AARoads Forum

I have narrowed down to 2 Saturdays in April 2018, we will meet for lunch at Hoss's Steak and Seahouse, a regional PA chain located on US 11\ 15 in Shamokin Dam at 11:00am and proceed with the tour, We will head south to Susquehanna Valley Mall and park our vehicles, I am planning on renting a mini van to help with car pooling. From there we will go to the current stub end of the 11/15 Selinsgrove By-Pass at the US 522 exit near the mall then head north along the proposed alignment of the expressway which will run west of the current US 11/15 alignment.

From there we will see construction in full swing of the northern section of the project which includes a new bridge over the west branch of the Susquehanna River. From there we will check out Shikallemy State Park which offers a great view of Northumberland, Sunbury and the surrounding country side including views of the expressway construction. If time permits we will then head north along I-180 to Williamsport and check out some sites there, some where highlighted in Jeff Kitsko's meet 6 years ago.

This should wrap up by 6pm if anyone wants to do a post meet dinner there are many options in the area, I plan on getting a Facebook event posted this weekend and will have a full more detailed itinerary posted here in the coming weeks.  :nod:

Wow! Not even 24 hours into this poll and so far 4/21 is winning! I will keep this open for another 2 months and will post an event page on Face book on Christmas Day  :)

I'll reserve my vote since, at this point, either date would be just as good. I generally don't know if I'll be slammed with completing a project until a few weeks ahead of time, but if I give business associates advance notice that I'm unavailable on a specific date, they'll respect that. So whatever date works for everyone else is what I'll plan on.

It sounds like you have everything pretty solidly planned out, but if there's any on-the-ground scouting work you'd like me to help with between now and then, I'd be happy to volunteer. I tend to visit Williamsport about every other month, and the L-shaped I-76 → US 15 route is only slightly longer than the 7-shaped I-476 → I-80.

I'm not going to vote at this stage of the planning, but I would expect that I'd be OK with either date. I want to try to make this one, as it would give me at least one route-clinching opportunity.

As things currently stand; either date works for me.  Missed out last time due to it snowing back home (Philly area).

Both dates work for me. Since I live in Chambersburg, my dad can drive me to and from the meet.

There's probably a low chance, but could this become a 2 day meet?

I'm not voting because I can make either date pretty easily.

Two day meets are very iffy for a lot of people, myself included, which is why they generally don't happen. I know I wouldn't make a second day.

Quote from: noelbotevera on December 20, 2017, 03:31:07 PM
Both dates work for me. Since I live in Chambersburg, my dad can drive me to and from the meet.

There's probably a low chance, but could this become a 2 day meet?

Sorry this will not be a 2 day meet, especially if 4/28 wins out because the next day I will be set up at a toy show selling diecast cars, my other hobby

I voted 21st, because my mom's 70th birthday is on the 27th, so I'll be staying put in C-bus that weekend (28th).

Quote from: jpi on December 18, 2017, 11:21:56 PM
I have narrowed down to 2 Saturdays in April 2018, we will meet for lunch at Hoss's Steak and Seahouse, a regional PA chain located on US 11\ 15 in Shamokin Dam at 11:00am and proceed with the tour, We will head south to Susquehanna Valley Mall and park our vehicles, I am planning on renting a mini van to help with car pooling. From there we will go to the current stub end of the 11/15 Selinsgrove By-Pass at the US 522 exit near the mall then head north along the proposed alignment of the expressway which will run west of the current US 11/15 alignment.

From there we will see construction in full swing of the northern section of the project which includes a new bridge over the west branch of the Susquehanna River. From there we will check out Shikallemy State Park which offers a great view of Northumberland, Sunbury and the surrounding country side including views of the expressway construction. If time permits we will then head north along I-180 to Williamsport and check out some sites there, some where highlighted in Jeff Kitsko's meet 6 years ago.

This should wrap up by 6pm if anyone wants to do a post meet dinner there are many options in the area, I plan on getting a Facebook event posted this weekend and will have a full more detailed itinerary posted here in the coming weeks.  :nod:

Too early for me to commit, but either date works for me as of right now.

I'm a definite no for the 28th. Not voting though since I can't commit to being available on the 21st yet.

So far the 21st has been the popular vote, I am going to keep the poll open until early February, then I will post the Facebook event, thanks again guys and have a Merry Christmas!! :bigass:

You'll probably get big turnout no matter when you hold this thing. Enough of us within a few hours and I plan to combine this with county clinching (still missing a few in central PA) and hiking. Could be my first meet where I also finish a state's counties, as it would be realistic to do a loop that gets the remaining 5.

Happy New Year everyone!  :bigass: Here is a URL link to PENNDOT's website on this construction-

http://www.csvt.com/

So far it's looking like Saturday April 21 will be the day unless something radically changes between now and the end of this month, February 1 I will post the facebook announcement with the date and yes it will still be Hoss's Steak and sea house on US 11/15 Shamokin Dam at 11am, both Steph and I will be hosting like we did in York 2 years ago. Construction is coming along well in the area as of last month and I am hoping the bridge deck will start taking shape by the time April comes around.

This one is very high on my list. As I said in the Louisiana thread, whether I can attend depends on how many days I can take off work, and I don't know that yet. I'll put my odds at 60%.

If it's April 21, I'll be there.  If it's April 28, I, unfortunately, cannot.

Quote from: Brandon on January 19, 2018, 10:24:48 AM
If it's April 21, I'll be there.  If it's April 28, I, unfortunately, cannot.

So far April 21 is looking like the winner  ;-)

February is just about upon us, looks like 4/21 is going to be the winner, probably next week I will go ahead and create a facebook event for this but this thread will be the main event page here on AA roads.

Hi guys, this poll closes later this week and it looks like April 21 is the winner, I am going to get a Facebook event set up hopefully tonight after work but for those on here that are not on Facebook, this is the go to page for more info.

Still 99% certain I'll be able to make this thing. Timing may be a little tight on the way down if I want to finish PA's counties, but I can always get those another time if work holds me back. Darn Cameron County...

The official Facebook Event Page-
https://www.facebook.com/events/180895942516645/

Since I must choose between Shreveport and this - this one is out for me. :(

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 12, 2018, 10:33:03 PM
Since I must choose between Shreveport and this - this one is out for me. :(

I understand, besides Steph and I are planning on going to Shreveport too.

Since Shreveport is out for me, I'm gonna try to make this one if possible. It's closer, and I could still accomplish a roadgeek goal (clinching US 522 in Pennsylvania).

I definitely want to make this meet as part of a trip to collect new counties in WV, PA, and NY, and also a clinch of current and possible future I-99.

Hi everyone, just 2 more months to go, Pennlive.com posted a good article on the progress of the Susquehanna River Bridge along with some pics, the steel bridge beams are starting to get set on some of the piers, below is a link to the article and I will post it on the Facebook event page later this evening-

http://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/02/first_of_the_steel_girders_ere.html

There is a good access road from a nearby campground that will take us to where these pics were taken, I may use this area for a group photo too. Also I am going to start working on the itinerary soon, the rough draft of it is we depart Hoss's and park vehicles at Susquehanna Valley Mall, then travel some of the Selinsgrove by-pass then drive on to the stub end of the by-pass, from there use local surface roads that follow the southern end of the by-pass that is still in final stages of design and right of way acquisition, then head to the area where the bridge is being built then go to the top of the state park overlook where we will get a great view of the country side and some of the construction, then head across the river into Northumberland and go north on PA 147 and see the construction on this side of the river. Stay tuned for further updates  :nod:

I'm out - family obligation that day.

Quote from: Duke87 on February 24, 2018, 04:08:43 PM
I'm out - family obligation that day.

No problem, I understand.

Tennessee 2018 road maps are out, picked up over a dozen at a rest area on I-40 on my way to Memphis yesterday so they will be coming to the meet.

I doubt this will directly affect the meet, but I did find out that the Penn State Spring Game is on the same day the meet is scheduled.  It is definitely a good idea that we did not include any of the US 322 Potter Mills Gap construction as a part of this meet.

I guess I need to start looking at lodging for this meet. My plans are to make my way to Hancock, Md., on Friday, then drive US 522 to US 22, which will give me a clinch of 522 in the Keystone State. From there, I'll probably have some time to kill, so I may backtrack west on US 322 and then east on I-80. Not sure where I will stay Friday night; I can stay anywhere within an hour or so of the meet site.

For Saturday night, probably the Harrisburg area, or maybe State College, depending on availability, price, and what route I take to leave the meet. I've already clinched both US 11 and US 15 in Pennsylvania, so that decision is still up in the air. I'm not sure if I will have to make it home on Sunday evening, or if I'll be able to take Monday off work and thus not be in too big of a rush. I'm also undecided on a route to Hancock. The logical route is I-79 to I-68, but I've driven that more than a few times. Corridor H to WV 259 to US 50 to pick up US 522 at Winchester might be an option. I know I'm not interested in driving WV 9 across the mountain from Paw Paw to Berkeley Springs.

This just in...

Quote from: 74/171FAN on March 04, 2018, 08:01:20 PM
I doubt this will directly affect the meet, but I did find out that the Penn State Spring Game is on the same day the meet is scheduled.  It is definitely a good idea that we did not include any of the US 322 Potter Mills Gap construction as a part of this meet.

So I guess I need to scratch State College off my list of Saturday night lodging options.

Huntingdon (along US 22) is about 1:45 from the meet. That has a few options. Altoona is another possibility. Roughly 2:15 from the meet via US 22. You could use those as a launching pad to pick up pieces of 22, 119, and/or 219.

Other than those, yeah, Harrisburg is your best option with the spring game. Lewistown and State College are expensive that weekend (unless you're willing to pay $110 for a Super 8, which I'm sure as heck not). A couple of us (myself included) are staying in Danville for cheap, but that's 20 minutes in the opposite direction from where you're headed.

Quote from: 74/171FAN on March 04, 2018, 08:01:20 PM
I doubt this will directly affect the meet, but I did find out that the Penn State Spring Game is on the same day the meet is scheduled.  It is definitely a good idea that we did not include any of the US 322 Potter Mills Gap construction as a part of this meet.

Thanks for the heads up on this, I have eliminated any possibility of heading over to Potters Mills based on my scouting trip back in September since there is not a whole lot of construction activity in that area and I am just focusing on the US 11/ 15 and PA 147 area and probably won't go much further north then Williamsport. I will be working on my itinerary soon but between toy shows, going to the Shreveport meet then heading to Dallas, TX for the mother of all diecast car conventions it will be a busy next 7 weeks leading up to this, also I have a rental mini van rented with stow and go seating so there will be plenty of room for car pooling

Quote from: cl94 on March 04, 2018, 08:24:32 PM
Huntingdon (along US 22) is about 1:45 from the meet. That has a few options. Altoona is another possibility. Roughly 2:15 from the meet via US 22. You could use those as a launching pad to pick up pieces of 22, 119, and/or 219.

Other than those, yeah, Harrisburg is your best option with the spring game. Lewistown and State College are expensive that weekend (unless you're willing to pay $110 for a Super 8, which I'm sure as heck not). A couple of us (myself included) are staying in Danville for cheap, but that's 20 minutes in the opposite direction from where you're headed.

Back several years ago, I drove US 22 from Ebensburg to Lewistown, then 522 on over to Selinsgrove. I don't care to do that again. That's why I was thinking I might do 322 west from Lewistown, so I can check out the corridor that got the ARC money instead of the I-99/US 220 segment south of Bedford. I have all of 119 and 219 clinched so no need to do those.

Couple of questions for Jason:
1) Are you actually planning on starting the tour at 11 AM? A noon, or even 1 PM, start would be helpful for my planning (FWIW)
2) Start and end points will be the same location?

Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on March 06, 2018, 08:33:57 PM
Couple of questions for Jason:
1) Are you actually planning on starting the tour at 11 AM? A noon, or even 1 PM, start would be helpful for my planning (FWIW)
2) Start and end points will be the same location?

we will meet for lunch at Hoss's Steak and Seahouse, a regional PA chain located on US 11\ 15 in Shamokin Dam at 11:00am and proceed with the tour (should be leaving Hoss's around 12:30 to 1:00pm) We will head south to Susquehanna Valley Mall and park our vehicles, I am planning on renting a mini van to help with car pooling. From there we will go to the current stub end of the 11/15 Selinsgrove By-Pass at the US 522 exit near the mall then head north along the proposed alignment of the expressway which will run west of the current US 11/15 alignment.

From there we will see construction in full swing of the northern section of the project which includes a new bridge over the west branch of the Susquehanna River. From there we will check out Shikallemy State Park which offers a great view of Northumberland, Sunbury and the surrounding country side including views of the expressway construction. If time permits we will then head north along I-180 to Williamsport and check out some sites there, some where highlighted in Jeff Kitsko's meet 6 years ago.

This should wrap up by 6pm if anyone wants to do a post meet dinner there are many options in the area, I plan on getting a Facebook event posted this weekend and will have a full more detailed itinerary posted here in the coming weeks. 

So to answer your questions we will meet at 11am at Hoss's, have lunch then head out on the tour, the tour will end in Williamsport and from there either go our seperate ways or have dinner somewhere, that has been the trend with most road meets the last few years.

From the state park, is the tour going up PA 147/I-180 to Williamsport, or will there be more stops? I've been to Williamsport a few times, so if there aren't going to be any more stops of interest in the general area of the state park, I would probably depart from there and head south. I'd like to make at least Carlisle before dark, if not farther south. I think I can work it to where I can clinch all of US 522 on this trip if I make it, but that would require getting to Winchester, Va., fairly early on Sunday morning.

Edited to add: I was going to see if there was some way I could work out an overnight stay at Breezewood, just to be rebellious, but don't think that's feasible.

Quote from: hbelkins on March 08, 2018, 11:55:17 AM
From the state park, is the tour going up PA 147/I-180 to Williamsport, or will there be more stops? I've been to Williamsport a few times, so if there aren't going to be any more stops of interest in the general area of the state park, I would probably depart from there and head south. I'd like to make at least Carlisle before dark, if not farther south. I think I can work it to where I can clinch all of US 522 on this trip if I make it, but that would require getting to Winchester, Va., fairly early on Sunday morning.

Edited to add: I was going to see if there was some way I could work out an overnight stay at Breezewood, just to be rebellious, but don't think that's feasible.

From the state park overlook we will go across the river on US 11 then head north on 147 where there is more construction then cross back over to Lewisburg where there is an old abandoned bridge where PA 45 crosses, from there we will head north on US 15 towards Williamsport, there is another scenic overlook that should get us nice views of the Williamsport area, then head into Williamsport proper and that should all wrap up by 6pm.

I do plan on starting some "virtual" scouting soon then get the itinerary together, also plan on calling the restaurant to give them a good idea of how many people are coming but I will need a firm head count by April 10, also keep in mind my other hobby is going to have me busy at the beginning of April but like the one 2 years ago will be putting my heart and soul into this and fingers crossed we don't get a surprise snow storm in the morning.

At least part of PA 147 is closed with a detour.  Looks like they're in Phase 4 right now, will be interesting to see if they move to a different phase by the time of the meet (honestly, Phase 5 would be most favorable to clinching this part of PA 147, since it has the shortest closure and it would likely be possible to see one end of the closure from the other; not sure if that will be possible with Phase 4).
http://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-3/constructionsprojectsandroadwork/pages/routes-147-and-11-reconstruction.aspx

The scenic overlook on US 15 approaching South Williamsport is perhaps worth a brief stop, but honestly, it's not that impressive anymore. When I was a child in the '90s, the overlook offered a commanding view, but since then, trees have grown taller to the point that the view below is mostly obscured (https://goo.gl/maps/69GpJXkRXY62).

Unfortunately, I missed Jeff Kitsko's Williamsport meet several years ago (missing a roadgeek meet in my hometown–inexcusable), so I don't know what was included, but as far as roadgeek attractions are concerned, I could mention a some items which may or may not be worth considering.

Near the US 15 overlook, the southern end of Old Montgomery Pike (https://goo.gl/maps/WmFcYL3MgDS2) was barricaded off of US 15 as part of a construction project last year. This was the old alignment of the "west shore"  route when it was PA 404 and when US 15 followed the "east shore"  route over what later became PA 147. As far as I know, it's still possible to access the old route by car by driving further north and then doubling back (https://goo.gl/maps/ZcUrqW3fCvA2). The section between its southern intersection with US 15 and Sylvan Dell Road had been posted one way northbound with Do Not Enter signs posted (https://goo.gl/maps/bAuMChi33rS2) in the southbound direction. Now that the southern access point has been closed off (and no vehicles could be coming northbound from there), I wonder if the signs are still in place.

Also of mild interest are the traces left behind by the former paths of US 15 and 220 through the city (prior to construction of the Susquehanna Beltway). East Third Street seems to just "turn into"  Washington Boulevard (https://goo.gl/maps/jZmEj5SJbby) west of Northway Road as it was the former through alignment of US 220. At Washington Boulevard's intersection with Market Street, Washington's dead end is posted "Stop - Except Right Turn"   (https://goo.gl/maps/nsSHVaQ4wM92)because that right turn was the through movement for US 220. The imbalance of stop signs at the intersection of Market and Hepburn are also vestiges of US 220's path through the city. Likewise, a left lane on Market Street that simply disappears at Sixth Street (https://goo.gl/maps/WqMRqdZPNN32) and an "Opposing Traffic Does Not Stop"  (https://goo.gl/maps/Vp3p2zsduFu) at Hepburn and High are left over from US 15's city route.

The western end of West Fourth Street (https://goo.gl/maps/u9QKarQHpnx) and northern reaches of Lycoming Creek Road (https://goo.gl/maps/r5XScKt9BRF2) are the former routes of US 220 and 15, respectively, out of the city. That's not terribly interesting, but both have that overbuilt and underutilized feel that are characteristics of many bypassed routes. The fact that both are lined with dead or dying businesses amplifies that impression.

It's not as much of a roadgeek attraction per se, but PA 554 from South Williamsport to the ridgetop of Bald Eagle Mountain (https://goo.gl/maps/Byo23FW5AmH2) is a particularly fun twisty drive, and the road is generally empty.

One of the first Clearview signs installed in public (circa 1995) is on I-180 here (https://goo.gl/maps/BRn8rh7DKxF2). Notice that this prototype version is different from the final version–the ascender height is the same as the cap height–and the legend "NEXT RIGHT"  was later covered with the exit number. (I-180's exits were unnumbered in 1995.)

There's a desolate, disused stretch of US 220 here (https://goo.gl/maps/GybdigKX6mP2), but it's a considerable distance from Williamsport.

There's not a tremendous amount of interesting road-related stuff going on in Williamsport right now... a new airport terminal is being built, but that's not road-related. On the other hand, if there's interest in a post-meet dinner, Williamsport has a respectable downtown restaurant scene for a city of its small size.

On the other hand, having the post-meet dinner in Williamsport entails a bit of a drive back for people staying overnight in Selinsgrove (I usually stay in the same locale as the meet since it's convenient in the event of a post-meet dinner).

Quote from: vdeane on March 08, 2018, 08:23:48 PM
On the other hand, having the post-meet dinner in Williamsport entails a bit of a drive back for people staying overnight in Selinsgrove (I usually stay in the same locale as the meet since it's convenient in the event of a post-meet dinner).

Jason will be coming back to Selinsgrove anyway, since the cars are going to be parked at the mall there and he's going to have a van for the additional seating. As for me, it's doubtful that I will get north of I-80, since I have both US 15 and I-180 clinched, and will want to get as far south as I can during daylight hours to set myself up for my drive on Sunday. So the post-meet dinner is out as far as I'm concerned.

I guess I will have to try Rutter's on the trip, if I come, since Cullen is so gung-ho about it being better than Sheetz. Hopefully there will be one along my route, or near my Friday and Saturday night stays (still undecided.)

Since people don't generally carpool to post-meet dinners, I'd assume that we'd return to the mall, then those of us going to dinner would individually drive over to wherever it is.

Somewhere on one of these threads ALPs suggested a restaurant for a post meet dinner but I can't seem to find it, I think it was in the Selinsgrove area which yes we would be heading back to when we wrap up, unlike my last central PA meet this one will be more focused on a closer area (around 20 miles in length) as oppose to 100 miles round trip.  :nod:

Also it sounds like most of you all will be staying in Selinsgrove to Danville which is 15 miles to the east. For those who have not found lodging yet I would definetly look towards Danville, Bloomsburg, Williamsport and even as far away as Harrisburg where Steph and I are staying but with relatives. State Collage may be out do to a very early pre season football game. H.B. as for Rutters, there is one in Port Royal off US 22/322 and PA 75, there is a couple scattered around Harrisburg but a BOAT load of them in my native York County where they got there start and yes Rutters is good and gas reaonsable.

Since I don't live too far (only two hours away), I won't be lodging. I'm still planning to attend the meet.

For those who like scenery: I highly recommend US 22/322 between Harrisburg and State College. It is an amazing drive.

Can't really say much about the area - I don't go north of Harrisburg up US 11/15 that often.

Quote from: jpi on March 08, 2018, 09:59:40 PM
Somewhere on one of these threads ALPs suggested a restaurant for a post meet dinner but I can't seem to find it, I think it was in the Selinsgrove area which yes we would be heading back to when we wrap up, unlike my last central PA meet this one will be more focused on a closer area (around 20 miles in length) as oppose to 100 miles round trip.  :nod:

It was posted on the Facebook event - McGuigan's Public House in Sunbury, I believe.

Quote from: vdeane on March 09, 2018, 12:39:55 PM

Quote from: jpi on March 08, 2018, 09:59:40 PM
Somewhere on one of these threads ALPs suggested a restaurant for a post meet dinner but I can't seem to find it, I think it was in the Selinsgrove area which yes we would be heading back to when we wrap up, unlike my last central PA meet this one will be more focused on a closer area (around 20 miles in length) as oppose to 100 miles round trip.  :nod:

It was posted on the Facebook event - McGuigan's Public House in Sunbury, I believe.

That's right, thanks Val!

Now that the Shreveport road meet is behind it is all about this meet! We are 30 days out, central PA got hit with over a foot of snow the last 2 days so hopefully this will be it and we will not see snow the day of the meet unlike 2 years ago. I will need a final head count by April 15 so I can give Hoss's an accurate head count. More updates coming soon!

I'm definitely in, even if I end up doing less county clinching beforehand. Live too close to miss this one.

I'll be there.  Stay the night in Altoona then Williamsport, and pick up some Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York counties along the way.

This is practically in my back yard, but I'm not certain if I can get the time off from work.  Jason, I'll let you know for certain soon.

Came across another good article in Pennlive.com on the construction progress, the picture shown is close to a viewing area where will be stopping at and may be a back drop for our group photo, speaking of group photo one request I have will be a tripod especially since I don't have one and Stephanie may not be with us on the tour.

http://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/03/causeway_extension_to_allow_co.html

I have a tripod. If I make it to the meet, it will be in my vehicle. Remind me and I'll get it for you.

Oscar usually carries a tripod...is he attending?

Quote from: froggie on March 27, 2018, 12:52:17 PM
Oscar usually carries a tripod...is he attending?

I don't think he is able to make it based on what he said at Shreveport. H.B. thanks for the info, hopefully you can make it, we are getting close to 20 confirmed going at this point.

And I've got a tripod, provided I remember to bring it, LOL.

Quote from: Brandon on March 27, 2018, 01:51:34 PM
And I've got a tripod, provided I remember to bring it, LOL.

Just don't leave it in my car this time.  :-D

I just got in touch with Hoss's we have one of the banquet rooms reserved, I told them around 2 dozen people based on currently 15 attending and 2 dozen maybes so anyone who is a maybe I would like to get a pretty accurate head count by this time next week, this will also give me an idea of how many itinerary's I will need to print up. Thanks again everyone, we are 3 and a half weeks out!  :bigass:

Quote from: jpi on March 27, 2018, 04:06:42 PM
I just got in touch with Hoss's we have one of the banquet rooms reserved, I told them around 2 dozen people based on currently 15 attending and 2 dozen maybes so anyone who is a maybe I would like to get a pretty accurate head count by this time next week, this will also give me an idea of how many itinerary's I will need to print up. Thanks again everyone, we are 3 and a half weeks out!  :bigass:

Meets are always better when we get a room to ourselves, IMO. People aren't as aware about how crazy we are.  :spin:

Quote from: cl94 on March 27, 2018, 04:26:56 PM

Quote from: jpi on March 27, 2018, 04:06:42 PM
I just got in touch with Hoss's we have one of the banquet rooms reserved, I told them around 2 dozen people based on currently 15 attending and 2 dozen maybes so anyone who is a maybe I would like to get a pretty accurate head count by this time next week, this will also give me an idea of how many itinerary's I will need to print up. Thanks again everyone, we are 3 and a half weeks out!  :bigass:

Meets are always better when we get a room to ourselves, IMO. People aren't as aware about how crazy we are.  :spin:

Things weren't too too crazy at the DE service plaza.

I'd been hoping to attend as it's been a while since I've been a meet and I haven't been to that part of PA in about two years, but I ended up with some family plans in another part of PA on that day.

Quote from: cl94 on March 27, 2018, 04:26:56 PM

Quote from: jpi on March 27, 2018, 04:06:42 PM
I just got in touch with Hoss's we have one of the banquet rooms reserved, I told them around 2 dozen people based on currently 15 attending and 2 dozen maybes so anyone who is a maybe I would like to get a pretty accurate head count by this time next week, this will also give me an idea of how many itinerary's I will need to print up. Thanks again everyone, we are 3 and a half weeks out!  :bigass:

Meets are always better when we get a room to ourselves, IMO. People aren't as aware about how crazy we are.  :spin:

The house party was an one time affair.

My attendance is in question now. I had planned to use a sick day on April 19 to have an eye exam in Morehead, then head out from there. I couldn't get an appointment on that day, as the optometrist was booked up. And I had to burn an annual leave day yesterday because of car issues.

Due to a local commitment that just happens to fall on the same Saturday morning as the meet; I will not be able to attend.

It looks like I've got things worked out and will be able to attend. I'm probably going to have to get a room Friday night in Danville, though. I'm not sure why so many motels in the area are either booked up or have wildly inflated prices. I'd think the Shamokin Dam/Lewisburg area would be too far from State College to be impacted by Penn State's spring football game.

Will stay in the Weston/Buckhannon/Elkins area on Thursday night, then drive to Hancock on Friday morning and finish off US 522 in the Keystone State (I need between I-70 and US 22). Once done, I'll figure out what I can explore before I get to my room for Friday night.

I expect to stay somewhere down around Carlisle or Chambersburg Saturday night, then I'm going to finish US 522 in Virginia on Sunday and then make my way west toward (probably) Beckley. I got my optometrist appointment for 3 p.m. Monday in Morehead, so I can use a sick day, but I'll need to get as close to Morehead as I can so I don't have to leave before daylight Monday to get to the 'Head in time for my appointment.

Sounds like there's going to be a big crowd for this one.

We are getting closer and closer to the 2nd big road meet of the year, so far the weather outlook is looking pretty good compared to the unexpected winter blast we had 2 years ago at my last PA meet.

I will be busy working on itineraries this weekend and all set to get a rental mini van to help with car pooling. Also a big favor for those who are "maybe" can we change to going or not going so this way I can get a good head count for Hoss's, thanks guys and looking forward to seeing everyone next Saturday :-)

It's way too early to be making a call about the "weather outlook".  A lot can happen in even 3 days, let alone 9...

Quote from: froggie on April 12, 2018, 10:15:38 PM
It's way too early to be making a call about the "weather outlook".  A lot can happen in even 3 days, let alone 9...

You are right, especially this time of the year in north central PA, I will be watching closely

^^^

Seriously. It's 80 and sunny here today. Supposed to snow on Monday.

Heck, it was forecasted to be 60 here tomorrow just yesterday morning.  12 hours later, and the forecast changed to have a high in the 40s tomorrow morning with the temperature plummeting all day.

Six days left to go!! Here is a copy of the itinerary\ tour route-

CENTRAL SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY ROAD MEET ITINERARY 4/21/18

Depart from Susquehanna Valley Mall, go south on 11/15 to PA 35 exit, turn around and go back north to where we can access the stub end of the by-pass
From by-pass stub, take US 522 south to Airport rd., turn right on to Airport Rd, Airport Rd becomes App Rd, follow App Rd, App Rd then turns into Fisher Rd at Park Rd, continue on Fisher Rd to Park Rd, turn right onto Park Rd, follow Park Rd to Grangers Rd, turn right on to Grangers Rd, this will take us back to US 15 in the area of construction.

Follow US 15 north to County Line Rd, turn right on to County Line Rd and we will stop there and view construction, from there we will continue north on US 15 about a mile, turn right on to Seven Kitchens Rd and follow this to Reits AVE then turn right on to Riveredge Lane, follow Riveredge Ln to River Edge RV camp, this will take us to a good viewing area of the Susquehanna River bridge construction, we may be able to get pretty close to the construction, this is also an area I am considering for a group pic.

From there will head back to US 15 south and proceed to County Line Rd, turn left on to County Line Rd and we will follow this roughly 3 miles to Shikellamy State Park Rd, we will turn left and follow this road into Shikellamy State Park to the overlook and take in the view of Northumberland and surrounding country side along with construction of the expressway in the distance, there is restroom facilities here too and this is another place I am considering a group photo.
From here we will head back to County Line Rd, turn left and this will take us to US 11, turn left on to US 11 north and will follow this into Northumberland, from here we will turn left on to PA 147 North and follow PA 147 north to Ridge Rd, turn right on to Ridge Rd and this will take us to where interchange construction is for the expressway.

From here will continue north on PA 147 to PA 405 north to PA 45 west, we will turn left on to PA 45 west and go across the river into Lewisburg where there is an old bridge we will check out.

If time permits we will head north on US 15 from Lewisburg to a scenic overlook along US 15 that will provide views of Williamsport and surrounding area, then head into downtown Williamsport, from there we will head back towards Shamokin Dam by way of I-180.  A dinner option suggested by Alpert is McGuigan's Public House, address is 266 Market St Sunbury, PA 17801, (570) 286-5002

I hope this all makes sense, we will be starting off traveling the "future right of way" of the southern section that runs behind the mall and some of the shopping areas along 11/15, when we get to the intersection of US 15 and County Line Rd this will mark the beginning of northern section construction that is in full swing,. As always I am open to any and all suggestions, I still have 4 days left to make any modifications but come Friday Steph and I will be on the road travelling from middle TN to Harrisburg, PA. Looking forward to seeing everyone one, we are at just about 2 dozen confirmed going  :bigass:

I had been looking forward to this meet, but I'm regrettably going to have to miss it. My dad's oldest sister died yesterday, and the funeral is Saturday in Elizabethtown.

Quote from: hbelkins on April 16, 2018, 01:00:41 PM
I had been looking forward to this meet, but I'm regrettably going to have to miss it. My dad's oldest sister died yesterday, and the funeral is Saturday in Elizabethtown.

Sorry to hear this, prayers to you and your family  :-(

I'm not sure if you're relying on a Facebook headcount for RSVPs, but barring any unexpected last-minute complications, I'll be there.

Quote from: briantroutman on April 16, 2018, 09:04:09 PM
I'm not sure if you're relying on a Facebook headcount for RSVPs, but barring any unexpected last-minute complications, I'll be there.

I am counting on both Facebook and here, the restaurant called me yesterday to firm things up and yes we will have one of the banquet rooms so we will be away from the rest of their guests, weather is starting to look good, high of 60 and partly sunny so it will be fall like for the region and I will be picking up the rental mini van on Thursday and will be firming things up with that, any more updates I will let you all know :nod:

I assume this will be OK but just wanted to mention: My wife is going out of town unexpectedly to attend a funeral (father of a friend), so I'll have to bring my toddler daughter.

^^ She'll get an early start on roadgeeking like Chris Lokken's daughter.  :sombrero:

Quote from: Brandon on April 19, 2018, 06:50:30 PM
^^ She'll get an early start on roadgeeking like Chris Lokken's daughter.  :sombrero:

We've certainly had a few young kids at meets.

Quote from: briantroutman on April 19, 2018, 05:25:54 PM
I assume this will be OK but just wanted to mention: My wife is going out of town unexpectedly to attend a funeral (father of a friend), so I'll have to bring my toddler daughter.

No Problem, like everyone else said, great way to start them out in the hobby :nod:

Quote from: briantroutman on April 19, 2018, 05:25:54 PM
I assume this will be OK but just wanted to mention: My wife is going out of town unexpectedly to attend a funeral (father of a friend), so I'll have to bring my toddler daughter.

Looks like I'm not the only young person there.

Anyways, I'm updating to let y'all know my brother will be coming along. He's about five years older than me (turns 19 on June 27th).

I had a great time at the meet and enjoyed meeting some of you for the first time as well as seeing some familiar faces from before.

Sorry I missed the last stop–I approached the scenic overlook thinking that the group wouldn't be there...and then caught a glimpse of the group, but too late to turn in. By the time I made it to the next jughandle down the hill, turned around, then turned around again at the jughandle on top of the hill, everyone was gone.

If anyone has the group photo and would like to post a link to it here, I'd appreciate it. I'm not on Facebook, so unfortunately I've missed out on anything that has been shared there since the meet.

Here you go...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newyorkroutes.net%2Fimages%2Fmisc%2Fgroup.JPG&hash=a44f4e65e2d659f25482f19bb8dfc072bdbd2fdf)

Quote from: briantroutman on April 23, 2018, 02:57:57 PM
I had a great time at the meet and enjoyed meeting some of you for the first time as well as seeing some familiar faces from before.

Sorry I missed the last stop–I approached the scenic overlook thinking that the group wouldn't be there...and then caught a glimpse of the group, but too late to turn in. By the time I made it to the next jughandle down the hill, turned around, then turned around again at the jughandle on top of the hill, everyone was gone.

If anyone has the group photo and would like to post a link to it here, I'd appreciate it. I'm not on Facebook, so unfortunately I've missed out on anything that has been shared there since the meet.

Was I the only one who departed before the meet photo?

(and, BTW, it was a good thing I did...as it was, didn't get home until close to 11pm)

Quote from: baugh17 on April 25, 2018, 10:20:57 PM
Here you go...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newyorkroutes.net%2Fimages%2Fmisc%2Fgroup.JPG&hash=a44f4e65e2d659f25482f19bb8dfc072bdbd2fdf)

Stephanie and I made it back from PA fine the other night, for those who attended the Central Susquehanna Valley Road Meet we are very glad you all came out and had a nice time. The weather was great, we had no problems at our stops including the stub end of the Selinsgrove by-pass where we had our group photo.

We had a grand total of 29 people show up for the meet lunch at Hoss's making this the largest meet turn out (lunch portion) since my York, PA based meet in April 2016, getting ever so close to breaking the all time record set by Steve Alpert's Baltimore meet in April 2010.
Attendees came from PA, MD, OH, MA, NJ, NY, GA, IL, VT, TN and even Ontario, Canada

Pictured is the official meet group pic, not pictured but attended lunch is my wife Stephanie Stine Ilyes, Meryl Rose, Adam Froehlig, Brandon Penney and Paul DiGianfrancesco.Also a big shout out to Dan Murphy for bringing the road meet tour to his YouTube channel. I plan on posting re pics from this trip along with my recent Dallas Texas trip.

Again it was great seeing and hanging out with everyone, I am aiming at Spring 2020 for another central PA based meet that will be anchored by the Shrewsbury diverging diamond interchange construction and see the finished Mt Rose Ave interchange and some other items of interest.  :bigass: