The "Official" 2K10 ToD GTG & cruise

[vwgary]

*Notice* the date for this and all future ToD GTG's will be the 1st Saturday in May.Well, with just under a year to go before this event, we'd better get cracking on the planning

Saturday May 1st, 2010
Ridge Top Motel and Campground
website: RV campground and motel. Bryson City, NC

Phone: (828) 488-6363
Toll Free (866) 415-9692

At last reports, the Ridge Top is now at full occupancy. All beetle people.

It's been discussed, but not yet finalized as the official ToD overflow hotel, that the Sleep Inn would/might be the hotel of choice. It seems to be closer to the Ridge Top than any other hotel- we're wanting the groups to be close to each other.

Additional area info:
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/
http://www.greatsmokies.com/


Rough itinerary using last year as a guide- Gary and or Bob will make any necessary corrections

Friday- the beetles arrive in Bryson City, begining early/mid afternoon until evening. Photo ops / meet and greet / motel check-in. Maybe some are checking in a day earlier...you never know. For early arrivals, Bob (Raff) and his wife Sue have put together a short cruise of some "twisties" for those early arrivers who want to take a ride and flex their suspensions.
Since the Ridge Top is booked and the Sleep Inn next to be occupied, here are the plans. 7:00PM, gather at the "Top" for the pizza fest & general getting to know eachother. We're not sure if there will be an impromptu car show after dinner across the street from the motel but more info will follow.
Saturday- early a.m breakfast / gas-up / car wash in preparation for taming the Dragon. We depart from the motel @ 8:30, driving to Robbinsville, then onto the Cherohala Skyway. Gas/snack break before riding the dragon. Several runs of the Dragon will take place. Those who are opting out of another run(s), will proceed to the meeting place (Bob will chime in...i hope), where the 2+ Dragon runners will catch up, for photo ops and such.

Saturday night- Dinner, followed by lots of Dragon tales at the "honeycomb hideout"- the loft of the Ridge Top, and the other hotel's hideaway i'm sure.

Sunday- Leaving Bryson City. There's talk about doing something early (Breakfast- etc T.B.A) before everyone leaves. plans are still in the works.

This is our 2nd year of a very successful maiden voyage. There's talks of a 'soft' car show- basically dispalying for the townspeople, ourselves and media. I'm hoping that Gary will do His VW/New Beetle trivia challenge somewhere in the mix of either dinner nights. Still we're many months out and these plans will be solidified way before the event, so all will be privy to what's going on
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Official disclaimer!! The current planned and all future TOD GTG's are "attendance at your own will". The Org as well as organizers can not be held responsible or liable for mishaps going to, during or going from the event.
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[scarabY2k]

BREAKING TOD NEWS.....

TOD Swag thread is now up and running. CLICK HERE to get on the list for another round of some great TOD gear!

[scarabY2k]

Gang I can't stress how close we are to our grand return. Many of the Maiden Voyagers know exactly what i'm talking about. Time to start getting things in order and plans locked in. I'll be PM'ing all on my org friends list, which means most of you all reading this will get my message. Spread the word to all orgers to start getting active on this thread.

[scarabY2k]

I know that many (sadly) are on Facebook more than the org these days. So for those Facebookers, Good News.....

The TOD is on Facebook!
CLICK HERE!

[turbos03]

man I really want to make this...

[MichelleRoze]

Thanks for that pic turbo! That's my new desktop, reminding me that ToD is coming up!!

[turbos03]

no problem, I'm just hoping I can make it....

[Mazzzja]

got car sick just by looking at it . Can't wait by the way

[vwgary]

Originally Posted by turbos03

no problem, I'm just hoping I can make it....

You've got about 3 months to firm up your plans. That's the main reason why we started planning this less than a month after the 2K09 ToD

[turbos03]

Originally Posted by vwgary

You've got about 3 months to firm up your plans. That's the main reason why we started planning this less than a month after the 2K09 ToD

oh my plans have been firmed up for a while now but life has a funny way of messing with even the best laid plans my friend...

[raff]

Since we're seeing a number of posts with "advice" on how to drive on the Tail of the Dragon -
I thought you'd appreciate the "official how-to" version instead.

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

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by turbos03

man I really want to make this...

Originally Posted by turbos03

oh my plans have been firmed up for a while now but life has a funny way of messing with even the best laid plans my friend...

Rob I really hope that thing work out. It would be good seeing you again bro. Pulling for you bro.

That's a pretty sweet pic too... I'm diggin it. As i've said before, the drive to the dragon is pretty sweet too. When we were on our way to Robbinsville, I'm thinking that we're on the dragon- the twisties were pretty choice. You're gonna love it. Plus you and the misses get to meet Val

Originally Posted by raff

Since we're seeing a number of posts with "advice" on how to drive on the Tail of the Dragon -
I thought you'd appreciate the "official how-to" version instead.

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

Nice

And YouTube has several videos on how NOT to ride the dragon

[Fl_bug]

Al!

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by Fl_bug

Al!

Well they do

I remember seeing one YouTube video of an S2000 getting pretty much totalled, due to dude thinking he was filming "Fast and Furious". Then there was one where dude riding a Harley Bagger, thought it would be best to pass a mini van. Needless to say Harley dude took a stroll into the woods.

Just a couple of examples on how NOT to ride the dragon

[vwgary]

I never really gave much thought to post "how to drive the dragon" due to the nature of our group/cars. Out of our small group, there will only be a few making multiple passes for the "thrill" while some will make a 2nd pass just for fun. Regardless of the extent of our mods, I still don't perceive us as a bunch of speedsters. That's like Denise & I on tour with the model T folks and the tour director telling us to keep it under 30mph

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by vwgary

I never really gave much thought to post "how to drive the dragon" due to the nature of our group/cars. Out of our small group, there will only be a few making multiple passes for the "thrill" while some will make a 2nd pass just for fun. Regardless of the extent of our mods, I still don't perceive us as a bunch of speedsters. That's like Denise & I on tour with the model T folks and the tour director telling us to keep it under 30mph

Good points all the way around

I think Graham county did the "how to" for those who never heard of the dragon, and for PR as well.

On another note, and i stressed this in the group buy thread, the folks really need to start bumping/posting on the TOD threads. There's too much "need to know NOW" info to be lying low. Exapmle: the group buy for TOD Swag. The fulfillment of the order and turnaround time is hinged upon a prompt response from the orgers. Also coordinating the bugavans for each region. I'd hate to have things all cowabungled at the last minute as the peeps make their departure plans.

I know i'm passionate about GTG's, especially this one; But the time sensitive nature of many things here can't be overstated.

I've put of PM/e-mails to the attendees, but i guess i'm gonna have to rally the troops. No matter... all in the name of TOD fun and excitement

Is it April yet????
it's almost here

[Fl_bug]

Just a thought, but what is the speed limit?

[raff]

Most of the time the speed limit is 35 mph on the actual Tail of the Dragon.
The biggest challenge for some might be getting tired - tired of continuously turning the steering wheel left, right, left, right, for the 300+ turns.

Keep in mind that our pace as a group tends to be set by the first car, who will not be doing a banzi run.
We're out for a scenic drive and not a lap record.

[turbos03]

Originally Posted by raff

Keep in mind that our pace as a group tends to be set by the first car, who will not be doing a banzi run.
We're out for a scenic drive and not a lap record.

just kidding... safety first always..

[MichelleRoze]

Agreed on all fronts! It's not so much speed, it's turning. I know after driving last year, I was pretty wore out. I hadn't made that many turns, and sharp ones at that, back to back, before. So when I was done, I could really feel it in my arms. Now, I don't know about those with a clutch, but that would be something to consider too. But a slow and leisurely pace is perfect. Besides, you CANNOT cross the middle line. Not only because it's a law there, BUT it is a public road....and in being so, there WILL be cars on the other side. And not just cars, but trucks, RV's, SEMI's....yes yes. SEMI-TRUCKS with big long trailers..... So, you really have to be on the look out for those things as well. I googled "semi trucks on the Tail of the Dragon" and found a ton pictures. Last year, I don't remember any big rigs or anything, but apparently before we got there, there was a large RV on the dragon. Glad I wasn't there for that because he was hoggin' the road. So, there are things to watch out for as well as concentrating on the road itself. Regardless, it's still fun, and usually pretty problem free when people are responsible about it.

I have no intention of scaring anyone with the above information. But the truth of the matter is, it IS A PUBLIC ROAD. So, just be careful. Most of the time, it's a care free fun drive, but it's not to say you won't encounter something crazy like a semi truck. So, keep your eyes and ears on the road. That's all part of the thrill of this road as well. I mean, we ride roller coasters, and if they just went side to side, we'd be bored right? The thrill is flipping, rolling, twisting, .... things that could be dangerous if done wrong. That's the thrill. And ToD is very much that....a roller coaster.