Mt Tam I am's Driving Journal

Mt Tam I am · 01-23-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

Wow! How did I miss this thread

I power read the entire thread and I'm subscribed now

Love the writing, love the videos

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaleForce

it's a thread full of awesome!

You are both very kind. Thank you.

blackcherry20 · 01-23-2013, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

Wow! How did I miss this thread

I power read the entire thread and I'm subscribed now

Love the writing, love the videos

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaleForce

it's a thread full of awesome!

ruh roh! The secret has escaped once again

Sigh.....mt tam melts me w his words

. seriously love it

another great story!

Mt Tam I am · 01-27-2013, 12:06 PM

I heard then saw an EVO going past my place of work and could not help but think what fun he is about to have. The roads were wet, it was sunny, and in the low 40's.

As I was leaving late in the afternoon I saw the same EVO on a flat bed and with only a brief glance to see what the problem was, I am guessing he spun and hit a tree square with the trunk. Pretty awful.

I took off as usual and the road conditions were similar. The road stayed moist and the sun was unable to dry the road except in the direct sun light. So every turn under the trees stays wet and cold.

I took my first few turns at a normal speed and got normal feed back as these were in the sun. The next few turns in the shade quickly felt like I should slow down and think about the EVO, and did. Soon however I was up on a couple of cars following at their slow pace.

The lead car signaled and turned hard right while the next car lost control somehow and partially slid onto the shoulder. A poor description as I was half asleep at this speed

. I stopped way back, then pulled up along the stopped car to ask the driver if she needed any help, clearly she did not but asked anyway. She was shaken up only.

The road is open again but I am still thinking about the EVO and what I just saw, so not too fast. Immediately a Mustang comes up behind, and my strict rule of Always let the faster driving car by came into effect. At the first opportunity I signaled him to pass me. It is a turning lane designed for residents to pull into so as not to stop traffic. It also works as a passing lane in this instance. It also happens to be under a bunch of eucalyptus trees. For those unfamiliar with their debris, their leaves, acorns and bark fall and get wet making up what I've referred to as a slurry. He was only too happy to pass me with a ton of power on a sweeping off camber right turn, where this slurry gets pushed by the cars going both this and the opposite direction.

A smooth application of power would have served him better. His engine lit up, he flew past me, his engine made different sound, followed by his rear end passing him in a 220 degree spin. He stayed on the road as he came to a stop, facing the other direction, but all lined up for the road, the turn lane was originally for. I figure he just needed to do a U turn and he'd be back behind me.

This is a good point to mention that California drivers are so unaccustomed to bad driving conditions that we are very dangerous. Note this if you see CA plates in your driving.

So with all this sliding and spinning you can imagine my reticence at turning off VDC at my usual turn. I came into the turn fine but exiting I drifted a foot unintentionally. This goes back to, CA drivers are unpredictable in lesser road conditions.

That Mustang never turned up again either.

The rest of the drive home was VDC on, dry and uneventful.

blackcherry20 · 01-27-2013, 07:20 PM

^^^educational narrative and nice change Mt. Tam

and a good reminder to be always aware of not only the condition of the surface upon which you are traversing but also maintain keen awareness of those that are around you. You KNOW what you are going to do, what others are going to do: crap shoot

Mt Tam I am · 01-28-2013, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

^^^educational narrative and nice change Mt. Tam

and a good reminder to be always aware of not only the condition of the surface upon which you are traversing but also maintain keen awareness of those that are around you. You KNOW what you are going to do, what others are going to do: crap shoot

So very true. Thank you.

LMBmikeZ · 01-31-2013, 08:50 PM

I had a good laugh today driving home on the highway. I saw a guy driving a pathfinder in slow lane, I noticed he had a California plate and he was all the way up here in Southwestern Ontario! Sure it was windy and some snow was coming down but thinking of what you where saying had me laughing as I passed him in my old winter beater

blackcherry20 · 02-05-2013, 06:28 PM

^^^^no Prius envy......move along...nothing to see here....thats right move along!

Mt Tam I am · 02-07-2013, 10:34 AM

I got my hair cut last night and as I went to leave, my car battery was not strong enough to start. The cutter had jumper cables and with her brand new car, which she did not know how to pop the hood on, (I did) got my car started. This reset my outside temperature to celsius. 14 degrees.

Last time I left her place I had also had a very long massage and was so relaxed I was impaired. This time I was not.

It was dark and initially I had the road to myself. Driving in the dark allows a different style of driving, due to the fact you can see headlights coming through the trees and around turns.

Up ahead I was approaching something and if I stayed on my current pace I should be able to catch up before the passing zone. The passing zone, enchanting Mrs March 2013 BC20 knows all too well

. It was a brand new paper plated Merc. I'm quite sure it cost more than a GTR but few GTR's would travel so slowly on a great road.

As I got to the zone one, two then three cars were were in it going the opposite way! As the third and last car went by me, I made my move about 20 feet further than is normal for me. The bastard Merc nailed the gas and tried to prevent me from getting by. It made no difference. I was past him but since nobody was coming the opposite way, I stayed a little longer in the wrong lane so as not to pressure the guy who cared not one wit about my safety, but I was past and gone. His high beams had no effect either as I have that cool rear view mirror (home link).

A mile or two down the road I came up on a truck. As I contemplated where to pass this, they went the other direction. Great. I then saw another car that became my next obstacle. As I met this vehicle going up hill, I was at the next spot to go by without one moment lost. It is fabulous to have a car like the Z which has power on tap, when you need it.

It was just one of those perfect drives. The only other possible obstruction was a truck that saw me coming and waited rather than get in front of me. Thank you sir, whoever you are

.

As I pulled in the garage to but my battery on the charger, I thought, what a lucky fellow I am (am I)*.

* grammar check

blackcherry20 · 02-07-2013, 10:38 AM

I am glad you enjoy night driving. and I agree too on having the power on tap to use whenever it suits.

I love my Z.

now on the other hand my poor little Civic, it takes a beating.

I forget it is not my Z (just an underpowered 2 cousin twice removed) so I flog it, a lot. It responds as best it can and takes me safely home in the snow and sleet and rain and cold. I should show it more respect. sigh. It just doesn't compare and I have no patience....spring is coming

Mt Tam I am · 02-07-2013, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

I am glad you enjoy night driving. and I agree too on having the power on tap to use whenever it suits.

I love my Z.

now on the other hand my poor little Civic, it takes a beating.

I forget it is not my Z (just an underpowered 2 cousin twice removed) so I flog it, a lot. It responds as best it can and takes me safely home in the snow and sleet and rain and cold. I should show it more respect. sigh. It just doesn't compare and I have no patience....spring is coming

Miss March! I did not realize this lovely shot was yours. It was my first choice. It must be nice to have four seasons beauty wise. Not for Z driving though.

Note edit on my above post.

Mt Tam I am · 02-11-2013, 05:46 PM

While driving home the other day, I was in a zone where setting the cruise control at 50 MPH would work fine.

I slowed as I came up behind a Mercedes S550, whatever that is, when suddenly, a small cloud plume came out the exhaust and he rocked (wiggled) his rear end a bit, and took off. I am still under 50 so I follow him. I keep seeing these tiny cloud plumes as he nails it.

For a 370Z it is like nothing. For a Merc S550 it was on the ragged edge. This goes on for a half mile when I turn off to go to my house and the guy leads me home. He waits for me to open the garage door and then gets out of his car. It is a CHP Lieutenant who likes me, and was driving this way for my benifit (with his 12 year old daughter). I said thanks but still wonder what benifit he thought he'd sent my way, but having one cop friend is OK.

JARblue · 02-11-2013, 05:49 PM

I like officers of the law who are regular people, too

lol @ the S550 comment

Better than a Prius

blackcherry20 · 02-11-2013, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

While driving home the other day, I was in a zone where setting the cruise control at 50 MPH would work fine.

I slowed as I came up behind a Mercedes S550, whatever that is, when suddenly, a small cloud plume came out the exhaust and he rocked (wiggled) his rear end a bit, and took off. I am still under 50 so I follow him. I keep seeing these tiny cloud plumes as he nails it.

For a 370Z it is like nothing. For a Merc S550 it was on the ragged edge. This goes on for a half mile when I turn off to go to my house and the guy leads me home. He waits for me to open the garage door and then gets out of his car. It is a CHP Lieutenant who likes me, and was driving this way for my benifit (with his 12 year old daughter). I said thanks but still wonder what benifit he thought he'd sent my way, but having one cop friend is OK.

"cloud plume"

those always make me want to back off-don't care for whatever is in that "cloud" coating my car (Z in season)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

I like officers of the law who are regular people, too

lol @ the S550 comment

Better than a Prius

more Prius envy ?!

Mt Tam I am · 02-16-2013, 09:51 AM

I hope you all had a good Valentines. I have a Valentines story but that is for later.

Yesterday it was 72 degrees* and I took the Jag to work. Immediately I was stopped by some tree/road work flagger. While I waited out the time, a Mustang Cobra 500, blue, with stripes stops behind me. I am thinking ahead as to where I will pull over and let this guy go.

When the flagger turns the sign to slow we do. Past the work were a few turns, the old XKE still maneuvers well. The Mustang just fell away and my disgust level climbed.

It even turns out when I complained to my gal about this idiot, she said I know. I was behind the Mustang.

Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: The XKE - Picture

* far and away the nicest day of the year.

JARblue · 02-16-2013, 11:37 AM

your gal was behind the slow a$$ cobra?

01-27-2013, 12:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3844	I heard then saw an EVO going past my place of work and could not help but think what fun he is about to have. The roads were wet, it was sunny, and in the low 40's. As I was leaving late in the afternoon I saw the same EVO on a flat bed and with only a brief glance to see what the problem was, I am guessing he spun and hit a tree square with the trunk. Pretty awful. I took off as usual and the road conditions were similar. The road stayed moist and the sun was unable to dry the road except in the direct sun light. So every turn under the trees stays wet and cold. I took my first few turns at a normal speed and got normal feed back as these were in the sun. The next few turns in the shade quickly felt like I should slow down and think about the EVO, and did. Soon however I was up on a couple of cars following at their slow pace. The lead car signaled and turned hard right while the next car lost control somehow and partially slid onto the shoulder. A poor description as I was half asleep at this speed . I stopped way back, then pulled up along the stopped car to ask the driver if she needed any help, clearly she did not but asked anyway. She was shaken up only. The road is open again but I am still thinking about the EVO and what I just saw, so not too fast. Immediately a Mustang comes up behind, and my strict rule of Always let the faster driving car by came into effect. At the first opportunity I signaled him to pass me. It is a turning lane designed for residents to pull into so as not to stop traffic. It also works as a passing lane in this instance. It also happens to be under a bunch of eucalyptus trees. For those unfamiliar with their debris, their leaves, acorns and bark fall and get wet making up what I've referred to as a slurry. He was only too happy to pass me with a ton of power on a sweeping off camber right turn, where this slurry gets pushed by the cars going both this and the opposite direction. A smooth application of power would have served him better. His engine lit up, he flew past me, his engine made different sound, followed by his rear end passing him in a 220 degree spin. He stayed on the road as he came to a stop, facing the other direction, but all lined up for the road, the turn lane was originally for. I figure he just needed to do a U turn and he'd be back behind me. This is a good point to mention that California drivers are so unaccustomed to bad driving conditions that we are very dangerous. Note this if you see CA plates in your driving. So with all this sliding and spinning you can imagine my reticence at turning off VDC at my usual turn. I came into the turn fine but exiting I drifted a foot unintentionally. This goes back to, CA drivers are unpredictable in lesser road conditions. That Mustang never turned up again either. The rest of the drive home was VDC on, dry and uneventful. scionide, GaleForce and blackcherry20 like this. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

01-27-2013, 07:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240460	^^^educational narrative and nice change Mt. Tam and a good reminder to be always aware of not only the condition of the surface upon which you are traversing but also maintain keen awareness of those that are around you. You KNOW what you are going to do, what others are going to do: crap shoot __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

01-31-2013, 08:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
LMBmikeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 12,237 Drives: 40th Rep Power: 10351	I had a good laugh today driving home on the highway. I saw a guy driving a pathfinder in slow lane, I noticed he had a California plate and he was all the way up here in Southwestern Ontario! Sure it was windy and some snow was coming down but thinking of what you where saying had me laughing as I passed him in my old winter beater Mt Tam I am and blackcherry20 like this. __________________ CUSTOM NISMO \| BERK \| H&R \| STANCE \| SPL everything \| EVO-R \| 34 Setrab \| WHITELINE \| Redline \| Carkitcompany \| Zspeed \| UpRev \| SEIBON

02-05-2013, 06:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240460	^^^^no Prius envy......move along...nothing to see here....thats right move along! __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

02-07-2013, 10:34 AM	#8 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3844	I got my hair cut last night and as I went to leave, my car battery was not strong enough to start. The cutter had jumper cables and with her brand new car, which she did not know how to pop the hood on, (I did) got my car started. This reset my outside temperature to celsius. 14 degrees. Last time I left her place I had also had a very long massage and was so relaxed I was impaired. This time I was not. It was dark and initially I had the road to myself. Driving in the dark allows a different style of driving, due to the fact you can see headlights coming through the trees and around turns. Up ahead I was approaching something and if I stayed on my current pace I should be able to catch up before the passing zone. The passing zone, enchanting Mrs March 2013 BC20 knows all too well . It was a brand new paper plated Merc. I'm quite sure it cost more than a GTR but few GTR's would travel so slowly on a great road. As I got to the zone one, two then three cars were were in it going the opposite way! As the third and last car went by me, I made my move about 20 feet further than is normal for me. The bastard Merc nailed the gas and tried to prevent me from getting by. It made no difference. I was past him but since nobody was coming the opposite way, I stayed a little longer in the wrong lane so as not to pressure the guy who cared not one wit about my safety, but I was past and gone. His high beams had no effect either as I have that cool rear view mirror (home link). A mile or two down the road I came up on a truck. As I contemplated where to pass this, they went the other direction. Great. I then saw another car that became my next obstacle. As I met this vehicle going up hill, I was at the next spot to go by without one moment lost. It is fabulous to have a car like the Z which has power on tap, when you need it. It was just one of those perfect drives. The only other possible obstruction was a truck that saw me coming and waited rather than get in front of me. Thank you sir, whoever you are . As I pulled in the garage to but my battery on the charger, I thought, what a lucky fellow I am (am I). grammar check LMBmikeZ and blackcherry20 like this. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber Last edited by Mt Tam I am; 02-07-2013 at 10:53 AM.

02-07-2013, 10:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
blackcherry20 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern Ohio Posts: 22,749 Drives: ‘17 badazz Z51 Rep Power: 240460	I am glad you enjoy night driving. and I agree too on having the power on tap to use whenever it suits. I love my Z. now on the other hand my poor little Civic, it takes a beating. I forget it is not my Z (just an underpowered 2 cousin twice removed) so I flog it, a lot. It responds as best it can and takes me safely home in the snow and sleet and rain and cold. I should show it more respect. sigh. It just doesn't compare and I have no patience....spring is coming __________________ Grand Sport Corvette Arctic White

02-11-2013, 05:46 PM	#11 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3844	While driving home the other day, I was in a zone where setting the cruise control at 50 MPH would work fine. I slowed as I came up behind a Mercedes S550, whatever that is, when suddenly, a small cloud plume came out the exhaust and he rocked (wiggled) his rear end a bit, and took off. I am still under 50 so I follow him. I keep seeing these tiny cloud plumes as he nails it. For a 370Z it is like nothing. For a Merc S550 it was on the ragged edge. This goes on for a half mile when I turn off to go to my house and the guy leads me home. He waits for me to open the garage door and then gets out of his car. It is a CHP Lieutenant who likes me, and was driving this way for my benifit (with his 12 year old daughter). I said thanks but still wonder what benifit he thought he'd sent my way, but having one cop friend is OK. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

02-11-2013, 05:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
JARblue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Age: 44 Posts: 36,450 Drives: 11 Z34, 98 E36 M3 Rep Power: 2684441	I like officers of the law who are regular people, too lol @ the S550 comment Better than a Prius Mt Tam I am likes this. __________________ 2011 370Z 6MT Sport Gun Metallic \| ARC \| CJM \| Ecutek \| FI \| Fujimura \| R2C \| SPL \| Stillen \| TWM \| Z1 \| ZSpeed \|

02-16-2013, 09:51 AM	#14 (permalink)
Mt Tam I am A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: California Posts: 10,709 Drives: 370Z T/S/N 6MT & XKE Rep Power: 3844	I hope you all had a good Valentines. I have a Valentines story but that is for later. Yesterday it was 72 degrees* and I took the Jag to work. Immediately I was stopped by some tree/road work flagger. While I waited out the time, a Mustang Cobra 500, blue, with stripes stops behind me. I am thinking ahead as to where I will pull over and let this guy go. When the flagger turns the sign to slow we do. Past the work were a few turns, the old XKE still maneuvers well. The Mustang just fell away and my disgust level climbed. It even turns out when I complained to my gal about this idiot, she said I know. I was behind the Mustang. Nissan 370Z Forum - Mt Tam I am's Album: The XKE - Picture * far and away the nicest day of the year. GaleForce and blackcherry20 like this. __________________ "Does the carpet match the drapes? NO!!! I don't date bald women." Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

02-16-2013, 11:37 AM	#15 (permalink)
JARblue A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX Age: 44 Posts: 36,450 Drives: 11 Z34, 98 E36 M3 Rep Power: 2684441	your gal was behind the slow a$$ cobra? __________________ 2011 370Z 6MT Sport Gun Metallic \| ARC \| CJM \| Ecutek \| FI \| Fujimura \| R2C \| SPL \| Stillen \| TWM \| Z1 \| ZSpeed \|

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