Memorable Trips and Not So Memorable
Looking back, one of my favorite Mustang road trips was to the Mustang Club of America’s 2008 Grand National. The two-day journey took me from my home in Los Angeles, Calif. to the mountains of Park City, Utah. There were many stops along the way such as my night in Las Vegas, Nev., a visit to the Shelby Corner Cafe, and a drive through the majestic deserts of northwest Arizona. A favorite part of the trip was coming across other Mustang enthusiasts out on the highway. Another memorable road trip took me to Palm Springs, Calif. where I crossed paths with a Hollywood chimp taking a 1966 Mustang out for a test drive. Who would have guessed chimps are into Mustangs?My least memorable road trip was my 48-hour journey from Northern New Jersey to Southern California. The trip began on a Friday night and ended with my arrival in Los Angeles on Sunday evening. Talk about a marathon outing. My driving companion and I drove non-stop all weekend long. Pit stops and coffee breaks kept us in the game. Of course, years later, most of the trip is a blur. I can’t say it was the most enjoyable road trip I’ve driven, but it ranks up there as one of the most interesting. My advice; take your time on the road. There’s no need to rush a road trip.
Off the Beaten Path
Of course, no road trip is complete without a side trip; the more random it is the better. I remember a road trip to the SEMA Show back in 2007. My usual route was closed and I was forced to take Nevada back roads to Las Vegas. I came across old ghost towns and tumble weeds on the lonely two-lane highway. The change of scenery was a welcome surprise. One that harkened back to scenic road trips of long ago. Back when roads such as Route 66 were in their prime. Although they may be hard to find, roads such as this do still exist. With a little planning you can incorporate one into your next road trip. A great source is the Website America’s Byways, which provides a listing of America’s most scenic roads, complete with road maps and more.Preparing for the Trip
Road trips in your Mustang can be a great experience. You just want to make sure you have everything in order before you leave. For instance, never take a road trip without checking your car to make sure it’s in good working order. You also want to make sure you have all your important documents in the car. Which documents? Oh, insurance and vehicle registration are a must. Other items such as maps, snacks, good music, and an emergency kit are important as well.Don’t Forget To:
- Check the Condition of Your Car
- Organize Your Paperwork
- Bring a Map
- Bring Food and Water
- Bring Good Music
- Prepare for Emergencies
With a little planning, your next road trip is sure to be a blast. Just remember, with road trips it’s not the destination that makes all the difference; it’s the journey getting there. Happy trails and happy motoring!
