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CALIFORNIA BOUND


Flyingbadgers2001

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Like the Willie Nelson song goes, "On the road again." I left Wisconsin on the 14th at 7PM and with a topped off tank of 93 octane and with a clean bill of health from the local Ford dealership after they did the oil change the day before. The weather in Racine was a perfect. That perfect Fall October weather where the air is brisk with a just slight breeze to russel all the yellow and oranges leaves off the branches of the two large trees in my front yard. As I was backing out of the driveway with both windows down, Like out of Forrest Gump script a leaf descended off one of my trees right into my passenger side window and place itself in my cup holder. OK, As I got on the Interstate I tuned in the Frank Sinatra channel on my Sirius/XM radio and Ray Charles began singing "California here I come." So I jammed the Shaker 1000 as loud as I could as I headed West. Perhaps these were good omens? For the most part the first 10 hours were non eventful. Iowa and Nebraska was just me and the truckers with an occasional dodging of road kill and shredded semi truck tires. I had to stop and catch some Z's at a rest stop somewhere just as I the sun was rising from behind me. Woke up around 9AM and fired up Trigger and continued West towards C Springs. Ever notice when driving your Shelby on the freeway you get other folks in their cars hanging back in your blind spot the other lanes checking out your ride? I do enjoy the attention but at times it becomes a burden. Especially when the lane your in is slow and you want to make a lane change but the admires or haters are just in a bad spot for you to make a safe lane change. I think I've seen the Allstate Mayhem dude in my side mirrors tell me "I was good!" a few times today. It's a damn good thing I paid him no mind. The last time I made this trip in Feb 2008, I was with my Dad and Ms Magoo (Pug). Now I am going solo this time. I miss the company, but I don't miss having to pull over every 100 miles. No, not because my dog had to go her business. Because my Dad always had to do his. Also he could only drive about 100 miles before he started to doze off behind the wheel. Ms Magoo could probably have done a better job. As for cops, I did not see one State Trooper in Iowa and saw 2 in Nebraska. But it's a regular Policeman's' Ball on the highways in Colorado. As I got close to my destination I saw all kinds of Mustangs. I even saw a 06 Shelby Hertz and a 2011 GT500 separated by 30 minutes. They love their Mustangs here in Colorado and with the weather in the 80's today, it was a great day to take the Stang out for a cruise. As for the family, they have no idea I am on my way to surprise them in So Cal. Tomorrow next stop, Golden, Co. -FB

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Cross country road trips are great when you can take your time. Good luck Mon. :)

 

 

I'll be heading the other direction on Oct 27th. Heading from New Mexico to Maryland. With a stopover in Houston to visit my brother.

After Houston it will be a 2 day trip (long days though).

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Drive safe and enjoy. If you make it north to Monterey area during your trip, PM me.

 

 

 

My brother-in-law and his wife just transfered out there from Germany. He took a job at the NPGS in Monterey.

 

He was born/raised in Monterey so he's "back home" now. They rented a really nice looking place in Marina.

 

My wife was raised there but born in NY. I grew up in Pacific Grove (PGHS Co'73) so that area is "home" for me too. Man, I sure do miss it out there. Still have a son in Salinas and my mom is in a nursing home in Monterey so I get back there as much as I can.

 

One day, I'll drive the Shelby out there but my son advised me NOT to do it if I'm staying with him in Salinas. They live on Iris St. in Salinas which is a short-cut from Main St. to Laurel so the traffic is HEAVY and he says it'll likely get vandalized. But now that my B-I-L is in Marina, and has a garage....HMMMMMMMM.

 

Enjoy it out there. You don't know what you've got until you get away from it!

 

For the OP, that area is THE greatest part of The Coast Highway (Hwy. 1 / Pacific Coast Highway / "PCH" (further south) from about Marina down (through Big Sur) to Cambria/Hearst Castle to where it turns inland then back out by Pt. Magoo. It's almost matched with a stretch further north up by Ft. Bragg/Mendocino but that is a much shorter length along the coast then the Big Sur Coastline. But the benefit of the north section is that you can hit it via "The Avenue of The Redwoods" (the Giant Redwoods) which is another spectacular stretch of Hwy. 1 (actually, getting TO hwy. 1).

 

It's a drive WELL worth taking....

 

 

Phill Pollard

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Like the Willie Nelson song goes, "On the road again." I left Wisconsin on the 14th at 7PM and with a topped off tank of 93 octane and with a clean bill of health from the local Ford dealership after they did the oil change the day before. The weather in Racine was a perfect. That perfect Fall October weather where the air is brisk with a just slight breeze to russel all the yellow and oranges leaves off the branches of the two large trees in my front yard. As I was backing out of the driveway with both windows down, Like out of Forrest Gump script a leaf descended off one of my trees right into my passenger side window and place itself in my cup holder. OK, As I got on the Interstate I tuned in the Frank Sinatra channel on my Sirius/XM radio and Ray Charles began singing "California here I come." So I jammed the Shaker 1000 as loud as I could as I headed West. Perhaps these were good omens? For the most part the first 10 hours were non eventful. Iowa and Nebraska was just me and the truckers with an occasional dodging of road kill and shredded semi truck tires. I had to stop and catch some Z's at a rest stop somewhere just as I the sun was rising from behind me. Woke up around 9AM and fired up Trigger and continued West towards C Springs. Ever notice when driving your Shelby on the freeway you get other folks in their cars hanging back in your blind spot the other lanes checking out your ride? I do enjoy the attention but at times it becomes a burden. Especially when the lane your in is slow and you want to make a lane change but the admires or haters are just in a bad spot for you to make a safe lane change. I think I've seen the Allstate Mayhem dude in my side mirrors tell me "I was good!" a few times today. It's a damn good thing I paid him no mind. The last time I made this trip in Feb 2008, I was with my Dad and Ms Magoo (Pug). Now I am going solo this time. I miss the company, but I don't miss having to pull over every 100 miles. No, not because my dog had to go her business. Because my Dad always had to do his. Also he could only drive about 100 miles before he started to doze off behind the wheel. Ms Magoo could probably have done a better job. As for cops, I did not see one State Trooper in Iowa and saw 2 in Nebraska. But it's a regular Policeman's' Ball on the highways in Colorado. As I got close to my destination I saw all kinds of Mustangs. I even saw a 06 Shelby Hertz and a 2011 GT500 separated by 30 minutes. They love their Mustangs here in Colorado and with the weather in the 80's today, it was a great day to take the Stang out for a cruise. As for the family, they have no idea I am on my way to surprise them in So Cal. Tomorrow next stop, Golden, Co. -FB

 

 

 

Great post. Driving Shelbys is so much more fun than just looking at them. I just passed 60,000 miles on my SGT and am getting ready to go from Florida to Arkansas on Friday. The best road trip I've ever taken was when I picked up my GT-H at Shelby in Las Vegas and drove it all the way (over 33 hours) back to central Florida. Track 'em, drive 'em, and enjoy. regards, Larry

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Made it to Vegas. Woot! (Nellis AFB) Going to get some shut eye and get back to all in the morning. Laters, FB

 

 

If you are taking the 15 south then you will be heading through my home town. Barstow CA. Have a safe trip, if you head to the central coast hit me up.

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If you are taking the 15 south then you will be heading through my home town. Barstow CA. Have a safe trip, if you head to the central coast hit me up.

 

Hey there 0201212,

 

I travel to Santa Maria quite frequently to do consulting work for Catholic Healthcare West. When I was down there a couple of months back I was cruising around SM and I saw a Grabber Orange SGT. Was that you by any chance?

 

Dana

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Well, the trip to Shelby HQ was great! I got there early and spent some $$$ in the gift shop. Then did the tour that was given by Jeremy and Tim. There was a good sized crowd who came to the tour, there were folks from all over the U.S. including, Denmark, Luxembourg and even Israel. We went into the factory floor and those boys in the garage were busy. I saw CSX 4000 in a black with silver stripes being built that was just freakin awesome! I had a few moments to talk to Jeremy who has been with Shelby since 06. I picked his brain for a bit. We covered topics like, hood scoops, Baer brakes, rear fascias issues, strut tower brace and superchargers. We even looked under the hood of my Shelby GT to see if he left his "secret" mark on my car as it was being built. It turns out he did not build CSM #1967. I had the only Shelby parked in front of the museum/HQ building and after the tour ended everyone went outside and was taking pictures of it. So I decided to let people sit behind the wheel as their friends and family took pictures of them. The folks from Denmark were freaking out. One Danish girl was just so excited to sit the drivers seat I thought she was going to cry for a second. The couple from Luxembourg took pictures of my SGT from every angle possible. I spent about 4 hours there. I spent 2 hours washing my SGT this morning after all that driving down from Colorado the day before. I had quite a bug collection that would rival the Smithsonian Institution bug collection in D.C. The trip down from CO was overcast with early showers. I was watching the weather that morning and found out the pass through the mountains had some snow. So my only way to Nevada was to head due South to New Mexico and then take I-40 to Hwy 93 to LV. It added 3hours and 240 miles to my trip, but the weather was beautiful. I saw a few IZOD Indy racing team semi trucks heading on I-40 Eastbound. I watched the horrible carnage unfold on T.V. back in the hotel room in Denver. I wonder if the Indy cars will race again at LV speedway? I did see another GT500 going the other way and a 67 or a 68 Mustang. The is nothing like a sunset in the American Southwest. The colors of red, orange, yellow mesh with the clear deep dark blue sky silhouetted by purple plateaus of the desert is breathtaking. This is what taking a road trip is all about. I The winds were really strong in some areas and I have to admit I killed a tumbleweed. I could not avoid it. That sucker came out of nowhere and my front passenger side tagged it. I was a little miffed. But when I stopped for gas a few miles down I saw no damage or scratches. Whew! Of course this is the downside to road trips, Mr tumbleweed and road debris and yes, mother nature. But in all, so far so good. Having fun and can't wait to get to Cali. -FB

 

 

P.S. In-n-Out Burgers!!!! YUUUUUUUMMMMM!!!!!!!

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Sounds like you're having a blast. Last two times I was at Nellis I could see the factory from "afar" but not enough ground time to get over to it. Done a couple of 500 miler's in my Shelby but I hadn't been (driven) out west since the mid-90's. Had a 5.0 LX Mustang last time there and loved the open stretches of road in OK, West TX, and NM. Had to learn to drive again once I reached the crowed east coast traffic again (LOL).

 

What kind of fuel consumption you getting? Had a chance in those open spaces to check the "Max Mach number attainable" in the Shelby? You know, without incriminating yourself (LOL). Be safe, have fun and keep checking six for bogie's. :shift:

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A couple of more pics. In-n-Out. The best!

 

gallery_12648_1267_39137.jpg

tn_gallery_12648_1267_42012.jpg

 

 

The first one you run across going from Denver to Cali is in St. George Utah! I stop there every time I head out there.

 

Than again in Vegas the next day. Our first stop is in Mesquite NV at The Virgin River Inn ($29.00 a night & "pet friendly") so I can get dinner in St. George and lunch in LV and again at my final destination, Salinas CA!

 

I LOVE IN-N-OUT BURGERS!!!

 

 

Phill (I'd DIE for one right now)

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My brother-in-law and his wife just transfered out there from Germany. He took a job at the NPGS in Monterey.

 

He was born/raised in Monterey so he's "back home" now. They rented a really nice looking place in Marina.

 

My wife was raised there but born in NY. I grew up in Pacific Grove (PGHS Co'73) so that area is "home" for me too. Man, I sure do miss it out there. Still have a son in Salinas and my mom is in a nursing home in Monterey so I get back there as much as I can.

 

One day, I'll drive the Shelby out there but my son advised me NOT to do it if I'm staying with him in Salinas. They live on Iris St. in Salinas which is a short-cut from Main St. to Laurel so the traffic is HEAVY and he says it'll likely get vandalized. But now that my B-I-L is in Marina, and has a garage....HMMMMMMMM.

 

Enjoy it out there. You don't know what you've got until you get away from it!

 

For the OP, that area is THE greatest part of The Coast Highway (Hwy. 1 / Pacific Coast Highway / "PCH" (further south) from about Marina down (through Big Sur) to Cambria/Hearst Castle to where it turns inland then back out by Pt. Magoo. It's almost matched with a stretch further north up by Ft. Bragg/Mendocino but that is a much shorter length along the coast then the Big Sur Coastline. But the benefit of the north section is that you can hit it via "The Avenue of The Redwoods" (the Giant Redwoods) which is another spectacular stretch of Hwy. 1 (actually, getting TO hwy. 1).

 

It's a drive WELL worth taking....

 

 

Phill Pollard

 

 

 

Phill, I live in Marina so if you visit your family look me up. Always enjoy meeting TS & Shelby fans.

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Phill, I live in Marina so if you visit your family look me up. Always enjoy meeting TS & Shelby fans.

 

 

Harald,

 

I was in your neck of the woods today for a meeting at MBA concerning their future Jellies display, but had to make it quick. Back again in December.

 

Jim

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Hey there 0201212,

 

I travel to Santa Maria quite frequently to do consulting work for Catholic Healthcare West. When I was down there a couple of months back I was cruising around SM and I saw a Grabber Orange SGT. Was that you by any chance?

 

Dana

 

 

 

Was not me. I drive a red without top stripes. She is normally in the garage on Vandenburg AFB where I live. Don't want to park her in a mall parking lot. Next time you come to sm hit me up.

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A couple of more pics. In-n-Out. The best!

 

gallery_12648_1267_39137.jpg

tn_gallery_12648_1267_42012.jpg

 

 

You better believe it!

I get grouchy if I don't get my weekly 3X3 with onions!

 

Jer

 

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I was in your neck of the woods today for a meeting at MBA concerning their future Jellies display, but had to make it quick. Back again in December.

 

 

I heard they just took OUT the Jellies display. And the open water tank too.

 

They had a VERY impressive Jelly display before so what's going in now?

 

I was a Charter Member before moving away. I LOVE the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

 

 

Phill Pollard - Co. Springs, CO

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Stop over in Colorado Springs, CO The weather was in the 80's

 

 

Well CRUD!

 

You probably drove right past my house to get to/from Pete (depending on which gate you took). You probably took Platte (24) to Pete, just a coule of miles north of my house.

 

I live just off of Powers, between Hancock Expy. and Milton E. Proby. I look out at the entrance to CoS Airport and as I said in a comment one your pic, watch the Military Jets take-off and land from my back windows and/or porch.

 

Would'a been great to hook-up and meet.

 

 

Oh well,

Phill Pollard - Co. Springs, CO

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I heard they just took OUT the Jellies display. And the open water tank too.

 

They had a VERY impressive Jelly display before so what's going in now?

 

I was a Charter Member before moving away. I LOVE the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

 

 

Phill Pollard - Co. Springs, CO

 

 

Phill,

 

Next March the MBA will open an entire wing for Jellies just left (north) of the massive Outer Bay window/tank. From what I can tell, if you thought they had a great JD before... this one will be Jellies on steroids!

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CALIFORNIA...... I guess there is a reason why they still call this place the Wild Wild West. Don't get me wrong, I was born and raised in So Cal. But wholly @%$^ people are freaking crazy drivers over here. For instance I was on the 91 around 8:45 PM heading towards O.C. Traffic was light and moving quite well, I was behind a Challenger in the fast lane when bang! He lit up his brake lights and man I pushed the pedal to those 6P Baers as hard as I could. Traffic came to a complete stop. All I could think about was getting rear-ended at 70 MPH by Chico and the Man. As the Challenger slowly negotiated around the stopped vehicle in front of him I followed and do my dismay I saw a passenger of a Nissan which had stopped in the fast lane get out of his car to examine a flat tire! And then came the tire screeches from behind me as more traffic started to bear down on the commotion. Like Elwood Blues of the Blues Brothers says, "Oh Lady of blessed acceleration, Don't fail me now!" and once again I put the spurs to Trigger my trusted mount and gunned it out of there. I mean who gets out of there cars in the middle of the night on a busy freeway? That's just foolish. Death Race 2011, now playing at a California freeway near you. Ironically a few days before the CHP had a fire fight with some nut job on the same freeway not far from where I was. Still, I suppose this could of happened anywhere. Anyways, I thought I would share that exciting moment with you guys. To all the California Shelby owners, You guys are excluded from the crazy drivers list. You guys are on the Crazier than Coo Coo Puffs lists! LOL! - FB

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I guess I fit the crazier then coo coo puffs discription!!! I actully forgot how bad drivers where in Cali till I move back this summer. I was gone from the state for 15 years! Any chance you are coming up the 101 at all? If you do I am now living on Vandenberg. We met last year in SC at pro-dyno.

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