Big Favor: Going Coast to Coast for the Challenge...

So far, the $2010 Mazda GTX has resisted my attempts to destroy it. Sure, a few hoses leak and I need to replace the alternator, but overall, it's looking positive for leaving next Wednesday.

My general plan:

Oakland, CA > I5S to Los Angeles > I10E, jog down to Sierra Vista, AZ > I10E to I20E to Abilene, TX > I20E to Montgomery, AL > Hwy 231S to Tallahassee, FL > Tallahassee to Gainesville for the Challenge

If you're within 100 miles of one of these highways and have a garage or driveway that you're willing to let the GTX occupy should something catastrophic happen, please PM me with your contact information.

If you're in one of the cities I'll be visiting and would like to grab a beer (or, in my case, a water, since I'll be driving around 15 hrs/day), let me know that, too. :D

-doll

You know you got a home (with a lift and some GTX parts) at my place.

If you re-route from Montgomery and take 85E to 280S to 75S instead of 231S to 10E, you'll drive right by my house.

If you want a free room for your last night and can make it further than Montgomery, we will get some clean sheets out and have a nice hot dinner waiting!

Unfortunately I'm all the way up in the Northeast... still if you make a really, really wrong turn at Albuquerque you can use my garage.

In reply to SVreX:

Thanks, Doc! :D I could make that work... I was going to see brother & his family before the Challenge, but I could do it after instead... will keep you posted!

Wait a minute- I screwed up.

I'll be on a business trip that week.

My wife would be happy to host you, but she's not too good with a wrench...

You've got my number, and I've got a trailer. If you've got an issue anywhere east of the Mississippi, call. I'll help.

Sounds like an adventure! hope you get the longest drive award!

Hm. MN would not be on your way. I have a pile of Mazda gearheads that would be MORE than willing to work on that car for you. And probably even provide snacks. Good luck with your journey, in any event.

SVreX wrote: Wait a minute- I screwed up. I'll be on a business trip that week. My wife would be happy to host you, but she's not too good with a wrench... You've got my number, and I've got a trailer. If you've got an issue anywhere east of the Mississippi, call. I'll help.

That's okay, I could learn her a thing or two about wenches wrenchin'. ;)

We'll figure it all out! I'll see you guys at the Challenge, if nothing else.

Hope it's uneventful for the drive although that will kill my shot at longest drive. I'm not on your route but know a bunch of gearheads all over the place. Just keep us posted I'd be willing to bet you have lots of help just a post away.

We are just south of Phoenix if you get stuck on the first leg, I have a compressor and tools if need be.

I also have some cheap 99 miata rims with used up 710s on them as well.

InigoMontoya wrote: We are just south of Phoenix if you get stuck on the first leg, I have a compressor and tools if need be. I also have some cheap 99 miata rims with used up 710s on them as well.

Good to know where you are, IM! Thanks!

Sadly, the GTX is 4 x 114.3 ... Miata rims won't fit. Unless, of course, there's a junkyard around and we can source two sets of front hub assemblies from mid-90s aspires. :D

oldtin wrote: Hope it's uneventful for the drive although that will kill my shot at longest drive. I'm not on your route but know a bunch of gearheads all over the place. Just keep us posted I'd be willing to bet you have lots of help just a post away.

I won't rule you out yet, oldtin. Car's yet to drive more than a few hours at a time and I still need to fix the temp gauge. ;)

mndsm wrote: Hm. MN would not be on your way. I have a pile of Mazda gearheads that would be MORE than willing to work on that car for you. And probably even provide snacks. Good luck with your journey, in any event.

Such a tease! I'd be up for some Overhaulin' style Challenge cars next year... I show up on your doorstep and in one week, we strip down and build a Challenge car! :D

I'll be heading home next Thursday, and I'll be on I20 east from Dallas to Birmingham. If I see a GTX stranded, I'll be sure to stop.

dollraves wrote:

mndsm wrote: Hm. MN would not be on your way. I have a pile of Mazda gearheads that would be MORE than willing to work on that car for you. And probably even provide snacks. Good luck with your journey, in any event.

Such a tease! I'd be up for some Overhaulin' style Challenge cars next year... I show up on your doorstep and in one week, we strip down and build a Challenge car! :D

Let me know when, and you'll see more random Mazdas in one place than you've ever seen. We've wanted to get our hands on a GTX for a while now.

Dont know why you wont to add 100s of miles to your trip,by getting off I10.. If you stay on I10 you will see me:)

Do you still have my # ?

GVX19 wrote: Dont know why you wont to add 100s of miles to your trip,by getting off I10.. If you stay on I10 you will see me:) Do you still have my # ?

I have your number, fella! I'll see you at the Challenge. :) I'm heading to Abilene to see my cousin, whom I haven't seen since I was 4! I just saw you two years ago. :D

We can caravan on the way back, though!

I'm pretty close to LA (~1 hr) if your GTX breaks down really early in the trip.

In reply to thatsnowinnebago:

Thanks, TNW! I'm hoping that, if I do break down, it happens very early or very late in the trip. :D