It's a big MINI event in Fontana Village, North Carolina every first week in May. to get there, you have to drive the twisties, namely the Tail of the Dragon [aka US 129] and an assortment of other twisty roads in that vicinity...GREAT FUN, if you enjoy twisties!
Any MINI, and I do mean any MINI is a great handling car. Yes they have gotten "bigger" over the years due to more stringent crash requirements and the Countryman is a SUV but in any size the suckers can handle quite well. I was on a mountain run with a Countryman All4-S and was amazed at how he handled with runflats. The body roll on both the CM and the Gen3 Clubman can be addressed with some suspension changes. Met a guy at a Cars & Coffee that had a 3 series BMW. When he gets his brakes worked on going to take him on a Twistie Run. He said his buddy let him drive his MINI and after doing a interstate entry on a cloverleaf told him to stop driving like a pussy. The owner took the wheel and the guy said he just about crapped his pants. Most people will go through life thinking a MINI is a cute car that women drive. If you take the plunge you will join an elite group of individuals that recognize the MINI is so much more than cute . . . . . . . . .
Um well.........for some it is. I was told those white signs with numbers are called.....limiteds???? Who knew, I thought it was a challenge.
I have had my 2002 R53 sense 2004. I have 4 kids. They are all grown up now but I made it fine with my Mini. My wife drove a Sequoia so that did the heavy lifting. Now she has a R57 convertible. You would do fine with a Gen1 Clubman (witch is a Gen2 mini) If you are going to do Mods and are into cars that are nimble get the Gen1 Clubman. Drive them both and see what you like, it all comes down too taste. I still have my 02 R53. I told my wife I would sale it when I bought the coupe but I just can't part with it. As awesome as the coupe is, and believe me it is, it's not an R53. Hay I know buy a new Clubman and a 06 R53. There you go problem solved! its just money