AARoads Forum

I will host a meet in the South Bend - Elkhart, Indiana area this spring.  Above is a poll to find the best date for the meet.

We will go along old US-112/US-112S, look at the reroute of Bus US-20 in South Bend, see some old Bus US-31 signage if it still exists, drive County Road 17, see M-217, and Old M-205, and just have a good time.

I think I'll have a St. Joseph County, MI, meet for the Sunday after. It would cover the Constantine bypass, both the Mottville and Langley bridges, and whatever else I can scrounge around. I would probably aim for an earlier start, with either meeting for breakfast or having lunch conclude the tour, so attendees would have plenty of daylight to get home or wherever they're going for the night.

Quote from: rawmustard on September 21, 2015, 10:43:22 AM
I think I'll have a St. Joseph County, MI, meet for the Sunday after. It would cover the Constantine bypass, both the Mottville and Langley bridges, and whatever else I can scrounge around. I would probably aim for an earlier start, with either meeting for breakfast or having lunch conclude the tour, so attendees would have plenty of daylight to get home or wherever they're going for the night.

I like this idea.  It becomes a two-day, two-host meet that covers slightly different areas.  :cool:

Cool.  That just made it more likely that I would choose to attend the meet.  I'm currently figuring out which meets I want to attend since there are so many good ones that require overnight stays.

It should be noted, although the lowest total in the poll thus far, that May 14 is during Notre Dame's commencement weekend (http://commencement.nd.edu/commencement-weekend/schedule-of-events/). I'd imagine it significantly impacts hotel stock and traffic near event sites.

I am ok with the May dates and even last weekend in April but that is good to know about May 14.

Considering I can get there with ease now, I'd be up for any of them really in April.

I voted for April 30 and May 7.

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on October 14, 2015, 11:34:26 PM
I voted for April 30 and May 7.

Those are the two dates I'm giving strongest thought to.  May 7 seems to be winning by a vote at this time.  Based on what I'm reading, April 30 might be better.

I might try to show up to this. I'm live somewhere between 3-4 hours away from South Bend (Terre Haute). It sort of just depends on my work schedule. It would be nice to get to meet some of the other members on this forum. It would also be a good chance for me to check out the US 31 construction / new segments and the new SR 25.

I personally am leaning toward 5/7 since 4/30 is fairly close to me returning from my PA trip but I think I can make it work, drive up Friday, meet Saturday, drive back to TN on Sunday. I am a definite maybe to going at this point :-)

I know that voting is not quite yet closed, but I am choosing April 30, 2016 as the date of the meet.  It will be at 11 am, and the restaurant is to be determined.  I'm deciding between a few in the Mishawaka area, near the mall.

Much like the York, PA meet, this meet will be easier for me to attend than before since I now live in Ohio instead of Oklahoma. Of course, living in Oklahoma didn't stop me from attending Brandon's previous meets at Joliet & Starved Rock, but I digress. I'd say put me down as a maybe for now.

Quote from: Brandon on December 16, 2015, 11:55:50 AM
I know that voting is not quite yet closed, but I am choosing April 30, 2016 as the date of the meet.  It will be at 11 am, and the restaurant is to be determined.  I'm deciding between a few in the Mishawaka area, near the mall.

Awesome! I am definitely planning to be there. Will you be creating an event for the meet on Facebook?

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on December 16, 2015, 06:27:29 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 16, 2015, 11:55:50 AM
I know that voting is not quite yet closed, but I am choosing April 30, 2016 as the date of the meet.  It will be at 11 am, and the restaurant is to be determined.  I'm deciding between a few in the Mishawaka area, near the mall.

Awesome! I am definitely planning to be there. Will you be creating an event for the meet on Facebook?

Yes, within the next day or so.

Date wise, potentially, yes. However, I may need a ride from the Chi-town MA because the South Shore will not accept bikes, them bastards.

Looks like this will be doable for me, I have a toy show in Dayton, OH on Sunday but should be able to do this road meet and peal off by around 6pm or so. If Steph can get Sunday off she would be able to come along too :-)

Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on December 16, 2015, 08:11:18 PM
Date wise, potentially, yes. However, I may need a ride from the Chi-town MA because the South Shore will not accept bikes, them bastards.

If you can make it here, to Joliet, I can get you the rest of the way.

And we're on Facebook as well now: https://www.facebook.com/events/182674092084563/

Quote from: Brandon on December 18, 2015, 06:54:34 PM
And we're on Facebook as well now: https://www.facebook.com/events/182674092084563/

That, for now, requires a Facebook login. Can that be changed?

Quote from: oscar on December 18, 2015, 11:55:00 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 18, 2015, 06:54:34 PM
And we're on Facebook as well now: https://www.facebook.com/events/182674092084563/

That, for now, requires a Facebook login. Can that be changed?

I don't know.  I know that friends of friends can invite as well.  However people can commit or say "maybe" here as well.

Quote from: Brandon on December 19, 2015, 12:43:55 AM

Quote from: oscar on December 18, 2015, 11:55:00 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 18, 2015, 06:54:34 PM
And we're on Facebook as well now: https://www.facebook.com/events/182674092084563/

That, for now, requires a Facebook login. Can that be changed?

I don't know.  I know that friends of friends can invite as well.  However people can commit or say "maybe" here as well.

It can, but public events are now spread more virally through notifications (so and so on your friends list is interested in this event) so that FB can "promote" events.  I'd be against making it private.  Of course I'm not going to say "my way or the highway"

Quote from: Brandon on December 19, 2015, 12:43:55 AM

Quote from: oscar on December 18, 2015, 11:55:00 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 18, 2015, 06:54:34 PM
And we're on Facebook as well now: https://www.facebook.com/events/182674092084563/

That, for now, requires a Facebook login. Can that be changed?

I don't know.  I know that friends of friends can invite as well.  However people can commit or say "maybe" here as well.

If Facebook events pages were only to issue invites and take RSVPs, that'd be one thing. But in practice, a lot of the event planning often goes on there, with sometimes useful information not timely making it to this forum. That's why I check FB pages for road meets I'm thinking of attending (like this one), even though as a Facebook refusnik I can't participate in discussions there.

Quote from: Brandon on December 16, 2015, 11:55:50 AM
I know that voting is not quite yet closed, but I am choosing April 30, 2016 as the date of the meet.  It will be at 11 am, and the restaurant is to be determined.  I'm deciding between a few in the Mishawaka area, near the mall.

Cool. If I don't work that day I will definitely try to make it for this meet. How many people usually show up to these out of curiosity? Do we all ride together when we go see stuff in the area or do we drive separately? (Never been to one of these before.)

Quote from: US 41 on December 19, 2015, 08:37:41 AM

Quote from: Brandon on December 16, 2015, 11:55:50 AM
I know that voting is not quite yet closed, but I am choosing April 30, 2016 as the date of the meet.  It will be at 11 am, and the restaurant is to be determined.  I'm deciding between a few in the Mishawaka area, near the mall.

Cool. If I don't work that day I will definitely try to make it for this meet. How many people usually show up to these out of curiosity? Do we all ride together when we go see stuff in the area or do we drive separately? (Never been to one of these before.)

A typical meet is probably about 15 people in my experiences. There's usually a vehicle consolidation after lunch, but there's no requirement to and some people bring their own cars on tour anyway in case they need to leave the meet early or just for their own comfort's sake.

Quote from: oscar on December 18, 2015, 11:55:00 PM

Quote from: Brandon on December 18, 2015, 06:54:34 PM
And we're on Facebook as well now: https://www.facebook.com/events/182674092084563/

That, for now, requires a Facebook login. Can that be changed?

I think it also requires that you be friends with the guy who set it up.  I can't see it either.

Quote from: vdeane on December 19, 2015, 05:41:07 PM
I think it also requires that you be friends with the guy who set it up.  I can't see it either.

Actually, it requires you be invited, since Brandon has it as a private event.

This weekend looks good for me to attend the South Bend portion of the tour.  I believe Co. Rd. 17 has been extended a bit since the last time we did a meet in the South Bend area.  Most likely I won't be able to stick around for the Sunday tour.

I found that I have a conflict this weekend.  After talking with rawmustard, we are moving the meet dates to May 21 and 22.  I will have a new, public page on FB later this evening.

Thanks for the heads up. Hopefully Steph and I can still make it at least for Saturday, don't think I have any toy shows lined up that weekend either

A quick update.  I have it on Facebook, but I'll post it here too:

The restaurant is...

Evil Czech Brewery
3703 N. Main St.
Mishawaka, IN 46545

They open at our meet time, 11 am EDT.

Quote from: Brandon on April 24, 2016, 12:11:27 AM
A quick update.  I have it on Facebook, but I'll post it here too:

The restaurant is...

Evil Czech Brewery
3703 N. Main St.
Mishawaka, IN 46545

They open at our meet time, 11 am EDT.

Dang, that might be the coolest name for a meet restaurant there ever has been or will be.

At this point I am still a go but I looks like Steph may not make it due to work :-/

I won't be able to make it. I work on Saturday (of course  :angry: ).

Last hurdle cleared - time off confirmed - I'm back to "going" (Assuming nothing comes up in the last 0.68 seconds - for an android, that is an eternity)

I'm going to likely make this meet and the meet in St. Joseph County, MI, the next day. My current plan is to drive up from Columbus early Saturday morning, spend Saturday night in the South Bend/Elkhart area, then head back Sunday after the MI meet is over.

Quote from: okroads on May 06, 2016, 05:12:41 PM
I'm going to likely make this meet and the meet in St. Joseph County, MI, the next day. My current plan is to drive up from Columbus early Saturday morning, spend Saturday night in the South Bend/Elkhart area, then head back Sunday after the MI meet is over.

Just as an FYI, I'm booked at the Sleep Inn on the north side of Elkhart. There are a myriad of other hotels located in the area off of the Toll Road's interchange with SR 19. I would think that the closest hotel to where we'll meet in Mottville is the Hampton in Middlebury, but from where I'll be is only an 18 minute drive.

LGLS991

I am officially going, I have cashed in some choice points and staying at a Comfort Suites South in Elkhart, south end of town but looks pretty decent, looking forward to seeing everyone next weekend! :wave:

With all the traveling I've been doing lately - Texas last week, Kansas City (for work) next week - I think South Bend is out.

I probably won't be there, because for one thing, I'm a little short on dough. I have a small claims suit pending against someone who deceived me out of money, but the authorities are refusing to serve the papers on the defendant (because it would likely result in a criminal case against political cronies).

I also have a major health disorder and have no energy because of it.

Here's a short run down of what we'll see and do:

First, we'll head over to the Meijer to drop off some of the cars.  Then across the campus of Notre Dame to Bus-31/IN-933.  There's remnants of an old interchange there.  Then, through downtown South Bend to the IN-23 interchanges on the SE part of downtown.  Back through downtown to a realignment of Lincolnway (Bus-20) by the airport.  Then it's to the last remaining snack bar building on the Indiana Toll Road.  It was last used as a state police post, but is currently unoccupied.  Might make a good meet photo location.  Then across the Indiana Toll Road to the travel plaza (restrooms and the like).  Exit at Elkhart East (CR-17) and up to M-217.  West to old M-205 and back down IN-19 to follow Old US-112 to Ash Road.  Across the St Joe River to the odd end of IN-933.  Then down to Goshen to see the alignments of IN-15 and US-33 in town.  Then back west to CR-17, up to the end of IN-120, across US-20 to US-31.  New US-31 south and old US-31 north.  Back to IN-331 and our cars.

I had put this down as a possibility, but I'm now officially out. I won't have the means to attend. In fact, I will be acquiring the means to possibly attend other meets on Saturday if all works out.

Group photos for both meets:

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13244878_980926575339590_4878723402021051070_n.jpg?oh=56cae01dd59216fec4d07a53c12280a7&oe=57C89835)

The South Bend (day 1) group photo, taken at the abandoned Snack Bar #4 on the Indiana Toll Road in Elkhart County St. Joseph County.

Bottom row: Adam Moss (IL), AJ Bertin (MI), Brian Rawson-Ketchum (MI), Barry Camp's son (MI),  Brandon Gorte (IL)

Top row: David Feryance (WI), Jason Ilyes (TN), Sam Scholtens (MI), Eric Stuve (OH), Barry Camp (MI), Brian Reynolds (MI)

---

Day 2, taken at the Langley Covered Bridge, constructed in 1887.

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13221608_980927555339492_3577707790998582437_n.jpg?oh=baaed675dadbd164068128e4ff605316&oe=57CB0FD2)

Left to right: Adam Moss, Sam Scholtens, Brian Rawson-Ketchum, Brian Reynolds, Eric Stuve, Jason Ilyes and Brandon Gorte.

^^ The snack bar, named originally for President Benjamin Harrison, is in St. Joseph County, milepost 72.9.

Brain fart corrected.

Here are some more photos, including two more for the meet photos.

Day 1 Meet Photo:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F2016-05-22%2F100_6215_zpsqhbtzwzg.jpg&hash=9ffaf4d11707d4a8e9be82f36741cebdf0e31416) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/midamcrossrds/media/2016-05-22/100_6215_zpsqhbtzwzg.jpg.html)

Day 2 Meet Photo:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F2016-05-22%2F100_6251_zpscfageylm.jpg&hash=cfae1787a5cf7184e6657e1b12377569d6af0642) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/midamcrossrds/media/2016-05-22/100_6251_zpscfageylm.jpg.html)

Mottville Camelback Bridge:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F2016-05-22%2F100_6231_zpsyzrru5tf.jpg&hash=9174665cb2fd4af110b3d3ed6892ce036d26772a) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/midamcrossrds/media/2016-05-22/100_6231_zpsyzrru5tf.jpg.html)

Langley Covered Bridge:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F2016-05-22%2F100_6243_zpsi8fsseud.jpg&hash=45520e6319d37479919bc0ee9f5ea3fa07ac81b7) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/midamcrossrds/media/2016-05-22/100_6243_zpsi8fsseud.jpg.html)

End of IN-933 at the St. Joe/Elkhart County Line:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F2016-05-22%2F100_6223_zpsrpfhtkh0.jpg&hash=26d800f63d23fb45f5e1263db433e8b232f7af1c) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/midamcrossrds/media/2016-05-22/100_6223_zpsrpfhtkh0.jpg.html)

Old Lincolnway (Bus US-20):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F2016-05-22%2F100_6209_zps1svzstpm.jpg&hash=a377d9e45f8444f3871743821f4221d723e95a43) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/midamcrossrds/media/2016-05-22/100_6209_zps1svzstpm.jpg.html)

A bunch of people standing around:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F2016-05-22%2F100_6212_zps0hqw4fiz.jpg&hash=bffa2b110404da3d93943f2c4b728e194b94f430) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/midamcrossrds/media/2016-05-22/100_6212_zps0hqw4fiz.jpg.html)

A bunch more standing and sitting:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi837.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fzz298%2Fmidamcrossrds%2F2016-05-22%2F100_6236_zpsyibmgymm.jpg&hash=7b2eaf1407c4ee54c0740f82bd4e65c9bc3e3d93) (http://s837.photobucket.com/user/midamcrossrds/media/2016-05-22/100_6236_zpsyibmgymm.jpg.html)