Ni-2: 240SX National Convention Discussion

[Danio]

240SX National Convention

Who's going to be part of our caravan to the Convention? I think so far it's just me, Mike, and David.

The first event starts at about 5:00 PM on Friday, July 26. Do you guys want to start driving on early Friday morning? Or start sometime on Thursday and stay at a hotel the night before the event?

If we go on a Friday, I think we should start driving by about 8:00 AM. The bigger the group, the more people are gonna show up late, and the more pit stops we'll have to make along the way. So if we start at 8 in the morning that'll give us plenty of time to get there and check-in to the hotel. And if we end up with a lot of people, we can go in two separate caravans if that'll seem more appropriate.

If we stay at the event hotel (Holiday Inn), reservations'll need to be made before July 8. Let's try to figure out who's going and who will be staying with who before that date.

Everyone please get a 14 channel 2-way radio (those short range walkie talkies). This way we can easily talk to each other on the road. I think they're about $60 for two. Please share if you have an extra one.

Which highway do you guys prefer to take to SoCal? I think our options are 1, 101, and 5. (I've never driven to SoCal so I'm really not sure.)

[S14.5]

hey dan i think koto and jason is coming with us too! <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':eh:'>

well geting there is pretty easy and fun, the last time i remember is that you take a lonnnng freeeway that takes you all the way there with the stinky 1000's of cow on the field haha &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':hehe:'>

[BlackFox]

ok ok, you guys convinced me, i'm signing up today for the convention. Few questions.......

~Where we gonna get out cars teched at for the track?(how we do that?)
~Anyone need a helmet/ buy one?
~We all gonna split a hotel or stay at someone's place?
~What's your gas mileage for your car? (so we know how many times to stop, we should be able to make it with one fill up if your car doesnt' guzzle gas)

I say leave friday morning, 101 is much more fun to drive, some good hills and not at boring at 5 even though it does take a little longer. I drive there all the time, going through SB on the way to LA.

[BadMoJo]

I am in San Luis Obispo, which is like 4 hours south of the bay area. I am half way between LA and SF. So I wouldn't mind joining the group half way down I guess. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

[BlackFox]

That sounds good, I think we'll stop at Madonna Inn on the way down, it's nice and big, probably across the street at the McDonald's shopping center. Good place to get gas, that's where I usually stop. We'll work out times later.

Found one answer, email Alex Chang to make an appointment for your car to be teched Sat night at a hotel in Lancaster.

[BadMoJo]

I just realized I put 2 hours, where its more like 4 &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blush.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':blush:'>

BlackFox, You talkin about the Madonna Inn in San Luis...sweet! I could just meet you guys there.

As for that Tech thing goes, I heard that you can get your car tech inspected at a shop near you, you will have to call around to see who does that sort of thing, but it shouldnt be to big of a deal in the bay area. But If you can't find anything you will have to make an appointment with Alex Chang for the night before.

[BlackFox]

2 hours is about right, i takes me 3 1/2 to get to SB.

Oh, ok, So just like any shop eh... humm..... since I'm opening my car shop in a few weeks hopefully can i tech it myself &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;hehehe

[jarells13-14]

Hey all

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Well actually I'm going and bringing 2 other 240s along w/ me. &nbsp;The farm place your talking is Harris Ranch, ya it stinks there. &nbsp;5 is pretty straight and long takes me 4.5 hrs to get to L.A. going that route ( I left at 2:30 was in hollywood at 7<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>0 in traffic <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> oh ya we'll hit traffic when we get there which will suck but oh well. As far as lenght of time It all depends on how fast you drive and if you have your trusty radar dectector (went off 5 times that day I drove down there hehe) &nbsp;Nothing like detecting a cops radar, then u see him make a u turn and start coming your way only to pass you up and pull somebody else over. &nbsp;Always wanted to take 101 so I guess this could be fun. &nbsp;Also sounds like we can pick up some people on the way as well. &nbsp;

Also not sure how many people are going to willow springs that sunday but we can see if we can get a group to go S.D. to go check out the import scene if u know what I mean. &nbsp;Well ttyl , peace

Tj

[S14.5]

hey guys i think we should all service our cars before the convention for long distance reasons haha... well &nbsp;i think some of us can work on it like daniel or ben... hmm checking oil and everything? &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/notify.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':notify:'>

[pchio]

Hey guys, I have already paid for the convention, so I will be there for sure. It's a good idea that we can meet up somewhere in the BayArea and go there together. So count me in! By the way, just wondering how many ppl here in Nor Cal will run on the track? A week ago, Alex (who runs the 240sx national conventon) told me that only me has paid for the track entrance fee in Nor Cal...... So I hope those people who want to run, please paid for it ASAP, cause it only has a few slots left. As I know, there will be at least 60+ 240sx will run on the track, I really can't wait to see this happen!

-Pat

[pchio]

As for the Tech Inspection, here is the message from socal240sx.org, "If you are from out of state and cannot tech before the event, there will be an opportunity to have tech done on Saturday night by appointment only at the hotel in Lancaster. Please email Alex Chang at [email protected] to set up an appointment. If you live within 25 miles of a tech inspection shop, you MUST have your tech inspection done before the date of the event."

and there is a group buy running for the racing helmets. &nbsp;Please email Alex Chang for more information, his email address [email protected] , for a reminder, YOU CAN ONLY USE SA 95+ helmet for the track event. No motorcycle helmets are allowed.

-Pat

[BlackFox]

There's a CalTrans station near my house, it's on the way south, pretty much as far south as we can go and still be in SJ. It's a big lot and easy to find from 101 or 85. We can work details later.

I'm running on the track. (if i get one of the spots, check going out tomorrow)

Alex, your check is on the way (if you read this)

Yes, check your car, we can do that somewhere.

[Silverx240sx]

I'm from southern Oregon, and will also be running the track. &nbsp;Would you guys mind caravaning with the NorthWest Nissans 240sx members? &nbsp;Since I'm half way NorCal and the northwest, I can attend either caravan, however I think it would be cool for the northwest to meet up with the NorCal caravan. &nbsp;The northwest still has not set up a caravan, so I will inform them of this so that they may plan a NorthWestNissans/NorCal meet/caravan. &nbsp;

I'll keep y'all in touch.

TJ

[Danio]

Hey Silverx240sx TJ. How long would it take for you guys to get to the SF Bay Area?

For now, let's assume that we Bay Area people will depart on Friday morning. I originally said 8:00 AM but that's about when rush hour traffic begins. I think we should all meet at a certain spot at 6:00 AM and depart at 7:00. What do you all think?

That means that if the NorthWest people are going to meet with us, they'll either need to start driving veeery early in the morning or maybe start on Thursday instead. Either way, I don't mind if they caravan with us. (By the way, does NorthWest refer to Washington and Oregan states or Canada?)

Let's also decide on a few places where we'll rendezvous with people. The first place obviously will be in the Bay Area, where we begin. I think somewhere in San Jose would be good because it'll be on the way to SoCal, and 101 is right there. BlackFox mentioned a CalTrans station.

San Luis Obispo, at Madonna Inn, will be another rendezvous point so we can meet with BadMoJo. (We'll need to get his phone number later.)

Are we picking up anybody else along the way?

ATTENTION
If you'll be part of the caravan, please e-mail ([email protected]) S14.5 Mike the following info:
- Name
- Phone number
- Location

Here's what I got so far:

Meet time and location
6:00 AM - San Jose - CalTrans station

Departure time
7:00 AM

Route
Highway 101

Rendezvous points
1. San Jose - CalTrans station
2. San Luis Obispo :P - Madonna Inn

Destination
La Mirada - Holiday Inn (event hotel)


[Edit: Spelling error.]

[BadMoJo]

its San Luis Obispo. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>

[BlackFox]

I say the Blossom Hill exit off of 101 on Monterey Highway, It's between Bernal and Blossom Hill on Monterey. The traffic going south will not be very bad at all. North is what you have to worry about if you're in the south bay. So I think 6 is a little early. 7 is more like it, lets the people driving from far away get some more rest because it'll be a long day for them.

http://maps.yahoo.com/py....i=&ds=n

The lot is located next to the shopping center (with walmart) on the map it is to the right (south) of Ford Road.
On the map, south 1st street is Monterey Highway

So we all planning on splitting rooms at the hotel?

[S14.5]

Hey guys i'm making a list of people that are going with /meeting up with us. Well basically i got the people i know taken care of so i was wondering &nbsp;if some of you guys can email me if your going so i can get your information. and by the way it would be great if you tell your other 240 friends about this. &nbsp;the convention is right around the corner &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sly.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':sly:'>

[Silverx240sx]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Danio @ June 12 2002,12:04)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Hey Silverx240sx TJ. How long would it take for you guys to get to the SF Bay Area?

That means that if the NorthWest people are going to meet with us, they'll either need to start driving veeery early in the morning or maybe start on Thursday instead. Either way, I don't mind if they caravan with us. (By the way, does NorthWest refer to Washington and Oregan states or Canada?)</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
It takes about 5-6 hours from my place here in Medford, Oregon. &nbsp;I'm only 30 minutes away from the Oregon/California border.

NorthWest does include Canada, Washington, and Oregon. &nbsp;We'll just have to time it with the NorCal. &nbsp;If they don't get anything set up, I'll just drive to my cousins in Hercules, California and meet up with you all.

TJ

[Danio]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (BlackFox @ June 11 2002,5:10)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I say the Blossom Hill exit off of 101 on Monterey Highway, It's between Bernal and Blossom Hill on Monterey.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Is that the location of the CalTrans station you were talking about? Or what is that?

And did you mean CalTrain?

[S14.5]

i suggess taking this? hahaha

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hehe.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':hehe:'>

[BlackFox]

Oh, yeah, sorry, that's the station I was talking about

yeah, CalTrain whatever, it's also an amtrack parking lot, parking lot next to walmart shopping center

Post that pict again, i can't see it &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/butbut.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':but:'>

[mav1178]

My only suggestion to you guys is that you should try to make it to the hotel AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, or Speedzone.

If you leave San Jose at 7AM, it will take you at least 7-8 hours to get to LA assuming there is no traffic... but on a Friday, once you get into Ventura County you are guaranteed to hit traffic all the way from Ventura to San Bernadino, a stretch of about 150 miles.

I high recommend you to take the I-5 to get down here as fast as possible. The stretch of drive between the San Fernando Valley and where Speedzone is takes about 1-2 hours in traffic, if you are lucky. If you are late, and you miss dinner, I won't be able to refund your money...

http://traffic.tann.net/lartraffic/

Just FYI, some of the worst freeways to be on during Friday afternoon/evenings are:

110
101
10
5
60
605
710
405

-alex

[Grant]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (mav1178 @ June 12 2002,01:39)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">My only suggestion to you guys is that you should try to make it to the hotel AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, or Speedzone.

If you leave San Jose at 7AM, it will take you at least 7-8 hours to get to LA assuming there is no traffic... but on a Friday, once you get into Ventura County you are guaranteed to hit traffic all the way from Ventura to San Bernadino, a stretch of about 150 miles.

I high recommend you to take the I-5 to get down here as fast as possible. The stretch of drive between the San Fernando Valley and where Speedzone is takes about 1-2 hours in traffic, if you are lucky. If you are late, and you miss dinner, I won't be able to refund your money...

http://traffic.tann.net/lartraffic/

Just FYI, some of the worst freeways to be on during Friday afternoon/evenings are:

110
101
10
5
60
605
710
405

-alex</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
do not take highway 101, leaving santa paula (ventura county). it took me about 4 hours to get past hollywood. do so via the 5 fwy if possible. I've encountered traffic where I went less than 10 miles in about 1 hour or more. (on 101).

[BlackFox]

I've driven from SJ to SB in 3 1/2 hours consistantly (ave 80 mph) then from SB to Hunington Beach takes me 2 hours (with traffic, around the hollywood area)

So if we leave south SJ at 8am, and add some time for a stop and stuff, we can get to La Mirada at around 2pm (give or take a little)

Speedzone starts at around 5pm and I assume we want to get there as soon as possible. So, that's in City of Industry

http://maps.yahoo.com/py....ections

I'm not sure exactally where the hotel is, but doesn't look like it's too far from Speedzone. (city driving seems like the best idea for that)

If everyone has their stuff together and we leave at the latest at 8am then we should be fine. or if you want 7:30am. Everyone just get there on time and don't take too much time in San Luis, get gas/food/other 240's and go.

I think there should also be groups of us, incase we get separated along the way. Everyone should have maps of where we're going too incase you get lost/cut off from the group

[S14.5]

i dont believe it will take 7-8 hours. if everything goes well as plan who knows we might get there earlier then 4-5 hours! besides we are leaving in the early morning &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sly.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':sly:'> other then PEOPLE that uses the bathroom often im not gona say any names. ahem... jason... ahem &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> &nbsp;by the way are you guys bringing any passengers just in case your tired and need him/her to drive the car? i believe 101 will have traffic since its one of the common highways! whats the other freeway that you exit off 101 and head towards the hills. that seems like the best route!

ps: so far i receive emails from Silverx240 and Badmojo! common guys more more &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'>

[Silverx240sx]

Where are we meeting?

How many stops? &nbsp;Are we going to stop to get fuel/break(rest area)/food and other 240sx's? &nbsp;

Are we going to the hotel right away or speedzone? &nbsp;Are you guys getting your cars teched at the hotel or the shops listed on the website? &nbsp;

TJ


Here are suggestions on what to do/bring to the trip:

lots of bottled water
munchies
two way radio (as suggested on earlier posts)
batteries
flash light
tool box
spare tire
cell phone
cd's

Please feel free to add as you think is necessary...

TJ

[Silverx240sx]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (S14.5 @ June 12 2002,6:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">by the way are you guys bringing any passengers just in case your tired and need him/her to drive the car?

ps: so far i receive emails from Silverx240 and Badmojo! common guys more more <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'></td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Is it confirmed that the NorCal caravan will leave at 7am Friday morning? &nbsp;Where is the meeting place? &nbsp;I'm not very familiar with California except I-5, 80, and surrounding areas, primarily north of San Francisco. &nbsp;

I'm not sure if I'm taking anyone with me, so we'll see later.

Are we going to receive email of the names and phones, just in case we need to contact each other on the way to the meeting place?

When we get all the information settled, I'll relay the information with the northwest attendees (approximately 5), so we may either plan to meet up or if we cannot make the caravan.

Keep us posted.

TJ

[Danio]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Silverx240sx @ June 12 2002,1:55)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">So is it confirmed that the NorCal caravan is leaving at around 7am Friday morning? Have we decided on where to meet?

Are we also going to receive email of the names and cell number just in case we need to call each other on the way to the meeting place?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
We're still discussing so nothing's confirmed yet. Don't worry we still have plenty of time to decide on things.

For now we plan on meeting at the CalTrain/Amtrak parking lot in the southern part of San Jose. I've never been there but BlackFox says it's there, so we'll believe him. =) Anyway we'll find out the exact address later on.

I don't know how many stops yet. At least one for sure, because the whole trip from the SF Bay Area will be over 300 miles. Personally I'd like to stop once at least every 2 or 3 hours to rest and let the car cool off.

We're planning this as if we're going to the hotel first (so we can all drop off our luggages and take a dump in clean bathrooms), but if anyone wants to go straight to Speedzone, I don't think that'll be a problem.

As far as getting our cars teched, I haven't looked into it because I won't be running my car on the track. Here's what the Convention web site says regarding tech inspection:

- Please have your tech inspection completed prior to the track event. A list of tech inspection shops is available on the SpeedTrialUSA website. It is your responsibility to have your car ready by the event. If you show up late and cannot tech on-time, we will not wait for you to start the event.

- If you are from out of state and cannot tech before the event, there will be an opportunity to have tech done on Saturday night by appointment only at the hotel in Lancaster. Please email Alex Chang at [email protected] to set up an appointment. If you live within 25 miles of a tech inspection shop, you MUST have your tech inspection done before the date of the event.

Sorry Mike but I doubt that we'll get there in 4 to 5 hours even if we take highway 5. If we're in a group, we'll be making more stops (more ppl = more calls from nature) and traveling slower.

The two SoCal people (Alex and Grant) who posted both suggested taking 5 rather than 101. We might want to take that into consideration. Maybe we'll go down on 5 and come back on 101. Comments? Opinions?

Either way, I'm told that we should try to reach the hotel before the afternoon commute starts, which would be around 3:00 PM. We want to avoid getting scattered in traffic and I wouldn't mind getting to Speedzone early. If we set 7:00 as the start time and 3:00 as the arrival time, that gives our group 8 hours to travel. That should be enough time on either highway, right?

ATTENTION
Again, please e-mail Mike at [email protected] your name, phone number, and location if you'll be caravaning with us. We're not going to spam you.

[BlackFox]

Don't worry, the CalTrain station is there, i've been driving by it ever since it was built, i basically live right next to it

[drifting240sx]

i live in salinas and it is right off of 101. so if you guys wanna pickme up like at northridge mall that would be great. its about 30-45 min away from sj