Route 66 Tour 9/2006 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

250C/8 + 230SL · #1 03-03-2006, 09:35 PM

Anyone doing this Route 66 tour MBCA event?
I am thinking about it in a W114 Coupe (because the trunk space is cavernous compared to the W113).

http://mbca.org/pages/Route66/Route_66_2006.htm

300SDog · #2 03-03-2006, 10:07 PM

Looks like fun! ....and perfect time of year, should see "dust devils" through Arizona - miniature 10' tornados in creek beds. Also look for twilight-zone small town diners and motels. Stick to the state roads, says me.

250 Coupe · #3 03-04-2006, 02:13 AM

Err...
I just got home from driving Route 66 (actually I-40).

Drove Ben's 450SEL from Dallas to Des Moines, WA in three and a half days.

My butt is numb.

Michael

300SDog · #4 03-04-2006, 10:28 AM

Dallas TX to Des Moines WA...... I'd have taken 55 North through New Mexico and caught a glimpse of top secret Area 51 alien spaceship crash site. Gotta always take the path less travelled. Interstates suck in my book, state roads can be hilarious. Or if you've gotta take the interstates use the "5 minute rule" for restaurant stops...... skip the junk food and travel 5 minutes in either direction off the highway to find local diners and cafes.

Palangi · #5 03-04-2006, 11:12 AM

Looks like fun, but, boy those folks sure drive slow.

Tristar1959 · #6 03-04-2006, 01:42 PM

So Michael, how about an update on its ACC-II? Fixed?

As for sloooowwww drivers, I was both amused and frustrated in Iowa when coming back across country from Alberta - if ya get behind a true, salt-of-the-earth, Godfearin', law-abidin' Iowa Mom&Pop in their 1986 Buick, parked in the left lane (US Hwy or Interstate - mattereth naught), you could calibrate your speedo to the exact speed limit, and they WILL not pull over. I was reminded of the subject song in The Music Man, about stubborn-ness...
Now if ya get behind this same Iowa couple in Indiana, they'll go exactly 5mph UNDER the speed limit

But, like I said, salt-of-the-earth people, I'm Sure.

250C/8 + 230SL · #7 03-04-2006, 01:52 PM

I've lived in New Mexico. Five minutes in either direction off the I75 or 40 and you don't often see diners or anything else. There are some exceptions. The drive through Taos is beautiful. The drive up through Cuba and into the Jimez valley is the prettiest in this part of NM. The drive up to and through Chaco canyon and Pueblo Bonito is beautifully desolate. Alternatively, six hours away you are in Durango, CO and there are numerous cliff dwelling parks with an hour or so of there. If you have the time and a competent vintage vehicle, the spring and fall make this part of the country the best. Guess I am talking myself into clearing my calendar for a spell of it in fall 2006.

The drive would be slow, but it is a social thing not just a drive. I may want to just do my own thing coming to think of it. Starting in Chicago and the plains can be passed.

250 Coupe · #8 03-04-2006, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tristar1959

So Michael, how about an update on its ACC-II? Fixed?

No, it's not fixed yet but Ben did a great job of bypassing it with a ball valve. Dang hard to regulate but it can be done.

Michael

PS, we were pressed for time. Mata has to be at work Sunday night and I'm flying out to Kentucky Monday.

300SDog · #9 03-04-2006, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palangi

Looks like fun, but, boy those folks sure drive slow.

Are you sure about this? From the itinerary it looks like they've just got dinner meetings scheduled along the route and thats all. So it wouldnt surprise me if speed demons among them branch out and cut loose on side roads whenever they feel it.

Meanwhile I betcha the caravan of slow drivers stick to the interstate. And for something like this gotta believe CB radio will be standard equipment, at least hand-held sets. Then speed freaks can keep in touch with everybody else and even "hide" among slower cars, say if cops get an all-points bulletin for Mercedes Benz going 100mph.