Western N Carolina

Latest track has moved west quite a bit and they're saying it will just be a cat 1 up this far.  We're going to hold off on the decision until at least tomorrow.  Fingers crossed!

Been busy and haven't been back to this thread in months. Maddie and I are definitely coming and will see everyone Thursday. We are bringing the BA Spyder and the ERV.

What's the latest on Piperato and Michelle? I know he's crippled, but so what?

Last we heard they were working on a way that Michelle could drive the Spyder.  I believe Danny was making some pedal extensions.  I haven't heard a status in a few days.

10 days to go, but who's counting?????   

Crippled? Danny's crippled?

Yes, 10 days out.

I've got a plan for Saturday. I'll meet you all at Creekside about 9 am (unless a sooner or later time is needed). The first leg is about 70 miles, Parkway, 215, some backroads, and 281. A light lunch will be at the http://www.blindmulerestaurant.com/. I have a backup if this falls through, https://www.facebook.com/Eatbluesmokebbq. It's a food truck usually parked next to http://www.headwatersoutfitters.com/ and their tap room. Best BBQ around.

Second leg is about 87 miles. Back roads, 276, back roads, 64, 276, parkway, 191, to end up at Sierra Nevada.

There will be bathroom and gas stops, with views along the parkway sections. We'll stop at few areas on the parkway to take in the views and regroup.

None of this is etched in stone. I can adjust the route dependent on time, weather, or will. It's all good with me. This is supposed to be fun. Who knows, I might be able to get out to play with you all on Friday.

It's all in mother natures hands now.

Nice!  If you have suggestions for meals on Friday and Sunday I'm all ears.

Unfortunately I didn't get my spyder in time to take to the smokies.  Will be bringing my Fiat Abarth and will drive that unless I can find a shotgun.  Of course I could not get off on Thursday so I will be driving up that night and should be there by midnight...hopefully.  Still planning on doing the Dragon/Cherolala loop on Friday for all interested.  Would suggest breakfast on your own before drive.  There is a great Mexican place in Robbinsville.  The county we will be driving is DRY so no ETOH.  Maybe a flask in tow.  What time do we want to leave?  I would suggest pretty early to beat the Dragon tourists.  Drive to gas then straight to the TREE OF SHAME and the Dragon souvenir shop.  But when do we leave on Friday morning?  9am?  I'll be in the Italian Red Abarth.

Phil

I never make it over the mountain to the Waynesville area, so I don't have any recommendations, sorry. I don't even go to Asheville where, so I'm told, there are many breweries and fine eating establishments.

First of all, what's Leon Chupp up to AND what is he driving?

Last Sunday I slipped on the stairs and broke the tip of my left fibula. I am in a non-weight-bearing cast until October 11. We haven't made the go/no-go call yet, but if we come it will most likely be in my daily Audi. 700 plus miles with my left foot down on the floor may not work. And that's just to get there.

We REALLY want to go but it just may not be practical.

Phil,

I'm coming solo. If you want to ride shotgun,I've got no problem with it. My car is new to me,so not sure what I would be like driving in the mountains.

Also, coming off knee surgery on right leg, so may be an opportunity to drive my car,as I am interested in the scenery as much as the driving opportunity, so really wouldn't mind being a passenger.

I am pretty laid back guy( when on vacation), so I'm sure we can work something out if you don't find another seat.

Tom.  Thank you very much.  I'm all in.  I'd be honored to drive if you like.

Leon's chillin', but he's gonna join us as a right-seater.  Whichever car I am in (Speedster is up on jackstands for trans-mount transplant) will have an empty right seat for him, if'n he wants it.

EDIT: Of course there is one potential fly in the ointment that goes by the name of Maria - hurricane Maria, that is.  Current track projections only go out to next Saturday, at which point it will be well off-shore.  However, it could come toward the Carolinas, which would put it happening sometime near our weekend.  That could cause me to have to stay home and do hurricane prep.  I have fingers and toes crossed that it will not be a factor, but be advised that I may have a different priority should things not pan out.

It's been a rough August/Sept. for me, but I'm still in (as of today). I've been working (as time allows) on putting in a "travel" right-seat for Jeanie since she doesn't do well with the Speedster seat. I'm in the new shop, but have no workbench, etc. I've coped with significantly less in the way of workspaces (I was a missionary in the 3rd world when I was in my 20s), but I'm becoming pretty picky in my dotage. 

We're going to try to drive it as a couple, which should be interesting. I'm WAY behind on my plans.

Leon is driving his memories and existing in his truck......     If Maria shows up, well we can swap lies and dreams while consuming the recreational beverages of our choice....

(That sounded good)  Much rather be on the road though..... 

NINE DAYS TO GO.........

And.....   Danny, I'm sorry to hear of the injury.......  Hope all goes well and you make it there to swap SPYDER stories.......   Thinking of you....     

Lane,

Can we get an updated roster of attendees?

You read my mind.  Here's what I believe:

• Me (assuming Maria stays away)
• Leon Chupp
• Stan and Jeannie Galat
• Carlos G (what's the 'G' stand for, anyway?)
• Cory and Jeni Drake
• Ron and Maddie Mullis
• Phil Luebbert
• Mary and Sandy Grzyqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmwicz
• Tom Boney
• Danny Piperato and Michelle Parisi (assuming Danny feels like making the trip)
• Jack and Alice Crosby
• Tom Raymond

Did I leave anyone out?

Thanks Lane. 

Lane Anderson posted:

You read my mind.  Here's what I believe:

• Me (assuming Maria stays away)
• Leon Chupp
• Stan and Jeannie Galat
• Carlos G (what's the 'G' stand for, anyway?)
• Cory and Jeni Drake
• Ron and Maddie Mullis
• Phil Luebbert
• Mary and Sandy Grzyqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmwicz
• Tom Boney
• Danny Piperato and Michelle Parisi (assuming Danny feels like making the trip)
• Jack and Alice Crosby
• Tom Raymond

Did I leave anyone out?

Two more Lane, Michael Warjas and Dianne Croxford and like you I'm watching the storm  as we're 100 feet from the water and house is on pilings.

Where are you located, Michael?

New Bern

The G is for Galarza. My mom is Spanish and my dad is Puerto Rican.

The guy that bought the IM Speedster that I was running through last year, might also join us. His name is Carlos too. There might be another in a 911.

Sorry to hear of your injury, Danny. Heal-up soon.

Carlos: you have people in Puerto Rico? God watch over them!

"The G is for Galarza. My mom is Spanish and my dad is Puerto Rican."

Given your avatar I was kinda thinking it was "Gandalf."

Thanks for the kind words, folks.

We're pulling the plug on this. It really sucks! We have been looking forward to this ever since the cross-country trip fell through.

As I said over on fb, I can't see 700 plus miles each way with my left foot NOT elevated, only to not be able to drive my car in it's element. Doing it in the Audi just wouldn't be the same. We however will miss hanging out with you fine folks. But it just doesn't seem to be our year. Next year!

And as I said on FB, I completely understand.  I hate it, but I understand.  Take care of it and let it heal up.  In the meantime, 

Should I still get in a car and do it. Is Danny's room still available (cost please?) And what's this storm thing all about?

Hmmm, looks a little damp for the weekend.

Way too early to predict the weather for that weekend around these parts.

700 miles is no picnic in a small car with two good legs.

The one I'm talking about is hurricane Maria, who looks to be staying  bit farther out to sea, which is good for us.  Of course as Carlos said, it's a bit early to tell for sure.

I am going to have to pull out of the mountain run.  Two things are eating at us.  Sandy has Jury Duty on Monday 10/2 and I have had a key employee out for 2 months.  I just can't take off for 3 days until things get caught up.  This is always a good trip and I am kinda bummed 

ARGH!!    I understand - don't like it, but I understand.

Its such a nice area with so much to do I wouldn't mind making it a yearly trip.  My wife and I both love Asheville.  Maybe next year Marty.  With difficulty in finding time off I almost need to plan a year ahead.  Maybe if things go well this year we can start sooner in planning a trip next year.  Its the best driving in eastern US.  Why not make it a yearly trip.

6 days and counting.......    Sorry to hear Danny,Michelle, Marty and Sandy aren't going to be there.....   Phil, this used to be a yearly event. The "Tail Of The Dragon Run"....

It was the way I met the group for the first time.....  Everyone sort of got BORED with The Dragon, and it lost it's appeal....    Hope it will make some kind of revival as it was a good reason to get out of the house and visit with the other victims of THE MADNESS...

As Lane has pointed out the Dragon is a do 1 time novelty.  But there are so many other drives.  The Ocoee, Moonshiner 28, Smokey Mountain Loop through the Smokey Mountain National Park.  You could spend a week there and go on a different drive every day without even going to The Dragon.  The natural beauty of the place is amazing.  But I've done them all and the Dragon/Cherohala Loop is still my favorite.  And we haven't even mentioned Asheville.

From a trip in 2012.  Going back to Fontana Village from the Dragon.

I'm looking forward to the cruise, Phil, but we need to warn folks about the level of law enforcement on the Dragon.  Much more so than other drives in the area, the Dragon is heavily patrolled.  There have been enough incidents of crazies on motorcycles and errant trucks that the TN side enforces the 35 mph speed limit pretty tightly.  Just ask John Hallstrand.

Yup. Lots of crazy people on the Dragon. Lots of cops. Everywhere else not so much. My Ducati days are over. I'm pretty happy doing a nice cruise. 

We can be in the "Slow Group" while Stan and Cory lead the "Fast Group." 

Lane Anderson posted:

We can be in the "Slow Group" while Stan and Cory lead the "Fast Group." 

I'll have Mrs. Galat riding shotgun. She's unimpressed with my Walter Röhrl impersonation.