Vegas Teacher Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 Hello All, So I left on Friday about 4 p.m. for Fontana California - about 30 miles east of L.A. on I - 10 just a few miles off of I-15, for Schutzhund training and decoy/bite work - German style dog training. I pulled Baker Grade without loosing a single mile per hour on the way up. I blew past the weigh stations and LEO / DOT did not come after me, so I felt pretty good. I went to the truck station at the Agricultural inspection and just got waved on through all was good. However in California it says that all trucks pulling a trailer or any truck three axles or more have to go 55 MPH. That took my normally 3.5 hours and turned it into almost 5 hours with stops and that kind of stuff. Also had to run in the outer most right hand lane, with slower moving traffic, and it was a pretty rough ride. I was bobtailing and I do not have a bed or a "Toad" on my truck yet. Anyway we stayed at the Pilot in Hysperia California overnight. It was about 40 miles east of Fontana. The lot was huge, we found a place way in back away from the other truckers so my two barking German Shepherds would not bother anybody when were were sleeping or went to eat. Speaking of eating we went to the Outpost Cafe which was on property. It was so nice to eat at something that was not chain or a buffet. In Vegas I eat at a lot of buffets. As the other truckers told me and my wife Pam, this is a real truckers restaurant. The food was excellent. We ate dinner there that night and breakfast there the next morning. Pam, my wife took her first truck stop shower. I went to ask what the procedure was at the Pilot to get us each a shower was and the guy at the counter said You can both use the shower room at the same time, then added with a wink and a smile "We won't judge you!" He also said to take our time and not to hurry. So I went back to the semi, moved from the back of the lot, up to the front of the lot and let the dogs out to pee, picked up Pam and told her about the shower arrangements. So we showered and went to eat breakfast. I had some great truck stop coffee at the outpost, loved it 1 sip kept me awake for 3 hours without blinking ;-0 ! Nice not to get some pretentious coffee house coffee for 5.00 per cup, or more. We got on the road after about an hour and a half. We woke about 4:30 ate and showered and were on the road by about 7:00 made Fontana about 7:45. Jake Brake kept us at 45 mph coming down the grade and into Fontana, just like the sign said. However I had a couple of "Refer" units blow by me like I was standing still. I even took the truckers bypass around the bridges. I followed all of the rules. We went to training and came home that same afternoon, left at 1:45 p.m. and got home about 7:00, stopped in Hysperia and in Baker California. I dropped the hammer and ran 65 mph as soon as I crossed the Nv. border. Also if you come to Vegas and you want to avoid some of the stuff on the 515 / 15 interchange (spaghetti bowl) use 215, it loops around the west side of town and crosses 15 and 93 /95 = 515 ( 515 is when the two run together) anyway it helps you avoid the mess that is the interchange all together now. The extra distance you have to drive is worth the 45 minutes it saves you from Flamingo to just past Decatur on 95. You can catch 215 west on the South end of town of off I-15 north coming in from California near Bass Pro shop and 215 West on the north end of town near the Speed way headed south from Utah on I - 15 south, it is one exit south of the speedway exit. If you are coming in from Kingman on 93 north or coming in from Laughlin on 95 north you can catch 215 west just after you pass Fiesta Henderson Casino if you go east on the same road it is Lake Meade Parkway and will take you right out to the lake. If you see Sunset Mall or the Valley Auto Mall you have gone to far north. If you are headed South on 95 from the north end of the state like you came in from Reno and you hit the 4 lane just after Indian Springs you can get on 215 west and go to the south end of town just after you pass Durango Drive you should start looking for signs for 215 south or west (will be same road don't remember what they call it. Just don't go 215 east from there or you will wind up having to go south on 15 and right back to the "Spag bowl") and going south you will cross all major streets that go east and west in Las Vegas, the extra time distance is worth the time reduction. The Pilot in Hysperia is awesome and so is the Out Post Dinner if you are going through there you really need to check it out. The people at both places are very friendly, I give it a 10 out of 10 or 5 stars however you all rate it! Later, Vegas Teacher - Cory Ossana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shallow Draft Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 Quote Hi Cory I will be on the south bound 15 passing through your city on Saturday on my way to Maricopa. I have always taken the 515 exit. Are you saying that it is better to continue on the 15 and take the 215 exit . It is always a bit of a stress to make the 515 exit and the loop over and down to the 515. Usually lots of traffic on the 515 and I have to get over 2 lanes or end up on Fremont street with 40 ft of trailer. It doesn't look to be much further distance to where the 215 and the 515 join. Your opinion as a local resident is very much appreciated. thanks Greg 2004 Volvo 630, Freedomline, Rear view camera, Max Brake, Jackalopee, 38 ft 4 horse LQ Platinum, 40ft Jayco Talon toy hauler Http:/www.flickr.com/photos/shallow_draft/ Https://flic.kr/p/fqhyAN You are not lost if you don't care where you are!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegas Teacher Posted October 23, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 5 minutes ago, Shallow Draft said: Hi Cory I will be on the south bound 15 passing through your city on Saturday on my way to Maricopa. I have always taken the 515 exit. Are you saying that it is better to continue on the 15 and take the 215 exit . It is always a bit of a stress to make the 515 exit and the loop over and down to the 515. Usually lots of traffic on the 515 and I have to get over 2 lanes or end up on Fremont street with 40 ft of trailer. It doesn't look to be much further distance to where the 215 and the 515 join. Your opinion as a local resident is very much appreciated. thanks Greg Much less stress and you will not have to deal with the construction at the spaghetti bowl. You will be happy to learn this route it does not save distance but it saves time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cactus Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 Cory I am LOL with a tear in my eye. After 36 yrs on the big road I remember when the Outpost used to feed on-duty drivers a free Christmas meal, etc. Being based out of Los Angeles we would sometimes have to wait out the CHP closure of I-15 for snow LOL, to get into L.A. That is maybe a 1-2in. covering. This after coming from the East Coast in Dec. And if you are not careful you`re gonna` be a real Driver. Any body can drive a truck but not all are "Drivers". Thanks to this forum for a renewal of memories Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shallow Draft Posted October 23, 2017 Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 Thank you Cory. I will make this change in my route. Last trip around the Spaghetti Bowl I lost my trailer brakes as I made the big curve coming down on the 515. That is when you truly appreciate our trucks. Just added a little more air and then I fixed the trailer brakes at the first opportunity. 2004 Volvo 630, Freedomline, Rear view camera, Max Brake, Jackalopee, 38 ft 4 horse LQ Platinum, 40ft Jayco Talon toy hauler Http:/www.flickr.com/photos/shallow_draft/ Https://flic.kr/p/fqhyAN You are not lost if you don't care where you are!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegas Teacher Posted October 23, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 I am going to get my CDL in February or March. I am trying to learn and I follow the rules posted. I just don't like taking the risk of a ticket is seems some drivers do not care or they have a lot deeper pockets than I do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegas Teacher Posted October 23, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2017 Cactus, The food was really good last Friday, how was it when you used to go there. I loved the shirts our waitress wore the back said: 1. Warm Beer 2. Lousy service 3. Hot coffee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegas Teacher Posted October 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 18 hours ago, Shallow Draft said: Hi Cory I will be on the south bound 15 passing through your city on Saturday on my way to Maricopa. I have always taken the 515 exit. Are you saying that it is better to continue on the 15 and take the 215 exit . It is always a bit of a stress to make the 515 exit and the loop over and down to the 515. Usually lots of traffic on the 515 and I have to get over 2 lanes or end up on Fremont street with 40 ft of trailer. It doesn't look to be much further distance to where the 215 and the 515 join. Your opinion as a local resident is very much appreciated. thanks Greg Greg - Hey where are you coming in from? I will tell you which exits to take. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dollytrolley Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 18 hours ago, Vegas Teacher said: I am going to get my CDL in February or March. I am trying to learn and I follow the rules posted. I just don't like taking the risk of a ticket is seems some drivers do not care or they have a lot deeper pockets than I do. V T.. I am a old geezzzer so help me out here... To "prepare" for CDL-$kool you....."practice"......bobtailing in the hellish traffic of LA and the NUTZ-Vegas-Crazed-Cut-Truck-Off-Jocks.... Seems like a accident looking for a place happen...... Drive on.....(Vegas insurance rates are NOT.....low???) 97 Freightshaker Century Cummins M11-370 / 1350 /10 spd / 3:08 /tandem/ 20ft Garage/ 30 ft Curtis Dune toybox with a removable horse-haul-module to transport Dolly-The-Painthorse to horse camps and trail heads all over the Western U S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shallow Draft Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 1 hour ago, Vegas Teacher said: Greg - Hey where are you coming in from? I will tell you which exits to take. I am coming from Canada down the I 15. Leaving Thursday afternoon to the border. We cross about 7 am Friday and vet check the horses as soon as the federal Vet opens. it is about 8 hours to Pocatello for the 2nd night. Pocatello to either Boulder city or Kingman. That is the longest day. 11 hours to Kingman. I was thinking of Boulder City to shorten that day. Then into Maricopa. About 1900 miles total. I was going to take your advice and take the 215 to Henderson and depending on how I feel it will be Boulder City or Kingman. I assume that the 215 exit should not be hard to find but it likely has a #. 2004 Volvo 630, Freedomline, Rear view camera, Max Brake, Jackalopee, 38 ft 4 horse LQ Platinum, 40ft Jayco Talon toy hauler Http:/www.flickr.com/photos/shallow_draft/ Https://flic.kr/p/fqhyAN You are not lost if you don't care where you are!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cactus Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 19 hours ago, Vegas Teacher said: Cactus, The food was really good last Friday, how was it when you used to go there. I loved the shirts our waitress wore the back said: 1. Warm Beer 2. Lousy service 3. Hot coffee Cory, The food was good even then. But that big lot was mostly gravel and the truck wash was`nt there. And very few cars stopped. Petro was THE truck stop along with TSA and Union76 Can`t tell you about the back of their shirts as we were watching the front side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaird Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 20 hours ago, Vegas Teacher said: I am going to get my CDL in February or March. I am trying to learn and I follow the rules posted. I just don't like taking the risk of a ticket is seems some drivers do not care or they have a lot deeper pockets than I do. Good for you. You won’t regret it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegas Teacher Posted October 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 1 hour ago, Shallow Draft said: I am coming from Canada down the I 15. Leaving Thursday afternoon to the border. We cross about 7 am Friday and vet check the horses as soon as the federal Vet opens. it is about 8 hours to Pocatello for the 2nd night. Pocatello to either Boulder city or Kingman. That is the longest day. 11 hours to Kingman. I was thinking of Boulder City to shorten that day. Then into Maricopa. About 1900 miles total. I was going to take your advice and take the 215 to Henderson and depending on how I feel it will be Boulder City or Kingman. I assume that the 215 exit should not be hard to find but it likely has a #. If you are coming in from the north on I-15 headed south you will take exit 52 onto the Bruce Woodbury / 215 to loop around the West side of town. I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page and I was not giving you the wrong directions or wrong exit number. It will loop you around town. It will cross I - 15 south and it will also cross I - 93 / 95 = 515 south. This way you do not have to deal with the construction at I-15 / 515, which is a nightmare right now, merging over from the 15 south to 515 south is not fun on a good traffic day let alone the construction bad traffic day. 215 is still in its early years so some of the highway from the east part, where you will enter is still the entrance exit ramps, but then opens after 3 exits into 4 lane 55 / 65 MPH stretches. Once you get past Durango it is smooth sailing all the way to the south end of town. Later, Vegas Teacher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shallow Draft Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 Thank you. I have passed this info and advise to many of my friends who travel this route. 2004 Volvo 630, Freedomline, Rear view camera, Max Brake, Jackalopee, 38 ft 4 horse LQ Platinum, 40ft Jayco Talon toy hauler Http:/www.flickr.com/photos/shallow_draft/ Https://flic.kr/p/fqhyAN You are not lost if you don't care where you are!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegas Teacher Posted October 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 3 hours ago, Dollytrolley said: V T.. I am a old geezzzer so help me out here... To "prepare" for CDL-$kool you....."practice"......bobtailing in the hellish traffic of LA and the NUTZ-Vegas-Crazed-Cut-Truck-Off-Jocks.... Seems like a accident looking for a place happen...... Drive on.....(Vegas insurance rates are NOT.....low???) Yep Vegas is crazy for driving. Yes I am wide awake at the wheel when I drive it, plus going to L.A. and facing that traffic was not fun. However it does get me a lot of experience facing poor drivers. Coming back from Florida, Vegas Flyer made me drive in and through a lot of big cities so I had to deal with road work and poor driving. However I am still scared at times when I can see stupid people doing dumb driving stunts 30 to 45 seconds in front of me on the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick & Alana Posted October 24, 2017 Report Share Posted October 24, 2017 Vegas, we will be at the range again this year. This is the third year we have said we are going to get together. Maybe 3rd times the charm, as they say. We will be there Nov 1 or so. I still have your number in my phone, I'll text you. Rick Rick and Alana Fulltimers 2018 Newmar Ventana 4037 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1997 Jeep TJ 2009 Mobile Suites 36RSSB3 formerly owned 2000 Volvo 770, 600 Cummins ISX,18 speed autoshift, 14 foot "garage" ET,Jackalopee,MaxBrake,Pressure Pro pro www.rickandalanasgreatadventures.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vegas Teacher Posted October 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 15 hours ago, Rick & Alana said: Vegas, we will be at the range again this year. This is the third year we have said we are going to get together. Maybe 3rd times the charm, as they say. We will be there Nov 1 or so. I still have your number in my phone, I'll text you. Rick When you park up at the range do you park in the campground that is next to the trap range or where at the range do you park. Do you have the road kill grill menu memorized? Yes we have to get together. I go up there to shoot quite frequently. I am terrible at trap and skeet but love to shoot my sprinfield 9mm. Later, Cory O Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick & Alana Posted October 25, 2017 Report Share Posted October 25, 2017 This year we will be up in the public area. And if you've been up to R&P we've probably seen each other as I RSO up there. I love Road Kills Mac N Cheese, their BBQ is good also. Rick and Alana Fulltimers 2018 Newmar Ventana 4037 2020 Jeep Gladiator 1997 Jeep TJ 2009 Mobile Suites 36RSSB3 formerly owned 2000 Volvo 770, 600 Cummins ISX,18 speed autoshift, 14 foot "garage" ET,Jackalopee,MaxBrake,Pressure Pro pro www.rickandalanasgreatadventures.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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