For the first time since 2014, the “National Meet” format is returning with this event centered around The City of Brotherly Love, to be hosted by yours truly on Saturday/Sunday August 20-21, 2022. Whether you pass through this area on a regular basis or you’ve never been here before, this city has an impressive amount to see & experience and it’s certainly worth the trip out this way to hang out with your favorite fellow road enthusiasts & content creators and make a mini-vacation out of it all if you choose! As has been the case with past National Meets, you will have the choice of attending either both or one of the two days of tours/gatherings but no matter what you decide, I hope you enjoy your visit and have a memorable experience.
Meet Highlights: (subject to change/elaboration/clarification, either on Day 1 or Day 2)
--- "Day 0" (8/19/22) ---
Introductory Welcome/Meet & Greet POOL PARTY - 6:00 PM, hosted by forum member "jeffandnicole" in West Deptford, NJ
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
--- Day 1 (8/20/22) ---
PRE-MEET EVENT: Schuylkill Banks Riverfront Trail walking tour --- 9:00 AM (bring your own coffee!)
Lunch Location: Miller's Ale House, 2100 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 --- 11:00 AM
Meet Tour Highlights:
Bridges of the Schuylkill River (including Girard Ave, Strawberry Mansion, Falls, and the Roosevelt Twins)
Broad Street/SEPTA overpass on Roosevelt Expressway
I-95/Adams Avenue/Aramingo Avenue Connector construction
Bridges of the Delaware River (including Betsy Ross and Tacony-Palmyra)
Lardner's Point Park (Meet Photo location)
WAWA
“I-95 Revive” construction across NE Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Eastwick neighborhood and it's abandoned street grid
Philadelphia Navy Yard & the Mothball Fleet
Day 1 Post-Meet Ballgame: New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies (7:15 PM ET, Citizens Bank Park)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
--- Day 2 (8/21/22) ---
PRE-MEET EVENT: Manayunk Bridge & Trail walking tour --- 8:00 AM (bring your own coffee!)
Breakfast/Lunch Location: Oregon Diner, 302 W Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148 --- 10:00 AM
Meet Tour Highlights:
Camden, NJ Waterfront (Meet Photo location)
Bridges of the Delaware River (including Ben Franklin and Commodore Barry)
I-295/I-76/NJ 42 “Direct Connect” construction
I-295/NJ 42 “Missing Movements” construction
The Brooklawn Traffic Circle (US 130/NJ 47/CR 551)
WAWA
NJ Route 44 and the Mantua Creek Bridge
NJ Route 324
Chester, PA Waterfront
Fort Mifflin and the PHL Airport Runway 26 Tunnel
Day 2 Post-Meet Event: TBD, depending on level of group interest
"Day 1" Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/408997050713396/?active_tab=discussion (https://www.facebook.com/events/408997050713396/?active_tab=discussion)
"Day 2" Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/331956135645197/?active_tab=about (https://www.facebook.com/events/331956135645197/?active_tab=about)
There were other meets being considered in late August. Did you consult with them before you made your announcement?
That said, there has been precedent for having meets in more than one region on the same weekend or a week apart.
I think the "national meet" term has become a more grandiose way to hype a multi-day meet.
What was the 2014 "national meet?" The only one I can remember being billed as such was one in the Pittsburgh area back around 2007.
The 2015 UP meet was billed as a national meet, if I recall.
Quote from: hbelkins on November 08, 2021, 04:03:28 PM
I think the "national meet" term has become a more grandiose way to hype a multi-day meet.
What was the 2014 "national meet?" The only one I can remember being billed as such was one in the Pittsburgh area back around 2007.
Saint Louis.
I'm very interested! Philadelphia is a city that I've pretty much never spent any time in. For a while, I've been wanting to spend some time exploring it. I'm going to try to attend this one.
Quote from: Brandon on November 08, 2021, 05:45:28 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 08, 2021, 04:03:28 PM
I think the "national meet" term has become a more grandiose way to hype a multi-day meet.
What was the 2014 "national meet?" The only one I can remember being billed as such was one in the Pittsburgh area back around 2007.
Saint Louis.
I thought the New York/New Jersey meet that Steve hosted in 2014 was considered the "national meet" that year.
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on November 08, 2021, 05:51:21 PM
Quote from: Brandon on November 08, 2021, 05:45:28 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on November 08, 2021, 04:03:28 PM
I think the "national meet" term has become a more grandiose way to hype a multi-day meet.
What was the 2014 "national meet?" The only one I can remember being billed as such was one in the Pittsburgh area back around 2007.
Saint Louis.
I thought the New York/New Jersey meet that Steve hosted in 2014 was considered the "national meet" that year.
It was.
STL was "unintentional".
That being said - do not let a meet being scheduled deter another meet being scheduled. If we all waited - meets would not happen. We'd be in Canada ("after you!" No, after you!")🍁
Post meet ideas...
Simeone Foundation Car Museum (visited here, with my uncles, when I was in Philly for the "Golden Spike" meet)
https://simeonemuseum.org/
Neon Museum of Philadelphia (visited here, this summer, the day after the Wilmington Roadmeet)
https://neonmuseumofphiladelphia.com/ (or if you'd like, photos from my visit - https://flic.kr/s/aHsmX1W24K)
Out on the Main Line....
Franklin Maps is still in business - http://www.franklinmaps.com/
PennDot will have finished its most recent "gentrification" of Hanging Rock:
(PennDOT link) https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-6/pages/details.aspx?newsid=6354
(History of "Hanging Rock") https://morethanthecurve.com/the-freedom-valley-chronicles-hanging-rock/
Radnor Trail
It is the former Right-of-way for the Philadelphia & Western Railway. It's significance to roadgeeks is that PennDOT, back in the 1960s & 70s, had proposed to use the abandoned railline as a road between I-476 & US 30. (there are maps of this proposal somewhere in this forum)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radnor_Trail
(It also passes by the house my mom grew up in)
QuotePennDot will have finished its most recent "gentrification" of Hanging Rock:
(PennDOT link) https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-6/pages/details.aspx?newsid=6354
(History of "Hanging Rock") https://morethanthecurve.com/the-freedom-valley-chronicles-hanging-rock/
Thank you for reminding me that I should check this out. Probably whenever US 13 is signed in Chester along PA 291.
I'm looking forward to this meet! It'll be a good way to mark our 9th wedding anniversary weekend!
Quote from: kevinb1994 on November 08, 2021, 07:47:49 PM
Not sure if this has ever been brought up on this forum, but the Chestnut Street Bridge was closed before the pandemic and is still closed as a result of said pandemic. May want to keep this in mind for the planned meet.
EDIT: The bridge is planned to reopen at the end of this year (potentially next month). Not holding my breath, however.
Why would a bridge be closed because of a virus? Was it scheduled for repairs and those repairs were delayed due to personnel or supply issues?
Quote from: Laura on November 09, 2021, 09:46:50 AM
I'm looking forward to this meet! It'll be a good way to mark our 9th wedding anniversary weekend!
Early congratulations!!
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 09, 2021, 02:22:43 PM
Quote from: Laura on November 09, 2021, 09:46:50 AM
I'm looking forward to this meet! It'll be a good way to mark our 9th wedding anniversary weekend!
Early congratulations!!
Yes, congratulations in advance to Mrs. and Mr. MDRoads. God bless.
I'm not going to be there as of this edit.
Count me and my dad in! We have never been to Philly before, so we are pretty excited to go and attend a road meet!
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on November 10, 2021, 10:55:34 PM
Count me and my dad in! We have never been to Philly before, so we are pretty excited to go and attend a road meet!
Awesome. It's the City of Brotherly Love, after all-despite its shortcomings.
I won't be there, by the way.
Will this Road Meet be broadcasted LIVE on YouTube? I really hope it does.
I am definitely interested -- practically in my back yard.
Both days seem great, this would be my first meet if I attend
Quote from: Laura on November 09, 2021, 09:46:50 AM
I'm looking forward to this meet! It'll be a good way to mark our 9th wedding anniversary weekend!
I'm marking myself as a maybe right now as the 21st will be our 11th anniversary and my wife, though she has attended a couple of meets, might not be up for spending our anniversary weekend scoping out roads.
Quote from: earlesryan69 on November 13, 2021, 07:10:38 AM
Will this Road Meet be broadcasted LIVE on YouTube? I really hope it does.
Wilmington wasn't, but roadwaywiz has more hosting experience now, so I suppose he may decide to do one. The reason Wilmington didn't have a stream is because he didn't feel he could host and stream at the same time.
It would be very tough to host and stream because live meets have attendees that aren't all the host's close friends. Don't pressure him
I doubt that a live stream would even be possible/watchable. For those tuning in, it would be like only getting the audio.
I'm definitely interested in this meet. Since it's day-trippable from my location, I expect that I should be able to come regardless of what the coronavirus situation is at the time and whether or not I'm staying in hotels yet.
Full agreement with Alps. He had his hands full with the real meet that he is unable to live stream. I would not be able to do it should I the willpower to stream drives alone.
Quote from: akotchi on November 13, 2021, 09:26:16 AMI am definitely interested -- practically in my back yard.
Took the words right out of my mouth, so to speak.
I've never been to a meet, but this is literally a stone's throw from my house. What are the meets like?
Quote from: J3ebrules on November 16, 2021, 12:49:49 AM
I've never been to a meet, but this is literally a stone's throw from my house. What are the meets like?
What specifically are you inquiring about? A typical meet begins with a sit down lunch at a restaurant that the host chooses. After lunch we will condense into several vehicles to head out to the road tour (this is usually the most confusing part, but don't fret-no one gets left behind) We then do the driving tour as per the host's itinerary, which will include stops at sites that are being showcased. Eventually we make it back to where non drivers left their cars. There's often some evening activity (attendance is optional, some choose to break off, others go out with the group for the evening. Did this answer your question? If not, please be more specific and I'll do my best to answer your question(s).
Quote from: signalman on November 16, 2021, 01:16:22 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on November 16, 2021, 12:49:49 AM
I've never been to a meet, but this is literally a stone's throw from my house. What are the meets like?
What specifically are you inquiring about? A typical meet begins with a sit down lunch at a restaurant that the host chooses. After lunch we will condense into several vehicles to head out to the road tour (this is usually the most confusing part, but don't fret-no one gets left behind) We then do the driving tour as per the host's itinerary, which will include stops at sites that are being showcased. Eventually we make it back to where non drivers left their cars. There's often some evening activity (attendance is optional, some choose to break off, others go out with the group for the evening. Did this answer your question? If not, please be more specific and I'll do my best to answer your question(s).
I will chime in to say that road meets are a lot of fun! Some of us in the roadgeek community have been attending road meets for years now. Each host has their own style of hosting meets, but the format that is described above is a pretty good representation of what road meets are like. Usually the host will prepare a written itinerary and pass it out to the attendees at the beginning of the tour so that everyone can follow along and not worry about getting lost or losing the car in front of them if they are following that way.
One aspect of road meets that's become particularly fun over the years is the social aspect. The more road meets you attend, the better you get to know other folks who share this hobby. Some of the best friendships I've made in my adult years have come from this community. If you have the opportunity to attend one or more road meets, I'd highly recommend it!
Quote from: signalman on November 16, 2021, 01:16:22 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on November 16, 2021, 12:49:49 AM
I've never been to a meet, but this is literally a stone's throw from my house. What are the meets like?
What specifically are you inquiring about? A typical meet begins with a sit down lunch at a restaurant that the host chooses. After lunch we will condense into several vehicles to head out to the road tour (this is usually the most confusing part, but don't fret-no one gets left behind) We then do the driving tour as per the host's itinerary, which will include stops at sites that are being showcased. Eventually we make it back to where non drivers left their cars. There's often some evening activity (attendance is optional, some choose to break off, others go out with the group for the evening. Did this answer your question? If not, please be more specific and I'll do my best to answer your question(s).
Heh. There was a Buffalo meet where the tour got a little messy, but we all managed to meet up again in the end.
Quote from: Rothman on November 16, 2021, 07:58:20 AM
Quote from: signalman on November 16, 2021, 01:16:22 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on November 16, 2021, 12:49:49 AM
I've never been to a meet, but this is literally a stone's throw from my house. What are the meets like?
What specifically are you inquiring about? A typical meet begins with a sit down lunch at a restaurant that the host chooses. After lunch we will condense into several vehicles to head out to the road tour (this is usually the most confusing part, but don't fret-no one gets left behind) We then do the driving tour as per the host's itinerary, which will include stops at sites that are being showcased. Eventually we make it back to where non drivers left their cars. There's often some evening activity (attendance is optional, some choose to break off, others go out with the group for the evening. Did this answer your question? If not, please be more specific and I'll do my best to answer your question(s).
Heh. There was a Buffalo meet where the tour got a little messy, but we all managed to meet up again in the end.
Of course, you always have the St Louis meet. :bigass:
Quote from: Brandon on November 16, 2021, 10:09:24 AM
Quote from: Rothman on November 16, 2021, 07:58:20 AM
Quote from: signalman on November 16, 2021, 01:16:22 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on November 16, 2021, 12:49:49 AM
I've never been to a meet, but this is literally a stone's throw from my house. What are the meets like?
What specifically are you inquiring about? A typical meet begins with a sit down lunch at a restaurant that the host chooses. After lunch we will condense into several vehicles to head out to the road tour (this is usually the most confusing part, but don't fret-no one gets left behind) We then do the driving tour as per the host's itinerary, which will include stops at sites that are being showcased. Eventually we make it back to where non drivers left their cars. There's often some evening activity (attendance is optional, some choose to break off, others go out with the group for the evening. Did this answer your question? If not, please be more specific and I'll do my best to answer your question(s).
Heh. There was a Buffalo meet where the tour got a little messy, but we all managed to meet up again in the end.
Of course, you always have the St Louis meet. :bigass:
Maybe we need a thread on meet disasters? :-D
I'm a big fan of organization with such things, and although I've often taken driving trips where I was just flying by the seat of my pants and didn't have a planned itinerary, other than where I wanted to end up, I like planned events to have -- well, a thought-out plan.
I have attended meets where:
- The route was made up entirely on the fly
- The selected restaurant wasn't open, leading to a scramble to find a suitable place for lunch
- Communication info wasn't exchanged, leading to the trailing vehicle losing track of the others and missing most of the meet because there was no solid itinerary
- The host bailed at the last minute and didn't really provide a plausible reason why (car trouble, illness, death in the family, emergency at home, etc.), leaving a substitute host to try to recreate the meet's plans -- and he did a good job of it
- Participants stood around and talked at the gathering point, leading to a late start to the tour, and thus a late end to the day's schedule
- An unplanned dinner stop at the end of the tour, while people were still grouped up in vehicles, leading to a later-than-planned conclusion
Even the best-laid plans can go awry. I once hosted a meet with a detailed written itinerary, but one car didn't follow those directions and instead took a different route to the next-to-the-last stop.
As mentioned earlier, different hosts have their different styles for producing these events.
Thank you guys! That all absolutely answers my questions! I was honestly just concerned about whether there was a ton of walking involved bc I am disabled, but driving around is perfectly fine!
I'm looking forward to it!
Sometimes tours involve walking (Newburyport is noteworthy for having a stop that had a short hike and then going on a longer hike post-meet), but those are the exception rather than the rule, and it's always been mentioned in the meet thread and/or the tour notes beforehand.
Quote from: J3ebrules on November 16, 2021, 03:38:31 PM
Thank you guys! That all absolutely answers my questions! I was honestly just concerned about whether there was a ton of walking involved bc I am disabled, but driving around is perfectly fine!
I'm looking forward to it!
There is usually a decent amount of walking at some stops. For example, the recent Chicagoland meet involved walking from parking (1/4 mile each way at most) with a downgrade and upgrade. Probably all ADA compliant but worth noting. On meets with more walking, people less able to walk will either go slower, not go as far before turning back, or stay at their car for that stop.
Quote from: Alps on November 16, 2021, 09:54:40 PM
Quote from: J3ebrules on November 16, 2021, 03:38:31 PM
Thank you guys! That all absolutely answers my questions! I was honestly just concerned about whether there was a ton of walking involved bc I am disabled, but driving around is perfectly fine!
I'm looking forward to it!
There is usually a decent amount of walking at some stops. For example, the recent Chicagoland meet involved walking from parking (1/4 mile each way at most) with a downgrade and upgrade. Probably all ADA compliant but worth noting. On meets with more walking, people less able to walk will either go slower, not go as far before turning back, or stay at their car for that stop.
Gotcha. I'll make a mental note to skip a San Francisco meet where you have to walk up insane hills to get anywhere :-D
But that all makes sense.
I appreciate everyone's early interest in this event! I have a few comments to make while I have your attention:
A Facebook event page has been created for this meet and it (if you haven't found it already) can be found HERE (https://www.facebook.com/events/408997050713396). Eventually this FB event page will be split up into two separate pages, one for each day of the meet, but that change is not going to happen for a few months still. Think of the page that exists currently as a general interest page, where I'll post news/pictures/info about the weekend as a whole. There will come a point where I will want to get more specific, but I'll deal with that (literally) next year. In the meantime, questions/comments regarding this event as a whole or on individual sub-topics are welcome to be posted either in this thread or on the FB page.
The opening post of this thread will be updated periodically as new information becomes available, whether it's related to the meet highlights or meal locations, or other pre/post-meet events. (I am looking to do both pre & post-meet events on both days, locations TBD. Maybe also some kind of "Welcome" gathering on the Friday PM before, again, TBD.) If it's something really important, I'll call your attention to it as well in post so everyone is on the same page. Either way, keep an eye on that post as there will definitely be additions/modifications made to it as time goes on. (I've already updated it once this morning with new some additions.)
Judging by a couple of the early comments here, ADA-compliant access to locations/stops throughout this weekend is going to be a necessity; I appreciate this feedback and encourage others to come forward and express their comments/questions/concerns on this sub-topic. You're also welcome to reach out to me privately if there are things you'd rather keep out of public view. Given that I'll be starting to do some serious scouting around Philadelphia County in the near future, this is all very helpful information for me to have.
Finally, speaking of scouting, I'm looking forward to doing a lot of scouting for this meet in the next two months since my holiday season travels will take me through the area anyway. I'm not in a particular hurry to finalize anything, but I would like to get the lay of the land in a number of locations since I already have a pretty good idea of what the weekend is going to look like (thanks to my strong familiarity with the metro area to begin with). I've been in contact with at least one local member of this forum about collaborating when it comes to scouting and keeping up with things around the metro, so it should be fun to see this thing come together in the next few months.
I still need to keep an eye on whenever the US 13 realignment is signed in Chester. Of course, the last time I saw any footage in that area was when you Live Drive to Maryland in August followed PA 291.
Quote from: vdeane on November 13, 2021, 09:06:26 PM
Quote from: earlesryan69 on November 13, 2021, 07:10:38 AM
Will this Road Meet be broadcasted LIVE on YouTube? I really hope it does.
Wilmington wasn't, but roadwaywiz has more hosting experience now, so I suppose he may decide to do one. The reason Wilmington didn't have a stream is because he didn't feel he could host and stream at the same time.
There was supposed to be a video of the driving tour of the Wilmington meet that was going to be uploaded like the wiz's other beloved material. Sadly, we were having technical difficulties on the day of the meet and video footage was compromised.
Quote from: signalman on November 17, 2021, 08:24:49 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 13, 2021, 09:06:26 PM
Quote from: earlesryan69 on November 13, 2021, 07:10:38 AM
Will this Road Meet be broadcasted LIVE on YouTube? I really hope it does.
Wilmington wasn't, but roadwaywiz has more hosting experience now, so I suppose he may decide to do one. The reason Wilmington didn't have a stream is because he didn't feel he could host and stream at the same time.
There was supposed to be a video of the driving tour of the Wilmington meet that was going to be uploaded like the wiz's other beloved material. Sadly, we were having technical difficulties on the day of the meet and video footage was compromised.
Oh yeah, I forgot about that. Still, I think earlesryan69 was talking about something more like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWgCsLIliVk
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 17, 2021, 12:50:00 PM
I still need to keep an eye on whenever the US 13 realignment is signed in Chester. Of course, the last time I saw any footage in that area was when you Live Drive to Maryland in August followed PA 291.
I drove it at the end of August and nothing had changed yet. Will be interested in when it finally does.
Quote from: signalman on November 17, 2021, 08:24:49 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 13, 2021, 09:06:26 PM
Quote from: earlesryan69 on November 13, 2021, 07:10:38 AM
Will this Road Meet be broadcasted LIVE on YouTube? I really hope it does.
Wilmington wasn't, but roadwaywiz has more hosting experience now, so I suppose he may decide to do one. The reason Wilmington didn't have a stream is because he didn't feel he could host and stream at the same time.
There was supposed to be a video of the driving tour of the Wilmington meet that was going to be uploaded like the wiz's other beloved material. Sadly, we were having technical difficulties on the day of the meet and video footage was compromised.
A couple of us were having more difficulties being technical than others :|
Quote from: Alps on November 17, 2021, 11:01:29 PM
Quote from: signalman on November 17, 2021, 08:24:49 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 13, 2021, 09:06:26 PM
Quote from: earlesryan69 on November 13, 2021, 07:10:38 AM
Will this Road Meet be broadcasted LIVE on YouTube? I really hope it does.
Wilmington wasn't, but roadwaywiz has more hosting experience now, so I suppose he may decide to do one. The reason Wilmington didn't have a stream is because he didn't feel he could host and stream at the same time.
There was supposed to be a video of the driving tour of the Wilmington meet that was going to be uploaded like the wiz's other beloved material. Sadly, we were having technical difficulties on the day of the meet and video footage was compromised.
A couple of us were having more difficulties being technical than others :|
We don't all have the same educational background or proper fortitude 😐
Quote from: signalman on November 17, 2021, 11:22:48 PM
Quote from: Alps on November 17, 2021, 11:01:29 PM
Quote from: signalman on November 17, 2021, 08:24:49 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 13, 2021, 09:06:26 PM
Quote from: earlesryan69 on November 13, 2021, 07:10:38 AM
Will this Road Meet be broadcasted LIVE on YouTube? I really hope it does.
Wilmington wasn't, but roadwaywiz has more hosting experience now, so I suppose he may decide to do one. The reason Wilmington didn't have a stream is because he didn't feel he could host and stream at the same time.
There was supposed to be a video of the driving tour of the Wilmington meet that was going to be uploaded like the wiz's other beloved material. Sadly, we were having technical difficulties on the day of the meet and video footage was compromised.
A couple of us were having more difficulties being technical than others :|
We don't all have the same educational background or proper fortitude 😐
I think the two of us were the most difficult
Quote from: Alps on November 18, 2021, 07:45:05 PM
I think the two of us were the most difficult
Accurate
One to think about, since I'm in Wilmington now and my father and stepmother live in Philadelphia so I could spend a night with them in a pinch. (There's no good place to park there, though.) The 20th is my wife's and my 18th anniversary, though.
Quote from: elsmere241 on February 16, 2022, 11:51:54 PM
One to think about, since I'm in Wilmington now and my father and stepmother live in Philadelphia so I could spend a night with them in a pinch. (There's no good place to park there, though.) The 20th is my wife's and my 18th anniversary, though.
If one chooses to attend, attendance at both days is not required.
Quote from: signalman on February 17, 2022, 07:41:04 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on February 16, 2022, 11:51:54 PM
One to think about, since I'm in Wilmington now and my father and stepmother live in Philadelphia so I could spend a night with them in a pinch. (There's no good place to park there, though.) The 20th is my wife's and my 18th anniversary, though.
If one chooses to attend, attendance at both days is not required.
I like the idea of mandated and required attendance at meet-ups.
Quote from: Rothman on February 17, 2022, 07:50:54 AM
Quote from: signalman on February 17, 2022, 07:41:04 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on February 16, 2022, 11:51:54 PM
One to think about, since I'm in Wilmington now and my father and stepmother live in Philadelphia so I could spend a night with them in a pinch. (There's no good place to park there, though.) The 20th is my wife's and my 18th anniversary, though.
If one chooses to attend, attendance at both days is not required.
I like the idea of mandated and required attendance at meet-ups.
Time to ban attendance mandates. :bigass:
Quote from: Rothman on February 17, 2022, 07:50:54 AM
Quote from: signalman on February 17, 2022, 07:41:04 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on February 16, 2022, 11:51:54 PM
One to think about, since I'm in Wilmington now and my father and stepmother live in Philadelphia so I could spend a night with them in a pinch. (There's no good place to park there, though.) The 20th is my wife's and my 18th anniversary, though.
If one chooses to attend, attendance at both days is not required.
I like the idea of mandated and required attendance at meet-ups.
We try not to discriminate.
Quote from: Rothman on February 17, 2022, 07:50:54 AM
Quote from: signalman on February 17, 2022, 07:41:04 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on February 16, 2022, 11:51:54 PM
One to think about, since I'm in Wilmington now and my father and stepmother live in Philadelphia so I could spend a night with them in a pinch. (There's no good place to park there, though.) The 20th is my wife's and my 18th anniversary, though.
If one chooses to attend, attendance at both days is not required.
I like the idea of mandated and required attendance at meet-ups.
Like jury summons, but for a road meet? :D
Quote from: Rothman on February 17, 2022, 07:50:54 AM
Quote from: signalman on February 17, 2022, 07:41:04 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on February 16, 2022, 11:51:54 PM
One to think about, since I'm in Wilmington now and my father and stepmother live in Philadelphia so I could spend a night with them in a pinch. (There's no good place to park there, though.) The 20th is my wife's and my 18th anniversary, though.
If one chooses to attend, attendance at both days is not required.
I like the idea of mandated and required attendance at meet-ups.
With a dress code.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 22, 2022, 04:44:07 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 17, 2022, 07:50:54 AM
Quote from: signalman on February 17, 2022, 07:41:04 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on February 16, 2022, 11:51:54 PM
One to think about, since I'm in Wilmington now and my father and stepmother live in Philadelphia so I could spend a night with them in a pinch. (There's no good place to park there, though.) The 20th is my wife's and my 18th anniversary, though.
If one chooses to attend, attendance at both days is not required.
I like the idea of mandated and required attendance at meet-ups.
With a dress code.
Codes on all dresses?
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 23, 2022, 08:33:57 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 22, 2022, 04:44:07 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 17, 2022, 07:50:54 AM
Quote from: signalman on February 17, 2022, 07:41:04 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on February 16, 2022, 11:51:54 PM
One to think about, since I'm in Wilmington now and my father and stepmother live in Philadelphia so I could spend a night with them in a pinch. (There's no good place to park there, though.) The 20th is my wife's and my 18th anniversary, though.
If one chooses to attend, attendance at both days is not required.
I like the idea of mandated and required attendance at meet-ups.
With a dress code.
Codes on all dresses?
Are markup languages OK or do they have to be procedural?
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 27, 2022, 11:29:51 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 23, 2022, 08:33:57 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 22, 2022, 04:44:07 PM
Quote from: Rothman on February 17, 2022, 07:50:54 AM
Quote from: signalman on February 17, 2022, 07:41:04 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on February 16, 2022, 11:51:54 PM
One to think about, since I'm in Wilmington now and my father and stepmother live in Philadelphia so I could spend a night with them in a pinch. (There's no good place to park there, though.) The 20th is my wife's and my 18th anniversary, though.
If one chooses to attend, attendance at both days is not required.
I like the idea of mandated and required attendance at meet-ups.
With a dress code.
Codes on all dresses?
Are markup languages OK or do they have to be procedural?
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it must be a duck!
Hi folks! I wanted to chime in here with a quick update now that we're emerging from Winter around here.
This past weekend, I took advantage of the good weather and did a good amount of scouting for this event. A lot is now coming into focus, including potential Meet Photo locations, Lunch locations for both days, and some of the landmarks I hope to incorporate into the official Meet & Pre-Meet tours. I expect to do a couple more rounds of scouting between now and Memorial Day — those future rounds should enable me to start finalizing things for Meet weekend.
On or around May 1, the main Facebook event page will be "split" into separate "Day 1" and "Day 2" event pages. This will be a good way to approximate the number of attendees per day and allow each day to become more distinct as far as the overall discussion of the weekend is concerned.
To view the original (and still current) Facebook page for this event, follow the link as follows:
https://www.facebook.com/events/408997050713396/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_event%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark_calendar%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
Finally, with the resolution of the MLB Lockout and the resumption of the planned baseball season, the Day 1 Post-Meet event involving the Phillies/Mets ballgame is no longer in any sort of jeopardy. One small development is that this particular game has been flexed to the FOX Saturday Night time slot, with the game now set to start at 7:15 ET, instead of the 6:05 ET original start time. This is a positive development for us, b/c it enables the day's driving tour to last a little longer than originally thought, and/or it would provide folks with more time to reach the ballpark prior to the start of the game.
More announcements/news still to come. Questions/comments/concerns welcome in the meantime.
My time off from work has been approved... so at this point, I am planning on attending. I'll only attend the first day of the meet. I'm looking forward to exploring Philadelphia for the first time.
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on March 29, 2022, 05:24:36 PM
My time off from work has been approved... so at this point, I am planning on attending. I'll only attend the first day of the meet. I'm looking forward to exploring Philadelphia for the first time.
Gotta hope that the circle *cough*
square at Market and Broad is not closed.
Also watch out for those cars in the median. They won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 29, 2022, 07:53:16 PM
Gotta hope that the circle *cough* square at Market and Broad is not closed.
Is it supposed to be closed?
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 29, 2022, 07:53:16 PM
Also watch out for those cars in the median. They won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Can you please explain?
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on March 29, 2022, 08:16:27 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 29, 2022, 07:53:16 PM
Gotta hope that the circle *cough* square at Market and Broad is not closed.
Is it supposed to be closed?
Quote from: SSOWorld on March 29, 2022, 07:53:16 PM
Also watch out for those cars in the median. They won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Can you please explain?
I've never seen the area around City Hall closed unless there's a parade in that area.
Cars in the median: The center median is commonly used for parking. The only time they absolutely restrict it is when there's said parade, snow, or a very special event (ie: Pope is in town). https://goo.gl/maps/6TTJgeruicWAJ2cq7
Yea it's rare that the square is closed. I just happened upon said closure on the 2nd of January.
Quote from: Alex on November 17, 2021, 10:20:25 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 17, 2021, 12:50:00 PM
I still need to keep an eye on whenever the US 13 realignment is signed in Chester. Of course, the last time I saw any footage in that area was when you Live Drive to Maryland in August followed PA 291.
I drove it at the end of August and nothing had changed yet. Will be interested in when it finally does.
Update regarding the above: There are now dual US 13/PA 291 reassurance markers through Chester along 2nd St. & 4th St.; at least from the Commodore Barry Bridge (US 322) interchange to the Morton Ave. intersection. No changes to any of the major signs (BGS') as of yet.
Quote from: PHLBOS on April 01, 2022, 10:03:36 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 17, 2021, 10:20:25 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 17, 2021, 12:50:00 PM
I still need to keep an eye on whenever the US 13 realignment is signed in Chester. Of course, the last time I saw any footage in that area was when you Live Drive to Maryland in August followed PA 291.
I drove it at the end of August and nothing had changed yet. Will be interested in when it finally does.
Update regarding the above: There are now dual US 13/PA 291 reassurance markers through Chester along 2nd St. & 4th St.; at least from the Commodore Barry Bridge (US 322) interchange to the Morton Ave. intersection. No changes to any of the major signs (BGS') as of yet.
That happened about two months ago. I did not think to post it here. I doubt that the DRPA has any incentive to update the BGSs honestly.
I am going to this event, the all the vacation paperwork is signed and I have my airline tickets.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on April 06, 2022, 03:39:13 PM
I am going to this event, the all the vacation paperwork is signed and I have my airline tickets.
Time to meet you.
August is a ways away.
Oh Philly. 8 hours away! Seems close enough, although it seems like based on the people who have posted here, I'm an outlier in age. In addition, I don't even know if hotels allow 18-year-olds? But seems interesting
Quote from: andrepoiy on April 14, 2022, 11:20:23 PM
Oh Philly. 8 hours away! Seems close enough, although it seems like based on the people who have posted here, I'm an outlier in age. In addition, I don't even know if hotels allow 18-year-olds? But seems interesting
For the most part, many hotels don't check ID if you're a member of their rewards program. But outside of that, just call and confirm they permit 18 year olds to make a reservation.
Quote from: andrepoiy on April 14, 2022, 11:20:23 PM
Oh Philly. 8 hours away! Seems close enough, although it seems like based on the people who have posted here, I'm an outlier in age. In addition, I don't even know if hotels allow 18-year-olds? But seems interesting
Have almost never had that issue. Rental cars will check for age sometimes but hotels never have in my experience
Is that even a thing with hotels? Nobody ever seemed to care other than I had money when I was checking into hotels when I was 18.
I do believe at least some hotels require you to be at least 21 to make a reservation, but like someone else said, you might need to call the hotel in advance to ask if 18-year-olds can reserve a room there.
As far as the road meet itself is concerned, yes... you are younger than most attendees, but you'd still be welcome to attend.
I had an experience in 2002 where a hotel in Durant, OK, didn't accept my reservation because I was under 21. Ended up having to drive south to Sherman, TX, to get a room.
Advice from someone who has since worked in hotels for 17 years: I would advise calling ahead to check. Some hotels are stricter about the age limit than others.
That seems incredibly odd to me. Why would it possibly matter if you were 18 or 21 so long as your money is good? It's not like you are going to drink the room or something. I would probably say there is much difference in risk between lodging an 18 year old versus someone who is 21.
18-year-olds can go to work, go to college, be in the military, get married and go on honeymoons, and all sorts of other things that adults can do. It makes no sense to me that they would not be allowed to get a hotel room if they were traveling.
Now, I can understand if they're a local looking for a place to party or entertain a sexual partner -- and indeed, one place where I stayed in Elizabeth City, NC, many years ago would not rent to residents of that or some nearby counties -- but if you're from Ohio and you're driving through Georgia, you should be able to rent a room for the night and not be expected to sleep in your car in a Walmart parking lot.
Haha yeah
I am also somewhat concerned that due to my age, that I might not exactly have common dialogue with other participants?
Quote from: andrepoiy on April 15, 2022, 08:37:30 PM
I am also somewhat concerned that due to my age, that I might not exactly have common dialogue with other participants?
Your concern is understandable... but the common dialogue you would have with the other attendees is your/our enthusiasm for roads and highways! That, among other things, is what brings us together when we attend road meets. :)
Quote from: andrepoiy on April 15, 2022, 08:37:30 PM
Haha yeah
I am also somewhat concerned that due to my age, that I might not exactly have common dialogue with other participants?
Up to you. If you wanna talk about roads, you'll find roads people. If you wanna talk about life, you'll find life people. Sports, women/men/romance in general, what's college like, future careers, anything you ever wanna talk about... dude, just show up and join us!
Quote from: andrepoiy on April 15, 2022, 08:37:30 PM
Haha yeah
I am also somewhat concerned that due to my age, that I might not exactly have common dialogue with other participants?
Attendees generally run the gamut from college age to retirement age and everything in between. You'd be at the younger end, but you would not by any means be the first in that age bracket to attend a meet. In fact, while I wasn't there at the time, I think that there was once someone 11 years old who came to a meet once.
Quote from: okroads on April 15, 2022, 01:04:36 PM
I had an experience in 2002 where a hotel in Durant, OK, didn't accept my reservation because I was under 21. Ended up having to drive south to Sherman, TX, to get a room.
Advice from someone who has since worked in hotels for 17 years: I would advise calling ahead to check. Some hotels are stricter about the age limit than others.
When young, sign up for hotel loyalty clubs... make your reservations through the apps, and age will never come up... especially if the room is secured by a credit card already.
Nowadays, with accounts with IHG, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton, Hyatt... and even Best Western, Choice.. .and as a backup Hotels.com, you can pretty reserve anything everywhere...
As long as you have a credit card, you be fine.
Quote from: sturmde on April 16, 2022, 01:05:21 PM
Quote from: okroads on April 15, 2022, 01:04:36 PM
I had an experience in 2002 where a hotel in Durant, OK, didn't accept my reservation because I was under 21. Ended up having to drive south to Sherman, TX, to get a room.
Advice from someone who has since worked in hotels for 17 years: I would advise calling ahead to check. Some hotels are stricter about the age limit than others.
When young, sign up for hotel loyalty clubs... make your reservations through the apps, and age will never come up... especially if the room is secured by a credit card already.
Nowadays, with accounts with IHG, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton, Hyatt... and even Best Western, Choice.. .and as a backup Hotels.com, you can pretty reserve anything everywhere...
This was back in 2002 when I had that issue. There were no smartphones or apps at that time and rewards programs were not as easily signed up for as they are now (I don't know if this brand even had a rewards program at that time). My reservation was guaranteed with a Visa debit card, and was still turned away, even though I was solo and just needed a place to stay while on a short trip.
For present times, I agree; it's easier to be able to book a reservation, or even use a form of digital key using a smartphone with a Hilton or Marriott brand, and skip the front desk entirely. <- This reflects my personal opinion and not that of any current, past, or future employer.
Back to topic... I don't expect to be able to make this meet, but maybe things will change in my life for the better between now and then.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on April 11, 2022, 04:57:22 PM
Just a heads up that Philly is going to require masks indoors again, as per a CNN report. I was kinda expecting this, though.
Didn't the mask requirement just get repealed again?
I am planning to finish my Philadelphia clinching tomorrow ironically enough.
I can confirm that I will be going (sorry, folks), but just to Day 1 and the ballgame. At least with Choice Hotels, I found that most of the hotels are running over $100/night, but that makes sense given it's a weekend in the summer around a major city. I wound up booking a room at around that price point of $100. Just some food for thought.
Quote from: Dougtone on May 02, 2022, 08:49:12 AM
I can confirm that I will be going (sorry, folks), but just to Day 1 and the ballgame. At least with Choice Hotels, I found that most of the hotels are running over $100/night, but that makes sense given it's a weekend in the summer around a major city. I wound up booking a room at around that price point of $100. Just some food for thought.
Personally, that's a great deal if you're anywhere in or very close to the city!
I mean to mention that as of April 23rd there are still a few error US 611 shields (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.978674,-75.1578029,3a,25.7y,257.96h,93.85t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1skJO2I9USLBdYz8gMot4nGQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DkJO2I9USLBdYz8gMot4nGQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D276.29752%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192) on the streetblades along PA 611 between I-676 and US 1.
I most likely will only be going to Day 1 as well.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on November 09, 2021, 06:52:40 AM
QuotePennDot will have finished its most recent "gentrification" of Hanging Rock:
(PennDOT link) https://www.penndot.gov/regionaloffices/district-6/pages/details.aspx?newsid=6354
(History of "Hanging Rock") https://morethanthecurve.com/the-freedom-valley-chronicles-hanging-rock/
Thank you for reminding me that I should check this out. Probably whenever US 13 is signed in Chester along PA 291.
As of this morning, the 511 PA Website shows the reopening of PA 320 here being pushed back to June 10th.
As we are now about 100 days from Meet Weekend (YAY), I've updated the weekend's iteniary to reflect more of the specifics as far as the weekend is concerned. These details are viewable on the introductory post at the top of this thread, but are also reproduced below:
Meet Highlights: (subject to change/elaboration/clarification, either on Day 1 or Day 2)
--- "Day 0" (8/19/22) ---
Introductory Welcome/Meet & Greet POOL PARTY - 6:00 PM, hosted by forum member "jeffandnicole" in West Deptford, NJ
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
--- Day 1 (8/20/22) ---
PRE-MEET EVENT: Schuylkill Banks Riverfront Trail walking tour --- 9:00 AM (bring your own coffee!)
Lunch Location: Miller's Ale House, 2100 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19148 --- 11:00 AM
Meet Tour Highlights:
Bridges of the Schuylkill River (including Girard Ave, Strawberry Mansion, Falls, and the Roosevelt Twins)
Roosevelt Boulevard button-copy sign gallery
I-95/Adams Avenue/Aramingo Avenue Connector construction
Bridges of the Delaware River (including Betsy Ross, and Tacony-Palmyra)
Lardner's Point Park
"I-95 Revive" construction across NE Philadelphia
Philadelphia Navy Yard & the Mothball Fleet
Day 1 Post-Meet Ballgame: New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies (7:15 PM ET, Citizens Bank Park)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
--- Day 2 (8/21/22) ---
PRE-MEET EVENT: Manayunk Bridge & Trail walking tour --- 8:00 AM (bring your own coffee!)
Breakfast/Lunch Location: Oregon Diner, 302 W Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148 --- 10:00 AM
Meet Tour Highlights:
Bridges of the Delaware River (including Ben Franklin, Commodore Barry, and Walt Whitman)
I-295/I-76/NJ 42 "Direct Connect" construction
I-295/NJ 42 "Missing Movements" construction
The Brooklawn Traffic Circle (US 130/NJ 47/CR 551)
NJ Route 44 and the Mantua Creek Bridge
NJ Route 324
"NJ 76C" and the "Camden Inner Loop"
Day 2 Post-Meet Event: TBD
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As I mentioned before, the general Facebook event page for this weekend has been split into two separate ones for each day of the weekend. Please take some time to familiarize yourselves with them at the following links:
Day 1: https://www.facebook.com/events/408997050713396?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
Day 2: https://www.facebook.com/events/331956135645197?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D%2C%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22left_rail%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D%2C%7B%22extra_data%22%3A%22%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_event%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark_calendar%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
Other than the lunch locations (for both days) and the Day 1 post-meet baseball event, I'd like to call your attention especially to the Friday evening "Pool Party" event that our gracious host "jeffandnicole" has offered to hold as a Welcome/Kickoff Event for the weekend. It'll be held at his house in West Deptford, NJ, a short drive from the Walt Whitman Bridge and South Philadelphia and he is welcome to chime in with more information about the event. (his house, his rules, folks)
As you can see, there will also be morning "Pre-Meet" events both Saturday & Sunday that will involve walking tours of a couple bridge-themed pedestrian trails (both of which are ADA-accessible). The Saturday event will focus on the bridges of the Schuylkill River in Center City, the Sunday event will highlight the Manayunk Railroad Bridge and its recent conversion for pedestrian use.
Really excited to see that this weekend is really coming together. Come on out and let's make this the biggest single weekend road enthusiast event in a long time!
ICWYDT! Putting the bridges on day 2 :|
Quote from: SSOWorld on May 03, 2022, 08:02:12 PM
ICWYDT! Putting the bridges on day 2 :|
And day 1 :|
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on May 03, 2022, 04:19:05 PM
Other than the lunch locations (for both days) and the Day 1 post-meet baseball event, I'd like to call your attention especially to the Friday evening "Pool Party" event that our gracious host "jeffandnicole" has offered to hold as a Welcome/Kickoff Event for the weekend. It'll be held at his house in West Deptford, NJ, a short drive from the Walt Whitman Bridge and South Philadelphia and he is welcome to chime in with more information about the event. (his house, his rules, folks)
Thank you Dan!
For those arriving Friday or before, or of course already live in the area, my wife and I will gladly host anyone who would like to come over, swim, throw some horseshoes, and enjoy an evening in a relaxed environment. We are located just outside of Philly; generally 10 - 20 minutes depending on which bridge you cross and the exact route you take. It'll be a Friday late afternoon/evening, so add in additional time as you will experience some of the "Down the Shore" traffic congestion that's part of the area's normal rush hour routine as well!
The very preliminary plan is we'll provide the food; you provide your drinks. We'll figure out the menu as we get closer but will try to provide various options for you to enjoy. Feel free to use the party as an opportunely to meet and greet, discuss and exchange signs and maps, or whatever else suits your fancy.
I'll provide more details later as the meet approaches, but wanted to let you all know if you are making your travel plans, keep Friday night open if you'll like to come on over!
Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 06, 2022, 01:11:51 PM
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on May 03, 2022, 04:19:05 PM
Other than the lunch locations (for both days) and the Day 1 post-meet baseball event, I'd like to call your attention especially to the Friday evening "Pool Party" event that our gracious host "jeffandnicole" has offered to hold as a Welcome/Kickoff Event for the weekend. It'll be held at his house in West Deptford, NJ, a short drive from the Walt Whitman Bridge and South Philadelphia and he is welcome to chime in with more information about the event. (his house, his rules, folks)
Thank you Dan!
For those arriving Friday or before, or of course already live in the area, my wife and I will gladly host anyone who would like to come over, swim, throw some horseshoes, and enjoy an evening in a relaxed environment. We are located just outside of Philly; generally 10 - 20 minutes depending on which bridge you cross and the exact route you take. It'll be a Friday late afternoon/evening, so add in additional time as you will experience some of the "Down the Shore" traffic congestion that's part of the area's normal rush hour routine as well!
The very preliminary plan is we'll provide the food; you provide your drinks. We'll figure out the menu as we get closer but will try to provide various options for you to enjoy. Feel free to use the party as an opportunely to meet and greet, discuss and exchange signs and maps, or whatever else suits your fancy.
I'll provide more details later as the meet approaches, but wanted to let you all know if you are making your travel plans, keep Friday night open if you'll like to come on over!
I plan to come over Friday night - my attendance Saturday morning/lunch will depend on whether anyone's willing to host my sleep :-D Busy Saturday but plan to be at the game that night and possibly Sunday morning/lunch... same question as Friday!
In addition to Jeff's pool party, something else I'd like to call your attention to as we're just about 100 days away from Meet Weekend:
As part of the overall preparation for Meet Weekend in August, my team of panelists and I will be presenting a two-part *live* Webinar series event on YouTube to serve as an introduction to the Philadelphia metro area for long-time viewers and/or folks interested in joining us in August in-person. Whether you are completely new to the Delaware Valley or you're a long-time enthusiast in search of a quick refresher, this series will be all-encompassing and will feature content related to all of the landmarks/roads/projects you can expect to see over the course of Meet Weekend.
The "Part 1" presentation will focus on Philadelphia County and the Pennsylvania suburbs and will be broadcast *live* on the 'roadwaywiz' YouTube channel on Saturday 5/21 at 6 PM ET at the link below:
The "Part 2" presentation will focus on New Jersey suburbs of the Delaware Valley region and will be broadcast *live* on the 'roadwaywiz' YouTube channel on Saturday 7/9 at 6 PM ET at the link below:
We're excited to be able to bring this series to you and hope you folks can tune in and join us!
Quote from: kevinb1994 on May 08, 2022, 11:29:48 AM
I'm definitely interested in Part 2-Camden in particular needs a lot of TLC. I'm also particularly familiar with the 42 Freeway, as I used to drive that to community college in nearby Blackwood (though the campus is actually in Gloucester Township).
As far as this section goes, there's a planned bid later this year for a 'Pavement Preservation' project for Rt. 42 between Rt. 55 and the ACX.
Per NJDOT's 6 month planned advertisement list:
QuoteProject Name : Rt 42, Rt 168 (Black Horse Pike/AC Expressway) to Rt 55
Project Identifier : UPC No : 213090
Project Type : Pavement
Description : Pavement Preservation - HPTO
Proposed Advertised Month : June, 2022
Location
County : Camden, Gloucester
Municipality : Deptford Twp, Gloucester Twp, Washington Twp
Limits : NJ42: 6.22:12.57, NJ42: 6.33:12.57
Estimate Range : $10,000,001.00 - $20,000,000.00
Note: NJDOT left out which direction is North and South in the above limits.
When it's said and done, after this project goes out, there will be *at least*
5 active projects along the North-South Freeway Corridor between the AC Expressway and Walt Whitman Bridge! And this doesn't include 1 to 3 other upcoming projects related to the corridor scheduled to go out to bid within the next year or so!
I'm getting really excited about this meet as we are now 100 days from the Friday night pool party!!!!
As for hotels, yes I've encountered age restrictions before in Ocean City, MD. A lot of places refuse to rent to young adults under 21 (and even under 25) because they don't want to deal with the senior week crowds and college parties. When I went with friends under 21 you basically had to know someone who had a condo who was willing to rent to you.
Also, if you're 18, you won't be the youngest person at the meet! My 3 year old will be there :)
Omgomgomg I'm so excited!! I can't believe this meet will be practically in my backyard!!
A quick reminder that this weekend will feature the first of two special "Meet Preview" *live* webinars that will profile the Philadelphia metro area in preparation for Meet Weekend in August. These presentations will be hosted by yours truly and will feature contributions from folks across the AARoads Forum spectrum, many of whom will be in attendance for portions/all of the weekend itself.
This "Part 1" presentation will focus on Philadelphia County and the Pennsylvania suburbs and will be broadcast *live* on the 'roadwaywiz' YouTube channel on Saturday 5/21 at 6 PM ET. Whether you're a newcomer to Philly metro, or in need of a quick refresher course, we hope you can join us!
Link to YouTube Webinar:
I might have to show up to this. Might. Usually I eat and run.
Greetings fellow roads scholars,
As we're now inside two months to go before Meet Weekend, I would like to start to encourage folks to decide their attendance status for either day of the weekend more definitively - this will be very helpful to me as I keep in touch with the restaurant venues for each day. It will also help me approximate how many vehicles to expect on each day's tour. As we are going to be in an urban environment on all of Day 1 and most of Day 2, the parking situation at each stop has to especially be taken into account on my end. You can do all of this via the Facebook event pages; I recognize that some of you who read this may not have Facebook accounts, so you're free to use any other method if you fall in this category.
I've been very quiet lately regarding how the Phillies/Mets game after Day 1 is going to be handled tickets-wise, but that will not be the case much longer. I will have further information on what interested folks need to do for that in the coming days (after I return from an upcoming long weekend trip). (I do not want to give out instructions until I have everything game-related lined up beforehand.)
Finally, you may notice that the initial post at the top of the meet thread has been modified once again to reflect (what I believe will be) the final list of highlights and tour stops for both days. Meet iteniaries for both days will be written over the next 6 weeks and should be made available to everyone in early August.
As always, questions & comments are welcome in all locations where contact with me can be made. Enjoy your summer, folks!
Dan, Jessica and I are for sure on Day 1. We are going to go see my cousin out in Toms River on Sunday.
I intend to be there both days, but not for the ballgame.
Quote from: J3ebrules on July 01, 2022, 11:47:47 PM
I intend to be there both days, but not for the ballgame.
then no one will be buying you some peanuts or cracker jack
Quote from: Alps on July 02, 2022, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on July 01, 2022, 11:47:47 PM
I intend to be there both days, but not for the ballgame.
then no one will be buying you some peanuts or cracker jack
at least we don't have to care if he ever gets back
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 02, 2022, 08:23:18 PM
Quote from: Alps on July 02, 2022, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on July 01, 2022, 11:47:47 PM
I intend to be there both days, but not for the ballgame.
then no one will be buying you some peanuts or cracker jack
at least we don't have to care if he ever gets back
And he won't be root, root, rooting for the home team. Although in fairness, neither will I, because I'm already a fan of their opponents for that game.
Quote from: Dougtone on July 02, 2022, 08:46:23 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 02, 2022, 08:23:18 PM
Quote from: Alps on July 02, 2022, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on July 01, 2022, 11:47:47 PM
I intend to be there both days, but not for the ballgame.
then no one will be buying you some peanuts or cracker jack
at least we don't have to care if he ever gets back
And he won't be root, root, rooting for the home team. Although in fairness, neither will I, because I'm already a fan of their opponents for that game.
The bigger question for me is whether it is safe for me to even be there as a Braves fan. I hear that the Phillies fans are crazy.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 02, 2022, 09:31:40 PM
Quote from: Dougtone on July 02, 2022, 08:46:23 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 02, 2022, 08:23:18 PM
Quote from: Alps on July 02, 2022, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on July 01, 2022, 11:47:47 PM
I intend to be there both days, but not for the ballgame.
then no one will be buying you some peanuts or cracker jack
at least we don't have to care if he ever gets back
And he won't be root, root, rooting for the home team. Although in fairness, neither will I, because I'm already a fan of their opponents for that game.
The bigger question for me is whether it is safe for me to even be there as a Braves fan. I hear that the Phillies fans are crazy.
Not when they're doing badly in the season. Source: Mets fan at Philles vs. Mets.
Jags fans are crazy like Phils fans are. Hint: Not when they suck.
Sincerely,
A Damn Yankee from the Southside
I'm out, btw
If they don't win, it's not a shame. Both teams suck.
Love,
A Yankees fan 😘
I'm just a Tigers fan, I have literally no vested interest aside from enjoying a game.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 02, 2022, 09:31:40 PM
Quote from: Dougtone on July 02, 2022, 08:46:23 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 02, 2022, 08:23:18 PM
Quote from: Alps on July 02, 2022, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on July 01, 2022, 11:47:47 PM
I intend to be there both days, but not for the ballgame.
then no one will be buying you some peanuts or cracker jack
at least we don't have to care if he ever gets back
And he won't be root, root, rooting for the home team. Although in fairness, neither will I, because I'm already a fan of their opponents for that game.
The bigger question for me is whether it is safe for me to even be there as a Braves fan. I hear that the Phillies fans are crazy.
You'll be fine. The Eagles fans are quite a bit crazier. Baseball is much more of a family event, so there really isn't any issues. The few times an issue does crop up it's an isolated incident, much like one you'll see occur from time to time at any ballpark.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 03, 2022, 12:17:13 AM
I'm just a Tigers fan, I have literally no vested interest aside from enjoying a game.
Likewise, and for the same reason.
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on June 28, 2022, 09:39:29 AM
As we're now inside two months to go before Meet Weekend, I would like to start to encourage folks to decide their attendance status for either day of the weekend more definitively
I am officially declaring myself as out due to recent personal events and (as previously mentioned) the weekend falls on my wife and I's wedding anniversary.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 03, 2022, 01:16:20 AM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 02, 2022, 09:31:40 PM
Quote from: Dougtone on July 02, 2022, 08:46:23 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 02, 2022, 08:23:18 PM
Quote from: Alps on July 02, 2022, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on July 01, 2022, 11:47:47 PM
I intend to be there both days, but not for the ballgame.
then no one will be buying you some peanuts or cracker jack
at least we don't have to care if he ever gets back
And he won't be root, root, rooting for the home team. Although in fairness, neither will I, because I'm already a fan of their opponents for that game.
The bigger question for me is whether it is safe for me to even be there as a Braves fan. I hear that the Phillies fans are crazy.
You'll be fine. The Eagles fans are quite a bit crazier. Baseball is much more of a family event, so there really isn't any issues. The few times an issue does crop up it's an isolated incident, much like one you'll see occur from time to time at any ballpark.
He'll be fine because I won't be there. Then again, I haven't attended a Phillies game since the Vet was torn down.
Quote from: 74/171FAN on July 02, 2022, 09:31:40 PM
Quote from: Dougtone on July 02, 2022, 08:46:23 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on July 02, 2022, 08:23:18 PM
Quote from: Alps on July 02, 2022, 10:46:07 AM
Quote from: J3ebrules on July 01, 2022, 11:47:47 PM
I intend to be there both days, but not for the ballgame.
then no one will be buying you some peanuts or cracker jack
at least we don't have to care if he ever gets back
And he won't be root, root, rooting for the home team. Although in fairness, neither will I, because I'm already a fan of their opponents for that game.
The bigger question for me is whether it is safe for me to even be there as a Braves fan. I hear that the Phillies fans are crazy.
I intend to wear Mets gear to the game with little fear of an altercation arising.
I'm not going to the meet, but if I did, I'd be wearing Orioles gear. Just too bad I don't have anything from "˜83. I guess I could wear it in Joburg, but nobody would know what it is.
This weekend will feature the second of two special "Meet Preview" *live* webinars that will profile the Philadelphia metro area in preparation for Meet Weekend in August. These presentations will be hosted by yours truly and will feature contributions from folks across the AARoads Forum spectrum, many of whom will be in attendance for portions/all of the weekend itself.
This "Part 2" presentation will focus on the New Jersey suburbs and will be broadcast *live* on the 'roadwaywiz' YouTube channel on Saturday 7/9 at 6 PM ET. Whether you're a newcomer to Philly metro, or in need of a quick refresher course, we hope you can join us!
Link to YouTube Webinar:
Some information for you folks regarding the Saturday evening ballgame:
New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies
First pitch: 7:15 PM ET, Citizens Bank Park
A few months ago, I bought a block of (20) tickets in Section 413 for our purposes. As of right now, I have 4 tickets available in this block for interested folks. There are lots of seats available elsewhere and all around the ballpark in case we need more, but I'd like to make sure this initial block sells out and that I have a good idea of how many more seats we need to secure come game time. Please make your voice heard (or drop me a line privately) if you'd like to be included in the attendance roster for the game. (We'll figure out the carpooling/transport aspect of this at a later date.)
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on July 11, 2022, 07:48:52 PM
Some information for you folks regarding the Saturday evening ballgame:
New York Mets @ Philadelphia Phillies
First pitch: 7:15 PM ET, Citizens Bank Park
A few months ago, I bought a block of (20) tickets in Section 413 for our purposes. As of right now, I have 4 tickets available in this block for interested folks. There are lots of seats available elsewhere and all around the ballpark in case we need more, but I'd like to make sure this initial block sells out and that I have a good idea of how many more seats we need to secure come game time. Please make your voice heard (or drop me a line privately) if you'd like to be included in the attendance roster for the game. (We'll figure out the carpooling/transport aspect of this at a later date.)
I'd note that you're best off parking north of the city square and taking the subway in.
I'll be there for Saturday, but I think I'll pass on the ballgame.
I'll be there on both days, but I and my dad are going to pass on the baseball game on Saturday night.
Well folks, we're a month away from Meet Weekend. Here are a few housekeeping items for you to consider:
DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FRIDAY NIGHT POOL PARTY! If you're in the area on Friday, feel free to stop by and say hello! Jeff has already chimed in with respect to the party's parameters, but I'm sure he'll have more to say if necessary.
The iteniaries for both days of the weekend have been completed and will be posted on August 1. On that day, you'll get access to the full meet guides for both Saturday & Sunday, plus guides for the pre-meet events on both days. There will also be "printer friendly" versions ("printer friendly" = 0 photos) of each guide made available, making for a total of (8) files for you to check out.
I do still have (2) tickets for the Phillies game on Saturday night that have not yet been claimed - if you think you'd like to join us, please get in touch! Each ticket is valued at $35 and that does not include anything else, i.e. parking, concessions. Due to the parking situation, we'll need to figure out a carpooling/mass transit system for those of us attending the game, but that will be addressed as we get closer to game day.
The rundown at the top of this thread remains a good, current summary of what to expect over the weekend. (I did just tweak the Day 2 summary slightly to add one tour highlight.) We're in good shape as far as the restaurants for both days are concerned, so there's not a lot left to account for on the planning side of things. As far as you're concerned, the pair of Webinars I broadcasted over on YouTube devoted to Philadelphia-area roads/bridges are linked to in the thread above in case anyone missed them and/or wants to re-watch them as part of their orientation/preparation for the weekend.
In closing, I am very excited to see what this Meet Weekend is going to look like for real. As we start to approach the 25th anniversary of the first "official" road meet (which was held out in the Pittsburgh area once upon a time) and we continue to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, my hope is that this upcoming event will be seen as a celebration of the road enthusiast community & hobby as a whole, its history and evolution over the years, and all we have to look forward to in the future. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing everyone and sharing one of my favorite American cities with you folks.
Stay cool, and keep on enjoying your summer.
First time logging into AARoads forums in ... good gorb, at least two years. And I see a road meet in my backyard. I'm Interested; I moved to Manayunk in October and now live within walking distance from the Bridge Trail (on the Philly side).
Skimmed the thread.
As for the Sunday pre-meet, parking in that area is awful. Street parking is available, but good luck finding an available space. If I attend, I'll walk from my place (3 blocks from the bridge), and then pick up my car afterward to head to Oregon Diner. My driveway was advertised as having space for four cars, in reality it's more like two. I *might* be able to offer up my spare spot. I don't know if that's the week my sister-in-law is visiting from CT, though, so her car might be taking that spot up.
The Manayunk Bridge trail head is at the intersection of DuPont St and High St. There is a SMALL parking lot there, but since it's free, it is ALWAYS full. St. David's Episcopal Church is two blocks away and has a small parking lot which usually has spaces, but given this event is scheduled for a SUNDAY MORNING, and they have Mass at 9am, that might not work. Greater Mount Zion FBH Church is across the road from the bridge trailhead, and they have a parking lot behind them, but again, Sunday morning. There's a pay-to-park lot on Green Lane between Main St. and Baker St. I had the misfortune of parking there and having trouble paying since it's now online payments only, the scan-to-pay QR code doesn't work, and their website is horrid.
The moment you've been waiting for: Meet Notes and Itineraries for both days of Meet Weekend are now available at the links below. Select the version(s) of your choice and print away!
Day 1 Pre-Meet:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4l7uzltoh9hudx3/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%201%20Pre-Meet.docx?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/4l7uzltoh9hudx3/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%201%20Pre-Meet.docx?dl=0)
Day 1 Pre-Meet, Printer-Friendly:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y9jtiwi6u4di8wx/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%201%20Pre-Meet%20-%20Printer%20Friendly.docx?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/y9jtiwi6u4di8wx/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%201%20Pre-Meet%20-%20Printer%20Friendly.docx?dl=0)
Day 1 Main Event:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/944kth0jdso0ts7/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%201.docx?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/944kth0jdso0ts7/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%201.docx?dl=0)
Day 1 Main Event, Printer-Friendly:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9j52orri08oefhe/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%201%20-%20Printer%20Friendly.docx?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/9j52orri08oefhe/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%201%20-%20Printer%20Friendly.docx?dl=0)
Day 2 Pre-Meet:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/b5nkeqmxzz8gyz5/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%202%20Pre-Meet.docx?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/b5nkeqmxzz8gyz5/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%202%20Pre-Meet.docx?dl=0)
Day 2 Pre-Meet, Printer-Friendly:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/lvlc6dvqe43tzar/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%202%20Pre-Meet%20-%20Printer%20Friendly.docx?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/lvlc6dvqe43tzar/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%202%20Pre-Meet%20-%20Printer%20Friendly.docx?dl=0)
Day 2 Main Event:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y8z4fcmdkrfa0oh/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%202.docx?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/y8z4fcmdkrfa0oh/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%202.docx?dl=0)
Day 2 Main Event, Printer-Friendly:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/aowx7ieowkoix6g/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%202%20-%20Printer%20Friendly.docx?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/aowx7ieowkoix6g/Philadelphia%20Road%20Meet%20DAY%202%20-%20Printer%20Friendly.docx?dl=0)
Perhaps an even more condensed version with only directions might also be useful, especially in the complex turning movements
FYI, while the last National meet was in 2014, there have been other meet weekends since that haven't been branded as such. The Baltimore and Eastern Shore meets were a meet weekend in 2015, and IIRC Hampton Roads and Delmarva were paired together at some point.
Quote from: vdeane on July 31, 2022, 04:50:12 PM
FYI, while the last National meet was in 2014, there have been other meet weekends since that haven't been branded as such. The Baltimore and Eastern Shore meets were a meet weekend in 2015, and IIRC Hampton Roads and Delmarva were paired together at some point.
I think "national" became a high-fallutin' way to describe a multi-day meet.
I conceptualized a multi-day Kentucky meet several years ago that never came to pass, but I don't recall ever trying to brand it as a "national" meet.
Quote from: hbelkins on July 31, 2022, 05:35:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 31, 2022, 04:50:12 PM
FYI, while the last National meet was in 2014, there have been other meet weekends since that haven't been branded as such. The Baltimore and Eastern Shore meets were a meet weekend in 2015, and IIRC Hampton Roads and Delmarva were paired together at some point.
I think "national" became a high-fallutin' way to describe a multi-day meet.
I conceptualized a multi-day Kentucky meet several years ago that never came to pass, but I don't recall ever trying to brand it as a "national" meet.
Any particular reason not to call it one in this instance?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 31, 2022, 09:24:02 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 31, 2022, 05:35:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 31, 2022, 04:50:12 PM
FYI, while the last National meet was in 2014, there have been other meet weekends since that haven't been branded as such. The Baltimore and Eastern Shore meets were a meet weekend in 2015, and IIRC Hampton Roads and Delmarva were paired together at some point.
I think "national" became a high-fallutin' way to describe a multi-day meet.
I conceptualized a multi-day Kentucky meet several years ago that never came to pass, but I don't recall ever trying to brand it as a "national" meet.
Any particular reason not to call it one in this instance?
I dunno. Any particular reason that it should be called one, other than the organizer choosing to call it one?
Quote from: hbelkins on August 01, 2022, 01:36:22 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 31, 2022, 09:24:02 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 31, 2022, 05:35:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 31, 2022, 04:50:12 PM
FYI, while the last National meet was in 2014, there have been other meet weekends since that haven't been branded as such. The Baltimore and Eastern Shore meets were a meet weekend in 2015, and IIRC Hampton Roads and Delmarva were paired together at some point.
I think "national" became a high-fallutin' way to describe a multi-day meet.
I conceptualized a multi-day Kentucky meet several years ago that never came to pass, but I don't recall ever trying to brand it as a "national" meet.
Any particular reason not to call it one in this instance?
I dunno. Any particular reason that it should be called one, other than the organizer choosing to call it one?
Well, I can attest that it definitely isn't a regional meet given some of the attendees are traveling pretty far to go.
Have fun everyone! Steph and I are going to be in the area in the days prior to this meet and we have a side trip planned while in Pennsylvania, unfortunently we will be heading west to Dayton Ohio the day before this meet, :-( unless yall want to chip in about 3000.00 for us to attend then we may reconsider :bigass: , that is what we could potentially make in Dayton Ohio the weekend of this meet.
Also keep in mind my next central Pennsylvania based meet is coming up on Saturday Sept. 24 at South County Brewery off exit 14 of I-83. I will be doing more scouting while Steph and I are in town next week.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on August 01, 2022, 01:50:22 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on August 01, 2022, 01:36:22 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on July 31, 2022, 09:24:02 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on July 31, 2022, 05:35:13 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 31, 2022, 04:50:12 PM
FYI, while the last National meet was in 2014, there have been other meet weekends since that haven't been branded as such. The Baltimore and Eastern Shore meets were a meet weekend in 2015, and IIRC Hampton Roads and Delmarva were paired together at some point.
I think "national" became a high-fallutin' way to describe a multi-day meet.
I conceptualized a multi-day Kentucky meet several years ago that never came to pass, but I don't recall ever trying to brand it as a "national" meet.
Any particular reason not to call it one in this instance?
I dunno. Any particular reason that it should be called one, other than the organizer choosing to call it one?
Well, I can attest that it definitely isn't a regional meet given some of the attendees are traveling pretty far to go.
But there are a lot of road meets (not only ones that are called "national meets") that draw people from far away.
It falls in the typical National Meet - 2 days and broad audience in a major city. It counts. Let it be.
Why in the name of <insert preferred diety here> does everyone have to complain about the name of a meet???
It's a friggin name.
I don't like that car dealerships call themselves "<insert name here> Motors" when they sell vehicles, not motors. Do I make a big deal or insist people follow my opinion?
NO! It's just a name
Opinions and preferences are respected, let's do so here.
Let's move on from this and have fun.
Quote from: jpi on August 01, 2022, 02:32:11 PM
Have fun everyone! Steph and I are going to be in the area in the days prior to this meet and we have a side trip planned while in Pennsylvania, unfortunently we will be heading west to Dayton Ohio the day before this meet, :-( unless yall want to chip in about 3000.00 for us to attend then we may reconsider :bigass: , that is what we could potentially make in Dayton Ohio the weekend of this meet.
That'll be a lot of meals the rest of us will need to eat at Cracker Barrel on order to pay your bonus. :-D
Venmo would be easier and faster.
As we approach the Philly National meet, just a reminder that I will gladly host a pre-meet Pool (no p in the ool) party Friday evening for anyone in the area!
If you have not done so yet, please let me know if you are thinking of attending - Feel free to post publicly here; dm me privately via the forum message option, text or Facebook. We are in West Deptford, approximately 10 - 15 minutes from Philly. I'll provide my exact address to those who respond they are coming.
I'll firm up everything the week of the meet, but for now I'll say the start time will be about 4pm, and we will probably offer something in the way of snacks or light dinner, waters and some soda. While I'll be more specific the week of the party, if you choose to bring your own food, we have a local convenience store chain (Heritages) a few blocks away for hoagies and sandwiches and non-alcoholic beverages; about a 1/2 mile away is a liquor store for beers, seltzers and your other favorite spirits.
I do want to throw out that we will keep an eye on the weather forecast; unfortunately we don't have a large house so poor weather may have us finding alternate plans. That said, unless it's gonna be cool and stormy, the party will be on!
As we're less than two weeks away from Meet Weekend, I'd like to remind folks once again that Meet Notes from both days have been posted above and that any/all inquiries regarding the Friday evening Pool Party should be directed at "jeffandnicole". His house, his rules. :D I have not seen any on-topic complaints regarding the meet notes that have been posted, so I assume that means folks have a good idea of what's going on and what to expect. Of course, questions regarding any facet of the weekend, other than the Pool Party, can be sent my way any time.
I would also like to see folks RSVP their attendance for the weekend if you have not already done so. I don't mind if people remain "interested" on the Facebook event pages for the purposes of keep up with posts and whatnot, but I do want to see a more definitive count emerge this week as far as who's in for either day. If you are not on Facebook, I welcome your RSVP either in this thread or you can reach me via private message on this forum. The purpose of this is to mainly finalize a number of people for lunch and to get an idea of how many cars we're going to have on the driving tour. (More on that in a moment.) I don't necessarily need this for the pre-meet events, but just know that those events will start promptly at the times listed, unless you hear otherwise from me. (In other words, please do not be late. :-|)
I suspect we're going to have a very large group for the main event on Saturday - perhaps a group the size of which we've not seen in this community in a very long time. Given that possibility and the urban nature of parts of that day's drive, carpooling and efficiency at stops are going to be keys to success for the day as a whole. We're going to have to keep cars to a minimum on this day, so I'm going to state here that folks are going to have to triple/quadruple up in cars in order for this to work properly, and to ensure that there's even enough parking for everyone along the way. Additionally, even though we tend to be a slow group while on tours and we like to chit chat at stops along the way, a group this size can easily get out of control and it's going to be important that folks help shepherd themselves to the next points of interest when the time comes. It's very important that people recognize that even though I may be the official host of the proceedings, I cannot do my job effectively with a group this large without your collective cooperation.
That's the update for this week. I appreciate your forthcoming attention to the matters described above and look forward to an awesome weekend!
I believe I chimed in on FB but will do so here as well.
I will be attending both days; I already messaged Dan that I will be going to the post-meet game as well.
J&N, I'll send you a note on Messenger for your address. If I don't get out at work too late; I should be able to attend your pool party.
I'll be there for Saturday, but I'll pass on both Sunday and the ballgame. However, I do plan at being at the pool party Friday night.
From the Day 2 Itinerary with regards to Hog Island/Fort Mifflin Roads:
QuoteFort Mifflin Road loops south
and east around the river side of the Airport; if you're lucky, you'll get to see aircraft take-offs and/or landings close
-
up from this area, but PLEASE DO NOT STOP along this stretch of road.
FYI, and this area is not too far from where I live; there's no issue with regards to stopping/parking along the road to see planes land or take-off (typically east of UPS and the Air Traffic Control Tower) as long as such is done along as the
opposite side of the airport fence per this example. (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.8695128,-75.2252144,3a,75y,24.11h,70.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syr_7Y1r28gaBCwgJw1gknQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) Vehicle parked is that of long-time PHL spotter/photographer Paul Kanagie who manages the PHL and Area Discussion FB page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2578335309098357). He's traded in his silver RAV4 for a silver Corolla a couple years ago. One might see him parked during our meet.
Shameless plug: while riding along Hog Island/Fort Mifflin Roads; one will pass by and/or ride along several PHL-based projects I worked on over the last 25 years.
I am presuming that the Oregon Diner will have space to be able to leave vehicles to carpool during the meet tour. I would rather ride than drive.
I will be attending Sunday's main event only.
I cannot make the Friday pool party or the Saturday events. To those who will, absolutely enjoy! Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday.
Since my brother is coaching his first football game next Friday night, I, along with my dad, will be driving straight to Philly through the night to meet you guys at the place to eat. Anyone is welcome to carpool with us (we'll have one if not two seats open in the back of our car on both days of the meet). Even though I won't be attending the pool party on Friday or the baseball game after the meet on Saturday, I am looking forward to meeting y'all in person as well as having fun exploring a city that we've never been to before!
I believe I marked "Going" on both FB events. I need to check with my wife as to attendance, but I think I'll be there for both days and the pre-meet on Sunday. I'll probably skip the ball game and pool party.
My sister-in-law is visiting now and will be leaving early next week, so that solves that potential conflict.
FYI, I live about three blocks from the Manayunk Bridge (site of the Sunday pre-meet). A lighting installation project is nearly completed there and the contractor has started to clean up the construction site as of this past weekend (power lines removed from the construction company trailers, for example). The bridge was previously only open from 6am to 9pm (closed by a gate), but with the new lights having been installed, it will be open 24/7. I assume 24/7 opening will start once the construction site is fully cleaned up.
For those previously unaware, work screwed me out, so I'm done.
Quote from: akotchi on August 09, 2022, 10:41:51 PM
I am presuming that the Oregon Diner will have space to be able to leave vehicles to carpool during the meet tour. I would rather ride than drive.
Ask and you shall receive. (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9137613,-75.1532658,204m/data=!3m1!1e3)
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 10, 2022, 09:37:22 PM
Quote from: akotchi on August 09, 2022, 10:41:51 PM
I am presuming that the Oregon Diner will have space to be able to leave vehicles to carpool during the meet tour. I would rather ride than drive.
Ask and you shall receive. (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9137613,-75.1532658,204m/data=!3m1!1e3)
Based on aeriel imagery it looks like there's sufficient parking to stage unused vehicles next door.
Well, here we are - it's down to the last few days. Looking forward to seeing everyone and perhaps meeting some new faces as well over the course of the weekend. I have a list of items for attendees to consider below:
A few words about parking/carpooling/etc: to make things easy, folks who plan on driving during each day of the weekend should leave their cars at each restaurant location; those who are planning on carpooling should leave cars at adjacent parking lots nearby. There is ample parking on both days for folks looking to leave cars. For those this applies to, on Saturday please look for parking in the area of Ikea/Lowes near Miller's; on Sunday, please look for parking in the Whitman Plaza (Shop Rite/Burlington) on Oregon Avenue. Sorting out the car situation off the bat will save us a decent amount of time each day and I appreciate everyone's forthcoming cooperation with this.
I will be bringing about 20 copies of the Meet Itinerary on each day of the weekend. I will also have a few copies of notes for each Pre-Meet location for those who are interested. That said, there will likely not be enough copies for everyone, especially on Saturday. If you would like to ensure that you'll have your own copy without waiting until the weekend itself, please feel free to bring your own. (I will prioritize those who are driving/navigating with the copies I'm bringing so if you don't fit in either of these categories, please keep that in mind.) I know that a lot of you may not be attending all of the events across the weekend: if you're going to be in the area for a lengthy period of time, I would recommend you check out the other locations to be featured in the weekend on your own time. Either of the two pre-meet locations, and a lot of the locations featured in the Sunday drive are really neat in their own right and I definitely recommend you check them out, even if you can't join us for them directly.
I've already spoken with a few of you about this but I'll address the group as a whole in case I miss anybody. If you're attending the Phillies game on Saturday, please make sure you have a way of getting in the ballpark - this can be accomplished by utilizing the MLB Ballpark app on your phone or by tagging along with me at the gate when we arrive. I'm going to start distributing tickets this week to those who have reserved a spot, so be on the lookout for that. (We actually still have two tickets that are unclaimed at this time, so I can accomodate a couple last-minute additions to the ballgame roster if you're out there...)
I did a "dry run" of both days of the weekend the other day. The results were very good, except for one thing that could possibly be an issue as far as streets/roads that might/might not be open along the Saturday route. With this in mind, I'm going to put together a sort of alternate itinerary for that segment of the drive in question, should we need it. (It would replace/supercede the Leg 1 segment of Saturday.) Look for this to be posted here in the next couple days. There's no guarantee that we'll actually need it, but in a city like Philadelphia with a large crowd of people going on this Saturday drive, it's important to account for all the possibilities we may encounter.
Early forecast for the weekend looks really good. Seasonal temperatures (upper 80s), with minimal chance of precipitation across the weekend. All things considered, I think we're in good shape across the board. Keep those RSVPs coming if you haven't already done so. :D
Hello everyone! I believe I have contacted everyone with my address who RSVPed for Friday night's pool party gathering. If you did not receive it, please let me know. If you decided last minute to come on over, we will love to have you! For food, we will have a hoagie tray and hot dogs and chips. We will have water and soda. Down the road is a beer/wine/liquor store (Liquor Land) should you wish to enjoy any of those offerings. Looking forward to seeing everyone who can make it!
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on August 14, 2022, 08:12:26 PM
With this in mind, I'm going to put together a sort of alternate itinerary for that segment of the drive in question, should we need it. (It would replace/supercede the Leg 1 segment of Saturday.) Look for this to be posted here in the next couple days.
Is this still coming? I know I'm at the point where I have to print off the itinerary tomorrow if I want it at the meet, and I can't imagine I'm the only one.
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on August 14, 2022, 08:12:26 PM
A few words about parking/carpooling/etc: to make things easy, folks who plan on driving during each day of the weekend should leave their cars at each restaurant location; those who are planning on carpooling should leave cars at adjacent parking lots nearby. There is ample parking on both days for folks looking to leave cars. For those this applies to, on Saturday please look for parking in the area of Ikea/Lowes near Miller's; on Sunday, please look for parking in the Whitman Plaza (Shop Rite/Burlington) on Oregon Avenue. Sorting out the car situation off the bat will save us a decent amount of time each day and I appreciate everyone's forthcoming cooperation with this.
just a suggestion: it might be helpful to know what the approximate head-count is for
both days in advance; so there's an idea how many vehicles are needed
at a minimum.
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on August 14, 2022, 08:12:26 PM
I've already spoken with a few of you about this but I'll address the group as a whole in case I miss anybody. If you're attending the Phillies game on Saturday, please make sure you have a way of getting in the ballpark - this can be accomplished by utilizing the MLB Ballpark app on your phone or by tagging along with me at the gate when we arrive. I'm going to start distributing tickets this week to those who have reserved a spot, so be on the lookout for that. (We actually still have two tickets that are unclaimed at this time, so I can accommodate a couple last-minute additions to the ballgame roster if you're out there...)
It might be a good idea to get a head-count of who's going in advance as well to determine the needed vehicle count.
Looks like I'll be able to take up to 3 people, both days, if I am needed to drive.
I can take up to 3 people as well on Saturday.
One or two on Sunday; I will likely be using my Mustang convertible if the weather's decent.
FINAL UPDATE:
A few final notes and other things as we approach the weekend.
There have been questions about the number of people attending each day of the weekend for the purposes of estimating the number of drivers needed. Based on my best information, I think we'll need around 12-13 drivers for Saturday, provided that we do our best to adhere to the advice I posted above previously. Sunday will need a few less than that. That's the best information I can give you, b/c the RSVP situation has not been as fluid and perfect as I would have liked it to be. I have a good idea of who's probably going, but that's about it. I *will* say that we have 19 people confirmed for the Phillies game, so do what you must with that information. I expect a mix of people carpooling and taking transit to the ballpark from the end of the Meet, but I don't have a count of who's doing what in that regard.
I did complete a quick write-up of an alternative itinerary for Leg 1 on Saturday, but I've changed my mind and decided not to post it here. It's not clear if it will even be needed at all and I'd like to avoid confusing people between the different versions that would be out there. If I need to hand out a supplemental document to you folks at lunch on Saturday, then I will do so — I will have enough for everyone who needs one.
The pre-meet events will start promptly at the times listed on each event, so please do your best to arrive punctually if you plan on joining us for either of those. If you happen to arrive late on Saturday morning, you'll be able to find us somewhere on the Center City side of the Schuylkill Banks Trail; if you happen to arrive late on Sunday morning, you'll be able to find us somewhere on the Manayunk Bridge itself.
I will have goodies to give away at lunch on both days, including (but not limited to) New York State Thruway toll tickets (a collector's item these days), "˜roadwaywiz' business cards, and a couple different window/bumper sticker designs for you avid drivers. Maps and other collectibles are welcome as well!
Looking forward to seeing folks tomorrow evening to kick off the weekend, and I look forward to seeing you all over the course of the weekend itself!
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on August 18, 2022, 08:27:45 PMI *will* say that we have 19 people confirmed for the Phillies game, so do what you must with that information. I expect a mix of people carpooling and taking transit to the ballpark from the end of the Meet, but I don't have a count of who's doing what in that regard.
Heads up. The only
direct transit routes from Ikea/Miller's Ale House are SEPTA bus routes (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/IKEA,+South+Christopher+Columbus+Boulevard,+Philadelphia,+PA/Citizens+Bank+Park,+Citizens+Bank+Way,+Philadelphia,+PA/@39.9133985,-75.1717358,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m18!4m17!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6c8b2d85cab5d:0x6311fc151459e887!2m2!1d-75.1418318!2d39.9171275!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6c5ee266feb39:0x90212debd7535fa!2m2!1d-75.1664952!2d39.9060572!2m3!6e1!7e2!8j1661020200!3e3). Travel timing, including walking is 20-35 minutes depending on which bus route one takes.
OTHO, driving (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/IKEA,+South+Christopher+Columbus+Boulevard,+Philadelphia,+PA/Citizens+Bank+Park,+Citizens+Bank+Way,+Philadelphia,+PA/@39.9095412,-75.1611281,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m18!4m17!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6c8b2d85cab5d:0x6311fc151459e887!2m2!1d-75.1418318!2d39.9171275!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c6c5ee266feb39:0x90212debd7535fa!2m2!1d-75.1664952!2d39.9060572!2m3!6e1!7e2!8j1661020200!3e0) is only a 4-8 minute venture; but one has to pay for parking.
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on August 18, 2022, 08:27:45 PM
If you happen to arrive late on Sunday morning, you'll be able to find us somewhere on the Manayunk Bridge itself.
Parking in the neighborhood of the Manayunk Bridge is a challenge at best, and impossible at worst. Here are several options which may or may not be available:
* There is a free lot on the Manayunk side of the bridge at the intersection of High St and DuPont St. It is usually full, which is to say, I live in the neighborhood and have NEVER seen an available space there at any time on any day.
* On-Street parking on DuPont St, High Street (VERY narrow street), or Krams Ave. Baker St, Smick St, and IIRC St. David's St. and Ritchie St. are resident only parking with varying 1-2 hour limits, so unless you have a Zone 15 resident pass you may get ticketed by the PPA. Ticket for exceeding the time limit without a resident sticker is $26 (I know, I've gotten one before I had a resident sticker and my car still had Maryland plates) with I think a $3.50 fee added if you pay the ticket online.
* Mallory Street is VERY narrow and people park (illegally) on the sidewalk. It is not marked as a one-way street but it's narrow enough to effectively be one-way between Wilde and Baker, especially with the way people park!
* There is a large pay lot on Green Lane between Main St and Cresson St. The QR code to pay online doesn't work well, and they no longer have cash payment options or an attendant, so that will be a pain. I believe the rate will be $6 for the 2 hours of the pre-meet.
* Street parking on Green Lane or Leverington Ave is just ASKING for your mirrors to be knocked off or worse. People complain in the neighborhood Facebook group about hit and runs on an almost daily basis, and I've seen many a damaged car parked on these roads.
* Street parking on Main Street south of Green Lane is metered, and there are a few pay lots accessible from Main St.
* You may want to risk parking in the parking lot for the Mount Zion Fire Baptized Holiness Church. I don't know what time they hold services on Sunday but I believe it is 10 AM.
* You may want to risk parking in the lot for St. David's Episcopal Church, but they have Sunday services at 9AM.
* On-street parking on Main St between Green Lane and Leverington Ave.
* My driveway can host one or possibly two additional cars for the duration of the pre-meet and I'm sure my landlord will be fine with that if he even notices. I'm leaving my car in my driveway for the Sunday pre-meet because I can walk there from my house. PM me here or on Facebook.
* On the other side of the bridge, there is designated free parking for the Cynwyd Heritage Trail on the Belmont Ave side of the parking lot of the CVS on Rock Hill Road in Bala Cynwyd. These spots are painted green with the Cynwyd Heritage Trail logo. Disadvantage, you need to walk the entire trail and then over the Manayunk Bridge, when I believe we're going to walk it again in the opposite direction. :D
I should mention for the Phillies game Saturday night - they are cashless. Parking is $22 this year. Credit Card or other electronic payment method (Fitbit, Apple/Google Pay, etc) only.
Lot P (on the 1st base side along Pattison between Darien & 7th) is for Preferred Passes only (so not us); any other lot in the stadium complex (Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, Wells Fargo Center) is available to use.
There is a cheaper lot if you continue down Darien, behind the Jetco Center next to the Linc; I've never used it though to vouch for it, and I forget the actual cost.
After you're inside, concession stands are cashless as well. If you only have cash, there are a few machines inside to exchange cash for a debit card.
FINAL FINAL UPDATE:
A friendly reminder of the start times for the weekend's events:
The pre-meet on Saturday begins at 9 AM ET.
The lunch on Saturday begins at 11 AM ET.
The pre-meet on Sunday begins at 8 AM ET.
The lunch on Sunday begins at 10 AM ET.
DAY 1 UPDATE:
If you are arriving late for lunch, please come inside and join us!
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on August 14, 2022, 08:12:26 PM
on Sunday, please look for parking in the Whitman Plaza (Shop Rite/Burlington) on Oregon Avenue.
I was just checking out the area in street view and I noticed numerous signs saying that parking in that plaza is for customers only (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9130371,-75.1571321,3a,15y,154.86h,95.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sh2p3RScbmugouGOypllbBw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192); that other sign on that post even says that illegally parked cars will be towed. Are you sure we're supposed to park there?
Unless I hear otherwise, I think I'm instead going to aim to park over here (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9141245,-75.1532202,3a,49.4y,311.35h,78.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s43q3ytN7SxXHIxMUE-vT0g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). That seems to be most out of the way area in the parking lot for the cluster of businesses the restaurant is in.
Quote from: vdeane on August 20, 2022, 11:00:00 PM
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on August 14, 2022, 08:12:26 PM
on Sunday, please look for parking in the Whitman Plaza (Shop Rite/Burlington) on Oregon Avenue.
I was just checking out the area in street view and I noticed numerous signs saying that parking in that plaza is for customers only (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9130371,-75.1571321,3a,15y,154.86h,95.27t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sh2p3RScbmugouGOypllbBw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192); that other sign on that post even says that illegally parked cars will be towed. Are you sure we're supposed to park there?
Unless I hear otherwise, I think I'm instead going to aim to park over here (https://www.google.com/maps/@39.9141245,-75.1532202,3a,49.4y,311.35h,78.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s43q3ytN7SxXHIxMUE-vT0g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656). That seems to be most out of the way area in the parking lot for the cluster of businesses the restaurant is in.
I would imagine that the whole towing thing is more aimed at those who leave a vehicle parked there overnight or more than 24 hours. We'll be leaving vehicles there midday and it's absolutely plausible that the drivers of those vehicles are patronizing the businesses. I wouldn't worry about it.
Quote from: tckma on August 19, 2022, 10:00:23 AM
Quote from: roadwaywiz95 on August 18, 2022, 08:27:45 PM
If you happen to arrive late on Sunday morning, you'll be able to find us somewhere on the Manayunk Bridge itself.
Parking in the neighborhood of the Manayunk Bridge is a challenge at best, and impossible at worst. Here are several options which may or may not be available:
* There is a free lot on the Manayunk side of the bridge at the intersection of High St and DuPont St. It is usually full, which is to say, I live in the neighborhood and have NEVER seen an available space there at any time on any day.
* On-Street parking on DuPont St, High Street (VERY narrow street), or Krams Ave. Baker St, Smick St, and IIRC St. David's St. and Ritchie St. are resident only parking with varying 1-2 hour limits, so unless you have a Zone 15 resident pass you may get ticketed by the PPA. Ticket for exceeding the time limit without a resident sticker is $26 (I know, I've gotten one before I had a resident sticker and my car still had Maryland plates) with I think a $3.50 fee added if you pay the ticket online.
* Mallory Street is VERY narrow and people park (illegally) on the sidewalk. It is not marked as a one-way street but it's narrow enough to effectively be one-way between Wilde and Baker, especially with the way people park!
* There is a large pay lot on Green Lane between Main St and Cresson St. The QR code to pay online doesn't work well, and they no longer have cash payment options or an attendant, so that will be a pain. I believe the rate will be $6 for the 2 hours of the pre-meet.
* Street parking on Green Lane or Leverington Ave is just ASKING for your mirrors to be knocked off or worse. People complain in the neighborhood Facebook group about hit and runs on an almost daily basis, and I've seen many a damaged car parked on these roads.
* Street parking on Main Street south of Green Lane is metered, and there are a few pay lots accessible from Main St.
* You may want to risk parking in the parking lot for the Mount Zion Fire Baptized Holiness Church. I don't know what time they hold services on Sunday but I believe it is 10 AM.
* You may want to risk parking in the lot for St. David's Episcopal Church, but they have Sunday services at 9AM.
* On-street parking on Main St between Green Lane and Leverington Ave.
* My driveway can host one or possibly two additional cars for the duration of the pre-meet and I'm sure my landlord will be fine with that if he even notices. I'm leaving my car in my driveway for the Sunday pre-meet because I can walk there from my house. PM me here or on Facebook.
* On the other side of the bridge, there is designated free parking for the Cynwyd Heritage Trail on the Belmont Ave side of the parking lot of the CVS on Rock Hill Road in Bala Cynwyd. These spots are painted green with the Cynwyd Heritage Trail logo. Disadvantage, you need to walk the entire trail and then over the Manayunk Bridge, when I believe we're going to walk it again in the opposite direction. :D
Too late now, but I would have noted you don't need more than an hour at Manayunk, so any of the nearby side street parking is just fine.
Quote from: Alps on August 21, 2022, 11:59:23 AM
Too late now, but I would have noted you don't need more than an hour at Manayunk, so any of the nearby side street parking is just fine.
This was the first roadmeet I attended since Golden Spike, and only my third overall. The Corridor H meet had a pre-meet event as well, but I didn't remember how long that one took. Yes, I went back home after the pre-meet event on Sunday, packed a cooler with some drinks, and fixed my toilet that was constantly running... and I still made it to the Oregon Diner a bit early.
What we at my job call a Retrospective or Lessons Learned meeting:
Overall, this was a great meet.
As a driver, I had hoped I would have some others in my car to help read the itinerary to me. On the first day, I had some trouble following the directions/navigation because I ended up driving alone. I had read the meet itinerary before the meet, though not in a lot of detail, and I had a basic idea... but once on the road it was hard to sift through a wall of text to get the directions (which were interspersed with narrative). Perhaps add a section at the top of each leg that has the driving directions ONLY, and then the narrative text. This was made worse leaving Miller's Ale House when I lost the car I was following the instant they left the parking lot AND then I made a wrong turn on Columbus Blvd right away.
I made the second day a little bit easier by first pulling the directions out of the narrative text and putting them in a note on my phone -- also, for most legs I was following someone and didn't lose them this time.
We had a LOT of cars there and I get no one wanting to ride with me -- I've been to a grand total of three roadmeets ever, averaging one every two years at this point. Basically only a few people know me by sight, and I didn't know a lot of people there -- even some of those whom I'd seen before. People don't know me from a random Internet stranger / serial killer.
Quote from: tckma on August 22, 2022, 09:40:45 AM
We had a LOT of cars there and I get no one wanting to ride with me -- I've been to a grand total of three roadmeets ever, averaging one every two years at this point. Basically only a few people know me by sight, and I didn't know a lot of people there -- even some of those whom I'd seen before. People don't know me from a random Internet stranger / serial killer.
Wouldn't read too much into it. I've been in the position before of volunteering to drive but having no takers, typically this simply means more people have volunteered to drive than actually necessary and so statistically someone will end up being the old maid. I've responded to this situation by saying "okay, guess I don't need to drive then" and hopping in with someone who has a spare seat. Of which there were multiple both days this past weekend.
Quote from: Duke87 on August 22, 2022, 07:50:56 PM
I've responded to this situation by saying "okay, guess I don't need to drive then" and hopping in with someone who has a spare seat. Of which there were multiple both days this past weekend.
Indeed, we even had someone join our car mid-tour Saturday!
Thank you all so much to everyone for coming out to Philadelphia this past weekend and taking part in what proved to be a GREAT weekend all around. Other than a couple raindrops after the last stop on Sunday, we had perfect weather all around. Other than a couple hiccups here & there, the Traffic Gods did not screw us. All of the events scheduled across the weekend went off without any significant issues. Our turnout this weekend demonstrated that large-scale, "National" meets are still possible and that there is still a lot of interest in these kinds of events across the community. A total of 36 people passed through over the weekend, ranging in points of origin from New Jersey to Wisconsin and from New Hampshire to California, making this among the single largest, most diverse events we've ever had as a community. And it was my honor and privilege to assemble and host this thing for all of you.
I'd like to take a moment to single out and thank the following folks for their generosity and contributions over the past few months that helped make this weekend a huge success:
Jeff T. ("jeffandnicole" ) for volunteering and hosting his house for the Friday night pool party, which was a perfect way to kick off the weekend.
Chris C. ("PHLBOS" ) for providing supplemental documentation for Day 2 of the meet tour and aerial photos featuring the area around Philadelphia International Airport.
Laura B.-P. ("Laura" ) for assisting in the scouting process over the past several months and for serving as a willing volunteer to discuss potential location/restaurant options with.
Once again, I'd like to thank everyone who came to Philly and made this such a spectacular event all the way around. While I don't expect this kind of "National" format to become an annual thing, I do think it's a format that works in the right locations at the right times of year and I hope to see more of these as the years go on. I hope you all had safe travels back to your points of origin and I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Until next time, take care, happy road-tripping, and God bless!
Quote from: Duke87 on August 22, 2022, 07:50:56 PM
I've responded to this situation by saying "okay, guess I don't need to drive then" and hopping in with someone who has a spare seat. Of which there were multiple both days this past weekend.
In hindsight, this is what I SHOULD have done, especially seeing as there were A LOT of drivers. The former ferry terminal at the end of NJ-324 was somewhat of a challenge with all the cars that ended up there. I nearly backed into someone I thought was well on their way out. That would have been fun for insurance. "Uh yeah, we were both on a road that's officially closed to traffic."
"officially" leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to 324. I don't think that road has seen many cars in 48 years.
I did navigate by myself and drive on Saturday, which ended up working out because I had to run to AutoZone leaving Miller's because my check engine light had turned on. I do prefer having people in the car, like I did on Sunday, but on Saturday, it ended up working out on me being alone. The reason I like to drive now is because I was a passenger for so long, a freeloading one at that, and wanted to make up for it.
As folks continue to create photo albums on Facebook and post their own photos all over social media related to this past weekend's events, a parallel effort is underway over on Flickr that will enable folks who are unable to see Facebook posts the opportunity to see the photographic evidence for themselves. The following album being compiled by Tom F. ("Max Rockatansky") is available for viewing by all at the link below. It will be added to in the coming days and will serve as a solid representation of the weekend's events as a whole. Probably a link worth bookmarking for the time being as new content is uploaded!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/sets/72177720301523300/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/sets/72177720301523300/)
Update on the Flickr album, I uploaded all the photos that were on the Facebook page tonight. As of my writing of this post I'm presently 48 image descriptions in. I'll be copying the tags from the Facebook album, but I anticipate I probably won't be through all of them until the weekend is out on the current photo stock. Either way, there about 220 additional photos available since Dan posted the initial Flickr album link.
Was Constitution Ave in the Naval Yard part of the tour route? If so, you passed by 2 ships I did deployments on.
Quote from: froggie on August 26, 2022, 12:02:04 AM
Was Constitution Ave in the Naval Yard part of the tour route? If so, you passed by 2 ships I did deployments on.
Indirectly I guess. We crossed the 26th St Bridge by foot (closed to traffic at the time) so maybe we saw them anyway.
And Tom, I just sent you a friend request so you can use some of my photos if you wish. (though not all of them in my album are meet photos specifically)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/52311829759/in/album-72177720301523300/
Yeah, in regard to this photo, I never expected DRPA to sign US 13 BUS (at least not this quickly).
Quote from: 74/171FAN on August 26, 2022, 06:56:03 AM
Quote from: froggie on August 26, 2022, 12:02:04 AM
Was Constitution Ave in the Naval Yard part of the tour route? If so, you passed by 2 ships I did deployments on.
Indirectly I guess. We crossed the 26th St Bridge by foot (closed to traffic at the time) so maybe we saw them anyway.
And Tom, I just sent you a friend request so you can use some of my photos if you wish. (though not all of them in my album are meet photos specifically)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151828809@N08/52311829759/in/album-72177720301523300/
Yeah, in regard to this photo, I never expected DRPA to sign US 13 BUS (at least not this quickly).
There is a couple other photos from pre-meet, when I got lost during the meet and post-meet driving photos that I tossed in there already. My thought is that if we as a group traveled to Philadelphia for the meet and got something extra it was worth including if road relevant. I'll look through tonight (saw the friend request) and make some ads.
At some point we will hit on everything in the meet on Gribblenation. I started tonight with the Commodore Barry Bridge and Chester-Bridgeport Ferry:
https://www.gribblenation.org/2022/08/commodore-barry-bridge-us-route-322.html
Quote from: 74/171FAN on August 26, 2022, 06:56:03 AM
And Tom, I just sent you a friend request so you can use some of my photos if you wish. (though not all of them in my album are meet photos specifically)
I friended a bunch of people (at least 4) on FB in the wake of the meetup and I got a few friend requests. So I may have added you.