2018 Tour de Smo'

Outstanding plan fellas. At first glance no work conflicts, now to get cruise control installed. 

How are you planning to install cruise control  Joe?  

I am looking into it as well on my subie.  I hear that there is a way to use the existing ECU if it has the module built in and you can make it happen using the VSS and the ECU.  Of course safety switches on the brake and clutch and the usual controls for on set, accel, decel etc

I traded a few emails with Carey and he thinks it can be done using this. Tom Boney had Henry install cruise control on his IM, it’s where I got the idea. After last years Carlile trip my knee was sore for a couple of weeks. 

@Lane Anderson

Barring catastrophe, we'll be there.

I am making reservations for a few days on the Outer Banks, and then over to the meet.  I’ve always wanted to see the area, and as we are missing Carlisle this year, we will be there.

Stan and I have to have a beer (among others, of course).

I sooo want to make it this time (Karen can't do anything this early in the semester). Trouble is, if I still don't have a job, it's a big ask, and if I do have a job, who knows if I'll have earned any vacay?

Gonna try to make it a priority anyhow. 

Joe Fortino posted:

I traded a few emails with Carey and he thinks it can be done using this. Tom Boney had Henry install cruise control on his IM, it’s where I got the idea. After last years Carlile trip my knee was sore for a couple of weeks. 

Yes I know that system, I installed it in a 1978 VW Diesel believe it or not.  Do you have drive by wire?  If you do, they have a modified kit that can work with the standard ECU plug pass through and you do not have to install that servo which is a kind of unsightly in the engine bay.  PM me if you want more info.

edsnova posted:

I sooo want to make it this time (Karen can't do anything this early in the semester). Trouble is, if I still don't have a job, it's a big ask, and if I do have a job, who knows if I'll have earned any vacay?

Gonna try to make it a priority anyhow. 

I hope that you:

a) get a great job soon, and

b) can make the Tour de Smo’ as you would have a GREAT time!

I can lead the Parkway+ ride again.

-Maybe dip down on my side of the mountain for some back road fun and lunch at some place where we can walk in and get seated as soon as we arrive. Trying to seat 13 or so people out of the blue at the Pisgah Inn, while slammed, got a few feathers ruffled last year. We might have to forgo Malt Disney, I mean Sierra Nevada, though.

Weather permitting of course.

I just looked at the map that is 1000miles from my homes that would make it quite a trip to go and come back alone,  so I best get cruise control or a some sort of attachment for holding down the gaz pedal  

Miko who had Bob's last IM silver mentioned that road some time ago it would be nice to drive that area. 

Count me in. I will do what the group wants, but really enjoyed the rattler and would love to do it again.

The cruise control saved me going to and from the event,I highly recommend it.

Joe if you want to travel together let me know as well as anyone else in the Chicagoland area.

Bones

Tom Boney posted:

Count me in. I will do what the group wants, but really enjoyed the rattler and would love to do it again.

The cruise control saved me going to and from the event,I highly recommend it.

Joe if you want to travel together let me know as well as anyone else in the Chicagoland area.

Bones

 

Bones I think a  caravan would be make an epic trip. @Marty Grzynkowicz are you in, I know timing didn’t work for you last year. 

Planning on making it this year from NW FL (500 miles 8.5 hrs).  Wife will want to see Biltmore Estate while there.

On the Bucket List ~

Same here, on the bucket list! 

 My last business brokerage deal has been SOLD and will close in mid April   ---a $3 million marina,and by the Tour De Smo I will be a free man and plan to join you knuckleheads for this great event if you'll have me.  The Dragon runs in the past were awesome and the Rattler looks very fine as well.  By Sept a lot of folks will be jonesing for a Speedster event ---I know I will.

We are so looking forward to this and have already requested the time off! 

Thank you, Lane!

"Malt Disney"  I love it!

I haven't spoken to the hotel yet, but Wolfgang tells me the website shows it pretty much booked up.  I seem to remember from last year that the website did not match reality, but I will check today.  I am not in a position to put down a big deposit to hold a whole lot of rooms, and last year we had no problems getting in.  There are plenty of other hotels in town, but this is the only one I know of with the fire pits.  Fingers crossed.

I have put a lot of thought into what we're doing this year. We are supposed to be doing a cross country trip this year, which got canceled last year due to Michelle and I having some health issues. This year is going to be a little much to do the cross-country. The thing is, we don't think 5 weeks is going to be enough time. We really want to do this right and take as much time as we need to explore the country. To me that means 8-12 weeks. This means we will do this once I am on vacation permanently, as in, retired. Thankfully, with 27 years service, that won't be too long.

So what all that gobbledegook means is we are IN for Maggie Valley come hell or high water! Last years broken ankle on top of all the other stuff in our cake really hurt.

RE: cruise control. I know there are units that are designed to be used with OE throttle servos for those of you with drive-by-wire.

I am about to purchase a Dakota Digital unit that uses the speedo cable for VSS and has a very small and easily hidden electric servo with a cable. They have three different controls, I am opting for the dash one which will be velcroed for easy access and easily hidden as well. $280 at Summit. This will be pretty easy to install in the Spyder as I'm not using the speedometer cable(GPS Speedo from Speedhut). The only thing we all will have to do if you have LED taillights is install a relay for the brake switch.

Lane Anderson posted:

"Malt Disney"  I love it!

I haven't spoken to the hotel yet, but Wolfgang tells me the website shows it pretty much booked up.  I seem to remember from last year that the website did not match reality, but I will check today.  I am not in a position to put down a big deposit to hold a whole lot of rooms, and last year we had no problems getting in.  There are plenty of other hotels in town, but this is the only one I know of with the fire pits.  Fingers crossed.

According to the Maggie Valley Event Calendar, the same event are going on as there were last time we were there. The Ford Truck Show is on the 9/27 and the huge flea market is on that weekend.  So... maybe the incoming traffic will be similar. Let us know if you need room deposits to hold spaces ... cuz, fire pits. 

Dannt I checked it and I believe they use Rostra parts as their base 

I would love to be there and volunteer to support this event.  I have done the "Tail" several times on motorcycles and have ridden the length of the Blue Ridge Pkwy.  However,  I will be in Europe with my wife and a few friends that weekend.  I hope to make next year!  Have fun with those roads.... they are great! 

Tom Boney posted:

Count me in. I will do what the group wants, but really enjoyed the rattler and would love to do it again.

The cruise control saved me going to and from the event,I highly recommend it.

Joe if you want to travel together let me know as well as anyone else in the Chicagoland area.

Bones

 

Tom would you post a few picts of what your cruise control set up looks like I forgot if your car is the subie one that IM did.

Thanks  Ray

Love the twin threads here, but somehow they are interconnected...need cruise control to get to Maggie Valley.  

Well let's see .... where are you on the map

Bob it looks like I might be the farthest going to that event even beating Jack  

Bob: IM S6 posted:

Love the twin threads here, but somehow they are interconnected...need cruise control to get to Maggie Valley.  

Not really, but it helps.

Well, I don't need it, but some may.  I like having my right foot on that pedal...

IaM-Ray posted:

Dannt I checked it and I believe they use Rostra parts as their base 

That may be true, but as far as keeping cost down, the Dakota Digital kit has everything you need in one box for a lower price, at least in my case where I need electric servo and speedo sensor/VSS.

I've done long distance in my Spyder, and maybe if I was shorter I wouldn't need it. But the way I fit in there, my knee is always bent at the same angle, and my knee and foot/ankle bother me after 150 miles or so. Having the option to maintain speed without tiring the foot will go a long way toward long distance comfort.

IaM-Ray posted:

Tom Boney posted:

Count me in. I will do what the group wants, but really enjoyed the rattler and would love to do it again.

The cruise control saved me going to and from the event,I highly recommend it.

Joe if you want to travel together let me know as well as anyone else in the Chicagoland area.

Bones

 

Tom would you post a few picts of what your cruise control set up looks like I forgot if your car is the subie one that IM did.

Thanks  Ray

Ray, you can check out Toms thread which has a link to the flickr build pics. 

Thanks Joe

UPDATE: The Lodge is currently closed for maintenance and vacation, so I will choose not to believe the online indication that they are booked.  They re-open on 12 April, and I suggest calling that day for a reservation.  You can leave a message now, if you wish.  Their number is 828-926-1301.

Thanks, Lane.  Do we specify any club or event?

I haven't set anything up like that.  Last year we all just did it individually and got a good rate.  Let's try that again this year.

Is Martay coming down with his Italian concoction?

Sounds good Lane, keep us posted.

Bob: IM S6 posted:

Well, I don't need it, but some may.  I like having my right foot on that pedal...

I just wished those in my area could figure that out and get going

Henry changed the cruise on my car that shows in the build pics to small toggle switches under the dash to the left of the steering wheel. I have some pictures just need to get them to post.

I will work on it in the morning.

I can relate to what Danny says about the same position of his leg/knee being tiring after 150 miles.  I had the same problem when I first started traveling some distances in my VS.  My solution was low tech but simple, cheap and elegant and worked well for me.  Alice made me a small pillow about 3 1/2 inches thick and 18" square that I slip between below my right knee and the bottom area of the gear shift.  I have heard that leaning against the gear shift column is damaging to the transmission ---maybe an old wives tale but I don't lean against it just in case.  This pillow takes the strain off holding my knee/leg in an upright position which was very tiring.  Positioning part of the pillow against the center "hump" takes the pressure off the gear shift knob as my leg leans against the pillow.  Comfortable and relaxing and almost as good as cruise control to me because the gas pedal is so easy to operate.

While I'm at it I'll mention that I use a soft canvas Lands End type brief bag (like a soft brief case) as a left arm rest.  Put trip supplies in the bag along with a "Keep your VW Alive" book  (and maybe even a pistol) and sit the bag on the flat shelf below the door slightly above the floor and voila---a great arm rest.   To get out of the car, just swing the bag into the space over and behind the seat back and swing the door open. 

" (and maybe even a pistol)" Priceless comment Jack.

@Tom Boney is this the pic? Curious as to how it works, and do you know why Henry switched to this setup.

Those Big 3 white buttons are the vintage air I believe .... cruise control needs microswitches to pulse the ECU for set and resume and an on/off switch.  I could be wrong...  

Jack Crosby posted:

  Alice made me a small pillow about 3 1/2 inches thick and 18" square that I slip between below my right knee and the bottom area of the gear shift.  I have heard that leaning against the gear shift column is damaging to the transmission ---maybe an old wives tale but I don't lean against it just in case.  

Although your knee leaning against the shifter might not do any transaxle damage it might not be good for the shift gate in the bottom of the shifter assembly itself, so it's probably good that you avoid it. You are right, though, the extra weight of your hand on the shifter can cause extra trans wear, so it's best not to use it as a resting place.

The side force won't hurt it at all, but if you're pushing fore or aft, it can wear the shift forks and sliders. You don't want to do that.

DannyP posted:

The side force won't hurt it at all, but if you're pushing fore or aft, it can wear the shift forks and sliders. You don't want to do that.

Danny---that is really good news to me as I always worry about letting my leg press against the gearshift column and do avoid it.  Now I don't even have to think about it anymore.  Thanks for that tidbit of wisdom.

Hi Joe,

 That is the pic. I don't remember why Henry switched the cruise control. I will reach out to him.

One toggle is on/off,the next one is for setting the speed, and the last one is to increase/decrease the speed while you have the cruise set.

The white knobs are for the heater/fan. I did not get AC on the car.

I can't see the small switches very clearly Tom in the picture that is why I thought it was the wrong one ... Sorry Joe   .... @Tom Boney   

FYI, I talked to Henry about it sometime ago and he mentioned that the work to retrofit the Rostra universal control was more work than making the switches themselves so His tech guy designed his own. He is quite a wiz with that kind of stuff... FYI, I asked him on my build to make the microphone from the retrosound unit, look like an old fashion dash button and that is what I have and I see it on your car too.  Great stuff... Great builder.

UPDATE ON HOTEL!!!

I spoke to the folks at the Creekside Lodge and they have set aside a block of 12 rooms for the nights of September 26-29 at a rate of $99/night.  That rate is $10-$20 below their normal rates.  They will try to put all of us on the creek side of the hotel.  When you call, tell them that you are with the "Speedster Owners" group.  While they are closed now, they do return call.  They will be open again April 12.

Bob Carley - She (Carol @ Creekside) knows that you are with our group, but you might want to check and make sure that you get the discounted rate.

Lane: you sir, are the man. 

Tour de Smo' reservations made.  I just called the Maggie Valley Creekside Lodge a day or so ago, gave my email, and they got back with a reservation sheet today, for the Speedster Owners Group.

So, people can start reserving, with no deposit required.

Sandy and Marty are interested in this Event.  

You guys would love it.

Lane Anderson posted:

You guys would love it.

I don't know. No place to get a manicure, that I know of. 

ROFL!

Stan Galat posted:

Lane Anderson posted:

You guys would love it.

I don't know. No place to get a manicure, that I know of. 

That’s what the gloves are for. 

Quit giving Marty a hard time. 

He drives an IM and owns an Alfa.  

Joe Fortino posted:

@Tom Boney is this the pic? Curious as to how it works, and do you know why Henry switched to this setup.

Thanks for this photo... if you download it and adjust the contract and exposure you can see the switches... Thanks again Ray 

Well, let’s see here. My Japanese, fixed-head, all-alumiinum coupe has cruise control. My new German rocket ship has cruise control. And there was a recent request that maybe some t-shirts needed to be delivered. Then there was a comment about some flay-landers in Illinois caravaning down. The roads haven’t iced over up near the frozen tundra. 700 miles one way. Lots of stars aligning. 

Your still driving that rice cooker  

Yes Canooki San, I drive Japanese car.

I too drive German auto that is a manual.

It that car big enough to fit a north american  

Rich-san, we should talk about shirts.  PM me when you have a moment.

Ray,

Be nice or Rich will poke you with his chopsticks.

Rich,

997, please. 

Rich,

 Your welcome to join the caravan from Chicago. I know Joe is planning on going and Marty is a maybe.

Plus if you ever get an itch to feel the wind in your hair, I would be happy to switch cars for awhile and see how that german car rides.

Tom, starting to look forward to this event. Haven’t seen you for a long time...and this new Speedster if yours..gotta see that too. Switch rides? Hah, not if it’s raining.

Ray, both of my cars fit North Americans. You, just might be the exception.

I just re-read the whole thread and found out that I had a mistake in the very first post.  It sounds like I suggested the Tail of the Dragon and the Rattler both on Friday (actually, I did).  I mean to suggest the ToD on Thursday, with the Rattler on Friday.  Oops.

Can't believe I didn't see this.  Perfect.  Arrive on Weds and leave on Sun.  Perfect.  Thanks Lane.

Phil - Just proof that you need more frequent vacations.  You're too stressed.

WOLFGANG posted:

Phil - Just proof that you need more frequent vacations.  You're too stressed.

Can't argue with that.

550 Phil posted:

Arrive on Weds and leave on Sun.  Perfect. 

Ditto here. 

Reservations all made, and some time in the Outer Banks beforehand.

Alice and are all set with Creekside reservations for the 2018 Tour de Smo.

We will be mostly coming from Hot Springs, Arkansas along I 40 through Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville then turning right to get to Maggie valley. If there is anyone who would like to join us to caravan  to the event PM me and we'll make plans.  Or email to  hsbroker AT aol.com

As of today 7 of the reserved 14 Speedster group $99 rooms are taken.  We were able to get a room on the Creekside and lower level.  Nice people and very helpful.  Their number is 828/926-1301 qnd our special rate is $99.

Looking forward to this event!

Booked today - arriving 27 Sep though. Wife and I venturing North.  Now to see if I can get Panhandle Bob away from something he calls "work"

Sweet!  It'll be great to see you again, Greg.

Room booked.  Thanks Lane.  Only one room left.  My car is finally going to be picked up next week, 6 weeks after Greg called for delivery.

I'm glad to lead the Dragon/Cherohala loop if anyone is interested.  It takes a while to get there from Maggie Valley so it will be an all day trip.  About 8 hours including stops and lunch.  So if anyone is interested in seat time and maybe a tee shirt let me know.

Looks like quite the drive, Phil.

Lane/Phil:  What day would this be on?

Thanks.

That map would make a cool T-Shirt --- in case we got lost. I chose to come a day late since its a 9 hr drive from FL and wife insists on stopping for night after at most 6 hrs.  (I'll be in Miata so not as strenuous as a Speedster - but still a small convertible). So thinking of stopping just North of Hot-Lanta and drive remaining hour or 2 in am on 27th - but don't what to miss Thur flag drop. 

Connie and I  have our reservation at Creekside for 9/27 arrival for the 2018 Tour de Smo !!!!

That's great, Alan. 

It will be good to see two this year.

Fantastic news, Alan!

Bob, I believe the Dragon is scheduled (as much as anything this weekend is really scheduled) to be on Thursday.  My view is that it is the least of our three drive, due to crowds, etc., but it is a bucket list item for many.  I think I said earlier (too lazy to go back and check) that we'd do the Dragon (led by Phil) on Thursday, the Blue Ridge Parkway on Friday (led by Carlos), and the Rattler (led by whoever wants to) on Saturday.  Nothing is set in stone, however.

Bob: IM S6 posted:

That's great, Alan. 

It will be good to see two this year.

I meant to say:  It will be good to see you two this year. 

Fingers faster than brain...

Here is a picture of my cruise control. 370 ft-lbs of torque. 

I think we will need to find out how many folks will have the Dragon/Cherohala on thier bucket list. If some people aren’t arriving until Thursday we might need to change the day. Maggie Valley is 2 hours to the loop. It’s still a beautiful drive but much of the day is just spent driving to and from the loop. Last year we tried to start by 8am and I think we made it out by 830. But to beat the crowds we will need to leave early. Some folks may not arrive until later in the day. I actually love the Dragon/Cherohala loop. I’m happy to go again on Friday or Saturday if people miss it on Thursday. I think it’s the bomb. And my spyder can’t wait to hit those curves. 🐉

The loop was great, except for the "shell the idler pulley" part, which thankfully came at the end of the day.

The "loop" could move to Friday but the closer it is to mid-week, the lower the traffic.  Based on last year's experience we also shouldn't do the BRP cruise on a Saturday for the same reason.  The Rattler seemed to have less traffic (and was the most fun IMHO), so it should stay on Saturday.  The BRP cruise is most definitely the most scenic.  I'll let y'all decide as I am fine either way.

Lane,

Leave it like it is. ToD Thursday, BRP Friday, Rattler Saturday.

I suggest we leave before 9:00 on Thursday, drive to the ToD, regroup at the gas station/store, run the dragon, and regroup on the other side. At that point, those that would like to go on with Phil to complete the awesome (but long) loop can continue, and those that would like more "campfire time" can turn around and run the dragon the opposite direction. As Phil said, getting to the ToD from the Maggie Valley takes a couple of hours, so a round-trip is 4 hrs. Throw in an hour or so (each way, with the stops at the gas station/store) doing the ToD, and that's 6 hrs in the car.

I loved Phil's "loop", but some people would probably appreciate calling it a day after 6 hrs or so. Splitting the group at about the half-way mark seems like a good idea.

I agree with you Lane-- I wasn't going to drive all the way to NC and not do the ToD, but for my money, the BPR and Rattler were at least as fun, closer, and a lot less crowded. OTOH, there are photographers stationed along the ToD, snapping shots of every car, and selling them for a few bucks online. I bought two of the best shots of my car that will ever be taken. I would have hated to miss that. I'd love to run that one backwards.

If you're looking for somebody to lead the Rattler run, I'll happily do it. I could drive that road all day, every day and never ever get tired of it.

I've got a call in to the Creekside, waiting for callback. Michelle and I are IN!

Wednesday night arrival through Sunday morning.

Dayyum this is gonna be fun!!!

Stan Galat posted:

Lane,

Leave it like it is. ToD Thursday, BRP Friday, Rattler Saturday.

I suggest we leave before 9:00 on Thursday, drive to the ToD, regroup at the gas station/store, run the dragon, and regroup on the other side. At that point, those that would like to go on with Phil to complete the awesome (but long) loop can continue, and those that would like more "campfire time" can turn around and run the dragon the opposite direction. As Phil said, getting to the ToD from the Maggie Valley takes a couple of hours, so a round-trip is 4 hrs. Throw in an hour or so (each way, with the stops at the gas station/store) doing the ToD, and that's 6 hrs in the car.

I loved Phil's "loop", but some people would probably appreciate calling it a day after 6 hrs or so. Splitting the group at about the half-way mark seems like a good idea.

I agree with you Lane-- I wasn't going to drive all the way to NC and not do the ToD, but for my money, the BPR and Rattler were at least as fun, closer, and a lot less crowded. OTOH, there are photographers stationed along the ToD, snapping shots of every car, and selling them for a few bucks online. I bought two of the best shots of my car that will ever be taken. I would have hated to miss that. I'd love to run that one backwards.

If you're looking for somebody to lead the Rattler run, I'll happily do it. I could drive that road all day, every day and never ever get tired of it.

This. Exactly. 

Well, I am starting to feel a little better about missing Carlisle this year.  It looks like the Tour de Smo' is going to be a great time:  good roads, good people, beautiful scenery.

After a two drive down from home to Nag's Head, and a few days on the Outer Banks, a trip across the state is something we have talked about doing for the past few years, and now we have a great excuse for doing so.  Asheville has always intrigued me, and that will be a stop on the way to Maggie Valley.

A different route on the way back to Canada will top off a great trip.  

And of course, the chance to meet - in person - people we haven't met before, and to see old friends once again is the bonus.

These cars are great, but it's the owners that make it all worthwhile. 

These cars are great, but it's the owners that make it all worthwhile  ....=  x 2 !

Yup.  No one is going to drive for hours/days to get to Deals Gap and not do the Dragon.  Of course we have to stop at the souvenir shop at the start of the Dragon.  At the end of the Dragon we'll stop along the river like we did last year.  Those that want to do the Cherohala can venture on.  Those that want to return to the hotel can do the Dragon backwards.  We actually missed one of the best parts of the Cherohala last year, stopping at the top.  The view is tremendous.  

I love to socialize.  And this is shaping up to be a great group of folks.  But honestly for me if I'm in a place that has some of the best roads in the world driving one of the best cars in the world, I want to drive.  

550 Phil posted:

Yup.  No one is going to drive for hours/days to get to Deals Gap and not do the Dragon.  Of course we have to stop at the souvenir shop at the start of the Dragon.  At the end of the Dragon we'll stop along the river like we did last year.  Those that want to do the Cherohala can venture on.  Those that want to return to the hotel can do the Dragon backwards.  We actually missed one of the best parts of the Cherohala last year, stopping at the top.  The view is tremendous.  

I love to socialize.  And this is shaping up to be a great group of folks.  But honestly for me if I'm in a place that has some of the best roads in the world driving one of the best cars in the world, I want to drive.  

I hear ya, Phil!  That is one of the reasons why we added more seat time to the Carlisle event this year.  However, we made it so that anyone who wants to - or needs to - opt out can do so at logical intervals.  That way everyone can get what they want. 

I loved the loop, but my legs and back just can’t stay in that little car for but so long... no matter how much my heart wants them to do so.  

Stan Galat posted:

The loop was great, except for the "shell the idler pulley" part, which thankfully came at the end of the day.

Honestly Stan the day would have not been complete without that stop.  And the spring from a fountain pen used to fix Lane's car.  Those are the things that make it a real "car" day.  And the stop to view the old Mercedes restorations.  Priceless.

So should we start a pool on whose car will be the subject of a roadside repair this year?  I'm probably out as I will be in the BMW, and in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with it, a flatbed will probably be required.

Reservation set today at the hotel. Looking forward to seeing old faces as well as all of the new ones that will be attending.

Heard yesterday from John "Hoss" Hallstrand that their plans have changed and they might make it after all.  Alright folks, on three...

Hall-

Strand!

Hall-

Strand!

Hall-

Strand!

That oughta do it!! 

Hopefully we're getting our rain quota for the year now and it'll be dry for this event.

This month we've had almost 14 inches of rain, average is 3.5.

For the year it's at 31 inches, average is 18.

Just saying.

Yikes!  I've heard about mudslides and dam issues in your area.  Stay dry, Carlos.

I hear your pain Carlos.  Every time I'm in Charlottesville trying to take a nice ride seems like its raining or threatening to rain.  Ask the Carlisle crew about rain.  And in the mountains rain seems to be a bit less predictable.  Keeping my fingers crossed for the trip.

By that time hopefully the skies will be dried out. This has been a really wet late spring.