:hello: It's slow season on the forum and fb group page. Things will be picking up soon. I'm going to be registering for ZDayZ soon :happydance:

i can't wait to get my summer tires back on and start driving the car the way it was meant to be driven!!

You know what today is don't you....

http://www.lionsroar.com/wp-content/...ay-driving.jpg

With gas prices as low as they are, I got this crazy idea to do an all day cruise (~550 miles) sometime this spring (late april or sometime in may).

The route would cover NW IL, eastern iowa (along the river) and snake back through wi. I've done many variations of the route on the motorcycle in years past. There's lots of twisty and technical (for the midwest) roads. We usually did lunch at the red robin in dubuque.

Given the length, this is not for the late risers. Meet time will be 6:45am at the road ranger in hampshire. I'd like to be on the road no later then 7:15.

Typical stops are every 90-120 min (we'll be on backroads most of the time).

Given the Z and G both have roughly the same gas tank size and get similar mileage, fuel stops will be strategically placed throughout.

Once completed, the route will be available by email. Format is .gpx which is what garmin uses. If you don't have a garmin, there's an android app called gpx viewer which works well. For whatever reason, way points are not displayed. Also, it requires live data. This is fine until we get to the middle of nowhere IL/IA. Data might be non existent or be very slow. The route itself still shows but the highway names/etc do not update.

There's a nice overlook in Balltown, IA which makes for a good photo op. Aside from that, it's curves and more curves.

This is not a race. Speeds are speed limit +10 in the straights, whatever you're comfortable with in the corners. Following distance is very important. Wildlife encounters can occur at any time so it's important to be vigilant.

If the guy in front is going too slow, pass when it's safe to do so.
If i'm going too slow, passing is fine, just know where you're going :)

Cars should be in tiptop mechanical shape with decent tread and good brakes.

All cars are welcomed. Once I get a definitive route made I'll create a separate thread. I'll also be posting a link to this on the G site (and chicagoz).

Thoughts, comments, concerns?

Would anyone prefer a cruise to the Racetrack?

Makes for entertaining time riding shotgun too :tup:

I would totally do this. I could probably get a group of guys to go as well. It's slightly longer than I would plan for but with frequent stops and actually enjoying the cruise i would be down.

Any est on gas? I have to try and convince my e92 friends to tag along lol.

Gas? 550/20 = ~28 gals, @ $2/gal, $56, + lunch. Say $80 or less for the day.

If we do get more than 5/6 cars, I wouldn't mind breaking it into smaller groups. Easier to lead and stops go quicker. I once led a group ride of 18 bikes. That was a nightmare keeping everyone together.

Edit: All gas stations I have in mind sell premium (an issue in iowa).

Alright cool, that would work for me. I can probably get 3-4 to go. It sounds like you have it all planned out no doubt, if it ends up pulling thru put me on the list as a definite!

Are you going to wekfest in april?

No go on wekfast.. Debating going to the bike show though. I may be tempted to get another bike then :)

I use garmin's mapsource software for planning, building, and figuring out distance between stops, etc. There will be a sheet with tentative stops.

I'm sure several of us would be interested in this. As long as it doesn't interfere with Zdayz we're in.:driving:

Is this the end of may event? May 19-22 I think? Mother's day is may 8th, Memorial days may 30th. So that leaves may 1st or may 15th as tentative dates.

I think may 1st, and may 15th as a rain date.

Or sometime towards the end of april as I don't see any holidays for the month. Ideally temps would be around 70F, so not too hot or too cold.

I'd be interested. Probably won't go the whole route but would hang for awhile

The really good stuff doesn't come in until after lunch (north of dubuque).

Happy Thursday, if there is such a thing???

How in the hell is everyone!! :rofl2:

:icon23:

Busy! Life has been crazy the past few months, time is just flying by, almost spring time again!