Running I 80

Last time I was west bound on 84-Cabbage, I was about 79k. I struggled to get past another truck on one of the up grades near meachem, so I knew he was near 80k too. Anyway, I'm going down Cabbage in 8th, about a mile or so into the descent, no braking required as I was in that sweet spot, and here comes this truck jogging around me like he was probably in 9th. I'm thinking "WTH? How does he do that? Must have some wicked jake brakes in that truck". Also, he was a chatty Kathy talking on the radio with somebody else about his job and home in Springdale AR and how he was looking forward to getting back there next trip.

Anyway, half the way down I start smelling brakes. On the last straightaway at the bottom I can see a truck from afar, down near the bottom with a WHOLE lot of smoke coming from his trailer tandems. Yep. It was him. He was reaching for his fire extinguisher. I can't say for sure if he achieved fire status or not.

SMH

 

You'll have no problem with wind blowing you over with 40K in the box, just gonna be a long day or two most likely from W Nebraska through Wyoming. I like 80, love stopping in NV at West Wendover and some of the other casinos along the way and love parking in Reno. Certainly some great food across 80, love the BBQ joints around Des Moines in particular. I have some favorites all over 80 from IL all the way to CA. Very scenic route as well out west.

However, it certainly isn't the best route to run, especially in the winter. NV throws their chain law into effect if someone pisses on the highway, UT from the 80/84 split to SLC is pretty rough, Wyoming between Rawlins and Laramie in particular is almost always brutal and the highway gets shut down frequently. Donner is always a long 2 hours if it's clear. Better have a good jake brake and be prepared to constantly shift pretty much from Truckee all the way to Colfax. You won't be using the cruise there but maybe a short time here and there.

Like I said, I used to actually enjoy running 80 from IL west. I don't miss it but it's much more entertaining than 40 or 70. But you will run into potential issues there that you're much less likely to encounter on 40 and 70 with the exception of western CO and maybe UT.

Have a safe trip. If you like good BBQ, Smokey D's east of Des Moines is awesome but don't have truck parking. Just have to find a way . Jethro's is a great backup plan and they have plenty of parking nearby, either at the casino or the Flying J. Enjoy!

 

Yep, used to do it regularly unless it was daytime and the weather was clear. 80 is so dark through there it's unreal lol

 

Speaking of food... T Joe's next to the Sapp Bros in Cheyenne is one of my favorites, and I am currently doing a 34 in Lexington NE at Kirk's Nebraskaland... Another favorite. Excellent prime rib here.

 

There's also an Indian restaurant on I-80 Nebraska exit 248 at Jay Bros truck stop. If you don't mind walking a bit, you can stop at the TA in Rawlins, WY and hit up Anong's Thai Cuisine. You might be able to park a truck at the Sinclair like a block away from it, but I haven't tried to.

 

Wind will be your biggest issue but recently it has mostly been blowing out of due west so if windy you will likely have a headwind going west. Problems can happen when you turn North or South. Yesterday was heading South o 71 near Kimball,NE very close to 80 a truck had gotten on 71 heading North and shortly after going North he turned over on his side.
Just take your time, will be a good easy run.stop at the Iowa 80 in Walcott if you have not seen it.If you need parking in Western Nebraska, plenty of parking in Sidney, Nebraska at exit 59 at either the Sapp Brothers or Love's or the Wal mart there will let you park. If in Kimball at exit 20 there is some parking and a nice Diner called O'Henrys. Lastly, stop at Little America in Little America, Wyoming if you can. Lots of parking and sort of an upscale feel for a truck stop. Have fun!

 

T Joe's is really good but the prices aren't. Did it once but never again because they're way too high. Wanted $32 for the steak I was gonna get and it wasn't even a filet or something like the one John Candy ate in the Great Outdoors

 

I never spend over $23 for a steak there. House Sirloin, 14oz.

 

Last week there was snow all over the Little America parking lot and the jackwagons were out in force. There was absolutely no parking there even at 7pm, and people were parked blocking rows, fuel islands, and everything. But usually there's always parking, and 75 cent ice cream cones.

 

If you can handle VT-9, you can easily handle I-80. Just be careful with the wind, Mr. Frog.