Best route across the country... Need Help PRONTO!

[MrAngry]

Hey guys -

I'd like to ask for everyone's help on a project. In about two weeks I'll be driving my '68 Charger across the country and I want the route to be planned around car shows, cruise nights, track events and or anything automotive. The events can contain exotics, imports or muscle it doesn't matter, it just has to be automotive related. I can't give out the specifics about why I'm doing the drive just yet, but lets just say it's pretty friggin' cool. I'll be leaving from NYC with my co-driver on Sat. July 25th with the final destination being Hot August Nights in Reno, NV on Thurs. Aug. 6th. Then the following week onto Monterey, CA for Pebble Beach.

What I want to know, and this is where I need the help, is what does everyone think is the best route? One of our goals is to get others to "latch-on" to us, so to speak and possibly drive one or more of the legs with us. Doesn't matter what car you have or how far you go, just know that if you jump on the caravan, it will be known.

So with all that being said, tell me where across the country ya'll live, when the best cruise nights are and help me plan a great route to get "MR. ANGRY" across the USA.

Cheers and thanks - Mike

[WS6]

wish I could help or drive along with you guys but I'm too far south. Good luck Mike and be sure to tell us the details about why you're doing this when you can. I know it's going to be cool.

[dadto2jays]

that sounds like a great trip and if you come south thru miami I can show you one or two cruise spots...

[bret]

If you are looking to spend a couple of hours on a shop tour feel free to stop by our shop in southern Indiana. I live close so time and day is not that important.

[critter]

Here's an idea of what's going on in our area. Check the calendar page. I doubt you'll swing this far south but just in case...

http://cruisinlittlerock.com/

[wolf28]

If you find yourself in Arizona on a Saturday night, we have the largest weekly car show in the country here in Scottsdale.

[Steve1968LS2]

Well.. I know where you should end..

In SoCal (Orange County) California.. On a Saturday morning.

Two of the best cruises going. First you hit Donut Deralics in Huntington Beach (classics and hot rods).. it starts at 6am and ends at 8am.. then cruise over to Cars and Coffee in Irvine CA (exotics and muscle).. goes from 7am to 9am..

It's the perfect automotive morning :)

[mpozzi]

And when you end up in Monterey for the Historics, look us up. I'll PM you with my contact information.

Thursday evening is Baja Cantina night. Lots of fun car stuff (muscle, hot rods, customs, pro-touring, and late-model) there, good food, live band entertainment, and be a very fun evening. Get there in the early afternoon as it will be packed and hopping. It's the only week (Monterey Historics) that Baja gets this busy. Baja Cantina's about two miles inland on Carmel Valley Rd. off of Hwy 1 (near Quail Lodge).

Cheers,
Mary Pozzi

[thedodgeboys]

What day if any, will you be going through Kansas and I will try to find you some car stuff to do or some people to join you.

[MrAngry]

Thanks for all the replies everyone and please keep them coming... I'll have a better idea of our route within' the next few days and will post it up once it's finalized. I've been getting suggestions from all over the place and I think it will turn out to be a very interesting journey.

[PonchoJohn]

I would head south and catch 40 West. This will take you along historic Rt. 66 from Oklahoma on. I've driven this route a few times... there's a lot of auto related /Rt.66 stuff to see, not to mention all the cities it takes you through/near.
Of course, you could head toward Chicago, and thereby see all the shows in the North/Midwest, then head down historic 66 through Ill, Kansas, then hook up w/ 40 toward California.
While in Arizona, Phoenix is not too far off the path- pretty good cruise there, I hear.
In the Cal-Nev-Ari tri-state area, Hang a right on 395 to head to Reno. You could catch some action in Las Vegas too.
Before you leave Reno, I highly recommend taking a short drive over to Virginia City- very historic/old/just-plain-cool-time-capsule-town. Of course, if you take 50 West to head toward Carson City/Lake Tahoe, you'll pass the cat houses-- a whole other type of "ride" LOL!!
Carson City is part of the "Hot August Nights" towns w/ it's own little shows/cruises going on.
Tahoe is a pretty drive. Then you can head to Sacramento OR take 395 South from Carson City and take the 120 West at Lee Vining. This will take you up through Tioga Pass 10,000 ft! Okay, technically 9964' (or something like that... eh, 10,000) and through Yosemith National Park- breath taking views! From Yosemite's exits, you can head toward the Bay Area.
Which ever way you go, have fun!

[MrAngry]

LOL! - AWESOME! Thanks man...

[1offwizard]

Tulsa, OK has a Tuesday cruise night that pulls around 200 cars each week. Please let us know your route and maybe a few of us can meet and tag along for a bit.

[Bow Tie 67]

Subscribed, if you end up coming near the Chicago area I might be able to hook up for a little. " fingers crossed "

[SPECWARSQUID]

Get yer Kicks on Route 66. :)

[MrAngry]

Well, here’s the deal so far – and please give me some feedback.

Starting in NYC – Rte. 80 into PA to Rte. 81 into W. Virginia, Virginia, Knoxville TN. Then Rte. 40 through the rest of TN, Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Cut up on Rte. 35 into Kansas, then hit Rte. 70 through Colorado and into Utah. From there pick up Rte. 15 through Las Vegas, NV – then pick up Rte. 10 and over Los Angeles, CA. From there we’ll hit Rte. 101 up to San Francisco and then jump on Rte. 80 into Reno, NV…

Whatcha’ all think?

I'm leaving this Sat. so opinions are welcome!

Thanks - Mike

[Bill Howell]

Cool, you are coming down this way. I think I-40 is a great choice! I doubt I will have time to do any cruising, but would do dinner in Knoxville area, let me know when you are coming thru here.

[6'9"Witha69]

I gotta know when you hit I-15 coming up on the 210 (right befroe I-10). That is my neck of the woods.

[MrAngry]

Here's the latest. New route - we've been discussing it and have changed it up a little bit as we wanted to spend as much time as possible in CA before we head to up to Los Altos, CA then over to Reno. Also, the original idea was to take rte. 40 most of the way, but we're heading to Indianapolis for the Brickyard 400 next Sun. so I think we'll mostly be on rte. 70 after that.

This may also benefit us as far as weather goes because since we have NO A/C I'm hoping for temps to be a bit cooler... we'll see though.

If anyone lives in the below area's please let me know - let me know what's going on, car shows, cruises, etcs... this entire trip is being documented for a reason that I cannot yet reveal, but trust me, it's cool!

Day 1. Sat. July 25th.
NYC - Akron, Ohio
We will be hitting http://www.barbertonspeedway.com/ to see the races that evening.

Day 2. Sun. July 26th.
Akron, OH - Indianapolis, IN
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Allstate 400 at the Brickyard

Day 3. Mon. July 27th.
Indianapolis, IN - Topeka, KS
In all honesty I have NO IDEA what to do at night in Topeka, KS so if anyone has any bright ideas let me know now!

Day 4. Tues. July 28th.
Topeka, KS - Denver, CO
Anyone have any idea's about a cruise night or local gathering here?

Day 5. Wed. July 29th.
Denver, Colorado - Bryce Canyon, UT

Day 5. Thurs. July 30th.
Bryce Canyon, UT - Las Vegas, NV - this could be dangerous.

Day 6. Fri. July 31st.
Las Vegas, NV - Los Angeles, CA
We plan to be in the LA area from Friday - Sun. so please let me know what's going on and we'll be there.

Day 7. Sat. Aug. 1st - Exploring the Car Scene in LA - Suggestions Welcome
Day 8. Sun. Aug. 2st - Exploring the Car Scene in LA - Whats the best Sunday morning Cruise in, in this area?

Day 9. Mon. Aug. 3rd.
Los Angeles, CA - Santa Barbara, CA

Day 10. Tues. Aug 4th.
Santa Barbara, CA - Los Altos, CA

Day 11. Wed. Aug. 5th.
Los Altos, CA - Reno, NV for Hot August Nights (Will have both the Charger & Daytona)

Days 12-15, Aug 6th-9th, Thurs - Sun. will be at Hot August Nights in Reno, NV (Will have both the Charger & Daytona)

Following week:
Aug. 13th-16th: The Pebble Beach Conquers in Monterrey (Will have both the Charger & Daytona)

Head home via plane and collapse. :jump:

[Larry Callahan]

When you get near LA I will try to join in with MotiV8r.

[MrAngry]

Now that's what I'm talking about!! :1st:

[slck6t9]

So since you are taking a plane home, are both the cars for sale at Monteray?

[David Pozzi]

Hope you have hotel reservations booked for Monterey, it will be a busy weekend!
Friday is a good day for Vintage cars. Check and see which day the Trans-Am cars will race. Every class runs practice on Friday, Sat classes practice in the AM, Sunday classes practice Fri PM, but Sat and Sun cars are different each day. Friday afternoon there is a "tour" in Pacific Grove that winds through Pebble beach and back to PG for a BBQ. It's been nice in past years but this year I heard there is no police escort. You still should go and check out the cars there. Way too many events going on, take your pick!

[Draginutz]

Trying to find someting for you in Denver. So far not much goes on on a tuesday but I will let you know A.S.A.P

[MrAngry]

Thanks for all the replies guys...

slck6t9 - Nope... honestly don't think I'd ever sell the Charger as I have WAY to many memories in that car, plus I have a 5 year old nephew that has first dibs.

David - Yep, accommodations are all taken care of.

Friday afternoon there is a "tour" in Pacific Grove that winds through Pebble beach and back to PG for a BBQ. It's been nice in past years but this year I heard there is no police escort. You still should go and check out the cars there. - this actually sounds like a really great event - may have to check that one out.

Draginutz - any help would be great appreciated. So far we've been able to pin down some sort of event for almost every night of the trip.

Question, has anyone been to Super Car Sunday in Calabasas, CA? I've heard great things about this and it's something that I really want to check out.

[shmoov69]

Well, you are a day late this weekend. Salina, KS has a Kustom Kemps Of America-Ledsled Spectacular this weekend. VERY cool show if you like sleds and customs, pretty large turnout.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=376317

Then, you are too early coming back!! The HAMB drags are just north of Joplin, MO (I-44) at MOKAN dragstrip Sat the 22. That is a KILLER event for stuff that you don't see anywhere else running down the strip.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/?page_id=2360
Highly recomend either or both to anyone coming thru those weekends.

If you come thru Springfield, MO (I-44), let me know and I'll buy you a burger or something.

[6'9"Witha69]

We may have to organize a Cruise the Crest on the 2nd for you. Mike, Carl, ready to saddle up?

[MrAngry]

Well we're finally ready to hit the road at 6am tomorrow morning. First leg of the run is from Queens, NY - Akron, OH where we'll be heading to Tim Boswell Championships All divisions & Legend Cars at Barberton Speedway. Total distance is around 460-470 miles. I'll be posting daily updates on Cardomain.com and MRANGRYINC.com in the blog sections.

We also set-up a website just for this trip @ http://www.ANGRYACROSSAMERICA.com (http://www.angryacrossamerica.com/). What I need is for everyone to fill out the quick form and shoot me a pic of your car. Also, if you see us on the road try to let us know somehow... we'll be monitoring CB Channel 19.

Otherwise I'll be posting daily and if anyone needs to get in touch with me the best thing to do is PM me right here... we've got WI-FI in the car. Can't wait to finally meet a bunch of you guys... it's been a long time in coming.

Cheers - Mike

[TonyHuntimer]

Hey,

What are you doing in Los Altos, CA? That's right next to San Jose...where a few of us live.

[Larry Callahan]

Day 7. Sat. Aug. 1st - Exploring the Car Scene in LA - Suggestions Welcome
Day 8. Sun. Aug. 2st - Exploring the Car Scene in LA - Whats the best Sunday morning Cruise in, in this area?

Day 9. Mon. Aug. 3rd.
Los Angeles, CA - Santa Barbara, CA


Any firm plans for the LA area yet?

[Damn True]

Hey,

What are you doing in Los Altos, CA? That's right next to San Jose...where a few of us live.

Indeed. My back fence is the line between Mountain View and Los Altos.

[WILWAXU]

If you are in LA on Friday night, Bob's Big Boy in Toluca Lake is a lot of fun. Cool cars and usually a celebrity or two.

[thedodgeboys]

Here's the latest. Day 3. Mon. July 27th.
Indianapolis, IN - Topeka, KS
In all honesty I have NO IDEA what to do at night in Topeka, KS so if anyone has any bright ideas let me know now!

Day 4. Tues. July 28th.
Topeka, KS - Denver, CO
Anyone have any idea's about a cruise night or local gathering here?


Head home via plane and collapse. :jump:

Call me if you need any help why you are in Kansas I pm'd you my number, also your eta into Kansas city would help us get some cars out your way.
Scott

[MrAngry]

Hey Guys -

Here is a the quick text of the blog I wrote for Cardomain.com/mrangryinc.com (pics will up tomorrow) on today's journey from NYC - Akron, OH. Tomorrow we're heading to Indianapolis for the Brickyard 400. Should be a good one... right now though, I'm going to bed.

Cheers ya'll - Mike

The first leg of our cross country journey is now coming to an end, which is good... cause' I'm really flippin' tired. We hit the road this morning at 7am and drove 467 miles to Akron, OH. Thankfully the Charger ran like a top and according to our GPS we had an average speed of 81.6 mph - not to bad for a a 41 year old muscle car right? Gas mileage, as predicted sucked - we pulled a pretty consistent 10-11 mpg cruising the old 440 at 3000 rpm.

Our first gas stop in Pennsylvania proved to be an enlightening one. While filling up I noticed this truck driver strolling over the Charger, Jim Tatum or "Jimmy the Kid" stood about 6 foot tall, wore a black cowboy hat and black boots and sported a Texas style belt buckle with the letter "J" on it, he was from Oklahoma... go figure.

"That Charger's a '68..." he said, "I remember those cars from before you were even moving".

He then asked what we were doing with this old muscle car all stickered up - "We're filming a documentary on what pisses people off"... I explained.

"Well then Boy... you found the right f*ckin' guy to talk to." - I was rolling!

We BS'd with Jim for a good hour, he told us stories from the road and more importantly, why he was angry - that's another blog though. I then snapped a pic of Jim and his rig and jumped back Rte. 80 heading west into Ohio. Now unbeknownst to me, the state of Ohio is home to Summit Racing Equipment. I found this out as Johnny and I blasted by it on the interstate. Once seen though we promptly pulled off, flipped a u-turn and proceeded back there. Over the last 5 years I've probably spent enough cheddar there to get a third world country back on track economically so when I walked in there I had to instantly pull back the reigns. This building was the ultimate playground for gear heads. Engines, pistons, suspension components and driveline equipment lined the shelves, it was like some sort of automotive god had an organism and the money shot landed in this building... good stuff.

From there we landed in Akron, OH were I am right now. I'm tired and beat down, but am really looking forward to tomorrow cause' were headed to the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It should be a good day.

[shmoov69]

Sounds like fun! Hopefully the brickyard will be better this year, I was so lucky to go to the worst Nascar race in history last year at the 400! They threw a competition caution every 15 or so laps because of tire wear. But still a cool atmosphere anyway. Paid some lady to park in her yard and after the race waiting for traffic to move she had a cookout and fed us all!

Well the show I mentioned in Salina, KS had around 1,100 cars today and is still going tomorrow, so you may see a bunch driving this way Monday.

Be safe!!

[Damn True]

Can't wait to hear why Mr. Tatum is angry.

[79-TA]

The SoCal PT guys should try to coordinate the August 1st cruise a bit more . . . grab some donuts at Doughnut Derelicts and then get to Irvine for Cars and Coffee before 8 AM and such.

I'd tag along but I'm already busy (HPDE1!!!) Have a great trip, angry.

[DriverzInc]

We're leaving Aug 6th from Corona, CA to head up to San Jose to pick up our buddies, and continuing on to Reno from there Thursday for Hot August Nights! We'll be driving two cars, a Red 67 Nova, and a Grey 68 Camaro! We'll see you there!

[DriverzInc]

Any firm plans for the LA area yet?

If you guys can make it to Cars In Coffee, we might be going this weekend too. We were working on the car all weekend, and its damn near ready to get out and go!

[Draginutz]

I still haven't found anything going on Tuesday here in denver. I did however find this on tuesday Aug. 11 in Carmel, CA
http://www.google.com/calendar/event?eid=bmp2ZmUwNDM4bDhjcWFxM2RnbnVkOXNmNDggampq MG5zNXVzZ2kzOTk4amd2OXVmODBlNjhAZw

If you let me know where your staying in Denver I could point you in the direction of some good food or maybe even meet up with you.

Good Luck!

[Steve Chryssos]

Mike,
You should modify your route to include:

1000 Chrysler Dr, Auburn Hills, MI

Hurry! Before they change the sign to FIAT. Do a big smoky burnout or a lawn job and take a picture.

[Mkelcy]

We may have to organize a Cruise the Crest on the 2nd for you. Mike, Carl, ready to saddle up?

How can we let someone drive cross country and not do a "Cruise the Crest," the most spectacular "urban" drive one can take.

[6'9"Witha69]

How can we let someone drive cross country and not do a "Cruise the Crest," the most spectacular "urban" drive one can take.
Exactly!!

[Bow Tie 67]

Mike,
or a lawn job

Hahahaha............. have not heard that in a long time.

" Hey lets do a lawn job on the principals front yard "

[CRCRFT78]

Whats your Bay Area schedule looking like, I would love to jump on the Harley and follow you guys up to Reno for some fun.

[6'9"Witha69]

Too bad you don't have a "Bitchin' Camaro, Bitchin' Camaro! Donuts on your lawn!"

[Draginutz]

Did you make it? Any updates?

[Krazed]

Everything alright out there Mike? Thought you were going to update your blog as you went? We need more pics!

[MrAngry]

Hey Guys-

Sorry for the lack of updates but it's been pretty nutty so far. As of right now I'm in Palo Alto, CA - got here yesterday. The trip thus far has been simply amazing and we've covered over 4400 miles since we left on the July 25th.

This has been the route so far.

• NYC - Akron, OH
• Akron, OH - Pontoon Beach, MO
• Pontoon Beach, MO - Indianapolis, IN (BRICKYARD 400 was AWESOME!)
• Indy, IN - Topeka, KS
• Topeka, KS - Boulder, CO
• Boulder, CO - Bryce Canyon, UT (Simply the best drive I've ever experienced)
• Bryce Canyon, UT - Las Vegas, NV (man it was hot in the desert.. 108)
• Las Vegas, NV - Los Angeles, CA (Mulholland and Topanga Roads are AMAZING! - I would move to CA just for them)
• Los Angeles, CA - San Francisco, CA
• San Francisco, CA - Palo Alto, CA
• Palo Alto, CA - Reno, NV (Hot August Nights - AWESOME!)
• Palo Alto - ????

So far we've covered more than 4400 miles since we left on the July 25th - I'll be doing a full write up when I get home some time next week with big descriptions and pics. It's been an amazing trip so far and I've met some of the most wonderful people along the way and seen some of the most beautiful parts of this country. I'll tell ya', if you want to see this country then DRIVE!! We've had no schedule so to speak of which, if you can do it, is best way - take 3 weeks.

Feel like making a right turn down a dirt road just for ****s and giggles, then go ahead - want to check out that spec of a town in Utah, then do that too. The United States is an amazing place and to be able to roll across it in a vintage muscle car has been a real privledge.

Next stop will Pebble Beach and Monterrey on Thurs and through the weekend and I can't wait to check out the vintage races.

Cheers Guys and more next week.

Mike

[MrQuick]

since you are in the area you gotta stop by Goodies speed shop. Its not too far.

http://goodies-speedshop.com/contact.html

Welcome to California!!

[Draginutz]

Did you see a lot of dirty hippies in Boulder. There are a lot. Can't wait to see Pics and hear stories.

[Larry Callahan]

• Las Vegas, NV - Los Angeles, CA (Mulholland and Topanga Roads are AMAZING! - I would move to CA just for them)
• Los Angeles, CA - San Francisco, CA
•

Doh!!! Drove right by me. I thought I heard something. LOL!

[Krazed]

Hey there he is! Glad you guys are doing ok! Sounds like the trip is a blast, I can only hope to do something like that some day soon with my son and my dad.

[novanutcase]

Hey Mike!!

I saw you about a week ago in L.A.!

You were cruising down Hyperion Blvd. at night. I was in the black T-Bird. We stopped at a stop light together and you were with your lady! Small world!!

John

[zbugger]

I heard your car while I was on the phone with my sister today. It sounded pretty damn good. Sorry we couldn't meet up. I hope you guys had a great time in the Bay Area. Best of luck on the rest of the trip. Too bad I don't work with my sister anymore.

[TonyHuntimer]

DOH! I missed you guys. Are you still in Palo Alto?

[MrAngry]

Actually no, we're down in Monterey - actually ran into Mary Pozzi last night at the Baja Cantina (HI MARY!!). This place is like a candy store, but we definitely need more pro-touring representation out here. I have never seen so many Ferrariporscheghini's in my life. They're EVERYWHERE... Veyron... seen it, Enzo... seen it, Carrera GT... seen it. This truly is an amazing place and one that I will have hard time leaving come Monday morning.

And John - very cool t-bird you have man.

I'll post a full report next week when I get back to beautiful downtown Queens, NY... ugh...

[WS6]

Awesome Mike! Glad you've made to Cali and have had a blast thus far. What's the plan for the return trip? A different route I'm sure.

[vp23271]

Mike,

Just came across your thread. Sounds like you had a blast!

I agree with you about the amount of exotic cars just parked curbside. They were everywhere and in every color imaginable. It was an experience for sure and I hope to do it again next year.

Post some pic's when you get a chance. I took what picture I could, but there was just too much!

[CliffS]

Amazing trip! Something I can only dream about...

[twosaturns]

figures I found this late, always late and a dollar short...
I read the original course, you would have gone through the shenendoah valley in VA, beautiful, I used to live there, but not much as far as car stuff. you DID pass not too far from me now, though, when you came into PA from NJ at the delaware water gap. at the 1st exit there is a little gathering at the dairy queen just up the road, most fri nights I think.
great trip, it's fun reading about it, thanks!