So it's freezing in Austin, TX today (especially this morning). Icy roads and bridges and overall not a good mix for us southerners because we really don't know how to drive in this stuff. Despite that, my partners failed to call me on our cancelled meeting this meeting, so I ventured out.

Well....I slipped. But surprisingly enough, the 550 did a great job on pulling out! The traction control system kicked in, limited my throttle and tire speed, while allowing me to slowly edge out of a very dangerous hill. I then found myself trapped between two large patches of ice (20-30 feet in length) on a high-traffic roadway, the only solution was to figure out how to get out. It was at this time that I wish I had a 5 series all wheel drive, but pulled myself together, floored it for about 50 feet, coasted over the 20-30 feet of ice, and I was on the other side no problem. What a rush....I don't know if I'm lucky, stupid, or smart, but I am 100% positive that I was in a great car that probably saved me from a small disaster today. Just thought I'd share my experience.

 

I know Austin extremely well and have been there on ice. Most of my ice skating was in Tulsa though--9 years. I'm glad it all worked out well. I would have been nervous too, but your coasting technique sounds good under the circumstances. What road were you on?

 

360 (Capital of TX Hwy) near 2222 (Bull Creek). Man it was dangerous this morning!

 

And I'll bet the bridge over the river was fun!

 

Ah ha another Austin frequenter turns up.

 

The "hill country" always gets the worst of it, and really that's what happened when the storm came through last night. The 360 bridge was bad, but funny enough not as bad as the 2222 overpass.... I'm just glad I didn't put a scratch on my baby. It performed beautifully and kept me away from any danger. I was on a solid sheet of ice!! Probably anymore tilt or degree on the road and I would've been putting up a whole different story.

Of course the Oasis is open! Haven't been there since the lightning strike, but they've got a section still open while they rebuild. I just checked the website, limited menu! But I really just went there for the drinks anyway.

http://www.oasis-austin.com/

 

Hook 'em horns! I'm from the northeast but my girlfriend is a UT Austin grad, so I've visited Austin once -- I do love that BBQ at County Line!

I also didn't realize that roads ice over down there. I guess 'ya learn something new everyday!

 

HOOK 'EM!!!!!!!!!!!! And this is my first picture up on the website of my new 550i. Glad it still looks great after today.

 

Hookem Horns!!!! You all know I couldn?t let UT folks gather without being present. I also had a rough time this morning (Westlake Hills).I attended McCombs Business School for grad school. The more Austin folks we get makes me think its time for a Austin meet. I speak for Donv, when I say he'll drive from Arizona

Did any of you see My PENN Quakers get routed by duke last night?

 

Hi UPENN...I finally answered your Texas meet...and I"m all up for a beer or two or three. Especially to a colleague! Got my graduate at McCombs in '04.