Central TX Drive Dec 11th?

[JeffersonRaley]

Who is up for a Hill Country drive on Sat the 11th?

This is what I am thinking about for a route:
* Start in the Arboretum
* South on 360 to 2222
* West on 2222 to 620
* North on 620 to Volente
* West on Volente to Lime Creek Rd
* West on Lime Creek to 1431
* South on 1431 to....

How about it TTP, ATYCLB, Huggy, GirlRacer, AdamP and the other Central Texas Elisers? I'll connect with the Viper guys via Chris (BishopTX) and also invite a couple of Ferrari owners I know.

[atyclb]

I'll only go if people aren't going to drive like idiots

[Miguel]

I might be up for it, depending on last minute x-mas parties. Our company has not decided when we are having it yet, or at least no one has told us the day.

I'll go to a B&B Friday night and meet you on Sat if I have that weekend free.

[TTP]

Count me in if it's not raining? How about doing the Lost Maples loop? From Kerville 16 south, 337 west, 187 North, 39 east, 1340 east. It's a beautiful route and lots of curves.

[TTP]

Originally posted by atyclb
I'll only go if people aren't going to drive like idiots

Define drive like idiots.

[atyclb]

Originally posted by TTP
Define drive like idiots.

okay, that's not a good sign

[JeffersonRaley]

Originally posted by atyclb
I'll only go if people aren't going to drive like idiots

What if I am an idiot? Shouldn't I get some sort of special dispensation?

Totally on board with your point - it is no fun if people don't drive at relatively the same pace. Really really no fun if someone cracks their car. Usually I just keep an eye on the cars behind. If they are dropping back, I slow down. Conversely if the cars ahead are leaving me, I maintain my speed.

To quantify - I'd expect top speeds between 90-100 on clear straights w/o traffic. Curving roads taken at approx 2x the posted curve speed. I'm open to feedback on adjusting these up or down.

[JeffersonRaley]

Originally posted by TTP
How about doing the Lost Maples loop? From Kerville 16 south, 337 west, 187 North, 39 east, 1340 east. It's a beautiful route and lots of curves.

So the route would be:
* Start Arboretum
* S on 360 to 2222
* W on 2222 to 620
* N on 620 to Volente Rd
* W on Volente Rd to Lime Creek Rd
* N on Lime Creek Rd to 1431
* S on 1431 to 281
* S on 281 to 290
* W on 290 to I10
* W on I10 to 16 (Kerrville)
* Stop for Lunch
* S on 16 to 337
* W on 337 to 187
* N on 187 to 39
* E on 39 to 1340
* E on 1340 to 16 (Kerrville)
* W on I10 to 783
* N on 783 to 290
* E on 290 to Mopac
* N on Mopac to Parmer
* E on Parmer to I35
* N on I35 to the car show

How many miles is that - too short or too long? Looks like 4-5 hours of driving with a stop for lunch. Looks like fun to me - what do other people think?

Once we get the route sorted I'll print up maps and directions. We should also probably exchange cell phone #s in case someone gets lost. If you PM me with your cell, I'll add it to the map printout (I can replace numbers with leet if privacy is an issue. eg: 512-554-8945 becomes SI2SS-A-89AS.)

[TTP]

Slight modification to add in some more twisty roads. Let me know what you guys think.

So the route would be:
* Start Arboretum
* N on Mopac to 2222
* W on 2222 to 620
* Cross over 620, 2222 changes to Bullock Hollow continue to Volente
* W on Volente Rd to Lime Creek Rd
* N on Lime Creek Rd to 1431
* S on 1431 to 281
* S on 281 to 290
* W on 290 to I10
* W on I10 to 16 (Kerrville)
* Stop for Lunch
* S on 16 to 337
* W on 337 to 187
* N on 187 to 39
* E on 39 to 1340
* E on 1340 to 16 (Kerrville)
* W on I10 to 783
* N on 783 to 290
* E on 290 to Mopac
* N on Mopac to Parmer
* E on Parmer to I35
* N on I35 to the car show

I've ridden this route on my motorcycle and factoring in lunch and a couple of stops it could be about 6-8 hours. Great route well worth it.

[Mean TT]

I might be interested. However, there is no way I can take 6-8 hours of driving. Also, I am still, STILL STILLLLLLLL waiting for the gas cap and fillerneck for my car to come in. I went to Overseas motors today to get it replaced so that I can finally have a gas cap that seals, and does not suck fumes into the cabin of the car. After being told that I could deliver my car at lunch time and it would be ready three hours later, when I arrived, I was told (at 11:30) that the "service person" (yes there is only 1) was out to lunch and left at 3 pm. After waiting about a month for these parts, I was to say the least discouraged. Hopefully it will be installed and fixed soon so that I can take the car for a few hours without ending up smelling like a gas can!

I might break out early, 6 or even 8 hours of driving is too rich for my blood. That is like 350 miles at highway speeds.

I also am moving to California, and guess what, I will be driving from Dalas to L.A. on the 14th-15th.

I would tenatively count me in, although it depends on the car being fixed, and my back pains If I do go, I would love to show off the custom body protection I had put on the front bumper. It is stylish and functional.

[atyclb]

Originally posted by JeffersonRaley
What if I am an idiot? Shouldn't I get some sort of special dispensation?

Totally on board with your point - it is no fun if people don't drive at relatively the same pace. Really really no fun if someone cracks their car. Usually I just keep an eye on the cars behind. If they are dropping back, I slow down. Conversely if the cars ahead are leaving me, I maintain my speed.

To quantify - I'd expect top speeds between 90-100 on clear straights w/o traffic. Curving roads taken at approx 2x the posted curve speed. I'm open to feedback on adjusting these up or down.

sounds reasonable

[JeffersonRaley]

Originally posted by Mean TT
I might be interested. However, there is no way I can take 6-8 hours of driving.

I think that will be true for a number of people, but it is easy to bail out early. Just go East on 290 (9th segment). That takes you back to MoPac and into Austin for a trip of just a couple hours.

In fact, we should probably stop for lunch at 281 and 290 so that people can make the choice then. Does anyone know of a cool restaurant near there?

Sorry to hear about the continuing fuel filler trouble. Both Autostrada and Gonzaba mentioned that Lotus made them buy a ton of spares. Apparently not enough, or the wrong ones. Surprised Lotus USA doesn't have a central stock of everything it takes to build an Elise. Well, maybe surprised is the wrong word...

[TTP]

I got some feedback from some of my motorcycle friends who have ridden it extensively and here is what they said regarding time and where to stop for lunch.

Mr. Personality said:
If you're going to go all that way, you should cross 187 and ride the remaining 15 miles of 337 to Leakey, then ride back to 187 before going north on 187 to 39. The second half of 337 is the best part and it'll only add a half an hour to your trip.

SAT HAWK said:
I agree with Alex, continue past Vanderpool to Leakey, good place for a gas stop. If you really want a full day, the 100 mile loop (336 north out of Leakey, 41 over to 335) and 55 is awesome as well.

I would also try and cut out 290 by continuing south on 281 to 473 and take that to Comfort. Then go north on 87 to I-10, go west on 1-10 to Cypress Creek Road and take cypress creek to the loop (534) go left on the loop. It ends at 173, take a right on 173 and this will take you to 16, go south.

With fuel and lunch stops and going to Leakey, I'd say you are closer to 5-6 hours. Up to 8 with the other roads.


Acapulco's in Kville is a good lunch spot.

And don't forget to factor in dusk when setting your start time, I rode recently and was leaving Vanderpool around 4pm, bad timing, deer all over the place!!!

I was wrong about the 8 hours. That would only occur if we added the other 100 mile loop.

[delliott00]

Well, I'm definitely up for a drive. But 6hrs is too much for me. I don't mind long drives, but if I'm doing any "spirited" driving I like to keep the routes shorter and twistier, then stop and relax. Plus I'm healing up from a minor surgery and have to go back into the hosp that following week for major surgery.

You guys can go ahead and do the drive you like as I'll be able to split off at my house in Lago Vista (off 1431) or just turn around in Marble Falls.

For future drives, I have ~2hr route, complete with maps, that absolutely rocks. Girlracer and I did part of it with the Audi club a few weeks back. No traffic at all. I have maps and everything already printed. Great roads and barely a straight in the whole run. Can be run at either casual or let er rip speeds (except for the 4 lane stretch of 1431, which is patrolled as I drive it every day).

Starting from the Oasis:

Turn out of the Oasis and jog over to Bullick Hollow (can't recall that little strip of road)
Turn Left onto Volente Road
Turn Right onto Lime Creek at Volente Beach
At Lime Creek end, turn Left on 1431
Go West on 1431 to light at Nameless Road.
Turn Right onto Nameless.
Turn Left on Round Mountain Rd
Round Mountain turns into CR282
At dead end, turn left onto FM1869
At dead end, turn left onto FM1174
At dead end, turn left onto 1431

Continue to the car show, whatever. It can be run in both directions.

We call it the "Cento Miglia" (its a bit over 100 miles though) Theres also a shorter version that eliminates Lime Creek. Both routes are very convenient to the car show down 1431.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. It avoids roads with lots of stop lights that can trip up a caravan. Its very easy to get separated on roads like 360/2222 and near the Arboretum. This Cento Miglia drive has 2 rural stoplights from start to finish (Nameless and Lago Vista), and neither last long enough to break up a pack.


Anyways, I'll try to join you for a portion regardless. But let me know if anyone is interested in the maps for the above routes.

Also, Dacia at Autostrada has a list of Elise/Esprit owners emails and she said she'd be willing to invite them on any events we might schedule. But we probably need to nail down the time/route/plans right away.

-Dave
'05 Lotus Elise (BRP, Touring, Hardtop - gotta get it back on!)
'00 Porsche 996C2 aero
'03 Evolution VIII
'89 BMW M3 (for sale)

[JeffersonRaley]

Revised route:
* Start Arboretum (183 & 360)
* S on 360 to 2222
* W on 2222 until it turns into Volente Rd
* W on Volente Rd to Lime Creek Rd
* N on Lime Creek Rd to 1431
* S on 1431 to 281

* Stop for Lunch WHERE?
* Bail out here if weather is bad or individuals are tired

* S on 281 to 473
* W on 473 to I10
* W on I10 to 16 (Kerrville)
* S on 16 to 337
* W on 337 to Leakey
* E on 337 to 187 (double back)
* N on 187 to 39
* E on 39 to 1340
* E on 1340 to 16 (Kerrville)
* W on I10 to 783
* N on 783 to 290
* E on 290 to Mopac
* N on Mopac to Parmer
* E on Parmer to I35
* N on I35 to the car show

I need to plug this into a route planner to get distances and print maps. Can anyone suggest good route planning software? maps.yahoo isn't ideal.

[TTP]

Route looks good.

Let's make sure we plan a start time that avoids being out on the loop at dusk.

Off Topic:

BTW I just went to soulspeed to get my wheels balanced. Perfecto now! Thanks Bill. All four had too much weight added. Thanks for pointing them out Jefferson.

www.soulspeed.com Check out their services and their credentials.

[Miguel]

I won't be able to go , I did look in mapquest and looks like a fantastic drive and a chance to put some faces with the board.

[TTP]

Come on Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston! Let's see how many Elises we can bring together.

Lost Maples is BEAUTIFUL this time of year with the leaves changing (just check out AdamP's pics). These roads are some of the best in Texas in terms of curves, condition, and scenery. I'm surprise not more people are coming.

[Mean TT]

Has there been any more word on where and when? I hope we are going to do this type of thing starting in the midmorning, because you know that people are going to be late.

Maybe we can set up a meeting place at a specific time? You can count me in for the trip, although I won't be up for 6 hours of driving, I want to be back in Austin around 4:30ish. Can we get a few more specifics??

[JeffersonRaley]

Where will be the Great Hills Cinema parking lot in the Arboretum. Time will be 10:00am.

Does that work for everyone?

If people are interested, we can do a quick car wash at my house (near Parmer Lane) before the car show (after Lost Maples.)