Your Ideal Idea Of Driving Bliss

"Lets Just Drive" (lets-just-drive)
02/19/2014 at 18:35 • Filed to: None

No, this isn't a stupid, hypothetical question. It's a simple one; what is your idea of the perfect drive?

Everybody is different and even a group of like-minded individuals may disagree on the same subject. For example; one enthusiast may say that his perfect moment behind the wheel lasts ten seconds, between launch and a quarter mile away. Another will tell you that there's nothing to beat being behind the wheel of a classic sports-car cruising PCH on a sunny day. Yet someone else will disagree, will tell you that the only way to achieve motoring Nirvana is on a track - made of dirt, tarmac or something in between. I don't think there are many out there, but I'm sure that there are some folk who find their moment of peace and joy behind the wheel of their appliance-mobile in bumper to bumper traffic, those precious moments between the hassle of work or the hassle of home.

Oh, and then there are those freaky two-wheeler guys - the ones on dick rockets and chopped motorsickles... but they're barely human, some subhuman species of degenerate motoring fiends. They are to proper car culture what meth is to drug culture... or bath salts. (This entire paragraph is pure sarcasm, you dickbag bikers, so slow your roll because I totally didn't see you in my blind spot, whoops)

The point is this: For every enthusiast, for every avenue of exploration, there are a thousand different tastes and I'm just genuinely interested in what you, my fellow Opponauts, think of as the perfect drive.

Now I get that some of us have less experience than others and if Chris Harris were to reply we'd probably take his opinion with less grains of salt then, say... mine. That's okay. That's an important part of the culture and of Oppo - we have DustyVenture co-drivers and LeMons champion contenders, we have DeMuro's with their ambitious kickassery but we also have, no offense intended, kids who're yet to get behind the wheel, or whose driving experience is even more limited than my own. For many of them, for many of us, and just for many, the hobby of living vicariously through the experiences of others is a perfectly valid area of discovery. There should be a wealth of variety in the comments, right?

Right.

I, myself, am torn.

You see, a part of me absolutely loves a challenging drive behind the wheel of a capable, responsive car with real feel but then there's another part of me, the roadtripper, which can find no greater bliss then putting miles on the clock at a hundred miles per, exploring new roads and seeing new sights. That part of me, it loves the idea of a classic Japanese sports car, it loves the idea but it knows that, logically, there are other choices which would better accommodate that kind of voyage. A grand tour in a grand tourer or a jaunty drive along the challenging coast roads of Vancouver Island and the West Coast in a noisy, smelly, awesome car full of feels? I'm torn.

Maybe your replies will split the difference.

AUTHORS EDIT:

Here's my favorite route and drive, at present. The wife and I do this drive often in the summer months, sometimes with friends and sometimes alone. Because I was asked, here it is. Thoughts, Opponauts?

DISCUSSION (69)

Brian Silvestro > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:41

The week de Bullrun.

DirtyBird > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:41

aafter driving the entire PCH (california anyhow) id have to say that although it seems awesome all the curves in the more norther parts get monotonus after driving them for a couple of days- dont get me wrong it was truly awesome and something im glad i had the chance to do

Lets Just Drive > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 18:43

Really?

The Bullrun is the kind of event I like the idea of more then I like the actual manifestation of. That's probably just me though.

stuttgartobsessed > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:43

I prefer to travel the back roads in a comfortable yet quick grand tourer; putting the miles behind me yet discovering new places and sights and people without having to deal with a crowded and mundane interstate. Example: right now I am yearning to drive from Olympia to LA on US 101/US 1 along the coast, taking my time. Yet I do want a fun sporty car, but one that I can still be comfortable in. Perhaps an early 911. Or Ferrari 250/410. At the moment I'd do it in my '76 Alfa 2000 Spider but I'd be constantly worrying about it blowing up...

Lets Just Drive > DirtyBird
02/19/2014 at 18:44

I've only driven bits and pieces, mostly the last of it as we were headed back to BC from California.

Sadly, mostly I5'd it.

DirtyBird > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:45

it took me around 3-4 days to get out of california on the PCH and only 2 days to drive from near seattle back to SD taking the 5

Reigntastic > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:46

Any drive where I encounter no traffic.

Brian Silvestro > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:46

I think it's the perfect concept of great road trip. The only things I'd change are the people that go on it. It's mostly douchebags. Replace those people with my fellow opponauts (and auto journalists) and it would be heaven. Going across the country and to racetracks everywhere.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:47

It's the one where I don't really know what to expect. When I leave home, even if it's just for groceries, without thinking too much about where I'm going or what I have to do, because that's when I get sidetracked and end up somewhere I didn't see coming at all.

Those are the ones I like, whether it's going fast over a road or rolling slow, relaxing and listening to music, because it's when where I'm going doesn't really matter as much as just going, because I can just change my mind and go somewhere else, and because I can forget all about everything else, since it would be pointless to focus on something else at these times.

Those are my favorites.

Lets Just Drive > DirtyBird
02/19/2014 at 18:48

Oh I know!

The difference is stratospheric! Especially if you get stuck behind some slow coach on a sunny day. Buuut, you trade time for boredom on the I5, I found, though I witnessed on a few occasions CHP chasing people out of the fast lane for not passing etc and that really impressed me.

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 18:48

How is the Bullrun compared to the Gumball?

Lets Just Drive > Reigntastic
02/19/2014 at 18:49

Well that was short and to the point. You can reverse up and down your driveway and never find any traffic in your way but I wouldn't call that a blissful drive myself.

crowmolly > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:49

To be completely honest, it's the first "real" drive in a car I just finished building.

Lets Just Drive > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 18:50

It's the people.

I get that.

Aya, Almost Has A Cosmo With Toyota Engine Owned by a BMW. > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:51

Well, the best driving bliss for me is just drive.

I do this every 1 am every sunday. Take the CLS Out and just drive and burns some fuel, stop for some coffee and some snacks in the closest cafe ( or we indonesian like to call it warkop), and drive it again until eventually sun rises by.

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 18:51

The Gumball just looks like a much more unorganized and dangerous version of Bullrun. I'd like to stay in the United States/Canada thank you.

dogisbadob > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:53

I wish I could just drive really really fast like 100+ mph for 100+ miles with no traffic.

Also, maybe a fun twisty drive would also work. Both those and road trips have their place. Now I just need friends, money, and driving skills!

Jedidiah > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:54

Going for a nice comfortable drive down some backroads where you don't have to deal with crowded highways or frustrating traffic on the interstate. Just eating up the miles as the scenery moves by and then eventually returning home for a relaxing evening. No real objective; just going out for a drive is one of my favourite things to do.

Reigntastic > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:54

Not all driveways are created equal.

DirtyBird > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 18:59

i was pretty much doing 60 down the I5 the whole way back and managed to get 30+ mpgs in my trans am (ls1,T56)

Lets Just Drive > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion
02/19/2014 at 19:00

Well put.

Lets Just Drive > crowmolly
02/19/2014 at 19:01

That is one I've not had the joy of.

My envy is green with you.

Lets Just Drive > dogisbadob
02/19/2014 at 19:03

Naw, yah just need money. You can buy the rest.

I assume this because I'm poor.

Lets Just Drive > Jedidiah
02/19/2014 at 19:05

I am right there with you.

There's a loop I do which covers highway, twisty back roads, recently finished danger canyons, beach cruises, high scenic vistas... and the best part is that 70% of it you're basically alone without another car on the road.

Jedidiah > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 19:08

That sounds awesome. Where is it? Where I live in East Tennessee doesn't have too much scenery other than trees and mountains.

A3R0 > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 19:09

Passsenger seat answer:
I'm one of the few who can't yet drive. As a passenger a low light, twisty backroad, as far out from civilization as possible. Flat, I don't love elevation changes. And then the perfect car; probably a Lotus Elise. I'm a very lucky Opponaut, because although I can't drive, my dad has had some crazy cars. 3 of those in my life were Lotus Elise's, and there's nothing to compare them with. I think it's awesome to have a "slow", very good handling, car. You can hit it on straights and be flat out for more than 3 seconds before you get to the speed limit. A somewhat relevant review here would be James May's last season, of the Fiat Panda. He explains what I mean by really stepping on it in a slower car, (a feeling I can only butt dyno, from the passenger seat) and having fun that way.
So, to review;
Flat, twisty, low light backroad, away from civilization in a "slower" car, that still has great handling, like a Lotus Elise.

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 19:12

Just looked at the website. VERY INTERESTING.

I like the fact that it's 1/3 the cost of the Gumball.

Lets Just Drive > Jedidiah
02/19/2014 at 19:12

Haha. Sorry, long way.

Editing my drive into my OP now. Check back in 2 mins.

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 19:15

$20k is pretty reasonable if you look at it from a fairly comfortable financially persons perspective. It's the vacation of a lifetime.

Lets Just Drive > A3R0
02/19/2014 at 19:16

Preaching to the choir about slow, fun cars you can drive at 10/10th's 100% of the time. I've had a few, nearly bought a BRZ, and believe firmly in the idea that a slow, fun car that you can hammer on is often as fun as or more fun than an insane, batshit fast, maybe-kill-you-and-eat-you-for-brunch car.

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 19:20

Is that for two people per car?

dogisbadob > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 19:20

I'm poor too :(

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 19:21

Yep! Driver and co-driver. Have you watched Matt Farahs/ Rob Ferretis videos?

A3R0 > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 19:22

I agree, but then again I've never even driven a car, so I don't exactly have a leg to stand on.

Lets Just Drive > dogisbadob
02/19/2014 at 19:23

When you're smiling (because you're poor) the whole word smiles with you (because they're also poor).

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 19:23

Not yet. I sure as hell will tonight, though. I've heard about the race, but have never done any research on it.

My interest is piqued.

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 19:24

DUDE YOU'RE ABOUT TO BURN YOUR ENTIRE NIGHT

They're so cool. Want links? I got links. LINKS HERE, LINKS

Lets Just Drive > A3R0
02/19/2014 at 19:25

How long until you're there?

I ask because you have a Dad in the picture who seems like something of an enthusiast and I'm wondering; is he going to be a helpful hand in getting your first car, teaching you to drive and all that jazz? Because, my friend, if that's the case and your Pa is an actual enthusiast, I envy the start you're already off to. By the time you're my age, I expect you to be miles ahead of where I am now.

Leadbull > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 19:27

Underwater, on the moon, naked, in a Countach.

jkm7680 > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 19:30

Blue Ridge Parkway, without a speed limit

Lets Just Drive > Leadbull
02/19/2014 at 19:34

Bull, I can never decide if you're clever, an asshole or just a clever asshole.

Lets Just Drive > jkm7680
02/19/2014 at 19:35

Is the speed limit as bad and ruinous as TGUK made it look?

jkm7680 > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 19:38

45 I believe, is the top speed limit, in most parts. I think Top Gear Uk, just found the slow parts.

Lets Just Drive > jkm7680
02/19/2014 at 19:40

I do recall they made a big deal of doing the cautioned speed in corners, acting like the speed-limit had dropped 10 miles per hour for a bend, little noting the fact that these are simply advised speeds and not the enforced limit.

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 19:49

GIMME DEM LINKS !!!

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 19:51

I'm giving you (part/day 1, so you'll have to find 2-7 yourself)

The first is Rob and Matt

The second is Matt and Tom

desertdog5051 > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 19:51

You dickbag Canucks can go fuck yourselves. This comes from a dickbag biker.

The White Mountains in Arizona is one of my favorites. Little traffic except for enthusiasts and driving extraordinaire.

Arizona 261 near Eagar to

AZ 273 to

AZ 191 (this rivals the Tail of the Dragon) to

AZ 75 to US 70 to Lordsburg, NM. Spend the night and head home.

http://www.myscenicdrives.com/drives/arizona…

Lets Just Drive > desertdog5051
02/19/2014 at 20:12

Truth is that if I weren't such a coward, I'd totally ride.

Used to when I was a young lad living on the farm, but when I moved back to the city, became a driver and saw how bikers get treated I was having none of it. The truth is, I love the idea of riding but I just don't have the balls to get over sharing the road with those people out there who're oblivious or indifferent to the fact that you don't have four wheels and a cage around you.

Much respect.

I lost two good friends when I was younger, to accidents on sport bikes. Both were their fault and neither was anything beyond, "Wow, this is fun!" One came around a corner, a tight and blind corner, too fast on one of our windy roads and strayed into the oncoming lane catching himself on the front end of an oncoming car.

I just don't have the cajoles. Cajones? Kahones? I don't have big, brass balls like you.

desertdog5051 > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 20:49

Been riding since the 70's. Have had 2 accidents. 1 was my fault. Other was fault of other driver. Yes, it is dangerous, but the thrill, feeling, love of riding, is what keeps me going. I liken it to people who love to race or go fast on regular roads or tracks, in cars. There is always a chance of problems. But why stop cause of that.

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 20:52

Q: ever run the race yourself?

Lets Just Drive > desertdog5051
02/19/2014 at 20:52

"But why stop cause of that."

My aforementioned tiny balls? Hah.

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 20:55

Lol no! But I'd like to one day.

desertdog5051 > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 21:01

You funny, but you are honest. Hat tip to you.

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 21:25

I have an agreement with a friend to run the Gumball in 2016. I might have to change that to the Bullrun.

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 21:27

Are you spending the money? Fuck Gumball. Bullrun seems so much better.

Not spending the money? Fuck Gumball. Bullrun seems so much better.

These videos are great examples of how much fun you'll have.

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 21:49

I'm not the one spending the money, but I may end up supplying the car. Not sure yet.

Also, we want to run the rally with 'Murican muscle. We originally said a 2015 GT350, but I might save my moola and get a CTS-V.

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 21:53

If you're seriously doing it, then for the love of god don't get a CTS-V(current gen). I don't know what the next gen is like, but the current one drinks gas like a motherfucker. You'll get 10 mpg at best. Do you want more links? Have you watched all of the ones I've already supplied you? There's two seasons worth of an official TV show documentary done on Bullrun. One Couple uses a CTS-V.

And I don't know about you, but I'd like to stay in North America if it was my car.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Lets Just Drive
02/19/2014 at 22:27

Hilly and curvy tree-lined (and canopied) backroads with a few of my friends in their cars and no traffic. Time to schedule another trip...

Kinja'd!!!

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 23:02

MOAR VIDEOS!!

It would be with the next gen CTS-V. Don't know what it'll be like yet, but I'm pretty sure it'll be one bad mother.

I wonder if teams are allowed to have individual sponsorships ...

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 23:03

Also, yes, the Europe deal concerned us. We didn't feel like shipping our car to and from another continent.

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 23:06

Yeah you can get sponsored by virtually anything, Matt in his truck got sponsored by Black Magic (if he didn't make it obvious enough)

Videos here: http://www.hulu.com/bullrun-new-yo…

It seems they don't have season one up there anymore, but season two is still there.

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 23:07

That would scare the shit out of me. What if something broke? They don't have Cadillacs over there. You'd be fucked.

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 23:12

Worse: they impound your vehicle (as has been the case in the past).

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/19/2014 at 23:22

lol really? Why would even consider doing that then? Bullrun all the way.

PatBateman > Brian Silvestro
02/19/2014 at 23:30

I'm starting to think that as well. I really like how the routes and destinations are secret. The Gumball posts the route months in advance, which law enforcement uses to set up huge speed traps that catches multiple cars each time.

Leadbull > Lets Just Drive
02/20/2014 at 02:40

It's ok to admit your love for me.

Brian Silvestro > PatBateman
02/20/2014 at 11:17

Wow really? I don't know that much about Gumball, but now that I know all of these things It seems like there's an obvious choice to make.

Orange Exige > Lets Just Drive
02/20/2014 at 14:23

The ideal drive for me is a couple things:

1. No traffic. No other cars.
-Not a highway (I'd only egregiously break the speed limit if I had an egregiously fast car)
-No speed bumps, limited to zero stop signs and lights
-Daylight

Maxima Speed > Lets Just Drive
02/22/2014 at 20:51

Narrow, paved, backroads with no traffic. country side with lots of trees. car doesnt matter as far as its quick handling and not super slow.