Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs related to runs

Please bring your radio, fully charged, turned on, and tuned to Channel 7, Subchannel 21 CTCSS. Don’t have a radio? See the FAQ related to radios below!

Make a pit stop before you arrive at the meet-up location to use the bathroom and top off with gas; our runs typically include a rest or gas stop, but not always, so make sure your MINI is full but you aren’t!

We ask that you turn on low-beam headlights - not Auto - to make us more visible to other vehicles either ahead or behind us, including your fellow MINI drivers!

Close-up of a car headlight control switch with various settings, including off, parking lights, and headlights, alongside a dimmer switch for dashboard lights.

  • No problem! Join us on a $5 "day pass" and if you subsequently opt to join the club we will apply the cost of the day pass to your new membership.

  • We use the radios extensively to warn of bikes/pedestrians in our lane or on the shoulder, and we let you know if there is oncoming traffic. If there is no oncoming traffic, we may pass the bike/pedestrian safely and return to our travel lane (each driver is responsible for ensuring it is safe to pass even with the traffic information shared on the radio).

    Please do NOT pass a bike/pedestrian if you cannot see around a curve and the leader has not radioed that it is free of oncoming traffic. Pass in a manner that leaves 6 feet between your car and the cyclist or pedestrian.

  • There can be many different types of road hazards encountered on our runs from potholes, to roadkill, to fallen rocks or tree branches, to construction zones along our routes. The run leaders will call them out on the radios to warn the group behind them.

  • Our run groups are often split up by stoplights, stop signs, or intervening slow traffic. The radios permit us to communicate and let the leader know of such group splits, so they can pull over at a safe spot and allow the group to get back together. If you get separated from the group members in front of you, please let the leader know using your radio.

    Our run groups often have a designated “caboose” driver following last. This driver will also inform the group leader of separations.

  • If your car is having trouble, like a flat tire, use your radio to let the group leader know. We can find a safe spot to pull over and help you get running again.


  • Occasionally, we have members who leave the run before reaching our destination. If you need to leave early, please let the leader know before the drivers’ briefing. Then, when it is time for you to leave the group, announce on the radio that you are leaving the group, so the cars following behind you know they should continue with the group rather than following you to your grandma’s house (or wherever you may be heading).

    If you want to join a run in progress, make arrangements with the run leader prior to the run so they know when and where you will be joining and can communicate that with other run leaders and/or caboose drivers (in the case that we split the run into multiple groups).

  • If a run has more than ~15 participants the run leader(s) may break the run into 2 or more groups to reduce the chance that members get separated from the run leader by stoplights or intermingling traffic. Subsequent groups after the first group will leave the meet-up spot 5-15 minutes after the first (or second group if there are more than 2) and may drive at a more casual pace to prevent from catching up with the previous group(s).

    Regardless of your choice, all run groups will experience the same route so there is no need to stack extra cars into the first group!

  • We have a guide to help with that: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H49ksLsxe06Doh-FXhMrqWXqvPr3UiZRDm-oBHKR-4c/edit?usp=sharing

FAQs related to radios

- Does the Club provide recommendations on hand-held radios?

You need 2-WAY GMRS radios with sub-channels and privacy codes to tune into the channel used by the club on our runs. This channel is CTCSS band, Channel 7, sub-channel (or privacy code) 21. This is the same channel that many North American MINI clubs use during their runs.

Midland (formerly Motorola)

Midland has several different models available. The club radios used as loaners are this model, but many club members successfully use the Midland X-Talker series of handheld radios. You do not need to buy the same exact brand or model, as long as it is GMRS compatible. Be sure it can select the CTCSS band and Channel 7/21.

Two Midland walkie-talkies with antennas on a charging dock, along with accessories including two headsets with microphones, a charger with power cord, a car adapter, a power plug, and additional batteries.

Rocky Talkie 5-watt Radio

A few members have successfully used these handheld GMRS radios, but like the base units, they require a FCC license.

A green walkie-talkie with a black antenna, displaying channel 22, labeled 'ROCKY TALKIE'.

Base Units

Several club members have upgraded to the Midlands base units that plug into your MINI for power, have a separate handheld mic/speaker, and a separate antenna. These radios have more power but require an FCC license to operate. The most common base unit used is the Midland MXT-275.

Display of Midland two-way radio kit with microphone extension cable, antenna cable, digital display, and accessories for communication.

CTCSS vs DCS Bands

Midland (formerly Motorola brand) radios often have two band options: CTCSS and DCS. The DCS band is a Motorola technology that does not work on other radio brands. Therefore, please select the CTCSS band for use on your Midland radio. If you select DCS, you might be able to hear other club members' transmissions, but they will not be able to hear you.

The following video demonstrates how to program a Midland / Motorola radio for CTCSS:

This second video demonstrates common troubleshooting steps for Midland / Motorola radios:

  • If you don't have a 2-way radio, you may borrow one of the club's loaner radios or a spare from another club member. Just check in with the Club President or run leader and let him or her know you need a loaner radio BEFORE the drivers' briefing. Make sure to return it when the run is over!

  • Our club, like many other North American MINI clubs, uses 2-way radios on our club runs to enhance safety, ensure the group is together on the right path, and notify the rest of the group if anyone has a malfunction or emergency during the run.

    While we do share the Google Maps route ahead of the run, our group leaders call out the turns as we approach them. We also try to give alerts if cross traffic does not have stoplights or stop signs to slow them down.

  • The FCC requires GMRS users to obtain a license to transmit on GMRS channels. The club’s preferred channel (7/21) is one such channel. Licenses are good for 10 years and anyone in your family/car may use the radio under that license. License applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Information on FCC GMRS radio licensing is available online. During the licensing process, you will be assigned an FRN. Your unique FCC Registration Number (FRN) will be needed to submit your online application form.

    The FCC does not aggressively enforce the licensing of these GMRS radios, so some users do use them occasionally without obtaining a license. That decision is up to the individual.

  • Please do NOT use the voice-actuated feature of your radio, if so equipped. This feature is supposed to automatically transmit when you speak, but they typically get actuated by any sounds including your car’s stereo, turn signal clicker, noise from your AC blower, sneezes, wind noise from your sunroof or convertible top, or your conversation with passengers. It means you have no privacy along the drive, and the rest of the club run participants have to listen only to the sounds transmitted from inside your car. Club leaders cannot transmit clearly if your radio is in this mode, preventing essential callouts and instructions from being heard.

  • Some of our members have used plastic seat belt radio holders from Gamiviti, check them out here: https://www.gamiviti.com/mic-holders

    A demonstration video from Gamiviti can be found on their YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/jQ1alI-Al8w

Service and Parts

- Where can I find information about reputable places for service and parts?

The following is a list of service & parts providers different club members have used in the past. A listing here is not an endorsement by the Club of any particular service center or vendor, but is provided as a convenience.

If there’s someone you’ve used previously you think is worth mentioning, drop the admins a message and we’ll add them to the list.

Service & Repairs

Peninsula

East Bay

South Bay

Napa / Sonoma

Sacramento

MINI Dealer Service

Parts