Long and Great Road Trip
06-15-2018, 01:30 PM
#21
Le Mans Master
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Location: Down south in Dixie
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That's exactly what we do Robert. I'm sure you know as I that well before the interstates there were small two lanes roads that move with the landscape. They didn't bore through the hills, and bridge valley's to make a straight line. They ran directly through the old cities, big and small. Those little roads are still there in stretches long enough to break the boredom of the interstate. And you meet some of the nicest people in the cities, and towns if you take a little time to stop. If you do a little investigating (we use Google Earth) the roads are easily found. And we also go low tech buy stopping at state visitor centers, and picking up a good old paper road map. It's the only way to go in my book.BTW, you're are so right. We've rode quite a few Nebraska back roads, and it is beautiful.
Last edited by Rebel Yell; 06-15-2018 at 01:32 PM.
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06-15-2018, 02:16 PM
#22
Pro
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Orange County, Southern California
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Do you have an Auto or stick?
So, please advise: Do you have an Auto or stick? (I'm hoping it's an auto... which to the dismay of many, actually worked for all your driving without the dreaded torque converter problem!) Disclosure: I have an auto.
06-15-2018, 10:58 PM
#24
What great trips you're taking in your 2016 3LT!
It was a great read! Next time, snap photos as you go, and post them along with your chronicle here on C7!!
It was a great read! Next time, snap photos as you go, and post them along with your chronicle here on C7!!
06-16-2018, 05:39 AM
#26
Le Mans Master
That's exactly what we do Robert. I'm sure you know as I that well before the interstates there were small two lanes roads that move with the landscape. They didn't bore through the hills, and bridge valley's to make a straight line. They ran directly through the old cities, big and small. Those little roads are still there in stretches long enough to break the boredom of the interstate. And you meet some of the nicest people in the cities, and towns if you take a little time to stop. If you do a little investigating (we use Google Earth) the roads are easily found. And we also go low tech buy stopping at state visitor centers, and picking up a good old paper road map. It's the only way to go in my book.BTW, you're are so right. We've rode quite a few Nebraska back roads, and it is beautiful.
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Rebel Yell (06-16-2018)
06-16-2018, 06:28 AM
#27
Le Mans Master
Good for you Thanks for sharing 
Thanks for sharing
06-16-2018, 05:55 PM
#28
We recently completed a road trip that was just shy of 7500 miles. We left Central Florida at the beginning of May final destination of Glacier National Park in Montana. Then we were off to Minnesota the upper Peninsula Michigan before finally turning south and home.
On the way there we visited Chimney Rock in Nebraska, Devils Tower in Wyoming and Custer’s battlefield in Montana at the Little Big Horn.
We encountered a lot of rain as well as snowy roads and conditions in the Bitterroot Mountains of South West Montana. Using the "Weather" setting for great traction and had no problems. (Used again on the rainy days too!) We’re able to enter the western part of Glacier traveling some 12 miles before it was closed with the 40 mile section connecting it to the eastern entrance still covered in snow. Great views of Lake MacDonald mounts Stanton and Vaught. Then days later we skirted around the southern routes and entered some 6 miles of the eastern half to the rest area of Lake Mary which was also quite nice.
From there we took a leisurely drive along the High Line of Montana - 600 miles that never ends. Then onto a very rainy North Dakota, where we didn’t see much but rain, some of it torrential. On the rainy road a pickup truck in front of me easily went over a fireplace log which I hit #*{[^}%#. It tore off the center section of the rubber skirting under the splitter. A later check of the undercarriage saw that was about all it did.
Then on to Minnesota where we spent four days absolute gorgeous farm country. On one Saturday went to a local gun show ate some great food and found a small leak in my left rear tire. Since it was losing 1 pound of pressure per day I used the compressor to fill it every morning and watched it while we continued until we got back home. The local tire shop took out an eight penny nail FOR FREE.
Of course, the obligatory stop in Bowling Green to see the Museum. A fun day!
The car a 2016LT3, arctic white with a clear top. Last year we made it as far west as Idaho, then south to Nevada, the national parks in Utah and Arizona. All totaled it’s now been to 36 states we are planning to go to Got home, two days shy of a month with the oil change reminder at “0”, replaced the skirting and gave it a good wash THAT TOOK THE BETTER PART OF AN AFTERNOON.
It’s off to Oklahoma in October.
That is all, adios!
On the way there we visited Chimney Rock in Nebraska, Devils Tower in Wyoming and Custer’s battlefield in Montana at the Little Big Horn.
We encountered a lot of rain as well as snowy roads and conditions in the Bitterroot Mountains of South West Montana. Using the "Weather" setting for great traction and had no problems. (Used again on the rainy days too!) We’re able to enter the western part of Glacier traveling some 12 miles before it was closed with the 40 mile section connecting it to the eastern entrance still covered in snow. Great views of Lake MacDonald mounts Stanton and Vaught. Then days later we skirted around the southern routes and entered some 6 miles of the eastern half to the rest area of Lake Mary which was also quite nice.
From there we took a leisurely drive along the High Line of Montana - 600 miles that never ends. Then onto a very rainy North Dakota, where we didn’t see much but rain, some of it torrential. On the rainy road a pickup truck in front of me easily went over a fireplace log which I hit #*{[^}%#. It tore off the center section of the rubber skirting under the splitter. A later check of the undercarriage saw that was about all it did.
Then on to Minnesota where we spent four days absolute gorgeous farm country. On one Saturday went to a local gun show ate some great food and found a small leak in my left rear tire. Since it was losing 1 pound of pressure per day I used the compressor to fill it every morning and watched it while we continued until we got back home. The local tire shop took out an eight penny nail FOR FREE.
Of course, the obligatory stop in Bowling Green to see the Museum. A fun day!
The car a 2016LT3, arctic white with a clear top. Last year we made it as far west as Idaho, then south to Nevada, the national parks in Utah and Arizona. All totaled it’s now been to 36 states we are planning to go to Got home, two days shy of a month with the oil change reminder at “0”, replaced the skirting and gave it a good wash THAT TOOK THE BETTER PART OF AN AFTERNOON.
It’s off to Oklahoma in October.
That is all, adios!
06-17-2018, 01:47 AM
#29
Melting Slicks
Heading west though NB, I usually get off the interstate at Grand Isle and take Hwy 2 west through the Sand Hills. Very scenic and its posted at 65 mph so you can run 70 all day long. Then continue on two lane though WY to get to 14 to take me into Cody WY. Back roads out west are just as quick as the interstate and you see a lot more.
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robertbruce (06-17-2018)
06-17-2018, 04:58 PM
#30
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '13
Montana and Wyoming comprise some of the most beautiful country in America. Did you get a chance to drive much in the Black Hills around Sturgis? Needles Highway is one of the most challenging roads in America and just built for motorcycles and sports cars.
Worst part about driving west is that Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota are looooooong and very boring stretches of highway.
Worst part about driving west is that Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota are looooooong and very boring stretches of highway.
"Dad, just suck it up and go!"
That's been our road trip motto over since.
Early this year we did 3 months/8,000+ miles of IL, MO, AR, OK, TX, NM, AZ, NV, CA, UT, CO, and back home. Careful packing and soft duffle luggage can put an amazing amount of stuff in the Coupe trunk.
06-17-2018, 05:11 PM
#31
Team Owner
When we were considering our first Corvette road trip many years ago, and I was complaining about those states (except western SD), our older daughter said:
"Dad, just suck it up and go!"
That's been our road trip motto over since.
Early this year we did 3 months/8,000+ miles of IL, MO, AR, OK, TX, NM, AZ, NV, CA, UT, CO, and back home. Careful packing and soft duffle luggage can put an amazing amount of stuff in the Coupe trunk.
"Dad, just suck it up and go!"
That's been our road trip motto over since.
Early this year we did 3 months/8,000+ miles of IL, MO, AR, OK, TX, NM, AZ, NV, CA, UT, CO, and back home. Careful packing and soft duffle luggage can put an amazing amount of stuff in the Coupe trunk.
I bet you had fun though.
Last edited by JoesC5; 06-17-2018 at 05:34 PM.
06-17-2018, 05:20 PM
#32
Le Mans Master
Heading west though NB, I usually get off the interstate at Grand Isle and take Hwy 2 west through the Sand Hills. Very scenic and its posted at 65 mph so you can run 70 all day long. Then continue on two lane though WY to get to 14 to take me into Cody WY. Back roads out west are just as quick as the interstate and you see a lot more.
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Dave80C3 (06-19-2018)
06-17-2018, 05:45 PM
#33
Instructor
Thread Starter
Northern Arkansas is one of out favorites, we will be in Horseshoe Bend this fall. Usually go to Mammoth Springs and into Mo. Then there is Mountain Home and other small towns.
Softsided duffels with jackets packed in nooks and crannies work the best for us. Leaving the duffels in the car, pulling out a shirt etc. Using a back pack with overnite stuff chargers etc. make the hotel check in easy going.
Last edited by hill536; 06-17-2018 at 05:48 PM.
06-17-2018, 05:54 PM
#34
Team Owner
we will be in Horshoe Bend this fall. Usually go to Mammoth Springs and into Mo. Then there is Mountain Home and other small towns.
Softsided duffels with jackets packed in nooks and crannies work the best fo us. Using a back pack with overnite stuff chargers make the hotel check in easy going.
In Mountain Home, have brunch at Gaston's White River Resort on Sunday morning. If you are a baller, fly your plane to Gaston's, park it in front and walk over to the restaurant.
06-17-2018, 06:35 PM
#35
Instructor
Thread Starter
Mountain Home equals vinegar pie at some small joint on the town square. That stop is a must. Then in Mammoth Springs there’s an old German couple that run a restaurant. I am a cave diver and enjoy the headspring that runs north into Missouri underground. Wish I could dive it. You’re right about the station it is cool and I took several pictures there.
06-17-2018, 07:03 PM
#36
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '13
The first two weeks and last two weeks were the too-busy part. As a co-worker used to say at the end of a long day,
"I've enjoyed about as much of this as I can stand."
We plan to do a similar trip again this coming winter...
06-17-2018, 08:09 PM
#37
Burning Brakes
Great trips all.
I'm headed to Glacier in September from New Jersey. Planning on return Via Hwy 2 to Minnesota and the Michigan upper peninsula, but avoiding the traffic and road conditions from oil activity around Williston ND. I'm in training now to make the hike up to the Grinell Glacier (8 miles round trip with 1600' elevation gain.)
Last year, I did Badlands and black Hills of S Dakota, Devils tower ,Sturgis, Deadwood, Rushmore , Custer's battlefield and Yellowstone. Also drove the Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway and the Beartooth Highway. All great rides! ! Especially in the Vette .
I did Arizona and Utah first summer I had the vette (2016). Corvette owners school then Zion NP, Brice canyon and the Arches on the way home.
Missed the Grand canyon on that trip, but going back next September (2019) to the North Rim.
Retired and "seeing the USA" in my C7 Vette
I'm headed to Glacier in September from New Jersey. Planning on return Via Hwy 2 to Minnesota and the Michigan upper peninsula, but avoiding the traffic and road conditions from oil activity around Williston ND. I'm in training now to make the hike up to the Grinell Glacier (8 miles round trip with 1600' elevation gain.)
Last year, I did Badlands and black Hills of S Dakota, Devils tower ,Sturgis, Deadwood, Rushmore , Custer's battlefield and Yellowstone. Also drove the Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway and the Beartooth Highway. All great rides! ! Especially in the Vette .
I did Arizona and Utah first summer I had the vette (2016). Corvette owners school then Zion NP, Brice canyon and the Arches on the way home.
Missed the Grand canyon on that trip, but going back next September (2019) to the North Rim.
Retired and "seeing the USA" in my C7 Vette
Last edited by blueray16; 06-17-2018 at 08:14 PM.
06-17-2018, 08:50 PM
#38
Instructor
Thread Starter
Rode the length of HWY 2. The Montana High Line. Railroad on the north side of most of the road which ends at MM 666. It was a - b o r i n g - drive. Grain elevators every 10 -15 miles is about it. Not a lot of traffic into Williston so I wouldn’t worry, but every vehicle an extended cab PU in ND. Still was lots of fun.
06-17-2018, 10:13 PM
#39
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St. Jude Donor '13
Great trips all.
I'm headed to Glacier in September from New Jersey. Planning on return Via Hwy 2 to Minnesota and the Michigan upper peninsula, but avoiding the traffic and road conditions from oil activity around Williston ND. I'm in training now to make the hike up to the Grinell Glacier (8 miles round trip with 1600' elevation gain.)
...
I'm headed to Glacier in September from New Jersey. Planning on return Via Hwy 2 to Minnesota and the Michigan upper peninsula, but avoiding the traffic and road conditions from oil activity around Williston ND. I'm in training now to make the hike up to the Grinell Glacier (8 miles round trip with 1600' elevation gain.)
...
I was under the impression that the boom had died out and the Williston area was pretty quiet now.
Is that not correct?
06-17-2018, 10:34 PM
#40
Instructor
We just finished a 1900 mile road trip as we took part in the Museum in Motion event (along with 24 other Corvette owners) in Branson, Missouri. After the event we went up to Kansas City for a Royals game before heading home to the Houston area. We had a great trip, the car performed flawlessly, was extremely comfortable, and averaged 29.1 mpg. We would highly recommend the Museum in Motion events, they are a lot of fun.