Mini and Mini me...

Kelly Sweeney

Have you ever really wanted something but had to wait to get it? Ever had that anticipation of paying for something but not walking away with the goods?

On May 16th both feelings were fulfilled. About 18 months ago I put a deposit down a new Mini Cooper S at a local BMW/Mini dealer. Owning an original 1966 Austin Cooper "S" for some 20 years, I had to have a new retro version of my original baby. In January of this year I just couldn't wait any longer and found a dealer who could get me an allocation earlier, Niello Motors in Sacramento, Ca. After placing the order the call came from the dealer some 10 weeks later that my new British Racing Green "S" was in.

Ever try to take delivery of a new car out of state? Don't know why but those stinkers in California expect you to pay them sales tax if you take delivery of said new vehicle in California. Bastards! The compromise was to drive the car from Sacramento to Border Town, NV. I drove a newer 5 series BMW, and the employee of Niello was driving MY Mini. We were off to Nevada. Found the local Notary, at all places the Border Town Casino. Signed a couple of California state forms assuring delivery of the car out of the state, keys in hand, off I went.

The original plan on the drive to Oregon was to meet some friends from the National Championship Air Races at the famed Paddle Wheel bar in Incline Village, NV. If you ever get there be sure to notice larger than life photo as you walk in. It's of retired Flying Tigers/Fed X 747 Captain, Rick Middle landing his cargo plane at the old Hong Kong airport. Amazing shot. Oh and be sure to have the bar keep mix you up one of the best Bloody Mary's on the lake. But the miserable Sacramento traffic put me way behind schedule. We decided to meet in Reno. Joining us form Minden, NV. were Norm and Kathy Kibby. Norm is a current Fed X and also former Flying tigers pilot. Norm now captains MD-11's for Fed X. Kathy, best cook in Nevada and one great person.

We met for dinner and a few beverages, they took a quick look at the car, suitably impressed, I was off to my hotel for the night. Thanks to Kathy Kibby for her travel pack of bottled water and a batch of home made chocolate chip cookies, referenced earlier.

Wanting to get to Portland as early as possible, it was a Friday and home was calling. I was on the road by 6:00am. Quick stop to the local Krispy Kreme for a dozen of the original glazed donut delights and I was officially on my way north. I planned on taking US 395 North, past Stead, NV. home of the above mentioned Reno National Championship Air Races heading for Alturas. I crossed the Nevada/California border and approached the obligatory "fruit" inspection station. Krispy Kreme in hand, window down, I met a rather jovial, female state inspector. "Oh I just love these Mini's." "Have a great day!" Just short of Susanville, 395 breaks off to the west at about Antelope Valley Lake heading to Alturas. You will transition through Likely, California. (Caution, BIG radar trap) This is the start of some of the best road for driving between Reno and Bend, Oregon. Two lanes, some winding hills and several twenty-mile straight line "open it up baby" areas. Be advised of one problem.as indicated, California Highway patrol. Radar detector on, caution from the dealer to not go over 4,000 RPM or 95 MPH for the first 1250 miles, north we went. Darn, the Mini wants to rock and roll. But, not in the need of a speeding ticket I kept her at 70mph like a good responsible driver but oh baby, I did exercise her to 90 mph for a bit. Love that 6 speed transmission.

Making it thru Likely, California, not a cop to be seen, Alturas, Ca. was the next check point. Great city park there for a rest break. Taking advantage I stopped and was quickly quizzed by a couple of locals. "Read about them Mini's but never seen one" said one of the boys. "Sure is pretty" said the other. We shot the bull for a few minutes, rest room break and back on the road. Fuel at this point was about 1/3 down so Lakeview for fuel would be a breeze. Alturas must have some of the most expensive gas in the western hemisphere for your planning future. I stopped at the Oregon border for the obligatory Welcome to Oregon photo. Reaching Lakeview (56 miles) 45 minutes later after again experiencing some great roads I filler her up at the local Union 76 station. Dealer and book say the 163hp Supercharged Mini motor like a minimum of 91 octane, so in went Supreme fuel. First tank, 33 mpg. Not bad. Again station workers and a couple of locals gave the Cooper S the once over. I was getting about as many look sees as I did when driving my original S.

With the bug ridden windshield clean and full of petrol, next is the prettiest part of the drive from Reno to Portland via Bend. Lakeview, Paisley and La Pine, Oregon. Only down side is the posted speed limit. I felt like I was crawling trying to keep within 10mph of the posted limit. 65 is a whole bunch slower than the 70/75 in California! Again if you take this road a Radar detector is compulsory. The section starting 15 miles south of Paisley to about 20 miles north of Silver Lake (be sure and check out the Silver Lake Lodge and the General store) is outstanding. There are several "as far as you can see" two lane asphalt sections to 3 great winding hill areas to road test the best of any auto.

Mini running great, at La Pine we connect with US 97 and head toward Bend. Whew, no speeding tickets. In fact the radar receiver didn't utter a peep nor did I see one cop from Lakeview. Did I mention that so far the trip has produced nothing but clear blue skies, perfect for the open sun roof of the Cooper. We transitioned thru Bend, on to Redmond, Madres heading towards the Warm Spring Indian reservation and Mt. Hood. At Warm Springs, clouds. A call to my wife in Portland reports falling snow at the summit of US 84 at Government Camp on Mt. Hood. Great...

Sure enough I run into snow. The 16th of May in the Cascade Mountains in Oregon. Was beautiful but following a mini van, tossed a rock the size of a VW Bug. It caught my windshield. "Shit," good ding but no blossom. What I didn't know was that the rock hit the front of the "bonnet" first then bounced of the wind screen.. Looks like My Clear Bra appointment with Al Kinney will have to wait until I get it fixed. The Mini has one big dent. (Referral by Mr. Kinney to use Autobella on NE MLK. Appointment set for early June)

Snow behind me, Sandy, Oregon and another fuel stop, down « tank but fuel is much cheaper then in Portland. I calculated 33 miles per gallon again, consistent at least. I again experienced the usual filling station worker questions with complements all around. I pull the new Copper S in to our driveway in NE. Portland. 10 hours and 10 minutes from hotel to home. About 573 miles, Rand McNally's trip analysis software calculates 13 hours 15 min. Not bad. If you want a fun drive..check it out.

Kelly Sweeney Member, and like all the rest of you; President, Gutenfest Touring Society