My website has been a successful because of everyone who reads, comments and follows me.

I have hit another milestone of 15,000 views early this year

But like my JCW I am forever evolving and becoming better, stronger and faster.

But this time I need your HELP!

I want to know you opinions on what you LIKE & HATE about the website

I have set up up an anonymous comment box so you can help with the direction of the website. It will be undergoing a revamp to celebrate the 2 year anniversary and my JCW turning 3 this year.

The JCW will be undergoing some modifications soon…

I mean exactly what I am saying when I ask for your opinions on the website, so be as nice and nasty as you want…

Before that here are my plans for the website this year

1. Reviewing the F56 & All of R56 Model range
2. Charity Run – Its time to give back to the world
3. MIR RUN II – This is my own MINI run I plan over the UK
4. Manufacturing my own line of MINI Car parts
5. Instragram Meetup – 3 Meets in the year
6. Track Days
7. More videos – An insight into me and the JCW
8. Competitions/Giveaways (It will be open to everyone worldwide)
9. MINI Factory Tour
10. Behind the scenes of MINI & tuning specialist

Here is the link to the anonymous comment box to leave your advice and criticisms

Anonymous Comment box

Next Blog Post: Castle Combe Circuit – Track Shenanigans 

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Twitter – Mr_M1R

Instagram – d4rkhorse

Youtube – AMAUTOS7

The post MINI Roll Call appeared first on JCW Adventures.

Whilst they were out hooning on the rear wheel drive BMWs my half of the group was learning about how continental develops a tyre from the compound to the thread pattern and all the research and development that goes into the process.

I asked the question – What if I or tyre company copied your thread pattern would it perform the same or better?

Reply – Even if you copied the exact thread pattern, the compound of our tyres is very different and that’s where our extensive R&D developments goes into

I have always been a preacher about buying good tyres and brakes as these are the only things that keep you on the road. People forget that contact patch between you and the road is only the size of your palm. It was our time for some rear wheel drive shenanigans in the white BMW 1 series and they were fitted with cheap import tyres. I mounted my Go Pro 3 to the back window to showcase my driffftttoooo ability whilst on the wet handling track. I jumped into the driver’s seat unaccompanied and put the paddle shift gearbox and car into sport mode.

We followed a pace car upfront with radios on board which talked us through the lap and how to push the tyres to the limit to feel the difference. To be honest I was being a right yob with me hanging the back out on every corner for a continuous drift.

It was laughable how easy it was to induce over-steer all the time with the cheap import tyre being very loose in the wet handling track and gave no confidence what’s so ever when you pushed the car. When you reached the limit of grip you were met with snap on over-steer which is fun on track but deadly on public road.

All these characteristics are stupidly fun on a closed track which makes you wonder why doesn’t someone offer a track day like this?? Joking aside these handling threats of the tyre would deadly on the open road. Still grinning from ear to ear fun, I suction mounted the Go Pro to the grey BMW fitted with ContiPremium Contact 5s to see how Continental’s tyres could fare better even with the worsening wet track. Into the first corner the difference was evident with the BMW front end would not wash into under-steer and the rear end refused to swing out as I mashed the loud pedal middle corner.

I was being a right lunatic to get the BMW to over-steer as I had to go specifically out of my way to do it. The difference with the Conti tyre was it told you exactly before it let go whilst being controllable.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/wreXP1uB9WY]

It was a no contest between which tyre you would buy.

Tread carefully was the next station which was designed to show you how much a difference tread difference can make

We would drive 3 VW Golfs with different levels of thread – 8, 3 and 1.6 mm at different speed starting at 60 kph (37 mph) then 70 kph (43 mph) and finally 80 kph (50mph) to see the difference. My Group elected to learn the theory behind changing your tyres at 3 mm opposed towards the legal limit of 1.6 mm. 1.6mm is the legal limit for tread depth on tyres. But tests show that at this tread depth, tyres are only performing at 55% efficiency, meaning stopping distances are greatly increased in wet conditions.

We learnt about how the efficiency of the tyres decrease when the thread reduces and about the structure of the compound, side walls and thread pattern make a difference. With the theory dusted off we head towards the car to which there were two people per vehicle because it made easier to switch seats.

I was joined by the motoring journalist queen aka Geraldine Herbert the founder of wheelsforwomen.ie  who has written for newspapers, magazines and websites including the Sunday Independent. It was an honour having her on-board and we had some good discussions about the event and wider car industry. My driving skills had to be at their A game with her on board so no pressure at all. We entered the first car which had 3 mm thread and went around the oval track building our speed up to 60 kph and keeping it steady at that speed whilst we drove through about a 2 metre long patch of standing water. At 50 kph there was a slight slow down in the vehicle but nothing that really phased the tyre.

Next we built up 60 kph and felt the car slow as you noticed the tyre was trying to move the water but with a slight struggle. Once again we ramped up the speed and noticed the car twitched by it moving it to the right which was nothing uncontrollable. It sort of felt like torque steer with reduction of speed of about 5 kph. The Golf fitted with 8 mm tyres was up next so everything was going be fine due to the thread depth and it was true. The car never struggled with the standing water at the different speed and the only teeny tiny difference that was felt at 80 kph even then we were pointed straight ahead.

Next up where the 1.6mm tyres and me and Geraldine gave each other that look, were we we going slide into the barrier plus she elected me to do it first such a Lady. Sadly at this time we were being rushed as our allocated time at this station was coming to a close.

Therefore we dashed into the other Golf and began our first run at 60kph and as soon as we went through the stand water the car aquaplane. It felt like the car was being pushed sideways I was temporary stunned by how the car acted but my reflexes kicked in with me adding opposite lock to steer the car through the cones. We looked at each after it happened and we were like ‘WOW, are you OK?’ Then the radio crackled again saying we need to speed things up so we were moving up the speed to 80kph.

You should have seen my face, WHAT!! An extra 20kph (17mph) we are going hit the barrier at this speed or I am going spin it front of all these motoring journalists. Great I am gone tonight’s topic of laughter at the bar.

We went back around again and I held the speed steady at 80kph and in the corner of my eye I saw Geraldine clutch the door pull so I told her ‘I got this and you got your seat belt on right?’.

Around the bend we went on to the stand water and everything went into slow motion with the car being violently throw to the right like we had just been T Boned by another car.

My fingers buried into the contours of the steering wheel as reacted to the aquaplaning and I meet it with an equal force to correct the car to stop it under steering into the barrier. I caught the car and the grip returned the dry asphalt so I powered it out the cones in front of me. I looked over and said ‘I genuinely thought we were going hit that barrier as didn’t think the front tyres would regain grip’. We were in slight state of shock with the adrenaline still pumping for a while after that encounter. The message was clear from this test – change your tyres before or on 3mm thread is only left

We have been drilled in by the theory test and motoring laws saying 1.6 mm is legal limit. Therefore we have been miss education to change the tyres when its close to legal limit which is completely wrong thing to do. Next up is all the track time madness I have spoken and promised everyone by telling them to wait for Part 2.

We arrived at the next station called ‘Driving Performance For You’ where there was a line up of some tasty cars – 2 x Audi RS3, A Class AMG, BMW 335i, Porsche Panamera GTS and a Porsche GT3 RS.

I looked at these tasty motors and thought – ‘Oh yes time for some track action and they are not my tyres’. Someone had to come over to shuffle us into the white tent for the briefing about the performance tyres made by Continental. We were shown the Sport Contact 5s, Sports Contact 5P and Conti Force Conacts with the 5s being for a fast car/road tyre and the 5P being more of a lower profile track orientated tyre which can be used on daily driver but wont grip as much in the wet as the 5s given the thread pattern and compound.

The Force Contacts are a track bias tyre will with them being lower profile and the compound being suited to a dry track but they were still street legal if you wish to drive around on them a daily basis. It was ironic as this was the dry handling track but it was wet and still pouring down. So I wasn’t sure how to handle the cars on a wet track with ridiculous amounts horsepower on a track I didn’t know.

First up was the Audi RS3 and strangely Geraldine came with again after the ride in the Golf, I guess my recovery of the aquaplaning impressed her.

I mounted the Go Pro to the back window and enter the larger leather bucket Seats of the RS3 which were very comfortable. I fiddled with the seat and adjusted the autobox to sport and put the car into sport mode and eyed up the line the track and listened to the instructions coming from the walkie-talkie.

This was my 1st time in the RS model and everyone raves on about them but I honestly don’t like Audi’s at all! I actually loathe them with them all looking the same with them just being a longer and shorter of themselves with their boring driving feel and input. I wanted to keep objective so I set aside the my dislike and I hunkered down in the RS seats and gave the throttle a few blips to hear the exhaust note which was nice. Off we went following the lead car a black BMW 335i and mashed the gas pedal as soon as we left the lay-by area with the four-wheel drive hooking up and all 335 ponies from the forced induction 2.5 litre TFSI engine propelling us forward with a jot to push us back in our seats.

I went into the first bend all cautious as I wasn’t sure about the how the car would handle in the wet but I soon realised that you didn’t have to do anything but press the loud pedal as the car did everything and all that was left was for you point the thing in the right direction.

The Audi was quick with it reaching 140kph on the back straight but my god was it boring it drive with no feedback to the wheel at all. I could have driven it one hand and texted my mates to telling them what I was doing and take a few snaps whilst I was there. I left the AUDI unimpressed by its driving feel and here is my summary of the car – If you want a point to point fast car the RS3 is perfect, actually it should be THE getaway car of choice if you want to rob a bank. If your after driving involvement, road feel and laughs then don’t buy it, sure it fast but it’s so uninvolving I would rather go shopping for door mats. Into the much incapacitated A Class AMG which had nice subtle menacing look from the outside and was very tasty inside. SLS AMG air vents and carbon fibre look dashboard with some nice subtle red accents around the cabin. So far good, I looked to the console to turn everything on to get it to sport mode which took a little longer than I like but minor grumble given the performance on tap.

Now I would have another 4 wheel drive vehicle but with 2 litre four banger developing a laugh out loud 355 BHP. Again this would be my first time driving the hot version of normal Mercedes as I had only driven the C Class CDI C220 a while back.

I have always wanted to drive an AMG given how loony the division is with copious amount of power they extract from engines and the noise they make which sound like the heavens have opened up and THOR has arrived. Again I blipped the throttle to her what she sound like but it was slightly muted but I wasn’t sure about the reason given how new the car was but meh.

Off we went around the track again with me being directly behind the lead car so I could push on more as we would setting the pace of the other cars behind us. Straight way I felt the AMG feel more eager to rev and pull harder in the corner but I didn’t like the driving feedback but it was significantly better than the RS3.

I had a lot more fun the AMG with the feedback and it was more playful with it reaching 147kph on the straight way which made me wonder what it would be like in the dry.

I left the AMG impressed as this was their first proper attempt at hot hatch and I would definitely recommended one over the RS3 as its faster and roughly the same price – WIN WIN!! Next up was the blacked out BMW 335i which looked menacing as hell and me being brought up in BMW and owning a 323i for a while I looked forward to testing performance variant of the 3 series. Into the 335i I went with a big grin as I knew some sideways drift action would have happening with the rear wheel drive power.

It’s very dangerous coming out four-wheel drive vehicles as you got used to giving the car full throttle mid corner. This pre mindset was evident in the first corner where I pressed the loud pedal mid corner resulting in the back-end of the BMW going into 60 degree slide then finally me realise and catching the slide with opposite lock and powering out of the corner.

I looked over to Geraldine and said ‘Do not worry I will make sure we will stay on track as I know you have two kids but I will be pushing it hard’. I proceed to get use to the 335i making sure I was getting the most out of the turbocharged 3 litre in-line six developing 300bhp and 300lb ft of torque to tail happy rear wheels. It was quite tricky getting used it due to the conditions of the track and the seat time I would have.

This is what made it way more fun than the Merc or Audi as you the driver had to work learn the cars behaviour and find the levels of grip instead of the electronic nannies and clever four-wheel drive vectoring power behind the senses.

The BMW was the quickest on the back straight with an indicated 160kph but the brake pedal feel was worrying as the consecutive pounding was showing in my time around in the track. Minor grumble as this isn’t a fully fledged skunk works of the M division unlike the RS & AMG as I am sure the forthcoming M3 would have power slided to victory.

Time was now running short and I had to make a tough decision drive the Panamera GTS with Ferocious V8 putting out 430BHP or jump into the Porsche GT3 RS for some hot laps.

By the time I had decided to take the GTS some had nicked it from me so GT3 RS was awaiting me to dawn a racing helmet and to climb through the full roll cage to hunker down into the racing bucket seats. I gave the thumbs ups to the driver who actually worked for Continental on tyre development. Off we went and hell he could drive with his braking and feeding the power in and never letting the power being wasted even in the wet. Not once did miss a clipping point or apex and he drove the GT3 RS like the track was dry. The GT3 RS was fitted with Conti Force Contacts.

I was told later he is very fuss about driving as drove the track first early in the morning and adjusted his tyre pressures then went back out again. When it rained during the day he took it out again to find the better line in the wet and adjusted the pressures again. I got told by the guys that Mercedes C63 AMG would have been out today buy didn’t due to the rain as it would be too lairy, plus the other day one person decided to leave the track in one and go off-road. Typical I have always wanted to drive one as well.

The next experience was up next called ‘Chill Out’ but I didn’t think we would be literary chilling out as we were taken into the where the winter tyres were tested. It was freezing in the testing area and we were told now how a winter tyre were made.

The silica is key to grip in temperatures below 7 degrees due to the properties of it being a soft compound and the tyres have snipes/groves to increase traction on snow or ice. Continental had a novel way of showing you the difference between a normal tyre and winter tyre with slippers.

Yes slippers!!! They had made slippers out of a tyre which looked amazing when you flipped them over – 1 slipper was a normal tyre and the other made of a winter tyre We all rolled out to get our slippers on to the long sheet of ice and you felt straight away when you stepped on the ice with one leg sliding forward to rip your trouser and your other leg staying put like it was glued to the floor.

My left leg had a mind of its own on the ice and it was good thing I wore slightly baggy chinos at the time.

The day was coming to close at 5 and we were all called back to the press room where last parts of the brand experience would happen. We would sit down and listen about Continentals history and developments/partnerships through a presentations.

We learnt how Adidas approached Continental for their expertise to develop a outsole with a strong grip ideal for trail and outdoor sports shoes. The first range of trainers with Continental technology was the Adidas SuperNova Riot 3, featuring Continental’s Traction Compound Technology – which allows confident grip on all surfaces and conditions. Continental has strong brand relations within football industry with sponsoring the UEFA Euro 2012, FIFA World cups and Champions league.

Now most recently with St. George’s Park, the national football centre in Burton-upon-Trent. The new partnership will see Continental Tyres become an ‘Official Supporting Partner’ of St. George’s Park.

With a focus on preparation for driving performance, the Continental presence at the National Football Centre will include a 60-metre indoor ‘high performance’ running track, a goalkeeping ‘stopping zone’ and a bespoke ContiWarmUp area to enable all players to prepare before a game or training session. I have personally visted the grounds and I was genuinely astonished how gigantic they place. You have to drive down a short road network and then it all opens out to Hilton Hotel and the training grounds with 5 areas of parking. Continental has been a partner in excellence with Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands by supplying them with tyres for both on and off-road driving experiences. The Brooklands site offers an interactive world full of the passion, heritage, values and innovation of the Mercedes-Benz brand. These include a wet circle and a 10-acre off-road course, a high-speed handling circuit and acceleration and braking strips.

I missed the chance at going to an event there as I have friend who is driving instructor who works at the Brooklands site. He messages me every now and then with pictures of what he will be driving today!!! I got jealous when he said I have driven the Black series AMG C Class and we have the SLS AMG Black series coming soon to which I will be putting it through it paces! : O

The final presentation of the day was about all the compounds that go into a tyre and how some are natural, synthetics, oils, rubber and how various elements are added to give the tyre compound different properties.

A tyre is a complex high-tech product made up of up to 15 different compounds.  Each compound contains 20 ingredients and up to 30 different components. The tyre is not just made up of rubber compounds; engineers also employ reinforcing materials such as nylon, polyester, rayon and steel to perform varying functions depending on where they are used. For example, nylon and steel cords are used under the tread to restrict tyre distortion and minimise heat build-up in the tyre, whereas rayon or polyester is used in the plies to withstand the inflation pressure of the tyre.

The brand experience was over so we headed back into the coach and head back to the hotel to freshen up for all us to head back out to have dinner together. We went to a local restaurant in Hanover which was couple of kms away which was nice and where I spoke with other motoring journalist about the experience we had during the day and the other events they had been to. It was a pleasant way to end the antics over the 3 days. Thank you Continental for inviting me and I had good laugh on the experience and went away with in-depth knowledge about tyres and stories to tell for years to come. But don’t worry Germany I will be coming back soon….

Next Blog Post: Cooper S Roadster Review 

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The post Continental Brand Experience: The Contidrom Part 2 appeared first on JCW Adventures.

I had written to Continental on the off-chance I would be able to see their facilities and they obliged by inviting me down to their Brand Experience and they would be paying for everything with flights, hotel etc.

I received their email back within 24 hours saying I was going which was fantastic given I would turn 24 and then 2 weeks later be heading to Germany : D

One week before leaving I would make a small trip down to Northampton to meet another MINI Looney – Simone aka Work experience girl and her unique R50 Cooper ‘Mimi’

I had only seen her MINI on instagram and it has always been amazing to meet my followers who are now like family to me.

Why is her MINI so unique given its Orciari Bodykit which I had never heard of or seen in my life

It’s now sitting on Coilovers suspension with Porsche D90s rims going on very soon

I have been into the ‘Low N Slow’ or ‘Hella Flush’ look as it’s not performance orientated but after sitting in her ‘Mimi’ I was shocked how good it rode. Thats the day my coilover fund began for GP suspension/B14 Bilstein as I wouldn’t mind my JCW sitting 15mm lower for better handling and ride.

I made a bet with Monie that if she got a certain job I would allow her to drive my JCW. Guess what she got that job : /

I hand her the keys after she beat up me and she loved every second driving my JCW at some speed around an industrial estate.

Had such a laugh up in Northampton with her & Matt who made me feel so welcome and it felt like we are like old mates catching up

It still amazes how my MINI has introduced me to the most amazing people ever!!!

Before I headed out I dropped my JCW off to Midlands Car Care to be detailed whilst away as too many cheap hand car & dealer washes had dulled the shine on the metallic eclipse grey paint.

I had seen Russ’ work first had whilst visiting him before to get quotations and recommendations on the work i should i get down. When I was down the local Phantom Drophead Coupe was there and it seems like every Ford Focus RS ever made gets detailed there

My JCW would be getting a full paint correction, dent/chip removal and C Quartz protection. I looked forwarded to the results when I came back and forecast was good on the day I came back – Sunny 16 degrees which is classified as take your top off in the UK

I got dropped off by one of  Russ’ detailers in an Audi A3 which is sooo low we scrapped a few times on the drive back to my house.

I started on packaging everything and making sure everything was charged for trip as I wanted to capture all the moments and report back everything back to my readers. All done off I went to sleep

The day dawned and I had to catch this long tubey metal thing called a Train to London Heathrow. Wheeling my suitcase I took to MINI UNITED 2012 with my MINI Dog Tag on it I waited for the train to arrive so the journey could begin. It actually arrived on time and I settled into my seat and popped on my headphones to zone out House of Balloons by The Weeknd.

With the train stopping at Paddington station and then I jumped through the underground system to get to Heathrow connect line. I was hungry at this time and fancied some nom nom so off I head to search for a restaurant in London Heathrow – decided on this Italian cafe and ordered a tuna wrap with fries and some pepsi.

With checking time nearing I head back to check myself in and to see who I would be going with on the plane.

I met up with a few traders and motoring journalists in the departure lounge and introduced myself. There was a few from Ireland but this one guy called Sean was hilarious with him cracking jokes all the time and selling stuff as he seemed to know a guy for everything.

We boarded on the Airbus A320 and waved the UK goodbye for motoring testing shenanigans

A few hours later we landed in Germany and went through customs and collected our bags to be greeted by Mark aka Continental Man to usher us on to the coach to depart to our hotel.

Whilst on the coach it was interesting viewing look at Germany architecture with everything clearly being built to last with stone building and open green spaces around homes. Everywhere I look there were German vehicles with VW, Audis, BMW everywhere and odd Europe car. Their dealerships were MASSIVE I guess stock or choice isn’t a problem there.

Our coach pulled up Courtyard Marriott Maschese Hotel which would be home for our short stay in Germany. We collected our bags and we were guided to into the conference room to be briefed about our stay and given our keys to our rooms.

Once briefed it was time for some nom nom and I picked grilled salmon, steamed vegetables and slice of whole grain bread from the buffet and enjoyed the view whilst the sunset on the day in Hanover.

At this time I bumped into another one of my Instragram follower Martyn Collins who is actually a Motoring Journalist and owner of the original GP. We had some interesting conversations over dinner and all the events he had been to and then a whole load of MINI talk.

Later I retired to my room to dump my bags up in my room and put my cameras on charge for tomorrows Hooniganism. I head back to meet up with everyone at the open bar we had to talk and learn about motoring journalism. We had some great debates about the industry, how cars have changed over the ages and various press/launch events. Also for me to talk about my JCW and the shenanigans and events I get up to.

Whilst at our table and enjoying our drinks and laughing away, the lovely Lorna came up to me to ask if she could borrow my Infamous hat for some piccies. I obliged as I laughed but didn’t want to be in any pics given my hat hair. We talked for a while about what we would get up to in the morning on the Contidrom visit and she made it sound epic with the tasty motors we would driving.

It was prompt start in the morning with me heading down at 8:30 am for breakfast and then to collect my Continental lanyard with itinerary on back along with a press pack memory stick.

On to the coach to head Continental’s Test facilities called the Contidrom. We then taking into the briefing room to have some light breakfast snacks and juices. We were given overview of brands history and developments through their 140 years in business. We were spilt up in groups and I was in the Red group.

Immaculate VW Camper Van

Here are some Facts for you

Continental is more than just a tyre manufacturer

1.  Continental is one of the top 3 automotive suppliers in the world
2.  Continental is spilt into 5 divisions – Chassis & Safety, Interior, Power Train, Tyres and Contitech
3. Over 170,000 employees worldwide
4. 291 Locations in 46 Countries

We were bundled into blacked out VW Transporters to our first station which was ‘The Future in Motion’ I thought this would marketing spiel but then after a short ride I saw VW Passat CC, Porsche Panamera and Renault Fluence EV all lined up the grass with Toyota IQ sitting by the white tent.

There was no messing around and we headed into the normal look Passat with a vinyl saying ‘Simplify your drive’ but once inside the dash was a LCD screen with buttons on the right. The tech guy spoke about continental makes various vehicle parts ranging from dashboards to ECU calibrations.

The idea was to showcase how continentals systems could fundamentally changed the cars feel and drive ability. Hit the prancing horse for sport mode the ride instantly firmed up, the throttle and steering became sharp and it blipped down two gears. I was shocked as I drove as car felt completely different as the body roll reduced and I felt the road more plus it made some naughty noises on the up shifts and down shifts.

As you can guess the feather turned the car into wafting car with the suspension absorbing the bumps the DSG box finding the higher gear to make it silent in the cabin with the throttle and steering slacking but still responsive to inputs.

Last but not least was the Flower button which ECO mode which made it near on impossible to stamp on the gas pedal as felt like it pushing your leg back saying if you press down on me again I will set off the airbag in your face.

This time I was chauffeured like A BOSSSSSS in Panamera which was fitted with Continentals air suspension which could drop and raise the height of the car by 20mm at a stand still or on the move.  The difference was apparent from the back seat as we hit the oval track and when going over the varied road surface which included the lovely cobbled surface. Even its sport setting it wasn’t off-putting but you knew that it soaking the bumps well.

Next up was an education of the tyres & air pressures sensors on cars and most people don’t have clue what pressure their tyres should be and rarely check their pressures. Modern air pressures are lacking technology to be fair with them only ever telling you they are low when hit a certain threshold by then you wasted fuel and increased wear on a under-inflated tyre.

Continental developed at sensor which would inside the tyre which would rely information to an app or in-car systems to inform you of your tyre pressure and even send you a message if one tyre was loosing pressure. Another way of integrating it into the Toyota IQ would to have car flash or horn when the correct tyre pressure was reached when you fill your tyres with air. I would personally welcome this tech as I have come back to my MINI to find I had a slow puncture but having this system I could have been pre-warned about checking my tyre and even ask for mobile tyre fitter to come to my work to check or replace my tyre.

Now for a step into the Future with the Renault’s EV

A problem that has plagued all EVs is it range and finding a source to charge up. The idea of conti’s system was to increase the range of the car by shutting down systems within the vehicle on low power and the sat nav to take you charge or even the car to inform you inside or by a message the car is low on juice. The proposal wasn’t world change technology but a common sense approach of how to get driver home or safely to a charge without it dying out on you – As always the greatest ideas are simplest ideas.

Back into the transporters we went for the next stage called ‘Mixed Up’ where I would be in my element with MINIs on a wet handling pad.

I went to the right side of the door of the MINI to find no steering wheel, so I went to the other side of the MINI Cooper D. All 3 of the MINIs looked the same but when you saw the lower graphics down the side everything made sense -The idea was to showcase not mix tyres or makes.

Mixed Tyres – Continentals upfront and cheap imports on the back

The first MINI had Continentals with an Asian import tyre on the back. There was a radio inside the car and guy on the other end guiding you in what to do. It felt weird changing gear with my right hand but I wouldn’t need to change-up or down on the wet handling track. I built up my speed on the oval pad and the back-end slid out around 30 kph as I turned for some sideways Hoonage.

As much as I was giggling and holding the slide this would be dangerous on the public roads as they are not always smooth and there obstacles and traffic so the room to correct or recover from a slide is down to a bit of luck and driving ability.

The second MINI had the cheap imports upfront with contis on the back but this time the handling was the direct opposite with the massive under steer occurring with the only way to correct it was too slow right down to get it turn properly. It’s interesting to see how on these two tests how the continental tyre is doing its up most to keep you on the road while the import tyre is trying to kill anyway it can.

The last two MINI was fitted with either 4mm or 8mm continentals upfront and 8 or 4mm on the back. All I wanted to was it to get it lift off over steer and god how I tried but it refused me to even with a Scandinavian flick but the ESP kicked when I did that. The contis just gripped and gripped the harder I pushed with me literally falling on of the seat before I could reach the limits of grip.

After all this madness we went cold down in the white tent and they informed about the limits of grip and how continental develops it tyres – how the tread pattern and compounds make a difference. The clear advice from this test was not to buy cheap tyres and if you need to change only two tyres on your car make sure you put the new tyres on the back because in the event of you losing control of the vehicle you will be correct it more easily and your less likely to aquaplane.

If you compare 4mm continental tyre to 8mm import tyre on this test it clearly show how it still trying to keep you on the road while the import tyre is not even working when it’s at optimum thread. Therefore for the sake of £20-30 more per corner having better tyre is always best as it only thing that keeps you on the road.

Continentals crown jewel was up next, the award-winning AIBA (Automated Indoor Braking Analyser) which is the world’s first fully automated weather independent tyres testing facility. This was the only place where camera were not allowed given the technology in this room and we were the only people outside of continental who had ever been access to AIBA.

AIBA is housed in a hall which is 300 metres long and up to 30 metres wide. It allows fully automated unmanned testing all year around irrespective of weather with testing being able to done both in wet and dry road surfaces. The facility has the capacity to carry out 100,000 individual braking procedures on wet or dry interchangeable road surfaces at different temperatures hot or cold without human error for optimum precision.

I was astonished by how they could interchange the road surfaces at push of a button to a different road surfaces such as a poorly surfaced road or smooth autobahn service. If thought that was mind-blowing they accelerated the vehicles on high-tech roller coasters which can linearly accelerate anything from VW Golf to 3 tonne Truck from 0-100 Km/h (62mph) in 4 seconds.

I got a real insight into Continental during the first half of the day. This behind the scene look showed me how day in and day out continental tyres are doing everything to keep you on the road.

There is still more to come in the part 2 of my visit to the Contidrom and there is more things to come like High speed testing and shenanigans on track

Next Blog Post: Continental Brand Experience: The Contidrom Part 2

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At Top Gear Live 2012 I went over to the Go Pro Booth and looked into purchasing one but I was told not to get one given the requirements I was asking for as the Go Pro 3 would be coming and would be significantly better than the current version camera and function wise.

So waited for until the Go Pro 3 was unveiled. I wanted to buy was the Black edition due to the fact you get a better camera than the base model, better low light performance and the WiFi remote is included as well.

Having brought my Go Pro 3: Black edition for £359.99 then spending a further £40 on a Class 10 64GB Sandisk Micro SD Memory Card and another £29.99 on the Suction mount.

Remember to only purchase a Class 10 memory card only as the processing/writing data of the card needs to be fast

If look at the price of all the kit together at £429.98 its a small fortune before you have started filming but the quality of the product itself is fantastic and robust.

Whats in the Box?

You can start filming from the box but its recommended that you update the camera online as Go Pro update various features in and improve the video/camera processing. The GoPro website will guide you the process and follow all the steps one by one exactly and you wont have any problems then.

If you have got an iPhone or Andriod you should download the Go Pro App as its FREE

The GoPro App lets you control your GoPro camera remotely using a smart phone or tablet. Features include full control of all camera settings, video preview to your smart phone or tablet for easy shot framing and more.

The only real requirements to use the App is that you must have either Go Pro HD Hero 2 or Hero 3 as WiFi connection is need to connect the App and device.

After using the App its a useful thing to have as it allows you to see what Go Pro is seeing so you can adjust the camera according or just shoot on the fly when you want to capture a moment. Its appreciated the Go Pro offer the App for FREE as they could have easily charged for it.

The App does exactly what its says with you being able to click to shot and change the setting as you wish without the need to touch your camera which brings on the point why I wanted to have the remote? Given my shooting would be done whilst I driving I would need a quick and legal way of activating the camera. You can attach the remote to your keys so all I would needed to do is press the button and recording would be begin opposed to unlocking my phone, launching the App then clicking record.

The only negative thing I can say about the App there is about an 5 seconds delay in what the camera see to what you see on the screen of your device. I hope down the line this gets improved or some cool features are added to the App.

Whilst your on their website you can download for Free GoPro Cineform Studio which is a very easy to use editing software to create professional quality clips from your GoPro content or prep for more advanced editing with Adobe Premiere Final Cut Pro, Sony Vegas, etc. From simple adjustments like slow motion control and clip trimming to more advanced color correction and 3D editing, CineForm Studio is a powerful tool for all GoPro content creators.

CineForm Studio features:

• Keep your GoPro cameras and BacPacs current with the latest software updates
• Easy playback and trimming of your GoPro video clips
• Frame rate adjustment for slow motion
• Quickly create videos from your timelapse photos
• Convert GoPro H.264 MP4s into editor friendly CineForm AVI or MOV files
• Apply real-time, non-destructive image adjustments that don’t require re-rendering as changes are applied.
• Adjust video white balance, exposure, contrast, saturation and framing
• Support for ProTune and push-button color presets
• Process and adjust videos captured with the GoPro’s 3D HERO System
• Export MP4/MOV for web sharing, including pre-formatted 3D content for YouTube and 3D TVs
• Preview 3D content on supported 3D monitors and TVs
• Support for other H.264 MOV/MP4 sources such as Canon and Nikon DSLRs

This is the software I used to edit my 1st GoPro video – Dark MINI Rises

I tried to use Final Cut Pro but my laptop is not up to task given it doesn’t have the processing power and is 5 years old now. Cineform studio made life so much more whilst i was editing as it guides you in what to do to edit the video with 2 stage process with trimming the video and added effect next. Simples

The Suction Mount for the camera is unreal as it’s quite frightening suction mount £400 camera and excepting it that it will be still be there after some Hoonage.

It comes included with short extension arm allows for ultra compact mounting for engineered to provide a broad range of motion and stability. GoPro says its been proven to stay on at 150+ mph which is re insuring given how expensive the camera is.

Now that we have reviewed how its easy to utilise by itself, accessories and what you get for your money. Its time to talk about the pros and cons of the camera.

The Pros

• The video camera quality is amazing sharp with rich colour contrast and depth
• Video quality can be easily changed ranging from 720p to 4K resolution with option change the frame rate to 15,30 and 60 frames.
• The lens width can be easily changed
• The Camera is amazing at 12 Mega-pixels and can take 30 Fps Burst shots on command
• Time Lapse pictures can be used to create a Time Lapse Video
• It’s the perfect size camera and barely weighs anything
• Built in Wifi and waterproof
• Battery life amazing for such a small device
• The accessories are vast with mounts, cases, lenses, filters and after market custom skins
• Free App and Editing software is available

The Cons

• It’s Expensive to buy and so are the accessories
• It was confusing to open the plastic case as there are no real instructions
• If you not familiar with the GoPro is very confusing at the start with setup and learning how to set everything but a quick jump to Youtube and GoPro website solves that
• Audio quality was poor when mounted outside my JCW with very little exhaust note however this can be fixed with external microphone which is more £££
• Why isn’t there a plug to adapter included to charge the camera quicker?
• The App Video delay lag
• Video editing is best done on Mac or High End PC

Review Score: 8/10

Go Pro is something that all fanatics of any sports needs to have to capture you in your moment. The level of entry is high but is well worth the asking price given the quality of the camera, endless accessories and build quality.

Go Pro 3 is an amazing piece of kit and you are the limiting factor with your editing skills and how adventurous you are….

Next Blog Post: GP 2 Review

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WHY you ask because its MINI MARCH!!!

The fellow MINIac that is Andrew Singer started this MINI FEST of pictures being uploaded to Instragram this month of March

Thats 31 Days of PURE MINI MADNESS

Each day users upload MINI related pictures that are asked on the list of the MINI MARCH

Make sure you post up the hash tag of #MINIMARCH

If your a MINI Fan or owner join in the fun on Instagram

Mr Singer has been having some fun of his own recently having purchased a classic mini to make into the true Mr. Beanmobile

Its arrived just in time for Christmas : D

He didnt mess around and two weeks after taking delivery he began stripping her down for  sanding and body work prep for the paint booth

The Force is STRONG with this one

Leaps and bounds were made in a few short weeks with it being fully painted

Time to add some wheels & rubber

This all being done for his my special needs son Jayden who along with his sister Dakota who are the biggest Mr. Bean fans ever.

Cant wait to see it all finished : )

There is still alot to come for March as my MINI Adventures will come into full effect with Surrey New MINI

But my 1st MINI Run of the year came not with SNM but Merseryside MINI & MINIs Unleashed

Here is a Sneek pic of things to come

Next Blog Post: Lohen Vs JCW Adventures

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My JCW & Me had the time of our lives with my JCW appearing on the National Geographic channel, travelling to MINI UNITED 2012 and various MINI Events and visiting a different city every month

This year has been the best year of my life and actually alot of it to my MINI given i wouldn’t have done half things if i didn’t owe one

Through owning my JCW i got to drive a classic mini at TV Shoot for the National Geographic show and made some new MINI Mates

Dave – The owner of the Classic mini & Photographer

Michael  – Another awesome photographer with Degree in Automotive design

Becoming a proud member of Surrey New MINI (SNM)

Travelling across France to reach MINI UNITED 2012 in a convoy of 5 MINIs from the UK

Meeting the Monte Carlo MINI Rally winners –  Rauno Aaltonen & Paddy Hopkirk

Visiting Monaco & Paris – Still cant believe we drove the whole track of the Monaco F1 Circuit

Meeting Automotive Legends Russ Swift & Chris Harris at Brands Hatch

Pushing my JCW to its limits on various tracks across the UK & France – Brands Hatch, Castle Combe, Monaco Circuit, Paul Ricard, Goodwood & Santa Pod

Having Hot laps in the MINI CHALLENGE Race car

Holding the Olympic Torch

Being invited by MINI UK to see the New MINI GP

Modding my JCW and meeting some many new people and MINIacs

Meeting some of my followers & supporters : D

Becoming the Fast Five – Christine, Janet/Phil, Garry and Phil

Starting the blog as just away to share my passion and watching it take off beyond my expectations

I made so many great memories this year with liked mind people who make the most of life has to offer

But behind every smile there is a tear

But we rewind to 2011 which was the worst year of my life and towards end of the year i gave up as i couldn’t take the pain no more

What everyone doesn’t know or didn’t see was my pain both mentally and physically as i had so many problems and my BMW got written off as i travelling on a motorway and slowed down for an accident and the truck driver behind me didn’t pay attention.

I suffered alot from that pain in March 2011 with me having whiplash and unbearable lower back pains with unable to sit down for no more than 10 minutes. On top of that i had insomnia for months and when i did sleep to be suddenly woken like someone had stuck a knife in my back

I had lost alot at this point but this wasn’t the end as i had another two car accidents again people who weren’t paying attention

This was the time where i gave up and couldn’t see the end to my pain and suffering

I still battle with that pain to this day and i don’t think my back will ever be the same

On a last minute thing i went to London for New Year’s Eve to celebrate the beginning of 2012 with my cousin and close friends.

As i watched 2011 come to a close and watched 2012 begin with the fireworks, something clicked and this where i came up with my bucket list of things to do in 2012

I made a PROMISE to myself that i would do them all and i did

I have never been more happier in my life

The advice i have to everyone is stop putting things aside and there are no excuses

If you want to go do something just go and do it

Trust me you don’t want to be sitting there all old with no stories to tell

Always remember everything happens for a reason, you just cant see it at the time

Thank you Christine for 2013 Calendar & bringing me into the club xxx

There are BIG PLANS for 2013 for Me & JCW

Here is a sneaky peek for 2013 plans…

Next post: SNM Goodwood Meet

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We are not normal people, we are weird and wonderful people with stories to tell because We Live Life

MINI Owners are all different just like their MINIs

No MINI is EVER truely alike

I have made a community, friends and family through MINI

If it wasnt for my MINI i dont think i would do half the things i have done or met these people along my MINI Adventure

MINI MONDAY is a celebration of Everything MINI for all the MINIacs across the globe show their MINIs and their MINI Adventures

Every Monday without fail millions and swillions of owners post on Instagram and twitter pictures of their Pride & Joys hash tagging the word #MINIMONDAY

While everyone is having Moaning Monday, us MINI Owners are smiling and meeting new MINIs and Owners to join our MINI Family

This event is founded by a loyal supporter and fellow MINIac Andy Singer who has helped the blog from day one and was an inspiration for me to setup the blog

Andy has a very interesting MINI which is very recognisable 

Andy is from Passaic NJ USA and owns a custom 2005 Mini Cooper S convertible that

He transformed it into a Mr. Bean tribute car for my special needs son Jayden who along with his sister Dakota are the biggest Mr. Bean fans ever.

Laughter is the greatest medicine and this car reminds us and those who see it to just laugh and enjoy.

Its got Mr.Bean’s stuff all inside and out and of course its custom painted the same colour as the Classic Mini Mr Bean drove with Teddy.

Go follow him Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and KIK @Mr_Beanmobile

Why not join us Every Monday and buy the MINIMONDAY Decal on minimonday.org

Andy is a LARGER than Life guy and his posts and images always make me smile

I would say he is a BIGGER MINI LOONEY than ME!!!

This is the kind of passion i love

As I have this simply saying

‘The way you treat people is the way you feel inside’ Ali Mir

I live by this hence why i am always smiling and happy to help anyone

All your likies, tweeties, comments, tags and messages make me smile : )

I love all you guys and more so the girlies hehe

Thank you for all your continued support and love from all over the world

Here are a few of my Followers & MINIacs

Merry MINI Christmas & Happy MINI New Year from JCWADVENTURES.COM

This Blog is in dedication to my Grand Mother who died on December 19th 2012 from Cancer

Next post MINI Memories

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I was told this was a MINI Festival for people who didn’t go to MINI UNITED.

This would be my first time at the Brands Hatch circuit and this track has a legacy behind with F1, WTTC & BTTC racing through out its history.

I looked on Youtube to see the track layout before I went to see where the racing line, braking points and where to push hard or back off. Learning a track is key to driving safe and fast without causing damage to your car or others on the track.

I was interested in seeing the ‘Fast Five aka The MU Gang’ and introducing everyone to my little brother (Adam).

We met up with SNM to go as a convoy before we drove down as club to brands hatch as we had a club stand.

20 MINIs strong we headed to Brands Hatch all in convoy grabbing looks and waves as we drove down to the circuit. Its one of things i love having a MINI and being apart of a club we always stop traffic when we roll up.

We all ushered into the circuit and officials showed us to the club stand. We put up our Club flag together and got to meet the few characters in the club.

Rich & Mandy with their Chequered Cooper S which appeared in Modern MINI Magazine

Paul with his Tuned Cooper S with Evolve Hybrid Turbo

Chris’ Alice Cooper Themed Cooper S

Jelster (Steve) with his Eclipse Grey JCW with a Red Top

Smiles and jokes where had with the SNM crew again and meeting the members who i only spoke to online.

I saw a few tasty MINIs whilst i was there, in case of this Chocolate brown JCW Clubman which must be expensive made to order one. I remember i wanted the White Silver paint on mine at the time of ordering mine and MINI wanted another £4,000 (White Silver is now an option on JCW now for £500).

MINI Craft brought their bonkers R53 Time attack which was pushing 300BHP at the time and set a time of 11.6 Second at 123MPH at Santa Pod.

We decided to go look around the Open Paddock to see all the race cars that would be running today ranging from Classic MINIs to Radical SR3

We saw some tasty exotics parked up in Paddock whilst we looked at the race cars

The New flagship Lamborghini Aventador

Black & Yellow Ferrari 458 Italia

McLaren MP4-12C with a nice numberplate

Classic American Muscle – Camaro SS with the keys attached to the bootlid

We continued looking down the paddock for me to shout like a star struck girl when I spotted Chris Harris (Former EVO magazine writer, Online blogger and DriveTV showhost). I have always loved the way he wrote about cars and they way he Hoons about in them especially AMGs. I have a soft spot of the V8 Burble and the looneyness of the AMGs Ethos of POWWWWERRR!!!

Even though he was busy preparing his Radical for racing today he took the time to talk to me and take a photo with me. It was much appreciate meeting a living Legend and Idol of mine – It made my day : D

With me still all star struck we went to watch the GT3 class race around the circuit on the bank curve where alot of overtaking occurs due to its high speed nature of this corner following the back straight away.

There was good battles going on during the races with the Porsche GT3 RSR being down on power from the rest of the field but this keeping its own with the Ferrari 458 & 430, Mosler and Ginetta race car.

Next up the Classic MINIs came up and there was some few crazy moments with a few going off and one crashing. You could see the MINIs were being pushed as you could see them hop on the banked curve and the odd lock up of the brakes.

With the racing all done, we went down to see the other club stands and spotted a Cooper S from the Netherlands with the Fully JCW Kit fitted with brakes, wheels, JCW tune, Red JCW side stripe, Black Line Kit and Challenge R1 Wing (GP replica).

There were a few classic with this Classic with a rear Trailer made of Half a MINI

Next we lined up to watch Russ Swift do this thing!

Russ Swift is Synonymous with Handbrake turns, stunts and MINIs. He is a bigger promoter of the brand and the car and many of his stunts and records have been done in a MINI.

He put on an amazing show bringing the two cars closer and closer to do handbrake turn in between and at one point there was just 40 cm in total from either of each car.

I was amazed by the last stunt he did by putting a Cooper S on two wheels and driving a FULL lap of the Brands Hatch Circuit!!!!

I managed to speak with Russ Swift at some length and I am still amazed I got to speak to him. He was more than happy to take a picture with me.

Next up was our Parade lap with all the other clubs with a mixture of classic and New MINIs

After seeing all these Classic MINIs I wanted to start a saving pot for a classic where I would buy a unloved and build it back to its original states with a few modern upgrades here and there.

Another Modern MINI Magazine star was there at the show with the R53 Speedster being present with Two seats and bubbled rear with Roll Bars.

My little brother is quite the car enthusiast like me and can name most cars within a flash. He wanted to put some laps of his own after I went around in my JCW on the parade lap. He jumped into the F1 Simulator to try his hand at F1 Superstardom and lets say there is some promise there.

This was my First outing with the SNM which was the 1st of many future events.

Next meet up was MITP at Santa Pod

Next Post – JCW Black Out

Videos

Russ Swift doing a lap on Two Wheels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kD3QfmUPZEQ

Russ Swift Handbrake Parking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD_SPhb_5i4

Parade Laps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRVAlXrTaYM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WdAuf9UKp4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGtxR8E_Rk0

Classic MINIs Racing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFECmDbhx38

DropBox Link for more Pics – https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ez5hf5otc4h03bh/BdIOsynHzr/Brands%20Hatch

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