Small Has Deciphered The Formula To Enhancing Vehicle Gatherings

Is anyone else feeling weary of car exhibitions? You linger in a field or parking area observing vehicles, and perchance if you’re fortunate, you catch the sound of them departing as they exit. It’s monotonous, undermines the essence of relishing the automotive interest, and frankly, we can enhance it. What we require is an occasion where you can still socialize with like-minded aficionados, make new acquaintances, steer your vehicle, and perhaps even discover some new destinations as well. What would you say if I divulged that such an event already exists, but you must possess a Small?

CarBuzz recently participated in an occasion named Small Takes The States for the inaugural time. It’s a road rally organized by the Small brand biennially, journeying through varying US states in an extensive convoy. The 2024 variant encompassed several segments, touring through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Washington. I aligned with the initial surge, originating in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and culminating in Salt Lake City, Utah via Durango and Grand Junction, Colorado. What I encountered is exceptionally exceptional within the automotive realm, and additional brands should strive to emulate it.

Who Can Join In?

Small Takes The States has taken place biannually since 2006, and there is solely one stipulation to participate: you must operate a Small. This could be a traditional Small, Cooper, Clubman, Countryman, Paceman, Coupe, Roadster, or even an EV if you’re feeling ambitious. From what I perceived, there wasn’t a modern Small that wasn’t showcased, and the variety was remarkable.

One might assume that enthusiasts of a unique brand like Small would all be somewhat alike, but that presumption couldn’t be beyond from the truth. I witnessed a heightened Small Countryman exhibiting a National Rifle Association decal parked adjacent to a Cooper Convertible with a multicolored covering. How many other vehicular occasions will you partake in with such an assorted assemblage of vehicles and individuals?

The Small brand is recognized for providing extensive personalization options from the factory, but the manner in which these Small enthusiasts (the moniker they call themselves) individualize their automobiles is equivalent to Jeep, another establishment renowned for its fervent owners. Some of my preferred automobiles included a tie-dyed Clubman with a corresponding trailer, an off-road Dallas Cowboys-themed Countryman, and a John Cooper Works GP with all the crimson accents transformed to blue.

What Are the Expenses Involved?

The cost of participating in Mini Takes The States may vary depending on your proximity to the route. It could be considered a budget-friendly getaway with a single-day pass priced at just $40, inclusive of a light morning meal and a goody bag. Opting to join for a leg of the journey, such as from Albuquerque to Salt Lake City, will set you back $100 for a three-day experience, complete with breakfast each morning at the esteemed Rise And Rally. The following leg from Bozeman to Seattle comes at a slightly higher cost of $125, while the comprehensive All The Way ticket is priced at $200.

As a participant, you will be accountable for covering expenses such as fuel, tolls, dining, and accommodations. Accommodation preferences may vary among attendees, ranging from luxury hotels to Airbnb rentals, budget-friendly lodgings, or even camping setups.

Forging New Connections

While journeying through unfamiliar towns and engaging in various activities along the route, you’re likely to encounter fellow Mini enthusiasts. Nevertheless, the morning Rise And Rally gatherings serve as prime opportunities to establish new friendships amidst the event’s atmosphere. Conversing with individuals like a Floridian gentleman on his 26th Mini, starting from a 1985 Rover Mini Mayfair, or a couple in a Clubman embarking on their inaugural Mini Takes The States journey, can be truly enriching experiences. Interestingly, the latter duo, keen on capturing images of hot air balloons at a local park in Albuquerque, were the earliest risers at the Rise And Rally event.

An intriguing narrative shared by Cynthia, a retired naval officer with multiple Mini Takes The States participations, stands out. In 2015, she brought along her 15-year-old son on the excursion as he needed to accumulate 1,500 miles under his provisional license to qualify for a full driver’s permit—a testament to their devotion to the Mini legacy.

Exploring Uncharted Territories

Mini Takes The States offers more than just automotive and interpersonal experiences—it’s an opportunity to discover regions of the country that might otherwise elude your exploration radar. During a lunch break in Santa Fe on the inaugural driving day, a delightful surprise awaited our group behind the Chipotle outlet: a local food truck attracting a crowd. Opting for a taste of the unconventional with some of the most exceptional burritos eaten to date turned out to be a memorable choice.

Over the course of the upcoming days, we journeyed through the expanse of Colorado’s mountainous pathways, pausing in quaint settlements like Silverton, harboring just 713 inhabitants as of the present year. One intriguing establishment in Silverton is a retro store with a train motif, from which I procured a postcard for a friend. Later, we made a stop in Ouray, a marginally larger town boasting a population of 925, at the Mr. Grumpy Pants Brewery for delectable green chile burgers. If you revel in exploring unfamiliar locales and yielding to spontaneous gusts, this journey is perfect for you.

Best Suited Vehicles For The Task

The beauty of this year’s Mini Takes The States route, particularly in Colorado, was captivating enough to appreciate even from a worn Chevrolet Aveo. However, having the appropriate tools for the task, in this scenario, three distinct Mini vehicles, significantly enhanced the trip. I had the opportunity to experience three offerings from the brand-new 2025 Mini lineup: the Cooper S Hardtop, Countryman S, and John Cooper Works Countryman. Each possessed its unique strengths and left an indelible impression on the excursion.

Without surprise, the Cooper S stands out as the drivers’ choice among the trio. It exhibits a greater level of sophistication than its predecessor while retaining the same spirited handling. The most notable enhancement lies in the interior, where the redesigned center console now accommodates snacks and other items, enhancing the journey’s enjoyment. Although I wish Mini had retained the paddle shifters on the Cooper S for overtaking maneuvers, the new 201-horsepower engine felt like a commendable upgrade over the previous model’s 189 hp.

The Countryman also benefits from enhancements in quality of life, such as an optional massage function on the driver’s seat. The majority of drivers will find the S variant to strike a fine balance between comfort and driving pleasure, forming a well-rounded package. Mini’s enlargement of the Countryman allows it to serve better as a road trip companion, effortlessly accommodating our luggage in the trunk without needing to fold the seats. On the other hand, the JCW model sacrifices a modicum of comfort for a stiffer suspension, delivering a more dynamic driving experience. It produces heightened engine sounds during acceleration, including some augmented through the speakers, and introduces paddle shifters to enable manual control of the dual-clutch transmission.

Can Anyone Replicate This?

It’s evident that Mini has crafted an unparalleled automotive delight, but could any other manufacturer emulate this concept? There are numerous factors that converge to form the ultimate experience with Mini Takes The States. Initially, a devoted fan base is essential, all of whom cherish their vehicles. This holds true for the Chevrolet Corvette or Ford Mustang; however, I believe this event excels due to its inclusivity, which would be hindered by a single-model rally. To truly maximize enjoyment at such an event, a brand must consist entirely of loyal enthusiasts. Brands such as Mini’s parent company BMW, as well as Jeep, Porsche, and Volkswagen, come to mind.

The event also demands vehicles that are both thrilling to drive and practical for road trips. Many participants journey hundreds of miles to join, so feeling drained after long stretches on the highway in a Wrangler is suboptimal, just as lacking space to pack attire in a Mazda MX-5 Miata. Mini excels because it offers various models that are akin yet distinct, providing different levels of utility, and amusement on twisty routes.

If other automakers wish to replicate an event resembling Mini Takes The States, we strongly endorse it. This serves as a remarkable method to establish brand value and evoke heightened enthusiasm from owners. While mimicking it won’t be straightforward, it’s a venture worth exploring!