Where's Hoss Central

First check in with John on his "Westward Ho!" Trek on Sunday at 12:30 pm EDT, finds him about 90 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas, hurtling over the road with the traffic flow.

John was up at half-past-dark this morning and on the road early to meet up with Gerg Teeples in Nashville, who is accompanying John for the early leg of the trek in his Speedster, about 180 miles so far, and then will be returning home. John only picked the car up from Steve's on Friday, took it out for a short blast on the interstate with the top up and A/C on to insure that everything was up to snuff, drove it home and packed it for the trip.

When we checked in, they had finished lunch and were back on the road, burning up I-40 West. Took a lot of rings to get him to answer, as he had earplugs in and couldn't hear the phone at first (I wonder how many of us have done THAT trick!!).

The Cab' is running great, although John's feeling a little minor neck and back ache, but that should pass as soon as everything turns numb ;>)

Stay tuned for the "Nightly Hoss Report" from Chris!

Thanks for the update,

We leave Wed morning and hope to get Hoss out of traction Thursday afternoon. Who said there are no longer stout men in the USA. Love it

Bruce

Tell John to take two Ibuprofin in the morning and two in the afternoon.....this will keep him from getting so uncomfortable. I once skied in Colorado for a week with a cracked rib this way. Of course I took about 10 in the morning and 10 in the afternoon...not very smart.

Steve O'brien's right about the ibuprofen. I do 24 hour mountain bike races and I take them every 2-4 hours small doses. This keeps a fairly level amount in the system when I race, doesn't upset my stomach and really helps with the "uncomfortable bits."
angela

Here we go!

I got a message from Hoss about ten minutes after I had checked voicemail last night, so I guess I'll start checking a few times a night just in case... :)

He had pulled into Anrietta, OK about dinner time (and I apologize for the spelling of the town. I have no idea whether or not that's correct, or even a real town in OK, but it was a skosh garbled listening to the message). The car's running great, and he's having a blast so far.

He did mention that he had a fortune cookie last night with no fortune in it. Good, bad? Time will only tell...

Chris

Tell Hoss, a fortune cookie with no fortune means the following "we make our own fortunes"

Henryetta, that was his planned stop, and I think the longest leg of the trip.

I

Howdy Doug!

Yup, this is an adventure, to say the least! We're all following along (many of us wishing we were riding along with him, too).

Ok, then....the latest report from "Where's Hoss Central":

1pm EDT; the wheels of his little car are still steadfastly turning, and Noon time Monday finds John about 20 miles from Amarillo, Texas (or Tejas, for "Texas Steve"). Been fighting 20 knott cross winds pretty much all day, making the driving infinitely more interesting, to say the least, and precluding any use of the Hoss Hat - he has the top up and just enjoying the trip!

Had no problems so far whatsoever, although after stopping for gas, yesterday, he could hear a faint buzzing sound in the cockpit. Didn't know if it was a power window actuator or something else, possibly heading South (What? That thing's got POWER Windows, too?!?!?!? gn) It seemed to go away after a while, but returned when he stopped at a rest area about mid-afternoon. Turns out he had an electrical gizmo in his trip bag that was pushed against something else in the bag, turning it on, continuously, and buzzing.

Steve and Angela: He did some lumbar stretching exercises last night which helped the aching neck and back a lot - that is no longer an issue (and I've gotta learn those exercises, too! gn)

Hit Oklahoma City during peak Sunday traffic (Hundreds of Ball-Baggers on the road, I guess) but that was the only traffic he's seen. Was great to have Greg Teeple running along with him for a while, and he hopes everybody liked the Pictures that Greg posted (Thanks, Greg!)

The Red Suby-tub has been running better and better with each tank of gas. He doesn't think anyone had ever taken a long, sustained trip with that engine/transmission, since it seems to be running smoother and quieter all the time (or, he's getting numb and going deaf- gn) - he's estimating mid-30's MPG and LOVIN IT!

Tonight should find him at his next stop, somewhere in new Mexico. Yesterday was the longest driving day, today is shorter and each day gets a bit shorter. He may be taking a side trip out of Needles, NM to catch up with another Speedster driver heading to Knott's, but will report on that later.

All's well so far - car, hat and driver doing fine.

Gordon

THANKS, Gordon. I look twice a day for these updates.

jkl

Thanks for mentioning the picture from Greg, somehow I missed it?

Steve:

Look over on the "Westward Ho! to Knott's" thread. Three good pictures over there....

gn

You are all welcome. I added a couple more photos taken when we stopped for an early lunch yesterday morning, somewhere in west TN. I expect at this writing he is somewhere in New Mexico, I'm looking forward to an update too.

Based on those posted gas prices in the background of the photos, he will have a rude awakening when he reaches California. The middle grade is approx. $2.71 here!

That is insane!!!! Mid-grade in Iowa 2.08

Whats the latest position of the subster?

Sorry folks, guess John's been having so much fun driving he forgot to call in last nite, so here goes with Tuesday's "Hoss Sighting":

Finally got tired of waiting for Hoss' call-in, so I called him at 6pm EDT and found him in Seligman, AZ.

Car's been running GREAT! REALLY smoothed out and found it's legs. He thought he had heard from Steve at SAW that the engine had come from a retired couple's car and he doubts that they ever did much turnpike driving with it - mostly around town because after the first 6 hours or so, and once all the crud got blown out of the engine, it's running super-smooth.

The 20 knott cross-winds he saw on the first day must have been "Cross Winds 101" because today was MUCH worse - High wind warnings all over the place, with numerous trucks stopped not wanting to brave the winds.

He was also following behind a tractor-trailer and a minivan (from Wisconsin) when a cross wind hit the van, which over corrected and then fishtailed, causing it to roll over, killing the driver and injuring the passenger. The van landed on it's roof, which squashed down to about 6" over the steering wheel. Makes him think twice about the minivan he has at home...

Today's destination was supposed to be Needles, AZ, but with the wait at the accident scene and then giving a police report, he stopped for an early (for AZ time) supper and will stay in Seligman for the night and get an early start tomorrow.

Tomorrow his destination will be Barstow, and he plans on meeting up with Mark Otero and his Speedster and doing some parallel routing to Rt. 66 along the way.

That's the "Where's Hoss" report for Tuesday. John's safe and sound, and looking forward to a less eventful day tomorrow...

Gordon

Wow that is eventful, hate to hear about something like that happening, but glad John is fine. He's gonna have some stories to tell. Thanks Gordon.

Sarah and Doug, if you're out there, stay calm - if anybody can do this John can.

Sarah and Doug!!!!!! I almost forgot you were tuning in!!

Sorry I didn't say anything more (thanks for jogging my memory, Greg...)

John was eating dinner when I called him and, while he sounded tired and just "down" compared to the normal John, he seemed to perk up a bit toward the end of the conversation as we talked more about the car and the trip in general.

It's a lot to just make one of these long-distance trips alone, and still more to have to deal with someone else's misfortune at such a close distance. Sure must put a damp towel on the trip's spirit.

"Hoss" is very proud of his car and at how well it's performing thus far. The cross winds were pretty ferocious from his description (often, 60 mph side-gusts), and yet the Suby-Tub was handling them better than most around him, and for that he was most grateful.

He's making better time and distance than he expected, the car is somewhat more comfortable at speed than he expected, he is a little ahead of schedule and looking forward to seeing the sights along route 66 and hooking up with Mark tomorrow.

The adventure continues...........

gn

I got a voicemail from John tonight as well (probably just before you gave him a ring, Dad). He sounded mentally tired, and mentioned the strong crosswinds, but it sounds like he's eager to press on and get some mileage between him and Arizona.

I'll give him a ring tomorrow morning and see how he's faring.

By the way, I love listening to messages from him, because he even refers to himself as Johnny 2-bolts. Actually, that doesn't quite give it justice because it really somehow rolls itself into one effort, almost like one smooth syllable. Must be a Southern thing. Or the hat soaks up vocal cord vibrations.

Your call.

Chris

Ok folks - Hoss needs a little SOC assistance!

Before we get to that, here's a little interesting tidbit about Seligman, AZ. That part of the country does not adhere to any sort of daylight savings time. So, John got up this morning and went to get breakfast around 6am, only to find out that it was really 5am.

At least he's getting an early start. :)

I gave him a ring around (what I thought would be) 7:30 his time this morning, but it was 6:30. He was just finishing up breakfast, in great spirits, and looking forward to cruising Route 66 with another speedster brother.

BUT!!!

The trip thus far has put a few chips in his paint on the front of his car from road debris and such. His paint is from a late model Corvette C5, and is called "Torch Red". Any chance someone in the LA area could pick up a bottle of touch up paint for that color from the Chevy dealer and bring it to Knotts? He'll cover the cost, but just doesn't have the means to track the paint down.

Route 66 ahead!

Chris

Chris,

You tell Hoss I said he should be proud of his paint chips.

They are a badge of honor.

Jerome

I could look around here in Iowa and bring it with me on Friday. Let me know if he would like me to get some?

I just spoke to John he got into Barstow earlier this afternoon. He said that he traveled along the longest stretch of Route 66 and came along a great picture opportunity that he was going to use as his computer wallpaper, unfortunately his batteries on his camera went dead. Oh well photo op gone bad. He is currently sipping a merlot and wishing he wasn't alone

I will be heading out early in the morning to meet him about 9:00AM in Barstow, we'll have breakfast then hit the road to Buena Park.

Mark

Tell him to quit tailgating those big rigs!!

John is very lucky to have such a wonderful support group. Thanks to you all he will make it. His wife , Sarah, leaves for Calif tomorrow so I know he will be at the airport to pick her up. Keep up the chatter.

DOUG

Ok.....talked with John just after 10 am EDT.

He was still in Barstow and the hooking up with Mark Otero didn't happen. Mark started out to join him but then developed some mechanical troubles and had to turn back to visit his mechanic (this is NOT the "Press On Regardless" rally, after all....) Mark will be at Knott's as soon as he can get there.

John was just about to have breakfast. He spent yesterday late afternoon at a car wash getting the bugs, sand and dust off and out of the car, from driving through the dust storms in New Mexico and Arizona - the car looked pretty bad, I guess. He has some paint chips that need touch-up - Please see the paint type in an earlier post and can anyone coming to Knott's get him some touch-up??? Steve O'Brien is bringing some (John hopes) but a redundant effort would be appreciated, just in case (and he'll need it for the return trip and then to Carlisle, so it won't be wasted).

Taking the long route along Rt. 66 was outstanding!!! There is a stretch of twisties around massive rock formations that was awesome....that was where he found that "perfect shot" of his car against some giant boulders, but found that the batteries in his camera were dead... |>(

He had a tee-shirt made up with Mike Cochrane's rendition of "Where's Hoss??" on it so he'll surely be recognized when he's at Knott's. (what would we all do without Mike??)

Sarah is leaving Knoxville mid-morning her time to fly out to Knott's to meet him - I guess he'll be meeting her at the airport later today (I think DOug's staying home in Tennessee).

Speaking of recognizing him, all you "Left-Coasters" keep an eye peeled off to the SouthEast for that dust cloud rising on the horizon this morning, 'cause that'll be our Hoss, roarin' West to Buena Park and the Hotel. He's leaving Barstow right after Breakfast and 'spects to be at the Hotel for lunch so Y'all start lookin out for him. The car's been runnin' GREAT(!) and been downright comfy, too, so he shouldn't be too stiff, but he's really looking forward to being with other Speedstah Friends!!

Gordon, from "Hoss Tracking Central"

I just picked up a bottle of Torch Red touch-up paint (2004 GMC #9075) from the local Chevy dealer last week. I'll bring it with me to Knott's and John can use it on his stone bruises. My Speedster is also Torch Red.

OK, all you Knottsistas!!

Hoss has landed at the Hotel around 11 am PST!! That's the good news....

The bad news is that the Suby started very hard this morning, and won't idle properly (it swings between 2K - 4K rpm, back and forth, when just sitting still). It also tries to swing in RPM when traveling at slower (non-turnpike) speeds (sounds like surging to me - gn). Neither Hoss nor I am familiar with EFI systems, so I suggested he find a local Subaru dealer and plug in to their diagnostic computer to see what's going on and maybe fix it. He's off to the hotel desk to get a local phone book.

John's been trying to contact Steve at SAW, but hasn't reached him yet.

If anyone's in the immediate area and could possibly help out, please give him a call at his cell: 1-865-809-1439

He might need help picking Sarah up from the airport or whatever. He got to the hotel early, so his room's not yet ready, nor is anyone else there from the SOC yet.

Thanks folks!!

Gordon

What are the perticulars on Sarah's arrival in California....
Airport, airlines, flight, time, etc....

Any shop with the ability to check OBDII could probably fix the problem?

This is a total guess, but I am thinking he has a problem in the Throttle Position Sensor ? I will call him to see how he is doing?

Vince:

I don't know Sarah's itinerary, but you can give John a call at the number in the post above and I'm sure he can tell you.

Thanks.......gn

I just talked to John and it sounds like he has some good people to work on it. They haven't got a code so it will be a little harder to find, but almost sounds like an idle sensor problem? I'm sure we will soon find out?

Just talked to John and he says Sarah is renting a car at the airport
so it appears she has things under control.....

OK, Vince, thanks so much, you guys, for your help!! That includes Bill and Steve for the touch-up paint, and all of you who've been following along.....

Ok on Sarah renting a car - I've met Sarah, and she's a "get it done" kind of lady!

I spoke briefly with John about 3pm Knott's time, and he reiterated what Steve's posted; that he now had plenty of help and that they had found (now for the "Highly Technical" Problem Description) "some sort-of thingy in there that was WAY out of adjustment, having to do with idle control. Brought that back to where it belongs and it's now running fine again. Could have just simply vibrated out of whack - who knows?"

Anyway, our man Hoss has completed the first part of his trek and landed, unscathed and in one piece, at Knott's after quite a first adventure. His trip home, joined by Jim and Ray, if not others, should be just as much fun, if not more so.

Stay tuned next week for the return sequel:

"Where's Hoss? II"
"The Return to Route 66"
"This time with Batteries!"

gn "Over and Out!"

Someone please tell Hoss that we are all stoked that he made it. WooHoo buy him a brewski!

Absolutely STOKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woo Hoo!!!!

And the car and driver are happy once more.


Hey, I'm flying to california tommorrow!!! Ok it doesn't sound nearly as eventful, but it is my first Knotts!!!

Atta boy, J2B ! Thanks Gordon and Chris

Hey, all you "Hoss Followers"!!
"Mission Control, the Hoss has Landed!"

Johnny 2-Bolts called about 8am Knott's time for the latest update!

Seems that, shortly after I posted the appeal for help, and while John was getting the Yellow pages and finding that there are NO Subaru dealers in the Anaheim area, Greg from Vintage Spyders saw the post and called him on his cell phone to tell him that there is a place about ten minutes from his hotel that specializes in Subaru-power Sand Rails (some of them upwards of 500 hp!!!!! - only in SoCal!!)

He drove on over there and they found that two things were amiss and working together to give him his problems, even though no diagnostic codes were shown: The throttle-position sensor was out of adjustment (which showed up on the diagnostic tool), plus the throttle return spring wasn't up to the task of returning everything to proper idle. They adjusted the sensor, and John got a throttle return spring kit from an auto parts store next door and he's back in business. He's also going back to the store today for a can of Marvel Mystery Oil to blast around the throttle shaft in the throttle body to make sure that it is cleaned of any dust that may have gotten in there from the dust storms he drove through, and is then well-lubed, but the car is already back to running like a top.

The Knott's show starts tomorrow, so today is, in John's words, a day for "washing, detailing, drinking Beer and telling lies".

Just as he said that, he spied Jim-Bob Ward and dashed off to say Hi!

Sounds like he's having fun already......

Sarah arrived OK, (and thanks to Vince for offering to pick her up!!) and they were about to have breakfast and get ready to enjoy the day.

Hope Y'all have enjoyed the posts as much as Chris and I have enjoyed posting them.......looking forward to posting more on the return trip!

Stay tuned......Gordon