Early on the ride we came across this PT Cruiser that is working on a facelift.  Hopefully when it is done it won’t look sooo angry.   Once we got out of the mountains it was back to flat plains and GP hit another milestone 11111 miles. 

I think GP was as happy as I was to get back to normal elevation as she was performing like a thoroughbred.  First tank averaged 27.6mpg while having an average rate of forward movement(rfm) of 79.6 GPS measured.   Considering we where hauling I think that was pretty good.

GP still got a chance for a few photo’s first stopping at the New Mexico border and this time around POPS was opened and we stopped for some lunch.  I had a burger and fries and Nigel and the bears shared a large…a very large milkshake and after lunch they all napped in the back for the rest of the leg.   When we entered Texas I stopped to pick up some pecans while GP chatted with the flower buggie.

Once we crossed the Texas border we not only switched time zones but also broke triple digit temperatures for the first time since leaving Texas.

Glad we made the trip out and our first visit to Colorado was fantastic.   Not sure which Nigel and the bears enjoyed more Santa’s workshop or Tiny Town but as for me it was all good and GP really enjoyed playing with the purple classic and hated all the bugs that got stuck on her pretty face.   In 6 days GP covered 2230 miles, met 4 of her sisters and got washed 9 times.   

Funny thing….at last nights dinner they polled all the attendees on who utilized the free DIY car wash and 95% of the people stood, then asked how many washed their cars more then once during the three days and that left a bit over 50%, then asked more then three times and I and a handful of fellow obsessive compulsives where left standing.  

Now onto Summer Splash in 7 days with GP1717. 

For all Day 6 Pictures Click Here

Had a choice of several morning runs but waited around until 10am for the scheduled Mini Classic run.   While waiting Walter and Angela in GP0880 arrived making him the 5th GP in attendance. (GP0154,  GP0880, GP1099, GP1790 and GP1996) and here is Robert Ballard and his TwistyBitz MCS.

There was only one Mini Classic present this morning and Colorado local Kenn Lively who has owned classics since ‘67 and owns this magnificant Sportspack led GP and several other MINIs for a great run up to Lakeland Pass.   It was so awesome following this great little car and watching it go through twists and turns.  I can’t wait to get a Classic.

Once we got on top of Loveland pass we stopped for some pixs.

Nigel wanted nothing more then to ride back with Kenn. and GP had a great time playing with the Classic.

In the afternoon GP led several MINIs on the Aspen Run up to Independance Pass (12,095ft) which was the best run of the weekend with great twisty roads and incredible mountain views.  Once on top Nigel and the bears had a chance for some pictures and Chloe got a little fresh with me and GP.

Got back to Copper by 5:30 with enough time to refresh and head over for cocktails and a great dinner where we were honored to be invited to sit at the TwistyBitz table by Robert and Kittie Ballard.  Thanks again and it was great to finally meet you.  

When dinner started it began to rain but only one side of the building.  We could see it pouring on the right side but straight ahead and to the left nothing. You had to be there to see it. 

MITM was a great fun filled event and met many new MINI enthusiast, several GP owners and ran into several folks from Metroplex MINI club who also drove up from Dallas.   Now it is time to pack and its the long road back to Dallas in the morning.

For all Day 5 Pictures Click Here

I eventually made my way down to the vendor exhibit where I met Gordy, Helene and lil Zip who drove all the way from Orlando, Florida.  Zip was showing Nigel some tricks but Nigel wanted no part.

MINIFINI  had just arrived and started to unpack and I finally got to meet Robert Ballard and his wife Kittie of TwistyBitz.  Also met Luther from North Carolina and his all decked out Electric Blue MINI.  Yes his glasses have the british flag on the lenses.

Next week will be GP0154’s one year anniversary so I had to buy her something pretty.  Well what to buy Carbon Fiber GP but more Carbon Fiber!  I purchased the M7 Carbon Fiber Air Diverter and the M7 Carbon Fiber License Plate holder along with the M7 Aerogel Ex Heat Shield.  I also bought the M7 Oil Catch Can for future installation.  Overall it was an expensive day as I bought everything in two’s so GP1717 didn’t feel left out. Thank god GP1415 will remain stock.

oh yeah, I also bought a pair of Craven Speed stubby antennas that have ‘Coopers Return to Copper Mountain’ and ‘Minis In the Mountains 2007′ to commemorate the event. 

As I went over from my first car wash of the day I met Kyle of GP1099 and in the afternoon when I went back for my second wash I met Mark of GP1996 who just returned from the Mt.Evans run.  Hopefully tomorrow all four GPs can get together for a group shot.  Nigel found a new large and hairy friend.

After dropping a few bucks I figured it was time to put the new stuff to use and headed out to do the short ’Continental Divide Run’ which took me through Keystone and Arapahoe Basin ski resorts up to Loveland Pass (11,990ft) and the Continental Divide. 

At 5ish it was time for the group photo so we headed over to the go-kart track where many of the MINI’s were setting up for the group shot.  Nigel and the bears had to get in on the shot and behind me was this cool classic sportspack.

At the end of the day it was time for the Ralph Schomp MINI Dinner where I met up with Robert and Kittie and we sat with Russel of MINIFINI and his family.   I caught up with Mac and Peter to hear about their exciting runs and to find that Peter had his windshield replaced during the run because it got crack by a rock only to get another rock chip later on in the day. Though Peter swears that the rock curved around to miss Mac’s GP which was in front of him only to hit his car. 

For all Day 4 Pictures Click Here

What an enjoyable drive up full of short straights and lots of twists and turns.  We stopped at the Helen Hunt Falls for some shots (named after the actress?)

 On the way back down, we stopped to take some pixs of GP with the wonderful backdrop of the canyon.  She’s such a hottie.

We headed over to Seven Falls and found that the entrance booth was built around a tree.  Now that’s preservation.

The seven falls and blue bear with Chief howudoing.

On our way out of Seven Falls we stopped for some more pixs.

Off to our third stop, the Manitou Cave Dwellings.   GP looked so good with the adobe rocks in the background.   This three story dwelling was supposed to have been inhabited by nine families and must have been small  or members of Cirque de Soleis to be able to get in and out of the openings.

I was suprised by some of the visitors. Must be an amish area nearby. 

Stop four, the bears favorite North Pole and Santa’s Workshop.

There was a lot of little people as should have been expected so it took a few minutes to purchase tickets and get in but that didn’t stop Nigel from making friends with Billy.  I think Nigel was giving him advise on how to break out.   Though our friend here wanted to make sure we took a picture of his best side. 

Nigel and the bears rather enjoyed their train and tram ride and even went up on the ferris wheel

.

But their highlight was meeting Santa and his helper.  Santa said Blue Bear was his favorite!

Now we were off to Miramont Castle Museum and on on way there Nigel got thirsty so we stopped and got some water from this rather nice but large Native American.  Miramont Castle is large and impressive with a great view but I couldn’t find any garage space?  I mean if you can afford to building such a large place you must have had a nice collection of carriages right?

Now off to Ghost Town Wild West Museum.  Which was pretty cool as it was filled with historic artifacts and great photo ops.

Nigel and BB wanted nothing but to drive something and thought this old Cadillac was maybe an early GP with the red wheels.

Now off to what was supposed to be out last stop of the day the US Air Force Academy.   The campus is huge with the most magnificant of backdrops.  After clearing security and GP getting smiles and compliments about GPs wheels we were off to the Visitor Center where Nigel and BB got a photo op on a jet and yes BB is in the spot light.

Then we took a walk over to the Chapel which is such an impressive structure.  Once we were done with the visitors center GP wanted to head off and find some planes heck this is the Air Force.  

Yeah GP is fast but these fighters were a bit too guick for her.

Since we were two hours ahead of schedule we headed to Tiny Town Railroad the oldest kid-sized village and railroad which turned out to be the highlight of the day for the Nigel and the Bears.   I just let Nigel and the bears run loose and they were everywhere.  Riding on the traing and then heading to the club house for some refreshments.

Blue Bear the little devil wouldn’t let Nigel in this house.  It was blue and it was going to be his.  But I have to say the highlight for them was at the playground.

Well after Nigel and the Bears tired themselves it was time for them to nap and for us to head up to Copper Mountain.  Even with the extra stops, we arrived well ahead of schedule at 6pm.   We checked in, dropped our bags off and then headed over to the Bring Your Own Towel Car Wash sponsored by Octane Guy and Detailers Paradise where GP got another bath.  Then off to the MITM registration where GP caught up with Mac and GP1790.

For all Day 3 Pictures Click Here

Our first destination was Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico and our route took us through Clayton where we stopped at POPs for a milkshake but they were closed.  We also encountered some curious dinosaurs who were rather intrigued by GP.

With the early start we got to Capulin right when the park opened and we had it all to ourselves.   On the road up to the volcano we met Mr. Moo as well as lots of deer, who inidcated that they heard chatter that a GP was coming this way and came out to see her.  Once on top it was photo op for Nigel and the bears.   The view was amazing and the pictures don’t do it justice.

Then we were off to Trininad, CO to stop at the Visitors Center to pick-up our free T-shirt before making our way onto the Highway of Legends.

Once we got onto the Highway of Legends everytime the bears saw a sign that said ice cream they screamed for it so I eventually stopped at the Picketwire store and got them ice cream.  Once they were done, GQ and GG bear were helping give Blue Bear a ride while Nigel was busy with the turkey.

Further down we stopped at the Stonewall for GP to take a picture and then back on the road toward Churara where we stopped for more ice cream and Nigel wasted no time making friends and how fitting for the bears a round of Mini golf at Bears Den!

Throughout the ride on the Highway of legends we encountered great twisty roads and incredible views.

Once we were done with the Highway of Legends it was time to head north towards Canon City and Buckskin Joe.   Buckskin Joe is setup like an old western town with tons of historic artifacts.

Nigel made a new friend in Jesus the donkey and Nigel and Blue bear got on for a wagon ride.  We waited around for the gunfight and hanging and couldn’t wait for it to end so we could get onto Royal Gorge.

At Royal Gorge, GP reached new heights being the first GP to cross the worlds highest suspension bridge. 

Royal Gorge had plenty of activities.  A petting zoo and various animals and here is an albino bison (?), a crazy bungee swinging over the edge of the mountain want to make you vomit activity  (I did not see too many people lining up for this one), and a tram.

Well just when I thought our day was over with we came across Skyline Drive and followed a buggie up and what a drive it was.   A narrow single lane road up the mountain with nothing on either side except breathtaking views of plains and mountains.

We headed over to the Holiday Inn Express where we would spend the night and after dropping our stuff off we headed out to investigate Canon City.  First we found a car wash and gave GP here second bath today.  We stopped at Sunset Candles to check out the bears and met proprietors Ron and Emily who happen to own a MCS.

GP is always up for a race, beating this fighter jet by a nose and made up some good ground on the train.  Prop plane wanted no piece of GP and was out of there.

While GP was out racing GQ and GG bears wanted to go for a dip but forgot their swim suits so it was back to the Holiday Inn and what to our suprise we spot GP1790.  Back at the hotel we got a spot right outside my room and GPs blanket went on and Nigel had the first guard shift.

For all 180+ Day2 Pictures click here

 GP stopped to take a look at this red boot, I couldn’t wait to get the heck out of there before the owner of these big boots came back and wanted to use GP as a matchbox car.  Then GP decided to do some herding.

The drive out of texas took a similar route as the one from MTTS.  I could not pass a picture with the Texas flag and yes I know I should have been more careful with the high brush as risk of fire on the exhaust but I was more worried about what ever the hell was crawling around my feet.  You’ve never seen a white man jump and run so fast! 

I spotted one MINI, this brand spanking new MCS driven by this girl and her mom.  And when we finally got to Amarillo Blue Bear and Nigel wandered off and headed for a horsey ride.  Not sure what time they came back to the room.

For all Day 1 Pictures click here 

August 7th - Dallas to Amarillo 351 Miles 5 hours 18 minutes

• Will need to leave for Amarillo after work and stay overnight in Amarillo in order to get a headstart on the 8th.

August 8th - Amarillo to Canon City, CO 441 Miles

• Capulin Volcano National Monument stop for 60 min
• Highway of Legends  
  • Coke Ovens, Cokedale
  • House on the Bridge
  • Old Storz Ranch
  • Picketwire Store
  • Monument Lake
  • CucharesPass
  • Cuchara - old western town with hitching post and Dog bar Saloon
  • La Veta
  • Walsenbur
• Buckskin Joe Frontier and Railway stop for 120 min
• Royal Gorge Bridge and Park stop for 120 min
• Stay overnight in Canon City, CO

August 9th - Canon City to Copper Mountain 222 Miles

• Seven Falls  stop for 60 min
• Manitou Cliff Dwellings stop for 90 min
• North Pole Santa’s Workshop stop for 90 min
• Miramont Castle stop for 30 min
• GhostTown Wild West Museum stop for 90 min
• United States Air Force Academy stop for 30 min
• Arrive @ Copper Mountain Resort about 7’sh

It is a pretty packed calendar with lots of stops and activities but everything is rather fluid.  May spend more time at some and less on others.   GP has fresh oil, is washed, waxed and will be getting new front paws this week.

In August, will be taking GP0154 from Dallas and heading to Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado to attend MINIs in the Mountains 2007 on August 9th - 12th.   This will be my first visit to Colorado and what better way to enjoy it then in my GP. 

Also in August, GP1717 will be attending Summer Splash 2007 hosted by Peter Braun and MINI of Fairfield, CT.

In September, will be taking GP1717  and heading up to Stowe, VT to attend British Invasion 2007 on September 14th - 16th where Mini is the featured Marque.   Who knows maybe I will find a Classic to join the family.