Well, playtime is over and now back to the real world. This weekend was lots of fun and I’m glad I had good weather everyday. Usually I’m not so lucky when it comes to weather and driving. Anyway, now I have to shift back into salaryman mode. The good thing is that next weekend is a long weekend, hooray!! Where shall I go? Maybe Karuizawa or Gunma?
Roy-is Hakone from Tokyo drivable? I never managed to get there, and that is a little regret on my part.
Yes, Hakone is fairly close to Tokyo and makes for an great day trip. Hakone turn-pike is one of the most scenic and fun roads to drive. I’ve never been on that road but plan to go sometime soon.
Monday isn’t that good, really.
Glad you got to enjoy your car. I also did some driving myself, we had a miata club meeting at Peniche. It was nice! :)
I still haven’t posted my pics, but you can check what’s already available at http://p220.ezboard.com/fmiatamaniafrm2.showMessageRange?topicID=733.topic&start=21&stop=40
Filipe, those are very nice photos, looks like a get place to drive with wide open roads. Don’t get too many of those here. You drive a silver NB right? I don’t see any close-ups of your mx-5.
Also, it seems that most of your club members aren’t into “customization”. That’s good. I don’t really like my car too fancy looking.
By the way, I’d be interested to hear your impression of the NC if you ever test drive it.
Now that the initial enthusiasm is over, I can be a little bit more objective. I think the NC is a lot easier to drive and was designed to appeal to the masses. Previous mx-5 owners may not like the softer suspension and more comfortable ride and prefer the bare bones go-kart feel of the NA or NB. The NB rewards you when you drive well but doesn’t hide it when you drive poorly but I think the NC is a little bit more forgiving.
In that way, some people may not like the NC. There is a feeling that you are not as connected to the road as in an NB. I felt this when I went into a turn at a fairly high speed and didn’t get nervous like I did in my NB. While I really enjoyed that part of the NB, I think the NC suits me better.
So, besides going back to the sarariman lifestyle, you also had to switch from “cool biz” to “warm biz” in the office?
J. No man, I’m always coool ;)
In regard to ‘customization’ of the club’s cars, there’s actually a lot going on, but mainly under the bonnet :)
Upgraded admision systems, AA bars, trick suspension, you name it. We have a guy here (not pictured) that actually went through the turbo route and now drives a 240bhp NA. Yes, it’s completely mad and I’d never do it, but there you go.
There are some more pictures in there now, and my silver NB is the only one there, can’t miss it :)
What you say about the NC is pretty much the same specialist motoring mags say. Ever considered a life as a motoring hack? :)
I guess I’m more into the savouring all available details and being left ashamed when the NB punishes me by my ham-fisted driving. Then again, I commute some 60 miles a day, so a little more confort wouldn’t go amiss. In an ideal world I’d just have two cars, but that will have to wait…
The NC will be available over here by November. Maybe I’ll test-drive it, just for the kick. And I’ll let you know. If I actually buy one, I’ll sue you!! :))
Roy, LOL!