AARoads Forum

National Boards => Road Enthusiasts Meetings => Topic started by: froggie on October 14, 2016, 11:56:52 AM

Poll
Question: What is(are) the best weekend(s) for you to attend a summer 2017 Twin Cities meet?
Option 1: July 15-16
Option 2: July 22-23
Option 3: July 29-30
Option 4: August 5-6
Title: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on October 14, 2016, 11:56:52 AM
Eating my own crow regarding planning a meet very early, but I'd like to gauge interest and potentially coordinate since there was some discussion in another thread of timing the Alaska and Twin Cities meets for those who might drive out to Alaska and attend both.

I realize that this is the same timeframe that cl is considering for a Southeast Adirondacks meet, but I am limited in my available time window for heading out to Minnesota.

Itinerary is TBD and may be determined by another poll.  That said, if there is anything those of you interested in a Twin Cities meet would like to see, please share.

EDIT:
Date:  Saturday, August 5, 2017
Time:  12:30pm CDT
Location:  the Parking Ramp (local vernacular for garage) at The Shops at West End, St. Louis Park, MN.  Access it from Duke Dr (https://www.google.com/maps/@44.9668414,-93.3467018,3a,75y,310.34h,89.53t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMnaQVNu3WH4HggdbRF1pmQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) between Gamble Dr and W 16th St.  We'll meet on the 3rd level of the ramp/garage as close to the 394 end as possible.  This should be a fairly safe place for folks to park as we do the tour, which I've estimated will take about 5 hours total.

We will begin by driving and then seeing the recently completed MN 100 upgrade (last segment of that route to be upgraded from its original 1930s/40s configuration).  We will then drive part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes parkway system enroute to the river bridges.  We will begin with the historic (National Register and all) Mendota Bridge near Fort Snelling and work our way up the Mississippi, either driving over or walking onto most of the Mississippi River bridges in Minneapolis, concluding with the newly replaced Lowry Ave Bridge.

Time permitting, we will then do a drive by of the just-completed MN 610 freeway, then head back to the start point.  My 5 hour estimate above includes this MN 610 leg.  For those into that sort of thing, my current plan for MN 610 would net the following clinches:  MN 252, MN 610 west of MN 252, MN 101, and US 169 from US 10/MN 101 to I-394.

There will not be a formal lunch for this meet (hence the 12:30 start).  However, I plan on doing lunch at the nearby Noodles & Co. (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Noodles+and+Company/@44.9680863,-93.3473139,19.13z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2b92f9b54f79e641!8m2!3d44.968378!4d-93.347246) around 11:30am, and those who would like to join me are more than welcome to do so.

Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on October 14, 2016, 05:00:58 PM
I've never been there, but I'd be game for anything.

I selected all four options, but I'm curious as to whether any of them are around the time of the Minnesota State Fair. There's an annual event that's usually held in conjunction with the state fair that I'd like to attend if the meet is in the same time frame.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on October 14, 2016, 05:23:33 PM
Unfortunately, it's not.  Minnesota State Fair is always the 4th Thursday in August through Labor Day.  Because of that timing, we're unable to head west for the fair because our Fall semester has already begun by then.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on October 14, 2016, 10:16:33 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 14, 2016, 05:23:33 PM
Unfortunately, it's not.  Minnesota State Fair is always the 4th Thursday in August through Labor Day.  Because of that timing, we're unable to head west for the fair because our Fall semester has already begun by then.

No Cat Vid Festival for me then.  :-D
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: A.J. Bertin on October 15, 2016, 10:38:47 AM
I definitely want to attend a Twin Cities meet. I voted for the latter two dates. That means I'll probably cast votes for late July or early August for the Alaska meet.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on October 15, 2016, 08:38:27 PM
I voted for the first and last as I want to be at this one. Minneapolis is one of those places I've always wanted to visit. I'll wait to schedule mine until after you guys settle on a date. I'm a little more flexible as I live 45 minutes from the site.

That being said, I won't be there if it's the middle two options. TRB paper deadline is August 1 and, if it's anything like last year, I will be in the office virtually 24/7 starting around the 20th until late on the 1st. My preference, thus, would be an August date, but I could probably make mid-July.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on October 15, 2016, 09:13:58 PM
Not going to select a date because I live here, but some side things that could (but probably not) influence your vote:

-If you're a baseball fan, the Twins are home the weekends of the 22-23 and 5-6. The team sucks but the stadium is one of the best in baseball.
-Minneapolis Aquatennial festival is July 19-22 if you want to go Friday or Saturday night post-meet (the fireworks on Saturday night are a huge event).
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on October 16, 2016, 06:36:21 PM
I'd be up to attending a Twins game if the meet was the 5th/6th and others wanted to as well. It's a stadium I've been wanting to go to.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Neri123 on October 17, 2016, 02:49:05 AM
I was there only two months ago!
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: codyg1985 on October 17, 2016, 11:53:07 AM
This is one of the meets I am interested in for next year. Right now I don't have a preference on a date, but I definitely want to keep an eye on this one.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on October 17, 2016, 01:05:43 PM
I'd actually consider this meet too.  Particularly if it coincides with a baseball game.  I've not yet been to Target Field, but that is one of the parks that I would very much like to visit.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: jpi on October 17, 2016, 03:59:14 PM
Not voting at this time, my wife and I are planning on going out west around the 3rd weekend in July but will still keep this on the back burner
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Alps on October 17, 2016, 05:36:23 PM
I can't see this working with the Alaska meet. It would take too many travel days from MPLS to Fairbanks and/or back.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Rothman on October 20, 2016, 12:35:10 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 17, 2016, 05:36:23 PM
I can't see this working with the Alaska meet. It would take too many travel days from MPLS to Fairbanks and/or back.

(https://i.imgflip.com/khcee.jpg)
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Alps on October 20, 2016, 06:32:10 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 20, 2016, 12:35:10 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 17, 2016, 05:36:23 PM
I can't see this working with the Alaska meet. It would take too many travel days from MPLS to Fairbanks and/or back.

(https://i.imgflip.com/khcee.jpg)
I find your lack of practicality disturbing.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Rothman on October 25, 2016, 03:14:49 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 20, 2016, 06:32:10 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 20, 2016, 12:35:10 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 17, 2016, 05:36:23 PM
I can't see this working with the Alaska meet. It would take too many travel days from MPLS to Fairbanks and/or back.

(https://i.imgflip.com/khcee.jpg)
I find your lack of practicality disturbing.

Practicality is for those who sit at home and watch Anthony Bourdain rather than for those who actually get outside and go somewhere.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: dvferyance on October 31, 2016, 10:41:33 PM
I have considered visiting the Twin Cities in 2017. So it's a possible.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Duke87 on November 03, 2016, 09:24:00 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 17, 2016, 05:36:23 PM
I can't see this working with the Alaska meet.

So then don't try to make the two work together. The Twins' ballpark is one my father and I still need to visit so if this meet is a weekend they're in town it's a slam dunk for us (but not if July 15-16, my sister's wedding is that weekend). Meanwhile I'm not driving all the way to Alaska, and my fiancée will be with me for that and my father won't, so if I do both it'd have to be two separate trips anyway.
Title: Re: July or early August 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on November 04, 2016, 06:55:37 AM
On that note, the Twins are home the weekends of 7/22-23 and 8/5-6.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on November 13, 2016, 12:29:02 PM
I've decided on August 5.  Details will be TBD pending research, MnDOT's summer construction schedule, and any interest in non-road activities.

As I noted in my previous comment, the Twins have a home stand that weekend, against the Rangers.  The Saturday game time is still TBD, but in the event that day doesn't work out, and for those who may come into town the day before, the Friday evening game is at 7:10 CDT.

As for what will be part of the meet, I'll leave that in part to interested attendees.  I'll put a poll out later inquiring as to what folks may be interested in seeing or going to.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: SSOWorld on November 13, 2016, 07:34:42 PM
Even with the eclipse later that month (which I'm going to Grand Island for) this meet should be high on my priority list for attending - even if I have to compensate by missing sections of it to allocate funds.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on November 13, 2016, 07:40:53 PM
Unless something really unexpected comes up, I'll most likely be at this one. I'll likely take a couple days to explore Minneapolis and I'll be able to get a good portion of I-90 that I'm missing.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: A.J. Bertin on November 15, 2016, 08:57:01 PM
Thanks, Adam. I will give myself at least an 80 percent chance of attending this. :)
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on November 16, 2016, 08:24:47 PM
I'm not in a position to go all-in on meet attendance the way I was a few years ago, but this one's been on my radar screen since you announced it. Given that I've never been to the Twin Cities before and I have very only been in Minnesota once, I'm very interested. I'll pencil it on on the calendar.

Not committing myself to any pre- or post-meet activities, since that will quite likely depend on how I route my trip and where I stay the night before and night after, but I'm definitely out for a baseball game. MLB hasn't gotten a dime from me since the 1994 strike and never will again (and that's still hard for me, a lifelong Reds fan, to accept, but they lost me by going on strike.)
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on March 22, 2017, 10:03:47 PM
Any updates on this meet, as in is it definitely happening? Just want to know before I buy plane tickets.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on March 23, 2017, 08:17:07 AM
Yes, this is happening.  But I don't plan on putting details together until we get closer, probably not until June or July.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on March 23, 2017, 12:06:33 PM
Perfect. I don't need anything more than that to book tickets. Nice to see a roadmeet correspond with one of my planned vacations for once.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on March 29, 2017, 01:44:51 PM
And I will 100% be at this unless there is an emergency. Plane tickets are booked.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on March 29, 2017, 03:52:33 PM
I suppose you need my confirmation for the head count, but obviously since this meet is in my backyard I can't foresee not being there.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Brandon on March 29, 2017, 05:16:07 PM
My confirmation is there as well.  Just give us the name and address of the place to meet and I'll be good.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: A.J. Bertin on March 29, 2017, 10:12:35 PM
A few months ago I gave myself an 80 percent chance of being at this meet, but I can now say I'm at least at a 95 percent chance now. :)
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: US71 on May 07, 2017, 10:04:49 PM
I'm going to say maybe.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: A.J. Bertin on July 07, 2017, 06:54:21 AM
Hey Adam... do we have an idea of which part of the Twin Cities we will be meeting up at? The meet is now less than a month away and several of us still need to make hotel reservations. For me personally, I'd like to stay in an area not too far from where the restaurant will be. I think others may agree with me on this.

Thanks in advance for any info you can share with us along these lines.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 07, 2017, 11:48:28 AM
Haven't finalized things yet.  Tentatively looking at St. Louis Park.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 10, 2017, 01:19:23 PM
I've finalized the starting details for the meet and edited the OP with them.  But in short, the plan is to meet at 12:30pm in the parking garage for the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park (near I-394/MN 100), with the tour including MN 100 reconstruction, the Chain of Lakes parkway system, and river bridges between the Mendota Bridge (MN 55) and the Lowry Ave Bridge in North Minneapolis.  Time permitting, we'll finish with a drive of the new MN 610 completion and a few other route clinches.

There will not be a formal lunch for this meet, but I'll be doing lunch beforehand at the nearby Noodles & Co. and you're welcome to join me.

A Facebook event has also been created.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 10, 2017, 02:02:06 PM
Given that this meet won't be concluded until 6:30 my time given your estimate, it's likely I will drive solo on the tour and depart somewhere around Hennepin, given my need to make it well into Wisconsin that evening. Knowing when and where you're having lunch will make it easier for me to plan how far I have to make it on Friday to have a realistic chance to make it to lunch. I suspect quite a few meet attendees will join you for lunch as well.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 10, 2017, 02:50:03 PM
Given that parking will be very tight at a few of the stops, I'd prefer to not have any solo drivers.  But I think I can tweak the tour so that we can drop you (and anyone else who wishes) off about an hour earlier, before we go up to do MN 610.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: US71 on July 10, 2017, 04:38:55 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 10, 2017, 02:50:03 PM
Given that parking will be very tight at a few of the stops, I'd prefer to not have any solo drivers.  But I think I can tweak the tour so that we can drop you (and anyone else who wishes) off about an hour earlier, before we go up to do MN 610.

I only have room for one, unless someone wants to bounce around in the back ;)
If I make it, I'm in for the whole meet.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on July 10, 2017, 04:42:57 PM
Link to the Facebook event?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: US71 on July 10, 2017, 05:02:52 PM
Quote from: cl94 on July 10, 2017, 04:42:57 PM
Link to the Facebook event?

https://www.facebook.com/events/478194085863338/478278272521586/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity&notif_id=1499720222720766

Motels are running $100+
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: SSOWorld on July 10, 2017, 08:42:53 PM
Quote from: US71 on July 10, 2017, 05:02:52 PM
Quote from: cl94 on July 10, 2017, 04:42:57 PM
Link to the Facebook event?

https://www.facebook.com/events/478194085863338/478278272521586/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity&notif_id=1499720222720766

Motels are running $100+
Not out of the ordinary for Twin Cities.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: US71 on July 11, 2017, 11:05:58 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 10, 2017, 08:42:53 PM
Quote from: US71 on July 10, 2017, 05:02:52 PM
Quote from: cl94 on July 10, 2017, 04:42:57 PM
Link to the Facebook event?

https://www.facebook.com/events/478194085863338/478278272521586/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity&notif_id=1499720222720766

Motels are running $100+
Not out of the ordinary for Twin Cities.

I found one for $70, about 10 miles out
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 11, 2017, 01:06:04 PM
It's likely I'll be staying a couple of hours out, to the west on I-94, on Friday night.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Brandon on July 11, 2017, 04:46:29 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 10, 2017, 01:19:23 PM
I've finalized the starting details for the meet and edited the OP with them.  But in short, the plan is to meet at 12:30pm in the parking garage for the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park (near I-394/MN 100), with the tour including MN 100 reconstruction, the Chain of Lakes parkway system, and river bridges between the Mendota Bridge (MN 55) and the Lowry Ave Bridge in North Minneapolis.  Time permitting, we'll finish with a drive of the new MN 610 completion and a few other route clinches.

There will not be a formal lunch for this meet, but I'll be doing lunch beforehand at the nearby Noodles & Co. and you're welcome to join me.

A Facebook event has also been created.

Which parking deck are we meeting at?  The one east of Duke Drive, the one west of Duke Drive, or the one under the western part of the center?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on July 11, 2017, 05:22:15 PM
Quote from: Brandon on July 11, 2017, 04:46:29 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 10, 2017, 01:19:23 PM
I've finalized the starting details for the meet and edited the OP with them.  But in short, the plan is to meet at 12:30pm in the parking garage for the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park (near I-394/MN 100), with the tour including MN 100 reconstruction, the Chain of Lakes parkway system, and river bridges between the Mendota Bridge (MN 55) and the Lowry Ave Bridge in North Minneapolis.  Time permitting, we'll finish with a drive of the new MN 610 completion and a few other route clinches.

There will not be a formal lunch for this meet, but I'll be doing lunch beforehand at the nearby Noodles & Co. and you're welcome to join me.

A Facebook event has also been created.

Which parking deck are we meeting at?  The one east of Duke Drive, the one west of Duke Drive, or the one under the western part of the center?

That, and can we get a live, public link to the event? The previous link (now dead) was to a private event.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 11, 2017, 05:44:04 PM
Brandon:  the one labeled Retail/Theater that I pointed the GMSV shot at (link in the OP).

I am not making this a public event on Facebook.  Sorry.  I don't think I have you on my FB feed, but I'm assuming you're friends with Doug....he should be able to add you.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 14, 2017, 11:36:34 AM
I think I have my travel plans formulated for this one. Someone advise if I'm trying to do too much too quickly.

Leaving Tuesday after work and overnighting at either Seymour or Greensburg, Ind. I'm leaning to Greensburg because I expect morning traffic heading into Indy will be a lot lighter on I-74 than it will be on I-65.

On Wednesday, proceeding to Danville and then exiting to drive US 150 all the way to the Quad Cities. From there, I-280 to US 61 to Muscatine, where I will take IA 22 west to pick up Washington and Keokuk counties, then back to US 218 north, which I will take all the way to Waterloo. I think I should be able to make it to Waterloo, if not farther, on Wednesday for the night.

From there, I'm going to continue on along US 218 beyond the end of I-380 to pick up Bremer and Chickasaw counties, then east on IA 346 at Nashua to US 63, then south on US 63 and east on IA 3 to pick up Fayette County. Then south on IA 150 to get Buchanan, east on US 20 to get Delaware, then south on IA 38 to snag Jones, then US 151 north to Dubuque. From there, US 52 north gets me Clayton, Allamakee and Winneshiek counties. I'll have to go west on IA 9 to get Howard County, but then return to US 52 for the clinch in Iowa. I'm pretty confident that I can get farther than Rochester on Thursday, which was my goal, so I'll probably stay somewhere along I-90 between US 52 and the South Dakota line.

I've decided to take I-90 all the way to I-29 so I can get a clinch of I-90 in both Minnesota and South Dakota. From there, I'm going all the way to Fargo to enter North Dakota for the first time, and set myself up for a clinch of I-94 in Minnesota. Now that we have a time and location for the meet-up point (and the optional lunch earlier) I figure I can stop anywhere along I-94 a couple of hours out of the Twin Cities area for the night on Friday and still comfortably make it Saturday. I intend to take I-94 all the way to I-394 and then head back west to the meet location.

After the meet, I'm going to head east on I-94 to get the clinch in Minnesota. My goal is to make it to the Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls area at least for the night.I'd like to get all the way to Wausau but I don't think that's practical given the likely time I'll be departing the meet tour.

Sunday, I'm going straight down I-39 to get it clinched, then I-74 back to Danville, where I will need to finish up US 150 between there and the Indiana state line. I'll have a number of options once I reach Terre Haute, depending on the time. Monday will be a reasonably short drive home depending on where I end up staying and the route I choose to take to get to the Ohio River.

So, does this sound do-able without putting too much pressure on myself to make mileage in any single day and end up getting into a motel room too terribly late?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 14, 2017, 02:17:16 PM
FYI, you should be able to make it to Wausau in 3 hours from Minneapolis.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 15, 2017, 10:53:28 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 14, 2017, 02:17:16 PM
FYI, you should be able to make it to Wausau in 3 hours from Minneapolis.

Which is why I'm looking to get away from Minneapolis around 4 p.m. local time. That puts me in Wausau at 8 p.m. (according to my watch and my body) and gives me time to check in have a little time to unwind before I hit the hay.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 17, 2017, 05:32:27 PM
I've created a preliminary and detailed itinerary PDF with maps and directions and posted it on Google Drive (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8JSIe7oXl3WV2gxOEJIcXhxUEE/view?usp=sharing).  As MnDOT has not announced their lane/ramp/road closures for the weekend of the meet, and won't until that workweek beforehand, this is preliminary and subject to change, though I don't think much would change for the core of the meet.  If changes are made, I will upload updates and post accordingly.

As noted above, we'll meet at 12:30pm, with the goal of departing by 12:45pm.  Our first stop will be at Lilac Park to view the recent reconstruction of MN 100 in St. Louis Park.  Following that, we'll take a driving tour of some of the Minneapolis parkway system, drive both the Mendota and Fort Road Bridges, and stop at Fort Snelling for a walk out onto the Mendota Bridge.  Time-permitting (i.e. if we're ahead of schedule), we'll stop to see the famous Minnehaha Falls.  From there, we'll follow the Mississippi upriver towards downtown, driving across the Ford, Lake St, Franklin, Washington Ave, I-35W, and Hennepin Bridges, with stops at both the "Number 9 Bridge" (former Northern Pacific rail bridge converted into a bike/ped bridge) and on Nicollet Island to see a bridge span that was originally part of the 1889-built Broadway Bridge.

-----------

From here, we'll return to the start point so that HB and anyone else who desires can leave early.  Anticipated return time is around 4:15pm.  At this point, those who remain will have three choices.  First, we can do a driving tour of the completed MN 610 freeway.  I've included this in the PDF and it will take about an hour-and-a-half.  For those into route clinching, this option includes full clinches MN 610, MN 252, and MN 101 and will cover US 169 from I-394 to US 10 in Elk River.

The second choice is more aggressive, and will cover both the MN 610 freeway and the new Stillwater Bridge.  This option will take close to 3 hours, and I've also included it in the PDF (on the last page).  Route clinches for this option include MN 36, MN 101, MN 280, MN 610, US 169 from I-394 to US 10 in Elk River, and WI 64 from the state line to WI 35 North in Somerset.  There are subalternatives for this one that would trade MN 36 and MN 280 for other routes, subject to the groups preference.

Third and finally, we can make it a 'Fielders Choice' and go wherever the group consensus desires.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Highway63 on July 18, 2017, 01:27:00 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 14, 2017, 11:36:34 AM
On Wednesday, proceeding to Danville and then exiting to drive US 150 all the way to the Quad Cities. From there, I-280 to US 61 to Muscatine, where I will take IA 22 west to pick up Washington and Keokuk counties, then back to US 218 north, which I will take all the way to Waterloo. I think I should be able to make it to Waterloo, if not farther, on Wednesday for the night.
My gut instinct here says you're biting off more than you can chew. Danville to Waterloo via Muscatine and South English via I-74 is 7 hours/400 miles according to Google. US 150 will bog you down in four different cities especially Peoria. Then, if you're going to Keokuk County, it's faster via a series of county roads and IA 21 than going back to 218. (If you need 218 without 380 and 30, then South English to Van Horne is a straight enough shot.)

QuoteFrom there, I'm going to continue on along US 218 beyond the end of I-380 to pick up Bremer and Chickasaw counties, then east on IA 346 at Nashua to US 63, then south on US 63 and east on IA 3 to pick up Fayette County. Then south on IA 150 to get Buchanan, east on US 20 to get Delaware, then south on IA 38 to snag Jones, then US 151 north to Dubuque. From there, US 52 north gets me Clayton, Allamakee and Winneshiek counties. I'll have to go west on IA 9 to get Howard County, but then return to US 52 for the clinch in Iowa. I'm pretty confident that I can get farther than Rochester on Thursday, which was my goal, so I'll probably stay somewhere along I-90 between US 52 and the South Dakota line.
First bad news: Half of IA 346 is closed. (https://lb.511ia.org/ialb/roadreports/event.jsf;jsessionid=CA0EEA6A5F18ACC29710A11579BC1878?sitKey=IACARS4-35963&view=state&text=m&textOnly=false&current=true) If you're set on getting Chickasaw but not 218's miles, better to do US 63-US 18-V56-IA 3, or four-lane 63 up and back. Otherwise from Nashua you'll need to go back to IA 188. Also, if you're going for clinching US 52 in Iowa, consider it will be rerouted in Dubuque County in about three years, taking it off the slowest most winding part.

This also seems ambitious to me especially with taking US 52 through the Driftless Area (of course, I'm saying this to someone who drives mountains all the time, so...). On the other hand, Google comes up with 8 hours/400 miles Waterloo to Rochester via your path (replacing 346 with 188).

I can see from your county map that you're trying to close up your hole in eastern Iowa (an admirable goal  :D)  but at the same time you're going directly at the not-straight part of Iowa. I can game out quite a few possibilities that I think would be better/faster but only hits maybe eight of those 11 counties and/or loses US 52 (and it also makes a difference if Waterloo has to be the starting point or if Cedar Rapids can).
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 18, 2017, 10:03:51 AM
^^^

I can start Thursday anywhere, as long as I get a clinch of I-380 and can manage to fill the holes in my county map. I've scouted out lodging possibilities all along the route. As for US 52, I'm not a stickler for re-clinches. If I drive the route as it exists at the time I drive it, then I call it a clinch and if I can get a re-clinch later, that's fine. I don't know if or when I'll be back to this part of the country so I want to get as much accomplished as I can.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: US71 on July 18, 2017, 10:13:31 AM
I'll be coming up 49, then 35 out of KC, but probably switch to US 69 somewhere north of Cameron. I'll spend the night at Bethany, then head north. I may stick with 69 or hit I-35 depending on weather,  traffic, or how much time I have.

Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Mdcastle on July 18, 2017, 10:58:03 AM
Don't miss the gold tinted cement slab by the Blue Earth rest area. They've put an asphalt overlay on but it's still visible on the shoulders.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Highway63 on July 18, 2017, 11:30:05 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 18, 2017, 10:03:51 AM
^^^

I can start Thursday anywhere, as long as I get a clinch of I-380 and can manage to fill the holes in my county map. I've scouted out lodging possibilities all along the route. As for US 52, I'm not a stickler for re-clinches. If I drive the route as it exists at the time I drive it, then I call it a clinch and if I can get a re-clinch later, that's fine. I don't know if or when I'll be back to this part of the country so I want to get as much accomplished as I can.
I noticed after I posted that you don't have Linn County yet, so my suggested South English to Waterloo shortcut won't work. Then if you want 380 and 52, other alternate ideas get thrown out too.

Traveling I-380 between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo will get you Buchanan County earlier than expected. You can take IA 187 instead of 150 south from 3 to avoid Independence. Then to JUST duck into Jones County, instead of 38, stay on 20 to IA 136 to Business 151 in Cascade to US 151 (the south 151/Bus 151 intersection is in Jones).

I still think that's plenty ambitious, though.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Highway63 on July 18, 2017, 11:43:53 AM
Quote from: froggie on July 10, 2017, 01:19:23 PM
But in short, the plan is to meet at 12:30pm in the parking garage for the Shops at West End
We're hoity AND toity!

Quote from: froggie on July 17, 2017, 05:32:27 PM
From here, we'll return to the start point so that HB and anyone else who desires can leave early.  Anticipated return time is around 4:15pm.  At this point, those who remain will have three choices.  First, we can do a driving tour of the completed MN 610 freeway.  I've included this in the PDF and it will take about an hour-and-a-half.  For those into route clinching, this option includes full clinches MN 610, MN 252, and MN 101 and will cover US 169 from I-394 to US 10 in Elk River.

The second choice is more aggressive, and will cover both the MN 610 freeway and the new Stillwater Bridge.  This option will take close to 3 hours, and I've also included it in the PDF (on the last page).  Route clinches for this option include MN 36, MN 101, MN 280, MN 610, US 169 from I-394 to US 10 in Elk River, and WI 64 from the state line to WI 35 North in Somerset.  There are subalternatives for this one that would trade MN 36 and MN 280 for other routes, subject to the groups preference.

As I suspected would be the case after a western base was set, the Stillwater Bridge is pretty out there. For me, neither of those late-leg alternatives have a good cost-benefit ratio. What I'm thinking is departing the group at 4:15, then going on my own up US 169 and I-94 to turn around at Rogers, then taking MN 610 and US 10 to US 52 out of the Twin Cities. That should be around 300 miles/5-ish hours and get me back in my own bed that night. (That also means I would not be one of the day's drivers.)

Now that the meet day has an agenda, are we still talking about a Twins game the night before?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 18, 2017, 11:47:39 AM
Been trying to finish up a thesis paper that's due this week, so I haven't done any inquiring into the Twins game.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 18, 2017, 01:35:31 PM
Quote from: Jeff Morrison on July 18, 2017, 11:30:05 AM
Traveling I-380 between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo will get you Buchanan County earlier than expected.

I see that now. Don't know how I missed it.

QuoteYou can take IA 187 instead of 150 south from 3 to avoid Independence. Then to JUST duck into Jones County, instead of 38, stay on 20 to IA 136 to Business 151 in Cascade to US 151 (the south 151/Bus 151 intersection is in Jones).

Looking at the map, there's an easier way to get Fayette, too. I could make a slight detour off US 52 onto US 18 to pick it up, then return to 52.

If I do that, I could return to the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area and then just head east on US 20 after getting Bremer and Chickasaw.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Brandon on July 18, 2017, 01:40:45 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 18, 2017, 10:03:51 AM
^^^

I can start Thursday anywhere, as long as I get a clinch of I-380 and can manage to fill the holes in my county map. I've scouted out lodging possibilities all along the route. As for US 52, I'm not a stickler for re-clinches. If I drive the route as it exists at the time I drive it, then I call it a clinch and if I can get a re-clinch later, that's fine. I don't know if or when I'll be back to this part of the country so I want to get as much accomplished as I can.

Just watch your speed through Cedar Rapids on I-380.  They have speed cameras there that the DOT has told them to remove.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Mdcastle on July 18, 2017, 01:58:46 PM
You could also end the tour at the Stillwater bridges rather than going all the way to 610. Or else swing down to I-94 picking up the old toll bridge causeway at Hudson.  The opening will be "within 24 hours" of the 10:00 AM Aug 2 ribbon cutting, and the old bridge will close the same day. Out-of-car photo spots are the Beach Road and WI 35 overpasses, the MN scenic overlook, and the Stillwater riverfront. Beach road you have to walk several blocks from the nearest legal parking spot and parking is dear in downtown, but The WI 35 overpass and the MN overlook can be done quickly.

Silverdale bridge is in the area to. As in the Arcola high bridge but going to see it is a good way to get free room and board courtesy of the local sheriff.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 18, 2017, 02:04:58 PM
Quote from: Brandon on July 18, 2017, 01:40:45 PM
Just watch your speed through Cedar Rapids on I-380.  They have speed cameras there that the DOT has told them to remove.

I remember the news coverage about that. My trusty Valentine One will be on duty during my drive.

Isn't there also an app that lists speed cameras? I have Trapster but haven't used it in forever.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 18, 2017, 04:00:08 PM
Monte:  Stillwater Bridge is an optional add-on depending on group consensus.  It is not part of the main tour.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on July 18, 2017, 06:28:08 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 18, 2017, 02:04:58 PM
Quote from: Brandon on July 18, 2017, 01:40:45 PM
Just watch your speed through Cedar Rapids on I-380.  They have speed cameras there that the DOT has told them to remove.

I remember the news coverage about that. My trusty Valentine One will be on duty during my drive.

Isn't there also an app that lists speed cameras? I have Trapster but haven't used it in forever.

Waze lists speed cameras, etc. That app has been a lifesaver for me.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Duke87 on July 20, 2017, 08:26:45 PM
Do we know that the speed cameras in Cedar Rapids use radar? Not all speed cameras do.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: oscar on July 20, 2017, 10:56:04 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on July 20, 2017, 08:26:45 PM
Do we know that the speed cameras in Cedar Rapids use radar? Not all speed cameras do.

One of them ticketed me a few years ago. For whatever reason, my V1 didn't help.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 21, 2017, 10:46:08 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on July 20, 2017, 08:26:45 PM
Do we know that the speed cameras in Cedar Rapids use radar? Not all speed cameras do.

How else would they function, other than trying to pick up time lapses over pavement markings?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Rothman on July 22, 2017, 10:22:32 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 21, 2017, 10:46:08 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on July 20, 2017, 08:26:45 PM
Do we know that the speed cameras in Cedar Rapids use radar? Not all speed cameras do.

How else would they function, other than trying to pick up time lapses over pavement markings?
Laser?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 22, 2017, 04:26:13 PM
Quote from: Rothman on July 22, 2017, 10:22:32 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 21, 2017, 10:46:08 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on July 20, 2017, 08:26:45 PM
Do we know that the speed cameras in Cedar Rapids use radar? Not all speed cameras do.

How else would they function, other than trying to pick up time lapses over pavement markings?
Laser?

Quote from: oscar on July 20, 2017, 10:56:04 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on July 20, 2017, 08:26:45 PM
Do we know that the speed cameras in Cedar Rapids use radar? Not all speed cameras do.

One of them ticketed me a few years ago. For whatever reason, my V1 didn't help.

The V1 has a good laser detector, so if Oscar's  V1 didn't go off, it's probably not laser.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Duke87 on July 23, 2017, 12:23:03 AM
It could be laser-based but not LIDAR. I know some of Maryland's speed cameras work by pointing two lasers at the pavement a known distance apart, and then measuring the time difference between when a vehicle breaks the first beam and when it breaks the second.

Could also be the same thing with piezoelectric strips rather than lasers.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on July 23, 2017, 12:43:44 AM
Quote from: Duke87 on July 23, 2017, 12:23:03 AM
It could be laser-based but not LIDAR. I know some of Maryland's speed cameras work by pointing two lasers at the pavement a known distance apart, and then measuring the time difference between when a vehicle breaks the first beam and when it breaks the second.

Could also be the same thing with piezoelectric strips rather than lasers.

Yeah, there are several ways to do speed cameras that cannot be picked up by traditional detection. It's also worth noting that some of these devices are motion-activated, so there's a chance you won't pick it up on a detector until it's too late if there isn't a lot of traffic. Heck, some camera systems work solely on plate recognition, with two cameras spaced some distance apart. Those can't be picked up unless they're reported to an app such as Waze.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Duke87 on July 23, 2017, 11:25:46 AM
Quote from: cl94 on July 23, 2017, 12:43:44 AM
Heck, some camera systems work solely on plate recognition, with two cameras spaced some distance apart. Those can't be picked up unless they're reported to an app such as Waze.

A.k.a. "section control" - space a couple cameras a few miles apart and ticket anyone who averages too high a speed between the two points. I know this is popular on freeways in the UK, Italy, and a few other European countries. But, has this actually been deployed anywhere in the US?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 26, 2017, 07:36:30 PM
My attendance at this meet is now seriously in question. I've been laid up at home, off work, for a week because of a severe gout attack in my knee. I'm out of sick days. A couple of co-workers have generously agreed to donate sick days, but I'm concerned that I won't be recovered enough to make such a long trip. And even if I do get to come, there's a decent chance I'll have to scale back my trip and possibly eliminate a day of it. At least I know not to take prescription-strength ibuprofen for the pain so I won't end up in the hospital with acute kidney failure. (Which is bad, because two of the preferred treatments for gout are steroids and NSAIDs, and I can't really take either due to the state of my kidneys.)
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on July 29, 2017, 05:10:05 PM
I'm out of the running for a Twins game on Friday, if that was still in the plans.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 29, 2017, 05:11:27 PM
It's kinda fallen by the wayside.  I haven't had time to look further into it, and my wife's time is so short here that we're trying to cram as many friends/family gatherings into next week as we can.  Skipping the Twins game allows us to see a few more.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: SSOWorld on July 29, 2017, 09:04:15 PM
Kinda makes sense - 'sides, more time for ROADS anyway. :sombrero:
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 29, 2017, 09:06:21 PM
Or in my case, more time for family...
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on July 29, 2017, 09:21:15 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 29, 2017, 09:04:15 PM
Kinda makes sense - 'sides, more time for ROADS anyway. :sombrero:

Muh roads! Yeah, I'll be spending Friday night clinching crap I won't get on the meet if I have time after sightseeing.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 29, 2017, 09:37:00 PM
What do you plan to see while sightseeing?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on July 29, 2017, 09:52:48 PM
Quote from: froggie on July 29, 2017, 09:37:00 PM
What do you plan to see while sightseeing?

Probably the standard tourist stuff for Minneapolis. Hitting up Mall of America and the Institute of Art after my plane lands Thursday. Friday will be Minnehaha Falls, downtown, the sculpture garden, old bridges, the ruins park downtown. Might swing by the Mill City Museum. If I see something else that looks interesting, I'll stop. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on July 29, 2017, 11:17:12 PM
- Chain of Lakes (we'll be driving around parts of Calhoun and Harriet, but not all of it)
- Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul (off University Ave)
- U of M campus
- Fort Snelling
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Mdcastle on July 30, 2017, 02:22:14 PM
As for old bridges what about the Old Cedar Bridge or the Holmes Street bridge?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on July 30, 2017, 02:23:48 PM
Things are looking up. I'm back on my feet, although it's painful. Since I planned to leave after work Tuesday afternoon, I will evaluate my situation tomorrow night and make a decision. My biggest issues are going to be getting gear into and out of my hotel rooms. I may not be able to do much walking during the stops on the meet if I make it, but that's OK.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: US71 on August 01, 2017, 11:49:21 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 30, 2017, 02:23:48 PM
Things are looking up. I'm back on my feet, although it's painful. Since I planned to leave after work Tuesday afternoon, I will evaluate my situation tomorrow night and make a decision. My biggest issues are going to be getting gear into and out of my hotel rooms. I may not be able to do much walking during the stops on the meet if I make it, but that's OK.

Need me to bring my walking cane for you (he says half joking/half serious)?
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on August 01, 2017, 11:43:04 PM
HB has posted on Facebook that he's out for this meet.  Too much leave time burned in his gout recovery.

In the meantime, after doing some scouting this past week, I'll be making some minor revisions to the itinerary, especially after I check MnDOT's planned weekend lane/ramp closures.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Highway63 on August 02, 2017, 02:27:16 AM
I'm in. Have hotel by Mall of America. I'm likely to go to the Friday Twins game anyway; they're under .500 and I've been told there are typically sellers outside.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on August 02, 2017, 12:13:07 PM
I've updated the itinerary with construction closure information, a slight tweak to one stop, and a tweak to our return trip to the starting point.  A reminder that I will NOT have printed copies of the itinerary at the meet...I'm unable to get to a decent color printer.  Best bet is to download the PDF onto your smart device.  A link to the PDF is here:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8JSIe7oXl3WV2gxOEJIcXhxUEE
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: hbelkins on August 02, 2017, 10:25:27 PM
Quote from: froggie on August 01, 2017, 11:43:04 PM
HB has posted on Facebook that he's out for this meet.  Too much leave time burned in his gout recovery.


There was a window of about 12 hours Monday evening/Tuesday morning that it looked like I would be able to make it, and was making preparations for the trip, but the opportunity vanished.

Quote from: US71 on August 01, 2017, 11:49:21 AM
Need me to bring my walking cane for you (he says half joking/half serious)?

Recovery is about 100 percent, thanks to Colcrys (a great medication, but it took awhile to be fully effective) and I had planned on bringing one of my dad's old crutches with me.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on August 03, 2017, 04:41:55 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 02, 2017, 10:25:27 PM
Recovery is about 100 percent, thanks to Colcrys (a great medication, but it took awhile to be fully effective)

Great to hear! Wish you a speedy recovery.

Quote from: froggie on August 02, 2017, 12:13:07 PM
I've updated the itinerary with construction closure information, a slight tweak to one stop, and a tweak to our return trip to the starting point.  A reminder that I will NOT have printed copies of the itinerary at the meet...I'm unable to get to a decent color printer.  Best bet is to download the PDF onto your smart device.  A link to the PDF is here:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B8JSIe7oXl3WV2gxOEJIcXhxUEE


Unless there are any more major changes between now and the meet, I already printed a copy for myself, so no problem there. If there are more changes, I'll just bring my tablet to the meet and use that, but if MN's laws are anything like those in NY, even touching a tablet while in the driver's seat is a massive fine and a large amount of points.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on August 03, 2017, 08:30:16 AM
I would think that you'd either be a passenger, or whomever is a passenger with you would be able to utilize said tablet.  I'm not allowing any solo drivers at the meet because parking is too tight at a couple of our stops.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: US71 on August 03, 2017, 10:14:12 PM
Quote from: froggie on August 03, 2017, 08:30:16 AM
I would think that you'd either be a passenger, or whomever is a passenger with you would be able to utilize said tablet.  I'm not allowing any solo drivers at the meet because parking is too tight at a couple of our stops.
I dont mind napping between stops

SM-G930V

Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on August 06, 2017, 10:34:56 PM
To all who came to the meet, thank you!  It was a larger group than expected...I was looking at 12-14 and we wound up with 18, including a spouse and two fathers.

I anticipate posting a meet photo (taken on the #9 bridge with the 10th Ave and I-35W bridges and the downtown skyline in the background) once I settle back in Vermont....probably later Tuesday or Wednesday.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: Duke87 on August 06, 2017, 10:48:09 PM
After further observation I can provide an answer to the question that was raised about the "LOOK" signs on the light rail. The lights in them that flash are red, not yellow. What flashes is not plain lights, though, it is the text "SECOND TRAIN".

This text, naturally, only flashes when two trains are approaching the crossing from opposite directions. When there is only one train the LOOK signs do not flash. There is, however, always some other method of warning when a train is approaching.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: cl94 on August 07, 2017, 08:46:51 AM
Big thanks to froggie for hosting this thing. Excellent mix of sights and more uneven land than I would have ever expected in the Midwest.

Quote from: Duke87 on August 06, 2017, 10:48:09 PM
After further observation I can provide an answer to the question that was raised about the "LOOK" signs on the light rail. The lights in them that flash are red, not yellow. What flashes is not plain lights, though, it is the text "SECOND TRAIN".

This text, naturally, only flashes when two trains are approaching the crossing from opposite directions. When there is only one train the LOOK signs do not flash. There is, however, always some other method of warning when a train is approaching.

The Green Line generally uses a flashing train pictogram with arrows pointing in opposite directions to convey the same message. Regardless of whether or not the sign flashes, there is an audible warning at all crossings and generally a ped signal, with crossings where the train doesn't run down the middle of the road typically having standard 4-quadrant gates and flashing lights (both streets and path crossings). Preemption is similar to emergency vehicles, with the flashing white light on signal masts.

A lot of right turn signals across the tracks are 4 sections, with both a red ball and red arrow. Red arrow only comes on when a train is approaching. Blank-out "no right turn" signs turn on as well.
Title: Re: August 5, 2017 Twin Cities meet
Post by: froggie on April 26, 2021, 12:55:47 PM
Man, did we miss an opportunity (https://www.google.com/maps/@45.0560525,-92.8047406,3a,42.1y,340.14h,72.85t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLVIH904mppo4FIkuC680bg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e3)...