2012 Ouray caravan from the upper midwest?

[Niedhogg]

Originally Posted by derf

I've been doing some thinking about my trip out and back. I know, very dangerous. I've thought about skipping the interstates, at least on the way out. And maybe just for parts of the trip.

My thinking is that I've done that I-80 trip from Iowa through Nebraska twice already in my life. Maybe taking a different route out there would make it a little more interesting. It might be fun to limit my route to US highways so I can see parts of America I haven't already seen.

I'll probably just jump on the interstates for the trip home since I'll probably be anxious to get that part of the trip out of the way. But maybe having a more scenic route out there could be fun.

Would anyone feel like joining me for that kind of convoy?

I think that would be pretty cool, interstates are over rated anyway and I've done that route west before and it's pretty boring.. If we were able to go, backroads would be what I would prefer when possible, especially if the time allows.. My in-laws are in Wichita, Ks., and we'd probably include that in either the trip out or back. I just google mapped it back from Ouray, through Wichita, and it looks like an interesting route, the only interstate is I-35 from Wichita, to the north the last 500 miles. We'd probably join the caravan in Des Moines, and follow the leader from there on the way out.

[HOOT]

Rt 50 across the states looks like a possibility to me from KY.I can pick it up just 6 miles from my house and it leads you right to Montrose which is only 50 miles north of Ouray. I've never braved it off interstate through KS before. I have done Southern MO and across OK panhandle before so it can't be much worse just more arid.
I'll be at Ouray by Sunday if all goes well. So if there are any others leaving that early lets meet up. So far there are 2 of us convoying out. Our route is not set yet.

[jsinajeep]

Originally Posted by HOOT

Rt 50 across the states looks like a possibility to me from KY.I can pick it up just 6 miles from my house and it leads you right to Montrose which is only 50 miles north of Ouray. I've never braved it off interstate through KS before. I have done Southern MO and across OK panhandle before so it can't be much worse just more arid.
I'll be at Ouray by Sunday if all goes well. So if there are any others leaving that early lets meet up. So far there are 2 of us convoying out. Our route is not set yet.

Hoot, that look like a interesting route. I might try that one going back to Ind. one of these time.

[Retro93]

Hoot.... I want to be in Ouray on Sunday as well. Not too sure about making a run on a route other than the Interstate. However, running together makes sense too. There is safety in numbers.

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by jsinajeep

Hoot, that look like a interesting route. I might try that one going back to Ind. one of these time.

You need to come visit when you come back to IN.

[Hutcho]

haven't looked at our route yet, but will either be leaving from neosho, mo or parsons, ks and also trying to be there sunday I will have to check out the routes a bit but might be able to join y'all for the convoy...

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by Retro93

Hoot.... I want to be in Ouray on Sunday as well. Not too sure about making a run on a route other than the Interstate. However, running together makes sense too. There is safety in numbers.

The interstate is a barren waste land and You'll probably find more along RT.50. Running slower as opposed to 75/80 on the highway will help on fuel also. I made good time doing all backroads a few years back. I like frequent stops to relieve the mundane drive. There may come a time to hit the interstate, I have no problem with that..We can always do another route also, I picked this one because I can pick it up here at the house and follow it to almost where I'm going. That and I've never done it like this before although I have done sections of it before here locally and out there from Co.Springs on.

We can get a list of people along the route just in case something big happens. That list also gives a great peace of mind when in "no mans land". I also have AAA+RV.

[jsinajeep]

Originally Posted by HOOT

You need to come visit when you come back to IN.

That will be my plan and going on down to see haftrack family also.

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by jsinajeep

That will be my plan and going on down to see haftrack family also.

Let us know ahead of time if possible. Maybe we can make a get together out of it while your here. We have been talking of doing a campout at Jakes place.

Go to the plain states or midwest section and look for the Covered bridge meet. Maybe you can join us on it this fall.

[jsinajeep]

Originally Posted by HOOT

Let us know ahead of time if possible. Maybe we can make a get together out of it while your here. We have been talking of doing a campout at Jakes place.

Go to the plain states or midwest section and look for the Covered bridge meet. Maybe you can join us on it this fall.

Not ssure about this year yet.

[Niedhogg]

Originally Posted by HOOT

Rt 50 across the states looks like a possibility to me from KY.I can pick it up just 6 miles from my house and it leads you right to Montrose which is only 50 miles north of Ouray. I've never braved it off interstate through KS before. I have done Southern MO and across OK panhandle before so it can't be much worse just more arid.
I'll be at Ouray by Sunday if all goes well. So if there are any others leaving that early lets meet up. So far there are 2 of us convoying out. Our route is not set yet.

I think route 50 would be an awesome drive! If I'm able to go, that's they way I'm going. I've worked all over this country and there is nothing like seeing it from the back roads, and seeing small town America. And what could be better than a caravan of FSJs, winding through those backroads and small towns? Besides, it would be a lot less stressful on on our classic trucks which were designed and built during the era of 55 mph maximum speed limits.

[derf]

I've got a rough draft of a route drawn up.

From eastern IA, head west on US-30 through to Nebraska.

Catch US-281 south out of Grand Island across the interstate to Hastings.

Head west on US-6 to just past Culbertson where I'd pick up US-34 west into Colorado

Just into Colorado, duck down US-385 to pick up US-36 west.

I'd take 36 to where it picks up I-70 and head into Denver to stop off and visit my cousin for the night.

From Denver I'd pick up US-285 down to Poncha Springs.

From Poncha Springs, I'd pick up US-50 out to Montrose and then down US-550 into Ouray.

Google maps says that's 1120 miles give or take. I'm still thinking I'd want to get into Nebraska on Sunday night so I can get into Denver with some time to hang out with my cousin Monday night. Tuesday I'd have the whole day to get through the mountains to Ouray. 3 liesurely days of taking easy highways would be very relaxing I think.

[Niedhogg]

Originally Posted by derf

I've got a rough draft of a route drawn up.

From eastern IA, head west on US-30 through to Nebraska.

Catch US-281 south out of Grand Island across the interstate to Hastings.

Head west on US-6 to just past Culbertson where I'd pick up US-34 west into Colorado

Just into Colorado, duck down US-385 to pick up US-36 west.

I'd take 36 to where it picks up I-70 and head into Denver to stop off and visit my cousin for the night.

From Denver I'd pick up US-285 down to Poncha Springs.

From Poncha Springs, I'd pick up US-50 out to Montrose and then down US-550 into Ouray.

Google maps says that's 1120 miles give or take. I'm still thinking I'd want to get into Nebraska on Sunday night so I can get into Denver with some time to hang out with my cousin Monday night. Tuesday I'd have the whole day to get through the mountains to Ouray. 3 liesurely days of taking easy highways would be very relaxing I think.

Hmmm... I actually have a good friend in Loveland, I bet my wife and I could stay there while you hang with your cousin.. Your route could work out for the trip out, and then my wife and I could run route 50 back through Ks., and visit her parents before we head home.. Definately one option..

[derf]

Originally Posted by Niedhogg

Hmmm... I actually have a good friend in Loveland, I bet my wife and I could stay there while you hang with your cousin.. Your route could work out for the trip out, and then my wife and I could run route 50 back through Ks., and visit her parents before we head home.. Definately one option..

I was thinking that after the whole weekend, I may just want to burn the trip home on the interstate to get it out of the way. That's a lot of driving for the whole week. I figure I can get from Ouray into Nebraska in one day and then on home the next.

[j2sax]

I like the Interstates as it is so lightly traveled you can do 60 if you need to. Whoever, mentioned that services are few and far between was RIGHT though... if your gas light comes on stop at the first station you see even if it's $10 a gallon as you might not see another station for AWHILE! I like the "I-Exit" app for Android and Ipod/phones. It will track all the services available at upcoming exits and tells you how far you are from them.

Highway 50 takes a LONG time and, if you have the extra time, is a pleasant drive... but at some point you just want to get there! I won't be coming out that early, but look forward to seeing you guys there!

[grand_wag_85]

Originally Posted by j2sax

I like the "I-Exit" app for Android and Ipod/phones. It will track all the services available at upcoming exits and tells you how far you are from them.

If you're like me and don't do the whole smart phone thing they sell paperback truck stop and exit guides for RV'ers. They cover the interstates really well along with the heavily traveled state and US routes. Sure has saved my bacon once or twice!

[COLOFIREMAN]

Derf,
If your plan is to come through there...I would be willing to meet with you. PM me your contact info

[derf]

Where in the "Mountains of Colorado" are you?

[Niedhogg]

Originally Posted by derf

Where in the "Mountains of Colorado" are you?

LOL, That was my first thought...

[TINMAN93]

We're heading out Sunday from Bella Vista AR via 71 right by Neosho then taking 400 west to Pueblo and then south to Ouray.
We're staying with family along the way to split the drive so most of the drive up will be Monday, then leaving Saturday the 21st stopping again halfway before getting home Sunday.
Tinman

Originally Posted by Hutcho

We will we coming from neosho, mo no clue on what route haven't thought that far ahead yet. But also leaving the Saturday before and staying all week probably leave the next Saturday...sorry bout lack of dates but I'm not near my Calender and too lazy to get out of typing this and look LOL! Would be really cool to have a convoy of Fsjs! You could see the leaks and smoke from space! Lol