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Posted by: Qarl Feb 19 2005, 04:36 PM

Honestly... I have never driven further than 500 miles on a trip.

Next week, I will be driving from New Jersey to Florida with the Elise I hope to purchase (provided everything is agreeable when I get there). I plan on breaking this up into two days of travel.

Since I will be traveling from mid-30's temps to mid-60's temps, and have limited cargo room (the Elise's trunk is about 1/6th the size of the 914's rear trunk), space and weight need to be conserved...

Here is what I am thinking of bringing....


Cell Phone, Charger, and Ear piece
Radar detector (and a list of the states they are illegal in)
PDA/GPS and accessories
Cigarette lighter splitter
Digital camera
Music preloaded on to flash card (car's radio has SD memory slot! cool!)
Ear plugs
Small towel
Hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Lotus Club membership card
AAA card
Cash

Car already has a tool kit in it

Leather jacket
Jeans
Shoes
T-shirts (two)
Pullover
Undies
Socks
toiletries

Printouts of…

Lotus dealerships
Hotel
Mapquest maps
Sales agreement

Directions to Mile's place
Aluminum foil for my head.

What else?

Posted by: iamchappy Feb 19 2005, 04:44 PM

tooth brush and toothpaste.
sunscreen?
914.club hat (the other mid engine club
mini cooler(for road beverages)
organ donor card

Posted by: wrpspddrvr Feb 19 2005, 04:47 PM

I like to take a plug kit and air compressor when I do long drives like that.
You could also bring a pillow and sleep in your car at rest stops, rather than hotels. I love doing that. I just feels right. When you pick up a new car, the drive back is your honeymoon. Make it a drive to remember.

Try to cut through WV. When I went to pick up my Nissan from IN, my friend and I took a detour to this AWESOME road in WV. It was the ultimate twisty road. Just look on the WV map, and you'll see this crazy squiggle line. That's the one.

Cole

Posted by: seanery Feb 19 2005, 04:49 PM

lose the jacket....mid 30's isn't cold...just wear a short sleeved tshirt under a long sleeved tshirt and you'll be fine.

don't forget:
cigarettes
mountain dew
starbuck's double shot (at the truck stop coolers)
bottle of water

stop at truck stops, they are usually decent and have tons of stuff,
pickup some knick-knacks for the wife and Hunter, too

have fun, maybe take the long way home Road Trips are a blast!
I'm thinking of planning one out west sometime this year.

Posted by: rhodyguy Feb 19 2005, 04:55 PM

ear plugs? comfy pants, comfy shoes, lotus hat , fleece pullover, shades, warm gloves, toiletries. that's it. this will take what? 3 days?

k

Posted by: Qarl Feb 19 2005, 04:55 PM

QUOTE

lose the jacket....mid 30's isn't cold...

ummm... I'm a skinny white boy from Florida.... 60 is cold for me!

Posted by: Qarl Feb 19 2005, 04:57 PM

Oh, I can't forget my sign for when I park at rest stops...



ha ha... somebody placed this sign one of the guys cars over in Elise forum...

Posted by: rhodyguy Feb 19 2005, 05:08 PM

. too funny. have fun. 500 road trip . that's like driving to parts obsolete to check out the swapmeet. without going back to the list... get some carmex or similar product to protect your lips (spf25-30). when the skin starts peeling off 2 days after you get home you'll understand. where does the top stow?

k

Posted by: jeff m Feb 19 2005, 05:10 PM

case of candybars

penthouse magazine

lotion

Larger towel

You already have the jacket listed

Posted by: airsix Feb 19 2005, 05:12 PM

Ok, you already said sunscreen and sunglasses. Good. those are important. And water (like Seanery said). I think the only things missing are your carry permit* and a compact and reliable auto pistol.

-Ben M.

*check packing.org to verify what states have reciprocity agreements with Florida.

Posted by: URY914 Feb 19 2005, 05:15 PM

Bail money.

Posted by: redshift Feb 19 2005, 05:30 PM

Canadian money, for that wrong turn.



M

Posted by: iamchappy Feb 19 2005, 05:31 PM

postcards

Honestly Qarl in that car if you leave around breakfest time you can be at Miles pad for dinner.
It cant be more than 900 miles from nj to ga. easy

Posted by: Qarl Feb 19 2005, 05:38 PM

I don't have my CCW yet, so I won't be "packing" on this trip. I wishi I did, though.

Ear plugs... because it has the Stage II exhaust (i.e., louder) and it was recommended by somebody else with an Elise making a long trip. The drone gets old after awhile.

Chapstick... I thought of that after I posted. Got that.

No magazines... that's what pay-per-view porn is for.



Hard top stows in the garage. Lotus wasn't as clever as Porsche.

Actually the hard top is installed and stays there (secured with allen bolts). It's one of those, put it on and leave it for awhile deals.

The car comes with a soft top that folds up and stows in the trunk. (It sort of looks like a 914 targa top doesn't it?) Maybe I should add some sail panel vinyl and paint the rockers black.



Attached image(s)

Posted by: ein 6er Feb 19 2005, 05:48 PM

1. rain-x!!! here is the map for wed.,

2. a flashlight, incase you need to find your small penis ....... sign.

3. a road map, take a trip through north georgia, near helen, also near jake, find the "dragon's back", (forget the road #), awesome road!! it's not that far out of the way and you may not get another chance to drive through there, wellllllllllllllll worth the trip!!!

3. don't forget to check your oil every fill up.

enjoy!!

Posted by: spare time toys Feb 19 2005, 05:52 PM

GPS pre loaded with the twisty back roads. Crunch bars, sodas save the cans skip the rest stops. drive non stop other than for gas. If you here banjos get outa there quick and back to main roads.

Posted by: ws91420 Feb 19 2005, 05:58 PM

Your 914 emergency list. We might come if you really needed us. Heck I love to see an Elise upclose.

Posted by: rdauenhauer Feb 19 2005, 06:01 PM

MONEY

Hey Qarl I would have rung you up, As I ws just in Winter Park but it was two hella days of work a little else.

Posted by: rick 918-S Feb 19 2005, 06:02 PM

QUOTE (Qarl @ Feb 19 2005, 02:55 PM)

QUOTE lose the jacket....mid 30's isn't cold... ummm... I'm a skinny white boy from Florida.... 60 is cold for me!

Qarl.... come on,... We've met......A-hem... Were not skinny

Posted by: redshift Feb 19 2005, 06:45 PM

I already have my spike strip out.



M

Posted by: East coaster Feb 19 2005, 07:34 PM

While in NJ, don't forget to stop in Atlantic City and check out the amazing new Borgota casino! Just to be helpful, I'll "watch" the Lotus for you while you lose a bunch of cash!

Posted by: Qarl Feb 19 2005, 07:36 PM

I think I'mp picking up the car at Union City, NJ. The dealership is Maplecrest. I think the Summit store is being renovated.

I'm flying into Newark airport and the salesman is picking me up at the hotel and bringing me to the airport.

Yes, I will need lots of Dr. Pepper and candy bars for energy.

Posted by: rdauenhauer Feb 19 2005, 07:38 PM

You mean Union NJ? Spent quite a bit of time there:rolleyes:

Posted by: ws91420 Feb 19 2005, 07:48 PM

Don't forget to maake the obiligtory South of the Border stop on 95 :mexican hat smilie:

Posted by: redshift Feb 19 2005, 08:00 PM

BRING ME A BIG FOAM HAT!


M

Posted by: boxstr Feb 19 2005, 09:31 PM

LOTUS(Lots Of Trouble, Usually Serious) Karl you won't have to worry if you have engine trouble just find the nearest Toyota dealer. Have fun, and get that thing up on jackstands as soon as you get back.
CCLINLOTUSBLOSSOM

Posted by: redshift Feb 19 2005, 09:45 PM

Are there any parts of it that you guys would like to bid on, early?



I'll have a top, and some windshield trim, soon.



M

Posted by: boxstr Feb 19 2005, 09:49 PM

Anyone want to wager on the first part removed and powdercoated??
CCLINIFITAINTBROKEFIXITANYWAY

Posted by: Aaron Cox Feb 19 2005, 09:57 PM

looks like you have packed evrything...

how about some fudge. make sure to pack some fudge for that sweet craving

Posted by: Bleyseng Feb 19 2005, 10:05 PM

Don't forget your bunny slippers like when you came to Seattle. You couldn't sleep without them!

Geoff

Posted by: KaptKaos Feb 19 2005, 10:05 PM

QUOTE (rdauenhauer @ Feb 19 2005, 05:38 PM)

You mean Union NJ? Spent quite   a bit of time there:rolleyes:

If you like Italian pastry, stop at Canca D'oro (sp?) on Stuyvesant (sp? again) Ave in Union, NJ. The best Canolis you'll find.

Other things for the long trip (and I think you are overpacking);
1) polar fleece is good for travel - keeps moisture away.
2) cigars to celebrate your purchase.
3) condoms (no comment- lol).
4) repost your trip and ask for a contact list for folks along your route.

Have fun.

Posted by: boxstr Feb 19 2005, 10:07 PM

Geoff Those are LOTUS driving shoes
CCLINPILOTOWITHEARS

Posted by: Qarl Feb 19 2005, 10:17 PM

These are what I normally drive in...

Posted by: redshift Feb 19 2005, 10:32 PM

Aaron's 'sweet cravings' are grossing me out.

Posted by: Aaron Cox Feb 19 2005, 10:43 PM

QUOTE (redshift @ Feb 19 2005, 09:32 PM)

Aaron's 'sweet cravings' are grossing me out.

twas a joke asspole....

Posted by: Hi_Fi_Guy Feb 19 2005, 10:49 PM

Pack a rainsuit... the Elise is NOT watertight in the rain.
Be careful of the cigarette lighter splitter sometimes they can blow a fuse on newer cars.

Have fun, beautiful car.

Posted by: 914GT Feb 19 2005, 10:52 PM

If this list keeps growing you better install a trailer hitch

Posted by: redshift Feb 19 2005, 11:03 PM

May your otter never squeek.


M

Posted by: wrpspddrvr Feb 19 2005, 11:06 PM

If you get tired near southwest Virginia, gimme a holler. I'm in Blacksburg, would be willing to trade you a place to nap for a ride in your new car....

We had great twisties out here....

Cole

Posted by: fiid Feb 19 2005, 11:42 PM

credit card. remember to take time to eat well and look at interesting stuff on the way - and take lots of photos.

Posted by: SGB Feb 20 2005, 12:08 AM

Snug hat.

GPS!

It changes everything. You can always get there.

You may want to roll up one of those t-shirts to have to put under a leg or behind your neck- something to change the load points.

the road mentioned is "Tail of the dragon"

googled this:

"The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, with 318 curves in 11 miles, is America ’s number one motorcycle and sports car road. The nearby Cherohala Skyway is quickly becoming number two with its remote 60 miles of scenic mountain highway. The area also has other roads less traveled, but just as exciting.
Come and discover them all."
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/dragon.html

Are ya gonna take a laptop and post when you stop for the night?

Posted by: VegasRacer Feb 20 2005, 12:37 AM

Your original list is a good one. Flashlight was an excellent suggestion. I know you can't carry a pocket knife on the air plane, but you can buy one at the first place you stop for gas.

Enjoy the trip. Take your time and savor it. It will be exhausting while you are doing it, but after you are home you will think it was over to soon.

Posted by: dlo914 Feb 20 2005, 01:19 AM

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Posted by: VegasRacer Feb 20 2005, 02:44 AM

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Posted by: ein 6er Feb 20 2005, 07:51 AM

scott,

thanks for the correction, sorry for the confusion.

the road i was thinking of is, iirc, Hwy 348, only a few mile from helen, ga. now that i think of it, i believe jake called it blood mountian, super twisty mountian pass road. when i drove my 914 cross country, i wanted to visit helen, i missed my intended turn and found this road.

the "tale" sounds like an amazing raod.

Posted by: Qarl Feb 20 2005, 09:54 AM

Aaaron....

Sounds like you have lots of experience packing fudge... for cravings on roattrips, of course.

Care to explain the origin of this picture?



This must have been after you and MikeZ finished packing fudge.... in the trunk of the 914 for one of your road trips... in case you got a craving... you know... for some candy.



just kidding

Posted by: Qarl Feb 20 2005, 10:27 AM

QUOTE

look at my nice ass... come and get me Carl... rawr...

I hope you're talking about the car and not the cows!!!

Posted by: rhodyguy Feb 20 2005, 12:03 PM

handy feature with the top . sounds like you'll be driving a hardtop coupe. forget the lip balm, sunblock, and warm clothing.

k

Posted by: Qarl Feb 21 2005, 09:39 AM

Thought of something else this morning... a tire gauge and a can of fix-a-flat.

The Elise doesn't have a spre!

Posted by: boxstr Feb 21 2005, 09:42 AM

How many 914s are out there driving around without a spare, or one that has air in it?
CCLINRUNFLAT

Posted by: sgomes Feb 21 2005, 11:03 AM

Mine! And I hope this doesn't piss anyone off but I sooooooooo want to convert an Elise to electric. For sure that is my next car to convert. You think I'd get any funny looks at the dealership if I asked how much they'd drop the price for the 'no engine' option?

Posted by: airsix Feb 21 2005, 11:22 AM

QUOTE (Qarl @ Feb 21 2005, 07:39 AM)

Thought of something else this morning... a tire gauge and a can of fix-a-flat. The Elise doesn't have a spre!

I think it actually already has the can of fix-a-flat in the tool kit (but I could be wrong). Anyway good that you thought of the tire pressure guage. I thought of that last night too - It's why I came back to this thread, but since you already thought of that... I'm out of here until I see an new thread about trip pictures.

Oh yeah, is that on the list? - Digital camera?

-Ben M.

Posted by: Eric_Shea Feb 21 2005, 11:24 AM

Chastity Belt for the Miles visit?

I don't think he's been outside for a year and a 1/2...

Posted by: riverman Feb 21 2005, 11:27 AM

Condoms. Don't go anywhere these days without condoms.

Posted by: ArtechnikA Feb 21 2005, 11:29 AM

radar detectors are illegal to POSESS in DC (so hide it real good. doesn't even have to be on...)
they are illegal to operate in MD and, IIRC, VA. i don't know about the other states.

oh - no hollowpoints in NJ!

i wouldn't trust the availability of radio stations to play enough uptempo driving music, so bring something that can play music you like, and plenty of it.

if you have a stopover in the Philly area, lemme know and i'll be glad to come buy you a "bonne Voyage" cup of coffee...

i'll PM you the phone number.

we had 4" snow last night but it should be 48F tomorrow.

Posted by: redshift Feb 21 2005, 11:31 AM

QUOTE (Eric_Shea @ Feb 21 2005, 01:24 PM)

Chastity Belt for the Miles visit? I don't think he's been outside for a year and a 1/2...

Blah! Just bring condoms!


M

Posted by: ArtechnikA Feb 21 2005, 11:33 AM

QUOTE (VegasRacer @ Feb 20 2005, 01:37 AM)

I know you can't carry a pocket knife on the air plane

sure you can. just not in the carry-on.
can go in checked baggage.

Posted by: vortrex Feb 21 2005, 11:44 AM

with all the criticism there is about the "wine and cheese" 911 forums, this sounds like a perfect topic for it! you're driving a car, not getting ready for a tour of duty in nam.

Posted by: redshift Feb 21 2005, 11:45 AM

You can carry anything on an airplane that they can't find.

It's a game!


M

Posted by: Joe Ricard Feb 21 2005, 11:59 AM

How far? shit all you need is a pack of Baby wipes, teeth or tooth brush. Credit card for gas and coffee. Foamy Ear plugs from Lowes @ 1.79 for 3 pair. Cell phone with all our numbers plugged in.
Yup that should do it. I drove 400 miles yesterday in the 914 with 5 ax laps at the mid point. Still home for dinner.

Posted by: iamchappy Feb 21 2005, 12:36 PM

Sounds like Qarl is getting ready for a month long excursion. When I purchased my wife's cars out of state I packed a one way ticket to the Traverse city, Mi. airport, money and cell phone. Drove straight home only stopping for gas, and drive through.
I did the same thing years earlier when I bought a car in Tampa.
Qarl you are over prepared when you packed the fix a flat. you may as well bring the craftmans rolling tool chest.

Posted by: Qarl Feb 21 2005, 04:28 PM

Hey... I was a Boyscout... be prepared!

I always just over-anal-yze things. I'm probably good with just a toothbrush, toothpaste and some cash.

But I want to have fun on the trip too!

Regards,

Karl.. err... Qarl

Posted by: redshift Feb 21 2005, 04:30 PM

Bring extra cash, you never know where you might be held for ransom... and you might need extra cash.



M

Posted by: Lou W Feb 21 2005, 07:59 PM

Cd's unless you got xm radio.

Posted by: redshift Feb 21 2005, 09:01 PM

I checked with the local Travel Beaureaeu... uhh...... they said, "Yes, just make sure your friend brings lots of cash.".

There has been a cash shortage here, the local economy depends on cash.. bring tons.


M

Posted by: iamchappy Feb 21 2005, 09:07 PM

I almost forgot to mention there is one more thing missing from your must pack list.
MEEEEEEE, you will need a passenger and navigator.

Posted by: vortrex Feb 21 2005, 09:36 PM

have you thought about air support?

Posted by: redshift Feb 21 2005, 09:40 PM

Posted by: krk Feb 21 2005, 09:48 PM

QUOTE (Qarl @ Feb 21 2005, 03:28 PM)

Hey... I was a Boyscout... be prepared! I always just over-anal-yze things. I'm probably good with just a toothbrush, toothpaste and some cash. But I want to have fun on the trip too! Regards, Karl.. err... Qarl

Karl,

I don't get to post much these days -- but I'm glad to hear your Elise is nearly here!

I don't have much additional to offer -- earlier folk have given lots of suggestions of various() quality -- my SO and I brought our /6 down from Vancouver, BC, to San Jose -- it was two middling length days (8hrs each iirc) -- and we had to do a customs visit crossing the border.

Cell phone, Visa, AAA, clothes and a feeling for adventure. Yee haw.

You'll be fine. It's a new car. What could possibly go wrong....

kim.

Posted by: dlo914 Feb 21 2005, 11:58 PM

QUOTE (Qarl @ Feb 20 2005, 08:27 AM)

QUOTE look at my nice ass... come and get me Carl... rawr... I hope you're talking about the car and not the cows!!!

moo....


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Posted by: MJHanna Feb 22 2005, 06:58 AM

I know you are doing the GPS but an old fashion road atlas is worth its weight in gold if you need to take a deviation from your planned route.

Posted by: Qarl Feb 22 2005, 09:53 PM

Packed! Everything in one small duffel bag.

I started burning CDs and said fuck it. I bought an XM receiver for $94 at Walmart and added it to my wife's existing subscription. I like the dirty comedy channel. Makes trips go by FAST.

The car is getting Starshield (protective paint film) applied tomorrow and I get the car Thursday morning. The cars are susceptible to small rocks and crap dinging the paint (especially on the rockers near the rear wheel well). The film protects the paint, is nearly invisible, and is less costly to replace then to repaint!

Tomorrow night... no sleep!!!!!

I will try and check in at the hotel (provided they have wireless).

Thanks everybody for their feedback.

OH... and I forgot ONE MORE THING for the list... my accordion. I can't go anywhere without my accordion.... ha ha

Posted by: iamchappy Feb 22 2005, 09:59 PM

Good luck Qarl, Have a nice trip say hi to Miles for me , oh wait hi Miles your probably reading this.
Enjoy the drive. I hope to see you in a few weeks.
Chap