2010 New York State Road Enthusiasts Meeting
Rochester
When: Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 12pm noon
Where: The Distillery, 3010 Winton Road South; Henrietta, NY 14623
Agenda: At The Distillery, we will meet, eat and greet. This will be followed by a roadgeeking tour of the greater Rochester area.
In the Rochester tour, we will be touring such sights as the new Sea Breeze Drive in Irondequoit, and we will also be passing by the future location of New York State's first diverging diamond interchange. Other highlights of the tour will include, but is not limited to, the Inner Loop, Can of Worms interchange, Interstate 490 reconstruction and more!
Map/Directions: The Distillery's website kindly offers directions and a map through Google Maps in order to locate the restaurant, which can be found at http://www.thedistillery.com/contactus/distillery_sports_bars_brighton_location.asp. Best way to get to the restaurant would be to take I-590 to Exit 1 (Winton Road), and then make the short drive by taking Winton Road south to the restaurant, which is located in a somewhat large shopping center at the intersection of Winton Road and Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road.
If you are interested in attending this meeting,
please email us at dougtone#gribblenation.net (please replace # with @ to send mail).
You will be placed on a mailing list to inform you of any updates and changes.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 22, 2010 so I can call in an accurate head count to the restaurant.
http://www.gribblenation.net/meets/
I'm pretty much on the fence for this one. I'll have to choose between this one and the Texarkana meet the prior weekend. Unlike the Michigan-Poughkeepsie double dip I did last year, I won't be able to do both this time.
But the good news is that I am probably "in" for the Springfield meet if it's going to be Nov. 13. I'm off Thursday for Veterans Day and the following day will be one of my furlough days, so I'll already be off two days for travel.
Quote from: hbelkins on August 14, 2010, 02:20:58 AM
I'm pretty much on the fence for this one. I'll have to choose between this one and the Texarkana meet the prior weekend. Unlike the Michigan-Poughkeepsie double dip I did last year, I won't be able to do both this time.
But the good news is that I am probably "in" for the Springfield meet if it's going to be Nov. 13. I'm off Thursday for Veterans Day and the following day will be one of my furlough days, so I'll already be off two days for travel.
Yes, Springfield is looking like it will happen on 11/13, due to some plans I made for the previous weekend. I'll announce that shortly after the Rochester meet happens. What I will say is that both the Rochester and Springfield meets will involve a similar amount of driving both in percentage and distance.
I'm also on the fence. The weekend looks like my fall break, so it's available, but at this point I don't know if there are going to be any honors trips or anything else happening that weekend, and I made the mistake of making plans last year and then having to move things around (including delaying an eye doctor appointment until December), so I'll have to make a decision later.
Quote from: deanej on August 14, 2010, 08:36:02 AM
I'm also on the fence. The weekend looks like my fall break, so it's available, but at this point I don't know if there are going to be any honors trips or anything else happening that weekend, and I made the mistake of making plans last year and then having to move things around (including delaying an eye doctor appointment until December), so I'll have to make a decision later.
If you can make it, let me know when you can make a decision.
I can definitely get my way to Springfield. As for Rochester, I would need someone to drive me. I do really want to get to Rochester, since I will at that point have been on almost every x90 in some shape of form.
(EDIT: You know something happens when 790 is isolated in Utica and you forget it exists :P)
Anyway I have clinched 190, 290 and 990. I've been on most of 890 and some of 690. I need 390, 490, 590 and 790 basically.
Aww, no Watertown this year? That's too bad (though, to be fair, there's not much up there right now...next year might be better for that.) Oh well...at least Rochester's fairly close, so it's not too bad.
If I've landed a full-time job by then(and, thus, have the money and ability to attend), I'd definitely be up for it. I'll let you know closer to the date.
I'll be in the US that weekend but it's 1800 miles from where I'm staying. One of these days there will be a meet that I'll be able to attend.
Quote from: Dougtone on August 14, 2010, 09:12:52 AM
If you can make it, let me know when you can make a decision.
Don't worry, the RSVP deadline is more than adequate for me to figure it out!
Quote from: cu2010Aww, no Watertown this year? That's too bad (though, to be fair, there's not much up there right now...next year might be better for that.) Oh well...at least Rochester's fairly close, so it's not too bad.
The bridge work for the interchange with I-81 is looking quite nice, actually. They're just about ready to pour concrete for the supports.
Quote from: deanej on August 15, 2010, 01:13:34 PM
Quote from: Dougtone on August 14, 2010, 09:12:52 AM
If you can make it, let me know when you can make a decision.
Don't worry, the RSVP deadline is more than adequate for me to figure it out!
Quote from: cu2010Aww, no Watertown this year? That's too bad (though, to be fair, there's not much up there right now...next year might be better for that.) Oh well...at least Rochester's fairly close, so it's not too bad.
The bridge work for the interchange with I-81 is looking quite nice, actually. They're just about ready to pour concrete for the supports.
I went scouting around Watertown for the meet back in July, only to discover that no work had been done yet for the Fort Drum Connector. Couple that with finding out that work has just started on the project, I decided it would be best to hold off on the Watertown meet until next fall. So, I went with Plan B, which was to have a meet in Rochester or Binghamton. Work hasn't been done on the Kamikaze Curve rebuild yet, so I decided to have the 2010 meet in Rochester, since there's a few projects just finishing up, among other things of interest worth taking a look at.
Yeah, there's not really much in the way of construction up that way right about now. Only thing worthwhile are a bunch of old alignments of both US 11 and NY 37...many of the latter of which are underwater!
I'm planning on heading up to Potsdam sometime this fall for a Clarkson hockey trip anyways (and possibly even Lake Placid for the Halloween Face-off...two great Division I hockey games for $15, that's a freaking steal!), so it's no loss (and, since the meet is before hockey season starts anyways, it saves me another North Country trip).
Quote from: Roadgeek_Adam on August 14, 2010, 11:59:53 AM
(EDIT: You know something happens when 790 is isolated in Utica and you forget it exists :P)
790 isn't a real Interstate. :D
I'd rather wait until construction is complete on 781 (in a couple years) before going to Watertown.
I am definitely planning to attend this one. I look forward to visiting Rochester for the first time and attending my first meet in New York.
Right now I'm leaning toward attending this one vs. the one in Texarkana the weekend prior, but that's subject to change.
We're a couple weeks away from the meet now, and I'm expecting everything to go off without a hitch.
I hope the weather is cooperative. What's it usually like in Rochester the last weekend of September? I remember Buffalo a couple of years ago was pretty cool and I was glad I brought a jacket.
Darn, I wish I could make this one - unfortunately, I have class.
The Distillery is great - y'all will have a great time there!
Quote from: hbelkins on September 12, 2010, 02:38:47 PM
I hope the weather is cooperative. What's it usually like in Rochester the last weekend of September? I remember Buffalo a couple of years ago was pretty cool and I was glad I brought a jacket.
It varies. Recetnly it's been decent, but you might want to bring a jacket just in case.
In other news, I'm probably going to this (95% chance). I should know for sure later today and I'll RSVP by email then.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 12, 2010, 02:38:47 PM
I hope the weather is cooperative. What's it usually like in Rochester the last weekend of September? I remember Buffalo a couple of years ago was pretty cool and I was glad I brought a jacket.
Also, remember that (like Buffalo) Rochester is close to a Great Lake, so it's apt to generally be cooler than farther inland areas. I know that Labor Day weekend, I put on my hoodie although more because of the wind made the low 60s air temp feel a little brisker.
I'd still like to go to this, but I'm not going to be sure of my work schedule of that weekend for another week or so.
Quote from: yanksfan6129 on September 13, 2010, 09:45:10 PM
I'd still like to go to this, but I'm not going to be sure of my work schedule of that weekend for another week or so.
If you do, I may ask to hitch a ride. I don't think my father could handle the trip anymore.
Quote from: rawmustard on September 13, 2010, 10:35:40 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on September 12, 2010, 02:38:47 PM
I hope the weather is cooperative. What's it usually like in Rochester the last weekend of September? I remember Buffalo a couple of years ago was pretty cool and I was glad I brought a jacket.
Also, remember that (like Buffalo) Rochester is close to a Great Lake, so it's apt to generally be cooler than farther inland areas. I know that Labor Day weekend, I put on my hoodie although more because of the wind made the low 60s air temp feel a little brisker.
Quote from: hbelkins on September 12, 2010, 02:38:47 PM
I hope the weather is cooperative. What's it usually like in Rochester the last weekend of September? I remember Buffalo a couple of years ago was pretty cool and I was glad I brought a jacket.
You're likely looking at temps in the 60s for late September, and possibly a bit breezy. Bringing a jacket or hoodie along may be a good idea, but it's also possible that it may not be needed.
Forecast for Saturday is calling for high temps of 63 degrees and sunny.
Wish I could make it, but have a fun time!
Yanksfan, aka Scott, any word?
I'll ask if I can tonight.
in other words I'm not working, but it's extremely mega unlikely that my parents will let me travel to upstate NY on my own.
gotta start sometime. you're almost 18, no?
I'm 17, yeah. I would like to go. Funny thing is, they'll let me take the train almost anywhere by myself. But they're concerned about just me and a car.
Quote from: yanksfan6129 on September 23, 2010, 04:28:05 PM
I'm 17, yeah. I would like to go. Funny thing is, they'll let me take the train almost anywhere by myself. But they're concerned about just me and a car.
well, there's a first time for everything - it's what, 200-250 miles each way? that doesn't seem like a bad way to start off a solo roadtrip career
Quote from: agentsteel53 on September 23, 2010, 04:34:29 PM
Quote from: yanksfan6129 on September 23, 2010, 04:28:05 PM
I'm 17, yeah. I would like to go. Funny thing is, they'll let me take the train almost anywhere by myself. But they're concerned about just me and a car.
well, there's a first time for everything - it's what, 200-250 miles each way? that doesn't seem like a bad way to start off a solo roadtrip career
From Jersey, at least 300 miles each way. My first solo roadtrip that I took was of a similar distance, between Long Island and Oswego, NY (where I went to college).
my first solo road trip was ... 8800 miles, from Boston to LA to Seattle and back with various detours.
My route brings it 340 miles each way (from my place) - 310 from yours. Some local roads in NY cut about 20 off, but I think freeways would be preferrable. If you want, seeing I am above age, I can offer to hitch a ride. I don't have a DL, but I am desperate to go to Rochester this weekend.
It looks like I won't be able to make it- I have no way to get there (and I'm only 30 miles out!) and I likely have to work.
Forecast is still calling for breezy with highs in the lower 60s...should be a pleasant day (unlike today).
So Scott, I assume at this point, its a nogo? I'd assume it doesn't take 24 hours to ask.
Quote from: cu2010 on September 24, 2010, 10:45:45 AM
It looks like I won't be able to make it- I have no way to get there (and I'm only 30 miles out!) and I likely have to work.
Forecast is still calling for breezy with highs in the lower 60s...should be a pleasant day (unlike today).
Believe me, at 30 miles, you can get there. Any number of people would be happy to pick you up and drop you off. Working, that's a different matter. In my case, I'm stuck with family, but I got my chance to go to Rochester a few weeks ago and take a quick look at what the meet will go through. The roads, they are a'changin'.
Yeah I asked and it was a no. Not unexpected.
Quote from: AlpsROADS on September 24, 2010, 08:31:47 PM
Quote from: cu2010 on September 24, 2010, 10:45:45 AM
It looks like I won't be able to make it- I have no way to get there (and I'm only 30 miles out!) and I likely have to work.
Forecast is still calling for breezy with highs in the lower 60s...should be a pleasant day (unlike today).
Believe me, at 30 miles, you can get there. Any number of people would be happy to pick you up and drop you off. Working, that's a different matter. In my case, I'm stuck with family, but I got my chance to go to Rochester a few weeks ago and take a quick look at what the meet will go through. The roads, they are a'changin'.
I was in a car accident the week before the Utica meet in 2001, and was still able to find a ride to the meet. Also, since I was coming from the east, I would've had no problem giving a ride. I don't think I would've been able to get anyone out of work though.
And here's the happy recap...
Seven people attended the Rochester, NY Road Meet yesterday (Doug Kerr, Chris Jordan, John Krakoff, Jon Deane, Mike Tantillo, H.B. Elkins and A.J. Bertin). After a tasty lunch at the Henrietta location of the Distillery restaurant, we started on a tour of the Rochester area on what turned out to be an overcast afternoon.
First, we drove down Jefferson Road (NY 252) and caught a glimpse of some of the construction going on there. This project is just a widening from 2 lanes to 3 lanes in each direction. We then headed north on East Henrietta Road (NY 15A), passed by some erroneous US 15 signs at NY 15's northern terminus, and then took NY 15 into downtown.
We then stopped at a park along the Genesee River and saw the signature bridge known as the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Bridge that was built a few years ago to carry I-490 over the Genesee River. This was part of the Rochester 2010 project to reconstruct I-490 between I-390 and downtown Rochester. After checking out the bridge, and discussing a few of the other bridges over the Genesee River, we drove through downtown Rochester and to the Inner Loop.
We drove around the Inner Loop, which is a nifty little freeway (or what we'd call in expressway in New York State) that circles around downtown Rochester. There is currently some talk about turning the Inner Loop, or at least part of the Inner Loop, into an at-grade boulevard. After driving the Inner Loop, we headed west on I-490 to NY 204 to check out the partially completed Airport Expressway in Gates.
The Airport Expressway was supposed to connect I-490 in Gates with I-390 and the Greater Rochester International Airport. However, it was only built between I-490 and NY 33A, making for what seems to be a very long exit ramp. After taking in the Airport Expressway, we drove east on NY 33A to I-390 and then drove along I-390, NY 390 and the Lake Ontario State Parkway, to make a stop to take a look at the Hojack Swing Bridge and the O'Rorke Bridge over the Genesee River at Charlotte. Attendees of the 2004 Rochester meet may remember that the O'Rorke Bridge was nearing completion during the meet.
We then drove east along the shores of Lake Ontario to the Irondequoit Bay Outlet Bridge and checked out the bridge as well as the finished product of the reconstruction of the northern section of NY 590 into the roundabout-filled Sea Breeze Boulevard. NY 590 was truncated to Titus Avenue in Irondequoit as part of the project.
To wrap up the tour, we stopped at the site the former northeastern ramp of the interchange between NY 404 and NY 590 in Irondequoit. This ramp was closed during an interchange reconfiguration many years ago, but you can still see the grading of the former ramps, and grass has grown where the ramp once was location. However, as we were checking out the ramp, one enterprising driver decided to make use of this grass ramp and drive along the grass to his nearby home. We then continued south along NY 590 through the Can of Worms Interchange to I-590, and then to Winton Road, passing through the future site of a diverging diamond interchange, and went back to the restaurant.
We then said our goodbyes and continued on to our destinations for the evening.
More information and pictures of the Inner Loop can be found at: http://www.empirestateroads.com/photos/monroe/innerloop.html (http://www.empirestateroads.com/photos/monroe/innerloop.html)
More information and pictures of the Irondequoit Bay Outlet Bridge can be found at http://www.empirestateroads.com/photos/monroe/3.html (http://www.empirestateroads.com/photos/monroe/3.html)
More information and pictures of the NY 404/NY 590 ramp can be found at http://www.empirestateroads.com/photos/monroe/4.html (http://www.empirestateroads.com/photos/monroe/4.html)
More information and pictures of the Can of Worms Interchange can be found at http://www.empirestateroads.com/week/week1.html (http://www.empirestateroads.com/week/week1.html)
Quote from: Dougtone on September 26, 2010, 06:51:38 PM
I was in a car accident the week before the Utica meet in 2001, and was still able to find a ride to the meet. Also, since I was coming from the east, I would've had no problem giving a ride. I don't think I would've been able to get anyone out of work though.
Yeah, I got called in to work; I couldn't have attended anyways.
Sounds like a good time, though. Sorry I missed it.
I drove up to New York for the Rochester meet this past weekend. Left Kentucky Thursday afternoon and got back Monday afternoon.
My route up was basically I-79 north of Charleston (overnighted at Morgantown on Thursday) with a detour into Pittsburgh on the newly minted I-376 and what's left of I-279, then I-90 and I-86 east to the Elmira/Horseheads area for Friday and Saturday nights. Drove up to Rochester Saturday morning via I-390 and back to Horseheads that afternoon via I-90 and NY 14.
The return trip home involved US 15 and US 220 south to the Mill Hall, Pa. area, from whence I took PA 150 and Alternate US 220 (both former routes of US 220) down to Port Matilda, where I took I-99 south with a slight detour through Altoona and Duncansville on the old Business 220 route to make a couple of stops. From there it was I-99/US 220 south to Cumberland, then I-68 west and US 219 south through Oakland, Thomas, Parsons and Elkins, then US 33 west to I-79 and an overnight stop in Charleston.
Lots of spot construction on I-79 in WV and PA, including work on the ramp from I-70 west to I-79 north at Washington. Also lots of work ongoing in spots along the Southern Tier Expressway, which needs it because the pavement is extremely rough in places. The STE is a gorgeous drive, especially with leaves starting to turn.
Clinched I-279 in PA on Friday, and I-86, I-390, I-490 and I-590 in New York on Saturday. Made a couple of side trips to visit new counties during my Friday and Saturday excursions.
Can't really add much to the observations others have made about the meet itself. It was very interesting and informative to see some of the sights in the Rochester area.
After the meet broke up, I used NY 14 for my route back to Horseheads. Geneva appeared to be a picturesque town, and lots of people out and about in Watkins Glen. Not sure what the nightlife attractions are there for approximately 7 p.m. on a Saturday, but the downtown area was crawling with pedestrians.
It should be noted that my EZ-Pass transponder appeared to work perfectly at four toll booths along the Thruway. Of course I got a proper reading in PA back in June and later got the violation notices, so we'll see if things really worked like they should have.
Got to drive the new US 15 freeway in the Steam Valley area of Pennsylvania, and saw that construction is progressing on the only unfinished section left of the future I-99 corridor between the Addison, NY area and the state line. Clinched Alternate US 220 in PA and US 219 in MD on the return trip.
Gas prices ranged from $2.79 in several places to $2.59 at the Sheetz at Mill Hall. The weather was interesting. It was near 90 degrees and windy on Friday, overcast and breezy with the temp in the 60s on Saturday, and rainy and chilly during the latter part of my trip on Sunday.
Besides the route clinching, other accomplishments include 11 new counties in New York (Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans, Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, Yates and Schuyler.)
Tried out a couple of new things on the trip, as my Facebook friends will have no doubt noticed. Both are apps on my iPhone and iPad. I used the CoPilot GPS app to post my location periodically. And I tried to record my routing on the Every Trail app, and uploaded the routes to the Every Trail site. There were some glitches with GPS reception, but a reasonable approximation of my routes for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday can be viewed on the Every Trail site.
Here's the meet photo, with the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Bridge carrying I-490 over the Genesee River in the background.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gribblenation.net%2Fmeets%2Froc10meet.jpg&hash=5796ab601f2a44266dc2d573cf7ed279a102a2e9)
From left to Right - Jon Deane, A.J. Bertin, John Krakoff, H.B. Elkins, Chris Jordan, Mike Tantillo, Doug Kerr