PNW Oppo Cruise Spring 2018 - Planning

"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling) 04/27/2018 at 17:00 • Filed to: PNW Oppo Cruise Spring 2018, oppo meet, Seattle Oppo, Seattle, PNW

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Further updates (04/27) . Since it appears that Spring is finally here in the PNW (we all know it could be pouring rain and dreary next week, but we have some hope now and I finally swapped to my summer tires), it’s time to select a date and route for our next cruise. Note that all posts in this series will be tagged “ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ” and “ !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ” for easier following.

Mount Rainier from a turnout around Paradise.

This time our plans will likely take us further from Seattle than the last one, hence the new regional name. It may still be close to the metro, but could potentially be somewhere up to a couple hundred miles north/west/south if enough people want to do it. Note that the ones in Canada would require suitable international travel documents if you’re coming from the US. Obviously, the opposite is true for Canadians, but in my experience almost every Canadian has international travel documents.

Something we’re guaranteed to see: Moss

So, where do you want to go?

Some ideas (and their results thus far):

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Starting somewhere around Sedro-Woolley, WA or Arlington, WA, we’ll do a loop through Rockport, Darrington, and Oso. I’m curious about this one because I’ve never had a reason to go up to this area of the state. Currently the most popular route.

North Cascades Highway . Starting around Rockport or Marblemount, we’d take SR20 to at least Winthrop. This should be a very scenic drive. Could be a two-day trip with a stop in Chelan and Leavenworth. May not be open until sometime in June or July.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Starting around Mt Vernon, WA or Mukilteo, WA, we’d do a loop through Whidbey Island & Deception Pass with stops along the way. I highly recommend a Discover Pass for this one as there are a number of state parks we might want to visit and I guarantee we’ll want to stop at Deception Pass. Dr. Zoidberg recommended this last time. Currently tired for second most popular route, with concerns raised about traffic and police activity by NKato.  

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Starting around Stanwood, WA, we’d follow roads around the edge of the island and stop at the parks. I believe this is the shortest of the routes on this list.   Removed due to low score/lack of interest.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Starting somewhere in the lowlands along/near Highway 2. Super scenic drive on a fast and curvy road with plenty of options for food once we arrive. The downside is that if the weather is nice there will be terrible traffic, particularly heading back down Highway 2. AestheticsInMotion recommended this last time. Currently tired for second most popular route, but also a very common route for many regional car groups. Tends to have police activity over weekends during the driving season.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . NP entry will be required. This area is spectacularly scenic with very fun driving roads (some of which will be packed with tourists if it’s sunny). Currently the third most popular route, with CarsofFortLangley unable to attend due to distance from the lower mainland (Canada).

Chinook Scenic Byway . SR410 from Enumclaw to Naches. NP entry is not required on this route, yes it is still ridiculously scenic and a great driving road. Will not open until at least 05/25 (this could also affect #6).

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Drive up to Hurricane Ridge on a very twisty mountain road. NP entry will be required. The road usually opens for the season sometime in May. Can be done in a single day, but not practically for most of the group.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Meet in Castle Rock, WA, then drive up the very scenic SR504 to the visitor center, followed by a return trip. I believe the visitor center has an entrance fee or you can use an interagency pass. Currently the fourth most popular route, with CarsofFortLangley unable to attend due to distance from the lower mainland (Canada).

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Lived there for years, so I’m very familiar with all the local roads. Everyone coming from the west or south would want to meet to the west, everyone east would want to meet in Seattle before catching a ferry, and everyone north would have options. Could be very busy in places if it’s a nice weekend. Nobody has mentioned specific interest.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Starting around West Vancouver, BC, drive the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Likely to be a two-day trip for most of us. No interest plus CarsofFortLangley reported high police activity.

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Also starting around West Vancouver, BC, catch a ferry to the Sunshine Coast and drive the Sunshine Coast Highway to Earl’s Cove (or possibly beyond). I spent a summer on the Sunshine Coast, so I am pretty familiar with the roads here. Likely to be a two-day trip for most of us. A number of people cannot do Canada or multi-day trips.

When do you want to do it?

Here are potential weekends/holidays (bold italics on holidays): 05/05, 05/06, 05/12, 05/13 , 05/19, 05/20, 05/26, 05/27, 05/28 , 06/02, 06/03, 06/09, 06/10, 06/16, 06/17

Selected Weekend: 05/19-05/20

If you’d be interested in going on a cruise with us, please respond with:

Which of the cruises you’d be interested in and any changes you would make, or feel free to recommend one not on this list.

Dates that would work best for you.

Come to the green side, we have volcanoes.

Here is my spreadsheet, let me know if the information I have for you is inaccurate:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 16:09

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I’m 100% up to meet. I’d kinda prefer something North of Seattle.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/24/2018 at 16:11

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Which ones would interest you and which dates would work best?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 16:21

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Having been to Mt. Saint Helens not too long ago I can attest that it is a fantastic road from I-5 up to the visitor center. I wish I could take the time to drive out there and hang for a day.

AestheticsInMotion > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 16:22

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I’m good with any weekend dates EXCEPT FOR 5/13.

Rainier is probably my first choice just for the fantastic driving and scenery.

Leavenworth is always fun, and I know a great shortcut through twisty roads to bypass a ton of traffic on nice sunny days.

Hurricane ridge is the only one I’m not too interested in... It was a bit underwhelming last time.

And thanks for the work behind setting these things up!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 16:23

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I’m down for anything North of Seattle.

Sunshine Coast would be neat, I’ve never done it and your dollar is more valuable up here. Downsides are distance for you, cost of gas.

I’d say that Whistler is not recommended. It’s an OK drive, but cop heavy and very busy on most weekends.

In terms of dates, my ST is out of commision until the 10th of May. So anything past that.

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 16:31

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I’d be up for St. Helens esp if the “KOMO Car” is displayed somewhere - I’ve been trying to see this thing for years, and it is always in storage when I visit:

Most of these probably wouldn’t be fintail-driving, too strenuous on the old dear. I did take car around Rainier and on the “Leavenworth Drive” a few years ago, but I was worried about abusing it.

The Leavenworth Drive could also be a good background event, for those who like Euro cars:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2057124151231347/

RPM esq. > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 17:16

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I suspect Memorial Day weekend traffic on a lot of these roads would really be a real hindrance. I also can’t do that or the following weekend (6/2 and 6/3), but could and would almost certainly make any of the other dates.

However, I can’t swing a two-day trip so I’d prefer one of the Washington options. I’d be open to any of them but would particularly vote for Whidbey Island/Deception Pass or Leavenworth (both of which are north of Seattle, which would suit our Canadian friends, and both of which have worthwhile stops along the way for views and food).

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 04/24/2018 at 17:17

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Sweet. I love flexible schedules. ;)

I thought Hurricane Ridge was good the last time I went up, but I think I went mid-week so there was no traffic anywhere and there were some huge fires burning that ruined the view... It’s also a good distance out. I nixed listing a full 101 loop because I’ve never done that in a single day and it’s a lot of miles, but SR-112 is almost worth the trip out there.

No problem at all. I love going for drives and it’s fun to get out with everyone.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > fintail 04/24/2018 at 17:24

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I’m not sure where the Komo car is located. Didn’t it go to a museum?

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 17:32

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Don’t think I would have time in the spring, but I am planning on doing a roadtrip to Seattle from Los Angeles in late summer most likely. Definitely would love to go on a cruise with others if that ends up happening. Some of those places you suggested seem so cool and different from what I find down here in SoCal.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > AestheticsInMotion 04/24/2018 at 17:34

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Glad to know ahead of time that Hurricane Ridge is not all that exciting. I am pretty sure I had that as a “corner stone” of my potential Seattle trip along with Cape Flattery.

RPM esq. > RPM esq. 04/24/2018 at 17:46

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Mods, I realize that I deserve to be banned forever for typing “would really be a real hindrance,” but please have mercy. I promise it won’t happen again.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 04/24/2018 at 17:47

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If you’re going to Cape Flattery, definitely make a detour to Hurricane Ridge, particularly if you have an America the Beautiful Annual Pass . I also highly recommend at least visiting Kalaloch, if not staying there (it’s pretty expensive for the quality of lodging, sadly).

Even if traffic keeps it from being as exciting a drive, it’s a great view of the park. I also highly recommend staying or hanging out somewhere deep in Sequim for that whole view of the ocean and view of amazing mountains experience.

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 17:48

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The last two times I was there, albeit more than a year or two ago, I was told the car was “in storage” to protect it from vandals or something. But at other times, it has been spotted outside at one of the visitor centers on the way up. As I was very interested in the eruption when I was little, the car is a cool thing to me, I’ve seen in it in the old video many times.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > fintail 04/24/2018 at 18:12

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I just located it. It should be at the Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center (the second of the four on the way up, a little over half way to the top). Whether or not it’s displayed is another question and I can’t yet find an answer to that one.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 04/24/2018 at 18:47

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It’s usually a little harder to set these up way in advance due to the weather here (hard to predict, especially months out), but it would be great if it happened to coincide or we threw together a mini meet to give you a little tour.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 18:54

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What is weather? I dont know what that is anymore lol.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 04/24/2018 at 19:14

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It’s what happens when it’s not drizzling or sunny here. For you, it’s when it isn’t sunny.

I used to live down there. You do have great driving roads. Don’t neglect to enjoy them just because they’re nearby.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > fintail 04/24/2018 at 19:20

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Please see the original post, I added a link to the spreadsheet I’m using to tally everyone’s preferences.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/24/2018 at 19:21

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Please see the original post, I added a link to the spreadsheet I’m using to tally everyone’s preferences.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > RPM esq. 04/24/2018 at 19:21

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Please see the original post, I added a link to the spreadsheet I’m using to tally everyone’s preferences...

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 04/24/2018 at 19:21

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Please see the original post, I added a link to the spreadsheet I’m using to tally everyone’s preferences.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 19:28

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Haha I sure do no not neglect those roads! My commute every day is through canyon roads. Never a dull day here.

whatisthatsound > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 19:51

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Come on up to the pass or let’s go to Leavenworth. I’m free most of may or July.

NKato > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 20:01

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I advise against the Whidbey location. The roads are fairly busy even during non-holiday weekends. The county hasn’t invested in adding lanes to the lone freeway that runs from the north end to the south.

NKato > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 20:05

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My advisory aside, I think I’m OK for anything in Western Washington, provided that my CVPI isn’t going in for brake service on the weekend. Also, my budget does not allow for two-day trips.

I favor the Round Mountain Loop, as I am closest to it.

I’m personally considering going on my own road trip to Crater Lake in the Summer.

StudyStudyStudy > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 20:31

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Ooh exciting.

Not terribly confident on a long drive, still have some kinks to work out, also pretty sure I would be frowned upon at the border. 3, 4, and 6 catch my eye out of sheer proximity.

Preferably want to get back before 4:30pm or else I have to make parking arrangements. Might mean a 2 day trip could be more convenient in some regards.

Most weekends should work, nothing hard planned as of yet.

Thanks for setting this up again!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 20:32

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looks good!

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 21:03

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I had to send a request to edit.

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 21:03

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Yeah, that’s where I have looked in the past, and was told it was removed, at least temporarily. Probably wouldn’t be too hard to just call beforehand, someone in the restaurant or maybe a neighboring place might know.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > whatisthatsound 04/24/2018 at 21:40

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Are there any specific days that won’t work?

“the pass” being Deception Pass?

RPM esq. > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 22:01

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You have accurately captured my preferences. One other note: the June 16th Leavenworth Drive fintail mentioned is probably the biggest PNW German car meet of the year. I usually go. There will be traffic at least as far as Gold Bar unless we leave very early, cops on Stevens Pass, and Leavenworth itself will be absolutely packed. However, there will be hundreds of neat cars there to look at, so that’s something.

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 22:01

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Done and done.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > fintail 04/24/2018 at 22:06

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The information down there is a mess. The visitor center was sold over a year ago and the car was apparently moved to the Silver Lake Visitor Center. Can’t confirm what they did with it.

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/24/2018 at 22:50

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It’d be cool if they moved it to Silver Lake and put it under cover. With the amount of pics and videos out there, I am not the only one who has an interest to see an exciting 1978 Mercury Monarch caught in a volcanic eruption and kept as an odd relic since. Maybe I will send a few emails or make calls.

There’s shots of it in this:

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 02:13

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6/2-6/3 is a no go for me. Otherwise I can probably make something work. No Canada though, no passport (I really need to get on that). More scenic, more twisty, with possible camping spots would be ideal for me. I would take the motorcycle if I come. I just bought a murica da bootiful pass a few days ago so I’m good to go there.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > StudyStudyStudy 04/25/2018 at 11:54

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No problem, glad to get it set up.

I have added your preferences to the spreadsheet and look forward to our next cruise. :)

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > RPM esq. 04/25/2018 at 12:09

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Yeah, I’m reluctant to go on a busy weekend. It’s hard enough to find parking even when it’s not a busy weekend. Leavenworth is like Solvang with a sweet canyon to drive and less parking. I belong to a couple other groups that do Leavenworth trips at least once a year, so they almost feel cliche. Chances are that all of us that live in western WA have done at least one trip to Leavenworth and most of us have probably done one in the last year.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 04/25/2018 at 12:25

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Awesome, would love to have you join us. :)

I have put down your preferences based on my opinion of scenery and twisties. There really aren’t any on this list that aren’t camping-friendly, including Bainbridge Island (There’s a campground there, but getting into it could be tough on short notice. I probably have a friend or three that would let you pitch a tent in their forested yards, though.). Let me know if I’m off base on those.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > fintail 04/25/2018 at 12:33

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Let me know on that if you can get any conclusive information. I almost feel like some image-based social media would be able to answer this pretty quickly, but I can’t find any recent geotagged images of the visitor center...

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > NKato 04/25/2018 at 12:34

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I put your preferences down and noted your proximity. Would love if you get to join us. :)

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 15:41

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Im unavailable between May 6th and 15th, but anytime after and before June 5th, I’m down.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 04/25/2018 at 16:14

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From the above list, do you have any route preferences, dislikes, etc?

It looks like you’re the first person that won’t be able to do after 06/03, so we have a strong potential weekend now. 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 16:27

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Well Canada is tough to make happen, other than that no complaints. And if the stars don’t align for my participation, it is what it is. Maximizing turnout should be a priority for future successes.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 04/25/2018 at 18:26

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That’s why I take votes on availability and route preferences, with the aim of accommodating as many people as possible.

And yes, Canada is tough because people in the US are less likely to have passports than Canadians. It’s almost always easier for Canadians to come down here because almost every one has suitable documents/cards. Very few Canadians have never crossed the border into the US.

NKato > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 19:57

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We’ll see. Lots of question marks right now. Also, not a fan of the most popular choice being Highway 2 - it’s going to be busy on a good weekend, and it’ll have cops sniffing our tailpipes.

I think the second most popular option, the one I preferred, is the best choice right now. Obscure roads are good. There’s also the North Cascades Scenic Byway, which I’ve got a bit of an interest in.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > NKato 04/25/2018 at 20:09

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A plan is coming together in my head if we can get everyone onboard. Basically merging #1 & #3, with the option of #2 (partial, until we run out of road). Half of #1 would be Saturday morning, #2 would be later Saturday, and #3 would be Sunday morning. Join when you can or want to kind of deal.

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 21:24

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I’ll start looking around. With my luck, some idiot junked it.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > fintail 04/25/2018 at 22:06

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That would suck. They shouldn’t be junking a piece of history, especially since it has just been passed around and is a great thing to preserve for posterity to see/experience the effects of the eruption and it makes the video that much more real/tangible.

Dogsatemypants > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 22:43

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I like mtn loop and ft casey. I vote the loop cus waiting for the ferry(and paying for a ride on it) kinda blows. Now if you feel like doing the overland route in a loop over deception pass, I could change my vote. Could smokey point/tulalip to laconner up north and west to deception pass, take a loop around whidbey, and wind up at fort casey.

Dogsatemypants > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 22:47

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Hijack comment to pnw oppos: get yourselves to lind for the combine harvester demolition derby. It is awesome, last year they had a raffle where the grand prize was being a guest driver in the final round.

lone_liberal > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 23:00

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I know this is mostly for West-siders, and I couldn’t make it anyway since I’ll be moving in to my new garage, but if you guys ever do make it to Leavenworth or better yet Sherman Pass (a great driving road) I could meet up and share a meal/brew so I’ll be keeping an eye out for future runs.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 23:23

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I should be good to go that weekend.

1. Ranier

2. Helens

3. Leavenworth

4. Whidbey

5. Round

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > lone_liberal 04/25/2018 at 23:30

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Do you by any chance know when Sherman Pass usually opens?

lone_liberal > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 23:37

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Sherman Pass doesn’t close. I think you’re thinking of the North Cascades Highway which is also SR20 but further west. Sherman Pass is between Kettle Falls and Republic. http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/passes/sherman/default.aspx

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > lone_liberal 04/25/2018 at 23:45

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Ahh. Yes, I thought that was the name for North Cascades Highway over the Cascades. I stand corrected, thank you.

Do you know when the highway opens?

lone_liberal > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/25/2018 at 23:49

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I think it depends on how long it takes them to clear it. Their page just says that they’ve started clearing but it’s still closed. They don’t give an ETA that I can see though they do say usual time is early May. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/northcascades

whatisthatsound > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/26/2018 at 00:50

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My s/o and I are in, we’ll bring the orange cat.

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 04/26/2018 at 00:52

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Camping and beautiful twisty roads... That’s my kind of combo. Let me know if you want some Miata company, I know a few good spots!

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Dogsatemypants 04/26/2018 at 00:52

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I have added your votes to the spreadsheet for the route. I’m running under the assumption that the selected weekend will work for you.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 04/26/2018 at 01:03

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For sure! I’ll probably come to the meet. And if I do I’ll at least do one night.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > NKato 04/26/2018 at 01:25

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Okay, so the North Cascades Scenic Byway (SR20) is currently closed somewhere beyond Ross Lake and well before Winthrop. It may not be open in time for this cruise... However, I hope to incorporate as much of it as possible into the route if we do Round Mountain Loop.

Also, do you know if 05/19 or 05/20 will work for you? Would you be comfortable telling me roughly where you live (town, major nearby town, island, lake, highway & exit, etc, would all work)?

NKato > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/26/2018 at 01:28

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I live in Everett. So a jog out of Highway 2 isn’t a problem for me, the problem on that stretch of HWY2 is the shitty pavement.

As for dates, 5/19 or 5/20 is fine, provided that nothing important pops up between now and then..

Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/26/2018 at 02:16

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I’m a maybe, I got nothing going on that weekend. I’m ok with any of the routes, haven’t been to WA much. What time are you guys thinking of starting this thing? If the Round Mountain Loop wins that’s about a six hour drive for me. My Valiant’s ready to go, just got to put the hubcaps on.

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/26/2018 at 09:28

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I was half-joking. The car has enough historical significance and is now online enough to make it a minor star, but never underestimate the idiocy of people.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/27/2018 at 19:29

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I’d be happy with either Round Mountain Loop or Whidbey Island/Fort Casey! May 19 or 20th both work for me.

If a different route was was chosen, I’d still try and come!

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/27/2018 at 19:55

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Keep an eye out for a final route vote tomorrow. I’m hoping and leaning toward doing those two, but Leavenworth is also a strong contender and the other two are not far behind. We’ll see how it ultimately shakes out.

I also have a potentially more exciting edit and a two-day version that incorporates both...

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/27/2018 at 20:07

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That’d be sweet! I will keep my eyes peeled

Tristan > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/27/2018 at 22:49

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I’d like to cast my vote for Mt. St. Helens, as I might be able to trust my Studebaker to make such a trip- and if it doesn’t make it, my car trailer is only an hour away. 

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/29/2018 at 01:07

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It’s scheduled to drop tomorrow morning. Long story, but there was a time-critical work issue and I wanted to get everything together before posting it.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/29/2018 at 01:23

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No problem!

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > fintail 04/30/2018 at 11:31

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Of the two potential dates (05/19 & 20), which would you prefer for a cruise at Mount St Helens?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > NKato 04/30/2018 at 11:32

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Of the two potential dates (05/19 & 20), which would you prefer for a cruise at Mount St Helens?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > RPM esq. 04/30/2018 at 11:32

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So, of the two potential dates (05/19 & 20), which would you prefer for the cruise at Mount St Helens?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AestheticsInMotion 04/30/2018 at 11:33

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Which of the two days that weekend would work best for you? Saturday (05/19) or Sunday (05/20)?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/30/2018 at 11:34

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Which of the days (Saturday 05/19 or Sunday 05/20) would work best for you for the cruise at Mount St Helens?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 04/30/2018 at 11:35

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We’ve settled on Mount St Helens, so which of the two days would you prefer, Saturday 05/19 or Sunday 05/20?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 04/30/2018 at 11:36

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Which of the weekend days would you prefer, Saturday (05/19) or Sunday (05/20)?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > StudyStudyStudy 04/30/2018 at 11:37

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If you’re up for a cruise to Mount St Helens, which day would you prefer of the two? Saturday 05/19 or Sunday 05/20?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Dogsatemypants 04/30/2018 at 11:38

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I don’t know if you’re up for the route selected, but if you want to join the cruise to Mount St Helens, which day would you prefer? Saturday 05/19 or Sunday 05/20?

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 11:39

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Has it been confirmed to be Mount St. Helens? I’d prefer Saturday if possible!

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Junkrat aka Rick Sanchez: Fury Road Edition 04/30/2018 at 11:40

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We’re doing Mount St Helens due to the uncertainty of weather and the fact many of us in the valleys are now on summer tires. If you’re still up to go, which day would you prefer, Saturday 05/19 or Sunday 05/20?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 04/30/2018 at 11:41

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Well, we’ll be doing it for this cruise. I don’t blame you for not being able to make it, but you’re obviously welcome.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Tristan 04/30/2018 at 11:42

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Well, you’re in luck. :)

Which of the two days would you prefer? Saturday 05/19 or Sunday 05/20?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/30/2018 at 11:44

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I’m calling it because I believe it will be the more enjoyable drive of the two (and it barely won the vote), it’s the lowest latitude, and a low enough altitude that it should be warm enough for summer tires.

Alright, your vote is on the list.

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 11:49

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At the moment I am free both days, and expect to be. The one with the best weather? Sunday might be better for traffic unless we get started pretty early - it’ll take a few hours to get there from here.

Don’t feel obliged to do St. Helens just for me. It’s a long drive.

AestheticsInMotion > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 11:50

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Saturday

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 11:52

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Probably Sunday

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > fintail 04/30/2018 at 12:07

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It came down to a check on the weather showing that higher elevation parts of a number of these routes could be sketchy and/or roads are closed due to snow. Rainier was struck because it will snow earlier that week and be far too cold for summer tires. The fun side trips are somewhat risky on North Cascades/Round Mountain. Leavenworth requires crossing Stevens Pass, which will likely be too cold for summer tires. So all we had was Whidbey and Mount St Helens, of which Mount St Helens won in the vote.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 12:12

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Cool, it is the furthest from me, but I will still try and make it. I’ve always wanted to go there

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 04/30/2018 at 12:19

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Based on where I believe you live, it looks like roughly 4 hours to get to the start. I know it’s a bit of a drive...

It’s a great spot, between the road, scenery, and mountain. Due to it’s relatively remote location and the fact the road is a dead end, there generally isn’t much traffic on the road, either.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 12:21

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I think you can probably count me in on this.

RPM esq. > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 12:51

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5/19 because it looks like I’m going to have to fly to the East Coast for work on the 20th.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 13:03

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I just gathered that it looks like Saturday might be more convenient for others. I would discount my vote.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 04/30/2018 at 13:06

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Yeah, even if everyone remaining voted Sunday, Saturday has enough votes.

I’ll get a final post out with everything together sometime this week, including a map of the routes/times.

fintail > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 13:39

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I’d check weather forecasts again maybe a week before - they can be notoriously flaky this far out, and even a few days in advance might be tough. But I anyway am up for anything, not in a sports car, tires aren’t a concern for me.

StudyStudyStudy > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 13:43

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Hmm Mt. St. Helens is kind of outside my desired range more than 8 hours in travel time not including the drive, but if I had to pick a date Saturday would be preferential.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > StudyStudyStudy 04/30/2018 at 13:49

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I had a feeling it might be a little outside what you’d prefer due to the distance from home (it’s 120 miles and ~2 hours at highway speeds each way).

At this point, Saturday is by far the most popular day, too.

I hope you can join us, but I’d understand.

NKato > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 04/30/2018 at 14:14

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Saturday, because if someone’s car bricks, they don’t have to freak out about Monday.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > fintail 04/30/2018 at 14:25

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True, but trust it more than I would a meteorologist because ML is excellent at building highly accurate models from historic data... Modern weather forecasts are extraordinarily accurate.

Mount St Helens (definitely above 50 during the day):
https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/060301:13:US

Mount Rainier (unlikely to even hit 50 during the day):
https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USWA0287:1:US

Even if it is off by 20F, it’s still within a safe temperature range at the top at Mount St Helens.