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Post by Todd Smiley on Nov 29, 2008 23:41:47 GMT -5
So myself, Scott Lohmann and my brother Tom Dixon all flew into Seattle today, drove up from there. BEAUTIFUL scenery in canada.
We almost ended up walking.
There was a sign that said check your fuel 110 km before the next fuel point. We had plenty,
The mountain road was scattered with a low and thick fog. So one can imagine how easy it would be to miss a sign to turn off for fuel.
We pulled up the nearest fuel station on the GPS and it said 68 km about 42 miles, We started figuring mileage and fuel consumption, ended up figuring out that once the low fuel light came on we would be able to make it 32-36 miles. (a little short of the distance needed)
Most of the drive was up and down the mountain roads. So about 2 miles after we figure how far we need to go the low fuel light comes on. WTF? How can this be happening... All we can do is save gas, I slow down from running 70mph to 60, save fuel run at a lower RPM, up and down a couple hills. We hit a nice 8% down grade, throw her in nuetral and coast. Fog still thick hard to see the road but we figure we can not slow down at all we dont know if a hill is coming or not.
After about 30 miles we are looking at the fuel needle under the red. We at one point hit a level part and a small up hill, she sputtered a little before we got over it. 12 miles to go to the fuel station.
Thank GOD we were able to coast 40 of the 42 miles as it was almost all down hill.
Now we are in Kelowna getting some good rest and they can relax and prepare to win .. .
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Post by Mat Helmer on Nov 30, 2008 0:32:55 GMT -5
Wow that was hairy! You don't want to be out of fuel in the mountains! Did you go north through Vancouver and then take the Coquihalla to Kelowna, via Merritt? I'll bet that sign was in Hope?
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Post by Todd Smiley on Nov 30, 2008 10:50:21 GMT -5
The good thing was there was alot of traffic, We crossed the border at Sumas, and drove that way, and Yep sure enough when we got on the GPS Hope was already behind us and uphill, I wonder if they call it HOPE because peopel HOPE they dont pass it or they HOPE to make it there.
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Post by Mat Helmer on Nov 30, 2008 13:24:19 GMT -5
The good thing was there was alot of traffic, We crossed the border at Sumas, and drove that way, and Yep sure enough when we got on the GPS Hope was already behind us and uphill, I wonder if they call it HOPE because peopel HOPE they dont pass it or they HOPE to make it there. Ah, Sumas then through Abbotsford. I agree about the "Hope" statement! ;D |
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Post by Mat Helmer on Nov 30, 2008 13:27:18 GMT -5
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Post by Mat Helmer on Nov 30, 2008 13:38:00 GMT -5
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Post by Todd Smiley on Nov 30, 2008 21:00:32 GMT -5
those are cool, Now i can check HwY 5 before we head home to see if there is snow all over it..
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Post by Alper Cosar on Nov 30, 2008 21:34:31 GMT -5
We arrived yesterday at 2AM with local time....what a trip! Flew to seatlle with 2 layovers totaling up to 10 hours travel time and plus a 7 hour road trip with a rental suv....Mountains are beautifull but makes it hard to pass thru with the fog everywhere....visibility was like6 feet for most of the road......very hard drive.....black ice on the roads......
Today we were at the hotel and weighed ourselves with Danial to see where we are at...he is .5 lbs over and I am over 5 lbs.....have to diet for next 2 days and do sauna right before.....
Team Japan and Team Russia was here along with some Canadians....
Will update daily.....
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Post by Casey Martin on Nov 30, 2008 21:40:43 GMT -5
To add to Alpers story.... He failed to mention that Beth, Danial, Him and myself are together. Once we landed in Seattle we got on the road right away as the directions said 5 hours. With myself working till 4am and going straight to the airport to then have to drive here was horrible. The boys fell asleep right away... While Beth did her best to stay awake with me. We wnt from 70mph to 30mph due to the fog. We ALSO came VERY close to runnin out of gas and I almost had to pull over and sleep. It was HELL for me!
Now that we are here Its BEAUTIFUL!! We didn't get up till 1pm and it got dark at 4pm so we didn't have much time to sight see yet!
Cant wait to see everyone!!
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Post by Todd Smiley on Dec 1, 2008 0:31:31 GMT -5
That road is something else isnt it.. did you notice the line at Sumas going back into the US? Evidentally it is easier to get into canada than out.. check here for wait times so you can adjust the time you leave accordingly. apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp What time/day are you guys leaving? Maybe we will see yo urumaging around tomorrow sometime, we are going to pick Mr Hannel up from the airport tomorrow. Casey I am sure Tom can't wait to see you. Everyone tells him your his biggest fan (well loudest anyways) He could only hear you yelling last year... |
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Post by James Battles on Dec 1, 2008 0:37:05 GMT -5
wait for me! hehehe yeah I am sitting at home but I think after several brainfarts and it being 1133 pm cst that I will be on the plane in the morning. I should arrive in your illustrious location about 530-6pm BFE time  I have only stories from this end. I had to run out and write a transfer bond at 8pm tonight up in the north county while my wife and I were trying to put everything in the bag. It weighed 48 pounds. Anyway I got cheese crackers and stuff ...... I am out . On the morrow. |
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Post by Todd Smiley on Dec 1, 2008 0:39:18 GMT -5
wait for me! hehehe yeah I am sitting at home but I think after several brainfarts and it being 1133 pm cst that I will be on the plane in the morning. I should arrive in your illustrious location about 530-6pm BFE time I have only stories from this end. I had to run out and write a transfer bond at 8pm tonight up in the north county while my wife and I were trying to put everything in the bag. It weighed 48 pounds. Anyway I got cheese crackers and stuff ...... I am out . On the morrow. James if you need a pickup We will be more than happy to accomidate you , email me your flight info and times TMSmiley@cox.net it is about a 12 min drive from airport to hotel Hannel comes in at 230pm |
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Post by James Battles on Dec 1, 2008 0:53:11 GMT -5
Cool see yall tomorrow although I may have to pay keith Koenig unless there are others because the wife already gave him my iteniary. The flight arrives at 530pm I think the flight was 2480 ro something like that. Anyway we will see how that works. I will still have to set them up to get Dwayne and I back to the airport on the return early sunday but hey it always pays to have backup. I am gonna send you a pm in a second. You will laugh when you read it . Just wait big surprises |
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Post by Casey Martin on Dec 1, 2008 1:29:32 GMT -5
Todd I was very excited last year as it was my first year attending... I am pretty sure I yelled as loud as possible for everyone. I can say that I wish when I was his age I was as dominate as he is. I am ready to yell for everyone this year again!!!
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Post by Todd Smiley on Dec 1, 2008 1:33:33 GMT -5
I know how you feel, I am just as excited for you guys, and I dont even get to pull..
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