2012 Tail Of The Dragon Cruise/ Weekend

[mybugrocks]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Cup is back home...BUMP!!!!

The brat is back!!!

Woot Woot finally!!!!!! Glad you got your brat back

I almost had a scare with mine last night, I think a rock got stuck between her roter and something (not sure what) but she was making this HORRIBLE screeching noise...Scott drove her for around the block turning the wheel slightly as he was driving and got it loose, no more noise...I was exctatic!!! If it was something major I would have flipped out after being so happy that she was running good

[MichelleRoze]

The "S" stands for "Sexy" bump

[scarabY2k]

Get ready for
The 4th Annual

Tail Of The Dragon

Cruise/Weekend GtG Thread

This first post will be continually edited for additional information.

We have 8 months to plan, save and mod, until we make another joyous excursion to the beautiful North Carolina Mountains.

2012 Tail of the Dragon Information Summary.

Date of the event: Friday, May 4th- Sunday, May 6th, 2012

As in previous ToD's the Ridge Top is the main gathering spot. Overflow or for those that the "Top's" accomodations aren't up to their standards, options are listed as well.

Accomodations in Bryson City:

Ridge Top Motel- T.O.D. home base/ main gathering spot
390 Arlington Avenue
Bryson City, NC 28713-7604
(828) 488-6363 or
(828) 488-6335
RV campground and motel. Bryson City, NC


Sleep Inn
500 Veterans Boulevard
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0326
Bryson City NC Hotel, Hotels in Bryson City NC.


Microtel
82 Songbird Forest Road
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-7900
Microtel: Online hotel reservations, hotel discounts, hotel packages

Please PM orger Gene/2004NBTURBOS your attendance/booking info, so we can have a comprehensive list
example...
Org Screen name/your names/beetle's name(if applicable) and type of nB/hotel your booked at/city you're from, e.g.,
ScarabY2K....Al&Val...Cup...2000GLX...Ridgetop...J acksonville Fla
2004TurboS...Gene&Lorraine...Floyd...03.5 TS..Ridgetop...De
CLICK HERE FOR GENE'S PM PAGE


Additional area info:

Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC
Smoky Mountain Travel Guides - Bryson City NC - Vacation Guides

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____________________________

As in years past there will be current year ToD Swag available for pre event purchase. Watch for details in the Org "Classifieds" section.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________

This is a new beetle event, with a big welcome to the 2012 beetle.

HOWEVER, former new beetle owners, owning a VW are welcome to attend run the dragon, and enjoy the weekend with us. Keep in mind that the beetles will caravan together, and non-beetles will caravan in like manner.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________________

Rough itinerary: using last year as a guide- Gary 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.
6:00PM, gather at the "Top" for an informal meet.

7:00PM begins "pizza fest". After dinner more "getting to know each other" time. The pizza fest will be at the Top, with pies provided by, Anthony's Italian Restaurant downtown.

Saturday: early a.m breakfast at Jimmy Mac's / gas-up / car wash in preparation for taming the Dragon. We depart from the Jimmy Mac's @ 9:00AM sharp. Those who are opting out of another run(s), can peruse the Deals Gap shops, where the 2+ Dragon runners will catch up.

Saturday night: Dinner at the "neon pig", 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: Departure breakfast at Jimmy Mac's followed by one of two options:
-Option #1 Departing ToD to your respective homes or..
-Option #2 Six Chuter Sunday. We've officially added Sunday as an option for those desiring to hang around one more day.

SCS, is a casual day, with no itinerary; just a day to wind down, relax and reflect on the great weekend. No pressure or plans, just go out and enjoy Bryson City. Some might run the Dragon; some will just stay in Bryson City or explore other places; some might find a little group to piddle around with. Whatever the case, this is a no-pressure, casual day to do as you will.

We will be driving the the original tour loop, as we did in the '09 Maiden Voyage. there will still be time for those that want to make multiple runs while others shop at Deals Gap.

This post will be bumped throughout the thread and amended as new information warrants. Bumps will also include FAQ, ascertained throughout the past few years of ToD, as well as other neat facts about ToD and the Bryson City Carolina reigon.

So start planning, saving, modding and join us for a great adventure and meet some of the nicest people on earth.

Is it May yet????
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________________
Here is the official art for ToD 2012- the year of the dragon on the Chinese calendar, hence the Asian flair

[scarabY2k]

Tail Of the Dragon (T.O.D.) Generally Asked Questions- GAQ

please note that these are general questions, that cover pertinent information necessary, to make your T.O.D. experience (from thread to the actual event) a better one. More info can be ascertained via assorted threads in the Tail of the Dragon heading of the events and planning section.

1. What is T.O.D.?
T.O.D. is short for Tail of the Dragon, which is an 11 mile stretch of road, US 129, located on the North Carolina/Tennessee boarder. The “Dragon’s” claim to fame is its 318 curves in the 11 mile stretch. T.O.D. is a road of world renown, driven by auto enthusiasts of every ilk, as well as an area of movie fame: a portion of “The Fugitive”, starring Harrison Ford was filmed in this area.

2 .How long has there been a new beetle T.O.D. GtG?
The first new beetle ToD GTG (maiden voyage) was held in May of 2009.

3. When is T.O.D Held?
T.O.D. is a yearly event, held on the first Saturday in May.

4. How long is T.O.D.?
T.O.D. is a 3 day event.
Day 1- arrival/check in, followed by our meet and greet dinner, known as Pizza Fest.
Day 2- breakfast, followed by the driving the Cherohala Skyway; then making our way to The Dragon. Dinner is held at the BBQ Wagon; fondly know to us as The Neon Pig.
Day 3- farewell breakfast; followed by either departing, each to there respective cities, or staying for SixChuter Sunday. SixChuter Sunday is basically a day of leisure to do as you wish. It’s been found to be a great way to finish up the T.O.D. weekend; to reflect and casually enjoy the company of our beetle friends.

5. Do I have to attend all 3 days of T.O.D.?
No. You can attend one or the entire 3-day event of T.O.D., but we do recommend making all 3, especially day #2, where we ride The Dragon.

6. Is the T.O.D. date subject to change?
T.O.D. will always be a 3-day event, beginning on the first Saturday of May.

7. Is T.O.D. a new beetle-only event?
T.O.D. is a new beetle-only event HOWEVER the term “new beetle” has been somewhat broadened with the arrival of the 2012 Beetle. So T.O.D. encompasses both New Beetle and the next-gen Beetle.

8. Do I have to have a custom beetle to attend?
No. T.O.D. is for all new beetles; from bone stock, to works in progress, to full custom; all beetles are welcome.


9. Are there any exceptions for bringing non-beetle vehicles to T.O.D.?
Yes there is an exception: honorary beetle status. Honorary beetle status, is achieved via the following…
a) The vehicle is owned by a former new beetle owner; preferably a VW

10. If I qualify for honorary beetle status, can my non-beetle participate in the T.O.D. run?
Yes. HOWEVER, please bear in mind that this is a new beetle event. All non-beetles will be asked to caravan with other honorary beetles Inon-beetles), to retain continuity of the beetle caravan.

11. Why is T.O.D a beetle-only event?
The New Beetle T.O.D. cruise weekend, is a beetle-only event to promote unity within the new beetle community. It has been observed over the nB’s 12-year run, that the nB has to some degree, the odd kid out in the VW/car show/GtG scene. Although the nB has been in many a car show, the turnouts have been few. Furthermore, many nB owners albeit passionate of their cars, aren’t fully aware of new beetles appearances in meets and GtG’s, such as T.O.D. Our nB’s are few in the car show landscape; hence the need for our own event; to bring community, enthusiasm and exposure to the new beetle brand.
Apart from the driving experience of The Dragon; a few of the objectives of T.O.D., is to bolster the collective of new beetle owners across the country; to provide an arena, where other new beetle discover the scale of new beetle enthusiasm. It is our endeavor to provide a place of beetle acceptance, in a car show/media arena, that often times don’t.

12. Is T.O.D a safe driving experience?
U.S. 129, the Dragon, is a state governed highway, patrolled by the state patrols of North Carolina and Tennessee. Both state patrols enforce the speed limit of 30 M.P.H., as well as issuing citations for crossing the center yellow line.
Our event adheres to all state speed limit laws and all legal driving practices. We want the T.O.D. driving experience to be a fun and safe experience for all, with no hurt, harm or danger to driver, passenger or beetle.

13. Is the driving experience of our T.O.D. GtG catered to various driving skills?
Yes. Although T.O.D. is a U.S. highway of an extraordinary nature, we realize that not all drivers are of the same drive skills or driving passion/intensity, and will drive/approach U.S. 129 differently.
The 2012 edition of the T.O.D. GtG introduces 2 driving classes/caravans:
1) Sport Class- this class is for those who desire to drive T.O.D. at a safe, but more spirited driving speed.
2) Leisure Class- this class is for those who desire to drive T.O.D. at a less spirited approach. The leisure class is ideal for newer drivers, as well as those who might feel intimidated by a 318 curve, 11 mile run in the mountains.
Although we have 2 driving classes, both caravans will be close enough to retain continuity of the beetle caravan, as well as remaining in FRS radio communication range.
The honorary beetle class (non-beetles) will drive in separate formation from the beetle caravan, yet will be together with the beetle caravan/driving classes, so that all can enjoy the T.O.D experience.
Due to the nature of the 2-lane roads, and the extreme length of our caravans, we will not pull over to allow others to pass; this is to assure the safety of all beetles and their passengers. We desire to be courteous to cyclists, but beetles are vehicles too and must adhere to the laws of the road; our safety cannot be jeopardized.

14. Is it necessary to subscribe & post in the T.O.D thread?
The T.O.D. thread is a living thread; meaning new info is added at a frequent basis. We feel that it is necessary to subscribe and post to the T.O.D. thread. Being that this is a non-registration event, there’s information that the organizing group needs from all who attend, so that their planning can be executed in an efficient manner and aiding in making T.O.D. successful. Prior to the event, there is also necessary information for the T.O.D attendee to be privy to; this is to assure that the attendee can take full advantage of all things available at T.O.D.

15. Why is the T.O.D thread started almost a year in advance?
We feel that advance planning is the key to a successful T.O.D. Many elements of T.O.D. are planned in advance i.e., hotel booking, swag orders, meal reservations, hospitality, nametags and much more. Initiating these elements in advance, allows the organizers to get their plans executed in a more efficient fashion. This is important because many who attend T.O.D are from various parts of the country- the extra time of an early posted thread allows all elements to be corralled more orderly.
Moreover, an early posted thread, allows the attendee to schedule time off with their employer, as well as working the 3-day event in their life schedule.

16. Why do you bump the thread?
The T.O.D. thread, like other forum threads are bumped, so the thread will be on the top of the thread list/rotation. This is in hopes of new orgers to discover the event and subsequent attendance, as well as keeping the event and the date to the forefront of the attendee, as well as keeping them privy to all pertinent info.

17. Is it necessary for me to bump the thread?
No. It is our desire for you to bump the thread, but you’re not obligated. The T.O.D. core group and thread starter will usually bump the thread.

However, we do suggest that you make an effort to bump; that way you assure yourself of being up to date and in the know of all things T.O.D.


18. What can I contribute when I bump the thread?
If you desire to bump the thread, we suggest adding comments to encourage orgers to join the GtG, as well as promoting the event with exciting dialogue; personal experiences & memories of past T.O.D’s are a plus. T.O.D. thread bumps will be further enhanced, with interesting facts about T.O.D, the Cherohala Skyway, and the Bryson City NC region, as well as any media concerning our event. This will bring more informative content to the thread bumps.

19. As a T.O.D attendee, is there anything required of me?
We ask that all attendees:
1) Subscribe to the T.O.D. thread
2) Check in to the T.O.D. thread periodically- frequently as we approach January.
3) Fulfill any financial obligations i.e. swag, food deposits, RSVP’s
4) Take advantage of any advance bookings available for T.O.D.
5) Invite a fellow beetle owner to T.O.D. as well as joining in on the T.O.D. thread.
6) Bring an FRS Radio- they're usually sold in pairs. Communication is a key factor in our T.O.D travels; cell phone signals are sketchy to nil in the mountains. Purchase an FRS radio based on functionality and not style; style usually equates to poor signal & functionality in the world of FRS radios.
- there's other supplies and incidentals that make your T.O.D. experience convenient and enjoyable. Please check out the T.O.D supply and checklist threads, usually posted in the T.O.D. section of the "events and planning: Tail of the Dragon" section of the forums.


20. Can I contribute my ideas, gifts and talents to T.O.D.?
Yes. T.O.D is for orgers, by orgers. We will endeavor to incorporate the ideas, gifts and talents of those who submit them to us; provided that they are conducive to the vision of T.O.D. and the new beetle experience.

To keep all informed, these questions will be bumped along the life of this thread.

[2004NBTURBOS]

T.o.D 2012 Attendee List

Screenname....people attending.....Car name.....year and model....Where your staying.....Where your from.

#1 ScarabY2k...Al & Val.........Cup.........Black 2000 GLX............Ridgetop............Jacksonville, FL

#2 2004TurboS...Gene & Lorraine...Floyd.....PG 03.5 TS................Ridgetop.............Oceanview, DE

#3 steve.pnchbug..Steve & Shawntina..Pasqual..Black 2009GTI...........Ridgetop..............Lebanon, VA

#4 Warren...Warren Jones..........Ikiane....01 Techno Blue GLX......Ridgetop..............Yorktown, VA

#5 Opelmania....Joel & ??.............Gayle... Red 98..2.0 ...........Ridgetop..............Woodstock, IL

#6 mybugrocks...Casey.............Fiona...Cybergreen 04GL 2.0.......Ridgetop...........Fort Atkinson, WI

#7 Huck731......Scott.........Bridgette...Black 99GL 2.0............Ridgetop...........Fort Atkinson, WI

#8 Bugshop.....Wendy,Daniel&Timmy........2001 GLS 1.8T..............Ridgetop................Anderson , SC

#9 HwDouslpatnite..Tamikia,Steve,and 2 minimes,..HJ White 99........Ridgetop.................Dacula, GA

#10 MichelleRoze...Michelle&Matt...Probie...02 T.D.I w/5spd.........Ridgetop.................Auburn, GA

#11 DerStuka......Chuck&Teresa.........Silver 02 T.D.I..............Ridgetop...........Jacksonville , FL

Shoot me a p.m. if you want to be added to the list.

[scarabY2k]

Finished installing a new kitchen sink, ready to go out and grab a bite to eat pmuB!

Has anyone heard from Zuri/Randi???

[warren]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Has anyone heard from Zuri/Randi???

IIRC, think she said on FB she just started a new job, Al.

dinner at the Crab Shack on the James River and movie night with youngest daughter bump.

[scarabY2k]

Happy Saturday pmuB!

Off to the Sept. edition of Bugs 4 Breakfast, followed by a photo shoot, with Cup 2.0.

[mybugrocks]

what is pmub?? I have been wondering that for a while now, figured I'd ask

How about a Saturday morning first day of cool down finally bump

[HwDoYuSlpAtNite]

Originally Posted by warren

dinner at the Crab Shack on the James River and movie night with youngest daughter bump.

Mmmmmmm crab shack. *drools*

Sausage, eggs, and corned beef hash burrito bump.

[MichelleRoze]

Originally Posted by mybugrocks

what is pmub?? I have been wondering that for a while now, figured I'd ask

How about a Saturday morning first day of cool down finally bump

pmub is bump backwards. Don't worry I wondered that a first too!

Chillaxin' bump!

[mybugrocks]

hahaha I get it now thanks Michelle

[2004NBTURBOS]

Originally Posted by mybugrocks

what is pmub?? I have been wondering that for a while now, figured I'd ask?

Thanks for asking Casey, cause I've been wonderin the same thing

Originally Posted by MichelleRoze

pmub is bump backwards. Don't worry I wondered that a first too!

Thanks Michelle. Ya learned me sumpthin

[2004NBTURBOS]

Just a quick Happy Labor Day weekendbump, to all my fellow Dragon slayers out there.
And the same goes out to the rest of my Org peeps.
Look like summer is over........is it May yet?

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by 2004NBTURBOS

Looks like summer is over........is it May yet?

Yep, it's all down hill from here. The ToD clock moves all the more faster

I believe it was Timmy and Joel who brought us the Pmub

Off to size and post pics Bump

[Opelmania]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

Yep, it's all down hill from here. The ToD clock moves all the more faster

I believe it was Timmy and Joel who brought us the Pmub

Off to size and post pics Bump

Timmy started it! HeHeHe.

Went to my Aunt's house yesterday and met our cousin, his wife, and their middle daughter from Kolb, Ireland yesterday. Didn't think a brogue was a totally different language.

On vacation bump. Too bad I'm going to be busy doing projects around the house. I have painters here this week doing the outside trim and I'll be re-screening the old screens. Might have to do a little modding to Gayle this week too.

Off to the gracery store then mow the lawn and trim down my front bushes so the painters can paint. Then off to my sister's for dinner with Jer for his bd. Until later friends!

[bugshop]

Originally Posted by Opelmania

Timmy started it! HeHeHe.

Yeah it was me I was just being dyslexic and trying to lighten the mood a little in another thread.

IS IT MAY YET????????

[MichelleRoze]

No problem guys. pmub took me a bit too. But somehow my mind went in weird mode and I read it backwards (cause we all know i'm a lil twisted and backwards at times lol) and it was like a light bulb. lol

Having a great weekend here. Probie has an air filter and fuel filter coming in the mail. Fuel filter was due for a change at 178k...i'm pushing 191k....oopps! lol hehe

[2004NBTURBOS]

Hey Michelle, did ya see we now have 2 silver 02 T.D.I's on the list for 2012?

[2004NBTURBOS]

It's Monday and I don't have to go to work bump.