AARoads Forum

As a few 2014 meets seem to be reserving dates, I thought I'd kick this off and see what people think. The idea would be to have a two-day meet on Saturday and Sunday, and give people and their families a chance to see New York on their own, maybe build a vacation around it. (If you've never been, or not in 20+ years, you really should come visit. And yes, it's very kid-friendly in this area.) If you can make both days some weekends but only one day on others, then please choose the ones where you can make both days (or comment). I'd like to return to the glory of past National Meets and have a great affair, and with enough pre-planning I can maybe line up something unique for the days and nights.

As of right now I'm good for anything except Memorial Day.  The family picnic is usually in June, but we won't know when until late May or so (depends on when my relatives in Michigan can get vacation).

My preference would be as late as possible. This meet would be my top priority for next year- finances/vacation time will determine how that plays in with a potential Starved Rock IL meet. I'd either drive to Starved Rock and fly to this, or just drive to this.

If I do the latter, hopefully the date is locked in a few months in advance, because I'd have to clear 2 weeks off of work with my boss.

But yeah, this sounds awesome, and I can't think of a better way to do a cross country roadtrip.

Too early to identify my likely schedule conflicts, but the two weekends in May are most likely to conflict with a niece's graduation out in California, and I suspect others will have similar issues.  One weekend in June may be another problem for me, but I don't yet know which one.

Memorial Day is probably out for me, and it's too far in advance for me to know exactly what my schedule will be on the other dates, but I'll definitely keep this on my radar screen.

This sounds amazing!

I have no weekend commitments yet for May or June 2014. I'm biased and voted for my 27th birthday weekend (June 28-29), but as of right now, I can do any of the weekends.

My brother and sis-in-law are trying to conceive a baby, and we are nine months out from the meet...so hopefully that doesn't interfere!

For me the most prefered dates would be Memorial day weekend or the next weekend. That is when I will be in the York\ Harrisburg, PA area for the toy show I do in York every Sunday\ Memorial day weekend so if it ends up being memorial day weekend, i can at least do Saturday but the next weekend may work out better since I would be able to do the whole weekend and I would use my last week of vacation for that week since it's only a 3 hour drive from where I stay (York or Harrisburg) I also voted the last weekend in June since that is at the end of June, either way I will be in central PA over Memorial Day weekend.

June 7-8 is my dad and stepmom's anniversary weekend (it's the 9th, for those who must know), so I may end up dog-sitting, and I'm inclined to avoid driving on Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day weekend would have a Wife Acceptance Factor of about zero for me since she likes to do something for our birthdays then (mine is May 31, hers is just over a week prior to mine). I think I have to go with June 7—8 because we've been kicking around the idea of going to Europe at the end of June.

OK so for starters, it sounds like Memorial Day is generally frowned upon. That's the sort of thing I'm interested in knowing! I also see people either like the weekend after that or the last one in June.

Too early to figure out the schedule planning conflicts at this point.

My work does not typically allow me to know this far in advance whether I can be at something like this. My upcoming job will no longer exist by then, and the one after it might not exist yet. So, since I already live in NYC, just let me know when it is and I'll let you know if I can make it. :)

It's too early for me to commit to one date here, but Memorial Day will be out. 

(SIDE NOTE: Would be quite interesting if I was still in California and took a transcontinental flight :|)

I'm probably booked June 21-22, and Memorial Day would probably be best to leave open, but any of the others would probably work.

Memorial Day would be perfect for me for a change, but all the other dates work.

I do a trip to NYC every year in late May/early June, so this works out perfectly. Except I probably won't have a car (I usually take Amtrak).

I can't commit to any dates yet, since we're going to be booking our honeymoon at some point for May or June. I think later in June would be the best bet, though, since I think we're looking at mid-May or early June.

Sounds like an interesting idea.  The big question is: should I drive?
I'm planning the Starved Rock, Illinois meet for Saturday May 15th right now.  Anything in June should be far enough away I would think.

For me, Memorial Day weekend is automatically out; I'll be in Massachusetts.

June 7-8 and 21-22 are also out for me due to the All-Ford and All-GM events taking place in Carlisle, PA.

All other weekends (at least the Saturdays) are workable for me.

Quote from: PHLBOS on September 18, 2013, 02:49:22 PM
June 7-8 and 21-22 are also out for me due to the All-Ford and All-GM events taking place in Carlisle, PA.

Isn't that illegal to attend both in some states?  :pan:

Quote from: Brandon on September 18, 2013, 04:03:12 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on September 18, 2013, 02:49:22 PM
June 7-8 and 21-22 are also out for me due to the All-Ford and All-GM events taking place in Carlisle, PA.

Isn't that illegal to attend both in some states?  :pan:

Maybe below the Mason-Dixon line.  :)

Memorial Day weekend would not be good for me. Also, the weekend of June 7-9 is a major religious holiday for me, so that is out.

Just remembered the East Coast Prelude Meet at the Outer Banks happens around this time of year as well. This year it was the last weekend in June, and I'm likely to attend it next year, so the 28th-29th may be no good for me after all.

Scheduling things for me is on a first come, first serve basis. I currently have plans none of those weekends. You claim one anytime before the end of the year? It's definitely yours.

I will also agree, though, that Memorial Day weekend is unideal since I'd rather travel out of town on a long weekend.

Quote from: Takumi on September 18, 2013, 06:23:37 PM
Just remembered the East Coast Prelude Meet at the Outer Banks happens around this time of year as well. This year it was the last weekend in June, and I'm likely to attend it next year, so the 28th-29th may be no good for me after all.

It was June 16-17 in 2012, so there's no way to know. However, based on the responses, it seems that everyone likes the last weekend in June the best. Hey, stick around for the following week and save a vacation day thanks to July 4! You can definitely spend a week in NYC. So... June 28-29 it is, barring anything unexpected in the next few months. Official announcement will be in 2014 once I've planned everything and made sure there's not a compelling reason to pick another weekend.

Kind of a tough call...both places are pretty touristy in summer, but NYC is less car-friendly and further away. I've never been to NYC but haven't been to OBX since 2005, and the Hatteras section even longer. Either way it's too far out for me to commit either way right now...depends on several things, particularly how far along my car is at the time.

Hopefully you'll keep us posted as you get farther along in the planning process.

I would be interested to know things such as where the daily meeting point would be, how accessible it would be from various lodging options, if said lodging options are automobile-friendly (because I would be driving up from Kentucky should I attend), and the like.

Quote from: hbelkins on September 19, 2013, 12:29:35 AMif said lodging options are automobile-friendly

Automobile-friendly and NYC is a contradiction in terms.  :)

To be fair, while there are likely some lodging establishments in Manhattan that provide parking for their partons (at addtional cost); IMHO, one might be better off lodging outside of Manhattan.  The rates for such (again, outside of Manhattan) are probably cheaper as well.

Quote from: PHLBOS on September 19, 2013, 02:31:07 PMThe rates for such (again, outside of Manhattan) are probably cheaper as well.

FTFY.

Yeah I'm planning on either staying at least as far north as White Plains or in New Jersey and taking train/bus down- only driving into Manhattan if absolutely necessary.

Tentatively looking at hotels in Manhattan...it looks like $300 a night minimum. You've got to get 20-25 miles out of town before reasonable rate ($80-$110) hotels that aren't terrible start to pop up.

Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on September 19, 2013, 02:46:19 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on September 19, 2013, 02:31:07 PMThe rates for such (again, outside of Manhattan) are probably cheaper as well.

FTFY.

Unless someone snags a good (but non-refundable) deal on Priceline, Hotwire, etc. :)

Quote from: corco on September 19, 2013, 03:10:30 PM
Yeah I'm planning on either staying at least as far north as White Plains or in New Jersey and taking train/bus down- only driving into Manhattan if absolutely necessary.

Tentatively looking at hotels in Manhattan...it looks like $300 a night minimum. You've got to get 20-25 miles out of town before reasonable rate ($80-$110) hotels that aren't terrible start to pop up.

As stated before (in the Tolls at road meets thread); this is the kind of meet that would make car-pooling essentially mandatory.

Quote from: corco on September 19, 2013, 03:10:30 PM
Yeah I'm planning on either staying at least as far north as White Plains or in New Jersey and taking train/bus down- only driving into Manhattan if absolutely necessary.

Tentatively looking at hotels in Manhattan...it looks like $300 a night minimum. You've got to get 20-25 miles out of town before reasonable rate ($80-$110) hotels that aren't terrible start to pop up.

My most probable scenario so far is taking the Amtrak down from Montreal and either get off before NYC and stay there (and get to the meet via Metro-North) or transfer via Penn Station to NJ Transit.

Question is, who will be willing to bring their car to the meet? ;D

Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on September 19, 2013, 03:34:25 PMQuestion is, who will be willing to bring their car to the meet?

I think the date/weekend of the meet would need to be settled first prior to anyone answering/commiting to such.  Additionally, some may be only able to attend the meet for one day rather than the entire weekend.  Previous meets I attended were only day-meets.

That said, if the date's chosen is one I can make/attend; I am willing to bring my car (my Crown Vic. can hold up to 6 people) to the actual meet location.  I would just ask that somebody either from or more familiar with the area ride along as the co-pilot.   While I've driven through NYC a few times; it's no where near as frequent as I've driven through Philly or Boston.

I did similar at an Airliners.net NYC meet I went on several years ago and it worked out rather well.

FYI, current toll rate info.; this may influence how the itinerary is planned.

MTA car toll rate info:

http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html#cars (http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html#cars)

PANYNJ tolls rates for cars:

http://www.panynj.gov/bridges-tunnels/tolls.html (http://www.panynj.gov/bridges-tunnels/tolls.html)

Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on September 19, 2013, 03:34:25 PM

Quote from: corco on September 19, 2013, 03:10:30 PM
Yeah I'm planning on either staying at least as far north as White Plains or in New Jersey and taking train/bus down- only driving into Manhattan if absolutely necessary.

Tentatively looking at hotels in Manhattan...it looks like $300 a night minimum. You've got to get 20-25 miles out of town before reasonable rate ($80-$110) hotels that aren't terrible start to pop up.

My most probable scenario so far is taking the Amtrak down from Montreal and either get off before NYC and stay there (and get to the meet via Metro-North) or transfer via Penn Station to NJ Transit.

Question is, who will be willing to bring their car to the meet? ;D

Me. I drive into New York all the time. Especially given that this is a summer weekend, it won't be bad at all.

Knowing the tour in advance would be good for this meet.  My plan is to somehow clinch the remaining interstates I don't have in NY (everything south of I-287 except I-95) as well as the eastern spur of the NJ Turnpike.  I hope that the I-78 circle is included because I don't think I could handle driving in Manhattan beyond the few freeways it has.  I may also head out to the lighthouse at the eastern end of LI if I have time.

Given how expensive this "mini" vacation will be (I'm looking at 2-3 days in addition to the meet) I'll have to be judicious in what other roadmeets I attend next year.

I'm also planning on doing some clinching. Get US 1, US 9 and NY 22 out of the way in the area, as well as (maybe) some Long Island stuff and (if I feel like it) some East River bridges.

If this works out, I can actually combine business and pleasure, by spending Friday or Monday in our Manhattan office. This will prevent me from losing one day of work, and I can catch up with my two good friends who work there. :)

Quote from: vdeane on September 20, 2013, 12:45:11 PM
Knowing the tour in advance would be good for this meet.  My plan is to somehow clinch the remaining interstates I don't have in NY (everything south of I-287 except I-95) as well as the eastern spur of the NJ Turnpike.  I hope that the I-78 circle is included because I don't think I could handle driving in Manhattan beyond the few freeways it has.  I may also head out to the lighthouse at the eastern end of LI if I have time.

Given how expensive this "mini" vacation will be (I'm looking at 2-3 days in addition to the meet) I'll have to be judicious in what other roadmeets I attend next year.

Yeah, if we could squeeze I-895 into the route somehow, that would be great.  It's the only interstate in New York south of I-84 that I haven't taken any pictures of yet (or been on, for that matter).

Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on September 19, 2013, 03:34:25 PM
Question is, who will be willing to bring their car to the meet? ;D

I can, and I'm going to venture that most people will want to. Commuter trains are really only good for getting to Manhattan, and if you start the tour there anyone who brings their car will have to pay through the nose to park it in a garage. It probably makes more sense to start at an outer borough restaurant that has some of their own parking and where anyone who's not driving on the tour can find free on-street parking nearby. Also no needless negotiation of Manhattan traffic that way.

I also should be able to give a couple of people a ride to and from the restaurant if they are staying somewhere in the city.

Quote from: vdeane on September 20, 2013, 12:45:11 PM
I hope that the I-78 circle is included because I don't think I could handle driving in Manhattan beyond the few freeways it has.

If it isn't, I will gladly give you a ride through the Holland Tunnel afterwards... for $10.25. :P

Everyone's going to want route X and Y to be on the meet. It's a two day meet, with the expectation that you can stay in the area an extra couple of days. So if it's not on the meet... get it yerself ;)

Quote from: Steve on September 23, 2013, 12:18:41 AM
Everyone's going to want route X and Y to be on the meet. It's a two day meet, with the expectation that you can stay in the area an extra couple of days. So if it's not on the meet... get it yerself ;)

/me likes this response.

It took me a month to get all the Interstates in Los Angeles and two 3-day trips to get the Interstates in San Francisco.  Why?  Other things to do (LA - first priority is job, SF - Well I can't neglect the host - who isn't a roadfan)

Quote from: Steve on September 23, 2013, 12:18:41 AM
Everyone's going to want route X and Y to be on the meet. It's a two day meet, with the expectation that you can stay in the area an extra couple of days. So if it's not on the meet... get it yerself ;)

That's the plan, I'm just really hoping I can minimize/avoid driving on Manhattan streets, since breaking traffic laws and aggressively asserting right of way are both mandatory for driving there, and I do neither.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I am planning on going.  It is my intent to take the week of the 4th off, however it is likely that I will fly in and only rent a car on days that I roadgeek - using trains to get around otherwise.

QuoteThis signature may or may not contain chemicals known to the State of Alanland to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Fixed your sig line for you.

I would really like to try and attend this meet. It's too soon for me to know exactly what's going on next summer, but I have a feeling the last weekend of June might not work for me. As far as I know, all other weekends mentioned may work okay with my schedule. If it's scheduled for one of the earlier weekends, I'd say I have somewhere between a 50 and 70 percent chance of being able to go. I really want to and hope it works out for me.

Quote from: vdeane on September 23, 2013, 01:05:14 PM

Quote from: Steve on September 23, 2013, 12:18:41 AM
Everyone's going to want route X and Y to be on the meet. It's a two day meet, with the expectation that you can stay in the area an extra couple of days. So if it's not on the meet... get it yerself ;)

That's the plan, I'm just really hoping I can minimize/avoid driving on Manhattan streets, since breaking traffic laws and aggressively asserting right of way are both mandatory for driving there, and I do neither.

There's nowhere that you have to travel on Manhattan streets, other than places inside Manhattan.  There's one scenario where it may save time to do so, which is going between Long Island and New Jersey via the Midtown Tunnel (I-495) and the Lincoln Tunnel (NJ 495).  In this case, it's just a mile or so across 34 Street.

I may be pretty open for weekends, especially in the second half of June.  That being said, I would likely only be attending for part of the meet weekend, since I don't live terribly far from NYC, plus I have friends and family on Long Island I ought to visit more often.

At this point I am 50/50 on this. I plan on being in York, PA Memorial Day weekend but just taking 5 days off for that which would require only 1 vacation day so if all goes well I should be able to attend if finances and work is ok and if Steph is able to come too.

Finances are making this less and less likely for me. We'll have to wait and see. I was looking forward to this, and it would be a shame if I can't come.

Quote from: dgolub on December 26, 2013, 06:32:45 PM

Quote from: vdeane on September 23, 2013, 01:05:14 PM

Quote from: Steve on September 23, 2013, 12:18:41 AM
Everyone's going to want route X and Y to be on the meet. It's a two day meet, with the expectation that you can stay in the area an extra couple of days. So if it's not on the meet... get it yerself ;)

That's the plan, I'm just really hoping I can minimize/avoid driving on Manhattan streets, since breaking traffic laws and aggressively asserting right of way are both mandatory for driving there, and I do neither.

There's nowhere that you have to travel on Manhattan streets, other than places inside Manhattan.  There's one scenario where it may save time to do so, which is going between Long Island and New Jersey via the Midtown Tunnel (I-495) and the Lincoln Tunnel (NJ 495).  In this case, it's just a mile or so across 34 Street.

What about clinching I-78?  Last I checked, it dumps out onto Canal St.

Quote from: hbelkins on December 26, 2013, 10:26:27 PM
Finances are making this less and less likely for me. We'll have to wait and see. I was looking forward to this, and it would be a shame if I can't come.

Same here.

Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2013, 12:36:46 PM

Quote from: dgolub on December 26, 2013, 06:32:45 PM
There's nowhere that you have to travel on Manhattan streets, other than places inside Manhattan.  There's one scenario where it may save time to do so, which is going between Long Island and New Jersey via the Midtown Tunnel (I-495) and the Lincoln Tunnel (NJ 495).  In this case, it's just a mile or so across 34 Street.

What about clinching I-78?  Last I checked, it dumps out onto Canal St.

And not too far from the entrance to unsigned I-478.  I clinched I-478 then the east end of I-78 in 2003, with minimum exposure to Manhattan traffic.

Is 34th Street really a better crosstown route than 36th-37th? 36th is even signed as the route to I-495 east from the Lincoln Tunnel.

Quote from: NE2 on December 27, 2013, 01:43:52 PM
Is 34th Street really a better crosstown route than 36th-37th?

No. In fact, 34th Street is the fool's route used by everyone who instinctively follows major streets over minor ones. Smart driving in Manhattan (if you don't consider that to be an oxymoron) generally involves avoiding major east-west streets, because they are inevitably more congested (partly on account of them being two-way, meaning there are left turn conflicts).

But as for the broader question of getting from Long Island to New Jersey, it's usually faster (albeit more expensive in tolls) to go via Staten Island or the GWB unless your destination in NJ is somewhere between the two. If you have to go through Manhattan, something else that also works outside of rush hour is take one of the free bridges into Manhattan, go all the way down the FDR, swing under battery park and up the west side highway, and then use the Holland Tunnel. During rush hour, you're fucked no matter what you do.

Quote from: hbelkins on December 26, 2013, 10:38:47 AM

QuoteThis signature may or may not contain chemicals known to the State of Alanland to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Fixed your sig line for you.

This is an insult pointed at California's Proposition 65 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_65_%281986%29 - which has polluted many businesses with such signs.  'sides, it's Alanland.

Quote from: oscar on December 27, 2013, 12:55:07 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2013, 12:36:46 PM

Quote from: dgolub on December 26, 2013, 06:32:45 PM
There's nowhere that you have to travel on Manhattan streets, other than places inside Manhattan.  There's one scenario where it may save time to do so, which is going between Long Island and New Jersey via the Midtown Tunnel (I-495) and the Lincoln Tunnel (NJ 495).  In this case, it's just a mile or so across 34 Street.

What about clinching I-78?  Last I checked, it dumps out onto Canal St.

And not too far from the entrance to unsigned I-478.  I clinched I-478 then the east end of I-78 in 2003, with minimum exposure to Manhattan traffic.

Don't you have to get off early at the NY 9A exit?  Or is there a good way to swing over from Canal St?

Quote from: vdeane on December 28, 2013, 03:31:01 PM

Quote from: oscar on December 27, 2013, 12:55:07 PM

Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2013, 12:36:46 PM
What about clinching I-78?  Last I checked, it dumps out onto Canal St.

And not too far from the entrance to unsigned I-478.  I clinched I-478 then the east end of I-78 in 2003, with minimum exposure to Manhattan traffic.

Don't you have to get off early at the NY 9A exit?  Or is there a good way to swing over from Canal St?

I don't remember (more than a decade later) exactly how I made my way from the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel exit to the Holland Tunnel entrance.  I did make a point of driving past Ground Zero, in keeping with that summer's subtheme of driving to/past aviation disaster sites, including Flight 93 in Pennsylvania, Flight 111 near Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, and the Arrow Air crash site near Gander, Newfoundland.

Ah, you went the other direction.  CHM doesn't really care, but it would feel weird to me to claim to clinch I-78 without going through the circle.

Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2013, 12:36:46 PM

Quote from: dgolub on December 26, 2013, 06:32:45 PM

Quote from: vdeane on September 23, 2013, 01:05:14 PM

Quote from: Steve on September 23, 2013, 12:18:41 AM
Everyone's going to want route X and Y to be on the meet. It's a two day meet, with the expectation that you can stay in the area an extra couple of days. So if it's not on the meet... get it yerself ;)

That's the plan, I'm just really hoping I can minimize/avoid driving on Manhattan streets, since breaking traffic laws and aggressively asserting right of way are both mandatory for driving there, and I do neither.

There's nowhere that you have to travel on Manhattan streets, other than places inside Manhattan.  There's one scenario where it may save time to do so, which is going between Long Island and New Jersey via the Midtown Tunnel (I-495) and the Lincoln Tunnel (NJ 495).  In this case, it's just a mile or so across 34 Street.

What about clinching I-78?  Last I checked, it dumps out onto Canal St.

Fair enough, although I'd personally recommend just clinching I-78 in New York from the sidewalk.  It's tiny.

Oh you would.  I for one don't want to walk into the tunnel.  No sidewalk and too much exhaust.

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 29, 2013, 09:56:49 PM
Oh you would.  I for one don't want to walk into the tunnel.  No sidewalk and too much exhaust.

I think the previous poster meant, "If you took the first exit already, just go back and walk the rest." It would be awesome if the tunnel sidewalks were ever open, but they're configured for maintenance/police only, let alone security concerns.

Quote from: Steve on December 29, 2013, 11:58:03 PM
It would be awesome if the tunnel sidewalks were ever open, but they're configured for maintenance/police only, let alone security concerns.

I remember when I was little seeing the label "PATH TUBES" on our Hagstrom NYC 5 Borough atlas and thinking that those were pedestrian tunnels. Because, y'know, it's a path! What else would a 5 year old think that meant? :-D

Quote from: Steve on December 29, 2013, 11:58:03 PM

Quote from: SSOWorld on December 29, 2013, 09:56:49 PM
Oh you would.  I for one don't want to walk into the tunnel.  No sidewalk and too much exhaust.

I think the previous poster meant, "If you took the first exit already, just go back and walk the rest." It would be awesome if the tunnel sidewalks were ever open, but they're configured for maintenance/police only, let alone security concerns.

I was talking about the very short expressway section of I-78 in New York, not the tunnel itself.  If you want to clinch the tunnel, then, yes, you'll certainly need some sort of vehicle.

Quote from: Duke87 on December 30, 2013, 01:19:10 AM

Quote from: Steve on December 29, 2013, 11:58:03 PM
It would be awesome if the tunnel sidewalks were ever open, but they're configured for maintenance/police only, let alone security concerns.

I remember when I was little seeing the label "PATH TUBES" on our Hagstrom NYC 5 Borough atlas and thinking that those were pedestrian tunnels. Because, y'know, it's a path! What else would a 5 year old think that meant? :-D

That's absolutely hilarious.

Quote

QuoteIs 34th Street really a better crosstown route than 36th-37th?

No. In fact, 34th Street is the fool's route used by everyone who instinctively follows major streets over minor ones. Smart driving in Manhattan (if you don't consider that to be an oxymoron) generally involves avoiding major east-west streets, because they are inevitably more congested (partly on account of them being two-way, meaning there are left turn conflicts).

Time-of-the-week may play a factor here too.  34th worked better for me than 37th late Saturday evening, though I discovered the hard way that the Lincoln Tunnel entrance via 34th (at Dyer) was blocked.  That said, it wasn't bad looping around via 10th Ave/38th St/9th Ave.

Steve - any idea on when you might announce the date for this meet?

I'd really love to come to this. Any date in June, preferably towards the end of June, would work best for me.

I thought he announced this would be the last weekend of June --28 and 29.


iPhone

Quote from: Laura Bianca on January 12, 2014, 11:48:31 AM
I thought he announced this would be the last weekend of June --28 and 29.

I think those are the dates he's leaning towards, but I'm pretty sure he hasn't made it official yet. If he does go with June 28-29, I think there's a decent chance I'll be able to make it. :)

Official announcement will come as soon as I don't have computers and things breaking on me. X(

(Edit: I can confirm June 28-29 if you want to start planning, but I want to nail down the meet locations for hotel booking in NJ vs. NY, for those who care. That may be waiting until February, though.)

Quote from: Steve on January 14, 2014, 12:55:13 AM
Official announcement will come as soon as I don't have computers and things breaking on me. X(

(Edit: I can confirm June 28-29 if you want to start planning, but I want to nail down the meet locations for hotel booking in NJ vs. NY, for those who care. That may be waiting until February, though.)

Awesome... thanks, Steve! Yes - I am definitely going to plan on attending - right now I'm going to say I have about an 80 percent chance of going.

This will be unlikely for me - my sister in law is expecting twins around late May-early June timeframe.

Right now I am 50/50 on this. Hopefully I can make it.

Cannot commit at this time - but I'm definitely planning on attending this one - It is my intent to make this a part of a large vacation of 2 weeks - positioning the meet in the middle of the time out there.

The question I have to ask myself is - do I drive or fly?  Seeing as how I abused my car to death last year (odometer from 59k to 80k), I hesitate at using it.  Yeah it's up to 3000 miles including to-and-fro if I include some 'geeking around Long Island or New Jersey, but am considering the fact that NYC is best enjoyed via transit and hot-footing it - and driving the area (in the city and surrounding areas - Steve Correct me if I'm wrong on surrounding areas ;) ) is a roadgeek's nightmare except for early Sunday Morning due to excessive traffic on substandard infrastructure. (I will try to avoid Fort Lee :P )

I also must also consider finances.  Yes - my car loan will be paid off (in fact - that will happen today :D ), but I need to consider other obligations (house? master's degree? job change and/or relocation?).

If I do end up driving - It will give me the opportunity to pick up I-78 or I-86's future route or fill the I-80 gap (east of I-81).  If I don't and want to geek - I'll just rent a car for the days I want to drive around and use transit to get around otherwise.

---

tl:dr - marked as maybe - will await further plans. :)

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 16, 2014, 08:06:01 AM
Cannot commit at this time - but I'm definitely planning on attending this one - It is my intent to make this a part of a large vacation of 2 weeks - positioning the meet in the middle of the time out there.

The question I have to ask myself is - do I drive or fly?  Seeing as how I abused my car to death last year (odometer from 59k to 80k), I hesitate at using it.  Yeah it's up to 3000 miles including to-and-fro if I include some 'geeking around Long Island or New Jersey, but am considering the fact that NYC is best enjoyed via transit and hot-footing it - and driving the area (in the city and surrounding areas - Steve Correct me if I'm wrong on surrounding areas ;) ) is a roadgeek's nightmare except for early Sunday Morning due to excessive traffic on substandard infrastructure. (I will try to avoid Fort Lee :P )

I also must also consider finances.  Yes - my car loan will be paid off (in fact - that will happen today :D ), but I need to consider other obligations (house? master's degree? job change and/or relocation?).

If I do end up driving - It will give me the opportunity to pick up I-78 or I-86's future route or fill the I-80 gap (east of I-81).  If I don't and want to geek - I'll just rent a car for the days I want to drive around and use transit to get around otherwise.

---

tl:dr - marked as maybe - will await further plans. :)

New York City is best accessed by mass transit.  The subways will get you just about anywhere.  If you're looking to go out to the suburbs and roam around substantially while you're out there, you'll need a car.  The LIRR will get you to various towns on Long Island from the city, but once you're out there you'll need a car to get between places.  Also, if you want to go to some of the most notable places on Long Island, like Jones Beach, Fire Island, and Montauk Point, you'll need a car.

As crazy as it sounds, living so close to the city, I have to put myself as unable to attend.

I might be going on a road trip to visit colleges for M.A. programs from the 18th to the 23rd and its not in budget depending where we are living in June 2014.

Highly doubtful due to finances, but I will reserve a final decision until the itinerary is posted so I can look at lodging options.

Quote from: SSOWorld on January 16, 2014, 08:06:01 AM
The question I have to ask myself is - do I drive or fly?  Seeing as how I abused my car to death last year (odometer from 59k to 80k), I hesitate at using it.  Yeah it's up to 3000 miles including to-and-fro if I include some 'geeking around Long Island or New Jersey, but am considering the fact that NYC is best enjoyed via transit and hot-footing it - and driving the area (in the city and surrounding areas - Steve Correct me if I'm wrong on surrounding areas ;) ) is a roadgeek's nightmare except for early Sunday Morning due to excessive traffic on substandard infrastructure. (I will try to avoid Fort Lee :P )

I say drive it.  figure out a way to write off the miles. 

I'd love to be able to go, and I don't have any conflicts that I know of, but at the rate my job search is going, it's an almost definite no at this point :(

Project car = no out-of-state activities for me.

I would love to attend, but then I would have to then fly from NYC straight to Austin for RTX the next week, so it probably wouldn't work.

I'd like to go to this one.  I'm 50/50 so far, but I think the tolls could be manageable and parking might be cheaper than I originally thought.  If I go, I might try to finally get to Connecticut and Rhode Island.  They're not all that far away.

If I'm not otherwise occupied, I may swing down into the city for a day.  But I think we have plans already for that weekend.

I live close enough to where I could go to the meet for one day or possibly a couple of days.

I will attend this meet +1

I would love to attend this meet for the same basic reason I went to the one in Baltimore a few years ago: I've never been there. However like others, I'll need to figure out details first.

This is went from 75% going to now up in the air, just found out over the weekend I may be back in PA the middle of July for Steph's high school reunion, have to wait and see.

Replying to a post from another thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=10606.msg258918#msg258918)...

Quote from: SSOWorld on February 09, 2014, 08:50:08 AM

Quote from: froggie on November 20, 2013, 08:25:42 AM
Metro-North to Poughkeepsie and the Walkway Over The Hudson?

hmm - a nice thought (I did miss the Poughkeepsie meet held back in (2009).  Are NY commuter trains frequent enough to allow for flexibility? (also I did the plan on MTA's site and it looks like 2 hr one way (1:47 to be exact) and fare of $17 from GCT.) :ded:

That fare and length of trip are correct. It's not a slow train, it's just a long ride - the NYC metro area is big. Driving from Manhattan to Poughkeepsie would take about the same amount of time with no traffic. Bear in mind that it's over 80 miles.

As for schedule flexibility, weekend service on Metro-North is hourly.

I've done enough planning that I can officially announce the 2014 National Road Meet in New York, NY.* This is the first meet in NYC in quite some time, certainly in the "Era of Large Meets." It will be held on June 28-29 (Saturday-Sunday), 2014. The meet location both days will be on my side of the river in NJ. Saturday's lunch will be at the Edison Diner on US 1 southbound in Edison. Sunday's lunch will be at the Fox & Hound Pub and Grill in Menlo Park Mall, along US 1 south of the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge. Lunch will start at 11 AM both days.

*What makes this a National Meet? It's 2 days long, with festivities planned each night, and side trips during the days. You're encouraged to stay longer if you're not from the area and explore sights on your own, both road-related and tourism-related. There are more than a few of each!

Right now, I'm still open to suggestions. Read through this and let me know.

Due to the logistics of planning in this area, here are some things to keep in mind:
1) Edison is home to the Metropark rail stop on the Northeast Corridor (and another line or two besides that). Those of you who are traveling by modes other than car can take advantage of that hub location. I, and I'm sure others, will be happy to arrange pickup and dropoff for anyone who can get to the Edison area.
2) The reason to start in NJ for a NY meet is because there are some really cool Hudson River crossings. That said, these crossings cost money - $13 if you don't have E-ZPass. So please remember to bring some cash to chip in!
3) Traffic is unpredictable in NY, to put it mildly. I've tried to minimize freeway mileage to avoid the worst delays, but they could crop up at any time. Bring a GPS, paper map, local roadgeek with you, and if we're late to a stop, we'll play it by ear. May the odds be ever in our favor.
4) Weather: This is happening rain or shine, given the preparations that people will be making so far in advance.

Events:

Friday night reception for those arriving early. My current plan is to host this under the stars (stars = my shield collection). I'll want to confirm a headcount, who needs to stay over, etc. I can do my best to clear a lot of floorspace, but I can't fit 20+ people. If there's that much interest, I'll think of something as we get closer.

Saturday night Staten Island Yankees game - playing the Brooklyn Cyclones. Those who want to attend the game, note that we will be driving over the historic Bayonne Bridge - a beautiful landmark, but also with a $13 toll. Factor that into your ballpark ticket price. I did not see anything saying that the ballpark charges for parking. We'll want to be in as few cars as possible, those going to the game - to be coordinated during the meet.

Saturday and Sunday morning options; other driving tours: There are a few ideas of things people can do in the daylight hours before the meet each day, or at other times during the day if staying in the area. I'm happy to suggest sights of interest that won't be on the tour, either on the NJ or NY side. Do you like route clinching, old signs/bridges, stubs, button copy? Something for everyone!

I'll start taking RSVPs now in this thread. Facebook events: DAY 1 (https://www.facebook.com/events/220089961523941) and DAY 2 (https://www.facebook.com/events/1417457995173565), and I'll take RSVPs there as well. If you're not sure yet, no worries, plenty of time. Please make sure to RSVP separately for:
* Friday night party
* Saturday meet
* SI Yankees game
* Sunday meet

Quote from: Alps on March 19, 2014, 09:41:52 PM
I've done enough planning that I can officially announce the 2014 National Road Meet in New York, NY.* This is the first meet in NYC in quite some time, certainly in the "Era of Large Meets." It will be held on June 28-29 (Saturday-Sunday), 2014. The meet location both days will be on my side of the river in NJ. Saturday's lunch will be at the Edison Diner on US 1 southbound in Edison. Sunday's lunch will be at the Fox & Hound Pub and Grill in Menlo Park Mall, along US 1 south of the Garden State Parkway in Woodbridge. Lunch will start at 11 AM both days.

*What makes this a National Meet? It's 2 days long, with festivities planned each night, and side trips during the days. You're encouraged to stay longer if you're not from the area and explore sights on your own, both road-related and tourism-related. There are more than a few of each!

Right now, I'm still open to suggestions. Read through this and let me know.

Due to the logistics of planning in this area, here are some things to keep in mind:
1) Edison is home to the Metropark rail stop on the Northeast Corridor (and another line or two besides that). Those of you who are traveling by modes other than car can take advantage of that hub location. I, and I'm sure others, will be happy to arrange pickup and dropoff for anyone who can get to the Edison area.
2) The reason to start in NJ for a NY meet is because there are some really cool Hudson River crossings. That said, these crossings cost money - $13 if you don't have E-ZPass. So please remember to bring some cash to chip in!
3) Traffic is unpredictable in NY, to put it mildly. I've tried to minimize freeway mileage to avoid the worst delays, but they could crop up at any time. Bring a GPS, paper map, local roadgeek with you, and if we're late to a stop, we'll play it by ear. May the odds be ever in our favor.
4) Weather: This is happening rain or shine, given the preparations that people will be making so far in advance.

Events:

Friday night reception for those arriving early. My current plan is to host this under the stars (stars = my shield collection). I'll want to confirm a headcount, who needs to stay over, etc. I can do my best to clear a lot of floorspace, but I can't fit 20+ people. If there's that much interest, I'll think of something as we get closer.

Saturday night Staten Island Yankees game - playing the Brooklyn Cyclones. Those who want to attend the game, note that we will be driving over the historic Bayonne Bridge - a beautiful landmark, but also with a $13 toll. Factor that into your ballpark ticket price. I did not see anything saying that the ballpark charges for parking. We'll want to be in as few cars as possible, those going to the game - to be coordinated during the meet.

Saturday and Sunday morning options; other driving tours: There are a few ideas of things people can do in the daylight hours before the meet each day, or at other times during the day if staying in the area. I'm happy to suggest sights of interest that won't be on the tour, either on the NJ or NY side. Do you like route clinching, old signs/bridges, stubs, button copy? Something for everyone!

I'll start taking RSVPs now in this thread. Facebook event to come, and I'll take RSVPs there as well. If you're not sure yet, no worries, plenty of time. Please make sure to RSVP separately for:
* Friday night party
* Saturday meet
* SI Yankees game
* Sunday meet

Count me in for all.

I'll buy plane tickets in early May or so once I figure out if I can afford to tack on a several day driving trip to Quebec at the end of this, or if I'm just flying out and back (probably taking an extra day to explore the city on foot).

IN! Both days, plus Friday night.

My means of getting there staying are still unknown at the moment. For getting there, it will be either by train, by car or a mix thereof (such as driving to Poughkeepsie then taking the train from there).

I want to attend this, but I have a few snags that might get into the way (rated from highest to lowest priority):

1. Parents. My parents still think I'm 12, and I can barely go down the street without them freaking out on me. I don't even know how they would let me go to NYC with a bunch of strangers (to them), so this is what I'm worried about the most.

2. I think the week of June 23rd I'm supposed to go down to Florida for vacation (FINALLY!). Even better, I get to drive all the way. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to be reschedule that, and I've been looking forward to going back down to my birthplace for a long time now since I got into high school.

3. Well, this may be obvious but transportation is a maybe - that is I might get my own car within the next few months or I might not. I've never used NJTransit before either.

4. Money for toll crossings - I actually think I do have enough if need be.

If I did attend, it would probably be all days except for the baseball game - my attention span won't last that long for me to sit through that in one piece.

Here's hoping #1 and #2 don't fuck up the closest roadmeet to me on such a grand scale!

I'm not going to say anything either way yet, but if I get that job I want in Albany, my attendance is some form would be practically guaranteed depending on when I'd start.  My ideal is the Friday night party and both meets.  Saturday meet if for some reason I had to pick one.

I may or may not try to clinch some NYC interstates if there's time around events etc.  I hope to clinch all the NYC area interstates eventually, though I'd have no plans to visit Nassau and Suffolk counties this trip and it's unlikely I'd have the resources for a proper Long Island trip.

Wow... this will be quite a huge event. I'm about 90 percent sure I will go, and this is all very exciting! (I'll skip the baseball game though.)

Steve - it looks like you've got a lot of ideas and details already thought out. Awesome!

Quote from: Zeffy on March 19, 2014, 10:18:32 PM
1. Parents. My parents still think I'm 12, and I can barely go down the street without them freaking out on me. I don't even know how they would let me go to NYC with a bunch of strangers (to them), so this is what I'm worried about the most.

I understand what you mean about this one. (I'm assuming you're 20 years old based on your profile data.) When I was 20, my parents treated me liked I was 12 also. It was ridiculous. I wish you a lot of luck in overcoming this barrier.

I really, really wanted to go to this when it was first announced.

But finances.

So I'm 99 percent doubtful, but not saying absolutely not.

I'll be there for sure - Its a subset of a vacation I'm taking to none other than the Big Apple itself (Steve knows this already).  I just so happened to book at a hotel right near the meet venues and across the channel from the ballpark.  Since that is the case - I'm content to jump in the car and go to the restaurants themselves. (I could walk too ;) )  Edison station's closer to the Day 1 venue than Metropark, but Metropark is where you'd get off the train for day 2 if you take the train (who am I to know the neighborhood though - I don't live there ;) I'll be glad to help pick-up and drop off though.  I have an EZ-Pass, but I'm not sure if I'm eligible for the Port Authority's discounts as it's an ISTHA I-PASS - it won't give me discounts on MTA's bridges and tunnels). 

tl:dr; Put me down as in for the whole spiel!

Right now I am 50\ 50, depends if I am going to Steph's reunion in July, otherwise this would be an easy trip for me VIA staying in Harrisburg, PA Thursday night and Sunday night. Hopefully I can :-)

Count me in for both day meets.  I live close enough to be able to drive to and from restaurants, which are along a section of U.S. 1 I've worked on.  Not sure about the Saturday baseball game yet, but would love to if I can.

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on March 19, 2014, 11:14:53 PM

Quote from: Zeffy on March 19, 2014, 10:18:32 PM
1. Parents. My parents still think I'm 12, and I can barely go down the street without them freaking out on me. I don't even know how they would let me go to NYC with a bunch of strangers (to them), so this is what I'm worried about the most.

I understand what you mean about this one. (I'm assuming you're 20 years old based on your profile data.) When I was 20, my parents treated me liked I was 12 also. It was ridiculous. I wish you a lot of luck in overcoming this barrier.

Yes, I'm 20, as of January 26th of this year.  :)  I don't understand why parents can be so restrictive - yes, I get it, they care about me, but... isn't it time that I start making my own decisions? I've been cramped up in this apartment since 1998 - I want to see the world, and this is a great time to spend time in NYC, the parts I've never been to and meet a lot of new people.

*sigh* If only it were that easy.

Since I'm local, I'm easily in for the whole party. Let's make this epic.

Since I have an EZPass, I assume I will be driving. People riding with me will appreciate the lower reimbursement rate because discounts ($13→$11 for PA, $7.50→$5.33 for MTA). Like NYSTA I will gladly accept both US and Canadian dollars as reimbursement.

If anyone needs picking up/dropping off at various points I can assist if practical. And while it looks like we've got a fairly packed schedule, anyone who wants a local to accompany them on something not covered by either tour is welcome to inquire!

As I've indicated on the Facebook page, I'm currently listing myself as a maybe.  I do intend on going to at least part of the meet, but I also may combine the weekend with visiting family on Long Island, so I'm not certain which parts of the meet I'll be attending.

Quote from: Zeffy on March 19, 2014, 11:59:00 PM

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on March 19, 2014, 11:14:53 PM

Quote from: Zeffy on March 19, 2014, 10:18:32 PM
1. Parents. My parents still think I'm 12, and I can barely go down the street without them freaking out on me. I don't even know how they would let me go to NYC with a bunch of strangers (to them), so this is what I'm worried about the most.

I understand what you mean about this one. (I'm assuming you're 20 years old based on your profile data.) When I was 20, my parents treated me liked I was 12 also. It was ridiculous. I wish you a lot of luck in overcoming this barrier.

Yes, I'm 20, as of January 26th of this year.  :)  I don't understand why parents can be so restrictive - yes, I get it, they care about me, but... isn't it time that I start making my own decisions? I've been cramped up in this apartment since 1998 - I want to see the world, and this is a great time to spend time in NYC, the parts I've never been to and meet a lot of new people.

*sigh* If only it were that easy.

Would it help if your parents met some of us "locals" first? Mike and I are open to helping you out on that front. You could throw a mini meet in and around your town so that they understand what it is that we do on meets.


iPhone

As of now, I'm 50-50 at the moment with regards to attending any part of this meet.  Not 100% sure that I can arrange to the entire meet (2-1/2 days) yet.

I'll likely make my decision here (vs. FB) around late-April/early May. 

Note: Should I attend, I do have a vehicle that can hold up to six (including myself) that I am more than happy help out w/the driving.

Quote from: Laura on March 20, 2014, 08:15:53 AM

Quote from: Zeffy on March 19, 2014, 11:59:00 PM

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on March 19, 2014, 11:14:53 PM

Quote from: Zeffy on March 19, 2014, 10:18:32 PM
1. Parents. My parents still think I'm 12, and I can barely go down the street without them freaking out on me. I don't even know how they would let me go to NYC with a bunch of strangers (to them), so this is what I'm worried about the most.

I understand what you mean about this one. (I'm assuming you're 20 years old based on your profile data.) When I was 20, my parents treated me liked I was 12 also. It was ridiculous. I wish you a lot of luck in overcoming this barrier.

Yes, I'm 20, as of January 26th of this year.  :)  I don't understand why parents can be so restrictive - yes, I get it, they care about me, but... isn't it time that I start making my own decisions? I've been cramped up in this apartment since 1998 - I want to see the world, and this is a great time to spend time in NYC, the parts I've never been to and meet a lot of new people.

*sigh* If only it were that easy.

Would it help if your parents met some of us "locals" first? Mike and I are open to helping you out on that front. You could throw a mini meet in and around your town so that they understand what it is that we do on meets.

For some parents, it's harder than others.  Some parents give their kids the keys to the outside world.  For others, they don't want them to leave. 

Even today, when I go on my road trips, my mom especially doesn't like it.  When I work overnight plowing roads, my mom doesn't like it.  When I do nearly anything, my mom doesn't like it.  I've been married and out of the house for nearly 14 years though, so she doesn't have much ability to stop what I do. :-)

Then again, my parents were appreciative when I drove them 8 hours out to Ohio for a funeral.  That, they didn't mind!  Although once we started hitting heavy traffic returning to the Philly area, she wanted me to turn the radio off so I can "concentrate on the roads" (dealing with the same rush hour traffic that I've dealt with for 15 years now).

Sometimes, maybe it's just easiest to say you're going to NYC with a group of people you know and trust...and you're going!  They're not going to like it, but when you come back, alive, in one piece, telling them about what you did and where you went, your parents will slowly overcome that overly protective barrier that they have laying over you.

ITT Jeff and Nicole are siblings.

Quote from: NE2 on March 20, 2014, 09:30:31 AM
ITT Jeff and Nicole are siblings.

Yes, but of whom?

Quote from: Pete from Boston on March 20, 2014, 09:33:17 AM

Quote from: NE2 on March 20, 2014, 09:30:31 AM
ITT Jeff and Nicole are siblings.

Yes, but of whom?

Of each other. Hence the reference by "jeffandnicole" to "my mom".

Quote from: NE2 on March 20, 2014, 09:38:03 AM

Quote from: Pete from Boston on March 20, 2014, 09:33:17 AM

Quote from: NE2 on March 20, 2014, 09:30:31 AM
ITT Jeff and Nicole are siblings.

Yes, but of whom?

Of each other. Hence the reference by "jeffandnicole" to "my mom".

You sure about that?  Jeff is the one on here most of time, but he set up the account so both could use it.  I was working under a different assumption.

I have one brother (who is definitely not a roadgeek).

Jeff is on here 100% of the time.  Nicole is very good with roads, directions, etc, and even points stuff out to me and has a good eye for road related stuff.  But as far as these boards go, she has no interest!

Quote from: Alps on March 19, 2014, 09:41:52 PM

Due to the logistics of planning in this area, here are some things to keep in mind:
1) Edison is home to the Metropark rail stop on the Northeast Corridor (and another line or two besides that). Those of you who are traveling by modes other than car can take advantage of that hub location. I, and I'm sure others, will be happy to arrange pickup and dropoff for anyone who can get to the Edison area.
2) The reason to start in NJ for a NY meet is because there are some really cool Hudson River crossings. That said, these crossings cost money - $13 if you don't have E-ZPass. So please remember to bring some cash to chip in!
3) Traffic is unpredictable in NY, to put it mildly. I've tried to minimize freeway mileage to avoid the worst delays, but they could crop up at any time. Bring a GPS, paper map, local roadgeek with you, and if we're late to a stop, we'll play it by ear. May the odds be ever in our favor.
4) Weather: This is happening rain or shine, given the preparations that people will be making so far in advance.

So taking mass transit into Manhattan to see some of the stops changed to seeing them via car?

For lodging near Edison, people may want to look at Piscataway or New Brunswick for hotels. 

SCH-I545

Quote from: Laura on March 20, 2014, 08:15:53 AM
Would it help if your parents met some of us "locals" first? Mike and I are open to helping you out on that front. You could throw a mini meet in and around your town so that they understand what it is that we do on meets.

That's a capital idea, but the problem stems deeper than I actually said in my original post.

My Dad doesn't care what I do anymore - he understands that I grew up and may want to do things on my own time. It's my Mom that is extremely problematic - one of my older sisters, who was about 21 at the time, wanted to join the military (US Air Force to be precise), and ended up doing so. My Mom got... depressed to say the least, and ended up being isolated from the rest of my family after she got home from work (by isolated, I mean that she goes to her room, shuts the door, and literally may come out for a minute tops before going back up). My sister got back from Basic (she was discharged due to issues I won't be discussing), but my Mom never changed at all - she was still the same as if she wasn't home.

2 years ago, my other older sister found a boyfriend that she really liked, and they moved in to an apartment in New Hope, Pennsylvania. My mother gave  her so much fucking shit that all I could do is cringe. Now, fast forward to the present, she hasn't changed one bit, but she's gotten worse. She now goes and spends my Dad's money practically on useless shit she doesn't need, she spends 6-7 hours at stores and malls (so she says), and when she does come home, she goes right up into her room.

My sisters are going on a trip to Baltimore (lucky), in a few weeks. My Mom went as far out to say that 'I wish I could go to those places all the time'. She did this when my older sister got a better paying job than her as well - but the difference is my sister actually went to college, unlike her. I don't know if getting near 50 years old makes you turn psychotic or something, but it's ridiculous. And of course, being the youngest, my mother exerts absolute control over me. Honestly, my Dad (and my other sisters), have mentioned finding a new house and leaving her behind... but I'm not sure if any of them will actually do it. She is spending all of the money that my Dad struggles to make ends-meet in the first place, and it's not fair that my Dad gets stuck doing half of the things she won't do.

That being said, if I were to separate from my mother in the next coming months, then I would definitely be able to go to this trip. I think the factor is when she's around, her jealousy gets to a point where she doesn't even appreciate her kids going to explore the world and meet new people. And that, is fucked up.

Quote from: Dougtone on March 20, 2014, 12:45:13 PM
For lodging near Edison, people may want to look at Piscataway or New Brunswick for hotels. 

New Brunswick is a nice place to stay - just don't get caught up by the Rutgers' students meandering if you go to the area around the campus.

Quote from: Zeffy on March 20, 2014, 01:07:15 PMI don't know if getting near 50 years old makes you turn psychotic or something, but it's ridiculous.

It doesn't.  :bigass:

So I take it that you still live with your parents and are subject to the "if you live in my house, you abide by my rules" dictum?

I can relate a bit. My mother was over-protective. She always wanted to know where I was going and who I'd be with, even when I got out of college and moved back home when I was working my first job. I can't help but think things would have been better had I come of age in the era of cell phones. A simple text message every hour or so would have reassured her that everything was OK.

Quote from: Dougtone on March 20, 2014, 12:45:13 PM
For lodging near Edison, people may want to look at Piscataway or New Brunswick for hotels. 

SCH-I545

US 1 has some hotels in Edison, but do not consider the ones in Avenel on US 1. (they pay by the hour.) Also, if anyone comes by public transportation, if I attend the meet, I can pick people up from the NJ Transit Edison Station. My parents' house is within walking distance of the Edison Diner.

Although I said no before, I'm leaving the door open.

ETA: If you're taking Amtrak, get off at Metropark-Iselin station, because Edison has no Amtrak service and New Brunswick's only DC-bound train is at 6:59 in the morning (cause I've taken it). If you want to go to Edison, you have to get off at NY Penn, Newark Penn, or Metropark and transfer to the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor local train to Edison, which is another 2 stops. If you do it by Metropark, it's probably about $2.25-$4.00.

Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on March 20, 2014, 01:31:43 PM

Quote from: Dougtone on March 20, 2014, 12:45:13 PM
For lodging near Edison, people may want to look at Piscataway or New Brunswick for hotels. 

SCH-I545

US 1 has some hotels in Edison, but do not consider the ones in Avenel on US 1. (they pay by the hour.)

Cool, you get a room and a show!

Quote from: Alex on March 20, 2014, 10:33:06 AM

Quote from: Alps on March 19, 2014, 09:41:52 PM

Due to the logistics of planning in this area, here are some things to keep in mind:
1) Edison is home to the Metropark rail stop on the Northeast Corridor (and another line or two besides that). Those of you who are traveling by modes other than car can take advantage of that hub location. I, and I'm sure others, will be happy to arrange pickup and dropoff for anyone who can get to the Edison area.
2) The reason to start in NJ for a NY meet is because there are some really cool Hudson River crossings. That said, these crossings cost money - $13 if you don't have E-ZPass. So please remember to bring some cash to chip in!
3) Traffic is unpredictable in NY, to put it mildly. I've tried to minimize freeway mileage to avoid the worst delays, but they could crop up at any time. Bring a GPS, paper map, local roadgeek with you, and if we're late to a stop, we'll play it by ear. May the odds be ever in our favor.
4) Weather: This is happening rain or shine, given the preparations that people will be making so far in advance.

So taking mass transit into Manhattan to see some of the stops changed to seeing them via car?

Most of the sights just aren't near mass transit, and there would be way too much walking for the ones that are.

Quote from: hbelkins on March 20, 2014, 01:14:23 PM
I can relate a bit. My mother was over-protective. She always wanted to know where I was going and who I'd be with, even when I got out of college and moved back home when I was working my first job. I can't help but think things would have been better had I come of age in the era of cell phones. A simple text message every hour or so would have reassured her that everything was OK.

My mother was like this too, but I think the key difference from what Zeffy is experiencing is that while my mother always wanted to know where I was and what I was doing, once I turned 18 she never forbade me from going anywhere explicitly or implicitly. I was allowed to do as I pleased so long as I told her what that was. So while I had to deal with basically having no privacy, I did not have to deal with being told I wasn't allowed to go anywhere because she had an emotional need for me to always be home.

Of course, you say "a simple text message every hour or so would have reassured her", I say that's ridiculous. Hell, I used to intentionally turn my phone off when I was out and about so that I wouldn't have to deal with annoying calls from my parents wanting updates. It's especially fun when you do this and then don't get home until hours later than they were expecting you. :-D

Zeffy, if I get to meet you, I'll have to share with you some stories about the summer I was 20. It was the summer from hell for me. It was the last time I resided at my parents' house, and I have not looked back. My parents were EXTREMELY overprotective of me at 20. I'd love to tell you some stories sometime if I get a chance to. My experience was awful and was probably at least slightly similar to what you're going through with your mom.

I truly wish you luck in dealing with all of that.

I might be going, but only if poo.

So I ask my parents if I can go to New York.
"Sure, if we can fit it in our schedules--"
"No, just me."
"Why? You're gonna be with people you don't know."

Like, why do you think it's called a road meet? >_>

My Mom always wants me to text when I'm leaving to visit family and when I get back to my apartment.  I always joke "do you want me to text when I arrive/leave home too?".

Quote from: sammi on March 20, 2014, 11:42:05 PM
I might be going, but only if poo.

So I ask my parents if I can go to New York.
"Sure, if we can fit it in our schedules--"
"No, just me."
"Why? You're gonna be with people you don't know."

Like, why do you think it's called a road meet? >_>

My parents were skeptical of my first meet too (especially since it was an invitational one) though it wasn't really an issue.  Of course, it did help that I was 18 and had the car.

I'm 41 - and have a paranoid mother.  I just do it anyway.  Seriously nowadays I think she's getting senile - or is trying to convey a sense of humor. :/

Yeah, I still contact my mother almost every night when I'm on the road.

Honestly, I've oftentimes found it easier just to not say anything. I didn't really tell her about any roadtrips I took from the time I went to college until sometime well into grad school. I think the first time I told her about a substantial roadtrip was when I went to Louisiana in the summer of 2012 while in grad school (as I was financially independent by that point).

Now I'm totally on my own, so I tell her most of the time (usually for longer trips, or if I'm going to Canada just because I figure it's good for family to know if you're out of the country).

I tend to frequently update Facebook when going on a long trip. That reassures everyone that I am still alive. :P

I try to post updates when Internet service is available, which it isn't when I cross the border.

Also, apparently my mom says I can't go because I don't know how to cook.
/me scratches her head
It's not like any of you are gonna be making your own food, right? :sombrero:

And didn't I manage to take care of myself for five days in San Francisco in 2011? It's gonna be just like San Francisco, except (1) it's with a different group of people, (2) it's shorter and less expensive,^{[citation needed]} and (3) I won't need to be pulled aside and hold up the entire group because I don't have a Canadian passport.

QuoteShould we give [her] a tongue swab?

Quote from: sammi on March 22, 2014, 12:19:48 AM
Also, apparently my mom says I can't go because I don't know how to cook.

...

I can't even think of a reply.

I just use fast food while on the road.  Well, there was the time I ordered a small pizza in Ticonderoga... it beat another stop at the Subway across the street from the hotel.

I don't think I've even stayed in a hotel with a kitchen.  If a hotel did have one open to guests, I certainly didn't care to find out.

Quote from: SSOWorld on March 21, 2014, 10:49:34 PM
I'm 41 - and have a paranoid mother.  I just do it anyway.  Seriously nowadays I think she's getting senile - or is trying to convey a sense of humor. :/

I'm 52 and have a paranoid mother-in-law!!! :-D

This is one meet my wife and I would love to attend, but not sure if it will fit into our availability.

Quote from: Duke87 on March 21, 2014, 11:41:24 PM
I tend to frequently update Facebook when going on a long trip. That reassures everyone that I am still alive. :P

Including stalkers, buglars, hit-men, etc.  :sombrero:

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 24, 2014, 09:24:10 AM

Quote from: Duke87 on March 21, 2014, 11:41:24 PM
I tend to frequently update Facebook when going on a long trip. That reassures everyone that I am still alive. :P

Including stalkers, buglars, hit-men, etc.  :sombrero:

Well I most certainly want the hit-men to know I'm still alive and that they're complete and total idiots for missing me.  :colorful:

My parents would not have let me go if I was 16, and I kind of understand that opinion. At 16, you're a minor, which means that you (unfortunately) legally have to be under someone else's responsibility, and they might ask you about that at the border (and you'll need a permission letter anyway). I managed to drag them with me when a skiing forum organized a meet, and once they had met the usual bunch, they were a little more permissive.

I know Ian's father used to come to the meet lunches. If your parents want to come, sammi, good for them.

For Internet access, if you have a smartphone, it's easy to get a prepaid line if it's carrier-unlocked.

Zeffy, your mother needs your father's (emotional, not monetary) support more than ever, and – I hate to put it out so flatly – some help too. It's normal for her children enter adulthood, and it's not normal for her to react like that.

I seem to have more in the hands-off when it came to parents. My first two road meets (LI & Hartford 2008), my father came on the tour. Ever since, he's never gone to one except to drop me off. With other events, even going back to when I was 15, my parents let me go.

I have never met most of you before, but I think I'd like to attend this meet.

The Yankees are playing the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium this weekend, and I'd also like to go to one of those games while in NYC.  Any idea on when the itinerary will be up?

Good luck with that, the cheapest available seat right now is almost $400

there are some cheaper seats than that for the saturday game.  I'm willing to pay a premium to see the Red Sox vs. the Yankees though.  (Not sure why, seeing as I hate both teams :) ).

Yeah, as a baseball fan its definitely on my bucket list to see that, but in this stage of life its above my pay grade.

They have a number of seats in around the $100 per seat level.  If there is any interest, I can pre-buy a couple for distribution later, if there isn't interest, I am just going to get a seat of my own for the Saturday night 7:15 start.

Nah, we'd be going to the minor league rivalry, Staten Island Yankees vs. Brooklyn Cyclones. I've seen Red Sox Yankees - from the Green Monster seats, the year they opened, waiting in line for 6 hours in bitter cold, $30 each. You can't get them for $300 now.

Quote from: corco on March 28, 2014, 10:50:32 AM
Good luck with that, the cheapest available seat right now is almost $400

I'll bet that a small amount of cash at the gate after the first inning will find you a ticket from a guy that had a fight with his girlfriend and she doesn't want to go now, and some cash is better than none.  Allow yourself the ability to walk away and watch the game at Stan's, knowing you will still have a memorable day.  That ability is your best ticket-buying friend.

Thus gets me into a surprising (even to me) number of events.

The market is rarely as simple as the Internet will have you believe.

Ok, I went from a BIG maybe to now 75% going, just put in for the request off and I plan on cashing in some free motel nights so this will help with expenses and staying with family in central PA on the way to and from the meet. I would like to get out to long island possibly late Sunday afternoon for sight seeing, light houses and getting the 2 counties on long island, any suggestions and if I should stay on LI Sunday night or will I be able to do a 3rd night in Edison, NJ where I plan on staying Friday night and Sunday night.

Anyone going from far away who has desire to climb to the Statue of Liberty's crown...















is out of luck. (No, I'm not surprised :pan: )

Quote from: jpi on April 20, 2014, 03:12:40 PM
Ok, I went from a BIG maybe to now 75% going, just put in for the request off and I plan on cashing in some free motel nights so this will help with expenses and staying with family in central PA on the way to and from the meet. I would like to get out to long island possibly late Sunday afternoon for sight seeing, light houses and getting the 2 counties on long island, any suggestions and if I should stay on LI Sunday night or will I be able to do a 3rd night in Edison, NJ where I plan on staying Friday night and Sunday night.

Neither will be a real bargain, traffic wise.  Sunday afternoon and evening traffic from Long Island to NYC will be brutal.  If you opt to stay out on Long Island Sunday night and head west on Monday morning, traffic will also be thick with commuters and weekenders who chose to head back to the city Monday morning.

Quote from: signalman on April 21, 2014, 12:21:18 PM

Quote from: jpi on April 20, 2014, 03:12:40 PM
Ok, I went from a BIG maybe to now 75% going, just put in for the request off and I plan on cashing in some free motel nights so this will help with expenses and staying with family in central PA on the way to and from the meet. I would like to get out to long island possibly late Sunday afternoon for sight seeing, light houses and getting the 2 counties on long island, any suggestions and if I should stay on LI Sunday night or will I be able to do a 3rd night in Edison, NJ where I plan on staying Friday night and Sunday night.

Neither will be a real bargain, traffic wise.  Sunday afternoon and evening traffic from Long Island to NYC will be brutal.  If you opt to stay out on Long Island Sunday night and head west on Monday morning, traffic will also be thick with commuters and weekenders who chose to head back to the city Monday morning.

One of the several reasons the meet is based in Jersey - a lot easier access (you can head west and avoid the commuter directions).

I need to put a document together that's going to be along the lines of "NJ roads for dummies." It'll explain weekday and weekend traffic patterns, things you can see if you're around for times that aren't the meet, the three types of jughandles... and I'll try to keep it short and sweet. It's coming.

Quote from: signalman on April 21, 2014, 12:21:18 PM

Quote from: jpi on April 20, 2014, 03:12:40 PM
Ok, I went from a BIG maybe to now 75% going, just put in for the request off and I plan on cashing in some free motel nights so this will help with expenses and staying with family in central PA on the way to and from the meet. I would like to get out to long island possibly late Sunday afternoon for sight seeing, light houses and getting the 2 counties on long island, any suggestions and if I should stay on LI Sunday night or will I be able to do a 3rd night in Edison, NJ where I plan on staying Friday night and Sunday night.

Neither will be a real bargain, traffic wise.  Sunday afternoon and evening traffic from Long Island to NYC will be brutal.  If you opt to stay out on Long Island Sunday night and head west on Monday morning, traffic will also be thick with commuters and weekenders who chose to head back to the city Monday morning.

So I was thinking about staying on Long Island Sunday night then spend Monday mid morning sight seeing and by Monday afternoon before rush hour starts head back towards NJ\ PA. I figured I would be running into heavy traffic at some point and I have EZPass so not concerned there. Thanks for the feed back :-)

To avoid morning rush hour, either get into the city before 6 AM, or after 10 AM.
To avoid evening rush hour, either get out of the city before 3 PM, or after 7 PM (8 PM on Friday).

If you are going to sightsee in Long Island Monday morning, watch out for the second - be across the Hudson River before 3 PM, or suffer.

Quote from: Duke87 on April 21, 2014, 11:26:40 PM
To avoid morning rush hour, either get into the city before 6 AM, or after 10 AM.
To avoid evening rush hour, either get out of the city before 3 PM, or after 7 PM (8 PM on Friday).

If you are going to sightsee in Long Island Monday morning, watch out for the second - be across the Hudson River before 3 PM, or suffer.

Be across the EAST River by 3 PM. Be across the HUDSON by about 4.

Quote from: Alps on April 21, 2014, 11:29:05 PM

Quote from: Duke87 on April 21, 2014, 11:26:40 PM
To avoid morning rush hour, either get into the city before 6 AM, or after 10 AM.
To avoid evening rush hour, either get out of the city before 3 PM, or after 7 PM (8 PM on Friday).

If you are going to sightsee in Long Island Monday morning, watch out for the second - be across the Hudson River before 3 PM, or suffer.

Be across the EAST River by 3 PM. Be across the HUDSON by about 4.

I'm assuming we should forget about weekends.  :happy:

Quote from: Alps on April 21, 2014, 11:29:05 PM
Be across the EAST River by 3 PM. Be across the HUDSON by about 4.

Eh, route dependent. Getting into the tunnels between 3 and 4 isn't the end of the world, but the GWB and the SIE will both be backed up at that time.

Quote from: SSOWorld on April 21, 2014, 11:42:54 PM
I'm assuming we should forget about weekends.  :happy:

Weekend traffic is pretty much an all day thing, but it happens mostly in specific places that are known to be trouble spots, rather than across the board. So while it's not as easy to time your trip around it (all problems are in play 11 AM - 7 PM, some a couple hours longer on either end), you can to some degree route your trip around it.

Makes sense. When I did my brief road tour of NYC in 2010 (post-Providence) - I did it early on a Sunday Morning, but outside the West Side Highway/West Street, I stuck to expressways and parkways.  I got to NYC about 8 pm the previous night and used the CBE. It was not as packed as I thought it would have been.

Quote from: Duke87 on April 21, 2014, 11:26:40 PM
To avoid morning rush hour, either get into the city before 6 AM, or after 10 AM.
To avoid evening rush hour, either get out of the city before 3 PM, or after 7 PM (8 PM on Friday).

If you are going to sightsee in Long Island Monday morning, watch out for the second - be across the Hudson River before 3 PM, or suffer.

Decided to stay on LI Sunday night, plan to spend most of the day Monday on LI sight seeing and taking in some beach time, any suggestions?

Quote from: jpi on April 24, 2014, 10:22:25 PM

Quote from: Duke87 on April 21, 2014, 11:26:40 PM
To avoid morning rush hour, either get into the city before 6 AM, or after 10 AM.
To avoid evening rush hour, either get out of the city before 3 PM, or after 7 PM (8 PM on Friday).

If you are going to sightsee in Long Island Monday morning, watch out for the second - be across the Hudson River before 3 PM, or suffer.

Decided to stay on LI Sunday night, plan to spend most of the day Monday on LI sight seeing and taking in some beach time, any suggestions?

Monday is a good day to see some beaches, since most people will be at work. Fire Island is the classic "amazing" beach, but I wouldn't say it's a must-see. But I prefer the less-visited beaches, so don't listen to me. Anything along Ocean Parkway is probably good.

Quote from: Alps on April 25, 2014, 12:24:52 AM

Quote from: jpi on April 24, 2014, 10:22:25 PM

Quote from: Duke87 on April 21, 2014, 11:26:40 PM
To avoid morning rush hour, either get into the city before 6 AM, or after 10 AM.
To avoid evening rush hour, either get out of the city before 3 PM, or after 7 PM (8 PM on Friday).

If you are going to sightsee in Long Island Monday morning, watch out for the second - be across the Hudson River before 3 PM, or suffer.

Decided to stay on LI Sunday night, plan to spend most of the day Monday on LI sight seeing and taking in some beach time, any suggestions?

Monday is a good day to see some beaches, since most people will be at work. Fire Island is the classic "amazing" beach, but I wouldn't say it's a must-see. But I prefer the less-visited beaches, so don't listen to me. Anything along Ocean Parkway is probably good.

Cool! I would liek to get out to Montauk point\ light house and Fire Island light house, I will be staying in the Medford area, smack in the middle of LI.

Quote from: jpi on April 25, 2014, 01:05:06 AM

Quote from: Alps on April 25, 2014, 12:24:52 AM

Quote from: jpi on April 24, 2014, 10:22:25 PM

Quote from: Duke87 on April 21, 2014, 11:26:40 PM
To avoid morning rush hour, either get into the city before 6 AM, or after 10 AM.
To avoid evening rush hour, either get out of the city before 3 PM, or after 7 PM (8 PM on Friday).

If you are going to sightsee in Long Island Monday morning, watch out for the second - be across the Hudson River before 3 PM, or suffer.

Decided to stay on LI Sunday night, plan to spend most of the day Monday on LI sight seeing and taking in some beach time, any suggestions?

Monday is a good day to see some beaches, since most people will be at work. Fire Island is the classic "amazing" beach, but I wouldn't say it's a must-see. But I prefer the less-visited beaches, so don't listen to me. Anything along Ocean Parkway is probably good.

Cool! I would liek to get out to Montauk point\ light house and Fire Island light house, I will be staying in the Medford area, smack in the middle of LI.

Montauk is one of my favorite places anywhere, but I'll warn you that it's a shlep to get out there, and there can be a lot of traffic on NY 27 during the summer months.  Make sure you leave a decent amount of time.

Quote from: Alps on April 25, 2014, 12:24:52 AM

Quote from: jpi on April 24, 2014, 10:22:25 PM

Quote from: Duke87 on April 21, 2014, 11:26:40 PM
To avoid morning rush hour, either get into the city before 6 AM, or after 10 AM.
To avoid evening rush hour, either get out of the city before 3 PM, or after 7 PM (8 PM on Friday).

If you are going to sightsee in Long Island Monday morning, watch out for the second - be across the Hudson River before 3 PM, or suffer.

Decided to stay on LI Sunday night, plan to spend most of the day Monday on LI sight seeing and taking in some beach time, any suggestions?

Monday is a good day to see some beaches, since most people will be at work. Fire Island is the classic "amazing" beach, but I wouldn't say it's a must-see. But I prefer the less-visited beaches, so don't listen to me. Anything along Ocean Parkway is probably good.

A lot of the beaches along the Ocean Parkway are restricted to residents of the towns of Oyster Bay or Babylon.

Regarding Fire Island, if you're heading out there, make sure you drive the full length of the Robert Moses Causeway.  It's totally worth it.

Quote from: dgolub on April 25, 2014, 08:37:26 AM
Montauk is one of my favorite places anywhere, but I'll warn you that it's a shlep to get out there, and there can be a lot of traffic on NY 27 during the summer months.  Make sure you leave a decent amount of time.

Let me put this in more practical terms: Google says it takes 2 1/2 hours to get from Montauk Point to the George Washington Bridge. This is a lie. It will take longer than that. NY 27 east of the end of the freeway portion moves quite sluggishly even in February. I shudder to think what it must look like in the summer. If you plan on being through the city and in NJ before rush hour, figure you have to make it out there before noon, earlier if you do anything else along the way back.

Something nice you can do which adds time but cuts the slog of backtracking down NY 27 in half: take NY 114 through Shelter Island up to the north fork. This involves two ferries, a scenic and secluded island (of course, since it can only be accessed by ferry), and a US 114 shield heading southbound (assuming that hasn't been fixed in the past 14 months).

The fact that you're starting from Medford does help. Still, leave at least an hour earlier than you think you have to in order to see everything. Trust me on this.

Long Island is deceptively huge: Montauk Point is 120 miles east of Manhattan. If you head due north from the tip, you end up in Rhode Island.

Quote from: Duke87 on April 25, 2014, 06:26:55 PMLong Island is deceptively huge: Montauk Point is 120 miles east of Manhattan. If you head due north from the tip, you end up in Rhode Island.

Not really relevant to the trip but interesting while we're on the subject is the fact that at their closest, the soils of New York and Rhode Island are just about two miles apart!  Of course, this is Fishers Island I'm talking about, and not even the "mainland" of Long Island, but still, it stretches the brain a little bit.

https://goo.gl/maps/rr8yN

Indeed. Fishers Island being part of New York is even weirder than Staten Island being part of New York.

Well, Fishers Island is inarguably part of New England–even its ZIP code says so. To that, I would also add Long Island generally, and its north shore specifically. I've heard it said, and I think it's apt, that the south shore is more aligned with the Mid-Atlantic region: coastal Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay does evoke some similarity there.

Staten Island is harder to pin down. Parts of it feel like New Jersey, while others have more of an Upstate NY or even eastern Pennsylvania-grade level of development. It is certainly unique among the boroughs: never fully urban, but rarely suburban either, at least in the post-war sense. It often feels like a collection of outer neighborhoods of a mid-sized Northeastern city.

Quote from: empirestate on May 01, 2014, 02:10:58 AM
Well, Fishers Island is inarguably part of New England–even its ZIP code says so. To that, I would also add Long Island generally, and its north shore specifically. I've heard it said, and I think it's apt, that the south shore is more aligned with the Mid-Atlantic region: coastal Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay does evoke some similarity there.

The New England regional route system did start at the Hudson, after all.

The most New English place I know in the City of New York is City Island.  I tell folks from up here if they ever get homesick when they move down there, there's a quaint New England fishing village kept in the Bronx for such emergencies.

I've heard Tottenville on SI is similar, but never explored it off the expressway.

Quote from: empirestate on May 01, 2014, 02:10:58 AM
Well, Fishers Island is inarguably part of New England–even its ZIP code says so. To that, I would also add Long Island generally, and its north shore specifically. I've heard it said, and I think it's apt, that the south shore is more aligned with the Mid-Atlantic region: coastal Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay does evoke some similarity there.

Presumably they deliver the mail via the ferry from New London.  To the best of my knowledge, it's the only place with a zip code starting with 06 that's not in Connecticut.

Quote from: empirestate on May 01, 2014, 02:10:58 AM
Well, Fishers Island is inarguably part of New England–even its ZIP code says so...

Zip codes were originally only meant to be used by the postal service to speed mail sorting and assist mail carriers on their routes.  The fact that the zip code starts with 06 only means one thing: The mail is to be delivered to a specific postal sorting office.

Generally, this is how a zip code works, using the format 12345-6789:

123: The Regional Post office where the mail is to be delivered and sorted.
45: The Local Post office where the sorted mail is to be delivered and sorted per carrier
6789: The street, complex, or other information the post office can use to further identify where the mail should go.

The 06 (or any other part of the zip code for that matter) is not supposed to relate whatsoever to a specific state or municipality.  The zip code is often exclusively for a specific town, but not always.

There's been cases where people will look for houses based on a zip code, and wind up being clueless to anything else.  This can happen when people have kids and want a specific school district, believing that everyone is a certain zip code goes to that school.  Those people will find a house that's a bit cheaper than the rest in the zip code, think they found a deal, and buy the house.  When they go to register their kids for school, they are shocked to learn that the house is actually in the next town over, and no matter how much complaining they do, they aren't getting their kids to the school that is in the same zip code as theirs.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 01, 2014, 09:24:03 AM

Quote from: empirestate on May 01, 2014, 02:10:58 AM
Well, Fishers Island is inarguably part of New England–even its ZIP code says so...

Zip codes were originally only meant to be used by the postal service to speed mail sorting and assist mail carriers on their routes.  The fact that the zip code starts with 06 only means one thing: The mail is to be delivered to a specific postal sorting office.

Periodically statistical analyses appear that use ZIP codes instead of FIPS/ISO codes, probably because more people are readily familiar with ZIP, and it leaves me scratching my head every time because ZIP isn't designed for that.

Fishers Island is about the only place in NY that I've never gotten around to visiting.  It's actually on my to-do list.

SCH-I545

Quote from: dgolub on May 01, 2014, 08:55:22 AM
Presumably they deliver the mail via the ferry from New London.  To the best of my knowledge, it's the only place with a zip code starting with 06 that's not in Connecticut.

I vividly recall an old Hagstrom Fairfield County atlas indicating that a tiny piece (like, half a block) of Port Chester, NY was in Greenwich, CT's 06831 zip code, and that a correspondingly sized piece of Greenwich, CT was in Port Chester's 10573 zip code.

No other map I've ever seen shows any such jog in the line, though, and I can't imagine why one would exist. This probably was simply a copyright trap on Hagstrom's part.

Quote from: Pete from Boston on May 01, 2014, 10:23:00 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 01, 2014, 09:24:03 AM

Quote from: empirestate on May 01, 2014, 02:10:58 AM
Well, Fishers Island is inarguably part of New England–even its ZIP code says so...

Zip codes were originally only meant to be used by the postal service to speed mail sorting and assist mail carriers on their routes.  The fact that the zip code starts with 06 only means one thing: The mail is to be delivered to a specific postal sorting office.

Periodically statistical analyses appear that use ZIP codes instead of FIPS/ISO codes, probably because more people are readily familiar with ZIP, and it leaves me scratching my head every time because ZIP isn't designed for that.

The first two numbers of the zip code came first. Addresses around here used to say Baltimore 21, Maryland.


iPhone

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 01, 2014, 09:24:03 AM

Quote from: empirestate on May 01, 2014, 02:10:58 AM
Well, Fishers Island is inarguably part of New England–even its ZIP code says so...

Zip codes were originally only meant to be used by the postal service to speed mail sorting and assist mail carriers on their routes.  The fact that the zip code starts with 06 only means one thing: The mail is to be delivered to a specific postal sorting office.

Generally, this is how a zip code works, using the format 12345-6789:

123: The Regional Post office where the mail is to be delivered and sorted.
45: The Local Post office where the sorted mail is to be delivered and sorted per carrier
6789: The street, complex, or other information the post office can use to further identify where the mail should go.

The 06 (or any other part of the zip code for that matter) is not supposed to relate whatsoever to a specific state or municipality.  The zip code is often exclusively for a specific town, but not always.

There's been cases where people will look for houses based on a zip code, and wind up being clueless to anything else.  This can happen when people have kids and want a specific school district, believing that everyone is a certain zip code goes to that school.  Those people will find a house that's a bit cheaper than the rest in the zip code, think they found a deal, and buy the house.  When they go to register their kids for school, they are shocked to learn that the house is actually in the next town over, and no matter how much complaining they do, they aren't getting their kids to the school that is in the same zip code as theirs.

It almost seems like you're suggesting that New England-ness cannot cross state lines, whereas ZIP codes can. To me, what you've written actually strengthens my point.

Quote from: Laura on May 01, 2014, 11:08:31 PM

Quote from: Pete from Boston on May 01, 2014, 10:23:00 AM

Quote from: jeffandnicole on May 01, 2014, 09:24:03 AM

Quote from: empirestate on May 01, 2014, 02:10:58 AM
Well, Fishers Island is inarguably part of New England–even its ZIP code says so...

Zip codes were originally only meant to be used by the postal service to speed mail sorting and assist mail carriers on their routes.  The fact that the zip code starts with 06 only means one thing: The mail is to be delivered to a specific postal sorting office.

Periodically statistical analyses appear that use ZIP codes instead of FIPS/ISO codes, probably because more people are readily familiar with ZIP, and it leaves me scratching my head every time because ZIP isn't designed for that.

The first two numbers of the zip code came first. Addresses around here used to say Baltimore 21, Maryland.


iPhone

Before being rebuilt, the Harvard Square PO façade read "Cambridge 38, Massachusetts."  The zip there is now 02138.

Quote from: Pete from Boston on May 02, 2014, 06:53:06 AM
Before being rebuilt, the Harvard Square PO façade read "Cambridge 38, Massachusetts."  The zip there is now 02138.

I've heard that they used to do the same thing with New York City.  I now live in zip code 10025, so it once would have been New York 25, NY.  Now the number is redundant, so it's just New York, NY.

I wonder if any building still has the old-style address on the facade.  New York has dozens of stores with the old-style phone number (KL5-1234) and I know of a single, solitary one in Los Angeles (it's a pizza place on Figueroa just south of Pasadena, btw). 

Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 02, 2014, 09:27:03 AM
I wonder if any building still has the old-style address on the facade.  New York has dozens of stores with the old-style phone number (KL5-1234) and I know of a single, solitary one in Los Angeles (it's a pizza place on Figueroa just south of Pasadena, btw). 

Troy Fence, DEsomething. (Denville) On a fence though, not a facade.

I'm officially in.

Now the only requirement is that I try my road test again (and pass).

Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on May 18, 2014, 05:49:16 PM
I'm officially in.

Now the only requirement is that I try my road test again (and pass).

Bullshit. You could walk to the meet.

There's an interesting question here: has anyone ever walked to a road meet? From home, not from a hotel or other lodging. I most certainly have not, this meet will be the closest to home distance-wise that I have ever attended (Newark and Kearny in 2011 were closer to where I am now, but I still lived in CT at the time).

Quote from: Duke87 on May 20, 2014, 10:22:21 PM
There's an interesting question here: has anyone ever walked to a road meet? From home, not from a hotel or other lodging. I most certainly have not, this meet will be the closest to home distance-wise that I have ever attended (Newark and Kearny in 2011 were closer to where I am now, but I still lived in CT at the time).

The Tulsa Road Meet was held at Jeremy's apartment.

QuoteThere's an interesting question here: has anyone ever walked to a road meet?

Not the same as walking, but I biked to a DC meet once.  And there have been 2 other DC-area meets where some attendees took transit to the meet.

I could have walked to my meet at the end of march since it was accross town from my house but needed the mini van ;-)

I could "technically" walk to the day-2 venue, but I don't know what's under the GSP ;)

In case I hadn't said so before, I'm game for this little gathering.

Quote from: Duke87 on May 20, 2014, 10:22:21 PM
There's an interesting question here: has anyone ever walked to a road meet? From home, not from a hotel or other lodging. I most certainly have not, this meet will be the closest to home distance-wise that I have ever attended (Newark and Kearny in 2011 were closer to where I am now, but I still lived in CT at the time).

I walked to the St. Lawrence County meet (though cu2010 drove me back to Clarkson; I got cold).

I will be able to walk to the next Baltimore road meet that I host (late 2014/early 2015).

Psh, walking is overrated. Who wants to show up at their own meet in a limo? :D

I'm definitely coming.

Quote from: codyg1985 on May 22, 2014, 06:47:22 AM
Psh, walking is overrated. Who wants to show up at their own meet in a limo? :D

A limo would be quite epic! :) Would everyone be wearing tuxedos? LOL

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on May 25, 2014, 09:15:54 PM

Quote from: codyg1985 on May 22, 2014, 06:47:22 AM
Psh, walking is overrated. Who wants to show up at their own meet in a limo? :D

A limo would be quite epic! :) Would everyone be wearing tuxedos? LOL

If I had the $$$ :bigass:

Now that I think about it, I have come to road meets driving a cargo van :-)

I've made a FB page for the Friday night "Beforeparty" dinner.
https://www.facebook.com/events/317224968432438/

If you don't have FB, it's at 6:00 PM Friday, June 27, at the Fox and Hound in Edison, NJ. There are three food options - flatbread buffet, sandwich buffet, or a la carte from the menu (http://foxandhound.com/Portals/0/pdf/BuffetMenuFax.pdf). Reply here for lack of FB, but of course I prefer to have all the replies in one place.

Is there anyone here who is going to the meet but isn't signed up on Facebook?

I'm a probable for the meet and the "Beforeparty" (still have to resolve some potential schedule conflicts).

I'm not on Facebook.  I was able to view your Beforeparty page, but won't be able to vote or RSVP there once my availability for the meet becomes more definite. 

At this point, I am definetly in for the Friday evening get together since I planned on getting into town around that time Friday evening.

Now it's official! Boss approved my vacation (figured he would ;-) ) so as long as a life or death situation does not come up, I will be there for all of the festivities! :-)

Going to have to take a pass on the NYC meet. The 28th/29th is our annual summer barbecue at the house, with numerous friends and family coming, plus the added celebration of both Meaghan's tenure and my retirement. If last year's event (which I was on deployment for) is any indication, it'll be an all-weekend affair for us.

Congratulations on your retirement and I salute you, sir.

I've made a FB page for the Saturday night baseball game.

https://www.facebook.com/events/255847981284392/ (https://www.facebook.com/events/255847981284392/)

If you don't have FB, it's at 7:00 PM Saturday, June 28, at Richmond County Ball Park in Staten Island, NY. Contact me if interested and not FB-enabled - I am looking to get people to pay upfront with Paypal to guarantee their spots and keep me off the hook for last-minute plan changes.

My plan is to attend the Friday night gathering and Day 1 of the tour - but not the game. I will do my own thing on Sunday and won't join Day 2 of the tour. (I want to use that as an opportunity to drive up and down Long Island and possibly into some other areas around NY/NJ/Connecticut as time permits.)

Posted a Google Doc (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s3iByUsux2ZrmoVTO7AiqnHCjVyE-ujDpCvatIvpFeo/edit?usp=sharing) with ideas for road excursions not covered by the meet. Thoughts/additions welcome (though if it's on the meet, I won't put it in there). Also accepting non-roads ideas.

Will bunker blasts loom at this meet?

As noted on Facebook, I'm now attending only day 1.  Between a higher cost of living, lower income, needing to replace the struts on my car, and getting ripped off by Newegg, I just can't afford to travel overnight at any point in the next few years.

Quote from: bandit957 on June 07, 2014, 12:15:39 AM
Will bunker blasts loom at this meet?

I'll make sure of it.

Quote from: Alps on June 06, 2014, 11:59:39 PM
Posted a Google Doc (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s3iByUsux2ZrmoVTO7AiqnHCjVyE-ujDpCvatIvpFeo/edit?usp=sharing) with ideas for road excursions not covered by the meet. Thoughts/additions welcome (though if it's on the meet, I won't put it in there). Also accepting non-roads ideas.

You mention the Pulaski Skyway closure, but not that (for now) the closure is northbound-only.  I drove it (carrying US 1/9 southbound) in the other direction over the Memorial Day weekend.  The long bridge is an impressive sight from other roads.  Driving it is not so great (you realize why the Skyway needs a thorough rehab), but at least it can get you back toward Newark and Edison.

Quote from: Alps on June 06, 2014, 11:59:39 PM
Posted a Google Doc (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s3iByUsux2ZrmoVTO7AiqnHCjVyE-ujDpCvatIvpFeo/edit?usp=sharing) with ideas for road excursions not covered by the meet. Thoughts/additions welcome (though if it's on the meet, I won't put it in there). Also accepting non-roads ideas.

The Long Island parkways actually don't have that many button copy signs.  The NSP used to have the most, but my understanding is that they did massive sign replacements in 2013, so most if not all of them are now gone.  Also, the bridges to Jones Beach don't have tolls; they have fee booths to pay for parking, but you can bypass them if you're not going to park at Jones Beach.  Also, if you go after hours, you can park at Jones Beach for free.

Another couple of cool highways to see on Long Island are the Bethpage Parkway and the Babylon-Northport Expressway (NY 231).  The former is a super-2, which you don't see every day.  It did have almost all button copy as of the last time that I was on there, but that was back in 2006.  The latter is a mostly unbuilt expressway that exists for a few exits down in Babylon.

Also, Queens Boulevard is part of NY 25, not NY 27.

Quote from: dgolub on June 07, 2014, 10:25:18 AM
Also, the bridges to Jones Beach don't have tolls; they have fee booths to pay for parking, but you can bypass them if you're not going to park at Jones Beach.  Also, if you go after hours, you can park at Jones Beach for free.

Technically speaking, it's not a parking fee but a "vehicle use fee". New York State Parks are free for humans, but not for (motor) vehicles.

Although it is true that for Jones Beach, you can bypass the fee booths for the purposes of using the state parkways that run through the park, which has the effect of making it only a parking fee. But in other state parks, like Letchworth, you have to pay it to use the park roadways whether or not you stop the car.

Anyway, that's a random irrelevant thread hijack; carry on. ;-)

Given that I'm now only attending the NYC meet on Saturday as a day trip, I'm curious what would be feasible to clinch in the area.  I was thinking of taking I-87/NJ 17 to I-80 and then the Turnpike down to clinch the eastern spur and taking I-278 to I-87 back.  I'd love to clinch all the NYC interstates (I currently have none, save for I-95) and I-78 east of the Turnpike, but it's just not in the cards.

Anyone going to the Staten Island Yankees game who is not on Facebook, please contact me offline for details - payment needed to secure your spot. ($15, or $22 for all-you-can-eat)

If you're on the fence or haven't RSVPed, you have until the end of the week. Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/255847981284392/

Quote from: Alps on June 06, 2014, 11:59:39 PM
Posted a Google Doc with ideas for road excursions not covered by the meet. Thoughts/additions welcome (though if it's on the meet, I won't put it in there). Also accepting non-roads ideas.

Full version of the document is now available. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s3iByUsux2ZrmoVTO7AiqnHCjVyE-ujDpCvatIvpFeo/)

Please count me in for both days of the meet, as well as the "Beforeparty", but not the baseball game. 

Depending on the day 2 itinerary, I might peel away a little early, but that depends on which direction I head after the meet and how much of my route-snagging agenda I can cover before the Beforeparty.  That agenda includes snagging US 9W south of I-287, US 46 (looks like a useless intrastate US route, but I want to finish off all the US routes in New Jersey while I'm up there), and parts of the Bronx River and Taconic State parkways I somehow missed over the Memorial Day weekend.  I can probably take care of the first two on my way to the Beforeparty, but the last will almost certainly have to wait until after I'm done with day 2 of the meet, unless I can do it early Saturday evening after people head out to the baseball game.

BTW, from its Facebook page, it looks like the "Beforeparty" location has changed.  Especially for those of us who don't live on Facebook, or if Facebook at some point limits access by non-users like me (happened with a previous meet), I suggest noting such major changes here.

Quote from: oscar on June 10, 2014, 08:43:31 PM
Please count me in for both days of the meet, as well as the "Beforeparty", but not the baseball game. 

Depending on the day 2 itinerary, I might peel away a little early, but that depends on which direction I head after the meet and how much of my route-snagging agenda I can cover before the Beforeparty.  That agenda includes snagging US 9W south of I-287, US 46 (looks like a useless intrastate US route, but I want to finish off all the US routes in New Jersey while I'm up there), and parts of the Bronx River and Taconic State parkways I somehow missed over the Memorial Day weekend.  I can probably take care of the first two on my way to the Beforeparty, but the last will almost certainly have to wait until after I'm done with day 2 of the meet.

BTW, from its Facebook page, it looks like the "Beforeparty" location has changed.  Especially for those of us who don't live on Facebook, or if Facebook at some point limits access by non-users like me (happened with a previous meet), I suggest noting such major changes here.

Excellent point.

OFFICIAL MEET LOCATIONS
Friday night "Beforeparty": J.J. Bitting Brewing Co., 33 Main St., Woodbridge, NJ, starting at 6 PM
Saturday meet lunch: Pantagis Diner, 3126 Woodbridge Ave., Edison, NJ, from 11 AM-1 PM
Saturday night: Staten Island Yankees, 75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY, NY, starting at 7 PM
Saturday night postgame: Nucci's North, 616 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY, NY, at about 10 PM
Sunday meet lunch: Fox and Hound, 250 Menlo Park Drive (in the mall on US 1 SB), Edison, NJ from 11 AM-1 PM
Sunday night: Harold's NY Deli, 3050 Woodbridge Ave., Edison, NJ

Fun fact: Friday night, Saturday lunch, and Sunday night are all on County Route 514.

Cool! I am in for all of the above venues but I would like to get to my hotel on Long Island (Medford) by around 10:30 so I will probably have to bail out around 8:30 Sunday evening, I am thinking 2 hours should be good with traffic, ect...

Quote from: jpi on June 10, 2014, 09:08:41 PM
Cool! I am in for all of the above venues but I would like to get to my hotel on Long Island (Medford) by around 10:30 so I will probably have to bail out around 8:30 Sunday evening, I am thinking 2 hours should be good with traffic, ect...

Sunday will get played by ear post-meet. We may eat at 6, we may eat at 7:30.

I'm disappointed I won't be able to go to a road meet right here in my home state a few miles up the Garden State Parkway, but my 10 year anniversary is on the 26th, so that weekend is gonna have to be booked going somewhere else or I'll get clobbered.  I get away with boring my wife with occasional road related diversions, such as driving back and forth through the Big Dig on more than one Boston road trip, but this would be a tall order.

I was going to suggest Route 18 construction in and near New Brunswick, but I just saw that Alps has it on his list.  It's really impressive what they have done so far, both in New Brunswick and especially on the north side through Rutgers' Busch Campus.  When I was living on that campus 20 years ago, Metlar's Lane (now partly Route 18) was a two lane road that was constantly a parking lot with campus buses and both college and through traffic.  Now they have a freeway running right through campus, and much better bike access to the College Ave (main) campus in New Brunswick.  I'll be really interested in the Hoes Lane upgrade project to extend Route 18 north to I-287, but I'm not impressed with the proposal to route 18 to 287's existing interchange 8 (I see Google Maps jumped the gun and already has this routing designated as 18).

Quote from: Alps on June 10, 2014, 09:09:27 PM

Quote from: jpi on June 10, 2014, 09:08:41 PM
Cool! I am in for all of the above venues but I would like to get to my hotel on Long Island (Medford) by around 10:30 so I will probably have to bail out around 8:30 Sunday evening, I am thinking 2 hours should be good with traffic, ect...

Sunday will get played by ear post-meet. We may eat at 6, we may eat at 7:30.

That is fine either way, I do excpect to hit inbound traffic and can work my way to the LIE ok, it's bneen 12+ years sinmce I travelled around the freeways of NJ\NY but I should adjust fine ;-)

Other than Oscar, if you're coming to any part of the meet that's at a restaurant and you haven't RSVPed (or you're a "Maybe"), please do so on Facebook or in reply here. Because if you're not Oscar and not on Facebook, I've lost your reply.

Also, if you have a +1 that hasn't RSVPed, please have that person RSVP or please let me know as well. Headcounts!

I so wanted to attend this, ever since the concept was first floated.

Now, even if it was materially possible for me to attend, which it isn't, I don't have enough vacation days.

I'll probably regret missing this one more than any that I've not been able to go to.

I hope to see a plethora of photos of the road-related events.

Weather gods are smiling. Mid 70s on Saturday with some clouds, low 80s on Sunday with few clouds.

Quote from: Alps on June 22, 2014, 10:28:26 PM
Weather gods are smiling. Mid 70s on Saturday with some clouds, low 80s on Sunday with few clouds.

Nice! WOO HOO!!! :D

Have fun, guys.  I won't be able to make it this time.

Quote from: hbelkins on June 22, 2014, 05:43:35 PM
I so wanted to attend this, ever since the concept was first floated.

Now, even if it was materially possible for me to attend, which it isn't, I don't have enough vacation days.

I'll probably regret missing this one more than any that I've not been able to go to.

I hope to see a plethora of photos of the road-related events.

I'm in this same boat. I wanted THIS to be my first roadmeet ever, and I thought with my mother finally leaving that I could manage to find someway to attend this. Of course not. Hopefully I can manage to get a job real soon (I have two that are almost 75% guarantees at this point) and get enough money for my own car, gas, and everything else, because then I won't need to rely on the other people in my house.

Sorry to hear that Brandon but I am sure you will be there in spirit;-) I just checked the weatehr and it looks more like upper 70's both days and Monday looks like lower to mid 80's when I am on Long Island so yes the weather looks great for the whole weekend! :-)

Unless something changes in the next 24 hours, I likely will not be going now.   :-/

Quote from: Alex on June 24, 2014, 05:22:26 PM
Unless something changes in the next 24 hours, I likely will not be going now.   :-/

CHANGE

Picked up my rental mini van today, also made sure I have an EZ Pass transponder is in it, hurry up 11pm so I can get some sleep then on the road in the morning! :-)

Meet itinerary is up.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8Oijd8o6XSNWmdhLWlyajFpR0k/ (https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8Oijd8o6XSNWmdhLWlyajFpR0k/)

QuoteMeet itinerary is up.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8Oijd8o6XSNWmdhLWlyajFpR0k/

I see there's no side-trip to the Meachem-Froehlig BBQ on Saturday...

Just printed a few copies!  :)

Quote from: Alps on June 25, 2014, 10:20:47 PM
Meet itinerary is up.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8Oijd8o6XSNWmdhLWlyajFpR0k/ (https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8Oijd8o6XSNWmdhLWlyajFpR0k/)

Any restroom breaks/opportunities during the meet?  Might be some along the surface street parts of the itinerary, or in parks where we'll be stopping anyway, but there's also a fair amount of driving on facilities-free freeways.

Quote from: froggie on June 25, 2014, 10:57:57 PM

QuoteMeet itinerary is up.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8Oijd8o6XSNWmdhLWlyajFpR0k/

I see there's no side-trip to the Meachem-Froehlig BBQ on Saturday...

If you want 28 meetgoers to show up unexpectedly and bringing almost nothing, provide directions.

Quote from: oscar on June 25, 2014, 11:23:01 PM

Quote from: Alps on June 25, 2014, 10:20:47 PM
Meet itinerary is up.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8Oijd8o6XSNWmdhLWlyajFpR0k/ (https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8Oijd8o6XSNWmdhLWlyajFpR0k/)

Any restroom breaks/opportunities during the meet?  Might be some along the surface street parts of the itinerary, or in parks where we'll be stopping anyway, but there's also a fair amount of driving on facilities-free freeways.

Everyone should go before they leave on either day. There may be portable ones on Roosevelt Island, but NYC in general is a bad place to find restrooms, especially toward the west side of the city. NJ will have somewhat more opportunities if needed. I did allow a little float in the schedule as best I could, but people are encouraged to minimize stopping. In particular, I've been on meets where we stopped 3-4 times during a 5-6 hour meet for bathrooms. We should be able to stop once, if needed, and take care of everyone in that time.

That said, given the size of this meet, we're not all following each other. I'm going to do my best to get cars coordinated so that if someone needs to take a quick break, I'm aware.

I was expecting that restrooms would be hard to find, especially on day 1 largely in NYC where I  would expect few large chain fast-food places or service stations along our route (smaller ones in urban areas, I've often run into "Mr. Nogottabathroom").  Thus my question about where to find them without having to spend a lot of time searching for them, and particularly ones able to handle many people (and park many cars) at once without long lines if we want people to coordinate their breaks.

Working one or two planned breaks into the itinerary might encourage people to hold it in a little longer, knowing they won't have to wait too long for a pit stop.  That could help minimize the itinerary-busting multiple unplanned stops we've experienced at past meets.

Quote from: oscar on June 26, 2014, 12:43:55 AM
I was expecting that restrooms would be hard to find, especially on day 1 largely in NYC where I  would expect few large chain fast-food places or service stations along our route (smaller ones in urban areas, I've often run into "Mr. Nogottabathroom").  Thus my question about where to find them without having to spend a lot of time searching for them, and particularly ones able to handle many people (and park many cars) at once without long lines if we want people to coordinate their breaks.

Working one or two planned breaks into the itinerary might encourage people to hold it in a little longer, knowing they won't have to wait too long for a pit stop.  That could help minimize the itinerary-busting multiple unplanned stops we've experienced at past meets.

I just don't know where these places are.  There's a McDonalds at 21st St./31st Dr. in Brooklyn that would come after the Roosevelt Island stop. That's about all I can find.

QuoteIf you want 28 meetgoers to show up unexpectedly and bringing almost nothing, provide directions.

Doug's been here...

Quote from: Alps on June 26, 2014, 07:00:18 AM
There's a McDonalds at 21st St./31st Dr. in Brooklyn that would come after the Roosevelt Island stop. That's about all I can find.

I took a look at the satellite imagery.  It's in the Astoria neighborhood.  Larger restaurant with some off-street parking.  So that's a good start.  Maybe use McDonald's restaurant locator (http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/restaurant_locator.html) (or websites for other fast-food chains) to spot at least one more near a later leg of the itinerary?  For example, maybe the Wendy's just south of the Cross-Bronx at 4040 3rd St., which also has off-street parking.  Or local residents can chime in with other suggestions.

Two words: milk jugs.  :bigass:

Definitely going to miss the meet, sorry to disappoint. Your itinerary looks great Steve, which makes missing it that much more of a let down.

I do have a last minute question... seeing that we will do the Pulaski Skyway during the meet, is it advisable or not that I take 1-9T SB on a Friday evening? Actually, that question holds for either variant of 1-9...

Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on June 26, 2014, 04:42:01 PM
I do have a last minute question... seeing that we will do the Pulaski Skyway during the meet, is it advisable or not that I take 1-9T SB on a Friday evening? Actually, that question holds for either variant of 1-9...

You may want to take I-78 and enjoy the Newark Bay Bridge. But because the Skyway is open southbound, I don't expect you to run into too much trouble whichever way you go.

Unfortunately, I will NOT be able to attend this meet at all.  For those who are attending, enjoy.

I hope you folks take the opportunity to tune in WFMU 91.1 FM, the most interesting damn station there is.  Always a fantastic soundtrack for puttering around the metro area.

From my group photos:

Day 1 (taken in front of the Hell Gate Bridge in Astoria Park, Astoria, Queens):
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/10403957_627265677372350_1816334313278453744_o.jpg)

Top row: AJ Bertin (MI), Steve Alpert (NJ - host), Robert Malme (MA), Doug Kerr (NY), Mike Tantillo (DC)
Second row: Oscar Voss (VA), Jason Ilyes (TN), Rob Sargent (NJ/WV), Cody Goodman (AL), Adam Winkler (NJ), Scott Onson (WI), Anthony Costanzo (NY), Carl Tessier (QC), Mike Pruett (MD), Connor Lauzon (MA), Laura Bianca-Pruett (MD), C. Patrick Zillacus (MD), David Golub (NY).
Front row: Adam Moss (me, NJ), Ian Ligget (PA/ME), David Corcoran (MT).
Not photographed, but attended some part of the meet: Mark Sinsabaugh (NY), Valerie Deane (NY), CC Slater (and girlfriend) (NY), Chris Mason (NJ), Brian LeBlanc (NC).

---

Day 2 (taken in front of the Bayonne Bridge from Elizabeth, New Jersey):
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10506838_627267294038855_7397511456791599999_o.jpg)

Standing: Oscar Voss, C. Patrick Zillacus, Anthony Costanzo, Adam Winkler, Mike Tantillo, Robert Malme, Carl Tessier, Steve Alpert, Connor Lauzon, Ian Ligget, Mike Pruett, Michael Temme-Soifer (NJ), Scott Onson, Keith Thomas (NJ), Leigh Koven (PA), David Golub, CC's girlfriend, Dan Murphy (NY).
Kneeling: Rob Sargent, Laura Bianca-Pruett, David Corcoran, CC Slater, Adam Moss.
Not photographed, but attended the meet: Doug Kerr.

There is a more hilarious version of this photo taken by Steve and Scott that hopefully will get posted in the near future.

No Send Help signs?

Quote from: hbelkins on June 30, 2014, 10:26:54 PM
No Send Help signs?

None, but at least three were on property.

Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on June 30, 2014, 10:40:51 PM

Quote from: hbelkins on June 30, 2014, 10:26:54 PM
No Send Help signs?

None, but at least three were on property.

in our cars or at our hotel rooms.

As for my updates - aside from a picture sent to Facebook I will not have mine available until I return home - which will be 7/2.  Even then I won't do anything until 7/3 due to being dead tired.  I've personally accomplished a lot both in and out of the car on my efforts surrounding this meet and have many photos to show for it.

I'll probably post some additional group photos later in the week.  Mine should be similar to the ones Adam has posted, though hopefully one of mine won't have me partially blocking the view of the Bayonne Bridge.  I limped home earlier this morning (literally, leg cramps I got at the beach on my way home from the meet), and it'll take me a few days to catch up. 

I saw Doug had stopped at Walkway over the Hudson on his way back home. I had horrible leg cramps walking back to the vehicles after we walked across the bridge during the meet, so I can relate to Oscar's situation.

In a good bit of proofreading, I had originally typed "craps" instead of "cramps" and I'm glad I caught it.

Quote from: hbelkins on July 01, 2014, 11:24:27 AMIn a good bit of proofreading, I had originally typed "craps" instead of "cramps" and I'm glad I caught it.

That one letter can make all the difference.  :sombrero:

Quote from: oscar on July 01, 2014, 09:07:40 AM
I'll probably post some additional group photos later in the week.  Mine should be similar to the ones Adam has posted, though hopefully one of mine won't have me partially blocking the view of the Bayonne Bridge.  I limped home earlier this morning (literally, leg cramps I got at the beach on my way home from the meet), and it'll take me a few days to catch up. 

Yours should have less distortion than mine. I'm still trying to figure out how to fix that.

Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on July 01, 2014, 12:14:41 PM

Quote from: oscar on July 01, 2014, 09:07:40 AM
I'll probably post some additional group photos later in the week.  Mine should be similar to the ones Adam has posted, though hopefully one of mine won't have me partially blocking the view of the Bayonne Bridge.  I limped home earlier this morning (literally, leg cramps I got at the beach on my way home from the meet), and it'll take me a few days to catch up. 

Yours should have less distortion than mine. I'm still trying to figure out how to fix that.

Move Oscar to the other side of the photo?

Oh wait... that would leave a spot  ;)

Made it home at about 0130 this morning. I'm totally exhausted today but it was totally worth it. Great sights, great people, and very well organized. Thanks Alps and everybody for a great time.

Personally, I want to get back to check out the other boroughs and more of New Jersey.

I attended the Friday night dinner as well as Day 1 of the meet. Wow... I was impressed. Steve did a great job of organizing the meet and making sure everyone had all the information they needed. I liked how Steve made sure everyone was organized in vehicles according to whether or not they were going to the ballgame. It was also very smart to not have the cars following each other but instead meet up at each stop. We kept moving throughout the tour and Steve kept us on a pretty realistic time schedule.

I was navigating in Oscar's car and found the detailed written directions to be very clear for the most part. I definitely had to pay close attention to the directions, but it all worked out well. (Even though he didn't have any maps in the directions, it worked okay for me because I was using my atlas to get an idea of the bigger picture of where we were and where we were headed.) I also love how we had no traffic problems at all! I got lots of great photos from the front passenger seat too. Plus the weather was PERFECT the entire time. :D

Great job, Steve! It was good to see everyone. This meet will go down in my personal history as one of the best meets I've ever attended.

Thanks to everyone for a great meet, and to Steve for organizing.  Photos to come on GNYR.

Thanks AJ and everyone for the reviews, kind words, attendance, driving... Meets are made by the people who come!
Official meet photos:
Day 1 (https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/1559760_671891856213983_3665117362478978824_n.jpg)
Day 2 (https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10422240_671893119547190_7580801391964597773_n.jpg)
Official meat photos:
Alive (https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10492448_671893752880460_2199301716459570058_n.jpg)
Fried (https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10501952_671893809547121_7105770036082069088_n.jpg)

Just as long as there were bunker blasts.

Quote from: bandit957 on July 01, 2014, 10:10:10 PM
Just as long as there were bunker blasts.

Did you see that bacon? Of course there were.

Also would like to say how awesome Steve did with this meet. I had a blast! Here is my Flickr album of day 1 of the meet, with day 2 captions currently in the works. Hopefully will be uploaded in the next few days.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iccdude/sets/72157645058860298/

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/14368910059_4eb83fabb4_z.jpg)

Got home at 0130 this morning. I did a long, winding and very scenic drive along NY 30 (which I recommend) which followed a stop at the site of Woodstock 1969 on Monday, all ending near Ottawa where I stayed for Canada Day festivities.

Now I'm at work, exhausted.

Steve did a great job organizing this, and the meet was fun and the weather was perfect. My photos didn't turn out quite as good as I wanted them to be, but they're not that bad. I probably won't post them before next week, as I'm focusing on finishing my boxes for the move next weekend.

It was great to see everyone, and I'm looking forward to the next meet!

Quote from: A.J. Bertin on July 01, 2014, 07:56:30 PM
I attended the Friday night dinner as well as Day 1 of the meet. Wow... I was impressed. Steve did a great job of organizing the meet and making sure everyone had all the information they needed. I liked how Steve made sure everyone was organized in vehicles according to whether or not they were going to the ballgame. It was also very smart to not have the cars following each other but instead meet up at each stop. We kept moving throughout the tour and Steve kept us on a pretty realistic time schedule.

I was navigating in Oscar's car and found the detailed written directions to be very clear for the most part. I definitely had to pay close attention to the directions, but it all worked out well. (Even though he didn't have any maps in the directions, it worked okay for me because I was using my atlas to get an idea of the bigger picture of where we were and where we were headed.) I also love how we had no traffic problems at all! I got lots of great photos from the front passenger seat too. Plus the weather was PERFECT the entire time. :D

Great job, Steve! It was good to see everyone. This meet will go down in my personal history as one of the best meets I've ever attended.

Fortunately, we didn't encounter too much heavy traffic, except approaching the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge (this may have been expected).  A bad traffic jam or two could have put us all in a tight spot as far as how long the tour would take.

Quote from: Dougtone on July 02, 2014, 07:29:01 PM

Fortunately, we didn't encounter too much heavy traffic, except approaching the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge (this may have been expected).  A bad traffic jam or two could have put us all in a tight spot as far as how long the tour would take.

I was a little concerned there, but it fortunately cleared up in short order. There was also a spot of traffic along 139 on Sunday, but we had no time constraint there.

The approach from Queens to the Whitestone has been chronically backed up lately, due to construction. Surprisingly, the Triboro to the Deegan has been working out better, possibly because much progress has been made on the Highbridge Interchange ramps, despite the fact that the GWB itself is still subject to multiple lane drops.

Quote from: Dougtone on July 02, 2014, 07:29:01 PM
Fortunately, we didn't encounter too much heavy traffic, except approaching the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge (this may have been expected).  A bad traffic jam or two could have put us all in a tight spot as far as how long the tour would take.

Unless, of course, you're me and decided to take the Throgs Neck instead, only to discover that the traffic on the Cross Island was even worse and the route that I thought would take us onto the bridge coming from the west didn't work.  We lost half an hour on that goof and wound up turning around and taking the Whitestone anyway.

Quote from: Ian on July 02, 2014, 12:36:38 AM
Also would like to say how awesome Steve did with this meet. I had a blast! Here is my Flickr album of day 1 of the meet, with day 2 captions currently in the works. Hopefully will be uploaded in the next few days.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iccdude/sets/72157645058860298/

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/14368910059_4eb83fabb4_z.jpg)

Nice photo!

Quote from: Ian on July 02, 2014, 12:36:38 AM
Also would like to say how awesome Steve did with this meet. I had a blast! Here is my Flickr album of day 1 of the meet, with day 2 captions currently in the works. Hopefully will be uploaded in the next few days.

...aaaaand here's day 2's photo album. Included are photos of a quick trip out to Long Island me and corco did the morning before the day 2 tour.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iccdude/sets/72157645175149559/

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5553/14422531499_08bb238c93_z.jpg)

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14422498288_83600d437d_z.jpg)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ssoworld/sets/72157645122847668/

Here's my set of pics...

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/14561661546_88cf6d8cff_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/obLjE7)

NYC Road Meet Day 1 (https://flic.kr/p/obLjE7) by ssoworld (https://www.flickr.com/people/ssoworld/), on Flickr - Very narrow outer roadway

Here are some of the belated group photos from my camera, one from day 1 and three from day2 (the third a re-crop of the second deleting the Bayonne Bridge in the background, which didn't come out clearly in any of my photos). The second and third day 2 photos came out clearer, in addition to Steve's more interesting pose.

I'm not sure these improve on other photos floating out there, but you decide.

(//www.alaskaroads.com/NYC-meet-day1-group-photo_DSC2393.jpg)

Top row: A.J. Bertin (MI), Steve Alpert (NJ - host), Robert Malme (MA), Doug Kerr (NY), Mike Tantillo (DC)
Second row: Oscar Voss (VA), Jason Ilyes (TN), Rob Sargent (NJ/WV), Cody Goodman (AL), Adam Winkler (NJ), Scott Onson (WI), Anthony Costanzo (NY), Carl Tessier (QC), Mike Pruett (MD), Connor Lauzon (MA), Laura Bianca-Pruett (MD), C. Patrick Zilliacus (MD), David Golub (NY)
Front row: Adam Moss (NJ), Ian Ligget (PA/ME), David Corcoran (MT)

(//www.alaskaroads.com/NYC-meet-day2-group-photo_DSC2415.jpg)

Standing: Oscar Voss, C. Patrick Zilliacus, Anthony Costanzo, Adam Winkler, Mike Tantillo, Robert Malme, Carl Tessier, Steve Alpert, Connor Lauzon, Ian Ligget, Mike Pruett, Michael Temme-Soifer (NJ), Scott Onson, Keith Thomas (NJ), Leigh Koven (PA), David Golub, C.C.'s girlfriend (NY?), Dan Murphy (NY)
Kneeling: Rob Sargent, Laura Bianca-Pruett, Jason Ilyes, David Corcoran, C.C. Slater (NY), Adam Moss

(//www.alaskaroads.com/NYC-meet-day2-group-photo_DSC2416.jpg)

(//www.alaskaroads.com/NYC-meet-day2-group-photo-sans-bridge_DSC2416.jpg)

Standing: C. Patrick Zilliacus, Anthony Costanzo, Adam Winkler, Mike Tantillo, Robert Malme, Carl Tessier, Connor Lauzon, Ian Ligget, Mike Pruett, David Corcoran, Michael Temme-Soifer, Keith Thomas, Leigh Koven, C.C.'s girlfriend, David Golub, Dan Murphy, Oscar Voss
Kneeling: Adam Moss, Rob Sargent, Laura Bianca-Pruett, Jason Ilyes, Scott Onson, C.C. Slater
Lying down on the job: Steve Alpert

Quote from: Ian on July 08, 2014, 09:57:18 PM

Quote from: Ian on July 02, 2014, 12:36:38 AM
Also would like to say how awesome Steve did with this meet. I had a blast! Here is my Flickr album of day 1 of the meet, with day 2 captions currently in the works. Hopefully will be uploaded in the next few days.

Nice photos!  Mine will be coming soon.

All right, I've started uploading my pictures to my site at http://www.greaternyroads.info.  So far, CR 514 and NJ 440/NY 440 are up.  The Korean War Veterans Parkway will get uploaded this evening.