Long and Great Road Trip
06-14-2018, 10:47 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Long and Great Road Trip
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!
Last edited by hill536; 06-14-2018 at 10:50 AM.
06-14-2018, 01:59 PM
#2
Le Mans Master
Sounds amazing 
06-14-2018, 02:42 PM
#3
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!
06-14-2018, 02:45 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Sounds like an awesome trip! I did a 3,300 mile road trip last summer and thoroughly enjoyed it (don't think I ever hit rain but did see a maximum temperature of 127F in Death Valley in June!).
You missed some beautiful scenery in Utah - I've only driven around the state once but it's on my list to do again!
You missed some beautiful scenery in Utah - I've only driven around the state once but it's on my list to do again!
06-14-2018, 02:55 PM
#5
Pro
I would love to do the same but taking that much time off of work would be a problem for me and the wife. Maybe after we retire. For now we do a lot of long weekend road trips.
06-14-2018, 03:47 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
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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.
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Rebel Yell (06-15-2018)
06-14-2018, 03:53 PM
#8
Great trip!! 
I am officially jealous.
I am officially jealous.
06-14-2018, 03:54 PM
#9
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That sounds a great trip hill. The longest we have been on is 4K miles, and now you've given me a challenge. I must go farther.
BTW, would love to see some pics if you have time.
BTW, would love to see some pics if you have time.
06-14-2018, 03:55 PM
#10
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That sounds like one great road trip. 
06-14-2018, 03:56 PM
#11
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Roger, with a little imagination it can be done. We do our long road trips in a Vert, and that does take some thought. Mind you, you may have to wash along the way. But, most of the hotels have laundry rooms for the guest to use these days. Also, if you forget something, or need something there's a Wally World on nearly every corner.
06-14-2018, 11:13 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
[QUOTE=hill536;1597404119]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.
Sounds like a great trip. Here is Chimney Rock near Bayard Nebraska
On the way there we visited Chimney Rock in Nebraska.
Sounds like a great trip. Here is Chimney Rock near Bayard Nebraska
Last edited by robertbruce; 06-15-2018 at 04:49 AM.
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witch hunt (06-15-2018)
06-15-2018, 02:26 AM
#14
Melting Slicks
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.
Then there is Bearthooth pass between Yellowstone and Red Lodge MT. That is my most favorite road in the USA.
06-15-2018, 07:32 AM
#15
Burning Brakes
Roger, with a little imagination it can be done. We do our long road trips in a Vert, and that does take some thought. Mind you, you may have to wash along the way. But, most of the hotels have laundry rooms for the guest to use these days. Also, if you forget something, or need something there's a Wally World on nearly every corner.
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Rebel Yell (06-15-2018)
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witch hunt (06-15-2018)
06-15-2018, 08:13 AM
#17
Instructor
Thread Starter
Happy that so many liked this post. We are retired and have been doing this for years. This was maybe our 20th trip. Our C5 did the lower 48. Sold it off with 98k on it.
My wife and I use a North Face duffel and a backpack. (Same size as our previous Sparco bags but more squared off.) Clothing an etc's are light weight and washable in the room Two pair of wranglers, heavy shirt, socks machine washed at intervals. That said there is Walmart (this trip Cabela's) for a hooded fleece. Insulated vests and hats sit out and packed as fillers. Previous trips have taken us to Sturgis, Rushmore, Deadwood. Been to all major Natl Parks already and runnin out of places to go!.
Then a camera bag for me and my wife's purse sit behind us. Plenty of room!
The rear storage bin has the compressor, short wrenches, screw driver kit, pliers, tire repair, OBD scanner (C5 had one in the DIC) a 12v Jumper kit, It is packed tightly. In the rear net are micro fiber towels, detailer, flat fix (just in case) and extra wiper blade.
Another thing is that the entire trip we used Apple Car play for Phone, Sirius, Apple maps and Waze. It is a terrific setup.
Nothing is ever packed that blocks visibility in the rear.
The C7 is amazing, built to be driven. The "Weather" setting is great on snowy/slippery roads. Highest mileage was 33 mpg low was 26. No A8 issues either. And yes I am waiting to see if the C8 mid engine has jus a little more room.
My wife and I use a North Face duffel and a backpack. (Same size as our previous Sparco bags but more squared off.) Clothing an etc's are light weight and washable in the room Two pair of wranglers, heavy shirt, socks machine washed at intervals. That said there is Walmart (this trip Cabela's) for a hooded fleece. Insulated vests and hats sit out and packed as fillers. Previous trips have taken us to Sturgis, Rushmore, Deadwood. Been to all major Natl Parks already and runnin out of places to go!.
Then a camera bag for me and my wife's purse sit behind us. Plenty of room!
The rear storage bin has the compressor, short wrenches, screw driver kit, pliers, tire repair, OBD scanner (C5 had one in the DIC) a 12v Jumper kit, It is packed tightly. In the rear net are micro fiber towels, detailer, flat fix (just in case) and extra wiper blade.
Another thing is that the entire trip we used Apple Car play for Phone, Sirius, Apple maps and Waze. It is a terrific setup.
Nothing is ever packed that blocks visibility in the rear.
The C7 is amazing, built to be driven. The "Weather" setting is great on snowy/slippery roads. Highest mileage was 33 mpg low was 26. No A8 issues either. And yes I am waiting to see if the C8 mid engine has jus a little more room.
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06-15-2018, 09:08 AM
#18
Melting Slicks
Wanting to take the Grand Sport and run the 101 from the CA redwoods up to the end in WA. Did it on my Harley a couple years ago, a beautiful ride. The coast is awesome.
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kitesurfer (06-17-2018)
06-15-2018, 10:25 AM
#19
Team Owner
My bikes have never been on a Trailer. I have rode out to Sturgis, Yellowstone, Beartooth and CO about 8 times now on the Harley. I have done it once in the 14 Stingray. Only 3 states I have not rode my motorcycle in, AK, HI and ND.
Wanting to take the Grand Sport and run the 101 from the CA redwoods up to the end in WA. Did it on my Harley a couple years ago, a beautiful ride. The coast is awesome.
Wanting to take the Grand Sport and run the 101 from the CA redwoods up to the end in WA. Did it on my Harley a couple years ago, a beautiful ride. The coast is awesome.
Hwy 1 and US101 along the coast is a great road trip.
Last edited by JoesC5; 06-15-2018 at 10:46 AM.
06-15-2018, 10:48 AM
#20
Le Mans Master
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.
Last edited by robertbruce; 06-15-2018 at 10:49 AM.
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Apocolips (06-16-2018),
witch hunt (06-16-2018)