2012 Northeast Caravan [Archive]

Kontakt

01-24-2012, 02:55 PM

I do not yet see a NE caravan thread, so here we go.

I figure since I ended up leading a bunch of folks from Harrisburg on South last year, I'd volunteer to help get things going this year.

I currently plan on leaving Thursday morning between 6 and 9 AM depending on who needs to meet where from Harrisburg, PA. I will be taking 81 to 77 to Asheville, and then hopping 40 to 74 into Bryson City and into the Nantahala Village. If you can't go 40 minutes out of the way to see the incredible view from 77, then we'll have to part with you there. At the very least, we will be meeting up with folks in MD like last year.

Anyone whose eyes want to learn just how much fuel can be thrown out my exhaust while still getting 30mpg, you are welcome to follow me down. I know my way there, and my way around there. I can provide information on cheap, safe (for you and your car) lodging around the Harrisburg area for people making the long haul from up north (hope you canada folk are comin' back!).

I can also house a rotard or two at my apartment on the main drag in Hbg the night before (has off street parking), but you have to pass 2 tests. You must 1) be more broke than other travelers, and 2) not be a total toolbag.

Anyone involved, let me know how I may be able to assist in the planning and operation.

Thanks guys, this year is going to be the best yet!

-Whoopie

I_H8_Pistons

02-11-2012, 07:19 AM

Im in maryland I was planning on leaving that Wednesday

Pete_89T2

02-11-2012, 08:45 AM

I'm in Elkton, MD, but I'll be hitting the road early on Thurs. AM.

JL1RX7

02-11-2012, 09:06 AM

I was planning on leaving that Friday after work. Might want to see if taking 81 all the way down to Knoxville is faster.

TitaniumTT

02-11-2012, 11:21 AM

I'm in Elkton, MD, but I'll be hitting the road early on Thurs. AM.

Hey Pete... we're planning on getting a caravan together again. Same plan as last year except there's no reason (as of yet anyway) When we're you planning on leaving? We're hoping to be pulling out of H-burg around 9 again and getting to the villiage by 8pm. We've got myself and the GF in the Official RX7 Support Vehicle (my XJ) someone will be driving the turbo 'vert down, Kyle is driving his fathers phord p/u towing his FC down, and his brother, our master engine builder will be taking some for of transportation as well.

Pete_89T2

02-11-2012, 07:19 PM

Hey Pete... we're planning on getting a caravan together again. Same plan as last year except there's no reason (as of yet anyway) When we're you planning on leaving? We're hoping to be pulling out of H-burg around 9 again and getting to the villiage by 8pm. We've got myself and the GF in the Official RX7 Support Vehicle (my XJ) someone will be driving the turbo 'vert down, Kyle is driving his fathers phord p/u towing his FC down, and his brother, our master engine builder will be taking some for of transportation as well.

Last year I hit the road before ~0700, which was early enough to beat most of the B-more traffic on the beltway headed to I-70 on my way to I-81. My goal is to make it to Nantahalla by dinner time

Rudi

02-14-2012, 06:15 PM

That is a little too far west for me. I am down in Southeastern Virginia Hampton Roads area.

I_H8_Pistons

02-18-2012, 07:25 AM

I'm in Elkton, MD, but I'll be hitting the road early on Thurs. AM.

Oh snap well after looking at the lodging and the prices leaving Wednesday dont sound to cool now, So your in Elkton Pete Im in Catonsville I can meet up with you.

Pete_89T2

02-25-2012, 09:14 AM

Oh snap well after looking at the lodging and the prices leaving Wednesday dont sound to cool now, So your in Elkton Pete Im in Catonsville I can meet up with you.

Sounds like we'll be able to link up somewhere along the way. Last year, I met up with a bunch of folks right off of I-81 in VA. Since I left early to ensure a painless pass thru B-more beltway traffic, I had to wait a while for the folks from PA, south MD/DC/NoVA & the Canadian crew to show up, but we had a great time driving down.

Pete_89T2

02-25-2012, 09:30 AM

I will be taking 81 to 77 to Asheville, and then hopping 40 to 74 into Bryson City and into the Nantahala Village. If you can't go 40 minutes out of the way to see the incredible view from 77, then we'll have to part with you there.

BTW, I can vouch for this route being well worth it. Last year we had to take this little detour on I-77 via Ashville to avoid the tornado carnage that closed down I-81 further south. According to Mapquest, it only added about 15~20 minutes and less than 20 or so miles to my end-to-end run from northern MD.

JhnRX7

02-25-2012, 10:07 AM

There will be 5-6 of us leaving from Wilmington, DE sometime early Thursday morning. We typically take the same route down so we can probably join the group at some point.

TitaniumTT

02-25-2012, 05:14 PM

Sounds like we'll be able to link up somewhere along the way. Last year, I met up with a bunch of folks right off of I-81 in VA. Since I left early to ensure a painless pass thru B-more beltway traffic, I had to wait a while for the folks from PA, south MD/DC/NoVA & the Canadian crew to show up, but we had a great time driving down.

Id love to get that caravan going again...

BTW, I can vouch for this route being well worth it. Last year we had to take this little detour on I-77 via Ashville to avoid the tornado carnage that closed down I-81 further south. According to Mapquest, it only added about 15~20 minutes and less than 20 or so miles to my end-to-end run from northern MD.

Yeah... we didn't bother because we left a day late..... figuring the traffic was gone... killed us by a few HOURS

There will be 5-6 of us leaving from Wilmington, DE sometime early Thursday morning. We typically take the same route down so we can probably join the group at some point.

This sounds interesting. Right now the plan is to leave Speed1 @ 8am Thurs morning.

Redshft

02-25-2012, 09:58 PM

The detour we took to Asheville was a highlight of the trip. That view was amazing.

Afraid it will be a late decision for us this year. Would really like to make it 3 years in a row, but, the budget is a little battered from going to the 24 Hours of Daytona last month and needing to put a bit of money into most of the cars in the fleet, but, we may pull it off yet.
If push comes to shove, and we can only scare up a partial budget, we might fly in, just to see if we can make the rental company regret renting me a car when I flog it on the 129..

TitaniumTT

02-26-2012, 12:22 AM

Would love to have you guys again... 3rd time is the charm for me making the caravan.... mainly becuase I'll be in the Jeep or the Mazda6 if I end up buying it.

RXtacy

03-02-2012, 02:36 PM

I'm in for the caravan again. Let me know the details Brian, hopefully you'll actually make it this time ;)

TitaniumTT

03-02-2012, 03:38 PM

Har har.... it's on the girlfriend whether or not we make the caravan. THe official RX7 Support vehicle is ready.

Pete_89T2

03-02-2012, 05:38 PM

Har har.... it's on the girlfriend whether or not we make the caravan. THe official RX7 Support vehicle is ready.

:icon_no2: Lame excuse TTT, if the GF isn't ready to go you go solo or drag her along caveman style whether she's ready or not.

TitaniumTT

03-02-2012, 07:03 PM

:rofl: Well, she's graduating law school in May, and skipping an entire day of classes is possible and likely, but there is the chance that she may need to attend, in which case we'll just leave ~11 that night.

RXtacy

03-19-2012, 01:41 PM

^Pussy

WE3RX7

03-19-2012, 09:04 PM

I was planning on leaving that Friday after work. Might want to see if taking 81 all the way down to Knoxville is faster.

It's not... we've come home that way (Front Royal, Woodbridge, and Culpeper respectively).

We've made this trip 5-6 times over the years and the easiest/fastest route is usually 81 to 23 torwards Asheville... we've also gone 81 to 77 to 40 which wasn't bad...

If you were leaving earlier, you could follow down... we'll see you there though. I'm shocked at the lack of NOVA representing at this event. There are a ton of local guys, but maybe they're falling off these days... who knows (I don't even attend events like I used to locally)...

WE3RX7

03-19-2012, 09:06 PM

Would love to have you guys again... 3rd time is the charm for me making the caravan.... mainly becuase I'll be in the Jeep or the Mazda6 if I end up buying it.

First off - I had no idea Chris and Kyle were brothers, lol...

Secondly.. Mazda6??? Where did this come from? They do make good DDs though, but not as good as an '04 RX8 with over 190WHP reliably... :squint:

joewrx8

03-19-2012, 10:15 PM

we are leaving out of Mytle Beach Thursday morning will be going thrugh ashville area not sure what time we will have two or three cars, this is our fith year for DGRR and the first time leaving from here last year we car up with the Atlanta caravan We were living Florida and have driven from Ohio you never know where we will be. but hope to meet up with some of you on the way

Fendamonky

03-24-2012, 04:08 PM

I've got some people flying in for this (from England) on Thursday. I think they should be arriving at Dulles around 10-11am.

If possible I'd love to catch the Caravan down with them!

I'm also going to see if I can't round up some more of the Northern Va guys to come down for this!

JL1RX7

03-24-2012, 06:24 PM

Levi let me know when its closer and I can get you back to the gate. I am switching to graveyard but normally I am out at Dulles.

Fendamonky

03-25-2012, 06:47 PM

^ Dude, that would be awesome!

Depending on what time the convoy passes through our area I think I may try to link up with it and travel down en masse.

RXtacy

03-26-2012, 02:53 PM

^ Dude, that would be awesome!

Depending on what time the convoy passes through our area I think I may try to link up with it and travel down en masse.

I think by around 10-11 we'd want to be more out to the Front Royal area...

JL1RX7

03-26-2012, 04:01 PM

I am going to put in for a day off on that Friday. Unless the project is behind it shouldn't be a problem. I might split with you guys and head straight to Knoxville. If I don't stop and say hi to mom she might kill me.

Fendamonky

03-29-2012, 10:54 AM

I think by around 10-11 we'd want to be more out to the Front Royal area...

Yeah, we're going to miss the convoy down. I misunderstood what their flight schedule looked like, it turns out that they won't be landing at Dulles until 1pm. So yeah, we'll be several hours behind you guys =(

I am going to put in for a day off on that Friday. Unless the project is behind it shouldn't be a problem. I might split with you guys and head straight to Knoxville. If I don't stop and say hi to mom she might kill me.

When were you planning on leaving the area?

WE3RX7

03-29-2012, 11:48 AM

JL1RX7

03-29-2012, 04:36 PM

Levi, it depends if I take friday off or not. I always have a place to stay at mom's which is about 30 or 45 minutes from the dragon so getting in crazy late isn't too much of an issue. Plus I better go spend at least lunch with her otherwise I might lose that free place.

We3rx7, no not working on the shuttle project. I work on the building controls out at the airport. But I do plan on being out at the end of the runway in the company truck with my camera when the shuttle comes in on the 17th. One of the perks is all access pass to the property.

WE3RX7

03-29-2012, 07:32 PM

Thats cool... just a guess based on the word "project" and the timeline... my office is in the flight pattern so I hope to catch a view of it...

JL1RX7

03-29-2012, 07:42 PM

When we get new buildings etc they call them projects. Hell we probably control the building you work in.

WE3RX7

03-29-2012, 07:53 PM

Lol.. nope.. I'm in a gov building not near the airport, we're just high enough and in its flight path...

JL1RX7

03-29-2012, 08:09 PM

If its a govy building then for sure we do something with it. By controls I am talking about HVAC, fire,security stuff. I work on the HVAC system controls.

Kontakt

04-05-2012, 08:52 AM

Alright, guys... I've been asked to take the reigns on this matter for Brian. I will be organizing HIS caravan. :fawk:

Caravan start is 9AM at the Turkey Hill off Exit 69 (Progress Ave) of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg, PA.

Next stop is undetermined, but somewhere a bit south of I-66. Last year we did Stephens City VA, but this is a little north of there, so if anyone has suggestions on a better spot, let me know. RXtacy and Brewer Bob... I'm talking to you.

Next stop is typically in or around Roanoke. JhnRX7, would this be a good place to meet up with you? Where do you plan on meeting up with I-81?

We will be taking the I-77 'detour' into Asheville, and on up 40 to the gap.

So far on the list I have:

TitaniumTT - meeting at first stop
RXtacy - meeting at second stop
Brewer Bob - meeting at second stop
JhnRX7 - hopefully meeting with another group around 2nd-4th stop if timing can work out.
Pete_89T2 - Maybe waiting for us somewhere after he beats traffic
Redshift - as of yet undecided
JL1RX7 - What's your plan?

Feel free to post here, PM me, or hit my e-mail dmaudlin@gmail.com with questions, additions, or corrections.

I forget what time we will be getting in, because Mike and I decided to go explore the boonies before hitting the cabin... involuntarily.

Kontakt

04-05-2012, 09:10 AM

Oh, I forgot to mention. I have 3 2-way radios for use on the trip. If anyone else has them, please bring. They are very handy to have.

t_g_farrell

04-05-2012, 09:31 AM

... We will be taking the I-77 'detour' into Asheville, and on up 40 to the gap.

I'm 1/2 hour away from the intersection of I77 and I40. Depending on the time,
I would love to tag along as your caravan passes through. What time do you
think it will pass thru this point?

Kontakt

04-05-2012, 09:35 AM

I'm 1/2 hour away from the intersection of I77 and I40. Depending on the time,
I would love to tag along as your caravan passes through. What time do you
think it will pass thru this point?

It'll be daylight, I can tell you that. I believe last year my trip ran about 9AM to 8PM including stops.

We'll probably hit Asheville between 7 and 8 PM? I haven't hit the map too hard yet as I'm waiting on stop/meet info.

budfc3s

04-05-2012, 10:45 AM

Alright, guys... I've been asked to take the reigns on this matter for Brian. I will be organizing HIS caravan. :fawk:

Damn right it's HIS caravan! :fawk:

TitaniumTT - meeting at first stop
RXtacy - meeting at second stop
Brewer Bob - meeting at second stop
JhnRX7 - hopefully meeting with another group around 2nd-4th stop if timing can work out.
Pete_89T2 - Maybe waiting for us somewhere after he beats traffic
Redshift - as of yet undecided
JL1RX7 - What's your plan?

Add to that list @ the first stop.
budfc3s
My brother
TwinCharged7

Actually if you wanna get technical about it, the first stop is Speed1 @ 8am. That's where HIS caravan officially starts ;)

Kontakt

04-05-2012, 10:50 AM

Damn right it's HIS caravan! :fawk:

Add to that list @ the first stop.
budfc3s
My brother
TwinCharged7

Actually if you wanna get technical about it, the first stop is Speed1 @ 8am. That's where HIS caravan officially starts ;)

Technically the place you start from isn't a stop at all. It's a start. :)

JhnRX7

04-05-2012, 03:10 PM

Kontakt

04-05-2012, 03:31 PM

I will have to consult with my group to see what route everyone wants to take this year.

In previous years, we have met up with other groups where 70 meets 81 near Hagerstown. However, we could do the Stephens City VA meet spot.

Oh, copy that. I didn't figure you'd be meeting us that far up. I've honestly only been to DE by boat (thanks for all the gas and cigs guys!). I figured being that far east you'd angle over more.

Bawbers is gonna be coming down 70 as well. I believe Mikey comes in off 66, 'cause he was the one saying maybe we could meet farther down (Stephens City is 7 miles north of 66).

I know there's a gas station with a dunkin' donuts at the Stephens City exit, and that scores it points, but... it's not like donut shops or gas stations are rare if you have a suggestion.

Pete_89T2

04-05-2012, 05:32 PM

Just let me know where the meet up stops will be and approximately when, and hopefully I'll figure out a way to link up with you guys. Sucks living in the northern corner of MD - no quick & easy way to go due west & link up with I-81. The DE folks have the same problem. It's either head south on I-95 and deal with traffic getting thru B-more, or hit the road early enough to avoid it. Another option I've been looking at is navigating a back roads course that would link up with I-81 somewhere near the PA/MD border. Adds extra miles to the trip and in the wrong direction, but it might be more fun than slugging thru B-more beltway traffic.

WE3RX7

04-05-2012, 07:04 PM

So who's running Speed1 if you're all at DGRR, lol?

2gslse

04-05-2012, 07:13 PM

The shop will be closed for the duration of DGRR I think everyone needs a break ( as soon as my car is done)

budfc3s

04-05-2012, 07:30 PM

The shop will be closed for the duration of DGRR I think everyone needs a break ( as soon as my car is done)

As soon as Brian stops being lazy and finishes it.....but really the car is turning out very nice...you will have to take me for a ride in it.

WE3RX7

04-05-2012, 07:32 PM

I'll be on the road most of tomorrow heading north, but I'll give you a call and see how things are coming along with the car when I get to the hotel...

Kontakt

04-06-2012, 02:28 AM

The shop will be closed for the duration of DGRR I think everyone needs a break ( as soon as my car is done)

The silver GSL with the Apexi turbo?

2gslse

04-06-2012, 06:38 AM

Yep, thats the one when everything is done it should be a rocket

Kontakt

04-06-2012, 08:01 AM

Yep, thats the one when everything is done it should be a rocket

Sounds like it should be from what I heard last night. I pussed out of Brian's all-nighter around 2am. I think he said he was gonna start on that at 4am. :lol:

2gslse

04-06-2012, 06:38 PM

I just got home from seeing progress looks like Tuesday will be start/setup day I will try to pick it up next Sat and get ready for DGRR with it. Brian was going to get an O2 sensor and get some ZZZ's this evening after welding up a few things.

WE3RX7

04-06-2012, 07:36 PM

^ pics or it didnt happen :)

I hope Brian took some time away from the welder to snap a few pics as it came along.. I'm sitting in a hotel about 400 miles from my FC so I have to live vicariously through the forums for the next few days...

Redshft

04-09-2012, 12:50 PM

I'm predicting that Brian will actually make it on time this year, because, it looks like we are officially out. No Atlantic Canadian representation this year, I'm afraid.
Was hoping we could pull it off at the last minute, but I have to go to Trinidad for work and won't be getting back home until late-night on the 20th.
So, the remaining budget will be filtered into getting the 88 'Vert running for her. Maybe we'll be able to bring that down next year.

Have fun folks, and pencil us in for 2013.

Kontakt

04-09-2012, 12:53 PM

I'm predicting that Brian will actually make it on time this year, because, it looks like we are officially out. No Atlantic Canadian representation this year, I'm afraid.
Was hoping we could pull it off at the last minute, but I have to go to Trinidad for work and won't be getting back home until late Friday night.
So, the remaining budget will be filtered into getting the 88 'Vert running for her. Maybe we'll be able to bring that down next year.

Have fun folks, and pencil us in for 2013.

Sorry you won't be able to make it this year. It was nice cruising down with you all last year. If it weren't for you I'd have been solo until VA.

RXtacy

04-10-2012, 03:15 PM

Oh, copy that. I didn't figure you'd be meeting us that far up. I've honestly only been to DE by boat (thanks for all the gas and cigs guys!). I figured being that far east you'd angle over more.

Bawbers is gonna be coming down 70 as well. I believe Mikey comes in off 66, 'cause he was the one saying maybe we could meet farther down (Stephens City is 7 miles north of 66).

I know there's a gas station with a dunkin' donuts at the Stephens City exit, and that scores it points, but... it's not like donut shops or gas stations are rare if you have a suggestion.

Yea I'll be coming off 66. The next place with gas close to the exit seems to be Woodstock/Calvary exit 283. All in all it doesn't really matter to me. A 14 mi detour is no big deal. I also have 2 radios I'll be bringing.

Kontakt

04-13-2012, 12:33 PM

Pete and others!

Stops are roughly:

Speed1 Lehnartsville: 8:00 AM
Turkey Hill Harrisburg (Progress Ave): 9:00 AM
Dunkin Donuts/Exxon Stephens City: 11:00 AM
Roanoke VA: 2:00PM
Somewhere between Roanoke and Asheville: Wherever we are about 2-3 hours past Roanoke, we will stop.
Asheville: 6-7PM
NVNC: ~8PM

Pete_89T2

04-15-2012, 07:22 AM

Kontakt

04-15-2012, 01:24 PM

Pete_89T2

04-18-2012, 05:49 AM

I want to say it is 143, the exit for 115 that takes you into Roanoke. I am not sure about that, but street-view says 143 has plenty of gas stations and the like, so let's make that our stop whether it is the spot from last year or not.

Exit 143 dumps you off on I-581 which goes to Roanoke, but there's no place to stop for gas/food there according to Mapquest. One more exit south, at exit 141 there are a bunch of places to stop for gas & food not too far off I-81, and I think I found the Subway we stopped at last year.

Anyway, can't wait to hit the road - it's now under T-24 hours for me! If I'm not too far ahead of you guys, I'll meet up at Stevens city.