DeTomaso Mailing List: August 97, Message #25
     



From: MikeLDrew@aol.com

Subject: Re: RE: Monterey Weekend

Date: Fri, 1 Aug 1997 12:52:53 -0400 (EDT)



Okay guys,



Remember, Panteras were not built, and we haven't spent all this money on

them, to drone up interstates like I-5.  So for all those who like to yank

and bank in their cars, I propose the following alternate routes:



Coming from the L.A. area, take 101 until the northern edge of the Megapolis,

then turn right onto Hwy 33, an absolutely AWESOME road that winds and twists

through the Los Padres Nat'l Forest.  If you're coming from San Diego, go

ahead and drone on the I-5 until you reach the Grapevine, then take 126

(towards Ventura) west until it intersects 33 and follow the other guys

north.



33 eventually parallels I-5 most of the way up the valley, but it's

lightly-trafficed, lightly-patrolled, no trucks, scenic, and a little twisty.

 Plenty of opportunity for Big Speed.  It eventually brings you to Coalinga,

where you pick up Hwy 198 going West.  This will bring you to 101 if you

want, but the better (read:  more fun) route is to turn onto 25 North about

halfway between Coalinga and 101.  This is a dream road, I drove it for the

first time two weeks ago, absolutely the most bitchin' road I've ever been on

in California.  1.5 to 2.0 lanes wide, no center line, NO TRAFFIC!  We

stopped by the side of the road for 45 minutes to tweak another Pantera's

ignigion, and not ONE single car came by in either direction!  If you follow

it all the way to Hollister, you then turn onto 156 west.  This road crosses

101 and empties on Hwy 1, about 10 miles NORTH of Laguna Seca.  So yes, you

will have passed the track slightly, but it's worth it!



Or, alternatively, you can take 198 all the way to 101, drive North on 101

for awhile, then exit at the town of Greenfield, and take the G-17 to the

G-16, a lovely rural road that parallels 101 and goes through the Santa Lucia

mountains, and drops you right in downtown Carmel.



Put THAT in your trip computer and smoke it! (Seriously, I wonder if you

wouldn't mind running these calculations and see how much longer it is?)  If

you're driving a motorhome, I-5 works like a champ.  But if you're in a

Pantera, use it for all it's worth!



Mike



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