NXM 3 - NOVA Convoy

[smplone]

Looking to see if anyone wants to start a convoy from Northern VA to the event. Post here for drivers or riders:

Starting Destination:
Sterling / Nova

Departure:
Wednesday Sept. 18 in the am
Time TBD

Route:
Interstate 81

Meetups:
from DC/MD/VA - Meet in Gainesville
from Fredricksburg - Meet in Harrisonburg
from Va Beach / Richmond - Meet in Staunton
from Petersburg - Meet in Roanoke

 

[Prime]

I have to contest your departure point. For those of us in the VA Beach area it makes NO sense to drive all the way up 64 to Staunton and then down 81. I'll be on the road tuesday afternoon/evening, but I'll be heading straight out US-58 to I-85 and then I-40 to TN. Its pretty much a straight shot instead of WAY north and then WAY south.

EDIT:

On further inspection of Google Maps, it seems to be about the same. But it still seems silly to me. heh

 

[smplone]

Prime - yes valid point. I was more or less throwing it in there in case someone was coming from the Norfolk area to meet up with anyone. Also by starting a convoy page, might help promote the event and get people involved with making the commitment to come this year. If you can rally up other Xterra's in your area, why not come join others heading the same direction, even if its slightly skewed from the typical route. My departure time is flexible, so if you decide you want to hop in line with everyone else, stay tuned for more information. I do know 1 xterra that will join us from Norfolk and two other vehicles already in line that won't post up here.

 

[Prime]

I completely get the convoy post, trust me. I think it's awesome.

Just make sure when you meet up w/ Paul (Silver 2nd Gen, 2" BL, Shrock rear & sliders, from Richmond) you give him crap about ripping his bumper off in the mud at nXm1.

/and tell him I that it's from me

 

[drbandkgb]

I completely get the convoy post, trust me. I think it's awesome.

Just make sure when you meet up w/ Paul (Silver 2nd Gen, 2" BL, Shrock rear & sliders, from Richmond) you give him crap about ripping his bumper off in the mud at nXm1.

/and tell him I that it's from me

Is Paul coming aging?

 

[Prime]

He told me he had every intention of going when I helped him w/ the BL last month.

 

[smplone]

haha, I know Paul. I was supposed to come help him with that lift. I offered him to come up here and work on it if no one made it to his lift party. I don't remember him tearing up his bumper last year. I know he had some issue with his 4x4 staying engaged. I was staying in touch with him for awhile but he's flown off the radar lately. I just got word last night Matt aka Duck from Sterling will not be able to get his truck fixed for 6 months due to available funds. He broke the rack and pinion at the ecxc. He wants to go full steel axle. He is trying to convince me to go titan swap before the trip. However, he wants to transfer parts to his girl's (Leslie) truck and they will be leaving with me on Wednesday. Maybe if he's swapping parts, I might have that done. They will be reaching out to another forum fav John in Portsmouth (maybe you know him). He built his wife's truck a tan xterra on 35's. to get it on the trailer for NXM this year.

 

[smplone]

You know something else that I know I could benefit from pre-event, is a weekend workshop. I have all these little things I have been trying to achieve or finish installing before the event. I wonder if there are other folks in the same position and could benefit from an all hands workshop weekend. My pops owns a place in Mechanicsville VA that has a huge workshop and plenty of outdoor parking. we could set up a weekend before event to bring your tools and parts for community help in getting it done and installed. Or get more eyes and ears on that "this sounds funny" feeling.

 

[Kyle]

I might do this. Or I might take Primes route. I have my gps and I tend to drive a little fast. Then again I don't know where I'm going. I've never driven off the east coast. My work schedule just drastically changed so I have to see if I can even still go. I am in Hampton.

sent from a small box floating in the ocean.

 

[Prime]

haha, I know Paul. I was supposed to come help him with that lift. I offered him to come up here and work on it if no one made it to his lift party. I don't remember him tearing up his bumper last year. I know he had some issue with his 4x4 staying engaged. I was staying in touch with him for awhile but he's flown off the radar lately.

It was nXm1, two years ago, that the bumper happened. Last year he blew his front diff and a CV shaft. I've convinced him to come play with the big boys this year, so we'll see what else he can break. I tried to get him and the other guy that showed up for the body lift on here. Don't know what ever happened w/ that.

I just got word last night Matt aka Duck from Sterling will not be able to get his truck fixed for 6 months due to available funds. He broke the rack and pinion at the ecxc. He wants to go full steel axle. He is trying to convince me to go titan swap before the trip. However, he wants to transfer parts to his girl's (Leslie) truck and they will be leaving with me on Wednesday. Maybe if he's swapping parts, I might have that done. They will be reaching out to another forum fav John in Portsmouth (maybe you know him). He built his wife's truck a tan xterra on 35's. to get it on the trailer for NXM this year.

No. Don't know any John down this way w/ an X.

I might do this. Or I might take Primes route. I have my gps and I tend to drive a little fast. Then again I don't know where I'm going. I've never driven off the east coast. My work schedule just drastically changed so I have to see if I can even still go. I am in Hampton.

If you don't know where you're going, I would suggest the 64-81 route. Lots less turns.

 

[Prime]

I just texted Paul. He said he's still on the fence about coming. Reminded him of the registration cutoff. So we shall see.

 

[drbandkgb]

Seems like Paul was iffy last year too and then showed

 

[smplone]

So through a craigslist ad a few months back selling some parts met another xterra owner. Now good friends, been camping and mountain trails together. He goes to sell the GPS cradle to this older gentleman (retired army guy) who wants to know if he knows anyone who can install it for him. Long story short, this gentleman comes to me for the installation. Took about 20 minutes, paid me $40. Wanted to pay $60, I declined and we proceeded to get to know each other. He's apparently been involved in cars and mechanical work his whole life but this gps cradle scared him. I mention NXM to him and he's thrilled and excited to check it out. Says he wants to come and check it out. Before getting his email address to send info to him, I realize that this guy will not shut up. He has a memory, story or moment for every situation or thing you talk about. I felt like I kept trying to steer the conversation into anything other than something he experienced 20 years ago. I am all about spreading the word and getting more folks involved, but is it wrong that I don't really want to bring him down there or at least not along my trip? i am sure he could click with some folks down there, but I just don't want to spend the trip down memory lane, especially if these memories happened over 20 years ago...haha

 

[drbandkgb]

LoL

 

[mudchet]

Seems like the only proper thing to do is invite him and have him ride in your truck the whole time.

So through a craigslist ad a few months back selling some parts met another xterra owner. Now good friends, been camping and mountain trails together. He goes to sell the GPS cradle to this older gentleman (retired army guy) who wants to know if he knows anyone who can install it for him. Long story short, this gentleman comes to me for the installation. Took about 20 minutes, paid me $40. Wanted to pay $60, I declined and we proceeded to get to know each other. He's apparently been involved in cars and mechanical work his whole life but this gps cradle scared him. I mention NXM to him and he's thrilled and excited to check it out. Says he wants to come and check it out. Before getting his email address to send info to him, I realize that this guy will not shut up. He has a memory, story or moment for every situation or thing you talk about. I felt like I kept trying to steer the conversation into anything other than something he experienced 20 years ago. I am all about spreading the word and getting more folks involved, but is it wrong that I don't really want to bring him down there or at least not along my trip? i am sure he could click with some folks down there, but I just don't want to spend the trip down memory lane, especially if these memories happened over 20 years ago...haha

 

[smplone]

Seems like the only proper thing to do is invite him and have him ride in your truck the whole time.

OR I could send him down to your house a week earlier...lol. To bad I know what I am doing and installed the GPS correctly. Now he can certainly find his way down there.

 

[drbandkgb]

OR I could send him down to your house a week earlier...lol. To bad I know what I am doing and installed the GPS correctly. Now he can certainly find his way down there.

Lol.. Poor dude

 

[smplone]

Time is getting closer. Looks as if I will have 3 including myself in this drive from Northern VA. 2 of us leaving around 9am Wednesday morning, then picking up someone in Staunton along the way. Possibly another form VA beach area meeting us as well. Any others want to tag along? Also looking for anyone form the Richmond area that isn't planning on leaving till Thursday or Friday?

 

[Diadaga]

I'm planning on being there on the 18th, with the way I go it would be easier for me to meet yall at the Bristol rest stop. Now the question is does anybody else have a lead foot?

 

[Prime]

Now the question is does anybody else have a lead foot?

::raises hand:: my right foot usually weighs about 100lbs.

I'll be hitting the Bristol area sometime Tuesday night. Haven't yet decided if/when/where were going to sleep Tuesday.

 

[Diadaga]

::raises hand:: my right foot usually weighs about 100lbs.

I'll be hitting the Bristol area sometime Tuesday night. Haven't yet decided if/when/where were going to sleep Tuesday.

I usually run about 10 over the speed limit sometimes a little more.

Sent from my mansion in Grouchland

 

[Prime]

Sounds about right.

 

[smplone]

When driving solo, I am only as fast as the person in front of me. When driving with others, only as fast as the slowest person. Bit of a broad answer but the truth. I am leaving from Sterling VA on the 18th NLT 8am. If need be I could leave as early as midnight the 17/18th. I plan on going straight to Windrock and setting up camp for the week.

 

[Diadaga]

It's not but a 4-5 hour drive for me I'm thinking about leaving around 8 or 9 on the 18th. The worst part about the drive is feeling like your gps is getting you lost, last year I was sure my gps had screwed up but it was right.

 

[drbandkgb]

When driving solo, I am only as fast as the person in front of me. When driving with others, only as fast as the slowest person. Bit of a broad answer but the truth. I am leaving from Sterling VA on the 18th NLT 8am. If need be I could leave as early as midnight the 17/18th. I plan on going straight to Windrock and setting up camp for the week.

Bringing the camper again?

 

[smplone]

I sold the camper to a guy whom we have become good friends with and lets me still use the camper. But No I am not dragging that beast up there this time. It was super nice on the last night when it got really cold, but totally not worth the extra 5 gas tanks to get it there and back. I have the 10x10 tent that attaches to back of the X that myself and others may use. If you don't have this set up, you should consider it. Even when using it solo, its big enough for a full size blow up mattress, stand up and walk around in and I typically use the back of the truck for another person to sleep in or to store all the gear.

 

[Diadaga]

How well does the tent stand when you disconnect?

Sent from my mansion in Grouchland

 

[smplone]

How well does the tent stand when you disconnect?

Sent from my mansion in Grouchland

It stands really well. Serves as an independent tent with the option of attaching to the truck. I use it during camping season in all weather and have only had one problem. One time it rained the entire trip. On the 2nd day the rain had saturated the sides so much with tree limbs constantly resting on the top and woke up to a wet floor. Sets up in about 10 minutes and you will need help popping it initially due to the length of the poles you have to bend. You can get the tent I have in the picture for half the price than it was a year ago. The new "Nissan X" tent has some yellow in the trim and shows a screen that surrounds the awning part. Sort of a foyer entry to the tent. Those now go for standard pricing.

 

[Diadaga]

Ok yours is a legitimate tent, I was thinking of some of the ones I've seen. They basically looked like a lean to with a attachment on it. Where did you order yours from?

Sent from my mansion in Grouchland

 

[smplone]

Ok yours is a legitimate tent, I was thinking of some of the ones I've seen. They basically looked like a lean to with a attachment on it. Where did you order yours from?

Sent from my mansion in Grouchland

I actually got this tent for xmas off a wish list. But I know you can find it at one of my favorite parts site called www.autoanything.com Let me know if you want a discount code. frequent purchases there and they send me 15-20% discount codes all the time. If they don't have it or have the one you are looking for, search the web. I know they are out there on amazon and other places for as low as $200. Its well worth it to have a tent you can walk around in, space for 4 plus 1-2 people or gear in the truck when attached.

 

[Diadaga]

Will take a look at em, right now I'm working on saving for new tires that I need badly.

Sent from my mansion in Grouchland

 

[smplone]

Final call for anyone interested in falling in line for a convoy to NXM this week. I am leaving Sterling VA at 8am Wednesday morning. The other folks from this area have backed out completely due to work reasons and another friend of mine is bringing his pops this year and can not leave Petersburg area until noon. My schedule puts me into the event between 3-4pm. Let me know if you want to fall in line somewhere to get to the event.

I do however have one xterra owner leaving NOVA on Friday if you want to link up with someone then and I have one of my best friends looking for a ride to the event from Richmond on Friday if anyone is interested in bringing him down. He packs super light and I can bring him back with me when we go home.

 

[Prime]

Leaving tomorrow afternoon. Probably staying Tuesday night in/around Roanoke. Be on the road early Wednesday into TN.

 

[Diadaga]

Prime I'm planning to be in Roanoke at 0830 Wednesday morning. The shop is saying it will take about an hour to put my tires on. Idk what time you are planning to head outta town but if times line up I will jump in with you.

Sent from my mansion in Grouchland.

 

[Kyle]

I wont be going this year due to moving into a new home but next year I might take you up

 

[Prime]

With an overnight in Staunton, I'll be trying to hit Roanoke by 8 ish. Trying to make Windrock by noon.

 

[Diadaga]

Sounds like you are gonna be about an hour or so ahead of me. Watch out for cops around Bristol that used to be one of the main areas I would see them when I was driving to Nashville.

Sent from my mansion in Grouchland.