PRE BG MOUNTAIN RUN.

[cvette98pacecar]

Okay, First and foremost I would like to thank Dave Johnson and George Jones for the support they offered while I have been busy with personal matters.
Here are the Hotels, Road Maps and the agenda for all three Days.
If you have two way Motorola radios you should bring them.
Please post if you are attending.

Sunday, May 12th. Arrive at the Candlewood Suites, 176 Cusick Rd, Alcoa TN
Room rate is 59.95 per night. Rate Code: ZR-1
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/rdemarco06/Day1Leave8AMtoEndDayOne_zpsffe588ad.jpg
A. Candlewood Suites ● 176 Cusick Rd ● Alcoa TN
B. Hwy 115/US-129 ● Beginning of Foothills Parkway ● Great Smoky Mountains
C. Sugarland Visitors Center ● Rest Stop (clean restrooms)
D. Newfound Gap Overloop ● large parking lot/great view & photo op
E. Cherokee, NC (104 miles/2 hrs 45 min) ● rest stop and/or lunch
F. Checkpoint US-19/US-74/NC-28 ● South on 28 to Franklin ● lower half of Moonshine 28
G. Dry Falls & Bridal Veil Falls ● rest stop & photo op
H. Walhalla, SC ● end of Moonshine 28 ● fuel stop
I. Clayton, GA ● Checkpoint US-76/US-441
J. Sleep Inn 834 Highway 441 South, Clayton GA, 30525 $63.20 a night Pre Booked. If you wait until we arrive the cost is $84.00 per night.
K. George Jones and his Wife invited the entire cruise to their Mountain Hideaway for Coffee and Cake after Dinner.

Day Two:
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/rdemarco06/Startday28AMtoDay2end_zps5589524d.jpg
A. Leave Hotel at 08:00
B. Checkpoint US-19/US-74/NC-28 ● West on 28 to Deal's Gap ● upper half of Moonshine 28
C. Checkpoint US-129/NC-28 ● End of Moonshine 28 ● lower end of Tail of the Dragon ● rest stop/visit the Store
D. Checkpoint US-129 ● parking lot near Foothills Pky ● upper end of Tail of the Dragon ● regroup/rest/return through the Dragon
C2. Checkpoint US-129 ● lower end of Tail of the Dragon ● regroup/rest stop/visit the Store
E. Robbinsville, NC (118 miles/2 hrs 49 min) ● rest stop and/or lunch ● eastern end of Cherohala Skyway
F. Tellico Plains, TN ● end of Cherohala Skyway
G. Candlewood Suites ● 176 Cusick Rd ● Alcoa TN
Room rate is 59.95 per night. Rate Code: CVZ
Day Three:
http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/rdemarco06/Startday38AMtoHolidayInn-BowlingGreen_zps260776ed.jpg
A. Leave Hotel by 08:00
B. Oliver Springs ● Begin Devil's Triangle going counterclockwise
C. Checkpoint ● SR330/SR116
D. Checkpoint ● SR116
E. Checkpoint ● SR116/Knoxville Hwy
B2. Checkpoint ● Oliver Springs ● TN61/Hannah Hwy
F. Checkpoint ● Harriman ● I-40 West
G. Cookeville, TN (154 miles/3 hrs 10 min) ● fuel stop/rest and/or lunch stop
H. Checkpoint ● I-40/TN-56 ● north on 56
I. Checkpoint ● Lafayette TN
J. Checkpoint ● Scottsville, KY
K. Bowling Green ● Holiday Inn U-Plaza

[cvette98pacecar]

I hope to see a lot of Corvettes at this event. I myself will be bringing my Ruby.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Robert
You might consider a short stopover at Fontana Dam on Rt 28, seeing as you're going right by it. It's pretty impressive and not far from the Dragon!

[Jagdpanzer]

Count me in.
Can't think of a better way to break in the new motor.
Thanks Robert for organizing this.

[Ronstar]

So we would arrive on Sunday and day one of the itinerary would be monday...correct? what days are the BG event.

[ZZZZZR1]

Robert,

I'm in!

thanks!

David

[cvette98pacecar]

So we would arrive on Sunday and day one of the itinerary would be monday...correct? what days are the BG event.

Ron, The BG event starts Wednesday Night.

[MikeGolf]

Count me in, I'll do the run on the way to the start point!

[Ronstar]

Only have to pre register for sleep inn (end of day one)? Others we get rate at check-in. Is this correct? Putting in for my time off work.

[cvette98pacecar]

Only have to pre register for sleep inn (end of day one)? Others we get rate at check-in. Is this correct? Putting in for my time off work.

I would book all three nights just to be on the safe side.

[tomtom72]

:o sorry I'm a bit late to respond Robert! Yes, count me "IN" for the whole cruise!

I want to thank You, and Gunny and Dave for putting this together! :handshak:


:cheers:
Tom

[Gunny]

Only have to pre register for sleep inn (end of day one)?

The hotel in Clayton (end of day 1) should be Quality Inn ... [apologies for the error]. The phone number is (706) 782-2214; to get the discount rate the room must be pre-paid. I think you need to call direct to the hotel rather than booking at their toll free number or online. Click HERE (http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-clayton-georgia-GA474?sid=xBaP4i.7e4pHgK-Pg.31) if you want to visit their website.

You should make reservations at the Alcoa hotel using the rate code ZR-1.

Robert ... hope you're reading this and confirm if this is correct. If I've got it wrong please advise. Thanks.

[cvette98pacecar]

Here is the information for the Hotel Monday Night.


Quality Inn & Suites Mt. Chalet (GA474)
834 Highway 441 South, Clayton, GA, US, 30525
Phone: (706) 782-2214Fax: (706) 782-1093
Map/ Directions

http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-clayton-georgia-GA474?sid=xPtJAi.8X4pHg6Cug.49

[RHanselman]

I might just fly into Atlanta to pick up the Ruby @ the Megasquirt guy's shop. If so, i'll join the group...

[cvette98pacecar]

I might just fly into Atlanta to pick up the Ruby @ the Megasquirt guy's shop. If so, i'll join the group...

Now you are talking.

[tomtom72]

:o I just thought I'd post up this info on the chosen hotels so you can call them to set up your reservations.

Alcoa, TN Candlewood Suites front desk #: 1-865-233-4411 Reservation #:1-877-660-8543


Ckayton, GA hotel: Quality Inn & Suites Mt. Chalet 834 Highway 441 South Clayton, GA 30525
1-706-782-2214

:cheers:
Tom

[RHanselman]

Now you are talking.

I'm going to make the plane reservation's today.

Everything still on?

Cheers,
Ron H

[tomtom72]

I'm going to make the plane reservation's today.

Everything still on?

Cheers,
Ron H

I hope it is! I made my hotel reservations last week. LOL If it's not I'll do this anyway as it could be a nice drive. :)

:cheers:
Tom

[BigJohn]

I hope it is! I made my hotel reservations last week. LOL If it's not I'll do this anyway as it could be a nice drive. :)

:cheers:
Tom

What are you driving?
:cheers:

[ZZZZZR1]

What are you driving?
:cheers:

Hmmmmmmmm. What do you know, that we don't?????? ;)

Do tell John!!!!

:cheers:

David

[tomtom72]

What are you driving?
:cheers:

I was gonna use my Cobalt........but then I woke up and decided that in order to try and keep up with those guys I had better use my Z.:mrgreen:

:cheers:
Tom

[Mystic ZR-1]

Tom Tom
There's some pretty tight turns on the Dragon
It's not a "horsepower track". The Cobalt might keep up better
than you might think! Esp with a skilled pilot!!!
D

[cvette98pacecar]

Depending on how many participants show up we are going to break the one large group into two or three smaller groups.
Group 1: Driving Miss daisy.
Group 2: Aggressive
Group 3: 4 cents short of a nickel.

[RHanselman]

Depending on how many participants show up we are going to break the one large group into two or three smaller groups.
Group 1: Driving Miss daisy.
Group 2: Aggressive
Group 3: 4 cents short of a nickel.

Well I'll have the stock Ruby with hard Suummy's so I'm already driving miss daisy just 4 cents short of a nickel... I may try to grab some tires if I can work the logistics... Oh, my plates expired at the first of the year so I'll also be on a temp tag...

[tomtom72]

Doug, how nice of you to acknowledge what few skills I have. Thank you! It still is a FWD car, and at it's limits it still behaves like a farm vehicle. LOL I did buy new tires for her though and they are rather good....wish Conti made stuff in our Z sizes.

Okay, so I guess we are going thru with this Robert? Cool, I'm so looking forward to doing this run. :o I told one of my C5 buddies about this deal and he started salivating....he asked me if he could tag along....and, well, I sorta of said "yes".....I know I have no standing to be inviting other people so if I made the big bone head move some one just tell me and I'll tell my C5 Brother 86 on the tag along, okay? Actually truth be told my C5 & 6 buds are somewhat envious of the C4 Gathering. They tell me the C5/C6 guys have no such thing at the NCM any longer???? I told them all to buy C4 ZR-1's and join the Brotherhood and have some fun! :mrgreen:

Ron, I'll keep you company in the "Bone Stock" class Brother! We can drive Miss Daisy and admire the scenery:sign10: ..... but do see about some new rubber while you're in the pits! :wink: Nothing worse than trying to drive on rubber that has given up.

:cheers:
Tom

[MikeGolf]

It won't matter what group your in, it all depends on the traffic in front of you on how fast you make the run. I prefer to run it as a single or two car run. If you get caught behind a bunch of sight seers you are screwed. Experience of the Blue Ridge talking. Them damn Yankees screw up the whole road system. :cheers:

[RHanselman]

Well my flight is booked and the hotel reservations are made.

US Air into ATL and will arrive 3:49 pm. Hopefully I can get the car left in the long-term parking. It's only a few hours drive North on I-75 to get to the first departure point.

You know, the MS guy's are close to us on Tuesday stay. Might be worth a trip down to see their stuff??

Cheers,

[RHanselman]

Anyone passing near ATL on Sunday? I'll be arriving at the Airport around 4 PM. My car will be in long term parking and I'd like to caravan if able.

Cheers,

[USAFPILOT]

wish I lived out there...Houston is a little lacking in cool roads.

[cvette98pacecar]

Anyone passing near ATL on Sunday? I'll be arriving at the Airport around 4 PM. My car will be in long term parking and I'd like to caravan if able.

Cheers,

I am bringing the Ruby, this will be fun.

[Gunny]

UPDATE ... and a request for "updates" from those of you who plan to make the mountain run.

A winter storm did significant damage to the road between Gatlinburg & Cherokee ... i.e. a full blown rock slide closed the road near mile marker 13 or 14 north of Cherokee. The recommended detour added over 1 hour to Monday's drive plus caused us to miss seeing one of the more outstanding vistas on the whole trip (i.e. big photo op). Originally scheduled to be closed until mid May, I'm happy to report that after 24/7 efforts by the road crews, the road has been cleared and re-opened as of 5 days ago ... I'm now breathing a sigh of relief as I didn't want us to miss this particular stretch of road since it was an important part of the Smoky Mountains Loop.

So everything looks like a total "GO" now ... at this point I need to know how many participants to expect on the mountain run. Following Monday's run we want to have everyone come over to our mountain home following dinner for some coffee, dessert, and fellowship ... the boss said to get a number so that she would know how much to prepare and so I would know how many coffee cups to wash :mrgreen:.

Once I have the list of participants I plan to send emails to everyone sharing last minute information, etc. It will probably be a good idea to share cell phone numbers (just in case). It you have an FRC walkie-talkie, be sure to bring it (those with spare radios, please bring them to share with anyone who doesn't have one). One caveat on cell phones ... we will be driving through several areas where you will be hard pressed to get any signal ... if you start to hear banjos playing, just drive faster :mrgreen:

If you've never driven the roads in and around the Smoky Mountains you're in for a real treat ... all the roads are fun (and challenging) and even with 3 days we're only touching a small portion of what's available. The Tail of the Dragon is particularly "famous" and you can find plenty of YouTube videos if you wish ... click HERE (http://www.zrwon.com/v_totd.html) to see a run I made on the way home from BG in 2009 ... 16 minute run in the rain ... not sure I want to do that again. If your passenger is prone to motion sickness, get some Dramamine or one of those pressure bracelets available at sporting goods stores. My wife has never made it through the Dragon without getting car sick; the only time that I "rode" through the Dragon, I got car sick ... doesn't seem to affect drivers but passengers sometimes have a hard time.

Please confirm that you are a definite and how many will be in your party. Thanks.

George

[Jagdpanzer]

George
I'm in from start to finish
Thank for having us over to your mountain retreat

[Ronstar]

I'm a definite. Me and a passenger

[RHanselman]

George,

I'm in and will be Solo...

Cheers,

[MikeGolf]

George,
Just me.
Jeff

[cvette98pacecar]

Just me and a bunch of dead bugs.

Ron, What time do you want to leave on Sunday May 12th to get to Knoxville? I would like to roll in to Knoxville around 5:00 PM.

[RHanselman]

Just me and a bunch of dead bugs.

Ron, What time do you want to leave on Sunday May 12th to get to Knoxville? I would like to roll in to Knoxville around 5:00 PM.

Are you talking to Ronstar? :)

I don't get in to ATL until 3:49 PM. I'll have a bag (booze) to retrieve and I believe it's a 3.5 hour drive to the hotel. That would put me in around 8 pm.

Cheers,

[cvette98pacecar]

Are you talking to Ronstar? :)

I don't get in to ATL until 3:49 PM. I'll have a bag (booze) to retrieve and I believe it's a 3.5 hour drive to the hotel. That would put me in around 8 pm.

Cheers,

I was talking to Ronstar.

[Gunny]

Robert,

I'm in!

thanks!

David


Are you still in?

[Gunny]

:o sorry I'm a bit late to respond Robert! Yes, count me "IN" for the whole cruise!

I want to thank You, and Gunny and Dave for putting this together! :handshak:


:cheers:
Tom


Tom, you're still in for this trip aren't you?
George

[Gunny]

Robert
You might consider a short stopover at Fontana Dam on Rt 28, seeing as you're going right by it. It's pretty impressive and not far from the Dragon!

Doug ... I think the road's closed to visit the Fontana Dam, but I'm still checking on it. Are you joining us on this trip?

[ZZZZZR1]

Are you still in?

Wish I could!!!! We have a nice group coming from MD and promised I would leave with a few of them Wednesday

:cheers:

David

[cvette98pacecar]

For everyone that is going on the pre-Bowling Green cruise. I am looking into renting a helicopter to take aerial photos of the group while we are on the Cherohala Highway.

[Gunny]

Wish I could!!!! We have a nice group coming from MD and promised I would leave with a few of them Wednesday

:cheers:

David

Wish you could also ... here's a thought: leave early & bring the MD group :mrgreen:

Glad you're going to be able to travel with the Md group though ... see you Wed PM

George

[Gunny]

For everyone that is going on the pre-Bowling Green cruise. I am looking into renting a helicopter to take aerial photos of the group while we are on the Cherohala Highway.

Cool :cool:

Can I have some seat time? ... I've been practicing really hard on my computer simulator and I think I'm ready for the real thing :mrgreen:

[cvette98pacecar]

Cool :cool:

Can I have some seat time? ... I've been practicing really hard on my computer simulator and I think I'm ready for the real thing :mrgreen:

You are going to have to take that up with the girl that owns the Helicopter.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Gunny
Glad to hear you're still kicking despite the obits!
Unfortunately, I won't be joining you on the Dragon & BG
this year. The Bride, aka: my social secretary had other plans for me...
See ya at Carlisle.
Doug

[tomtom72]

:o I know this might be a stupid Q coming from me, but seeing as how I've been missing lately; are we still doing this run????? :happy1:

TIA
:cheers:
Tom

P.S. I even bought a new set of D3's okay not just because of this run, but ya know there ain't nothing like new rubber!:mrgreen:

[cvette98pacecar]

:o I know this might be a stupid Q coming from me, but seeing as how I've been missing lately; are we still doing this run????? :happy1:

TIA
:cheers:
Tom

P.S. I even bought a new set of D3's okay not just because of this run, but ya know there ain't nothing like new rubber!:mrgreen:

Tom not only are we going to do this run it is going to be one of the highlights of the week.

[Gunny]

YES !!! Run is on, even if I have to do it by myself :thumbsup:

I'm assuming that you're still on as well. PM your mobile phone # to me. I'm compiling final instructions, etc. plus cell phone #'s of each participant so that we can be in communication as we arrive from a myriad of directions. Once the run starts we will probably use FRC radios for primary communication and the cell phones for backup.

Let me know if you can't make it but I'm hoping you will ... it's going to be a blast !!!

George

[tomtom72]

Tom, you're still in for this trip aren't you?
George

Hell yea!:cheers:

[Gunny]

UPDATE ...

The Mountain Run starts Monday morning from Alcoa, TN ... everyone needs to be in place Sunday night.

I'm working on final info packets which I will send out via e-mail later today or tomorrow.

According to posts here as well as PM's sent to me those making the run include:
MikeGolf
cvette98pacecar
tomtom72
RHanselman
tuband
Jagdpanzer
Ronstar

Ronstar, please PM me with your cell phone and email address. Thanks.
Phil, I don't think I have your cell ... PM me or email me. Thanks.

I will be sending an email to the group above ... please respond as soon as you get it so I know that communications are getting through.

See everyone on the mountain.

George

[cvette98pacecar]

I am looking to see If Ron and I can hit a pass coming down 75.

[MikeGolf]

Have a new GoPro to test out on this run.

[cvette98pacecar]

Have a new GoPro to test out on this run.

I have two that I will be bringing with.

[tomtom72]

:o okay I tried to get some sleep....no go on that idea. Wonder why? I feel like a kid at Christmas. :dancing

I think I'll just go lite Her up and get in the wind. Less traffic in the Metro NYC area to contend with, and I would like to be in Carlisle before the drunks hit the road for their return trips! LOL

See all of you gentlemen today, after about 4PM-ish.:)

:cheers:
Tom

[RHanselman]

I'm with you but my sleeplessness was probably due to the TSA rules on alcohol. The limit to Check in is 5 ltr's and I have 6.5... The Ruby was left in long-term parking so all should be good on my arrival at ATL. Just 3.5 hrs latter I should be at the room. I think it will be around 8 PM.

See you guys tonight!