How about we spice up the route a bit?
There's other ways to avoid Chicago. Have you ever heard of the Badger? Used
to carry freight cars across Lake Michigan. Now it carries automobiles.
Fairly comfortable, and what wife doesn't want you to take her on a sea
cruise? See: http://www.ssbadger.com
Leaves Ludington, MI at 7:45 PM in the summer. From say, Bowling Green ( a
random spot in NW Ohio) it's 290 miles and 7.5 hours to Ludington if you
avoid the interstates, and take a 45 minute break. (50mph max) The ferry
likes you to be there an hour early, so leave at 9am and you'll be there in
time for dinner and can load on the boat by 6:30. Let the sailors do the
driving for a while and arrive Manitowoc Wisconsin at 10:45 PM
100 bucks round trip for the car, 70 bucks round trip per person. A
stateroom is $29 each way (Spartan, but worth it.)
Stay in Manitowoc and head out at 10AM (you got in kind of late)
See: http://www.manitowoc.org/lodging.htm
or http://www.lodging.com/auto/guides/manitowoc-wi.html
or http://www.usa-lodging.com/motels/wisconsin/Manitowoc.htm
320 miles and 7.5 hours later (again avoiding interstates and keeping it to
50) you arrive at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds at about 5:30, get
registered, Dinner across the street at Ciatti's (if you like Italian.) The
T's go to the Holiday Inn, and the A's to the Ramada (good eating options by
the Ramada too.) Total mileage driven is about the same as the B's taking
the "direct" route
I'll leave a light on for you.
Phil Vanner
Minnesota MG Group
(If you'd like, I can give you the route with turns, mileages and street
names as an Excel spreadsheet.)
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-mgs@autox.team.net]On
Behalf Of Edwin McCarroll
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 8:41 AM
To: Mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: MG 2001
Oh ye of little faith! Our group has been discussing this trip to
Minn-St.Paul . The MGCGT's and B's are looking to travel the quickest and
shortest route from NW Ohio to Minn. a distnce of approx. 650 miles one way.
The MGA's and T's are looking for a route which obviates the Chicago area by
skirting further south and heading NW. We are not sure of the added
mileage and time but estimate an additional 80 -90 miles each way. The
latter are viewing the prospect with some trepidation . While the fun is
in getting there, unhappiness is in not getting there and several drivers ,
while their cars have not let them down on shorter trips, are evaluating the
risks of a serious problem stranding them in the middle of nowhere without
good help and parts source. There will be no back-up vehicles. An
overnight stay will split the trip. Some of the wives who will make the
trip do not relish spending the best part of two days in primitive driving
comfort. What will i!
t take to generate some enthusiasm . Any suggestions for instilling faith
in these doubting Thomas'?
///
/// mgs@autox.team.net mailing list
/// (If they are dupes, this trailer may also catch them.)
|