Tomorrow I am driving the Viper from Grand Rapids, MI to San Diego, CA with a stop in Vegas. THe run from GR to Vegas will be done in one run. I have been watching the weather, and on the fly will be deciding between taking the 80 across the country and attempting the 70 through the Mountains in Colorado; or taking the safe route on the 40. Either way, I am attempting to knock at least 7 hours off Google's time to Vegas. Then spending three days in Vegas; thinking Vdara, Aria, or Encore. Finally hitting San Diego just before New Years.

In preparation for the run I have done the following:
Front tow hook
Blinder M27 Laser Jammer
4300k HID low beams
Hella H3 fog lights
routine maintenance

Other mentionables:
still rocking PS2s
V1 hardwired
iphone with trapster & google maps
handheld CB
laptop
hatch will be filled with things for the move
ipod with shitty fm transmitter
gummy bears
co-pilot - girlfriend

I will be updating pictures as we go. Unfortunately the pics on the road will be from a iPhone 3g8gb. When I get to SD, DSLR pics will be up. . . and then the car is going to need a thorough cleaning.

Nick

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I just got back from spending a few days in Kalamazoo with the girlfriends' parents (Mattawan, actually if you know the area).

I was amazed at how good the roads were. Sounds like you all have not gotten much snow this year. Wished we had taken the M5 instead of the Cube, but that would have made getting back to the east coast hard.

Good luck on your trip!

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2008 BMW M5 6-speed
Silverstone II/Indianapolis Red/Aluminum
Enhanced Audio, 20-way seats with Active Backrest, iPod, Comfort Access, Shades

So I just made it into San Diego today. I didn't want to spend the $30 to use a computer at Vdara, so there were no updates.

Left at 3pm on Sunday, December 26th.

Pulled in Nebraska, was averaging 90-100mph and was at 100 for over 35 miles. Cop gave me a written warning; then asked 1. what my license plate mean, 2. how fast I had gotten the car; finally said that I could dispose of the warning the next time I fueled up.

Made it to Denver in just under 13 hours with a stop for food, stop for pictures, along with refueling stops. Attempted a run at the I-70. . . The I-70 was dry!!!!!! Was doing 80mph up to Loveland, all going well. 10% chance of flurries for two hours and then clear all the way to UT!

Just before Loveland snow hits, hard. Over 2 inches on the road immediately. Signs light up for chains required and the tail of the Viper starts to get squirrelly going up the mountain. I see a break in the center divide wall and go for it. Went wide right and drifted through the opening to head back east. While going down the mountain, I have to figure out how to slow/stop/turn the car in this much snow while going down a 6% grade. Unfortunately before I could get a plan together the tail kicked out again, I pump the brakes & counter-steer to keep the tail in line as it sways left & right. I eventually get the car in line and am able to get it to 15mph in 3rd. We make it back down the mountain. Now it's time to head to the 25 S and go the southern route. The snow added over 7 hours of driving to the trip.

I continued to keep the pace at 85-100mph the rest of the trip. Made it to vegas in 32 hours, non-stop.

I had Valet park the car out front of Vdara. It made the 24 hour LeMons Vipers look clean.



Left Las Vegas on Thursday, December 30th at 3pm.

Traffic was bad the entire trip. I was trying to keep a constant speed of 85mph whenever I could. At one point we got off the highway an ran a desert road along the highway to avoid the traffic. Passed almost 100% of the cars in the right lane.

Overall it was a fun trip. My right calf is cramped up because of no cruise. Car was driven 32 hours straight and never gave me an issue. Averaged a little over 22mpg.

When I set up my place here I will post up the pictures from my DSLR.













Nick

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