Friday, September 28, 2007

Travel to the Fireball Run

After spending two nights with one of my cousins and her husband (Lin & Randy) at Charlotte, NC I set out to complete the final leg of my journey to Orlando, FL for the start of the Fire Ball Run trans-continental rally.

In the spirit of the original Cannonball Race(s) and the original Smokey and the Bandit movie, I planned to make some very good time, despite my unfortunate encounter with a PA State Trooper, yesterday. Today I would lose the cell phone and focus on the singular task of driving.

For this day, I chose to use the only two radar detectors that I believe are up to the task of (what I coined) Z-rated (149mph+) speeds--the Beltronics STi Driver and the Valentine One. Other countermeasures I used were Veil (of course) and my Blinder Xtreme two-head laser jammer system.

I donned my Bandit Cowboy Hat, popped in a Clint Black CD, and listened to the rhythms of CGB and Jerry Reed (aka "The Snowman").

Despite a morning rush-hour traffic (around Charlotte), one fuel stop, two 10-100 breaks, and seven instant-on Ka (five 35.5, two 34.7) police radar encounters, I managed to cover 423+ miles in a blistering 4.5 hours. My trip computer indicated my average speed for this portion of my trip was in excess of 89.8mph (inclusive of all stops).

I picked up a flogger (another Yankee from the Keystone state) on my tail and after repeated attempts to shake 'em (in excess of the century and a half mark) I resigned myself to stop trying.

So, I left Charlotte at 7.30 and arrived at Jacksonville, FL at a few ticks after 12.10. The remaining portion of my trip to Orlando was at a somewhat slower pace (do to heavier traffic and the occasional "snowbird" piloting their Caddy in the left-lane at a somewhat less than optimal speed). I arrived in Orlando at 14.05...ticket free. Mission accomplished: my arsenal of countermeasures served my interests, quite well, indeed.

Met up with Radar Roy and the Blinder Dude at the FBR pre-race party and met a bunch of very interesting fellow racers.

The race starts Saturday morning 9.00EDT.

The pace of the race should actually be slower than the pace it took me to arrive.

Veil Guy

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Takin' another one for the team

...And, once again, I only have myself to blame.

This time my tool of choice was the Beltronics STi Driver as I was heading to a certain Commonwealth which does not allow for radar detector usage. (It was off for that portion of the trip).

As seems to be the pattern when ever I get a speeding ticket, I was on my cell phone (talking to my friends at Buy Radar Detectors) when I got lit up.

Why didn't the STi Driver save me? Simple.

Because no radar was deployed! According to the PA state trooper, I walked right on by him (at 86mph in a 55mph zone).

His tool was a late-model blue unmarked Chevy Impala running VASCAR.

Not only didn't I "see" him, I didn't realize I was also in a construction zone at the time (there was no construction going on at the time...no equipment or personnel).

He asked where I was going. I thought a moment and told him that I was traveling to Orlando Florida (didn't tell him why, though).

He asked what I did for a "living" and I told him that among other things I write reviews about radar detectors. This he thought was quite funny. (And so do I).

At any rate, to make a long story short, I appealed to his finer nature and asked for (and received) a citation of PA-3111A. This is a non-pointable offense and doesn't bring the potential for license suspension.

I gave him one of my Veil business cards and was able to go on my way, relatively unscathed, for my indiscrection.

Thank you Trooper "Chris" for being the consumate professional. You are a fine ambassador for the Pennsylvania State Troopers, are a class act, and you've got my respect. (Told ya I write about this experience.)

If I am fortunate enough that our paths one day cross again, I owe you a beer! (After hours, of course.)

Veil Guy

PS: Bloggin' this from Danny's and Frank's place at Rock Hill, SC.

PPS: Craig Peterson estimates that I will receive three additional tickets before this event is done and over with. For my money, I am betting on the "unders" on this one...

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Semper Fidelis




Today marks the sixth anniversary of the attacks against the citizens of our fine nation.

On this special day I would like to express my thanks to our finest men and women of our Military forces and that of our allies who are putting their lives on the line every day to protect and ensure the freedom of our collective society and the administration for having the political fortitude to support them.

Thank you all for your faithful service and may God Bless you and your families for the sacrifices that you have made and continue to make for all humankind.

Semper Fidelis