Dayton, smart alleck.

Snoopy, thanks for the tip. I think I will consider the tolls.

 

Don't recall saying Ohio was a great place......

 

^^^ X $8.00 ^^^ Maybe his passenger can kick in $4.00 ,

 

If this is a concern of yours, you might want to give the whole trip thing a second thought.

Also, I set up a "Rod Run" every year. I see lots of people on forums, start the same type of thread as you did, only for it to end up dead in the water, before it even gets off the ground. People really need to do their research on stuff like this before they begin to throw the idea out to others, because there are tons of logistics to consider before even thinking about going on a trip like you asked about.

My run consists of just 3 days and usually only about 1000 to 1200 miles round trip, from the kickoff point. We usually have anywhere from 20 to 40 cars with us and we will drive through up to 4 states on the trip.

Even with this small of an event, it takes me the better part of a year to put together.

Just to touch on the simplest of details, here will be some of your most basic concerns

1) You need to have a route planned before you do anything else. You want to know about local construction and possible detours. How easy is it going to be for everyone in the group to stay together on the route, and will they be able to group back up if they fall behind (with your plan of 700 miles per day, this will NOT be able to happen)

2) If you don't have basic plans laid out in the beginning, you are going to get 100 different people with 200 different ideas. If you try doing it that way, you're not even going to be able to get a trip to your local burger join planned. Get a basic plan otgether, then work with locals, in the different areas, to help pinpoint the exacts of the trip

3) You need to figure out lodging. You can't have a big group and just expect to stop any ol' place and expect them to be able to fit everyone. Also, different people have different price points of what they like to pay for lodging

4)The bigger the group, the longer each rest stop (gas, food, bathroom) is going to be. A half hour would be considered a "quick" stop, if at all possible. these should also be used to allow for peopel that fell behind in traffic, to be able to get back with the group.

5) If groups get broken apart, there needs to be a way for people to keep in contact with others (a million cell phone calls doesn't work here either).

6) What kind of enjoyment are people going to get by just getting on an interstate and cruising 700 miles just to get from point "A" to point "B"? How much fun is it driving across the country and barley stopping once in a state, while not seeing anything? What is the point of that? If that is the plan, you are much better doing it by yourself. People like long cruises for the comraderie and scenery. You need points of interest

6) 400 miles is a VERY optimistic goal per day. 300, on the high end is much more attainable while still being able to see the sites and not be beat at the end of each day.

I could go on and on, but as you can see in just this small sample, it's not worth throwing the idea out there without doing a little research first

with all this being said.. Happy Planning!!!

 

Appreciate it Rod Run. Where in New England are you? If you are near or going to pass through this area, I might jump on the band wagon!

 

The furthest west we really ever plan is PA or NY

We have had people from all over New England, NY, NJ, PA, OH and even Canada join us in the past, with the list growing every year. The only problem with my trip, is that we gear it toward mainly rear-wheel drive American muscle (obviously with that said, my HHR doesn't join the trip). There are a few exceptions (a heavily modified HHR SS, in looks and performance, might fit the bill), but a lot of times when you open things up too much, you end up with a lot of the young import tuner crowd, who might have more HP than brains, and all they want to do is try to show off and that's when the trouble starts. We're "mainly" an older and more mature crowd, with even some entire families that go on the run.

Kind of stinks to have to limit things, but it's for good a reason. I've seen and heard too many bad things happen in the past. It also makes it more of a travelling carshow and less of your everyday normal commuters just driving somewhere. It's more based on an early stages Hot Rod Power Tour than anything else, but with more sites thrown in

If you do set up an HHR exclusive cruise, then that type of stuff is always good though. Nothing like seeing a large goup of just one type of vehicle driving together, even if it's something that you normally wouldn't be interested in

 

I have to agree, & the time frame vs 700 miles per day is not realistic. Not to mention possibly un-safe.

Also no mention (that I noticed) of having an "Emergency Stash" of money & credit card(s) etc, for the unexpected that can & does happen.


I enjoy my visits to Cali, as my Bro-n-Law lives there...

 

Well, I like to eat so that would cost at least $25-$30/day. Even cheap motels run around $50-60 a night. If you are looking to go during the summer you can expect gas prices to be closer to $3.50+/gallon probably more as you get out that way. Do you plan on doing any other activities that cost money? Don't forget having your car ready to go before the trip and by the time you get back it should probably be ready to be serviced again. Not trying to down your trip. Just trying to get you to get a clear picture of the fundage you will need
I am already planning a week long trip for next year and already have the accomodations reserved and placing $$$ aside for food/activities. When I plan something I really PLAN

 

Come On Guy's

Where Abouts Billy ?

 

He lives in Modesto, but we did some did hit some other places too..

1st stop was Glendale Harley Davidson to pick up our 'dresser' rental. Bike had cat converters on it, those & CARB EPA jetting, took a little zip out of it...