Barcelona - MINI Dealer Event
Wow, what an amazing two days. Flew out from Dublin to Barcelona airport to be greeted by the MINI Dealer hospitality team. We were driven in a fleet of VW Multivans with aircraft recliner seats, satnav and aircon through the Motorways at breakneck speed, taking in the scenery along the way. From there, we ended up in Monaserrat (Spelling?), at the car park next to the Cable Car leading to the Monastery. We drove up to the top floor of the car park to be greeted by these sights!

The view from the Multivan (Camera phone)

One of four lines of MINI Convertibles

Another line of MINIs with the Montparnasse mountains in the background

A section of the hospitality suite

The obligatory pose next to the MINI Convertible!

We were given a team mate, a car, mobile phone for emergencies, toll fees, and a route book and sent on our merry way. I was teamed up with the beautiful Vicky from McKeon Motors, and we were the first out on the route. The course planned out for us was very precise, although we were given leeway to deviate from it if we decided to. There was 4 driving circuits, two through the mountains, one through the Business Zone of Barcelona City, and the final leg to the Hotel. Below are a few photos and mpeg Video's of us driving!

Vicky at the wheel

Starting the ascent into the mountains

A Shot through one of the many villages

A 60 second Video of myself driving
A 60 second Video of Vicky driving

Day One came to a close after checking in at the 6 star Arts Hotel, and heading for the Tati Restaurant in Barcelona City Centre. Tati is a Nouvelle Cuisine restaurant, with a strong emphasis on house music, idyllic fixtures, remarkable scenery and professional service. We had a hostess for the evening, who must be a clone of Lucy Liu, she had everyone spellbound with her singing, dancing, and introduction to each segment of the meal. The rest of the night was spent back in the Arts Hotel drinking until the small hours!

Tati - The downstairs bar

Tati - The first floor bar

The second day was spent at the Can Padro 'Race Track'. This seemed to be a disused track, but they had it sectioned into various activities. Due to our flight schedule, we had to leave early at around three, but we got to complete some events, including high speed wheel spinning, slalom courses, and handling exercises. Needless to say, I got my wrists slapped by being too bold in a car :-) Here are a few photos of the track event, and the cars showcased at it ...

The Line of Cooper S' we took from the Hotel to the Track (Camera Phone)

A John Cooper Works Cooper S - Tuning Heaven!

A Pepper White Cooper with Body Styling

Traditonal Styling in a Modern Car, British Racing Green Paint, Beige Leather, Wood Dash

The 'B' Track, where we got up to wheel spinning mischief

And as usual, me posing, in a Cooper S Rally Car!

One the race track segment was finished, it was back to the VW Multivans and off to the Airport. Flights home were delayed, and I got to my bed by 11pm, but it was the most fun I've had in a long time. Well done MINI UK!

Labels: MINI, Travels