Written & Illustrated by Geff Galbari

Every year for the past 20 years our English cousins’ Minis gather and make the pilgrimage from London to Brighton. This springtime ritual has grown to such large proportions that the city of Brighton dips toward the sea with the large number of Minis that gather there. It is all about being with like-minded Mini enthusiasts and enjoying the day with your motor of choice. We in the colonies, (Minnesota that is) also share that same city pair, New London and New Brighton for the new world. As these cities are within a reasonable drive from one another and near the largest population center in Minnesota, I’ve often wondered why we didn’t have a similar run. That would all change this year with the great New London to New Brighton New World Rallye. As soon as I found out about the rallye I was determined to take part. Anyone who has participated in a rallye knows you need a good navigator. Nuala, still recovering from her last stint as navigator 2 years prior wasn’t sure she was ready to tackle another one. Armed with some information gleaned from the MMPEAPSHA and NL2NB web sites I went out recruiting. A day spent driving around rural Minnesota wasn’t most peoples idea of fun on a Saturday. Finally I had to look no further than my airport chums, anyone who would spend the better part of their free time tinkering with airplanes would surely be mad enough to spend a day in a Mini. Rich Clark, a new MINI owner, was up to the challenge and felt we should drive his car and split the navigator and drivers duties and so Team Boswell was born.

TEAM BOSWELL

 Boswell: 2005 Mini Cooper with aero kit, leather sports seats and chronos instrument pack, British racing green with white rallye stripes and a black roof. Prior rallye experience none.

Rich Clark ("check list Clark"): car owner driver/navigator. X-Navy, very meticulous and thorough, by the book and by the numbers sort of guy. Built and test flew his own airplane, trained in navigation via his piloting. Rallye philosophy: make a clean run, stay on course, stay on speed, prior rallye experience: none.

Geff Galbari ("Geff with a G"): navigator / co-driver. A mini enthusiast ever since viewing the Italian Job on a rainy afternoon in the 1960’s. Pilots a 1948 Taylorcraft for fun, enjoys navigating by map, clock and compass. Rallye philosophy: expect the unexpected, prior rallye experience: one.

With one 15 minute practice meeting prior to the big day we were as ready as we would ever be. The night before, Nuala helped to pack my rallye kit. One clipboard, one stop watch, pens, pencils and high lighter, scratch pad, calculator and our trusty Minnesota Atlas & Gazetteer. Saturday June 14^th the alarm went off at the obnoxious hour of 7:00 a.m. Team Boswell’s first stop would be breakfast; I choose blueberry pancakes to hold me over for the long day to follow. Our first challenge that early morning would be to navigate from the Twin Cities to New London and McKale’s restaurant. The weather was very fitting for this day, cold and spotty rain, enough to put you in the mind of England but not enough to ruin the day. I thought for sure we would encounter a parade of Minis/MINIs heading northwest but we did not encounter one on the trip up. Upon reaching New London, still not another Mini in sight, finally as we turned the corner to the parking lot we found our rallye mates, nearly a dozen new MINIs. After checking out the competition we went inside to register and get the rallye brief from Barry Berg. Most of the competitors were from Minnesota with three cars coming up from Iowa, and one all the way from Michigan.  I was also glad to see that nearly everyone would be taking part in the rallye. Back out in the parking lot we got our Rallye instructions; we would be car #5 and would depart at 12:05. We had about ten minutes to go and the Minis were queuing up in departure order. I would be doing navigator duties on the first half of the run; things are always a little hectic at first until you settle into the run. At 12:05 sharp we were off and with the aid of the Minnesota State Patrol to direct traffic we proceeded on course; I hoped. The first stage was an odometer accuracy check; this is a vital step to determine your cars and drivers accuracy. Ours was off from the official instruction readings by only about one tenth of a mile, I made a note and adjusted accordingly. I learned from my previous attempt at rallying to take down the mileage and time at all changes in course, this information would help you from getting too far off course if you had to back track. One of the disadvantages in this MINI is that it didn’t have the central speedometer and odometer so I would have to ask Rich for this information. The instruction notes went by like clockwork and we got into the spirit of the drive. The roads were great, hardly any traffic, with lots of twisties and great scenery. Just as we were feeling pleased with ourselves for having checked off all of the checkpoints we missed a turn, oops! The navigator would be on the carpet for this one. Who wrote those confusing instructions anyway? We didn’t get far off course before we realized the error of our ways and we were soon back on track and discussing the family tree of the rallye master. We reached the first "do it yourself check point" at 1:03, stopped, noted the mileage and time, reset the odo and pressed on.

 At 1:30.30 we pulled into the town of Cold Spring, and a 30-minute break in the rallye. We stopped to stretch and grabbed a snack and talk to some fellow rallyers. Even though we were all running the same rallye MINIs appeared to enter the town from all directions. Before long every corner of town sported a MINI or two. As planned I now took over driver duties while Rich hopped in the right seat to take up his navigator chores. I assured him that I would treat his car just like a rental; a gasp came from my right as he clenched the clipboard. At 1:48 in light rain we were off. At 2:02 we reached checkpoint number 2, " Grand Lk". It was relaxing doing the driving and letting Rich read the instructions. So far, the rearranged Team Boswell was performing flawlessly. Dam! missed a turn, trick instructions to be sure. We again caught our mistake right away and got back on course. Another DIY check point and we were on our last leg. This leg seemed to have longer runs between instructions and many turns were made using the "main road rule" that weren’t listed in the instructions. After seeing a MINI going the other way I was sure we had gone wrong, but my navigator insisted we were on track. When we launched over the RR tracks into a blind sweeping right hand turn as foretold in the instructions we knew we were still in the game. At 4:08 we arrived at our last checkpoint, no fan fare, just a quiet stop in the country. We were excited that we had run the rallye but also sad that we had reached the end. As we had plans for later in the day we decided that we would complete the run back to the Twin Cities and touch base at New Brighton, but forego the pizza. After we passed thru New Brighton and headed for home we saw a group of MINIs going the other way in search of pizza, a fitting end to a fine day.

The rallye instructions were well laid out with enough information to keep you from getting too lost but not so much as to make it a cakewalk. We were able to find all the reference points including the yellow smiley flag. Each of us made a wrong turn; the instructions even had a "u-turn" built into them. The MINI performed flawlessly; they are still super cars for rallying. At no time did our wheels leave the ground and as promised, I did not make any hand brake turns in Rich’s new car. Maybe next year we can ship it to London and run the original. Beep Beep!

WANTED & FOR SALE

Please Note!  The Wanted & For Sale pages have been getting a bit too long as a result of old ads.  Our new policy will be to list "For Sale" items three months.  Ads will run for three months, and will then have to be renewed or will be deleted....to renew your ad or list new ones, you can contact me at: cbaumann@lkdllink.net or call me at 1-320-963-5681.  The Service Offered ads will be continued indefinitely.

Mini For Sale.....has tow hitch...

 

WANTED:  Hosts for MMPEAPSHA meetings.  If you'd like to volunteer your home or place of business to host a club meeting, contact Karl Jenstad at: jenstad@pro-ns.net  or call: (612) 869-7611.

 

WANTED:  Any Mini, decent condition, preferably running, if not all parts to make it do so, low cost (<3000), basically I am getting sick of looking at them and would love to have one of my own. Please call Nick Brogren at (651) 407-9579.

 

WANTED: Minis wanted, prefer '59 - '67, but will consider all models. I'm looking for pristine, or daily drivers, or even project Minis. We also accept Consignments, and the Mini can even stay with you until we bring you a buyer! Please call for details. We invite you to visit our web site at: www.miniguy.com or visit our Ventura, California showroom. References gladly provided. Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis (805) 641-1970 or miniguy@miniguy.com

 

WANTED:  I need some headlamp bulbs, the early MK1 type bayonett style with the slotted flange at the base and the glass tube that looks like a pear.These are the old Lucas lamps.Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks again  Mark A.Illinski (715)342-0361 or e-mail me at: cindylou1@charter.net

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Winter Car Storage....Greg Wold has now opened a car storage business in Maple Grove, MN. The new building has heated car storage complete with security system and sprinkler protection. Store your car  with confidence that it will be safe and secure AND will stay warm and dry all winter long. $59/mo for Club members. This site is between I-94 and Hwy. 169 just north of I-494. Sign up now while there is still room!  Fourth Stall Car Storage. Greg Wold 763-420-4503 or 612-801-7256

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Good Food!  Member Phil Vanner owns The Square Peg Diner "Where The Mini Elite Meet To Eat!"  and the home of the BBC Saturday Breakfasts.  The diner is located at 2021 Hennepin Ave., E, in Mini-apolis and is open Monday thru Friday from 6am to 3pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.  Check out the website at: www.squarepegdiner.com

 

SERVICE OFFERED -  Mini Parts:  New Member John Hodge owns MiniJohns Classic Mini Parts in the UK.  He can supply any parts you need for your Mini (even if they're not on his website) at lower British prices.  He suggests if the members of our club wanted to place a large order ,they'd save on the postage cost .  Check out John's website at: http://www.minijohn.com/

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Member Michael Lewis is a Mini dealer.   Minis of all types, including genuine "Cooper S" models, "Cooper replicas", woodie wagons, panel vans, Riley Elfs, Mini Mokes, and even project or race Minis.   Call about our specialty, the Minis we've sent "sight unseen" to their new homes in dozens of states across the nation. Ask about our Satisfaction Guarantee, and we gladly provide references in your area. We also handle the shipping to the port nearest you, and can arrange for Customs clearance and overland transport, if desired.    Please visit our web site at:  www.miniguy.com    Call for more details, or just to say hello.  We always enjoy talkin' Minis! Michael "MiniGuy" Lewis (805) 641-1970 or miniguy@miniguy.com

 

 SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Towing & Transport.  New Members John & Mary Cooley own Classic Transport Services.  They specialize in transporting Classic Cars in the Twin Cities Area.  John has a 2003 Ford 6500 Flatbed.  If you need your Mini or MINI moved, contact him at: 1-651-777-0193, or by Email at: cooley777@aol.com .   Check out his website: www.prostreetnova.com                           

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Auto body work and painting.  John Durant owns Spraywerks body & paint shop specializing in Minis!  From dings & dents to total body restoration.  Panels welded, rust repair, everything a Mini needs.  Reasonable rates, free estimates, free pickup and delivery of project cars within 50 miles.  Contact him at 1-763-360-3527 or email: spraywerks@hotmail.com

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Minis and Mini parts:  Now, you have a choice.  Always the right part at the right price!  Free 108 page catalog and MMPEAPSHA club special - free UPS on members orders.  Call Harvey or Ernie at 707-570-0511, or miniman@sonic.net and visit our website at www.minimotors.com

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Parts:  Members Graham & Susan Reid own the Heritage Garage.  Mini parts at very competitive prices. Friendly, knowledgeable staff with many years of mini experience. Contact them at 949-646-6404 to get on their mailing list for specials or visit the web at www.HeritageGarage.com

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Auto Accessories:  Member Jim Huston owns the Auto Toy Store and Motorsport Seats..Discount Quality Motorsport Accessories.  He has a full line of after market seats....Recaro, Corbeau, Cobra, Sparco, ProCar, and so on . He also has a full line of street or race harnesses. You need it, he's got it!  Call for liberal discounts. Visit his website at: http://autotoystore.com/ and http://motorsportseats.com/

SERVICE OFFERED - Auto Upholstery: Member Al Tsyzelman is the owner of A & T Upholstery at 5615 Hwy 169 in Plymouth, MN.  Al is the host for most of our winter meetings, and does a supurb job on both auto and boat upholstery.  He can be reached at: 763-541-1968.

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Mini Dealer: Member Bill Cox is a Bonded and Licensed North Carolina dealer, Licensed Manufacturer, and Bonded U.S. Customs Importer.  See his website at:  http://www.montecarlomini.net/

 

SERVICE OFFERED - Website Design: Member Jen Mueke is a freelance website designer, so if you need any website work done, contact her at: rhen@roadkill.de or at: 1-612-414-5205

 

SERVICE OFFERED - British Car Repair: BMC Restoration and Repair..... servicing British built vehicles from a minor tune up to full restoration. Correctly restored or built to your requirements. Pick up and delivery service of vehicle or parts on request. Talk to me about your specific needs. Brian Mc Cullough  Call  (651) 462-0145 or mailto:brian@bmcautos.com  See my website at: http://www.bmcautos.com

SERVICE OFFERED - British Car Restoration:  Honorary Member Dave Wintz owns a full restoration facility specializing in classic British Cars.  Contact Dave Wintz at New Life To Classics, 1101 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN.  Phone (507) 387-2277.

 

FOR RENT:  Pole Barn ...... 30X64, located approximately 35 miles So of Burnsville. Lockable with one service door and  (2) 11 ft high sliding doors. Building has dirt floor and was probably used for machinery $200 / month with lease.  Contact Jerry Harvieux at 952-440-3567 or email: jharvieux@aol.com.

 

FOR SALE:  Winter tires for a MINI.  Complete set of Bridgestone Blizzaks mounted on steel wheels from The Tire Rack.  They have approximately 6600 miles on them.  I am moving to Virginia and will  no longer be needing them.   The tire/wheel set was $536 new.  I'll sell it for $250.  Contact Gary Maher at gmaher@mn.rr.com or phone 952-943-1755

 

FOR SALE: 2002 MINI Cooper S, fully loaded, sun roof, yellow, has less than 9,000 miles (that's right, less than 9,000 miles) on it, has never seen snow and has never been driven on gravel.  Has a California Cover for it as well.  asking $21,500.  contact Jerry Doetkott, 715-425-7812, River Falls, WI

 

FOR SALE:  1969 MGB GT.  Great winter project or driving restoration. The brakes have been gone through and it has new front springs.  Many, many new parts ready to use including a new hood, passenger floor, badges, door cards, and boxes of other new stuff.  Has almost new tires and Minilite-style alloy wheels.  I still have wires too.  Workshop manual and other books too.  Will trade for Mini of similar value or sell outright.  Andy Lewis alewis@mailbag.com or 608-233-9470.

FOR SALE: 1972 Mini Van, 1,000cc engine, completely restored. $7,500.  For pictures & further info see www.bklillibridge.com  or call 1-218-753-5070

FOR SALE: - I have two beautiful minis for sale ,they will never rust , they are factory fiberglass ,they came from CHILE and they ready to go  for the mini meet at Rockford IL  in June.  My phone #  is  515-570-3888 or 515-955-2425 call any time.  I will send  pictures and  information  to anybody that is interested in them.  Francisco Visedo visedo@dodgenet.com

 

FOR SALE:  Fiberglass "Novadash" fits Mini with single or 3 clock center binnacle, N.O.S -- $35;  Early style Mini front subframe, seen better days but suitable for as alignment jig when replacing front sheetmetal -- $15;  3 ea. Dunlop SP-Sport Radials, 165/70-10, old, hard, but never used,  more suitable for show, not go -- $15 ea.;  Left & right Mini front floor repair panels, aftermarket -- $15 ea.;  Left & right Mini inner sill repair panels, aftermarket -- $10 ea.;  Left & right Mini Mk. 3 & up inner wing hinge panels, M-Machine -- $10 ea.;  Heavy duty tow bar for chrome bumper Spriget -- $60.  Can Email photos.  Contact Karl Jenstad, jenstd@pro-ns.net or 612-869-7611

 

FOR SALE:  Just arrived from england - 10 cheap minis.  Most in the $5k range.. all run and drive and have NC titles..all are
RHD. lic. NC dealer and bonded importer... go to www.montecarlomini.net  for photos ..  ps.. no trades, no finance , and for tyrekicking call on rainy Tuesdays after my NAP..     bc  1-704-487-6406  Earl, North Carolina

 

Any Comments or Suggestions?  Any ideas for improving "The Oily Edition"?  Give me a call at: 1-320-963-5681 (if line is busy, try 1-612-599-0735) or e-mail at: cbaumann@lkdllink.net ......

 

 

SEE YA AT THE SCOTTISH FAIR!