CMEP RALLY....Are we getting ready????

[mwilson]

Buying supplies, detailing the truck. We are heading out early Monday morning. Wife even washed up the arm sling for me.....



How are the rest of you doing???



Mike.

 

[JR]

If I didnt have family coming from Wyoming I would definitely be in. Hopefully there is another rally in TDR's future. Looking forward to some pictures!

 

[Shadrach]

I "hope" I am all finished doing repairs/mods. My belt was squeaking so I replaced it only to throw and destroy the new one that same night. The grooves didn't look deep enough compared to the old one. Since I have a Kilby on board compressor my belt is shorter than stock. Tonight I installed another new one. I also bought another one for a spare.

Hopefully my new pyro probe ( thermocouple ) arrives tomorrow. I ordered it 2 weeks ago. When I changed my exhaust manifold it had 1/8 NPT holes in it and I had drilled my stock one for 1/4". Now I just have to clean the camper and pack, etc...

I too am leaving Monday as it is a 3 day drive for me. See you there

It looks like it is going to be warm ( at least by my standards ) Shad

 

[Jim W]

I might be able to get the truck detailed if it stops raining long enough. This may happen by Saturday; all we have to do to get ready is load the 5er up with food and clothes. We will be in there Tuesday night actually around 3:30 to 4:00 PM all set up and waiting for the others campers to arrive.

Jim W.

 

[mwilson]

Yes, I am trying to get mine spiffed up as well. The weather has been terrible so I am trying to do 4 days of stuff in 2 days. Plus doing most of the work one-handed... .



We do have most of our gear and dry food lined up in the garage ready to go. My wife has been a great help as always, even sewed my TDR patch to the arm sling last night.....

Probably glad to get rid of me for a week... .



Early Monday departure, overnight in Erie, Pa. . . Arrive in Columbus Tuesday afternoon.



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

Heading out at Midnite, almost packed and loaded.



Changed stop over to Dunkirk, NY. Saved $15. 00 on a room by staying in Dunkirk rather than Erie, Pa. from the same chain. Why not... ... .



Have i-pad with 3G, will check in as I get bored with the Thruway...



Mike.

 

[EDankievitch]

Oil has been changed, New gauages installed, even snuck in a Banks cat back kit just for the bling factor. Leaving on Wed am. I'm bringing some filters and the front unit bearing units that I took out of my 2012 at less than 1,000 miles if some one can use them... See ya in a few days.

 

[mwilson]

Almost to Springfield Mass on I-90, pouring rain. So much for washing the truck. #@$%!



Should be clear of it by Albany from the looks of it on Weather.com.



Mike.

 

[Jim W]

According to WGN Weather (local station in Chicago) it is to rain Wednesday, Thursday, sunny on Friday and Saturday in Columbus IN. Oh well we will see what happens with the rain, the weather always changes in the Chicago area due to the Great Lakes. See you there at CEMP. BTW WGN is a local station in Chicago but more accurate than the Weather channel.

Jim W.

 

[TDRComm]

The TDR crew is loaded up and putting together the last few things to get ready to go. Look for Robert, Tina, Wendy, Brandon and Scott at the event. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

If you have any last minute questions, you can call today. Tomorrow we're on the road.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

Still packing and working on truck..... Will be at the Clarion Wednesday night. I hope!

 

[HBarlow]

Best wishes to everyone who's going to be at the TDR rally. I'll think of you and look forward to reading about it here on the website and in the next issue of TDR magazine.

I'm prepping this week for a Trans-Canada motorcycle trip beginning next week so won't make it.

 

[mwilson]

According to WGN Weather (local station in Chicago) it is to rain Wednesday, Thursday, sunny on Friday and Saturday in Columbus IN. Oh well we will see what happens with the rain, the weather always changes in the Chicago area due to the Great Lakes. See you there at CEMP. BTW WGN is a local station in Chicago but more accurate than the Weather channel.



Jim W.

Arrived in Dunkirk, NY about 3:30pm. About 750 miles down, 500 to go tomorrow.



After we got beyond the rain a very windy cold front moved in. The wind was strong enough to cause handling issues at times. Felt bad for the Westbound trucks pulling two 53' trailers.

Temps were running in the high 60's through the night, after the rain stopped the overhead showed 60 degrees or so for the remainder of this leg. It is chilly, we have the heat on in the room.



Called home, wife said the same thing has just happened there. Rain came through and temps dropped from 78 to mid-60's in a very short time.



Seth and I packed with memories of the tremendous heat from the 2011 rally. Tonight I had rummage around in the truck and find a light jacket.....



Everyone drive safely!



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

Best wishes to everyone who's going to be at the TDR rally. I'll think of you and look forward to reading about it here on the website and in the next issue of TDR magazine.



I'm prepping this week for a Trans-Canada motorcycle trip beginning next week so won't make it.

Thanks Harvey, will get some pictures for all.



Just made a pilgrimage to Wally World for groceries and an SD card for the camera. Didn't have any spares at home, all were full of grand kid pictures .....



Mike.

 

[mwilson]

Oh Look, "Adult Superstore, Exit 61"...



You're not in Maine anymore, Dorothy... ... .....





Mike.

 

[JR]

I assume your running I 90? First exit into Ohio and hang a left and youll be in my neck of the woods in no time...

Good luck running through Cleveland, they have the entire shoreway (route 2) closed for the filming of Captain America and the traffic through downtown has been diverted to I 90. I hear it can get pretty nasty depending on what time of the day your rolling through.

 

[mwilson]

I assume your running I 90? First exit into Ohio and hang a left and youll be in my neck of the woods in no time...

Good luck running through Cleveland, they have the entire shoreway (route 2) closed for the filming of Captain America and the traffic through downtown has been diverted to I 90. I hear it can get pretty nasty depending on what time of the day your rolling through.

Don't them fools know we gots a rally to git to?.



Taking I-271 should keep us out of the midst of it, I assume?



I should have allowed more time so that we could have met up somewhere for coffee.



Mike.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I will catch a flight tomorrow at 5:30 AM. I need to learn more since I plan to order a 2014 and sell my 2004 this fall. The 2004 has been a great truck for almost 10 years, but it is time to move on. The 2013-4 seem to have a lot of factory upgrades.

 

[JR]

Hell if I know I'm just a stupid country boy! :-laf

That should keep you out of the brunt of it but I don't honestly know how much time it would add to your trip and if it would be worth it. I almost NEVER go to Cleveland and I don't know enough about the roads up there to help you out much. I heard about it on FOX 8 Cleveland, you may be able to jump on their website and find some info on the best route to get by the city. Depending on what time your running through the traffic may not be that bad, Cleveland is not huge compared to some cities. Just big enough for me to completely avoid at all costs

Shoot me a pm on your way back if you have time, and I will meet you for a lunch.

 

[TDRComm]

TDR folks have left the building and are on their way. We'll see you there.