Thoughts on taking cruises during the virus?

[AtlantaCobra]

Doing my best to social distance during these strange times, but my wife and I are taking advantage of the beautiful weather, lack of office time and reduced traffic. We've taken a number of drives in the Cobra and it's been great therapy. I'm pretty sure I've gotten the "Stink Eye" from a few folks on the road in between the normal "Thumbs Up" from others.

Trying not to be insensitive to the general population, but to me it seems harmless to others. What are your thoughts? Am I being insensitive and reckless?



-Greg

[SerpantFL]

This is one vehicle that can easily create "social distancing" by hitting the go pedal. All kidding aside, fresh air and moderate trips are probably OK, but stay safe and healthy...

[Jim1855]

Not out in the Cobra but the daily does a nice job of being my own cocoon. Was 60 something in West MI today.
There are people walking, running and riding bikes with their family. They're closer to others than I am.
I agree with social distancing but a bit of logical thought goes a long ways.
Jim

[Al_C]

I don't see a lot of difference between going for a walk in the neighborhood or going for a drive. In fact, I've taken the car out every day that was "nice" weather over the past week or so. I'm getting thumbs up, not negative signals... Here in Chicagoland, when the weather is nice, people are out and about frequently. I'd rather be driving down the road than crowded in a forest preserve (county park system), which are the only places still open!

[GoDadGo]

If my car was still together instead of being prepped for paint I'd be driving it and letting our son walk the Labrador.
Envious, Yes I Am So Keep Social Distancing In Style!
Unless it is raining.

[sethmark]

I’ve put literally hundreds of miles on my 33 since the order. I’m outside, I’m away from others, and it’s calming. The Virgina order says: ‘Engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements’....

[Ducky2009]

I'm in Atlanta too and plan a drive tomorrow. People are out walking....Parks are open to the public. Can't see anything wrong with a drive.

[Jim Wehr]

I put 60 miles on mine today on Virginia's back roads.

[ptstew]

I am out driving mine, too. Haven’t noticed any negative vibes. In the car I am certainly more than 6 feet away from anyone. Besides, it helps maintain some sanity in an otherwise hunkered down daily routine.

[mikey likes it!]

It's a Win....Win !!! I quarantine myself in my car and it gets excersize !!! Fossil fuel is cheap, roads are far less crowded and I don't want my tires to age out...

[BEAR-AvHistory]

I am quarantined & so its the car. Using the time to do a fifth year replace, repair & upgrade so the car is sitting on jackstands looking sad. Work on it a few hours a day & hope to be done in a few weeks.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=125731&d=1586143445

Fortunately have another 2 seat Roadster to run the NC moonshiner roads with the top down during the virus timeout. Have 280 miles of the 1200 mile recommended breakin done, starting to get a tan so all is well in the sunny south.

[CraigS]

I am out every 2-3 days for 1/2hr to 1.5hour.

[Jeff Kleiner]

My poor old car had not moved and only gathered dust since it got parked in the house garage after an autocross last September.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=125734&d=1586171539

Friday afternoon was sunny and 70 degrees and I had not been off the property for 12 days. I decided I needed a break, pulled it down to the shop, hosed it off and went on a 48 mile drive to nowhere in particular on some nice country roads. I think it did us both some good :)

Cheers,
Jeff

[edwardb]

Some discussion going on about this subject here in SE Michigan. Where there are hobby cars in nearly every garage. The Michigan State Police has said specifically that joy riding or cruising is not allowed per the stay at home order. Also said they won't be stopping anyone to ask where they're going. But pretty clear how we're supposed to behave. Saw a few motorcycles out and about yesterday (getting groceries??) but a pretty busy road goes by our place and looks like people are following the rules. The state just came out with guidelines allowing boaters to do their thing with specific limitations. That after they had complained a lot. Similar discussion going on with golfing. Maybe us car guys will get some relief. Meanwhile, mine are mostly staying in the garage.

[Boydster]

Tennessee now has a "Stay at home" Exec order. Reading it, says the definition of "Essential" is... "Essential Activity. For purposes of this Order, Essential Activity means: ... d. Engaging in outdoor activity, provided that persons follow the Health Guidelines to
the greatest extent practicable, including, but not limited to, driving or riding in a vehicle ..."

I'm getting The Boss out today. Nobody rides with me and I'll maintain 6 ft from everyone. Besides, heat kills the virus, so maybe I can pump some airborne spores through the 427. ;)

[Dwleo]

If I wasn't paint prepping, I would be out and about. No reason why one can't. You aren't undermining the great work of healthcare workers nor violating any virus rules (unless, of course you have tested positive).
Gas is cheap, roads are mostly empty and social distancing? You are a street legal racecar. No one can get close to you.

[rich grsc]

My poor old car had not moved and only gathered dust since it got parked in the house garage after an autocross last September.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=125734&d=1586171539

Friday afternoon was sunny and 70 degrees and I had not been off the property for 12 days. I decided I needed a break, pulled it down to the shop, hosed it off and went on a 48 mile drive to nowhere in particular on some nice country roads. I think it did us both some good :)

Cheers,
Jeff

What have you been up to there Jeff, looks like a naked butt print on the hood.:rolleyes:;)

[AtlantaCobra]

I like everyone's comments....thanks. Seems like everyone feels the same as me. Just didn't want to offend anyone as I sometimes live in my own bubble of opinion. My wife always says she like to ride in the cobra because it makes everyone so happy to see it. How's that for a view on things. If that's the case I'll start driving it more in hopes to cheer everyone up. Ha! So in reality, I'm doing a public service. Yes, that's it. I feel completely better now.

[CDXXVII]

What have you been up to there Jeff, looks like a naked butt print on the hood.:rolleyes:;)

I was thinking the same thing. "Something" IS going on in that shop aside from gathering dust. Evidence seem suspicious.

[NAZ]

I'm in the class of people that are at high risk of catching and succumbing to Covid-19 and believe it important to do what we can to minimize exposure. But we need to be rational about how we do that and some states are far beyond rational in their approach.

There is no harm in taking a ride in your car or on your motorcycle -- you can easily be in compliance with social distancing and best practices of reducing the risk of transmitting Covid-19. But not everyone out there will be supportive. Here's an interesting take on this: Click Here (https://www.activeresponsetraining.net/reporting-social-distancing-violations?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ActiveResponseTraining+%28Act ive+Response+Training%29)

[Real time recon]

The virus only sticks to you if your doing -under 40mph-:p

[wareaglescott]

Some discussion going on about this subject here in SE Michigan. Where there are hobby cars in nearly every garage. The Michigan State Police has said specifically that joy riding or cruising is not allowed per the stay at home order. Also said they won't be stopping anyone to ask where they're going. But pretty clear how we're supposed to behave. Saw a few motorcycles out and about yesterday (getting groceries??) but a pretty busy road goes by our place and looks like people are following the rules. The state just came out with guidelines allowing boaters to do their thing with specific limitations. That after they had complained a lot. Similar discussion going on with golfing. Maybe us car guys will get some relief. Meanwhile, mine are mostly staying in the garage.

I’m basically with Paul on this one in that I try to be a rule follower. The concept is for everyone to stay home accept for essential activities. Everyone seems to have a reason why it is ok for them to do this or that. Now I don’t see anyway a round trip from your garage to back to your garage can do any harm but in the interest of complying with the intended rules I’m leaving mine in the garage for now. We started stay at home last Saturday at 5pm in my state. I took my last ride at 3. I’m not criticizing anyone for taking theirs out but i wish for the good of everyone in our country people would just stay the f**k home except for essential needs. Maybe this would be over quicker. Sure you aren’t gonna hurt anyone taking a ride but someone else may kill you or your loved one by doing something they deem as harmless when it really isn’t.

[CraigS]

My view is that the 'Stay at Home' order is a way to, in a short three word slogan, keep people apart. Admittedly we live in the country so that really helps me keep the 'spirit' of the rule. I drive anyplace I want to every 2-3 days. A few stops at lights and stop signs but I never get out of the car. Sunday we got our grocery order via Kroger click list. Order online, choose from available pick up time slots, pull into the designated parking and call the store. Guy comes out w/ a cart full, and puts it into the pickup bed. We yelled our thanks out the window opened 2 inches. We go home, wash off every item w/ disinfectant wipes as we put it away, then wash our hands and the counter top. I got some building supplies yesterday from HD w/ a very similar system. This time the guy offered to help but I asked him to leave the cart and I loaded it into the pickup. Wiped my hands before I got back in the truck. I have a pump up bug sprayer w/ 50% bleach/50% water which I will hose down all the 2xs with and let them dry. Then I will get to work.

[Jbriddle]

Do what makes you happy, you are further than 6 feet away and livin’. If you don’t you will go crazy

[Papa]

Social Distancing FFR Style:


https://youtu.be/j-DMfn_YWbg

[Fixit]

I have zero problem taking the car out for a cruise, or even using it to go get "essential" items.

Tuesday night my wife & I took a cruise, and met up with about 600+ other gearheads in a local suburb... and all of us (including the local Fire Dept lights & sirens blaring) drove past a particular corner in a trailer park. Why?? Because the Mom of a autistic 11 year old boy put out a request on social media.

It was his birthday. He couldn't have a party or friends over and was really bummed out. "He loves cars & trucks and hotrods, so do you think a few of you could drive by our house, rev it up and make him happy?" Little did she know it went viral, and 3 Cub Foods parking lots were PACKED with hotrods (rally point), and at 6pm they all converged on her neighborhood. This little guy got a birthday he'll never forget, and all his neighbors got an incredible car show!

I posted this on FB. As a member of a family that's struggled with mental illness, depression, and addiction, I know how important it is to stay happy & busy.

I've seen a lot of nasty posts in regards to people making "non-essential" trips .
Do you ever think that guy buying a gallon of paint knows he must keep busy because idle hands in the past has caused him to relapse and pick up that case of beer or a bottle? He's using this time to do home improvements, something that keeps his mind busy while feeling a sense of accomplishment, trying to avoid painful triggers while possibly alone ?

Or maybe that lady buying bags of soil and seeds has struggled with depression and suicide? How do you know that planting and watching something beautiful grow during this time of darkness , is essential to her and holding on to what little hope she might still have .

We need to remember that it is impossible to know just by looking at a situation from "our" small lens what someone is truly going through or where their mental health is at . Everyone handles chaos and healing through different means , and I know we are all on edge but please stop being so judgmental of others.

[sethmark]

Compliance culture. You must do what I want you to do or I’m going to shame you.

I’m not old enough to remember Vietnam or WWII. But I know that this is every bit as stressful as 9/11 was, if not more so. Finding ways to alleviate the stress without resorting to being an a-hole is critical.

[Papa]

Colorado's stay at home order includes recreational outdoor activities as long as you are still able to keep a safe distance from other people. All of our beautiful outdoor recreation areas are still open to the public and our Governor encourages everyone to use them safely.

"When people leave their places of residence, whether to obtain or perform critical
emergency services, recreate, go to work, or for other valid reasons, they should at all times
comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in Section III.F below. All provisions
of this PHO should be interpreted to effectuate this intent. Failure to comply with any of the
provisions of this PHO constitutes an imminent threat to public health."

The Governor has even come out in his regular public addresses and clarified that the stay at home order is NOT a shelter in place order. The intent is merely to keep people from gathering or coming into close contact with others unnecessarily.

Initially the order excluded liquor and marijuana stores from the list of "essential" businesses and that nearly incited mass riots. Three hours into the order, they amended it to include those facilities.

https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/489376-denver-liquor-and-marijuana-stores-classified-as

[jimmylukeii]

I have zero problem taking the car out for a cruise, or even using it to go get "essential" items.

Tuesday night my wife & I took a cruise, and met up with about 600+ other gearheads in a local suburb... and all of us (including the local Fire Dept lights & sirens blaring) drove past a particular corner in a trailer park. Why?? Because the Mom of a autistic 11 year old boy put out a request on social media.

It was his birthday. He couldn't have a party or friends over and was really bummed out. "He loves cars & trucks and hotrods, so do you think a few of you could drive by our house, rev it up and make him happy?" Little did she know it went viral, and 3 Cub Foods parking lots were PACKED with hotrods (rally point), and at 6pm they all converged on her neighborhood. This little guy got a birthday he'll never forget, and all his neighbors got an incredible car show!

I posted this on FB. As a member of a family that's struggled with mental illness, depression, and addiction, I know how important it is to stay happy & busy.

I've seen a lot of nasty posts in regards to people making "non-essential" trips .
Do you ever think that guy buying a gallon of paint knows he must keep busy because idle hands in the past has caused him to relapse and pick up that case of beer or a bottle? He's using this time to do home improvements, something that keeps his mind busy while feeling a sense of accomplishment, trying to avoid painful triggers while possibly alone ?

Or maybe that lady buying bags of soil and seeds has struggled with depression and suicide? How do you know that planting and watching something beautiful grow during this time of darkness , is essential to her and holding on to what little hope she might still have .

We need to remember that it is impossible to know just by looking at a situation from "our" small lens what someone is truly going through or where their mental health is at . Everyone handles chaos and healing through different means , and I know we are all on edge but please stop being so judgmental of others.



Fantastic thoughts. Empathy is very much appreciated in times like these.

[Avalanche325]

I think that as long as it is legal and you don't put yourself in close contact with anyone, why not? Keep in mind that you have no physical barriers. Even traffic could put you within 6 ft of a passenger in the next lane.

I live at the beach and went for a cruise. I headed for our road that is closest to the beach and there were literally hundreds of people on beach cruisers. Our actual beach is closed. I got out of there quick.

Open roads only for me now. I have some nitrile gloves and a mask in the car in case anything happens or I need gas. Do not touch a gas pump nozzle or the keypad with your bare hands. They are dirtier that door knobs on public toilets from an article that I saw.

I hope everyone stays safe, and has minimal job / financial impact.

[mburger]

I feel very strongly about this topic, and when you don’t conform, you’re put in a box, attacked and demonized. We’re on the road to losing a little more of our freedoms.
How do you eat an elephant?
A little at a time.

My hope is for everyone to be healthy and happy.
Ok that’s enough from me.