The Brits Take Buffalo

“MINI TAKES THE STATES is an epic cross-country rally that we look forward to every other year. I’ve heard a lot about the similarities between the MINI community and Harley Davidson owners in that they both like

to ride together and enjoy being together and I really like that comparison. Our community wants to Motor together and love being around

Words and photos by Ian Rae, Peter Iannaco, Craig Nelson, Alicyn Drew

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one another. Everyone wants to show off what makes their MINI unique and personal to them. Both the MINI USA team and our owners enjoyed

this year’s event so much that we’re already planning the next one.”

David Duncan, Vice President, MINI of the Americas

When my wife Jesse & I first saw the notice about Mini Takes The States 2014 we looked at each other and said “Yes, let’s do it”. This journey has been on my “bucket list” since 2006 when we attended only the first two legs and had to peel off and head back home and work. Then we were unable to do the subsequent MTTS events, until this year.

We immediately signed up for the event and then started booking our hotels and making plans. However things are not always a simple and easy and this was not to be either. My wife Jesse had discovered a lump near here abdomen and it grew and became painful. We went to the doctor and he took immediate action sending us to a cancer specialist for exam and tests. She immediately had surgery to remove the tumor and subsequent scans have shown she is cancer free.

With renewed enthusiasm and energy, and a new perspective on life, we resumed our plans for MTTS 2014. Having narrowly missed severe and lengthy treatments, we realized that we need to “grab all the gusto” in life, and enjoy it to the fullest.

MTTS 2014 was a great way to put some of our worries aside for the moment. We found that the Mini

Twisties and 10 MPH, yeah right!

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Above: Everybody’s favorite photo op?

Below: it is all about family!

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vanture.

community is really a big extended family. We were able to rejoice with old friends and make new ones. In the Mini family, no one is left out, everyone is welcomed and included whether it’s your first time at an event or a seasoned veteran. Hugs and smiles filled the crowds at each morning meet up and evening party. We all looked after one another along the journey. What we all gained were lasting friendships and fond memories.

Each day brought new surprises, as we let our clutches out, the wind in our hair and singing to the music on the radio. Motoring in a pack of twenty to thirty Minis, we headed down the twisty road ahead towards our next

As we followed the days planned route, we would see other groups of Minis stopped at gas stations, points of interest, or grabbing a snack. Horns would sound, hands would wave and smiles exchanged. We would never lose track of the rest of our fellow travelers as they are all family.

Looking back, this was one of the best ‘vacations’ we ever took. Early to rise, long drives, night time parties, very little sleep but we will do it again gladly in 2016. Life is too short not to take the time to feel the wind in

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your hair, a smile on your face, and to build lasting friendships.

C Ya in 2016 Norm and Jesse!