[akroy]

BACKGROUND
Circa 2009, I was relishing a settled life in Satyam Computers at Bangalore, India and was planning my Bangalore to Leh trip in my Alto. But destiny had something else, Satyam sends (well forced) me for a short-term trip to the USA and all my Leh plans go for a toss.

July-2009, a Saturday afternoon, I send a mail to HV Kumar (the king of indian highways) that no more Leh plans this year, I am in USA. Pat came his reply – “Abhi - Don’t return from USA empty handed, Complete the coast to coast drive. Show the Americans how to drive fast, nonstop and safe in their own roads”. The only agenda of my US stint by then was to buy a SLR camera (which I thought I could have afford in my short stay) and learn a bit of photography. Coast 2 Coast drive motivation from non-other than HVK spurred me up and I started to plan it seriously.
However, circumstances changed at job, short trip became long and then longer, so did responsibilities and I was unable to get that time or leaves to execute this drive. Every year either HVK or Ramky sir or some car enthusiast buddies kept reminding me of my unfinished task.

Its 2015 now. six years in USA, the idea of the drive silently resting in the secondary chambers of the brain and other priorities running my busy life. One Nov morning, Smitha and I played a prank in our school WhatsApp group. It was about me driving from Memphis to Detroit nonstop and meeting with Smitha. Never thought the prank, will turn so realistic that we kept playing it whole day. We also substantiated with photos (morphed), food etc. We later felt it was way too much and it didn’t go down well with Prafulla & GB, who was seriously enjoying the drive and the Detroit get together (well virtual one; thanks to our creativity).

Later that night, I felt I took great advantage of a few close friends and it should be fitting that I repay them with a real one. Why not I do my pending drive? Poked my inner senses. This can be a good reason to meet and surprise a few friends on the way. I had a big project going live on June 15, 2016. I should be free to take leaves in July. Pachu bought a new home in NJ few months back and Prafulla’s birthday falls on a Sunday (July 31). That sounds like an awesome plan and some memories in making. I took my leaves on Jan 1, well in advance. My initial plan was to drive through Chicago and stay in Boston/NJ with Pachu and Nikku and return via Atlanta, Dallas.

I spent initial few months on route plan and stoppages. Prepared a detailed sheet of each state and counties and what kind of radar guns or lasers they use for speed trap. I need to strategize my speeds to do such a long drive. I got an Escort Redline detector and tuned it for highway. I got my Black beauty (my 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0Turbo) a new set of shoes, Michelin Primacy 3 specially ordered as those were not readily available in market, cleaned up the K&N filter myself and looking forward for the much-awaited drive.

Suddenly in early June, the much-awaited project release got re-scheduled (for some non-IT reasons, I never understood till date) to July 31. All my program, plan and strategies gone out of wind. I couldn’t control my tears that night.

Travelogue - West Coast to East Coast, USA (July 2018)

NOTE: I wrote the above plan and the travelogue in Aug 2016 with the determination that I will definitely complete this drive someday. Although I couldn’t pay back for that prank, atleast I will complete this unfinished travelogue.

Sacramento, California to Irvington, New York in Black Pearl (Mercedes Benz GLS 450)

July 4, 2018 – I sit down with great pride and open this old and dusted file from my hard drive and start writing again. Sit back, relax and enjoy the drive (read ��).

Come Mar-2018, I accept an offer to join a company in New York. It took some time to come to terms to the emotion of leaving California, my home for 8 years now and of leaving a vibrant cultural and social network here. Thankfully the school closes after four months and we will mentally settle down and get excited for the move. While I was finalizing the move, the idea of driving to NY cropped up again. Eventually I decide to drive one car, and ship the other. I was anticipating more luggage to carry so decided to ship the Black beauty, and drive the black pearl (2017 Mercedes Benz GLS 450). My plan was already in place from 2016 so didn’t think much on those lines. However, my initial plan was to drive alone and my family was to fly. Three weeks before the drive, my wife Paro and daughter Moon jumped with the idea of all going together. It is summer vacation after all. Moreover, Paro wanted to drive too and wanted to be part of the adventure. Somehow, I liked the idea thanks to Black pearl, that was my family car (Paro’s car after all as she drives it more, I am just the driver in the long drives) after all. Ok, let’s do it.

Day 1 (FRI – 29 June 2018) – Sacramento to Salt Lake City
States – California, Nevada, Utah (Route I-80 East)

I was very busy with the new project work at my new office. We were in the process of closing our California home too. So, it was double busy time in the month of June. I closed my home on 26 June and took shelter in Debashis Maity’s apartment for two days. Eventually every plan fell in place so far but by the time it was June 29, we were exhausted both mentally and physically. This is probably the most tired body that ever took the wheel from Sacramento. Well the plan is a plan. Let’s not jeopardize it, let’s do it. Plus, I was heavily sleep deprived the entire week.
I had to take couple of hiring interviews in the morning of the drive. Being in PST, I could complete those by 9AM. Once done, I started to load the car. Since Maity was away in India, I called Shantanu and gave him the apartment keys. Shantanu helped me in loading the car too. It was amazing to see Black pearl take in almost all luggage for a family to survive for a month. Each and every corner was filled up. After leaving my Black beauty to Krishna’s home, as it was supposed to be picked up the next day, I get black pearl filled up at the Chevron nearby.

While I start my drive, I felt emotions of leaving a place we called home for 8 years. Paro was in tears. She was sitting quietly without uttering any word. I could see emotion in all of them as we slowly pull into I-65 and then onto I-80E. Immediately I get a see off call from Goutam Panda, and Paro just burst into tears while talking to his wife Mohua. In a way, it was good. She will feel better now. I was in I-80 cruising towards Reno. I drove till Reno many times in that route so it is familiar territory.



I never drive on cruise control. I always control my speeds manually. I didn’t let my Indian long-distance driving habit go as I felt I am in control throughout and I could focus for longer periods of time.



The kids were happy now. Salt Lake City is a short distance (well to our standards and plans). The idea was to complete it nonstop by 8PM MST. Yes, we lose one hour driving from West. Within 90 min, we were crossing Reno and the speed increased after we passed the Sierras. After a few phone calls with friends, Paro seemed to be settled and excited now. I was better too. May be the stress of the move took a toll on me before the start and the entire family sitting together for two hours (probably the first time in the past 3 months) was a de-stressing factor too. Importantly, I didn’t eat any food. I was on water. Fluids were helping me too. We just completed 150 miles, 2900 + to go. We are slowly getting into that vacation mood now. It was a great satisfaction for me to see the family discussing vacation and the long drive.

Soon we pass Reno, it is unchartered territory. I told Paro to keep my camera ready and let’s capture some moments on the way. Since I was so stressed the past few days, Paro wanted to drive and give me some rest. I didn’t agree to it – firstly, I wanted her to rest as the past two days was equally tough for her and secondly, I want to cover the salt flats fast and at highest possible speeds. No matter what, we all badly needed a good sleep in SLC.





Nevada in general is barren area. It is popular for gambling and entertainment. The area past Reno was barren and dry. In no time, we passed a few small towns – Lovelock, Winnemuca. I was cruising at 90mph. We were driving continuously for 4.5 hours. While passing through a small town called Battle mountain, we took a 15min bio break at a McDonald, and picked up some cool Frapes and smoothies. I utilized the time to fill up the gas tank from the nearby Chevron.
I was anticipating a high-speed dash at the salt flats. After Elko, the speed kept on increasing. 90-110mph range, straight roads and it was great fun in driving. Black pearl was equally happy delivering 100+ speeds at less than 2500 rpm. Twin Turbo was in full flow then. Immediately after crossing West Wendovar, I-80 turns into a geometric straight road for the next 80-100miles till Salt Lake. I could touch the highest speed in my car. It took me three figure speeds to pass an 18 wheeler, wonder what speed it was doing in that stretch. Must be 95+ for sure.





In no time, we were in Salt Lake City at 8:40PM MST and checked into Marriott at SLC Airport. Nice and clean rooms and a wonderful café attached. We ordered some food from the café, ate and crashed to bed. All we needed was a sound sleep.

619 miles in 7.5 hours. Not a bad start of the long journey.

Day 2 (SAT – 30 June 2018) – Salt Lake City to Gothenburg
States – Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska (Route I-80 East)

Alarm rings at 6:30 AM MST. I had the best sleep in 15 days. Infact, everyone was fresh and happy after the sleep. We quickly packed up and headed for breakfast in the first floor. After all my business travels in past years, the breakfast at the Marriott don’t excite me anymore but my family relished the breakfast. We had everything on the table from fruits, to oatmeal to pancakes to cakes and we finished those off. Paro picked some fruits, yogurts for the drive and we decided in the interest of time that we won’t break for lunch. I always prefer low on food and high on water while on a long drive.

The next break point as per our plan was Gothenburg, a small town in Nebraska around 700 miles away. After a lazy breakfast, we start from Salt Lake City at 10:35AM MST. Since the hotel was close to the SLC airport, we drove around the airport and onto I-80 towards the hills.



I-80E after SLC crosses mountain passes, offering great views and connecting roads to Yellowstone, Kings peak, Twin peaks etc In nutshell, Salt lake is center of all the beautiful vacation destination of that area. These were those mountain ranges covered in snow, which I used to enjoy in my delta flight from Minneapolis during my business trips for those years. I used to often think that when I actually do the drive, I will be crossing those ranges. Now, I am actually living that dream.





We soon cross the beautiful Echo Reservoir and entered Wyoming, the beef county or the dinosaur country whatever you may want to call.



After a two-hour drive, We broke for fueling at an Exxon in Green River, WY. While coming out of the car, I realize it is a very windy place. Not only that, it was a bit chilly too. I soon realized that I don’t have any warm clothes handy. Those are all well packed in the luggage and I cannot open it in the entire trip. I also realized that we are at 6000 ft altitude.



After the fuel break, Paro took on the wheels for the first time in the trip. She was excited to drive. I took the passenger seat with my permanent companion, my camera. In no time, Paro started pushing the pedals and black pearl was doing 90+mph. It was extremely comfortable to ride the Black pearl in that high winds. It was perfect weather for a drive. Meanwhile, Moon gets a call from Piya (from Californina) and it was great listening to the kids sharing the nostalgia of the drive, the times they spent together, their songs (Piya is very gifted singer).



In between the Rocky Mountains, we came across some plains too. On a slight glance at the external temperature surprised me. It was showing 55F. For a moment, I thought the sensor is dead. It can’t be that cold outside. I touched the glass and it confirmed my fears, it was indeed getting cold. The climate control inside the car didn’t made us feel the changing weather conditions outside.





In the next hour, the temp was 42F and it started to drizzle as well. We were nearing a town called Laramie. Paro was driving for the past 3 hours and she covered close to 240 miles. At 3PM, It was dark, cold, windy along with drizzle. We planned to stop at a McDonalds in Laramie. While Paro and Moon picked up the garbage and locked the car, I carried Anika from the car and ran into the McD. It was extremely cold and windy outside and we had no warm clothing.
We took a nice 30min break, munched some fries, fish sandwich and smoothies. Another 300 miles to go today, I took the wheel for the rest of the journey. I was hoping a normal smooth drive to Gothenburg. Little did I know of the surprise in store. Well, life is like that isn’t it?



We crossed Cheyenne, WY in no time and soon enter Nebraska. Temperatures started to increase a bit now and roads much straighter. We were doing pretty high speeds now. Another 2 hours to go, we ran into a heavy thunderstorm and rains. It was windy but the downpour was very strong, the strongest I saw. I had to drop the speed now but I could still easily do 70-75mph in the rain. Its was open area, straight road, crackling thunders, wiper in full speed still making vision difficult, we had no place to stop. Let’s face it then. I had that confidence on my Black Pearl that it will not let me down. Although Paro got a little scared, the kids enjoyed the rains and the drive. They covered themselves in blanket and created an ambience of a camping in the woods amidst rains and thunderstorm.

This situation deserves a pat on the back for black pearl. 4Matic played its role to great effect breezing past the watery roads and handling the aqua-planning as if it is a piece of cake. Being a Michelin fan for ages, I now started to love my tires - Toyo Open Country. Not only it handled the dry and hot areas of Nevada at high speeds, but also it took care of the strongest rains now.

We lost another hour as we enter CST from MST and reach the beautiful little town of Gothenburg, NE at 8:15PM CST. We check in the beautiful Comfort Suites from Choice Group at Gothenburg. I saw great reviews of this hotel but we got more than what we expected – nice, clean and huge rooms with all amenities. Perfect break for anyone on a long drive on I-80.



We went into a nearby local joint RUNZA (famous in Nebraska for sandwich) and had salads, sandwich and wraps. Must say it was very tasty. Another successful day, executed as per plan.
698 miles in around 9+ hours.

Day 3 (SUN – 1 July 2018) – Gothenburg to Chicago
States – Nebraska, Omaha, Iowa, Illinois (Route I-80E and I-88E)

As usual alarm rang at 6:30AM. While the family woke up gearing for the breakfast, I decided to skip it and pick up a subway instead during the drive. Kids got ready and went to a Sod museum nearby. Meanwhile I filled the gas and bought some water bottles and set the car up for the next leg.



It was around 10AM, we finally start from Gothenburg. Picked up my favorite veggie subway from the next exit and zoomed through I-80. It was another beautiful weather with perfect sunshine. Totally in contrast to the flood warning that the area had a night before. Nebraska being part of the midwestern plains, the road was flat, straight and in good conditions. Car gathered speed and we were able to munch the next 200 miles in around 2hr 20min. We were in the outskirts of Omaha, the only metropolitan city of Nebraska. One thing to note by the way, which I didn’t mention early - The railroad always run along the I-80 and it was playing hide-seek on both sides of the freeway during the entire drive.





After crossing Omaha, we enter the state of IOWA (towards Des Moines). Although the plan was to do another 100miles before the bio break, the kids wanted their bio-break now. It was about 1PM and I decide to take the next exit and stop at subway for the bio break. Also picked up a chicken subway sandwich for Paro.





After a quick 10min break, we started again. This time Paro took the driver seat. It was moderate traffic all the way to Des Moines but we could do a steady 75-80mph speed. The weather continued to be perfect so far.



The drive was steady and Paro covered 220 miles in 3 hours. We decided to take one more break at a Rest Area in Iowa City mostly to change drivers. Chicago is now striking distance and we are executing as per plan. I know Shekhar is preparing his trademark Chicken Biriyani for me and I can’t wait to have some home food after three days. I was indeed feeling tired today. May be not having the right food playing on my mind.
Finally, we leave I-80, our constant friend from California, and enter I-88E (The famous Ronald Raegan Memorial Tollway), after Davenport. Soon onto I-88E, we took the next exit for Fuel, I was in the last two gallons of fuel. Another 1 hr to reach Shekhar’s home and the biriyani.



Due to lots of construction, and lane blockages on I-88, my drive was mostly in 55-65mph range. Chicago, to our mind, is windy, snowy, shivery etc. Here we are in outskirts Chicago, beautiful lush green fields, 90F temperatures, high humid conditions. It took us for a surprise. Must say we really enjoyed that night there. Chicago is not that bad as it sounds to a Californian.

We reached Naperville at Shekhar’s home by 7:15PM. We are on target so far and everything went as per plan. My destination is striking distance now. Although very tired, felt very satisfied and happy that I could execute this plan.

Shekhar is my elementary school mate. It was great meeting Shekhar and Sanju and not to mention that special Chicken Dum biriyani, which I polished off along with a glass of wine. Home food after 3 long days is always special. A perfect way to unwind the last 3 days of tiredness. By 11PM, after a bried chit chat with Shekhar, I went to bed. Don’t know when I dozed off, probably the best sleep so far.

677 miles in 9+ hrs.

Day 4 (MON – 2 July 2018) – Chicago to Columbus
States – Illinois, Indiana, Ohio (Route I-80 East)

After the sumptuous food, the sleep was equally sound. Shekhar had to go to office so he was off already. Sanju & Shekhar wanted us to stay till July 4 but since I had strong timelines at work, I had to start today. We promised we will do a separate Chicago plan later.

I woke up and called Ravi. He was slogging at work and couldn’t come over. My bad, I should have called him a day before. I was hoping the day before July 4 will be cool at work and we could meet in last minute notice. Alas, I was wrong. Then I called Prafulla too, who was holidaying in Spain. In excitement, I almost divulged my 2016 surprise plan but controlled in the last moment. I would rather have my travelogue divulge the truth. My initial plan was to pay a surprise visit to Durga at Dayton on my way to Columbus. After Ravi couldn’t meet, I was keeping my fingers crossed on Durga. If I could meet her, my unfulfilled plan of 2016 will be fulfilled.

However, Prafulla gave the good news that Durga gave birth to a baby boy and it won’t be nice idea to give a surprise at this stage. Fingers crossed and with low confidence, I pinged Durga and gave my coordinates. She called back immediately and with great warmth, told me to come over asap. I told myself with a sense of relief and pride, my original plan is still on.

Since the drive is small, I eased out a bit. I also realized its Shekhar-Sanju marriage anniversary today. Before I could wish her, Sanju was ready with all my favorite dishes – Dosa, Idli, sambar and assortment of chutneys – garlic, onion, tomato, coconut. I always love breakfast and this was easily the best from the last 2 months. I could see the stress of the move, closing home, stress of travel took a toll on me. I never felt so relaxed on that breakfast table. For a moment, I felt like taking a nap the rest of the day.

Before thinking any further, I chose to have the food first and then quietly drove to Naperville Costco to pick up a bouquet of roses and used the opportunity to fill the tank as well. Surprisingly, Naparville Costco don’t sell 91 Octane fuel, they only sell 93. Even better, I filled Black Pearl, which was almost full, with the 93 Octanes.

After returning we had a small photo session with Sanju and the kids, it was about noon when we eventually start for Dayton. Sanju packed two boxes of idlies, chutneys and snacks. We had no reason to stop anywhere. It will be nonstop to Dayton, Ohio.

Chicago outskirts was a bit crowded with mostly truck crowd leaving the city. Outskirts Chicago has lots of 3PL Warehouses and Distribution Centers. Once we moved out of I-294 and onto I-65, the crowd eased up and we could start doing high speeds. We were in Indiana state in no time and soon passing through the Purdue university campus at West Lafayette.



We faced some traffic at Carmel where I-65 meets I-70 E towards Dayton. We entered Ohio through I-70 and reached Durga’s house at 6:30PM EST. Today, We lost another hour in this drive as we moved from CST to EST.



At Durga’s place, the kids enjoyed a lot fondling with the new born baby boy Varun. We spent about 1.5 hrs at Durga’s house. I was meeting her after school and it was really nostalgic. It was great meeting Durga’s family and parents. Durga’s dad wanted us to stay back in the night but I had to go by the plan. May be some other day.

After a brief photo shoot out and hot cup of chai (the real need of the hour), we headed towards our destination for the day – Columbus. Dayton to Columbus was about an hour drive, which by now sounded like a stroll in the park. Reached Sumit’s home by 9:30 PM EST.

Sumit and Hema had a new born baby girl as well. Sumit’s parents were present too and his mom prepared some amazing delicacies for dinner and we enjoyed every bit of the food – roti, sabji, chana masala, achar, dal, raita, rice etc. It was food galore ever since we entered Chicago.

Sumit is my buddy since my early yantra days and we keep chatting on wide range of topics. Today was no different, I kept chatting with Sumit till past 1AM and spent nice time catching up on technologies, people, retail etc.

Today, We drove 396 miles only. as it was planned rest day to spend with friends. Most importantly lots of love and affection from everyone made our day very very special.

Day 5 (TUE – 3 July 2018) – Columbus to NYC
States – Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York (Route I-70 East)

Although I slept late the previous night, we all woke up with the 6:15AM alarm. The morning tea time was well spent by chatting with Sumit and his dad. I was particularly intrigued by uncle’s resource and time management skills. I always love people who plan something and stick to it to make it happen despite of obstacles.

Today is last day of this long plan. Our plan for a 10AM start looked in jeopardy as we all took it a bit easy. The sumptuous breakfast made us forget that we still have 550miles to go today. Those Amazing Alo-paratha, chilli pickle, Poha, raita – all hand made at that hour was a bliss. I don’t remember how many parathas I had, it was just un controllable to check on those.

I am always little more cautious in my last few hours of my trip/drive. Last day of a long drive is equally crucial, body is tired and the mind almost gives up. That is the time you are prone to mistakes that can turn fatal. The drive is not over until it is done. Stay focused, Stay hydrated. Body will be tired but don’t let the mind tire you.

Eventually we started by 11AM. Paro took on the wheel this time as I still wanted to relish and digest the amazing breakfast. While she was driving, I used my time meanwhile to do a few phone calls and reply to a few emails. From Lewis Center, we had to drive down south and onto I-70E all the way to NJ. The weather was perfect, although hot and humid, for this drive. I must admit the vegetation changed a lot after we entered Chicago. It was green throughout. I-70 E ran through dense green vegetation.

Another 150 miles / 2 hrs later, it was time for a petrol break. We took an exit at Quaker City, Ohio and filled up at a BP gas station. I took over from Paro here and kept cruising. 400 odd miles to go from there, I planned to do it nonstop. Sumit’s mom packed some parathas and poha so there were nowhere to stop unless the kids ask for a bio break.

It was very hot and humid here. The weather reminded me of a typical Kolkata summer. The surrounding of Pennsylvania was dense green. Coming from California, the first thing that comes to our mind is what if a forest fire breaks out here? Well, may be its humid, you may not get fires when its humid. California is dry and can spread fire very fast. However, a photographers mind started his imagination of what it will look during winters and most importantly during falls – must be a photographer’s dream.

From I-70, we take the I-76, which is beautiful all through Pennsylvania, crossing through dense forests, mountains and long tunnels. It was a treat to drive at 85mph inside tunnels. I felt like I am driving in autobahn. Except for places near Harrisburg, where there was traffic jam, we could cover the miles very fast.



I could cover 322 miles in little over 4 hours. We all realized we should break for a while, as it was very hot and sun was baking on us continuously. I took a service area somewhere near King of Prussia to freshen up. Also picked up some smoothies from the Starbucks. It was 4:30PM EST and we will reach Shantanu’s home at Woodbridge, NJ in less than 2 hours.

Shantanu meanwhile flew the previous day from Sacramento to Woodbridge. I was carrying one of his bags, which I planned to hand him over before driving the last 50miles to my final destination to Irvington, NY.



Just about 30miles before New Jersey Turn Pike, the phones start to warn us with Flash Flood warning. What !! another thunderstorm waiting to receive us in NJ? In no time, the skies open up with a huge downpour along with lightning. We had already experienced the worst thunderstorms in Nebraska and hence we were more settled this time. Also by now I had my confidence on my 4Matic and on the Toyos. Hence, I kept at 70-75mph consistently in the fast lane.
The rains started to get denser and I had no visibility when we took NJTP near Trenton. New Jersey Turn Pike was built in 1940s, and was among the first of the freeway / thruway system of highways. NJTP (part of I-95) and GSP (Garden State Parkway) rules the highway commute in New Jersey.

This is the first time I saw a highway breaking up in the same directions, with 3 lanes for trucks and 3 lanes for cars. Each of the divisions having separate exits. Also, we saw exits in the left side of the lane (fastest lane), which is unheard of in California. We always had right side exits.

Rains turned into drizzle by the time we reached Woodbridge. Shantanu and Debolina was waiting for us. It was like a dream come true when Black Pearl gets parked into Woodbridge apartments. We covered close to 3000 miles and dot as per plan.



After a brief photo shoot at the parking, we headed to Oak Tree Road, Edison. You will never miss India if you are in New Jersey. Infact you get the best of India in terms of food and facilities. Paro was surprised walking on that road. Jewelry shops, food joins, dhabas reminded us of our stroll on Commercial Street in Bangalore in those good days of Bangalore.

We had sugarcane juice, chats, dal-roti in the India Galaxy on Oak Tree and start our last leg, another 50miles to Irvington NY via GSP (Garden State Parkway). We all were very tired yet very happy on completing this trip.
By 10:30PM, we cross the famous Tappen Zee bridge and reach Yellow House, the famous Eileen fisher guest house on Hudson river, our home for the next 40 days. Yes, we did it.

The Fuel chart:
Starts on FULL TANK (26.4 Gallons) @ Roseville, CA Octane Rating Cost
Jun 30, 2018 Chevron Battle Mountain, Nevada 91 $65.45
Jun 30, 2018 Exxon Green River, Wyoming 91 $87.05
Jul 1, 2018 Cenex Gothenburg, Nebraska 91 $73.56
Jul 1, 2018 Shell Hillsdale, Illinois 91 $85.00
Jul 2, 2018 Costco Naparville, Illinois 93 $29.91
Jul 3, 2018 BP Quaker City, Ohio 93 $80.53
Jul 3, 2018 Sunoco Bloomfield, New Jersey 91 $80.01
Total $501.51

Salient Features from this trip:
1) Kudos to the kids, without their support this drive would not be possible as per plan.
2) Top speed 118mph (near Nevada border to Utah)
3) Covered Salt Flats at Utah (about 90miles) in less than hour, consistently doing 100-110mph.
4) I am a Michelin Fan – I must admit I love the Toyo Open Country, specially designed for premium cars. It is better than the Versados. FYI, Black Pearl rides on 275 / 55 / R19, a rare configuration.
5) I-70/I-76 in Ohio and Pennsylvania is speed trap. Control your speeds if not using radar. Try not to cross MPS.

Signing Off
Abhijit Kumar Roy

[JMaruru]

Originally Posted by akroy

619 miles in 7.5 hours. Not a bad start of the long journey.

to be continued....

Wow!

I would like to do this one day on the reverse direction. NYC to SFO.

[akroy]

Originally Posted by JMaruru

Wow!

I would like to do this one day on the reverse direction. NYC to SFO.

Sure, Why not? Let me know if you need some info.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[mpksuhas]

Pictures look as of taken straight out of movie

Glad to see a travelouge from you after a break.

[akroy]

Originally Posted by mpksuhas

Pictures look as of taken straight out of movie

Glad to see a travelouge from you after a break.

Thanks.
Yeah !! the camera was the co-pilot through out the trip

[cr4nkshaft]

Great read! Congrats on having executed a plan almost 10 years in the making!
One thing I felt was that the captions within the photos are bringing down their beauty, I would love to see the originals in the post. That's a personal opinion though. Thanks again for posting this.

[akroy]

Originally Posted by cr4nkshaft

Great read! Congrats on having executed a plan almost 10 years in the making!
One thing I felt was that the captions within the photos are bringing down their beauty, I would love to see the originals in the post. That's a personal opinion though. Thanks again for posting this.

Yes i agree with you.
The actual pics are better. I just added the caption after the processing just to give a perspective to the actual location.

I generally don't caption in pics, this is a rare requirement.

Yeah, i am really glad i made it in a decade.

[NPV]

@akroy - Driving from one coast to the other across the USA is a superb recipe for a very satisfying road trip, great if one can do this with family like you. Great narrative and pictures, thanks for sharing

Truth be told, when I was a TBHP lurker and later a silent member during 2009-11, I was a fan of your travelogues and route discussion posts. Later, there was a long hiatus when you moved to US, so hope you can share more such drive experiences now.

For me, driving between the USA coasts in a single trip has remained a dream

[ramkya1]

Hai Roy,

Started reading it slowly, reached up to Chicago... Will read it slowly like the tasty Biriyani you had Lovely story, details & pictures

Been planning a C2C, 30 days, Boston to SFO, Hoping to do that someday soon.. Your story just poured oil into that fire.

Remember your advice to my son on how to crack IIT, we met in. Bangalore long back. Well, my younger one cracked it at lndore & will probably crack IIM too this year.

Catch you later..

--Ramky.

[akroy]

Originally Posted by ramkya1

Hai Roy,

Started reading it slowly, reached up to Chicago... Will read it slowly like the tasty Biriyani you had Lovely story, details & pictures

Been planning a C2C, 30 days, Boston to SFO, Hoping to do that someday soon.. Your story just poured oil into that fire.

Remember your advice to my son on how to crack IIT, we met in. Bangalore long back. Well, my younger one cracked it at lndore & will probably crack IIM too this year.

Catch you later..

--Ramky.

Thank you Ramky Sir !! Those were good old bangalore days. Both your kids are absolute brilliant.

Pls don't forget to buzz me when you plan the Boston to SFO (May be through I-90), If time permits i may join you too.

[akroy]

Originally Posted by NPV

Truth be told, when I was a TBHP lurker and later a silent member during 2009-11, I was a fan of your travelogues and route discussion posts. Later, there was a long hiatus when you moved to US, so hope you can share more such drive experiences now.

Thanks NPV. Really felt proud reading this. Appreciate you gesture.

[narayans80]

Originally Posted by akroy

I-70/I-76 in Ohio and Pennsylvania is speed trap. Control your speeds if not using radar. Try not to cross MPS

It's the case allover Ohio (I-90, I-70 I-71), they are quite strict on speed limits. They have arrow straight roads and a speed limit of 65 mph Needless to say, many who studied with me got their first ticket/point on license there after driving mountainous interstates of WV at 70 mph.

PA was not that bad, except for commonplace construction zones in I-76.

Since you are in the East Coast now, be aware that radar detectors are banned in VA.

Chicago, to our mind, is windy, snowy, shivery etc

That's because you went in summer. It'd still be windy though. For the other 2 you should visit in winter. With lake effect snow plus wind, its awesome

Good to see your posts after a long time.

[bhp_maniac]

Spectacular travelogue with the right amount of pictures. Those never ending vistas are nothing short of mouthwatering, what a treat to the eyes And kudos to such a supportive family Wishing you many more miles of happiness.

[akroy]

Originally Posted by narayans80

Since you are in the East Coast now, be aware that radar detectors are banned in VA.

Yes - Washington DC and West Virginia to be precise.
I found that out during my research in 2016.