pumpdoc 2 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 Here in the States, you go varying speeds on city streets, from 25mph (residential) to 50mph on some longish roads. Our average posted highway speed is 65-70mph, but you can generally go 80-90mph in most places. Certain other places, known to Bruce and I, you can go well above that A question to the brits: Your country is dotted with race-tracks; can you take your car on any of them? One problem in the states and California, Nevada and Arizona is the state Highway patrol uses airplanes for enforcement, you think you are clear of any lurking patrol cars but the eyes in the sky can nail you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Autumnpuma 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 One problem in the states and California, Nevada and Arizona is the state Highway patrol uses airplanes for enforcement, you think you are clear of any lurking patrol cars but the eyes in the sky can nail you True. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bajo39 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 No, it was just a response to the highways comment - just merely stating that the fun is not to be had on the highways anyway, so there is no need to worry about the speed limit on them - save it all for the twisty roads!! Do you have grids on the apex of your corners too?? I'm talking about the highways too! There are several corners on the highway portion of my route (the bottom part of the Don Valley Parkway) that require braking, one part heavy braking, like 250 to 150kph. If you don't have to brake on the highway, you're not driving fast enough or you're going into the wall. Here's a map, you tell me what you think (and note that the map doesn't show the elevation changes which are substantial)... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 I'm talking about the highways too! There are several corners on the highway portion of my route (the bottom part of the Don Valley Parkway) that require braking, one part heavy braking, like 250 to 150kph. If you don't have to brake on the highway, you're not driving fast enough or you're going into the wall. Here's a map, you tell me what you think (and note that the map doesn't show the elevation changes which are substantial)... Oh I see what you mean now - sorry. No, our motorways don't have bends in them like that, usually fairly straightish, all the ones I have travelled on. Our A roads, which are a step down from the motorway, might have bends in them like that, depending on where thay are - the speed limit on A roads will vary, but can be up to 70mph, if it's more than 1 lane. Looking at that map I would say that is more equivalent to an A road over here than a motorway. However, a substantial amount of what we call country roads, can be a lot more twisty than that and also have a lot of elevation changes too. For example, the roads I travel a lot on in Wales, there are not that many parts where you can get up a decent head of steam at all because it pretty much just goes from 1 bend to the next - there's the odd sections where you can, but there will be many miles where you can't. Also, there can be roads off the beaten track that will still be classified as 60mph, but they will be a 2 way road that is only wide enough for 1 car and will have the odd passing place. I can't show you on a map, because our maps don't seem to show the bends as they appear on the roads, they seem to just show the road approximately, unless any other uk people can find some decent examples. Dan - what is the approximate distance of that route that you have shown there ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bajo39 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 Oh I see what you mean now - sorry. No, our motorways don't have bends in them like that, usually fairly straightish, all the ones I have travelled on. Our A roads, which are a step down from the motorway, might have bends in them like that, depending on where thay are - the speed limit on A roads will vary, but can be up to 70mph, if it's more than 1 lane. Looking at that map I would say that is more equivalent to an A road over here than a motorway.Dan - what is the approximate distance of that route that you have shown there ? Yes but we've already established that we go faster on our highways than you do on your A-roads or motorways, despite the lower limits! I'm going to set my odometer and onboard chronometer for you folks on Sunday and see what the actual time and distance is. Anyway, that's not the whole route but only a part of it. I've tried editing a Google map to show the whole route but all the curves are lost at the scale that is needed to show the full map. Anyone have any ideas? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 Yes but we've already established that we go faster on our highways than you do on your A-roads or motorways, despite the lower limits! Easy tiger, I was only saying that the highway you linked to was not equivalent to our motorways, nothing to do with the speed limits!! I'm going to set my odometer and onboard chronometer for you folks on Sunday and see what the actual time and distance is. Anyway, that's not the whole route but only a part of it. I've tried editing a Google map to show the whole route but all the curves are lost at the scale that is needed to show the full map. Anyone have any ideas? That's the problem I ran into, Dan - it just doesn't give a true representation. One of the roads I know well, has an uphill corner that's tight & practically a 180 so you're virtually on full steering lock going round it, but on the maps it looks about a 100 degree corner - nothing like it is in real life. Looking at it again, on the map it looks a similar corner (aside from the actual scaling) to the bottom part of don valley parkway that you mentioned - I think you said you go around doing 150 kph. In reality, the corner I am referring to, your apex speed might just about hit 30mph. However, I think you'd enjoy our country roads, Dan, for the variety that they offer. Not sure you'd like the bumps & potholes so much, though!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bajo39 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 However, I think you'd enjoy our country roads, Dan, for the variety that they offer. Not sure you'd like the bumps & potholes so much, though!! No, I think they're the sort of roads that we see on WRC, right? I definitely wouldn't like those roads given my current equipment but with the right car, they'd be a blast. Although scary too, what do you do on a one-lane road at speed when you see someone coming the other direction? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pumpdoc 2 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 No, I think they're the sort of roads that we see on WRC, right? I definitely wouldn't like those roads given my current equipment but with the right car, they'd be a blast. Although scary too, what do you do on a one-lane road at speed when you see someone coming the other direction? $hit yourself? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 No, I think they're the sort of roads that we see on WRC, right? I definitely wouldn't like those roads given my current equipment but with the right car, they'd be a blast. Although scary too, what do you do on a one-lane road at speed when you see someone coming the other direction? Do you have the Cayman? If you do, then the roads I am talking about would generally be fine for you. I haven't watched any rallying for a while, I'm ashamed to say, but I suppose there would be some similarities from memory, but probably not quite those levels. As far as I understand it, our roads are not as smooth as yours, so you mightn't like that aspect of it. Also, the way they sometimes put drainage grids on the apex of corners, can be a pain in the backside too. Well, in reality, Dan, although the speed limit may be 60mph, there are very few instances where you can reach those speed unless you have a death wish. Aside from being quite twisty, the hedges, trees, etc around you are usually quite high so you can't see anything coming unless you're on a bit of a straight. So although you could theoretically get round a bend doing say 50mph, if there is another car coming the other way at 50mph too, you have an effective speed of 100mph & very little reaction time, so it's more a case of dropping your speed right down & hope the other drivers are being sensible too!! It probably sounds unreal to you, but sometimes you can end up reversing 100 yards or more to get back to a passing point just to get past a car!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bajo39 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 Do you have the Cayman? If you do, then the roads I am talking about would generally be fine for you. I haven't watched any rallying for a while, I'm ashamed to say, but I suppose there would be some similarities from memory, but probably not quite those levels.As far as I understand it, our roads are not as smooth as yours, so you mightn't like that aspect of it. Also, the way they sometimes put drainage grids on the apex of corners, can be a pain in the backside too. Well, in reality, Dan, although the speed limit may be 60mph, there are very few instances where you can reach those speed unless you have a death wish. Aside from being quite twisty, the hedges, trees, etc around you are usually quite high so you can't see anything coming unless you're on a bit of a straight. So although you could theoretically get round a bend doing say 50mph, if there is another car coming the other way at 50mph too, you have an effective speed of 100mph & very little reaction time, so it's more a case of dropping your speed right down & hope the other drivers are being sensible too!! It probably sounds unreal to you, but sometimes you can end up reversing 100 yards or more to get back to a passing point just to get past a car!! Yeah, you know, as daring as I am, I think it would take me a long time to build up the courage to do a flying lap around a public circuit made up of fully blind corners and oncoming traffic. Maybe if I had a motorcycle Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 Yeah, you know, as daring as I am, I think it would take me a long time to build up the courage to do a flying lap around a public circuit made up of fully blind corners and oncoming traffic. Maybe if I had a motorcycle Fortunately, it's usually only the off the beaten track roads that are only wide enough for 1 car, the majority of the country roads are ok, although probably narrow compared to what you are used to. It's only what you get used to, though, isn't it? My 'lap' when going on holiday is about 90miles, which consists of about 60 miles of country roads. However, I drive down them probably about 20 times a year and I've been doing that for nigh on 20 years now, so you just get used to it. To be honest, it's the only time I really enjoy driving these days - driving around the city or on motorways is just no fun here, really, well not to me anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bajo39 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 Fortunately, it's usually only the off the beaten track roads that are only wide enough for 1 car, the majority of the country roads are ok, although probably narrow compared to what you are used to. It's only what you get used to, though, isn't it? My 'lap' when going on holiday is about 90miles, which consists of about 60 miles of country roads. However, I drive down them probably about 20 times a year and I've been doing that for nigh on 20 years now, so you just get used to it. To be honest, it's the only time I really enjoy driving these days - driving around the city or on motorways is just no fun here, really, well not to me anyway. I know what you mean... Some of our lanes are exceedingly wide. Like on the highway coming into the city, the center lane can easily accomodate three cars. Contrast that to the highways in California that Mike and Bruce are used to, like the 405 for example, where you have one tire-width on either side of your car. Incidentally, our highway 401 is 18 lanes wide accross the top of Toronto - bet you don't have anything like that near you! As to enjoying driving - that's almost all I do. I won't drive in traffic if I can avoid it, so if I have to go right downtown, I generally take a cab and I almost never drive during rush hour. In practice, this means that I rarely get in my car, like maybe two or three times a week at most. Kind of sad in a way. Thank heavens I don't have to commute - that would really suck the fun out of it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pabloh20 1 Report post Posted November 4, 2006 I know what you mean... Some of our lanes are exceedingly wide. Like on the highway coming into the city, the center lane can easily accomodate three cars. Contrast that to the highways in California that Mike and Bruce are used to, like the 405 for example, where you have one tire-width on either side of your car. Incidentally, our highway 401 is 18 lanes wide accross the top of Toronto - bet you don't have anything like that near you!As to enjoying driving - that's almost all I do. I won't drive in traffic if I can avoid it, so if I have to go right downtown, I generally take a cab and I almost never drive during rush hour. In practice, this means that I rarely get in my car, like maybe two or three times a week at most. Kind of sad in a way. Thank heavens I don't have to commute - that would really suck the fun out of it. No, I can't imagine anywhere here that would have 18 lanes!! Not if the driving that you do, you enjoy. I have to drive to work, fortunately it's only about 5 miles away, but although I don't hate driving to work, etc, it's not something that fills me with joy. So, if you only go out 2 - 3 times in your car and enjoy it, then that sounds good to me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cavallino 2 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 You win this thread bajo, don't be surprised to see me there in a few years. I'll start the local chapter of the NK fan club (enough Indians there already to start one I think ), I'll send you an invite Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bajo39 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 You win this thread bajo, don't be surprised to see me there in a few years.I'll start the local chapter of the NK fan club (enough Indians there already to start one I think ), I'll send you an invite In Canada? Well you're more than welcome here... We have extended open arms to our qualified Indian friends Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cavallino 2 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 Someday.. Though I just realised you drive on the wrong side of the road Do you at least follow the metric system? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shane2 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 Whats great about England... errm... our snooker players lol A lot of the very best in F1 technical staff come from here, and they contribute a lot to motorsport. My main regret is that this country is so expensive Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bajo39 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 Whats great about England... errm... our snooker players lolA lot of the very best in F1 technical staff come from here, and they contribute a lot to motorsport. My main regret is that this country is so expensive And overpopulated! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shane2 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 Yes, thanks to our stupid multi-cultralism policies Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
narain fan 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 In Canada?Well you're more than welcome here... We have extended open arms to our qualified Indian friends 18 lanes ...my cousin is in Canada ATM,i might well have an opportunity to taste America lite (as mike calls it ) very soon ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cavallino 2 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 Doesnt matter how many lanes, motorways are boring as hell to drive on, an endless exercise in keeping the steering straight and modulating the accelerator so that you stay within the too low speed limit Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shane2 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 Our motoways have a limit of 60 but unless you drive very early, or very late, you will be lucky to do more than 20 on most of them due to our terrible traffic problems Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goferrarigo 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 Our motoways have a limit of 60 but unless you drive very early, or very late, you will be lucky to do more than 20 on most of them due to our terrible traffic problems I have lived in kent for 2 years, in a town called sevenoaks the speed limit was really low and even n the M21 it was allways to packed(whenever i went to the airpoert i used to see it packed like Sh#t. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shane2 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 Its odd actually i have been in Kent all my life and have never been to Sevenoaks but most Kentish towns are like that i guess Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c21 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2006 Our motoways have a limit of 60 but unless you drive very early, or very late, you will be lucky to do more than 20 on most of them due to our terrible traffic problems Our motorways have a limit of 70, the A roads have a limit of 60. Have you passed your driving theory test yet? Whats great about England... errm... our snooker players lolA lot of the very best in F1 technical staff come from here, and they contribute a lot to motorsport. My main regret is that this country is so expensive Something we should be proud of! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
