Thinking of taking a trip across country

[BimmerDriver]

First, let me explain that I am 64 and retired. So time is not the problem although age could be.

Second, I bought the DH with the intent to take it to the track occasionally. It's already been to VIR twice and I've got an event at Roebling Road scheduled in April. It is stock and shall remain that way.

Third, life is short.

So, I was having lunch with a friend and he mentioned how cool some of the tracks are in California (as a spectator). Laguna Seca was mentioned, and I know that there's also Thunderhill and Sonoma and Buttonwillow and many others... but getting out there and renting a car at each venue could be logistically challenging, not to mention rather pricey. Why not just drive out there and use my car?

I'm in NC, so this would be a 2700 mile (give or take) trip just to get there, plus hotels, gas, food etc. and then I've still got the logistics issue of finding events (like HPDE) that I can attend that all fall within a reasonable schedule so that I'm not gone for too long and my wife forgets what I look like. Natch I could fly home in-between events if needed, and she could fly out to spend time with me there (she still works).

And of course I would take my time getting there, see what there is to see along the way - within reason - and not push myself so much that I get exhausted. But also I don't want the events too far apart that I get bored and tire of living in hotels. Camping does not appeal to me. I have a few friends in CA but they don't have anywhere for me to stay, and I wouldn't want to infringe on them for too long anyway.

I've been to CA many times, I know it's a big state and I've done the whole LA thing (they can keep it) and San Fran and the PCH and all that's in-between. I'm sure that there's more that I haven't seen...

I'm posting this here for thoughts, general feedback positive and negative. I'm sure that during the adventure I'll likely have to buy tires and brake pads, but I'm not inclined to bring tools and jacks along with me, I'll just have to pay ful retail and have them done I guess.

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[Skye]

I know you mentioned jacks and tools, but some things I'd consider must-haves:

- A spare of some type, space saver or full-sized. Automotive Authority sells space-savers with a small jack, all of which fits in the trunk well and under the cover

https://www.automotiveauthorityllc....oCaE7wiC10QmT8VvLuI336bx1NtN3W_hoCPgUQAvD_BwE

- Jumper cables

https://www.autozone.com/p/duralast-gold-battery-booster-cable-bc2/125337

- A crescent wrench, screwdrivers and torch

- If traveling during the Winter, clothing, food and water and hold you and the Wife for 24 hours without heat. It doesn't have to be much. Driving through West Texas, Utah or Nevada, it can be a really long time before you ever see anyone. If the Spring or Summer months, enough food and water

- A small USB or other means of charging the phone while in the car

As part of the travel routine, flick off a text to someone once a day. A sentence or two to confirm things are OK.

 

[DT-GT]

I’ve driven my 2022 Ecoboost convertible, and now my 2025 GT convertible, on several crops-country trips. I take backroads and avoid interstates as much as possible. Great to enjoy the American scenic areas! On these roads almost no big trucks and there is so much to see! Both cars have performed flawlessly! My 2022 and now the 2025 both have spare tires, but fortunately not needed so far. My tools are a rechargeable air compressor, a rechargeable jump-starter, a large leather man tool, car/windshield cleaning items, and a bunch of microfiber rags! Fortunately no problems or issues in about 55k miles of cruising!

Enjoy!!

 

[Ken H.]

I’m from NC. Now in DE. I’ve driven cross country round trip 4 times. Southern route through GA, AL, MS, LA, TX (goose bumps seeing the Deep South, Alamo a must see). Middle route on I-40. Nashville is a must stop. Beale St music scene in Memphis is cool. Last trip was northern route - PA, IL, IN, SD, WY, MO, UT - Great national parks & unbelievable scenery. Rec Custers last stand, Badlands, Zion Nat. Park, Yellowstone- veterans get a card for free admission to all national parks when you drive up to kiosk to pay admission.
First time, pulled into LA on day 3; about 10 hrs/day.
It is amazing. Have fun. Can’t imagine how much better your trip will be with race track time added in. I’m jealous.

 

[Frogdog1]

I’m from NC. Now in DE. I’ve driven cross country round trip 4 times. Southern route through GA, AL, MS, LA, TX (goose bumps seeing the Deep South, Alamo a must see). Middle route on I-40. Nashville is a must stop. Beale St music scene in Memphis is cool. Last trip was northern route - PA, IL, IN, SD, WY, MO, UT - Great national parks & unbelievable scenery. Rec Custers last stand, Badlands, Zion Nat. Park, Yellowstone- veterans get a card for free admission to all national parks when you drive up to kiosk to pay admission.
First time, pulled into LA on day 3; about 10 hrs/day.
It is amazing. Have fun. Can’t imagine how much better your trip will be with race track time added in. I’m jealous.

What kind of speeds did you do (usually) on the Interstates? 30 hours doesn't seem like that much driving. Just curious. Both routes have their pluses and minuses. There is a LOT of boring terain either way you go. Been there, done that. Would like to do it again if I EVER get settled down.

Glad you liked the Deep South, LOL! I love it down here (some places). We tend to like where we grew up.

 

[Ken H.]

What kind of speeds did you do (usually) on the Interstates? 30 hours doesn't seem like that much driving. Just curious. Both routes have their pluses and minuses. There is a LOT of boring terain either way you go. Been there, done that. Would like to do it again if I EVER get settled down.

Glad you liked the Deep South, LOL! I love it down here (some places). We tend to like where we grew up.

I drove speed limit + 10 mph. May have done some 11-12 hr days. That was I-40 from NC to LA. Straight shot. Overnight in Nashville, El Paso. Hit Las Vegas afternoon of 3rd day. Could have gone on to LA but stayed over. So, correction, actually pulled in to LA at lunchtime on 4th day. Sorry for the misinformation. Northern route most impressive to me - huge farm fields, large sky. Not at all like what I was used to in NC or DE.

 

[Frogdog1]

I drove speed limit + 10 mph. May have done some 11-12 hr days. That was I-40 from NC to LA. Straight shot. Overnight in Nashville, El Paso. Hit Las Vegas afternoon of 3rd day. Could have gone on to LA but stayed over. So, correction, actually pulled in to LA at lunchtime on 4th day. Sorry for the misinformation. Northern route most impressive to me - huge farm fields, large sky. Not at all like what I was used to in NC or DE.

Yeah, this is a country of contrast. You must have just wee wee'd on the shoulder of the road....

 

[DT-GT]

Yeah, this is a country of contrast. You must have just wee wee'd on the shoulder of the road....

 

[jbrnigan]

Over the past decade, the wife and I have traveled through 49 of the 50 states and all but 4 Canadian provinces. Yes it's cliche, but the journey "IS" as important to us, as the destination. We don't do race tracks, but we do short track races, rodeos, festivals, museums et al, etc etc. Today, we can travel very comfortably for about 400 bucks a day (food, fuel, and lodging). We avoid interstates where we can. Sleep late and try to avoid driving more than 350 - 400 mile a day. We make lodging reservations online as we go, and avoid metropolitan areas when possible. After a career of "hustle and bustle", the backroads of America are a refreshing and relaxing change of pace. For example, we took 10 days to travel from Arlington VA to Sacramento on US 50. We've done old Rte 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. We intend to continue our passion for backroads travel in our new Mustang convertible this year. In April, the "Mustang Experience" in Charlotte. June, Glacier Nat. park. July, National High School Finals rodeo, Omaha, and on and on ........ We send the kids short videos from the "road", to document how we are spending their inheritance LOL

 

[DT-GT]

THIS IS IT!!!

Over the past decade, the wife and I have traveled through 49 of the 50 states and all but 4 Canadian provinces. Yes it's cliche, but the journey "IS" as important to us, as the destination. We don't do race tracks, but we do short track races, rodeos, festivals, museums et al, etc etc. Today, we can travel very comfortably for about 400 bucks a day (food, fuel, and lodging). We avoid interstates where we can. Sleep late and try to avoid driving more than 350 - 400 mile a day. We make lodging reservations online as we go, and avoid metropolitan areas when possible. After a career of "hustle and bustle", the backroads of America are a refreshing and relaxing change of pace. For example, we took 10 days to travel from Arlington VA to Sacramento on US 50. We've done old Rte 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. We intend to continue our passion for backroads travel in our new Mustang convertible this year. In April, the "Mustang Experience" in Charlotte. June, Glacier Nat. park. July, National High School Finals rodeo, Omaha, and on and on ........ We send the kids short videos from the "road", to document how we are spending their inheritance LOL

 

[Westphal]

Over the past decade, the wife and I have traveled through 49 of the 50 states and all but 4 Canadian provinces. Yes it's cliche, but the journey "IS" as important to us, as the destination. We don't do race tracks, but we do short track races, rodeos, festivals, museums et al, etc etc. Today, we can travel very comfortably for about 400 bucks a day (food, fuel, and lodging). We avoid interstates where we can. Sleep late and try to avoid driving more than 350 - 400 mile a day. We make lodging reservations online as we go, and avoid metropolitan areas when possible. After a career of "hustle and bustle", the backroads of America are a refreshing and relaxing change of pace. For example, we took 10 days to travel from Arlington VA to Sacramento on US 50. We've done old Rte 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. We intend to continue our passion for backroads travel in our new Mustang convertible this year. In April, the "Mustang Experience" in Charlotte. June, Glacier Nat. park. July, National High School Finals rodeo, Omaha, and on and on ........ We send the kids short videos from the "road", to document how we are spending their inheritance LOL

We took our kids on numerous road trips in our minivan, covering 33 states plus Ontario. We traveled mostly on interstates, but I enjoyed taking the US routes at times, like Rt. 20 through Iowa and Illinois. My wife and I plan to take more road trips to see the rest of the states, even if we have to fly there and rent a car. We've been to CA and NV w/out the kids but there's so much more to see.

 

[Frogdog1]

Once I get settled down, I want to put a new set of tires on my GT, an oil change, new air filters and head west. It's just the midwest that I suffer through. Sorry, but been through there and it always nearly puts me to sleep. It probably wouldn't today as my destination for the day would be what I want it be that day. Have always been in a hurry in the past.

Separately, I was out just riding the back roads in my 3:15 geared, A10 GT and from, say 100, it just glides forever before coming back down to legal speeds. The A10 makes sure it will get to 100 pretty darn quick. I'm not a boy racer so I don't need more rear gear. I think it was Neggytivity that put up a chart of gears and speed times. The A10 makes sure you always have a low gear to see the countryside really quick now and then if that's what one wants. Just sayin'.....FD1

 

[LouG]

My mind boggles at those distances. Our entire country is 2000km top to toe, 29 hours plus 3 hours on the ferry in the middle.
Something I carry in my cars is a bike tyre repair kit with 3 of the larger CO2 bottles for the inflator.
It's more reliable than sealant and a pump.
I also have an aftermarket pump as back up. A small emergency tool kit and a Leatherman.
I haven't had to use any of them yet. (Touch wood)

 

[MrSantos]

I’ve done a couple long hauls at a slower pace, and it really took the pressure off, especially on days when I just wanted to wander a bit or stop early. I’ve even used travelbusinessclass.com for flights home after track trips so I could just ship the car and skip the slog, and it saved me some hassle. Your Dark Horse should eat the miles just fine as long as you build in some rest days.

 

[Will2]

I recommend carrying either a spare tire, or tire plug kit + tools to remove a wheel. The car's included inflator works fine, just use port "B" for air without sealant liquid.

For many years I'd do ~3,500mile/week roadtrips in rental V8s from California to Wyoming/Montana every few months, specifically targeting twisty backroads, national parks, dry lake beds for "car control practice", and never had an issue... until it was my own car last week.

Got a screw in a tire near Yosemite with no cell service. Had a tire plug kit but no way to remove the wheel, and could not plug it from the ground. Even tried driving onto the reamer to penetrate the tire--did not work. The flat tire just deflected and the tool just bent. You will need to remove the wheel from the car to properly ream and plug it.

Ultimately had to trek up the road to spotty signal and call Ford Roadside (we all get this for 2 years on new Fords BTW). Ford Roadside was very helpful and called a 3rd party tow truck. Tow truck took 4 hours to show up, but Ford had "case managers" who'd periodically check in. Once the tow arrived, we plugged the tire in literally 3 minutes. Kicking myself for not having a scissor jack + lug wrench with me. Hope others learn from my mistake.

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