I just got back a couple of weeks ago from the VTR. Drove my Spitfire from
Kansas, up through Canada to Maine, with a couple of side trips in between
and then back to Kansas. 4,450 miles total. I carry most of the things
already mentioned, some wire with various crimp on connectors and a head
gasket set with all the tools required to do the job. The reason for the
gasket set is mostly that this contains 90% of all the gaskets you could
ever require on the road, though I have changed a head gasket in a hotel
parking lot before.
Also a AAA card comes in very handy. Unfortunately had to use it on this
trip.
Don't be afraid of the back roads. On my way to VTR took as many of the
back roads as I could, but had to use the interstates on the way home. The
back roads are much more pleasant in a Spitfire and offers far greater
scenery than any interstate.
As far as road fatigue goes, that wasn't much of a problem, but had a couple
of 900+ mile days, which will leave you fatigued no matter what kind of car
your in. Make sure you seat cushions are in excellent shape. Mine are new
and that helped. On previous trips they looked OK, but were worn out, which
left my rear sore after a long day on the road.
Good luck!
Cecil
'65, '80 Spitfires
'62 Vitesse
"Victor B. Michael" wrote:
> greetings,
>
> have any of you taken a week off from work, packed up the car and hit
> the road?
> i know of people in our local club (ISOA) who did this for the VTR thing
> a couple of weeks ago.
> one advantage they had was traveling in groups.
>
> i feel like i'm getting closer to having a more reliable spitfire and it
> seems the summer is slipping away already.
>
> i've queried VTR about the "travelers assistance program" in sort of a
> mock-preparation for this wild hair i've seemed to acquired.
>
> i'd like to ask if any of you have any advice to offer me - outside of
> the usual "tow a parts car along for the trip" ;)
>
> i'm thinking of a few destinations; lake michigan circle tour (north of
> chicago), a trip to toronto, a trip along the mississippi river or maybe
> southeast into the smokey mountains.
>
> some things i'm considering are routes (i'd like to stay on country
> roads, but afraid of being stranded), road fatigue, lodging/camp
> grounds, distance, ability to get spares on the road if necessary. if
> any of you have gone through this on a solo car tour, i'd like to hear
> of the experience and again, any advice.
>
> thanks in advance,
>
> vic
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