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Morro Bay Caravan Accross The Country

Jack CrosbyJack CrosbyHot Springs, AR, VS RabyTypeIV
It's about time to start organizing for the "across the country caravan" to Morro Bay. My son, Russ and I are going to start our drive from Hot Springs, AR, near Little Rock on I 40 three or four days before the official Morro Bay event. My wife, Alice and Russ' wife, Brenda will fly out and meet us there. The route will depend on the others doing this drive and where they are coming from so that there are the most miles of caravaning. (Is that a word?).
This will be a historic event in itself as in the past only one at a time of the SOC have driven East to West--Hoss, Jim Ward and Cal Monsma, who trailered from Oklahoma City last year. This caravan of multiple Speedsters will be a first. Maybe an annual event---who knows?

This is yet another opportunity to demonstrate that our little cars are reliable and capable of long trips. Maybe there will be magazine or newspaper coverage along the route. But mostly it will be an introduction to these great cars for folks we meet along the way.

Personally I am looking forward to the comraderie with other brave souls in our group and the evening dinners and sessions that are sure to take place---possibly with a swig of Oban (Lane??-you need to join us.) As we firm up the participants we can jointly figure out the best stop over places that suit everyone. This will be a trip of a lifetime and I for one can't wait! I have always wanted to drive to the West Coast---now to do it in a Speedster has to be the ultimate adventure!

We should pick a speed that is agreeable with the whole group ---same for fuel and pit stops. It's not a race but rather a trip we all will enjoy.

Of course we have to make the return trip and that can be just as much fun as the outbound trip to the "left coast".

I hope we can have every Speedster builder and driver-constructed car
represented.

WHO IS IN?? LET'S DO THIS!---Jack

2007 Vintage Speedster/ Jake Raby TYPE IV engine

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Jack CrosbyJack CrosbyHot Springs, AR, VS RabyTypeIV
It's about time to start organizing for the "across the country caravan" to Morro Bay. My son, Russ and I are going to start our drive from Hot Springs, AR, near Little Rock on I 40 three or four days before the official Morro Bay event. My wife, Alice and Russ' wife, Brenda will fly out and meet us there. The route will depend on the others doing this drive and where they are coming from so that there are the most miles of caravaning. (Is that a word?).
This will be a historic event in itself as in the past only one at a time of the SOC have driven East to West--Hoss, Jim Ward and Cal Monsma, who trailered from Oklahoma City last year. This caravan of multiple Speedsters will be a first. Maybe an annual event---who knows?

This is yet another opportunity to demonstrate that our little cars are reliable and capable of long trips. Maybe there will be magazine or newspaper coverage along the route. But mostly it will be an introduction to these great cars for folks we meet along the way.

Personally I am looking forward to the comraderie with other brave souls in our group and the evening dinners and sessions that are sure to take place---possibly with a swig of Oban (Lane??-you need to join us.) As we firm up the participants we can jointly figure out the best stop over places that suit everyone. This will be a trip of a lifetime and I for one can't wait! I have always wanted to drive to the West Coast---now to do it in a Speedster has to be the ultimate adventure!

We should pick a speed that is agreeable with the whole group ---same for fuel and pit stops. It's not a race but rather a trip we all will enjoy.

Of course we have to make the return trip and that can be just as much fun as the outbound trip to the "left coast".

I hope we can have every Speedster builder and driver-constructed car
represented.

WHO IS IN?? LET'S DO THIS!---Jack

D DustyJ
Jack,
You forgot to add me and the LMS into that "east to west" count. At least I thought Colorado was east of California !! We trailer out every year mostly because we have much to haul to and from the Gathering.

If you can make your drive come somewhere south of Denver we would love to join the caravan. Could even be the "native guides" from Colorado west. We generally cross over the mountains at Grand Junction, CO, through Las Vegas, Bakersfield and into Morro Bay. Our plan this year is to leave on the 21st and arrive in Morro early afternoon the 22nd (I have it down now where I can touch base with hotels, restaurants, CofC, etc in just a couple of hours).

When you get things worked out be sure to let me know and we will do what we can to accomodate your plans so we can join you.

MORRO BAY ... WE ARE ON THE WAY!!

Happy Trails,
Dusty and the Lovely Miss Sharon
Jack CrosbyJack CrosbyHot Springs, AR, VS RabyTypeIV
Dusty--Of course I realize you made this trip--I just didn't think of your trip as an "East to West" trip---more like a "semi-West to West" trip---- but reconsidering, it you are one of the 3-4 who went from East to the West (if Colorado is East which I guess it is.) So you are a bonifide real-deal pioneer!

Keep up with this thread and chime in as appropriate and I want to see you part of the group rolling in together to Morro Bay---how exciting will that be? Musbjim will memoralize this grand entrance on one of his videos!

Maybe we can even commission a special cup,teeshirt,grill ornament luggage belt,jock strap or tattoo for this event!

Dusty--you and LMS are IN---we will work out the details as the group forms.

OK--who else is in?? Lets get this group lined up. Only a certain number of spots are available!
FM Former Member
Jack, although Carol and I are not going to make Morro Bay this year, I'd love to meet up with you as you pass through OKC on I40 and either catch a quick meal or even ride along the highway for a couple of hours. Hey Justin, maybe you and your Dad could join us as well? (The petrol station on the December 2010 calendar shot is on Route 66 that runs parallel to I40 in Weatherford, OK - there is a windmill farm and the old deserted Route 66 Drive In is right down the road. Maybe a whole line up of speedies at the ticket office?)

Keep us posted on the specific dates.

Best regards,
Cal

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Jack CrosbyJack CrosbyHot Springs, AR, VS RabyTypeIV

Cal--thanks. Oklahoma City might well be one of the stopover points
which would be great for a get together there---just depends on who all is doing this trip and where they start out.

Lane--I hope you can make it flying if that's your plan. Always good to be with you.

OK now, lets hear from some drivers---Marty?
Marty GrzynkowiczMarty Grzynkowicz2012 IM Suby-Roadster
Jack,

So many logistics to work out.

Work schedule, kids, wife, and long ass drive with an 8 gallon tank. Plus, we are so far apart that we would have to figure out how to meet up. When I Google the route it has me going through Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado. I would have to forgo that route and drive to Oklahoma City, OK to meet you and Russ (2,300 miles each way). Sounds like fun in a sadistic kind of way. Russ is pretty handy right? Also, I get spooked with the possibility of bad weather in spring. Chicago is hit or miss in April. I would have to think seriously about converting to the 16 Gallon tank before the Journey. Another problem is that my super wide body has no spare (only a can of fix-o-flat). Like you, I would fly Sandy out and maybe even consider a right seater for the trip if she decides not to go at all. So it

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Jack CrosbyJack CrosbyHot Springs, AR, VS RabyTypeIV
Yes--my tank is also 8 gallons and I decided I'l rather have a spare tire than a larger gas tank.

I don't know what my mileage will be but I am hoping for at least 25 MPG which equals 200 miles to dry and so I''ll plan on 150 mile legs. At 70 MPH that's 2:20 before stopping for gas and a reserve to take me 50 miles. At 2:20 I am ready to stop, walk around, refuel and make a pit stop. My stops are usually 15 minutes.

I'm cool with 8 gallons. Maybe carry an extra 5 gallons in a quality container too?

Rather than dwell on all the troubles with making arrangements, time off, etc, etc, I'm thinkin about the adventure and rolling into Morro Bay!

Yes--Russ is a master mechanic and a VW repair genious too-- that's a plus for anyone in the caravan. We'll have tools and parts galore.

Marty--we will work out all the meeting places depending on who drives from where. I would drive up to Topeka Kansas to meet you for example and we'll take I 70 accross. Maybe you wopuld be with others on the return and I'd then take I40 and get through O.C. to see Cal then.

We just have to see who will do this trip. I'll be going if it's just myself but sure hope for some company!
FM Former Member
If y'all decide to take the I70 route, that'll make meeting up with Dusty a lock - and Dusty and LMS are definitely worth the detour. Just keep me in the loop.

As far as doing 2:20 straight in the Speedster, there is no way I could ever go that long - although only one of the reasons we trailer on longer trips.

Regarding 20 miles to visit me - Vince is right, my wife is definitely worth the extra effort.....
DUBSTUBDUBSTUB
Come on Angela, you know Vince. In person, he is an angel. It's just an act here. I am not sure what he means about being nicer, he must mean being nicer on this forum, doncha think?

You guys thinking of driving all the way to Morro in your Speedies really ought to think about a trailer. I suppose most of you are younger than me. I just know my back would never make the trip. You are troopers.
HossHoss
I believe that these cars are meant to be driven. It was 2175 miles to Knotts each way and I made out fine. There were a few "exciting moments" but nothing really bad happened. I drove home in three days and arrived in time for happy hour. BTW, I was 60 and counting when I made the trip back in '05.

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MusbJimMusbJim'14 VS SoCal Supporting Member
What warren said x2! I LOVE driving my Speedy cross-country but a little creature comfort is nice.

Get the best of both worlds, particularly if traveling with your spouse. In plotting your trip route, you could drive through the areas of drudgery in your 'other' ride (with Speedy in-tow), then unload/drive the Speedy through selected areas with your support vehicle (trailer) following behind. Papa's happy, momma's happy!!

...I'm just saying...

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Jack CrosbyJack CrosbyHot Springs, AR, VS RabyTypeIV
"If you see my Speedster on a trailer, call the police because someone has stolen my car!!"

I think this goes back to my biker days when I rode my BMW to events while many of the Harley pus---- trailered their bikes.

I'll work on this poor attitude. If it's trailering vs not making a trip I can understand that.

Oh--trailers are MORE THAN WELCOME on this accross the country tour to Morro Bay!

Excellent post Jim.
El FrazooEl Frazoo Supporting Member
Yo, Jack,

I am not going to be driving to/from Morro Bay, but am laying on good plans to be there nevertheless. Will fly in. As a working stiff, like Lane, don't have the time to spare for the cross country driving. I'd want to take a couple of weeks to do that, minimum, and see the sights. Actually, way back ('67 it was) I did just that in my '56 A Coupe. Just took off. Six weeks it was. Out on I70, sort of, and back on I40/Rte 66, sort of. Many stops along the way, and the PCH from SF to SD. It was, in fact, a trip of a lifetime, and I was only 21! I had no real mechanical troubles, having spent the prior summer's wages rebuilding my mill to a fine balance and state of tune. No troubles, that is, if you discount the fact that on the last leg back in November, I was slugging through a snow storm in Tenn and West Va, aiming at Pittsburgh, w/ no heat. The cables for my heater boxes had long since rusted shut and so the "heat" option was a twice a year thing. Bash them open in the spring so no heat in summer, ands then bash them closed in the winter to have heat, such as it was. When the trip was started, the weather was really nice. I tried to bash them closed in the dead of night, in the snow, along the side of a WV mountain road, but it was impossible. Anyway, that was then. It will be a fab trip, and if I were retired (better I should say, "When I retire.") I would/will do this jaunt with you, or whomever will join in.
D DustyJ
Boy! You guys are just getting soft!! I plan to drive mine all the way ......... all the way up the ramps onto my trailer. OK, OK, I got soft long ago, but I enjoy the comfy seats in the car and being able to have quiet conversations with the LMS and not having to shout to be heard. Besides, I have seen that boring part of the country way too many times.

Personally, I cannot wait to hear the terrific stories I am sure Jack will entertain us with concerning the trip. Please take many pics and post them here for all to see. I am sure there is great interest all across the country.

Now ... shall we start to get a list going for a caravan to Carlisle? We are going (Ok, with trailer in tow!) and hope to join others along the way. Chime in and let us hear from you.

Happy Trails,
Dusty and the LMS

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Jack CrosbyJack CrosbyHot Springs, AR, VS RabyTypeIV

Caravan to Carlisle? That's just a tune up for THIS trip!

'Comfortable seats"? Well I have that in spades. My Car is a Vintage
and the seat shells sorts cut my butt. I simply got Porsche 914 seat cushions that fit perfectly into my Vintage shells and voila! Comfy seats. Really nice.

As far as the time yes, that's a big consideration. Being in Arkansas I have a good head start but it's still 3 full days each way for me driving good distances each day.

This seems to be something solo drivers do occasionally like Cal, Jim, Hoss now me. Too bad we all couldn't have done this together but I'm sure there are some others out there who will sign up for this
trip of a lifetime.
Jack CrosbyJack CrosbyHot Springs, AR, VS RabyTypeIV

Wil--that gave me a chill. I so regret that I got on board the madness too late to have known Jim Ward. I read every post he made and get a sense of what a fine man he was and a great loss to the community. There is no doubt he would be part of the caravan to Morro Bay I'll sure think of him on the trip.

That was a nice post you made.
FM Former Member
Jack, sorry to just get to this!
That shot was in the middle of the Hoopty's 'shakedown' cruise a couple years ago. I met Teresa on that drive.
The car hadn't been anywhere outside of MD/PA/VA until then, and I needed to get away for a couple weeks. It coincided with the Dragon Run, and I hadn't seen my dad in a while, so I threw a backpack in the car and hit the road. More than 2,000 miles in a truly open car. No radio, no heat, no real destination.
I had an arcane GPS, a Rand McNally road atlas and a general idea that I could cover nine states in two weeks. I was able to pull all that driving off with only a couple rain drops the entire time.
One trouble light from the oil pressure indicator within 25 miles of home -- false alarm -- and that was it.
As you know, that's one helluva way to clear your head. If you happen to meet a future bride on the way, that's icing on the cake. I'm a firm believer that the universe tends to unfold as it should.
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