AARoads Forum

National Boards => Road Enthusiasts Meetings => Topic started by: A.J. Bertin on August 05, 2018, 08:52:00 PM

Poll
Question: In which part of the metro Providence area should I find a restaurant for us to meet up for lunch for this meet?
Option 1: The northern part (Pawtucket, Central Falls, Fairlawn, etc.) votes: 0
Option 2: The western/northwestern part (North Providence, Johnston, Smithfield, etc.) votes: 0
Option 3: The southern part (Cranston, Warwick, etc.) votes: 2
Option 4: East Providence votes: 2
Option 5: (I don't know enough about this area to have an opinion.) votes: 5
Title: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on August 05, 2018, 08:52:00 PM
As discussed in my other thread about a different idea I had for a road meet, I am now officially announcing the Providence RI "city meet" which will take place next April or May. My rationale for this time frame is that it the winter weather should be just about gone by that point (at least that's generally the case in Michigan). This meet will take place in either late April or early May, but I don't want to host this meet on Mother's Day weekend or later... just because I know that mid to late May tends to start getting busy for road meets.

This will be the first meet I've ever hosted. As previously discussed, there will be no formal tour... only a lunch gathering and then possibly a dinner gathering after the attendees have had a chance to do some exploring on their own or in small groups. I have never been to Providence before and am not familiar with it at all. When the attendees go off and do their own thing, I imagine some might want to drive the freeway network, some might want to look for unique road signs, some might want to visit malls in the area, some might want to spend time exploring downtown, some might want to clinch counties, etc. I will do my best to research the dates and see in advance if there are any significant events happening in Providence on either of the weekends I'm proposing in the poll I will create momentarily. Also at it gets closer to the date, I'll probably create another poll asking folks whether they'd prefer a lunch restaurant that's closer to downtown Providence or in more of a suburban area. My attempt at hosting a gathering along these lines will be very experimental. :)

I'll probably keep the date poll open for a couple months or so, and once the poll closes I'll create an event on Facebook and will invite folks I'm connected with there. It will be a "public" event, so my Facebook friends can forward the invitation to other roadgeeks that I might not be connected with. And for the folks who don't use Facebook, no worries... when the time comes you'll be able to RSVP here.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: vdeane on August 05, 2018, 09:35:58 PM
I voted for Star Wars Day since April 20 is the day before Easter.  I'll have to think about how this affects my fall travel plans - I hope to do roadtrips the weekend of Columbus Day and Veterans Day, and taking care of the New England interstates is a possibility, though that would also work with a longer trip for this meet (though this meet is also in theoretical daytrip range, depending on whether dinner is a thing).
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: jpi on August 06, 2018, 08:46:02 AM
I did the way too early vote on this one, I may have a toy show somewhere the weekend of May 4, if anything April 20 may be a better option but again a little early to tell but will keep this in mind
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: SSOWorld on August 06, 2018, 07:57:16 PM
A.J., Would you consider allowing vote changes? Otherwise I'm abstaining from voting for any option due to the earliness of this poll.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on August 06, 2018, 09:19:25 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on August 06, 2018, 07:57:16 PM
A.J., Would you consider allowing vote changes? Otherwise I'm abstaining from voting for any option due to the earliness of this poll.

I'll see where things are at in early October when the poll is supposed to close. I may decide to extend the poll by another month or two but my hope is to lock in the exact date by the end of 2018.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: deathtopumpkins on August 06, 2018, 09:59:31 PM
I voted for May 4th because April 20th is during Passover (begins Friday the 19th).
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on August 06, 2018, 10:16:30 PM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on August 06, 2018, 09:59:31 PM
I voted for May 4th because April 20th is during Passover (begins Friday the 19th).

Oh shoot! I'm glad you mentioned that. I didn't even realize that Easter falls on April 21. Wasn't even paying attention to that when I picked these dates. My bad. Well, I guess this means that I hope May 4 wins the poll!
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: Brandon on August 07, 2018, 05:33:42 AM
I voted for April 20th as I have an event typically the weekend of May 4-5 here.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: PHLBOS on August 15, 2018, 11:17:03 AM
Initially, I was leaning towards (& blindly voted) for May 4. 

However & as with past years, I plan to be in neighboring MA for the Easter weekend visiting family & one or two childhood friends (subject to their availability).  That said, this might be the only time that I could detour to Providence for the meet during a holiday visit.  However, such would be subject to what my brother's family plans are (they're in Sturbridge) that Saturday.

Time will tell with this one.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on September 01, 2018, 03:06:50 AM
I voted for Star Wars Day. Not sure if I can make it to this meet, though. We'll see. For a lunch spot I would suggest Gregg's on US 1 between RI 126 and RI 122. That was the lunch spot for the 2010 Providence Road Meet.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on October 06, 2018, 10:48:17 AM
Thanks to everyone who voted in the date poll! At this point it's looking like May 4 will be the date I will host this, but I won't finalize that until I know for sure that I'll have approval for the time off work that I'll need to drive out from Michigan and back.

May 4 won over April 20 and also beat out the option of, "It's way too early for me to choose one of these dates."

At some point over the next few weeks I'll probably put in my time-off request for work. My hope is to finalize this date by mid November. Since I know next to nothing about Providence, I'll probably create another poll asking which part of the suburban Providence area we should have lunch in. (Again, this is an experimental kind of meet.)
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: paulthemapguy on November 02, 2018, 10:22:20 PM
What road features would we be checking out?
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: Alps on November 02, 2018, 10:45:54 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on November 02, 2018, 10:22:20 PM
What road features would we be checking out?
There is no formal tour, but I am well versed in roads features:
* New I-195 bridge/alignment
* Scars of the old bridge/alignment
* Old I-195 Washington Bridge
* Henderson Bridge (planned US 44 freeway)
* Strange shields of Providence and Woonsocket
* Mixed Up Mile: US 1/RI 15/RI 114 in Pawtucket
* Will I-295 be mileage-based exits by then? Hm...
* Stub south end of RI 10
* Is the old black guide sign still up at the north end of RI 10? Still was there last time.
* "RI 195" overhead plaques at the 10/6 junction
* Revamped I-95 at US 6/RI 10
* Dare you to find all the US 1A signs
* Western US 6 freeway stub (would-be I-84)
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on November 05, 2018, 07:22:20 AM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on November 02, 2018, 10:22:20 PM
What road features would we be checking out?

Paul - this is a very different, unconventional, meet because I am not organizing any kind of tour. It's a do-it-yourself thing to give folks a reason (or excuse) to visit Providence. I'll pick a lunch spot and probably a dinner spot as well. For about 4 hours or so, folks will be able to go their separate ways and see whatever they want to see around the area. If they want to clinch highways, they can do that. If they want to collect counties, they can do that. If they want to check out the downtown area, they can do that. And so on. My plan is to then invite everyone back for dinner so they can report back to the group, if they wish, whatever they did and saw throughout the afternoon.

I'm making it very clear that I am not organizing a tour. That's why I'm calling it a "city meet" rather than a road meet. I know next to nothing about Providence but I'm looking forward to giving folks a reason to go there!
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: PHLBOS on November 05, 2018, 03:46:48 PM
Quote from: Alps on November 02, 2018, 10:45:54 PM* Will I-295 be mileage-based exits by then? Hm...
According to RIDOT's website (http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/exitnumbers/index.php), such was already completed.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: bob7374 on November 05, 2018, 05:29:56 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 05, 2018, 03:46:48 PM
Quote from: Alps on November 02, 2018, 10:45:54 PM* Will I-295 be mileage-based exits by then? Hm...
According to RIDOT's website (http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/exitnumbers/index.php), such was already completed.
It's been about 2 months since RIDOT let the contract for the second round of exit renumbering, perhaps other routes will have new exit numbers by then.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: SSOWorld on November 05, 2018, 07:14:56 PM
Too bad Cape Cod will be packed 🙃🙃
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on November 05, 2018, 10:37:07 PM
I still have this city meet in mind for 2019. Still not sure if we're going yet but still definitely have it in mind. Haven't been through Providence since 2003-2004 when we were on the way to and from Cape Cod for a family wedding.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: PHLBOS on November 06, 2018, 08:34:30 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on November 05, 2018, 07:14:56 PM
Too bad Cape Cod will be packed 🙃🙃
:confused:  What's that have to do with Providence?
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: cl94 on November 06, 2018, 09:23:59 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on November 06, 2018, 08:34:30 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on November 05, 2018, 07:14:56 PM
Too bad Cape Cod will be packed 🙃🙃
:confused:  What's that have to do with Providence?

US 6 clinching. I'm considering making a run out to the Cape as well.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: paulthemapguy on November 06, 2018, 09:29:49 AM
What would be the point of the meet, though, if we aren't doing things together?
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: cl94 on November 06, 2018, 09:34:56 AM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on November 06, 2018, 09:29:49 AM
What would be the point of the meet, though, if we aren't doing things together?

Because we are doing things together. For most frequent attendees, meets are more of a social event than to see roads at this point. In Providence, we'll break off into a few groups and do a few things that people in each are most interested in, reconvening at the end for dinner. We did a similar thing at the end of the Shamokin Dam meet in April - some people did an extended tour, some went to the dead mall, and a few of us went on a bridge hunt.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on November 06, 2018, 12:46:07 PM
Quote from: cl94 on November 06, 2018, 09:34:56 AM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on November 06, 2018, 09:29:49 AM
What would be the point of the meet, though, if we aren't doing things together?

Because we are doing things together. For most frequent attendees, meets are more of a social event than to see roads at this point. In Providence, we'll break off into a few groups and do a few things that people in each are most interested in, reconvening at the end for dinner. We did a similar thing at the end of the Shamokin Dam meet in April - some people did an extended tour, some went to the dead mall, and a few of us went on a bridge hunt.

Speaking of dead malls, Providence has one and so does East Providence. www.deadmalls.com/malls/wampanoag_mall.html www.deadmalls.com/malls/davol_square_marketplace.html

In addition to the above two dead malls, there's also the Lincoln Mall in Lincoln and the Rhode Island Mall in Warwick.
www.deadmalls.com/malls/lincoln_mall_ri.html
www.deadmalls.com/malls/rhode_island_mall.html

I don't know if anyone would want to visit those on this city meet, but it could still happen if anyone were interested.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on November 06, 2018, 07:12:56 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on November 06, 2018, 09:29:49 AM
What would be the point of the meet, though, if we aren't doing things together?

We'll all do lunch together, and I imagine many of us will do dinner together too. Like Josh said, different attendees will want to focus on different things... exploring downtown, checking out some interesting retail, driving the freeway network, clinching counties, etc. I imagine we'll break up into small groups who want to see different aspects of Providence. The point of the meet is to give folks an excuse to visit a place they'd otherwise have no reason to visit anytime soon... and, in the process, hang out with like-minded friends. It's definitely not a conventional "road meet" and won't be everyone's cup of tea. But I got a lot of support when I suggested this idea, so here we are! :)

I am emphasizing again that there will be no organized road tour. It will very much be a do-it-yourself kind of thing. I've never had the wherewithal to host a traditional road meet, but this is something I can do and was delighted to learn that some folks are interested in it.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - Spring 2019
Post by: cl94 on November 07, 2018, 12:03:53 PM
There's plenty to see in and around Providence, both road and non-road. Handful of interesting bridges on/around the bays. Roger Williams Park looks cool. Heck, if people wanted to visit a state high point, Rhode Island's is 25 minutes outside of Providence. That could be done in conjunction with stuff like the US 6 stubs and the CT Turnpike's old end if desired.

Other than the high point and one gas stop, I have never left my car in Rhode Island. It'll be cool to see what the state has to offer. For me, at least, the best parts of meets are seeing people and exploring new places. Smaller, focused groups will allow people to see more and see what they want to see in the area. I'm liking the plan for this meet more and more.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on November 15, 2018, 09:21:17 PM
It's official! The first-ever "city meet" will take place in Providence on Saturday, May 4, 2019. Thanks to everyone who voted in the date poll! I know this meet is still six months away, but I tend to be an early planner. I just got my time-off request approved for my drive out to Rhode Island and back home to Michigan for the necessary dates around this meet.

Because I know next to nothing about Providence and because this is a big experiment for me, I have created a poll in this thread asking folks which part of the metro Providence area in which I should look for a restaurant. (Actually, if this meet goes well and I decide to host more city meets in the future, this will probably be my M.O. especially since my plan would be to host additional meets in the future in cities that I don't have much knowledge about.)

Anyway, I briefly considered the idea of looking for a restaurant in more of a downtown-ish area of Providence, but then I decided that parking might be a challenge especially with me not being familiar enough with the city know how parking works, where parking might be free (or not free), etc. So I decided that more of a suburban area for lunch would be better... near a mall and/or big-box retail where folks can leave their cars without any trouble if they wish to do so.

I would encourage anyone and everyone to vote in this new poll. I look forward to seeing the results!
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on November 15, 2018, 09:50:04 PM
I voted for East Providence. There are numerous local favorites there, such as (but not limited to) the Red Bridge Tavern, Pazi's Place Diner, Papa Sam's Pizza, the Phillips Street Restaurant, and The Burrito Bowl (which was coming soon on Google Street View). Also, Gregg's has a East Providence location (the one in Providence was host to the 2010 Providence Road Meet), and so does Chelo's Hometown Bar & Grille.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Alps on November 15, 2018, 11:09:17 PM
Depending how many people you get and what type of restaurant you want, you have a few choices of places to go. You'll find a good mix of chains, bars, and local spots with plenty of room around TF Green (south of the city), but there are also options east and even a couple north.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on November 20, 2018, 07:50:39 PM
If we decide to attend this city meet (likely now now that I decided to drop Portsmouth Ohio and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania from meets interested in attending next year), we will be flying in and out of PVD via JAX, with a transfer at BWI (we will be using Southwest Airlines).

EDIT: Due to my one and only big sister's Rutgers-New Brunswick graduation ceremony (aka commencement ceremony) being held later in May of next year (on Sunday the 19th), we will probably pull out of this city meet as well due to a potential scheduling conflict.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on November 26, 2018, 07:18:17 AM
I will likely be creating a Facebook event soon for this meet... as long as Facebook allows me to leave some details blank as "to be determined". Even though the exact location hasn't been identified, I know I will at least want to get this out on Facebook and start inviting my Facebook friends. It will be a "public" event so my Facebook friends can invite others with whom I am not "friends" there.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: cl94 on November 26, 2018, 01:24:39 PM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on November 26, 2018, 07:18:17 AM
I will likely be creating a Facebook event soon for this meet... as long as Facebook allows me to leave some details blank as "to be determined". Even though the exact location hasn't been identified, I know I will at least want to get this out on Facebook and start inviting my Facebook friends. It will be a "public" event so my Facebook friends can invite others with whom I am not "friends" there.

You can set a dummy location (such as just "Providence, RI" or a park) and update it later. I've done that in the past.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on November 26, 2018, 09:54:36 PM
Quote from: cl94 on November 26, 2018, 01:24:39 PM
You can set a dummy location (such as just "Providence, RI" or a park) and update it later. I've done that in the past.

Thanks for the suggestion, Josh!

I ended up creating this event on Facebook a few minutes ago. I decided that I was more comfortable making it a private, rather than public, event. However, I did give guests the option to invite attendees that I'm not Facebook friends with and couldn't invite.

If you're not on Facebook, or are on Facebook and do not receive an invitation from anyone, no worries. I will make sure to continue to post all the details here and will give folks the option to RSVP here.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on November 27, 2018, 12:41:18 PM
Due to my one and only big sister's Rutgers-New Brunswick graduation ceremony (aka commencement ceremony) being held (at HighPoint.com Stadium, home of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights college football team program) later in May of next year (on Sunday the 19th), we will probably pull out of this city meet as well due to a potential scheduling conflict.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Alps on November 27, 2018, 06:18:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on November 27, 2018, 12:41:18 PM
Due to my one and only big sister's Rutgers-New Brunswick graduation ceremony (aka commencement ceremony) being held (at HighPoint.com Stadium, home of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights college football team program) later in May of next year (on Sunday the 19th), we will probably pull out of this city meet as well due to a potential scheduling conflict.
Seriously... no one cares about each and every detail of your life. Just wait until you know for sure and say "going". Airplane routes, graduations, changing your mind 30 times... No. One. Cares.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on November 27, 2018, 07:07:45 PM
Quote from: Alps on November 27, 2018, 06:18:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on November 27, 2018, 12:41:18 PM
Due to my one and only big sister's Rutgers-New Brunswick graduation ceremony (aka commencement ceremony) being held (at HighPoint.com Stadium, home of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights college football team program) later in May of next year (on Sunday the 19th), we will probably pull out of this city meet as well due to a potential scheduling conflict.
Seriously... no one cares about each and every detail of your life. Just wait until you know for sure and say "going". Airplane routes, graduations, changing your mind 30 times... No. One. Cares.
Just had to put that out there. Sorry?
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Alps on November 27, 2018, 11:39:03 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on November 27, 2018, 07:07:45 PM
Quote from: Alps on November 27, 2018, 06:18:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on November 27, 2018, 12:41:18 PM
Due to my one and only big sister's Rutgers-New Brunswick graduation ceremony (aka commencement ceremony) being held (at HighPoint.com Stadium, home of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights college football team program) later in May of next year (on Sunday the 19th), we will probably pull out of this city meet as well due to a potential scheduling conflict.
Seriously... no one cares about each and every detail of your life. Just wait until you know for sure and say "going". Airplane routes, graduations, changing your mind 30 times... No. One. Cares.
Just had to put that out there. Sorry?
Please just think before you post in the future. Thanks.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on January 10, 2019, 06:22:52 PM
This meet is now less than 4 months away, and I think I'm going to choose a restaurant somewhere around East Providence. When I was looking on TripAdvisor at different restaurant options in East Providence, there was one in particular that looked interesting to me... based on the menu, the spread of reviews, and the location... being in the outlot of a strip mall where everyone who wasn't driving could easily leave their cars behind and not have to worry about parking.

The restaurant I found is called Davenport's. Is anyone familiar with it? Is it any good? (I believe it's a local or regional chain.) I of course will call the place to make sure they could take an advanced reservation for a group of people around 11:00.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on January 10, 2019, 06:51:09 PM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on January 10, 2019, 06:22:52 PM
This meet is now less than 4 months away, and I think I'm going to choose a restaurant somewhere around East Providence. When I was looking on TripAdvisor at different restaurant options in East Providence, there was one in particular that looked interesting to me... based on the menu, the spread of reviews, and the location... being in the outlot of a strip mall where everyone who wasn't driving could easily leave their cars behind and not have to worry about parking.

The restaurant I found is called Davenport's. Is anyone familiar with it? Is it any good? (I believe it's a local or regional chain.) I of course will call the place to make sure they could take an advanced reservation for a group of people around 11:00.

It's definitely a local chain AFAIK. Never been there though.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: PHLBOS on January 11, 2019, 08:09:02 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 10, 2019, 06:51:09 PM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on January 10, 2019, 06:22:52 PMThe restaurant I found is called Davenport's. Is anyone familiar with it? Is it any good? (I believe it's a local or regional chain.) I of course will call the place to make sure they could take an advanced reservation for a group of people around 11:00.
It's definitely a local chain AFAIK.
In case anyone's interested, here's their website (http://davenportsri.com/).

Quote from: Alps on November 02, 2018, 10:45:54 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on November 02, 2018, 10:22:20 PM
What road features would we be checking out?
There is no formal tour, but I am well versed in roads features:
* New I-195 bridge/alignment
* Scars of the old bridge/alignment
* Old I-195 Washington Bridge
* Henderson Bridge (planned US 44 freeway)
* Strange shields of Providence and Woonsocket
* Mixed Up Mile: US 1/RI 15/RI 114 in Pawtucket
* Will I-295 be mileage-based exits by then? Hm...
* Stub south end of RI 10
* Is the old black guide sign still up at the north end of RI 10? Still was there last time.
* "RI 195" overhead plaques at the 10/6 junction
* Revamped I-95 at US 6/RI 10
* Dare you to find all the US 1A signs
* Western US 6 freeway stub (would-be I-84)
Some other road/bridge-related items further east of Davenport's East Providence location (I-195's not too far from the restaurant & the quickest route to the below-items involves crossing the MA border twice):

* The reconfigured Exit 5 along I-195 in Fall River, MA at the eastern end of the Braga Bridge; the old elevated MA 79/138 viaduct was taken down.
* The new Sakonnet River Bridge (RI 24) linking Tiverton & Portsmouth (not sure whether or not the old one is completely gone by now - latest GSVs are from 2012).
* The stub for the cancelled I-895 then later RI 24 extension in Newport at RI 138.  Plans are presently in the works to eliminate the stub. 
This old button-copy BGS on the right may still be there (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5076031,-71.315152,3a,75y,21.62h,88.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sY8BfpoebGPXuiSYBXy4OIQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).

* Mt. Hope Bridge (RI 114) linking Bristol & Portsmouth (tolls were eliminated circa 1998)
* Newport Bridge (RI 138) linking Newport to Jamestown (bridge has a $4 toll for each way & accepts E-ZPass)
* Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge (RI 138) linking Jamestown to North Kingston

Just a few to throw out there.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on January 11, 2019, 05:41:44 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 11, 2019, 08:09:02 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 10, 2019, 06:51:09 PM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on January 10, 2019, 06:22:52 PMThe restaurant I found is called Davenport's. Is anyone familiar with it? Is it any good? (I believe it's a local or regional chain.) I of course will call the place to make sure they could take an advanced reservation for a group of people around 11:00.
It's definitely a local chain AFAIK.
In case anyone's interested, here's their website (http://davenportsri.com/).

Quote from: Alps on November 02, 2018, 10:45:54 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on November 02, 2018, 10:22:20 PM
What road features would we be checking out?
There is no formal tour, but I am well versed in roads features:
* New I-195 bridge/alignment
* Scars of the old bridge/alignment
* Old I-195 Washington Bridge
* Henderson Bridge (planned US 44 freeway)
* Strange shields of Providence and Woonsocket
* Mixed Up Mile: US 1/RI 15/RI 114 in Pawtucket
* Will I-295 be mileage-based exits by then? Hm...
* Stub south end of RI 10
* Is the old black guide sign still up at the north end of RI 10? Still was there last time.
* "RI 195" overhead plaques at the 10/6 junction
* Revamped I-95 at US 6/RI 10
* Dare you to find all the US 1A signs
* Western US 6 freeway stub (would-be I-84)
Some other road/bridge-related items further east of Davenport's East Providence location (I-195's not too far from the restaurant & the quickest route to the below-items involves crossing the MA border twice):

* The reconfigured Exit 5 along I-195 in Fall River, MA at the eastern end of the Braga Bridge; the old elevated MA 79/138 viaduct was taken down.
* The new Sakonnet River Bridge (RI 24) linking Tiverton & Portsmouth (not sure whether or not the old one is completely gone by now - latest GSVs are from 2012).
* The stub for the cancelled I-895 then later RI 24 extension in Newport at RI 138.  Plans are presently in the works to eliminate the stub. 
This old button-copy BGS on the right may still be there (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5076031,-71.315152,3a,75y,21.62h,88.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sY8BfpoebGPXuiSYBXy4OIQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656).

* Mt. Hope Bridge (RI 114) linking Bristol & Portsmouth (tolls were eliminated circa 1998)
* Newport Bridge (RI 138) linking Newport to Jamestown (bridge has a $4 toll for each way & accepts E-ZPass)
* Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge (RI 138) linking Jamestown to North Kingston

Just a few to throw out there.

Ah yeah, I remember as a 8-or-9-year-old riding through Fall River with my family in tow on the way to and from a family wedding in Orleans in Cape Cod at the Captain Linnell House (we stayed overnight at a inn or motel in Chatham near the beach and lighthouse). I believe we clinched Cape Cod, but don't recall if we did manage to get to Martha's Vineyard and/or Nantucket. We also visited Plymouth and Plimoth Plantation during our family trip.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Alps on January 11, 2019, 11:35:27 PM
I won't be checking out any road features in RI. After lunch I will probably drive up to Boston to check out the recently opened South Boston bypass road, and try to get up into the T parking lot for some button copy that's eluded me for almost 20 years, and have some delicious Christina's ice cream, and maybe visit a friend, before coming back down to Pdence for dinner. (Maybe. I might just visit more friends.)
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on January 11, 2019, 11:52:09 PM
Quote from: Alps on January 11, 2019, 11:35:27 PM
I won't be checking out any road features in RI. After lunch I will probably drive up to Boston to check out the recently opened South Boston bypass road, and try to get up into the T parking lot for some button copy that's eluded me for almost 20 years, and have some delicious Christina's ice cream, and maybe visit a friend, before coming back down to Pdence for dinner. (Maybe. I might just visit more friends.)

I didn't know that there's now a South Boston bypass road. Say hi to Christina for me, she's my cousin (only kidding, she's not old enough to be on her own and running her own ice cream place).
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Alps on January 12, 2019, 01:13:52 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 11, 2019, 11:52:09 PM
Quote from: Alps on January 11, 2019, 11:35:27 PM
I won't be checking out any road features in RI. After lunch I will probably drive up to Boston to check out the recently opened South Boston bypass road, and try to get up into the T parking lot for some button copy that's eluded me for almost 20 years, and have some delicious Christina's ice cream, and maybe visit a friend, before coming back down to Pdence for dinner. (Maybe. I might just visit more friends.)

I didn't know that there's now a South Boston bypass road. Say hi to Christina for me, she's my cousin (only kidding, she's not old enough to be on her own and running her own ice cream place).
Well, that'll be an awkward introduction. There has been one for over 20 years, but it only sporadically opens to non-trucks.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: froggie on January 12, 2019, 11:16:28 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994I didn't know that there's now a South Boston bypass road.

https://www.mass.gov/bypass-road-and-loganroute-1a-express-lane-pilot

Starts on the I-93 frontage roads at Exit 18 and heads northeast, connects to I-90 Exit 25 and continues as the MassPort Haul Rd near the Convention Center.

According to the MassDOT pilot page, it will still be restricted to trucks westbound past Richards St/Cypher St, but will be open to all traffic eastbound (coming from I-93).

As Alps noted, it's been around for about 20 years but was commercial vehicles only until MassDOT began these pilot programs (a 6-month pilot in 2016 and the current pilot).
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: PHLBOS on February 26, 2019, 10:36:48 AM
Another road-item to add to the possible meet viewing (before it changes) this May:

Henderson Bridge will be replaced using $54 million in federal aid (https://www.wpri.com/weather/pinpoint-traffic/-545-million-invested-for-ri-bridge-repairs-improvements/1808575989?fbclid=IwAR3bw97gKTgpL6RI21lGHNkvPSPq_VaguE98j1Sv1KF8Ol6k3oelP6cJ6OY)

This bridge was originally built as part of long-abandoned US 44 Expressway project.  It was built to be a 6-laner but it's been operating as a 4-laner for years if not decades.  The replacement will only be a 2-laner with bike & pedestrian lanes.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on February 26, 2019, 10:40:05 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 26, 2019, 10:36:48 AM
Another road-item to add to the possible meet viewing (before it changes) this May:

Henderson Bridge will be replaced using $54 million in federal aid (https://www.wpri.com/weather/pinpoint-traffic/-545-million-invested-for-ri-bridge-repairs-improvements/1808575989?fbclid=IwAR3bw97gKTgpL6RI21lGHNkvPSPq_VaguE98j1Sv1KF8Ol6k3oelP6cJ6OY)

This bridge was originally built as part of long-abandoned US 44 Expressway project.  It was built to be a 6-laner but it's been operating as a 4-laner for years if not decades.  The replacement will only be a 2-laner with bike & pedestrian lanes.

A good punchline would be that the replacement will be replaced with a ferry. ;)

That would be going from 6 to 4 to 2 to no lanes at all! :p

About time they replaced the old bridge, it was over-built for a need that never was and never will be.

At this point we're not counting on going as we will be preparing for a family event or two later in May, which will count us out of going to the Portsmouth, Ohio meet as well.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on March 11, 2019, 07:25:47 AM
This meet is coming up rather quickly; we're down to less than 8 weeks away now! I think I'm almost certain that I'm going to choose Davenport's in East Providence as our lunch venue.

Among the attendees, will many of you be interested in re-convening for dinner after you've done your sightseeing? I'm also considering finding a place to do karaoke on that Saturday night. Would there be much interest in that?

I've also posted these questions in the discussion section of the Facebook event page, but for anyone who either isn't on Facebook or didn't get the invitation, I figured I'd also share these questions here.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: signalman on March 11, 2019, 07:40:20 AM
As I noted on the FB event page, I plan on going.  I've been going back and forth on whether to make this a day trip or overnight somewhere up there.  I've decided not to overnight.  I'll be joining everyone for lunch and I'll do some clinching in RI and MA and then head back home.  I will not be at dinner, it will just make too long of a day for me. The older I get, the less I enjoy driving at night (especially in areas that I don't frequent) and I am truly concerned with falling asleep driving home if I make it too late of a night.  Unless I come into a lot of money in the next two months, this is my plan and I'm sticking to it.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on March 18, 2019, 07:20:24 AM
I'm hoping to have a firm count of attendees by a week or two prior to the meet. (Is that reasonable?) Is anyone planning on attending this meet who is not connected to the event on Facebook?
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: PHLBOS on March 18, 2019, 09:17:19 AM
Update: my Saturdays have been literally blowing up with activities, events and so forth as of late.  As a result, due to a local commitment scheduled for that morning; I will not be able to attend this meet.  Bummer.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Brandon on March 18, 2019, 11:42:11 AM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on March 18, 2019, 07:20:24 AM
I'm hoping to have a firm count of attendees by a week or two prior to the meet. (Is that reasonable?) Is anyone planning on attending this meet who is not connected to the event on Facebook?

I'm interested in what's going on, but unfortunately, I have an event on that Sunday here (of which you'll see video on Facebook).
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: SSOWorld on March 18, 2019, 07:46:32 PM
You have my reply on the book.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on March 21, 2019, 07:26:25 AM
I announced this on the Facebook event last night, but I figured I'd share it here as well.

Lunch will take place at Davenports Restaurant, which is located at 1925 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence, RI 02914. I've got a reservation at 11 a.m. for 12 people which happens to be the same number of attendees per the Facebook event. Davenports is in the outlot of a rather large strip mall where there's plenty of parking for the folks who want to leave their car behind while touring the area. There's still plenty of time in case anyone else decides they want to attend. I would just like a final count, if possible, by a week before the meet.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone!!
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: jpi on March 21, 2019, 08:23:29 AM
Quote from: Brandon on March 18, 2019, 11:42:11 AM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on March 18, 2019, 07:20:24 AM
I'm hoping to have a firm count of attendees by a week or two prior to the meet. (Is that reasonable?) Is anyone planning on attending this meet who is not connected to the event on Facebook?

I'm interested in what's going on, but unfortunately, I have an event on that Sunday here (of which you'll see video on Facebook).
I know what you mean, I will be in Dayton, OH for a toy show that Sunday and setting up Saturday, plus coming from central PA too. Hope you all have fun, one of these days I will get back up to that part of New England :nod:
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: cl94 on March 21, 2019, 10:55:36 AM
I am solidly "in" unless there are major unforeseen circumstances, what remains to be seen is if I will make it a day trip or an overnight. Given that there's also a roadgeek event the prior weekend, I almost certainly won't be arriving in town until Saturday morning, but I'll at least be at the lunch.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: mattpedersen on March 25, 2019, 04:50:32 AM
Looks like I am in, pending being able to stay with friends in the area. My leave request at work was approved.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on March 27, 2019, 12:34:22 PM
Quote from: mattpedersen on March 25, 2019, 04:50:32 AM
Looks like I am in, pending being able to stay with friends in the area. My leave request at work was approved.

Awesome! I think this means we're up to 14 now for lunch. :)
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: okroads on March 28, 2019, 12:41:55 PM
I also posted this on Facebook, but I plan to attend.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: cl94 on March 28, 2019, 12:43:56 PM
This is starting to look like the annual Meet To Be At™. Most of New York and Michigan will be there.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: signalman on March 28, 2019, 07:40:02 PM
Quote from: cl94 on March 28, 2019, 12:43:56 PM
This is starting to look like the annual Meet To Be At™. Most of New York and Michigan will be there.
Spring has a way of encouraging people out of their winter cocoons.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on March 28, 2019, 09:10:56 PM
Quote from: cl94 on March 28, 2019, 12:43:56 PM
This is starting to look like the annual Meet To Be At™.

I'm honestly quite humbled and delighted to hear you say that. I would have never guessed that a non-road-meet meet that is being hosted by me, of all people, would be popular enough to have that kind of distinction.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: vdeane on March 29, 2019, 12:45:59 PM
I wonder what factors lead a meet to becoming a given year's Meet To Be At™.  Being an early-announced spring meet certainly seems to provide massive points in favor, in any case.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: jpi on March 31, 2019, 05:00:10 PM
Last year in April my meet was the meet to be at and yes I was quite humbled too  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on April 10, 2019, 09:41:20 PM
I've been posting a few things on the Facebook event page, but I figured I'd also chime in with a few things here for anyone who's not connected to the event on Facebook.

I've been delighted to hear, at least on the Facebook event page, attendees talking about the various things they might see and do after lunch. For me, I'm thinking I will want to explore downtown Providence, drive the freeway network (or at least a significant portion of it), and maybe go out toward the ocean.

For those of us who are interested in meeting back up for dinner, I'm thinking we'll do dinner around 7 p.m. in Warwick since Warwick is where the hotel that several attendees are staying at is located. (The restaurant is to be determined.) After dinner, I'd like to invite anyone who's interested to come for karaoke at Picasso's Pizza & Pub, 2323 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI 02889. Karaoke starts at 8. We probably won't get there until at least 8:30 or so.

The meet is less than 4 weeks away now. I'm super excited!
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: mattpedersen on April 11, 2019, 12:39:50 AM
Can you add me to the meet Facebook page? Matt Pedersen, university of Baltimore, my profile picture is a traffic light in Easton MD, caught between cycles.

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on April 10, 2019, 09:41:20 PM
I've been posting a few things on the Facebook event page, but I figured I'd also chime in with a few things here for anyone who's not connected to the event on Facebook.

I've been delighted to hear, at least on the Facebook event page, attendees talking about the various things they might see and do after lunch. For me, I'm thinking I will want to explore downtown Providence, drive the freeway network (or at least a significant portion of it), and maybe go out toward the ocean.

For those of us who are interested in meeting back up for dinner, I'm thinking we'll do dinner around 7 p.m. in Warwick since Warwick is where the hotel that several attendees are staying at is located. (The restaurant is to be determined.) After dinner, I'd like to invite anyone who's interested to come for karaoke at Picasso's Pizza & Pub, 2323 Warwick Ave., Warwick, RI 02889. Karaoke starts at 8. We probably won't get there until at least 8:30 or so.

The meet is less than 4 weeks away now. I'm super excited!
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on April 11, 2019, 06:20:04 PM
Quote from: mattpedersen on April 11, 2019, 12:39:50 AM
Can you add me to the meet Facebook page? Matt Pedersen, university of Baltimore, my profile picture is a traffic light in Easton MD, caught between cycles.

You're already on the Facebook event page, and we've got you down as attending. (Josh Schmid had invited you.) Check your Events on your Facebook page and you'll find us. :)
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: froggie on April 16, 2019, 01:22:38 PM
I'm a tentative yes for this...I'm going to try to make it work since I won't make it to the baby shower and some of the same people will also be attending this.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on April 22, 2019, 07:27:17 AM
We're now less than two weeks away! Just a friendly reminder that I'm hoping to have a final count by this Saturday, April 27. Right now it's looking like we might have 17 people altogether for lunch. If you're on Facebook but are not connected to the event to be able to RSVP, maybe I (or one of the other attendees) can forward the invitation to you. If you're not on Facebook but are still planning to go, that's totally cool. (As far as I know, I don't think there's anyone going who's not on Facebook but I could be wrong.)

For anyone who wants to stick around for dinner, I think I've narrowed down the dinner restaurants to two specific options in Warwick. I'll post those details in the Facebook event soon.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, at least for lunch, on May 4!
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: cjk374 on April 23, 2019, 09:40:30 AM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on April 22, 2019, 07:27:17 AM
We're now less than two weeks away! Just a friendly reminder that I'm hoping to have a final count by this Saturday, April 27. Right now it's looking like we might have 17 people altogether for lunch. If you're on Facebook but are not connected to the event to be able to RSVP, maybe I (or one of the other attendees) can forward the invitation to you. If you're not on Facebook but are still planning to go, that's totally cool. (As far as I know, I don't think there's anyone going who's not on Facebook but I could be wrong.)

For anyone who wants to stick around for dinner, I think I've narrowed down the dinner restaurants to two specific options in Warwick. I'll post those details in the Facebook event soon.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, at least for lunch, on May 4!

Remember: if y'all get rowdy enough in Warwick to the point the police are called, we will see it all go down on Live PD!  :bigass:  :-D

Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: hbelkins on April 23, 2019, 10:30:24 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 23, 2019, 09:40:30 AM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on April 22, 2019, 07:27:17 AM
We're now less than two weeks away! Just a friendly reminder that I'm hoping to have a final count by this Saturday, April 27. Right now it's looking like we might have 17 people altogether for lunch. If you're on Facebook but are not connected to the event to be able to RSVP, maybe I (or one of the other attendees) can forward the invitation to you. If you're not on Facebook but are still planning to go, that's totally cool. (As far as I know, I don't think there's anyone going who's not on Facebook but I could be wrong.)

For anyone who wants to stick around for dinner, I think I've narrowed down the dinner restaurants to two specific options in Warwick. I'll post those details in the Facebook event soon.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, at least for lunch, on May 4!

Remember: if y'all get rowdy enough in Warwick to the point the police are called, we will see it all go down on Live PD!  :bigass:  :-D

I forget what happened that made me unable to attend the Springfield, Mo., meet last year, but I had told my wife to watch for me on Live PD if I did get out there. (The county sheriff's department is a regular fixture on that show.) I was going to try to find out where they were and do a drive-by of one of their traffic stops.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on April 23, 2019, 05:49:41 PM
Someone will have to explain exactly what Live PD is and why/how Warwick is featured on it.  ;-)
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Dougtone on April 23, 2019, 07:30:23 PM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on April 23, 2019, 05:49:41 PM
Someone will have to explain exactly what Live PD is and why/how Warwick is featured on it.  ;-)

Live PD is a TV show that focuses on policing activities in a number of municipalities across the U.S., and Warwick is one of the municipalities that they follow.
https://www.aetv.com/shows/live-pd/about (https://www.aetv.com/shows/live-pd/about)
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Alps on April 23, 2019, 07:30:52 PM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on April 23, 2019, 05:49:41 PM
Someone will have to explain exactly what Live PD is and why/how Warwick is featured on it.  ;-)
It zooms around to several action shots of police in action - nothing is actually live but it's presented in "real time". They contract with various PDs like Warwick.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: froggie on April 24, 2019, 08:20:59 AM
^ My wife's familiar with the technology they're using.  As long as they're not saying "Earlier In..." or "Moments Ago", it actually is live.  Maybe a few seconds of lag, depending on the cell service.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: hbelkins on April 24, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 24, 2019, 08:20:59 AM
^ My wife's familiar with the technology they're using.  As long as they're not saying "Earlier In..." or "Moments Ago", it actually is live.  Maybe a few seconds of lag, depending on the cell service.

Also, the built-in buffer so they can bleep out profanities that may be uttered in the heat of the moment.

My wife suggested that if Doug's in attendance, he should take his Fathead and try to get it on the air.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on April 30, 2019, 08:39:55 PM
Well here we are... only four days until this meet! I'm pretty sure that everyone who is going to the meet has been following along on the Facebook event. There's been a lot of discussion there over these past few days (about the dinner plans, the weather, etc.).

This will be my last post on this forum about the meet beforehand. After the meet, I'm going to solicit feedback (either here or on the Facebook event) asking the attendees what they thought of the meet and whether there would be support for me hosting something like this in the future. Based on everything that's happening so far with the planning, I have a pretty good feeling that it will go well and I'll want to make "city meets" an annual thing.  :spin:
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: kevinb1994 on April 30, 2019, 11:06:27 PM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on April 30, 2019, 08:39:55 PM
Well here we are... only four days until this meet! I'm pretty sure that everyone who is going to the meet has been following along on the Facebook event. There's been a lot of discussion there over these past few days (about the dinner plans, the weather, etc.).

This will be my last post on this forum about the meet beforehand. After the meet, I'm going to solicit feedback (either here or on the Facebook event) asking the attendees what they thought of the meet and whether there would be support for me hosting something like this in the future. Based on everything that's happening so far with the planning, I have a pretty good feeling that it will go well and I'll want to make "city meets" an annual thing.  :spin:

Although I won't be there due to other things going on with family, I would love to hear and see about more city meets, such as the previously-mentioned Omaha and Elizabeth City-Nags Head meets.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on May 01, 2019, 05:14:33 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on April 30, 2019, 11:06:27 PM
Although I won't be there due to other things going on with family, I would love to hear and see about more city meets, such as the previously-mentioned Omaha and Elizabeth City-Nags Head meets.

If things with the Providence meet go well and I decide to make this an annual event (different city each year), the 2020 city meet will be in either Omaha or Elizabeth City/Nags Head - depending on which one wins the poll that I create. Then the 2021 city meet would be in the one among those two that doesn't win for 2020.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Alps on May 04, 2019, 02:29:20 PM
Live tweeting my finds. http://www.twitter.com/alpsroads
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Alps on May 05, 2019, 06:42:51 PM
Quote from: Alps on May 04, 2019, 02:29:20 PM
Live tweeting my finds. http://www.twitter.com/alpsroads
Thanks to anyone who followed along! Connecticut is clinched and my last tweet is twot. Great meet idea by AJ and I look forward to the next one!
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: hbelkins on May 06, 2019, 11:51:26 AM
I will be interested to see the various reports on this meet from those who went. I've seen several posts on individuals' Facebook pages and on the Facebook event page.

I didn't attend for several reasons. One major factor was the distance; but quite honestly, the other was the format of the meet. I tend to like a structured meet where there's a set tour, with suggestions for extracurricular activities beyond the meet's agenda. Another is that I'm not a fan of cities in general; if I'm going to explore, I'd rather do so in a rural area instead of an urban environment. And there seemed to be an exaggerated emphasis on the social aspects of this meet: "Let's all get together and eat, then everybody go do your own thing, then let's all get together and eat again."

That's why I'm curious about how the roads/exploring aspects came together. Did people get together and figure out what they wanted to do in small groups, was there a lot of solo exploration, etc. I saw where a couple of folks went out to Martha's Vineyard.

Depending on timing and other factors, I might be able to make a trek to eastern North Carolina if that's where the next one is. I could accomplish a couple of roadgeeking goals (route clinches) on such a trip.

As I said, I'm really interested in the feedback on this one.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: signalman on May 06, 2019, 12:26:44 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on May 06, 2019, 11:51:26 AM
I will be interested to see the various reports on this meet from those who went. I've seen several posts on individuals' Facebook pages and on the Facebook event page.

I didn't attend for several reasons. One major factor was the distance; but quite honestly, the other was the format of the meet. I tend to like a structured meet where there's a set tour, with suggestions for extracurricular activities beyond the meet's agenda. Another is that I'm not a fan of cities in general; if I'm going to explore, I'd rather do so in a rural area instead of an urban environment. And there seemed to be an exaggerated emphasis on the social aspects of this meet: "Let's all get together and eat, then everybody go do your own thing, then let's all get together and eat again."

That's why I'm curious about how the roads/exploring aspects came together. Did people get together and figure out what they wanted to do in small groups, was there a lot of solo exploration, etc. I saw where a couple of folks went out to Martha's Vineyard.

Depending on timing and other factors, I might be able to make a trek to eastern North Carolina if that's where the next one is. I could accomplish a couple of roadgeeking goals (route clinches) on such a trip.

As I said, I'm really interested in the feedback on this one.
AJ intends to create a poll in the near future and wants feedback from those who attended.  Overall, I think attendees liked the format.  I personally enjoyed it.

As far as the social aspect is concerned, to me, that's the whole point of road meets.  Sure, going out on a road tour is cool, but we could all do this on our own, and we all do to some extent (some more than others).  But I enjoy meeting up with folks whom I share a common interest with but I don't see on a regular basis.  It also gives me an excuse to clinch stuff to/from a meet.  If AJ receives enough positive feedback he intends on holding a self guided tour in a different city on an annual basis, and honestly, I don't see why he wouldn't.

Some broke off into smaller groups if they had similar goals, but I'd say most did their own thing after lunch.  Adam Froehlig, Mike Tantillo and myself essentially only went for lunch (we all bowed out of dinner).  Brian Reynolds only made it to dinner.  I think everyone else in attendance went to both lunch and dinner.

Personally, I commend AJ for thinking outside the box and trying something different and I thank him for hosting.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: oscar on May 06, 2019, 12:43:18 PM
I took a pass on this meet because I was at a loss what to do after the meet lunch, and it was too early in the year to combine it with a long-overdue revisit to the Maritime Provinces.

If Omaha is the pick for next year, there are more options for post-meet activities I haven't done before, or would like to do again. Just need to avoid the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting a/k/a "Woodstock for Capitalists", which this year was held this past weekend. Jams up both lodgings and restaurants in Omaha, especially Warren Buffett's faves for steak dinners.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: cl94 on May 06, 2019, 04:17:40 PM
Overall, I think that the meet went quite well and I really liked the concept. Like many other people, the main reason I attend meets is to socialize. Meets are an excuse to go somewhere new and see people I can only see a couple times each year. Virtually every "meet tour" could be done on my own (in much less time) and, once the group gets much larger than 10-15 people, a tour can start running into issues if planning is not perfect. The 6 hours between meals gave us each a chance to tackle our own clinching/sightseeing objectives and my inter-meal time was far more productive than a normal meet tour would be.

While I'm not certain I could attend a 2020 one due to factors related to grad school, I definitely hope this concept continues. Assuming the Outer Banks and Omaha are the possibilities, both are quite a bit further from home and would probably involve a flight to stage myself (Charlotte or Chicago, respectively). But I love getting excuses to visit new places and this definitely gives us all plenty of excuses.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: froggie on May 06, 2019, 05:23:00 PM
Quote from: hbelkinsThat's why I'm curious about how the roads/exploring aspects came together. Did people get together and figure out what they wanted to do in small groups, was there a lot of solo exploration, etc.

Both.  With 20 people in attendance, there was plenty of both solo and joint exploration.

I only went to the lunch because I promised the wife I'd be home for dinner.  It also wouldn't be the first time where I only did the lunch part of a meet (some of you may recall Raleigh 2008 or the 2004(?) Cranberry meet).

I agree with Josh in that, once a meet gets to a larger size (IMO anything requiring more than 3 vehicles), a formal tour can get unwieldy and problematic.  We've seen this numerous times over the years (including my own Twin Cities meet).

Being a rural person, HB, I get that you don't like urban areas.  However, as a general rule, there's a lot more to see related to roads and highways in urban areas than in rural areas.  Certainly more "routes per square mile" to clinch...

I would also like to mention that this type of meet that AJ hosted has been done before...with a defined meal but not a defined tour.  I believe a few of us have used the term "roadgeek lunch" for it in the past, as opposed to a "meet".  That said, this is the first one that had two meals organized in such a way and has certainly been the largest such "roadgeek lunch" that I'm aware of.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on May 06, 2019, 08:39:36 PM
First of all, I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who supported this idea of a "city meet" that I came up with and brought to fruition. I was so thrilled in the early stages of planning this gathering to get a lot of support for the idea. And secondly, thank you to everyone who attended. I was humbled and amazed by such a large turnout (20 for lunch and 15 for dinner). WOW.

I echo what others have said about the social aspect of road meets. Most of the close friendships I've established in my adult years (beyond college) have been created as the result of me being part of this community. One reason that I came up with the idea of the "city meet" was to give folks (myself included) a reason to visit and explore a certain city... especially its infrastructure and downtown. There have been many times since 2004 (when I started attending road meets) where I've thought, "I'd love to see a road meet take place in such-and-such city." These "such-and-such" cities are places that I know next to nothing about and have been wanting to find a reason to explore them. Last year I was talking to a few of my fellow Michigan roadgeeks to get their initial feedback about the idea, and I was encouraged to move forward with it which I did. If I want to see a meet happen in a certain place, I now feel like I have the confidence and ability to make it happen... even if I know nothing about the city in advance and have no ability to do any traveling to scout a possible tour beforehand. I think Steve Alpert encourages this philosophy... if you want to see something happen, just announce it and invite folks to join you. That's exactly what I did here and that's what I'll try to do on an annual basis if I continue to get as much support for the idea as I'm getting.

I totally understand and appreciate that some folks might not like the idea because there's no organized tour. I've never really had the interest in hosting a traditional road meet and organizing a road-meet tour, but I very much enjoy attending road meets and appreciate all the work that goes into developing these detailed tour itineraries. If I were to hypothetically organize a traditional road-meet tour, it would have to be a place that I'm familiar with and have the ability to scout beforehand. That goes against my philosophy of exploring new places that are far from home and encouraging others to join me in that exploration. I tend to prefer exploring more urban areas than rural areas which is why I'm calling these "city meets".

H.B. - I'll share my perspective on your question regarding how the tours and exploration came together. During lunch, after everyone took their meal orders with the server, I got up and said a few words in front of the whole group. One of the things I did was ask the attendees to go around the tables and share what they were planning on seeing/doing in the afternoon, so that everyone could listen and get ideas from what ideas others have already come up with. In general, I think that worked okay. To be honest, I didn't think that anyone would want to ride in my vehicle with me. But it just so happened that the ideas that I shared (exploring downtown, driving to Newport, and getting a couple of counties) were enough of a draw that I had five people join me (four with me in my vehicle plus CPZ in his own vehicle caravaning behind me). I communicated a lot with CPZ via phone call as we were deciding on the spot where to go next. Matt P. was one of the riders in my vehicle, and I was fortunate to have his navigational assistance as he shared some ideas on the road of places we should stop... including a freeway stub that I previously had no idea existed, and a park where we got some good views of the Pell Bridge. Also, someone (either CPZ or Matt) came up with the idea of stopping at the visitor center in Newport where we all went inside and got some new maps. Then there were a few other random places where Matt suggested we stop, and I was totally open to all those suggestions... as was everyone else in the vehicle. It ended up going very, very well.

I do know that some attendees did some exploring on their own, but I also know that there were a few people who paired up with someone else who was doing something they were also interested in. For instance, Sam Scholtens and Eric Stuve went to Martha's Vineyard together to clinch Dukes County, Massachusetts.

I also wanted to chime in on something Adam mentioned above. He described this "city meet" concept as a "roadgeek lunch". For the folks who can't reconvene for dinner, that's pretty much exactly what it is. But what makes this event different is that the do-it-yourself tours are ideally bookended by two meals. One purpose of reconvening for dinner, in addition to the social aspect of course, is to encourage folks to share what they did during the 6-ish-hour time span between lunch and dinner. My initial guess was that, perhaps, 50 percent of the lunch attendees would return for dinner. But in Providence, it was actually 75 percent which I was so pleased by.

Everyone has different reasons why they want to explore different places. This "city meet" concept gave everyone a reason to see what they wanted to see without being constrained to an organized tour. Like I said, I still very much enjoy the organized road-meet tours and they will always have an important role in our community. But for me to host something, I wanted to try something different. If some folks don't like the idea, I respect that and wouldn't try to persuade you to attend if it's not your cup of tea.

Thanks to everyone who has shared feedback so far. I'm chomping at the bit to create my poll. LOL
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: hbelkins on May 07, 2019, 12:13:07 PM
Thanks for your answer. I know that there are several different meet formats that have been done. "No formal lunch, join me to eat if you want, but we'll convene at x place at y time for the tour." The meet I wanted to do at the New River Gorge a couple of years ago was going to be "Meet, explore the NRG area on your own, lunch on your own, then meet as a group for a tour with an itinerary." (But I was physically unable to attend due to health issues.) And I've done a meal-only meet, such as when I was in Annapolis for a conference a few years ago. And the traditional "lunch, then tour" meet which is what I'm most familiar, and comfortable with. The first few meets I attended, I went only for lunch and didn't join in the tours, mainly because it was a day trip and participating in the tour would have made me get home terribly late.

Honestly, in a place like Providence, I'd be clueless on what to explore without the guidance of someone familiar with the area. It's not a plac that I would go on my own to sightsee. That's why I would have needed to tag along with someone else (I would probably have gone to Martha's Vineyard with Sam and Eric to collect an elusive Massachusetts county.)

Sounds like most everyone had a good time and things turned out successfully, which is great.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: A.J. Bertin on May 07, 2019, 06:16:05 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on May 07, 2019, 12:13:07 PM
Honestly, in a place like Providence, I'd be clueless on what to explore without the guidance of someone familiar with the area.

My suggested itineraries for future city meets in places that I know nothing about would be 1) driving the freeway network around the city, 2) driving any highways that look on a map like they might be interesting, 3) collecting counties, 4) exploring the downtown, 5) seeing any unique infrastructure that may be present (such as bridges), 6) checking out any interesting retail (for those of us who are retail geeks), 7) seeing any unique geographical features such as high points if they are in the area, 8) any combination of the above, and/or 9) anything else that anyone besides me knows about the area that they'd like to show attendees. That would be my standard set of suggestions regardless of the location of the city meet.
Title: Re: Providence RI "city meet" - May 4, 2019
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 07, 2019, 10:23:52 PM
If Omaha were to be a "City Meet" location, I can put together a Lincoln Highway itinerary, and certainly find a local (to Omaha) LHA member to give suggestions along those ideas.