|
I agree with Pottsy.
I love touring in the Mini. Be prepared and take your time, sit on around 90km/h and you can still get there from Adelaide or Sydney in a day (I know, I have done it in my Mini Van with trailer, Adelaide to Sydney via Hay in two days). Just leave a little earlier and keep up the pace and you can still afford plenty of comfort stops. Make sure the car gets a thorough going over before the trip and anything that is an issue fix it before you go (they never fix themselves, hey Pottsy?).
I have driven Minis all over Australia (literally - from Perth to Darwin, Hobart and Cape York and everywhere in between) and really enjoy it.
The only excuses I can see for NOT driving your Mini to Hay, and the solutions, are:
1 - It is too slow. - Take your time and enjoy the trip. Even if you drive a modern zoom machine and save a couple of hours on the trip, you still need to allow a full day anyway. So, relax and enjoy it.
2 - The Mini won't make it. - Like any older vehicle it needs to be well maintained. If everything is working as it should and the car is used to being driven regularly then there is no reason for it not to make it. Even modern vehicles break down from time to time, so be prepared and carry essential tools and spare parts. Frankly, if you are taking a Mini that has issues, it may not survive the motorkhana anyway.
3 - It's too uncomfortable for such a long trip. Bah! If you drive your Mini regularly you become accustomed to it and it becomes quite comfortable. If your seats are really that uncomfortable, then maybe you need new or repaired seats. Since 1959 many people have driven Minis around the World and across Australia. Be prepared to take more stops to get out and stretch your legs - the smaller fuel tank in a Mini makes this a necessity anyway. See item 1 - be prepared to take a little longer and travel a little slower, with plenty of stops, and the trip will be more comfortable and more enjoyable.
4 - I want to compete in the motorkhana and am worried if I break the Mini (or Moke) I won't be able to get home. Firstly, unless you are at the top of the competition, racing for sheep stations, then a motorkhana should not be too harsh on the car. Again, see item 2 - make sure the car is mechanically sound before you go and carry basic spare parts with you. Secondly, safety in numbers. It is always a good idea if you can to travel with a group. All the clubs have convoys to Hay for this very reason. If one of their number does break down everyone pitches in and helps get that person going. There are usually a few trailers around anyway and at worst you should be able to get a lift if you really need it - but make sure your car is as good as it can be before you leave and don't rely on being able to get a lift home.
5 - I drive a Moke and it is too cold on such a long trip. Again, I say Bah! I have driven my Moke all over Australia in all sorts of extreme conditions. If you have a good roof that doesn't flap around everywhere and let in lots of air, and you have a decent heater, then it should be no worse than a slightly draughty Mini. If you don't then rug up - nice warm jacket, a beanie and gloves. You will still be better off than a bike rider.
6 - I can't fit all our stuff in the Mini, especially with four people. Firstly, you can fit a hell of a lot in a Mini or Moke if it is properly packed. Secondly, a Mini or Moke can easily tow a small trailer. We regularly take the Moke with four people (now all adults) and a trailer full of merchandise and all our clothes and other gear. Alternatively, why not take two Minis?
7 - My Mini or Moke is a super, stripped-out Motorkhana special and is unregistered. OK, in this case stick it on a trailer.
Anything else?
Go on, go for it. Life is an adventure. Make the most of it.
_________________ Watto .  Photojournalist Mini historian and enthusiast http://www.theminiexperience.com.au
|
