Air Force PAO
Member
I am very happy to be home after my holiday trip from Kyle, TX to Pasadena, CA and the Rose Parade.
First, I have had my RT since Aug. 19, 2010; and never rode it more than 100 miles before resting and refreshng. So...my first question was: How will I and the Spyder hold up on a cross-country trip? I started with a short 221 mile leg. Both of us did great!! From Dec. 26 - Jan. 3, I did NOT have an afternoon nap and didn't miss out on anything.
My second desire was to see the Rose Parade in person. Now, I want to take my family to see another one.
Third, in the Air Force I was a Titan II missile combat crew instructor commander. Just south of Tucson is the world's only Titan II missile museum. It is an actual underground missile launch facility.
AND, as important as any of the above expections; I felt strongly that if I wrote on SpyderLovers that I was planning a trip ... other Spyder owners would encourage me and offer assistance along the way. I am grateful for those offers. I apologize I did not make it to Las Vegas after counting the extra day, miles, and thousands of people there celebrating the New Year.
Here's the trip results....
12/26 Leave Kyle Arrive in San Angelo, TX (Goodfellow AFB) 221 miles.
12/27 Leave SA Arrive in El Paso (Fort Bliss) 404 miles.
12/28 Leave EP Arrive in Tucson (Davis Montham AFB) 316 miles.
12/29 Tour Missile Site
Ryde with Big Arm past Copper mines, Old Tucson movie studio, and Saquaro Natl Park
Leave Tucson Arrive Beaumont, CA after driving in rain for 20 miles.
12/30 Leave Beaumont Arrive in Pasadena.
1/1 After parade, leave Pasadena Arrive in Phoenix (Luke AFB) 358 miles.
1/2 Leave Phoenix Arrive El Paso (Fort Bliss)
Weather forecast is horrible -- snow, rain, mix...cold.
1/3 Leave EP in a snow storm with limited visibility, 32 degrees, cross winds, etc.
Everytime I stopped for gas, I was told the front was behind me and moving closer.
I kept going and arrived in Kyle at 9:15 p.m.
The Spyder performed great. I have never driven a vehicle which could climb mountains better. I am thankful for meeting Big Arm. I echo the encouragement posted a couple of weeks ago: "If you're thinking of a 'big trip' go for it."
If you are ever in the San Antonio or Austin area, I used to be a tour guide there and would be happy to escort your tour -- especially if you are on a Spyder.
First, I have had my RT since Aug. 19, 2010; and never rode it more than 100 miles before resting and refreshng. So...my first question was: How will I and the Spyder hold up on a cross-country trip? I started with a short 221 mile leg. Both of us did great!! From Dec. 26 - Jan. 3, I did NOT have an afternoon nap and didn't miss out on anything.
My second desire was to see the Rose Parade in person. Now, I want to take my family to see another one.
Third, in the Air Force I was a Titan II missile combat crew instructor commander. Just south of Tucson is the world's only Titan II missile museum. It is an actual underground missile launch facility.
AND, as important as any of the above expections; I felt strongly that if I wrote on SpyderLovers that I was planning a trip ... other Spyder owners would encourage me and offer assistance along the way. I am grateful for those offers. I apologize I did not make it to Las Vegas after counting the extra day, miles, and thousands of people there celebrating the New Year.
Here's the trip results....
12/26 Leave Kyle Arrive in San Angelo, TX (Goodfellow AFB) 221 miles.
12/27 Leave SA Arrive in El Paso (Fort Bliss) 404 miles.
12/28 Leave EP Arrive in Tucson (Davis Montham AFB) 316 miles.
12/29 Tour Missile Site
Ryde with Big Arm past Copper mines, Old Tucson movie studio, and Saquaro Natl Park
Leave Tucson Arrive Beaumont, CA after driving in rain for 20 miles.
12/30 Leave Beaumont Arrive in Pasadena.
1/1 After parade, leave Pasadena Arrive in Phoenix (Luke AFB) 358 miles.
1/2 Leave Phoenix Arrive El Paso (Fort Bliss)
Weather forecast is horrible -- snow, rain, mix...cold.
1/3 Leave EP in a snow storm with limited visibility, 32 degrees, cross winds, etc.
Everytime I stopped for gas, I was told the front was behind me and moving closer.
I kept going and arrived in Kyle at 9:15 p.m.
The Spyder performed great. I have never driven a vehicle which could climb mountains better. I am thankful for meeting Big Arm. I echo the encouragement posted a couple of weeks ago: "If you're thinking of a 'big trip' go for it."
If you are ever in the San Antonio or Austin area, I used to be a tour guide there and would be happy to escort your tour -- especially if you are on a Spyder.
