In specifying and modifying my MINI, I’ve paid a lot of attention to the man/machine interfaces:
- Spec’ed leather seats - because I like the way they feel.
- Ditched the rubber mats for coco mats - partially because of the feel of the rubber mats
- Replaced my OEM tach/speedo domes with Optium to reduce glare.
- Wrapped my steering wheel with a wheelskin for improved fattness and feel.
- Replaced the OEM Armrest with the Euro Armrest to match my elbow position.
- Modified my fire extinguisher mount to be exactly the right extension and height.
- Carefully positioned my GPS, phone, radar detector controls, G-Timer, ScanGauge, driving light switch, etc. for optimal usage.
- Replaced the OEM shift knob and e-brake handles with skull knob and aluminum UJ handles - for both feel and appearance.
- Wrapped the Chrono Pack face with black satin vinyl to reduce glare and improve eye-appeal of the gauge cluster.
- Added the Euro Parcel Shelf for easy-to-reach storage.
- Added the MCAW window circuit to make it easier and quicker to control my windows.
But there was still one major interface I hadn’t done anything about - the foot/pedal interface…
Given that I have two kids, the MINI cabrio is much more practical for my family than a two-seater would be… but that doesn’t mean it’s totally practical. While we can - and have - packed everything we needed for an overnighter in to the boot, if we’re going to be gone for more than one night, this just isn’t feasible, given how much my family loves their “stuff”… See? not much room in there…
For last year’s trip to MOTD, I installed a MiniDoMore hitch and used a Cargo Buddy platform and weatherproof cargo bag. This is a great setup for a couple of nights, or for longer trips when we can pack light. But this year we were going to MOTD for five days and four nights, and I wanted to take LOTS of MINI-related stuff, and car wash / detailing supplies, and beer, and…. you get the point. So I needed a more voluminous option….
I was at MOTD6 this past week. It was a blast. I drove the Dragon several more times. Including at night, which is when I really enjoy it… though I enjoy other roads there even more, like NC28 (”Hellbender”). But the Dragon is definitely very technically challenging, and frankly can be pretty treacherous, as my friends Matt and Kara can attest. But I was looking for a different kind of challenge….
For the last couple of years, I had noticed a strange “path” at about milepost 4 on the Dragon… in the middle of a hairpin curve called “Parson’s Curve”. The path had a gate across it, and a Do Not Enter sign. Last year, there was always road equipment or a truck parked there, blocking the path. I was always curious what that thing was, and where it went.