Northend Headcount...
#152
Chuckanut drive is awesome (if you can hit it without RV's or sedans) but a little on the short side considering the distance from seattle-metro.
If you have a navigator, you can string together a great set of roads to traverse the length of Whidbey Island. I tried it without a navigator (nav software on the laptop just doesn't cut it) and missed way too many road changes, and spent too much attention on keeping on track to enjoy the driving.
Mt Baker Highway is good, but the RX-8's suspension is a little too sophisticated for it. The road quality makes it better for bouncing around curves than carving them.
High Bridge Road is about the best local run on the north-end, though there are some great twisty's Ben Howard (South of Monroe to the west end of Sultan).
Jones Rd - Sweeny Rd between Issaquah and Renton is fun, but there are some residential areas that make you behave.
Now that I'm almost caught up on my bills I'll be dumping way too much money into my gas tank so I can go out exploring, logging the GPS Track Files, and doing write ups like you'll find at the link in my Sig.
I've actually got quite a bit to upload, but I'm reworking my site and want to launch the new format all at once.
If you have a navigator, you can string together a great set of roads to traverse the length of Whidbey Island. I tried it without a navigator (nav software on the laptop just doesn't cut it) and missed way too many road changes, and spent too much attention on keeping on track to enjoy the driving.
Mt Baker Highway is good, but the RX-8's suspension is a little too sophisticated for it. The road quality makes it better for bouncing around curves than carving them.
High Bridge Road is about the best local run on the north-end, though there are some great twisty's Ben Howard (South of Monroe to the west end of Sultan).
Jones Rd - Sweeny Rd between Issaquah and Renton is fun, but there are some residential areas that make you behave.
Now that I'm almost caught up on my bills I'll be dumping way too much money into my gas tank so I can go out exploring, logging the GPS Track Files, and doing write ups like you'll find at the link in my Sig.
I've actually got quite a bit to upload, but I'm reworking my site and want to launch the new format all at once.
#153
The only problem with High Bridge Road is that there is often a cop hiding somewhere. On a nice day the road is full of motorcycles and fast cars. The last little blast on Elliot road between Connelly Road and Broadway Ave is a great place to show people how the 8 handles, and there's really not really anyplace for a speed trap. It's only about 2 miles from my house, so I like to run over and do a quick run on my way home from work.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...11406,0.038924
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...11406,0.038924
#155
Jingle Ballzzzz!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 15
From: Renton, WA, USA, No. Am, Planet Earth
Originally Posted by kristopher_d
you can string together a great set of roads to traverse the length of Whidbey Island.
We did that today, but then went back to Stanwood for pizza (Jimmy J's - VERY good pizza), did the Camano Island loop and came home. Unfortunately we were in my brother's Fusion, not my 8! Saw a couple of cops, but not many. There was a herd of about 15 Miata's heading into La Conner again today on the twisty part, so must be a popular cruise route (same place I saw all the other car clubs a couple of weekends ago).
Oh yeah, saw a silver 8 in the marina parking lot - license plate "SAIL N".
#157
Jingle Ballzzzz!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 15
From: Renton, WA, USA, No. Am, Planet Earth
Originally Posted by sharkman
Awesome, if you all decide to do a meet in whidbey, i'm totally for it (since i live in WI)
We could start the trip from Alderwood, then meet up with you guys someplace up north, do the twisty route, eat, and head back.
Anyone interested?
#159
Originally Posted by kristopher_d
Now that I'm almost caught up on my bills I'll be dumping way too much money into my gas tank so I can go out exploring, logging the GPS Track Files, and doing write ups like you'll find at the link in my Sig.
#161
Wenathcee
Hey all, just got home a bit ago from Wenatchee. It was a pretty good time. Only my 8 and 2 others but it was fun. Lots of Gen I.II, and some nice III. Got a speeding ticket on the way in. 72 in a 60. That reall sucks! The price I pay for the look and speed of the RX-8. Had lots of people lookn at the 8's. I will keep watching to see what you all put together for around Western WA. I am in Gig Harbor. Later all
#163
Jingle Ballzzzz!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 15
From: Renton, WA, USA, No. Am, Planet Earth
Originally Posted by FABRO
Anyone feel like having a meet soon? The weather is so nice for pictures.
I proposed a Whidbey-area trip back on the 6th... Any other ideas?
#164
Yup, I don't got any weekend days off in May. I guess we could try for early June or maybe on a random monday or tuesday since those will be my days off. Whidbey sounds like fun, let me know when and where to meet and I'll check my schedule.
Originally Posted by 05TiGr8Lady
FABRO - You were reading my mind! Do you still have to work all of May? When were you thinking you could do it?
I proposed a Whidbey-area trip back on the 6th... Any other ideas?
I proposed a Whidbey-area trip back on the 6th... Any other ideas?
#165
YEAH!! Whidbey!! Only cause I live right there. There is about 9 RX8 on this island alone, but I only talk to one of them. I'm sure sharkman can make it this time if it's in whidbey.
I say we have it on June 11. I have a project in the making that I want to get done first. =)
I say we have it on June 11. I have a project in the making that I want to get done first. =)
#166
Originally Posted by FABRO
Yup, I don't got any weekend days off in May. I guess we could try for early June or maybe on a random monday or tuesday since those will be my days off. Whidbey sounds like fun, let me know when and where to meet and I'll check my schedule.
#167
Jingle Ballzzzz!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 15
From: Renton, WA, USA, No. Am, Planet Earth
Originally Posted by Sopheak.Reach
YEAH!! Whidbey!! Only cause I live right there. There is about 9 RX8 on this island alone, but I only talk to one of them. I'm sure sharkman can make it this time if it's in whidbey.
I say we have it on June 11. I have a project in the making that I want to get done first. =)
I say we have it on June 11. I have a project in the making that I want to get done first. =)
Do you think you and Sharkman (if he sees this) and/or kristopher d could put a route together? I threw out a few ideas earlier based on what I've done, but since you and Sharkman live up there, I'm sure you know the best roads and places to eat (if people want to do that too - I know I would). Kristopher has his maps and stuff... Whaddya think?
Howz June 11th for others?
#168
I don't think we'll be able to find good parking at deception pass if we decide to take pictures there. Especially on a Sunny Sunday. I'll try to scope out some good places for us to take pics.
There is an Applebees in Oak Harbor that we can probably eat at. Unless everyone wants to meet somewhere in Burlington or Mt.Vernon to eat first before the drive.
There is an Applebees in Oak Harbor that we can probably eat at. Unless everyone wants to meet somewhere in Burlington or Mt.Vernon to eat first before the drive.
#169
Originally Posted by Sopheak.Reach
YEAH!! Whidbey!! Only cause I live right there. There is about 9 RX8 on this island alone, but I only talk to one of them. I'm sure sharkman can make it this time if it's in whidbey.
I say we have it on June 11. I have a project in the making that I want to get done first. =)
I say we have it on June 11. I have a project in the making that I want to get done first. =)
#171
Haha..sure..I'll have to have a full tank cause I know everyone is going to want to drive it.
Originally Posted by FABRO
oh, I can't wait. I got first dibs driving your car I'll put in my request form to get June 11 off.
#173
Jingle Ballzzzz!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 15
From: Renton, WA, USA, No. Am, Planet Earth
Originally Posted by kristopher_d
Like I've said before, the Whidbey run really requires a navigator, but I'm down for any drive nearly any time.