Subaru Crew - Meet The Members II

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  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,263
    Advice from someone beaten senseless as a Cub Scout, then again as a Cub Scout father:

    1) Make sure you are at maximum weight

    2) Low and flat-- small frontal area

    3) Graphite for the wheels/axles

    4) Make sure wheels are aligned. Most Boy Scout stores even sell a little alignment kit. If you push it on the floor and it doesn't track exactly straight, you'll have drag on the track. Once it's aligned, do not touch or put pressure on the wheels, until you are ready to race..

    We had fun making our car... but, that's about it.. :(

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I may get the graphite but I think I'll avoid going nuts on this and just leave it as a fun activity.

    I'll be happy if the car gets attention from the other kids and people compliment my son on his car.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,263
    I may get the graphite but I think I'll avoid going nuts on this and just leave it as a fun activity.


    Ohhh.... I thought you wanted to win.. ;)

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Is that a dare? :D

    You know me, how into things I can get...
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Well, if you really want to win,

    Then remove Mario's head, fill it with lead, get a good alignment with 0 degrees of toe, 0 degrees of caster, lube those axles. Maybe drill out the wheels to make them lighter for quicker acceleration. You can then put more weight in Mario's head. . .

    Oh, forget it. Just have fun! :D

    Good luck Juice

    tom
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I may win the speed competition but lose the design competition if I remove his head. :D
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Someone should kludge the camera from a cat cam onto one of those cars and take pics going down the ramp.
  • lilbluewgn02lilbluewgn02 Member Posts: 1,089
    Of course he wants to win...it's his nature! (get a sharp wire cutter and go to work on the competition's axles...a snip here, a snip there...you didn't hear it from me!) :-)
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,263
    Anyone have a weight loss update? (Am I even in the right discussion?)

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  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Actually, I have lost about 7 pounds (of the 15 I gained).

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think I'm going in the wrong direction now. Gotta get back on track.

    Love the cat cam idea, that would be funny. I should see if I have an old digital camera somewhere.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,263
    I'm down to 193... from 218 originally... 201 at New Years

    Just sticking with the plan, though once I broke 195, yo-yoing a little bit...

    If I can't go any farther, pretty darn happy with the results..

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  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Well I went from about 198 (last summer) to about 214 (early February), to about 207 (yesterday). So I'm finally moving in the right direction.

    My goal for the end of this month, is to get back to ~ 200. My ultimate goal is to get to about 180, or less.

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've been active coaching (or assistant coaching) 2 b-ball teams, but I think I've been eating like a pig, which has hurt me.

    I guess that's better than being lazy and not eating. :D
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    Been busy enough I've actually come in under the 160 mark ... lol ... now if I could only be busy enough to get under the 140 mark !
  • KCRamKCRam Member Posts: 3,516
    Haven't lost a pound... but haven't gained a pound either.

    kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Well, we raced about 3 times, and usually came in 2nd place. Not slow but not fast either, just middle of the road.

    I kept Mario in the car. The kids loved it. They started chanting "Go Mari-O, Go Mari-O, Go Mari-O", it was hysterical.

    So while we didn't win the race, we did win the "Most Humorous" award, and my son was a bit of a celebrity for a couple of hours. It was definitely, without a doubt, the crowd favorite. :shades:

    Cool experience, though it took a looooong time for all the cars to run, and the wife says she's staying home next year. :D
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Hey, the STi has been Edmunds car of the week. Suffice it to say, they pretty much hate the car. I'm not sure if it's because they expect more or did Subaru not pay their advertisement bills!

    It's also amazing how many people like to bash Subarus. And they think people who like subarus are weirdos or stupid or something.

    Anyway, it's hard to take these editors seriously when they are having a hard time shifting the STi- it's not that hard of a car to drive! Maybe they're just spoiled?

    Oh well, it's been a frustrating week and I'll be glad when they pick another car and get rid of the STi.

    tom
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I've never seen a vehicle (or brand for that matter) in which there is so much hate—or love!

    There's no middle ground with the STI, or Subaru. People are violently—yes VIOLENTLY! passionate, one way or the other. LOVE IT OR HATE IT, that's just the way it is...

    Sort of like a reflection of what's going on in the world today: liberals vs. conservatives; democrats vs. republicans; jews vs. muslims; east vs. west; etc. It's a shame really.

    Bob
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    I agree with you Bob, but I thought the new STi was supposed to bring it a little more 'mainstream'. I don't think Subaru did a good job of this but there is an incredibly amount of negativity towards the STi by the Edmunds editors beyond what is reasonable. I just don't think a lot of their comments are objective. And they aren't terribly willing to see beyond their biases. I understand I'm biased but I try to keep an open mind about all cars. I just think there are too many editors that really hate the car. :(

    It really is a shame.

    tom
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,263
    Maybe it's because Subaru owners are so passionate about their vehicles, that they perceive more negativity than there actually is?

    Just one observation... ;)

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  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Really? Check this blog thread out:

    http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/Vehicles/2008SubaruImprezaWRXSTI/

    Can't get much more negative than this. :(

    Bob
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Sorry, I agree with Bob. The negativity is more than usual. Even considering my pro-Subaru bias. I'm not a closed minded person, I realize the STi has it's weaknesses (what car at any price doesn't?)- but the editors sure seem like they've thrown objectivity out the window. I mean, talk about petty, complaining bitterly about the dead pedal? It's not like he's complaining about the seats even. I've heard of people complain about the lack of a dead pedal, but really, how hard can it be to get used to a dead pedal?

    tom
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I don't know... I did a quick scan thru the posts and sure, there were a few complaints and a couple of editors have an obvious bias for the Evo but there were also a number of favorable posts. Besides, the STi is a very polarizing niche vehicle and only a very small percentage of the driving public would ever consider buying one. So it shouldn't be surprising that not every editor is going to appreciate what the STi has to offer and will instead, nitpick its faults (which all cars have).

    -Frank
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    I haven't weighed in recently. I honestly don't recall where I was. I topped out in feb. at 183 or so, this winter was particularly bad. My cycling season kicked off two weeks ago, and is off to a slow (i.e. chilly) start. BUT, it's the earliest I've ever started. I'm sick this week, so I don't think a mid-week ride is in the cards. All in all, I expect my winter weight to start coming off a little in March, and then start coming off big time in April. Regardless of the contest, I'm aiming to get come into my summer weight sometime in April...175 or so. I won't be back to 170 until the end of the summer, when I've put in the most miles. But who knows? Given the early start, maybe I'm on track to crack the 170 line? THAT could be an interesting goal. Internet BMI calculators say I should be between 172 and 176.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Down to 203 as of yesterday, from a high of 214 a couple of months ago. Hoping to get to 200 by the end of the month. Not sure if I can make it, but I'm trying...

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They even prefer the sedan. :sick:

    EVOs are cool but the 5 door EVO looks dorky (the *concept* was cool).
  • hondafriekhondafriek Member Posts: 2,984
    For the first time in years I have gained weight, but I have a good excuse. I had knee reconstruction surgery 2 months ago, which has basically kept me housebound. Unfortunately the surgery did not do what we hoped it would. I am now scheduled for a complete knee replacement at the end of April. So that rules out exercising for the forseeable future. Guess I will have to learn the exercise about pushing away from the table. :cry:

    Cheers Pat.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Bummer Pat. I'm sorry to hear that. I hope your new knee works out for you.

    Bob
  • ladywclassladywclass Member Posts: 1,713
    awwwww Pat ... sorry you'll have to endure more surgery ... at least they have come so far with the artificial joints .. and you're likely helping the Indiana economy .... joint replacement parts is a big business in our area .... (little consolation to you, I know ...)
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    Do you swim? Still excellent exercise even with joint problems, or maybe even especially with joint problems. EVen if completely unusable, you can get a very good workout with ankle floats and upper body laps only.
    I'm getting the stationary bike going and soon transitioning to rollers and the road bike. Currently bouncing between 174-176 on the daily check-up. Too busy with work to get more exercise in. Commuting to work is still a month away at minimum. Snow another 3" last week. Warm weather has melted more than that, but the streets are still not what I consider safe and reliable in my more mature years. If I can get going, I might even trek down to Moab for a spring trip in mid May.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    ...and eat a box of 8 Entenmann's chocolate covered donuts for dinner, @ 300 calories apiece. Yikes!

    http://entenmanns.gwbakeries.com/op-prod.cfm/prodId/7203000018

    Loved every bite. :)

    Back to the gym today...

    Bob
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Hey Pat -

    Sorry to hear about the knee problems. Here's hoping all goes well for the complete replacement. On a positive note - I have a friend who replaced both knees and is now a walking demon :) .

    Mark
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    holy crap, dude, that's your entire caloric allotment for a day!!

    OMG look at the fat content!! Bob, step away from the blue box...seriously. And it's all partially hydrogenated, too. Ouchie.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Agreed—but I loved every single calorie of it! :)

    All "cop jokes" aside, I've been on a pretty strict diet for the last two months (lost 12 pounds), and it just got to me. I needed a quick break.

    Hey, once every 6 months or so can't be that bad.

    Bob
  • tsytsy Member Posts: 1,551
    Hi Pat

    Make sure you get some good rehab after the knee replacement. You don't want to lose range of motion. Once you heal up from the replacement you should be much better than you are now and I'm sure will be much more active!

    There's also always excercise where you don't have to necessarily use your knees. If you tolerate swimming that's always one that's good. Or try a bicycle which is easier on the knees. Or maybe even an 'arm bike'.

    Of course, exercising self control at the table is always good too. ;)

    tom
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    My wife did knee rehab for her ACL for weeks before the surgery.

    A year later she breaks the same leg skiing, but the knee still works good. :blush:

    I've seen a few "arm" recumbent bikes around here, but don't you a swimming hole Pat?
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,700
    Whew; it is insane here right now. Primarily, my wife has a family member who is not doing so well right now (familiar theme, right?), so she will be headed to Pennsylvania with our children for a couple of months. She made this decision early in the last week of March, and we leave on April 15. So, I am going to travel down with them, then go to a work-related conference in Baltimore the last week of April before flying home. The preparations involved not only with a short-notice family trek across the continent, but for two months' time, are impressive.

    Yesterday, I spent the evening on the ice pack in my driveway tearing down the front suspension on our van. I need to replace the ball joints (which are being pressed at a shop today) and the front struts before we head out, just for peace of mind if nothing else. But, at least the weather is nice. It was in the mid thirties yesterday (while the sun was up), and will likely hit close to 40 today.

    I also want to repair the instrument cluster (which likes to go dead on us from time to time), but I do not think I will have time for it. *sigh* So much fun, but it expect this will end up being quite an adventure. :P

    Pat - best wishes on that knee.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • grahampetersgrahampeters Member Posts: 1,786
    G'day

    Well, 4,000 miles is a bit far to drive for a holiday. I hope that you break it up a bit on the way. I guess the family will see more of North America than most people and Spring is a great time to be doing it.

    Cheers

    Graham
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    If you decide to drop down through Idaho let me know. We did the drive south the last week of March when we drove the Outback down in '04 and it was fine until we hit snowy Alberta. Going a couple weeks later should help. Should see tons of wildlife moving around since the trees won't be leafed out until you hit the Lower 48.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,700
    Much agreed, Graham! The trip will be quite a doosey with our children in tow. My wife and I have made the drive before, once, in 1999 when we took my old '69 Chevy pickup on a "meet the folks" trip from Alaska to Oregon to Pennsylvania to Alaska. At the end of that one, we had clocked 11,000 miles on the truck, a full quarter of its total miles at the time, in 28 days.

    This time, though, we are headed at straight to PA at a leisurely pace of about eight driving-hours per day, to try and keep our children (and ourselves) sane. Our son does well with trips (he is just shy of five years old), but our daughter, at 18 months, is a hellion in the car. I think the schedule my wife set up will work out well, but it will be tough for me to run such short days. I am more of a "go like hell until we get there" kind of a road-tripper. So much so, that on that '99 trip I mentioned, my response to her requests to take advantage of photo opportunities was "roll down the window." I will say that she did a good job of taking good shots, when she was able to keep the side-view mirror out of the frame! :blush:

    The length of the trip makes car rental cost prohibitive, so driving was really the only option.

    Steve, we will likely take the more direct route of the Yellowhead highway to Winnipeg, then down in to North Dakota (assuming the Red River flood waters are gone by then). Back in November '07, when we brought the '08 Outback up through Canada, we really lucked out with wildlife sightings. We saw elk near Haines Junction, a large herd of wood bison near Liard Hot Springs, and a couple wolves, coyotes, deer, caribou, sheep, and goats between there and Fort Nelson.

    Making progress on the van. The ball joints are pressed and back in the van, and the struts are out. I ran into more trouble yesterday, though, so I stopped short of compressing the springs on the struts and will finish that tonight, along with reinstallation, barring any further difficulties. The weather continues to be fantastic; it did hit 40 yesterday. The only drawback to that is it makes for a very damp time working on the increasingly-rotten ice pack in the driveway!
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,700
    Graham:

    How is everything in your neck of the (charred) woods these days?
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    If you are taking the Yellowhead, are you coming via Prince George? Give me a shout if you are stopping.

    Nicholas
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,700
    Yes, er... wait. Let me check the map again. I was going to say that we always head through Prince George, but I think that only holds true when we come up from the west coast. I think we actually pass north of the city, going through Grand Prairie, then down into Edmonton.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,700
    Yep, that's right.... not hitting 16 until just before Edmonton.

    Otherwise, when coming down take the Cassiar to Yellowhead, then go south once we reach Prince George. This will be our first southward trip taking the ALCAN its full length, and only our second trip doing so in either direction. I absolutely love the Cassiar/Yellowhead route; the roads are fun to drive and the scenery is unbeatable.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • volkovvolkov Member Posts: 1,306
    When time is the prime concern, the Grand Prairie crossover is the fastest. Knew from your prior pics that you have also have taken the 16 through PG. Have a safe trip.
  • lucien2lucien2 Member Posts: 2,984
    you need anything while you're here in Baltimore, you give us a shout, ok?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I cheated a bit with some Krispy Kremes, but only had 3 of them, and I think they're smaller than those.

    KK gives a free donut for every A your child gets, so we got a bunch of 'em.

    The location in Gaithersburg makes them from scratch, you can even see the assembly line. The kids get a kick out of that.

    Pat: hope the replacement goes well for you. We need you as mobile as ever so you can continue to set an example for us OCDers.
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,700
    I doubt I will have time for shouting, as these conferences tend to be rather whirlwind-ish, but I will be arriving on Saturday evening with the conference slated to start a day later. So, I will have some time on Sunday. I am not much for cities, but it can be fun to walk around the area if there is old architecture to be had. The conference is at the Hyatt Regency on the "Inner Harbor."
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,700
    Ah, Krispy Kreme! I have heard they are good doughnuts, but the only ones available here are "day old" due to shipping and day old doughnuts leave a bit to be desired!

    I will be flying back down to PA on 6/6 to drive back up to Alaska with my family, so I told my son that I will take him to "Hank's Famous Frozen Custard" in Meadville for his birthday on the 7th. He has never been there, but I swear that custard is the best to be had anywhere.... So, yes, I will "cheat" when we go there - the large cones are VERY large indeed! :D
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
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