Lets meet in the Middle...

[turbozig]

I will be visiting the Manager at the Inn I have in mind. I obtained a soft estimate CAA rate of about $145 which includes breakfast. (not bad during Stampede)
It is located in a Business District and one block away from the Deerfoot Inn Casino & Fying J.
The parking lot is one-in and one-out (not a thru-parking lot) and they will be considering being able to section off for our Corvettes.
It is humble accommodation and the building is only in it's second year of operation - so it's new
They include beakfast. The Fying J Shell V-Power is 2 blocks away. There are two drive-in bay car washes within a block.
Cheers, Spence

I am not mandating this option yet ... merely laying it out as a suggestion ...
Slightly out-of-the-way however I am rather particular with the close-by amenities that I know Corvette Owners should like (and away from shenanigans).
View attachment 13687 View attachment 13688

I can stay at my brothers place in Calgary overnight. I'll get him to park his new Subaru outside so my baby will be nice and snug for the evening.

 

[rockitman]

I will get the group from the Edmonton area organized if needed, no problem.
Edm-Reg = 784k
Cal-Reg = 761k
Edm-Saskatoon=535k
Edm-Cal = 300k
Reg-Win = 570k
Cal-Reg-Win = 1340k
Edm-Reg-Win = 1355k
For us from Edmonton I prefer to Drive to Edmonton the day before and everyone meet in Southeast Calgary or depending on numbers from the south...............
Or leave from the east side of Edmonton at the hotel next to the Flying J and travel as a group, stop in Saskatoon and pick up more friendly people, then overnight in Regina or Moose Jaw.
Probably wait and see where the most numbers from or what the majority would like.
First and foremost we have no rules from our Non Car Club. Smiles and happy people only.
The objective is to have everyone happy and know that the're all valued and suggestions are welcome.
This is only an alternative as there are more options. Not trying to step on any toes.
Only a suggestion.

 

[YFCvii]

Should a contingent from BC want to have the Calgary stop ... that's what I can prepare for on the Wednesday night.
Our friends from North of Calgary can come down Wednesday night after work.
Then a Start out of Calgary for the 6-8 hours thru Medicine Hat to Regina.
That would be an option for this leg.

Should a contingent from BC want to have the Edmonton stop ... it's one dude for Calgary so far getting up to Edmonton
which is absolutely no problem.
Then the Edmonton journey can get joiners in Saskatoon to Regina should there be any along Hwy 16.
This would be another option for this leg.

So we just need some direction from our BC group ... as they will pretty much determine our start point if we are to travel together.

Good thing it's January ... when discussing this

 

[rockitman]

only 187 days, time to pack.

I'm almost sitting in the car now. When do we leave??????

 

[rockitman]

We have options. Thanks Spence for great ideas.
The more people that offer suggestions, the easier it gets.

 

[Rruuff Day]

This will be interesting .... The run to say... Moose Jaw from either Edmonton or Red Deer is about the same at 7.5 hours. From Calgary it's a bit quicker at 6.75 hours. Departure as a complete group from either Edmonton, Red Deer or Calgary adds time on for the out of town drivers. Red Deer is give or take 1.5 hours from either Calgary (Hwy 1) or Edmonton (Hwy 16). No biggie there but for the north and south cars to meet in Red Deer does equate to 9 hours total of drive time...no stops. That is if Moose Jaw or near there is considered as a central stopover point. Out of Calgary (Hwy 1) or Edmonton (Hwy 16) adds the same 1.5 hours or so on for Red Deer drivers but it adds closer to 4 hours for either of the other cities, more if you are west of Edmonton or South of Calgary. If ultimate efficiency was the only consideration, the Alberta contingent would leave as three groups and meet in Moose Jaw for the last leg into Winnipeg.

Then we throw drivers from west of the Rockies into the mix and consider what they will be thinking.... Vancouver to Moose Jaw is 17 hours through Calgary, or just over 19 through Jasper and Edmonton or about 18 staying south through Medicine Hat.

Those are just numbers as it's way too early to tell what will take place. If the poll is any indication, 70% of the yes vote from the west still has to speak up and throw their thoughts and ideas into the mix.... Lots of time .... Lots of time....

If Regina turns out to be the destination, disregard my previous post on driving times. Regina will add an hour. I had first looked at Moose Jaw as attractive due to it's smaller size. Lots of amenities but a much smaller city than Regina.... guess this farmer boy still tries to sidestep the bigger cities.......


Whatever route anyone takes, stay away from Hwy 51. Although I knew this from a previous fishing trip, Riley filled me in on some other road conditions and volunteered some pictures of Hwy 51.... lol....

 

[YFCvii]

Moose Jaw works ... that part would come once we determine our AB start I am sure ...
That's where I have always stopped for a meal.

I was just thinking ahead to far for lunch on Friday being 4 hours from Brandon
which would be Regina (Moose Jaw is 5 hrs) ...
Unless someone knows a great lunch stop before brandon

 

[rockitman]

Moose Jaw is 75kms or 45mins west of Regina. Becomes a welcome site after a long drive.

 

[Rruuff Day]

Moose Jaw works ... that part would come once we determine our AB start I am sure ...
That's where I have always stopped for a meal.

I was just thinking ahead to far for lunch on Friday being 4 hours from Brandon
which would be Regina (Moose Jaw is 5 hrs) ...
Unless someone knows a great lunch stop before brandon

My earlier statement of an hour difference to Regina was using either an Edmonton or a Red Deer route coming down Hwy 2 or Hwy 11.
Google gives me 3 hr 41 Regina to Brandon, 4 hr 24 Moose jaw to Brandon. Spence. It looks like your lunch will either be 19 min early or 24 minutes late..... better pack a chocolate bar....

 

[YFCvii]

Yup ... I extrapolated and rounded up the 1 hour difference to the next day if not done on the first day
between Moose Jaw and Regina ... Sorry I just use the term Lunch as an excuse to "stop".

I'm pretty sure these are not going to be a 3 1/2 hour or a 4 1/2 hour straight run with a group.
I round up .... I know this is way too early to pin it down so I'll wait until it's ready to be looked at a little closer.
I am 99% certain there will be at least 1 - 20 min stop because of breakfast coffee alone ...
no kidding and without anyone having to feel they have to elaborate on their own personal needs (as I might be privy to know a little bit about a few).
Implication of a straight run might keep one from obligating until itinerary is suggested ... just saying

 

[Rruuff Day]

If there's any consideration for a meet in the middle before we meet in the middle, Red Deer Hwy 42 east to Hwy 21, 590 east to Big Valley, Hwy 56 south to Morrin, Hwy 9 east to Alsask on the Sask border, where it turns into Hwy 7 east to Rosetown, Hwy 15 east to Kenaston where it meets Hwy 11. Then Hwy 11 and Hwy 2 south to Moose Jaw if that's where everyone from this end decides to stay overnight, might be an option. Extra hour and a half for Edmonton and Calgary if Red Deer is is the start point but it saves a number of motel bills for those who don't want the extra 4 hour run..... It's about 7 hrs 15 m.... from Red Deer. The roads aren't the 4 lanes like Hwy 16 or Hwy 1 if that's what most of you like.... but the scenery might be a little less Trans Canada ish.... At least until we get to Moose Jaw...or Regina... Again.... Just a thought.....

 

[ddgermann]

I’m following along with you guys and your discussions on the route plans from the West.
The idea of all the western cars meeting up at a place in Saskatchewan for the night seems the most practical.
So perhaps 2 or 3 groups heading out of Calgary, Reddeer and Edmonton meeting up at a hotel in Saskatchewan for the night. I’m not sure I can sell the extra mileage to my copilot to travel from Edmonton to Calgary to begin the journey East.
The cars coming from Southern BC are likely not going to want to drive all the way up to Edmonton to head East either understandably.
I’m only throwing in a thought not making any demands. I said earlier that you guys could decide how you prefer to do this.
As long as we get a hotel selected for us all to meet up in Saskatchewan we can begin booking rooms with maybe a preferred rate.
I actually think the Thursday night in Saskatchewan will be a very fun night for us. I already see it shaping up as a highlight for this entire trip.
I see on other threads you guys are stocking up with hot wheels cars... it just dawned on me why. The hotel parking lot Thursday night with kids excited to see all your beautiful Corvettes in one place. Plus the rest of the MITM as well as the other cruises you are already planning for summer 18.

Such a good thing to be part this group.

I hope there is still a few left on the shelves in Edmonton (Jeffer) in a couple weeks when I get home as like you, I will be looking for some as well now.

D

 

[YFCvii]

My hope is that there is an opportunity for a West Caravan to be 50% of the MITM experience and that it won't be fragmented
(solo driving is definitely not as much fun and why one would travel an extra 350km from Calgary to not just meet up 150km away in Lake Louise).

As it appears likely that it may be every driver will be for themselves post-MITM ...
my journey may return South and West through the USA and Glacier Park and up thru Radium for a scenic Prairie/Mountain 7-day MITM & back

 

[YFCvii]

I am going to meet a Hotel Management Team for rate ... should it work.
(don't worry ... no boots & no hats no 2-step required) ...
Spence

 

[Riley P]

Hahaha. Ah, Calgary. It's amazing how many people own cowboy hats and boots for one week of the year.................and I'm sure I'd have a set if I lived there too.
But, Stampede is fun. I've enjoyed it every time I've gone and it would be great to catch if you were going to be in Calgary anyway.

As for the Moose Jaw stop over, if this has been decided upon, I got some information from my contact, (thanks Shayne!), who lives there. He says the Heritage Inn is one of the better places to stay and they host an annual car event that comes around every year. They also have a pool and a restaurant, and lounge. It’s well lit and generally safe to park. There is also Boston pizza, and a few other places to eat close by. Less than 5 minutes to just about anywhere one needs for an overnight stay.

So if Moose Jaw gets the green light, I can call and ask if there is a group rate.

 

[Rruuff Day]

Hahaha. Ah, Calgary. It's amazing how many people own cowboy hats and boots for one week of the year.................and I'm sure I'd have a set if I lived there too.
But, Stampede is fun. I've enjoyed it every time I've gone and it would be great to catch if you were going to be in Calgary anyway.

As for the Moose Jaw stop over, if this has been decided upon, I got some information from my contact, (thanks Shayne!), who lives there. He says the Heritage Inn is one of the better places to stay and they host an annual car event that comes around every year. They also have a pool and a restaurant, and lounge. It’s well lit and generally safe to park. There is also Boston pizza, and a few other places to eat close by. Less than 5 minutes to just about anywhere one needs for an overnight stay.

So if Moose Jaw gets the green light, I can call and ask if there is a group rate.

Thanks Riley. Good to know when decisions do get made and everyone knows what they are doing.

 

[YFCvii]

Hahaha. Ah, Calgary. It's amazing how many people own cowboy hats and boots for one week of the year.................and I'm sure I'd have a set if I lived there too.
But, Stampede is fun. I've enjoyed it every time I've gone and it would be great to catch if you were going to be in Calgary anyway.

As for the Moose Jaw stop over, if this has been decided upon, I got some information from my contact, (thanks Shayne!), who lives there. He says the Heritage Inn is one of the better places to stay and they host an annual car event that comes around every year. They also have a pool and a restaurant, and lounge. It’s well lit and generally safe to park. There is also Boston pizza, and a few other places to eat close by. Less than 5 minutes to just about anywhere one needs for an overnight stay.

So if Moose Jaw gets the green light, I can call and ask if there is a group rate.

Appears to be a fine place to stay and with a private parking lot and adjacent to Boston Pizza - which would have a very good variable menu in short walking distance.

 

[rockitman]

I am working sometime this week with a rather enthusiastic Hotel Management Team for a smokin good stop here ... should it work.
I will also be seeing what can be done for an option for those who would like to come a day earlier to enjoy a Stampede Day prior to departing East.
I know this won't be for everyone ... but I hope to offer something along the way because the Meet in the Middle Party can start in Calgary.
(no boots & hats nor 2-step required) ... more to come on
Spence

Some how I don't think cowboy hats and corvettes mix.

 

[MikeysZ06]

Hahaha. Ah, Calgary. It's amazing how many people own cowboy hats and boots for one week of the year.................and I'm sure I'd have a set if I lived there too. .

Only the tourists Riley. Only the tourists. I’ve never owned a pair in the 44 years I’ve lived here. Merrell doesn’t make em. Lol

 

[YFCvii]

Some how I don't think cowboy hats and corvettes mix.

yup ... I'm getting a feeling that this will end up not having enough interest and it will be a start from either Red Deer or Edmonton.
I have actually not stayed in Calgary during Stampede for over 10 years ... so MITM suits me.
I'll see what I negotiate with the Hotel for the Wed night and then go from there ...

there's a saying here that, "Cowboy-tourists" aside, if it was not for the 100 free breakfasts and bbq's during the week,
it's a struggle to get people to come here during Stampede Week for anything else.