I'm sorta obsessed too about the wx for Carlisle. Even though I have done a LOT to seal up my VS including a "real" Speedster top rubber seal for the area that contacts the top of the windshield.
I found a great weather site that shows the forecast for any city in any state for 1-15 days ahead. For my route from Hot Springs to Carlisle as well as the return trip, I shouldn't see a drop of rain. The only exception is for the possibility of some moisture Friday morning the 16th. If that's the only rain in my 7 day trip, I can take it! And---there just may be no rain that Friday--you know how forecasts are. (Who said it cuts both ways?)
Nevertheless I'm getting a waterproof car cover this morning.
The weather site is; www.accuweather.com Check it out.
Three days before launch day---see y'all there!---Jack
Ah yes, the infamous '05 deluge. At least it was over by midday.
Jack, don't obsess about it. The weather risk adds to the adventure. Be thankful you're not on a motorcycle - or in an open Spyder like DannyP was in '06.
It's gunna be fuuuuuuuunnn!!!!!!!!!
Jack, don't obsess about it. The weather risk adds to the adventure. Be thankful you're not on a motorcycle - or in an open Spyder like DannyP was in '06.
It's gunna be fuuuuuuuunnn!!!!!!!!!
OK, I just made the run to Carlisle and beyond from South Carolina so here goes:
Weather in Carlisle on Thursday morning was light rain off and on, but the long range forecast for next week looks pretty good.
Traffic Conditions on I81:
From the I77/I81 intersection to the PA state line: no major construction anywhere. The usual RADAR here and there, nothing major. Posted speeds generally 65-ish, here and there 70.
They're repairing a bridge in Chambersburg just after Exit 16 on the Northbound side - be prepared for very slow traffic starting MM15 until you get beyond mm16 where it opens up (I think it's the bridge over RT30 - Taking RT11 is an alternate, but it's just as crowded and slow so you might as well stay on the interstate and chug along).
Chambersburg to Carlisle (mm52) was clear and moving at 70-ish.
Bear in mind that LOTS of I81 from the PA state line to Carlisle is posted at 55 or lower because of construction.
REMEMBER!! Carlisle is a MAJOR trucking hub due to the intersection of I81 and the PA Turnpike (I76). When you get onto RT 11 at exit 52, there will be MANY BIG TRUCKS. Stay in the right hand lane - the Ramada is about 300 yards up RT11 from the interchange.
From Carlisle to I78E was clear but there is construction in several places, often with RADAR along with it.
I78 in both directions has construction here and there (what else is new? They've been working on it for 20 years!!) and the WORST road surface in the East - Worse even than the Cross-Bronx Expressway!! PLUS the posted limit is 45mph in many places (and in some places you don't even want to go THAT fast.)
Lane and Sou-Easterners:
No major construction anywhere on I26-I77-I81. Traffic gets a little busy near Roanoke, that's all. Posted speed is generally 65mph, everyone's doing 70-72. Watch out for posted 55 at times - Speed traps here and there but they tolerate 70-ish (unless posted much lower). If you don't have CB radio, just watch the trucks and pace them - They usually sit 5mph over the limit and they'll know where the RADAR is (plus the RADAR guys tend to sit up on the "on" ramps and "shoot you in the back" going away, so CB's the only way you'll know they're up ahead.)
BTW: That route is WAY better for us than I95 and hitting DC traffic late in the afternoon when you're tired. Felt far less tired this trip North than any other I've done - could be due to the new, comfy truck, too! You really don't know the trailer/car is back there!!
Weather in Carlisle on Thursday morning was light rain off and on, but the long range forecast for next week looks pretty good.
Traffic Conditions on I81:
From the I77/I81 intersection to the PA state line: no major construction anywhere. The usual RADAR here and there, nothing major. Posted speeds generally 65-ish, here and there 70.
They're repairing a bridge in Chambersburg just after Exit 16 on the Northbound side - be prepared for very slow traffic starting MM15 until you get beyond mm16 where it opens up (I think it's the bridge over RT30 - Taking RT11 is an alternate, but it's just as crowded and slow so you might as well stay on the interstate and chug along).
Chambersburg to Carlisle (mm52) was clear and moving at 70-ish.
Bear in mind that LOTS of I81 from the PA state line to Carlisle is posted at 55 or lower because of construction.
REMEMBER!! Carlisle is a MAJOR trucking hub due to the intersection of I81 and the PA Turnpike (I76). When you get onto RT 11 at exit 52, there will be MANY BIG TRUCKS. Stay in the right hand lane - the Ramada is about 300 yards up RT11 from the interchange.
From Carlisle to I78E was clear but there is construction in several places, often with RADAR along with it.
I78 in both directions has construction here and there (what else is new? They've been working on it for 20 years!!) and the WORST road surface in the East - Worse even than the Cross-Bronx Expressway!! PLUS the posted limit is 45mph in many places (and in some places you don't even want to go THAT fast.)
Lane and Sou-Easterners:
No major construction anywhere on I26-I77-I81. Traffic gets a little busy near Roanoke, that's all. Posted speed is generally 65mph, everyone's doing 70-72. Watch out for posted 55 at times - Speed traps here and there but they tolerate 70-ish (unless posted much lower). If you don't have CB radio, just watch the trucks and pace them - They usually sit 5mph over the limit and they'll know where the RADAR is (plus the RADAR guys tend to sit up on the "on" ramps and "shoot you in the back" going away, so CB's the only way you'll know they're up ahead.)
BTW: That route is WAY better for us than I95 and hitting DC traffic late in the afternoon when you're tired. Felt far less tired this trip North than any other I've done - could be due to the new, comfy truck, too! You really don't know the trailer/car is back there!!
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I use this site:
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=carlisle+pa
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=carlisle+pa
Mon. AM. 5/12....Just got by passed by another string of tornados....No damage this time, just lots of dead wood down in the yard.....I am clearing the trail to the TOY BOX for departure Wed AM....
Planning on leaving THIS weather crap right here!!!!! Anti-rain/wind/cloud dancing started last PM, and will continue for 7 days....
Weather or not, Carlisle here I come.....
Planning on leaving THIS weather crap right here!!!!! Anti-rain/wind/cloud dancing started last PM, and will continue for 7 days....
Weather or not, Carlisle here I come.....
Amen, Leon. We had the same crap pass through here last night. At least it cooled things back down a good bit. See you Wednesday in Christiansburg.
I've been following this thread and was happy to see the great weather report for this weekend (high 70's/low 80's with minimal precipritation) until I saw it was posted in 2004. No I'm depressed. I've decided I like the 2004 forecast better and have made that my reality. I will see you all on Friday. I'll be the one with shorts, sun visor, and wearing that white stuff you see on lifeguard's noses to protect from sun burn. My wife will be carrying parasol.
Some of the local TV forecasts are starting to back off on their rainy forecasts.....we'll see.
~WB
~WB
Well it's looking like Friday may be a bit soggy. Now where did I put that Nichols Custom car cover?
"a bit soggy" doesn't begin to describe what Friday was. How about the second biblical flood? Sunday wasn't a whole lot better, either. Saturday, however, was purty darned nice.
And another one goes into the books.
And another one goes into the books.
Roger that. We got one day out of three. And FWIW: after the Sunday morn tech session on idle air jets for 44 IDFs, the DC contingent + two Spyder guys headed off in the rain to . . . the Waffle house. Dallied there over breakfast/brunch until, coincidentally, the rain stopped. Even so, proving that I can learn, I stopped by the Home Depot and bought blue tape, and applied it. And so armed headed off down the country lanes (w/ MUSBJIM in tow) to home. Made the whole trip, happy to report, w/out any more rain. Down in DC that PM, it was purty damn nice.
PS: Engine was much improved for most of trip down, but was still popping later on, maybe worse than ever. More on this one later, in another thread.
PS: Engine was much improved for most of trip down, but was still popping later on, maybe worse than ever. More on this one later, in another thread.
Use some form of Dry Gas (Valvoline Water Remover, Iso-HEET, etc.). It will be good to you. I know it was for me.
You guys that are having "water in the engine" problems, don't forget to drill a hole or two in the bottom of your engine cover vent so the water can drain out BEHIND your engine instead of on it.
Ooooo yeah, I forgot about that. Thanks for bringing that back up, Bruce. It's near the top of my list for this weekend.
Yeah, I remember Lane coming by and telling me about those little drain holes in the engine lid.
I opened up the engine cover and asked "These?"
I opened up the engine cover and asked "These?"
Yeah, if you don't have them, not only does the lid fill up and run water over the carbs but you also dump all the accumulated water over the carbs when you lift the lid.
PS on all the business about trucks, traffic, interstates, etc. For the DC/Baltimore folks, and anyone heading N-S, the route from Carlisle via US 11, US 34, and US 15 south through Gettysburg and into Frederick, and then I70 east (or I270 south)is simply DELIGHTFUL. All countryside and small towns, no trucks, shorter, and just a very beautiful drive. These cars, whether fast or not so fast, were built for this sort of cruising. Sure, they'll go down the Interstate at 80, but there is not so much fun in it, if you ask me, when weather is bad and/or traffic (esp'y truck) is heavy.
Kelly, my missile-guiding/Carb-cleaning/waffle-eating brutha!!
That was a great idea to bypass the interstate and take Hwy 11 back to Baltimore! Cruising through some excellent scenery and especially Gettysburg. I've never been there before, but I'll make it a point to get back and spend more time to absorb the history of the battlefields.
Thanks for letting me be your wing-man! Hope you get well and back to 100% soon!
Peace - Out!
That was a great idea to bypass the interstate and take Hwy 11 back to Baltimore! Cruising through some excellent scenery and especially Gettysburg. I've never been there before, but I'll make it a point to get back and spend more time to absorb the history of the battlefields.
Thanks for letting me be your wing-man! Hope you get well and back to 100% soon!
Peace - Out!
Maryland has some beautiful scenic rides that are perfect for a Speedster. We take route 94 to 30 going south from Carlisle to northern Maryland, also a very scenic trip. Many orchards, rolling countryside, and some roller-coaster type roads.
We were heading East on I81 when we left Carlisle, Chris in Tom's Speedster and me bringing up the rear in my truck, "Son of Mighty Power Stroke".
I was raining like crazy.
There were a LOT of REALLY BIG trucks blasting past in the rain.
Every time a truck would pass Chris, the cloud of rain and spray would sort of make him disappear for a few seconds in his car that was about as tall as their wheels.
I think he might have appreciated taking RT 11 back......
But then again, I think he just wanted it to be over |>(
I was raining like crazy.
There were a LOT of REALLY BIG trucks blasting past in the rain.
Every time a truck would pass Chris, the cloud of rain and spray would sort of make him disappear for a few seconds in his car that was about as tall as their wheels.
I think he might have appreciated taking RT 11 back......
But then again, I think he just wanted it to be over |>(
On the way home, as trucks passed me on RT 81, I got a free interior power wash through the headed bow, now that was fun!
Yeah, I got the same thing from a Honda that hit a big puddle. What the heck, I'd skipped my shower that morning to hit the road early. I arrived in Christiansburg clean anyway.
Lane....I offered the "BLUE MIRACLE TAPE".....Whoever came up with that is deeply appreciated by myself.....It was the driest (interior) ride I've had in the Spyder, to date.
Thanks East Coast Bruce. I think he was the first to use Blue Painter's tape....it Started a couple of years ago (or maybe three) on a soggy ride to the Eastern Motorsport Museum.
The infamous "Fear THIS" blue tape.
This is bad to rattle a previous Carlisle weather post bad, bad, bad......of course with all the rain we have had in the last week in and around Carlisle, there will more than likely be a super high (no pun)for the Carlisle weekend:)
I've seen just about everything but warm and sunny. I wonder if it's time... Nah!
At least Carey H. won't have to display his fabulous cars outside in the mud and slush!
...did I just use the word 'Fabulous'? yikes
...did I just use the word 'Fabulous'? yikes
News Flash: Carey retires the "Wellingtons !"
Can't worry about what you can't control! Anytime , anywhere, you get cars guys and gals together and we'll have some FUN!!! Can't wait to get on the road, Matt's looking foward to seeing our speedster friends again.
Weather update?
114 degrees and just a few clouds in the sky.
I'm doing my part.
114 degrees and just a few clouds in the sky.
I'm doing my part.
Cory: Get everybody you can together, take a few deep breathes and blow WEST!
~WB
~WB
Starting to look a lot better:
http://www.accuweather.com/us/pa/carlisle/17013/forecast2.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&zipChg=1&metric=0
See you there!
http://www.accuweather.com/us/pa/carlisle/17013/forecast2.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&zipChg=1&metric=0
See you there!
That's right, Cory! Keep sending that great Somali WX our way!
Some of us remember being at Carlisle in 2004 when it was 90 F and had skies like in your picture.
'Course, there have been some other years, well.....
Been like Florida in Beaufort lately. 80's - 90's and humid, along with the 4pm downpour; 15 mins. and then it's gone (but it's STILL 80-90 out!)
Should have everything ready to throw into the truck by tomorrow, and then just do cleanup stuff until Wednesday morning bugout time.
Should have LOTS of pics to send over during after Carlisle.
Be safe!
gn
Some of us remember being at Carlisle in 2004 when it was 90 F and had skies like in your picture.
'Course, there have been some other years, well.....
Been like Florida in Beaufort lately. 80's - 90's and humid, along with the 4pm downpour; 15 mins. and then it's gone (but it's STILL 80-90 out!)
Should have everything ready to throw into the truck by tomorrow, and then just do cleanup stuff until Wednesday morning bugout time.
Should have LOTS of pics to send over during after Carlisle.
Be safe!
gn
Cory sure put things into perspective.
Been in the 90's here for over a week.
It'll be nice to get down into the 70's for a change.....
WX looks sunny or partly sunny Friday thru Sunday. Thurs looks a little iffy on the way in, depending on direction, but not especially bad. Keep that blue tape handy.
OBTW: Talked with Jack Crosby this AM and he told me he went through an Arkansas thunder shower last weekend and his header bow seal didn't leak. Can't wait to see what he did and duplicate it (along with everyone else!!)
Gettin sych'd!!
So are the Jacks!
gn
It'll be nice to get down into the 70's for a change.....
WX looks sunny or partly sunny Friday thru Sunday. Thurs looks a little iffy on the way in, depending on direction, but not especially bad. Keep that blue tape handy.
OBTW: Talked with Jack Crosby this AM and he told me he went through an Arkansas thunder shower last weekend and his header bow seal didn't leak. Can't wait to see what he did and duplicate it (along with everyone else!!)
Gettin sych'd!!
So are the Jacks!
gn
Well, I am ever the optimist, and expect that the showers will all be somewhere else besides Carlisle this week end. The official Carlisle Car Show website shows a weather link that has nothing but black clouds and rain drops (all ~40% chances) through Sunday, then, as you might expect, clear sunny days for a week. go figure. Anyway, I am now the proud owner of: plenty of blue tape, a brand new CA Covers bootie for my Speedie, and two small aluminum baking pans tucked over my air filters. That and a couple of towels. I guess I'm ready. PS: I have available for sale at a good price a genuine Gordon Nichols weather proof Speedster covering -- also known as a grey poly tarp w/ bungie cords. Anybody interested?