Hey guys, sometime in March I plan on driving from Chicago, IL to Malibu, CA.

Thats the route I'm taking. I80 to I76 to I70 to I15.
I've never been through Colorado, Nevada, Utah, or California. I was wondering if you guys know any great places to visit/any great roads to drive on. I'd imagine theres some good ones in Colorado, but I can't stray too far away from the route, I want to get there in 2 days. 2 and a half at the most.

I think I have prep for the car planned out well. Since I'm in Columbus away from my car, I want to try and get my car ready now for the trip so I'm set to go. I plan on flushing all the fluids, and I have a new set of Potenzas, but I don't want to use them, so I was thinking about getting a cheap set of tires.. I haven't done much research for this, but I'm leaning towards Yokohama AVS ES100... Its cheaper than Kumho ECSTA Supra 712.. But I just want a cheap tire to put on the front wheels, and I have a set of Potenza's that are pretty much shot, but with a bit tread left that I'll throw on the rear for the trip.

So, if I mix and match, as long as I do it in pairs, I'm fine right?

Also, does anyone know what the weather in Colorado late March is like? I'm also slightly concerned I might hit SNOW!

Anyone have tips for staying awake? I've done a 17 hour trip before from Chicago to South Carolina, and a 28 hour one from Chicago to Phoenix. They were both non stop alone, and I don't remember Oklahoma, the entire state when I went Chicago to Phoenix. I definently don't plan on letting that happen again, it was pretty dumb. I'll stop at rest areas and sleep. Thats actually what I did going to AZ, I stopped twice for an hour each time and took a nap. That helped a lot, it was on the way back I had some problems.

I found coffee and coke and Mug Root beer help a lot.

I also have a bra for the car. I followed directions, but when I took it off, it left some marks on the front bumper. The hood was also hard as hell to close! Any suggestions?

And since its all highway driving, going almost 5000 miles should be fine right? I use Mobil 1 syn...

Helms and small tool box come with me. Maybe a golf club to use for cruise control. CDs, a small cooler. Sleeping bag. (Its still cold late March!)

Any suggestions? Anyone think of anything else I might need? Any cool things I HAVE to see?

*Edit: Also, I have a V1, but still, cops love to use Instant on. Any one familar with those interstates that know of places cops love to hide, oh please do tell...

*Edit again!: While I'm listing all my trips, I COMPLETLEY forgot about my spring break 03 trip! Chicago -> Boston -> NY -> DC -> University of North Carolina (visited a friend, and I quote, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?!??! AHH!!" then hug.. Nothing like surprising your friends hundreds of miles away..) -> Bowling Green, KY (Corvette Museum and plant! My friend is still jealous I got to see how his Z06 was made... Hahaha..)-> University of Indiana -> Home. It was a great drive, and I got to see lots of cool stuff. Now, I need a west coast trip.

The funny thing about the Vette plant, the tour guide points in the corner, and says "Thats where they take the cars if theres something wrong. Usually someone works on it by hand, like that guy." There was a black Z06, one side jacked up with a guy under it. THEN, he proceeds to take a hammer or SOMETHING and make a LOUD BANGING SOUND under the car... It was pretty funny. I wouldn't want that to be my Z06...

Modified by dk127 at 7:03 AM 9/6/2003


Modified by dk127 at 7:46 AM 9/6/2003

 

You're nuts.

 

Heh, I'm going from Buffalo, NY to LA and back in october...still working on a route though...it should be fun...

 

2 days is definitely do-able, but you won't have much time for sight seeing. I did PA-CA in a little less than two days.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jsxtek &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You're nuts.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Hahaha, yes I am. I try and out do myself every year. Every mile gets me closer to that 1,000,000 mark. HAhahaha, if I'm alive that long.

On the way back, I can take as much time as I need. I just want to catch my buddy on the weekend so we can hang out, before he has classes on Monday. I was planning on taking 40 back, because I was cutting through Phoenix, but I can reroute and go north up through vegas and hook up back with my original route. I took 40 the last time I went to Tempe.

So, what did you do to stay awake going to PA?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JoesTypeS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Heh, I'm going from Buffalo, NY to LA and back in october...still working on a route though...it should be fun...</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well, how much time do you have? If you have like 2 weeks, I'd definently pic a fun route.. Maybe go down the East coast, check out Florida, check out Louisana, for some reason I can't think of the city they have Marti Gras in... Damn it... Anyways, go through Texas.. Well, New Mexico is a whole bunch of nothing.... As with AZ. When you get to CA, I guess Pacific Coast Highway (CA1 right?) is a fun road.. When you come back, you should take my route, cut through Las Vegas (maybe hit the casinos for a night??), Denver, hell maybe you can go to Aspen. I've been there before, pretty sweet city.. come through Chicago and spend the night! Chicago is a great city, I love it. I'll be in Columbus at that time.. Go through Cedar Point, then back to Buffalo! Man. That'd be fun.

 

me and some friends just did the same exact roadtrip. one tip, youll never do it alone without sleep. three of us did it non stop, there and back. i cant remember, but i think it took about 32 hours or so. have fun

 

I did 28 hours straight alone... Whats 4 more? Haha, I plan on sleeping though.

Did you run into any cops? Did you guys see anything cool you would have liked to stop at?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dk127 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I was planning on taking 40 back, because I was cutting through Phoenix, but I can reroute and go north up through vegas and hook up back with my original route. I took 40 the last time I went to Tempe.

So, what did you do to stay awake going to PA?</TD></TR></TABLE>

The 40 is the fastest route through to PA, but I would stick to 80 going between Chi town and CA, especially since you've already driven along 40.

I didn't stay awake the whole time. I would go for about 4 hours each stretch, pull over for 15 min. to go to the bathroom, refuel and get food, then start over again. I would take two hour naps whenever I felt it was necessary. Then wake up and start going again. I did 2,550 miles in 41 hours with stops, 34 without stops.

Driving at night is more efficient because the truckers drive faster and there are fewer cars and cops out. I recommend a Valentine One for your trip.

Some truckers are cool and you can draft behind them. I went 400 miles on 12 gallons once.

 

You won't see nothing in 2 day trip, unforutnately.

My only advice is to pack a full size spare, just in case. (maybe you listed the item, but the thread is too dang long. ).

 

[QUOTE=dk127]

Well, how much time do you have? QUOTE]

I'm taking the entire month of october. I think I'm gonna go to SF then down the coast to LA, then over to TJ and back to Buffalo.

 

That is one trip I plan on making someday. Let us know how long it takes you and interesting routes. I hope I remember to search this thread come that time

 

I'm taking the entire month of october. I think I'm gonna go to SF then down the coast to LA, then over to TJ and back to Buffalo.[/QUOTE]

help.. TJ=?
What highways do you plan on taking?

 

Expect snow over I-70 in March in Colorado. I've driven I-70 in March with 3 foot snows the night before. I hope you have some good all seasons

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by "dk127" &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I was wondering if you guys know any great places to visit/any great roads to drive on. I'd imagine theres some good ones in Colorado, but I can't stray too far away from the route, I want to get there in 2 days. 2 and a half at the most.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Just wait till you get to Malibu .

This is a site I use to stage some late night runs. Just click on the area for detailed info. I use this site purposely for its maps and info, I am not affiliated with the group or crew that keeps the site up .( If you read the site you will see what I mean. )


<FONT COLOR="red">Maps</FONT>

Keep it safe and have fun.



Modified by YellowKahuna at 12:07 AM 9/8/2003

 

SON OF A.... Dam, I'm really glad you told me that, I was going to go with summer tires! Now I have to re think my strategy... Even in late March? I wanted to maybe do some "spirited" driving in the canyons...

Now I need a good All season recomendation.

Or maybe I should just throw the winter tires in the trunk?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by YellowKahuna &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


Just wait till you get to Malibu .

This is a site I use to stage some late night runs. Just click on the area for detailed info. I use this site purposely for its maps and info, I am not affiliated with the group or crew that keeps the site up .( If you read the site you will see what I mean. )


<FONT COLOR="red">Maps</FONT>

Keep it safe and have fun.

Modified by YellowKahuna at 12:07 AM 9/8/2003</TD></TR></TABLE>

! Oh man, those roads look sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo fun..
edit: I just looked more in depth. I've been wondering where roads like that were! MAN, just to drive, not even push the car there. And the great pictures... I might have to spend all my time in Malibu...


Modified by dk127 at 9:25 AM 9/8/2003

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dk127 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I wanted to maybe do some "spirited" driving in the canyons...</TD></TR></TABLE>


Just as long as its not tooo spirited...... remember you need to drive your car back home in one piece.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dk127 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

help.. TJ=?
What highways do you plan on taking?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Tijuana (sp?)

I haven't decided on a route yet....but i'll be mapping it out soon

oh and don't worry about snow too much I goto Aspen to ski yearly durring spring break and never have a problem with the highways being snowy, I usually tear them up in whatever subaru we rent.

 

you think that is a longgggg drive?

 

I took the same driving route, except I went from Long Beach back to Chicago (Oak Lawn). I drove my uncle's 93 Corvette back for him when he moved back out here.

I remember a few times in Utah on the highway where I had the Vette speedometer bouncing between 159-160. Speeding through Utah was really fun, I think I averaged about 100mph or so going through, and traffic was really scarce during daytime hours. The V1 really came in handy a few times during the trip.

Since you like coffee, pick up several Starbucks Doubleshots. They're not a lot of money, and you don't get a ton quantity wise, but those damn things pack a punch!

You probably got CD's and stuff like that taken care of. If you don't have any, get some old classic rock CD's (Queen, AC/DC, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin), those are always great for long drives. When I drove back from CA, I knocked off all the David Lee Roth stuff from Van Halen and most of the Sammy Hagar stuff.

Enjoy the mountains, they're beautiful! Some of the roads going through there will definitely push the handling of the R to it's limits, so have fun.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JoesTypeS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
oh and don't worry about snow too much I goto Aspen to ski yearly durring spring break and never have a problem with the highways being snowy, I usually tear them up in whatever subaru we rent.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yea, but subaru = awd, and all seasons, itr = fwd, summer tires... i only have a set of potenzas right now, and we all know how much they suck in snow, so i need to find a good all season now..

and its a long drive in terms of mileage.... 4000 miles in about 4 days?

 

Malibu Ownz....cliffs own more.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JoesTypeS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">oh and don't worry about snow too much I goto Aspen to ski yearly durring spring break and never have a problem with the highways being snowy, I usually tear them up in whatever subaru we rent.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Don't worry about snow in late March??? Dude, I've been living here in Colorado all my life and snowboarding for 10 of those years. March is one of the heavest snow months of the year in ski country. I've had the epic snow day of my life in late March at Vail. It was snowing so bad that they closed the roads after we got there so nobody on the mountain but the locals and me

You might get lucky and hit no snow but I'm just warning you that there still is a chance of snow on I-70

 

I see you jumped over a little fence to take that picture.. i'm reporting you. hahaha.. yea its pretty. i'll be there.

I'm not gambling with snow.... Sigh, looks like i'm lugging around the winter tires with me on the trip. what a pain in the ***.