April 2010 Ride of the Month Nominees

[bentrydr]

Let the Campaigning Begin!
Salish Sea MINI Motoring Ride of the Month
April 2010

The Nominees

Buttons - Cabrio
Btwo - Cooper
Phydeaux - Coupe

[bentrydr]

Ok nominees, it is now up to you to convience us why you should be the ROTM. Tell us a story, tell us a lie, make us want to vote for you or die.

Suggest everyone hold their votes until we see some campaigning action.

[phydeaux]

Wow! Really? ROTM nomination right off the bat? Thanks, Don. I'm really honored.

Well, what to say? Kirby is my daily driver, getting miles added to the odo nearly every day of the year. There have been many adventures, too, from passing through the break in period on the way back from our first club drive to Leavenworth in 2005, to being one of over 50 MINIs making the drive through the mountains, to the everyday fun of a run to the store. There have downsides to my adventures, too, such as the time I encountered a freak snow storm and ended up in the ditch, or a little over a year later, finding a pothole at 30 mph, blowing out the right front tire and bending the rim. And then sitting for six hours in a massive rain storm, waiting for the tow truck to finally come get me.

As I said, Kirby is my MINI's name. Yes, it does bring to mind that shapless pink blob from the cartoons, but that has nothing to do with the name at all. The name comes from the first time Deanne drove the car. In her words, "This car is like a vacuum cleaner. You know, one of those really good vacuum cleaners? The ones that suck themselves along. This car just sucks itself along the road!" Thus the name Kirby, named after the vacuum cleaner, and no allusions to things that suck. ;)

While Kirby is a daily driver, I do also have a fun time in a track setting. It's a real rush to zip along the front straight at Pacific Raceways, hitting 115-120 mph. But, while that is fun, I actually enjoy hitting the autocross more. My approach is to try to improve each run during the day. If I can do that, then the day has been a success. And if I happen to place, so much the better (that's only happened once, though).

Kirby has been a labor of love, too, when it comes to modifications. The list is actually rather extensive, including the trifecta of a CAI, 15% pulley, and cat-back exhaust. In nearly all cases, the mods have come second-hand. Ask me sometime how to change a pulley, and you'll hear a bit of a horror story, and the only one of it's kind I've ever heard of happening. Check out my Garage fr a complete list of what all Ive done. I actually just edited it on 3/31 with a few other things that I had forgotten I've added. :)

Work still happens, too, with plans to finish out the belt line black-out (painted, for durability), a "Joey Mod" one day, and various other plans that come and go on a nearly daily basis.

It's kinda funny, the number of compliments that I get for something so simple as the color scheme. Dark silver with black. Maybe not quite so "classic" as BRG, CR, or any of the blues, but still very classy, I think.

I have a few photos to be found at http://www.phydeaux.net/gallery/main.php/v/MINI/. Not nearly as many as I would like to have, or really, SHOULD have. I've got plans (there always seem to be plans, don't there?) to get the gear together to get some rig shots, so if anyone knows a good place to get some 1.5"-2" diameter aluminium poles, about 4'-5' in length, and about 4 of them, I'd appreciate it. I'd also appreciate your vote for the inaugural ROTM. Thanks for bearing with me and reading this far. :)

[Chili-S]

Okay Tina and Bill, we need to hear from you on why your MINI should be the Ride of the Month and not Kirby.

[phydeaux]

No, really, there's no need for all that. ;)

[phydeaux]

Now I'm starting to get worried. Are Bill and Tina writing up some excellent prose that's going to put my off-the-cuff nomination story to shame? Am I going to have to campaign against the works of William Shakespear? Oh, the stress! What ever shall I do?

Yes, it's a slow day at work.

[bentrydr]

Don't know what Bill and Tina are up to but I am going to wait and see. I suggest that you continue to try and convince us to vote you way. I am old and I forget easily.:confused:

[phydeaux]

But, that's exactly what I was doing! I wanted to be a little more original than just saying *bump*. ;) What better way to get the threat into the New Posts list than to generate some discussion.

[prs1]

So far your effort is the best in my book...

[Btwo]

Still here...will post soon!;)

[bentrydr]

Still here...will post soon!;)
Btwo must be working on something special for his debut. This could be interesting. Now, where is Tina!

[phydeaux]

Btwo must be working on something special for his debut. This could be interesting. Now, where is Tina!

The rumors that I have her locked away in the highest room of the tallest tower, to ensure my victory, are highly over-rated.

[Btwo]

I Post Reply for ROTM...Nothing happend. It keeps saying not log in, but I am.

[bentrydr]

Not sure what the problem is, you did post and it is there. If you need further assistance, PM me for my home phone (if you do not already have it) and I will see if I can help.

[phydeaux]

Still here...will post soon!;)

Was this the reply you were mentioning, or was there a different one?

[prs1]

Was this the reply you were mentioning, or was there a different one?

Are yo trying to help the compatition? +1 for being a real MINI person, aka nice not petty.:D

[phydeaux]

Are yo trying to help the compatition? +1 for being a real MINI person, aka nice not petty.:D

I had to read that twice. First time through, it came across as "nice, not pretty". ;)

[bentrydr]

:banghead: Wow! I thought there would be more interest in ROTM then has been shown. Are you guys trying to tell me :argument: this was not a good idea? :eek:

[Btwo]

Thanks Don for selecting the three of us as the "Ride of the Month". It really caught me off guard.
A little about myself...I grew up, and lived in this area all my fourty one years. I love it here in the Pacific Northwest! I have worked in the Union Construction Trades twenty years now, and still kick'in. As a Trade Worker I have owned alot of vehicles. Everything from Honda to "Billy Bob Big and Stupid Trucks." As a matter of fact, My 03 lifted 250 Silverado was the last vehicle I owned before I purchased my MINI. It was in '06 when we all remember gas was reaching four bucks a gallon.:eek: I told my girlfriend Cindy how rediculious gas prices are getting. I always liked the look and, style of the new MINIs. We just happened to be in Fife down the street from NW MINI. The next day, no more Billy Bob'er I had a new '06 MINI COOPER, and luv it!
Now here is my loyalty to my MINI...I being a Construction Worker. Imagine me pulling up to a job site with a MINI COOPER! Ohhh, Lets say the fellas had fun with their gestures. I took a verbal smack down, and still do once in awhile. But my luv for European Cars (especially MINIs) will not make me change my mind, and buy something different.
As far as the "Ride of the Month" I feel I don't really deserve the honor there are so many other members that have put so much time, and effort into their MINIs that make them unique, and one of a kind. I bought my MINI as you see it, all stock except the S wing. I'm thinking of maybe going with a Black Checkmate Graphics Scheme with 17" RB Wheel Black w/ Polished lip. "I don't know just a though.":rolleyes:
I'm looking forward to seeing this club grow, and welcoming it's new members. There is a great group of folks here. I can't wait to get out on the road with them, and MOTOR ON! :motoring:

Thanks for your time everybody,
Btwo

[phydeaux]

I love the idea, and not just because I was nominated. I'm sure Bill and Tina are crafting their nomination speeches, and everyone that is going to vote is awaiting their contributions with bated breath. Or something like that. :)

[Buttons]

OK all, Here goes nothing! My name is Tina and I am the owner of "Buttons" I named my car Buttons because everyone said it was cute as a Button and it stuck. I actually waited for my car for over a year. I was excited to order my car, I really wanted to be the first person to get a 2009, so I went in to order it November 2007. Well, we finally were able to order the car on October 31, 2008. That was the beginning of my obsession because after that, I was online everyday tracking my car all through the factory and then on the ship that was carrying it across the pond. Then up from California, I even had my husband stalk NW Mini when we believed it had arrived. (I can't believe I was so obsessed). Well, I received Buttons on April 20, 2009 and its just a new obsession now. I'm always checking the weather to see if its warm enough to have the top down. I was VERY lucky to have a awesome first summer. The weather cooperated amazingly. The first drive I did last year was the Winged Victory and as I tell EVERYONE it was the most fun I have ever had with my Mini! I will be attending that event forever! So my husband and I had to show Buttons around Washington State. We immediately went to his first beach, his first mountain, first covered bridge and his first desert. Along the way Buttons has showed us he has a little "Bad Boy" in him and has an obsession with speeding every time he sees curves and open roads. Luckily the friendly state patrol thinks Buttons is cute too. Especially when he pulled us over on the way to Spokane last summer. Buttons took us on an amazing trip last fall down the Oregon coast on Highway 101, he got to see whales, seals and a cheese factory. Buttons received a little Bling in his first year by getting his pulsar brake light, XM radio and a really cool Bike Rack. For his birthday he getting is Custom License Plates and hopefully is new Club Badge soon. Owning a Mini is such a fun experience, meeting great people, going on fun drives (even when you get half the club lost) has been amazing and I recommend it to all who will listen.

[Chili-S]

We finally have all three Ride of the Month nominees posted and each opening statement is great read on how each owner enjoys their MINI.

Now, let the real campaigning begin.

[phydeaux]

Well, for my part, if elected, I will do everything within my power to further the cause of the MINI. I will fight for truth, justice, and the MINI way. And I promise to wave to each and every MINI I see, even if they are driving away from me. I will shake MINI hands and kiss MINI babies. Thank you, each and every one of you, for your vote in this most important ROTM selection process.

[prs1]

Well, for my part, if elected, I will do everything within my power to further the cause of the MINI. I will fight for truth, justice, and the MINI way. And I promise to wave to each and every MINI I see, even if they are driving away from me. I will shake MINI hands and kiss MINI babies. Thank you, each and every one of you, for your vote in this most important ROTM selection process.

My vote goes to the first canidate that posts a pictureof them kissing a MINI or aMini.:p

[bentrydr]

Good narratives but where is the beef, i.e., pictures. :thanks:

I want to see what I am voting for..... you can insert up to 4 images per post.

[phydeaux]

My vote goes to the first canidate that posts a pictureof them kissing a MINI or aMini.:p

I accept your challenge! As soon as I have a break in this new hire orientation, I'll snap one. :)

[phydeaux]

Good narratives but where is the beef, i.e., pictures.

I want to see what I am voting for..... you can insert up to 4 images per post.

Alrighty... Here's a few older ones that I've got.

http://www.phydeaux.net/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=24&g2_serialNumber=2
Taken by our own Mike S. to help me with the MINI yearning. I took delivery 4 days later, officially at 4:00. Yes, I remember it well. :)

http://www.phydeaux.net/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=35&g2_serialNumber=2
I just love the metallic look of the Dark Silver paint. Current side scoop is painted black, with the red S to provide a bit of "pop".

http://www.phydeaux.net/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=197&g2_serialNumber=2
Tint by Accutint of Seattle. Starting to tie the whole image in my mind together.

[phydeaux]

http://www.phydeaux.net/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=208&g2_serialNumber=2
The Eyes have it!

http://www.phydeaux.net/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=21447&g2_serialNumber=1
The World's First Hybrid MINI, and the reason I was questioned a couple weeks ago about being an electric vehicle while at the gas station.

I need to do a photo session in a location I spotted a few months ago. It's just a matter of being out at the right time, so it's going to take a bit of planning to carry off. If I get the ROTM, then I WILL make sure that photo shoot happens as part of my highlight for the award.

[phydeaux]

My vote goes to the first canidate that posts a pictureof them kissing a MINI or aMini.:p

OK, Pete, here you go.

http://ssmini.org/gallery/data/528/medium/MINI-kiss-800x600.jpg

I would also like to make a statement; I... did not... have relations... with that MINI. (in my worst Clinton impersonation) ;)

[Buttons]

I think everyone should vote for me because I have an awesome red convertible Mini. Is there anything better? Especially when Mother Nature smiles down on us! Buttons deserves the title of April ROTM because of his sheer awesomeness! I know you all agree with me and will vote Buttons on the ballot! Buttons has done alot of volunteer work recently...ie giving children rides in the Mini (It's an honor right?) Even the sticky fingered ones. LOL seriously JK. Thank you all for voting!:D

[bentrydr]

Only five, count them, five days remaining until the ROTM is over. Sure would like to see some pictures of that cabrio and cooper to help me make up my mind. It takes a bit more than someone to kiss their car to get my vote, does'nt everyone kiss their MINI. I like to see how unique each has made their MINI to fit their personality, unique being the key word. Come on guys, convience me I should give you my vote. You are not going to let the Coupe win because of cheap tricks and pay-offs, are you?

[phydeaux]

Cheap tricks? Pay offs? Oh, you wound me, Don. How much more unique can one get than a battery diagram on the roof?

[Agent99]

I have enjoyed reading all the ROTM posts and like the pictures. Let's keep it going!

[Buttons]

My computer crashed a couple of weeks ago. Lost all my pics :banghead: sad. Trying to get them back on now that I have it back. I will try to get some pics up asap.

[Btwo]

Alrighty then here are some of mine....

[Buttons]

OK I can't figure out how to add pictures to this page BUT I did make my garage and added pictures to that page. Sorry that seems to be the best I can do. LOL

[bentrydr]

OK I can't figure out how to add pictures to this page BUT I did make my garage and added pictures to that page. Sorry that seems to be the best I can do. LOL

Sorry Buttons you were having problems posting pictures, I posted a 'how to' in the web issues part of the forum. Also thanks for the garage, looking good.

Bill - Thanks for the pictures, now I remember your ride :>).

Voting is close, looking forward to announcing the winner at the April membership meeting.

[Btwo]

Here are some older pics of my MINI at Point Defiance. It's funny...I have alot of other pics of other peoples MINI but my own. :o

[phydeaux]

Not so strange. You see your own MINI all the time, so why photograph it? :) I've got the same thing going on, too.

[Chili-S]

Yep, me too! One of these days, when it's freshly washed and waxed I'll remember to take some pictures. But I'll probably just go find some more twisties instead...

[phydeaux]

Isn't today the last day for voting? I'm only showing 12 votes total. Surely there are more out there that need to vote!

[kulbee]

Isn't today the last day for voting? I'm only showing 12 votes total. Surely there are more out there that need to vote!

Yes, I think Don said there were at least 20 eligible to vote so we have at least 8 who have not voted. Hopefull they will vote before the deadline.

[Chili-S]

Yes I will...

[Kristin]

Sorry - thought we had til midnight tonight ... Two of the missing voters will be Kristin and Tallguy.

[minihaha]

Oops.
Milt