Drive into the sunrise

"thebigbossyboss" (thebigbossyboss) 09/03/2013 at 22:06 • Filed to: 4am driving

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I have to go to a funeral at 11am on friday 5 hours away. My band plays the night before, this means leaving at 4am, to be there by about 11am, (which leaves 2 hours slack) Its about a 4.5 hours drive, but I will be coming in the direction of the rush in Toronto, so who knows how long that could take? I have to go from the 401 EB to Richmond Hill.

Any idea how long it takes to go from the 401 East Bound (from the start of the line) to Richmond Hill? If it takes more than an hour, I'll have to consider leaving even earlier.

ttyymmnn > thebigbossyboss 09/03/2013 at 22:27

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No idea. Be safe.

thebigbossyboss > ttyymmnn 09/03/2013 at 22:33

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Thanks. I think I will bank on about an hour. Honestly me leaving stupid early is safer than me driving after working, then playing in my band, at least I will be fresh.

ttyymmnn > thebigbossyboss 09/03/2013 at 22:52

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When I was in grad school in TX, and my fiancee was finishing school in VA, I would drive 24 hrs straight to visit her. I would usually leave at about 8:00 pm, thinking that by the time I was really ready to die from exhaustion the sun would be coming up and my circadian rhythm would kick in. It sort of worked. Driving diagonally across Alabama in the dead of night is not for the fainthearted.

DasWauto > thebigbossyboss 09/03/2013 at 23:26

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You should be fine until Oshawa, from where I wouldn't be surprised if traffic adds an hour to your drive. To save yourself the most grief, I'd leave immediately after your band is done playing (if you can). You should be able to completely avoid rush hour that way but the 401 is DULL between Ottawa and Oshawa (you are in Ottawa, right?) so I recommend at least having someone with you who is also not sleeping and/or massive quantities of caffeine. Be safe, nothing of what I've suggested is smart in any way.

thebigbossyboss > DasWauto 09/03/2013 at 23:32

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Yes, I am in Ottawa. I figured I should be good until highway 115 coming from Peterborough at the very worst. I checked out projected google traffic conditions, they didnt look too bad. I only have to make it to the 404, and then I am probably cruising again.

I think even with the rush hour leaving at 4 am is safest from a not crashing perspective. I was figuring about an hour traffic delay. My band may play at 8pm, in which case leaving after isn't so bad, but they may play also at 10 pm in which case leaving after is a haul. +1 for the caffine, I will be playing music with me when I go to sing to, it always helps. Thanks for the tips.

DasWauto > thebigbossyboss 09/03/2013 at 23:43

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Yea, it'll pack up around the 404 but as you say, shouldn't be too bad northbound once there. I think I'd strongly consider taking the 407 to the 404. It started at Brock road in Pickering but IIRC they've started the eastern extension and it's partially open (I think, couldn't find info to confirm that). I know it costs a bit to drive on but it might be worth it depending on how bad traffic is.

Stephen the Canuck > DasWauto 09/04/2013 at 08:34

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I don't think it is open even as far as Ajax yet. North of Whitby and Oshawa is just some minor prep work for the construction of it. I have found that going across Taunton road through the Durham Region, which turns into Steeles Avenue across Toronto will often be faster than the 401.

thebigbossyboss > DasWauto 09/11/2013 at 10:18

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Turns out my Band show was cancelled. Ended up leaving at about 8pm, and got to Ajax at about 12:20 or so, which is where the hotel was. No fuss no muss, whole lotta trucks on the 401 during the week though..whoa!

thebigbossyboss > ttyymmnn 09/11/2013 at 10:19

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Band show cancelled, (not because of me) ended up leaving at 8pm, got to Ajax by about 12:20,am, went to richmond hill at the tail end of rush hour it was no problem.

ttyymmnn > thebigbossyboss 09/11/2013 at 11:13

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Good deal. Sometimes I appreciate a canceled show, but not so much the canceled money.