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CarSpace Driving ThoughtsA collection of thoughts and observations made while driving about pretty much anything. Oct 27, 2008 - Turn SignalsI had a good bit to do this weekend, so I didn't get to do any 'just for fun' driving. However, I was behind a not-so-recent Toyota SUV at a light. He put on his turn signal and I thought 'holy fast blinkers Batman!' They were almost like a strobe light! Then that got me thinking, is there any standard for the flash rate of turn signals? I noticed that most vehicles are very close in their rate, but there are a few which are way outside the norm. There was one other car, I forget the make, where the flash rate was pretty slow. I wonder how fast the average car turn signals flash...
Oct 23, 2008 - Fall DrivesI managed to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city last weekend for some needed relaxation. I also needed to finish moving things from my parent's house to my condo...so the weekend was good for multiple reasons. I managed to snag the 328i for the weekend, just my luck that my Dad was busy. Took a few enjoyable drives through the town and on some weaving roads. Overall, very relaxing! It reminded me how driving can be fun while just soaking in the scenery and not trying to post the best times on a track or take the best line through a turn.
Sep 30, 2008 - Mustangs, Texas and MinnesotaJeez, I really need to start thinking of how often I update this. Anyways, a few weeks ago I had to take a business trip to Texas. No offense to anyone who is from or lives in Texas, but it is just horrible there! The heat is oppressive, especially when there is a ton of humidity.
Aug 19, 2008 - Out of Chicago, Around Town and The Airport and BackHaven't posted in a while, been busy with work and other things. Well, I promised an update on how driving out of Chicago was, so here it is. It was pretty jam packed until just after O'Hare Airport on I-90. Then it opened up and I was able to make great time, except for those rotten toll booths! In the past few weeks, I've driven more around St. Charles and Geneva in the morning (around 6:15) and at the end of rush hour (5:50). The drive to and from the train station isn't too bad, usually pretty sedate. However, recently I've been tailgated a good bit. I personally avoid tailgaiting others because I think it's dangerous as well as impolite. Each time this has happened the past week and a half has been when traffic is going about 10 mph over the speed limit, seems kind of odd at that speed. Anyways, I saw some kind acts of driving this week as well. One driver I saw let an out of state vehicle merge over two lanes into the cash only part of the toll plaza. Another driver was kind enough to waive a younger driver through a 4-way stop. I wonder how the roads would be if all drivers were as kind as these? Anyone else see random acts of kindness while driving? Anyways, I drove a friend of mine to O'Hare Airport on Saturday. It was a pleasant drive with moderate traffic. I am grateful for the ease of driving around the airport, good signage and easy access. Hopefully I get some time to do some quality just for fun driving this weekend.
Aug 9, 2008 - Driving DowntownSo, I had to drive into downtown Chicago today (Saturday) because of work. Now, normally I take the train in because it is sometimes faster and a lot less stressful. However, today I thought I'd give driving in a shot partially because there was supposed to be light traffic and the trains only ran every two hours into\out of Chicago on my line. It was impressive, it took me 45 minutes to go 55 miles! I averaged 70 for the most part and I wasn't the quickest out there, plus I got just over 30 mpg while going between 70 and 80. Hopefully the drive out will be just as relaxing and hassle free. While I was driving and listening to 97.9 The Loop, I began to think about toll roads. I think that they have their uses, but paying $0.80 at every toll without an I-PASS is a bit high in my opinion. I remember when it used to be $0.40, and that wasn't too bad. Well, at least we don't have a congestion charge in Chicago. Anyways, I'll update later on how the drive out went. Cheers!
Aug 4, 2008 - Wonderful Michigan RoadsThis may be one of the few times anyone says Michigan roads are wonderful, but I just can't help myself! I started out this past Friday west of Chicago, where I proceeded to slog north through tons of traffic. Pretty much the most boring\annoying driving possible because of the glut of people. It also rained a bit, which put a damper on things. Anyways, after a number of hours, I got past Green Bay and then everything fell into place. Less traffic + fairly smooth roads = good times! The best bit was US 2 in the UP, it has recently been re-done so it is super smooth. In fact, they did such a good job that it reminded me of the Autobahn. After driving around Manistique, MI for a bit, I headed down Duck Inn Road for a bit. Its actually a fairly small road, so I ended up turning down Michibay Road. Now this is what I'm talking about, this road has it all. Dips, bends, variable radius turns; oh it was driving nirvana! Possibly one of the best roads that I have ever driven on. The drive home on Sunday wasn't as enjoyable, rain and traffic made it frustrating. I wonder what other roads there are up there that are as good or maybe better? I guess I'll do some exploring when I'm up there next as well as look for more enjoyable roads west of Chicago. Cheers!
Aug 1, 2008 - Welcome and a note on commuting.As this is my first blog entry, welcome and thanks for taking time to check this out. Anyways, down to business. I was driving home from the train station last night when I received some comments about my driving. Usually, I either don't mind because its a valid point or I blow it off when its something foolish. However, I almost felt like stopping to discuss what was said because it was so ridiculous. I made a turn in town where there are some houses and, since I was driving a car with a stick, I blipped the throttle as I downshifted from 3rd to 2nd. I was under the speed limit the whole time, however three people who were standing around decided to yell at me to slow down. I am at a loss to understand how they know what speed I was going. Ahh well, it only happed once eh? Anyways, hopefully I get some quality seat time this weekend when I take a trip to the UP of Michigan. Some of the roads up there are a real treat! Cheers!
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