We survived! (Barely this year…)
Connie, Amy and I had a fantastic time (dare I say EPIC?) at MINIs on the Dragon 10! It was amazing to see everyone again and make some new friends as well. We were somewhat anti-social this year (surprise, I know but still really enjoyed the entire time.

For some reason the crappy free 3D image software I have inverts the images when it saves them. For the best 3D viewing, flip your glasses upside down (red on your right eye). No idea why it does this.

Ok.
Yes.
I’m a dork.
What was your first clue? The fact that my CAR has its own blog.

Given these now important facts, I’ll share with you this. Next week… the best road in the US (the Dragon) gets over taken by MINIs.

No. I’m serious.
The Dragon. Gets destroyed. By MINIs.

And I only mean destroyed in a nice way. We (hopefully, and this means you noobs and hard cores) stay behind the yellow line.
We bring donations for the local food banks. We (again hopefully) go out of our ways to make sure everyone has a great time.

This is the vacation i look forward to the most. The only one I can’t cancel anymore.
Vegas? It’s there all year, I can rearrange with my friends.
Comic-Con. Ok a bit trickier, its only there the same way MINIs take over the dragon. But.

But.

As much as I want to show up in San Diego as a Steampunk version of Angle Man. I’d rather drive some obscure twisty road with people that own the same kind of car as me.
There I said it (sorry Dustin and Erik, I love you guys, vegas?) But this week, is the most fun I have every year.

So.
MINIs on the Dragon. Maybe I’ll steampunk you guys out this year, and get my con stuff over with.

I cant wait to see all of you and your fine automobiles.

Leaving for MINIs on the Dragon 10 next Monday! Always a good time.
Need to start the checklist and make sure I’ve got room for everything we’ll need. I always end up taking too much food, maybe this year I’ll get the amount correct.
Might even bring a camp chair… who knows.

Put summer wheels on both cars finally. Had to take a ‘couples’ shot.

Another year has almost rolled by, and its time to start thinking about the Dragon! Mini’s on the Dragon 10 takes place this year on May 2 – May 6.
My last visit to Chad at Detroit Tuned discovered that Chakik is in need of a few replacement parts. Most notably new front control arm bushings. Powerflex MINI bushings were recommended.

Now I just need to stop buying steampunk stuff so I can afford them.

Powerflex Front Control Arm Bushings for Gen 1 Mini Cooper

Similar to the last picture but opposite. Snow covered parking lot.

This morning parking lot shot was the perfect chance to see how the camera on my new iPhone 4S works. Pretty happy with it I have to say.

What may be the last meeting at Tavern on the Main with Dustin’s MINI (and Dustin). Taken with Hipstamatic on my phone.

First: If we are going to share the road, please look further ahead than the next car. The GIANT flashing arrow that indicates your lane is closed ahead is not hard to see. Please share the road intelligently. I will let you in, unless I think you are trying to cut around the rest of us. Do you think your time is more important than mine?

Second: Thanks to the guy that I pulled up next to, that lowered his tunes to tell me he liked the car. This car is 100% only for me, but its a fantastic feeling to have someone I don’t know tell me they think its cool. Seriously. Great boost when I really could use it. So thank you again my friend, and safe driving. Keep an eye out for motorcycles.

To the guys in the work van this morning that literally climbed out of their windows to tell me they liked my bike, thank you very much! You made my week and I really needed something positive.
Even tho its not a MINI, its pimp.

Riding in just a t-shirt, while I know is more dangerous adds greatly to the enjoyment.