This post was written by Tony, a.ka. SDG8GT, proud owner of a 2009 Pontiac G8 GT. He took his G8 on a scenic road trip up and down the West coast. Be sure to click through for lots of beautiful pictures. Here is what Tony had to say. -- Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor
In February 2010, I became part of the California statistics scene when I became unemployed. After a couple of months unsuccessfully job searching, reality sunk in that everything I had could be lost. Condo, credit score and car were all in jeopardy.
Rather than sit at home and lament I chose to do something meaningful with the time and resources at hand, while I had them. For the better part of a year before becoming unemployed, I had worked 6-7 days a week, averaging 60 hours a week as an project manager. I had put off visiting family and friends, taking meaningful time off and my overall happiness in an effort to do a good job. Ultimately, it was an exercise in futility.
Thus, the Coastal Road Trip was born. Fulfilling my lifelong dream of driving the United States Western coast, from North to South sounded like the perfect thing to do. The road trip would afford me several opportunities. It would put some mental and physical distance between me and the issues at home. It would allow me to see parts of the country that I had only dreamed about or saw on calendars. And finally, it would be the perfect opportunity for me to experience a road trip adventure with my car and experience its virtues extolled by bloggers and automotive journalists.
I bought my 2009 Pontiac G8 GT, in June 2008 with 12 miles on the odometer, after my 13-year-old Pontiac Grand Prix SE coupe started to show its teeth a few miles shy of 190,000 miles. My G8 (I refer to her affectionately as "The G8"), in Panther Black Metallic, came fully loaded with Sport Package, Sunroof and red and black leather interior. The only modifications done to the car were the addition of tint, a layer of Dynamat added to the entire trunk, and a JL Audio subwoofer. The last two additions were successful do-it-myself installations.
More after the jump...
Up until this point, The G8 had done relatively short runs to Los Angeles (visit family) and Santa Barbara (I am a UCSB Gaucho alum). I had also taken The G8 to San Felipe Mexico. The G8 hauled 4 adults comfortably with room to spare, luggage and supplies, A/C set to the North Pole setting, all the while making 24 mpg. Aside for the unexpected rutted, potholed and under construction portion of the highway just outside of San Felipe the car performed superbly. 19" wheels, low profile tires, sport suspension over fist-sized rocks and crater deep potholes does not a smooth ride make.
The plan for this road trip was, for lack of a better word, fluid. I would depart San Diego, shoot up the I-5 north, visiting family and friends in California, then continue up to Portland Oregon, and onto Seattle Washington. After which I would head west, link up with US-101/1 South and follow it until I got back to San Diego. There was no schedule of events or timeline to follow. I'd head "that-a-way" for as long as I felt like.
I first visited my friends in Silicon Valley and was able to be introduced to a new member of their family I had not had the pleasure of meeting. While there, I introduced my buddy The G8.
Next stop was San Francisco for a few days. After visiting my mother in the East Bay, it was off to lunch at Red's Java House near the Bay Bridge. Yes, there are burger combos that include beer. Yes, you can order fries fried in duck fat. And no, I would NOT recommend getting your cholesterol checked for at least a week after and/or lots of fiber. Finding a parking spot in SF for a car as big as mine was a challenge, but my friend thought ahead and saved rock star parking near the apartment.
I then made my way to Sacramento to visit my aunt and cousin, whom I had not seen in some time. It's always good to be with family. This was one of the main reasons why I did this trip.
After a few days in Sacramento, I headed out early for Portland which would be a long leg. According to the GPS, I was looking at about 10 hours or so. I learned something new about my car on this leg of the trip: The G8 is way too composed at, ahem, super-legal speeds -- 85 mph gets a little too comfortable.
I also spent almost an entire day driving along Historic Route 30 and exploring some of the many picturesque falls in the area. If one has the time, I would highly recommend Route 30.
My friend Akilah flew up on my last day in Portland and together we drove onto Seattle. The G8 sat in the hotel's garage almost the entire time while in Seattle, as we availed ourselves of the hotel's free shuttle to and from downtown. We experienced a food tour of the Pike Market Place, the Rock and Roll Museum, the Science Fiction Museum and land and sea tour of Seattle and neighboring islands.
Then it was off to find the coast, and find it we did. The Washington coast was spectacular, affording us breathtaking views and a fun drive at the same time. The WA coast looked as though Titans of long ago dropped huge craggy boulders in the middle of perfectly flat beaches and just off shore. Since conditions were slick and The G8 is rear-wheel drive and possesses 361 hp and 385 ft/lbs, I did not get crazy on the coastal twisties. Still through all of that weather, the tires never broke loose.
The Washington coast quickly gave way to the Oregon coast, faster than I expected. Both coasts are similar but, yet they are both distinctive. While I am loathe to draw comparisons, the OR and WA coasts seem brooding by comparison to the CA coast. Oregon's coast too gave way to wide expansions of beaches, fog and rain and towering trees. The experience was humbling. Due to incessant rain, we did not have much time to stop and really take in the experience. But where and when we could, we most certainly did.
It was nearing nightfall and we were back in California. Common sense should've told me to stop and rest for the night, but sense is not always common. I was determined to get us through to at least Eureka or Fortuna CA to stay the night. However, the road and going was more treacherous than I had anticipated. Night had fallen, and we were on the outskirts of the Klamath National Forest. There were hardly any street lights but there were sharp blind corners, ravines with no guard rails and a thick fog had just begun to roll in. We saw at least one truck overturned receiving emergency assistance, resting precariously on a tree preventing it from fully rolling down the hill. We pressed onto to Ukiah, a little unnerved and very tired when we arrived. The combination of steering feedback, suspension composure and grip of the G8's tires helped A LOT.
From Ukiah, we set out fairly early and entered San Francisco, crossing over the Golden Gate Bridge. We stuck to US-1 through the city of San Francisco and headed along the coast once clear of the city. We were hoping we could make it to the Central Coast by nightfall to avoid a repeat of the previous night's adventure. There were parts of Highway 1 that were cracked across both lanes, edges that were visibly crumbling into the ocean and at least two unmanned construction detours that were NOT confidence inspiring.
And frankly, I enjoyed every minute of the drive. Unfortunately Akilah did not share my enthusiasm, as she was in the passenger seat with an all too intimate look over the guard rails to her right and the cliffs below. The California coast is still breathtaking, even if parts of the road are in serious disrepair.
All told, the roundtrip drive from San Diego was 3,385 miles over the course of 13 days, across 3 states. Thankfully, the speeding ticket count was 0! At the beginning of the trip, The G8 had just under 28,000 miles on it. By the last couple of days of the trip, she was indicating a need for a much deserved oil change.
Our mission was accomplished. I had taken the road trip of a lifetime, while sorting out stuff in my head and experiencing firsthand one of the last great American V8 rear-wheel-drive sport sedans. For as long as I can, I will continue to appreciate and enjoy my G8.
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Tony.
bodyshopboy says:
05:07 PM, 06/ 3/10
Its been said that it isn't what happens to you, its what you do about it that matters. Tony, glad to hear you could connect with what's important to you during your "sabbatical". Best of success to you, and great car, man!
doss1 says:
06:12 PM, 06/ 3/10
Great write up Tony. I was born and raised in Florida, and we only dream of scenery as beautiful as the west coast. The terrain is just breathtaking. This just motivates me to take a California road trip of my own. It is such a shame GM could not hold on to Pontiac. With the G8 they were finally moving in the right direction. Keep your hopes up, and stay positive. Much success to you, Tony.
hybris says:
06:30 PM, 06/ 3/10
Nice good luck with the job search I know what it feels like all too well.
formerhpb says:
07:12 PM, 06/ 3/10
What a fantastic car! (I have the same car sans sport package. Summer only tires in NH don't make much sense.) I got my 09 G8 GT barely over a year ago, June 1 of 09. Still loving this car. I've got close to 17000 miles and this is easily the best car I've ever owned. I also moved to a G8 from a Grand Prix. Went from an 04 Grand Prix GTP Comp G to the G8 and it's a HUGE upgrade all around. Good luck on your job search. Keep at it. And good luck to you and your G8 GT.
roadburner says:
07:45 PM, 06/ 3/10
Cool story!
pengwin says:
08:34 PM, 06/ 3/10
thats some pretty good photography...you thinking what im thinking? career change? eh?
wjtinatl says:
08:55 PM, 06/ 3/10
Edmunds...give this guy a job! Nice writing, obvious passion and great photos. And, he spent his own money on a great car and enjoys it thoroughly. What else could you want from an enthusiast?
saxdogg says:
09:03 PM, 06/ 3/10
WELL?!?!?!?
Did you find another job or career path? Any epiphanies during the trip?
JP
blueguydotcom says:
09:29 PM, 06/ 3/10
Picture looks like La Jolla.
s197gt says:
09:34 PM, 06/ 3/10
awesome!
lip2 says:
10:07 PM, 06/ 3/10
I like everything about it. A gaucho takes a killer road trip in a killer car along a killer coast. Great read Tony.
sdg8gt says:
10:09 PM, 06/ 3/10
Thanks everyone for the positive feedback! The road trip was fantastic! I highly recommend anyone else making it. I'm hoping it will not be my last opportunity to do a road trip in the G8. It'd be nice to see Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon after procurring gainful employment again. The G8 is a fantastic road trip vehicle! While an incredible compliment, I don't think my writing and photo skills are quite up to InsideLine's standards. Having this blog article posted has been one of the coolest things that's happened since February! As for epiphanies...the biggest was my work ethic might mandate long hours and 24/7 availability to support my team and organization, I also have to be even more diligent nurturing other aspects of my life.
zegerman says:
10:24 PM, 06/ 3/10
What a nice read. In fact, Inside Line should have a regular (bi-weekly?) road trip feature. Reading the stories of others' travels is always inspiring.
herrstreet says:
11:03 PM, 06/ 3/10
I have the exact same car, no sunroof black/black & red. I've never seen over 17 mpg in Pittsburgh :-( Too hilly and too many red lights.
Great car and nice writing. This guy should be working - it's a waste of great manpower for people like that to be out of work.
ozcarman says:
11:08 PM, 06/ 3/10
Great Story but i can't help this comment: It's not an American Sports Sedan, it's an Aussie one. Sure it has your engine but the rest is ours.... And we love that you love it but we are sad not to be sending it there anymore . Not sad because our Exports will be affected (we have enough minerals in the ground that China need to well and truely offset any car deal to the USA) but because us Aussies were bought up on Muscle Sedans from the U.S and we really want you love what w can do now as a sort of Apprentice now showing the Masters what we have learned. I am proud to see this man having so much affection for his (our) Holden V8 SS Sedan ! Now you Guys owe us a few ZR-1's in return, where are they?
chirsch3 says:
11:42 PM, 06/ 3/10
wow that was a really neat story
great lookin car
makes me want one now
tenta20 says:
11:44 PM, 06/ 3/10
A nice read! I'm glad it was a good experience. Not enough people make a such a wonderful West Coast car trip like sdg8gt. I hope everything works out well for you, sdg8gt!
sdg8gt says:
11:59 PM, 06/ 3/10
ozcarman - I totally concede the bloodline for my G8 can be traced back to its Aussie heritage. This G8 owner for one thanks you all for the it! In the interest of international automotive trade relations, I definitely advocate sending some ZR-1's over!
saxdogg says:
12:44 AM, 06/ 4/10
ozcarman - trust me, I think we all want your car back! LOL Can you make that happen? :)
mustang5507 says:
12:56 AM, 06/ 4/10
I usually do not enjoy reads like this, but the emotion and the rationale for the trip were enough to keep me engaged. This guy truly has a positive outlook on life, and the attitude to not sit around and mope is something unheard of in this economic/job climate we seem to be emerging from. True down to Mars guy who believes in living life, with a good taste in cars and a truly California-style passion for taking that coastal drive. Best of luck to you mister! And I agree with an above poster: Edmunds/Inside Line, give this guy a gig! And maybe a gift card to Starbucks to stave off the fatigue ;)
toomanyns says:
05:26 AM, 06/ 4/10
Tony,
Both of your stories (about the career and the G8) were very compelling.
This economy has taken a terrible toll on many great people. Your positive outlook, your work ethic, and your willpower will carry you and your family through this.
If you are not already there, be certain to join LinkedIn.com. It can be an extremely powerful networking and research tool. Speaking of networking, the story goes that 70 - 90 percent of all positions are filled through networking. You need to network as if you are on steroids. Tell EVERYONE you meet about your situation, and make it a point to attend every business oriented function/group meeting you can find that has the right "audience" for your background and skillsets. Never forget that the "ideal" audience consists of potentially hiring managers. Do NOT sit behind a computer screen all day sending emails and resumes because you are competing with hundreds of thousands of people doing the same thing. For networking, be sure to hold your head high, that you have your 30 sec "elevator pitch" prepared, and get some business cards made up (ASAP) that have your contact information (cell and PROFESSIONAL email address) and some kind of tag line for what you do and/or want to do, and get them into the hands of anyone and everyone that you think can help, but remember -- especially potential hiring managers (NOT HR).
Let me reinforce something here: the more time you spend behind a computer screen and applying through job boards, the less time your spending doing face-to-face networking. Sure, research companies online, send some resumes over the net, but PRIORITIZE face-to-face, in-person networking with target-rich (where potential hiring managers are!!!) audiences.
How do I know what I've just shared? Let's just say that I have the t-shirt.
What is cool is that it is clear that a lot of people are pulling for you from this blog; know to count me among them!
One last thing: Adversity is the diamond dust that heaven polishes its jewels with.
Good luck Tony!
eclogite says:
05:31 AM, 06/ 4/10
Great post; great pictures. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
icecubefosho says:
05:36 AM, 06/ 4/10
Its good to see that there are still men today who realize time only moves forwards and you can't sit around lamenting losses which gets you nowhere. I too have never read another one of those articles, but this one was seemed pleasing and uplifting... which it was thanks to some light jolts of humor. People don't believe me when I say most illnesses can be fought off with a positive attitude, and living a healthy, stress free life. It should be promoted by doctors rather than prescribing Zoloft or whatever they give people in depression which can kill your liver.
Good luck Tony, I admire your choice in cars, writing, and your spirit. Keep it up for our gender.
Its also very good to know the RWD Power doesn't skid out. Lord knows how many times my Q45 has fluttered around in the rain.
rayainsw says:
05:37 AM, 06/ 4/10
Good job - great car !!
- Ray
2009 G8 GT driver....
ernmccracken says:
05:54 AM, 06/ 4/10
I had to trade in my G8 GT last week due to financial constraints (babies are REALLY expensive). While being a father has been the best experience of my life, I miss that car like you wouldn't believe. Keep that thing in the garage as long as possible. I hope that I can again one day afford a car that has the brute force and driving dynamics that the G8 GT posesses. Truly an oustanding Grand Tourer.
powell_jr says:
06:16 AM, 06/ 4/10
Cool story. Ww all dream of the epic road trip. Way to realize your dream.
chuckg says:
06:33 AM, 06/ 4/10
I'm a big fan of the G8.
Keep your car Tony. Sometimes in life we just have to hold on to things that give us much happiness. Like The G8.
Thanks for sharing.
wobbly_ears says:
06:53 AM, 06/ 4/10
@Tony,
Keep your spirits up buddy. As someone has said earlier on this post, sometimes it is what you do with adversity that is important.
Come down to Texas. Economy here isn't all that bad!
rick8365 says:
06:54 AM, 06/ 4/10
Thanks for the great post, Tony.
Best of luck to you.
sk8nsanta says:
07:15 AM, 06/ 4/10
Great write up Tony! There's just nothing that can compare to a great road trip is there?!
ed124c says:
07:18 AM, 06/ 4/10
OK, great article, but it is like one of those movies that leaves you wondering:
Does Akilah become a bigger part of Tony's life?
Does Tony get a better job that enhances his gregarious nature?
Oh, and of course, what was your mileage over the 3300 miles?
Part Two! Part Two!
fuhteng says:
07:58 AM, 06/ 4/10
Terrific job Tony. I'm so glad you took the chance for the trip and wrote it up for us. I love my G8 GT as well. Too bad I live in Kansas so I'm hundreds of miles from any good scenery. Good luck job searching.
formerhpb says:
08:35 AM, 06/ 4/10
herrstreet says:
11:03 PM, 06/ 3/10
I have the exact same car, no sunroof black/black & red. I've never seen over 17 mpg in Pittsburgh :-( Too hilly and too many red lights.
The key is highway cruising. When I was working 6 miles from home, all back roads with 30mph and 40 mph limits, 17 mpg was the norm. I finally took a longer trip in my G8 GT about 250 miles round trip and got about 22.5 mpg. Now I'm working about 30 miles from home, mostly highway miles and I'm getting around 20mpg. Plenty of hills here too in southern NH. My highway miles to work are pretty much all hills. Route 93 from the MA/NH border up to Manchester, NH.
But honestly, MPG was not a big reason I wanted this car. :)
sgude says:
09:54 AM, 06/ 4/10
This is great -- nice write up about the trip and great photos. You sound like the kind of man I'd love to have as a friend, Tony. Good luck with the job search and keep driving, brother!
eville_stu says:
10:29 AM, 06/ 4/10
Great writeup and pics! Looks like the perfect car for a long road trip and that gas mileage is quite impressive for a powerful V8. Way to take advantage of your time off!
jn4pres says:
11:16 AM, 06/ 4/10
Great write up Tony, this is a very inspiring story, makes me want to take a road trip. As a fellow Gaucho, remember not to park your car on DP on a Friday night. Good luck.
wrinklebump says:
11:21 AM, 06/ 4/10
I became unemployed about a week ago and the first thing I did was hit the road and drive to West Virginia to see a friend in Morgantown. Nothing like the highway to help sort your shit out. Best of luck to you in the job hunt.
calspecial68 says:
11:47 AM, 06/ 4/10
Nice story and nice car, Tony. Best of luck to you in your job search. I know exactly what you're going through. I'm struggling to keep my car as well. Hope neither of us lose that which we value most.
csubowtie says:
12:02 PM, 06/ 4/10
Good story. I was pretty upset when Pontiac went under. With the G8 I really thought they were going to take off. Such a good car, and soo much more exciting than Chevy's. Why couldn't they have kept Pontiac and killed of GMC. G
lions208487 says:
12:07 PM, 06/ 4/10
I hope by the time I post this, you have found employment. Nice review of a trip and a car that still could be. This was the best Pontiac product since the Pontiac muscle cars of the 1960's.
Just hope the bring it back as a Chevy some time soon.
supaman says:
12:40 PM, 06/ 4/10
Awesome road trip. I had the opportunity to take a G8 for an extended test drive and I have no doubt that it is a great car. Reading this made me even more determined to do my own roadtrip as far as exploring the great state of Florida from Key West to the Panhandle.
All the best to you man!
kernals12 says:
12:45 PM, 06/ 4/10
come on people keep your hopes up, GM will realize the G8 was to good to lose and that the impala needs to go and Gm will rebadge the commodore as the caprice and that would replace the impala
nybyron says:
02:24 PM, 06/ 4/10
Fantastic read! Thanks for the writeup, and godspeed to you! You have your priorities where they belong, and I wish you all the success possible in finding a job and landing on your feet.
davidwli says:
04:44 PM, 06/ 4/10
Thanks Tony; That was a great story with some cool pics. I'm really impressed by your command of the english language. ( wish I could write that well). Best of luck and success in the future.
cubozoan says:
06:37 AM, 06/ 5/10
what a great writeup, an awesome roadtrip, and beautiful photos. so sorry about your job situation; it sure sucks and hope it works out really really soon. things will work out, for all of us. we made a similar trip a couple years ago, from san diego all the way up to seattle and back. we camped most of the way, it was absolutely fantastic. i'm a diehard californian, and the west coast is just the most gorgeous place. can't wait to do it again, but for now your article and photos are the next best thing
karla1234 says:
11:36 AM, 06/ 5/10
That was a great read, I really enjoyed it. Like others have mentioned, we all wish you the best Tony!
"OK, great article, but it is like one of those movies that leaves you wondering:
Does Akilah become a bigger part of Tony's life?
Does Tony get a better job that enhances his gregarious nature?
Oh, and of course, what was your mileage over the 3300 miles?
Part Two! Part Two!"
Lols I second this comment ^^^^
pearley says:
11:56 PM, 06/ 5/10
Of course it was an excellent story. After all, he graduated from UCSB.
sdg8gt says:
03:31 PM, 06/ 7/10
Go Gauchos! I must admit, all of the positive feedback regarding my article has helped to lift my spirits considerably! Thank you! I've been giving thought to what the next road trip could look like. Most significantly, renewing my energies and hope for the job hunt!
myob says:
02:12 PM, 06/ 8/10
Well done, hang in there with the job search. Don't forget self-employment as an option, either. At least as an interim to keep the bills paid. Figure out something that needs doing and go do it for people. You might find your calling.