I never claimed Waffle house was great......A neighbor's 3 yr. old calls it "The Awful House". We also have "The Hoodlum House", AKA, Huddle House...A sure fire way to loosen up the digestive tract....
These places are best used as landmarks only.......
OK... never been to Carlisle for the Car show and am trying to convince Marc that we need to go this year!
How do you go about registering your car, and are there still rooms left at the Hotel Carlisle?
I've switched my vacation week, so I'm really pushing to drive there from NH ~ Thanks for any info sent my way!.... Susie
And now, I just finished reading the other post with all the info on registering! DUH! This is something I really want to do ~ but I'm not so sure that Marc is too excited about driving Speedy to PA!... those seats are NOT the most comfortable: but maybe we'll find some Le Mans seats by May!
Still... any tips on convincing Marc to take the CAR with us to PA would be helpful! I think he justs want to go to the event.
How do you go about registering your car, and are there still rooms left at the Hotel Carlisle?
I've switched my vacation week, so I'm really pushing to drive there from NH ~ Thanks for any info sent my way!.... Susie
And now, I just finished reading the other post with all the info on registering! DUH! This is something I really want to do ~ but I'm not so sure that Marc is too excited about driving Speedy to PA!... those seats are NOT the most comfortable: but maybe we'll find some Le Mans seats by May!
Still... any tips on convincing Marc to take the CAR with us to PA would be helpful! I think he justs want to go to the event.
Sue, 'cause there's nothing like 30-40 Speedsters and a few Spyders in a long line cruising their way to dinner! Life is good! The people are the best part about this whole deal, come on down!
Sue, if I thought for an instant that Heidi and I could make the trip without a AAA flatbed involved we would take our Speedster. As it is we will be wheeling a "classic" Toyota Celica. The important thing is getting there in one chunk. If you have confidence in your car,....road trip.
Susan, caravans from various parts of the country will be forming soon. The drive is an adventure and even more fun when there are like-minded folks enjoying it with you. More to come.
Hoss
S.E. caravan member
Hoss
S.E. caravan member
Susan/Alan: You can easily trailer a Speedster. They're pretty light and can be pulled by a mid sized car, SUV or pick-up.
http://speedsterowners.com/files/view.asp?sf=DustyJ&f=1k+-+Nebraska+wind.JPG
And you don't need that big of a trailer.
A smaller one like this would do.
http://speedsterowners.com/files/view.asp?sf=alanmerklin&f=utiltiytrailer.jpg
In the words of East Coast Bruce, "Drive'em, Pull'em, Trailer'em, Just get'em to Carlisle"
~WB
http://speedsterowners.com/files/view.asp?sf=DustyJ&f=1k+-+Nebraska+wind.JPG
And you don't need that big of a trailer.
A smaller one like this would do.
http://speedsterowners.com/files/view.asp?sf=alanmerklin&f=utiltiytrailer.jpg
In the words of East Coast Bruce, "Drive'em, Pull'em, Trailer'em, Just get'em to Carlisle"
~WB
Well, now I'm looking at trailers! Marc is just laughing at me. At least I know that we're going to Carlisle! It'll be great to put real faces with some names from this site... plus meet some other Speedy lovers!
Hey Susan--N H is just not all that far from Carlisle---so just drive that danged car to Carlisle! I bet you can arrange a caravan to drive together fron the n/e too.---Jack
Or you can flat-tow it. I, Lenny, and Leon will be flat-towing our Spyders this year. Last year we had one Speedster and an MG replica(VW based) flat-towed also. Just another option.
I have dragged my Spyder to Carlisle two years in a row, 1000 miles total, so it works pretty well behind my Subaru Legacy.
Like ECB says, "just get 'em there!!"
I have dragged my Spyder to Carlisle two years in a row, 1000 miles total, so it works pretty well behind my Subaru Legacy.
Like ECB says, "just get 'em there!!"
Thanks for the encouragement, Bill, however, I've dragged trailers up and down the east coast for many years, and I'm kind of looking forward to a road trip without the added excitement and worry of hauling the extra baggage. My wife is on your side, she wants to haul the Speedster. She usually gets what she wants, so this may not be over. Thanks , Al.
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Susan and Al (and anyone else thinking about making the trip):
As a past leader of the northeast Caravan to Carlisle for several years, let me be the first to say that it's an easy trip. We avoid NYC like the plague, taking I84 through "Hahtfud", on out through Danbury, then I684 South to I287 West, across the Tappan Zee Bridge then down to I78 West to I81 West and you're almost there. 6 Hours from the Worcester area, including lunch (just on the other side of the Tappan Zee). Traffic is heaviest through Hartford, especially during morning rush hour, but still not that bad.
My son, Chris, will probably be coming from Grafton, MA. If I'm still down here, he might be talked into driving his truck and trailer if you help with fuel, but that'll have to be between you'se guys.
There is usually a bunch of people coming from the NE area, and we'll know as we get closer how many, where they'll all meet up and so on. In the past, we've had as many as six in the NE Caravan and mine seemed to be the only one on a trailer.
We've never had a major Speedster/Spyder breakdown, although we've had, from time to time, some smaller mishaps, all fixable on the road and we got everyone to the destination. Either Chris or I bring a whole shop full of tools (you have to see it to believe it), plus the trailer, so we get you there no matter what. IN fact, the ONLY major incident we've ever had was with the trailer tow vehicle!!!
Keep thinking about it. It's a hell of a trip and you'll be talking about it for months afterward.
Gordon
Organizer of Speedsters Meet Spyders at Carlisle, 2009
The Speedstah Guy from Beaufort
As a past leader of the northeast Caravan to Carlisle for several years, let me be the first to say that it's an easy trip. We avoid NYC like the plague, taking I84 through "Hahtfud", on out through Danbury, then I684 South to I287 West, across the Tappan Zee Bridge then down to I78 West to I81 West and you're almost there. 6 Hours from the Worcester area, including lunch (just on the other side of the Tappan Zee). Traffic is heaviest through Hartford, especially during morning rush hour, but still not that bad.
My son, Chris, will probably be coming from Grafton, MA. If I'm still down here, he might be talked into driving his truck and trailer if you help with fuel, but that'll have to be between you'se guys.
There is usually a bunch of people coming from the NE area, and we'll know as we get closer how many, where they'll all meet up and so on. In the past, we've had as many as six in the NE Caravan and mine seemed to be the only one on a trailer.
We've never had a major Speedster/Spyder breakdown, although we've had, from time to time, some smaller mishaps, all fixable on the road and we got everyone to the destination. Either Chris or I bring a whole shop full of tools (you have to see it to believe it), plus the trailer, so we get you there no matter what. IN fact, the ONLY major incident we've ever had was with the trailer tow vehicle!!!
Keep thinking about it. It's a hell of a trip and you'll be talking about it for months afterward.
Gordon
Organizer of Speedsters Meet Spyders at Carlisle, 2009
The Speedstah Guy from Beaufort
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I believe Ted Hatem (aka Bryant Irish) and Bill Pickering drove their Speedsters to Carlisle from New Hampshire. Not sure if they are still on the forum....Ted,Bill: Are you guys still out there?
I think Ted sold his IM.
Purchasing a speedster specific trailer:
I did sell a good number of car hauling trailers in the past and will pass along information that will make for a correct and safe trailer purchase:
You'll want to have a 8'wide trailer... anything less presents loading difficulties.
Minimum length is 14', while it is better to have a dual axle trailer with brakes, you can safely tow with a single axle trailer with out brakes.
IF..... you are towing with a full size pick up or dull size SUV you can but a single axle trailer w/o brakes as the tow vehicle will have large enough brakes to handle the job. (I towed for a number of years using a 2002 Chevy S-10 and a 13' long trailer w/o brakes and never had a problem)
Be sure that you have a fender height of less than 9" ( or removable) so that you can open the speedster door...measure your door height with your body weight while in the car.
Most quality single axle trailers have a GVW rating is 2,990 lbs.
A speedster weights in around 1,400 to 1,700 lbs. Hence, you are well under the GVW rating of the trailer. Be sure that the trailer has a dove-beaver tail on the last 3'-4' of the trailer as this allows for easier loading of a low car.
Be sure to get a correct spare tire and have a jack and lug wrench to fit the trailer.
Always cris-cross the load ratchet straps in an "X" left to right and right to left as this will keep your loaded vehicle secure.
Hope this is of help.
~ Alan
I did sell a good number of car hauling trailers in the past and will pass along information that will make for a correct and safe trailer purchase:
You'll want to have a 8'wide trailer... anything less presents loading difficulties.
Minimum length is 14', while it is better to have a dual axle trailer with brakes, you can safely tow with a single axle trailer with out brakes.
IF..... you are towing with a full size pick up or dull size SUV you can but a single axle trailer w/o brakes as the tow vehicle will have large enough brakes to handle the job. (I towed for a number of years using a 2002 Chevy S-10 and a 13' long trailer w/o brakes and never had a problem)
Be sure that you have a fender height of less than 9" ( or removable) so that you can open the speedster door...measure your door height with your body weight while in the car.
Most quality single axle trailers have a GVW rating is 2,990 lbs.
A speedster weights in around 1,400 to 1,700 lbs. Hence, you are well under the GVW rating of the trailer. Be sure that the trailer has a dove-beaver tail on the last 3'-4' of the trailer as this allows for easier loading of a low car.
Be sure to get a correct spare tire and have a jack and lug wrench to fit the trailer.
Always cris-cross the load ratchet straps in an "X" left to right and right to left as this will keep your loaded vehicle secure.
Hope this is of help.
~ Alan
Well, so far, I think we're leaning towards driving our little Speedy! I, personally, think this will a blast but Marc is just remembering the drive up from CT last June when we bought it. (I was in front of him, in a "horrible" AC, cruise controlled car ~ wishing I was in the Speedster!) We'll see... but I'm voting for driving the car!
It's a part of the adventure that makes the whole trip more memorable. I have driven up from South Carolina twice, and have enjoyed both trips.
SueZ -
You should well know, the 'journey' IS the adventure!! You will definitely NOT regret driving to Carlisle to meet this great bunch of people. ANYBODY can say 'We went to Carlisle this year". However, only few can say "We DROVE our Speedster to Carlisle".
I've referenced many times before that I was a member of Porsche Owners Club (POC) and Porsche Club of America (PCA) and the Regional Porsche Zone 8 for 25+ years, and I can honestly say that ANY single SOC event I've attended was WAAAAAYYY more fun than any PCA event. I've since let my PCA/POC membership lapse.
These SOC knuckleheads (with all due respect to Terry) are the LEAST pretentious, most down-to-earth folks you'll have the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with!
My wife and I will be attending the SOC Morro Bay event in April 2009. Hopefully my business ventures will afford me another opportunity to attend Carlisle this year!
...Im just saying...
You should well know, the 'journey' IS the adventure!! You will definitely NOT regret driving to Carlisle to meet this great bunch of people. ANYBODY can say 'We went to Carlisle this year". However, only few can say "We DROVE our Speedster to Carlisle".
I've referenced many times before that I was a member of Porsche Owners Club (POC) and Porsche Club of America (PCA) and the Regional Porsche Zone 8 for 25+ years, and I can honestly say that ANY single SOC event I've attended was WAAAAAYYY more fun than any PCA event. I've since let my PCA/POC membership lapse.
These SOC knuckleheads (with all due respect to Terry) are the LEAST pretentious, most down-to-earth folks you'll have the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with!
My wife and I will be attending the SOC Morro Bay event in April 2009. Hopefully my business ventures will afford me another opportunity to attend Carlisle this year!
...Im just saying...
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How about YOU driving to Carlisle Jim?
That would be an adventure.
That would be an adventure.
I would drive if Carlisle were a little later in the year. Trust me on this, driving the spyder while it is snowing is not fun (no heat, not top, no wipers).... I've drove it once in the snow and would really like to NEVER do that again.
The best trip I ever took in the spyder was a 2,500 miler through the deserts of the west. You just settle into a rhythm of a fast car, just engine and wind noise, and nothing but your own thoughts for company. After a road trip like that, common transportation cars seem just that - common, and all you can think about is when you can do it again...
El Guapo - hope you can make Carlisle. Steve would really love to meet you. That pic with the pineaple on the helmet is hilarious. That would make quite a driving helmet, don't you think?
angela
The best trip I ever took in the spyder was a 2,500 miler through the deserts of the west. You just settle into a rhythm of a fast car, just engine and wind noise, and nothing but your own thoughts for company. After a road trip like that, common transportation cars seem just that - common, and all you can think about is when you can do it again...
El Guapo - hope you can make Carlisle. Steve would really love to meet you. That pic with the pineaple on the helmet is hilarious. That would make quite a driving helmet, don't you think?
angela
Just made reservations at the Hotel Carlisle! Honestly ~ I can't wait till May. Just spent the 2nd day in a row plowing & snowblowing... and it's only January! I am impatient for a nice warm day to take Speedy out.
That'll teach you to live in the heart of the New England Snow belt!!!!
Welcome to the Pre-Carlisle jitters!
Keep watching the posts and we'll get you hooked up with others coming from the Northeast.
We'll also start beating the bushes for people to join the caravans from all compass points soon.
Stay tuned everybody!!!!
Gordon, and the whole Carlisle Gang!
Welcome to the Pre-Carlisle jitters!
Keep watching the posts and we'll get you hooked up with others coming from the Northeast.
We'll also start beating the bushes for people to join the caravans from all compass points soon.
Stay tuned everybody!!!!
Gordon, and the whole Carlisle Gang!
I'll register soon. My weekends are going to get filled with events that are gonna get me in a heap of "Yes dear. I know dear. I'm sorry dear. I promise to fix it soon dear." speaches. I have 6 kart races, Carlisle, hopefully some of those new C&C's, some big events at the track in NJ that I really want to see, I've just been informed that the Reading (PA) Concours is a MUST, and I'm looking to do some motorcycle track days as well. And I'm sure there are a few I'm missing.
I was just on the Ferrari Chat. I'd posted earlier about attending Carlisle with my car and saying how I'd love to see a bunch of Ferraris there. I don't know how many (F'car guys) will be going but there was already an interest and some said they'll be making the trip. One guy said he can't wait to see my replica Carrera. Maybe we can make it "Speedsters meet Spyders meet Ferraris"?
I'm going to have to plan my day trip to Carlisle carfully. I want to make sure to meet Vince and Terri, Angela and Steve, hopefully Jim (because you all wussed out last year on Sunday because it was raining), as well as all the others I've yet to shake hands with. I really want to make the Reading Concours on May 17th so I'll have to come up on friday or saturday. Which day works best for all of you to set time aside devoted to meeting me? Ha! ;)
I was just on the Ferrari Chat. I'd posted earlier about attending Carlisle with my car and saying how I'd love to see a bunch of Ferraris there. I don't know how many (F'car guys) will be going but there was already an interest and some said they'll be making the trip. One guy said he can't wait to see my replica Carrera. Maybe we can make it "Speedsters meet Spyders meet Ferraris"?
I'm going to have to plan my day trip to Carlisle carfully. I want to make sure to meet Vince and Terri, Angela and Steve, hopefully Jim (because you all wussed out last year on Sunday because it was raining), as well as all the others I've yet to shake hands with. I really want to make the Reading Concours on May 17th so I'll have to come up on friday or saturday. Which day works best for all of you to set time aside devoted to meeting me? Ha! ;)
Michael Mc -
As my wife and I were driving along the Pacific Coast this past weekend, I told her that I would not hesitate driving this little car across country. Kinda like our buddy Ernie F. recently did in his Speedy.
My plan would be to make a big loop around the USA over a three week period incorporating Carlisle in the middle (East bound on a southern route - West bound on a northern route).
Maybe do it like the Olympic torch relay - As I cruise through a particular region/State, meet with the SOC members in that region and they cruise along with me as far as they please on to the next destination.
...hmmm, maybe next year...
As my wife and I were driving along the Pacific Coast this past weekend, I told her that I would not hesitate driving this little car across country. Kinda like our buddy Ernie F. recently did in his Speedy.
My plan would be to make a big loop around the USA over a three week period incorporating Carlisle in the middle (East bound on a southern route - West bound on a northern route).
Maybe do it like the Olympic torch relay - As I cruise through a particular region/State, meet with the SOC members in that region and they cruise along with me as far as they please on to the next destination.
...hmmm, maybe next year...
Jim, My empty bedrooms here in eastern Ohio are just a short 6 hours east of Carslisle. From here you could venture on to Chicago or less congested stops. The three empty bedrooms (formerly occupied by my kids) are available when you decide upon a plan. You and I could launch from Carlisle after the ending ceremonies (you could ship your trophies and awards directly home in order to leave room in the Speedie).
Jim - Both Gordon and I can offer lodging and grog when you hit the South Carolina coast - which is not to be missed.
If you timed it right, you could then caravan north to Carlisle with us.
If you timed it right, you could then caravan north to Carlisle with us.
I'm liking this plan more and more....
Sure!
We'll take you to dinner at the dock where Forrest Gump crashed his boat! There's a restaurant there......
Or you can head to Savannah and sit on Forrest's famous park bench at Forsythe park...
Or you can walk across the bridge over the Mississippi he ran across (It's here in Beaufort, too) or hang out on the lawn where they played touch football in "The Big Chill"
Lots to see and do in the Low Country, not to mention all that around the REST of the country!!
What a great trip that would be!!
We'll take you to dinner at the dock where Forrest Gump crashed his boat! There's a restaurant there......
Or you can head to Savannah and sit on Forrest's famous park bench at Forsythe park...
Or you can walk across the bridge over the Mississippi he ran across (It's here in Beaufort, too) or hang out on the lawn where they played touch football in "The Big Chill"
Lots to see and do in the Low Country, not to mention all that around the REST of the country!!
What a great trip that would be!!
Jim, save yourself a bunch of money, come over to my place and we'll cruise over to Redondo High, I'll show you the toilet seat Tracy Lords used during her High school days.....I hear they have it all roped off....
Honestly, Jim, I think the food around here is better than anywhere else I've been. Gordon and I are about 2 hours apart, but we get together occasionally. A visit from you would be a great occasion.
Jim just come accross on I 40 stay here on Lake Hamilton a day or two then caravan with me to Knoxville to meet up with Hoss then on to Christiansburg, VA to hook up with Lane and Leon and others then on into Carlisle.
Beautiful trip too!---Jack
Correction:
Lane is about two hours from me.
I'm about 1-1/2 hours from Lane....
I'm just sayin.......
Lane is about two hours from me.
I'm about 1-1/2 hours from Lane....
I'm just sayin.......
Vince - didn't you tell me that you bought that Tracy Lords toilet seat on E-bay?!
Alan G and Sue:
RE caravaning: Lenny and I take I-84 straight out to Scranton PA, then I-81 the rest of the way to Carlisle, if you want to join us.
If the weather is looking good, I may drive like I did in 2006.
RE caravaning: Lenny and I take I-84 straight out to Scranton PA, then I-81 the rest of the way to Carlisle, if you want to join us.
If the weather is looking good, I may drive like I did in 2006.
Dan:
Is I84-to-I81 any faster/slower than what I posted up above?
If I make the run from the NE, I wouldn't mind avoiding the seemingly endless construction on I78 - even when I'm making the run from Beaufort to Massachusetts.
Tnx, gn
Is I84-to-I81 any faster/slower than what I posted up above?
If I make the run from the NE, I wouldn't mind avoiding the seemingly endless construction on I78 - even when I'm making the run from Beaufort to Massachusetts.
Tnx, gn
I dunno, Gordon. I think it's time for you to sell the Grafton house and make the kids come visit you for a change ;-)
Sorry I'm going to miss Chris this weekend. Enjoy the race.
Sorry I'm going to miss Chris this weekend. Enjoy the race.
Jim...They even gave me a certificate of Authenticity.....
I'll keep an eye out for caravans and routes to take from NH... Looks like I may get some new seats out of this deal, too ~ since I REALLY want to drive the Speedster! Whatever it takes!
Danny Pip... we are booked in for Fri. and Sat. nites. We may be leaving from Western Mass. exit 3 Mass Pike. (family Mother's Day stuff). We would probably take the Teconic Parkway at the end of the Pike and head south thru Fishkill etc. That would put us in your ballpark,I think. We might be able to leave a day sooner and hook up with you guys. I'll know more as the time approaches. Thanks for the offer. Al
Gordon, according to Google maps, your route is only about 5 miles longer(from my house!)so it is a tossup. It is more traffic I think, as I went that way in 2007 after picking up Jen(287 to I78). Lots of construction, stop and go. I-84 to I-81 only gets a little busy around Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Alan G(Ali G?) I hope you can come earlier, it is a little more time to rest, especially since your trip is 5 hours longer than mine! Fishkill off the Taconic is about 25 minutes from the Maybrook exit(5) which is where I enter I-84. I know the Mass Pike is longer than I-84 through Conn., but it really depends on time of day for Hartford, Waterbury, and Danbury. I have driven both ways back from the Cape. I-84 is more stressful and a lot faster, but I usually take the Pike all the way to I-87 NYS Thruway. Never taken the Taconic back from the Pike.
Sue, looking forward to a nice Northeast Convoy this year!
Alan G(Ali G?) I hope you can come earlier, it is a little more time to rest, especially since your trip is 5 hours longer than mine! Fishkill off the Taconic is about 25 minutes from the Maybrook exit(5) which is where I enter I-84. I know the Mass Pike is longer than I-84 through Conn., but it really depends on time of day for Hartford, Waterbury, and Danbury. I have driven both ways back from the Cape. I-84 is more stressful and a lot faster, but I usually take the Pike all the way to I-87 NYS Thruway. Never taken the Taconic back from the Pike.
Sue, looking forward to a nice Northeast Convoy this year!
Danny. Ali G??? I guess that's better than algae, which I'm quite familiar with. We've taken the inland route to Florida several times over the years. Way less stress and the Teconic is a a very scenic road if the weather is good and you're not in a hurry (and you don't hit a deer). We will leave early if possible and may stay a few extra days in the area and do some touristy stuff. Gettysburg, Amish, et. We'll check with the local guys to get some food & lodging ideas. See y'all there.