DFW Caravan To Barn Raising II

[Iron Chef]

For the first time in several years, it's time once again to make the trek to Bowling Green, Kentucky for Barn Raising II. :hurray:

Several folks have said that they would be interested in caravanning to the event as we have done in years past. Since most if not all are heading up on Wednesday, here are a few options:

We can meet at a predetermined rendezvous point early Wednesday morning and drive from there.

Another option...one that several of us chose for Cruise-In X...was to stay Tuesday night at a hotel in Rockwall (I think it was a La Quinta Inn) and leave from there on Wednesday morning. This allowed us to get a little more sleep, avoid the DFW morning rush hour traffic, get some breakfast and still leave early enough to arrive in Bowling Green at a decent hour. It does add another night of hotel stay, but as I recall it saved a lot of wear and tear on those who came from Fort Worth area and points west which tacks on at least another hour to the drive. Those from the Dallas area (e.g. Kevin, Liz, etc.) can either stay at the hotel or opt to meet us in the morning since they wouldn't have to drive as far.

All that said...either way is fine. We should just come to a consensus.

For expediency's sake, we should probably follow the usual route: Interstate 30 through Texarkana to Little Rock, then getting on Interstate 40 through Memphis to Nashville, then jumping on Interstate 65 north to Bowling Green.

A few things you might want to bring:
1) Radios. If you have a walkie-talkie, bring it so we can communicate.
2) A can of fix-a-flat. Take it from me...the pucker factor of having a flat in the middle of BFE can be debilitating. :ack:
3) Snacks. Cause everyone loves snacks.
4) Car charger for your cell. It's a long day. And we talk a lot.

One more thing: If you know anyone who's going from the Houston area, they can meet us in Memphis and join up (I'm going to assume they would come I-20 east then I-55 north to Memphis). Just point them to this thread.

Feel free to point others to this thread who might want to join us along the way (Arkansas, Tennessee, etc.).

Allright...Discuss... :bigears:

[Stangkiller]

I wish I could join ya'll..but Karen and I are flying into and out of Atlanta and driving up. My little sister decided memorial weekend would be a good time to get married. :banghead:

[Zed16]

There's a La Quinta and an Hampton Inn (Hilton Points) within a block of each other in Rockwall.

Torch Red Tim, NikiQ and I were discussing the route and are thinking about heading north on I-55 west to Memphis and routing through Union City. Just something different after the ass-whupping of I-30 / I-40 through Arkansas. :lilred:

[Torch Red Tim]

There's a La Quinta and an Hampton Inn (Hilton Points) within a block of each other in Rockwall.

Torch Red Tim, NikiQ and I were discussing the route and are thinking about heading north on I-55 west to Memphis and routing through Union City. Just something different after the ass-whupping of I-30 / I-40 through Arkansas. :lilred:

:yesnod: The Parkways through Kentucky is a nice drive vs Interstate through Memphis and Nashville.

[beadist]

I'll be cool with whatever route and meeting place y'all want to do. I'll ask for Tuesday off.

[jda67gta]

I'll be cool with whatever route and meeting place y'all want to do. I'll ask for Tuesday off.


We agree 100%. Let's just get this show on the road...:seasix:

[wwomanC6]

I'll have to make a detour to Nashville to the Airport.

[Iron Chef]

OK...several of us are going to meet on Tuesday evening and spend the night in Rockwall. As I recall, we stayed at La Quinta last time (which was fine...they have free brekkie too) but hotel choices are up to everyone.

Dallas peeps: Your choice as to whether you'd like to spend the night in Rockwall or meet us in the morning.

We'll shove off early Wednesday morning when everyone is ready. :yesnod:

Wendy: You can break off from the rest of us in Memphis and head east to the airport in Nashville.

Karin: You're kinda stuck being in Baton Rouge. I wouldn't suggest driving all the way back to Dallas. You could take I-20 east to I-55, then drive north on I-55 and meet us in Memphis on Wednesday afternoon and we can all go from there. Or if you have a way to get to Little Rock that would work too. Just let us know how you'd like to work it. :cert:


PLEASE LET DIXIEVETTE KNOW THAT YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE SO HE CAN SAVE FOOD FOR YOU!

[beadist]

I'll have a chat with the Buck family and see what they want to do. I'll let you know. It's only @ 6 hours to Memphis for me. What's the drive time from Memphis to BG like?

[kylebuck]

I'll have a chat with the Buck family and see what they want to do. I'll let you know. It's only @ 6 hours to Memphis for me. What's the drive time from Memphis to BG like?

My dad likes the memphis idea. I believe it will be me, buck sr, and you Beadist.

[beadist]

My dad likes the memphis idea. I believe it will be me, buck sr, and you Beadist.

Sounds good. I'm 40 minutes from 55, I can meet you in Hammond and it's a straight shot from there. Ask Buck Sr. what the drive time is from Memphis to BG. Just curious.

I have another option available to me. I could leave Tuesday, spent the night with my uncle in Nashville and then get to BG nice and early on Wed. I have the time.

[babablackgoat]

BRI was so much fun. I got to meet so many people. Wish I could make it to BRII. Maybe BRIII....

[Iron Chef]

I'll have a chat with the Buck family and see what they want to do. I'll let you know. It's only @ 6 hours to Memphis for me. What's the drive time from Memphis to BG like?

If we were to go straight up I-65 it's pretty easy. However, Torch Red Tim who is from that area, is going to take us on a somewhat more scenic route. I believe it goes through the mountains and/or forests. Wide open parkways with little traffic on them. It's supposed to be beautiful and should only take us a bit longer.

[beadist]

If we were to go straight up I-65 it's pretty easy. However, Torch Red Tim who is from that area, is going to take us on a somewhat more scenic route. I believe it goes through the mountains and/or forests. Wide open parkways with little traffic on them. It's supposed to be beautiful and should only take us a bit longer.

Oh, that sounds nice :yesnod: I'll follow Joebuck Sr. on whatever route he decides to take.:dance:

[kylebuck]

If we were to go straight up I-65 it's pretty easy. However, Torch Red Tim who is from that area, is going to take us on a somewhat more scenic route. I believe it goes through the mountains and/or forests. Wide open parkways with little traffic on them. It's supposed to be beautiful and should only take us a bit longer.

my dad likes the idea of going though the mountains, but I am not sure my parents are going to be able to leave early now because of my mothers job.

[beadist]

my dad likes the idea of going though the mountains, but I am not sure my parents are going to be able to leave early now because of my mothers job.

We'll figure it out.

[VetteBoy1979]

Would love to meet up in Arkansas, but not sure if we can leave Tuesday night to make it up there. We were planning leaving Houston Wednesday morning, I don't even know if anyone else from Houston is going to BR. Will talk it over tonight to see what we can swing.

[kylebuck]

We'll figure it out.

worse comes to worse ill leave early

[Iron Chef]

Would love to meet up in Arkansas, but not sure if we can leave Tuesday night to make it up there. We were planning leaving Houston Wednesday morning, I don't even know if anyone else from Houston is going to BR. Will talk it over tonight to see what we can swing.

Mr. Hole and Stangkiller and their S/O's are going, but I know that Chris and Karen are flying in.

[Iron Chef]

For those that might want to link up along the way, I'm putting down a few estimates of when we'll roll through major cities. Keep in mind that these are ESTIMATES based on a "best case scenario." A lot depends on the speed we drive (I'm using an average of 75MPH), any traffic we may encounter, stops for gas, etc. My guess is that we will leave Rockwall, Texas at around 7AM, but again that is subject to change.

Rockwall to Texarkana = 150 miles = 2 hours. Should pass through around 9:00AM or so.

Texarkana to Little Rock = 145 miles = 2 hours. Should arrive there around 11:00 and a possible stop for lunch (add an hour).

Little Rock to Memphis = 135 miles = 2 hours. Should pass through Memphis around 2PM.

Memphis to Nashville = 214 miles = 3 hours. Should be through Nashville at around 5PM.

From Nashville to Bowling Green: The "standard route" up I-65 is another hour with arrival in Bowling Green at 6PM. Some folks are going to veer off and take a scenic route up through Union City, TN. I have no idea how much that will add to the trip. One of our party will be going to the airport in Nashville.

I'm sure several of us will make our cell numbers available so we can be contacted on the road. :cert:

[Mr Hole]

Mr. Hole and Stangkiller and their S/O's are going, but I know that Chris and Karen are flying in.

We're not leaving till Thursday morning and we're going to Birmingham first. We're taking my brother's and Dad's ashes to the cemetery where my mother is buried. We'll be in BG sometime on Friday.

Looking forward to seeing everyone! :dance:

[VetteBoy1979]

Mr. Hole and Stangkiller and their S/O's are going, but I know that Chris and Karen are flying in.

Dag nab it...this will be the lamest cruise to BG :( Caravan of 1, right here! :confused5:

[Iron Chef]

Dag nab it...this will be the lamest cruise to BG :( Caravan of 1, right here! :confused5:

David, here's an option: If you get an early start, you can probably make it to Texarkana close to when we're going to be going through. We should be hitting Texarkana around 9-9:30AM or so and we can leave Rockwall a bit later to give you some extra drive time so you can hook up with us. :bigears:

[VetteBoy1979]

David, here's an option: If you get an early start, you can probably make it to Texarkana close to when we're going to be going through. We should be hitting Texarkana around 9-9:30AM or so and we can leave Rockwall a bit later to give you some extra drive time so you can hook up with us. :bigears:

Ah, yes that might work! I thought you were going to be in Rockwall, Arkansas Wed morning :D Whoops!

Katy to Texarkana is about 322 miles. Maybe we can find a place to stay on the north side of Houston Tuesday night and cut out about 60 miles or so. That way we wouldn't have to leave the house at 4am :slap:

Let me see what I can figure out. Thanks!:seasix:

[Iron Chef]

Slight plans change for me. My passenger...tshirtsandjeans...will be staying at Liz and Kevins and leaving her car there. Since they are taking one vehicle, she has no way to get to Rockwall. Therefore I will stay at Liz and Kevin's on Tuesday night and we'll get to the hotel first thing in the morning with everyone else.

[beadist]

I'll be leaving on Tuesday, taking 55 to Memphis, then 40 to Hermitage TN., just past Nashville to spend the night with relatives. I'll head up 65 to BG in the morning.

Turns out Dixievet and Yamma live about 2 miles away from my relatives, so I'll head over there in the morning and follow the smoker to Bowling Green :lol:

[VetteBoy1979]

I think we are going to hoof it up to Lufkin Tuesday night and then head to Texarkana and meet up Wednesday morning. Still working on these plans, but if we do this it will cut out an extra 2 hours of driving on Wednesday morning for us...which is nice :sleep:

[Iron Chef]

I'd guess that everyone will be pulling out of Rockwall around 8AM. I'm sure the tech savvy among us will be posting updates of our progress here in this thread.

[wwomanC6]

I'd guess that everyone will be pulling out of Rockwall around 8AM. I'm sure the tech savvy among us will be posting updates of our progress here in this thread.

Leaving Rockwall at 8 am, what time will that put us in Memphis?

[Iron Chef]

Leaving Rockwall at 8 am, what time will that put us in Memphis?

Between 6 and 7 I'd guess?

[oyealiz]

See everyone at Rockwall for the 8 am departure!

[wwomanC6]

I'm gonna have to leave earlier to be in Nashville by 3pm. I will see y'all in BG! :drivingskid:

[VetteBoy1979]

Between 6 and 7 I'd guess?

Man, that's late. Last time I made the treck, I left North Houston around 7am and got to BG right around 7pm. However, there was a bit of spiritied driving involved. :D

[Torch Red Tim]

I'd guess that everyone will be pulling out of Rockwall around 8AM. I'm sure the tech savvy among us will be posting updates of our progress here in this thread.

How about a 7:00 AM sharp departure time Wednesday from La Quinta in Rockwall TX. ?? This should put us in Bowling Green about 8:00 PM + or -, depending on stops and traffic.

[Iron Chef]

How about a 7:00 AM sharp departure time Wednesday from La Quinta in Rockwall TX. ?? This should put us in Bowling Green about 8:00 PM + or -, depending on stops and traffic.

Works for me. As it turns out, I'll be in Rockwall with all you hobos after all due to some logistical changes. I was just throwing out a time but 7 works just fine.

If I recall the last time we said leave at 8 and we didn't shove off until 8:45. :sleep: :flush:

Man, that's late. Last time I made the treck, I left North Houston around 7am and got to BG right around 7pm. However, there was a bit of spiritied driving involved. :D

David - it's 150 miles from Rockwall to Texarkana. If we leave at 7AM, we'll be there by 9AM or so. :yesnod:

I'm gonna have to leave earlier to be in Nashville by 3pm. I will see y'all in BG! :drivingskid:

No prob Wendy, but you should still consider staying in Rockwall. It'll cut a lot of time off your drive and you'll get an easier start. :cert:

[VetteBoy1979]

David - it's 150 miles from Rockwall to Texarkana. If we leave at 7AM, we'll be there by 9AM or so. :yesnod:


Ok, where do you want to meet in Texarkana? Nacadoches to Texarkana is almost the same distance from Rockwall to Texarkana :seasix: Can we start an email blast to everyone with all our names and phone numbers so everyone has it? Or is that overkill?

[Iron Chef]

Ok, where do you want to meet in Texarkana? Nacadoches to Texarkana is almost the same distance from Rockwall to Texarkana :seasix: Can we start an email blast to everyone with all our names and phone numbers so everyone has it? Or is that overkill?

Let's meet at the Discount Tire store. It's right off the freeway and has...ahem...a special significance for me... :ack:

I will PM you with my cell and Liz's cell. :cert:

[Torch Red Tim]

Let's meet at the Discount Tire store. It's right off the freeway and has...ahem...a special significance for me... :ack:

I will PM you with my cell and Liz's cell. :cert:

Discount Tire Texarkana is between I-30 exit 220A and exit 222.

[beadist]

Please take and post pics of y"all on your travels into BG. :D I started the photo thread a few minutes ago.

[oyealiz]

Please take and post pics of y"all on your travels into BG. :D I started the photo thread a few minutes ago.

And I posted a pic there!!! :dance:

[oyealiz]

Discount Tire Texarkana is between I-30 exit 220A and exit 222.

What time should we roll through Memphis?

[Iron Chef]

What time should we roll through Memphis?

We'll probably be there between 1 and 2pm.

We'll pick up VetteBoy1979 in Texarkana around 9-9:30 and pick up Gina in Little Rock around 11-11:30. The Bucks will meet us in Memphis between 1 and 2.

Remember if anyone has a walkie-talkie to bring it. Makes it easier to communicate on the road.

[Gina]

Yay, it's official, i'm joining the caravan!!!

[oyealiz]

Yay, it's official, i'm joining the caravan!!!

:dance:

[kylebuck]

Yay, it's official, i'm joining the caravan!!!

:hurray::hurray:

[jda67gta]

Made it to Rockwall!!! BG here we come....

[VetteBoy1979]

We are planning to head out of Nacadoches about 630. See you guys soon!

[NikiQ]

Didn't quite make the 7 am launch, bu we are on the road! BG, here we come!:hurray:

[VetteBoy1979]

At atarbucks be there in a nminute

[VetteBoy1979]

Just wanted to say Bianka and I had a great time meeting all of you and getting to spend some time talking Vettes and making new friends. Any of you are welcome down in Katy anytime :seasix:

[tshirts and jeans]

it was nice to meet you guys as well....same goes here...if you are ever in the tyler area....holler and you have a place to stay......i also have a place down at toledo bend....if you are ever in that area as well...