by "Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
Published 10/13/2017 at 09:15
by "Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
Published 10/13/2017 at 09:15
No Tags
STARS: 5
Although a LITTLE bit slower. So I am moving to Los Angeles from NJ and my cross country drive in the Miata is fast approaching. Only hitch in the plan right now is that I wont have a confirmed start date until next week. But the two dates I am being given right now are Oct 30th or Nov 13th. In either case I am going to be taking somewhere in the neighborhood of 7-10 days to drive across. My current planned stops include:
Asheville, NC
Deals Gap (NC/TN)
Memphis, TN
Fort Smith, AR
Amarillo, TX
Ouray, CO (will skip if there’s snow)
Grand Canyon, AZ
Los Angeles
Depending on my start date, I will have a bit of flexibility with time to spend in different places and how much I can do other than drive. I am hoping to camp as much as the weather allows for and do at least a couple miles of hiking each day to keep me limber. I will be avoiding interstates where possible but my Miata is pretty comfortable going 80 on cruise control for a few hours so I will use I-40 when needed to save some time.
Biggest concerns are finding snow along the way (im on summer tires), mechanical problems (nearing 200k miles), actually getting my car back on time (its in the body shop right now), and getting eaten by a bear or something. But ive done very long trips in the Miata and all of my maintenance tasks are up to date so Im not really that concerned.
Anyways, still trying to decide where to blog about my adventure. Might just post to Oppo but I really hate Kinja on mobile sometimes. Either way I need something that I can easily share to facebook so that I can keep my family updated. AND if any Oppos live along the route, I would definitely enjoy meeting up for some food/cruising local roads or just some suggestions for places that I should detour to see.
This seat is surely going to be fun for 3500 miles of driving lol. Might need a chiropractor at the end of this.. Honestly its no worse than the stock seat though. Driven this for 5 hours and could still walk afterwards. And yes, I have padding on the roll bar now so its not a death trap.
Also, for symbolic nature I should start my drive by heading to the ocean (like 15 minutes from home) and then stop at the Pacific Ocean before heading to my apartment in Woodland hills. Maybe even bring some sand with me. Haha im not big on symbolic crap though so I will probably forget all about that.
"Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection" (itsalwayssteve)
10/13/2017 at 09:20, STARS: 2
Make sure your Asheville stay is overnight. Tons of good beers, lots of excellent restaurants, and a whole bunch of live music.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 09:22, STARS: 0
Yeah, ive been to Asheville before its a nice town. Thats why its a good stopover location on the way to the Dragon. I can reach there in a day from NJ easily and then have a nice breakfast and do lots of crazy driving all day in Deals gap. Hoping to cram an extra day in there so that I can hit more of the NC roads further out that I enjoyed last time.
"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
10/13/2017 at 09:25, STARS: 0
When will you be in Asheville? I’m planning on getting up there over Veterans Day weekend.
"Chuckles" (chucklesw37)
10/13/2017 at 09:31, STARS: 0
Are you taking I-81 to get to Asheville, or do you have time for Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway?
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
10/13/2017 at 09:37, STARS: 0
Sounds like a pretty great trip! Good luck and enjoy!
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
10/13/2017 at 09:38, STARS: 2
Nice art galleries too.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/13/2017 at 09:41, STARS: 1
This looks great... Glad to see you’re taking the time to enjoy NW Arkansas!
"ShrimpHappens, née WJalopy" (bakeshake)
10/13/2017 at 09:44, STARS: 0
It’s not on the level of Asheville or Deal’s Gap, but be sure to appreciate the drive through southern TN near the TN/AL border (looks like you’ll be on US-64 some), because west TN and AR suck.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 09:52, STARS: 0
I will be skipping Skyline (too slow, not worth paying for again) since Ive done it before. But Blue Ridge Parkway is the goal, depending on the time I have. I didnt mind being on i-81, the trucks werent that bad on there. Either way I will spend some time on there at least, ive done Asheville to Roanoke via the BRP and then i-81 from there to home. That was a full day but definitely worked out well enough.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 09:54, STARS: 0
Yup, I am avoiding the highway for the entirety of TN. I figure the local roads there should be more entertaining. US64 seemed like a good route through there but im definitely open for other suggestions. Ending up in Memphis is not a HUGE priority but Ive heard its a cool town to stopover in.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 09:55, STARS: 0
Would be earlier than that. Either Friday 10/20 or Thursday 11/2 is when I should be around that area tentatively.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 09:57, STARS: 1
Yeah ive seen that there is both fun roads as well as good hiking/camping there. And considering the time of the year, I should actually find good leaves there too. Fall hits the South later there so it shouldnt be too late just yet. Im open for suggestions on roads to drive there! I pretty much just opened google maps and picked whatever looked curvy lol.
"Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection" (itsalwayssteve)
10/13/2017 at 10:02, STARS: 2
BRP has lots of tunnels if you have nice exhaust. Even Meepster got wound out through there. Factory blowoff valve is loud.
"BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind" (briangriffinsprius)
10/13/2017 at 10:02, STARS: 1
I used to live in Santa Fe, lots of great food and beers there. Definitely stop for lunch. Is there any particular reason you’re going to Ouray and not just calling it a night in Pagosa or Durango?
Same deal with Ft Smith, isn’t really anything there unless you have friends.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 10:03, STARS: 0
Yeah something ive always wanted to do but NEVER wanted to do a round trip. That going back part would just suck. I finally have the excuse to do it one way so it will be perfect. I wanted to include more exploring of CO/UT but those areas arent that far from LA anyways so I will be doing that either way later on.
"Chuckles" (chucklesw37)
10/13/2017 at 10:03, STARS: 1
I agree about skipping Skyline Drive. The top of the BRP down to Roanoke is pretty good, but I like the NC portion more. We’ve done Asheville up to the top of Skyline over a few trips. There’s a place on the BRP near Fancy Gap Virginia where this guy converted train cabooses into rooms with a King size bed and jacuzzi tubs. Pretty great place to stay. Grassy Creek Cabooses in Airbnb if you end up needing a place near the VA/NC border.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 10:06, STARS: 0
Oh yes, I definitely look forward to that! I remember even with the stock exhaust on my Miata I was bouncing off the rev limiter in 2nd and 3rd through tunnels on there just because it sounded so cool. Now with my aftermarket header and freer flowing cat and loudish muffler it should make me properly deaf. Now I miss my Miata lol. Looking forward to having it back soon!
"Maxima Speed" (maximaspeed)
10/13/2017 at 10:13, STARS: 0
With it being later in the year it might be a good idea to pack chains for the Rocky Mountains, I’m not sure how soon snow starts over there but you could get caught off guard by it.
Btw I’m just guessing since I’m from Ohio. I do remember Alex Roy stating that at certain times of the year chains are mandatory equipment on some roads in those mountains.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 10:13, STARS: 0
Cool, good suggestion! Im trying to save costs by camping. Especially while in mountainous areas like that. Plus I gotta transport all of my camping gear anyways so I might as well use it. BRP is well worth it. I made it from Asheville to NJ in about 12 hours doing that which is only like an hour longer than google maps says the highway takes anyways.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 10:17, STARS: 0
Actually, it was just to make the map do what I wanted. In AR I would actually be looking to camp in the NW region somwhere but that is still the same general area. Same goes for Colorado. I just wanted to go drive the million dollar highway and then camp someplace at lower elevations to avoid snow. But I may have to reroute through NM/AZ if weather doesnt cooperate.
If this plan holds out, I will definitely stop for lunch in Santa Fe. I imagine I can find some good southwest cuisine there.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
10/13/2017 at 10:19, STARS: 0
That looks fun. I have one suggestion: consider skipping a stop in Amarillo (or anywhere else on the Texas panhandle) and extend that leg to Albuquerque or Santa Fe. There is nothing really good in Amarillo, and it usually smells heavily of cows unless you get lucky with the wind direction. Fort Smith to Abq/Santa Fe is easily doable in a day.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 10:24, STARS: 0
Yeah I have to keep an eye on the weather. I think more likely I would be avoiding any routes that have chain restrictions in place at the time. I dont know how I feel about driving with chains on summer tires. Just seems impractical. Id prefer to stay top down anyways rather than deal with the mushy crap. A good point though that I may want to get a set anyways and learn how to use them before I go. Because if I judge it wrong and get hit with snow, no way would I be able to get by without the chains. Id be in some deep doo doo!
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 10:35, STARS: 0
Huh, I figured stopping in Texas was a must. Even though it would be the Panhandle and not “real Texas”. I also really didnt want to do that much driving in a day, especially since its interstate which I dont care for. I will certainly look into it though, especially if I can find someplace worth staying in Santa Fe or even just over the border in NM. I could always just stop for a late lunch in Texas to get some bbq.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
10/13/2017 at 10:43, STARS: 2
This time of year, you should be okay in the mountains of Northern NM/Southern CO at all but the highest elevations so long as there is not a storm/weather system moving through. That November date starts to get a little iffier. In terms of chain restrictions, they are only enforced when there is a storm, and if there is, the Colorado State Troopers will have checkpoints set up at Wolf Creek Pass. Folks without at least one of either snow tires (or quality all seasons with the snowflake symbol), chains or 4WD/AWD will not be going over the pass that day on US 160. There are no chain restrictions in NM.
If you do hit a storm in the SW Colorado mountains, chains may not be enough. They’ll solve your traction problem, but they won’t solve the clearance issue on a miata in deep snow. At the higher elevations, snow can accumulate seriously quickly. Despite that area of Colorado being pretty serious about snow removal, you can still find yourself driving through 4"+ on the road surface.
"ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com" (ita97)
10/13/2017 at 10:46, STARS: 1
Eastern NM along I-40 is only slightly better than the Texas Panhandle. It doesn’t really get good until closer to Abq/ Santa Fe.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/13/2017 at 10:47, STARS: 1
Give me a screen shot of your planned route. I’ve driven most of the roads around there.
123, heading south from Mt. Judea, stands out for its crazy switchbacks and elevation change.
103 to 215, coming north out of Clarksville, is a beautiful stretch of road that runs alongside a river.
74 is great, 21 is great, 16 is great, 7 is great, and the Pig Trail, 23, is probably the most famous road in the area. It goes up to Eureka Springs, a quirky little town tucked up in the tall pines.
Here’s a couple good places to eat:
http://www.cliffhouseinnar.com/
https://www.facebook.com/C-Js-Butcher-Boy-Burgers-Inc-115895715097603/
"Chuckles" (chucklesw37)
10/13/2017 at 11:03, STARS: 1
BRP is fun, but if there’s slow traffic it can be aggravating. My road of choice in that general area is US 250 from Staunton Virginia up to Phillipi WV. Serious switchbacks and a speed limit of 55 that sounds more like a dare than a recommendation.
"Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo" (akioohtori)
10/13/2017 at 11:05, STARS: 2
Looks like your Fort Smith leg takes you almost exactly to the Talimena Scenic Drive . Worth doing if you’re already in the area. http://www.talimenascenicdrive.com/
"fintail" (fintail)
10/13/2017 at 11:07, STARS: 0
What do you do when you’ve done it all?
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 1
Added to the list! Definitely looking to spend most of that day just cruising in the Ozarks. Maybe a good amount of hiking too but Im sure theres plenty of twisty roads to keep me occupied. Thats why Im planning a short distance for start/end between Memphis and the Fort Smith area.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 11:35, STARS: 0
thats a really odd way to phrase that question? You asking what im doing when I get there? Im gonna be working in Point Mugu and living in Woodland Hills. Enjoying my Los Angeles experience and commuting through mountain roads every day.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 11:37, STARS: 0
That area I had otherwise planned to be on 81 anyways, and I dont think ive done 250 the other times Ive been in the area. So I will check that out, good suggestion! Ive been to that area of Virginia like 5 times in the last 3 years now that I think about.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 11:40, STARS: 1
Yeah I kinda figured that. With an early start, it shouldnt be big issue making it out to Santa Fe anyways. That day was planned to just be a highway day since I knew there wasnt much to see in between there. Saves me time the following day anyways and allows me more time in Colorado or elsewhere.
"Chuckles" (chucklesw37)
10/13/2017 at 11:43, STARS: 0
It’s not really on your way, since it takes you northwest out of Virginia but it’s a blast.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 11:45, STARS: 1
Oh yeah anything beyond a dusting I am not going near! So it will be weather dependent. I will be able to stop at my overnight in NM and make the decision to either head north or just continue west. Plenty to see in NM/AZ to make up for missing the Colorado contingent. Plus I will 100% be going back in the winter for skiing (flying not driving) and for sure take some road trips out from LA in the summer.
Ive dealt with plenty of snow in my Miata but I know the limits of this car and I really wouldnt want to do it in summer tires, even with the chains. Like I said though, I will bring a set just so I have the option. An inch or less of snow with chains is plenty doable I imagine.
"fintail" (fintail)
10/13/2017 at 11:47, STARS: 1
It’s a joke :) - a line from the Cannonball Run song:
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
Have fun with that trip. A friend of mine did a cross country journey in a Prius C, and actually needed a chiropractor after that. LA traffic will be amusing, too, top down!
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 11:49, STARS: 0
I had loosely dragged the google maps route around to create this a few months ago. I would be planning to camp out somewhere in the Ozarks, probably near Lake For Smith in that area.
Ill look into all of those roads for sure!
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/13/2017 at 11:59, STARS: 0
At the very least, you should amend it to something more like this, to catch 103-215. There is a cool old country store in Sand Gap.
Check out Devil’s Den State Park as an option - not far from your route.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:04, STARS: 1
Just took all of the roads you suggested and made a route out of it:
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:08, STARS: 1
Haha I knew something was flying over my head! Honestly I feel way worse after driving economy cars with crappy seats anyways. My racing bucket is just much more firmer so actually my back feels pretty good while driving. It only bothers my legs because of how it holds my hips in tightly. The padding is comfortable enough to keep my ass from falling asleep too.
And yeah traffic. That will be why im getting another car to daily! Something a bit more comfortable, faster, and with good AC. Top down whenever I can though for sure. And I will be happier having the Miata as a dedicated fun car.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/13/2017 at 12:08, STARS: 1
I can’t wait to carve some canyons with you!
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
10/13/2017 at 12:17, STARS: 1
That makes sense to me. Yeah, road trips are awesome, but there always comes a point where you just want to go home.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:18, STARS: 1
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:20, STARS: 0
Yup, thats why im happy home is the end of the route! And is a much better place than i started. The road trip part should make a fun journey/transition.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:22, STARS: 1
Oh yes, I think my girlfriend will never see me on the weekends. I will be too busy in the canyons lol. Maybe I will drop her off at the winery, then go rip the canyons and pick her up afterwards. Would be a good compromise!
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/13/2017 at 12:26, STARS: 0
Do you prefer downhill to uphill in steep sections in the Miata?
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:27, STARS: 0
Ahh yeah I did see that. If my date shifts to the later one, its definitely worth considering though. You arent the first person to suggest that road so its definitely gotta be worth the time. A detour out on 48 to 220 in order to hit 250 heading south/east sounds doable. Or just doing an out and back on 250.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/13/2017 at 12:27, STARS: 1
You will be loving life after either one of these routes! I’m getting juiced just thinking about it. I’ll be there with a group of friends a month from now. Can’t wait.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:31, STARS: 0
Uphill is less scary since its obviously slower and can just be done at full throttle most of the time. Downhill always requires much more caution and careful braking. Especially if pavement is sketchy, I generally prefer uphill. I could use more power though for the super steep stuff lol.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/13/2017 at 12:32, STARS: 0
Or take her with and do lunch all together.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:33, STARS: 1
Oh yeah Im pumped about it. And it will be early in the trip so I should still have plenty of energy to enjoy it all. It wont be the dragon but it will be something new that I would have never otherwise experienced. And its doubtful Id ever get the chance to go back either. So I definitely want to get the most out of it.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 1
She says it “makes her green” lol. I definitely know the feeling, as a passenger I get pretty bad motion sickness. Add in some wine and thats only bound to be worse. Been trying to get to try dramamine, it works wonders for me! But she would rather just avoid the REALLY twisty stuff. Especially how I drive my Miata vs the rental cars Ive taken her in.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/13/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 0
I prefer uphill, too - reason I ask is I’d definitely recommend taking 123 heading south from Mt. Judea, not north. If you draw an east-west line through the middle of the national forest kind of as a ridge line, you can get a sense of whether you’ll be heading up or down on any of the north-south roads through there.
"Chuckles" (chucklesw37)
10/13/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 0
Out and back to Phillipi would be fun. In Phillipi you’ll find a sheetz and the only covered bridge that’s part of the numbered highway system.
48 is a beautiful highway that is completely deserted. You’d have it all to yourself. If you do take 48, it’s directly adjacent to the best hill climb road I’ve ever been on. Rt 93 near Bismarck is worth driving twice, and it’s right next to the highway.
48 also takes you close to Spruce Knob, the highest point in WV. Pretty great spot if you have the time. One of these days I’ll make a post about that trip.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/13/2017 at 12:38, STARS: 1
Since I’ve never been out to Deal’s Gap and the surrounding area, I’m really interested in hearing your take on each of these areas in comparison with each other.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/13/2017 at 12:43, STARS: 0
Awesome. Arkansas’s back roads are nicely paved (minus a few exceptions), lightly traffic-ed (assuming you miss any big meet weekends or folks just there for the leaves), and almost all the corners are speed-rated. I find that x2 +10 is about the right formula for me. =)
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/13/2017 at 12:48, STARS: 0
Lol, I have never gotten motion sickness, but then again I grew up racing sailboats. That probably helped.
Well just drop her off with the credit card on Rodeo Drive.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:55, STARS: 1
I should be there on a Monday so I think ill have the roads mostly to myself!
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 12:57, STARS: 1
Oh im sure the biggest difference will be the crowds! But yeah Ive been to Deals gap before so I will be going back with specific roads that I know to hit again. It will be a bit more exploration in AR but im sure to have fun anyways. Trying roads ive never seen before is an adventure in itself anyways. Wish I could do so with less crap loaded up in the car, but such is life. Ill just strap everything down very well, including myself since the harness is sure to come in handy there.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 13:05, STARS: 1
Man I dont want to be poor afterwards lol. She prefers the relaxation at a winery anyways. And there are quite a few in Malibu that are nice places to be at.
But yeah I get motion sick on a plane if I try to read or watch a movie with turbulence or during takeoff/landing. I get it on a train if I try to do anything other than relax. I will get it in a bus or backseat of a car like no matter what I do. I dont usually get actually sick from it, just that uncomfortable feeling of nausea and a headache. Ive gotten better as ive gotten older and subjected myself to way harder motion. Still I take dramamine for go karting days, long bumpy flights, and no way could I survive boats of any sort without the patch behind my ear!
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/13/2017 at 13:07, STARS: 0
That’s a good girl friend.
Man that kinda suck. I am sorry to hear that.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 13:09, STARS: 1
Ehh its not that bad. I just deal with it. I did love the one time I went go karting though and vomited after my fastest lap. At least that means I was trying hard enough!
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/13/2017 at 13:18, STARS: 0
Ha ha I suppose you were.
Let me just tell you I was on a 500 foot ex naval vessel in the Tasmanian Sea and we had 35 foot swells and that was the most fun i had ever had. Towers of rolling water above you as you’re in the valley and then holding on to overhead pipes as we lean over just to see the angle of tilt. It was a total trip.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2017 at 13:32, STARS: 1
Oh yeah I enjoy boats still. That patch works wonders. Ive been on a ship before where my lunch kept sliding across the table because of the roll of the ship. Its gotta be kinda nuts to be in seas like that though. The power of the ocean is just unreal sometimes.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
10/13/2017 at 13:44, STARS: 0
Yeah the ocean is the great mistress
"fintail" (fintail)
10/13/2017 at 16:18, STARS: 1
I suspect the racing seat has some fixed lumbar support. That does a lot. Good luck on the drive, it will be an unforgettable adventure.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/13/2017 at 21:48, STARS: 0
It definitely will!
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/13/2017 at 21:48, STARS: 0
Sweet...
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/16/2017 at 16:44, STARS: 0
So, I never asked you about the real reason for this trip. What’s the new job? Have you spent most of your life in the east? Any existing connections in LA or southern California, or is this a completely fresh start?
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/16/2017 at 16:59, STARS: 0
Yup, new job! I have been home based out of NJ for all 26 years of my life so far which makes California a new start for sure. My girlfriend also moved out there for a job about 3 years ago so we have been living long distance and had planned my move for around now this whole time. Now that I have an actual job, I am officially moving out there. Its not a totally new place to me though since I have been going out there 4-5 times per year anyways.
Still working as an engineer for the same company, just a completely different side of the organization. So its still something completely new as well. Same level though so its not something crazy new.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/16/2017 at 17:03, STARS: 0
Awesome - congrats! Glad that you two survived the long-distance thing for so long. I’m guessing you won’t be missing NJ too much in a few months when the roads are completely covered with frozen gray sludge - ha!
"SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
10/16/2017 at 17:44, STARS: 1
Fun Fact: The Cannonball finish line is at the portofino hotel in Redondo Beach which is a mile from me.
Also, I’m down for some canyon runs when everyone is in town.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/16/2017 at 17:55, STARS: 1
I quite like the snow, but I HATE the salt. I remember the roads getting salted one day in October last year while I still had my summer tires on. Just because there was a slight chance of frost over night. Then it was like 80 degrees the next week... I just wish people could get proper tires and then not need so much salt on the roads.
But yes, it will be nice to get away from that lol. People are just happier too when there isnt winter. I hate how miserable others are in the cold. I love all weather, but unhappy people just bring me down.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/16/2017 at 17:57, STARS: 1
Definitely. Im minutes away from the Santa Monica mountains. Every day that I can, I will be commuting through there! Need to invest in some tires lol.
"SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
10/16/2017 at 18:05, STARS: 1
Nice! I can only get up there early in the morning on the weekends. If I don’t leave by a certain time, traffic is too bad for the trip to be fun. I like to start heading back by the time everyone is heading to SM. Luckily, I have a local twisty road that holds me over until I can get to the canyons. Look into Angels Crest (Hwy 2) as well. It’s a lot of nice, smooth sweepers. Police enforcement tends to be high though.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/16/2017 at 22:18, STARS: 0
I’ve spent plenty of time on there too. I find it to be less fun since it’s higher speed for the most part. And it really doesn’t go anywhere so you can’t create connecting routes to make a loop. I really love the Mt Wilson access road off of there though. And there’s some good hiking so it’s a good combo hiking/driving area. Plus you can find snow up there!
But yeah I’ve done most of my driving on weekdays when visiting, so I’ve skipped some of that horrid traffic. Thankfully my commute takes me out of the city so I won’t have such a bad time. Either way, early morning Canyon runs are definitely a great idea!
"Trunk Impaired 318" (matteocscaptura)
10/16/2017 at 22:26, STARS: 1
Depending on when exactly you’re coming through, Im in Ft Defiance on the Navajo Res and could easily make a little trip to somewhere like Ouray.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/17/2017 at 09:01, STARS: 0
Seasonal affective disorder is a real thing. I’m really hoping we get at least one good snow this year. The last couple winters here have been very mild.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/17/2017 at 09:15, STARS: 0
Good snow where? I know on the East coast last year, it just VERY much depended on where you were and what elevation you were at. I was very happy to see minimal snow at home in NJ but my ski mountain in Vermont got DUMPED on. 350+ inches of snow and some amazing powder skiing when I hit it right. By far the best ski season ive ever seen.
Out west was unbelievable though. I really hope to see that again! Now that im a 5 hour drive from Mammoth Mountain or a 2 hour flight and under an hour drive from stuff in Salt Lake, im really hoping for something like last year.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/17/2017 at 09:19, STARS: 0
Current plan is very weather dependent since im on summer tires in a Miata. So Im not going anywhere near the white stuff! But if its just chilly up there, im down for it still. Only thing is I think I would be in Colorado mid week? It is looking right now like it would be Monday Nov 6th that I would be arriving there and spending Tuesday the 7th exploring the area doing some driving and hiking.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
10/17/2017 at 09:33, STARS: 1
In Tulsa, a good snow would be at least a few inches so school gets cancelled and I get to go sledding with the kids. =)
"SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
10/17/2017 at 11:02, STARS: 1
In my Miata, the SM mountains are a lot more fun. Tight and slow is good. The 348 has unassisted steering so fast sweepers are the name of the game in that car. It sounds like you will show up to work with a smile on your face every morning!
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/17/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 0
Or show up late because I “got lost”. Only issue will be daylight really. Dont particularly want to go bombing through the canyons after dark. And in the dead of winter, the sun will probably be set by 5pm when im going through there. I may adjust my hours just for that reason lol.
"SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
10/17/2017 at 12:08, STARS: 0
If your hours are flexible, I would do that. Traffic will be better too.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/17/2017 at 12:11, STARS: 0
Well the bigger inflexibility to my schedule is sleeping lol. I dont want to wake up at 4am to get in at like 530am so that I could leave at 3pm. Waking up before like 6 is just rough for me.
"Trunk Impaired 318" (matteocscaptura)
10/17/2017 at 14:31, STARS: 0
Even if the weather is bad, Im assuming that will just push you further south into NM/AZ which is right where I am. Hopefully the weather cooperates and you’re able to make it to Ouray, its in a fantastic area. If you can dedicate most of a day to hiking I highly recommend Ice Lake outside of Silverton, about 45 min from Ouray and the million dollar highway is a fantastic driving road, which you would take to get there.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/17/2017 at 14:38, STARS: 0
Yup, the plan in Colorado would be million dollar highway and then a day of hiking. But looking at my current plan of where im going after arkansas anyways, it will make sense to continue pushing south. Rather than making separate plans based on weather, I will just go with the Southern route either way. I am planning to go through Gila and Tonto National forests and do some camping and hiking. Seems to be lots of really cool options there. Hoping to do some star gazing in NM if the weather cooperates.
"SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
10/17/2017 at 15:19, STARS: 0
Same. My alarm goes off at 6 every morning but I rarely wake up at that time haha. I used to wake up at ~5:30 every morning and that awful. Even after 2.5 years, I never go used to it.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/17/2017 at 15:30, STARS: 0
The problem is that I wake up and its still dark out and kind of cold now that its not summer anymore. So I just stay in bed and continuously snooze for like 30-40 minutes. My girlfriend CANNOT STAND snoozing even once though so once I move in with her in Cali, that will probably change anyways since she will kick me out for snoozing lol.
"SPAMBot - Horse Doctor" (spambot2002)
10/18/2017 at 11:37, STARS: 1
I’m the same way. I hit snooze for at least 30 min. On a good day. haha