What: SWPA25
When: May 4 at 11 AM
Where: Luciano's Italian Brick Oven (https://lucianoswhiteoak.com/) in White Oak on PA 48 (Orange Belt)
This year marks a quarter-century since the first recorded road enthusiast meet took place in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, which was hosted by Bruce Cridlebaugh, Webmaster of Bridges & Tunnels of Allegheny County and Pittsburgh, PA. The actual anniversary is not that far away on February 27.
While we'll be focusing on the section of the Mon-Fayette Expressway that is currently under construction during the tour, the lunch portion of the event will take place at a restaurant close to the path of the cancelled North-South Parkway (https://pittsburgh.pahighways.com/expressways/cancelled/n-sparkway.html) (a.k.a. the "New 48"). During that part of the event, we will be treated to a speaker from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Time permitting, we can also check out the Elizabeth and Boston bridges and if anyone is game, and since this is the first Pittsburgh area meet since the collapse, the new Fern Hollow Bridge.
Details, including information about lunch, are available at https://www.pahighways.com/meets/ (https://www.pahighways.com/meets/). You may RSVP there or via the event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/764704958902997/) on Facebook, but please do so by April 20 so I can give the restaurant a head count. Since lunch will be pizza, if anyone has any dietary restrictions I need to know of, let me know ahead of time, so I can make arrangements with the restaurant.
Due to the changing roadway closures in the future right-of-way, the agenda with directions will not be posted until closer to the day of the event. When they are uploaded to the web page, I will post an update.
I'm a possibility, but haven't decided for sure yet. It's more that I need to make sure that weekend is free and clear first. If I can make it, it would be an honor and an esteemed privilege to attend the 25th anniversary meet.
That being said, I do like the idea of a fixed menu. Anything to minimize time trying to pay for meals is always appreciated.
Is it fair to assume that lunch can be made optional?
Quote from: Dougtone on February 16, 2024, 03:00:53 PMThat being said, I do like the idea of a fixed menu. Anything to minimize time trying to pay for meals is always appreciated.
In order to reserve the private room, I'd have had to pick four entrées from a list of 11 options, or what they call the "Pizza Party" package. Much like putting the meet date up to a vote, I wouldn't get a consensus on the meals, and a vote would push the announcement back further than it was already. I figured almost everyone likes pizza, and since we only get the room for 2 hours, it will be easier on the kitchen staff as well.
If I had my druthers, I'd just let everyone pick what they wanted to eat off their extensive menu according to their tastes, budget, and any dietary issues. Speaking from personal experience, I've never not had a bad meal there.
Quote from: Alps on February 16, 2024, 09:17:41 PMIs it fair to assume that lunch can be made optional?
Yes
Quote from: PAHighways on February 17, 2024, 12:18:00 PM
Quote from: Alps on February 16, 2024, 09:17:41 PMIs it fair to assume that lunch can be made optional?
Yes
I prefer lunch to be mandatory and the upmost punishments be meted out for noncompliance.
Lunch is where the really fun conversation occurs, anyway...
Quote from: froggie on February 18, 2024, 12:10:36 AM
Lunch is where the really fun conversation occurs, anyway...
I more meant that I could attend without physically eating there.
At this point I should be good for that weekend since I will be in the Harrisburg area the weekend before, looking forward to it! :nod:
Quote from: jpi on February 20, 2024, 09:44:26 AM
At this point I should be good for that weekend since I will be in the Harrisburg area the weekend before, looking forward to it! :nod:
I may actually be in Harrisburg on a weekend you are here for once considering that April 27th is between Charlotte and SWPA.
We three are in. I would need gluten-free pizza, though - is that a possibility?
Also, would we have to pay the full price for Rainey?
I'm a maybe.
Eh, screw it. I'm in.
Assuming that my boss approves my time off request, (I gave him more than sufficient notice, so I see no reason why it would be denied) I plan on being there.
I will be there with with my wife and child.
I will be there with my dad.
Quote from: Laura on March 01, 2024, 01:47:50 PM
We three are in. I would need gluten-free pizza, though - is that a possibility?
Also, would we have to pay the full price for Rainey?
They do offer a children's menu for groups: spaghetti with a meatball, penne with a meatball, gnocchi, 2 chicken tenders with fries, and junior 1 topping pizza. The pasta dishes are all $9 and the latter two are $9.50.
I will let them know about a GF option for the pizza and ask if a drink is included with the children's menu offerings on Tuesday as they are closed on Mondays and let you know.
Since today marks one month out from the meet, I contacted the restaurant to keep them abreast of the total attendees I have and pass along questions I have received.
The person who usually handles groups was off when I made the reservation back in February, and the person whom I spoke with at the time said separate checks would be doable. The regular person is now back and informed me that has now changed, so if you are having lunch which is $17.50/person, please bring $20/person because it will be all on one check. Since gratuity is not added onto the bill automatically, the change can be the serving staff's tip.
Steve: She said it is fine if you don't want to have lunch, as it won't count against the total attendees needed for the room. You are welcome to purchase a beverage if you so choose.
Laura: We spoke about GF options, and she said that you can order off their regular lunch (https://lucianoswhiteoak.com/our-menu/) menu, and they can make it gluten-free. Same goes for Rainey, as you may order anything off the regular menu for her.
If anyone has any other questions about lunch, let me know and I will pass them along to the restaurant.
Interesting. I might attend given that it's within a weekend trip range
Hate having to do this, but I am withdrawing from SWPA25 due to financial concerns. At this point, after 4/22 I'm working every day until further notice and as is have worked 15 of the last 16 days and still have the 10 days up to that to work.
Unless people want to help me get out of this financial hole, I doubt it, I just can't swing it.
There's a Pirates game the Friday night before that I would happily attend. I've heard the park is a wonderful experience. If anyone wants to join me please text, email or otherwise drop me a line so we can get tickets together!
Quote from: Alps on April 19, 2024, 12:39:29 PMThere's a Pirates game the Friday night before that I would happily attend. I've heard the park is a wonderful experience. If anyone wants to join me please text, email or otherwise drop me a line so we can get tickets together!
It's doubtful I'll make it to this meet, but you heard right. If you or others can take in a game here, do so. And upper deck seating between 1st and 3rd will give you a wonderful view of the bridges, river and city skyline.
Also, Fatheads beer has a large gazebo-type bar area behind left-center field. One of my favorite breweries.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on April 19, 2024, 02:44:02 PMQuote from: Alps on April 19, 2024, 12:39:29 PMThere's a Pirates game the Friday night before that I would happily attend. I've heard the park is a wonderful experience. If anyone wants to join me please text, email or otherwise drop me a line so we can get tickets together!
It's doubtful I'll make it to this meet, but you heard right. If you or others can take in a game here, do so. And upper deck seating between 1st and 3rd will give you a wonderful view of the bridges, river and city skyline.
Also, Fatheads beer has a large gazebo-type bar area behind left-center field. One of my favorite breweries.
Between 1st and 3rd?
Quote from: Rothman on April 19, 2024, 04:28:48 PMQuote from: jeffandnicole on April 19, 2024, 02:44:02 PMQuote from: Alps on April 19, 2024, 12:39:29 PMThere's a Pirates game the Friday night before that I would happily attend. I've heard the park is a wonderful experience. If anyone wants to join me please text, email or otherwise drop me a line so we can get tickets together!
It's doubtful I'll make it to this meet, but you heard right. If you or others can take in a game here, do so. And upper deck seating between 1st and 3rd will give you a wonderful view of the bridges, river and city skyline.
Also, Fatheads beer has a large gazebo-type bar area behind left-center field. One of my favorite breweries.
Between 1st and 3rd?
Yeah. That's what the call the seating area in the infield area.
Quote from: Alps on April 19, 2024, 12:39:29 PMThere's a Pirates game the Friday night before that I would happily attend. I've heard the park is a wonderful experience. If anyone wants to join me please text, email or otherwise drop me a line so we can get tickets together!
I'm up for it. I have "otherwised dropped you a line" elsewhere.
As much as I want to make the meet, I must decline due to several circumstances out of my control.
Quote from: Alps on April 19, 2024, 12:39:29 PMThere's a Pirates game the Friday night before that I would happily attend. I've heard the park is a wonderful experience. If anyone wants to join me please text, email or otherwise drop me a line so we can get tickets together!
There's also Kennywood
Quote from: CanesFan27 on April 22, 2024, 07:59:21 PMThere's also Kennywood
If we had celebrated the 15th anniversary of the first SWPA, I would have gotten in for free, and I could have gotten up to 10 additional people free of charge.
The bigger question is if Steel Curtain would be running. There has to be Vegas odds on that bet nowadays...
Quote from: Rothman on April 23, 2024, 07:00:46 AMThe bigger question is if Steel Curtain would be running. There has to be Vegas odds on that bet nowadays...
It won't be running at all this season, and there is now a lawsuit (https://triblive.com/local/kennywood-kept-steel-curtain-closure-secret-to-bolster-sales-lawsuit-says/) over the closure.
Quote from: PAHighways on April 23, 2024, 10:15:29 PMQuote from: Rothman on April 23, 2024, 07:00:46 AMThe bigger question is if Steel Curtain would be running. There has to be Vegas odds on that bet nowadays...
It won't be running at all this season, and there is now a lawsuit (https://triblive.com/local/kennywood-kept-steel-curtain-closure-secret-to-bolster-sales-lawsuit-says/) over the closure.
An interesting lawsuit. Probably will just be settled out of court with most money going to the lawyers.
As of now Rainey and I will not be attending the meet. She was invited to two birthday parties next weekend (one at Great Wolf Lodge!) and as much as I really wanted to be at this meet, her social life takes priority this weekend.
Mike's attendance is TBD.
The tour itinerary has now been posted at https://www.pahighways.com/meets/ (https://www.pahighways.com/meets/) with addresses of the stops as well as Google Map links. It is in PDF format, so it may be printed out for those with in-car or stand-alone GPS systems, or downloaded to a smartphone for easy access while on the road.
Since the tour is far from the restaurant, I felt it would be safer to put that information on the itinerary so we don't end up with a long caravan of vehicles. This way, drivers can take their time, and choose the route they'd like to take to get to the first stop, such as clinching Truck PA 148. Also, I would like to avoid a repeat of the 2009 State College Meet where there was a fender bender because a driver was not paying attention to the vehicle in front of them.
And $%*#. Have to pull out of going to this meet because I just learned of a passing of a friend and will need to be attending his funeral instead.
I'm out as well. I'm limping home from the Bakersfield meet, and other western adventures, dog-tired with not enough time to recover for another meet.
I am sorry to hear you folks won't be attending, but I understand.
Quote from: oscar on April 30, 2024, 09:45:02 AMI'm out as well. I'm limping home from the Bakersfield meet, and other western adventures, dog-tired with not enough time to recover for another meet.
Hope you're doing okay health-wise.
Quote from: Rothman on April 30, 2024, 01:33:52 PMHope you're doing okay health-wise.
For one data point on that, see the group photo of the Bakersfield meet last month. I'm wearing a white shirt, holding the three-wheel walker I use to get around quickly without falling, and help support me when standing. I still have balance problems, but can manage well enough to do three solo cross-country road trips in the past year (including the one I'm wrapping up today).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/53652704960/in/album-72177720316194217/
The other appearance change shown in that photo is my white beard. Got tired of shaving, and was pleased to find my beard was less patchy than I had expected.
Quote from: oscar on May 01, 2024, 10:20:36 AMQuote from: Rothman on April 30, 2024, 01:33:52 PMHope you're doing okay health-wise.
For one data point on that, see the group photo of the Bakersfield meet last month. I'm wearing a white shirt, holding the three-wheel walker I use to get around quickly without falling, and help support me when standing. I still have balance problems, but can manage well enough to do three solo cross-country road trips in the past year (including the one I'm wrapping up today).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/53652704960/in/album-72177720316194217/
The other appearance change shown in that photo is my white beard. Got tired of shaving, and was pleased to find my beard was less patchy than I had expected.
I don't know what Max did, but the photo you linked to, Oscar, doesn't exist for the rest of us to see.
Since we're less than 24 hours from SWPA25, I figured I would post a round-up of important information for tomorrow.
Details about lunch and the itinerary can be found at my site (https://www.pahighways.com/meets/). Lunch will be $17.50/person, so if you bring $21, the change plus the dollar (which equals 20%) can be gratuity for the servers since that is not included on the bill.
The weather is not looking great as showers will be in the area with possible thunderstorms after 2 PM, and the high temperature will be in the upper 60s as per the National Weather Service.
Attendees will receive a copy of the 2024 official state road map, which has one partially erroneous update since the 2023 edition.
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 02, 2024, 01:10:02 AMQuote from: oscar on May 01, 2024, 10:20:36 AMQuote from: Rothman on April 30, 2024, 01:33:52 PMHope you're doing okay health-wise.
For one data point on that, see the group photo of the Bakersfield meet last month. I'm wearing a white shirt, holding the three-wheel walker I use to get around quickly without falling, and help support me when standing. I still have balance problems, but can manage well enough to do three solo cross-country road trips in the past year (including the one I'm wrapping up today).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/53652704960/in/album-72177720316194217/
The other appearance change shown in that photo is my white beard. Got tired of shaving, and was pleased to find my beard was less patchy than I had expected.
I don't know what Max did, but the photo you linked to, Oscar, doesn't exist for the rest of us to see.
What happened when you clicked on that link?
^I am getting a 403.
What if you follow a link to Max's Flickr album of Bakersfield meet photos,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/albums/72177720316194217/with/53652705140
then scroll down to the photos with the Bakersfield arch in the background, some of which have the meet group in the foreground?
Quote from: oscar on May 03, 2024, 05:58:26 PMWhat if you follow a link to Max's Flickr album of Bakersfield meet photos,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/albums/72177720316194217/with/53652705140
then scroll down to the photos with the Bakersfield arch in the background, some of which have the meet group in the foreground?
I guess Tom put those in another album because I do not see any of the meet group in these.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on May 03, 2024, 06:03:45 PMQuote from: oscar on May 03, 2024, 05:58:26 PMWhat if you follow a link to Max's Flickr album of Bakersfield meet photos,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/albums/72177720316194217/with/53652705140
then scroll down to the photos with the Bakersfield arch in the background, some of which have the meet group in the foreground?
I guess Tom put those in another album because I do not see any of the meet group in these.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/albums/72177720316194217/ works for me.
(Sorry for the detour from discussion about tomorrow's meet.)
Quote from: oscar on May 01, 2024, 10:20:36 AMQuote from: Rothman on April 30, 2024, 01:33:52 PMHope you're doing okay health-wise.
For one data point on that, see the group photo of the Bakersfield meet last month. I'm wearing a white shirt, holding the three-wheel walker I use to get around quickly without falling, and help support me when standing. I still have balance problems, but can manage well enough to do three solo cross-country road trips in the past year (including the one I'm wrapping up today).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/53652704960/in/album-72177720316194217/
The other appearance change shown in that photo is my white beard. Got tired of shaving, and was pleased to find my beard was less patchy than I had expected.
I found the photo on the Road Meets Facebook Group. I have no issue with the admins moving this discussion to the Bakersfield Meet thread or splitting it off.
(Anyway, in regard to this meet, I plan to leave here by 3 AM and close some SWPA gaps before the meet along with checking on PA 981.)
Quote from: oscar on May 03, 2024, 06:37:40 PMQuote from: 74/171FAN on May 03, 2024, 06:03:45 PMQuote from: oscar on May 03, 2024, 05:58:26 PMWhat if you follow a link to Max's Flickr album of Bakersfield meet photos,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/albums/72177720316194217/with/53652705140
then scroll down to the photos with the Bakersfield arch in the background, some of which have the meet group in the foreground?
I guess Tom put those in another album because I do not see any of the meet group in these.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/albums/72177720316194217/ works for me.
(Sorry for the detour from discussion about tomorrow's meet.)
The one I linked in the Bakersfield thread included non-public photos. If anyone needs something (namely the group photo) from it just let me know.
Thank you again to everyone who came out today to White Oak to celebrate the silver anniversary of the SWPA meets and check out the current work on the Mon-Fayette Expressway (PA Turnpike 43). Fortunately, the bulk of the rain hit after the tour.
We had three-fifths of the attendees from a quarter-century ago. When we returned to the restaurant, Bruce Cridlebaugh said he should have asked his daughter to come, which would have made it four-fifths of the original attendees from 1999.
My photos from the meet (and post-meet) tour Saturday. (https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBpnnN)
Photos from the meet - more so of various candids during the meet than sites seen.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/adamontheroad/albums/72177720316894330/