FYI

Road Repair Prompts Early Close of Independence Pass

As part of AAA's pledge to provide the latest detour, road construction and road closure information, we'd like to inform readers that access over Independence Pass on State Hwy. 82 ends on October 1, 2001. That's one month earlier than anticipated.

The change in schedule is the result of a joint road improvement project between the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Independence Pass Foundation. This half-million-dollar project is the largest single road improvement project in the history of Independence Pass. Efforts will be concentrated on the last two miles of roadway (switchbacks) west of the summit. CDOT plans to hang wire mesh and install rock bolts in order to stabilize the steep hillsides above the road.

Drivers will still be able to access the Aspen (west) side of Independence Pass up to the Linkens Lake trailhead, approximately two miles from the summit, until late October/early November. Drivers traveling from the Twin Lakes (east) side of Independence Pass will be able to access the summit until the normal pass closing date, however they will not be able to drive over the pass as of October 1.

For more information and for current updates, click on "Travel" then on Colorado Road Conditions under the Member Services column.

Show Your Card & SaveŽ Welcomes Two New Partners in Boulder

Changes in Latitude, located at 2525 Arapahoe, offers a full range of travel gear, books, guides, maps, travel accessories, clothing, unique gifts and more. They also offer Spanish, Italian and Nepalese language classes, travel photography classes; and a variety of clinics, including ones for solo travelers, women travelers and packing light. When you show your AAA membership card you'll receive a 10 percent discount on regular-priced merchandise. Phone 303-786-8406 for more information.

Boulder Map Gallery, Inc. is a map-lover's paradise. The store, located at 1708 13th Street in Boulder, offers a wide variety of maps for recreation, hiking and biking, as well as nautical charts and hunting maps. It also carries map-related products, such as globes, atlases, flags, compasses, map tacks/flags, map measures and guides. Choose maps for worldwide, national or local destinations. Their extensive selection includes thousands of USGS topographic maps, Forest Service maps, celestial maps and shaded relief maps. They will also mount, frame and laminate maps. Show your AAA card and save 10 percent on any purchase, including sale items. You may reach them at 303-444-1406.

Second AAA Office to Open in Colorado Springs

AAA's second Colorado Springs district office is targeted to open on Monday, November 5, 2001 (barring unforeseen delays). The office is at 2110 Southgate Rd., Suite A, in the Broadmoor Town Center, located in southwest Colorado Springs. Hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday (Phone: 719-591-2222).
AAA Colorado and the Colorado Springs staff welcome you to visit them in our newest office this November!

Purchase NAPA Auto Parts Online and Save

Now, AAA members can purchase genuine NAPA auto parts, online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Before you hit the road, shop for auto parts, tools and accessories. Find expert tips, repair and safety information at the NAPA Web site, too. Simply visit www.aaa.com and click on the Automotive Services icon. Then click on the NAPA Auto Parts Online icon. This takes you directly to the NAPA Web site. After you register as a AAA member you can begin shopping-and saving 7 percent on your purchase. When you're finished, you can request delivery to your home or office, including next-day arrival. If you prefer you can pick up your purchase at a nearby NAPA store. Use the online NAPA store locator to find the NAPA Auto Parts retailer nearest you. Returns are easily managed at a local store or via return mail.

AAA Travel Consultants Specialize in Customized Information

Using state-of-the-art information software, AAA travel consultants provide in-depth, concierge-style advice on more than 10,000 domestic and international cities. Whether you're interested in Michigan or Madagascar, San Francisco or Santiago, Chicago or Cancun, give us a call before you set off on your journey.

Our goal is to help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip. We'll give you the unbiased, inside story on everything from where to eat to how to avoid problems. Our agents will give you information you want (and need) to know about the world's major countries, domestic and international cities, and cruise ports of call, including historical information, geographical points of interest, and best places to stay, shop, sightsee and dine. We'll even mail you a destination report you can take with you on your trip.

If you prefer to do your own travel sleuthing, log on to www.aaa.com to obtain abbreviated International Destination Reports. Simply click on the International Destinations icon and you're off. You'll have access to a brief introduction, itinerary ideas, historical facts, fun things to see and do and more. The next time you need to know more about a destination you've been longing to visit, call AAA. We can help you find the best spot to savor a sacher torte in Vienna, where to buy an English-language newspaper in Singapore, the best pizza shop in New York City-and everything in between.

Get a Car Checkup This October

During the month of October-National Car Care Month-AAA members can receive a basic, visual car maintenance check at no cost from participating AAA Approved Auto Repair (AAR) stations across the state. This checkup is normally done only when a vehicle is already in the shop for other services. Be sure to make an appointment ahead of time. Some restrictions apply. Please call your nearest participating AAR facility today.

With winter just around the corner, it's also good to prepare your vehicle. This can help save money and time on costlier repairs and help maintain the value of your car. It could even prevent you from getting into an accident. As we head into the season of snow and cold, be sure to carry your AAA membership card with you. If you need 24-hour roadside assistance, call 800-AAA-HELP (222-4357). If you are hearing-impaired, call 800-955-4833.

Play It Safe

Stock an emergency kit with the following items to help ensure your safety during snowy weather:

• Phone numbers
• Cell phone or quarters for pay phone
• Blankets
• Cloth or roll of paper towels
• Extra clothing, including a hat
• Work gloves
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Warning devices (flares, reflective triangles and battery-powered flashers)
• Traction material (sand, salt or kitty litter) or traction mats
• Snow shovel
• Plastic ice scraper
• Booster cables
• Tire chains

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