog.

Nevermind i think the dog was a ROCKVEILLER than a Rottveiller.

Room definitely with a view

2008-10-22T08:25:00.001+01:00

We!ve arrived at Davos on a beautiful sunny and warm Autumn afternoon. We're stopping at the hotel Alpina, which is an older hotel but wonderfully maintained by its very helpful owner, who checked the status of the mountain passes before we set out this morning as they were expecting snow last night.

Davos is a great stop off point but at this time of year at lot of the restaurants are closed. So just like Bear Gryles we sourced our meal last night from the local resoures. Yep, you know it the Coop!

Lunch in Luzern

2008-10-21T16:41:00.001+01:00

After a brief (very brief) visit we've entered Switzerland and making our way towards the mountains. On our way we've done a small detour to do a short tour of Lake Luzern and a bit of cross country to do the Sattel pass, before we get to Davos.

The Sattel pass itself isn't very interesting but the countryside jolly was well worth the effort and made a change from driving the motorways.

Topsy Turvy eating

2008-10-21T16:09:00.001+01:00

Lart night we had a real feast in Metz at Le Bouche a Oreille. This restaurant was recommended on Tripadvisor and it didn't disapoint. We had a huge cheese fomdue with a bread and salad between us, with a plate full of meats all washed down with a superb bottle of wine. And all for €50. This little restaurant is qurky and sureal with plenty to look at and photo, including bikes on the ceilng!

Namur

2008-10-20T15:35:00.001+01:00

Yummy.. Time for a quick stop in Belgium and it bit of it's famous chocolate.

Nanur makes a good stop off point, it's easy to drivd into the centre, pkenty of parking, great chocolate and easy to get out of town again. However, a massive bonus is the cheap diesel at £0.87 a litre!

Fill me up please.

What a beautiful day

2008-10-20T09:02:00.001+01:00

Here we go for the wakiest race of the year. The 2008 Italian Job.

OK, so the plan of action was to behave ourselves this year and do the Italian Job in 2009, but after a little bit of convincing (very littke convincing i might add!) we're doing it again this year.

We're off to Metz (in France) today and we've already met a couple of other Jobbers whilst waiting for the ferry. One team im a classic are off to Milan first!

There's nothing quite like doing the the Italian Job the long way round!

Cheesy Chips and a kidnapped duck

2008-09-04T20:34:00.001+01:00

Does anyone recognise this duck

A pair of Clubs at the Ace

2008-09-04T20:01:00.001+01:00

A fantastic turnout of New MINIs at the Ace this year. Not that you would know it as most were relegated to the neighboring car park. From 5 o'clock onwards new MINIs were being turned away even though, the car park at the Ace was more than half empty. Gristy managed to get in but was ousted out.

Whats more disappointing, is the quality of some of the classics, that they were letting in.

Ace cafe Italian Job 2008

2008-09-04T16:50:00.001+01:00

Well we catagorically said we wasn't going to it this year, but in a mad moment we sucombed to the fun that's the Italian Job and put our names down to do it again. Tonights the annual charity auction at the Ace Cafe and all Minis New and Old are welcome.

Spotted right in front row is Foxy Mini's 'Ruby' bag4ng a spot early on this very popular night.

Poor Snoopy

2008-08-17T13:47:00.001+01:00

We've had a great day at Santa Pod, with the guys from MINI Torque, but we're getting a lift home as Snoopy got a puncture on the way here. I think this is Chris cunning way of saving more fuel

Sleepy

2008-08-17T00:36:00.001+01:00

And still with a smile on his face.

Bingo

2008-08-16T19:25:00.001+01:00

I've got a line!

These 2 were on the Cotswolds today. Rams and Tobes make a matching pair. We ditched out of the run this year as we're on a stand tomorrow at Mini in the Park.

Dirty cars

2008-08-03T14:50:00.001+01:00

Always a good indicator, that you've been on MINI roads, and the Malverns never fail to deliver.

Back at the Marlbank Inn for an almost never ending buffet, before the run heads off to the Hills for the final stage.

We've packed the tent and head off home as we've got a long journey ahead of us.

Thank you Peanut and Beastmaster for another excellently executed Malverns but more importantly your wonderful company.

Part one

2008-08-03T13:10:00.001+01:00

The weather cant make up it's mind what it's going to do, sn it's making an interesting run but still very spicey.

Tattootastic

2008-08-03T11:27:00.001+01:00

Now that's love for your MINI. Not sure what you would do if you wanted to change the colour of your MINI.

After last nights social
the crowds gather for thir years Malverns Run.

Doglet and his kennel

2008-08-02T18:42:00.001+01:00

The day before Malverns 4.0 and it's perfect camping weather. It' a great turnout with even more campers than last year. So much so, we've got our own field.

Pub meet

2008-07-29T00:36:00.001+01:00

Another great turnout tonight with 13 cars!

The weather was unusually kind, with a warm evening breeze, which meant we could sit outside for a change. Which was handy as Chris and Minicabrio, managed to conjour up a table top sign and massive MINI flag on a 20ft pole, just to prove to the Mazda club (who also meet at the pub) that MINIs are the best! Hehe. All done in the best possible taste of course.

Thanks to all those attending and a safe journey home to Alan and Jan who return to Italy at the end of the week.

Jordan gets the bumps

2008-07-19T23:26:00.001+01:00

19 today

What is Rakey up to?

2008-07-19T22:06:00.001+01:00

Rainbows end

2008-07-19T21:00:00.001+01:00

Grub done, and Lee's obviously got the golden touch as the rainbow seems to be ending on top of our marquee.

Evening all

2008-07-19T20:01:00.001+01:00

A short run today, to get back to the campsite for the serious stuff, tonights party. Lee and friends have put on a tasty buffet, including lots of sweeties in line with the theme of kids party.

Playtime

2008-07-19T13:49:00.001+01:00

With tonights theme being a childrens party, the MINIs have definitly come out to play in the morning sun. Lets hope it rtays like this all day.

Barmy Barcode

2008-07-19T12:09:00.001+01:00

We had another fantastic South Downs Drinkathon last night, culminating with Rakey making the mistake of falling asleep in his chair.
So he was wrapped up and left outside, but not before all the chairs were stacked on top of him. I cant work out how he got out of that and i dont think he can remember

Mr Whhppy

2008-07-19T01:05:00.001+01:00

Or is it Rakey?

Late night South downs

2008-07-19T00:57:00.001+01:00

Rakey asleep snoring away .(i wish u coukd hear it!).

Let's get it started

2008-07-18T20:50:00.001+01:00

OK, so this is me before I've even had a drink at the legendary South Downs Weekend.
It took nearly 4 hours to get here today, as it felt like the world and his daughter went on holiday.

Homeward Bound

2008-07-13T14:37:00.001+01:00

After a 2 hour delay the Ferry's arrived. However, it's been worth the wait, as unloading are some fabulous cars, including a bentley, R8, a couple of Ferraris and a load of classic sports cars. They appear to be on a Charity Run called Grand Tour 2008 driving down to Monte Carlo.

The weathers gorgeous here in Bolougne, i wait to see what awaits us in Dover as we have recieved reports in France, that the weathers been horendous back in the UK.

Road back to Blighty

2008-07-13T09:25:00.001+01:00

After 1700 miles and the grand total of €150 in fuel, we're on our way home. The car's well and truly run in now, and strangly improved in efficiency. It was almost like a switch being thrown. Up to beaune (1200 miles) we're getting 44mpg and averaging around the 75 mph but from there we've averaged over the 50 mpg and speed of 78 mph.

Handling wise the car gets better with each mile we drive, but that's probably more to do with getting used to driving. In the GP you didn't have to think too much about the gear you was in as it jurt 'went' regardless. In Snoopy, get him in the right gear, it's 'like cutting butter!'

Monaco

2008-07-09T23:26:00.001+01:00

After watching the Supercars in Monaco, we've spent the evening in St Tropez watching the huge super yachts come and go. It was the onto diner in a local restaurant before setting off back to our campsite.

Do you know i think i've got Supercar blindness after all the bling i've seen today.

Smallest Bentley Town

2008-07-09T13:57:00.001+01:00

Well not quite, but ie you've got the money around here, you'll get valet parked like the big boys.

It's fculously chic around here and you loose count of all the Mercedes and Bentleys, but for 45 Euros you can be chaufeur driven around part of the F1 curcuit in a Ferrari.

But who needs a red Ferrari when you've got your very own Ferrari Red Clubby.

Into Monaco

2008-07-09T09:01:00.001+01:00

Well we spent an exellent evening in the company of Beastmaster, Peanut, RVW and Storm last night and after a quick bit of breakfast we're making our way into Monaco, following a classic Ferrari.

It's a gorgeous day here, and perfect for driving along the coast.

Beaune, France

2008-07-08T08:21:00.001+01:00

After a 400 mile journey a on one tank of fuel averaging 75 mph we arrived in Beaune and still with 137 miles in the tank. Crikey what a diffenence to our beloved Grampy.

The cars officially run in now and 'loosened up nicely' taking in the French motorways in it's stride and eating the miles up! Believe me this car is fast! And that's from someone who's done 150 mph on the German Autobahns.

The only downside from doing this sort of constant speed, is the consumptions down to 44 mpg, but hey, in Grampy, the speeds we were achieving yesterday, we'd have been lucky to get 24 mpg!

We met an English/American family at the hotel we stayed at last night who thought Snoopy and our 'stretch limo MINI' were 'Awesome'!

Yep and loving every minute of it!

Meet Snoopy

2008-07-02T18:03:00.001+01:00

A bit of company for the Red Baron, aka Chris.

Been to the Boudoir

2008-07-02T17:21:00.001+01:00

The Doghouse has been up to see Minipirate for a bit of styling.

Why the Doghouse? I hear you saying. Tune in a bit later and all will be revealed.

Red Car Club

2008-06-30T19:50:00.001+01:00

June's pub meet and it lools like the red cars are first off the block, to get their orders in at the bar.

We've been joined by Jo driving her brand new Red and White Cooper S (aka Flo)

It's a boy!

2008-06-24T18:33:00.001+01:00

So our new baby's finally arrived. After much dithering, the dealershhp hasn't managed to fit the black grill. To be honest i actually prefer the lush red one.

With only 6 miles on the clock Doopy's got a bit of driving ahead of him to catch up with Grampy and Cosper who we've left behind. So all we have left now are the lanyards their keys were on, lots of pics and a whole heep of fantastic memories.

So here's to the next MINI Adventure!

Formation driving

2008-06-01T16:10:00.002+01:00

After the mornings twisty, turny roads and a bit of lunch, the second part of the route is more about pace, rather than turns. Which is just as well, as we've all had a huge lunch at the Chequers Pub in Redbourn.

The weathers stayed dry for a change, which has meant we've been able to enjoy the driving, without fear of greasy, slippery roads. With just a 30 mile section, and good speed we've made it back to the Services at Baldock and in time for a quick coffee at Starbucks before we make our way home.

A big thanks to all the guys who came today, and hope you enjoyed it (even if the sat navs went a bit crazy in the morning).

Chris and Jax

Hertfordshires best

2008-06-01T13:53:00.001+01:00

With dry roads, we've managed to find some great twisty roads.

Just a quickie

2008-06-01T11:59:00.002+01:00

Stopping for a quick break and new mans (Bertlo) car is given chance to cool down.

2008-06-01T10:03:00.001+01:00

An overcast start for todays Hillbilly (aka farewell to GramPy and Cosper) Run, and it looks like we're being joined the Land Rover Club, as theres about a dozen of them waiting in the car park on our arrival.

Not sure about the boots they're wearing and the off roading bit!

Pinks up for grabs?

2008-05-23T20:22:00.003+01:00

Nah, just for a service at Scothalls dealership in Borehamwood..

Ah, but i hear you say, why was MINIadventureWorld there today? Perhaps a thread could be started on http://www.mini2.com as to our next adventure...

Ooh look at that for lights

2008-05-18T00:51:00.002+01:00

Handle lights dont you just want them? Contact www.newministuff.com

As per usual the MINI2 team have put on a fantastic event, and as the night progresses, there's plenty of chatting going on. In the disco Shams doing a sound job, leading all the groovers with his twinkle toes.

One of the highlights of the night has to be Nibs proposing to Debbie... Ahhhh

Help for heros

2008-05-17T23:48:00.002+01:00

Please take some time out and think about absent friends who might be serving the forces, visit http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk to see how you can help

In addition to raising money for 'Help for heros', Nathan and helpers did a great job earlier this year raising £800 towards tonights Charity 'Make a Wish' which has got tonights funding raising off to fabulous start.

Gamblers and Co

2008-05-17T23:20:00.002+01:00

Can yov name them?

As part of tonights fun, the organisers have arrange for a roulette and Black Jack tables. Strictly for fun we've all been given £20,000 play. Pretend money of course, otherwise we'd all be off to Woollastons MINIs for a bit of a shop.

Auction time

2008-05-17T22:27:00.001+01:00

And so far CK and i have bid against each other to get a towel !

Quack, quack Jack

2008-05-17T17:43:00.002+01:00

A great welcome awaits the Ballers and QQJ has been ducking into the Chocolate Fountain thats been laid on to welcome back the Nutty Run participants.

Fevs and Speeedd getting loved up

2008-05-17T15:41:00.002+01:00

A sign of things to come? As Speeedd tweaks Fevs nips in an effort to tune into MiniadventureWorld.

We ditched out of the Nutty Run earlier today and made our way directly to the bar where we found the usual suspects from MINI2

Himley Hall

2008-05-11T12:43:00.001+01:00

WOW what a fabulous day. The sun has certainly brought the Miniacs out today. Apparently theres a complete stand still outside of Himley Hall and around Dudley as people try to get into the venue and the organisers are threatening to clore the gate as we're at capacity here.

It's 28 degrees and gloriously sunny.

With lots of familiar clubs and even more familiar faces, GP Mick has managed to assenble 30 GPs plus 2 on other stands.

Pre Himley Prep

2008-05-10T19:57:00.001+01:00

With the gates opening at 9am tomorrow, we've decide to stayover at the Kingswinford Premier Inn, and it looks like we're not alone, with eight othe MINIs in the car park including thls ratier unusual jacked Cooper.

Hillybilly Recce Run

2008-05-04T13:13:00.002+01:00

A few of the guys have met up to check out the route for our run on the 1st June.

We've made our way to the Chequers in Redbourn and managed not to loose anyone on route. As per usual some great company and excellent food...

Pub meet

2008-04-29T00:49:00.001+01:00

As April draws to a close, its time for the Hertfordshire montly meet at Redbourn. There's the usual crowd, plus a few extras, including this rather familiar car in the centre, belonging to Jackedup.

Gayest car?

2008-04-20T14:56:00.001+01:00

Track done, and two very familiar faces are found at the rear.

On track

2008-04-20T14:53:00.001+01:00

On grid

2008-04-20T14:51:00.002+01:00

Lined up ready to go

After a dreary start to the day, the sun's decided to show it's face, just upon our arrival at Pease Pottage Services, our starting point for todays run to Goodwood Circuit.

Organised by.118, there's a great attendance, with fabulous support from KAES MINI club.

Most Haunted or Most haunting?

2008-04-06T18:33:00.001+01:00

Last night at the Fort and its quiz and prize giving time. We're having a party in RVWs room which consists of a huge lounge with full size dining suite and huge fire place.

I'm off for more wine!

Back to the hotel

2008-04-06T15:22:00.000+01:00

After a days trekking around the Ardennes, it's back to the hotel. We've tackled all types of weather today, from snow to brilliant sunshine.

We've visited a couple of mountain passes and lovely little villages and even a medievil market.

Tonights plan of action is to remain in the hotel and partake in the annual French Weekend quiz and pressent the prize for the photo competion yesterday.

Forget the last blog

2008-04-06T11:13:00.001+01:00

Absolutely amazing! We've just turned into a road and the temperature drop 2 degrees and an inch and a half of snow has fallen in less than 2 minutes and the cars are going nowhere! EEEK..

Pass Out

2008-04-06T11:04:00.001+01:00

After yesterdays damp squib we're making the most of the morning sun, by going on a hunt for mountains passes.

Ardennes, not the most mountainous areas but we've found 5 within 20km.

Sunday Canine Caper

2008-04-05T09:09:00.001+01:00

After a fantastic meal and LOTS of drink, its an early start for todays cruise around the Ardennes.

We're all being sent off one minute apart to give individual cars time to take part in todays task, which is to take pictures of various dogs.

Into Thee Forte

2008-04-04T18:28:00.001+01:00

Wow, what a place, Its so hard to convey the size of this place. It is huge! Some of the rooms even have their own mezzanin floor.

After a quick drink we are all off to get some food and lots to drink!

Reims Racing

2008-04-04T15:39:00.001+01:00

A quick stop off at the old racing circuit at Reims before we head to hotel in Sedan.

The circuit, now disused, is a public road, however the French still maintain part of thd buildings, painting small sections of the main building, presumably to entice tourists to the area to have their picture taken,

Whilst we are waiting the cars are getting plenty of attention, including one gentleman who was in a BMW, who advised me that he had a MINI and belonged to Club Neuvelle MINI.

Meet up

2008-04-04T12:54:00.001+01:00

After an early (very early) start, we caught the 7am Speed Ferry to France. After grabbing a quick breakfast on board, we've made our way to Compeigne, to meet up with the rest of the French Weekend Crew, before we make our way to Reims and the old race circuit.

After a grey start to the day, the suns come out and its now very warm and sunny. Lets hope it stays that way for the whole weekend!

Lunch

2008-03-24T15:52:00.003+01:00

After some great little roads, it's time for a quick drink and a packet of crisps, before we set off on our final stage.

East Coast Minis have done a great job today, raising money for Bury St Edmunds Hospital Special Care Baby Unit. They've even organised a raffle this year.

So it's off on the last stage and it feels like the snows following us, as the are a few flakes in the air as the last raffle prize is drawn.

1st stop

2008-03-24T13:08:00.001+01:00

Well, we've driven through a blizzard to get here and come out the other side, and it is FREEZING!

Because the snow came down so thickly we came directly to Tobys Walk. The sun has come out but as we wait to go onto the next stage, there is a flurry of snow in the air. It feels strange, to be standing in bright sunlight after coming through thick snow clouds, and most cars a have snow caked onto the front of their bumpers (apart from these two, whom i reckon, have had a quick clean!).