I’ve written a bit about the MINI Cooper biennial event called MINI Takes The States (MTTS) a couple of times. The second event (out of three) concluded on Sunday and I figured I should share my thoughts. Your mileage may differ. I have attended all or part of every iteration of this so I may come at it more jaded than a newbie. For those who have never ever had a car company plan a road trip for them it is amazing, after twenty years, it still is, but maybe in a different way.
The event actually started the day before it officially did with a small gathering at MINI of Buffalo for those who wanted to pick up their registration early. This was nice and gave us a chance to not worry about lines in the morning and to try to get an idea of how the event would be different.
Evolution Happens No Matter What Some People Say
This started off as a massive cross country (yes, coast to coast) trip that people could jump in anywhere along the route. In 2006 I did one leg, just one. Over the years it morphed into a bunch of different things trying to find that perfect match. Some repeated, others abandoned. It became a thing to say you “went all the way.” Evening events were dropped giving people more time to explore. The event is still evolving and only time will tell what, if anything, will stick. I made a sticker (because that’s what I do) that said “MINI Takes The States: Wherever, Whenever, Whatever” which actually became the Whimventure® tagline.
The Same & Yet Different
Things that remain right now are a morning get together, a charity, and driving a MINI.
Things that have been brought back - evening events. The social aspect has always been a part of MINI ownership. This from an introvert. But getting together after a day driving and sharing your shared experience. It bonds people. Each evening food, and drink token and entertainment were provided. IN the past many of these would be sponsored and put together by the local dealership… which meant some were better than others and sometimes things were repeated without knowing. The multiple nights where people got barbecue for dinner, or basically boxes of “local" snacks were dropped in a hotel lobby and vanished within minutes. So with MINIUSA & Octagon being in charge made it so each evening was well done. Although I did miss not having breakfast burritos.
When I first bought a MINI in 2005 they had the “Owner’s Lounge” which was their Social Media platform where people could ask questions, share photos and adventures. This stayed around until Facebook took over that role since people, I guess, wanted a one stop shop. For MTTS they brought back something from those bygone days- “Meet My MINI” I believe I’ve explained before that MINI owners were encouraged to name their MINI and basically give it a personality and silly stuff like that. Yes, I dove in since I like silly stuff. For MTTS they gave everyone the chance to do it again, and included a window sticker with a QR code so people could learn more. Smudge joined in with his life story.
Things that are different - Let’s start with it really being only two days. Three morning get togethers but only two days of planned routes. This was to appease those people who couldn’t take a lot of days off from work. Another thing is shorter routes, maybe 200 miles a day. Which allows for exploration and no need to rush to make it to the evening event. I also think this allowed for the current & future electric MINIs to participate. The biggest change was timing. The event was moved from mid to late Summer into the Fall. This was to appease people who couldn’t get time off over the summer. Of course, you can’t please everyone so even with a shorter schedule and moving it to the Fall people complained. Then again these may be the same people who say “the brand is ruined” when a new model is released, or a paint color is discontinued.
People were afraid that it would be like MTTS 2008 in which it was really just a one day party and some stuff happening the day before and day after. It was not. By still having a drive, a change of locations it was more enjoyable and allowed for people to explore that area if they wanted.
I missed the first event in Northern California, because… That’s a bit of a trek, especially for only three days. As for the New York event- It was nice, partly because many of these people I only see in real life every two years. Since we did this event we missed some of the folks from the West Coast and South. As far as I know, you don’t get a prize for “going all the way” and going to all three. I think MINI isn’t trying to make a trifecta an expectation. They are happy to see new people join the MINI Community. I think their objective was to not make this an exclusive club only available to those willing to take the time and expend the effort to do a long cross country drive.
“Nice?” you may wonder why I didn’t use a more exuberant adjective. Sue made a comment as we drove to the morning event on day 2 - “I’m in MTTS mode now” meaning she’s got a handle on a different hotel every night, living out of suitcase, and repacking the car every morning. Then she added “but this is really the last day.” Yes, we had one more morning, but not following a line of MINIs for miles. Which was kind of sad.
One thing sadly missing was the “Surprise & Delight” of past MTTS days. We’d drive but somewhere along the route would be a stop… basically something to keep people on the planned route, but also a chance to see something they might miss along the way. It could be a candy store, or a historic location. Someplace scenic for a photo… these were nice breaks from driving when the days were a lot longer and your car didn’t alert you to take a break.
Another thing that was missing would be some of the raffles and auctions. MINI Financial Services gave away different window clings each day. The magnets of the past were a hot commodity and sometimes went missing (I’d say stolen, but true MINI people wouldn’t do that). MINI service used to give away oil changes in a raffle- not this time. Not that there wasn’t SWAG, but after day one, most people had gotten everything they wanted. I have two MINI Plant Oxford shirts (also known as the most expensive pieces of clothing I own) from daily auctions during the past two MTTS. We have been told that there will be an auction at the end in Key West and there will be online bidding, but without the “Pocket of Dooooom!” there wasn’t much reason to leave your warm heated seats in your MINI.
Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful
Fall weather in places that actually get winter can be unpredictable. I think while spending time with friends and family (new, old, found, and biological) is memorable. I think the one thing that people will really remember is the temperature. When this event occurred over the summer we all wore shorts and MINI t-shirts. This time around we were bundled up in parkas, gloves, scarves and warm hats. A lot of people stayed in the warm interior of their car. There was no merch being sold to help us combat the cold. The evening events were held outside and the last night it was 28° Fahrenheit when we got to the car. The morning events started cold and got to mildly chilly by the time we departed. I felt for the “Roadies” who were out guiding cars and all the other things needed to get our group going. I think they were all dreaming of the last event in sunny Florida in a few weeks. Again, once the sun came out it was fine, but at night and in the morning… brrrr… I’m glad I packed my curling clothes.
Ch ch ch ch changes…
Is this the format for the future? Who knows? They seem to be happy with bringing new people to the event and therefore the community. The old format was daunting for a newbie. Social media and unregulated groups was one of the only ways to figure out what it was all about. These groups made me wonder if anyone ever traveled outside of their hometown. This being just a weekend so a lot easier to wrap your head around. We were gone for about a week traveling to and from Indiana. As for future events- timing and locations will still be a stumbling block. The middle of the country was ignored. Fall in upstate New York isn’t as predictable for outdoor events as California or Florida. Besides the weather, There is always room for improvement, but that is for the survey that will most likely be sent out after we have forgotten the cold and only are left with the warm memories.
Do it again?
Will we be back 2028 if there is a MINI Takes The States? Maybe. Only time will tell, but whatever happens I’ll at least consider attending “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever.”We are part of a small group that have attended all or part of every one, but I think we’re to the point where we will make that decision when the time comes. Currently we are actually trying to decide if we should throw caution to the wind and go to the Florida event in a few weeks. I doubt I have time to put together stickers or buttons, but Whimventure awaits!
What else?
Look up a few of the MINI events that happen annually, although the number of them are dropping. MINIs on the Dragon, MINIs on Top come to mind. MINIs of the Mack is a biennial event which happens on the off years when there isn’t an MTTS. All of which are amazing and put together by MINI owners or clubs. I know I missed a bunch- please leave a comment if you have one you want to promote. (NO AI slop please- which made me consider not including MOTD, but it is an amazing event)