JRose

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/HelmutMtHood.jpg"></center><p>So - just back from round-trip drive to Welches, Oregon from Des Moines. About 3800 miles total. Helmut, our 225TT coupe was a flawless performer. Particularly enjoyed going up the various mountains and not missing a beat - passed everything else that was TRYING to go up the mountains with us. Nothing like a turbo to make up for lack of air, two turbos are even better!
Best part of story: We left the I-84 at The Dalles Oregon. Didn't know how to get to destination so we cranked up the iBook and a GPS receiver and ran the DeLorme Street Atlas USA. Wife asked for SHORTEST route to destination (not quickest). We began climbing out of The Dalles on a two lane, through magnificent orchards. Orchards thinned out and tall trees took their place. Road became a one lane. Road then became gravel. Road became VERY NARROW and rough gravel. Two vehicle came the other way over about a one half hour period. Both big wheel 4x4s! Starting to get nervous. GPS tells us we are on the right route. Still climing into forest. Narrower. I begin to wonder if they'll ever find out body when we see a sign. "Road closed to vehicles other than 4-wheel drive." Well, isn'y my TT a 4-wheel drive? We keep going. GPS says all OK. Finally reach paved road as we enter Mt. Hood National Forest. We made it over the pass and headed down on a series of really tight switchbacks. We were glad to reach a real highway. Moral? Be careful what you ask for. Shortest doesn't mean best or quickest when GPS and mapping program are at work! The entire drive through Oregon was GREAT. Came back on Highway 26 from Welches through Prineville and utimately Boise, ID. Highly recommend that road for a long days drive to you TT or other Audi owners in area. Lotsa curves and hills and FUN! I imagine by this time, after my Wyoming off-road excursion, that little Helmut wonders what kind of lunatic it was sold to. Anyway, during a breather shot this picture.
Joe

VooDooAddict

Stories like this always make me want my TT now.

Lone Starr (Ivan)

we had a Volvo S70 rental and the concierge suggested this route starting at Vail pass. The story basically follows yours to the letter with the only thing coming the other way being Jeep tours.

When the Jeeps went by I grinned at them and said to my wife (to make a joke to alleviate the nervousness of being on single track in a car!) "Boy, they gotta be pissed. You don't even need a Jeep on these roads. Waste of money."



It was a beautiful drive, nonetheless.

Jason Chen

How long b4 you get it?

JRose

Yeah, the looks on the faces of the guys in the 4x4s were priceless!!!
In addition, driving the main highways and interstates in a TT is a real joy. I had one gomer in a pickup truck blow by me (on two lanes I stay at 5 mph above the limit) and as he pulled ahead, he completely turned around in his seat to look at the car! I found myself watching anyone who passed and 90% of them turned around to try and figure out what it was. I kept turning to my wife and sayin: "It's an Audi!!!"
Love it!
Joe

JRose

Voodoo, lemme tell ya. I ordered the 225 in November of 98!!! I got it this past June. I have never waited so long for anything in my life. It was worth every minute of the wait. In spite of some of the problems we read about on the forum and the ever present threat of the dreaded DV problem, this is one magnificent automobile. I have owned a buncha stuff. Turbo Supras, T-Bird Super Coupes, A Ferrari and a 93 Corvette and this thing makes me happier than anything I have ever driven (although my A4 is pretty nice), Hang in there. It is worth the wait!
Joe