Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Post by alphalykos on Feb 22, 2010 20:52:14 GMT -5
I've seen several posts here and there about making the long trek to Bonnaroo.
I'm concerned that several of these posts are by people making there first long distance solo trip to the festival.
I'm 39 years old, I have been in transportation for over 16 years and have 1.7 million miles driving experience.
I also have been a defensive driving instructor, a trainer for truck drivers, a safety manager, a policeman and an EMT.
So please take the following tips and advice in the spirit they are given, which is to help make sure everyone gets to Roo safely, and ask any questions you might have. If I don't know the answer I can probably direct you to a website that does.
Make sure your car is ready for the trip!
Check your tires or have someone check them for you. Change your oil and make sure everything under the hood is ready to go. How badly would it suck if you couldn't make it to Roo because your car broke down on the way? Most garages will change your oil and do a pretty thorough inspection for less than $50. Get this done a couple weeks ahead of time so you can have any needed repairs done before you leave.
Know where you're going!!
First of all you need to plan your trip. A Google map isn't enough. You need to go and buy a cheap road atlas and study your route before you go. There is nothing worse than being lost. A GPS is a great thing, I own one myself, but they can screw you up.
Start off with a full tank of gas and anticipate your fuel stops. this falls back into the realm of trip planning. You don't need to know exactly what gas station you need to refuel at but knowing about what city will help. This way you can start looking before you are sitting on empty and have to stop in crap hole of a gas station in the worst part of town.
Know your surroundings!
Watch the billboards and mile markers. If you break down and have to call for help they will need to know exactly where you are.
Don't stop in rest areas at night!!!!
I don't care how well lit they are Rest Areas are dangerous places! Your best bet will be to use large well lit truck stops for food and rest breaks. Flying J's, Petro's, Pilots etc are usually well advertised along the interstate and generally won't mind if you take a nap parked in the corner. If they give you any hassle about sleeping on the lot ask them what the truckers are doing out back. We sleep there so why shouldn't you.
Driving on the interstate.
Remember when I said I used to be a cop? Let me let you in on a little secret about getting pulled over for speeding. Do something that resembles the speed limit (five or so mph over the limit is usually safe, ten at the most) and stay in the right lane. The left lane is a high speed lane and for passing only. Law enforcement is drawn to people who are in a hurry. Being in the left lane indicates that you are going faster than the traffic around you and draws attention. I'm guessing that most of us would rather not get a ticket and certainly don't want any sort of search by Law Enforcement. So keep the speed reasonable and keep your left lane time to a minimum ad you should be fine.
Speaking of Law Enforcement
Don't write Bonnaroo or Bust on your car. You may as well write "Search me Please" on your car!
Travel in packs!
There is safety in numbers. If you find other Roo people on the road make friends and make the trip together.
The obvious
Yeah, Roo is a party in a lot of ways. I'd really like to meet you there so lets not be stupid on the road. If you can log onto a computer then you are probably smart enough to know that any sort of alcohol or drug use on the road is a good way to earn a toe tag and miss the festival. And then I don't get to meet you and that sucks!
The party starts at Roo and not on the way to Roo. Please, you can go a day without getting stoned or drunk can't you? For the sake of you, your loved ones and everyone else on the road don't start the party until after you have your tent set up. Ok? Please?
I know that last part sounds preachy. But I suppose as I get older I realize just how delicate and special life is and I worry. I truly do worry about all of these young people possibly losing such a special gift over something as silly driving under the influence. Between the time spent in L.E. and as an EMT I've seen far more death than I ever care to remember.
Post by guitarheroo on Feb 23, 2010 13:23:52 GMT -5
Great advice and thanks for sharing
Why do you say that rest stations aren't safe? I've always thought it was the best way to go when you were sleepy and couldn't drive. My girlfriend and I actually slept in one along with a few other cars and I thought it was what everybody did....
It's a shame we can't advertise our love and destination with Bonnaroo writing on our vehicles without the threat of harassment from the cops, but I guess it's a small price to pay to avoid getting delayed and possibly arrested on the way to the festival!
I'm really bad about driving in the left lane a lot. I've actually never been pulled over or targeted just because I was in the left lane, but I do drive a reasonable speed (almost never more than 10 mph over the limit) and keep an eagle eye out for police cars. I should really follow this advice anyway, though. hah
I didn't know rest areas were so dangerous! Fortunately I live all of 7 hours drive from Manchester so I probably won't have to deal with any nighttime rest area stops during my drive to Roo, but I'll definitely keep that in mind for future late night trips!
Post by alphalykos on Feb 23, 2010 20:05:26 GMT -5
RE: Rest Areas
If you're in a group then a rest area is probably about as safe as any well lit spot where you may park.
If you must stop in a rest area at night make sure you stop in one that is well lit and has bathrooms etc. the "parking areas" can be full of people you don't want to fool with and as such are often the subject of undercover police operations and frequent patrols.
Ever heard of the basketball player Michael Jordan? His father was murdered at a rest area while he rested in his car. The young man who killed him reportedly did so because he wanted his vanity license plate.
What makes a Rest Area inherently dangerous is it's isolation. You only have one way in and one way out. Other than perhaps one attendant no one stays at a rest area for more than a few minutes. If you are looking to do harm to someone this reduces the risk of witnesses coming forth.
During the day they're fine for the most part though. I don't hesitate to stop during the day. Truckstops are just the lesser of two evils. I don't like a truck stop just because I'm a driver. I like truck stops because they cater specifically to travellers and are designed to be safer than otther places you might stop.
An easy, stress free trip can be had with a little planning, patience and common sense.
Please, feel free to ask me anything about your trip to Roo. I can use all the good Karma I can get. ESPECIALLY Roo Karma.
Heck, if I can I'll help with your routing to Manchester. Here's a hint, don't his Nashville at rush hour. lol
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
Listen to this guy.....Even though I used to often eat my corn while driving , last year on way home, it bit me in the ass. I ran into the biggest dick head cop. Search, arrest, the whole deal, Asheville has terrible a jail. Nobody should have to be there. They have a terrible court. They really lightened my wallet. They arrested me for corn. (Says it all!) They impounded my car. Luckily my friends run deep and they had me out of jail and back eating corn in no time. I had to go back up Tuesday and get my car out of impound. (Luckily the impound guys were not dick's and rolled up my windows. It rained like crazy that night, they saved all my posters.) I hear if you get busted in TN you will be seriously screwed.
I agree -> Just party at ROO and keep it clean on the roads.
One year after Bonnaroo, we drove to visit an old friend in Florida before making the trek back home to Wisconsin. His father was a trucker, and when we asked him how we could drive more trucker-friendly before we left, he gave us three pieces of advice.
1. Don't follow so closely you can't see the rear-view mirror on the side of the cab. If you can't see that, he can't see you. 2. If you're going to pass, accelerate while you're doing it to minimize your time in the blind spot. 3. Don't change into a truck's lane until you can see the lights along the top of the cab.
I'm curious to hear what another trucker has to say about that, and if there's anything more you'd like to correct or add to that.
Say hey johnny boy, the battle call United we stand, divided we fall Together we are what we can't be alone We came to this country you made it our home
Post by ltravestyl on May 23, 2010 22:01:09 GMT -5
I've made the trip to Roo every year since 02. I've seen wrecks, people swerving all over, a guy pulled over w/ about 20 bricks of corn sitting on his hood.
Best advice I've seen on here is travel in a group. You'll see tons of other people driving to Roo and you can tell who they are very easily. Stick with them, and let the people who have stuff painted on their car in front of you.
Also, make sure you get into the opposite lane if you see flashing lights on the shoulder. Often the cops work in pairs and in TN it can earn you a ticket if you don't get over or at least slow down a lot for service vehicles.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
Post by xsoftxnxelegantx on May 24, 2010 10:37:59 GMT -5
yea, according to GoogleMaps its 16 and 1/2 hours, but we have no clue about what are rush hours traffic times in the am down south, like I like your in a parking lot if you try to drive though NYC between 7am and 10am
Say hey johnny boy, the battle call United we stand, divided we fall Together we are what we can't be alone We came to this country you made it our home
i'm not sure the best route from ny but i would be surprised if it takes you that long. i get there from mass from 16-20 hours usually. i get on 81 to 75 and then its basically 75 for 600 miles or so.i think that is it i'm just going off my crummy memory at this point haven't busted out the old map yet.
The best way from NY is likely I-95 to NJ, then I-78 West across PA and catch I-81 South to TN , then I-40 West to Knoxville, then I-75 South to Chattanooga and up I-24 West to Bonnaroo. May be a shorter way but likely staying on the Interstate the whole way is easier and just as fast. Only been up that way once though so take it for what it's worth.
Post by alphalykos on May 26, 2010 17:03:30 GMT -5
The best thing you can do with a CB is turn it off. LOL
And WHATEVER you do you DON'T talk about "corn" on a CB.
One, a lot of truckers will call the police on you.
Two, most police have CB's.
You comprehendin' what I'm transmitting there chuckle head? Don't tell me you can't copy. I gots the fire in the wire. This here big radio can fry birds in flight. I dead key 250 and swing 400.
translation- Are you receiving my transmission? You should be because I have a highly modified and powerful CB.
Catch you on the flip. Keep one peeled for them Tiujuana taxis. I hear them coops are open too and checkin that ground pressure. Got a full grown in the medium down by the 244 yardsticker with a double barrel and he looks hungry.
translation- Ill speak with you on my return trip. Be careful not to have any unwanted interactions with law enforcement. The weigh station is open and checking that you are at a legal weight. There is a state trooper in the median using radar to check speeds in both lanes of travel.
Got another one at the on the 233 get on ramp with a captured four wheeler and he must be a real desparado cuz he's got backup. Down by the Pilot right before ya get into Guitar there's a Sugar Bear getting ready to cut one loose.
Translation- At mile marker number 233 there are several law enforcement officers with a car pulled over. Just before the Pilot Travel plaza on this side of Nashville there is a female officer about to release a captured car.
I'd never stop in that Pilot if I were you. Between the good buddies and the lot lizzards you won't get no sleep.
Translation- The Pilot Travel Plaza is innudated with both male and female prostitutes.
Last time I was there I had four of them recreational reptiles beating on my door all night. I fiinally had to get up and lettem out. WHOOP WHOOP!
Translation- It's a joke. LOL
No get that rattly old Freightshaker out my left lane and back in the granny lane where you belong. I been looking at your slow ass back door since We left K town. My kitty nees to stretch her legs, I ain't seen the big hole since I left the Gay Bay last week. I got's to go!
Translation- Your Freightliner brand truck has been impeding my ability to safely pass in the left lane since we left Knoxville. My Caterpillar engine is very strong and I would like to utilize it's power to make better time. I've not used my overdrive since the last time I left San Fransisco.
C'mon skateboard! Move it over! Chicken Truck cummin through!
Translation- Excuse sir driving the flatbed, can you please move to the right lane so my refrederated truck can pass?
Ain't no feeling like PETERMOBILIN'!!!! ( I used to say that one a lot! LOL)
Translation- There is nothing like driving the finest brand of trucks on the road, a Peterbilt!
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
2) Whats the best route from Long Island, NY to Roo? We're leaving Wednesday around 7pm and plan on going nonstop?
Being from NEPA and driving to and from NYC all the time I would guess that your best bet would be to get down to 80W in NJ then transfer to 81S where they merge near Hazelton PA...81 takes you all the way down TN.
Say hey johnny boy, the battle call United we stand, divided we fall Together we are what we can't be alone We came to this country you made it our home
