Tour de Smo' 2022

You really know how to tempt a guy, Lane.

I'm evil that way, Bob.

By the way, y'all can go ahead and make your reservations now, if you want.  We can expand the block of rooms if needed.

I was so bummed about not making 2021 that hell or high water, I'm in.

I'm in.

You know I can't miss the chance to wring my car's neck in the mountains, Lane. I'll book it in the morning. I'm all in, all the time.

Maddie said she and Ron will try to join us.  I guess I should go ahead and make my reservation, huh?

@Chris MacDonald  Keep your eyes on the swinging watch, now think Spyder, you can caravan with Danny, he's a great mechanic, Spyder, you'll have more fun, Spyder, it isn't peer pressure, it's just your turn, Spyder.......

SpyDER!  SpyDER!  SpyDER!  SpyDER!!!!!!!!

Lane, are you channeling GERD? Caps-lock busted?

Oh, yeah, you just get really excited...

@Lane Anderson posted:

SpyDER!  SpyDER!  SpyDER!  SpyDER!!!!!!!!

Says the guy who's driven his BMW three times in a row.

Ouch! That hurts, Stan. Stan is a bit grumpy today. But it's still FUNNY!

Kinda didn’t have much choice with that, Stan. 🥴

Lane,

I've put it on the calendar.

I won't have a speedster yet, but I think I have a car I can bring that will keep up with everyone and have some fun.

If it's what we talked about, yeah, you should be able to keep up.

UPDATE: I spoke too Layton (hotel GM) today and he doesn't have the "SOC" code loaded in yet.  I will update when it's ready.

UPDATE to the UPDATE: The code "SOC" is now active.

Glad to see this is already firming up. I have it on my calendar. Finally get to see Lane's Blue Coupe......

Maybe...

So far so good.  Had a blown fuse sideline it on a cruise during the holidays, but after investigation we think it was a fluke.  Carrying extras just in case.

@DannyP posted:

Maybe...

Yeah, I'm still salty about that. I even drove down to Charleston in hopes of seeing it.

Bupkis.

Alice ad I are in.  This has always been a great, fun event!  Looking forward to seeing everyone!  Anyone going along I 40 that wants to drive over together?  We're near Little Rock, AR.

@Jack Crosby posted:

Alice ad I are in.  This has always been a great, fun event!  Looking forward to seeing everyone!  Anyone going along I 40 that wants to drive over together?  We're near Little Rock, AR.

I regret that I have one "like" to give for this comment.

You're my hero, Jack - and it'll be lovely to see Alice again!

PS: Bring the banjo.

A fellow with a Beck 904 reached out to me the other day and asked if he could join us.  that would be very cool.

@Lane Anderson posted:

A fellow with a Beck 904 reached out to me the other day and asked if he could join us.  that would be very cool.

Actually Lane, there may be a few of us. Kind of a haul for some, but it sounds like a fun time.

Bricker

Great to hear that, Bricker.  Be advised that I'm lazy and I don't work very hard for this event, so there is only a little planning done (mostly the routes by Carlos).  Meals are usually spur of the moment.  With the exception of the run on the Blue Ridge Parkway we do little/no sight seeing.  It is about the driving.

Yeehah!!!

Oh, BTW @Bricker Martin, several of the other likely attendees are also from Illinois.  Y'all may want to consider a convoy.

@Bricker Martin posted:

Actually Lane, there may be a few of us. Kind of a haul for some, but it sounds like a fun time.

Bricker

Bricker,

I'm in Morton, IL up by Peoria, and there are a few guys from Chicagoland that make the trip as well. It's totally worth it.

@Lane Anderson posted:

Great to hear that, Bricker.  Be advised that I'm lazy and I don't work very hard for this event, so there is only a little planning done (mostly the routes by Carlos).  Meals are usually spur of the moment.  With the exception of the run on the Blue Ridge Parkway we do little/no sight seeing.  It is about the driving.

Yeehah!!!

This sounds good. Makes things easier on all involved.

@Stan Galat posted:

Bricker,

I'm in Morton, IL up by Peoria, and there are a few guys from Chicagoland that make the trip as well. It's totally worth it.

Excellent Stan. I like the idea of a convoy. Not sure where a meeting place would be since I am in SOIL. Looks like the routes may be different.

It's all about the driving ? Lane is delusional..... Most important events of the weekend are sharing single malt scotch around a fire pit, stupid bad joke telling (which everyone else is competing for a distant second), and someone performing carburetor and valve adjustments while friends stand around drinking beer and offering suggestions.

Well, yeah, there is that.

No, its all about the driving, really.  I guar-an-f-ing-tee it.

So I have it in my calendar, will see about the room.  Figure me in.

We’re in for sure.

FAN-DAMN-TASTIC @Ron Mullis!!!

@Ron Mullis posted:

We’re in for sure.

That is really, really good news.

I’m ready for some good times.

Y’all deserve ‘em, Ron.

Been a tough couple of years for sure. I’m bringing cigars and a couple of bottles of Blue Label.

Ron!

So @edsnova, you think you might bet able to join us this year?

@Lane Anderson Now that would be a hoot!

Ron, Carlos, Phil, Ed, and me. FIVE!

I know for a fact Lenny would never tow his that far.

Hmmm, Spyders would outnumber Speedsters, for once!

In 2020, we had 2 Spyders, 2 Speedsters, and 2 Caymans. There was some non-descript black sedan too, can't remember who was driving THAT.

Can't imagine who that was.  I hear someone will be driving a sedan again this year, but it'll be blue.  Probably something Japanese (or at least the engine is).

You bought a blue Panamera? That's the only sedan Porsche made, isn't it?(except for the Taycan)

Don't you have some kind of a coupe? Is it a Karmann Ghia?

It's a sedan in the same way the black car is.  It has a b-pillar even with two doors.

As an aside, does anybody remember when Jeremy Clarkson said the Panamera was "...uglier than a genital wart..."?

Ummm, my Cayman kinda has a B pillar.

What is the exact definition of a coupe? I know a Spyder or Spider is "without a top".

And yes, even though I'm not a Clarkson fan, I agree with him this one time.

@Lane Anderson posted:

It's a sedan in the same way the black car is.  It has a b-pillar even with two doors.

As an aside, does anybody remember when Jeremy Clarkson said the Panamera was "...uglier than a genital wart..."?

@DannyP posted:

Ummm, my Cayman has a B pillar. It's a coupe.

And yes, even though I'm not a Clarkson fan, I agree with him this one time.

Technically, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers a coupe is defined as a car with less than 33 cubic feet of interior space. Any car with 33 or more cubic feet of interior volume is considered to be a sedan, regardless of the door count. For example, a Ferrari FF is a two-door Ferrari designed for four people. It is a two-door coupe in appearance with 90 cubic feet of passenger space volume thus making it a sedan according to the engineers.

But I'm with Danny on this. A two door is a coupe and a four door is a sedan.

I guaran-damn-tee that the blue car has less - waaaay less - than 33 cubic feet of space inside.  Same with the black car Danny called a sedan.  Harrumph!

@Lane Anderson posted:

I guaran-damn-tee that the blue car has less - waaaay less - than 33 cubic feet of space inside.  Same with the black car Danny called a sedan.  Harrumph!

Then it's a coupe.

I always thought chicken coupes had two doors…if they had four doors they’d be called chicken sedans.

Had no idea the sedan vs coupe definition hinges on interior volume. In large part because my first car was a coupe—a 1967 Chevy Nova SS—and GM made that model in several other body styles including a wagon, four-door sedan and two-door sedan. All except the wagon had the same interior space; the coupe lacked a B pillar and had a subtly swoopier roof line.

Methinks our young @DannyP was messing with the owner of said black coupe by calling it a sedan, which has decidedly less sporting connotations.  I wonder who the owner might be.

@Robert M posted:

Then it's a coupe.

I believe it is a Super Coupe!

It is a Super Duper Coupe!

@Lane Anderson posted:

I guaran-damn-tee that the blue car has less - waaaay less - than 33 cubic feet of space inside.  Same with the black car Danny called a sedan.  Harrumph!

Can I get a harumph?

@DannyP posted:

Can I get a harumph?

Harumph.

Close, but no cigar. We'll be flying in to visit family in Bald Creek, NC (Possum Trot Rd) which is a little less than 50 miles from Brevard. Unfortunately, the family gathering is a couple of weeks after the tour. You guys have a great time!

@Michael Pickett posted:

Close, but no cigar. We'll be flying in to visit family in Bald Creek, NC (Possum Trot Rd) which is a little less than 50 miles from Brevard. Unfortunately, the family gathering is a couple of weeks after the tour. You guys have a great time!

Rats.

Has anyone noticed that Stan is only using one word responses in his recent posts.

Unusual.  

Oops.

@550 Phil posted:

Oops.

We all knew it wouldn't last long...

@Michael Pickett DOUBLE RATS! Take an earlier flight and stay with Carlos. You know you want to! We can make this happen.

And I absolutely know I shouldn't speak for Carlos. But come on, let's make an attempt here!

P.S.: Fly into NY. I know where there is a Cayman you can drive a couple weeks for FREE!

Wow, never have I had an offer like that! As much as I want to, I'm obligated to stick with the dates. We're now doing some daycare for both of the grandkids.

We'll be having our 50th anniversary next year and I'd like to be around to see it. Leaving Marianne alone with 2 sweet, cute and incredibly demanding monsters would not help guarantee my survival.

I will truly miss you guys. Living vicariously through the posts and pictures will have to hold me until fate aligns our visits.

Mike Fincher (Beck) is planning to join us in Brevard.  He said he could use some time away and it sounds like fun.  He joked that he would deliver the car back to me in Brevard - at least I think it was a joke.

Maybe one day we'll get Carey ( @chines1) to come.  Maybe.

Reservations made. See you all Wednesday, Sep 21st.

Plan is for Maddie to drive the ERV and I will be running drogue in the 997.

Excellent.

Well, I learned a new word today.  Thanks, Ron.

No Blue Angels Spyder this year?  Ah well, the 997 will do just fine.  Looking forward to seeing y'all.

Drogue. I get it.

@Lane Anderson posted:

No Blue Angels Spyder this year?  Ah well, the 997 will do just fine.  Looking forward to seeing y'all.

It sounds like they're bringing both cars. Maddie, ERV(with Spyder inside), and Ron in the 997. But I could be wrong.

Heck, they could drive the truck on the runs.  I'll just be glad to see 'em.

Actually your understanding would make sense.  That way they'd have something fun to drive if the weather isn't perfect.

Yes, Maddie in the new Dodge diesel ERV (with trailer & Spyder) and me in the 997. 997 for inclement weather.

@Michael McKelvey posted:

Well, I learned a new word today.  Thanks, Ron.

Maddie drives like a bat out of Hell. I will attempt to slow her down when I disappear in her rear mirror. So in the nautical sense, I’ll be a sea anchor!

Holy carp!  I was just informed that I didn't include details on this thread and whadaya know, I didn't!    Here they are.

• Arrive Wednesday, 21 September.
• Depart Sunday, 25 September
• Hotel: Hampton Inn Brevard, group code "SOC"
  • Phone: (828) 883-4800
  • Address: 275 Forest Gate Dr, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Decided to check in. Looks like the numbers are dwindling a little, but maybe picking up some newbies??  @edsnova ??  Now I can't remember if I got a room reservation already or not.  Hmmm . . ., will check in the AM.  Do we have a reliable headcount at this time?

I’ll check with the hotel, but I don’t think the numbers are dwindling.  I expect twice what we had last year.

@Lane Anderson posted:

I’ll check with the hotel, but I don’t think the numbers are dwindling.  I expect twice what we had last year.

Those who drag up, usually drag up just before.

The good thing about this is that even if it's 3 guys, it's worth it.

Yup!

So Stan, if it was just you and me, it would not be worth it?? 

Meanwhile, calling to get plugged in on the group thing on Sunday is  not how it works.  The best I could get was to call tomorrow morning and ask for Shawna (?)

Looking forward to seeing Cory and all of his disciples. Arriving 0 dark 30 on (in time for breakfast) Saturday and staying that night at the Hampton Inn, Brevard. Hope Lane has resolved all issues with da coupe de bleu.........

Update on the Hotel: I called and talked to Shawna (?) and she mentioned that it seemed like we have at least doubled our attendance since last year (), and had in fact reached the limit of the initially blocked rooms and special pricing ().  But, no worries, she will accommodate ().  And so I have secured the room at the right rates, Wed - Sun.  Advice: if you plan to attend and have not secured a reservation, be sure to call the hotel ASAP.  If you did call and got a reservation, and now know you will not be able to come () also call to inform.

PS: the universe of emoticons available here is really pathetic -- @Theron

PEOPLE OF EARTH!!!!  ...and any friendly aliens among our group.

The Tour de Smo' is less than a month away and I have been asked several times recently who is definitely coming.  I know that we have more reservations than I initially created the block of rooms for, but I don't have a definite number.  If you are planning to come, please let me know ASAP.  If you haven't yet made your reservations, you'd better do it quickly.

Arrivee Saturday 9/24 before 8 AM, staying at HI Brevard overnight

TR

I'll keep this post running as more confirmations comes in.  So far we have:

• Confirmed
  • Me
  • Carlos Galarza ( @Carlos G)
  • Stan and Jeannie Galat ( @Stan Galat}
  • Mike Warjas and Dianne Croxford ( @MikelB)
  • Mike Fincher
  • Danny and Michelle Piperato ( @DannyP)
  • Cory and Jeni Drake (barring issue with house closing is the following week) ( @Jeni Drake)
  • Tom Raymond ( @Former Member)
• Expected but not recently confirmed
  • Kelly Arnold (C5 Corvette Z06)
  • Kelly Frazer ( @El Frazoo)
  • Ron and Maddie Mullis ( @Ron Mullis)
  • Marty and Sandy Grzynkowicz ( @Marty Grzynkowicz)
• Possibly, based on earlier correspondence, but no recent communications
  
  • Tom Boney ( @Tom Boney)
  • Jack and Alice Crosby ( @Jack Crosby)
  • Bob and (Ann?  Sorry, drawing a blank here) Carley ( @Bob: IM S6)

Did I miss anyone (probably)?

Of COURSE I forgot someone!  I left of Fancy Phil!

• Confirmed
  • Me
  • Carlos Galarza ( @Carlos G)
  • Stan and Jeannie Galat ( @Stan Galat}
  • Mike Warjas and Dianne Croxford ( @MikelB)
  • Mike Fincher
  • Danny and Michelle Piperato ( @DannyP)
  • Cory and Jeni Drake (barring issue with house closing is the following week) ( @Jeni Drake)
  • Tom Raymond ( @Former Member)
  • Phil Luebbert ( @550 Phil)
• Expected but not recently confirmed
  • Kelly Arnold (C5 Corvette Z06)
  • Kelly Frazer ( @El Frazoo)
  • Ron and Maddie Mullis ( @Ron Mullis)
  • Marty and Sandy Grzynkowicz ( @Marty Grzynkowicz)
• Possibly, based on earlier correspondence, but no recent communications
  
  • Tom Boney ( @Tom Boney)
  • Jack and Alice Crosby ( @Jack Crosby)
  • Bob and (Ann?  Sorry, drawing a blank here) Carley ( @Bob: IM S6)

And Chris MacDonald.  Sheesh!  I'm gonna give him a complex.

Too late, he's already got a complex. lol

Just remember Chris, Spyder Spyder Spyder....

SpyDER!  SpyDER!  SpyDER!!!!!!!

@Lane Anderson posted:

And Chris MacDonald.  Sheesh!  I'm gonna give him a complex.

He really knows that you just don't like him. We just can't figure out why?

LOL, just messing with you Lane. It must be your age...

I'll be there.

Fantastic, Tom.  Looking forward to seeing you again.

We’ll be there with the Spyder, 997, and the ERV.  Cigars, Single Malt, Blue Label, and Peanut Butter Whiskey also.

Anybody mentions the China virus and they will lose access to the above.

Mmmmmmmm.., Mum’s the word!

Hopefully this trend dries up.

Better bring the car cover. Maybe the tonneau. But I do like those high temps.

Stop.

Be a "Boy Scout".

"Always Prepared"!