3rd annual BBOMG - TRAVEL ROUTE #2 - Cinci-Columbus-Cleveland-Erie-Buffalo-Oshawa

[IROCanSS]

I have finished ROUTE 2 (since that’s the one I am taking) and I have it set up.

In light of the new registration information on the OCC website, I have decided it is in our best interest to make it to Oshawa Thursday night to get checked in and ready for the PLANT TOUR on Friday morning. Though a schedule has not been released as of yet, it will be in the morning and will cut it too close to try to cross the border and make the drive to Oshawa Friday morning and still have time for the tour. Plus, getting there Thursday will ensure everyone is awake and alert for the tour.

With that said, I am posting up the best travel plan I was able to put together for people wanting to go along ROUTE 2 which crosses the border on the EAST side of Lake Erie at the Rainbow Bridge at Niagra Falls. We Ohio folks like to avoid Michigan at all costs!

The route will have several stopping areas to meet up with other travelers. Where you filter in is up to you. Please keep me in the loop as to where you are joining up. I will do my best to keep everyone together and make sure no one gets left behind.

Here are the details about ROUTE 2.

Beginning of the route is in WASHINGTON COURTHOUSE, OHIO. The exit for the first set of Prime Outlets. Getting there is on your own if you are coming from Cincinnati or further. For those travelling from Cincinnati, ROUTE 1 will follow 75 north through MI. Please check that thread for information on that route.

TOTAL miles to Oshawa: 533 miles crossing into Canada at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagra Falls, NY.

There will be 4 planned meet up areas along this route:
1. Washington Courthouse, Ohio
2. Mentor, Ohio
3. Erie, PA
4. Niagra Falls, NY (border crossing)

Please review the following information and see what location best suits your needs. If possible we can try to filter you in mid route but that may require you to stage at an exit until the group reaches you. PM me if this is something you may want to do.

The following is a list of stops we will make. I know it’s an early morning but to make sure we make it to the hotel at a reasonable hour to get some dinner and mingle, we must get an early start. Camarovanning is fun, but it does add time. I have built in 30 minutes at each location to allow for rest room, snack and fuel stops. If you need any one of these items along the way, you will have to break off and catch up at the next stop. My suggestion is plan your stops accordingly. Break off right before the next stop, fuel up and get a snack then meet us at the next planned stop.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2001:

LOCATION 1: Washington Courthouse, OH. ARRIVAL TIME: 6:30 am, DEPART TIME: 7:00 am.

We will meet at the US35 / I-71 interchange. Exit off I-71 northbound, turn right on 35 and there is a truckstop on your right. You really can’t miss it.

Those people meeting at this location:


LOCATION 2: MENTOR, OH. ARRIVAL TIME: 11:30 am, DEPART TIME: 12:00 noon.

We will meet at the I-90 eastbound REST AREA. It is located at mile marker 198. As I stated, there is no planned lunch stop. I suggest grabbing something fast. The next stop will not be a rest area and will allow you to get gas and some food without losing the group.

I have been informed the rest area is CLOSED and may not be open by then. If it is closed, exit I90 to Route 306. This is the exit BEFORE the rest area. Make a right on 306 go to the next light (about 1/4 mile) and make a left into Lakeland Community Collage parking lot.


Those people meeting at this location:



LOCATION 3: ERIE, PA. ARRIVAL TIME: 1:00 pm, DEPART TIME: 1:30 pm

We will meet at a location TBD off the PEACH STREET interchange which is one exit east of the I79/I90 junction.

Those people meeting at this location:



LOCATION 4: NIAGARA FALLS, NY (Border crossing @ Niagara Falls) ARRIVAL TIME: 4:30 pm DEPART TIME:????

Meet at the Seneca-Niagara Casino a block from the Rainbow Bridge around 4:30/5:00ish. If we arrive early, we can head to Duty Free and the late comers can meet us there. Once everyone is accounted for we will cross. Once ALL cars have cleared customs, we will continue to Oshawa. Cross through at your own pace and stage on the Canada side where ever safe. I heard it helps if you go in and buy something at the Duty Free shop.

Those people meeting at this location:



Travel time from the crossing to Oshawa is about 2.5 hours. Remember to set your car to METRIC in the DIC! The plan is to make it to the hotel about 8:00 pm. This will allow some time to check in, eat, meet and greet and wind down and get ready for a kick a$$ weekend!

If you have any questions, concerns or comments, feel free to contact me.

***Names will be filled in as I contact people that filled out route 2 on the other thread and I track down more folks. If you don't get a PM, it just means I missed you, feel free to add your name to the list by replying in this thread!!!

[trm0002]

You may want to reconsider the border crossing. I much prefer the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls to the Peace Bridge. Plus, there isn't really a good, central meeting point on the US side of the Peace Bridge. We have been meeting up in the parking lot of the Seneca-Niagara Casino a block from the Rainbow Bridge for the past 2 years... But, you guys are doing the bulk of the mileage so you make the decision.

[garfin]

Originally Posted by trm0002

You may want to reconsider the border crossing. I much prefer the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls to the Peace Bridge. Plus, there isn't really a good, central meeting point on the US side of the Peace Bridge. We have been meeting up in the parking lot of the Seneca-Niagara Casino a block from the Rainbow Bridge for the past 2 years... But, you guys are doing the bulk of the mileage so you make the decision.

This is excellent advice. There are 4 bridges and 1 of them (Whirlpool Bridge) can ONLY be crossed with a NEXUS pass. The others are the Peace Bridge from Buffalo to Fort Erie, the Rainbow Bridge and the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge from Niagara Falls NY to Niagara Falls ON. Stay away from the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. The crossing that will consistently be the fastest is the Rainbow Bridge. The Peace Bridge might be reasonable as it is a high traffic crossing and can handle volume, unlike the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge.

As well, the duty free at the Peace Bridge is before you cross the border, not after. When crossing at the Peace Bridge, there is no place to stop and wait for others - border patrol will shoo you away and after the crossing, you are immediately onto the highway (QEW).

Best regards,

Elie

[camaro2lt]

i can join up with you guys in buffalo what time will you guys bee in buffalo?

[trm0002]

Originally Posted by camaro2lt

i can join up with you guys in buffalo what time will you guys bee in buffalo?

"We're" working on that. Above they're talking about being somewhere in the Buffalo area by 3ish. That most likely means 4ish. Personally, I'd like to cross whatever bridge around 5-5:30 (rainbow has duty free on US side as well so we can hit that as we cross). My issue is handing off my kids to someone to watch them. As it sits, I can't do that until 4:30 (be at bridge area by 5:00) but I could try to make alternate arrangements if the caravan really wants to cross earlier. Oshawa is less than 2 hours from crossing the Rainbow Bridge. Plus, at the same time, I'd like to coordinate again with the Michigan and west contingent as we usually do and meet in Burlington on the way. I don't know yet what time Thursday they plan on being there though. More details to follow as decided.
Trent

[IROCanSS]

Thanks Trent and Ellie, I will change the bridge when I get a chance. THANKS. The buffalo meet may very well be 4 or 5. I did add a lot of extra time though. It's a working plan. I will try to accommodate as many as possible. Keep posting up your ideas.

[camaro2lt]

so exactly how many bridiges are their in buffalo to cross to canada? And which one is the best and does not have a fee?

[IROCanSS]

Originally Posted by camaro2lt

i can join up with you guys in buffalo what time will you guys bee in buffalo?

Just meet us at the RAINBOW BRIDGE. Its about 30 minutes from Buffalo. I think we will meet at the Seneca-Niagara Casino a block from the Rainbow Bridge around 4:30/5:00ish...

Originally Posted by trm0002

"We're" working on that. Above they're talking about being somewhere in the Buffalo area by 3ish. That most likely means 4ish. Personally, I'd like to cross whatever bridge around 5-5:30 (rainbow has duty free on US side as well so we can hit that as we cross). My issue is handing off my kids to someone to watch them. As it sits, I can't do that until 4:30 (be at bridge area by 5:00) but I could try to make alternate arrangements if the caravan really wants to cross earlier. Oshawa is less than 2 hours from crossing the Rainbow Bridge. Plus, at the same time, I'd like to coordinate again with the Michigan and west contingent as we usually do and meet in Burlington on the way. I don't know yet what time Thursday they plan on being there though. More details to follow as decided.
Trent

Can you shave off half hour or so? If not, we will wait. You'll just owe me a wobblypop!

Originally Posted by camaro2lt

so exactly how many bridiges are their in buffalo to cross to canada? And which one is the best and does not have a fee?

4 Were crossing at RAINBOW, fee or not.

[trm0002]

Originally Posted by jrhaus76

Just meet us at the RAINBOW BRIDGE. Its about 30 minutes from Buffalo. I think we will meet at the Seneca-Niagara Casino a block from the Rainbow Bridge around 4:30/5:00ish...



Can you shave off half hour or so? If not, we will wait. You'll just owe me a wobblypop!



4 Were crossing at RAINBOW, fee or not.

ALL have the exact same fee.

[2010CAMAROJ]

Right now due to our schedules, it looks like Keith and I will be still leaving on Friday morning but early around 5:00am-5:30am, so if there is anyone that is planning on driving thru Niagara Falls on Friday please let me know. This way we should still be able to get there bright and early for the festivities, with little traffic we should be able to arrive by 7-7:30!!!

[cntryman77]

I'll probably catch up with you guys at Erie...Mentor & Erie are about the same distance from me, but Erie is heading in the right direction...LOL

[masterwinning]

Count me in for meeting in Wilmington and Camarovanning up with you guys. I have the reservation for Thursday to Sunday. Also let me know if you need any help with the planning or anything else.

[zandron263]

Originally Posted by jrhaus76

I have finished ROUTE 2 (since that’s the one I am taking) and I have it set up.

In light of the new registration information on the OCC website, I have decided it is in our best interest to make it to Oshawa Thursday night to get checked in and ready for the PLANT TOUR on Friday morning. Though a schedule has not been released as of yet, it will be in the morning and will cut it too close to try to cross the border and make the drive to Oshawa Friday morning and still have time for the tour. Plus, getting there Thursday will ensure everyone is awake and alert for the tour.

With that said, I am posting up the best travel plan I was able to put together for people wanting to go along ROUTE 2 which crosses the border on the EAST side of Lake Erie at the Rainbow Bridge at Niagra Falls. We Ohio folks like to avoid Michigan at all costs!

The route will have several stopping areas to meet up with other travelers. Where you filter in is up to you. Please keep me in the loop as to where you are joining up. I will do my best to keep everyone together and make sure no one gets left behind.

Here are the details about ROUTE 2.

Beginning of the route is in WILMINGTON, OHIO. Getting to Wilmington is on your own if you are coming from Cincinnati or further. For those travelling from Cincinnati, ROUTE 1 will follow 75 north through MI. Please check that thread for information on that route.

TOTAL miles to Oshawa: 533 miles crossing into Canada at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagra Falls, NY.

There will be 4 planned meet up areas along this route:
1. Columbus, Ohio
2. Mentor, Ohio
3. Erie, PA
4. Niagra Falls, NY (border crossing)

Please review the following information and see what location best suits your needs. If possible we can try to filter you in mid route but that may require you to stage at an exit until the group reaches you. PM me if this is something you may want to do.

The following is a list of stops we will make. I know it’s an early morning but to make sure we make it to the hotel at a reasonable hour to get some dinner and mingle, we must get an early start. Camarovanning is fun, but it does add time. I have built in 30 minutes at each location to allow for rest room, snack and fuel stops. If you need any one of these items along the way, you will have to break off and catch up at the next stop. My suggestion is plan your stops accordingly. Break off right before the next stop, fuel up and get a snack then meet us at the next planned stop.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2001:

LOCATION 1: WILMINGTON, OH. ARRIVAL TIME: 6:30 am, DEPART TIME: 7:00 am.

We will meet at the Rogers Conference Center at the I-71 and US68 interchange. Exit 50 off I-71. The Rogers Center is on the north west side of the interchange. You really can’t miss it. Go around back and meet in the back of the parking lot.

Those people meeting at this location:



LOCATION 2: COLUMBUS, OH. ARRIVAL TIME: 8:30 am, DEPART TIME: 9:00 am.

We will meet at the I-71 northbound REST AREA. It is located at mile marker 128.

Those people meeting at this location:



LOCATION 3: MENTOR, OH. ARRIVAL TIME: 11:30 am, DEPART TIME: 12:00 noon.

We will meet at the I-90 eastbound REST AREA. It is located at mile marker 198. As I stated, there is no planned lunch stop. I suggest grabbing something fast. The next stop will not be a rest area and will allow you to get gas and some food without losing the group.

I have been informed the rest area is CLOSED and may not be open by then. If it is closed, exit I90 to Route 306. This is the exit BEFORE the rest area. Make a right on 306 go to the next light (about 1/4 mile) and make a left into Lakeland Community Collage parking lot.


Those people meeting at this location:



LOCATION 4: ERIE, PA. ARRIVAL TIME: 1:00 pm, DEPART TIME: 1:30 pm

We will meet at a location TBD off the PEACH STREET interchange which is one exit east of the I79/I90 junction.

Those people meeting at this location:



LOCATION 5: NIAGRA FALLS, NY (Border crossing @ Niagra Falls) ARRIVAL TIME: 4:30 pm DEPART TIME:????

Meet at the Seneca-Niagara Casino a block from the Rainbow Bridge around 4:30/5:00ish. If we arrive early, we can head to Duty Free and the late comers can meet us there. Once everyone is accounted for we will cross. Once ALL cars have cleared customs, we will continue to Oshawa. Cross through at your own pace and stage on the Canada side where ever safe. I heard it helps if you go in and buy something at the Duty Free shop.

Those people meeting at this location:



Travel time from the crossing to Oshawa is about 2.5 hours. Remember to set your car to METRIC in the DIC! The plan is to make it to the hotel about 8:00 pm. This will allow some time to check in, eat, meet and greet and wind down and get ready for a kick a$$ weekend!

If you have any questions, concerns or comments, feel free to contact me.

***Names will be filled in as I contact people that filled out route 2 on the other thread and I track down more folks. If you don't get a PM, it just means I missed you, feel free to add your name to the list by replying in this thread!!!

I will meet up with the group on this route at the Seneca Casino around 4:30 - 5:00 PM on Thursday. Sounds like it's going to be a big group. This will be my first trip to Oshawa, looking forward to meeting all of you.

[PAUL SS]

I have my hotel booked in Oshawa for Thursday. It looks like we will be staying at Niagara Falls Tuesday and Wednesday night, but have not booked a hotel yet. Just tell me where and when and I will be happy to cruise into Oshawa with the group.