Well, as those who were on the Venno run today know, we got into a little accident. The good news is that Venno's car escaped with minor injury, and the great news is that everyone walked away ok. My poor Pepper had to be towed away, and I won't know until at least Monday as to the extent (and cost!) of the damage. My arm is feeling better, but the burn looks rather grotesque. It's a small price to pay for everyone's safety.
I have to say that Venno and Vicki were extremely gracious, kind, and understanding, and I will forever be thankful for that. You two both showed a lot of class, and provided an example for others to follow. Thanks so much to Mark and Nicole for waiting (very patiently) with us for the tow truck, and to Nicole for taking us home after waiting all that time. Also, I cannot say enough for everyone who was on the run and offered to help out in any way that they could (offering up cold items for my burns). What a wonderful group of people to be around.
I'm not proud of what happened, but certainly am glad that I was surrounded by such a caring group of folks when it did. Thanks to everyone, and I hope that you all had a lovely lunch. I apologize if I ruined anyone's day (especially Venno/Vicki/Venno's sister). I do plan on coming to another event when I can, but will stay VERY far behind!!!
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Holly
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")
I have to chime in here... I was the next car in line behind you and still think that the distraction of the guy driving his riding lawnmower over the bank next to the road had allot to do with this accident happening... you weren't the only one that took their eyes off the road as he rode over the bank towards the road! We all feel bad for you and your Pepper, keep us posted on your progress.
OMG! I am so sorry to hear what had happen. I working for the RFD see people in trouble alot but when I heard this it felt like someone in my family was affected. I pray that you will get better and hope the stress goes away. Glad to hear that all walked away. -scott
-- Edited by MightyMo at 21:28, 2008-08-09
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MiniMo - 2008 MINI Cooper S, Mellow Yellow, Checker glass roof, mirrors and sides, black stripes on boot & bonnet, Piaa black HID Rally lights. Zig Around Zoom Zoom
we are glad we could help out in any way. I just got home lol. Is it ok if I post the couple pics I took of the aftermath or would it pain you too much to see pepper in distress?
I am glad you guys are ok.and made it home safely.I just wanted to thank you all for the great time my father and I had on the run.Which i could have stayed for lunch maybe next time.Tks again CJ
_____________________________ no name yet Laser Blue Clubman
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Willow:::bee, 2008 Mini Cooper"S"Clubman,LazerBlue,premiumpack,chrome interior,side mirrors,chrome exterior,dual sunroofs,checkerd dash,clothseats
Pearl, 2010 Mini Cooper ,Oxygen Blue ,leather interior,heated seats,dual sunroofs
Hope all four of you aren't feeling too stiff today and that both Minis are fixed quickly with no hassle from the insurance company
It was great getting to know Holly & Brian better yesterday, even if it wasn't under the happiest of circumstances.
Venno - thanks for doing the run, we did have a great time!
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nicole
Bruto: 07 S PS/W, Alta 19mm Rear Sway, Einkei Wheels, Driving Lights (VIP Custom Parts bracket & Hella 500's), Alta Short Shifter, Stratmosphere coilovers, VIP Custom Parts CAI & Strut Bar
Sorry to hear of the accident, but relieved no one was seriously hurt. Having had a couple friends whose lives were changed (or ended) in an instant, I've come to look at life and what's really important a little differently. Hope everybody and their MINIs are put back together in good shape soon!
I spoke with the collision shop today, and they're estimating about $5,200 worth of damage. It's amazing how much car repair can cost! They said that once the insurance adjuster gets out there, it'll take about 8 business days to order the parts and get it fixed. I have a much better appreciation for the patience that is required for those of you who have ordered and waited for your vehicles!!!
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Holly
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")
8 Days is great news. Yet, still is long without the car (soory Tedscar). You could look at it this way. They should have it bathed and shinny for you when you pick it up. Just think of the smile on the "bull-dog" face. -s
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MiniMo - 2008 MINI Cooper S, Mellow Yellow, Checker glass roof, mirrors and sides, black stripes on boot & bonnet, Piaa black HID Rally lights. Zig Around Zoom Zoom
I spoke with the collision shop today, and they're estimating about $5,200 worth of damage.
This is much better than the $9,000 that Mark quoted you on the side of the road on Saturday! I'm not sure if that means he should get into the insurance business or not...
Hopefully Pepper gets back to you sooner than later!
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nicole
Bruto: 07 S PS/W, Alta 19mm Rear Sway, Einkei Wheels, Driving Lights (VIP Custom Parts bracket & Hella 500's), Alta Short Shifter, Stratmosphere coilovers, VIP Custom Parts CAI & Strut Bar
hun that was including the cost to repair Venno's as well. (That's my story and I am sticking to it)
Well, obviously you can understand how someone would get the wrong impression about what you meant by how you were standing next to Holly's car, looking at it and said "My estimate is $9,000 to fix this."
hehe
-- Edited by TrixieinNY at 12:39, 2008-08-12
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nicole
Bruto: 07 S PS/W, Alta 19mm Rear Sway, Einkei Wheels, Driving Lights (VIP Custom Parts bracket & Hella 500's), Alta Short Shifter, Stratmosphere coilovers, VIP Custom Parts CAI & Strut Bar
Holly - I am so sorry to hear that it happened to you too. I took mine to Towne and just got her back yesterday, 3 weeks after my fender bender and she looks great. Mine was $7k damage, but she looks better than new. I am debating whether to go to the Glen on Sunday (scared to drive still, especially on a track), but if you want to go and ride with me, let me know! Hope you feel better and Pepper will be ok : )
Attached pix... Still can't believe it cost that, it didn't look that bad to me : (
i cannot see why it cost that much for you tboggs. mini parts must just be plain old expensive..... i can see however that there is alot to fix there, im glad you got it back in working order and looking new again. Whens pepper going to be done?
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Cerberus 09' Mini Cooper S. Shorty antenna, Full Tint, And sweet duck! thanks to yellowmininy of course! hehe
I spoke with the Collision shop today, and they said that it would take a couple of days for the parts to come in and about 4-5 days to fix her. Luckily, the insurance agent showed up to take a look at the damages today, and I authorized Towne to order the parts, so the process is moving along. If everything goes well, I should have her back by the end of next week (but I'm not crossing my fingers too tightly, because I'll end up losing circulation!).
The good news is that they're sitting on a check payable to me from the insurance company, so they have motivation to get the work done so that I can sign the money over to them. I'm going to visit her on Thursday (because my hubby Brian's dad is in the hospital in Kenmore, so I figured that we'd do a grand tour of visiting the ailing).
I'll keep you all updated as to her progress, and can't wait to get her back!
Venno, keep us posted on your car's progress as well. I have a feeling that it will shine up better than new!
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Holly
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")
Holly - I am so sorry to hear that it happened to you too. I took mine to Towne and just got her back yesterday, 3 weeks after my fender bender and she looks great. Mine was $7k damage, but she looks better than new. I am debating whether to go to the Glen on Sunday (scared to drive still, especially on a track), but if you want to go and ride with me, let me know! Hope you feel better and Pepper will be ok : )
Attached pix... Still can't believe it cost that, it didn't look that bad to me : (
-- Edited by tboggs at 15:31, 2008-08-12
Tiffany,
Wow, you're car looked pretty bruised. I'm so greatful that you and your son walked away from that with no injuries. Speaking from my own experience, I'm extremely impressed at how well the MINI holds up to an accident (we thought that the front end was going to be buckled very badly, but it wasn't). Brian and I are considering going to the Glen (sans MINI), depending on how my arm feels at that point. I think that you should go; there's nothing better to boost your confidence than to be with the SUPERAWESOME folks in the MINI club!!!
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Holly
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")
I'm glad that you all had a great time on the run and most importantly that everyone walked away alright. I always like to look at the MINI community like a family in the way that everyone helps and interacts and I think that this was a good example of that. Vicki and I are feeling fine, but I've noticed my driving to be a lot more cautious and aware... but i think thats a good thing... As Holly said, my MINI came out in good condition, it seems that the bumper did a great job in doing what it was designed to. Holly- I'd be really shaken up if i had to have my MINI flatbed'd, so if there's any way that I can further help let me know. I hope that your burn gets better and I'll be looking forward to seeing you in another run (Even if you are behind me)
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Venno
DS w/DS '06MCS-17%/Alta CAI/Detroit Bypass Valve/Alta Air Diverter/Schroth Rcng Hrnss/CF Uber Scoop/Alta 19mm Sway Bar/Irlnd Cmbr Plt/Team Dynamics ProRace 1 17" Anthracite Rims with Jerzee Plts and a Gray-Scale Czech roof flag
Holly - SOOO very sorry to hear about your accident! I hope you and Brian are ok! Elroy sends hugs to Pepper to hurry and get better! YOU too! Sue & Scott
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Sue & Scott - Webster 2008 Chili Red Clubman "S" Elroy the Maxi-MINI KlownKar. Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Convenience Package. Checkered motif - roof, rear-view mirror, side-mirrors and side scuttles. Black bonnet stripes!
She looks great, and drives like new. I'd post pictures but I have no clue how. When I called on Wednesday, they said that it might be next week, and I was very sad. But then I called this morning, and they said today or tomorrow, to which I responded, "let's try for today!" I was so excited, and it's only been two weeks, so I can't imagine the emotions that those who have ordered their MINI's go through. I put the two ducks that Cathleen gave to me on the antenna; my coworkers helped me name them "Spike" and "Thor", and I drew very angry eyebrows on them, so hopefully they won't get stolen like the two previous ducks, "Beneduckt" and "Benji".
As far as my arm goes, still no skin, and I'll know Monday whether or not I'll need grafting. I'm keeping my fingers very tightly crossed, and have asked my praying friends to pray for me. I'm planning on going to Jeremiah's on Wednesday, so hopefully I'll see some of you there.
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Holly
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")
Congrats on getting your MINI Back!! Kittty is still in the shop, theres some internal damage below the bumper that needs to be fixed.... Hope that your hand gets better Holly!
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Venno
DS w/DS '06MCS-17%/Alta CAI/Detroit Bypass Valve/Alta Air Diverter/Schroth Rcng Hrnss/CF Uber Scoop/Alta 19mm Sway Bar/Irlnd Cmbr Plt/Team Dynamics ProRace 1 17" Anthracite Rims with Jerzee Plts and a Gray-Scale Czech roof flag
Congrats on getting your MINI Back!! Kittty is still in the shop, theres some internal damage below the bumper that needs to be fixed....
What kind of damage? Is it bad? I hope that kittty gets fixed soon.
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Holly
2007 Astro Black [YES IT'S BLACK] MINI Cooper Convertible ("Pepper"); 2013 British Racing Green MINI Cooper S Hardtop ("Bini") and 2013 BMW X5 ("Wilhelm")