Josh Wardell’s MINI Cooper S

On Saturday, about 40 of us ignored the eight straight days of rain and drove to southwest New Hampshire, which was making national news because of its destructive flooding. In conditions where anywhere else people wouldn’t have left their house, we spent a day driving around in nonstop soaking rain. And it was an absolute blast.

Each year the Monadnock Area Mini Association holds its “Come to MAMA” tour. Last year it was a lovely tour of fall in New England: covered bridges and colorful changing leaves. This year MAMA III was a tour of our amazing New England weather! After several days of heavy rains, parts of our starting point of Keene, NH were being evacuated. So do you think that would turn most away? No way, we were itching to go out and play!

Many roads were flooded or closed. Our MINIs had fun jumping in those huge puddles. It was an eerie feeling driving with rushing rapids on either side of the road, inches away from overtaking the street. Fields were giant ponds. Bridges seemed to be floating just above the raging water beneath them. Some of us even made our final parking lot a giant wet skidpad.

Last year was famous for its many U-Turns, this year we were split up into two smaller groups to keep things more manageable (yet I still counted four). We still worked in some sights, but the real experience was the driving. Despite the conditions, everyone was safe and had fun. I will have more photos posted in the future, but in the mean time be sure to read about the event and see photos at Ian’s and Harvey’s sites.