Indy...the Remix

[lhuff]

I'm heading back to Indianapolis for the US Grand Prix. 3rd year in a row, but I'll be doing the trip alone this year. My intrepid roadtrip companion is unable to attend as she has been roped into being a bridesmaid.

I'm thinking about taking Highway 71 to I-30 to I-40 to I-55 to I-70 as my route. I've never been through Missouri or Illinois before. I've always taken a more westerly route through Kentucky to get to Indy. So - I'm thinking about checking out the arch in St. Louis along the way. Any other suggestions?

I'm doing a one day drive to Indy on Friday and a one day drive back to Shreveport on Monday. The other route is 14 or so hours, so I'm thinking this should be about the same. Or am I completely off my rocker and should just go my normal route? This is going to be a sort of dry run for my Minnesota and take a left trip that I will also be doing on my own.

Laura

[PNW Judy]

Are you sure the timing is accurate? How many miles?

Gosh, Laura, you've done enough roadtrips that you probably know your own stamina and abilities. I love a 14-hour driving day. But I wouldn't do it if I had to work the next day. When the road-adrenaline is gone, I crash.

I think seeing new roads is always the most fun choice, but I'm unsure if it's the best choice for you on this trip.

[lhuff]

I've done this type of trip several times and been fine for work the next day. Not usually making it to Indiana, but just driving around Texas or Arkansas. I work as an accountant, so it's not like I'm operating heavy machinery.

I know the other route is about 14 hours after adding in stops and a short touristy side trip or two. Not sure about the mileage, though.

So, I'm not too worried about my stamina - If it gets bad, I'll just pull over and find a hotel or take a quick nap.

Laura

[UKCraig]

Give Jenson the raspberry for me and say hey to Lewis!

Oh, ooops, sorry... you were looking for constructive suggestions. Sorry, can't help there, don't do consructive!

[lhuff]

I've washed all my Ferrari and Scott Speed gear, found my flag and am fully prepared to yell rude things at the FIA and Renault. So I think I prepared on that end. I got good practice yelling extremely rude things at the FIA a couple of years ago during the Michelin debacle.

So yeah - anyone have any Constructive help. :)

[AZBuck]

Suggestions that is. If this trip is going to serve as a dry run for the US-71 trip, then I'd recommend a different highway to start out on than US-71, Same feel, but a different road. US-79 cuts up across the southeastern corner of Arkansas and will get you to the Mississippi in a way that should be prescient of US-71. From West Memphis, US-61 will take you up the west bank of the Big Muddy, and although it will occasionally share alignment with I-55, it will also swing off into some great old river towns such as Cape Girardeau and Sainte Genevieve. Just south of St. Louis is a place that appeals to the geologist (and amateur paleontologist) in me, Mastodon State Historic Site. And of course, here's a golden oldie on things other than the arch in St. Louis.

Now the route as outlined above is over 850 miles, so certainly more than I'd attempt in a day, particularly if I planned on seeing anything along the way.

AZBuck

[lhuff]

I love driving along 79 in Texas and Louisiana. It's a very nice road. This is looking more like it's going to be a speed run more than anything, unfortunately. So, I'll probably have to stick to interstates. I wish I could take some back roads, but with only 2 days off of work, I don't think that will work. Maybe next year since I can't seem to stay away from this race every summer. :)

[UKCraig]

So, how did the trip go? I just got back from the carnage that was Le Mans (the campground, as you will see, resembles a mix of Glastonbury, a gypsy encampment and the road to Basra...) Of course, as usual, I was cheering on the Corvettes (sadly the Brits beat em this time out) and managed to make some new friends - one from San Fran and one from Toronto. I love Le Mans!! Managed to catch the GP in a little bar - hope you enjoyed it as much as we did?!

[lhuff]

I'm going to sit down and make a full report tonight. Lets see - highlights:

1. Seeing my cousin who I never ever get to see.

2. Learning that my upcoming trip is possible, I won't freak out on the road
alone.

3. Doing a minor Kurt Busch impression in the middle of Kentucky. I have
photos - sadly Laura versus the bug ended with a Nascar style wall rub.
Whoops!

4. Meeting some very nice, but deluded people from Holland that were rooting
for the Spykers.

5. Watching an absolutely fantastic race.

6. Getting insanely lost in Indianapolis after the race because the cops
shoved us all off into the middle of downtown no where near an interstate.

7. Laying out on the grass on Saturday in the hot sun (it was 95 degrees
there, but the humidity was only 28%, so not too bad) drinking Fosters and
laughing at Craig being at Le Mans in the cold and rain.

There's more, but that's the gist of it. I've got to get my pictures downloaded still and try to figure out what I was aiming for some times. I forgot just how large those cans of Fosters are at the F1 race.

Laura

[UKCraig]

laughing at Craig being at Le Mans in the cold and rain.

That's harsh!! It was a bit of an arse though, I have to admit, I think I'll be spending my birthday weekend somewhere warmer next year. I saw at the start of the GP coverage that ambient temperature was 35c... I don't think it's been that hot in Europe all summer... :(