Updates From The Road
Photos From The Departure | Final Thoughts Before Leaving


On April 1, UNC rowing coach Joel Furtek set out for California, towing the Tar Heel boat (plus some others) 2,500 miles to the San Diego Crew Classic, where Carolina will compete on April 6-7. Furtek will check in along the way, just as he did last year, providing TarHeelBlue.com readers with a way to experience the trip, without committing to 45 hours on the road.

Before departing, Furtek, a veteran of 12 cross-country journeys, provided a wealth of information on making such a drive. Read on for his thoughts on everything from the best stops to the worst music.

Then follow the Tar Heel Express, as it rolls cross country to San Diego, home of the San Diego Crew Classic.

First Things First

  • Why would anyone want to drive 45 hours across the country?

    Furtek's Travel Tips

  • Twelve things NEVER to travel long-haul without
  • Tips for identifying the ideal co-driver (if you're lucky enough to have one!)
  • Five devices that are good to have along
  • Music to drive by
  • Ways to stay awake as the miles, and hours, roll by

    Peaks and Valleys: High points to look out for and not-so-highs to avoid

  • Furtek's Top 10 places to stop on a cross-country trip
  • Favorite and least favorite states to drive through
  • Best and worst cross-country moments

    Seen Along the Way: The International Symbol for "Rowing"
    Bend your arms in front of you and move your hands in a circular motion, usually pulling in, lifting, pushing away, and dropping. The International Symbol for "Rowing" bears no resemblance whatsoever to actual rowing, but it's flashed to us at every possible moment by other drivers. It very often follows quizzical looks by drivers who sit right on the tail of our trailer, wondering if we're pulling airplanes, or missiles, or really long canoes. The looks get particularly funny in the dry, desolate stretches of I-10 across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

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