I just got in from running my 66' VW on the Drag strip at Searspoint myself. I can't make it to Knott's but appreciate the almost real time updates.
Did you see the Oklahoma City weather from yesterday? They had nearly a foot(!) of hail!!
Wow...Jim leaves town and the whole place goes to hail.
Wow...Jim leaves town and the whole place goes to hail.
John,
Are you aware that practically everyone is reading this post....
Bad joke........But good luck for Jim, except for the gas all over
the car thing.......
Are you aware that practically everyone is reading this post....
Bad joke........But good luck for Jim, except for the gas all over
the car thing.......
You know, you get us out in these Speedsters, and pretty soon it just feels comfortable to be running 4 grand and cruising along (even with 3.88 rears!
I'm having a ball reading these posts, and I know Jim is having even more fun riding through the Great Southwest (although it might not be so great if he doesn't have heat in that thing!!)
Can you imagine? You're tooling along in your SUV with the wife in front and kids fighting in the back, and all of a sudden you get passed by this little-bitty car, stuffed full of things like someone going on vacation, with this wild-eyed guy driving wearing this HUGE grin.........Makes you wish you were him.........
I'm having a ball reading these posts, and I know Jim is having even more fun riding through the Great Southwest (although it might not be so great if he doesn't have heat in that thing!!)
Can you imagine? You're tooling along in your SUV with the wife in front and kids fighting in the back, and all of a sudden you get passed by this little-bitty car, stuffed full of things like someone going on vacation, with this wild-eyed guy driving wearing this HUGE grin.........Makes you wish you were him.........
I think he mentioned that he did have heat in it, but I'll ask next time I talk to him. I thought I would have gotten another call by now, but knowing that his cell phone was acting up, it might not be until he stops for lunch or so.
Chris
Chris
You know I found myself so intrigued with this trip that I checked out Jims picutres and profile. Truley an inspiration guy, double lung surgery, close to death. I think this guy should truley be a model to live life to it's fullest. Thank God that we have these little cars to bring us so much joy and pleasure. He has embodied the true spirit of the car. I wish him all the luck in the world and I wish I were in the passenger seat treking along with him. Tear it up man see you in a couple of days.
Maybe he was jamming through Oklahoma so fast that he stirred up the twisters there :) Just kidding Tornados are no joke.
I hope I have the balls to make a trip like Jim soon.
Maybe he was jamming through Oklahoma so fast that he stirred up the twisters there :) Just kidding Tornados are no joke.
I hope I have the balls to make a trip like Jim soon.
Doh! Forgot to ask about heat!
So, in went the Speedster to the car wash this morning. It was a steamy 34 degrees outside. :)
After rinsing her off, Jim went over to a local detail shop. They were booked pretty solid, but had a spare bay free and set him up with some tools and supplies. He's aiming on finishing up by noon, and pressing on with the trip then.
More to come later!
Chris
So, in went the Speedster to the car wash this morning. It was a steamy 34 degrees outside. :)
After rinsing her off, Jim went over to a local detail shop. They were booked pretty solid, but had a spare bay free and set him up with some tools and supplies. He's aiming on finishing up by noon, and pressing on with the trip then.
More to come later!
Chris
What is Jim's destination tonight?
I'm hoping Jim is taking some digital pictures with his Speedster in the background -- kind of a "Flat Stan" documentary. We'll have to see how his Speedster (and he) hold up - he does have time to make it to Carlisle too! Those along the route could offer a resting place for refueling (Beck's and 20 winks) -- internet link to post near real-time photos! Go for it Jim!
It's really going to depend on how long it takes him to get going this morning, I think. I'll know more in an hour or two when he's about to head out.
Chris
Chris
Man! 940 miles in one run. Incredible. To stay alert and awake that far.
The adrenelin must be pumpin'! I wonder how Jim's butt is feelin' about now. You Go Guy! Keep the rubber side down!
BD
The adrenelin must be pumpin'! I wonder how Jim's butt is feelin' about now. You Go Guy! Keep the rubber side down!
BD
Jim has just qualified to drive "big truck" Don't recommend logging all those DOT miles ....."ain't gonna look right to the Man"
K.... 940 miles in one day @.41 per mile that's $345.40 per day times 5 day work week comes to $1,927.00.
We'll add on a Saturday run 'cause no trucker works a 5 day work week (except me!)add another $345.40. Total is $2,270.40 per week ..Think I'll mail him out an application on his return :~)
Seriously, Jim must be pumped...be safe our friend!
Alan M.
K.... 940 miles in one day @.41 per mile that's $345.40 per day times 5 day work week comes to $1,927.00.
We'll add on a Saturday run 'cause no trucker works a 5 day work week (except me!)add another $345.40. Total is $2,270.40 per week ..Think I'll mail him out an application on his return :~)
Seriously, Jim must be pumped...be safe our friend!
Alan M.
Somebody better get him some Hemroid cream ready for the ride :)
More field updates...
He's in the middle of the mountains, and apparently bundled up pretty well with a few sweatshirts, and a hat. He was grumbling about how glad he'll be to get back to the desert, and 60 degree weather.
So, the story with the detail shop goes something like this...
He pulled in and talked to the manager, who gave him the supplies and let him pull into the free bay. They were pretty busy, so that was the best he could do for the moment. Well, as things go with cars like these, before he knew it he had three other people helping him wash the car down, polish it, buff it, and wax it. It came out awesome! As much as Jim insisted, the shop owner wouldn't take any money whatsoever, so Jim hid some under the planner on his desk. :)
Now underway, he's aiming to hit LA by tonight, and from there it shouldn't be more than a hop, skip, and jump to Knotts.
Tally ho!
Chris
He's in the middle of the mountains, and apparently bundled up pretty well with a few sweatshirts, and a hat. He was grumbling about how glad he'll be to get back to the desert, and 60 degree weather.
So, the story with the detail shop goes something like this...
He pulled in and talked to the manager, who gave him the supplies and let him pull into the free bay. They were pretty busy, so that was the best he could do for the moment. Well, as things go with cars like these, before he knew it he had three other people helping him wash the car down, polish it, buff it, and wax it. It came out awesome! As much as Jim insisted, the shop owner wouldn't take any money whatsoever, so Jim hid some under the planner on his desk. :)
Now underway, he's aiming to hit LA by tonight, and from there it shouldn't be more than a hop, skip, and jump to Knotts.
Tally ho!
Chris
Are we there yet?Are we there yet?Are we there yet?Are we there yet?
Are we there yet?Are we there yet?Are we there yet?Are we there yet?
Are we there yet?Are we there yet?Are we there yet?Are we there yet?
Chris,
Great idea to do this and allow us to share in Jim's trip. Thanks for your idea and effort!
Great idea to do this and allow us to share in Jim's trip. Thanks for your idea and effort!
Jim's a smart guy. He's probably sitting on a doughnut, and I don't mean Winchell's....
Kids! lol
Reading this brings back memories of several trips I have made in the Speedster to the Adirondacks and the big one for me was NJ to Roanoak Va via Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. These are trips that I will never forget! Jim have fun and safe trip home!
Any news on Jim?
Touchdown!
He got into LA about 11pm last night. After getting out of the mountains and dropping onto I-51, he felt like "an aiming point on a slalom course", as at 80mph he was the slowest car out there. :)
Anyway, he's at the hotel, and was about to put his speedster to bed. He saw another one at the hotel under wraps (Paul, maybe?), but he made it safe and sound in one piece.
Thanks for the honor of posting all of this Jim - can't wait to meet you in person someday (Carlisle?? :))!
Chris
He got into LA about 11pm last night. After getting out of the mountains and dropping onto I-51, he felt like "an aiming point on a slalom course", as at 80mph he was the slowest car out there. :)
Anyway, he's at the hotel, and was about to put his speedster to bed. He saw another one at the hotel under wraps (Paul, maybe?), but he made it safe and sound in one piece.
Thanks for the honor of posting all of this Jim - can't wait to meet you in person someday (Carlisle?? :))!
Chris
That a boy Jim. I will see you Sat at the show. My car is at the shop for a full detail today.
"The Eagle" has landed! Jim Ward showed up for breakfast this AM at the Buena Park Marriott. He arrived late last evening - tired, but with great road stories to tell!
Last night at dinner the cast included Dale Bates, Henry Reisner, Rick Davis, Paul Harford, and Bruce Williams.
The weather for Saturday and Sunday could not be better. C'mon down!
Last night at dinner the cast included Dale Bates, Henry Reisner, Rick Davis, Paul Harford, and Bruce Williams.
The weather for Saturday and Sunday could not be better. C'mon down!
Good job Jim,that was a good trip, can't wait to hear the stories in person.I'll bet he was standing at breakfast, tired of sitting JIM?. Just a couple of days and on the road again.
Glad to see he made it safe and sound!
Hey Jim consider the ride to Knotts a warm up. Just turn around on Sunday and head the other way towards Carlisle. Heck you've got 20 days to make it, so take your time.
Jerome
Hey Jim consider the ride to Knotts a warm up. Just turn around on Sunday and head the other way towards Carlisle. Heck you've got 20 days to make it, so take your time.
Jerome
WAY TO GO JIM! You are an inspiration!
Joe in NJ
Joe in NJ
Way to make tracks, Jim! Anybody know the total one way mileage?
BD
BD
Jim,
We expect to see you at Carlisle what a Kit Car Builder Magazine story that will make! Have great time at Knotts and a safe ....casual trip home!
Alan M.
We expect to see you at Carlisle what a Kit Car Builder Magazine story that will make! Have great time at Knotts and a safe ....casual trip home!
Alan M.
It was 940 miles from Oklahoma City to Flagstaff, and LA is about 470 miles from Flagstaff.
Say about 1400 in two days?
Chris
Say about 1400 in two days?
Chris
Just watched a Jesse James "Ride to Sturgis" show. The trip was 1400 miles on there bikes with a full support crew in trucks and trailers. They made it look like they were driving to the moon.
Jim, I hope you have the trip out to Knott's on video so you can have a Discovery Channel show too.
Man, I am so jealous!
Jim, I hope you have the trip out to Knott's on video so you can have a Discovery Channel show too.
Man, I am so jealous!
Wow thats great! way to go Jim!
Now, we just need to talk Paul into making the trip to Carlisle with his car!
Now, we just need to talk Paul into making the trip to Carlisle with his car!
Hey!
Can one (or more) of you Knott's folks please tell Jim to make sure he calls in on the return trip just as he did on the way out?????
I'm sure we all want to make sure he gets home alright, too!
Thanks, Gordon and Chris
Can one (or more) of you Knott's folks please tell Jim to make sure he calls in on the return trip just as he did on the way out?????
I'm sure we all want to make sure he gets home alright, too!
Thanks, Gordon and Chris
Jim:
Congrats. As said over and over again... you are an inspiration to us all. Thanks to Chris for the updates.... Have a great time at the show and I know I'll be looking forward to a Knotts and road trip recap.
All the best and safe travels back to OKC.
Dave W.
'01 VS
Congrats. As said over and over again... you are an inspiration to us all. Thanks to Chris for the updates.... Have a great time at the show and I know I'll be looking forward to a Knotts and road trip recap.
All the best and safe travels back to OKC.
Dave W.
'01 VS
Gordon/Chris: Anyone know if Jim W. is gonna check in on his way home?
BD
BD
I hope so......I called his cell phone a couple of times but I think it died on the wsy out - all I get is voice mail.
Saw Chris tonight and he hadn't heard from him yet either, but is expecting something sometime - we'll see.........if he calls in we'll post just like before..........gn and cn
Saw Chris tonight and he hadn't heard from him yet either, but is expecting something sometime - we'll see.........if he calls in we'll post just like before..........gn and cn
Judging by all those photos of Jim huddlin' and cuddlin' the locals, maybe its best if he is off radar for awhile?!?!
I heard Jim saying he was stopping at friends along his way through Arizona, looking to be home on or about Thursday.
My guess is that Theron is meeting him in TJ for a quicky annulment...
MM
My guess is that Theron is meeting him in TJ for a quicky annulment...
MM
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I "m in ABQ at 0619 Local. It's colder than a car models ( ) out there, but I've got coffee and I am ready to make a long run all the way back to Red Dirt Country today.
Gordon & Chris, I'll call the work mail for an update.
I need to wash the bugs off the car before I go.
Got a great shot at "The Corner" in Winslow, AZ yesterday... you know... Jackson Browne & the Eagles, Take It Easy?
I't's a Girl My Lord, In a Flatbed Ford, Slowin' down to take a look at me!"
This motel keyboard is cumbersome and so I will wait and write when I get home.
The RR Meet was great! John, Bruce, Theron (sigh, I miss you babe), you all are the Spirit of this great gathering!
Common Passion.... No Agendas
Jim, Holly, Jodi, Sharon, sans THeron........ on the road, The Wardites
Gordon & Chris, I'll call the work mail for an update.
I need to wash the bugs off the car before I go.
Got a great shot at "The Corner" in Winslow, AZ yesterday... you know... Jackson Browne & the Eagles, Take It Easy?
I't's a Girl My Lord, In a Flatbed Ford, Slowin' down to take a look at me!"
This motel keyboard is cumbersome and so I will wait and write when I get home.
The RR Meet was great! John, Bruce, Theron (sigh, I miss you babe), you all are the Spirit of this great gathering!
Common Passion.... No Agendas
Jim, Holly, Jodi, Sharon, sans THeron........ on the road, The Wardites
I just checked my voicemail (it's been one hell of a busy week), and I found some in-flight updates! :)
Jim was about 50 miles east of Alberquerque the last time I heard from him, cruising anywhere from 70-85mph, soaking in the sun and the warm weather. He had contemplated heading through San Diego and Phoenix, but decided just to press on straight home.
In case any of you didn't gather from this past weekend, he had an unbelieveable time this weekend, and went on for quite some time about how cool the event was. I think I may just fly out there next year just to partake in this, unless Dad's up for a cross-country road trip. :)
Chris
Jim was about 50 miles east of Alberquerque the last time I heard from him, cruising anywhere from 70-85mph, soaking in the sun and the warm weather. He had contemplated heading through San Diego and Phoenix, but decided just to press on straight home.
In case any of you didn't gather from this past weekend, he had an unbelieveable time this weekend, and went on for quite some time about how cool the event was. I think I may just fly out there next year just to partake in this, unless Dad's up for a cross-country road trip. :)
Chris
Chris: The same thought came to me last night while checking out all the
PICS. Except I had a charter flight in mind. Maybe cheaper?
BD
PICS. Except I had a charter flight in mind. Maybe cheaper?
BD