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ALB posted:

I don't advise it, but I once got a rebuilt engine (by me) in my bug running at 2 am, got to bed at 4 and we were on the road to LA and Bug In 20 by 10 or 11 the next morning. Drove from Vancouver to Eugene? Oregon down I5, varying the rpms all the way. That night we found a gas station off the highway still open at 6 or 7 pm, convinced the owner to let us use the hoist and performed the 300(?) mile oil change, got to bed about midnight and slept in sleeping bags under trees in a rest area (again, right off the highway, even ran into friends doing the same thing, so we had to stay up for a beer!), got up early (7:30?) adjusted valves, woke my brother up and off we went, driving non stop and arriving at Orange County International Raceway for Bug In at 5:30 am Sunday morning. That was 1978? 

The point is- you just have to have a plan.(oh, we were young and we were idiots!)

MAN, do I miss trips like that.

In the summer of 1981, two friends and I drove a 1963 Galaxy 500 from central Illinois to Rocky Mountain National Park. The car had 228,000 miles on it when the speedometer cable broke, years before we left. All the glass was intact, but the back seat had been removed and replaced with a lawn-chaise and the top half of a Craftsman tool stack. In the trunk we had a Yamaha RD400 with the front wheel hanging out, lid of the trunk bungeed down. We left at 1:45 AM on a Friday night/Saturday morning, after watching the midnight screening of Heavy Metal at the Madison Theater in downtown Peoria.

The first hint of trouble was just about sunup, somewhere around Iowa City. The axles in a Ford 8" are a press fit into the pumpkin of the differential. 250,000+ miles, and the weight of a street motorcycle in the trunk, a tool stack in the back seat, and 3 corn-fed grease monkeys sprawled across the car conspired to liberate the passenger side axle from the shackles of the press-fit. The entire axle, brake drum, and wheel started migrating outward before being halted by the rear fender (which covered the top 1/3 or more of the tire). As you might expect, this shredded the sidewall of the tire.

But this problem was no hill for flat-land hillbillies-- so we lifted the car up with the floor-jack we'd brought (also in the trunk), beat the entire assembly back in place with the sledgehammer we'd brought (front seat), and changed the tire with one of the 2 extras we had along (under the lawn-chair). We continued on our way, undeterred.

We gassed up and picked out a serviceable used tire in Des Moines, before continuing on our way. The axle did the jail-break trick twice more before we got to Lincoln, NE about mid-afternoon on Saturday. We were out of spare tires by that point.

I do not know how many of you have ever been to Lincoln, but there are only two reasons to go. The first is that it is the state capitol of Nebraska. The second is because that is where the University of Nebraska plays football. The 'huskers play in Memorial Stadium, which holds 90,000 people. At the time, Lincoln's population was about 171,000. They were playing that late Saturday afternoon. It was about 100* in the shade-- and there was not a soul in sight anywhere. Aside from Memorial Stadium, the city was a ghost-town. It looked like a neutron bomb had exploded, wiping out all traces of humanity, but leaving every building intact.

Denver was about 18 hrs from Peoria, back in the double-nickle days. We had been traveling for about 16 hrs at that point, but were not yet halfway. We jacked the car up on the sidewalk, and assessed the situation. The axles were no longer even pretending to be a press fit-- they moved in and out of the pumpkin freely with almost no resistance.

So, there we were-- 17, 19, and 22, shod in flip-flops, cut-offs, and greasy tee-shirts, all hair and sweat and testosterone. We had maybe $400 between us. This was gas and beer money, and no more. We weren't buying parts for a 17 year old car with significantly more than 250k miles on it.

We pulled the axles, found a rock, lay the splines on the rock, and wailed on them with the sledge hammer to beat them up. We slid them back in (gravel and all), lined up the splines, and beat them home with the hammer. We also made the decision to take the bike out of the trunk and ride it the rest of the way. We would take shifts, each of us riding between gas stops, which was averaging about 250- 350 miles. Keep in mind that an RD400 was a 2-stroke, and was not exactly Gold Wing comfortable. We rolled out of Lincoln at about 6:00 or 7:00 PM after finding a place that sold us two more used tires.

If you've ever traveled across Nebraska on I80, you know that there isn't much there. Lincoln to York, York to Grand Island, Grand Island to... Ogallala eventually, but not before you've covered a fair bit of real estate. The elevation keeps climbing, and a cold front was moving in. Stints on the motorcycle went from sunburned to frigid as the sun set. Sometime after dark,  the front finally rolled in and it started to rain. None of us had slept for 40+ hours. I got off the bike somewhere around the Colorado border, soaking wet and wishing I could die. I was afraid I might not. I walked directly to the Galaxy's back seat, and crashed on the lawn-chair.

Some indeterminate time afterward, I woke. I lifted one eye (as only a 17 y/o can do), and noticed NOBODY DRIVING THE CAR!!!

It was only after I grabbed the wheel to wrestle the car off the shoulder that I realized... we weren't moving. Somewhere in the small hours of the night, my compadres, my partners in crime, had decided to call it quits and pull over. Dave was asleep, curled up by the passenger's door, Steve was in the trunk. The bike was laying in the ditch.

It was sunup, and the mist was already starting to burn off. I got out of the car and took a pee as cars whizzed by, honking. We were all awake, and silently took our stations to continue on our way.

There was so much more about that trip I'll never forget (including having a St. Louis city cop standing on my back with a service revolver pointed at my head), but that 24 hrs may be the most memorable single-day road trip I've ever taken.

We only live once. But I've always thought that if a man does it right-- once is enough.

Last edited by Stan Galat
ALB posted:

@Stan Galat wrote- "MAN, do I miss trips like that. In the summer of 1981, two friends and I drove..."

My brother and I still talk about that trip! And these days we're closer than ever.

Stan- do you still keep in touch with those guys?

I do. We all grew up... sorta'. 

Steve lives in the next town over. We served together at the same mission in the highlands of Papua New Guinea in the late '80s. He owns 4 or 5 outdoor power equipment stores, and employs something like 50 people. He's into backup generators as a division of his company. Until a couple of years ago, he drove a 1958 Chevy ambulance painted safety yellow as his work truck. He's almost civilized.

Dave moved to Colorado shortly after the trip. He came back to Peoria long enough to pack his stuff up and head back out. He bought a little slice of heaven in Lyons, CO-- lived in an old Airstream trailer for a couple of years while building his house on nights and weekends. He bathed in the creek, lived like a mountain man-- even though he was a mechanical engineer, and would eventually become one of the country's premier power generation turbine whisperers. He's an artist, outdoorsman, bird watcher, and runner. He mills his own buckwheat and climbs mountains "because they are there". Dave will outlive us all.

I'm still here-- just a schlub with a white van, playing with glorified golf-carts powered by expensive lawn-mower engines.

Last edited by Stan Galat
Napa Paul posted:

C'mon, you raconteurs....what have your stories got to do with the "Official 2020 West Coast Cruise?"   It seems you've hijacked the Thread for your own ulterior motives. ...and what have you done with the presiding Forum "Administrator-In-Charge?" 

We're all fairly old (well, most of you are!) so thread drift is a fact of life here. As for the Grand Poobah, he'll show up out of the blue, delete the odd thread for no reason (that I can tell) and then when asked a day later can't remember any of the details, the only explanation being "I didn't keep track of all that was happening, but it was too much to moderate so I deleted it."

Robert M posted:

***2020 West Coast Cruise*** ***Rescheduled***

The majority of people have spoken and would like to see the event rescheduled until later this year. I will come up with a date and I've contacted the hotel to see what is available. Based on my schedule and my wife's schedule we're looking at the weekend of September 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2020. I'll await a response from the hotel and will post that information as soon as I get it.

The other thing I'm trying to work out with the hotel is if we each need to change our reservations or if the hotel can switch the group as a whole. If that is the case I'll have them make the switch and if you can't make it you may have to call and cancel your reservation.

@TheMayoMachine @Cory McCloskey @PaulEllis @Napa Paul @Kevin - Bay Area @Rick99GSX @Tom Murtaugh @goofer @Dutch @GERD @SimplifyTALightness @*LongFella @majorkahuna @Dan Stewart @IMDoug @OCC @Roy @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @MusbJim @Troy Sloan @JMM (Michael) @Terry Nuckels @ChrissyB @Meade @Dave Mitchell @VSpyder @Karyadi @Speedster Marc

***2020 West Coast Cruise***

          ***Rescheduled***

I gave the hotel several dates and the weekend that works best for our group is September 18th-20th, 2020. I had the manager copy and move all of our reservations to the new date. If you are no longer going to attend please call the hotel and cancel your reservation. If you want to double check that your reservation was actually changed feel free to call and verify. 

Quality Suites San Luis Obispo
1631 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hotel 805-541-5001 
www.qualitysuitesslo.com

@TheMayoMachine @Cory McCloskey @PaulEllis @Napa Paul @Kevin - Bay Area @Rick99GSX @Tom Murtaugh @goofer @Dutch @GERD @SimplifyTALightness @*LongFella @majorkahuna @Dan Stewart @IMDoug @OCC @Roy @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @MusbJim @Troy Sloan @JMM (Michael) @Terry Nuckels @ChrissyB @Meade @Dave Mitchell @VSpyder @Karyadi @Speedster Marc

 

 

Last edited by Robert M

Oh man, you are making me choose! Warbirds Wings and Wheels 12 rescheduled for that weekend...https://www.ewarbirds.org/www12/index.shtml

Might be too big of an event too soon? We'll see. I bet I can do both! All volunteer effort, need to help park cars at 6AM, then drink an 805 and eat some BBQ for 'charity' (all Firestone Walker and JLohr wine sales 100% go to museum proceeds) 

See you all soon. - Marcel

@Robert M posted:

***2020 West Coast Cruise***

          ***Rescheduled***

I gave the hotel several dates and the weekend that works best for our group is September 18th-20th, 2020. I had the manager copy and move all of our reservations to the new date. If you are no longer going to attend please call the hotel and cancel your reservation. If you want to double check that your reservation was actually changed feel free to call and verify. 

Quality Suites San Luis Obispo
1631 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hotel 805-541-5001 
www.qualitysuitesslo.com

@TheMayoMachine @Cory McCloskey @PaulEllis @Napa Paul @Kevin - Bay Area @Rick99GSX @Tom Murtaugh @goofer @Dutch @GERD @SimplifyTALightness @*LongFella @majorkahuna @Dan Stewart @IMDoug @OCC @Roy @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @MusbJim @Troy Sloan @JMM (Michael) @Terry Nuckels @ChrissyB @Meade @Dave Mitchell @VSpyder @Karyadi @Speedster Marc

 

 

Okay, you "Canuckelhedz," there's been bupkis on this West Coast Cruise thread for almost 3 months...and now it's only 53 daze 'til the Ball should drop - God willin' and the COVID don't shift into High!  Wazzup? 

@Napa Paul posted:

Okay, you "Canuckelhedz," there's been bupkis on this West Coast Cruise thread for almost 3 months...and now it's only 53 daze 'til the Ball should drop - God willin' and the COVID don't shift into High!  Wazzup? 

Funny you should ask. 

Earlier this week I reached out to the hotel to inquire as to what the hotel is allowing and not allowing. As of this time we won’t have access to the breakfast room for a dinner etc and we can’t bring in a caterer. The lunch venue is also not allowing indoor eating and no outside caterers  

As of right now SLO County is not allowing indoor dining and they are asking residents to limit social gatherings to a minimum number of people or not at all. 

At this point it may be most prudent to cancel 2020’s gathering and just plan for 2021. 

@Napa Paul @PaulEllis @TheMayoMachine @majorkahuna @MusbJim @Dutch @Kevin - Bay Area @Teby S @Tom Murtaugh @*LongFella @goofer @Cory McCloskey @IMDoug @OCC @GERD @SimplifyTALightness @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @Karyadi @JMM (Michael) @Dave Mitchell @Speedster Marc @VSpyder @Troy Sloan @ChrissyB @Dan Stewart

I’ve been assisting organizing the Napa Valley 750 auto rally that will occur next week. 20 cars, 40 people. And a ton of logistics nightmares trying to organize lunch and dinner locations for 40-ppl to sit outside to dine.  Dining locations seem to open and close at a drop of the hat. 
Coming up with (3) 250-mile routes was the easy part. COVID in CA has made this quite challenging. But, the participants are excited, a number of them are flying in this Saturday and Sunday. 

I say we plan it as a BYOB and food if needed...what’s the drop date to cancel rooms? @Robert M I still have a half bottle of Scotch...from last year. 

You might check on your own directly with the hotel....BUT, I believe the cancellation deadlines have been extended right up to the last minute (i.e., day before) because of COVID-19. That might be the ONLY relatively positive thing to come from the friggin' virus!

If it's of any consolation, (non permitted) cruise nights are going on weekly here to keep the car crazies happy and supporting our local 91 Premium distributors going. Visible marks from burnouts and donuts can be seen in some intersections. The one on Main St. in Templeton, CA I heard is especially a good one, quaint small town and 220 Speedsters would definitely dominate the action if they showed up.

Also, wineries are open, no indoor tasting rooms or gathering at bars, but there are plenty with ample parking and outdoor seating options and open space. Car people work there too! Sculpterra (our favorite) always has tacos or greek food on weekends plus live music and one gal has her late model Shelby as a daily driver that she loves to talk about. Just went to Still Waters east of Paso, that one has a great view and excellent service. Our server daily is a '74 Alfa. Hearst Winery has a tasting room on River Rd. north in San Miguel, great spot for 10 or so people and it doesn't get much traffic, you could easily show up and it's your private party. Just buy a few bottles and everyone is instant friends.

@Dave Mitchell :

“...we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...”

It is the uncertainty of the future due to the constantly changing minds of those in government making decisions that cause me strife.  In March we postponed until September hoping things would have a sense of normalcy.  It is now almost August and there is no realistic expectation of what the future holds.

I have not cancelled my reservation for September as I, too, am holding out hope for a trip to the coast where we can see friends old and new.  Hell, the wife and I may make the drive and spend the week-end in SLO even if the Cruise is cancelled.  But I know all too well that planning a large event with vendors, routes, meals, and all the other logistics is virtually impossible without actually knowing an event can take place with or without restriction(s) no matter your position on them.

@Dave Mitchell :

“...we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...”

It is the uncertainty of the future due to the constantly changing minds of those in government making decisions that cause me strife.  In March we postponed until September hoping things would have a sense of normalcy.  It is now almost August and there is no realistic expectation of what the future holds.

I have not cancelled my reservation for September as I, too, am holding out hope for a trip to the coast where we can see friends old and new.  Hell, the wife and I may make the drive and spend the week-end in SLO even if the Cruise is cancelled.  But I know all too well that planning a large event with vendors, routes, meals, and all the other logistics is virtually impossible without actually knowing an event can take place with or without restriction(s) no matter your position on them.

Understood...that’s what I’m hoping to do myself even if the official event is canceled. I’m thinking of the hotel keeping revenue and the places around us. If I’m there and you are there will have a cold drink...sit back and enjoy the day. 

Hope is all we have right now...I’m not giving up hope...🍻

@Dave Mitchell :
Hope springs eternal.

As of this posting I plan to be in SLO as planned...let fate determine the rest!

I totally agree with both of you and I look forward to enjoying a, perhaps, less "organized" but more relaxed day in SLO. I might spend Thursday night at Monterey's Cannery Row and drive down Hwy-101 on Friday...depending upon weather along the coast. While that route last year was really a blast, the caravan of Clown Cars seemed too rushed. That was because the "herding of cats" didn't finally get on the road until after 2PM: A lesson learned! 

HEY KIDS:

Tebs here,  I hope your all well in this wonky time we are all going through. 

I agree on cancelling the event as a whole,  its so uncertain what Newsome may come up with as there is talk again for another shelter in place.  Also I was just there this last weekend for a visit.  It was not easy to get around and the restaurants are limited to outdoor seating and even with that, the outdoor seating is limited to say the least.

Not to mention, believe it or not they have had protesting and as of late it got a little out of hand to the point where they stopped traffic on the 101.. You wouldn't think SLO would have an issue but hey have had mild violent and mild destructive activity.

But I do agree to that if you want to individually head over it would be a lot easier to get around and enjoy the area.    It was a nice trip for me that's for sure, I also recommend going to see SENSORIO (check it out online) in PASO  its awesome!!

To be honest this really sucks,  I have repeatedly  asked for a refund for 2020. NO such luck!!  

I may show up myself not sure yet..

Again hope all is well with everyone!

Love

Tebs

@Teby S saying 2020 sucks is the understatement of the year...

Today I explored a bit. Went up highway 4 to Uitica Lake. The campgrounds were so packed with people it was insane...the folks with Kayaks and Jeeps seemed to be having a great time. One site had six tents...and I don’t know how many people...most all the license plate frames were from the Bay Area...business as usual for them.  

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