Wyoming in July, anybody? [Archive]

slomove

01-13-2009, 09:26 PM

O.K. don't worry, I am not going to organize another long Se7ens tour anytime soon. That means....not really.

However, with tears in my eyes I gave up on the 2009 National Sevens Meet that was planned for Branson, MO (it would have been barely doable from CA) and moved to Birmingham, AL (too early and just too far). Great idea otherwise and I would have really liked to go there. :nonod:

Anyway, my wife and I now decided to spend the allocated time early July in the Se7en in the Rocky Mountains. That means tow to Salt Lake City, then Bear Lake, Jackson/Teton NP, Yellowstone, Cody, Beartooth Hwy., Wind River, Rocky Mountains NP, Kremmling, Steamboat Springs, Dinosaur NP and back.

That would now be 7/3/09 through 7/18/09. If anybody happens to be in the area at this time or maybe even want join us for any part of the trip please let me know! I will provide my detail plan to whoever is interested.

Cheers,

Gert

scannon

01-13-2009, 11:06 PM

Alaskossie

01-14-2009, 11:03 PM

Gert,

I wish you could plan to go a bit further south during the Colorado portion of your "Rocky Mountain High" Sevens Tour 2009. There are some great roads in the Telluride/Silverton/Ouray area, as well as one along the north rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison that I've driven once, gritting my teeth in my vague, wallowing rent-a-tub.

I found that the latest spiral-bound multi-page Colorado road atlas by Rand-McNally (?) shows the roads in sufficient scale that all of the really twisty main roads and back roads show up in good detail. This makes it easy to choose the real driver's routes, sight unseen. I picked my copy up at a Kinko's. Perhaps there is one printed for Wyoming, also. (With both Wyoming and Colorado, you can pare the weight of the atlas down to Seven-economy style by discarding all of the pages that cover the billiard-table-flat eastern halves of these states).

Gert, while in Wyoming, you should drive Snowy Range Pass out of Laramie, and return to the Eastern Slope and Skip's house by way of Cameron Pass and the Cache la Poudre Canyon....then a little trip over Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (altitude 12,183 ft.), and return to the Eastern Slope by Berthoud Pass, the Peak to Peak Highway, and St. Vrain Canyon. Skip knows all the routes -- it makes my mouth water!

Skip, do you think I'll have my Seven built and shaken down by July 3rd? (No, don't tell me the truth!). I'm assembling the car in northern Colorado, so maybe there is a chance I could tag along on part of your tour, Gert. After all, it was your Pacific Coast 2005 Tour that I was originally aiming for in assembling my car -- no luck there, though!

Tom Meacham

slomove

01-15-2009, 09:02 PM

Gert,

You are coming very close to my place and you and your wife are invited to stay over at my home. I live in Erie, CO, about 45 minutes south of the east entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Lots and lots of twisty canyons around here to enjoy, even some good scenery.

As the time gets closer I may decide to join you for part of the tour although it will likely be in my Miata rather than the Caterham. I don't think the doc is going to allow me to drive it again for about a year. :mad: But he thought I could probably drive the Miata in about 6 months.

Skip

Thank you very much Skip, that would be a nice side trip. I may take you up on the offer, depending if other folks come along. Probably not going to happen, but I am no going to swarm your home with an unruly Se7ens crowd.

Sorry to hear about your trouble with that doc. Hope you get better soon, or maybe get another doc....
For that matter, if I have the choice of cars for a long trip when not exactly feeling young (it does happen) I do better in the Seven than in the Accord or the Sante Fe, due to the nice side and back support. That means, maybe except the getting in and out part.

Please PM your email address. I will get back with you once I have locked down the route.

Cheers,

Gert

slomove

01-15-2009, 09:12 PM

......I wish you could plan to go a bit further south during the Colorado portion of your "Rocky Mountain High" Sevens Tour 2009. There are some great roads in the Telluride/Silverton/Ouray area,...............while in Wyoming, you should drive Snowy Range Pass out of Laramie, and return to the Eastern Slope and Skip's house by way of Cameron Pass and the Cache la Poudre Canyon....then a little trip over Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park (altitude 12,183 ft.)....

Hey Tom, you are not working on your car for 4 years already, it may just seem that long ;) The PNW tour was actually in 2007.

Maybe the tour in summer would be a good motivation to finish your car?

The Telluride/Silverton/Gunnison area is indeed fantastic, but I have been there twice before (once with the Se7en). Also I noticed several of the "Highways" down there, even across some very high passes are more like multi-lane freeways.

As for the route tip through Laramie/CameronPass/LaPoudre that is an excellent idea. I had originally considered going from Rawlins directly to Rocky Mountains NP but your proposal is much better. Well, back to the drawing board.

Gert

Alaskossie

01-15-2009, 11:50 PM

Gert, you're right -- the PNW Tour that I was aiming for was in 2007 (that's still an ungodly long time for me to be still assembling my Seven!).

Some of the Colorado mountain passes do resemble freeways with curves, but often these are 2-lane highways with long passing lanes. On the 2005 Sevens Tour, Bob Simon and I in his S3 VX Evo stayed in the passing lane on Red Mountain Pass (I believe it was) through the entire ascent, and we just flew by everyone else -- very satisfying indeed!!

I'll let Skip speak for himself, but I think his potential medical limitation in driving his Seven may come not from sitting in the car itself for long periods, but from hoisting oneself in and out (something that is much less of a problem in a Miata). I have had surgery (not arthroscopic) on detached rotator cuff tendons on both shoulders, and during the recovery period and in early physical therapy, I could not have come near hoisting my bod into or out of a Seven.

Most cars with doors don't present this barrier to mobility (though I hope no ADA complaints have been filed against Caterham Cars yet!)

Tom

slomove

01-16-2009, 12:09 AM

.....I'll let Skip speak for himself, but I think his potential medical limitation in driving his Seven......

Tom, don't get me wrong. I did not want to belittle a serious thing. Just hoped a lighthearted comment might cause a smile even about such a mess.

Gert

scannon

01-16-2009, 12:44 AM

Thank you very much Skip, that would be a nice side trip. I may take you up on the offer, depending if other folks come along. Probably not going to happen, but I am no going to swarm your home with an unruly Se7ens crowd.

Sorry to hear about your trouble with that doc. Hope you get better soon, or maybe get another doc....
For that matter, if I have the choice of cars for a long trip when not exactly feeling young (it does happen) I do better in the Seven than in the Accord or the Sante Fe, due to the nice side and back support. That means, maybe except the getting in and out part.

Please PM your email address. I will get back with you once I have locked down the route.

Cheers,

Gert

Gert,

Bring on the Se7ens crowd, I can accommodate quite a few if some of them don't mind air beds on the floor of the shop.

I'm having shoulder surgery next Thursday. Two tendons have detached and the muscle has pulled them back about 2". I was expecting a 3 - 4 month recovery but the doc says count on a year before I can hoist my body in and out of the Caterham cockpit.

Even without the shoulder problem, long trips are not possible in the Se7en as I have to take along my oxygen supply and there just isn't room for the LOx tank in there. Long trips in the Se7en involve the Silverado and the trailer. I have a small tire trailer for the Miata that has a mount on it for the LOx tank. Getting old sucks.

Skip

scannon

01-16-2009, 12:47 AM

Gert,

PM sent, let me know if you receive it as the site is having problems with email.

Skip

slomove

01-16-2009, 11:50 PM

Rough Plan.... (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Farmington,+UT&daddr=I-80+E+to:UT-43+to:S+Lincoln+Ave%2FUS-40+to:US-40+to:CO-131+to:Trough+Rd+to:Trail+Ridge+Rd%2FUS-34+to:CO-72+to:Harvest+Point+Dr+to:N+Wilson+Ave+to:CO-14+to:N+3rd+St%2FUS-287%2FUS-30+to:2+Bar+Rd%2FWY-487+to:WY-120+to:WY-32+to:45.081279,-109.390869+to:US-212+to:Grand+Loop+Rd%2FUS-89+to:John+D+Rockefeller+Jr+Pkwy%2FUS-191%2FUS-287%2FUS-89+to:US-89+to:ID-34+to:ID-89+to:N+Main+St%2FUT-106&hl=en&geocode=%3BFSTLbQIdWAVZ-Q%3BFdZHcQIdUuB0-Q%3BFYaBaQId2PWh-Q%3BFZZSZQIdFBOo-Q%3BFRZ4YAId3Bek-Q%3BFWQZYgIdnP-m-Q%3BFV4vZgId8BSx-Q%3BFRMSYgIdGjC2-Q%3BFaDrYgId_qW8-Q%3BFS4RaQIdnhC8-Q%3BFbr8aQIdpTmv-Q%3BFRIQdwIdkti0-Q%3BFagBiwIdQjGn-Q%3BFZB8oAIdLtGE-Q%3BFZDDqQIdZDSH-Q%3B%3BFSrLrQId5O50-Q%3BFYAHrQIdWlVm-Q%3BFf4DoQIdIGFn-Q%3BFdxNkgId1Mth-Q%3BFZIZjgIdVuhZ-Q%3BFbJ8gwIdCy1c-Q%3BFep0cQIdnLpU-Q&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=16&sz=7&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,1 9,20,21,22&sll=43.141078,-108.07251&sspn=5.522688,9.799805&ie=UTF8&ll=42.642041,-107.819824&spn=5.567488,9.799805&z=7)

scannon

01-17-2009, 12:44 AM

Gert,

Looks like a sizable loop. I highly suggest that after RM Nat'l Park you head south to I-70, exit I-70 at Copper Mountain and head to Leadville. Then take Independence Pass over to Aspen, then there are several ways to reconnect with your route. Independence Pass is a joy to drive and spectacular scenery. It tops out at a little over 12,000'. Early mornings during the week is the best time for a spirited drive.

Skip

slomove

01-17-2009, 12:55 PM

Gert,

Looks like a sizable loop.....Skip

Well, not too bad for 2 weeks. Including the tow to SLC it is 3300 miles. I planned for 3-6 hours/day driving plus 2 or 3 rest days. That should leave ample time for stopping and sightseeing etc. Such a pattern worked well on USA2005 and PNW2007 tours.

Gert,
..........I highly suggest that after RM Nat'l Park you head south to I-70, exit I-70 at Copper Mountain and head to Leadville.......Skip

Thanks for the insider tip! But since the tour is already on the long side I decided to stay north of the I70. I have been in Leadville before (proof below :) ) but I came from the South and drove to Vail so I did not take the Independence Pass. Well, maybe next time....

Gert

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1335639889_Leadville.jpg

Davemk1

01-17-2009, 06:24 PM

I might be up for coming down from Bozeman and running a day with a few folks.

FWIW our SCCA club just posted it's schedule for the upcoming season. If you are close and want to run we'd love to have you.

Date Host club event location

April 18-19 Helena (tri-region) Helena
May 3rd Ice Gardens Bozeman
May 10th Helena (Missoula) Helena
May 30-31 EVO & Autocross Helena
June 7th Helena (Missoula) Helena
June 13th MSU Bozeman
June 20-21 Helena (Bozeman) Helena
July 11th(12?) MSU Bozeman
July 25(26?) MSU Bozeman
August 1-2 Helena Divisional Helena
August 15-16 Top Gun Helena Helena
August 30 Ice Gardens Bozeman
September 20th Ice Gardens Bozeman

If you are in the area in July we are running two events right in town at Montana State University. A fun lot with a good turnout of about 30-40 folks driving all kinds of stuff. Figure a minimum of 6 runs.

All the best,

Dave

slomove

01-18-2009, 11:54 PM

Hello Dave, would be nice to meet you there. Tentatively we will arrive in Cody on 7/11 and stay for 3 nights, doing a loop through Beartooth Hwy and Chief Joseph Hwy on the 12th or 13th. I guess it will not allow us to do the autocross thing, although I would like to try (never done that) but it is a bit too far off route.

Gert

Alaskossie

01-20-2009, 02:50 AM

Gert,

Re your route:

I can't get the Google Map display to stop jumping around between street maps and hemispheric views.

Could you post a day-by-day list of your propsosed destinations (with dates and distances if possible)?

Thanks.

slomove

01-20-2009, 09:44 PM

More detail below. I will tow from LA to Farmington, UT and back.

Sunday,7/5/2009, Farmington to Vernal, 247 miles (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=I-15+N&daddr=40.803415,-111.598434+to:WY-414+to:Vernal&hl=en&geocode=FVBQcQIdgJZU-Q%3B%3BFShZcgIdQJ1v-Q%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&via=1,2&sll=40.815368,-111.52771&sspn=0.358049,0.612488&ie=UTF8&ll=41.004775,-110.783386&spn=2.856048,4.899902&z=8)

Monday, 7/6/2009, Vernal to Steamboat Springs, 244 miles (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Vernal&daddr=Brush+Creek+Rd+to:40.437279,-109.2659+to:Unknown+road+to:US-40+to:Park+Service+Rd+to:Lincoln+Ave%2FUS-40&hl=en&geocode=%3BFZPwaAIdWNF6-Q%3B%3BFbaAaAIdkFl9-Q%3BFcmbZwIdYjN8-Q%3BFZZSagIdRHSA-Q%3BFfK6aQIdOOah-Q&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=12&via=1,2,3,4,5&sll=40.394934,-109.215088&sspn=0.189045,0.30899&ie=UTF8&ll=40.483515,-108.963776&spn=0.689379,1.224976&z=10)

Tuesday 7/7/2009, no driving (Steamboat Springs)

Wednesday, 7/8/2009, Steamboat Springs to Kremmling, 123 miles (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Lincoln+Ave%2FUS-40&daddr=US-40+to:CO-131%2FLincoln+St+to:39.966596,-106.506271+to:Park+Ave%2FUS-40&hl=en&geocode=FfK6aQIdOOah-Q%3BFRx2ZwIdQVSm-Q%3BFeazYQIdBQaj-Q%3B%3BFaQ3YwIdaPCo-Q&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=3&sz=11&via=1,2,3&sll=39.942384,-106.559143&sspn=0.362719,0.612488&ie=UTF8&ll=40.184119,-106.684113&spn=0.722864,1.224976&z=10)

Thursday, 7/9/2009, Kremmling to Erie, 161 miles (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=US-40&daddr=Trail+Ridge+Rd%2FUS-34+to:CO-72+to:40.031821,-105.099335&hl=en&geocode=FaQ3YwIdaPCo-Q%3BFcLBaAIdfG6x-Q%3BFbKOYgIdphO2-Q%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=3&sz=10&via=1,2&sll=40.123241,-105.478363&sspn=0.723512,1.224976&ie=UTF8&ll=40.134791,-105.713196&spn=1.44676,2.449951&z=9)

Friday, 7/10/2009, Erie to Saratoga, 245 miles (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=N+107th+St%2FUS-287&daddr=17+4100+S%2FS+Taft+Ave+to:CO-14+to:CO-125+to:WY-230+to:41.45302,-106.807709&hl=en&geocode=FdzNYgIdlEK8-Q%3BFRSvZwIdcFe8-Q%3BFbgHbQId9Bmz-Q%3BFTrrbgIdDAqq-Q%3BFZXRcwId5Oeu-Q%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=5&sz=11&via=1,2,3,4&sll=41.411836,-106.629181&sspn=0.35481,0.612488&ie=UTF8&ll=40.718119,-105.968628&spn=2.868431,4.899902&z=8)

Saturday, 7/11/2009, Saratoga to Cody, 303 miles (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=44.52001,-109.072266&daddr=S+1st+St%2FWY-130&hl=en&geocode=%3BFbh8eAIdlD6i-Q&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=8&sll=44.044167,-108.05603&sspn=2.720415,4.899902&ie=UTF8&ll=43.20918,-107.940674&spn=5.516903,9.799805&z=7)

Sunday, 7/12/2009, no driving (Cody)

Monday, 7/13/2009, Beartooth Loop, 193 miles (Google Maps don't work properly on this route) (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=US-14%2FUS-16%2FUS-20&daddr=Badger+Basin+Rd%2FR18%2FWY-294+to:US-212+to:US-212+to:44.516093,-109.069519&hl=en&geocode=FcpApwIdyPp_-Q%3BFXNIrAIdIdCA-Q%3BFeqnrwId18d6-Q%3BFWSqrQIdyq94-Q%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=4&sz=10&via=1,2,3&sll=44.724296,-109.394989&sspn=0.672269,1.224976&ie=UTF8&ll=44.852948,-109.282379&spn=0.670772,1.224976&z=10)

Tuesday, 7/14/2009, Cody to Jackson, 231 miles (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=US-14%2FUS-16%2FUS-20&daddr=Grand+Loop+Rd%2FUS-212+to:44.444566,-110.720215+to:W+Broadway%2FUS-191%2FUS-26%2FUS-89&hl=en&geocode=FcpApwIdyPp_-Q%3BFe_5rQIdBDln-Q%3B%3BFWZflwIdyqRl-Q&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=10&via=1,2&sll=44.653024,-110.457916&sspn=0.673096,1.224976&ie=UTF8&ll=44.318936,-110.3508&spn=2.707725,4.899902&z=8)

Wednesday, 7/15/2009, Jackson to Farmington, 268 miles (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=W+Broadway%2FUS-191%2FUS-26%2FUS-89&daddr=42.823106,-111.360855+to:ID-89+to:I-15+S&hl=en&geocode=FWZflwIdyqRl-Q%3B%3BFYIWggIdSFhc-Q%3BFbpycQIdAnRU-Q&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&via=1,2&sll=42.846772,-111.465225&sspn=0.346863,0.612488&ie=UTF8&ll=42.322001,-111.30249&spn=2.798232,4.899902&z=8)

And.....interested? :)

Gert

scannon

01-21-2009, 01:46 AM

Alaskossie

01-21-2009, 03:00 PM

Gert,

I'm very interested in meeting up with you, if my car is finished and running by then. I have a commitment on July 4 in Alaska, but could come down that evening to Colorado (car willing).

I'll coordinate with Skip,and Bob Simon (Loveland, CO), if he can do at least a part of it.

Tom

bsimon

01-23-2009, 09:57 PM

Wow, I can't believe I missed this thread.

Count me in for at least part of this tour. It'd be a shame to miss a blat in my own backyard.

I hope my car will be back together by then. I just started a bit of upgrading. New ratios in the SC box, dry sump, clutch, removable scuttle, ash tray, ten speed fuel injected windscreen wipers, etc. It'd be embarrassing to not be back together by July, especially if Tom's car was complete and road worthy. :o

Hey Tom, Have we ever been to Leadville? ;) :rolleyes:

Skip, good luck on that shoulder surgy. Remember, positive attitude helps the healing process. :thumbs:

slomove

01-23-2009, 10:14 PM

Cool guys, keep it coming.... :yesnod:

I have not nailed down the nasty detail of hotel selection. If you know a recommended place in your neighborhood let me know.

For e.g. Saratoga, I was considering the Wolf Hotel with some pretty good ratings. For Kremmling I thought maybe Bob's Western Motel although I could not find any reviews. But, honestly we are cheapskates and don't want to shell out a fortune for a 2-week trip.

Gert

slomove

01-23-2009, 10:23 PM

Gert,

Thinking about the Bear Tooth Highway got me itching to go drive it again. If the doc says its OK by then, I will head up that way with you from Erie. I might even go on to Utah as I have family there and usually make a summer visit. We'll see how it goes by then.

Skip

I really hope you get through this mess much quicker than you believe. But don't sweat it. As an unofficial tour you can join any time (or not) if you feel like it. You may have to sleep in our bath tub, though if the hotels rooms run out :d

Gert

Alaskossie

02-04-2009, 02:07 PM

Bob,

Yes, we've been to Leadville........ It was in September of '05, if I recall.....

Should we warn Gert about inviting us on his Tour?

Maybe if there are no Brits in V-8 Westfields aboard, we won't be set up for another gas station dust-up -- and if I'm driving, perhaps I'll be less inclined to deliver gratuitous obscene hand signals....!

Ah, the stories...

Alaskossie

Al Navarro

02-09-2009, 05:19 PM

Hmm...I'd even consider flying out to run "support" for part of this.....

FWIW, think about a stop at Chico Hot Springs if you have time. Worth it, and the naturally heated pool would be welcome after a few hours in the Seven saddle.

Beartooth was awesome in a minvan, I can't imagine what it would be like in a Se7en.

Recon for 2011?

slomove

02-10-2009, 09:03 PM

.....Recon for 2011?

Well, that did cross my mind :)

Maybe you can team up with Skip if his shoulder is still giving him trouble?

Or you can fly to Vegas and rent this one (http://www.dreamcarrentals.com/cars-ferrari360.php) :cool: to come along.
Almost as good as a Seven......
http://www.dreamcarrentals.com/images/L-Ferrari-360.jpg

scannon

02-10-2009, 09:31 PM

Well, that did cross my mind :)

Maybe you can team up with Skip if his shoulder is still giving him trouble?

Or you can fly to Vegas and rent this one (http://www.dreamcarrentals.com/cars-ferrari360.php) :cool: to come along.
Almost as good as a Seven......

At only $1050 a day it shouldn't add too much to the cost of the trip. :rofl:

I did send Al an email suggesting that we team up for part of the tour in my luxo-barge Miata.

When we do the Beartooth, I'd like to suggest several round trips up and down the mountain, its that good.

Skip

slngsht

02-10-2009, 09:39 PM

Al better start practicing being a good passenger :D

:leaving:

Although Mopho MADE me ask him to slow down too. I lasted a solid 8 minutes of awesome roads before starting to feel my food.

powderbrake

02-10-2009, 09:44 PM

again, the Chief Joseph Highway out of Cody ( 7RO/296) is even better than the Beartooth pass route, don't miss it.

scannon

02-11-2009, 12:49 AM

Al better start practicing being a good passenger :D

If it all works out, I plan to let him have some of the driving fun. :yesnod:

Al Navarro

02-11-2009, 09:51 AM

Other than being a terrible passenger, I think I'm fairly good company!:jester:

Al Navarro

02-23-2009, 01:58 PM

Guess who's flying into Jackson Hole, WY on the 11th of July, then driving to Cody in support of the USA7eners, and then back to Jackson, WY on the 14th with them?

Um, that would be me. :d

Really looking forward to meeting up with some of the West Coast/Mountain posse...I'll be with Laura (and consequently be getting a rental car instead of riding shotgun in a Se7en), but without the kids for this trip.

-Al "No Seven, No Problem" Navarro

Alaskossie

02-23-2009, 08:29 PM

Al,

Really looking forward to meeting you on this "Rocky Mountain High" 7s tour -- assuming that I get my Caterham 7 S3 in Coloraqdo finished and shaken down by early July.

Would you or your wife be up for some short stints riding shotgun with me during the tour??

(I have to add the caveat that I've got Tillet carbon/Kevlar seats, which are not for the (ahem) circumferentially challenged.... I even notice the beginning of a press fit if I haven't exercised faithfully for a few weeks....)

Tom Meacham

slomove

02-23-2009, 09:45 PM

-- assuming that I get my Caterham 7 S3 in Colorado finished and shaken down by early July......

You can do it! 4 1/2 months to go!

Guess who's flying into Jackson Hole, WY on the 11th of July, then driving to Cody in support of the USA7eners, and then back to Jackson, WY on the 14th with them?

That is great! I am looking forward to meeting you there!

When do you arrive in Jackson? Would you still be able to meet us in Riverton en route on the 11th to drive together the Wind River Canyon? Should be something like a 3-hour drive from Jackson.

Gert

scannon

02-23-2009, 11:07 PM

Looks like we have a Se7ens Mini-Meet going here. Anyone else want to join in?

Al Navarro

02-24-2009, 08:41 AM

Guys-

I'm arriving in Jackson Hole at about 6 PM on the 11th, and figured I would just hightail it over to Cody that night...probably too late to catch up with you all that day...but looking forward to rendezvousing on the 12th, your "off day" in Cody (I assume we'll take in the charms of the Buffalo Bill Museum, etc.).

I intentionally am not bringing the kids for maximum flexibility. Tom, I appreciate the offer...I had the composite Tilletts on my old car and look forward to a little seat time. I'll practice being a better passenger from now until then...:jester:

Again, looking forward to meeting you all.

-Al

GERT: Care to revise your first post to include a running list of attendees and the legs they are in for? As Skip notes, maybe if we show that hey, there could be a half a dozen cars there...it would build some momentum for others to drop in on legs as they see fit. BTW, I just looked at your route map...I didn't realize we were going from Cody to Jackson the long way round...I'll be sure to get a car that can fit plenty of refreshments for you all at the rest stops. And of course, we are going through Yellowstone, which I just visited last year, so I can play tour guide if you'd like. With the open cars, things will be interesting if we encounter any buffalo or elk herds...

slomove

02-26-2009, 12:04 AM

Guys-

I'm arriving in Jackson Hole at about 6 PM on the 11th,

That would indeed be a bit late to meet at 9 pm in the middle of nowhere and still have another 3 hours to go....

Care to revise your first post to include a running list of attendees and the legs they are in for? As Skip notes, maybe if we show that hey, there could be a half a dozen cars there...it would build some momentum for others to drop in on legs as they see fit.
I could do that but there seems to be a whole bit of uncertainty. Some of the folks who spoke up so far:

Skip (if his health allows for it)
Tom (if he gets his car finished)
Bob (seems probable if he gets his car back together)
Dave (not sure what his constraints are)
Bill (have to check with him again if still interested)
Lee (maybe a short piece close to Salt Lake City)
Gert (barring any crazy emergency)
Al (suppose pretty sure?)

I am not aware of others who might come along. I could start a new thread just for the purpose of collecting names?

I didn't realize we were going from Cody to Jackson the long way round.
Well, that is the current plan. Can be changed of course but I thought the shorter route along Yellowstone Lake is not as interesting.

Gert

scannon

02-26-2009, 12:33 AM

Skip (if his health allows for it)
Health will only determine which car I drive, most likely the Miata as the doc says no Caterham for a year. :mad:

Tom (if he gets his car finished)
Jeff and I will be kicking his butt regularly to get that car on the road. Next time he comes down here from the frozen North we're going to chain him to the chassis until it is finished. :lol:

Al: you are welcome to some left and/or right seat time in the Miata, not quite a Se7en but it won't have a problem keeping up with them.

Skip

Chaz

04-13-2009, 01:12 AM

Gert,

My first post, but forgive me for skipping a self-intro. I'd like to chime in with some recommendations.

If your itinerary of 2/2 still holds, I'd like to recommend that while you're in Steamboat, you visit Strawberry Park Hot Springs. It just outside of town (about 7 miles). I think it's the best hot springs in the state. Excellent setting, excellent facility, great water. The downside is that about 1/2 the trip from town is on a dirt road. Some of the curves get a little washboardy. If you take it slow you'll be fine. It's well worth the trouble. The city runs a shuttle up to the spings in ski season and may offer it during the summer months, so you may consider that. I also highly recommend The Shack for breakfast. The locals eat there and it's great. Right on the main drag.

You look like you'll be staying in Hot Sulphur Springs. There a spa there too as you may know. Very nice, but not as cool as Strawberry Park. The last few miles into HSS is spectacular. The highway takes you through Byers Canyon and HSS is right on the east side of that.

Have a great trip. It looks like a great route.

slomove

04-14-2009, 08:59 PM

Hello Chaz, thanks for the great tips (anonymous or not...)

While I can research a new route to pretty good detail nowadays on the web, such details about places to go are very valuable.

3 or 4 miles on washboard dirt roads, no problem. We have done worse before ;-)

Cheers,

Gert

slomove

04-17-2009, 04:40 PM

O.K., here is a minor change for the 13th of July: Based on Al Navarro's suggestion I will skip the return to Cody from the Beartooth Loop and instead drive Beartooth down and then up again :) and continue to Chico Hot Springs north of Yellowstone. The tour table is now as follows:
http://www.usa7s.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=180&stc=1&d=1240000784

Davemk1

04-17-2009, 08:17 PM

You are going to love Chico Hot Springs. Natural hot springs and a 5 star restaurant housed in an old Montana ranch.

I make it there pretty often.

Dave

scannon

04-17-2009, 08:32 PM

I'll have to admit, I've been a bit tardy about getting reservations but this afternoon I was able to get reservations in Saratoga, Cody & Chico Hot Springs.

I am planning on splitting off at Jackson Lake Lodge and heading SE towards home rather than to Jackson. I will probably break the trip home in Sheridan or somewhere in that area.

I have rooms with two beds in the above places so if anyone wants to share a room, let me know.

If anyone wants to save a day in a motel, I have room in my home for more than Gert and his wife. I can accommodate another couple on a very comfortable hide a bed and another couple on an air bed. I can also accommodate a large number of people in sleeping bags in the shop which has a bathroom.

I'm also planning on hosting a BBQ the evening of July 9th at my home. I'll provide some of the local craft beers for your pleasure and we can socialize until whenever it feels like we should get to sleep for the next day's drive. Everyone on the drive is welcome as well as any local Se7en fans in the area not planning on the drive.

Concerning the Bear Tooth Highway loop, I think it would be more fun to turn around at the North end and come back the same way. The rest of the loop doesn't look all that interesting. That way we will be able to drive the Chief Joseph highway 3 times giving us a chance to drive the best part from North to South going uphill. If there ever was a great sports car road, this is it.

Chaz

04-17-2009, 10:35 PM

Gert,

Sounds like a great run from Cody to Chico to Jackson Hole.

If you've never been to YNP:

Entering the Park through Garndier, you'll pass Mammoth Hot Springs. It's worth a stop.

If you've never been to the Park, you have to visit Old Faithful. To pass on this national landmark would be downright unAmerican. That area is also home to the largest free-standing log structure in the world - right across the parking lot from OF. There are also several other geyser basins on the road you'd take to OF. All worth a stop

There is a downside to the Park and that's traffic. Lot's of people in cars and even worse are the tour buses. Passing can be tricky if not impossible. The speed limit in the park is 45 mph and the park cops are pretty serious about it. That's not so bad, but there will be places where traffic jams up because some goofball decides so stop to take a picture of a frikken woodchuck and then everyone stops thinking its a grizzly. So you'll be stuck in those jams, maybe several times before you get out of the park. It will slow your passage through the park considerably. The Buffalo can be a problem, to. Beware of the coyotes and whatever you do don't feed them!

As you head south from Grant Village you'll pass through the Lewis River country. Keep in mind that this area was heavily burned during the '88 fires. I was there the weekend the park reopened in 10/88 and it looked like a warzone then. I suspect that 20 years later, things have changed some.

As you leave YNP you'll follow the Snake River along Jackson Lake and this may be one of the most beautiful parts of your trip. Ansel Adams kind of scenery. I lived in a Park Service dorm near Leek's Marina on Jackson Lake in '88 and drove that highway a lot. I still love it. One of my favorite highways on earth.

There's plenty in Jackson Hole, but I recommend the Cowboy Bar.

Enjoy the ride!

Al Navarro

05-01-2009, 12:04 PM

FYI, I just booked my rooms in Cody and Jackson...I'm staying at an alternate hotel in Cody (slightly cushier to make the wife happy), but will be at Chico (booked a few weeks back) and the Ranch Inn in Jackson. FYI, the Ranch Inn only has the more expensive Tower rooms available at this point. Book now!

This means I'm set for the legs of the trip we'll be joining. All I need now is a car, rental or otherwise!

Hudson

05-01-2009, 07:44 PM

Jackson, WY

Off the back of http://www.jacksonholewinecompany.com/ is http://koshuwinebar.com/

Not inexpensive but as of a year ago very good and buying wine in the front and carrying it to the back saves a bit.

It is a very short walk back to your room.

Have fun.

Ed

scannon

06-03-2009, 02:26 AM

The tour is getting closer now, who is in and who is out?

I'm in and will be bringing the Caterham, one way or another. The doc and the PT both cut me loose last week and I have been driving the Caterham frequently. :D:D:D

I have invited Jeff Ball (a constructor and former owner of many Caterhams and in whose garage Alaskossie's Seven is being built) to come along and share driving with both my Caterham and the Miata with trailer. If he can't make it I will be looking for someone else to share the two cars.

I'm looking forward to having a yard full of Se7ens at my place on the 9th of July. :D

Skip

slomove

06-04-2009, 02:10 AM

Well, I guess I am in (I should better because I started the whole thing).

As far as I know there will also be Bill Gemini from Sonoma, CA for the full trip but I have to check with him again.

Any news if Alaskossie is going to make it (or if he is ever going to finish that car)? Never heard of Bob Simon, either.

That would leave you and your friend, Al Navarro from Cody to Jackson, and possibly Dave from Bozeman for a day trip.

I am not aware of other participants?

Gert

scannon

06-04-2009, 10:44 AM

It doesn't look like Alaskossie will have his car finished in time but he plans on being here for the BBQ on the 9th. Any time he has in Colorado has to be spent on finishing the car as he plans to drive it home to Alaska in August.

Bob Simon is bsimon on this forum. I haven't heard if he is still planning on doing the tour. Bob?

Skip

slomove

06-20-2009, 12:06 PM

For all the folks who want to participate: can you please send me a PM with your email address and cell phone number? For Skip also your home address (so that I know where to go in Erie).....

Thanks, Gert

P.S.: Yeehaa, we'll be on our way in 2 weeks!!!!

scannon

06-20-2009, 04:53 PM

I'd like to get a head count for the July 9th BBQ in Erie so anyone who will be on the tour and anyone else in the area that wants to stop by, send me a PM stating who you are and how many in your party.

Let me know if you are a veggie or just don't like BBQ and I will have something appropriate for you.

Skip

Al Navarro

06-29-2009, 12:33 PM

Gert has my info. See you all soon.

Note that I'm bringing a door prize, so Gert, please think about criteria for award.

-A

slomove

07-01-2009, 01:31 AM

Let me see what I can do get it myself.....longest drive to get there, maybe? Or maybe most posts on USA7s? We'll see.....now, what is the prize, anyway? :toetap05:

Gert

scannon

07-01-2009, 02:24 AM

Gert,

Do you have an idea what time you will be showing up at my place on the 9th? I'm hoping to coordinate a visit to Greeley to see Alaskossie's Caterham under construction before we have the beer and BBQ.

I've invited some local Se7en enthusiasts to join us and need to get an idea how many people will be showing up.

Skip

slomove

07-01-2009, 10:04 PM

We'll be coming from Hot Sulphur Springs via Rocky Mountains N.P.

Lots to see I guess and no hurry so I assume it can easily be 5 to 6 pm.

Gert

scannon

07-02-2009, 01:33 AM

Gert,

Thanks, I will plan accordingly.

Skip

bsimon

07-02-2009, 12:45 PM

Well, as usual, work has trumped my efforts to sneak away for the Wyoming tour.

Car's back together and seems to be running good...but...work projects that were impossible to get commitments on, are now coming home to roost. Naturally, everyone wants their stuff completed ASAP. With the crippled economy, I can't afford to turn down any work.

Bottom line, I won't be able to join up with the tour at this time.

Have fun:(

slomove

07-02-2009, 08:41 PM

Lame excuse :toetap05:

But I understand.......been on a 4-day week for some time now.

Can you make it at least for Skip's BBQ?

Anyway, we'll be on our way tomorrow morning :drool:

Kitcat

07-02-2009, 10:52 PM

Enjoy. Hopefully you won't torture us with pictures showing how much fun you are having and how beautiful the mountains are, etc., like that last tour you were on.

slomove

07-06-2009, 08:37 PM

Enjoy. Hopefully you won't torture us with pictures showing how much fun you are having and how beautiful the mountains are...........

No, I would not do that............
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MTDSLrx_KZo_6AIfLTHDEQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCNCjifDNrIrPW Q&feat=directlink

But you can find some here (http://picasaweb.google.com/slomove/RockyMountainsLoop2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCKGH5rituNjEr QE&feat=directlink)

Gert

Hudson

07-06-2009, 09:06 PM

Oh, I wish I was there. Please keep posting pictures.

Ed

Al Navarro

07-07-2009, 08:31 AM

Man, I can't wait to get into my rental Mazda 6 (not to be confused with Mazda's 7 -- or is it 8?!?) and join you all in Cody. Just a few days away now....

Davemk1

07-07-2009, 09:17 AM

The weather has been perfect over the past few weeks. It's afternoon thunderstorm season so plan on it getting windy and wet in the afternoon.

See you all at Chico.

dave

slomove

07-08-2009, 11:56 PM

Nice day in Steamboat Springs and no Thunderstorm for 2 days!

Otherwise just fantastic scenery and nice roads. Not crowded at all (except around Steamboat Springs) and a good mix of curves and straights. There is no real motivation to drive fast, though. It would be a shame to buzz through and not soak it up.

Cars are running just fine (knock on wood). I had to adjust the ECU baro compensation (was running quite rich at 7000-9000 ft) and going up to 12,000 ft tomorrow it better be right. Bill's Superstalker had some coolant constipation but so far not serious.

Some more pics. (http://picasaweb.google.com/slomove/RockyMountainsLoop2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCKGH5rituNjEr QE&feat=directlink)

Gert

Boxologist

07-09-2009, 01:40 AM

looks like an awesome time so far!

scannon

07-10-2009, 01:43 AM

Gert & Rosie and Bill & Chris showed up at my home this afternoon after a great trip through Rocky Mountain National Park.

We had a BBQ in my shop and a total of 5 Se7ens were there. Gert's Birkin, Bill's Super Stalker, Bob Walker's Caterham Super Seven, Bob Simon's Caterham Super Seven and my Caterham SV. Other Se7en people showed up for a total of about 17 people.

There was much looking under the bonnets, general checking out of the cars and discussions about all things Se7en. A few rides were given as well.

Unfortunately, we didn't think to line up the cars and take pictures until it was nearly dark so those below are not of the best quality.

Tomorrow the Californians head to Saratoga Springs, Wyoming. I will trailer my car and meet them in Cody on Saturday as will Al Navarro and his wife. From then on, Al and I will share driving between the Caterham and the truck and trailer.

Skip

7veloce

07-10-2009, 08:06 PM

Skip, It was a fun party at your place with all the 7s last night. The ride in your 300 hp SV was super fun and fast. Many thanks. Have a safe and fun trip tomorrow.

scannon

07-10-2009, 08:51 PM

Tom.

Glad you enjoyed both the party and the ride. I'm looking forward to checking out your new car and seeing you at the track with it.

If you got better pictures than I did last night, please post them here.

Skip

7veloce

07-10-2009, 09:59 PM

Skip, Here is another nice pic form the party last night.

scannon

07-11-2009, 12:01 AM

Much better picture, thanks Tom.

75TwinCam

07-12-2009, 12:34 AM

Alright, y'all got me to join up . . . it was a great time at your shop the other night! Great to meet everyone, and fantastic to see a group of Sevens hanging together. I believe that our car always likes to see some younger siblings and cousins! Maybe when Tom's car is done we can do it again? I know there's some other Sevens in the neighborhood, there should be a meet to welcome the Duratec to the road and give Tom a sendoff to the great north!

A few pics of mine will be forthcoming when I figure out how to do it!

Derek

75TwinCam

07-12-2009, 01:12 AM

Ok, with the help of the FAQ I think I have this pic posting thing figured out!

575

576

577

578

579

Al Navarro

07-12-2009, 02:10 AM

Just arrived in Cody via Jackson Hole. Tired. I'll give you guys a ring in the AM.

Al Navarro

07-13-2009, 09:23 AM

Met up with the gang yesterday. Explored Cody, which tuckered me out, but a nap and Mexican dinner later, Laura and I caught the local rodeo. Pretty amazing in person.

Today is our big day - Chief Joseph and Beartooth. It rained very hard this AM...enough to wake me up. Hopefully it will stay clear for us today.

Davemk1

07-13-2009, 10:29 AM

Hello Gentlemen,

Please keep and eye on the weather. It's bad here in Bozeman and the forecasts calls for bad weather all day and severe thunderstorms with large hail possible this afternoon. If that happens in the valleys it's possible that that it will snow up on the plateau.

If the weather isn't too bad I'll see you at Chico. If the forecast comes true I might not brave the drive over the pass. We'll see this afternoon what it looks like.

All the best,

dave

Kitcat

07-13-2009, 12:43 PM

Snow? Did he say snow?

Davemk1

07-13-2009, 01:29 PM

Snow? Did he say snow?

It very rarely rains at 10,500 feet.

dave

Al Navarro

07-15-2009, 06:05 PM

We are alive. Monday, our day to drive from Cody, WY to Pray, MT via the Chief Joseph Highway, Beartooth Highway, MT Route 78, I90, and MT Route 89 and MT Route 540 was pretty amazing — though Skip lost an exhaust mount bushing on the Beartooth (and eventually a mounting bolt for his turbo manifold). I'll post pix and some vid when I get home (in the SLC airport right now).

Davemk1 was kind enough to try to find a replacement part before he came down to have a drink with us down at Chico Lodge.

Great to meet Gert, his wife Rosie, Skip C., and triple-seven owner Bill G. and his girlfriend Chris/Kris? Special thanks to Skip for letting Laura and I helm his blue SV with Miata-power for a few hours.

I know that some of you might be interested in what it was like to drive Skip's car vs. my old Orange Superlight R. So here it is in a nutshell: whereas my old car was a great 0-50 car, Skip's (like Mazda's) is a great 50-100 car. I won't kid you that it didn't take some getting used to initially...it's sprung more softly than Orange is, and much to Laura's delight, has padded seats. The brakes too, took a bit more pressure to slough speed off....not as grabby as Orange's. And the sounds of the turbo and wastegate were so different than Orange's "ripping silk" ITBs.

Eventually I was able to get the hang of it and managed to keep tempo with Gert and Bill on the backroads. On the highway, the buffeting over 70 kept my pace down, and Skip was able to hang with me in his truck/trailer rig until I felt the urge to tickle the loud pedal to keep up with other vehicles passing me.

As I said to Skip, although I know he tracks the car, it made for a very comfortable tourer. And at highway speed it has amazing passing power in reserve. We should really rent a dragstrip sometime to see what would win out for "fastest se7en" between Skip's SV, Frankense7en, Kevin & Loren's car, and anything Dennis Brunton and company want to bring. Through in a couple of older, sub liter cars in there and it would certainly be entertaining.

Great roads out there, too. In a way, because of the scale and scenery, that east coast roads are hard pressed to match. I could easily see a national at Jackson Hole. Alas, Ed, we did not go to the restaurant you recommended but tried a very nice Thai place. Next time.

Thanks to Gert for planning another great tour, and for letting us tag along. I highly advise everyone with a Se7en who can spare the time and $$ to join Gert the next time he organizes a tour.

Davemk1

07-16-2009, 12:01 AM

It was really fun meeting you all and seeing the Navarros again.

I drove from Bozeman to Chico Hot Springs to meet the group and it's about an hour door to door. When I left Bozeman there were severe weather warnings and the sky was very dark in one direction. I reluctantly decided to not drive my Seven, for fear that the weather would get as bad as they said it would, and I drove my Mini.

By the time I left the rain was falling very hard and there was standing water in the road and the temperature had dropped to 45*. Call me a wimp but I'm glad I opted for the Mini.

Aside from meeting some cool people I got a quick spin in Skip's Caterham. The acceleration is hard to believe and it made it feel like I left the emergency brake in the Mini on during the drive home. I've never been in a car that needed to be shifted so quickly. Skip's got fast hands! Thanks for the ride Skip. I hope to come down to Denver sometime and do a bit of driving with you.

If anyone else is coming through Montana let me know. It would be fun to meet up.

Stay well,

Dave

slngsht

07-16-2009, 12:21 AM

Thanks for the reports guys. I'm so wishing I had Frankn7 out there, instead of in traffic everyday around DC.

scannon

07-16-2009, 12:39 AM

Dave,

Thanks for bringing the exhaust isolator and bolts. It would have saved the day had not I popped the bonnet to show you the engine and noticed the nut and stud missing from the turbo mount. I did confirm today that it is twisted off, not just fallen out so the turbo and manifold have to come off for repairs. There goes my scheduled lapping day at HPR on Friday. :ack:

To explain to those not on the trip, somewhere on the Bear Tooth highway I heard the exhaust scrape the road. I had the exhaust reworked last winter to prevent that so I was a bit alarmed. I grabbed the heat shield on the muffler with my left hand and discovered that the bolt and silicone isolator were missing and the whole exhaust system was being supported soley by the turbo.

I drove the rest of the way to Red Lodge holding the muffler up. A visit to a feed store near where we had lunch produced a chunk of heavy coat hanger wire which I used to attach the muffler to the bracket. Then Al and Laura drove the car on to Chico Springs.

A phone call to David before we left Red Lodge gave him a description of what it looked like and he went to his hot rod shop and found exactly the part I needed. We installed it in the parking lot at the hot springs and then I took David for a quick ride. As I said above, popping the bonnet revealed a problem that could not be fixed on the road so the car went into the trailer for the rest of the trip.

This is one more example of the great people on this forum. Thanks David. :cheers:

Davemk1

07-16-2009, 10:15 AM

.............. Thanks David. :cheers:

It was my pleasure. I hope the trip home was uneventful.

Stay well,

Dave

scannon

07-16-2009, 11:03 AM

I hope the trip home was uneventful.

Stay well,

Dave

It was, if you don't count a suicidal Dodge Charger driver, crazy bikers and no room at the hotel when I tried to check in that evening in spite of having a confirmation number. :banghead:

Skip

Al Navarro

07-16-2009, 11:39 AM

Misc. pix from the trip....

Some ex-post-facto captions:

A) View from lobby of Lodge at Grand Teton

B) Skip's Caterham SV

C) Gert's "Slomove" (I can assure you that it moves quite quickly)

D) Bill G's almost new Super Stalker

E) View of hill near Cody Rodeo at dusk.

F) Beartooth or Chief Joseph, I forget...

G) Cars at the crest of the Beartooth

H) Exhaust hanger bracket "fix"

I) View of Jackson Hole main street

J) Lower Falls of the Yellowstone

slomove

07-17-2009, 01:17 AM

Hi guys, good to see y'all made it home safely and it was a real pleasure meeting you up there! This was a fantastic trip and I will post more pics and some video soon (including Mr. Bullwinkle Moose crossing in front of my Seven).

Motivated by Bill and Chris, we did the haul back from SLC in one piece. Went quite well except that the trailer tires crapped out. Fortunately we caught that before they blew (honestly it was rather the owner of the local tire shop who was scanning the tires of all the cars at the gas station.....).

Should not have happened because they were only loaded to 80% of their rating. But they were very rare low profile 14" bias ply trailer tires with only some 2000 miles and maybe just crap. The tire shop replaced them with regular 13" radial trailer tires (unfortunately 120% of rated load) and they held up just fine. Not sure yet if to keep them or increase the wheel well and go to regular 14" wheels.

Otherwise no major problems with the Seven. I will take the moody alternator to a rebuild shop and check out the battery switch solenoid, tighten all bolts again and maybe replace the rattling panhard ball joints. Otherwise just spend some quality time with the pressure washer to clean out the insect cemetery in the engine compartment and other road inflicted dirt.

Once again thanks to everybody who met with us!!!

Gert

Kitcat

07-17-2009, 05:41 AM

Very strange tire wear pattern, especially after just 2K mikes. Time for a trailer suspension alignment?

slomove

07-17-2009, 03:01 PM

Isn't it? Looking up the tire wear pattern guides it would indicate bad under-inflation and/or too much camber (i.e. axle overload). I had them inflated to 47 psi (nominal load pressure is 50 psi). But the new smaller radials after 600 miles don't show a beginning of that pattern.

I have a torsion axle (loaded to some 80% of rated capacity) and AFAIK there is nothing to align with that thing.

Gert

Kitcat

07-17-2009, 03:15 PM

The sagging suspension theory seems valid-certainly consistent with the distinct wear pattern. Maybe you shouldn't have used R-compound rubber on the trailer:)?

scannon

07-18-2009, 02:12 AM

Here's a few of my photos from the Wyoming tour.

1. Gert & Rosie, all packed up and ready to leave my place. Rosie is driving this segment.

2. Big Bear motel parking lot. Al Navarro and Bill Gemini perusing the Se7ens.

3. Scenic overlook on the top of the Chief Joseph Highway

4.. Altitude is 10,847'.

5. Chris leading the Se7ens in a song.

6. One of many mountain views

7. Nice rack, eh? Big elk having a snack.

8. Lower falls on the Yellowstone river.

9. Inside the Old Faithful Lodge. I remember climbing to the top of that when about 10 years old.

10. We were joking about Old Faithful geyser producing a 7 for us and if you look close, you can see it!

solder_guy

07-20-2009, 04:22 PM

A) View from lobby of Lodge at Grand Teton

Nice Tetons! :D

Looks like you had a great time! (Wish I could have crashed the party)

Rob

scannon

07-20-2009, 07:33 PM

Yesterday I removed the turbo and manifold from my engine to see if I could remove the sheared stud. I found some collateral damage. Note that the broken hanger bolt did not cause the damage described below, it only caused the one turbo mounting stud to break.

The POS, outsourced to India, exhaust manifold had shrunk and twisted since the last time I had it off. I had to use two 3' prybars to get it off the 10mm studs on the head. I was worrying about damaging the ali head casting.

In the process, right at the end I heard a pop, thought that didn't sound good and sure enough, one of the ears that provides the boss for a mounting nut had broken off the manifold. You can see it in the lower right of the first picture. This manifold has been a PITA since day one. The head survived with no visible damage.

A quick survey with a straight edge revealed serious twisting of one of the end runners as well as a warped surface. I have a new, made in the USA, manifold on the way.

The only good news here is I don't have to deal with removing the broken stud from the manifold nor do I have to have the old manifold machined and then spend hours making it fit on the head again.

The mating surfaces between turbo and manifold were getting intimate as there was serious pitting on the manifold side and matching deposition on the turbo side. You can see that in the second picture. The turbo housing and downpipe are at a machine shop to get cleanup cuts with a surface grinder.

The third picture shows the downpipe interface to the turbo outlet. Obvious leaking going on here but I noticed some leakage early this year. Getting it into a jig for surface grinding is a difficult job, I hope the machinist saved the jig from the last time.