by "thejustache" (thejustache)
Published 09/12/2017 at 15:30
by "thejustache" (thejustache)
Published 09/12/2017 at 15:30
No Tags
STARS: 3
I heard mixed things about the dirt section at Mt. Washington being paved while attending the last Climb to the Clouds, but the auto road facebook page just posted a video proving paving is in the works.
According to the post the paving doesn’t cover the whole dirt section, but it would seem that is the ultimate goal. Part of me is sad to see the last bit of original road go, but on the other hand I suppose it’ll make things more competitive with the 2WD classes and make the whole course faster still.
"farscythe - makin da cawfee!" (farscythe)
09/12/2017 at 15:38, STARS: 2
welp... more speed means more time to deploy the parachute when you rocket of the side
hooray for safety
"$kaycog" (skaycog)
09/12/2017 at 15:39, STARS: 4
I know how you feel. They finished paving the Pikes Peak Highway about five years ago. To me, the Pikes Peak Hill Climb just isn’t the same.
"Dusty Ventures" (dustyventures)
09/12/2017 at 15:44, STARS: 1
The comments are hilarious. As for the road itself, it looks like they’re paving above Cragway corner, which was the wider dirt section, so that makes sense. The part below the corner is still too narrow to pave. The only question is whether they paved the corner itself.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
09/12/2017 at 15:45, STARS: 1
When that road goes to ice over pavement, they will realize the error in their ways.
"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
09/12/2017 at 15:45, STARS: 1
I drove up there July 2016. I was amazed it wasn’t paved everywhere. I also found it interesting that it was a toll road and they made a whole spectacle out of a road that’s very scenic but not all that special (I’m used to the Alps). The toll package contained a sticker (“I drove this car up Mt.W”, or something like that) plus a CD with interesting info for the drive up. I did find the (wind at the) top impressive though.
Also: A 2016 Chevy Impala limited should not be your first pick to use in the mountains, mainly due to its shitty transmission.
"thejustache" (thejustache)
09/12/2017 at 15:48, STARS: 2
My condolences. Here is a GT40 getting dirty to help ease your sadness!
"thejustache" (thejustache)
09/12/2017 at 15:50, STARS: 0
Yeah, I remember you mentioning that parts of the road as still too narrow to pave... I do wonder if they paved Cragway. It’d be interesting if Higgins never gets to run it on dirt again after his off. Illuminati confirmed, or something
"Shamoononon drives like a farmer" (shamoononon)
09/12/2017 at 15:52, STARS: 1
I didn’t know they had little mini hand held steam rollers. That was cute.
"thejustache" (thejustache)
09/12/2017 at 15:56, STARS: 1
I’m sure the spectacle pales somewhat in comparison to the alps (which I haven’t been in since being a small child) and even the Rockies (which I’ve been in more recently)... but as far tall things in the North East US that you can drive up, it’s solidly #1. When things race up it at high speed the impressiveness gets upped somewhat.
"thejustache" (thejustache)
09/12/2017 at 15:58, STARS: 1
Well the rest of the road is already paved, and it closes except for snow cat use in the winter so that’s probably not too much of a concern.
"$kaycog" (skaycog)
09/12/2017 at 15:58, STARS: 1
Thank you! I feel much better!
"DrScientist" (DrScientist)
09/12/2017 at 16:00, STARS: 0
it’s a toll road because it is a private road. it’s not maintained by the local governments. so... somebody’s got to pay for it.
i hope you put the sticker on the rental car. :)
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
09/12/2017 at 16:10, STARS: 1
Next time in NH in the summer it’s on my must do list. I have my choice of two Buick park Ave’s for the drive.
"thejustache" (thejustache)
09/12/2017 at 16:13, STARS: 1
I’d say it’s worth the trip up in whatever vehicle you can use - especially on a clear day
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
09/12/2017 at 20:27, STARS: 1
Just make sure it can downshift to “1" I’ve heard of them turning away cars that only say “L” on an automatic, due to brakes overheating on the way down.
I’ve never driven the road myself, but hiked the mountain a few times. It’s pretty, umm cold up there. The ALL TIME RECORD high temp is 72.
"Dusty Ventures" (dustyventures)
09/12/2017 at 20:53, STARS: 1
More info, and apparently whoever runs the Auto Road facebook is feeling a bit salty
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
09/12/2017 at 22:20, STARS: 0
My uncle also has a late 90's 5 speed subaru legacy. I’ve put miles on that car and would trust it with my life.
"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
09/13/2017 at 09:09, STARS: 0
That car would be right at home up there! As others have said, check for a clear day - up there - before going of course. I’m sure that goes without saying, but still. There are clouds up there an amazing amount of time when it’s clear everywhere else.