West Coast Caravan to DW 2011

[CDMBill]

My co-pilot and I think we'll leave the LA area early September 8th and take the northern Route up the I15 to the I40. We're hoping to get to HPT midday Saturday the 10th.

We also hope to catch up with or meet up with other folks doing the same thing. Who is confirmed to try and meet.

Bill

[BBR]

Psst... September!

I might jump in line when you guys come through Amarillo. Taking I-40 to OKC and then I-35 to Topeka I assume?

[Dignlif]

I'm still working on my junk but I pre-registered and am committed to going. I have a few options to meet up with you guys. I can drive down from Manteca on the eve of the 7th and stay somewhere local if you can recommend a place where my loaded open trailer and truck bed would be safe. Then whenever you guys are ready to bail, I'll be there rested and ready. OR, I can drive down on the 8th and meet up with you around the time you plan to leave. OR, I can try to time a meeting in Barstow by cutting across 58 from 99.

Only thing with the latter plans is that I'll be driving solo so I'll already have 6 hrs road time when I meet up with ya. Are you guys planning on driving through the night on a Bonzai run or is it up in the air as to how you feel as you go?

Rich

[TheSilverBuick]

I'm taking the way northern route through Denver.

[CDMBill]

Going with the 8th of SEPTEMBER (thx BBR) means we have to be in semi banzai mode. We are playing with going out midday the 7th to make the drive a bit more rational as arriving already beat isn't necessarily good planning. That means we need to cover 600 plus each of the first two days and if we average 60 MPH (includes stops etc.) that's 11+ hours each of the first two days so we can hit HPT on time the third. If you can swing the 7th that might be better.

We have an open trailer too, so it would help if the the overnight stops were somewhat secure.

[Bamfster]

I'll be leaving Denver the morning of the 10th ... somewhere around 8 am or so, that will put me in Topeka around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. TSB and CTXSLPR and I are planning on making the drive together. If you guys want to go the northern route (idk how much more time it would add) I will arrange for secure parking here (probably up at Bandimere, 24 hour security on Fri/Sat nights) and am more than happy to give you rides or whatever you need to hotel/etc.

Plus the drive thru the rocky mountains is nice that time of year......

[CTX-SLPR]

I'll just be convoying out to Topeka, I'm not racing. I missed Power Tour this year so I'm doing a mini roadtrip to make up for it. I'll be taking the Riviera unless it's not working by then.

[Dignlif]

My vacation officially starts the 7th so yeah, I can do a day earlier. I'm all for having some extra time to allow for variance and reducing the need to rush.

After the DW trip to Indiana in 2009, my sister in law made me a little mattress setup for the back of my crew cab for power naps.

Mr. Swede...are you out there?

[CDMBill]

I like the 7th idea too. that would let us do the northern (Denver) route which is very little different.

[Chad's Dad]

We will be leaving Lucas, TX about 7am on the 10th and should be there around 4pm. Bill, is Brian going to be your co-pilot? My wife Judy will be mine. It will be her 1st Drag Week. Chad and Daphne are also coming.

[CDMBill]

Floyd who was Brian's co-pilot in "05 is coming with me. Brian is close coming himself this year with the whole clan. I"m hoping.

[CDMBill]

Chad & Daphne are coming whoo hoo

Chad didn't"t tell me he was going, it"ll be great to see the whole family. It's great the Mrs. Is coming too,

[Dignlif]

shiiiiiiittt, only 47 days to our proposed departure

[TheSilverBuick]

I bent up some new fuel lines. I decided I need to replace one of the stock line sections too, so I have to go pick up another length of steel tubing. Pretty much just have to install the straps to hold the lines in place and the re-plumb should be done. Then on to swapping gears.

[CDMBill]

We have adjusted our schedule slightly and I'll leave on the 7th and meet up with Floyd in Las Vegas in the afternoon. Our ambition will be tested by how soon we manage to escape the Las Vegas vortex and then on up to Grand Junction and then East.

Same target to arrive Topeka on Saturday or perhaps even Friday night late if we haul ass.

This assumes the car is done and ready, which is not assured as of this date.