How do you guys not get bored sometimes?
Posted by Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 246 comments
For context I live in the Midwest and the roads here are VERY boring, so I find myself getting bored relatively easily. There's not much to do around here besides punch it from light to light, highway rolls, or pushing into the SINGLE fun corner in your area. How do you guys have fun on boring roads? I drive a fbo tuned g37, and in my area at least, it's faster than most cars. Those of you who live out here, what am I missing? Is it just time for a new car? I still love driving this thing but this area is just so boring!
miseeker@reddit
If you are bored with street racing, get something small and find some curvy back roads. Lots of fun there.
K_R_A_K_E_N-540@reddit
Buy a Mx5 if you want to have fun literally on every single drive while not breaking the speed limit.
LowSubstantial705@reddit
Do a mod that youll feel everyday… Do you have good summer performance tires? Do you have a real LSD in there?
LowSubstantial705@reddit
I go through about 2 beaters / year I would not recommend
Willing_Sink_3623@reddit
lived in the midwest most of my life. i intentionally bought my house based on the proximity to the few good roads we have here. outside of that, i am a track day bro, and i road trip a lot to drive the legend roads. middle of the map does have a very specific advantage that our access to the great roads has a much lower barrier to entry. i can ride to the tail and back over a 3 day weekend, i can also do pikes peak/catch a show in denver over a 3 day. neither trip costs more than $100 in fuel for me.
AZHawkeye@reddit
Can you find a large parking lot or something and let her rip; drifting, etc? I’d be riding a motorcycle if I lived in the Midwest, especially rural. Don’t have to worry about crazy city driving, but you do have to worry about hitting a deer.
MagnetoTheSuperJew@reddit
Where in the Midwest are you? I enjoy driving around Brown County State park in southern Indiana
MysticMarbles@reddit
You don't have fun on roads. You enjoy the occasional onramp, and then go hit up track days, autox events, whatever else you can.
Scared_Caramel3839@reddit
Dumbest comment of all time how did this get this many upvotes. Who tf isn’t out here having fun on roads. That’s 99% of driving for 99% of car enthusiasts. Fun doesn’t mean driving dangerously. Just cruising down a windy road is fun. You don’t have to pay hundreds to go to a track for an hour of driving to have fun.
Key-Banana8924@reddit
There are regions in the U.S. that are flat and sparse, and the only way to be on a windy road is through a track day or autocross event.
whit3lightning@reddit
Also in those areas: the windy roads aren’t windy, but the not windy roads, are almost always windy.
WareHouseCo@reddit
That’s just objectively false.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I'm not sure how to describe it, I absolutely do have fun but it almost feels stale lol. I need some elevation!
Spirited_Taste4756@reddit
You don’t need “elevation” on a public road with a 92 year old granny and a family of 5 driving home from a t ball game also driving down the road.
dmv1985@reddit
if you've never done tail of the dragon or some of the north east twisties or cznyins out west you dont know fun driving. even at the speed limit, carving the canyons/ mountains is a blaste ven at the speed limit. when I lived in Texas hill country I had a wrx sti and holding it in corners at the speed limit no brakes just gliding corner to corner... pure driving perfection
dmv1985@reddit
here's another option OP. get a classic cruiser. I have a 62 galaxie sunliner (convertible) that is just a road trip machine. I stick to highway and state routes and stay off the big, fast interstates. in a few weeks im doing a solo road trip from Pittsburgh, PA to Dubuque, IA on the Lincoln highway... the highway is would have had to take know 1962. its gonna be open flat Midwest roads through small towns. gonna have the top down, 55mph and just chilling
cherry_monkey@reddit
I'll see ya in a few weeks! I live off 30
dllemmr2@reddit
He’s in the midwest, so for east cost shout outs you might as well recommend mars.
Zealousideal-Fix9464@reddit
There are still good roads in the Midwest, not as good as true touge but they are there. Just gotta find a big river and hit any parallel roads to them.
RealSignificance8877@reddit
I love the farm market roads in the hill country.
JagR286211@reddit
Tail of the Dragon is a blast in the right car, in my opinion. It can also be very dangerous, so be careful. There are less popular roads in that area that are just as fun.
OperationAsshat@reddit
As someone local, the trick to the tail is weekday nights once you know it well. You still maintain your lane since it's both more fun and safer, but if I'm up there during events I am only there to park and hang out with people. I'll go moderately quick when I'm driving up to Fontana/Killboys or going home, but that one drive each way at a slower pace is all I tend to do in daylight.
That being said I can be on the tail in 45 minutes from my house, so I understand why people who come to the area want to drive it more.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I need more of those drives, I've had a few but they are way too rare. Areas like that are too far from me and it sucks! I would absolutely love to be even an hour drive from tail of the dragon!
New_Breadfruit8692@reddit
You can enjoy driving without being dangerous. The roads in the mountains of southern Oregon and northern California are a driver's dream come true. I started driving there in 1973 and never had an accident in my life, nor caused any. But a good deal of that was the excellent car, a 328i with M Sport suspension. And it helped that those were the highways I learned to drive on so knew every rise and curve and grade. And was extra safe and cautious in wet weather.
YT_Lonelyz@reddit
Lots of twisty roads out there with little to no traffic
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
How do you enjoy your car then? Making one fast shift on your way to the 35mph speed limit?
Rareearthmetal@reddit
Thats exactly it
_ask_me_about_trees_@reddit
Lol they just told you 2 comments up. Tracks days, auto cross, time attack. Shit go to the drag strip if you got one.
howrunowgoodnyou@reddit
Reddit is filled w incel virgin losers btw dude.
Particular-Koala1763@reddit
Then hit a track.. if you got none local, travel make a road trip out of it, or find local auto x events im sure they have some all it takes is a big empty lot and cones so im sure theres local auto x events around somewhere
SnuffleupagusRex@reddit
Search "High Performance Drivers Education". Particularly on Motorsportsreg.com.
ktappe@reddit
Road trip!
TimeOfRisenKing23rd@reddit
Manual transmission with a v6 and decent torque. Good sound. My 350z Nissan sounds so damn good and the torque coming out of corners, high rev manual shifts, etc. Then there’s fixing my cars learn as much as I can. I also live around Midwest
tetsuo_and_soup@reddit
Drive 2 hours to the one twisty road in the whole state and rip it like I do 🙃
jamcgahey@reddit
Good podcasts. If I’m super tired while driving I’ll jam some music but I love listening to podcasts and the occasional audiobook
operasaab@reddit
Gotta find the best roads in your state/area. May take some driving around and weekend trips, but that’s how I found cool spots living in Indiana. I was also lucky bc Brown and Monroe counties had some gorgeous, almost Tennessee farmland backroads.
One-Butterscotch4332@reddit
Fix my car until it doesn't work anymore
MosesCoulee@reddit
Is there some other way to work on a car?
Chemical_Support4748@reddit
Audio
One-Butterscotch4332@reddit
You misunderstand (my fault). Fixing small issues until you inevitably fuck it up and make a big issue
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I've done this a few times, could recommend depending on how bored I truly am
One-Butterscotch4332@reddit
Stripping a bolt on an "easy job" is the gift that keeps on giving. I'll get around to replacing the JB weld with a proper helicol soon ......
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
I always thought herpes was the gift that keeps on giving...?
But stripping a bolt on an "easy job" is about the same amount of fun.
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
As a former Army mech... that was my unit's motto...
"If it ain't broke, keep fixing it until it is!" Haha
MosesCoulee@reddit
Stealing this. Thanks. lol
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
Go right ahead.
No problem.
Netghod@reddit
You autocross, go to track days, performance driving schools, or whatever you can to find the turns. Even test n tune days at the drag strip can be fun.
And then, you plan your vacation around Touge. :) Every year I head up to the Miatas at the Gap gathering and spend a week before driving backroads all over Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
And even then, I want to do more. Thinking of doing a much longer drive to the western US for some driving on the Rockies. I did get in a bit of driving near Prescott, Arizona a number of years ago which was nice. Hope to do more… and maybe get in some nighttime desert blasting as well (top down, lights mostly off)…
theuberprophet@reddit
also in the midwest and I have a ton of fun. go find a rural area with 55mph roads and not a home in sight and let er rip, unless youre in amish country then be careful obviously
potlizard@reddit
Step 1. Move out of the Midwest, to some place with mountains. Step 2. Have fun.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I like this plan
amotion578@reddit
If you do
Mountain passes are fantastic, but don't forget you are adding new gravitational forces and road conditions to the mix, as well as heavy truck traffic in a lot of cases.
There's plenty of fatalities along the main mountain pass from partial overlap head-ons
Many of those are texting/sleep related, some however are caused by spirited drivers overcooking it into a corner and crossing the mustard into a Peterbilt front bumper. Some of those locations are known for having bad road conditions (because of ice and snow over the decades) and or because of the grade elevation abruptly changing and how that's different from flat land
If you haven't done tail of the dragon ever, consider it.
Renaissance-man-7979@reddit
I ride motorcycles all over the driftless area in NE Iowa, Wisconsin, SE Minnesota. It's not boring at all. Look up some good routes and go visit.
echo-tango86@reddit
I agree. There are a lot of things I love about the Midwest but the terrain is super boring. I love to mountain bike and drive my car around actual corners. Not much of that in the Midwest. Some parts of Wisconsin are cool but there are no good jobs for me
BristleConeRanch@reddit
The best thing to use AI for is to figure out how to maximize your car guy life. I think the most affordable thing to do is get a cheap storage unit in Northwest Italy. Then Buy one the other on both; a motorcycle, and affordable good enough car. They even have Services that will keep your registration up and your maintenance up too. And then fly over there and just drive the Alps. So you can still live in the Midwest. Just fly over to your vehicles when you get the itch.
burner94_@reddit
Yes, until rust ruins your plans. We salt our roads a LOT. Most cars built before the 2000s just dissolved into dust over here (that's also partly why most Italian classics are found in the South)
BristleConeRanch@reddit
I’m pretty close to dissolving into dust myself.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
That actually sounds really fun, I'll look into this!
Sketch2029@reddit
Moved from the Midwest to California. Can confirm this is a good plan.
California is expensive but worth it.
Prestigious_Tiger_26@reddit
It's a double edged sword when it comes to car enthusiasts here though. On the plus side, there are plenty of tracks up and down the state to enjoy. On the downside, of you're into car modifications, it's a pain in the ass because of smog. Stupid rules about engine swaps, CARB EO #s, loud exhausts.
Fwd_fanatic@reddit
I don’t live in the Midwest? PNW has tons of great backroads and curvy highways.
WholeGarden7590@reddit
I like detailing to keep it looking clean
Admiral_Pantsless@reddit
Anytime I get bored while driving, I put my foot on the right pedal and press down with my toes. It makes a fun noise that I really enjoy and then I’m not bored anymore.
Bbturdquito@reddit
I love driving cars. Only thing I care about in the Midwest is the potholes and how many states/cities seem to cut road maintenance out of the budget.
CarbonReflections@reddit
I live in mountainous area in the northeast and every time I go to the Midwest all I can think about when driving is how boring it must be for car enthusiasts that live there.
Effective-Sail-1225@reddit
Well, Missouri has some nice roads, but I now live in TX which seems to have the worst drivers on the most boring roads. Makes me miss the midwest
ghunt81@reddit
Preach. I live in WV and every road is a fun road (although some are in terrible shape)
My brother in law has a WRX and had to move from here to southern Alabama for his work. He said the car is an absolute waste down there
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Your thinking is exactly right lol
Monster51915@reddit
Makes me feel even better about where I live. I’m in West Virginia and the roads here are great for fun driving, there’s some good country dirt roads and great winding roads.
The only annoyance is sometimes (more times than not) the roads go from good to god awful or from having somewhat of a shoulder to a non existent shoulder. I also have what I consider a fun multipurpose vehicle so I have fun as I’m not restricted to horrible on road handling and comfort nor am I restricted to horrible off-road capability.
With your car I can see it can get a little boring as you’re mainly restricted to on road usage.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I'm glad you have some fun roads around ya! I think the answer for me might be to get a second car, whether it's faster, manual, or off-road capable though I haven't decided. My car is stock ride height so I still take it on gravel and dirt, but yeah I can't go mudding even though I really want to haha
Monster51915@reddit
Yeah, a cheap pickup like an old midsized could be fun. I have a Subaru Crosstrek so I can go off-road easily but still have fun on road. If you can get your hands on a good Subaru like the forester, Outback, or Crosstrek you could have fun mudding and not sacrifice on road usage and mpg but you’re limited when it gets very deep.
That’s one of the reasons I could never get a road only car because I love to go off-road and go on rugged roads.
ComeTasteTheBand@reddit
I live in Pittsburgh and LOVE driving around WV!
Monster51915@reddit
Cool, I moved here almost 2 years ago from Idaho and before that from Colorado and out west was pretty and fun but the cost of life was too much and out east three honestly much more fun and beautiful landscape. It’s not huge gaps between stuff.
Last weekend I drove to the Atlantic ocean and it was a 6 hour drive, from Colorado to the Pacific Ocean it’d be at least 20 hours.
Super fun out here and these rods are a blast, not as much middle of nowhere fun as out west but nowadays even the most out of the way spots are all trafficked with tourists.
DudeWhereIsMyDuduk@reddit
I bought a vehicle to specifically have fun where there are no roads, so I don't understand the question.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
What vehicle?
DudeWhereIsMyDuduk@reddit
Jeep on 35s, lockers front and rear
Cow_Man32@reddit
Get a 4x4 and go off roading
44mac@reddit
Join SCCA, NASA, and any other car club. Do track days and autocrosses. If you really want to have fun look into building a crapcan racecar for Lemons or Champ car racing.
SnooGadgets9669@reddit
I think autocross or a trackday would scratch your itch. Sense doing track days myself I’ve really calmed down on public roads they just sent nearly as fun as an actual track
General-Pudding2076@reddit
Not sure where in the Midwest you are but there are a lot of good roads in Wisconsin - notably Kettle Moraine (rte 67) but many others as well. Around Galena Illinois has good roads too...and the drive along the Mississippi to La Crosse, WI is great. Michigan has some nice roads too in the northern and western parts. You might have to travel a bit - here in Chicago we always head west or north to find the good roads. But I was even in thornville, Ohio for a concert awhile back and there was an autox event down the street from the hotel we were staying at that we were able to check out during the day. There are events all over, and I know Mid-Ohio has track days out there too. Get involved in some events and clubs - there is stuff happening all over.
ottrocity@reddit
Track day bro
Lewa1110@reddit
Are you in a hilly area or a flat Iowa-Corn-Field-type flat?
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Think cornfields and more cornfields lol, lots of nothing interrupted by the occasional power line and field of cows. Very flat, anytime I'm in a different area I have so much fun driving on curvy roads it's kind of ridiculous. Living close to that all the time would be amazing
Lewa1110@reddit
I got you my friend. Idk how far you are from the Mississippi, but go basically anywhere within 10 miles of it and you’ll get hills, especially along the Iowa-Wisconsin-Illinois-Minnesota parts
New_Breadfruit8692@reddit
I know what you are saying OP, I went from a BMW with M sport suspension in northern California and southern Oregon to Florida, a 600 mile sand bar. It is so flat and straight the state is considering raising the speed limit to 80. But, at a speed limit of 70 we already set cruise control to 80 because everyone knows here that it is what the signs say +10. If they raise it to 80 we will just go 90 putting us close to the superspeeder law that is so harsh, if you get caught going 100 or more. And the funny thing about going fast is that on flat straight roads after you went 80 for 20 or 30 miles going 70 feels like crawling. The way the 55 mph speed limit did for decades after the fuel crisis was over, it was too large a revenue generator to get rid of.
Zealousideal-Fix9464@reddit
Step 1 find the nearest river, the bigger the better.
Step 2 hit the roads that follow said river.
Youre welcome.
DinoTh3Dinosaur@reddit
That’s why I live in SoCal
Mundane-Exercise6333@reddit
Get a motorcycle or get a faster car.
funcentric@reddit
It sounds like it's time for something other than a car. I used to get all excited about cars, felt it was my identity, modified them, went to car meets, etc and started to feel the same way that you do. That and it's also very costly.
I got into recumbent trikes and realized how much cheaper the mods were, I was actually get healthier, it was way more fun at much lower speeds (although I did hit 52mph downhill, not recommended). Then I got into a Cruizincooler, escooters and other PEVs like Onewheel, esk8 and EUC and it's been amazing. I care about my car but I rarely drive it unless I need to carry people or things larger than what fits in my backpack.
Cj_91a@reddit
Ehhh...ive never been a "fast car guy" driving on the road 100+...maybe it would be fun to do it once or twice on am empty road to see how much the car responds, and just how much jump it has to accelerate full throttle...but to actively do it for "excitement"...not my thing...but then again I dont own any vehicles like that.
My wrangler does everything I want it to mostly, and I never get sick of it because of how versatile it is. Only downsides are the brand itself being known to be crap (but honestly usually goes by fine as long as you do your maintenanc), and the gas mileage which is just blehh.
Everything else i love. I can alter it in nearly any way I want for the things I like to do. Want to feel the breeze and embrace the journey, take the top/doors off, and throw on a mesh bimini for on hot days, Fishing, camping, beach day, driving in sand dunes, and of course simply getting from A to B as well. Its not all about going loud and fast..sometimes you just gotta slow down a bit, and take it all in 😎
ElCaminoLady@reddit
Where in the Midwest? That’s pretty broad. The Ozarks area of Missouri is in the Midwest and has lots of hilly windy roads if you’re looking for more of that sort of driving. Unfortunately I no longer live there but not all the awesome roads were close. I’d make an event/destination out of it over a nice weekend day.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Central Iowa unfortunately, ozarks are nice though I agree
ElCaminoLady@reddit
Yeah, I can see that. The immediate area I’m in isn’t too bad (as it’s near a river) but everywhere else is flat with straight roads. Cool if you’re into scenic cruising as the vantage point goes on forever but definitely nothing road course challenging or fun.
Additionally Iowa winters are longer = less playtime with a cool car. Might want to consider moving south.. ;)
wolf_walker8@reddit
Midwest guy here too and I was JUST pondering this yesterday. I was literally sitting here with a map of my area looking for anything that didn't look like a boring ass road. My automotive formative years were on the east coast where the roads were not only in very good condition overall but there were tons of relatively curvy back roads with little housing or traffic (at the time decades ago) and it was a very different experience. I don't have an answer for you but you aren't alone in recognizing it as a problem.
Doc308@reddit
Get a low powered light weight manual car. Preferably old and bonus if it has 80's era turbo lag. We're talking old civic si, mini cooper, fiesta, golf, fiat 500 and of course the end all answer Miata. Every unprotected left becomes an adventure. You can rip to the top of 4th gear and barely be speeding, you'll start managing your momentum rather than relying on power to move you, they rattle, they shake, you'll feel like Dal3 every time you get on the highway.
ThePatriot617@reddit
When my cousins from Illinois come visit me in New Hampshire, we always go for a spirited back road drive. I sometimes forget how flat, straight and boring their area is for driving.
fcwolfey@reddit
Buy a slower car. I can drive my mk1 cabriolet at 10/10 under the speed limit thanks to its blisteringly powerful 90hp 1.8 engine. By comparison our tesla was a snore fest
HZIDEZISS_2020@reddit
Caffeine
zazarak@reddit
I live in central KY and I have an Integra Type S. Plenty of curvy roads here, it's never boring.
BarnBuiltBeaters@reddit
Rather than driving, get more into modifying your car. I havent driven my old truck in probably 6 years but love modifying it. I got into fabrication a while back and its been awesome. You can make your own exhaust, intake, roll cage, beauty panels, etc basically your mind is the limit. Personally I find this more enjoyable than actually driving the thing, though I do look forward to the day its "done"
27ce@reddit
can’t relate. i live in the best midwest state with plenty of fun roads ✋
clearcoat_ben@reddit
There are good roads in the Midwest, they're just not as well known. Find your local Miata or motorcycle group and ask them, or look at apps like kurviger to find some windy roads near you.
Also, road trip to the fun roads.
VW-MB-AMC@reddit
I have no interest in going fast. I prefer to cruise at the speed limit and play music, go to car shows and work on my cars at home.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
What kind of car do you drive?
VW-MB-AMC@reddit
Two VW Beetles and a W123 Mercedes. I also used to have a Rambler Classic that I was stupid enough to sell. I need to get another one, or something similar.
oldfartjr@reddit
The Midwest boring? Maybe be you’re due for a change of location. I grew up in the Midwest, and other than the typical teenage dissatisfaction with life period, I never found it boring.
Until you’ve spent time in the western half of Kansas or Oklahoma, you don’t know boring.
BombZoneGuy@reddit
Live somewhere better?
ExcellentWinner7542@reddit
Where I live, Hellcats, Demons, Dark Horses, Vettes, etc everywhere with plenty of opportunities, daily, for a stoplight clash. .
ScaryfatkidGT@reddit
Find friends, play videogames, Auto cross?
itsnottommy@reddit
Decent speakers and a new album. The only (safe) way to make a long drive on boring roads fun.
Positive_Wheel_7065@reddit
I built a sim rig this year. Now I can drive any car I want on any track I want. Its not the same as a real car, but when else will I get to take a Porsche 911 GT3 around Nürburgring, then see how a R35 GRT feels?
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I've seen some sim stuff look pretty damn close to real, it's kinda crazy
hints_of_bergamot@reddit
Moved to a city with mountain roads
3Green1974@reddit
Thankfully there is no shortage of fun roads where I live. But when I’m in my daily, there are a couple twisty on/off ramps, and a couple roundabouts that can be pretty spirited if there’s no traffic.
SnooMachines5117@reddit
I choose to have a job which allows me to have an (each way) 11 mile commute, 3,300+ feet in elevation change, and 60 corners, many of them hairpins, much of it higher than the base of the local ski resort. So yeah, no getting bored here. Even then, I still go autocross.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I think I'd take a pay cut just for the commute, that sounds amazing!
Confident_Guide_3866@reddit
Track, drift events, lots of roll racing
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Heavy on the roll racing haha
rufos_adventure@reddit
i cruise i-5 at 80 mph due to the distances between towns. i am often passed by others. the troopers and sheriffs could care less. still boring as get out in my xb.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Yeah long drives get boring no matter how fast you go, at least you cut some time off
Valuable_Tower518@reddit
I’m vacationing in Colorado right now. Some of these mountain roads are awesome. Wanted to head up pikes peak today but pivoted
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I will absolutely be going to pikes peak when I'm in Colorado next, absolutely amazing
jeankultarasse@reddit
I drive stick and enjoy driving so I am never bored when I drive my car. I don't need my car to go to work so regularly do a night drive before going to work just to have fun.
if I have to use a rental, so automatic, I can be bored if I am used to the areas.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Maybe I just need a manual
gotcha640@reddit
Any more specific than what, 20% of the country? Are you an hour from Nashville and the Natchez Trace Parkway? Any of the at least dozens of awesome race tracks in the region? I know there are some great driving roads on the West coast of Michigan. I’ve driven some good roads outside MSP. I haven’t driven in either Dakota but I’m pretty sure there are hills in at least one of them.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I'm in central Iowa, not a whole lot around here but yeah I should've been more specific
gotcha640@reddit
https://www.dmvrscca.org/
AmazingGrace911@reddit
Explore places that aren’t your own with a car that isn’t your own, if you can.
I got a rush renting cars for work I’d never driven before. Like in CO, driving up a mountain and it’s a manual and the first snow and it’s been years since I drove in either.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I'm hopefully going to Colorado this summer and I am VERY excited. Before I leave I'm going to plan out all kinds of drives
AmazingGrace911@reddit
The altitude makes your ears pop like on a plane. I have videos but can’t post here
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I can't wait, I love the mountains so much, car or not lol
BigDogIsland@reddit
Buy a motorcycle you will never be bored again
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Only thing stopping me right now are the kinds of drivers on the road with me. I live near lots of schools in central Iowa which means high schoolers just learning to drive, and moms driving tank sized cars that aren't aware of the world around them. I'd absolutely love a bike but I can't risk it, or should I?
NeedsPaint@reddit
Most street tuner cars are made to look at
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately, also the ones that I've met are cocky/rude AND slow which doesn't make sense to me haha
NeedsPaint@reddit
Fastest to the speed limit. Can't risk daddy knowing their car got impounded lol
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
That's right! Hahaha
chanarang@reddit
I moved from CA to SD and there's def not as much car stuff going on out here. Luckily, I can drive through the Black Hills but not much else. Car culture here is even less than I expected, but winter lasting half the year doesn't help.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Snow and ice especially definitely sucks, at least you have the black hills!
Particular-Koala1763@reddit
If u really love your car a road trip to do some performance driving is never a bad time. Ive driven 3 hours to the track for the day and back tiring af but memories ill always cherish
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Part of me would worry about it breaking down 3 hours away from home though :(
I will hopefully do this anyways though it looks really fun
Nstraclassic@reddit
In the right car you dont have to go fast to have fun
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
My cars fun enough, I think something new is the answer though
BristleConeRanch@reddit
I find the limited cool roads and I go to them frequently. And then I go everywhere else for the absolutely greatest roads. I don’t get to take my car, but I get to drive other people’s cars. I find that having boring cars on boring roads makes my vacations to exciting cars on the Best roads all that much more enjoyable. Track and street. Buy a plane ticket fly to Geneva and drive on the Alps. It’s amazing. Also track experiences over in Europe I think can be more affordable and more fun than here. They can also be more expensive as well, but a lot of them can be more affordable.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I would love to go to Europe for the car culture and roads alone. A short trip over the summer would be amazing!
Particular_Wonder598@reddit
Live somewhere less boring
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
That's the goal eventually but it's too easy living where I'm at!
Sketch2029@reddit
Buy a Miata. They are fun at any speed, even around town.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I can't fit in a Miata unfortunately, also I feel like I'd have a harder time driving something significantly slower than my current car? I would enjoy a slightly larger slow/low/tight manual though, I'm just not sure what would work for me?
nightmareFluffy@reddit
Having a faster car is actually a bad thing if you're only driving on public roads. It's funner if you have a slow car and learn how to really wring it out, and also advanced techniques like heel toe. I don't know what it is, but pushing a slow car to 7k RPM constantly is more fun than tapping the throttle on a fast car and having it reach light speed instantly. I've owned both and I prefer slow cars, as long as everything else about them is good, like steering and suspension. I don't think I'll have too much fun in a 90 horsepower manual Corolla or something.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
One of my friends actually has an Audi s3 as well, that thing rips but I do agree with you. Even I got bored after driving it in a straight line a few times unfortunately, still love the car though. I think it's really time for me to get a new car but I don't know which one will scratch the right itch?
QuadTechy88@reddit
Have you tried autocross or track days? Fellow midwesterner where are you located? Northern IL and Iowa have a very active autocross clubs and plenty of track days.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
No I haven't, a lot of the "car people" in my area are kind of terrible so it feels difficult to find a good group of people like that. I would absolutely love to do autocross though
QuadTechy88@reddit
What part of the Midwest are you in? Feel free to PM ill take about autocross and track days all day lol
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Central Iowa but I wouldn't mind a drive if I can plan for time off work!
QuadTechy88@reddit
Des Moines has an active group.
https://www.dmvrscca.org
Iowa city is also very active.
https://iowaregionscca.org/IAR/
I am on the board for the great river region in the quad cities. We also have a great group of racers. A lot of this stuff is talked about on FB happy to send you links to those groups too.
sccagrr.com
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Hey that's awesome! Anything central Iowa especially could you send me groups for?
51line_baccer@reddit
East Tennessee and I have fun in anything. Anything. Fast or slow or agile or not, the curves, banks, straights are short to hills, curves, scoops you can always test your good or bad fun vehicle on these roads. I live in the sticks to boot! And good roads. Not beat all to hell.
Rashaen@reddit
Driving in normal traffic is boring as shit if nobody is being dumb. That's a good thing.
Successful_Ad_9707@reddit
There are definitely fun roads in the midwest, just gotta look for em.
Colors_678@reddit
Late night drives around the NYC metro… we have some batshit crazy things 😂
Draco-REX@reddit
MotorsportReg.com
Find something within reach and make a weekend of it.
GetawayDriving@reddit
I travel all over the world to drive
BristleConeRanch@reddit
Same. It’s the one thing. Hooked on alps
NewUnusedName@reddit
Go find fun roads. I've lived all over Iowa Missouri and Illinois and unless you're living in bfe rural farm towns I've never not been able to find a fun road or two to add to my routes.
Sketch2029@reddit
Having previously lived in the Southeast and Midwest, this sounds backwards. Urban areas tend not to have fun roads, you need to go to bfe to find fun roads.
NewUnusedName@reddit
Depends on your definition of BFE, theres BFE then there's BFE. Midwest BFE is a town of 600 people that's built at the intersection of two gravel roads on a grid. If you go just outside a town of 10k people you'll find something fun to drive on usually.
If you go look at Iowa on something like roadcurvature all the fun roads are just outside small=> medium towns. The BFE empty areas in the middle are just grid.
https://roadcurvature.com/map/#map=9.006/-93.5891/41.2058
Sketch2029@reddit
Ok, I tend to avoid unpaved roads. I did run into some while driving through BFE, South Dakota. Definitely not fun in a low sports car.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
There's always a few, just so far between them unfortunately
shawnspencer808@reddit
Being bored is a part of life.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Brilliant suggestion, my drives will be much more enjoyable now
TrainingGrape540@reddit
Back roads is where it’s at… unless there’s no good back roads nearby
Like someone else said track days, autox events are where it’s at
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Back roads are the best, and when I find a good one I feel like I struck gold!
DizzySample9636@reddit
Drive rt 10 in KY!! Its literally a rollercoaster ride - especially fun on a sport bike until papaw wants to pull some hay on his old trailer at 20 mph 😅
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Hey maybe I'll take a look on one of my days off!
DizzySample9636@reddit
there are few good roads like that down there - 156 is another one - the locals got a little tired of the pro riders ripping thru their little towns - but no one will care about a car - the locals run 65 or more on very tight curves 😅
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll hopefully have a chance to look this summer!
UmatterWHENiMATTER@reddit
Find a parking lot and use cones for autoX. Get a beater with snow tires and do the above... but on dirt.
Manual swap the G.
Leave the G alone, completely, and obey the law. Buy a beater and build it to hoon. Stay fwd and under 2k for full build so you don't outgrow your streets like you did with the G.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I'll definitely get something new somewhat soon, I think the G has to stay forever since it'd hardly sell for anything. Also having an AWD car will let me get something more fun for the warmer seasons!
UmatterWHENiMATTER@reddit
I feel the same about my 07 G35.
Getting my kicks with a 90 crx with built integra stuff and a lowered manual 09 Taco for the truck fix... but my way.
Highly recommend the short gear / high Rev fwd route for fun that won't get you tossed in jail (too slow). Feels fast and far from boring with good suspension... you really feel upgrades and can cheap out on all but safety because its a cheap beater. I'll often drive home without ever touching the brakes... just downshifting lmao. Smiles per gallon are really high, too.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Having a cheap little beater would be really fun, especially because of what you're saying. I could afford new mods every week as well without draining my savings, which would give me an excuse to work on my car more!
UmatterWHENiMATTER@reddit
Now you're getting it! Lol
ambirch@reddit
I live in the west. I'm right by a major city and there's a thousand miles of open road and mountains between me and the next city.
Few-Bear-7510@reddit
There's like 3 autox events in my area. And each event is for sure a full day commitment. Its fun but outside of that, there really isnt much for spirited driving in the midwest. Miata is fun but theres so much bland infrastructure to fight through.
eldredo_M@reddit
Podcasts
professionalfumblr@reddit
Underrated answer
_no_usernames_avail@reddit
You buy a slow car with good suspension and track it.
Sig-vicous@reddit
I get it. I hope I never have to move to some place flat. It would easily change my choice in car, I'd have to have something with much more horsepower instead of a corner carver.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I want to have both! But also even in cars that make double mines power, I've still gotten bored of ripping them on straights over and over again, it's unfortunate
Sig-vicous@reddit
Agree. Not like I've had very powerful cars myself, but as I've got more power in each car, seems like I get used to it and eventually want more again.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Even driving my friends cars who are much faster than mine, I still get bored because all we have are straight lines. I fear that I'd even get bored of a boosted 5.0 eventually too haha
Geruvah@reddit
From what I remember during my trips to Texas: you get a muscle car. It’s nothing but long straights, so get the cars that make that comfy and make that fast because that’s all you got. I’d honestly trade the g37 for a challenger or something.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I think I'm gonna keep the g forever just cause I'd hardly get anything out of selling it. I'm looking into an s550 mustang gt currently and I love it, also love the idea of boosting it..
The g is just too easy and reliable, it's also AWD so I can afford to have a mustang or something in the winter
random_agency@reddit
Drove once from Detroit to Chicago. It's true, Indiana was the most boring interstate I've ever drove on.
In NYC, there some illegal street racing going on. Not for the faint of heart.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
The illegal stuff is unfortunately the best organized and honestly safest, in my area at least! Its also free which helps haha
pbrown6@reddit
Roads aren't for driving erratically, it's dangerous. If you want to drive crazy then go to your local track. Don't drive your car in an unsafe manner when they are families and other people around.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
It's only dangerous if you make it so, also track days are expensive..
justina081503@reddit
Northern Indiana here- I plan trips to Tennessee every year to drive down the awesome roads they have in Appalachia. Some roads in Michigan are also fun as well.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I'm hopefully going to Colorado somewhat soon and I remember loving the roads out there, but I haven't been since I was young! Definitely need to make more road trips
nerobro@reddit
Nope, it sucks. The only fun is ramps.
Though.. where in the midwest? I"m talking chicagoland. But STL, Galena, anywhere near TN..
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Iowa/Nebraska, think of nothing and dirt, flat dirt haha. Driving in/around Chicago is a bit more fun, especially on Lakeshore and lower wacker!
jenesia-CakeEatnNPC-@reddit
if ur in Omaha or close enuf to it theres some fun roads in washington county. i would offer to show u but idk if that would be appropriate in ur life lol
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Every few months I make my way out there just for fun, maybe I'll check out Washington county next time!
nerobro@reddit
Find race tracks. I assure you theres a local scca or dirt track near you.
MountainMan300@reddit
I’m really into older stuff, so I get joy out of driving something that I turned wrenches on to get running again. I also own several different vehicles, so if I want to drive something different, I just swap what I’m driving to work that day.
I live in the country and regularly power slide and whip my cars around. I never do it with people around, and I accept the risk if I hurt myself. However, for me, the joy is in getting something running and putting it to work.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Hey that's a different kind of joy for sure, I love that feeling even after I fix something I broke and my cars back on the road again! I'd love to fix up something older once I get my own garage though for sure
Minimum-Function1312@reddit
Yep, new car!
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Definitely!
Additional_Tea_5296@reddit
When I drive on straight flat roads, I'm bored too. Can't wait to get back home to my curvy, hilly roads! So, I'm no help!
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I don't think I can live in this area much longer haha!
jrileyy229@reddit
Go to your local autoX... You can find an autocross happening within an hour drive from pretty much anywhere in the country.
Or track day, even better, but can be a pretty far trip from some places
Firm_Mycologist9319@reddit
Whatchu drivin? Maybe you need a slower car. I once had a lot of fun driving an NB Miata like a complete idiot in an empty parking lot.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I drive a fbo g37x, it's decently fast but I'd definitely have more fun in something with more power or a manual 👍
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
It's such a good all rounder car and it serves its purpose perfectly for me though, I'll keep it forever
ATXKLIPHURD@reddit
I drive normal and listen to podcasts
fad3dm1ndz@reddit
I can kind of feel what you're saying lol. When I went to go visit my boy in Springfield, MO for the first time, all you had were straight shot highways with nothing much else to have fun with. I can see how that can get stale quick, no matter the car you're in.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Exactly yeah, also the car scene in my area is kind of meh so that doesn't really help either. Highway roll nights happen occasionally but also risking jail time doesn't sound enticing either
Stock-Lobster-303@reddit
Subaru activities in any car 😎
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
My first car was a little Subaru wagon and I actually had so much fun tossing it around in the mud and gravel, especially after it rained! I'm a bit more concerned about mudding with the current car though lol
Stock-Lobster-303@reddit
Nice! Yeah especially if it isn't the g37x with AWD. Definitely would be a little riskier. But a lot more fun
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
It's unfortunately the AWD one, it still drives decently close to rwd though it's pretty fun 👍
It's my daily and the winters here can suck sometimes so I wanted awd
Stock-Lobster-303@reddit
Yeah. The AWD doesn't kick in until the car starts to slide. It's not a fixed feature. Winters are pretty bad here too. But I'm up in Canada, so that's kinda expected
One_Evil_Monkey@reddit
My first car was a Subaru wagon... of course this was a little over 3 DECADES ago. Back when Subaru had actual 4wd and not the AWD stuff they have now.
'87 Subaru GL, 5spd, with a manual shift dual range transfer case. In 2hi it was front wheel drive. 4hi engaged the rear wheels. Then you also had 4lo. It was pretty stout in mild off-roading and snow.
ganjaferret420@reddit
I kinda just go round in circles 😅
Junior_Arino@reddit
Get a manual, going slow never felt so fun
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
What manual would you recommend for a taller guy? I'm 6ft 2 and smaller cars don't treat me too well
Pingaring@reddit
I feel you. I have my favorite off ramp which is a hairpin turn. I like to compare how it feels going the same speed thru each corner.
The problem is always people in the fucking way.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Nothing fades my smile faster than a slow driver right before I hit my absolute favorite (and only) fun section of road haha
Sir_Gibby53@reddit
I have a very twisty road that connects my town with the next town over. Once a month or so I’ll take a spirited drive there and back in my Mustang. On a good day with no traffic, it puts a smile on my face. Also the way I take home from work involves taking a very long, curved on-ramp to get onto the expressway. I’ll fly down that sucker as fast as I can without risking traction. Makes me feel like a NASCAR driver.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Making the most out of stuff like that is the best, especially since it's so rare haha
Every once in awhile I'll take a "scenic" route home where I drive around a big lake in my area, always fun
Naive_Traffic6522@reddit
Mountains are always fun. Roads are twisty and challenging and the views are crazy too
Familymanjoe@reddit
I live in an area in the Midwest with varied geography. River valley has it all
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
I love driving along water features, it feels oddly peaceful
ACaffeinatedDude@reddit
A little power slide when it’s just you never hurt anyone
wpmason@reddit
I mean, that’s just objectively not true.
Thousands of single vehicles collisions have started with that exact recipe.
ACaffeinatedDude@reddit
Fair - “a little power slide by a driver who knows what they’re doing never hurt anybody”
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
True, you may have inspired some after work shenanigans haha
ACaffeinatedDude@reddit
Hahah I loved from NY to FL. From fun roads to straight, terrible ones. I find an occasional diamond in the rough, but for the most part it’s on ramps and a little extra oomph
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Hopefully in FL you get some nice drives along the sea, if nothing else you can enjoy a convertible year round
OkCartographer175@reddit
Go do autocross. Go do drift events.
Southern-Usual4211@reddit
I live in the southwest next to a big mountain with some great roads.
HoraceGrand@reddit
Fast car slow - go hoon a 2015 mazda3
MrDumpty@reddit
Take a trip to a curvy road location for the weekend.
Cthulhu-Elder-God@reddit
Roads? Where I go we don’t need roads…
Big-Top-6338@reddit
Don’t live in the Midwest
AlwaysBagHolding@reddit
Find a road that follows a river. I used to live in Indiana where 95% of roads are a grid. There were a couple small backroads that followed a small river in a low lying area that were fun to drive or ride motorcycles on.
Interesting_Pen_8761@reddit (OP)
Hey Roger that! I do like those drives the most for sure!