Mid-Atlantic blat in September

[slngsht]

Alright fellows,

Here are the current plans:
Meeting point: Harrisonburg, VA
Destination: Snowshoe, WV
When: Departing Sept 15, Returning Sept 16
In case of rain: Departing Sept 22, Returning Sept 23

This blat will feature about 3 hours of switchback moutain roads. Speed limit on these roads is generally 55, with VERY little traffic.

Snowshoe resort has resturaunts and other "resort stuff", including golf, if you're into it.

If you want to go on the cheap, I can find a place for you to crash at my brother's place.

You have to be a club member to attend - If you went to 7/7/7, you are already a member. Otherwise contact me.

I'm looking for 5 or 6 other cars to make this a go.

BTW, my car will only make the trip to WV. I will need a ride back. She is staying there for some serious modding.

This thread will be moved to the Mid-Atlantic region in a couple of days.

If you want to inquire about lodging, please visit: http://www.snowshoemtn.com/lodging/index.htm

Please make sure you reply here if you plan to attend.


Forecasts:

Snowshoe (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USWV0703?from=36hr_topnav_undeclared)

Harrisonburg, VA (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USVA0351?from=search_10day)

Northern VA (http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USVA0232?from=search_10day)



ROUTE AND TIME INFORMATION

All this is the route / times I’m going to take:

1- Leave the house at 9:00 AM
2- Arrive at corner of Falls / River in MD at 9:17 – Meeting Kevin here.
3- Leave Falls / River at 9:30, arrive at McDonalds at Exit 47-A off I-66 at 10:05 – Meeting Bob and Scott L. here??
4- Leave McDonalds at 10:15, arrive at Burger King in Harrisonburg (Rt 33) at 12:30 – Meet SteveT here.
5- Leave Burger King 1:30 (this is also a gas stop), Arrive at Snowshoe at 3:30.

After a couple of hours break, we will go on a scenic run in the area which should be about a 1 hour drive.

We will leave WV Sunday morning around 10AM to head back. Lows at night will be in the low 40's, SO BRING WARM CLOSE FOR THE DRIVE.

IF YOU ARE COMING, AND I HAVE NOT MENTIONED YOU WHERE YOU PLAN TO MEET UP WITH US, PLEASE CONTACT ME.

ALSO, PLEASE SEND ME YOUR CELL PHONE NUMBERS.

[solder_guy]

Let me shake out my car some more .. ??? Rotus Road trip! ?

Rob

[slngsht]

Let me shake out my car some more .. ??? Rotus Road trip! ?

Rob


Hurry up already... and use a zip tie on that grill.

[ottocycle]

Great idea,
I will try to make it. Anybody else???
Thanks,

Dermot.

PS. Is it limited to members of this group. If you like I can invite some friends who drive other cars to make up the numbers.

[ottocycle]

Sorry,
I had a "senior moment". I re read your post and realized it was a Club only event. Please disregard my PS.
Cheers,

Dermot
Fury/Hayabusa.

[slngsht]

Sorry,
I had a "senior moment". I re read your post and realized it was a Club only event. Please disregard my PS.
Cheers,

Dermot
Fury/Hayabusa.

Dermot, not much to joining the club. Sent you an email.

[slngsht]

Dermot, not much to joining the club. Sent you an email.

Got your email and replied. It's all good :yesnod:

[slngsht]

so far I have seen 2 raised hands...

[EburgE]

How do I say this? I have an Elise. And I'm afraid to try to keep up.

:cheers: :banghead: :leaving: :grouphug: :hurray:

[slngsht]

Hey Harold, come play with us :grouphug:

It's more about having a good time with good company than driving 10/10

[slngsht]

TTT

I think so far we have Dermot, Harold (if we can get him away from spit shining his car parts :jester: ), myself, and probably Scott Lentz (he will get back to me this week).

I heard a rumor that Al is planning to go down south for a blat that weekend. I can't believe he would pass this up :bigears:

[BobDrye]

If my front suspension is rebuilt in time and I recieve my tags I can go.

[EburgE]

You guys are killing me. I will ask Mommy.

Now I have to decide whether to show up in the Elise, or bring the 4Runner full of engine parts.

:d

[slngsht]

You guys are killing me. I will ask Mommy.

Now I have to decide whether to show up in the Elise, or bring the 4Runner full of engine parts.

:d

My nephew is a bit of a Toyota nut... if you bring the 4Runner, I'm not sure if it'll be safe to leave it unattended. You might be missing a few parts on the trip back ;)

Bring the Elise.

[Arya Ebrahimi]

My nephew is a bit of a Toyota nut... if you bring the 4Runner, I'm not sure if it'll be safe to leave it unattended. You might be missing a few parts on the trip back ;)

Bring the Elise.

Shhhh :d

Actually I'm not sure if I'll make it up unfortunately. We play Ohio that weekend at home. We'll see though, maybe I'll run up for the evening and be there Sunday.

Ary

[locostv8]

My nephew is a bit of a Toyota nut... if you bring the 4Runner, I'm not sure if it'll be safe to leave it unattended. You might be missing a few parts on the trip back ;)

Bring the Elise.
Is the head gasket reuseable??

[slngsht]

He replaced that, and she's running fine now :thumbs:

[BobDrye]

At the TOTG one night going from the Fontana Lodge back to Meet I couldn't loose the tail lights in my rear mirror. Is that when it blew?:bigears:

[slngsht]

At the TOTG one night going from the Fontana Lodge back to Meet I couldn't loose the tail lights in my rear mirror. Is that when it blew?:bigears:

:lol:

That was his land cruiser... 200K+ miles and running fine.

The head gasket in question is on his rock crawler.

[locostv8]

My bad. I thoutht it was on the cruiser. See ya tomorrow night.

[slngsht]

My bad. I thoutht it was on the cruiser. See ya tomorrow night.


:confused:

Am I supposed to be somewhere?

[BobDrye]

I think that it was Thursday night that I woke up and made a post @ about 2:30 AM. Your replay came back in just a few minutes. Did you know that if you don't get enough sleep you'll become forgetful?

[slngsht]

I think that it was Thursday night that I woke up and made a post @ about 2:30 AM. Your replay came back in just a few minutes. Did you know that if you don't get enough sleep you'll become forgetful?

2:30 has become my normal bed time :nonod:

and I AM forgetful

[locostv8]

:confused:

Am I supposed to be somewhere?
Nope Arya. SC4WDA

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Yes, the cruiser is still running fine :knockonwood: and the pickup's headgasket has been R&R'ed although I'm still having cooling problems. :grrr:

I'll see ya tonight Jim

[Arya Ebrahimi]

At the TOTG one night going from the Fontana Lodge back to Meet I couldn't loose the tail lights in my rear mirror. Is that when it blew?:bigears:

Bob, I'm good, but there's no way I was keeping up with you in reverse. :d

I think it was my headlights you couldn't lose :bigears:

[BobDrye]

Bob, I'm good, but there's no way I was keeping up with you in reverse. :d

I think it was my headlights you couldn't lose :bigears:


If your going to press me like this let's both be honest. I my mind I was Bruce McLaren and you were Denny Hume. We were driving in the 29th Australian Grand Prix. We were on the final lap and now you can finish your part of the story.:leaving:

[EburgE]

The factory is offering me a September build date! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :hurray: :flag:


That 'bout means I'm definately OUT for the September BLAT. :nonod:

[slngsht]

when do they say they will actually have something for you?

[Arya Ebrahimi]

If your going to press me like this let's both be honest. I my mind I was Bruce McLaren and you were Denny Hume. We were driving in the 29th Australian Grand Prix. We were on the final lap and now you can finish your part of the story.:leaving:

I know absolutely no motorsports history, so you lost me there, but the whole time all I was thinking "Come on, get out of the way, your Expedition is too slow through the corners and the only reason I can't pass you is 'cause you open up the V8 in the straights."

Now let's face it, we were just a couple of bums pushing our 6k lbs SUV's to the limits trying to keep up with Steve T while he was on a "leisurely ride" :lol:

[stevet]

Talking of leisurely rides... I might be up for this, but can't confirm till nearer the date (might have to do a UK trip at short notice).

Which lodge at the resort are folks planning on staying at?

Steve.

[EburgE]

when do they say they will actually have something for you?

Normally the build would have been December for an August order. Assuming the build starts in mid-late September, it takes about two weeks to build the car, and another 1-2 weeks to pack and ship it. Then the time varies depending on whether it goes air or boat across the pond.

So I'm looking at sometime in later October or early December, if I had to guess.

[slngsht]

Proposed route from Harrisonburg, VA to Snowshoe, WV...



Sports car heaven (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=Harrisonburg,+VA&daddr=38.42347,-79.583588+to:mace,+wv&mrcr=0,1&mrsp=1&sz=10&mra=dme&sll=38.485845,-79.459991&sspn=0.755689,1.277161&ie=UTF8&z=10&om=1)

[stevet]

Where in Harrisonburg is the meet point, Mazda?

And what time?

Should be able to confirm by next week.

[slngsht]

Where in Harrisonburg is the meet point, Mazda?

And what time?

Should be able to confirm by next week.

I'm thinking 10AM. I'm still waiting for final confirm from Scott Lentz.
I know Harold keeps saying he's OUT, but maybe we can delay his build date so he'll come :lol:
So far, it looks like Scott, you (maybe), Harold (Probably not - busy making car noises ;) ), OttoCycle (I have to ping him to make sure), Bob Drye (Possibly?), and me. 4 - 6 cars would be sweet.

[Al Navarro]

Man, if Lentz is in, that's most of the original Skyline posse....I'll put in a plug for anyone who is on the fence: good group of guys and very responsible if somewheat spirited drivers:crazy:

We're sending the girls to a new (private and not inexpensive :cry: ) private school in Sept....so we'll see if schedule/budget permits yet another Se7en-centric weekend for 2007. Would love to see all of you again.

[slngsht]

Dude, you gotta join us!! Hope Laura sees I'm beggin'

[Al Navarro]

I got Lime Rock this weekend...then school starts (and I'm doing the morning drop off) on Wed. We'll see how it goes, but you know I am weak when it comes to these things...:d

[stevet]

The force is strong young Navarro... ;)

[BobDrye]

I'm thinking 10AM. I'm still waiting for final confirm from Scott Lentz.
I know Harold keeps saying he's OUT, but maybe we can delay his build date so he'll come :lol:
So far, it looks like Scott, you (maybe), Harold (Probably not - busy making car noises ;) ), OttoCycle (I have to ping him to make sure), Bob Drye (Possibly?), and me. 4 - 6 cars would be sweet.


I'm looking for some middle ground. I can borrow a dealer's tag for the weekend. I am not comfortable enough at this point to venture 100's of miles for my first adventure. Could we come up with some more detailed plans? I would be willing to tow again to somewhere around Snowshoe and then go for a drive or two with the group. I just don't want to get that far from the mother ship yet. Most of you are not aware that on my last outing I jumped a curb and destroyed the right front suspension. When the turbo is loaded in second gear, with me setting in the left rear the seven can dart to the right before you have time to correct if you're not really on top of it.

[slngsht]

Bob, it's a 5 hour trip each way.

I wasn't planning on doing any actual driving when we got there... Just sit around a camp fire, BBQ, a beer or two, and chill. Then head back Sunday morning.

You are right - there isn't much in the way of repair shops or anything else on the way. Just mountain roads. And we don't have a chase car.

Perhaps you can trailer the car to Monterey, WV and intercept us there. That way if something goes wrong, you're only 90 minutes away from the trailer - worst case.

[BobDrye]

Your earlier comment about a 55 mph speed limit is a guise. When my son's age was in single digts we used to go to the railroad in Cass. We drove there in a 30' motor home. On Rt 33 outside of Harrisonburg there were a number of turns that the radius was so acuate we could not turn sharp enough. We would have to back up and make sure that we didn't back up too far, and turn as sharp as possible to get around the corner. That portion of the trip makes the TOG seem like a super highway. The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope is at Greenbank close to Cass. Mazda, they put those things where you have to pipe light in! All that said I'm excited about meeting in route. I'll figure that out as the date gets closer

.:grouphug:

because we need to stay together.

[slngsht]

I didn't say you can take all corners at 55... that'd be boring.

The speed limit is motly 55, so that means you can really enjoy the road without going WAY over the speed limit, which was a problem at the dragon with its 30 MPH limit.

I just found some reviews of the section you are talking about here:
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/wv_us33.html

[BobDrye]

"If you take the tighter turns just right, you can see your own tail light".

Sounds like a sevens kind of road.


http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1086991850_telescope.jpg

[ottocycle]

Mazda,
I am afraid I have to bow out of the drive on the 15th. but I would still like to join the club.
If it rains and gets changed to the following weekend, I'm in. To those who have never been
to West Virginia it is very beautiful and the roads are great. I recommend it.
Clear skys guys.

Dermot.

[slngsht]

Mazda,
I am afraid I have to bow out of the drive on the 15th. but I would still like to join the club.
If it rains and gets changed to the following weekend, I'm in. To those who have never been
to West Virginia it is very beautiful and the roads are great. I recommend it.
Clear skys guys.

Dermot.


We'll decide around the 11th or 12th based on forecast.

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Bob/all, my shop is located in the basement of the house where Mazda will be staying. That includes my MIG welder, press, vice, etc. Basically all the "shop" type stuff you would want. Only thing not there are basic hand tools as those live in my truck.

You are all welcome to use it if necessary.

Just an FYI in case it's any consolation.

Ary

[EburgE]

Mazda,

Could you please PM your cell number? In case I get to go at the last minute, I will call. I have some time off that week.

Harold

[slngsht]

SWEEET... You are SO going!
:D

PM coming up...

[BobDrye]

The right front suspension is redesigned; caster and camber were dialed in when the tubing lengths were cut. I have tacked it together and will finish welding it tomorrow. Thank God for a 3 day weekend. I should be able to finish the left side by Monday.


“Now let's face it, we were just a couple of bums pushing our 6k lbs SUV's to the limits trying to keep up with Steve T while he was on a "leisurely ride"


Ayra:
This is going to be different on this trip. Looking forward to seeing the "Ebrahimi Skunk Works". I’ll post some pictures tomorrow. I have a 15 year old Airco 400 amp tig that I found on Ebay.


Looking forward to joining to Posse in Monterey.

[EburgE]

This is the scariest thread ever. :_deadhorse:

[slngsht]

Alright... Saturday night menu.

Do you guys prefer sitting at a resturaunt/pub, or by a camp fire / BBQ?

Camp fire menu would be marinaded chicken and filet kabobs, grilled veggies.

We have choices in resturaunts as well.

[BobDrye]

Mazda:
I just sat down for a few minutes after I finished welding the front control arms. I'm going to paint them tonight and start going back together tomorrow. I'm looking forward to spending some time getting to know you guys better. My preference would be anywhere that it's quiet enough to engage in a conversation.

[Arya Ebrahimi]

I really wish I could make it up there that weekend guys, you're tempting me to skip town the second the game is over, but I'll probably be a bit too intoxicated for that :blueangel:

I am going up there this weekend though and will do a bit of recon in regards to what will be open restaurant wise. I'll also be removing my truck from the shop and cleaning it up a bit so you should be able to fit 3 sevens in there nose to tail, possibly 4 if you really cram them in.

As far as where to eat, I would recommend the Foxfire over the Junction, although it is slightly pricier, the food and service are MUCH better. On the other hand, Kabob at the house is always a tasty option and much more :grouphug: oriented I think.

Looking forward to the stories from this blat :cool:

[BobDrye]

Arya:
If your coming from Tech are you going to go via Staunton and then Rt250 and then thru Monterey? If you are I need to find a place to park my truck/car trailer for 1 night. What about gas stations, cell phone #s, and coverage, etc. I hope to put 100-200 miles on my seven in the next 2 weeks so that some of this could change if it passes certain tests.

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Heck no, that turns a 3 hour trip into a 5 hour trip. I take 460 West to 219 and take 219 North all the way to snowshoe. I can run it in my Cruiser w/o a trailer in 2.5 hours if I'm in a hurry, 3.0 at normal pace, and 3.5 w/ the trailer. It's pretty much windy roads the whole way once you get off of 460.

There's a slightly different route that's a little straigther but adds 10 miles. If you're interested I can look up the rt numbers(don't recall them off the top of my head).

Where are you trying to ditch the truck/trailer? I can find you a place here in Blacksburg, and there's plenty of room at the house at Snowshoe, in between I dunno what to tell you.

[BobDrye]

Arya:
I'm going to Richmond in the morning to try and obtain some type of tag. The type of tag that I am able to obtain could affect the time that I can spend on the road to sort out the seven. That will effect the distance that I can drive. I'll stay touch with the group with the progress. My Service Manager's girlfriend works at the local DMV, but getting tags for a kit car is liken to going to Pluto. If anybody is interested, I have the inside requirements (inner office) documents and phone numbers to inform DMV employees about obtaining a title for a Replica Car. It's not for the "Faint of Spirit".

[slngsht]

Kevin Kearney just emailed me... Looks like he'll be joining us as well in his Cosworth powered Caterham :thumbs:

[stevet]

Looks like I'm in :hurray:

One vote for the campfire :mad:

[Al Navarro]

Alas, I am a big fat loser and staying close to home that weekend...:cry:

Too many blats and meets, not enough time....

[BobDrye]

After making 2 trips to the DMV Central Office in Richmond, VA, I accomplished and experienced the following.

1- I will have a title for the seven in about 6 weeks.
2- Thru my repair shop I was able to obtain Drive-Away tags.
3- I drove the seven on the "highway" for the first time today for about 200 miles.
4- The sound from inside the car is so loud that you know your going to get a ticket.
5- The sound from outside the car is not that loud.
6- I thought that I broke the land speed record today, but the gps said only 90 mph.
7- Every bug within 1/4 mile of you impacts itself on your windshield (At night I had to stop often to just clean the windshield).
8- Everything is bigger than you are.
9- The tennis balls between my legs are really just marbles.
10- It's not about the miles or hours it's about "the experience"

[slngsht]

After making 2 trips to the DMV Central Office in Richmond, VA, I accomplished and experienced the following.

1- I will have a title for the seven in about 6 weeks.
2- Thru my repair shop I was able to obtain Drive-Away tags.
3- I drove the seven on the "highway" for the first time today for about 200 miles.
4- The sound from inside the car is so loud that you know your going to get a ticket.
5- The sound from outside the car is not that loud.
6- I thought that I broke the land speed record today, but the gps said only 90 mph.
7- Every bug within 1/4 mile of you impacts itself on your windshield (At night I had to stop often to just clean the windshield).
8- Everything is bigger than you are.
9- The tennis balls between my legs are really just marbles.
10- It's not about the miles or hours it's about "the experience"



It's all good :thumbs:

One good thing I can say about having a lazy old V8 is that, at 90, i'm just cruizing along at 2000 RPM in 6th. just need headsets for windnoise on extended drives.

[slngsht]

Guys, I was talking to my brother tonight, and he recommended after we take a brake when we get there, to go for a miniblat on the Highland Scenic Highway (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=&saddr=US-219+%4038.459200,+-80.028590&daddr=US-219+%4038.306710,+-80.094340+to:WV-150+%4038.331150,+-80.222260+to:WV-150+%4038.184080,+-80.253710+to:WV-39%2FWV-55+%4038.158240,+-80.180550+to:US-219%2FWV-39+%4038.225080,+-80.096750+to:US-219+%4038.420610,+-80.044100+to:mace,+wv&mrcr=0,5&mra=ps&sll=38.461251,-80.032482&sspn=0.047382,0.079823&ie=UTF8&z=11&om=1).

I will work on an exact schedule of meeting points, leaving from the DC suburbs, hopefully picking up Steve T and Al Navarro (I know it's a stretch) somewhere along the way, and meeting with Bob D in the mountains.

I hope to have that out by next Tuesday.

:cheers:

BTW, I didn't get much feedback on choice of dining... Kabobs by the campfire OK with everyone?

One more detail, and Arya may have mentioned this... we should have enclosed overnight parking for 3 sevens up there.

[BobDrye]

I will work on an exact schedule of meeting points, leaving from the DC suburbs, hopefully picking up Steve T and Al Navarro (I know it's a stretch) somewhere along the way, and meeting with Bob D ( I called Scott tonight and will meet up with him around Springfield if he’s going and possible) in the mountains

[slngsht]

Bob, are you saying you'll be driving your seven there and back the whole way? That'd be great.

[BobDrye]

Bob, are you saying you'll be driving your seven there and back the whole way? That'd be great.




I'm going to be in N.C. for the Earnheardt reunion (that's why you see a 3 on most of my vehicles) tomorrow. Don't half of our metaclorines come from our mothers? If continued testing works out I want to drive for at least 1000 miles in the next 2 weeks.:crazy:

[slngsht]

Added forecast links to the first post on this thread.

[stevet]

Is it OK for me to pitch a tent at the house?

[slngsht]

Is it OK for me to pitch a tent at the house?

Absolutely... there is 75 acres for you to choose from

[stevet]

OK, I'll need about 25 sq ft of that:d

[BobDrye]

I spoke with Scott Lentz today. He dropped off his Superlight with the Caterham dealer in Va a couple of weeks ago. They installed a new windshield, and it cracked in the shop the next day. They ordered a new windshield from the UK and it was shipped along with some bearings for another customer’s car. Homeland Security didn't like the bearings so the whole shipment is setting in Philadelphia. Caterham has to provide a source on the bearings before they will release the package. Scott said that he has missed 2 races to date. It doesn't look good for next weekend.

[Al Navarro]

Shoot, I should have loaned him my aeroscreen before shipping it out to Drew!

[slngsht]

I spoke with Scott Lentz today. He dropped off his Superlight with the Caterham dealer in Va a couple of weeks ago. They installed a new windshield, and it cracked in the shop the next day. They ordered a new windshield from the UK and it was shipped along with some bearings for another customer’s car. Homeland Security didn't like the bearings so the whole shipment is setting in Philadelphia. Caterham has to provide a source on the bearings before they will release the package. Scott said that he has missed 2 races to date. It doesn't look good for next weekend.

Yeah, I called him accidentally last week when I meant to call one of my contractors. That windshield deal sucks a big one.

He doesn't need a windshield anyway. He has a nice helmet.

I'll contact him and see how far I get with that argument :)

[slngsht]

Uh oh, extended forecast shows showers creeping in :cuss:

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Steve, you are of course more than welcome to pitch a tent in the yard, but there should be an ample number of beds available inside the house in the event you would rather sleep under a roof.

BTW, my schedule has been adjusted slightly and I will be coming up on Sunday midmorning to pick up my truck. I'm not sure if you guys will still be around, but I may see you.

:cheers:

Ary

[Arya Ebrahimi]

PS Isn't this supposed to be in the mid-atlantic section? not the southeast section?

[stevet]

Thanks Arya, wasn't sure how much room you had - a roof would be good. Might have a young English lass traveling with me - would there be room for her too?

Thanks, Steve.

[slngsht]

Thanks Arya, wasn't sure how much room you had - a roof would be good. Might have a young English lass traveling with me - would there be room for her too?

Thanks, Steve.

Yes :cheers:

[slngsht]

PS Isn't this supposed to be in the mid-atlantic section? not the southeast section?

Oh yeah... damn forum administrators must be high.

Regarding Mr. Lentz... I talked to him again yesterday. I think he'll at least come with his 914.

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Thanks Arya, wasn't sure how much room you had - a roof would be good. Might have a young English lass traveling with me - would there be room for her too?

Thanks, Steve.

Specs on said English lass? I might be able to get up here earlier on Sunday :blueangel: :d

[stevet]

Settle down boys, she's a friend of the family, just turned 21 and a bit shy. She likes seven's though :thumbs:

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Steve, I'm only 23... ;)

If she likes sevens/cars she's already got a few bonus points in my book!

[stevet]

I think she's on the lookout for a green card ;)

[slngsht]

looks like the forecast has improved a little... now chance of rain is 20% on saturday and 10% on sunday

and snowshoe is 15 degrees cooler... high of 62 :thumbs:

[Boxologist]

I think she's on the lookout for a green card ;)

why hello thar!:flag: :cool:

[slngsht]

why hello thar!:flag: :cool:

:lol:

Poor Steve

[stevet]

Form an orderly line fella's...

[slngsht]

If I can divert everyone's attention from Steve's family friend :rofl:

I will be doing the final route planning late tomorrow night. The fun part (from Harrisonburg to Snowshoe) is already set. Those of you who will join me around DC... Do you prefer I-66 to I-81, or a rural route to Harrisonburg?

The trade off is we get there quicker to hit the mountains if we go highway, but it's not as fun as taking some backroads there. My fear is we have so much mountain road ahead of us, I don't want to wear us out before we get to the fun part.

Let me know. If I hear nothing, 66 to 81 it is.

[slngsht]

I will also be buying the meat / chicken for the menu tomorrow... so if you don't plan on eating at the back yard bbq, let me know.

[stevet]

Wrap it in foil, stick it on the manifold and it will be ready to eat on arrival :d

Do you have a place in mind to meet up in Harrisonburg, Mazda?

Steve.

[Al Navarro]

Hombres, I am definitely OUT for this one...:cry:

Pour out a glass of non-alcoholic for your homies...

[slngsht]

Wrap it in foil, stick it on the manifold and it will be ready to eat on arrival :d

Do you have a place in mind to meet up in Harrisonburg, Mazda?

Steve.

There is a Burger King on 33, right before you get to downtown Harrisonburg. We can meet there. I will put together a detailed route / time outline tonight.

[BobDrye]

I spoke to Scott Lentz this morning. He said that his windshield had been released, but did not know when it would be shipped. We talked about taking the 914 instead, but he said that he had not made a decision yet. I think that a call from some other guys that are going could convince him.

[Arya Ebrahimi]

An unfortunate turn of events this past weekend for my truck project(my welder broke) has put me in the position to come up on Friday evening and leave on Sunday, so I will most probably be there when you guys get there.

This also means that I will have a truck and trailer available at snowshoe in the unfortunate event that someone breaks down and needs to be recovered.

Ary

PS Amoo, count me in for dinner :D

[slngsht]

I spoke to Scott Lentz this morning. He said that his windshield had been released, but did not know when it would be shipped. We talked about taking the 914 instead, but he said that he had not made a decision yet. I think that a call from some other guys that are going could convince him.

Don't worry, I'll be calling him again :)

BTW, did your earlier post mean you are driving the Seven from DC? or still planning on meeting us in the mountains?

[BobDrye]

Mazda:
I will be able to answer that question later this week. I need to be comfortable driving 10 hours without the seven breaking down. It's really harder than that, in that it's not like I just be cruising down the interstate. I think that we are talking about 6 plus hours of curves on an unproven car.

Mazda's Rotus, rightfully considered one of the scariest, quickest cars in the hobby, is powered by a GM LS1 V8 and tranny.

At this point I would say that my seven weighs 1400 lbs with me in it and has potentially over 550 hp. At some point we will meet on the road, but I don't want to push the envelope yet. I'm trying to figure a way to test drive the seven thru the mountains without being influenced by the pack. I will be driving the car most days this week and decide on Friday how for that I want to be from the trailer.

[slngsht]

I'd rather get a roll bar and meet on the track... if you and I go at it on the road for 30 seconds, we'll end up dead or in jail :lol:

BTW, where did you get that quote? Don't make me add a supercharger!

[slngsht]

I'd rather get a roll bar and meet on the track... if you and I go at it on the road for 30 seconds, we'll end up dead or in jail :lol:

BTW, where did you get that quote? Don't make me add a supercharger!

ah, I saw it in the ZETEC thread... Not to worry, at 550hp, I'm pretty sure you won't have much trouble. there is ALWAYS somebody faster.

On another forum I belong to, I saw a guy who has an Atom and an Ultima. I was asking what he thought of them...

He said 0-60-0, Atom. 0-150-0 Ultima. 0-200-0 Ford GT (which also owns). 0-327-0... the guy's name is Eddie Hill :lol: I'm sure that rings a bell with some of you.

[BobDrye]

ah, I saw it in the ZETEC thread... Not to worry, at 550hp, I'm pretty sure you won't have much trouble. there is ALWAYS somebody faster.

On another forum I belong to, I saw a guy who has an Atom and an Ultima. I was asking what he thought of them...

He said 0-60-0, Atom. 0-150-0 Ultima. 0-200-0 Ford GT (which also owns). 0-327-0... the guy's name is Eddie Hill :lol: I'm sure that rings a bell with some of you.

Whether on water or land, two wheels or four, Eddie Hill's driving skill, mechanical ingenuity, and mannered personality combined to make the Texan one of motorsports' most popular competitors.

From the first time he won with a home-built Model T-framed dragster powered by an Oldsmobile V-8 in 1956 to the last time he graced the winner's circle in Top Fuel, at the 1996 Mopar Parts Mile-High Nationals, Hill, now 65, won 12 national championships on land and water.

From 1959 to 1996, he won 86 races in drag boats and dragsters. Sandwiched between his first 10 years of drag racing on land and the six years he raced on water was an eight-year stint racing motorcycles.

Adding the more than 100 trophies he won racing motorcycles, Hill's career-win total approaches that of legendary NASCAR driver Richard Petty.

Since his first record-setting performance in 1959, Hill set many marks during his illustrious career. His most famous record -- which also was his last -- was set when he became the first to pilot a piston-engine dragster to a four-second e.t., a 4.990, on April 9, 1988.

Hill built the chassis of his second dragster in 1958 using aluminum H-beams that he scrounged from his employer while working as a sales engineer for Lufkin Foundry and Machine Co. in Wichita Falls, Texas. With a naturally aspirated, gas-burning Pontiac engine, the Texas A&M engineering graduate set the Texas e.t. record at 9.93 in 1958 with the 1,075-pound car. In 1959, he won the state championship with a time of 9.25 at 161 mph. Hill also won his first major title that year, in Top Gas at the AHRA national championships in Great Bend, Kan.




Mazda:

I drove the seven for another 100 miles tonight with no problems, so it's looking good.

[slngsht]

Ofcourse he is also known as the first top fuel guy to break into the 4's :thumbs:

[slngsht]

All, route and times are updated... please look at the first post in this thread. Text is in large font in RED

[Arya Ebrahimi]

You close doors, you wear warm clothes ;)

[slngsht]

Just got a message from Kevin Kearney... he is out.

[stevet]

Mazda:
I will be able to answer that question later this week. I need to be comfortable driving 10 hours without the seven breaking down. It's really harder than that, in that it's not like I just be cruising down the interstate. I think that we are talking about 6 plus hours of curves on an unproven car.

Mazda's Rotus, rightfully considered one of the scariest, quickest cars in the hobby, is powered by a GM LS1 V8 and tranny.

At this point I would say that my seven weighs 1400 lbs with me in it and has potentially over 550 hp. At some point we will meet on the road, but I don't want to push the envelope yet. I'm trying to figure a way to test drive the seven thru the mountains without being influenced by the pack. I will be driving the car most days this week and decide on Friday how for that I want to be from the trailer.

Those of us with 150 hp will sit this one out...

[slngsht]

Steve, if I could borrow your 150 hp, maybe I can catch Bob :lol:

[stevet]

Sorry, already promised it to Bob :eek:

[slngsht]

Sorry, already promised it to Bob :eek:

he doesn't have any room for all them horsies

[BobDrye]

Sorry, already promised it to Bob


Thanks Steve!


Mazda, how do you like my 700 hp 4 cyl?



http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1293915533_SR20DET-700hp.jpg

[slngsht]

Turbo doesn't look manly enough :jester:

[BobDrye]

It not the size of the wand that put the rabbit in the hat , but the skill of the magication.

:cheers:

If your leaving the Rotus @ Snowshoe and need a ride back I think you need to do some sucking up on Scott.

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[slngsht]

It not the size of the wand that put the rabbit in the hat , but the skill of the magication.

:cheers:

If your leaving the Rotus @ Snowshoe and need a ride back I think you need to do some sucking up on Scott.

:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

No, Rotus is coming back. I'll take her up again in Oct.

[BobDrye]

The forcast is 45 deg on Sunday morning with a 6 deg spread, so I don't think we will see any rain. The high temperature on Saturday is 57 deg. I'm all new to this. At what temperature does it become uncomfortable in a seven with just a windshield and no other deflectors? Should I wear a helmet? E me your cel @ bobdrye@germanswedishauto.com

Don't want to be :eek:

[slngsht]

40's is definitely very cold. you will need winter cloths. Think of a 45 degree day with 60 MPH winds.

As of right now, I'm planning on coming without a windshield, but maybe I'll just put it in the car - just in case.

Bring a hat, like a ski hat, neck warmer, and maybe even gloves. The worst part will be leaving snow shoe Sunday morning. We may delay leaving till 11 to let it warm up a bit.

[slngsht]

I wonder if the tropical storm in the gulf will affect the forecast.

Tonight's news said it might, but then they said it looks like it might stall.

:blueangel:

[BobDrye]

I went to a sporting goods store today and purchased a cold weather hat and gloves. I have a good down parka. I hope that’s enough as I do not like cold. I am feeling good about the car at this point. It has never left me setting. The biggest problem that I have had was an exhaust hanger that broke. After the realization that we are going from summer to winter this weekend, I took notice of the wind @ 70 mph in the seven. It comes from all directions except into my eyes.

If I were to make a decision tonight about driving the whole trip I would say it's a go!!!!!!!!!!

[slngsht]

Great! I plan on meeting you at the planned McDonalds stop point on I-66

[BobDrye]

Great! I plan on meeting you at the planned McDonalds stop point on I-66



There are 2 McDonalds at that exit. Are you talking about the north side of I66?

[slngsht]

There are 2 McDonalds at that exit. Are you talking about the north side of I66?

Google maps shows only one, on the south side...

Point C on this map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&q=mcdonalds&near=gainesville,+va&ie=UTF8&ll=38.79945,-77.514811&spn=0.026222,0.056992&z=14&om=1)

[slngsht]

Looks like Saturday morning's forecast has improved.

Steve, Bob, please email me your cell numbers

[slngsht]

Just talked to Scott Lentz about an hour ago. He was down at the shop picking up his car :hurray: He said there was a last minute exhaust problem they were fixing, but he should make it tomorrow. He will call and confirm tonight.

[BobDrye]

I just finished working on my seven for the night. No its not finished , but good enough to make the trip. See you at micky dee's @ 10.00.


http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/346030199_244 DL (canon pics) 012.jpg

[slngsht]

where's DA HOOD?

[BobDrye]

where's DA HOOD?

It wouldn't be ostentatious, or mean enough with a hood. Besides that what would I do with all that heat? Real "HOT RODS" don't need hoods. If that's not enough I'll post a picture of the fender less, hoodless, "chopped & channeled 33 Ford that I built in the 70's.

[stevet]

Still have not received my 'Low Flying' :mad:

But Al has kindly scanned his for me, so I should have a copy of the article on 777 to bring with tomorrow (if my printer ink doesn't run out). The good news for this little outing is that it has pics of Mazda, Scott and Bob (well, Bob's engine anyway) included. Nothing of me, though - probably just as well :d

[ottocycle]

Hello guys,
I wish I could join you. Have a fun safe trip.
Cheers,

Dermot.

[slngsht]

no worries... hopefully my vid setup will work better than it did at the dragon.

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Gentlemen, just wanted to make a quick note in case you check this in the morning before your departure.

There is a store located about 3 miles from the house with beer and general provisions. However, the closest liquor store is 22 miles away, so if you're inclined towards the hard stuff you may want to bring it with you.

Also, please be careful of gravel in the corners. WV is notorious for using rock chip instead of salt in the winter and then they grade it out in the spring as the 'shoulder'. This is a very eco-friendly way of dealing with ice and is fairly efficient in terms of road maintenance, but it can break you loose if a truck or trailer has gone through the corner a little too tight and kicked a bunch of gravel up on the blacktop. Just something to be aware of.

Lastly, amoo, please call me when you are departing Harrisonburg so I will get out of bed(:D) and know when to expect you.

Ary

[stevet]

Fantastic 2 days of blatting fellas. Great weather, roads and food (even if it did take a while to cook).

Mazda :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

I'll post some pics tomorrow.