I've been in discussions behind the scenes with TomTom (the GPS company) to set up a road meet at their offices in Lebanon, New Hampshire. I now am able to announce this meet, which should be a little different than the typical meet (will be held at a corporate office instead of a restaurant), but just as fun as other meets. Here's some information...
September 21, 2013 at Noon
TomTom HQ - 11 Lafayette St, Lebanon, NH 03766
Lunch will be provided at 12:30
We can have up to 25 people (I need an RSVP by Friday, September 13 so that food can be ordered)
Agenda (can change this is a rough draft)
12:00: Settle in, meet & greet
12:30 Lunch served
12:45 - 1PM: Overview of our internal map development tools, how a tomtom map is made, looking at community map reports and solving problems
1PM-2PM: We might have a Mapping van available to show off. If not, we'll show some of our software that shows 360 degree streets from our camera systems and probe data (bread crumbs)
2-4PM: Local "Map Project" (essentially a tour of the area)
I have yet to nail down specifics but I was thinking we'd check out some old covered bridges, there's an overpass / bridge on I-89 that is under construction with an interesting split southbound road. I'm putting together other ideas as well.
There may be some free goodies to give out as well.
Any questions or to sign up, feel free to post here or e-mail me directly at dougtone@gmail.com.
Alas, a month-and-a-half too early for me.
Plenty of good food around there, though. One of our personal favorites nearby is Molly's, up in Hanover. Not too far from Quechee, either.
I definitely think if there is enough time some nearby covered bridges would be worth seeing, along with the Quechee Gorge bridge on US 4. I also know of a state-named VT I-91 shield in Claremont, if anyone wants to check that out.
Dunno if I'd be interested in this meet or not though. Earlier this summer I did some extensive road clinching and exploring around that area, and the Tom-Tom portion doesn't sound particularly appealing to me, since I don't own or care to own a Tom-Tom.
I really would like to attend this meet, even if I have been in the area a few times, and I was looking forward to the Tom-Tom event since it was first proposed several months ago.
But...
I will not be able to attend. Melissa will be in Texas that weekend and I will have to hold the fort down. All of September is pretty much out for me to do anything. I am having to miss a conference that I usually enjoy attending because of her travel schedule in September.
Perhaps there can be a follow-up Tom-Tom event in a couple of years.
Maaaaaaybe. We'll have to see if I can spare a weekend around then. It's only a few weeks before comic con, so this depends on the status of my preparation for that.
QuoteI also know of a state-named VT I-91 shield in Claremont, if anyone wants to check that out.
There's a few VT I-91 shields south of White River...including an old-spec southbound right after you pass I-89.
QuoteDunno if I'd be interested in this meet or not though. Earlier this summer I did some extensive road clinching and exploring around that area, and the Tom-Tom portion doesn't sound particularly appealing to me, since I don't own or care to own a Tom-Tom.
It's not just about owning or not owning a Tom-Tom. It's about GPS mapping, which is increasingly important these days. Whether you own or not own a Tom-Tom is inmaterial.
HMMM, I am a maybe on this one, I will be in central PA that weekend for a BIG toy show in Hershey on Sunday 9/22 but it is a long drive back after the meet and be back up at 5:30am for the show, will see.
Remind me to ask them whether they've seen the scene of Doctor Who where Strax gets directions from a boy named "Thomas Thomas".
Quote from: froggie on August 04, 2013, 03:28:41 AM
It's about GPS mapping, which is increasingly important these days.
I wouldn't say it's just GPS mapping either. On the bare mapping level, there isn't much difference between TomTom, Google, and Rand McNally.
Quote from: froggie on August 04, 2013, 03:28:41 AM
QuoteDunno if I'd be interested in this meet or not though. Earlier this summer I did some extensive road clinching and exploring around that area, and the Tom-Tom portion doesn't sound particularly appealing to me, since I don't own or care to own a Tom-Tom.
It's not just about owning or not owning a Tom-Tom. It's about GPS mapping, which is increasingly important these days. Whether you own or not own a Tom-Tom is inmaterial.
A valid point, but I can't help but think they'll use this as little more than an opportunity to try and sell us Tom-Toms.
It appears I don't have plans that weekend, and Lebanon's only 2-3 hours for me, so I might still go. I haven't ruled it out.
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on August 04, 2013, 06:21:45 PM
Quote from: froggie on August 04, 2013, 03:28:41 AM
QuoteDunno if I'd be interested in this meet or not though. Earlier this summer I did some extensive road clinching and exploring around that area, and the Tom-Tom portion doesn't sound particularly appealing to me, since I don't own or care to own a Tom-Tom.
It's not just about owning or not owning a Tom-Tom. It's about GPS mapping, which is increasingly important these days. Whether you own or not own a Tom-Tom is inmaterial.
A valid point, but I can't help but think they'll use this as little more than an opportunity to try and sell us Tom-Toms.
It appears I don't have plans that weekend, and Lebanon's only 2-3 hours for me, so I might still go. I haven't ruled it out.
Tom-Tom employees have attended at least two meets, Bennington, Vt. and Portsmouth, N.H. They are actually interested in picking our brains to help with their product development.
QuoteA valid point, but I can't help but think they'll use this as little more than an opportunity to try and sell us Tom-Toms.
If they're anything like ESRI reps, they'll be pretty good at not being salesmen- they'll probably show you their cool new technology and have you play with it so you want it, but they'll never say "buy a Tom Tom" and will keep it on a non-product specific technical level that's still interesting. You'll be able to tell you're talking to the Tom Tom people and not the Garmin people, but you won't feel like they're trying to sell you something.
This is a meet I'd love to go to if I could, and if it were closer it's probably one I could talk my employers into paying for me to attend.
Quote from: corco on August 04, 2013, 10:47:45 PM
QuoteA valid point, but I can't help but think they'll use this as little more than an opportunity to try and sell us Tom-Toms.
If they're anything like ESRI reps, they'll be pretty good at not being salesmen- they'll probably show you their cool new technology and have you play with it so you want it, but they'll never say "buy a Tom Tom" and will keep it on a non-product specific technical level that's still interesting. You'll be able to tell you're talking to the Tom Tom people and not the Garmin people, but you won't feel like they're trying to sell you something.
This is a meet I'd love to go to if I could, and if it were closer it's probably one I could talk my employers into paying for me to attend.
I don't believe that it is going to be a sales pitch at all, although I could see how someone could think about buying a TomTom as a result of this meet over another GPS brand, if they were in the market to buy a GPS. However, this will be a good opportunity to see how the commercial world develops and fine-tunes mapping software for daily use.
...hence why I wish it were later in the year, especially since I'll be retiring just over an hour away.
I am marked as a "maybe" for this meet. So as long as the DB overhaul at work doesn't fall on that particular weekend, I am in. (But overhearing office conversations thus-far, this might actually be the case. :-| ).
Any advice for finding a cheap hotel? Everything I can find on the route (though I haven't checked the Albany area yet) is WAY more expensive than what I had for the NJ meet. I'm thinking I'll need to stay overnight Sat-Sun in case of a post-meet tour/activity.
Hello everyone! My name is Adam and I am the initiator of this meet-up with the help of Doug and a few other colleagues. After attending the Portsmouth meetup, I thought it would be cool to do something close to home.
For the business side of things, we're not city folk, not pro salespeople with MBAs and fancy suits. We're NH / VT folks who are very relaxed and love maps. We're just happy that our managers gave us some budget to buy some food and hang out with other like-minded people. It's not a sales pitch at all and, if you don't want to see the mapping software we're working on, you can arrive late or put in earplugs :)
Seriously though, Before joining TomTom, I wasn't a map geek and the stuff we're working on is really awesome and has gotten me into this hobby. We actually won't have any GPS devices on hand to show you. Our office makes maps for North America so, you won't be pitched on new stuff to buy, you'll just get a chance to see how we build maps in-house and maybe I'll have some pens and coffee cups to give away and then we'll eat and go check out some local sights. Totally not a sales pitch, I promise.
Both myself and colleagues have attended some of the local meetups and we're really looking forward to hosting this and talking maps with everyone here.
If you have questions, feel free to email me. adam@adam-jackson.net. We're still looking for ideas for local spots to visit so I'm open to suggestions on that.
Being an IT and mapping (and perhaps GIS) geek... I'm so in1. Plus, it's a day trip for me (or not, depending on how much of US 4/5/7 I want to grab; I already have all the Interstates in the area clinched!).
I don't believe that it will be a sales pitch, and if it is, I'll show my iPhone with iOS 6.2
1 Actual RSVP is subject to change, follow the Facebook page.
2 Apple Maps uses TomTom data. (Well... that's what Apple claims.)
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on August 06, 2013, 02:08:22 PM
Apple Maps uses TomTom data. (Well... that's what Apple claims.)
Should we be alarmed by this?
Quote from: vdeane on August 06, 2013, 09:11:48 PM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on August 06, 2013, 02:08:22 PM
Apple Maps uses TomTom data. (Well... that's what Apple claims.)
Should we be alarmed by this?
I have mixed feelings. But I trust TomTom more than Apple, regardless.
Can Inrix users attend?
As in users of the Inrix app and the Inrix data?
I work at TomTom. I have been to two meets and have met many of you, and my impression is that most of you have a healthy skepticism regarding online mapping applications and would not use one even it was given to you. That is not a problem at all, since we will not be selling or giving away TomTom devices. This is a good opportunity for road geeks to have face to face conversations with people who make the maps you often complain about, as well as to see some nice technology.
I have been impressed by your interest and knowledge of highways around the country. It's your hobby, and you want to see correct information. It's our job to provide correct information. If we can establish direct contact with road geeks around the country so you all have direct lines of communication to someone who can correct errors, doesn't everyone benefit? I am not suggesting that the forums will be any less forgiving, nor should they be, but at least you will have an opportunity to discuss your issues directly with a person who can correct them.
I hope to see many of you in Lebanon next month. I am expecting the weather to be perfect.
I can vouch for NPS. He's a good guy and is definitely not trying to do the hard sell.
Myself, I don't understand why anyone would not want to use a road-related tool if it was available. Given that I love my tech toys, I'd buy one of each brand of GPS if I could afford it. :bigass:
Sometimes using a tool makes you the tool :bigass:
I want a GPS that doesn't offer directions, just a map and business locations.
Quote from: Steve on August 08, 2013, 08:29:13 PM
I want a GPS that doesn't offer directions, just a map and business locations.
That's why I'm so in love with Google Navigation on my phone. The old version (i.e. not installing the most recent update) let you just have the map open with no directions, and you could have it show pins for gas stations, ATMs, restaurants, etc. as you drive along.
I for one really like the directions. not for the macroscopic stuff - i.e. I know that in order to get from Denver to Columbus, I would likely want to take I-70 if I wanted to go quickly, US-40 if I wanted to see a thing or two, and for county-clinching purposes I'd better have US-166 on the agenda... but, how do I get out of a particular suburban labyrinth? and when I reach my destination, how do I get to the precisely correct house of another seemingly-identical suburban labyrinth?
basically, I use my google maps app on the phone for the first mile and the last mile. also, it helps with traffic, but that is a completely different topic of discussion.
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 08, 2013, 09:20:42 PM
I for one really like the directions. not for the macroscopic stuff - i.e. I know that in order to get from Denver to Columbus, I would likely want to take I-70 if I wanted to go quickly, US-40 if I wanted to see a thing or two, and for county-clinching purposes I'd better have US-166 on the agenda... but, how do I get out of a particular suburban labyrinth? and when I reach my destination, how do I get to the precisely correct house of another seemingly-identical suburban labyrinth?
I generally divert from the most direct route on trips to do road things. What is useful is when I go beyond where the GPS directs me, I get the distance to the next exit on a freeway most times. That is useful for knowing when to photograph or when to expect merging traffic.
The other aspect that I find to be a huge asset is the ETA. I can factor in what I can detour to see while trying to retain a reasonable arrival time based upon it.
Would love to attend this meet, but unlikely will be back up to the northeast so soon.
Quote from: Alex on August 09, 2013, 11:28:21 AM
The other aspect that I find to be a huge asset is the ETA.
Google Maps has gotten really good at this. I remember about 4 years ago, the GPSes were all wildly off. TomTom assumed I would drive about 5 below the speed limit, and Garmin was expecting me to do 85 through school zones.
I remember Dan and I using a Garmin on the AlCan and at one point we did ~100mph for a good 20-30 minutes, and found we gained ... one minute of ETA.
Google had gotten really good until the new update. I checked it out on my phone and found that instead of estimating 35 minutes to work, it now estimates 30. It actually takes 34, slightly less if I drive faster.
But with the new app I can set the cruise control to 78 in a 55 and still have it lose a minute or two over a few miles.
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on August 09, 2013, 12:52:59 PM
But with the new app I can set the cruise control to 78 in a 55 and still have it lose a minute or two over a few miles.
"How you know you live in the Northeast Corridor"
If Mike and I can manage to get either the Friday or Monday off, this trip is a go for us. I don't know how successful that will be since we are taking a huge chunk of vacation time this month. But GIS mapping is right up his alley (I can't tell you how many dates we've had mapping things for Open Street Map! :)) and I really enjoy learning the backbones of it. I am also not anti-GPS because it was a lifesaver when i worked a few years ago making truck deliveries of books to New Jersey churches! (Too many little streets and too many deliveries to properly memorize the routes.) We can also use the opportunity to visit some family friends in Massachusetts who are unable to attend our wedding.
Count me in for this! I've lost count of the number of ideas I've had over the years for imrpoving GPS devices...now I'll finally have a way to have my ideas heard!
Thanks for organizing this, Doug and TomTom people.
And for all those that are skeptical...this is a great opportunity to try something new and "mix" with people who also have an interest in maps, from a slightly different perspective. We roadgeeks should be thrilled that people out there actually want to hear our ideas. So I'm not worried at all about this being a sales pitch.
I hope they'll do this again at a time when I can attend.
Since the festivities on Saturday I am now seriously considering going to this since I will be in central PA that weekend, I may have to cut out a little early but I think it's doable.
Since I won't make this meet due to being out to sea, I traded some E-mails with Adam Jackson, who's offered to give me a personal tour when I get back from sea. Was thinking that this is possibly something we could roll into the Burlington, VT meet weekend, especially if Adam plans on attending the Burlington meet.
This might make me consider attending Burlington, depending on when it is, of course.
November 9 is the likely date, but not finalized yet.
At this point, I've decided on November 9 and even have the estimated tour time; I'll make an official announcement between Labor Day and this meet. Probably closer to Labor Day.
Done deal, I have booked a room in Rutland, VT for this meet since all of the other rooms around Lebanon are VERY high. Plan to get some NY and VT counties and of course at least one new county in NH ;-) Looking forward to seeing you all again and some for the first time.
Jason: I was trying to get a hotel room in Sherbrooke, QC that same night, and they are very high as well. Luckily, I was able to get one in Brossard.
Anyway, this will likely be my last meet of the season, and the start of another mini-vacation ... and I am looking forward to going, and seeing you guys there.
Quote from: froggie on August 21, 2013, 03:22:32 AM
Since I won't make this meet due to being out to sea, I traded some E-mails with Adam Jackson, who's offered to give me a personal tour when I get back from sea. Was thinking that this is possibly something we could roll into the Burlington, VT meet weekend, especially if Adam plans on attending the Burlington meet.
Will the Burlington, VT meet include the make-up TomTom tour? If so, please let me know by private message. My attendence at the Lebanon, NH meet seems more and more unlikely (I may end up cancelling my hotel reservation as early as the beginning of next week, at this rate), but I really wanted to check it out.
The make-up Tom-Tom tour would be a separate entity...it'll be around that same timeframe as Burlington, but I need to finalize some of my leave scheduling first (which, given world events, won't be happening anytime soon).
Quote from: froggie on August 30, 2013, 12:32:40 AM
The make-up Tom-Tom tour would be a separate entity...it'll be around that same timeframe as Burlington, but I need to finalize some of my leave scheduling first (which, given world events, won't be happening anytime soon).
It's quite possible that I could come to this but skip Burlington and use the Burlington day as an additional travel day to or from home, depending on when it gets scheduled. Given the time of year and the shortness of the days, it'll no doubt take two days of hard daylight driving to get to Lebanon. And obviously I'd want to go and return via different routes, inasmuch as that would be possible. It'll probably be hard to avoid I-79 to I-68 to I-70 to I-81. :-/
And here's hoping that world events have no impact on your leave scheduling or anything else involving you.
QuoteIt's quite possible that I could come to this but skip Burlington and use the Burlington day as an additional travel day to or from home, depending on when it gets scheduled.
As per another thread, Burlington has already been finalized for November 9.
Quote from: froggie on September 02, 2013, 01:03:11 AM
QuoteIt's quite possible that I could come to this but skip Burlington and use the Burlington day as an additional travel day to or from home, depending on when it gets scheduled.
As per another thread, Burlington has already been finalized for November 9.
Official thread/announcement coming soon. I won't be back to my apartment until tonight (posting from my chromebook), so sometime later this week.
Quote from: froggie on September 02, 2013, 01:03:11 AM
QuoteIt's quite possible that I could come to this but skip Burlington and use the Burlington day as an additional travel day to or from home, depending on when it gets scheduled.
As per another thread, Burlington has already been finalized for November 9.
Actually, I meant when the Tom-Tom makeup tour gets scheduled.
We can look into that...for now, it was a personal offer made to me since I'm at sea for the primary meet this month. I was considering talking to Adam Jackson to see about incorporating it into "Burlington day", especially if Adam was planning on attending the Burlington meet, and to see if others could be included. But I haven't traded E-mails with him about it yet.
Hope it works out. Melissa feels really bad about me having to miss the event on the 21st. (She'll be on her way home from Texas and I'm critter-sitting).
Hi everyone. Tons of positive feedback so far here and on Facebook. I need to solidify the food order by Friday the 13th so if you haven't RSVPed are are attending, please do so. I think the count now is around 15 people + 4 TomTommers.
====
As for the personal tour, this building is full of map geeks and all we do all day is collect data, verify and then build it into the maps that go into cars, on the web and in various GPS devices so with that said, we LOVE to have people drop in who like maps as much as we do.
Just email me to setup a time if you're passing through and we'll show off some stuff. Also, we can view your home town on our back-end server and make edits using your local knowledge. We have guests come in every 2 weeks and our cartographers like chatting maps and showing off our tools.
The offer I gave to Froggy extends to anyone here that can't make it as long as the group size is 1-3 people and it can be during a work day. (9-5, M-F)
=======
I heard some complaints about hotel prices. Sorry about that. Dartmouth college keeps things in our area quite expensive. If you're a rustic individual passing through, you're free to pitch a tent in my back yard. I'm in Lyme, NH and have lots of global friends that stop by, average is about 2 people a week spending the night. My GF and our dog don't mind if you want. Reach out to me privately if that's something you need.
Thanks again everyone for joining us in this.
Sorry folks, I'm out. Not going to have the time.
I'll be there.
Right now, I'm trying to see if I can grab U.S. 7 from the border to Rutland, then take U.S. 4 across Vermont without waking up too early. I'm also looking at shortcuts in case I run late or sleep in. Anyway, I will post a link through which you will be able to track me, provided I have cellphone reception.
The trip back home will be on U.S. 5.
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on September 04, 2013, 01:46:05 PM
I'll be there.
Right now, I'm trying to see if I can grab U.S. 7 from the border to Rutland, then take U.S. 4 across Vermont without waking up too early. I'm also looking at shortcuts in case I run late or sleep in. Anyway, I will post a link through which you will be able to track me, provided I have cellphone reception.
The trip back home will be on U.S. 5.
I drove across 4 the opposite direction (WRJ to Rutland) a couple of years ago and it was a very easy drive.
Carl, what app will you be using to allow others to track you?
Quote from: hbelkins on September 04, 2013, 02:33:57 PMCarl, what app will you be using to allow others to track you?
Waze.
I'll be doing this mostly because I've been known to arrive a little late at the past few meets, and I have no idea exactly how much time my drive is going to take. :)
I didn't know Waze would do that. I've downloaded a free iOS app called Glympse that will track you for up to four hours and will post to your personal Facebook site (but not a Page), as well as tweet or email. I'll have to test that feature in Waze.
I am definitely in for this meet. I will be heading from my place in Merrimack, NH by the most direct route (Everett Turnpike to I-93 to I-89). Visiting the Montréal suburbs for a few days afterwards, so I will be leaving via I-91.
I would have liked to follow Carl's lead and try US 5, but I won't have the time for that. According to Google Maps, the route I have selected to get to my hotel will take 4 hours, border crossing delays and bathroom/food/shopping breaks notwithstanding. I will be taking I-91 to A-55 to A-20 to my hotel.
I will be staying at Rutland, VT (Rodeway Inn) so that is good to know about US 4 since it looks like I may get a complete clinch of it.
Only question in my mind is whether I do a lite trip and carpool, or head up and explore the Northeast Kingdom the following day.
I will have to cut out between 3 and 4pm to head back to Harrisburg that night then get up early to do the diecast toy show in Hershey the next day.
The thing with 4 is that, except for the hill climb between Rutland and Killington and the fairly-flat/fairly-straight stretch in Killington proper, it's easy to get stuck behind someone going slow. Especially that time of the year when there's a fair chance of fall colors (and the resultant tourists) turning. During busy tourist times, it can also get congested in both Woodstock and the Quechee Gorge area.
5 is usually pretty empty, though the all-way stops in St. Johnsbury (2 of them) and Lyndonville can be slow spots during busy times...usually during the day during the week, but also occasionally on Saturdays in St. J, especially if the farmers market is going on.
For those who haven't made hotel reservations yet, you might also want to consider looking at either Springfield, VT or St. J. Both are a straight shot on I-91 to White River Jct and I-89.
Brattleboro could be another lodging option for people, especially those who are coming from points south.
As for me, I could very easily make the Lebanon meet as a day trip, as it is about a 3 hour drive from Albany. I have thought about making it an overnight trip and staying in Brattleboro as I have been thinking about hiking up Mount Monadnock (in southwestern NH) the day after the meet.
Count me as a "probable" at this point, to be nailed down next week by the Friday 9/13 RSVP deadline.
I'm a maybe.... trying to convince my fiancee to come with. I think she'd actually be interested in seeing what TomTom does, plus she seemed interested in visiting some family in Albany on Sunday (and it's only a few hours from Lebanon, NH). Hopefully I'll have a final decision by tonight.
Quote from: Compulov on September 06, 2013, 12:49:44 PM
I'm a maybe.... trying to convince my fiancee to come with. I think she'd actually be interested in seeing what TomTom does, plus she seemed interested in visiting some family in Albany on Sunday (and it's only a few hours from Lebanon, NH). Hopefully I'll have a final decision by tonight.
It's about three hours between Lebanon and the Albany area, plus it's an easy enough drive either by taking US 4 across into New York or taking VT 9 or VT 11 across (VT 11 seems to be a bit faster, but if you're traveling by night, US 4 may make more sense).
QuoteIt's about three hours between Lebanon and the Albany area, plus it's an easy enough drive either by taking US 4 across into New York or taking VT 9 or VT 11 across (VT 11 seems to be a bit faster, but if you're traveling by night, US 4 may make more sense).
Even at night, I'd take 11. Only reason to take 4 would be to get gas/food in Rutland, but gas is typically cheaper in Springfield or West Lebanon anyway.
Quote from: froggie on September 05, 2013, 01:46:15 AM
The thing with 4 is that, except for the hill climb between Rutland and Killington and the fairly-flat/fairly-straight stretch in Killington proper, it's easy to get stuck behind someone going slow. Especially that time of the year when there's a fair chance of fall colors (and the resultant tourists) turning. During busy tourist times, it can also get congested in both Woodstock and the Quechee Gorge area.
5 is usually pretty empty, though the all-way stops in St. Johnsbury (2 of them) and Lyndonville can be slow spots during busy times...usually during the day during the week, but also occasionally on Saturdays in St. J, especially if the farmers market is going on.
For those who haven't made hotel reservations yet, you might also want to consider looking at either Springfield, VT or St. J. Both are a straight shot on I-91 to White River Jct and I-89.
I think folks surprised at room rates must not realize this time is the beginning of leaf-peeping season. There's a whole lot of draw around that time.
Also, if 4 isn't congested, heed the speed limits carefully. They go up and down unpredictably, and (particularly in Woodstock) cops love to nail you for trying to zoom across their otherwise peaceful little town on your way to and from other places. 4 is not a quick through route, but from around Lebanon to Rutland, it's pretty much *the* through route.
True about the leaf peepers. It would be wise to shop around for hotel rates that suit your budget and also to nail down a room reservation sooner rather than later if need be. Currently, I am looking to head up that Saturday morning from Albany for the meet, but I will plan to stay in Brattleboro on Saturday night unless I decide to make it a day trip.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on September 07, 2013, 09:00:26 AM
4 is not a quick through route, but from around Lebanon to Rutland, it's pretty much *the* through route.
I'm pretty sure Vermont has no quick through routes aside from the interstates.
Won't Sept. 21 be too early, and Nov. 9 too late, for leaf-peepers?
Quote from: hbelkins on September 07, 2013, 08:10:45 PM
Won't Sept. 21 be too early, and Nov. 9 too late, for leaf-peepers?
November 9 is too late. September 21 depends on the year, but it all happens earlier up there:
http://www.weather.com/maps/activity/fallfoliage/index_large.html
Third week of October is typically peak for here. I figured first week of October would be about right for New England.
QuoteI'm pretty sure Vermont has no quick through routes aside from the interstates.
There are a few besides the Interstates.
QuoteThird week of October is typically peak for here. I figured first week of October would be about right for New England.
As a general rule, northern New England peaks in late September.
Yep, 9/13 is the deadline for RSVPs thanks everyone.
The drive from here to Albany is a lot of fun but you're often on single lane areas where a large RV can keep you pretty frustrated. It's a shame there's no interstates that cross NY, VT, NH and ME. It would make things a lot easier up here.
Interestingly enough, no signs of leaves changing yet. This time last year we had a few trees spotting nicely up in Greensboro VT. I was there yesterday and still green as can be. I'm guessing an October 1st peak this year.
Odd. Québec's Eastern Townships region, which is essentially the same mountains and climate as in Vermont and New Hampshire, has already started changing colours.
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on September 11, 2013, 09:51:59 AM
Odd. Québec's Eastern Townships region, which is essentially the same mountains and climate as in Vermont and New Hampshire, has already started changing colours.
Yes, it's weird because we had 2 days last week where there was frost at night, wind chill down to freezing temps. Greensboro is about 30 or so minutes south of Canadian border, fairly high elevation so I've always enjoyed going up there to buy beer 1st week of September and seeing some trees changing. Was surprised to not see any.
I'm sure we'll have something worth staring at in 2-3 weeks.
QuoteInterestingly enough, no signs of leaves changing yet. This time last year we had a few trees spotting nicely up in Greensboro VT.
Coincidentally where I'll be living once the Navy spits me out. And strange you didn't see any...my other half says there are definitely trees starting to turn.
QuoteGreensboro is about 30 or so minutes south of Canadian border, fairly high elevation so I've always enjoyed going up there to buy beer 1st week of September and seeing some trees changing.
Hill Farmstead, by chance?
Please count me as a "definite".
I haven't nailed down my routing up or back, though it probably will include some unnecessary mileage in New England since I don't get up there much.
If Tom-Tom will indulge the road meet tradition of handing out paper maps as goodies, I'll have several spare Manitoba maps (not nearly as cool as the Saskatchewan maps I was giving out last year), and some from the Dakotas and other upper Midwestern states.
Shouldn't be that much of a problem: Just go north when you see I-91.
Then to I-89 east. Get off at the next exit on I-89.
Speaking of mpas, I will try to get some barrel maps for everyone, especailly since we do not have a whole lot of locations in that part of the country :-)
Quote from: 1 on September 11, 2013, 03:28:24 PM
Shouldn't be that much of a problem: Just go north when you see I-91.
Then to I-89 east. Get off at the next exit on I-89.
That's too easy. The "unnecessary mileage" part of my last post above means my route will almost certainly be indirect and include a fair amount of shunpiking.
Quote from: oscar on September 11, 2013, 04:50:41 PM
That's too easy. The "unnecessary mileage" part of my last post above means my route will almost certainly be indirect and include a fair amount of shunpiking.
looks like you could finish US 4 and US 7...
I can tell you from having just driven US 4 six weeks ago that it is a pretty decent ride through most of your missing portions except for the few miles either side of Lebanon.
I also see you need US 202 in most areas south of NH. I can tell you that US 202 from US 206 to Hartford is painfully slow in most parts (don't know about Hartford to Keene).
Mapmikey
Quote from: Mapmikey on September 11, 2013, 08:36:21 PM
Quote from: oscar on September 11, 2013, 04:50:41 PM
That's too easy. The "unnecessary mileage" part of my last post above means my route will almost certainly be indirect and include a fair amount of shunpiking.
looks like you could finish US 4 and US 7...
I can tell you from having just driven US 4 six weeks ago that it is a pretty decent ride through most of your missing portions except for the few miles either side of Lebanon.
I also see you need US 202 in most areas south of NH. I can tell you that US 202 from US 206 to Hartford is painfully slow in most parts (don't know about Hartford to Keene).
Mapmikey
Finishing off US 4 and US 7 is very much what I had in mind, though that would mean heading north almost all the way to the Canadian border (don't need to cross the border). US 202, less so. More likely I'll work on snagging more of US 1 along the coast south of Boston, on the way home.
Didn't catch you were missing US 7 above Burlington...
Took me 5 hrs to drive US 1 through Connecticut on a Saturday several years ago...hardly anywhere was the speed limit over 35
Quote from: adamjackson on September 11, 2013, 09:27:30 AM
The drive from here to Albany is a lot of fun but you're often on single lane areas where a large RV can keep you pretty frustrated. It's a shame there's no interstates that cross NY, VT, NH and ME. It would make things a lot easier up here.
Do the RVs cause significant delays? Google says it will take 4h 21m from Rome via VT 11 and VT 103 between US 7 and I-91. Is leaving at 7:20/7:30 early enough?
Quote from: Mapmikey on September 11, 2013, 09:01:51 PM
Didn't catch you were missing US 7 above Burlington...
Took me 5 hrs to drive US 1 through Connecticut on a Saturday several years ago...hardly anywhere was the speed limit over 35
US 1 east of roughly East Haven is not bad in the off-season. The farther east you go, the easier the drive. But yeah, it's taken 3 hours to get from Greenwich to New Haven without traffic backups.
QuoteDo the RVs cause significant delays? Google says it will take 4h 21m from Rome via VT 11 and VT 103 between US 7 and I-91. Is leaving at 7:20/7:30 early enough?
Unless you need to clinch it, you don't need to take VT 103 (aside from the duplex on VT 11 in Chester). To be safe, figure on about an hour on VT 11 between US 7/Manchester and I-91/Springfield, though you'll probably make it in less time. I'd also suggest making a stop at Taylor Farms just west of Londonderry if they're open. Awesome gouda (which might be why it usually takes me an hour).
I got the go-head from my fiancee, so the both of us will be attending.
Quote from: froggie on September 11, 2013, 12:20:34 PM
QuoteInterestingly enough, no signs of leaves changing yet. This time last year we had a few trees spotting nicely up in Greensboro VT.
Coincidentally where I'll be living once the Navy spits me out. And strange you didn't see any...my other half says there are definitely trees starting to turn.
QuoteGreensboro is about 30 or so minutes south of Canadian border, fairly high elevation so I've always enjoyed going up there to buy beer 1st week of September and seeing some trees changing.
Hill Farmstead, by chance?
YEP I hit Hill Farmstead every 2 weeks to get growlers filled. It's a nice drive as well, tons of ways to get there.
Quote from: froggie on September 11, 2013, 11:54:59 PM
QuoteDo the RVs cause significant delays? Google says it will take 4h 21m from Rome via VT 11 and VT 103 between US 7 and I-91. Is leaving at 7:20/7:30 early enough?
Unless you need to clinch it, you don't need to take VT 103 (aside from the duplex on VT 11 in Chester). To be safe, figure on about an hour on VT 11 between US 7/Manchester and I-91/Springfield, though you'll probably make it in less time. I'd also suggest making a stop at Taylor Farms just west of Londonderry if they're open. Awesome gouda (which might be why it usually takes me an hour).
Google says VT 103 is three minutes shorter than staying on VT 11, probably because VT 11 goes through Springfield. The hour is the same as what Google says for that section, so I should be able to trust the time.
QuoteGoogle says VT 103 is three minutes shorter than staying on VT 11, probably because VT 11 goes through Springfield. The hour is the same as what Google says for that section, so I should be able to trust the time.
Personal experience says that VT 11 is shorter, has a better gas station along it, and there are ways to avoid the 3 traffic signals on 11 in Springfield (though it helps to have a map or GPS). Turn right at the hospital (Park St), another right on Union St, veer left twice, the 2nd time down a steep hill on Grove St, and that puts you on VT 11 right where the 4 lane starts. Or, for simplicity, just stay on Park St and hang a right onto 11 at the downtown signal.
Google thinks you can go faster on VT 103 because it's a "higher-class road". In reality, it has the same speed limit as VT 11. And is 4 miles longer. You can be through Springfield in less time than it'd take to traverse that extra 4 miles.
Question- How is US 7 south from Rutland to Bennington and NY 7 from Bennington to Troy, NY? I am considering this for my drive back (then I-90 to I-88 to I-81 to Harrisburg) as opposed to I-91 south to I-84 west.
You can usually make good time on US 7...the only real slow spot is Rutland proper with poor signal timing, but once you're away from Rutland you can make good time. NY 7 can go either way...only 1 signal between Bennington and Capitol Region suburbia, but if you get stuck behind someone slow, you're basically stuck. Not a lot of passing zones and usually enough of a platoon behind the slowpoke and enough oncoming traffic to prevent getting around them. But overall much less potential for traffic delays than along I-84 in Connecticut.
Yes, U.S. 7 between Rutland and Bennington is fast, except for the downtown areas of Rutland and Bennington. Look for a two-unit signal in Bennington!
if NY 7 sucks, hop on I-88 for a bit?
I-88 is not an option between Troy and Bennington. In my opinion, NY 7 is the best option between Troy and southern Vermont, whether you get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle or not. Other than that, you have NY 2, NY 67 or county routes, which are either a slow go or are not nearly direct routings (although NY 2 has a very scenic view at the Petersburgh Pass).
Not many dining options between Troy (or really the suburb of Brunswick) and Bennington along NY 7, but there are a couple of my favorites along the way in the Town of Hoosick. For a quick breakfast stop (also a quick dinner stop on the return trip), I highly recommend the Big Moose Deli (you can't miss the wooden moose sculptures painted like cows). For a sit down dinner on the return trip on NY 7, I would also highly recommend the Man of Kent (they have great sandwiches).
oh, I totally forgot where Troy was.
county routes sound fun. you never know what you'll find.
Thanks guys for the advise, I think that's the way I am going to go, plan to leave Lebanon, NH around 4 to 4:30 and it looks like a much more direct route to take then what I was originally planning. So far so good weather wise both Friday and Saturday next week :-)
QuoteFor a quick breakfast stop (also a quick dinner stop on the return trip), I highly recommend the Big Moose Deli (you can't miss the wooden moose sculptures painted like cows).
It also happens to be next to the one traffic signal between Bennington and the Troy outskirts.
Quote from: jpi on September 13, 2013, 01:34:37 AM
Question- How is US 7 south from Rutland to Bennington and NY 7 from Bennington to Troy, NY? I am considering this for my drive back (then I-90 to I-88 to I-81 to Harrisburg) as opposed to I-91 south to I-84 west.
I stayed in Rutland for the Bennington meet. Spent two nights there, actually. Did some county-collecting in the Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks, them made my way over to Rutland via US 4. Did a county-collecting loop in Vermont the next day, with my return trip to Rutland via US 4 from the New Hampshire state line.
After the Bennington meet, I took VT 9/NY 7 to the Albany area, then I-90 and I-88 to I-81 (stayed in the Scranton area that night).
US 7 south from Rutland is a lot like the two-lane Kentucky parkways, except straighter and with fewer grades.
NY 7 put me in mind of any number of roads connecting county seats in my part of the world. I would liken it to the old two-lane portion of US 25E between Clinch Mountain and Cumberland Gap. I experienced the slow traffic and lack of passing opportunities that others have mentioned.
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on September 13, 2013, 09:15:17 AM
Yes, U.S. 7 between Rutland and Bennington is fast, except for the downtown areas of Rutland and Bennington. Look for a two-unit signal in Bennington!
Going from US 7 to NY 7, one wouldn't pass through Bennington unless one took an intentional detour.
I kinda figured US 7 would be alot like a cross between a super 2 with passing lanes and the KY parkways so thats good to know, once I hit the Albany area, it will be a fast trip to Harrisburg VIA 88 to 81 south.
I gave Doug a "I'm pretty sure we are coming" RSVP over facebook. I hope that officially counted as a yes, because the plan is that Mike and I are coming.
However, my great aunt just passed away and it is possible that her memorial service will be either the 21st or 22nd. We should know in the next day or two when her service will be. If the service falls sometime during the weekend, we will not attend the meet. If it is another day, then we will be at the meet.
Sorry for your loss Laura :-( Is this the great aunt who was at York Hospital?
Please accept my condolences, Laura.
Quote from: Laura Bianca on September 15, 2013, 07:50:51 AM
I gave Doug a "I'm pretty sure we are coming" RSVP over facebook. I hope that officially counted as a yes, because the plan is that Mike and I are coming.
However, my great aunt just passed away and it is possible that her memorial service will be either the 21st or 22nd. We should know in the next day or two when her service will be. If the service falls sometime during the weekend, we will not attend the meet. If it is another day, then we will be at the meet.
Sorry for your loss, Laura. If you and Mike are able to come, that would be great. We'll be able to fit you in. Just keep us informed of what's going on.
For those of you who are not connected to me by Facebook, and therefore have not heard my share of drama today, I am officially out of this meet. Unfortunately, my mother has a series of dental appointments regarding a damaged false tooth, and with my workload, this precludes me from taking off on Saturday.
I hope that you all have a good time. Maybe I can work with Adam Jackson to get an impromptu tour of the TomTom facilities in the future. In the meantime, my vacation plans are being re-formulated, with the Burlington, VT meet (and subsequent Québec trip), the US 460 (Pikeville/Grundy) meet, or a flight to Puerto Rico all options at this point. In any case, I will get my mix of roads and Romance languages.
Quote from: jpi on September 15, 2013, 10:38:52 AM
Sorry for your loss Laura :-( Is this the great aunt who was at York Hospital?
Quote from: Janko Dialnice on September 15, 2013, 01:06:37 PM
Please accept my condolences, Laura.
Quote from: Dougtone on September 15, 2013, 08:37:35 PM
Quote from: Laura Bianca on September 15, 2013, 07:50:51 AM
I gave Doug a "I'm pretty sure we are coming" RSVP over facebook. I hope that officially counted as a yes, because the plan is that Mike and I are coming.
However, my great aunt just passed away and it is possible that her memorial service will be either the 21st or 22nd. We should know in the next day or two when her service will be. If the service falls sometime during the weekend, we will not attend the meet. If it is another day, then we will be at the meet.
Sorry for your loss, Laura. If you and Mike are able to come, that would be great. We'll be able to fit you in. Just keep us informed of what's going on.
Thanks guys. My great Aunt Dolly was 90 and had a wonderful, long, life. She was seriously the sweetest, most selfless person I've ever known. We were pretty close to her; she was my mom's godmother.
Jason: Yes, she was the one at York Hospital. It's amazing that she lived for almost another month - we thought she was going to pass the weekend of the wedding.
Doug: My extended family has confirmed that her memorial service is either going to be Sept 28 or Oct 12, so we are good to come to the meet this weekend.
Janko: Thanks for the condolences, and sorry to hear about your mom needing dental work. Hope all goes well.
F.Y.I., my planned route:
Into NY on I-87. US 11 NB, US 2 EB, US 7 SB until Rutland. Loop via US 4 WB and US 4 Business WB to avoid a gap in my clinching of US 7 and clinch US 4 Bus. Continue on US 4 EB into Lebanon, then NH 120 until its northern terminus and backtrack to the meet location.
US routes get preferential treatment because CHM doesn't have Vermont state routes yet, and because I give those and Interstates higher priority for clinching in general. I already have all of Vermont's Interstates and most of NH's Interstates clinched.
http://goo.gl/maps/jQqOt
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on September 18, 2013, 04:15:23 PM
US routes get preferential treatment because CHM doesn't have Vermont state routes yet, and because I give those and Interstates higher priority for clinching in general. I already have all of Vermont's Interstates and most of NH's Interstates clinched.
The Vermont state routes may soon be added to CHM, and a set of draft route files is already online. I plan to snag some of those routes (including but not limited to VT 3, VT 107, and part of VT 73), instead of backtracking on I-/US route segments I've already covered, though some backtracking will be unavoidable.
Would it be possible for people to put this road meet on the calendar on this website?
Quote from: 1 on September 18, 2013, 04:56:42 PM
Would it be possible for people to put this road meet on the calendar on this website?
I think it'll create a new thread, so no.
It would be useful that future meets be posted through the forum's calendar, though. I think that people have just been forgetting that it's there.
I've figured out my Sunday, finally - a bunch of northern routes like 58, 105, 101, 100, every road up to the border and back (without crossing)... only two more work days to go!
I just have 4 and a half work hours to go. The on the road in the morning, staying in Harrisburg, PA tomorrow night then takeing the scenic route to Rutland, VT Friday. The to Lebanon, NH Saturday morning :-)
HELLO EVERYONE!
Sorry to yell, myself and colleagues are excited about this meetup as I just locked down presentation stations and our afternoon sight-seeing activities.
I also had one of our mobile mapping vans brought in from the road and it's decked out with all kinds of map collecting hardware. There will be a guy here to show it off and answer any questions about it. Actually, I've never been given a tour of these either so I'll learn a few things.
I'll be here around 10:30AM to setup. See you all around noon and food will arrive shortly after. then about 2-3PM we'll set out to check on a few local spots and then people can choose to see the beautiful town of Woodstock or head back home since we'll be around 5:30 PM at that point.
My mobile is 415-894-0857 if you get lost and need directions. This is going to be a lot of fun.
I'm excited too! I wonder how easy (or hard) the wakeup will be tomorrow. I want to leave by 6.
Have yourselves a great time. I will be with you guys in spirit.
By the way, Adam J, maybe we can arrange to meet independently, apart from a meet, to see the facilities. I am curious as to how you guys operate. :)
Juan, if you can make November 11, that's when I was looking at popping down to Lebanon to meet with the Tom-Tom folk.
For sure. those of you that don't make it today are welcome to stop in another time and we'll do something similar.
Here's the better of my two meet photos, with our group at a TomTom parking lot. I've updated the photo caption, to include information from Dr Frankenstein and Steve.
(//www.alaskaroads.com/Lebanon-meet-photo_DSC9961.jpg)
From left to right: Oscar Voss [oscar] (VA), Michael Temme-Soifer (NJ), Keith Thomas (NJ), Alison Long (PA), Leigh Koven [Compulov] (PA), C. Patrick Zilliacus [cpzilliacus] (MD), "Roadgeek Bob" Malme (MA), Mike Tantillo [mtantillo] (DC), John Krakoff (NY), Jason Ilyes [jpi] (TN), Doug Kerr [Dougtone] (NY), Michael Pruett [MDRoads] (MD), The TomTom Mobile Mapping Van, Laura Bianca (MD), Carl Tessier [Dr Frankenstein] (QC) (kneeling), Valerie Deane [vdeane] (NY), Connor Lauzon [deathtopumpkins] (MA), Steve Alpert [Steve / AlpsROADS] (NJ) (kneeling with Send Help sign), Adam Jackson (NH) (TomTom meet host).
Cool Photo. I'm going to share it with our colleagues.
It was awesome meeting everyone (some for the 2nd time) and showing off our map making tools. we should do it again in a few years. I'll keep watching this board for other regional meets so I can join you guys again. It was a lot of fun.
Quote from: adamjackson on September 22, 2013, 11:20:33 AM
Cool Photo. I'm going to share it with our colleagues.
It was awesome meeting everyone (some for the 2nd time) and showing off our map making tools. we should do it again in a few years. I'll keep watching this board for other regional meets so I can join you guys again. It was a lot of fun.
If you're available November 9, that's when I'm hosting the Burlington meet, which isn't far from you. Just let me know either on that thread or on facebook if you decide to go.
Oscar:
(I apologize for any mistake, especially with people I haven't met before or don't see often)
From left to right: Oscar Voss [oscar] (VA), Michael Temme-Soifer (NJ), Keith Thomas (NJ), _____, Leigh Koven [Compulov?] (NJ?), Patrick Ziliacus [cpziliacus] (MD), Robert Malme (MA), Mike Tantillo [mtantillo] (DC), John Krakoff (NY), Jason Ilyes [jpi] (TN), Doug Kerr [Dougtone] (NY), Michael Pruett [MDRoads] (MD), The TomTom Mobile Mapping Van (NH), Laura Bianca (MD), Carl Tessier [Dr Frankenstein] (QC), Valerie Deane [vdeane] (NY), Connor Lauzon (MA), Steve Alpert [Steve / AlpsROADS] (NJ), Adam Jackson (NH).
Complete list:
From left to right: Oscar Voss [oscar] (VA), Michael Temme-Soifer (NJ), Keith Thomas (NJ), Alison Long (PA), Leigh Koven [Compulov] (PA), C. Patrick Zilliacus [cpzilliacus] (MD), Roadgeek Bob Malme (MA), Mike Tantillo [mtantillo] (DC), John Krakoff (NY), Jason Ilyes [jpi] (TN), Doug Kerr [Dougtone] (NY), Michael Pruett [MDRoads] (MD), The TomTom Mobile Mapping Van (NH), Laura Bianca (MD), Carl Tessier [Dr Frankenstein] (QC), Valerie Deane [vdeane] (NY), Connor Lauzon [deathtopumpkins] (MA), Send Help Sign (NJ), Steve Alpert [Steve / AlpsROADS] (NJ), Adam Jackson (NH).
Quote from: vdeane on September 22, 2013, 02:40:55 PM
Quote from: adamjackson on September 22, 2013, 11:20:33 AM
Cool Photo. I'm going to share it with our colleagues.
It was awesome meeting everyone (some for the 2nd time) and showing off our map making tools. we should do it again in a few years. I'll keep watching this board for other regional meets so I can join you guys again. It was a lot of fun.
If you're available November 9, that's when I'm hosting the Burlington meet, which isn't far from you. Just let me know either on that thread or on facebook if you decide to go.
Thanks for the reminder. It's very likely that I'll be able to go. I'll try to find the meet on Facebook and RSVP.
It's linked right in the first post on the thread, although I didn't have the full URL display in the text.
Quote from: Steve on September 23, 2013, 12:22:27 AMSend Help Sign (NJ)
The Adirondack Northway says you're mistaken. :-D
Now that I'm back home (limped in just after midnight today), let me thank Adam and the others at TomTom for providing a lot of insight into how TomTom keeps its mapping up to date. As promised, there was no sales pitch for TomTom products, though I suspect some of us might've been tempted to get one, to help with the user updates that are one way TomTom keeps up with changes in the field.
I missed the last two stops of the tour of the Hanover area following the meeting at TomTom HQ (covered bridges in Vermont, which I'd already seen that morning), to get a jump on my long trip home.
As I noted above, my trip to and from the meet involved a lot of shunpiking, and took me five days total (Thursday-Monday). My basic routing to the meet included a trip northbound on the Cape May-Lewes auto ferry across Delaware Bay (wasn't sure I'd done that already), up parts of US 9 to Atlantic City, then up the Garden State Parkway to its north end, then I-287 and I-95 to US 7 to overnight in Danbury CT. Then US 202 and US 7 to I-90, I-91 to MA 2 over to I-495 (short detour to snag a piece of I-190 in Leominster I'd missed), then various Interstates back into Vermont where I finished clinching US 7. The day of the meet, I took US 4 from Rutland VT, then post-meet the rest of US 4 east to Concord NH to finish clinching that route. From there, it was over to US 1, starting Sunday in Portsmouth (traveled the rebuilt US 1 bridge to Kittery ME which had been closed during our Portsmouth NH meet), then into downtown Boston along the south end of US 3 and the east end of US 20 before resuming my crawl south on US 1. Monday I completed the crawl through RI and CT, before catching I-287 and the Trail of Tolls back home, leaving the rest of US 1 within I-287 in NY and NJ for some other trip since I got to I-287 in Rye NY around 4pm and wanted to avoid as much as possible the New York City rush hour.
Following US 1 through Providence was hard, with lots of missing route signage -- I'm not 100% sure I got it all, will need to recheck before I update my CHM list file. There was also missing signage in southwestern CT, though it helped that US 1 largely follows the Boston Post Road so I could use that to help stay on track. It took me about eight hours total with many stops to get from Westerly RI to Rye NY, which also had some missing US 1 signage to slow me down.