The "Official" 2K10 ToD GTG & cruise

[vwgary]

Absolutely awesome Bob!!! Thanks for all your help in putting the new "loop" together. You rock

Folks, this is going to be an honest to goodness tour of some of the prettiest countryside our USA has to offer. Thoughts of not being able to run the dragon are now out the window. Even those who didn't intend to make multiple runs will have a second chance in the reverse direction. Maybe switch drivers? We'll also be running the Cherohala Skyway in both directions giving totally different viewing opportunities.

Now that we have our new itinerary laid out, let's crank up the volume people. I for one am currrently "over the edge" with a new found excitement for our GTG.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by vwgary

Just had a nice conversation with Bob (Raff) regarding the new tour loop we'll need to use this year. Bob will post up the new map before the weekend is out so you all will have a preview. I'll also have handouts for everyone the day of the cruise.

This year we'll run the dragon then do the Cherohala Skyway as opposed to last year. We'll incorporate "moonshiners 28" past Fontana Lake on the way to the Dragon which is a very scenic drive. We'll still run scenic route 360 after the Skyway to Vonore Tn, then to Madisonville and back over the Skyway and home to Bryson City. Not sure of the actual mileage but we think it'll add close to an hour to our day's tour. Instead of 4.5-5 hours, 5.5-6 hours. Aside from the Dragon, it's all easy and very beautiful countryside to be driving thru. More info to follow by Bob.

My only suggestion would be to be sure we've left the Blue Ridge Grill by 9:00AM sharp. More discussion at length to follow, I'm sure. One note, is the tour loop as agreed between Bob & I is our days tour. At this point, it isn't open for discussion. You'll have to trust us it'll be glorious

Agreed.. the additional hour will be so worth it. For me, last year's maiden voyage went by so fast. I'm sure the same will apply this year even with an additional hour.

I'll call Trudy again to inform her on our departure time from the Blue Ridge Grill. I spoke to her on Wednesday and she and her crew are eager to serve us. I told her that at least 25 of us will be there for breakfast and she was fine with that. She reiterated that we'll have the Blue Ridge Grill all to ourselves. All beetle peeps are welcome.

Gary we're cool with the travel plans you and Bob came up with. Although the TOD thread and plans kinda take care of themselves, we understand that there is a governing body for this event. You and Bob are the architects of this event; some of us have joined your team along the way and are proud to do so and are at your service.

We appreciate the free flow of ideas and creativity that you've given for this event, but we respect the fact that you and Bob govern it and respect the decisions you two have made and will continue to make. We're all adult enough to accept this and with gratitude and thanks to boot.

[vwgary]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Agreed.. the additional hour will be so worth it. For me, last year's maiden voyage went by so fast. I'm sure the same will apply this year even with an additional hour.

I'll call Trudy again to inform her on our departure time from the Blue Ridge Grill. I spoke to her on Wednesday and she and her crew are eager to serve us. I told her that at least 25 of us will be there for breakfast and she was fine with that. She reiterated that we'll have the Blue Ridge Grill all to ourselves. All beetle peeps are welcome.

Gary we're cool with the travel plans you and Bob came up with. Although the TOD thread and plans kinda take care of themselves, we understand that there is a governing body for this event. You and Bob are the architects of this event; some of us have joined your team along the way and are proud to do so and are at your service.

We appreciate the free flow of ideas and creativity that you've given for this event, but we respect the fact that you and Bob govern it and respect the decisions you two have made and will continue to make. We're all adult enough to accept this and with gratitude and thanks to boot.

Awww, shucks

[MichelleRoze]

I'm ready for the Dragon now!!!! Suspension is on, I'm hoping to drop off the brake calipers soon.....so yeah!!!!!!!!!! WHAHOOOOOOOOO

[raff]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Agreed.. the additional hour will be so worth it. For me, last year's maiden voyage went by so fast. I'm sure the same will apply this year even with an additional hour..

Gary we're cool with the travel plans you and Bob came up with. Although the TOD thread and plans kinda take care of themselves, we understand that there is a governing body for this event.

Actually it's more like herding

And thanks for the compliment (I think it was a sort of compliment).

Anyhow, since we couldn't duplicate last year's itinerary due to the rockslide/road blockage, I felt doing the Dragon first made the most sense. The earlier in the day, the less traffic.
Additionally, the Minis are doing their photo shoot at their headquarters (Fontana Lodge) at 11 AM which hopefully means not worrying about 400 Minis cluttering the road during our foray up and down the Dragon.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by raff

Actually it's more like herding

And thanks for the compliment (I think it was a sort of compliment).

Herding I hear ya Bob! I kinda felt that way with the t-shirt end of things... a labor of love i guess

And you best believe that was a BIG COMPLIMENT! You and Gary always take the modest road concerning this event. But without the two of you hashing this idea of new beetles driving down this road called "The Tail Of The Dragon" around, This event, which has grown into "rock star status" wouldn't have been possible.

I sense the history of your SCCA roots as well as road racing (racing and planning)all over this event. Even Gary and His years of car shows exudes itself in all that He does. I for one don't take it lightly of the passion you two share for this event. I'm not trying to get all sappy and whatnot- I've always been a car nut and always wanted to express my love for cars in events and shows; the Dragon brought that to fruition. I'm glad to be a part of it.

Hey Bob, now that we're doing the Skyway last, I guess the mothership won't abduct me in the fog this year

[warren]

Originally Posted by raff

The link below opens a copy of our route.

Leaving Bryson City South on 74/19 to Rte 28 North past Fontana Dam to the Dragon.

After running the Dragon (north & then south) I'm sure we'll pause at Deal's Gap (just like last year) for snacks, souvenirs, etc, etc.

Still heading south on Rte 129 towards Robbinsville we'll reach the Cherohala Skyway (Rte 143)and head west. (note: we will not go through Robbinsville at this time so plan ahead for necessities)

At the end of the Skyway we'll make a loop through Tellico Plains, Madisonville, Vonore and back to the Skyway for the return to Robbinsville, then onto 143 and 28 to Bryson City.

ohhhh, yeah...ought to be a great run. thanks Bob! and route 28? i really enjoyed that leg of the trip back from the dragon last year. woot!

[wilky]

Catches himself looking at turbo S's for sale and thinks Hmmm....

[bugsfriend]

VWGary,
Lisa & I are coming, and have reservations. Did you get the check for the pizza?
Thanks
Tom and Lisa Arnall
03 blue lagoon 1.8t (with chip)
06 harvest moon conv.

[salsa-man]

Originally Posted by bugsfriend

VWGary,
Lisa & I are coming, and have reservations. Did you get the check for the pizza?
Thanks
Tom and Lisa Arnall
03 blue lagoon 1.8t (with chip)
06 harvest moon conv.

Where are you from?

[bugsfriend]

We are coming from N.
w. Arkansas. We are planning on meeting up with Susan in N. Little Rock and tagging along. Still don't know if we are bringing 1 or 2 bugs

[salsa-man]

Originally Posted by bugsfriend

We are coming from N.
w. Arkansas. We are planning on meeting up with Susan in N. Little Rock and tagging along. Still don't know if we are bringing 1 or 2 bugs

You are?? COOL!! Our Carabug is still growing. This is gonna be one heck of a group heading across Tennessee. Do me a favor and PM me your cell number. I will add it to our carabug phone list and send it back to you. Also, mind if ask specifically where in NW AR you are travelling from and what roads you are taking to Little Rock? I'd like to add you to the map I created for this Carabug. Thanks.

[bugsfriend]

Let me try this again. We will be coming from Eureka Springs, taking hwy 62 east to Harrison and then south on 65 to Conway were we will catch I-40 TO Little Rock. I am not sure where we are to meet Susan. Hope this goes thru this time.
If you need more info let me know.
Tom

[salsa-man]

Originally Posted by bugsfriend

Let me try this again. We will be coming from Eureka Springs, taking hwy 62 east to Harrison and then south on 65 to Conway were we will catch I-40 TO Little Rock. I am not sure where we are to meet Susan. Hope this goes thru this time.
If you need more info let me know.
Tom

Thanks Tom! If you go to this post in the "To All Texans" carabug thread you will see the address where we are staying in No Little Rock. --> To all Texans (TOD Carabug thread)

I'll be adding you to that map and reposting.


By default, the motel is the meeting place unless we decide otherwise later on. Stay tuned to that thread. Also, John and Llona (aka SixChuter) will be driving in from Oklahoma Thursday morning to meet up with us in Little Rock.

[uwharrie]

Well shutter has new shoes so he should be ready to run those curvy roads in style.
I don't get to the forum as much as I would like. Is there one place I can find the itenary for the weekend? (without sifting thru 1000s of post on the forum?

We are looking forward to the trip. what time will most folks be getting there Friday?

[vwgary]

Originally Posted by uwharrie

Well shutter has new shoes so he should be ready to run those curvy roads in style.
I don't get to the forum as much as I would like. Is there one place I can find the itenary for the weekend? (without sifting thru 1000s of post on the forum?

We are looking forward to the trip. what time will most folks be getting there Friday?

Pretty much all the info for the weekend is in the 1st post to the "ToD 2K11" thread. If you have any additional questions, post them or drop me a PM. Around page 110 or 111 of the thread is the new tour loop that needed to be created due to the rock slide on 129. Very cool.

Denise & I will be meeting up with Sully TDi and heading out of Aiken by 8:30am. I anticipate us getting to Bryson City by 1:00pm.

[vwgary]

Confirmed with reservations
vwgary& Denise
scarabY2K & Val
marvins_dad & family
Harlequin Pixie/DannyRandomState
uwharrie & David
usa_bug_03
salsa-man
hestersue
EvilinaDM101 & Joey
Warren & Lisa
SixChuter & Llona
Cubbug & Laura
beej & Maria
MichelleRoze & Matt
Lady Tonya, hubby & mom (Mary Carol)
cameron_talley
Karen1963 & hubby ++ ??
HwDoYuSlpAtNite & Wilky
dmbluebeetle & Pam
The New Ringo
w3dee & Herbie & little Herbie
mrchaotica & Nicolia
Daisy Bug
mardee, Marty & Molly sunshine
Sue Isley
Raff & Susie (alternate lodging)
TeresaH & parents (alternate lodging)
Sully TDI & Patrice (MicroTel)
D2Beetle & wife (lodging plans unknown)
Earl McCutcheon "Cueball" (Sleep Inn)
Jerry O'Hara (Sleep Inn)
Ray Townsend (Sleep Inn)
Bobby Ferrill (Sleep inn)
Neutralize (lodging plans unknown)
Zero_webb (lodging plans unknown)
Tightdub (SleepInn)
Severe (lodging plans unknown)
Hilly (Microtel, Bryson City)
AprilM & Gary (Sleep Inn)
Kbelle & Pierre (lodging plans unknown)
V_BFW_W & cousin (lodging plans unknown)
Bugsfriend & Lisa (lodging plans unknown)
kcfoxie (day trippin)

If I missed anyone who has already made a reservation please PM me so I can add you to the reserved list. Anyone else who does book, please PM me as well. Thanks

[vwgary]

Mid day bumpage

[MichelleRoze]

during my suspension install, i had the privileged of bumping into a chroma-flair green/purple NB and it's owner. He was having an issue with the car...temp sensor or something. So, I gave him my card for the .org and told him about the dragon. He seemed pretty happy about it....so, here's hoping we hear from him as well!

[SixChuter]

Originally Posted by MichelleRoze

during my suspension install, i had the privileged of bumping into a chroma-flair green/purple NB and it's owner. He was having an issue with the car...temp sensor or something. So, I gave him my card for the .org and told him about the dragon. He seemed pretty happy about it....so, here's hoping we hear from him as well!

Nice hit, Michelle! I have my fingers crossed.

Our weather is perfect today. I hope this is a sign of things to come. Keep this in the back of your heads folks.....

"No rain, no rain, no rain...."