subterfuge
03-31-2003, 07:23 AM
With the poker run date quickly approaching, I thought it might be useful to post some helpful handy hints concerning backroad driving. The routes chosen on the poker run are ‘paved'. But it is important to keep in mind that these are back-roads. Thus they are not generally to the same standard as urban centres.
1) The Road Looks Like Gravel!!
There are a few different ways of paving a back-road. The traditional form of paving is quite expensive, labour intensive and doesn't last very long. The most popular form of paving is called ‘coal-chip' or ‘coal-tar' paving. It involves dumping down a layer of soft coal-tar or low grade asphalt and then dumping fine mid to high grade gravel on top of it. This initially creates the most horrible road ever as the fine gravel flys EVERYWHERE. But over time and with traffic, the cars themselves press and embed the gravel into the soft asphalt. Thus making a road that is impressively tough.
Even if it looks like gravel.. It isn't..
The other thing that happens on these roads is that there is NO street sweapers. SO in agricultural areas often the roads get lightly coated with dirt or sand in areas. This is a HUGE traction concern. Especially if you aren't used to it. So be aware..
2) There are no lines on the road!!!
Yeah. No kidding.. Painting costs money. And with the traffic some of these roads get. It just isn't necessary.. However just because there are no lines, doesn't mean you can hog the whole thing. Be VERY mindful of other drivers. KEEP CLOSE TO THE SHOULDER when going up hills.
3) These crazy turns and curves aren't marked! How do I know which way the road is going?
Heh. A few things to note..
- Hydrolines.
Watch the hydrolines. Generally they follow the path of the road, and the cross over's are easy to note with practice.
- Tire Marks.
How steep is that hill that you are coming up on? Watch for skid marks on the top. If you see them. SLOW THE HELL DOWN!!
1) The Road Looks Like Gravel!!
There are a few different ways of paving a back-road. The traditional form of paving is quite expensive, labour intensive and doesn't last very long. The most popular form of paving is called ‘coal-chip' or ‘coal-tar' paving. It involves dumping down a layer of soft coal-tar or low grade asphalt and then dumping fine mid to high grade gravel on top of it. This initially creates the most horrible road ever as the fine gravel flys EVERYWHERE. But over time and with traffic, the cars themselves press and embed the gravel into the soft asphalt. Thus making a road that is impressively tough.
Even if it looks like gravel.. It isn't..
The other thing that happens on these roads is that there is NO street sweapers. SO in agricultural areas often the roads get lightly coated with dirt or sand in areas. This is a HUGE traction concern. Especially if you aren't used to it. So be aware..
2) There are no lines on the road!!!
Yeah. No kidding.. Painting costs money. And with the traffic some of these roads get. It just isn't necessary.. However just because there are no lines, doesn't mean you can hog the whole thing. Be VERY mindful of other drivers. KEEP CLOSE TO THE SHOULDER when going up hills.
3) These crazy turns and curves aren't marked! How do I know which way the road is going?
Heh. A few things to note..
- Hydrolines.
Watch the hydrolines. Generally they follow the path of the road, and the cross over's are easy to note with practice.
- Tire Marks.
How steep is that hill that you are coming up on? Watch for skid marks on the top. If you see them. SLOW THE HELL DOWN!!