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By Ramona Frances - The Madera Tribune

Elaine and Steve Sams, left, Lavida Nash, center and Robert Fisher participate in the Mini Cooper trip through Sequoia National Park. The organized trip last Saturday was sponsored by the MidCal Cooper club. The trip is set-up with saftety in mind. Headlights are turned on and walky-talkys are used to communicate when its advisable to pull over and let others pass.

Photo by: Ramona Frances

Mini Cooper enthusiasts had their first "run" this weekend. Nine drivers of the British-made car organized a pleasure drive through the scenic Sequoia National Park, along the Old General Highway, ending for lunch in downtown Visalia. Three of the drivers, Lavida Nash, Steve Tech, and Steve Sams are from Madera County. Elaine Sams of Madera rode along.

The club was inspired by Michele Melo of Hanford, who is also a member of a Southern California Mini club that claims to have over 400 members. Elaine and Steve Sams, Nash and Robert Fisher of Madera joined with others from Valley towns in an effort to create the Valley's first Mini Cooper club. The name of the club will be MidCal Mini Cooper club.

"I consider our first activity a good run," Melo said. "I don't consider a run successful unless one person turns green."

The local club being formed is based loosely on the southern California club, the SoCal Mini Maniacs (SCMM). The new club, referred to as the MidCal Mini Cooper, might be described by its members as an informal, social club that plans scheduled "drives" and activities. Anyone who holds an appreciation and interest in these cars may join.

"I met with people interested in having a club once or twice," Nash said.

Nash, who drives a red Mini convertible, enjoys the way the car looks and handles.

"We are trying to get the group to expand," she said. "The whole point of it is the camaraderie, to meet new friends, and do special events. We are having cards made up with our MidCal logo.

"I am still considered a 'newbe'. I really want to get into this group to travel. What better way to do that then through a convertible Mini. I love my Cooper. People come and ask me questions about it.

"One thing I like about the group is that it is made up of professionals," Nash said. "There is a nurse, three teachers, a contractor, an insurance agent and a couple of computer techs."

Melo offered another opinion of the club.

"I have never been a car enthusiast, but this one is so different," Melo said. "It shouts 'fun' and 'drive me.' It attracts people. Some people think they are little clown cars - small and cute, something to drive through cones. But when there is a group of Minis, it will turn heads and be noticed.

"This a good way for Cooper enthusiasts to get together and swap stories, maintenance, and learn about modifications," Melos said. "Some people want to look under the hood, some just like to look and learn, or socialize."

The car is available as either a three-door hatchback or a two-door convertible. Both are available in two versions, the Cooper and the Cooper S. The base Cooper is outfitted with 15-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery, a tilt steering wheel, a centrally mounted speedometer, air conditioning with micron filtration, a six-speaker stereo with CD changer pre-wiring and power windows, locks and mirrors.

The Cooper S adds 16 inch wheels with run-flat performance tires, seat-height adjustment and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. All of these features are available for the base car as well. The extensive options list includes a sport package, leather upholstery and a navigation system. A power-operated top is standard on all convertibles.

The next MidCal Mini Cooper meeting will be held at Porky's Rib House in Fresno on July 15 at 7 p.m. For more information contact Michele Melo at vivahate@fresnomail.com. The cars can be custom built with unusual color choices, selected and purchased online. See www.mini.usa.com.

Ramona Frances Ramona Frances is a staff columnist, writer and photographer for the Madera Tribune. You may contact Ramona at 674.8134 ext. 222 or by e-mail ramona (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.