Poll
Question:
Please select what day(s) would be best to reschedule the Utica meet.
Option 1: July 11
votes: 6
Option 2: July 18
votes: 10
Option 3: July 25
votes: 7
Since there seemed to be favorable interest in A.J.'s 2020 Meets thread, and because there were no upstate New York meets this year, I am going to go forward with planning a meet in Utica sometime next spring (This will be the third meet here, the last one being in May 2015).
Following the usual lunch, we will start with a walking tour of the Oriskany St. (NY 5S) reconstruction project in downtown Utica. The rest of the tour would be dedicated to checking out some of the old Erie Canal and Oneida Creek bridges between Rome and Sylvan Beach in western Oneida County. Other things that will be checked out will be (but not be limited to) the new NY 825 roundabouts and the completed NY 5/8/12 arterial, both of which have been built/completed since the last meet. Obviously, I'll have some scouting out to do in the next few months, weather permitting, to confirm accessibility to some of the stops.
Most likely, the meet will be sometime in April or early May like the 2015 meet. I am not going to post a poll at this time, but these are the dates I am considering (Feel free to provide feedback)...
March 28 (I don't want to have it earlier than this date as central New York winters can linger well into March)
April 4
April 11 (Easter weekend, I'm not opposed to having it on this weekend, but will put it out there and consider it if there's enough interest)
April 18
May 2
May 9
I am open to later dates, but I do have a lunch venue in mind and want to be mindful of other events or other road meets that may be planned or scheduled.
Questions/Comments/Additional Ideas - Please let me know.
I'm almost a given for this with how close I am. I could do anything other than Easter weekend (which I'll need to be in Buffalo for).
I can make any Saturday work with enough advance notice to my employer. Easter weekend is very doable for me since I am definitely off on Easter Sunday (wouldn't require me to ask for a Sunday off as well as Saturday) and it's never been a big deal with my family.
18th would be out for me. I'll be running a Star Wars 10K that morning down at Disneyworld.
A quick check shows May 9th as the San Antonio meet. Though I can't imagine that would impact very many folks and it wouldn't be the first time there were two meets on the same day.
My preference would be for May over April.
With the list of 2020 road meets that's continuing to grow, there are more and more meets being announced that I'm very interested in, including this one. I would really like to try and attend this, but realistically, the only dates I think that will work for me are the two earliest dates... March 28 and April 4. I don't want to be out of town on Easter weekend, and the rest of the weekends listed are either too close to my Outer Banks "city meet" (April 25) or Gene's San Antonio meet (May 9) that I'm also going to try to attend.
In Michigan, I always expect that the winter weather will remain a possibility until mid April... but that's a chance I'm willing to take in my suggestions of March 28 and April 4.
I will be in Alabama for a wedding on May 2nd so I am definitely not available that weekend.
It should be noted that, as of right now, this is the only meet planned for the Northeast in 2020. While I'd avoid throwing it on the same weekend as another meet just because people travel, MOST of the expected attendees are within daytrip distance.
Just keep Memorial Day weekend free (which currently isn't a suggested date). There have been rumblings of something else that weekend (but I'll let the host spill those beans if/when they have details firmed up).
Quote from: cl94 on November 14, 2019, 03:48:12 PM
It should be noted that, as of right now, this is the only meet planned for the Northeast in 2020.
Actually, that's not quite true. David Golub is planning on hosting something next summer that focuses on the Long Island Rail Road Third Track project. (He shared his idea in the 2020 Meets thread and I added his meet to the list for 2020.)
Quote from: cl94 on November 14, 2019, 03:48:12 PM
It should be noted that, as of right now, this is the only meet planned for the Northeast in 2020. While I'd avoid throwing it on the same weekend as another meet just because people travel, MOST of the expected attendees are within daytrip distance.
Just keep Memorial Day weekend free (which currently isn't a suggested date). There have been rumblings of something else that weekend (but I'll let the host spill those beans if/when they have details firmed up).
I'm not dismissing Memorial Day weekend (May 23) as a possibility at this time. I would like to have this meet before the downtown Utica project gets to an advanced stage (Maybe it won't...just erring on the side of caution, I suppose) and Cincinnati is the following weekend. I may add it as a suggested date depending on how said other plans play out.
I did not suggest May 16 as a potential date as that weekend is Utica College's commencement and, while most attendees would be within daytrip distance as you suggested, finding lodging could be a premium for those who choose to do so (Also could interfere with the walking tour portion of the meet).
Heh. My daughter went to UC for a year. Most students commute or are from the immediate area.
Interested. Passover is 4/8-16, so it would probably be best to avoid those dates if possible.
Quote from: dgolub on November 30, 2019, 08:29:39 AM
Interested. Passover is 4/8-16, so it would probably be best to avoid those dates if possible.
It's also Easter weekend (4/12).
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on November 14, 2019, 09:05:15 PM
Quote from: cl94 on November 14, 2019, 03:48:12 PM
It should be noted that, as of right now, this is the only meet planned for the Northeast in 2020.
Actually, that's not quite true. David Golub is planning on hosting something next summer that focuses on the Long Island Rail Road Third Track project. (He shared his idea in the 2020 Meets thread and I added his meet to the list for 2020.)
Awesome!
Just wanted to clarify that Josh is referencing something in the Mid-Atlantic that another Mid-Atlantic person is putting together for Memorial Day Weekend. Again, waiting on the host to give details, but the MDRoads family is participating.
As for Utica, don't plan around me. All of the dates are maybes except for a hard no on April 12.
As of this time, I'm unaware of any issues with my schedule for any of the dates listed except Easter weekend (though I could possibly try to make that work if I absolutely had to). I have officially booked my vacation to Montréal for April 22-27, specifically because April 25 is not one of the days listed for this meet. My preference would be for March 28 or May 9, to keep a free weekend in between my travel weekends.
Quote from: vdeane on January 02, 2020, 12:50:39 PM
As of this time, I'm unaware of any issues with my schedule for any of the dates listed except Easter weekend (though I could possibly try to make that work if I absolutely had to). I have officially booked my vacation to Montréal for April 22-27, specifically because April 25 is not one of the days listed for this meet. My preference would be for March 28 or May 9, to keep a free weekend in between my travel weekends.
I believe that either of these could work for me. 5/2 is probably a no-go on my end, though.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 14, 2019, 07:12:49 AM
I will be in Alabama for a wedding on May 2nd so I am definitely not available that weekend.
May 9th looks to be out for me as well.
My selfish vote would be for May 2nd, because of a nearby waterfall to Utica that is open to the public two weekends per year. Check out the waterfall early, then go to the meet.
https://towntrenton.digitaltowpath.org:10031/content/Parks/View/4 (https://towntrenton.digitaltowpath.org:10031/content/Parks/View/4)
Making it official...Saturday, May 9 at 11:30 am (Lunch tentatively at the 72 Tavern and Grill next to The Aud/Adirondack Bank Center in downtown).
For the third time, Utica will be the site of a road enthusiast meet. This time, the meet will focus on the reconstruction of NY 5S through downtown. We will also check out some old Erie Canal bridges in western Oneida County. The meet is still in the planning stages so additional things may be added and tweaked between now and May 9.
RSVPs by May 1 would be greatly appreciated.
Quote from: baugh17 on February 14, 2020, 09:44:11 PM
Making it official...Saturday, May 9 at 11:30 am
Barring some unforeseen circumstance, I'll be there.
Chances are high that I will be there. It's looking much more likely that I can make this versus the San Antonio meet the same day.
Mother's Day on the following day is going to make this more difficult (for me and in general).
Quote from: Alps on February 15, 2020, 10:49:22 AM
Mother's Day on the following day is going to make this more difficult (for me and in general).
I am aware of it being on Mothers Day weekend. I wanted to pick a spring date, but didn't want to have it too early (though I did consider it initially). I also didn't want to have it the week before or after the OBX or Cincinnati meets, and May 16 is commencement weekend for Utica College. This left May 9 as the best option.
I'm strongly considering forgoing the San Antonio meet that I was planning to attend... in favor of this meet instead... for various reasons.
I'm in sort of the opposite boat as AJ... I've been to two Utica meets already and was in Utica just a couple weeks ago. It's old hat to me and offers very little clinching opportunity.
But I've never been off the interstate in San Antonio proper so that interests me far more as a destination.
Quote from: Duke87 on February 17, 2020, 01:08:36 AM
I'm in sort of the opposite boat as AJ... I've been to two Utica meets already and was in Utica just a couple weeks ago. It's old hat to me and offers very little clinching opportunity.
But I've never been off the interstate in San Antonio proper so that interests me far more as a destination.
Do you think there's a chance you might actually attend the San Antonio meet?
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on February 17, 2020, 01:13:48 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on February 17, 2020, 01:08:36 AM
I'm in sort of the opposite boat as AJ... I've been to two Utica meets already and was in Utica just a couple weeks ago. It's old hat to me and offers very little clinching opportunity.
But I've never been off the interstate in San Antonio proper so that interests me far more as a destination.
Do you think there's a chance you might actually attend the San Antonio meet?
There's a fair number of us that have not committed due to the meet being announced far in advance. I haven't officially committed but it I can consider myself going.
I'll be there if I don't end up making it to San Antonio (which I would like to attend, but haven't confirmed yet).
Doing a quick Google Maps travel time check, Utica's about a 4-1/2 to 5 hour one-way trip from where I reside (southern Delaware County, PA); so such is doable for me on paper. As I did with the last two New England meets I attended; I would likely seek lodging for at least the Friday night before. However, available/open Saturdays are a bit scarce through Easter. April 18, May 2 and/or 9 may be possible available dates from my end.
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on February 17, 2020, 01:13:48 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on February 17, 2020, 01:08:36 AM
I'm in sort of the opposite boat as AJ... I've been to two Utica meets already and was in Utica just a couple weeks ago. It's old hat to me and offers very little clinching opportunity.
But I've never been off the interstate in San Antonio proper so that interests me far more as a destination.
Do you think there's a chance you might actually attend the San Antonio meet?
There is a chance, yes. Depends on how various things shake out over the next couple months.
I don't expect to be attending Utica either way, though.
For those of you who are concerned about the impact the Coronavirus pandemic and any potential impact it may have on this meet, the meet is not being postponed at this time. I will continue to monitor the situation and any restrictions that may or may not be in place, but I don't plan to make a call until closer to mid-late April.
Quote from: baugh17 on March 16, 2020, 10:34:29 PM
For those of you who are concerned about the impact the Coronavirus pandemic and any potential impact it may have on this meet, the meet is not being postponed at this time.
:clap:
It's good to know that so far, Roads Scholars have stood strong against the pressures to cancel meets.
Likewise, Cincinnati on May 30 is still on, and will not be canceled regardless of how this situation develops.
Glad I logged in since there's nothing to do at work. Looking forward to this!
New York is certainly a fluid situation. If worst comes to worse, we can get takeout and have lunch at a park or something.
Quote from: cl94 on March 17, 2020, 11:53:29 AM
New York is certainly a fluid situation. If worst comes to worse, we can get takeout and have lunch at a park or something.
I have the exact same idea for the Cincinnati meet. That assumes restaurants are still closed on May 30.
This situation is way too fluid to realistically be making any plans for May 30. If it were in April, sure, have a contingency plan in place. But we have no idea what sort of restrictions, if any, might be in place by May 30th.
Quote from: cl94 on March 17, 2020, 11:53:29 AM
New York is certainly a fluid situation. If worst comes to worse, we can get takeout and have lunch at a park or something.
The thought has come to mind. We'll see as the date draws closer.
Quote from: baugh17 on March 17, 2020, 09:49:18 PM
Quote from: cl94 on March 17, 2020, 11:53:29 AM
New York is certainly a fluid situation. If worst comes to worse, we can get takeout and have lunch at a park or something.
The thought has come to mind. We'll see as the date draws closer.
Might want to find a park with a roof over their picnic area, in case of inclement weather.
Well, if the PA restrictions spread to other states, we're not going to be having ANY road meets that don't solely involve locals this Spring. PA is requiring all hotels and hospitality facilities to close (https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-shutdown-lifesustaining-businesses-tom-wolf-shut-down-20200319.html).
Quote from: cl94 on March 19, 2020, 05:45:34 PM
Well, if the PA restrictions spread to other states, we're not going to be having ANY road meets that don't solely involve locals this Spring. PA is requiring all hotels and hospitality facilities to close (https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-shutdown-lifesustaining-businesses-tom-wolf-shut-down-20200319.html).
Pitch a tent.
Quote from: bandit957 on March 19, 2020, 05:48:32 PM
Quote from: cl94 on March 19, 2020, 05:45:34 PM
Well, if the PA restrictions spread to other states, we're not going to be having ANY road meets that don't solely involve locals this Spring. PA is requiring all hotels and hospitality facilities to close (https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-shutdown-lifesustaining-businesses-tom-wolf-shut-down-20200319.html).
Pitch a tent.
Not if the campgrounds are all closed, which is the case in PA.
Quote from: cl94 on March 19, 2020, 05:51:41 PM
Not if the campgrounds are all closed, which is the case in PA.
Use the side of the road.
Or use the inside of the car. That works well enough.
Forearmed is forewarned. If worst comes to worse, and hotels are closed for any looming roadmeet, I found a website that shows 11 tips for sleeping in your car. You'll peep, you'll weep, you'll even oggle-beep...
https://www.rei.com/blog/camp/a-different-kind-of-car-camping-11-tips-for-sleeping-in-your-car
Yeah, I don't think we're having roadmeets until this passes enough for people to feel comfortable meeting up.
Quote from: Alps on March 19, 2020, 08:26:19 PM
Yeah, I don't think we're having roadmeets until this passes enough for people to feel comfortable meeting up.
Cincinnati is still on.
Quote from: cl94 on March 19, 2020, 05:51:41 PM
Quote from: bandit957 on March 19, 2020, 05:48:32 PM
Quote from: cl94 on March 19, 2020, 05:45:34 PM
Well, if the PA restrictions spread to other states, we're not going to be having ANY road meets that don't solely involve locals this Spring. PA is requiring all hotels and hospitality facilities to close (https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-shutdown-lifesustaining-businesses-tom-wolf-shut-down-20200319.html).
Pitch a tent.
Not if the campgrounds are all closed, which is the case in PA.
Is it just me, or is Pennsylvania afflicted with a major case of the stupids right now?
Oh, you can hold it, but don't expect many long-distance attendees. As long as Pennsylvania's hotels, campgrounds, and rest areas are closed, I'm not going, because there will be no legal place for me to sleep at the midway point. I bet there will be others in a similar situation if other states close their hotels.
Quote from: Brandon on March 19, 2020, 10:27:19 PM
Is it just me, or is Pennsylvania afflicted with a major case of the stupids right now?
They are. Closing the rest areas was a step too far, IMO.
Quote from: cl94 on March 19, 2020, 10:28:00 PM
Quote from: Brandon on March 19, 2020, 10:27:19 PM
Is it just me, or is Pennsylvania afflicted with a major case of the stupids right now?
They are. Closing the rest areas was a step too far, IMO.
I agree. We can contain this thing without going as far as PA has gone. No reason to close the campgrounds, either.
Well, this meet is now dependent on things improving by May 9 to happen. Cuomo just banned all non-essential gatherings.
https://www.news10.com/news/governor-to-give-update-at-1030-a-m/
Quote from: vdeane on March 20, 2020, 09:01:04 PM
Well, this meet is now dependent on things improving by May 9 to happen. Cuomo just banned all non-essential gatherings.
https://www.news10.com/news/governor-to-give-update-at-1030-a-m/
Roadmeets are essential.
Quote from: vdeane on March 20, 2020, 09:01:04 PM
Well, this meet is now dependent on things improving by May 9 to happen. Cuomo just banned all non-essential gatherings.
https://www.news10.com/news/governor-to-give-update-at-1030-a-m/
Best thing you guys can do with Cuomo is to toss him out and rename the bridge back to "Tappan Zee".
Quote from: Brandon on March 20, 2020, 09:28:06 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 20, 2020, 09:01:04 PM
Well, this meet is now dependent on things improving by May 9 to happen. Cuomo just banned all non-essential gatherings.
https://www.news10.com/news/governor-to-give-update-at-1030-a-m/
Best thing you guys can do with Cuomo is to toss him out and rename the bridge back to "Tappan Zee".
I think the best thing to do is just keep having these meets. These are essentially private gatherings.
I couldn't find the original article I read it from, but one I read mentioned that it pertained to both public and private gatherings (even things like family), including the phrase "for any reason".
Quote from: vdeane on March 20, 2020, 09:42:57 PM
I couldn't find the original article I read it from, but one I read mentioned that it pertained to both public and private gatherings (even things like family), including the phrase "for any reason".
Well, they can say whatever they want. This is a constitutional issue.
Quote from: bandit957 on March 20, 2020, 09:44:59 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 20, 2020, 09:42:57 PM
I couldn't find the original article I read it from, but one I read mentioned that it pertained to both public and private gatherings (even things like family), including the phrase "for any reason".
Well, they can say whatever they want. This is a constitutional issue.
It's true. They cannot stop us from meeting. But I think most of us are not going to want to meet under these circumstances.
Quote from: Alps on March 20, 2020, 11:06:05 PM
It's true. They cannot stop us from meeting. But I think most of us are not going to want to meet under these circumstances.
Call me weird, but I'm actually much more likely to attend meets now than I was before the pandemic. Of course, I can't hold a gun to people's heads and force them to attend.
Quote from: bandit957 on March 20, 2020, 11:31:47 PM
Quote from: Alps on March 20, 2020, 11:06:05 PM
It's true. They cannot stop us from meeting. But I think most of us are not going to want to meet under these circumstances.
Call me weird, but I'm actually much more likely to attend meets now than I was before the pandemic. Of course, I can't hold a gun to people's heads and force them to attend.
You'll exercise your right to assemble and spread the pandemic, 'cause 'Murrica!
Quote from: Alps on March 20, 2020, 11:06:05 PM
Quote from: bandit957 on March 20, 2020, 09:44:59 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 20, 2020, 09:42:57 PM
I couldn't find the original article I read it from, but one I read mentioned that it pertained to both public and private gatherings (even things like family), including the phrase "for any reason".
Well, they can say whatever they want. This is a constitutional issue.
It's true. They cannot stop us from meeting. But I think most of us are not going to want to meet under these circumstances.
This is not the time to mess around. We should postpone the meet if things don't improve between now and then.
Quote from: dgolub on March 21, 2020, 08:44:05 AM
This is not the time to mess around. We should postpone the meet if things don't improve between now and then.
This. It should be noted that even the people who hate Cuomo in this state are generally supportive of the ban on nonessential gatherings, as is the federal government. I'm fine hunkering down for a few weeks if it saves hundreds of thousands of American lives, which this thing would take if it continues on the current trajectory.
Quote from: bandit957 on March 20, 2020, 09:03:23 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 20, 2020, 09:01:04 PM
Well, this meet is now dependent on things improving by May 9 to happen. Cuomo just banned all non-essential gatherings.
https://www.news10.com/news/governor-to-give-update-at-1030-a-m/
Roadmeets are essential.
Try explaining it to the following:
*
your employer who you get a 2-week quarantine order from
* your caretakers (pets, kids, whatever) - who won't let you near them for same said 2 weeks
* name anything else.
This is your opinion, Tim. but IMO - road meets are
not essential but don't just plain cancel them yet - wait a while - if early April rolls around and shit's still hitting the fan, baugh and others will want to consider it. Your meet's later than this one, so you have plenty of time. Wait until late April before mulling it over. I have not done anything to the La Crosse meet despite the community spread alert because it's not til August - that is a
long time from now. I would not expect any June or July meet to be called yet - even if one is in a "Shelter-in-place" state.
My personal opinion is that most of this blows over either next week or the week after, and things start getting back to normal. (And yes, I've heard all the doomsday prophets who are saying otherwise.)
It doesn't help that Tim lives right on the border of two states that have ordered businesses to close -- in Kentucky, the governor ordered churches not to have services; I don't know if he understands the First Amendment ramifications of that -- and public gatherings are banned. Private gatherings are not prohibited, however; and I don't know how a picnic meal would be addressed unless the governor orders parks to close.
In this instance, I'd wait until about a week out and see what the situation is. Most hotels are being extremely lenient about canceling reservations with all that's going on. I decided to cancel my WV meet a few years ago a week out because I was unsure of my health situation, but I know several came anyway and used the itinerary I had published.
Quote from: hbelkins on March 21, 2020, 09:57:56 PM
My personal opinion is that most of this blows over either next week or the week after, and things start getting back to normal. (And yes, I've heard all the doomsday prophets who are saying otherwise.)
It won't be that quick, but it'll peak when there's not many people left to infect. The way it's spreading, that won't be long.
I can tolerate limits on certain businesses for now, but it can't go on forever. If restaurants are still closed on May 30, my meet will include a picnic.
Who wants to bet that HB's right?
Quote from: Rothman on March 22, 2020, 12:40:06 AM
Who wants to bet that HB's right?
I wouldn't. It's a minimum 2-4 weeks of heavy restrictions before we reassess.
Quote from: Alps on March 22, 2020, 01:35:37 AM
Quote from: Rothman on March 22, 2020, 12:40:06 AM
Who wants to bet that HB's right?
I wouldn't. It's a minimum 2-4 weeks of heavy restrictions before we reassess.
I'm not expecting to be able to make a decision about Outer Banks until April 15 or so.
To H.B.'s point about the Kentucky governor banning church services from being held and how it violates the First Amendment, Kentucky is far from the only state that is banning gatherings for the interest of public health.
Public health and the containment of this outbreak are of utmost importance right now. Road meets are non-essential, and like Scott Onson says, we've got plenty of time before some of these meets take place to assess the situation closer to the scheduled dates for these meets.
We must protect our religious and constitutional right to spread the virus!
Glad I belong to a religion that shut down meetings early on.
Quote from: Rothman on March 22, 2020, 11:29:57 AM
We must protect our religious and constitutional right to spread the virus!
Glad I belong to a religion that shut down meetings early on.
Many churches (including mine) have decided to gather online. Any churches that are already livestreaming their services should have an easy transition to doing it online only. (and even those that do not can most likely get the technology quickly to upload a YouTube video of a message)
Besides, many services were also cancelled during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic (https://qz.com/1816060/a-chart-of-the-1918-spanish-flu-shows-why-social-distancing-works/) so there is precedent for this. I agree with Rothman in that closing churches is a smart move to combat the virus.
We should really stop here before this thread derails even further off-topic.
Quote from: hbelkins on March 21, 2020, 09:57:56 PM
My personal opinion is that most of this blows over either next week or the week after, and things start getting back to normal.
A recession is inevitable, so it certainly won't be pre-March 11th normal. It will be a new kind of normal, and it will likely take more than a few weeks to figure out what that new normal will be, and just how much damage has been done to the economy.
Signs of "returning to normal" that I'll be looking for:
-Schools reopening
-Offices reopening
-Sports leagues restarting
-Traffic levels increasing
IMO, it depends on what state you're in, but in NY at least, all of those things are a few weeks away at minimum. Maybe a month would be more realistic. Keep in mind too that the coronavirus cases that are being reported today are the result of transmission a week or up to two weeks ago, before shutdowns, social distancing, and staying home became the norm.
Quote from: hbelkins on March 21, 2020, 09:57:56 PMin Kentucky, the governor ordered churches not to have services; I don't know if he understands the First Amendment ramifications of that
I doubt the courts would have a problem with it. The measure is temporary, it doesn't single out a particular religion (that's what SCOTUS has always looked for), and it's not like people are forbidden from practicing their religion altogether. They just have to do it privately for the time being. Churches in my area have already started cancelling their services voluntarily.
Hey, everyone! I wanted to update everyone on the status of next month's Utica Road Enthusiast Meet III since tomorrow marks one month from our originally scheduled date. At the moment, Governor Cuomo has New York state "on pause" through at least April 29...about a week and a half from the meet. I had originally planned to use a weekend this month to scout out the tour route and use that information to come up with a game plan for the meet. But, like many, I'm making every effort to stay home as much as possible (My job currently has me working from home, so I'm able to limit my trips out to once a week or once every other week). I want to hold out hope on having the meet on May 9 as long as possible. But I think it would be in everyone's best interest that I postpone the meet. I am not setting a new date at this time. I want to see how everything plays out in the next few weeks. It's my hope that I can have this meet after everything blows over, ideally in June or July while there's still construction going on in downtown Utica. I'll keep you posted and will let you know when a new date has been set. Until then, please continue to be safe and I hope to see you all at some point.
Quote from: baugh17 on April 08, 2020, 09:17:33 PM
Hey, everyone! I wanted to update everyone on the status of next month's Utica Road Enthusiast Meet III since tomorrow marks one month from our originally scheduled date. At the moment, Governor Cuomo has New York state "on pause" through at least April 29...about a week and a half from the meet. I had originally planned to use a weekend this month to scout out the tour route and use that information to come up with a game plan for the meet. But, like many, I'm making every effort to stay home as much as possible (My job currently has me working from home, so I'm able to limit my trips out to once a week or once every other week). I want to hold out hope on having the meet on May 9 as long as possible. But I think it would be in everyone's best interest that I postpone the meet. I am not setting a new date at this time. I want to see how everything plays out in the next few weeks. It's my hope that I can have this meet after everything blows over, ideally in June or July while there's still construction going on in downtown Utica. I'll keep you posted and will let you know when a new date has been set. Until then, please continue to be safe and I hope to see you all at some point.
This sounds like the right decision to make. One thing to keep in mind is that, to my understanding, Brandon Gorte is still planning on hosting his meet in Illinois on June 27. I just thought I'd mention that in case you'd like to avoid having your meet on the same day.
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on April 09, 2020, 07:28:27 AM
This sounds like the right decision to make. One thing to keep in mind is that, to my understanding, Brandon Gorte is still planning on hosting his meet in Illinois on June 27. I just thought I'd mention that in case you'd like to avoid having your meet on the same day.
I am taking that into consideration (I actually have another commitment on 6/27). I do have a list of possible dates in mind...not making anything public right now.
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on April 09, 2020, 07:28:27 AM
Quote from: baugh17 on April 08, 2020, 09:17:33 PM
Hey, everyone! I wanted to update everyone on the status of next month's Utica Road Enthusiast Meet III since tomorrow marks one month from our originally scheduled date. At the moment, Governor Cuomo has New York state "on pause" through at least April 29...about a week and a half from the meet. I had originally planned to use a weekend this month to scout out the tour route and use that information to come up with a game plan for the meet. But, like many, I'm making every effort to stay home as much as possible (My job currently has me working from home, so I'm able to limit my trips out to once a week or once every other week). I want to hold out hope on having the meet on May 9 as long as possible. But I think it would be in everyone's best interest that I postpone the meet. I am not setting a new date at this time. I want to see how everything plays out in the next few weeks. It's my hope that I can have this meet after everything blows over, ideally in June or July while there's still construction going on in downtown Utica. I'll keep you posted and will let you know when a new date has been set. Until then, please continue to be safe and I hope to see you all at some point.
This sounds like the right decision to make. One thing to keep in mind is that, to my understanding, Brandon Gorte is still planning on hosting his meet in Illinois on June 27. I just thought I'd mention that in case you'd like to avoid having your meet on the same day.
Definitely the right call. At this point, if the meet winds up being this year, it'll probably be a day trip for me since I'm not going to any hotels until we're well past this. It's unfortunate since I was looking forward to using the trip to check out Lake Ontario and/or the Thousand Islands, but I guess that that will have to wait.
It's hard to say when things will open up, but I think it's safe to say from Cuomo's mandatory face mask executive order from today that dine-in service at restaurants will probably be one of the last things to come back. Even the take-out and eat together at a park idea probably would be hard to work if everyone is supposed to wear a mask unless far from other people (can't eat with the mask on, after all). This might need to be tour-only similar to how New River Gorge was.
Oneida County had another bad day on 4/22 with 20 new cases here. I don't see it getting better for a while.
Once it gets better hopefully we can reschedule it. Looking forward to meeting some new guys.
So, we were supposed to have a meet this weekend. Well, it's not happening for obvious reasons, and probably not a bad thing as it is snowing outside my house as I type this. Anyways, with New York's reopening plan in place, I'm comfortable enough to say that we will (hopefully) be able to officially reschedule the meet in July. The only question is when? So I have added a poll to help me figure out which date of the three Saturdays in July besides the 4th would be best. The poll will remain open through May 31 with the plan to announce a new date sometime during the first week in June.
Let me know if there are any questions.
I'm afraid I have no idea what my July is going to look like as of yet. I'll know more when I find out if/when we'll have our family picnic this year.
Crazily enough, I can most likely actually make this meet now dependent on the restriction of gathering sizes at that point.
So the poll will be over soon, and I'm still not 100% sure what my July is going to look like. That said, it sounded like there's a good chance we won't be having a family picnic this year last I heard, so I voted as if that will in fact be the case.
At this point, any date in July is fine with me. Not sure if/when I will be making my annual summer trip to Oklahoma City, but that trip usually happens in August anyways.
First off, I would like to thank everyone for their feedback on when to reschedule Utica Road Enthusiast Meet III. After considering where the Mohawk Valley stands with the restart process and the feedback received, I am officially announcing that the meet will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 18. This will be contingent on if the area continues its progress toward "normalcy". At this time, the lunch venue will remain at the 72, but will be subject to change depending on what the guidance is like when the meet arrives. I will continue to monitor the restart in the coming weeks and will let you know if any changes need to be made.
I do understand the concerns that it could be "too early" and not everyone may be willing or able to attend. This may also be a good opportunity for some to finally "get out". Either way, I will ask that you use your discretion. If things worsen and another postponement or cancellation is warranted, I will let you know (Hopefully, it will not go that direction). If you have any questions, please let me know.
Just to let everyone know that I did some scouting around today. If this happens (and I feel like there's a good chance that it will), it looks like will have a lot in store for July 18. I'm working on putting together a draft of the itinerary and I hope to share some of the highlights with you in the next week or so.
I saw possibly going along Rt 46 looking at some of the old canal bridges and such.
Any interest in old traffic signals too? I'm about 10 minutes or so from New London and the old canal
and have a lot of stuff to share if you'd like, plus a bunch of them are from Utica also.
Quote from: TonyTrafficLight on June 17, 2020, 10:04:21 AM
I saw possibly going along Rt 46 looking at some of the old canal bridges and such.
Any interest in old traffic signals too? I'm about 10 minutes or so from New London and the old canal
and have a lot of stuff to share if you'd like, plus a bunch of them are from Utica also.
Definitely! We will be heading in that direction so we can certainly look into that possibility.
Anyone have any thoughts on this?
This is the spouse's birthday weekend, so I won't be in attendance.
Hey everyone, I'm not trying to rush things, but I want to start getting an idea of how many people will be attending next month's meet so I can determine what the best option would be for lunch and figure out how the tour will shape up (I will try to have a draft up this weekend). All options are in play right now and I am continuously monitoring the situation. Numbers are spiking in parts of the country, but New York (and much of the northeast for that matter) has it to where we are manageable. And hopefully it stays that way.
That said, in case you are not aware, the governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut issued a travel advisory mandating a 14 day quarantine for anyone travelling from states with high infection rates. Nine states were identified and I don't believe we have any attendees from these states planning to attend (North Carolina is the closest right now). However, this list is subject to change and if, down the line, your state is added to this list, I will ask that you not attend. As previously noted, the U.S.-Canada border remains closed to non-essential travel through 7/21 (I've heard that this may have been extended to the end of July). Ground rules will be ironed out more as we draw closer to the meet date, but you probably have an idea what it'll be.
More details to come. Questions? Let me know.
I'm booked and ready to go.
Hey everyone! We are now two weeks away from the meet. Nothing has really changed in the past week but I am continuing to monitor the situation with nCoViD-19.
A few announcements/requests...
1. If you haven't already, please declare whether you will be attending or not. I would like to have a head count by this time next week.
Also, I will relax the restriction of who can and who can't attend the meet. However, if you are coming in from out of state, I will ask that you be cognizant of what your state's restrictions are (Ask yourself "Will I have to quarantine afterwards?").
2. Facemasks and social distancing will be required at this meet. As for carpools, I will probably leave it up to you depending on what your comfort level is like. Ideally, I would like as few cars for the tour as possible, but if one does not wish to carpool out of health concerns, I'm totally understanding of that. And if you're not feeling well the day of the meet, don't come!
3. Lastly, I did promise a draft itinerary of the meet last weekend...OOPS! However, I have gone ahead and uploaded it to (NewYorkRoutes.net/misc/uticameet20.docx). This is still subject to change and I hope to have a final version up the week leading up to the meet.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Quote from: baugh17 on July 03, 2020, 07:21:25 PM
Hey everyone! We are now two weeks away from the meet. Nothing has really changed in the past week but I am continuing to monitor the situation with nCoViD-19.
A few announcements/requests...
1. If you haven't already, please declare whether you will be attending or not. I would like to have a head count by this time next week.
Also, I will relax the restriction of who can and who can't attend the meet. However, if you are coming in from out of state, I will ask that you be cognizant of what your state's restrictions are (Ask yourself "Will I have to quarantine afterwards?").
2. Facemasks and social distancing will be required at this meet. As for carpools, I will probably leave it up to you depending on what your comfort level is like. Ideally, I would like as few cars for the tour as possible, but if one does not wish to carpool out of health concerns, I'm totally understanding of that.
3. Lastly, I did promise a draft itinerary of the meet last weekend...OOPS! However, I have gone ahead and uploaded it to (NewYorkRoutes.net/misc/uticameet20.docx). This is still subject to change and I hope to have a final version up the week leading up to the meet.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
I will be attending but not carpooling. EDIT: What is the restaurant status, do we bring our own lunch?
Quote from: Alps on July 03, 2020, 07:27:25 PM
I will be attending but not carpooling. EDIT: What is the restaurant status, do we bring our own lunch?
I want to see what the headcount looks like first, but I am not ruling out making this a BYOL affair (If others would rather have this as a BYOL affair, let me know).
Quote from: baugh17 on July 03, 2020, 07:42:20 PM
Quote from: Alps on July 03, 2020, 07:27:25 PM
I will be attending but not carpooling. EDIT: What is the restaurant status, do we bring our own lunch?
I want to see what the headcount looks like first, but I am not ruling out making this a BYOL affair (If others would rather have this as a BYOL affair, let me know).
I'd rather wear a mask and figure out any Syracuse supermarket (Syracuse is where I'm schedule to stay Friday night) and pick up lunch for an Utica picnic than to eat in a enclosed restaurant. '72 Bar & Grill' doesn't appear to have a patio, so instead of having you locate a different restaurant, I'd rather just meet at a park instead.
I'm all for meeting at a park with takeout food. I'm not horribly keen on eating indoors at a restaurant right now.
Re: carpooling, I wouldn't be, partially because I will likely bounce after the downtown part of the meet.
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 03, 2020, 10:38:20 PM
I'd rather wear a mask and figure out any Syracuse supermarket (Syracuse is where I'm schedule to stay Friday night) and pick up lunch for an Utica picnic than to eat in a enclosed restaurant. '72 Bar & Grill' doesn't appear to have a patio, so instead of having you locate a different restaurant, I'd rather just meet at a park instead.
Well, Wegmans would certainly be an option for you, although I'm not sure what all (if any) of their Market Cafe options have reopened.
Based on some of the feedback that I have gotten so far and the anticipated headcount being at least in the 10-15 range, I am beginning to feel more inclined to making this a BYOL/picnic affair and I'm looking into possible locations (I'll probably make a call on this by next weekend).
Does the state allow crowds that large?
^ Utica is in a region where gatherings up to 50 are allowed.
As of last week, visitors to New York from the following states are required to quarantine:
Alabama
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Idaho
Louisiana
Mississippi
Nevada
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Quote from: froggie on July 04, 2020, 10:31:24 AM
As of last week, visitors to New York from the following states are required to quarantine:
Alabama
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Florida
Georgia
Iowa
Idaho
Louisiana
Mississippi
Nevada
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Does that include visitors who don't live in, but have recently traveled in, those states? I've been to eleven of those states in the past two weeks, and expect to pick up another on my way home.
My interest in the meet is borderline, even if that's not an issue.
I do not think I can make a final decision until I am certain that PA does not make it on that list. Case numbers around Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia have me concerned right now.
I most likely would not carpool if I attend either, and I am definitely for taking out food to a park.
Quote from: oscarDoes that include visitors who don't live in, but have recently traveled in, those states? I've been to eleven of those states in the past two weeks, and expect to pick up another on my way home.
Quote from: NYS COVID-19 Travel Advisory
If you have traveled from within one of the designated states with significant community spread, you must quarantine when you enter New York for 14 days from the last travel within such designated state, provided on the date you enter into New York State that such state met the criteria for requiring such quarantine.
The requirements of the travel advisory do not apply to any individual passing through designated states for a limited duration (i.e., less than 24 hours) through the course of travel.
Examples of such brief passage include but are not limited to: stopping at rest stops for vehicles, buses, and/or trains; or lay-overs for air travel, bus travel, or train travel.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
Assuming nothing changes with regards to my work schedule (which it shouldn't), I'll be there. I too would prefer a BYOL affair somewhere outdoors (has 72 Tavern and Grill even reopened for indoor dining? Google says it's "temporarily closed") Been meaning to attend one of these forever. I'm only three hours away, so I'll probably just make it a day trip.
Quote from: baugh17 on July 03, 2020, 07:21:25 PM
2. Facemasks and social distancing will be required at this meet. As for carpools, I will probably leave it up to you depending on what your comfort level is like. Ideally, I would like as few cars for the tour as possible, but if one does not wish to carpool out of health concerns, I'm totally understanding of that. And if you're not feeling well the day of the meet, don't come!
Hypothetical here. If someone did attend but did not wear a mask, what would happen?
Also, it's impossible to physically distance (I hate the term "social distance") in a vehicle, so distancing and no carpooling are mutually exclusive.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 04, 2020, 03:31:34 PM
Hypothetical here. If someone did attend but did not wear a mask, what would happen?
Have fun entering any store or staying at a hotel in this state without a mask. Many stores have someone at the door enforcing mask rules.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 04, 2020, 03:31:34 PM
Quote from: baugh17 on July 03, 2020, 07:21:25 PM
2. Facemasks and social distancing will be required at this meet. As for carpools, I will probably leave it up to you depending on what your comfort level is like. Ideally, I would like as few cars for the tour as possible, but if one does not wish to carpool out of health concerns, I'm totally understanding of that. And if you're not feeling well the day of the meet, don't come!
Hypothetical here. If someone did attend but did not wear a mask, what would happen?
Also, it's impossible to physically distance (I hate the term "social distance") in a vehicle, so distancing and no carpooling are mutually exclusive.
That person would be told to leave.
Another idea: this being Utica, perhaps a bunch of us could chip in for tomato pie?
Regarding Wegmans, booths like the pizza and subs are open (it even appears that seating is available), though I don't recall seeing any of the self-serve options at either Wegmans that I've been to recently (but then, I wasn't specifically looking for them, either).
Quote from: hbelkins on July 04, 2020, 03:31:34 PM
Quote from: baugh17 on July 03, 2020, 07:21:25 PM
2. Facemasks and social distancing will be required at this meet. As for carpools, I will probably leave it up to you depending on what your comfort level is like. Ideally, I would like as few cars for the tour as possible, but if one does not wish to carpool out of health concerns, I'm totally understanding of that. And if you're not feeling well the day of the meet, don't come!
Hypothetical here. If someone did attend but did not wear a mask, what would happen?
Don't be that person.
Being less familiar with the area, anyone know any good places for takeout along the NY12 corridor north of Utica? I'd rather pick something up along the way than drive aimlessly looking for food around Utica, but there isn't much between Lowville and Utica (or at least I don't remember there being much, it's been a while since I've been out that way)...
Really isn't a ton other than Boonville.
I'll probably be grabbing something near Exit 31 myself. That's probably your best bet for food.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 04, 2020, 03:31:34 PM
Quote from: baugh17 on July 03, 2020, 07:21:25 PM
2. Facemasks and social distancing will be required at this meet. As for carpools, I will probably leave it up to you depending on what your comfort level is like. Ideally, I would like as few cars for the tour as possible, but if one does not wish to carpool out of health concerns, I'm totally understanding of that. And if you're not feeling well the day of the meet, don't come!
Hypothetical here. If someone did attend but did not wear a mask, what would happen?
Also, it's impossible to physically distance (I hate the term "social distance") in a vehicle, so distancing and no carpooling are mutually exclusive.
The official order in New York is that a facemask is required when social distancing is not possible. If anyone wanted to carpool, then facemasks would be in order. And if someone shows up without a mask, they would either need to find one or be excused.
Quote from: cl94 on July 04, 2020, 07:45:40 PM
Really isn't a ton other than Boonville.
I'll probably be grabbing something near Exit 31 myself. That's probably your best bet for food.
Along N. Genesee St. and by North Utica Shopping Center, you have your usual chains as well as some local places. If you have time to kill prior to the meet, there are more options along NY 5A...Oriskany Blvd. through Yorkville and Commercial Dr. to New Hartford.
I'll probably be able to give you a better idea once I settle on a gathering place for lunch.
I plan on attending for lunch and the first part of the meet tour. I am in favor of meeting outdoors and bringing my own lunch. I'm also interested in being part of a group that gets Utica oriented cuisine (think chicken riggies, Utica greens, tomato pie, half moon cookies). I sometimes will pick up riggies from Tony's Pizzeria on Burrstone Road to take home with me, so I'll probably just go there for food in that case.
For what it's worth, NYSDOT's own vehicle policy is to not carpool where possible, or to have two people max (one in front, one in back) wearing masks, if that helps anyone decide whether to carpool on the tour or not.
So given the general consensus is to have lunch at an outdoor venue, I will scout out some potential places during the next week and will have a new gathering location determined by next weekend (I have been brainstorming some possibilities over the last few weeks).
Quote from: hbelkins on July 04, 2020, 03:31:34 PM
Quote from: baugh17 on July 03, 2020, 07:21:25 PM
2. Facemasks and social distancing will be required at this meet. As for carpools, I will probably leave it up to you depending on what your comfort level is like. Ideally, I would like as few cars for the tour as possible, but if one does not wish to carpool out of health concerns, I'm totally understanding of that. And if you're not feeling well the day of the meet, don't come!
Hypothetical here. If someone did attend but did not wear a mask, what would happen?
FWIW (not that it necessarily solves your problem), I've found just about every truck stop/travel center is selling masks, especially in states that have mask requirements but even in some that don't. And I bought a box of disposable masks at a Walmart in the mask-mandate Las Vegas area, just in case (a local Walgreen's also was selling masks in bulk).
Quote from: froggie on July 04, 2020, 10:46:15 AM
Quote from: oscarDoes that include visitors who don't live in, but have recently traveled in, those states? I've been to eleven of those states in the past two weeks, and expect to pick up another on my way home.
Quote from: NYS COVID-19 Travel Advisory
If you have traveled from within one of the designated states with significant community spread, you must quarantine when you enter New York for 14 days from the last travel within such designated state, provided on the date you enter into New York State that such state met the criteria for requiring such quarantine.
The requirements of the travel advisory do not apply to any individual passing through designated states for a limited duration (i.e., less than 24 hours) through the course of travel.
Examples of such brief passage include but are not limited to: stopping at rest stops for vehicles, buses, and/or trains; or lay-overs for air travel, bus travel, or train travel.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory
Thanks. I'll have to go through the travel advisory with a fine-tooth comb, and size up my situation, once I'm back home next week. My second overnight stay in Utah, which ended when I crossed into Wyoming this morning (14 days before this meet), might be the killer for me. Maybe Steve's Morris County meet would work better for me.
If lunch ends up being a BYOL affair (which, it sounds like it will be), I will either look into the possibility of getting takeout from 72 Tavern & Grill (the original restaurant of choice), or I will do what I often do and consult TripAdvisor in search of a good local restaurant where I can grab takeout and go to whichever park Mark chooses for us to gather in.
Don't worry, I have no plans to attend. Don't have the funds and don't trust my vehicle to make such a long drive. But I don't know that I've ever heard of anyone ever being turned away from a meet before. If that's the precedent that is to be set, then don't be surprised when other criteria are placed upon attendance at future meets.
FWIW, I have masks. Was given a few at work, and my wife made me a Grumpy Cat mask.
Was I the only one who even brang a mask (a bandana in this case) to the Cincinnati meet? I didn't wear it up over my face though.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 05, 2020, 10:03:03 PM
Don't worry, I have no plans to attend. Don't have the funds and don't trust my vehicle to make such a long drive. But I don't know that I've ever heard of anyone ever being turned away from a meet before. If that's the precedent that is to be set, then don't be surprised when other criteria are placed upon attendance at future meets.
FWIW, I have masks. Was given a few at work, and my wife made me a Grumpy Cat mask.
So that time when there was a Cincinnati meet and MTR intentionally hid the location from Tim doesn't count?
Quote from: hbelkins on July 05, 2020, 10:03:03 PM
Don't worry, I have no plans to attend. Don't have the funds and don't trust my vehicle to make such a long drive. But I don't know that I've ever heard of anyone ever being turned away from a meet before. If that's the precedent that is to be set, then don't be surprised when other criteria are placed upon attendance at future meets.
I think that most of us would agree that "respondents must obey all state and local laws during the course of the meet" is a reasonable requirement for attendance.
Quote from: cl94 on July 05, 2020, 10:42:20 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 05, 2020, 10:03:03 PM
Don't worry, I have no plans to attend. Don't have the funds and don't trust my vehicle to make such a long drive. But I don't know that I've ever heard of anyone ever being turned away from a meet before. If that's the precedent that is to be set, then don't be surprised when other criteria are placed upon attendance at future meets.
I think that most of us would agree that "respondents must obey all state and local laws during the course of the meet" is a reasonable requirement for attendance.
What is the New York law? Has the legislature, or the elected governing body in Utica, passed anything? Or is there merely an executive order in New York requiring them? (Which is more like a suggestion than anything else; Kentucky's governor issued a mask order several weeks ago but admitted that it was not enforceable.)
And by that reasoning, you've just dictated that the tour cannot exceed any posted speed limits. :-D Pretty sure I broke that requirement when I led a tour at 75 mph on an interstate posted for 70.
Quote from: Alps on July 05, 2020, 10:38:17 PM
So that time when there was a Cincinnati meet and MTR intentionally hid the location from Tim doesn't count?
You'd have to take that up with the meet organizers. There were two Cincinnati meets back in the MTR days, one at Rookwood Pottery and one across the river, and I think each had a different organizer. IIRC, they were also posted to various Yahoo groups where he had access to them.
I'm not trying to hijack Mark's meet thread, but I'm just saying that I would leave mask wearing decisions up to the attendees, based on their own consciences and knowledge and beliefs, and not require them as a condition of attendance or participation. It's probably more prudent to require meet attendees who venture onto construction sites to wear hi-viz clothing.
The NY order is enforceable and several police departments are enforcing it. Additionally, many businesses are actively removing customers who attempt to enter without a mask. So unless people plan to sleep in their cars and never enter a building...
HB, if you're not even going, then why do you care so much about the rules we're following? Host your own damn meet so you can set your own ground rules if it matters that much to you.
Quote from: cu2010 on July 04, 2020, 07:32:12 PM
Being less familiar with the area, anyone know any good places for takeout along the NY12 corridor north of Utica? I'd rather pick something up along the way than drive aimlessly looking for food around Utica, but there isn't much between Lowville and Utica (or at least I don't remember there being much, it's been a while since I've been out that way)...
Kayuta Drive-In (I've stopped by there a few times myself), but that's on NY 12/NY 28 in Alder Creek. A few convenience stores. Fast food in Boonville. Otherwise, not much until you get into North Utica.
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on July 05, 2020, 07:56:04 PM
If lunch ends up being a BYOL affair (which, it sounds like it will be), I will either look into the possibility of getting takeout from 72 Tavern & Grill (the original restaurant of choice), or I will do what I often do and consult TripAdvisor in search of a good local restaurant where I can grab takeout and go to whichever park Mark chooses for us to gather in.
A few of us were looking at possibly ordering chicken riggies and Utica greens from https://www.jonnyspizzautica.com/ (https://www.jonnyspizzautica.com/), so that's another option for you.
Quote from: Dougtone on July 06, 2020, 06:07:14 PM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on July 05, 2020, 07:56:04 PM
If lunch ends up being a BYOL affair (which, it sounds like it will be), I will either look into the possibility of getting takeout from 72 Tavern & Grill (the original restaurant of choice), or I will do what I often do and consult TripAdvisor in search of a good local restaurant where I can grab takeout and go to whichever park Mark chooses for us to gather in.
A few of us were looking at possibly ordering chicken riggies and Utica greens from https://www.jonnyspizzautica.com/ (https://www.jonnyspizzautica.com/), so that's another option for you.
Thanks for the tip! I took a look at their menu online. They seem to have a good selection of options.
I did a little scouting on the way home from work this afternoon and have decided we will hold the lunch portion of the meet at F.T. Proctor Park in Utica, about a half mile from NY 5S, and this will now officially be a "BYOL" affair. Some have talked about getting takeout at a couple of different local places nearby. There aren't a ton of options in the immediate vicinity, but there are a number of options, primarily along N. Genesee St. between the Thruway and downtown, along Oriskany Blvd. (NY 5A) in Yorkville, and Commercial Dr. (NY 5A) and Seneca Tpke. (NY 5) in New Hartford. If there is something specific you are looking for, let me know.
Good morning, everyone. One of the things I've been thinking about the last few days since posting the itinerary is how are we going to pull this off with 15-20 attendees with little to no carpooling due to nCoViD-19. There are two or three ideas that I've been playing through in my head, but there's one in particular that I want to get your thoughts on. For those of you who attended the Providence, RI meet that A.J. Bertin hosted a little over a year ago, it was "city meet" format which, long story short, is more of a create your own tour, go at your own pace meet. So, instead of having the traditional tour with a convoy of a dozen-plus cars, we would break up after lunch and do whatever we wanted. That may mean following the original plan, checking other things out in the area (route clinches, photo ops), what have you. There are a number things that were a part of the 2015 meet and also perhaps non-road interests that are out there. Before I start to put together a final plan, I wanted to see what your thoughts are on this.
Quote from: baugh17 on July 08, 2020, 06:36:53 AM
Good morning, everyone. One of the things I've been thinking about the last few days since posting the itinerary is how are we going to pull this off with 15-20 attendees with little to no carpooling due to nCoViD-19. There are two or three ideas that I've been playing through in my head, but there's one in particular that I want to get your thoughts on. For those of you who attended the Providence, RI meet that A.J. Bertin hosted a little over a year ago, it was "city meet" format which, long story short, is more of a create your own tour, go at your own pace meet. So, instead of having the traditional tour with a convoy of a dozen-plus cars, we would break up after lunch and do whatever we wanted. That may mean following the original plan, checking other things out in the area (route clinches, photo ops), what have you. There are a number things that were a part of the 2015 meet and also perhaps non-road interests that are out there. Before I start to put together a final plan, I wanted to see what your thoughts are on this.
I know a few people were planning on lunch only, so they would be doing just that. I'm hoping that there is a formal tour component to this because I'm interested in seeing both these bridges and the people who are seeing them with me. It's something I floated to AJ before last year's first City Meet: have an "official tour" but allow people to do something else as well.
If I come, I was planning to do get there as early in the morning as possible, do as much of the itinerary as possible, do lunch and the walking part, and then start to head out.
Do lunch, then an "at your own pace" tour. Provide detailed directions, and then let people see the intended sights on their own schedule. Some might decide to do the tour in reverse of what was originally planned.
I had a hybrid idea of sorts for the New River Gorge meet I planned a few years ago but was unable to attend due to illness. We were going to gather at the NRG visitors center and then people were free to explore on their own, at their own preferred pace. Lunch was going to be an "on your own" affair with no formal gathering, and then the group was going to reconvene at a designated time and place in Beckley for an organized tour along the East Beckley Bypass and the Coalfields Expressway.
If you did a planned lunch and then a self-guided tour, you'd get both the roads aspect of it and the fellowship aspect of it. And people should still feel free to carpool if they so desire, or not if they so desire. Let people make their own choices.
Or perhaps stagger departure times on the tour. Three cars leave at a certain time, then three more leave 10 minutes later, but follow the same itinerary.
Alright, folks...the final meet itinerary is now up!
NewYorkRoutes.net/misc/uticameet20.docx
We will be sticking with the original plan. How we go about the tour will be discussed/determined prior to leaving the park. If anything else should change between now and next weekend, I will let you know. Right now, the weather for next Saturday appears to be on the hot side...High around 90°F with a risk of thunderstorms (Remember snow was flying on the originally scheduled May 9 date). But we'll get a better idea as the week progresses.
I don't have a solid count, but it looks like we'll have between 15-20 people at the meet. If you haven't already, please let me know if you are going to be attending so I have a number to work with for next Saturday.
Any questions or concerns? Please let me know. Don't forget your masks, and I'm looking forward to seeing all of you next weekend for what I think is going to be a great meet.
Right now I plan on attending in some form. I will wait until the NY-NJ-CT quarantine update to make it official, but I think that PA will be left off the list for at least this week.
I am unsure if that will be the case by the NJ Meet on August 1st.
Please count me out for this meet. I think I can technically comply with the quarantine rules, unless Virginia or Michigan are added to the restricted list. But I'd be forcing things, to try to attend so soon after I've returned from a cross-country (and back) road trip.
Count me in. Looking forward to (finally!) meeting a lot of you folks... for once everything should work out.
Still debating whether to drive down Friday evening and get a hotel in Utica, or day trip on Saturday.
Seeing as Ohio's now on the naughty list, I'm officially out. I hope those who are able to go have a good time.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 11, 2020, 08:53:46 PM
Right now I plan on attending in some form. I will wait until the NY-NJ-CT quarantine update to make it official, but I think that PA will be left off the list for at least this week.
I am unsure if that will be the case by the NJ Meet on August 1st.
I should be in for sure now. Pennsylvania is officially still off the list. (Delaware is now off the list with Ohio, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Wisconsin added.)
Quote from: okroads on July 14, 2020, 11:15:48 AM
Seeing as Ohio's now on the naughty list, I'm officially out. I hope those who are able to go have a good time.
On the return leg of the road trip I've just completed, I spent the night in Ohio, as well as Minnesota and Wisconsin which were also just added to the shit list. That seals the deal on my "no go".
New York, etc. should find a way to stabilize the shit list. Constant changes, relying on moving averages, make it hard to plan visits to those states.
Quote from: oscar on July 14, 2020, 11:53:00 AM
Quote from: okroads on July 14, 2020, 11:15:48 AM
Seeing as Ohio's now on the naughty list, I'm officially out. I hope those who are able to go have a good time.
On the return leg of the road trip I've just completed, I spent the night in Ohio, as well as Minnesota and Wisconsin which were also just added to the shit list. That seals the deal on my "no go".
New York, etc. should find a way to stabilize the shit list. Constant changes, relying on moving averages, make it hard to plan visits to those states.
I've figured out that they update the list every Tuesday morning.
Four new states: Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
https://www.syracuse.com/coronavirus/2020/07/4-more-states-added-new-york-coronavirus-quarantine-list.html
If you need to pass through the state on the way, that's fine, as long as it's of a "limited duration". It's a bit vague about what that means and the example given for that is less than 24 hours, but I'd recommend not staying overnight or doing significant exploring out of the car prior to entering New York.
Also worth noting that the forms are now mandatory, subject to a $2000 fine and mandatory quarantine.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2Iv855fN6gIV1MDICh2gsQchEAAYASAAEgKsHvD_BwE
Quote from: oscar on July 14, 2020, 11:53:00 AM
New York, etc. should find a way to stabilize the shit list. Constant changes, relying on moving averages, make it hard to plan visits to those states.
I'm not sure if it's intended or not, but I'm sure that if pointed out, this would be considered a feature and not a bug. While the quarantine is only required for states with those specific metrics, I'm sure the state isn't exactly thrilled about travelers from states at risk of meeting those metrics even if they don't currently.
New York's list is better than most of the others because it uses current case counts. Updated every Tuesday, more than a certain % of tests positive or too high of a per-capita case rate and you're on the list. Better than New Hampshire, which just set an arbitrary "you can come in if you're from New England", disregarding the fact that Boston and Rhode Island are worse than the rest of the Northeast. Or Florida, which STILL has a mandatory quarantine for people from NY, NJ, and CT.
I certainly agree that the constant shifts are annoying. I'm trying to think about a late summer/early fall vacation and there's little I can do until I'm certain the states I'm planning to visit are not on the s--- list. But with conditions changing so quickly, you need something that adjusts to the changes.
QuoteBetter than New Hampshire, which just set an arbitrary "you can come in if you're from New England", disregarding the fact that Boston and Rhode Island are worse than the rest of the Northeast.
Right now Pittsburgh is the main reason PA is even somewhat close to the quarantine list. Philly is still having its share of cases, but Pittsburgh is creaming even them right now.
Vermont also uses active cases and updates weekly (in our case, Friday), but takes it one step further and goes to a county-level of detail for Northeastern states. Anything beyond Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia must quarantine here regardless, but travel to/from those states and closer is unrestricted as long as the origin or destination county have an active case load of 400 cases per 1 million population.
Both Oneida and Herkimer Counties are above that threshold, though, so as I noted above I wasn't planning on attending even if I wasn't working Saturday.
Quote from: okroads on July 14, 2020, 12:10:57 PM
I've figured out that they update the list every Tuesday morning.
Quote from: cl94 on July 14, 2020, 01:42:17 PM
New York's list is better than most of the others because it uses current case counts. Updated every Tuesday, more than a certain % of tests positive or too high of a per-capita case rate and you're on the list.
Thanks for the info. Good to know for those of us considering travel in some form or fashion.
So some of you are making your way to central New York if you're not here already. It looks like we'll have around 18 attendees tomorrow. Weather forecast hasn't changed except there's now no threat of rain. I will probably leave the house between 10:30-11 tomorrow morning and be at the park around 11:15. Tour logistics will be discussed tomorrow before we leave the park. With that said, I hope you all have a safe trip out and I'm looking forward to seeing all of you tomorrow.
Just got home after a long day. I admit that I was super nervous driving down, as I had never really done one of these before (save the small mini-meet Val and I did in Potsdam a few years back) and usually aren't good with meeting new people, but you guys welcomed me with open arms, and I'm glad I went. It was a nice meet despite the 90 degree weather, and save from getting lost a couple of times, it all worked out. Hopefully it won't be another 10 years before I can attend another one.
Of course, I have a nice sunburn now, murdered what I hope was a raccoon and not someone's cat on US11 (it was super dark, couldn't really see, and it was gone when I turned around to see what it was), and my bad knee finally gave out about 5 miles from home. Guess something had to go wrong in order to make it a good day!
Thanks for hosting, Mark. Hope to see you folks again in the very near future. As mentioned at the meet, I'm looking to possibly host another meet in the underrepresented North Country next year (centered around Plattsburgh), so perhaps I'll see you then.
Thank you to those who made it out to the meet today. We ended up with 16 attendees including who I think is the youngest road meet attendee ever. It was great to see everyone and I hope you all arrive back to your homes safely. I am hoping to post some pictures from the meet on a dedicated section of NewYorkRoutes.net in the next couple of weeks.
Quote from: vdeane on July 14, 2020, 12:48:46 PM
Four new states: Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
https://www.syracuse.com/coronavirus/2020/07/4-more-states-added-new-york-coronavirus-quarantine-list.html
If you need to pass through the state on the way, that's fine, as long as it's of a "limited duration". It's a bit vague about what that means and the example given for that is less than 24 hours, but I'd recommend not staying overnight or doing significant exploring out of the car prior to entering New York.
Also worth noting that the forms are now mandatory, subject to a $2000 fine and mandatory quarantine.
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2Iv855fN6gIV1MDICh2gsQchEAAYASAAEgKsHvD_BwE
Quote from: oscar on July 14, 2020, 11:53:00 AM
New York, etc. should find a way to stabilize the shit list. Constant changes, relying on moving averages, make it hard to plan visits to those states.
I'm not sure if it's intended or not, but I'm sure that if pointed out, this would be considered a feature and not a bug. While the quarantine is only required for states with those specific metrics, I'm sure the state isn't exactly thrilled about travelers from states at risk of meeting those metrics even if they don't currently.
I filled out the form before flying on July 17th. It said to save a screenshot to show the person at the airport. I did the next best thing, and I printed it out. I get to Buffalo-Niagara International Airport, along with 20 other passengers on the plane (yeah, a really packed crowd on a 737-700), and go to hand my form to the lady there from the Erie County Health Department at a table set up for this. She looks up at me, sort of surprised that I even acknowledged her, the table, and the executive order, and merely said thanks (with a bit of surprise in her voice) without even looking at the form. None of the 20 other people even so much as looked twice. I have this strange feeling that I could've ignored Cuomo, flew in, walked past the table, and no one would've given two rats' asses about it.
Minnesota is now off the list, too little too late I guess. :D
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 21, 2020, 02:28:30 PM
Minnesota is now off the list, too little too late I guess. :D
I can't believe Minnesota was on the list in the first place. Minnesota is one of the best states at controlling the pandemic right now.
Maryland is now on the list. Lucky for several people that the meet happened when it did, but they're now going to have to wait and see if Maryland gets lucky enough to leave the list for the Morris County meet.
Quote from: vdeane on July 21, 2020, 03:07:02 PM
Maryland is now on the list. Lucky for several people that the meet happened when it did, but they're now going to have to wait and see if Maryland gets lucky enough to leave the list for the Morris County meet.
They can day trip it there.
In case you missed it, or for those of you not on Facebook, I have added a page to my website with photos and highlights from last weekend's meet. Enjoy!
http://newyorkroutes.net/uticameet2020/