Mountain Run 2

[cvette98pacecar]

Gentlemen, the course is set the hotels locked in at a guaranteed rate. All we need now are drivers that are not afraid of couple twisty turning roads.
Last year 9 members and friends embarked on the first ever mountain run just before the Bowling Green C4 gathering. This year we have the same type adventure planned if you like to drive your Z or Corvette on twisting roads.
Day 1 will consist of Diamond back, Blue Ridge Parkway and part of old miners 28.
Day two will consist of six gaps, old miners 28, Smokey mountains and tail of the dragon.
Day three will be the same as last year Devils triangle on our way to the Corvette Museum.

Here is the information for the hotels:
May 11th we will meet up at the Holiday Inn express in Blowing Rock, NC the room rate is $65.00 which is fully refundable. If you decide to pay upfront the cost is $62.93
http://tinyurl.com/n5vw7rf

May12th we will be staying at the Holiday Inn express Dillard, GA the room rate is $76.54
http://tinyurl.com/k9gkdeg

May 13th we are staying at the Candlewood suites in Alcoa, TN the room rate for a Queens is $61.95 and the two Doubles is $64.95.
http://tinyurl.com/lu4ah5l

We are trying to keep driving down to 6 hours a day.
I will have more information on hotels and routes in the next day or so.

Day 0 (Sun)
arrive at Holiday Inn Express, Blowing Rock, NC

Day 1 (Mon)
211 miles / 5:15 driving time
Blue Ridge Pkwy, Diamondback, Triple Loop (1 leg)
08:30 depart Blowing Rock
11:30 Lunch @ Black Rock, NC
16:30 ETA Holiday Inn Express, Dillard , GA

Day 2 (Tue)
264 miles / 6:30 driving time
Six Gaps, Triple Loop (1 leg), Tail of the Dragon
08:30 depart Dillard
11:30 Lunch - Helen , GA
06:00 ETA Candlewood Suites, Alcoa , TN

Day 3 (Wed)
265 miles / 5:00 driving time (change from EDT to CDT)
Devils Triangle
08:30 depart Alcoa
11:30 Lunch - Cookeville , TN
03:00 ETA UPlaza, Bowling Green , KY

George Jones once again has been instrumental in helping in the planning of the mountain run.

Here is a link that has all of the routes and route maps.
http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/rd...?sort=6&page=1

[msmoore]

Do either of the days include the Cherohala Skyway? If not, you're missing out on a great road. Tellico plains TN to Robinsville NC. Absolutely beautiful drive and allows for somewhat higher speeds. Ive enjoyed it in the Vette and my VTX. There are several pull-offs that provide incredible views from about 5000'ASL. http://www.cherohala.com

[Gunny]

We did the Cherohala last year ... as well as the Dragon 2X, Smoky Mtn Loop, and Moonshiner 28. This year we're doing different routes, but you are absolutely correct, the Cherohala is a wonderful road. Assuming the Mountain Run becomes an annual event, we will definitely do the Cherohala again.

[msmoore]

I hope I can make it this year. The wife doesn't mind an occasional 7k run through a few gears but she is not a big fan of the twisties. I may just have her meet me in BG. We're just down the road in Nashville so might be able to make that work.

[Gunny]

I always thought that my wife was complaining unnecessarily about the "twisties" until I realized she was actually getting "sea sick" riding through the Dragon. Later I completely understood when I let someone else drive the Dragon and I rode ... I got totally sick. Bottom line: mountain roads are great ... IF you're the driver; not so much when you ride.

On the last day of the Mountain Run we drive north from Alcoa to Oliver Springs for the Triangle, then drop back down to I-40 west ... lunch will be in Cookeville. We are scheduled to turn north at Lebanon for the final leg to BG. You could easily drive to Nashville, pick up your wife, then come up I-65 to BG, arriving not long after we get there.

I enjoy the mountain roads every chance I get, but the fun factor increases exponentially when you run the roads with a bunch of Z-owners. 'nuff said.

Hope you join us.

[Jagdpanzer]

Did the run last year with my son and it was a fantastic experience. Gunny's knowledge of the area roads and the spirited pace he maintained as our posse point man made it even more enjoyable. So for all you guys and gals out there with ZR-1s trying to make up your minds on this mandatory bucket list thing to do while you still can - JUST DO IT !! Guarantee it'll be most fun you'll ever have in your Corvette with your clothes on.

[msmoore]

Originally Posted by Gunny

I always thought that my wife was complaining unnecessarily about the "twisties" until I realized she was actually getting "sea sick" riding through the Dragon. Later I completely understood when I let someone else drive the Dragon and I rode ... I got totally sick. Bottom line: mountain roads are great ... IF you're the driver; not so much when you ride.

That makes total sense. I've never heard her complain on the bike. This sounds like a good solo adventure and an opportunity to meet some new "brothers".

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by msmoore

That makes total sense. I've never heard her complain on the bike. This sounds like a good solo adventure and an opportunity to meet some new "brothers".

Dramamine... Always got me past the first day or so at sea, after being in port a few months. Should work on "The Dragon" as well, I recon!

[Gunny]

Paul,

Dramamine does work quite well. Another item that works (without chemicals) is the wrist band with a pressure ball. I think these are available from sporting goods, pharmacies, etc. The wrist bands were recommended to me when I took 100+ students on a cruise to the Bahamas a few years back ... I was really surprised to discover that everyone who wore the bands had zero issues with motion sickness. So this might be a good idea.

[Gunny]

Here's a photo taken last year as we navigated the Tail of the Dragon ... 318 turns in 11 miles


For more photos from the Dragon click HERE
To see photos from the complete Mountain Run click HERE
As much as I enjoyed the BG gathering, I probably had more sheer FUN running the mountain roads with Robert, Ron, Phil, TomTom, Mike and the others. At my age it was really tough keeping up with them young fellers