The "Official" 2K10 ToD GTG & cruise

[vwgary]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Hey Gary, I wonder how the folks at the Ridge Top would feel if the townspeople came up to check out the bugs Friday night? Too bad we didn't have another day. We could have a little bug show-off for the people. Maybe as time goes by and they're used to our presence.

Hmmmm, maybe a "cruise in" sort of deal at the restaurant on Friday evening? If it's open by then that is, and have dinner there. We could always have pie at Anthony's on Saturday night instead.

[vwgary]

Originally Posted by warren

reservations made.

Beat me to it

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by vwgary

Hmmmm, maybe a "cruise in" sort of deal at the restaurant on Friday evening? If it's open by then that is, and have dinner there. We could always have pie at Anthony's on Saturday night instead.

With such advance notice, I think this year the FL/GA bugavan will be there much earlier. Most of us will probably have that Friday off, and will be able to roll out earlier than the maiden voyage bugavan

[MichelleRoze]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

With such advance notice, I think this year the FL/GA bugavan will be there much earlier. Most of us will probably have that Friday off, and will be able to roll out earlier than the maiden voyage bugavan

Agreed! I like the idea of a car show for the towns folk. Not sure where but I think seeing all the NB parallel parked on the main strip was pretty sweet! lol

I'm picking up a second job which I hope will allow me to make the modifications needed for the 2k10 ToD! Probie is gonna need some new shocks and struts if he's gonna run the dragon again...oh man! My stock shocks and struts were worn when we did it this last time and it was ok, but I'd hate to ride it now. Time is really wearing down on those things...lol

For those that have made the reservations already, do the people at Ridge Top seem excited to have us back and with a growing number? I think I may call here in the next few days, but I'm in no rush at this point. Has anyone given them a projected number of people? I'd hate for some of our orgers to be stranded at another location because we ran out of rooms.

I can't believe how many things are in the works already for this get together. So many people are pumped and excited to go. We've got carabuggin' plans going on already. You'd think the event was at the end of the month or something. lol How exciting. I can't wait to see everyone, especially those from the west coast area. Cudos to you for making the long treck over here to enjoy the Dragon with us!

[uwharrie]

I highly recommend anyone going to visit the "offical" Dragon site.

Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC

lots of tips about how to drive it and cool links to other groups who have been there.

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Got cha

One thing that was decided last year, was what you just mentioned; splitting the adventurous drivers apart from the less adventurous. This we'll definitely do. Either way, it's gonna be a great time.

As adventurous as some might want to drive, we stress being safe. We don't want any beetles kissing any trees. Just wanted to throw that safety PSA out there

[RedThunder94]

hey may be going dunno yet, the bug may fall apart completely before then, but if not and funds allow we prolly could go. its about 1200-1400 miles depending on which route we take, so maybe, just maybe... no ac though so whats the weather usually like over there?

[raff]

Originally Posted by uwharrie

They could but is simply would not be safe. The Dragon can and does eat cars on a weekly basis. The guy with the MC told us about a kid that was bitchin the whole way up the mountain that folks ahead were too slow, apparently they had a down trip for the "adventurous" ones, kid wrapped a brand new top of the line MC around a tree at the bottom.

Big car groups split the runs into smaller groups for safety and the enjoyment of all.

If you've seen the TOD website -- the speed limit is fairly low and the road is heavily patrolled.
Anyone who intends to do banzai runs on a public road on a weekend is just plain dumb.
If you really want to see Darwinism at work check out some Honda S2000 videos froom TOD posted on YouTube.

The speed of our group was brisk, entertaining, and within the law (usually). You'll love it.

[MichelleRoze]

Well and we were all VERY cautious about not crossing the center yellow line. That is strictly inforced (or so they say) but who would want to cross that line because the road really isn't THAT big!

For those that ran the dragon twice, was it a different beast the other direction? I should have done it, but I was done for the day I think! This time, Probie will have new shocks and struts and will be able to better handle the Dragon. Though he didn't do bad, I also went slow because I had JUST gotten new wheel bearings. Really didn't want to bust a wheel on those turns! (HAHA Bust a wheel....ok i'm done) We'll be better prepared this time and I won't allow Probie to pull that crap with me again, days prior to the event!

[HarlequinPixie]

Originally Posted by RedThunder94

no ac though so whats the weather usually like over there?

early may in the mountains? A/C shouldn't be an issue.

[vwgary]

Originally Posted by MichelleRoze

Agreed!
For those that have made the reservations already, do the people at Ridge Top seem excited to have us back and with a growing number? I think I may call here in the next few days, but I'm in no rush at this point. Has anyone given them a projected number of people? I'd hate for some of our orgers to be stranded at another location because we ran out of rooms.

Exactly why I'm making my reservations this week

[Fowvay]

Originally Posted by raff

If you've seen the TOD website -- the speed limit is fairly low and the road is heavily patrolled.
Anyone who intends to do banzai runs on a public road on a weekend is just plain dumb.
If you really want to see Darwinism at work check out some Honda S2000 videos froom TOD posted on YouTube.

The speed of our group was brisk, entertaining, and within the law (usually). You'll love it.

I've only ever done the dragon once during the summer. I went on a Tuesday and we were able to drive all out.When we go we set up radio crews that let us know of any upcoming traffic and cops. That way we can all have a fun day with out causing accidents and getting tickets.

I've made two trips on motorcycle and 3 trips with my local Miata club. The first time I went we had a buddy drive flawlessly for 3 days but tbh he was way over his head and we kept telling him to back off. The very last run before we were to load up the trailers to take the bikes back to the land of ice and snow he took a corner too fast and highsided. Not only totaling his brand new motorcycle but also earning a very painful ride to the nearest hospital and then spent the next 6 months enjoying the comforts known as a half body cast.

He broke 6 ribs,the bone in the middle of the ribs, collar bone on both sides and dislocated both shoulders when he hit the rock dead center. The helmet saved his face. The other body armor protected his elbows, wrists etc.. but he took out the chest protector cuz it wasn't comfy. Lesson learned.

If you haven't looked at the wall of shame in the store at Deals Gap go in and take a look. There are pictures of literally hundreds of people that didn't make it back.

[warren]

Originally Posted by MichelleRoze

For those that ran the dragon twice, was it a different beast the other direction?

funny you should ask, michelle.

Jack will probably chime in later, but as i recall it was me, Jack and Nicolia, Pierre and KBelle, and Frank and his bride who went the second time.

Jack & Nicolia took off and i figured i'd NEVER see them again, given my granny-like driving.

famous last words...caught up to 'em pretty quickly.

to my surprise one of the Tennessee Troopers was cruising the Dragon...and there was a line of cars and bikes.....
at......the.....speed limit.....or even slower...

third time was WAAAAYYYYYYYY fun.

hardly anyone on the road, and i pulled over a few times to let bikes blow by me.

then took 28 (i think) back towards Bryson City and the Ridge Top. Great road, still a ton of turns (more sweepers), and lots of scenery.

[vwgary]

Now that I'm working again, I'm finding it hard to keep up with this thread, and that's a good thing

For folks not yet on the list, if you plan on attending please PM me the details. I ust don't want to miss any potential attendees

[raff]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

With such advance notice, I think this year the FL/GA bugavan will be there much earlier. Most of us will probably have that Friday off, and will be able to roll out earlier than the maiden voyage bugavan

That's why we're working on a Friday afternoon cruise through some other nearby twisties. Can't have too many twisties.

[SixChuter]

Originally Posted by raff

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That's why we're working on a Friday afternoon cruise through some other nearby twisties. Can't have too many twisties.

That is so true!

[warren]

Originally Posted by raff

That's why we're working on a Friday afternoon cruise through some other nearby twisties. Can't have too many twisties.

hmmm. even more incentive to leave on time...

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by vwgary

Now that I'm working again, I'm finding it hard to keep up with this thread, and that's a good thing

For folks not yet on the list, if you plan on attending please PM me the details. I ust don't want to miss any potential attendees

Gary, congrats on the new job

Originally Posted by raff

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That's why we're working on a Friday afternoon cruise through some other nearby twisties. Can't have too many twisties.

Sounds great. I'll be waiting for more info. Sounds exciting already

[DannyRandomState]

Ok





I'm in!

[vwgary]

vwgary& Denise
scarabY2K & Val
MichelleRoze & Matt
Sully TDI & Patrice
Raff & Susie
Harlequin Pixie
Akasha1963 ??
Warren & Lisa
HwDoYuSlpAtNite & Wilky
mrchaotica & Nicolia
Lady Tonya, hubby & mom (Mary Carol)
Kbelle & Pierre ??
SixChuter & Llona
Spoolin1.8t ??
D2Beetle & wife ??
CyberGreenBaby & Vinny
Fl_bug
dmbluebeetle
uwharrie & David
punchbuggin99 & bf ??
Salsa-man
Coribug & mom ??
Steve_pnchbug
williamadamsesq & Brenda
TechnoTrix'd & family
beej & Maria
EvilinaDM101 & Joey
Hestersu
Fowvay
Shay
Mybugrocks
RedThunder, cindysue182 & family
DannyRandomState

If there was anyone else who mentioned they'd be doing the 2K10ToD and I missed you, chime in please.

Also if you're name is on the list with a question mark but you do plan on attending please let me know so I can remove the ?

[marvins_dad]

Man I was really getting excited about this until someone pointed out that it was Mothers Day weekend...bummed

If I can't get the family to buy into the idea I can't do it solo as I was thinking I could...Mothers Day is pretty sacred...if mommy don't want to do it...daddy can't force it.

Wish I would have been following this event closer when you guys were voting on the date...oh well - sounds like fun.