AARoads Forum

I have created a new thread for the proposed Toronto meet.  The same four options as the previous meet poll, but this time perspective attendees can select all four options.

Same cursory details as the previous poll (which should potentially be merged with this thread), but I envision starting with a lunch spot at 11:00 or so and then doing a run from there.

There have been a lot of recent projects that will have wrapped up in the time before this meet, in addition to several large construction projects that are ongoing, so there is a lot to see in the region.

18th is Fathers Day weekend.

I've been trying to lose my Canadian roadmeet virginity since 2011. Good thing all of these look doable!

Quote from: getemngo on October 15, 2015, 09:56:04 PM
I've been trying to lose my Canadian roadmeet virginity since 2011. Good thing all of these look doable!

You were at the Sarnia one back in 2012.  Granted, it was a bi-national meet with Port Huron.

So, I am going to formally announce the date of this meet as June 11, 2016.

This is the most popular date in our date poll, and avoids fathers day which is the week later (the 19th).

I haven't decided upon a meeting location to start the meet, but I'll probably schedule it to start at either 11:00 or 11:30 likely at a restaurant in either Whitby, Ajax or Oshawa in order to have a look at the either recently opened, or soon to open extension of Hwy 407.

Cool.  I hope to make it, but it's dependent on when the family picnic is next year.

On the calendar. Let's see if I stay free.

I have created a facebook event for the Toronto Roads Meet this june.

It is available here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/587007688113739/

I might actually be able to make this meet.  And I won't even need a hotel. :-)

Sounds like fun.  I'd be interesting in coming if the logistics work out.

As I noted on Facebook, it looks like I'll be in.

I'm back! Again... :pan:

Finally, a Toronto road meet! I would love to come, but I only know my work schedule so far in advance (http://ttc.ca/Service_Advisories/Subway_closures/index.jsp)...

You know what, count me in, I'll go to this one. In fact I've never been to a road meeting before, so I'll see what transpires at these.

Just to provide a little bit of additional information on what I am thinking for the meet thus far. I am open to suggestions from interested parties about what they would like to see included on the tour.

I'd like to start the meeting at about 11:00 am. I envision the lunch lasting about 1.5 hours, meaning we'd hit the road around 12:30. Beyond that I propose the following:
I propose checking out the 401 through Oshawa, as this is the oldest portion of freeway in the province.

Beyond Oshawa, I'd like to drive west, across the 401 to Mississauga. I'd like to do this shortly after lunch, in order to avoid mid-day traffic in Toronto. I'd like to do a photo stop at the Rougemont Bridge, as the highway has an impressive cross-section through the valley, and the road is lightly traveled making it conducive to pedestrian activity.

In Mississauga/Brampton, we can look at the 410 construction. Construction started in 2015, and will see the current six lane freeway widened to have eight general purpose lanes and two HOV lanes.

Also in Mississauga, we can take a look at the now closed off tied bowstring bridge north of Gorewaywood Drive in Brampton. Tied bowstring bridges are quite rare in Ontario, and this example is in good condition.

I'd like to take the 407 back from Brampton to Oshawa heading eastbound. We'll have to organize ourselves into vehicles appropriately. I have a transponder, and don't mind taking the hit to drive the highway.

Once back in Durham Region, I'd propose checking out the 407 East Extension. I'm hoping (and expecting) that it will have opened to traffic by the time that the meet occurs. I envision finishing the tour around 5:00 pm or so. I live in the area, and would be open to post meet actives/tour should people be interested.

What I haven't planned to look at this meet is the Gardiner/DVP. These are interesting roads, but there is construction currently ongoing to replace some of the deck of the Gardiner through the western parts of Downtown. This would mean that we would likely encounter traffic delays on the highway if it were included on the tour. For those who wish to drive it, it might be prudent to drive the Gardiner/DVP on the Saturday morning before the tour.

Again, I am definitely open to suggestions from the group.

I am a definite maybe. I cannot commit until I have everything set for the summer, but I'd like an excuse to get back to Toronto. If I do it right, I could spend the night before and night after with my parents in Buffalo, keeping costs low enough that I'd be willing to take the 407 hit if the exchange rate stays near where it is now.

What bridge on Goreway Drive, I've been on Goreway Drive so many times in my life and don't recall seeing a bridge.

Just some possible thoughts, Hwy 403 in the Mississauga stretch going east, the view of the Mississauga downtown especially since the Absolute World towers opened, from the top of the Credit Valley, I like that view, but that's my opinion.

Gardiner Westbound should be ok, all lanes are opened heading west, but mind you, the awe inspiring drive into the city is when you head eastbound which I'm sure you know.

I'll be willing to be an "official" vehicle if you want as I have a transponder.

There's also extensive widening going on with Hwy 427 which I'm sure you know, and well the southern portion of Hwy 427 has become more dramatic with condo towers popping up on either side of the freeway around Bloor Street. Then south of Dundas, you have a rather intriguing view, look to the east and you will see Downtown Toronto, look to the west and you will see Downtown Mississauga with the stunning Absolute World towers at the foreground.

It's hard to do a route properly, but if I could, it would be nice if we could use ALL the GTAH freeways at some point, but I guess that would be impossible.

And well a Toronto road meet can't be complete without driving on the most epic ramp of them all, 404 SB to 401 WB Express.

I'm very knowledgeable on the GTA freeways, so I could be a driver and "tour guide" if you will stating facts as we go by certain areas. And well, I've spent my entire life going up and down Highway 410, and I know it sounds silly, but the 410 is part of who I am, as a Bramptonian, as a person, the 410 is Brampton's gateway to the world. (well at least North America)


If you were to include the Gardiner Eastbound, you'd have to make it clear that we'd have to leave the Gardiner at Lake Shore and rejoin at the suicide ramp on Lake Shore just east of Jamieson, it's the most efficient way to get to downtown Toronto.

Well these are some ideas, and well AsphaltPlanet, you are the boss, this is your meet.

^^^ The Gardiner does have three westbound lanes now, but I think there may be a new traffic pattern in place by the time the meet takes place in June.  If the Gardiner does have three lanes of traffic open in one direction, I would reconsider including that on the meet tour.

Keep in mind, that it simply won't be possible to see it all on the meet tour, as we simply won't have enough time to do everything.

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on February 29, 2016, 09:43:28 PM
^^^ The Gardiner does have three westbound lanes now, but I think there may be a new traffic pattern in place by the time the meet takes place in June.  If the Gardiner does have three lanes of traffic open in one direction, I would reconsider including that on the meet tour.

It looks like the traffic pattern is most likely going to stay that way according to their website:

http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=ab601fbd85412410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD (http://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=ab601fbd85412410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD)

And since you are going to Gorewood, are you going to involve Hwy 427 as well? I was just wondering.

My thoughts are to not do the 427 construction.  The 427 construction is quite similar to what is ongoing on the 410, and I'd say that the 410 is a more interesting project.

When the weather gets nicer, and when it gets closer to the meet date, I'll do the tour run myself before the meet, and get a better idea on exactly what the meet will include, and write the itinerary accordingly.  Because I don't know exactly when the eastern extension of the 407 is going to open, I probably won't be able to post the itinerary weeks in advance as is sometimes done for these things.

Jusr checking that we're still on for June 11.

I'm a "likely" for the meet, just need to work some other travel plans around that date.

Yup.  June 11th, is the date.

Just a quick update as the meet is just over a month away now.

I am looking at picking Jack Astor's as a restaurant.  The restaurant is located in Whitby close to the 401/Thickson Road interchange.  Jack Astor's a chain restaurant in Canada.

I've posted this on the Facebook Page as well, but I don't think that the 407 East Extension is going to be open when the meet is held.  I'm hoping that I am wrong, but that's the way it looks to me right now.  The highway should, however, be pretty near completion, and should still be interesting to look at, even if we don't get an opportunity to drive it.

I'm still tentative, but more than likely. Unless something keeps me in Albany (my adviser wants a paper done that weekend and I can't do it beforehand), I'll be there. Biggest problem is figuring out what to tell the NEXUS agent on the way back :spin: .

Visiting friends.

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on May 10, 2016, 09:00:04 AM
Just a quick update as the meet is just over a month away now.

I am looking at picking Jack Astor's as a restaurant.  The restaurant is located in Whitby close to the 401/Thickson Road interchange.  Jack Astor's a chain restaurant in Canada.

I've posted this on the Facebook Page as well, but I don't think that the 407 East Extension is going to be open when the meet is held.  I'm hoping that I am wrong, but that's the way it looks to me right now.  The highway should, however, be pretty near completion, and should still be interesting to look at, even if we don't get an opportunity to drive it.

Yelp reviews are unflattering toward food quality. I know there are limited places that can host a large event, and I also know the difficulty of being host, so I'll just make the suggestion of finding something more highly regarded, and not pester you.

Quote from: Alps on May 10, 2016, 07:08:49 PM

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on May 10, 2016, 09:00:04 AM
Just a quick update as the meet is just over a month away now.

I am looking at picking Jack Astor's as a restaurant.  The restaurant is located in Whitby close to the 401/Thickson Road interchange.  Jack Astor's a chain restaurant in Canada.

I've posted this on the Facebook Page as well, but I don't think that the 407 East Extension is going to be open when the meet is held.  I'm hoping that I am wrong, but that's the way it looks to me right now.  The highway should, however, be pretty near completion, and should still be interesting to look at, even if we don't get an opportunity to drive it.

Yelp reviews are unflattering toward food quality. I know there are limited places that can host a large event, and I also know the difficulty of being host, so I'll just make the suggestion of finding something more highly regarded, and not pester you.

Swiss Chalet. When we Americans (especially those of us who lived near the border) think of Canadian food, we think of them. Can't beat the chicken and I made plenty a trip across the border just for Swiss Chalet in undergrad (and Customs understood completely). Can't get more Canadian than them (unless you pick Tim Hortons).

Jack Astor's is a mediocre chain.  The food is fine pub fare, but certainly not amazing.

While there are some better restaurants in the area, they probably aren't going to be able to be able to handle such a large group.  I did consider Swiss Chalet, but Swiss Chalet is really more of a quick service restaurant, and probably won't be suitable for a large group to sit and linger in.

The only other option that I thought might work is Teddy's Deli in Oshawa.

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g155003-d777670-Reviews-Teddy_s_Restaurant_Deli-Oshawa_Ontario.html

This place has much better deli style food than any of the chain restaurants.

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on May 10, 2016, 08:08:44 PM
The only other option that I thought might work is Teddy's Deli in Oshawa.

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g155003-d777670-Reviews-Teddy_s_Restaurant_Deli-Oshawa_Ontario.html

This place has much better deli style food than any of the chain restaurants.

Slightly more compelling. As long as Smoke's makes it somewhere in my trip I'm OK.

Is it too late to confirm that I can make the Toronto meet? Just got word from my adviser that I should have the time to get out there for it.

^ Same. :) I checked my work schedule and the bus schedule as well and I should be able to make it.

The Toronto Meet is now only one week away!

Meet notes are here:
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/ON/Toronto/Toronto_Meet_Notes-Jun4.pdf

Quote from: cl94 on June 03, 2016, 12:02:35 PM
Is it too late to confirm that I can make the Toronto meet? Just got word from my adviser that I should have the time to get out there for it.

Quote from: sammi on June 03, 2016, 12:12:04 PM
^ Same. :) I checked my work schedule and the bus schedule as well and I should be able to make it.

Yeah, it's no problem.  I haven't made reservations with the restaurant yet, so no problem.

Looks like there's going to be some great stuff for you guys to check out. Make sure to get pictures!

I'm honestly surprised the 407E (and subsequently 412) isn't opened yet. It's getting close to the end of "Spring 2016".

Yeah, our timing is somewhat unfortunate.  I expect the 407 to open the week following the road meet.

Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on June 04, 2016, 10:26:34 AM

Quote from: cl94 on June 03, 2016, 12:02:35 PM
Is it too late to confirm that I can make the Toronto meet? Just got word from my adviser that I should have the time to get out there for it.

Quote from: sammi on June 03, 2016, 12:12:04 PM
^ Same. :) I checked my work schedule and the bus schedule as well and I should be able to make it.

Yeah, it's no problem.  I haven't made reservations with the restaurant yet, so no problem.

Excellent. I RSVPed on Facebook. Barring my adviser making me do something next weekend, the Toronto meet will be my first.

I looked over the meet notes and it looks like we're going to get a nice cross-section of stuff in the GTA. Shame that 407 won't be open yet, but, at least as far as I'm concerned, it's an excuse to drive a bunch of stuff I've never had an excuse to be on. Love that we're going to get the DVP in there- that's quite the fun road to drive.

As I have never driven on the thing (and I don't get charged foreign transaction fees by my bank), I'll happily be one of the ones to drive and take the 407 toll hit. I'm not really one to take pictures, anyway.

As an FYI for people who are coming from the states and want to see some stuff on your way to/from the meet: the 406 extension is open and, on the New York side, a project was just completed to reconfigure the southern part of the Robert Moses and NYSDOT is redoing the US Peace Bridge approach. If going through Buffalo, I'd highly recommend crossing back into the US over the Rainbow Bridge if you don't have NEXUS - it's almost always faster and the customs officers there are known to be kinder.

I always thought the Rainbow Bridge was slower because it gets jammed up with traffic for the falls?  I remember seeing a wait time of an hour for that crossing when coming back from a family vacation in Toronto (Lewiston was 2 hours due to the construction and Peace Bridge just 30 minutes).

I usually cross at the Peace Bridge myself typically just to avoid the Grand Island Bridge toll.  I've never found crossing at the Peace Bridge to be too problematic.  I always avoid crossing at Q-L though.  I find that the wait times tend to be the longest for this crossing.

Yeah, Lewiston-Queenston is usually the busiest as it is the most convenient connection of the 3 (or 4 if you have NEXUS)

I believe the Canadian plaza at the Peace Bridge has 16 lanes, and the Rainbow Bridge has around the same as well. Check the "Bridge Traffic" iPhone app or call 1-800-715-6722 when you get close to the bridges and make your move from there, as you are coming from the east, if L-Q reports no delay, then take it!

See I haven't used the Queenston-Lewiston and Whirlpool Rapids (have to wait on NEXUS for that) and want to cross it off my list. I've used the other two. I also want to cross at like 7:30

US Customs has been cracking down at the Peace Bridge over the past few months. Recently, they've been randomly checking people there before they leave the US (in addition to the Canadians doing their checks).  L-Q isn't miserable heading into Canada early in the morning, but it is a nightmare going to the States unless you cross in the middle of the night.

Rainbow gets a lot of daytrippers that don't have a lot of stuff, so they have little to declare (and thus the line moves faster). From my sources at NITTEC and from working at the MPO, that bridge is typically only bad on weekend afternoons. I typically cross there on weekdays or in the evening and I rarely wait more than 5-10 minutes.

Even though I have NEXUS, I only use Whirlpool at peak times. I won't use it when going to/from the meet, for example, but I do use it when popping across to Swiss Chalet for lunch/dinner.

Right now, I will warn people that MTO is doing a bunch of bridge replacements on the QEW south of Niagara Falls. Download the NITTEC app and it'll give you the bridge times as well as major incidents in the area on both sides of the border.

I literally took my car across the Rainbow Bridge last week around 12:30 PM and the line was forever. I haven't driven the Peace Bridge, but have biked it. I also want to make time to get up there.

Quote from: cl94 on June 06, 2016, 04:42:49 PM
Recently, they've been randomly checking people there before they leave the US (in addition to the Canadians doing their checks).

What's the point of that?  Doesn't Canada already share the arrival info?  I take it we're now going to need Uncle Sam's permission before we can leave the country (hmm... sounds like East Germany!)?

Quote from: vdeane on June 06, 2016, 07:56:45 PM

Quote from: cl94 on June 06, 2016, 04:42:49 PM
Recently, they've been randomly checking people there before they leave the US (in addition to the Canadians doing their checks).

What's the point of that?  Doesn't Canada already share the arrival info?  I take it we're now going to need Uncle Sam's permission before we can leave the country (hmm... sounds like East Germany!)?

I believe they do that when the US authorities are after somebody, they can catch them before they attempt to cross the border, I remember being told that once.

Quote from: vdeane on June 06, 2016, 07:56:45 PM

Quote from: cl94 on June 06, 2016, 04:42:49 PM
Recently, they've been randomly checking people there before they leave the US (in addition to the Canadians doing their checks).

What's the point of that?  Doesn't Canada already share the arrival info?  I take it we're now going to need Uncle Sam's permission before we can leave the country (hmm... sounds like East Germany!)?

According to what I've read in the paper, the bozos in Arizona and Texas want everyone to get an exit check regardless of where they leave the country and Homeland Security is agreeing with them. Because so many criminals cross to/from Canada.

There was no exit check at the Thousand Islands Bridge for me a few weeks ago.

Quote from: vdeane on June 06, 2016, 07:56:45 PM
What's the point of that?  Doesn't Canada already share the arrival info?

The level of coordination between the the two is shockingly low.

I cross over once every week or two and I think the last time I saw an exit check was last summer. Last time before that was the day of the Boston Marathon Bombings, so obviously security issues were unusual that day.

I think I've seen exit checks going from Canada almost as often, ie, almost never.

I had thought that the information sharing was part of the Beyond the Border action plan.  They certainly share enough other info (criminal records, medical records, your credit history, etc.).  I read a thing last night that suggests that customs is planning to make exit checks pervasive at airports and along the Mexican border (the latter of which I can see, since Mexico doesn't keep track of who enters the country); maybe they're planning on doing it for the Canadian border as well (which would explain why they're doing it at the Peace Bridge).  I can't even imagine what an exit inspection would entail, having never been outside of the US/Canada (which are apparently outliers for being two of only 4-5 countries (and I think the UK and Ireland just started doing exit checks, which would bring the count down) that don't have pervasive exit checks).

The checks at the Peace Bridge are typically spot checks. I have only been stopped once in the 15 or so times they've been checking people when I've crossed there over the past 2 years.

Quote from: vdeane on June 07, 2016, 12:53:19 PM
I can't even imagine what an exit inspection would entail, having never been outside of the US/Canada (which are apparently outliers for being two of only 4-5 countries (and I think the UK and Ireland just started doing exit checks, which would bring the count down) that don't have pervasive exit checks).

In my experience they're incredibly similar to an entry one. You go up to the desk, they ask you a few questions, they stamp your passport, you go.

So basically, they have a chance to prevent you from leaving the country if they think your itinerary is stupid (as they tend to think of roadgeeking itineraries, and is the reason why I don't travel to Canada without a roadmeet to provide the "visiting friends" excuse while hoping they don't ask too many followup questions; even one question of the "what do you plan to/did you see" variety instantly reveals that the purpose of the trip was to clinch roads) or you don't look like a stereotypical tourist, thereby causing trips to hinge on proving oneself to two authorities instead of just one.

Personally, I like that the country with harsher immigration officers is the one that can't deny me entry.  If they can deny me exit, that might make me rethink whether to cross the border.  It would suck to pay for hotels and have to cancel at the last second because someone at customs doesn't understand roadgeeks (heck, I ALREADY refuse to book hotels that don't have free cancellation for exactly this reason).

Quote from: MisterSG1 on June 06, 2016, 08:27:47 PM
I believe they do that when the US authorities are after somebody, they can catch them before they attempt to cross the border, I remember being told that once.

More than likely, yes. CBP conducted exit interviews at all of the North Country crossings (particularly the land crossings into Quebec) after the breakout at Dannemora last summer.

From what I understand of them, they were generally quick and painless...they didn't ask too many questions.

Quote from: vdeane on June 08, 2016, 07:37:57 PM
So basically, they have a chance to prevent you from leaving the country if they think your itinerary is stupid (as they tend to think of roadgeeking itineraries, and is the reason why I don't travel to Canada without a roadmeet to provide the "visiting friends" excuse while hoping they don't ask too many followup questions; even one question of the "what do you plan to/did you see" variety instantly reveals that the purpose of the trip was to clinch roads) or you don't look like a stereotypical tourist, thereby causing trips to hinge on proving oneself to two authorities instead of just one.

Personally, I like that the country with harsher immigration officers is the one that can't deny me entry.  If they can deny me exit, that might make me rethink whether to cross the border.  It would suck to pay for hotels and have to cancel at the last second because someone at customs doesn't understand roadgeeks (heck, I ALREADY refuse to book hotels that don't have free cancellation for exactly this reason).

Just tell the truth and you shouldn't have problems. The main focus of customs checks is mainly two things, that you don't pose anything that would make you criminally inadmissible to entry, and that you don't intend to live there, which would make you inadmissible on the basis of intent to immigrate. Obviously, if your story makes it clear that you are going to return back home than you shouldn't have a problem. Sure they can deny you for any reason, but exactly on what grounds of inadmissibility are there if you tend to take a specific road trip in Canada?

Maybe speaking as a Canadian, I think the CBSA are more difficult people to deal with personally. But it depends on who you get. You should not use "visiting friends" because they may ask for a specific person and their address, and will go as far as calling them to verify your story. Both sides usually take dishonesty as grounds of inadmissibility.

I crossed the border recently with my friend who is not a Nexus holder, and outright told him, this was at Port Huron, that I was going to 23 Mile Road to go to White Castle....seriously he didn't have a problem and even made reference to "Harold & Kumar go to White Castle". Going to White Caste I think is more of a head scratcher than simply doing some road geeking in my opinion anyways.

 

Quote from: vdeane on June 07, 2016, 12:53:19 PM
So basically, they have a chance to prevent you from leaving the country if they think your itinerary is stupid

No, not at all. They really don't care if you're doing something stupid in another country, they're worried if you're up to something criminal in either country (particularly smuggling of drugs, weapons, human trafficking, etc). Or they're interested that you did in fact leave the country if you are not a resident. Hence why the Mexican border is the priority, as that's where those issues are certainly more of a concern than at the Canadian one.

Quote from: vdeane on June 08, 2016, 07:37:57 PM
(as they tend to think of roadgeeking itineraries, and is the reason why I don't travel to Canada without a roadmeet to provide the "visiting friends" excuse while hoping they don't ask too many followup questions; even one question of the "what do you plan to/did you see" variety instantly reveals that the purpose of the trip was to clinch roads) or you don't look like a stereotypical tourist, thereby causing trips to hinge on proving oneself to two authorities instead of just one.

Again, the exit authorities aren't really going to deny you exit - and if they did, you're probably being arrested, so a cancelled trip is likely not going to be your greatest concern.

And regarding border questions, I really do not get what's so hard about that. There are plenty of other reasons to cross the border - sightseeing, shopping, lunch, etc. No reason none of those couldn't be an excuse - and odds are to a point they all happen in conjunction with exploring highways anyway. So it is true.

Quote from: MisterSG1 on June 09, 2016, 09:28:39 AM

Quote from: vdeane on June 08, 2016, 07:37:57 PM
So basically, they have a chance to prevent you from leaving the country if they think your itinerary is stupid (as they tend to think of roadgeeking itineraries, and is the reason why I don't travel to Canada without a roadmeet to provide the "visiting friends" excuse while hoping they don't ask too many followup questions; even one question of the "what do you plan to/did you see" variety instantly reveals that the purpose of the trip was to clinch roads) or you don't look like a stereotypical tourist, thereby causing trips to hinge on proving oneself to two authorities instead of just one.

Personally, I like that the country with harsher immigration officers is the one that can't deny me entry.  If they can deny me exit, that might make me rethink whether to cross the border.  It would suck to pay for hotels and have to cancel at the last second because someone at customs doesn't understand roadgeeks (heck, I ALREADY refuse to book hotels that don't have free cancellation for exactly this reason).

Just tell the truth and you shouldn't have problems. The main focus of customs checks is mainly two things, that you don't pose anything that would make you criminally inadmissible to entry, and that you don't intend to live there, which would make you inadmissible on the basis of intent to immigrate. Obviously, if your story makes it clear that you are going to return back home than you shouldn't have a problem. Sure they can deny you for any reason, but exactly on what grounds of inadmissibility are there if you tend to take a specific road trip in Canada?

Maybe speaking as a Canadian, I think the CBSA are more difficult people to deal with personally. But it depends on who you get. You should not use "visiting friends" because they may ask for a specific person and their address, and will go as far as calling them to verify your story. Both sides usually take dishonesty as grounds of inadmissibility.

I crossed the border recently with my friend who is not a Nexus holder, and outright told him, this was at Port Huron, that I was going to 23 Mile Road to go to White Castle....seriously he didn't have a problem and even made reference to "Harold & Kumar go to White Castle". Going to White Caste I think is more of a head scratcher than simply doing some road geeking in my opinion anyways.

From what I've heard, Canadians crossing and driving decent distances to shop and go to restaurants are not uncommon (heck, some border communities were complaining about lack of parking and empty shelves at big box stores back when the exchange rate favored Canada more); meanwhile, Americans usually only cross if they're planning to be a very stereotypical tourist and buy cheesy souvineers (last time I came back, US customs got VERY suspicious of the fact that I didn't have anything to declare and was only bringing back one of the Nunavut maps Oscar was giving out, revealed on a followup question).  Every time I've used "meeting up with friends" as a way to pass off a roadmeet, simply saying that we come from all over satisfies them.  The one time I got sent to secondary, I had to go through zillions of questions explaining myself and what a "highway enthusiest" is (I didn't use the word "roadgeek" and there were times when the went off to look up who knows what and I honestly thought they were going to deny me entry for about 15 minutes there (that one was an odd one though; it was just me meeting up with AsphaltPlanet for an afternoon in an impromptu Montreal mini-meet, and since I was coming from Potsdam and had a roadtrip planned for the next day, I didn't pad the trip with anything; it was also my first time ever talking to customs and I can think of a few answers I'd phrase differently to be more clear and concise if I had to do it again).  Also, in my experience, customs is suspicious of people who travel on their own, which I always do.

Heck, last time I had to justify to US customs why I was working at NYSDOT instead of using my computer science degree, as if that makes me a criminal.  They also made me nervous when they had me turn off the engine and open the trunk; I thought they were going to detain me and take the car apart, but to my great surprise, they actually let me go after a quick glance.

It doesn't help that I have an anxiety disorder and tend to get extremely nervous around authority figures.  It also doesn't help that my trips tend to consist entirely of route clinching and roadmeets, and not much (if anything) else.

A run-in with Customs is why I broke down and got NEXUS. They typically don't care as much if you have Nexus.

Quote from: vdeane on June 09, 2016, 01:20:34 PM
From what I've heard, Canadians crossing and driving decent distances to shop and go to restaurants are not uncommon (heck, some border communities were complaining about lack of parking and empty shelves at big box stores back when the exchange rate favored Canada more); meanwhile, Americans usually only cross if they're planning to be a very stereotypical tourist and buy cheesy souvineers

Based on the plates you see in parking lots on this side of the border, that is most definitely not the case. Some days it seems like half the plates at the Niagara outlets are yellow NY ones these days (the current exchange rate probably stimulating that).

Quote from: vdeane on June 09, 2016, 01:20:34 PM
Heck, last time I had to justify to US customs why I was working at NYSDOT instead of using my computer science degree, as if that makes me a criminal.  They also made me nervous when they had me turn off the engine and open the trunk; I thought they were going to detain me and take the car apart, but to my great surprise, they actually let me go after a quick glance.

That's really normal. I think I probably got the trunk checked about half the time before I got Nexus. Even with Nexus it's not unheard of.

Per the point regarding work, always bear in mind customs officers going both ways will employ a variety of questions that are designed to throw you off. Everyone expects the usual citizenship, where are you going, how long are you staying, bringing anything with you questions. It's the really random ones that will cause a criminal to lose their cool. That and acting authoritative (or dickish in the case of one I had at the D-W Tunnel last week) are a deliberate action, designed to keep you off balance.

Quote from: vdeane on June 09, 2016, 01:20:34 PM
It doesn't help that I have an anxiety disorder and tend to get extremely nervous around authority figures.  It also doesn't help that my trips tend to consist entirely of route clinching and roadmeets, and not much (if anything) else.

And therein lays probably part of the issue as far as the border officers go. If you get all anxious and worried at the border, then it really makes it look like you're up to something. Not that you are, but that definitely is the logic from their side of the table.
Basically, just be polite with them, and answer their questions directly, and it should be fine.

I understand that especially with anxiety issues something like the border can be intimidating. So I really hope it helps a bit to see a little of the why in what they do.

:)

I hope it's okay to ask this here, even though I have brought it up on a previous forum but since I have seen the conversation crop up here I wanted to ask. I'm taking a week-long trip up to Canada from June 25 to July 2 and have never done the border crossing by myself before. My trip from Indianapolis will run through Detroit up to Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara Falls before heading back through at Port Huron. If I am doing primarily tourist stuff (which is certainly my intent I like to see these places and explore) and not mention any roadgeeking stuff, that should go over well with the customs people right? I am traveling by myself and someone mentioned previously that it is looked at with suspicion. I also have a small beard, will I get any problem for that, it resembles my picture on my passport so I thought that keeping it would help with identification. And traveling out I plan on having my car cleaned with only a duffle bag for clothes and a backpack with my laptop and maps and in the trunk some jumper cables and a spare tire that I have, will I get any problems for this. It's only a shame that the meet wasn't schedules for the 25th or I may have seriously considered it, I plan on traveling across the 401 that Saturday en route to my first overnight near Kingston.

I imagine the effects of traveling on your own are greater if you're just turned 21 a couple months ago and drive a car that's technically registered to your Mom and in college than if you're older, driving your own car, and have an established career.

Well I'm 28 and I have done road trips by myself before, none for this length or out of country. I do own the registration for my car and I do have a full-time job. That said, the insurance is under my mom's name, for both her vehicle and mine, will that be an issue? And I do apologize for hijacking this thread any more than it's already been.

Last time I crossed the border solo (going to the Senators-Red Wings game in Ottawa on Halloween), each crossing took about thirty seconds. No problems at all.

Quote from: cu2010 on June 09, 2016, 08:26:27 PM
Last time I crossed the border solo (going to the Senators-Red Wings game in Ottawa on Halloween), each crossing took about thirty seconds. No problems at all.

I haven't had a problem crossing solo since I got NEXUS. Cross too often without it and they think you're a drug runner.

Quote from: vdeane on June 09, 2016, 06:53:27 PM
I imagine the effects of traveling on your own are greater if you're just turned 21 a couple months ago and drive a car that's technically registered to your Mom and in college than if you're older, driving your own car, and have an established career.

Age doesn't seem to overcome the societal suspicion of single people. The most offensive was the U.S. agent at Sault-Ste-Marie MI, giving me a hard time for not being married. (Interesting side question: do gay couples get more credit at borders for being married or otherwise partnered, than grief for being gay?)

My established career might help me a little, though agents seem more pleased by the "retired" part than the "lawyer" part.

Border hassles seems a fertile topic for discussion at the meet lunch. Ninety minutes might not be enough.

Quote from: oscar on June 09, 2016, 10:52:16 PM
Border hassles seems a fertile topic for discussion at the meet lunch. Ninety minutes might not be enough.

I was thinking that. Everyone has a few stories.

Are we scheduled for 11:00 or 11:30? I need to know what route I'm taking, since GO doesn't exactly run frequently.

11. Also, I offered to pick you up (and anyone else taking public transportation) at the Whitby GO station.

Quote from: sammi on June 10, 2016, 05:18:52 PM
Are we scheduled for 11:00 or 11:30? I need to know what route I'm taking, since GO doesn't exactly run frequently.

The Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East line ALWAYS run a train every 30 minutes even on weekends. So using GO to get there should be no issue at all.

Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on June 10, 2016, 06:14:31 PM
11. Also, I offered to pick you up (and anyone else taking public transportation) at the Whitby GO station.

I thought the place was immediately outside the GO station, and that it was for 11:30, in which case I could just take the bus almost directly from my place and walk there. I hope it's not too late to take you up on that?

As an added bonus, you get a view you can't see by road of the 401/412 interchange from the train.  :bigass:

Quote from: MisterSG1 on June 10, 2016, 06:21:32 PM
The Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East line ALWAYS run a train every 30 minutes even on weekends. So using GO to get there should be no issue at all.

Except it actually runs every hour at the time I would need to take it (http://www.gotransit.com/timetables/en/schedules/schedules_window.aspx?tableid=09&dir=E&date=2016-06-11&parentid=1). :pan: Besides, I'm coming from near Finch station, so that's not the best option; instead, I'll likely be taking the 10:05 trip of the 96B (http://www.gotransit.com/timetables/en/schedules/schedules_window.aspx?tableid=96&dir=E&date=2016-06-11&parentid=1) that will land me in Whitby at 10:55.

if that's the case, I could pick you up at Finch so you don't have to deal with MetroStinx transit. :D

It's an offer, if you want to go through with it just PM me as I'm coming from Brampton anyway.

It's still an option, but I will leave it up to you whose offer you prefer. PM me as well and I can provide you my number.

Hope the rain hits in the early morning like forecasts are currently saying and not later in the day. Might make my drive from Buffalo miserable, but I'd take that over bad meet weather.

For the Toronto people: what is the cheapest gas near the restaurant? My wallet will hate me, but I'm not starting the meet without a full tank.

Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on June 10, 2016, 06:51:58 PM
It's still an option, but I will leave it up to you whose offer you prefer. PM me as well and I can provide you my number.

You could even pick him up at Finch if you want to. The ramp from 401 EB to Yonge NB is one of the more enjoyable ramps to drive on in the GTA....and well, downtown North York or "North York Centre" is a rather interesting area, it has a downtown feel on Yonge, but go 200 feet either east or west of Yonge and you are back in suburbia....that's what I mean by interesting.

Quote from: cl94 on June 10, 2016, 07:10:37 PM
Hope the rain hits in the early morning like forecasts are currently saying and not later in the day. Might make my drive from Buffalo miserable, but I'd take that over bad meet weather.

For the Toronto people: what is the cheapest gas near the restaurant? My wallet will hate me, but I'm not starting the meet without a full tank.

Cheapest gas in Whitby is selling at 101.9 at Thickson and Rossland. Rossland is the second arterial north of the 401, the going rate at most GTA stations is 106.9

It's up to her. I would find Whitby easier given my lack of Toronto area knowledge. I got lost in St. Catharines, much less the Toronto area

Quote from: MisterSG1 on June 10, 2016, 07:14:53 PM

Quote from: cl94 on June 10, 2016, 07:10:37 PM
Hope the rain hits in the early morning like forecasts are currently saying and not later in the day. Might make my drive from Buffalo miserable, but I'd take that over bad meet weather.

For the Toronto people: what is the cheapest gas near the restaurant? My wallet will hate me, but I'm not starting the meet without a full tank.

Cheapest gas in Whitby is selling at 101.9 at Thickson and Rossland. Rossland is the second arterial north of the 401, the going rate at most GTA stations is 106.9

Thanks. 101.9 is only 50 cents a gallon more than what it costs in Buffalo accounting for the conversion. I can live with that.

Gas prices for Whitby and surrounding area:

http://www.torontogasprices.com/GasPriceSearch.aspx

Here's my photo of most of our group, with an about-to-open segment of the 407 behind us on the overpass:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alaskaroads.com%2FToronto-meet-group-photo_DSC_1835.jpg&hash=82035deb9654dd3250942e13a83fb86c8b05cafe)

I'm at the far right, while Adam Moss is holding the upside-down 403 shield. Rest of the captioning to follow, though I'll need help on some of the names.

This is my photo:

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13450277_10209394106546634_3233561219903979735_n.jpg?oh=42e9a9763e462aa84f14a616b5479dd7&oe=5801D038)

From left to right:


Kneeling: Adam Moss (me-NY/IL), Mark Mirlees (ON)

Standing: Scott Steeves (ON), Chris Jordan (NY), Doug Kerr (NY), Chris Beach (ON), Andrew Gurudata (ON), Sammi De Guzman (ON), Brandon Penney (ON), Josh Schmid (NY), Mark Sinsabaugh (NY), Oscar Voss (VA)

Three members of the meet were not present at the photo because they were delayed in Richmond Hill.