I am the STIG!

Thats right folks, school is in session and I will be sitting in the front row with a notebook and number 2 pencil.   After a 5 year break from graduating from Western Carolina University with a Bachelors of Science in Buisness Administration, I have made the conscience decision to return to a Univeristy and pursue a MBA degree.  Getting my Masters has been something I wanted to do for quite sometime, but never really had the time, or motivation until recently.  With my wifes health improving, and my life back to a normal state, I really couldn’t find any reason why not to take the pluge and become a student.  I am still working full time as Government fodder in the Air Force, but that was even more reason as the Air Force frowns upon those not continuing education during thier career. The decision was even easier to make when one of the benifits of being in the military is having tuition assistance.  That means, the Air Force will fit the bill while I improve knowledge.  To date, I some how miraculously missed a deployment, giving me more time at home station to pursue things like education.   The opportunity presented itself and now I am taking that journey to a higher education.   I am very excited and very anxious.  But I am of the belief that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it.

This unfortunatly means making sacrafices, and one of those is my MINI.  I am NOT selling it, but rather will be spending less time behind the wheel, and more time behind a book.  For the next two months, every Saturday will be filled with classes, then after that, just my weeknights will have classes.  Its a small sacrafice to make to ensure when the time comes to leave the military, I will be setup for success in this changing economy.  A small price to pay to “git mo edumacation” for the future.  This means I’ll be skipping out on MINI adventures and ralleys with my dearest friends.  If they read this, I am sure they will understand and wait for me in the long twisty road ahead.  I will still look forward in mods, and already have a few lined up.  I’ll definitly be saving tons of money since I’ll be busy hitting the books, rather than the pavement. Yes, I will still blog, and still keep active in the forums.  Once I adjust, and those Saturday classes are over, I will definitly be getting out and doing many events, including more track time.  It will be needed to help balance the stress of work and school.

Of all the schools, I chose Fayetteville State University.  They have on-base classes with a real instructor.  They are VERY military friendly and accept tuition assistance.  The value, support, and quality of education seemed like a good fit.  They have a big presence at Seymour Johnson AFB.

My first day is this Thursday.  I’ve dug out my old book bag, dusted off a new notebook, and filled my mechanical pencil…  I say, or couch, the stig says, bring it on…  I’ve slayed the dragon, driven the ring, now its time to get smart… er…

Another year has passed and another Thanksgiving has been thrusted upon us.  But let me take a minute to explore my thoughts on this holiday we all look forward too.  At first glance, Thanksgiving tends to be a man’s holiday.  A holiday where we all stuff our belly’s with no regard for diet or conservation, then sit on the couch with our pants unbutton and watch as much football as possible, then dose off until its time to wake up and eat dessert.  I am not trying to be sexist but I just don’t see the woman taking on this role.  Indeed this describes a good day, but let me take a different view on this holiday only Americans celebrate.  This day is much more than just food, but the gathering of friends and family, enjoying each others company.  Its a day we all gather around the table, regardless of past squabbles.  Its a day we take a moment and reflect on those things we have to be thankful for and for those who has touched our lives.  Its the one time of year many of us get a home cooked meal and truly fill our belly into a bliss of satisfaction.  Its about spending time with loved ones and doing the catch up game.  Where we share stories of old and new.  Here is one of them…

This Thanksgiving, I have many things to be thankful for, but for the first time, I have stepped outside of myself to truly understand the meaning of this holiday and what it means to take part in it.  These are things that I am thankful for and those reflections I have succumb…

1)  My Wife.  The one single greatest individual in my life that brings me inspiration and strength everyday.  She has beat cancer, built a successful career, and has gotten her life back on track.  To top this off, she has put up with me and all my crap that I dish out.  I appreciate her for all the sacrifices she has made, not only for herself, but with dealing with my decision to re-enlist in the Air Force and sticking with me through it.  She has supported me throughout every decision, and every day she provides that bond in a marriage that gets tested through time.  I am thankful for her every day, in every breath I take.  She is a rockstar !!!  My hero… My wife.

2) My family… Even though this goes without saying, you only get one set and you can change that fact.  Each year they stick by my side to heal wounds and develop new bonds.  They are always ready to lend an ear and give advice.  They are the foundation by which you come from.  But for me, I have a few members from my family that have departed to the next world earlier than expected… This is a time to reflect on those good times that were had by all and to enjoy the life we have now, which brings me to point 3.

3) I am thankful that I am ALIVE and well.  I have my health, my mind, and my spirit.  I am living in the now and taking advantage of every moment that is given to me. Thankful that I am enjoying life, no matter where I am at.  If the Air Force shall send me to an undisclosed location, then I shall take that as an opportunity and look for ways to see the positive.  I could be 6 feet under, wishing I was somewhere else.  Where ever I am at, I take enjoyment out the smallest of things, to bring out that subtle smile for that I am thankful for.  This will bring me to my final, and equally important thankful point…

4) My friends and for those I have never met… I am thankful for those men and women serving in our Armed Forces.  For those unsung heroes that make sacrifices that we take for granted.  I have a good friend, Art, who is currently downrange in Baghdad.  Like him, many others are having to spend this Thanksgiving apart from their families.  I have the up most respect for these people as I can not imagine what it is like for them.  For these folks, I will not forget, as I end tonight, I will keep them in my thoughts, praying that they will make it back to their families safely, hopefully sooner to spend the next Thanksgiving, a better turkey day.

These are just some of the many things I have to be thankful for… This by no means is an all inclusive list.  However, it is important to step back, reflect, and have thought to all that we have to be thankful for.  If all you needed was these reasons, then by all accounts, life is good… and from where I stand tonight, it is.  All it takes is a thought…  For next Thanksgiving will bring more friends, food, and stories, and yes… there will be football, napping, and the coveted dessert.

I am no longer a virgin to the famous Virginia International Raceway (VIR). My cherry on this track has officially been busted and now I have caught the addiction. Being no stranger to taking my MINI on a race circuit, I was really looking forward to returning to familiar territory. Back when I was stationed in Germany, I had the honor of driving the Nurburgring. This definitely gave me that taste I longed for. Granted this was no ring, but a proper road course this was and another experience that gets added to my resume.  For any gear head, this is a must do.

For those who have never heard of VIR, its one of the premier road course’s located in Southern Virginia between Danville and South Boston (NC), only minutes from the NC border.  VIR plays host to numerous pro and club car and motorcycle races, a wide range of racing and driving schools, track days, club events, and private rentals.  The track itself has 4 configurations, full course (3.27 miles), south course (1.65 miles), north course (2.25 miles), and the patriot course (1.1 miles).  Add the fact that many of the legend race car drivers, including Carrol Shelby, have raced here and you have one slice of petrol head heaven.  A mecca for all race fans and gear heads alike.

VIR Guide Map

The opportunity presented itself this year when VIR held its annual “Holiday Laps” event.  Holiday Laps is a charity fund-raising event, where donors get to drive their own cars around the famed and history-laden road course in exchange for a donation of $25 in cash, new toys or non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army.  Each session was comprised of 25 to 30 minutes track time or roughly 6 – 8 laps depending on speed.  They classify these laps as parade laps with a pace car, however, there were times where you could reach 120 mph on the back stretch so these were not tame in any sense of the word.  In addition to holiday laps, there was a raffle to win a sweet ride in the McLaren Can-Am racecar and a chance to experience an Arial Atom for just a mere 10 dollars.

The weather did however “dampen” things quite a bit, but it didn’t discourage the brave from coming out and enjoying the day filled with laughs.  Midway through the day, the rain did stop and for a brief moment, it seemed the sun wanted to poke through.  For the most part it was mist and drizzle.  There were all kinds of cars that decided to come out… but the most intriguing was the Nissan GTR.  This was one car that made all the “boys” hover around and drool.  The GTR is this century’s poster car that boys put on their bedroom walls and dream about at night.  You had your usual “slow” Miata’s, RX-8′s, and the Mustang club was represented well with over 20 different varieties.  A few Mercs, and some BMW “M’ versions where there as well.

Nissan GTR

We also have a few MINI’s come out…

Tarheel MINI's Representing

Local Radio WAKG 103.3 Hot Country

We even had the local radio station broadcast from VIR.

Once you paid your fee, whether it be cash or toys, you would line up behind the pace car to do your laps, and start your fun.  With the rain pouring down, the pace was slower, however, it still made for some wicked sideways fun, as one Midnight Dave found out, DSC is a good thing…  For me, it was a two session day concentrating on the race line and enjoying the scenery.

VIR Pace Car - R32

Ummm... Your facing the wrong way!

RudyT Doing the VIR

Although considering the bad weather, no one the entire day, wrecked or left with any damage on their car.  Only a few minor spin outs, but some of them might have been intentional.  Many did however enjoy lots of drifting the corners, with some being brave enough to start using their handbrake… (some unknown Chevy truck driver and a TT driver).

In addition to the holiday laps, we where given the chance to do the Arial Atom Experience.  This made my day complete as this was simply one of the most awesome things I have done.  For just an additional 10 bucks, I got to ride around the track (7 or 8 or so laps) with the aid of a professional race driver in an Arial Atom.

Arial Atom Experience - Terrified? Not at All !

Even in the rain, I wasn’t sure if I had pissed myself simply due to the magnificent machinery I was in.  Just on the back stretch alone, we were doing nearly 140, IN THE RAIN.  In the corners, we would drift into an oversteer and hit every apex, three times what most cars would have done in the rain.  The Arial Atom has the equivalent BHP to a Ferrari Enzo.  The precision the Arial has is jaw dropping phenomenal.  This car has NO drama, with every turn its nothing but business.  If my bank account could afford it, I would buy this car in an instant.  You might wonder if I got wet during my laps… Oddly enough I stayed dry the entire time.  ‘ probably attributed to the sheer wind speed, although you don’t feel it that much, or simply that the adrenaline is overloading your senses.  After the ride, I was left wanting more as every inch of my body tingled.  It was like I needed a cigarette. What a ride… what a high!

After all of this excitement, it was time to break for lunch.  We ended up finding a cute little pizza joint (with excellent prices) right outside VIR in Milton, NC, called Millies Pizza and Subs.  Good food and nice atmosphere gave us an opportunity to share good laughs and enjoy good company.

Locally Owned Millies Pizza and Subs

After lunch we all headed back to VIR for our last track sessions and watch others brave the mist and rain as the weather decided to turn for the worse.  It still didn’t stop folks from getting out and pushing wet limits. We ended up doing the last session to finish the day out.  This was a fitting end to a day plagued with wetness. I didn’t get my fast in, nor did I push the envelope, but it was nice to drive in an environment that added a bit of difficulty.  And lets not forget the Arial Atom.  That afterglow will last a while.  This does lead me into pursuing more Drivers Education and Track events.  I already have plans on doing at least two Phil Wicks Driving events.  I guess you can say the track bug has hit and I have no choice but to itch it. I better start saving as this can get quite expensive.  Who knows what will happen, but one this is for certain, I will be back again next year.  I can’t think of a better way to raise money for charity and help out your fellow mankind.

More Pics can be found at my Flickr Page.

V1 Install?  Ok.. I know what your thinking… Just stick the V1 on the windshield, plug it into the cigarette lighter and drive away… great if you want to have an annoying cord in your field of vision and give away to others that you have a radar dectector…  The solution… HARDWIRE into the MINI’s power grid.

This will help with cord management, visibility, unclutterness, and being able to be as stealthy as possible.  Stealth is a key factor in being able to keep those who like to tail, from following, and the theives from wanting to crack open the MINI.  There are several ways of install, here’s mine (an aid to help others)…

Tools Needed:
V1 with flat power cord
Visor clip, Suction Cup Mount (Optional Pending Method of Install)
Screw driver (wrapped in tape for protection)
Industrial Strength Velcro
Tie Wraps or Velcro Tie Bands
Add-A-Fuse Circuit with (2) 5 amp fuses (not mini size)
Electrical tape
Female electrical connector
Crimper

The Method and Install

I have found the most easiest and painless method of hardwiring the V1 is using the add-a-circuit method where you utilize an existing fuse slot (located on the drivers side foot well) and expand it out.

Add-A-Circuit

The first thing you do is remove the knee bolster and side fuse panel in order to gain easy access for the wiring. Before any work on the MINI can happen, you will need to cut the connector off the add-on-circuit and put a female electrical connector that will match the red lead of the V1 power adapter.  They sell these connectors in bulk at any store such as Walmart, Radio Shack, and the like.  This will be the only time you use your crimper tool (honest).  Once done, your ready to start the wiring in the MINI.

With the fuse panel open, look for a switched 5amp fuse circuit.  Many who have done this recommend going with fuse socket #36.  Use the fuse puller or needlenose pliars to pull out fuse 36 then place the fuse in the add-a-circuit along with another 5A fuse. Push the add-a-circuit into the fuse 36 socket and route the cord up the panel and into the open area under the dash.

Installed with (2) 5amp fuses

The next step is to take the V1 power adapter and secure it using velcro somewhere under the dash area.  Take the red lead from your add-on-circuit and connect it to the V1 adapter. A little electrical tape wouldn’t hurt around the connection.  Take the ground from the power adapter and connect it to a bare metal connection of your choice. Once done, use zip ties or velcro (works nice since it sticks to the existing MINI’s wire harness) and wrap up all your cords.  That is all the electrical work needed.

The next step is to run the flat power cord from the V1 to the power adapter. Estimating a little extra and starting at the rear view mirror, tuck the wire between the windshield and the headliner and route the cable to the a-pillar down to the crack between the dash and the a-pillar.  A flat head screw driver helped me tuck the wire but make sure you cover it to help prevent scratching or piercing the cable sheath.  I had to pull the a-pillar out a little to help tuck it behind.  Again, this will also be between the windshield and pillar.  When the door is open, on the side of the dash, there is a plastic piece that comes off.  Here is where you store the extra cord and route to the power adapter.  Just use a tie wrap device and tuck the excess cord in the cubby, and connect the power cord into the power adapter.  Put the side dash cover back on, knee bolster, and fuse cover and the wiring is finished.  The last step is choosing how you will place your V1 in the window.  There are three methods, velcro’d to the headliner, turing the visor clip around and clipping it to the headliner, and using the suction cups.  All work and each one has distinct advantages.  Just place in window, hook up power cord, start MINI, drive off… FAST !!!

Overview of Install

Grounding Point

Side Dash Access

Stealthy

Whats that in my rear view mirror?

The Result

Success and flawless…The final pictures speak for themselves.  I am however playing around with the three different mount methods.  I hope within the coming weeks I am able to settle on one.  Till then… I’ll be motoring on.

As many know, I have driven German roads and have gotten accustomed to driving my MINI at higher speeds.  After 3 years of this, it was time to arrive back in America where there are speed limits and state troopers are trying to fill a quota.  I will not confirm or deny that I speed here in America, but, one thing is I do tend to have a lead foot.  Its an honest mistake, one I try to correct, several times over.  That’s where the Valentine 1 comes in…  It just so happens that I was in the market for a Valentine 1 just in time for the holidays, however, as fate would have it, a fellow THMMC member posted a thread selling his brand new V1 for a fraction of the cost.  I had to jump on this as I knew I was one of few MINI owners that didn’t have one.  Its now just been a couple of days and I can’t believe I drove without one.  This is a truly magnificent device that tips the odds in your favor when stretching out speed limits or living out your smokey and the bandit dreams.

Now if you live under a rock, or have no idea what a Valentine is, here’s a brief overview… Mike Valentine invented the Escort radar detector and worked for many years at Cincinnati.  He left CM and sold his stock for many millions of dollars. He then patented two features that, at the time, were not in radar detectors: directional indicators and digital bogey counter. Then he started a company to build the best detector on the market more or less as a “retirement hobby”… which he’s been doing for about 10 years. The physical appearance of all his detectors hasn’t changed much since he started. But he constantly upgrades the electronics and firmware, and offers an upgrade path for every unit ever sold. (from blimeycabrio.com)

By comparison here’s what its like owning a V1…

Driving without a radar detector is like having sex with a prostitute without a condom.  You are almost guaranteed to get an STD or have the hooker get knocked up.  With the Valentine 1, its like wearing a condom, significantly reducing the chance of pregnancy and any chance that you will contract some horrible disease, and if you do, at least you did everything you could, short of absenance.

Speeding along the highways, of which many are designed for twice their rated speed limit, is exactly the same thing.  Without it, I was sure to get caught and get my license taken away.  But with it, I now have reduced my chances.  I am not admitting that I speed, but there are occasions that I may not notice how fast I am going and need a reality check in the form of beeps, rather than sirens behind me.

The Valentine 1 gives me a security feeling, a safe feeling.  Its a heighten sense of awareness I never had.   If I need to over take a trucker that seems to wanna do 5 under, yet overtaking him will require an extra speed burst, I feel confident on making this maneuver without worrying if there’s an LEO shooting off radar.

My initial impressions of the V1 is amazing.  This device gives you more information that any other device I have see or used.  It truly gives the driver full control on how to proceed.  Its all in the arrows, but with that the device also gives you “bogey” counter, type of radar used, and signal strength.  Its at this point the user deciphers the information and adjusts his or her driving style accordingly.  This is achieved by packing not one, but, TWO radars in a sleek device, one for the front, and one rear to help scan all around your vehicle to precisely locate each radar threat.  This information is relayed to the driver in both directional arrows and bogey counts. The V1 is the only device that does this.  Even the case is made out of magnesium to help deter from radar detectors detectors and radar wave junk.  This coupled with the technology that is crammed in this little device makes me wonder why I hadn’t got one sooner.  This device makes NASA seem like a kids after school program.

Where I noticed the V1 shine was when I went home on the open highway.  Less junk and more funk… Where I knew if it went off beeping, I knew to slow down and start playing my more strict rules.  If its all clear, and the V1 was quiet, then my foot was able to stretch out a little.  Where the V1 might not be as useful would be in the city.  The main reason is due to congestion and traffic.  Its gives you great awareness, but in reality, the traffic made for slow driving and stop lights made it even worse.  However, even though the V1 picked up every sliding door around, it still was able to pick a sheriff sitting at a church.  However, in all likely, he would have pulled you over for running a stop sign rather than speeding.  Users may be inclined to ignore many of the warnings in the city, but this would be ill advised being that this device will pick up everything, leaving it up to the driver to decide.  For me, I live in a rural area, where corn grows and cows feed, so the V1 will come in handy when high tailing it back to civilization.  Since I travel to Raleigh, go on Tarheel MINI’s adventures, and visit family, it was rather easy to justify the cost of the V1.

I have to say I am proud to have this in my MINI and will be using everyday.  Its an expensive toy, but, its one that I am sure will pay its self off in both the near and distance future.

Look for the install write-up shortly.

Yea Baby… That’s right… The Rumors are True… Its time to tighten down your belts people… I’m BACK !

RudyT is back in the saddle again… after over a 1 year hiatus, I am back with my very own blog, thanks to a great friend, Twister.  Last night as I am searching for the end of the internet, posting on THMMC, I get an IM saying, “We need more MINI blogs”.  Naturally I agree since all my good friends have one, I am now joining the ranks of the elite.  Just my view of my adventures, as I seem to have them quite frequently. And now I have a place to document all the goodness of each story I have to tell.  A place for thoughts, information, and other random goodness, where in time, I could look back and reminisce on both the good times and bad. If but only one person’s gets value or smiles, then I have done good, even if that one person is me. 

Remember…  Life is better when one can look at one’s self and laugh…  I say we all need more of that…  Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out… Its is here where I can document that wild ride I am taking… now its time for part 2 so…

Welcome, Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy !