Landracing Forum

Loring Timing Association (Maine) => Loring (AFB) land speed venue => Topic started by: Joe Timney on June 24, 2010, 08:52:22 AM

Title: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Joe Timney on June 24, 2010, 08:52:22 AM
I wrote up this info to help the racers coming from the south to Loring...I'll have printouts at Maxton this weekend. Bob Wanner, how about posting directions from Caribou to the track.

Tips on traveling to Caribou For LTA Event

Heading North from the Delaware Memorial Bridge:

*NJ Turnpike North
*Exit 10-take 287 beltway West- it loops around congested area
Note: trailer restriction on Garden State Expressway
Second Note: I95 thru New York has tolls every 5 miles and has ridicules traffic…worst than where I’m sending you. You do not want to go over the George Washington Bridge and the Cross Bronx Expressway...if you do-GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!!!
[/i][/i]
*Exit 59- North 87
*Exit 15- East 87/287 East- New York City
*Cross the Tappen Zee Bridge
*Exit 8-287 East “White Plains-Rye”
*Exit 9A-684 East Brewster
*Exit 9E- 84 East-Danbury
*90 East- 84 ends into it- NH, Maine, Boston
*Exit 11A—495 North- NH, Maine, Boston
*95 North- 495 ends into it
*Exit 44-295N ( 295 will eventually dump back to 95
Note: between Bangor and Houlton there is NOTHING!!! Fill up in Bangor!!! Travel time will be 1.5 hours
Second Note: AT mile marker 251, there is a scenic Outlook of Mt. Katahdin- HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT- plus a good place to stretch
*Exit 302 RT1 North Houlton- Presque Isle- follow the speed limit or bring a lot of cash!!! You have been warned!
Note: After 26 miles on RT1 North you will come to a small town of Mars Hill. At the Mobil station RT1 splits-you want to follow RT1, bear left.


Note to drivers and riders…you can send the crew and fly into Presque Isle!!!
Sure hope this helps.
joe
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: tedgram on June 24, 2010, 03:52:54 PM
  Perfect directions, I always take the Tappen Zee going both ways.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Bob Wanner on June 24, 2010, 09:45:52 PM
Excellent directions Joe, Thanks.
I'd also add beware Friday and Sunday nights in the Boston area , they call it "Beach traffic" You may also consider taking I-290 North off I-90 instead of following it straight to I-495. It's a bit straighter, ends at I-495 anyway, and keeps you a little farther away from that Boston deal I mentioned. Check it out on a Map, like Google.
As far as directions to the track from lodgings south....
Presque Isle is farther south, US 1 leads from it through Caribou to "Access rd 89" East.
Follow that about 6 or so miles to Commerce Center rd, make a left. Intersection I believe also known as Cote Corners, has a bunch of Junk military vehicles on the North East corner. Follow Commerce Center North about a mile to South Carolina rd Left  turn, then New Mexico, right turn. At end bear left to track entrance. Not right like last year.
Also, if you are camping or otherwise need not go through Presque Isle/Caribou, consider taking the right Fork out of Mars Hill, up the other US 1 to the East. Follow it all the way up to Limestone, Rt 89 West to that same Commerce Center Rd intersection. Less local  congestion and  speed limited areas.
Hope I've not confoosed youse-all ?
Bob W Map Dude LTA
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: dw230 on June 24, 2010, 10:59:35 PM
Yeah, good directions Joe.

Now, where is the Delaware Memorial Bridge and how do I get there? I figure it is in Delaware, the state is so small it would be hard to miss.

DW
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: blackslax on June 25, 2010, 01:19:52 PM
To ammend the directions a bit

When coming into Presque Isle, if someone could swing right on State Street and grab my trash that would be great. (You can't miss it) :-D
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: A2WindTunnel on June 29, 2010, 01:36:14 PM
If someone were to fly to the venue what is the nearest or best airport to fly into?
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: LittleLiner on June 29, 2010, 01:56:29 PM
Yeah, good directions Joe.
Now, where is the Delaware Memorial Bridge and how do I get there? I figure it is in Delaware, the state is so small it would be hard to miss.    DW 

Dan  -  Del Mem bridge is just south of Wilmington DE.  It crosses the Delaware River so should be easy to find although the river is hard to see since it is always covered with water.    :-)
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Joe Timney on June 29, 2010, 02:27:36 PM
David,
The nearest airport is in Presque Isle but Bangor is cheaper but 2 1/2 hours to the south...both have rental cars. Presque Isle is a much small airport.
joe
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: A2WindTunnel on June 29, 2010, 02:45:36 PM
Quote
David,
The nearest airport is in Presque Isle but Bangor is cheaper but 2 1/2 hours to the south...both have rental cars. Presque Isle is a much small airport.
joe

Thanks for the help Joe.

Dave
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: tedgram on June 29, 2010, 02:56:34 PM
David,
The nearest airport is in Presque Isle but Bangor is cheaper but 2 1/2 hours to the south...both have rental cars. Presque Isle is a much small airport.
joe

Think you will have to change to a small plane in Bangor to get to Presque Isle also.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: blackslax on June 29, 2010, 09:30:16 PM
David,
The nearest airport is in Presque Isle but Bangor is cheaper but 2 1/2 hours to the south...both have rental cars. Presque Isle is a much small airport.
joe

Think you will have to change to a small plane in Bangor to get to Presque Isle also.

Can't be done.  Only flight ot Presque Isle is from boston
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: tedgram on June 29, 2010, 09:53:30 PM
David,
The nearest airport is in Presque Isle but Bangor is cheaper but 2 1/2 hours to the south...both have rental cars. Presque Isle is a much small airport.
joe

Think you will have to change to a small plane in Bangor to get to Presque Isle also.

Can't be done.  Only flight ot Presque Isle is from boston

Interesting! How many flights a day?
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: blackslax on June 30, 2010, 06:14:32 AM
Week days 3 and weekends 2.  Don't quote me on that.  It changes frequently.  Heck, a few years ago we even had Delta announce that they would pick up service, and before they even started, anounce that they would be dropping it ASAP.  They contractually had to do for a think three months.

US Airway is the only provider.  Bangor has more options, but you have a 3 hour drive to Loring. 
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: RidgeRunner on July 23, 2010, 08:13:08 AM
FWIW

     Think it is at the last toll on I 95 in Maine, if you pay your toll then get off to fuel up pay attention to the small signs that say to pick up a voucher if you are getting back on I 95.............no major disaster but the toll to get back on with out it would have bought another gallon of fuel to get you another 10 -15 miles on down the road.......yup, we found out last year.

     We noticed even the locals stayed at or under the limit on Rt 1, did the same and had no problems.  Heard one didn't and did  :-D

     Everyone have a good trip, stay safe, have fun, and go fast.

                     Ed Purinton
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: tedgram on July 23, 2010, 10:15:54 AM
FWIW

     Think it is at the last toll on I 95 in Maine, if you pay your toll then get off to fuel up pay attention to the small signs that say to pick up a voucher if you are getting back on I 95.............no major disaster but the toll to get back on with out it would have bought another gallon of fuel to get you another 10 -15 miles on down the road.......yup, we found out last year.

     We noticed even the locals stayed at or under the limit on Rt 1, did the same and had no problems.  Heard one didn't and did  :-D

     Everyone have a good trip, stay safe, have fun, and go fast.

                     Ed Purinton

  Pays to have a radar detector and be alert, you pass through very small towns that have reduced limits.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Lowbolt1 on July 23, 2010, 01:02:38 PM
I wrote up this info to help the racers coming from the south to Loring...I'll have printouts at Maxton this weekend. Bob Wanner, how about posting directions from Caribou to the track.

Tips on traveling to Caribou For LTA Event

Heading North from the Delaware Memorial Bridge:

*NJ Turnpike North
*Exit 10-take 287 beltway West- it loops around congested area
Note: trailer restriction on Garden State Expressway
Second Note: I95 thru New York has tolls every 5 miles and has ridicules traffic…worst than where I’m sending you. You do not want to go over the George Washington Bridge and the Cross Bronx Expressway...if you do-GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!!!
[/i][/i]
*Exit 59- North 87
*Exit 15- East 87/287 East- New York City
*Cross the Tappen Zee Bridge
*Exit 8-287 East “White Plains-Rye”
*Exit 9A-684 East Brewster
*Exit 9E- 84 East-Danbury
*90 East- 84 ends into it- NH, Maine, Boston
*Exit 11A—495 North- NH, Maine, Boston
*95 North- 495 ends into it
*Exit 44-295N ( 295 will eventually dump back to 95
Note: between Bangor and Houlton there is NOTHING!!! Fill up in Bangor!!! Travel time will be 1.5 hours
Second Note: AT mile marker 251, there is a scenic Outlook of Mt. Katahdin- HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT- plus a good place to stretch
*Exit 302 RT1 North Houlton- Presque Isle- follow the speed limit or bring a lot of cash!!! You have been warned!
Note: After 26 miles on RT1 North you will come to a small town of Mars Hill. At the Mobil station RT1 splits-you want to follow RT1, bear left.


Note to drivers and riders…you can send the crew and fly into Presque Isle!!!
Sure hope this helps.
joe

Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Lowbolt1 on July 23, 2010, 01:13:47 PM
I wrote up this info to help the racers coming from the south to Loring...I'll have printouts at Maxton this weekend. Bob Wanner, how about posting directions from Caribou to the track.

Tips on traveling to Caribou For LTA Event

Heading North from the Delaware Memorial Bridge:

*NJ Turnpike North
*Exit 10-take 287 beltway West- it loops around congested area
Note: trailer restriction on Garden State Expressway
Second Note: I95 thru New York has tolls every 5 miles and has ridicules traffic…worst than where I’m sending you. You do not want to go over the George Washington Bridge and the Cross Bronx Expressway...if you do-GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!!!
[/i][/i]
*Exit 59- North 87
*Exit 15- East 87/287 East- New York City
*Cross the Tappen Zee Bridge
*Exit 8-287 East “White Plains-Rye”
*Exit 9A-684 East Brewster
*Exit 9E- 84 East-Danbury
*90 East- 84 ends into it- NH, Maine, Boston
*Exit 11A—495 North- NH, Maine, Boston
*95 North- 495 ends into it
*Exit 44-295N ( 295 will eventually dump back to 95
Note: between Bangor and Houlton there is NOTHING!!! Fill up in Bangor!!! Travel time will be 1.5 hours
Second Note: AT mile marker 251, there is a scenic Outlook of Mt. Katahdin- HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT- plus a good place to stretch
*Exit 302 RT1 North Houlton- Presque Isle- follow the speed limit or bring a lot of cash!!! You have been warned!
Note: After 26 miles on RT1 North you will come to a small town of Mars Hill. At the Mobil station RT1 splits-you want to follow RT1, bear left.


Note to drivers and riders…you can send the crew and fly into Presque Isle!!!
Sure hope this helps.
joe

to the travlin racers there are a few small towns after bangor called old town and lincoln they are about five miles off the highway, fuel stops food,i know lincoln has a 24hr irvine station, as for nothing but scenary after lincoln
you are rolling all the way to houlton.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Commuta_Busa on July 23, 2010, 02:35:05 PM
thanks for the directions Joe.

I remember last year there was major construction on one fo the highways which should be avoided at all costs. Has that construction been completed? Is there any new construction/detours that people traveling up there this year should be aware to avoid?
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: blackslax on July 23, 2010, 02:48:04 PM
to the travlin racers there are a few small towns after bangor called old town and lincoln they are about five miles off the highway, fuel stops food,i know lincoln has a 24hr irvine station, as for nothing but scenary after lincoln
you are rolling all the way to houlton.
[/quote]

Lincoln is a pain, too far off the interstate.  about 30 miles up there is Medway with a filling station just off the highway. 
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: NS_Rider on July 23, 2010, 03:17:05 PM
Besides watching your speed through Maine, watch out for the Maine D.O.T. They have been thick the last month, just south of Bangor, pulling over all types of personal trailers. On top of the usual Big Rigs.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: 55chevr on July 23, 2010, 09:30:30 PM
Avoid the border at all costs ... potential for body cavity searches ... I cannot emphasis the speed limit on US 1 enough ... I escaped but I was just lucky as the Sheriff already had his victim when I passed ... speed limit fluctuates for apparent reason other to trap speeders.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Underdog on July 24, 2010, 09:35:08 AM
Is diesel fuel available in those fuel stops???
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: tedgram on July 24, 2010, 09:58:40 AM
Is diesel fuel available in those fuel stops???

Yes, Diesel is available!
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Underdog on July 24, 2010, 11:27:58 AM
Do I need to rob a bank or bring my 1st born for paymemt? On "E" it will take 140gal.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: tedgram on July 24, 2010, 08:01:51 PM
Do I need to rob a bank or bring my 1st born for paymemt? On "E" it will take 140gal.

 Diesel is between $3.03 and $3.09 per gallon. I would fill up in Bangor.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: tedgram on July 24, 2010, 08:58:46 PM
  Check this link for Bangor Diesel prices.  http://gasprices.mapquest.com/searchresults.jsp?search=true&latitude=&longitude=&gasPriceType=1&address=&city=Bangor&stateProvince=ME&postalCode=04401&radius=0&brand=&sortOrder=2 (http://gasprices.mapquest.com/searchresults.jsp?search=true&latitude=&longitude=&gasPriceType=1&address=&city=Bangor&stateProvince=ME&postalCode=04401&radius=0&brand=&sortOrder=2)   Diesel $2.96 -$2.99 in Bangor.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: blackslax on July 24, 2010, 09:18:11 PM
Avoid the border at all costs ... potential for body cavity searches ... I cannot emphasis the speed limit on US 1 enough ... I escaped but I was just lucky as the Sheriff already had his victim when I passed ... speed limit fluctuates for apparent reason other to trap speeders.

OK folks - as someone from the county, let me set the record straight.  Route 1 is not a spped trap.  the speed changes are designed to slow traffic where people live, where many trucks enter the main road, etc.  The reason there are so many cops on Rt. 1 is the fact that both the state police and sheriff department barracks and the county jail are in houlton, and since rt 1 is the fastest way there....lots of cops.  Just tell them where you are going if you get stopped and ask them to spread the world to the crew to come on over and they will be good about it.

As far as the border,  missing the exit for route 1 and then for the houlton airport and ending up at the border can be a huge pain in the ass.  If you do, turn around BEFORE you pass the US customs or they could spend a long time going through your stuff.  they figure that if you are numb enough to miss both exits, you must be on something. the last Phish concert they nailed some guys with a truck full of shrooms that ended up at the border. 
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: sdwarf36 on July 24, 2010, 11:14:27 PM
Do I need to rob a bank or bring my 1st born for paymemt? On "E" it will take 140gal.

 Diesel is between $3.03 and $3.09 per gallon. I would fill up in Bangor.
Glad I'm running on veggie!  8-)
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Bob Wanner on July 25, 2010, 10:52:33 AM
Obviously (probably) nobody on this list besides BlackSlax has been up and down US 1 the last three years than me. I was stopped twice in that time, once on the bottom end just north of Houlton, and once in Presque Isle. I was let go with a warning both times.
Like the man said, the speed limits are because the road goes through small towns with private homes (read Kids) close on the road. You'll go from 55 to 35 and less, most notably in P.I., very quickly. Decelerating that fast,  especially if you have a load/trailer and were already over 55, is a task, at least.
I  would not characterize these situations as speed traps in the classic sense as much as maybe something you might not be prepared for after running 80ish on the Maine Turnpike for 4 hours.
Enjoy US1, don't miss "The Planets/Solar system" roadside the length of the trek.
Bob W,  PR Guy  LTA
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: 55chevr on July 25, 2010, 03:04:37 PM
Coming back from Loring late Monday afternoon last year I passed 6 cruisers set up trapping speeders in 50 miles ... they were set up right where the speed limit changes down .... I don't speed on single lane roads so it wasnt a problem for me. I am retired NYPD and I did this for a living. You can call it anything you want. It is a local source of revenue for the villages and the targets are out of state plates ... If you are registered in Maine it explains the warning, no ticket deal ... Locals get warned / all others fill the village budget short fall.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Bob Wanner on July 25, 2010, 03:38:47 PM
We always managed to go back south at like 4-5 AM , so I've never seen these actual cruisers sitting roadside like Chev55 did.  My negative experiences were all northbound in the afternoon  or evening, when there is some traffic. The locals obey the speed limits pretty much right to the letter at that time is my observance, it's us furriners what is driving all crazy. I wonder if they do this stuff during the Sno Mo season in the winter, as it seems like kind of bad local PR to hassle the tourists in an area needs outside $$$$.
Either way, be safe...Drive fast on the Runway...
Bob W, The LTA Guy, stranger in a strange land
 .
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: blackslax on July 26, 2010, 09:11:25 AM
Coming back from Loring late Monday afternoon last year I passed 6 cruisers set up trapping speeders in 50 miles ... they were set up right where the speed limit changes down .... I don't speed on single lane roads so it wasnt a problem for me. I am retired NYPD and I did this for a living. You can call it anything you want. It is a local source of revenue for the villages and the targets are out of state plates ... If you are registered in Maine it explains the warning, no ticket deal ... Locals get warned / all others fill the village budget short fall.

Sorry, the state no longer shares revenue from tickets in Maine.  That is one reason they give out so many warnings.  Fines have gotten incredibly expensive. 
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: blackslax on July 26, 2010, 09:24:23 AM

Enjoy US1, don't miss "The Planets/Solar system" roadside the length of the trek.
Bob W,  PR Guy  LTA

Completely forgot about that.  I see them all of time.  They follow route 1 from Van buren (North of caribou) to Houlton (downtown). It is a scale model of the solar system.  Each has a plaque on it with information about that planet.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: tedgram on July 26, 2010, 09:55:15 AM

Enjoy US1, don't miss "The Planets/Solar system" roadside the length of the trek.
Bob W,  PR Guy  LTA



Completely forgot about that.  I see them all of time.  They follow route 1 from Van buren (North of caribou) to Houlton (downtown). It is a scale model of the solar system.  Each has a plaque on it with information about that planet.

Didn't realize it started in Van Buren, always thought I had missed it along the way it is interesting.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Matt Beil on July 27, 2010, 10:33:24 AM
Hello everyone.

For those who were at Loring last year and may remember me... I am Matt, the paramedic on the EMS crew that was covering the event last year.  Everyone at Aroostook Fire Protection District 1 look forward to meeting newcomers and seeing those who were here last year.

I thought I would help out clear up some of the things I have been reading about the area with my personal local experience.

The solar system model spans from Presque Isle to Houlton; with the Sun being housed at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and Pluto being housed at the tourist information center in Houlton.  I won't take the fun out of finding the others.  This is the worlds largest scale model of the solar system.  You won't see it too well if you are driving 80, which takes me to the whole speed trap thing.  Maine State Police and the Sheriff's Department use Rt. 1 as their main thoroughfare to and from the barracks.  It is ten times more likely that you will find them on this road than any other.  It is not an increased presence due to the event.  As far as the local municipalities singling out the out of town travelers, (and I don't believe they are) You can avoid Presque Isle Police Department and Caribou Police Department by bypassing these towns if you make a right at the fork in Mars Hill.  Those interested may PM me and I will assist with detailed instructions on how to bypass Caribou and Presque Isle.  Bypassing these towns is also quicker and only requires 1 more turn.   Remember that each town has a speed zone for safety not profit.  Just take it easy and enjoy the scenery.  We look forward to seeing you here and want everyone to stay safe.

BTW keep in mind that if you turn off in Mars Hill, you will not get to see Jupiter, Mars, Earth, Venus, and Mercury.

http://www.umpi.maine.edu/info/nmms/solar/ (http://www.umpi.maine.edu/info/nmms/solar/)

Matt
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: DahMurf on July 27, 2010, 12:10:15 PM
Hey Matt! Looking forward to seeing you & your awesome crew again this year!  :cheers:
We were so impressed with everyone last year! You sure do help us feel comfortable pushing the limits and knowing we have top notch assistance if needed! The efforts everyone put in last year by doing things we didn't even think of helped us to stay covered & racing! Thank you so much!

Also thanks for the solar system web site! That is very cool! We'll be on the lookout! :)

Debbie
(Twin Jugs Racing)
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: blackslax on July 27, 2010, 06:32:38 PM
Guess I stand corrected.

Thanks for the link Matt.  I was told it started in van buren.
Title: Re: Traveling to Loring
Post by: Asub1 on July 30, 2010, 09:08:11 PM
Just a note...once you get back into the Loring complex it's confusing to a newcomer...we got there before the signs were out.  For future reference...

GPS coordinates (if I did it right) :

N 46 degrees 56.070
W 067 degrees 52.988

or use New Mexico Rd in the town of Limestone as the address.