The Cooper Cast Podcast

Episode 19;
In this episode of the Cooper Cast, your illustrious host, Dale Blankenship gives us a warp up on Day 3 of MTTS with 600+ MINIs and over 1000 MINI owners head out of Grand Junction Colorado headed up to Salt Lake City, Utah. Because nothing says “road trip” like a convoy of little British cars causing stares and minor traffic jambs. 

We braved the monotony of the Interstate, where the driving is as exciting as watching paint dry. Thankfully, the boredom was broken by a great departure from the highway to a nice little loop around the Electric something-or-nuther loop. Great twistiest and some cool elevation changes added some excitement in the day’s drive. While the highway might have been less than spectacular, the mountains we passed through certainly were. 

They next two days as well as Tuesday night, are “on your own” time. YOU decide what you see and where you go.  It’s all up to you! Just be in Bozeman, Montana for Thursday’s Rise and Rally. 

In the meantime, motor safely, and don’t forget to wave!

More motoring adventure from MTTS 2024

Today’s episode comes to you from beautiful downtown Durango, Colorado. After motoring along, following the official MINI Takes The States route sheet, we arrived in Durango. The roads were great, the weather couldn’t have been nicer and there were MINIs everywhere. 

We did see one pepper white MINI having a conversation with a law enforcement officer, but hopefully that ended well. We also saw some rather unsafe passing on two lane roads. Hopefully, that doesn’t continue in large numbers. And there seems to be a little confusion on where Sunday’s Rise and Rally meets up, but I’m sure MINI will have folks directing us to the correct locale. Until tomorrow Motor safely, and don’t forget to wave!

Welcome Cooper Casters to the latest edition of the Cooper Cast, where we take you on a wild ride through MINI Takes The States! I’m your host Dale Blankenship, coming to you live-ish from scenic, and warm,  Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

Daily Wrap-Ups;

Today kicked off with MINI enthusiasts revving up their engines and gearing up for the first leg of this epic adventure from Albuquerque’s desert vibes to Durango’s mountain majesties, we’ve got it all covered. Think of it as a MINI-coaster ride through America’s heartland!

Preview of Tomorrow’s Adventure:

Tomorrow, we’re heading north to Durango, Colorado! Get ready for breathtaking views, winding roads, and probably a lot of quirky roadside attractions that only a MINI adventure can uncover. Buckle up, folks, because the Cooper Cast is just getting warmed up!

Join us every day as we recap the highs, the lows, and the downright hilarious moments from MINI Takes The States. From MINIacs to curious onlookers, everyone’s invited to join the ride. Stay tuned and keep those engines revving, because the Cooper Cast is your ticket to MINI-mania! Check out the Cooper Cast facebook page for our adventures  

In this episode of The Cooper Cast podcast, host Dale Blankenship dives into what newbies can expect from MINI Takes The States, a week-long rally from Albuquerque, NM to Seattle, WA. Dale covers everything from the registration process to the Rise and Rally morning gatherings and the excitement of hitting the road each day. This epic road adventure promises unforgettable experiences, and even seasoned MTTSers will find valuable tips to enhance their journey. Whether you're a first-timer or a veteran participant, this episode is packed with insights to ensure you make the most of MINI Takes The States. Whether you’re a first-timer or a rally veteran, this episode is packed with insights to make sure your MINI Takes The States experience is as epic as a road trip montage in a Hollywood movie. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

The Journal we discussed:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/150722043X?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

https://www.stuckonminis.com/
http://www.motoringstripes.com/

  Join Dale Blankenship on this week's episode of The Cooper Cast Podcast as we continue our journey through MINI Takes The States (MTTS). In this episode, we delve into the wisdom of veteran MTTS attendees who share their experiences and valuable insights on what to pack and what they wish they had brought over the years. Their advice aims to help you enhance your MTTS experience, ensuring you don't miss out on the must-have items. We offer an essential packing list for MTTS to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Insights and practical advice from experienced MTTS participants. 

Additionally, we pay tribute to a beloved MTTS attendee who has been a part of the event since its inception. Despite his modest stature, his contributions to the MINI community were immense, and he will be greatly missed.

 Tune in to The Cooper Cast Podcast for this heartfelt and informative episode, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable MTTS experience.

Don't forget to subscribe to The Cooper Cast Podcast for more episodes and updates on MINI Takes The States, and all things MINI. Share your own MTTS tips and memories with us on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555704866826

Road Trip Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Trip-Journal-Activity-Book/dp/150722043X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=35M762A859F1S&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YKYjtuDm8B6Qy3Aj1hv1VH455Tu8IrRuOh3NrnT3NefNHzeXJAnj8O2mI-wa2LZibncpT0_L8Oa1ZYhl-LdFg9EOdIyO6hiQ4yA1ZS2er1mhvSz4jOupQ5Wt7uv-C-tR4C-A05PRd0TFJX65lzC5xdR7hTadE6YgDTm25xhZlXuIzs3UEAWBxDgvmAPaWk0ohXA9mZ4ru0FE_5g_rncItAezZU88zEuxL0OuV4PAOCD6H_NmUm4-XQ5VN6U6Kcf2KXAXhYzJsJvyiLwDD57x0fVmz7yENSYQPb7FdUQOdRY.Y4AVSNs8l4mZqWznQbM71lQTvzamCddDmTvS8QRrF54&dib_tag=se&keywords=road+trip+journal&qid=1719294176&sprefix=road+trip+journal%2Caps%2C75&sr=8-2


MTTS: http://minitakesthestates.com/

For your MTTS graphics visit StuckonMINIs.com:
https://www.stuckonminis.com/category-s/1931.htm 

Welcome back, MINI enthusiasts, to another jam-packed episode of The Cooper Cast, hosted by yours truly, Dale Blankenship. In this episode, we’re spilling the tea (and maybe some motor oil) on the latest and greatest in the MINI universe.

First up, let’s talk about the new F66 MINI. The three-tone roof option is returning as a US only deal.  But it’s not all rainbows and rooftops. Bad news for the US market: we’re saying goodbye to the 3-cylinder engine. RIP, little buddy. On the bright side, the 5-door MINI has been confirmed as returning for 2025! But hold your horsepower; there’s no JCW version for it. Sad trombone sound. And for those who love a good fashion statement, there's a new Paul Smith edition MINI on the horizon. Details are still under wraps, so stay tuned for more on that stylish ride.

Now, let’s rev our engines and head over to Germany, where the F56 and the new F66 Bulldog prepared racing MINIs took on the 24-hour Nürburgring race. Spoiler alert: they rocked it! Both models zoomed around the track like they had something to prove—and prove it they did.

Meanwhile, back in the States, the Tar Heel MINI Motoring Club’s Blue Ridge Parkway Tour went off without a hitch last weekend. Scenic drives, great company, and MINI fun—what more could you ask for? Maybe a perfect weather report, but hey, we can't have it all, but they did!

And for the grand finale, we’ve got some pro tips for the new MINI Takes The States (MTTS) participants, courtesy of the MTTS veterans. These seasoned MINI warriors are here to help you navigate the event like a pro, from avoiding packing advice to motoring tips and perfecting your MINI wave.

Thanks for tuning in to Episode 12 of The Cooper Cast. Keep your engines running and your spirits high, and we’ll see you next time with more MINI madness. And up to, and probably through, MTTS we'll drop weekly episodes instead of 1st & 3rd Tuesdays. 

4o

In this episode of the Cooper Cast, host Dale Blankenship dives into several important topics for MINI Cooper enthusiasts. We begin with a detailed discussion on antifreeze and coolants, exploring their various types, compatibility issues, and the critical importance of using the right one for your vehicle to avoid potential damage.

Next, we shift gears to examine the benefits and differences between FRS (Family Radio Service) and GRMS (General Mobile Radio Service) radios. Dale explains the key distinctions and ideal use cases for each, helping you decide which is best suited for your needs.

We also cover practical advice on checking engine codes on MINI Coopers,give us some info before asking what your check engine light means. Getting a Code Reader will help us help you.  As always, we remind our listeners to stay alert against scammers targeting car enthusiasts, sharing tips on how to protect yourself and your personal information.

Looking ahead, we preview the exciting MINI Takes The States event coming up in just over a month, along with other upcoming MINI runs in Virginia, New Hampshire, and North Carolina. These events offer fantastic opportunities for MINI owners to connect, share their passion, and enjoy some great drives.

Resources and Links:
Antifreeze/Coolant
 https://www.autozone.com/diy/antifreeze-coolant/what-does-antifreeze-color-mean
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15137041/green-vs-orange-antifreeze-coolant/
https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a91/1272436/
https://fuelandfriction.com/weekend-warrior/the-different-colors-of-coolant/#google_vignette
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/does-the-color-of-your-coolant-matter/
1 Way Radios:
https://www.onesdr.com/frs-vs-gmrs-radios/
https://midlandusa.com/blogs/blog/gmrs-or-frs-radio-how-to-choose

MINI Takes The States:
http://minitakesthestates.com/index.html

Blue Ridge Parkway tour:
https://www.facebook.com/events/24575750592070454

MINIs On Top, New Hampshire:
https://www.minisontop.org/

MINIs Take Mountain Lake:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1952283651853391?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A%5B%7B%22surface%22%3A%22group%22%7D%5D%7D


Connect with Us, The Cooper Cast Podcast:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555704866826
We'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about this episode! Feel free to reach out to us via our Facebook page.

SEE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES. 
 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any significant changes to your vehicle or its maintenance routine.

In the latest episode of The Cooper Cast, hosted by Dale Blankenship, listeners are treated to an exciting discussion centered around the newest MINI Countryman, which was recently displayed by FLOW MINI at the MINIs On The Dragon event. Get some first impressions highlighting the vehicle's design, features, and performance enhancements. The episode also delves into a significant leadership change at MINI, exploring the potential implications for the brand's future. Additionally, we engage in a lively conversation about the highly anticipated MINI Takes The States rally, we discuss the associated Facebook groups and the info you can gather from them. Also different "Feeder Runs" from your area to Albuquerque.  When planning stops for MINI Takes The States, selecting safe hotels is a smart and crucial decision to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all participants. Opting for well-reviewed accommodations in reputable areas can significantly reduce the risk of encountering safety issues.  Dale offers his advice on hotel selection. 

New Countryman cheat code for shift paddles
https://www.motoringfile.com/2024/04/28/manual-shifting-a-new-mini-cooper-and-countryman-without-paddles-secret-mode-discovered/#google_vignette

White Roof Radio
https://www.whiteroofradio.com/

MTTS Newbies
https://www.facebook.com/groups/125789784953479

MTTS Campers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/893678064060551/

MTTS Solo Drivers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1781474795651256

MTTS Going All The Way
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1024517427617778/