Recon trip to the Dragon [Archive]

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slngsht

11-02-2006, 06:43 PM

Al and I are meeting up at 5 AM in Hagerstown, MD to start the trip. As my wireless wide area network card permits, we'll post up pics, progress, and other crap as we go http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif. It's a long drive and one of us will need something to do.

slngsht

11-03-2006, 03:19 AM

solder_guy

11-03-2006, 03:25 AM

We're at Mrs Rowes in Staunton, VA... Waiting for SteveT http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/toetap05.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrinjester.gif

If he drove his Seven, we'll have to pry him from the car. It's in the low 30s

Have fun! I'm going home soon and tune some carbs ??

I've been to Staunton before. .. I think that is the location of Woodrow Wilson's birthplace.

Rob M.

slngsht

11-03-2006, 04:49 AM

Well, SteveT is DA MAN http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif

It's 30 degrees!!!

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061103_054718_IMG_1310_Small.JPG

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061103_054805_IMG_1311_Small.JPG

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061103_054844_IMG_1312_Small.JPG

We're back on the road.

stevet

11-03-2006, 05:39 AM

Thanks boys - good to see you both again. Very nice drive back - 38 by the time I got home! If you have time, stop off on the way back for one of Mrs Rowe's famous pies (I bought one for tonight). Like I need more pies! I look like the Michelin man already http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif

stevet

11-03-2006, 06:05 AM

Rob,

judging from all the Woodrow Wilson signs as you enter Staunton, I think you are right on.

Al Navarro

11-03-2006, 07:16 AM

Al here. Taking over the computer while Mazda does some time in the driver's seat. It's been a really smooth trip so far - thanks again to Steve for finding a place not far off 81 to meet us.

The foliage has really been beautiful down here in Virginia. Most of the leaves have already fallen in my part of NJ. Looking forward to arriving at the Dragon. We've already discussed a few topics in transit.

UPDATE, WITH PUMPKIN PANCAKES

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061107_072301_Pancakes.jpg<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2006-11-07 07:23:04</editDate></edited>

Arya Ebrahimi

11-03-2006, 10:24 AM

When are you guys coming back? Mazda, you realize my bday is tomorrow and you pass right by me http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/wink5.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

My parents will be in town, you should stop by and say hi, I'm about 10 mins off of 81 @ exit 118C in Virginia.

Arya

slngsht

11-03-2006, 10:29 AM

We're coming back Sunday... I'll give you a ring.

Boxologist

11-03-2006, 11:50 AM

Bill/Marcy P

11-03-2006, 12:05 PM

Hats off to Steve, but when we join you in the morning, Bill and I will not be in our Caterham. Er, I don't think so. I better ask Bill...

Safe travels, Marcy http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/wink5.gif

stevet

11-03-2006, 12:30 PM

Box'

I'm a tight fit with or without the jacket - would like to try an SV though, mainly to see how much more room there is for my feet (is there room to 'rest' your clutch foot?). Mine are size 12's BTW http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/eek6.gif

slngsht

11-03-2006, 12:58 PM

Hi ALL!!!

We're at Microtel. WHAT A TRIP!

We're short on time... Here is the cliff notes:

1- Just as we are entering the Dragon, a white Chevy Lumina is coming the other way. The lady looses it and runs off the road into the trees http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/eek6.gif We stopped and helped her out - nice welcome to the Dragon. Al has this on tape! He'll post it up.

2- About 1/3 of the way through, we ran into one of those scenes where a tractor trailer is stuck on the road.

3- If you're not haulin', be prepared to get passed by a bike or two

4- You gotta FOCUS on this road. Very tight turns with elevation changes. No guard rails in many places. It's really like an autocross with elevation changes and trees for cones. Taken at 70 - 80% pace, it will be very satisfying, while leaving room for the unexpected.

I recorded the GPS coordinates of the run. Al has video footage.

Going to go stretch a little bit, and off to dinner with the Johnsons.

BTW, this is a dry county http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/toetap05.gif

Have one for us http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cheers2.gif

slngsht

11-03-2006, 01:00 PM

c'mon, put some names with those faces! i can sorta guess who steveT is and Al is a pinoy...

seeing steeve stuffed in there in the winter jacket makes me glad i have an SV. its not so bad trying to fit when wearing my heavier jackets.

I'm on the left in the first picture.

Michelin man is Steve http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif

Al is on the right in the 2nd pic

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cheers2.gif

stevet

11-03-2006, 02:21 PM

Sounds good boys.

Looks like I'll be driving down afterall - the beer fridge will be on the trailer http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

Al Navarro

11-03-2006, 06:25 PM

Just the first of a few YouTube clips. The crash (not ours, thankfully).

FWIW, the only reason you'll hear me debating whether to stop or not is because there really isn't a shoulder and the accident happened right after a turn. As you'll see, we stopped and even gave the driver a ride back to her house (unlike the truck in front of us, who was giving the poor girl a lecture by the time I got to the scene).

I can't embed YouTube vids in forum posts, alas. So here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyBD4P2-ZLo

Revised link for better quality (I hope).

Also, a pic of the car in the woods. She was lucky.

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_201200_Femme_Accident.jpg<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2006-11-04 20:12:24</editDate></edited>

Al Navarro

11-03-2006, 07:43 PM

Alright, the non-accident video is giving me issues on the upload now so I may as well give my first impressions of the Dragon.

I happened to be driving the leg of the trip that took us over the Dragon and into Robbinsville, NC — where I'm writing this from our hotel (how many Microtels have a Porsche GT3 parked out front?). And after getting over the shock of seeing an accident within minutes of getting here, we settled into a good rhythm after a Suburban pulled over to let us through.

Mazda did his best Nicky Grist routine via the GPS mapping his laptop (he'd call out left or right, with notes on how tight each turn was) while I merely held on for dear life. Without giving you too many blow-by-blows, here's what I think so far:

• First, we were right to pick this location for a meet. It's beautiful and not overly commercialized (yet) and the roads (the Dragon is only one of many) are simply built for Sevens.

• Speaking of which, I really missed my Seven on this drive. The TT occassionally got bungled up in the wrong gear or wrong part of its powerband (not driver error, of course!). I know the Seven would not only corner harder, but also be able to explode out of turns. Not to mention handle the many transitions on the Dragon with aplomb.

• At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Sevens are built for roads like the Dragon and its neighbors. I am confident that the bikers/locals will be impressed and that our group will represent the LSiS concept well.

• It's really easy to be tempted to go over the double yellow. Don't. The sport bikes are counting on you.

• The Dragon is almost too twisty...throwing to many curves at you in too short a time. I actually got nausea — AND I WAS DRIVING!!! I have to say I prefer other roads in the area already, including the one over to Ron and Nancy Johnson's house.

The Johnsons had Mazda and I over for dinner — we got to see a preview copy of their 4th Edition of their Dragon video. Really good stuff. The food was amazing too. And of course, our hosts were great. They shared lots of great ideas and caveats with Mazda and I. WIth luck, they'll be able to speak at one of our group events next July. THANK YOU RON AND NANCY!

More when I have the energy. Must get some sleep before we drive Cherohala Skyway tomorrow.

<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2006-11-04 12:39:10</editDate></edited>

slngsht

11-04-2006, 02:10 AM

Ron and Nancy Johnson are amazing people. I was really impressed by their personalities, their stories, hospitality, etc...

I wish I had the Frankn7 here http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/banghead.gif

slngsht

11-04-2006, 02:25 AM

it's almost 6:30 and we're off to meet up with Bill and Marcy http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/seeya.gif

slngsht

11-04-2006, 11:27 AM

Wow... what a fantastic day.

Met up with Bill and Marcy today. Drove up and down the Dragon and the Cherohala skyway at a very relaxing leisurely pace.

Met with the owners of Tapoco Lodge. It is a fantastic setup. If you got one of the cabins, you'll have a car port too. Tapoco will do very nicely for our get-together.

Tomorrow morning we'll be leaving early. We plan to stop by Fontana, and the autocross lot before heading out.

Steve T. You have a nice room and a car port http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif

slngsht

11-04-2006, 11:55 AM

Some pics from today

It was 28 degrees at 6:30 AM

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/temp/20061104_124223_IMG_1327_Small.JPG

Some views from the Cherohala:

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/temp/20061104_124302_IMG_1330_Small.JPG

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/temp/20061104_124319_IMG_1332_Small.JPG

Breakfast with Bill and Marcy:

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/temp/20061104_124407_STA_1335_Small.JPG

Marcy, Bill, Mazda and Al at a Cherohala overlook:

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_124549_IMG_1338_Small.JPG

Typical car port setup (this is Steve's room)

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_125212_IMG_1354_Small.JPG

View from our room

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_125333_IMG_1351_Small.JPG

A shot of the Mini club group pic (the cars were actually parked in a circle http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/coolgleamA.gif ):

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_125407_IMG_1349_Small.JPG

The theater at Tapoco:

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_125501_IMG_1347_Small.JPG

Al Navarro

11-04-2006, 12:41 PM

Today was our real "work" day down here, where we had a lot of ground to cover, literally and figuratively. Gosh, where to start...

For starters, I woke up this morning at 5:30 with a pounding headache. Since I only drink non-alcoholic "near beer" (2 last night with dinner) these days, I guess I had a "near-hangover". It must be the lack of sleep.

We started the day with a drive over the Cherohala Skyway to rendezvous with Marcy and Bill P, two Seveners from nearby Knoxville.   We had breakfast at a little gas station/food place in Tellico Plains, which is at the other end of the Skyway from Robbinsville. Marcy and Bill are such great people, very warm — and of course, with their share of funny Seven stories (have we all run out of gas at sometime or another?).

Marcy had early on volunteered to be our local presence and that will prove invaluable as planning and organizing continues. Thanks again Marcy and Bill!

After breakfast, we drove back on the Skyway, which is much more of my kind of road compared to the Dragon. Longer faster sweepers and INCREDIBLE VIEWS. Mazda couldn't help himself from verbally identifying just how much faster we might (might) be able to take various corners and straights in Sevens. As the driver at the time, it was very amusing for me.

We continued to Deal's Gap, where we stopped at the motorcycle hotel there, formerly known as "The Crossroads of Time" for bathrooms and a quick snack. We ran into the Porsches from Pelican Parts and another PCA chapter and chatted up our own meet. We planned to make one run at the Dragon, then hustle back to Tapoco for our meeting.

This time, I let Mazda drive. My car. And I'll go ahead and say that it was both a fun and scary experience. Mazda is a great driver, by the way (those numerous auto-xs are serving him well)...he can heel toe with the best. Unfortunately, I think there were a few "technical errors" with the video on that run that render it unable to upload to YouTube, Mazda.   http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/wink5.gif LMAO, another story we can save that for 7-7-7 roundtable! Let's just say you can call me the "human accelerometer".

I think Mazda is posting the pix, and I'm doing the vids, so look for posts from Mazda for pix.

My initial and lasting impression is that the Tapoco Lodge is PERFECT for our needs. We can park lots of cars there, in the main lot and also up the access road to the cabins and quonset hut/theater. We were able to ask the owners lots of questions and get a lot of guidance on how we want to structure meals and meets and menus.

Right now, we're thinking about having 3 official group meals...Friday Dinner (burgers and portable foods so you can walk around and check cars out), Saturday buffet breakfast (including eggs and such), then Saturday dinner again (perhaps a pig roast, so it's more festive). For Sat lunch and Sunday meals, you're on your own (some folks are leaving early Sunday anyhow).

We're still discussing how to bill registrants for the meals — I personally prefer to not have to shell out for every little thing, instead paying a flat rate that includes all the stuff, including gratuties, etc. I don't know about the rest of you, but I want to just enjoy the time with everyone and not have to keep reaching for my wallet. Please post your thoughts on this matter over on the official meet thread:

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=137

Another idea that came up on the visit was the notion of having movie screenings at night in their large quonset hut, a large building with vaulted ceiling that seats up to 150. Stuff like "The Prisoner", "Rendezvous", "Le Mans", "Grand Prix", etc.

(I'm working on getting better quality YouTube vids, btw. Have patience.)

Tonight we have dinner with Darryl "Killboy" Cannon, the dean of Dragon photographers.

<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2006-11-04 13:53:06</editDate></edited>

stevet

11-04-2006, 01:38 PM

What is that parked in 'my' car port - The beginnings of a mobile bar perhaps? Not that I'm worried about this dry county thing you understand... http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cheers2.gif

Al Navarro

11-04-2006, 02:06 PM

Steve-I am looking at the available libations list now. They have a Stag's Leap Cab at the top of the list (pricey though!). FYI, despite it being a dry county, through some loophole that has to do with having a tennis court (I kid you not), they can sell beer and wine. If you need anything harder, you'll have to bring it in. I can see a real use for a little armagnac in the wee hours, served out of your "mobile" bar, of course.

Bill/Marcy P

11-04-2006, 03:49 PM

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/hurray.gif We had a great time with you today, Al and Mazda, although I hold Mazda directly responsible for upsetting my delicate constitution...

Not really! Bill didn't have to follow you up the dragon so fast, now, did he? Seriously, it is far more fun riding in the Caterham than the RX-8. Even as a passenger one doesn't get thrown around nearly as much, nor feel the effects of motion sickness.

Oh, Al, you forgot to post the photo of your breakfast, true Southern style, at the Cherohala Market. I'd post mine if I could figure out how to insert it.

The meet on 7/07/07 is going to be great. Bill and I look forward to hosting you in our home anytime either of you return to the Bible belt right here in God's country. Have a safe drive home tomorrow. And thank your families for sharing you with other Seveners.

Marcy

slngsht

11-04-2006, 04:27 PM

Bill didn't have to follow you up the dragon so fast, now, did he?

I'm hoping Bill had BIG smile deep down inside http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif

REALLY enjoyed spending time with both of you today... This is the best part of Seven ownership.

I'll see if we can arrange a trip around April (kids' spring break) to come visit you guys (and SteveT).

We'll have the minivan next time. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

slngsht

11-04-2006, 04:43 PM

One more pic by Marcy

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_174228_Breakfast2.jpg

There are a couple of pics of Al's breakfast... I'm not sure if I can explain them, so I'll leave it to him to post if he wants to.

Al Navarro

11-04-2006, 05:23 PM

My Saturday breakfast.

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_182312_Breakfast.jpg

Al Navarro

11-04-2006, 05:34 PM

Tonight, we had dinner with Darryl and Lori Cannon, Mr. and Mrs. "Killboy". They run the premier Deal's Gap photography outfit: killboy.com.

There must be something in the water down here, because like everyone else we've met from the area, the Cannons were great. Hopefully, we can get them to take our group shot and also just hang out at some of our events when they're not shooting on the Dragon. Lets try to rustle up a guest drive for them if we can. THANKS DARRYL and LORI!

Here's a certain EVO that you really shouldn't mess with.

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_183456_Killboy.jpg

Al Navarro

11-04-2006, 05:41 PM

Okay, here's a link to "what I could recover, with much effort" from Mazda's sprint up the D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SK39-VsCXOg

slngsht

11-04-2006, 05:54 PM

It's as slow as I thought I was driving

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/leaving.gif

Camera setup works pretty well.

BTW, a few notes on driving the dragon:

First, Al is the man for handing me the keys http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/thumbsup.gif

The Audi TT is a great introductory car to the dragon.

It's very stable, and powering out of corners, the AWD really plants the car, so there is no conern about any funny business with the tail stepping out, etc... With a RWD car, there is really not much room for mistake if you overpower out of a corner and get crossed up.

Most corners are 2nd gear (at least with this car). If you have a high revving low torque engine, be prepared to play with the shifter alot - it was alot of fun.

You gotta save a little of the car's capability for the unexpected, as there are other cars and bikes on the road. We ran up and down the dragon 3 times, and only once saw a group that I felt were driving dangerously. My definition of dangerous is if you're taking your normal line, and the car is squeeling, getting wide, or you're crossing the yellow line. That leaves no room for the unexpected.

There is at least one spot (Thanks Bill for mentioning it to me) that some of the Sevens may have a clearance issue. The road goes from a heavily banked sharp 90 degree right to a heavily banked sharp 90 degree left. In between those two, you have to creast the curve, and the proper line through the corner may make something in the middle of the car drag.

Occasionally there might be a little bit of gravel kicked up on the road from someone dropping a wheel off, but we didn't really find that to be a problem. probably more of a concern for bikes.

There are a few guys on this board who have driven this road on their Sevens, hopefully they'll chime in.<edited><editID>slngsht</editID><editDate>2006-11-04 19:19:21</editDate></edited>

Al Navarro

11-04-2006, 07:23 PM

Last post before I get some rest...

A few assorted pix.

The TT doesn't have the biggest trunk. So I told Mazda to pack light. The Orange bag, the grey bag, and the box full of stuff are mine.

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_201953_Pack_Light.jpg

I may not be as fast or brave a driver as Mazda, but I must smooth enough...

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_202217_Sleepy.jpg

Believe it or not, Nancy Johnson (tailofthedragon.com) has a Seven. Like my Superlight, it's got lots of carbon bits.

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_202327_Marque_Inclusiv.jpg<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2006-11-04 20:24:23</editDate></edited>

slngsht

11-04-2006, 07:26 PM

I may not be as fast or brave a driver as Mazda, but I must smooth enough...

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061104_202217_Sleepy.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/toetap05.gif

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif

Arya Ebrahimi

11-04-2006, 10:54 PM

slngsht

11-05-2006, 01:01 AM

Looks like a ton of fun.

Any particular reason you didn't take the 'vette?

BTW, Mazda, do you have an open seat for the event?? I wouldn't mind going if work permits http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/yesnod.gif

You can come as part of my family http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

Just let me know if you can make it, so I can pay for the food and registration fees.

slngsht

11-05-2006, 01:08 AM

slngsht

11-05-2006, 01:48 AM

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/sleep.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/yawn.gif Somebody has a freaking hound dog in their room http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cuss.gif

slngsht

11-05-2006, 02:12 AM

Any particular reason you didn't take the 'vette?

Al organized this trip and wanted to bring his car. Good thing too... I don't think he would've liked being a passenger in that car on the dragon. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

Arya Ebrahimi

11-05-2006, 07:15 AM

[QUOTE=Arya Ebrahimi]

You can come as part of my family http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

On the other hand, if you plan to come with Erica, getting a separate room is probably a good idea http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/rofl.gif

Actually, we are going to be looking for an official tool truck to help any stranded cars, so if you're interested in that role, that'd be good.

Assuming I can get off work, I would love to fill that roll. As we all know it seems I like working on my cars more than driving them lately http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/ack2.gif http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

slngsht

11-05-2006, 07:35 AM

Autocross update:

We visited the highschool lot that TN valley SCCA recommended. As they said, the pavement is a little rough.

KillBoy recommended we go to 411 Motor Speedway. They had a nice setup with a 1/8 mile drag strip, circle track with infield roads. The Porsche club was seting up their autocross there.

Tn talking with the Porsche club guys, it seems like the best place is a new concrete driver training facility for the Knoxville PD. Bill and Marcy are looking into this...

We're on the trek back home now.

stevet

11-05-2006, 09:34 AM

Al,

The waitress from Mrs Rowe's wants to know why you haven't posted your Scapple photo...

stevet

11-05-2006, 09:36 AM

That should read Scrapple - which is right up there with sausage gravy in the breakfast foods not to eat before driving the dragon http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

xflow7

11-05-2006, 09:53 AM

Mmmmm.....scrapple. Man, do I have a craving all of a sudden!

Great report, guys. I'm enjoying reading and watching.   http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

powderbrake

11-05-2006, 11:28 AM

Great report, thanks Mazda and Al, for putting in the time and making the scouting trip. It surely has whet my appetite for the TOTD.

I wish I could have made it, but I had to make a choice between my daughter's wedding Friday night, and a run with you to the TOTD. I made my choice, but my wife suggested strongly that I stay home for the wedding... http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

Did you guys get to the Fontana? I was wondering how it looked?

slngsht

11-05-2006, 12:56 PM

Jerry, we drove to Fontana, but did not go to the lodge itself. The area looks fantastic. Running river, dam, and winding roads. You won't be disappointed. We have some more pics that we will post from the Fontana area.

slngsht

11-05-2006, 12:57 PM

There is about a 30-40 minute drive between Fontana and Tapoco. Robinsville is a little closer, but you'll be parked near the main drag.

slngsht

11-05-2006, 01:01 PM

Al,

The waitress from Mrs Rowe's wants to know why you haven't posted your Scapple photo...

Al says the picture is posted in his blog at >http://www.gardenstatesevens.org/wordpress (http://www.gardenstatesevens.org/wordpress)

We're 150 miles South of Winchester VA now... I should make it home around 8:30

Al will be home around 11:30.

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/seeya.gif

slngsht

11-05-2006, 01:08 PM

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061105_140705_IMG_1306_Small.JPG

The rest of the pics are on my camera, which is in the trunk... will get those later tonight or tomorrow.

Arya Ebrahimi

11-05-2006, 01:47 PM

Al/Mazda, thanks for stopping to visit.

Al, it was nice to meet you. It's always fun to just chat with another car guy.

I really hope I will be able to make the trip in July, as I think it will be a fantastic time for all.

BTW, as far as meal payment. At every 4x4 rally I've ever been involved with, they charged a flat rate, if you made it to the meals, great, if not, too bad. It really encourages you to be a part of the group as well as greatly reduces the headaches for those in the administrative roll.

Ary

slngsht

11-05-2006, 05:27 PM

It's good to be home after three 12 hour car days http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/hurray.gif. Al still has a few more hours to go.

Al Navarro

11-05-2006, 07:38 PM

74 hours later (32.5 of which were spent in the car!)...I'm home.

I wish I weren't so tired, because there's so much I want to write about the area, the event, and our trip. I'll try to work on that by Tues.

Thanks again to Forum members Steve, Bill, and Marcy — esp. Marcy for being a voice of reason among all the men. And especially to Mazda, for everything.

Good night.<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2006-11-07 06:25:03</editDate></edited>

stevet

11-06-2006, 07:04 AM

Great job guys. Get some sleep http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/sleep.gif

slngsht

11-06-2006, 09:32 AM

One last post on the trip...

I think both Al and I mentioned "do not cross the double yellows". Here are some offenders, and the pursuing war of words:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-9/1217262/img_0011.jpg

Comments on Killboy:

[quote]

26 Comments:

Jeff said...

Okay, I'll start the message stream...

You idiots! Assuming that you are still alive to see this week's low lights, it is my prayer that you are so embarrassed by your public display of bad judgement that you will stay home until you have had your car repainted AND you have learned that sharing the road / staying on your side is the only way to enjoy the Dragon!

Wed Nov 01, 09:09:41 AM 2006   

mtncrvr said...

Heh all that $ and I guess it didn't come with a driving manual lol.

Wed Nov 01, 09:55:53 AM 2006   

jim plentyhorse said...

Dealer Plates and Fox Valley Motor Car sponsorship stickers. Hmmm.

http://foxvalleymotorcars.com/

Maybe the good people at Fox Valley need some driving lessons?

Wed Nov 01, 10:39:21 AM 2006   

blackGSR said...

Yuppys. As a previous winner of "worst driver of the week award" I would also like to point out that these guys boxed me and my buddy in at the gas station and I had to pull a 9 point turn to get out. (Important to note that the parking lot was in no way full, plenty of room.) All the while the lotus drivers had their noses up in the air watching to make sure I didnt dent their sweet rides. Kind of rude I guess. Kind of what I expect from someone who is better then me...

Wed Nov 01, 02:03:05 PM 2006   

Chris Watson said...

Don't loop all Elise/Exige owners into this same group, I was at the dragon earlier this year (last weekend of February / first weekend of March) with my new Elise and two friends with their Elise' and we paid extra attention to respecting the yellow lines. Hell, our cars were even part of Killboy's new look (the green/yellow/orange cars in the banner) when it debuted. You can see some photos from that trip HERE.

I almost attended this event but ended up going to the beach instead (needed a real vacation), now I'm kinda glad that I didn't go.

Wed Nov 01, 05:02:59 PM 2006   

PopeJennPaul said...

Ditto on what Chris Watson said. Not all Lotus owners are like this. This is as embarassing and angering to us as it is to anyone else.

As far as "holding our noses high in the air", that's also not a common Lotus owner trait.

PS, Lotus Elises don't "dent" they crack. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

Wed Nov 01, 06:23:09 PM 2006   

MotoMinx said...

Y'all need to check out the threads on www.elisetalk.com. There are three threads where this is being discussed and it's good reading!

It's also obvious that the asshats in these photos are not the norm when it comes to Elise drivers. Most of them are courteous, responsible and mature.

Wed Nov 01, 07:30:09 PM 2006   

FranklinMint said...

Christ. Check out this tool:

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=522602#post522602

"Dont bother Mick they wernt there, they dont know, but their gonna rail against us just for something to do, we all know we were fine, safe, and simply refused to let two stupid lines of paint dictate what piece of the roadway surface we could safley use at the time. It's funny that our own turn on us at the drop of a hat from the complaint of some idiot two wheeler and a couple of .00002 second close in photos."

Wed Nov 01, 11:49:58 PM 2006   

Darryl Cannon aka "killboy" said...

Some people just can't be reached.

It's a shame it always turns into some "Us vs. Them" argument, no matter who it is. They can't see that we're all out there for the same reason, and a little internet criticism is getting off EASY for the severity of this type of action. It's practically attempted murder...oh golly, you got called out on a w

Al Navarro

11-07-2006, 06:18 AM

CHEROHALA SKYWAY PREVIEW

I'll be putting up a few more posts on this thread this week, before switching any comments/info posts to the main 7-7-7 thread in the EVENTS section.

First, a link to a YouTube montage from the Cherohala Skyway. For those of you who've driven Skyline Drive in Shenandoah NP, the Skyway is similar...perhaps a tad more open.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kui5xLYn7N8

Al Navarro

11-07-2006, 06:35 AM

TAPOCO LODGE PREVIEW

As part of our trip, we visited our primary host hotel: Tapoco Lodge The Codys (Dirk and Marsha) were very nice and full of great advice/info. Since they've hosted several groups much larger than ours, they know what works and what doesn't.

If we cap things at 77.7 LSiS vehicles, I'm not that worried about parking, since the access road is wide enough to park and still have a thoroughfare. I can see cars filling the main lot, then starting to head up the hill via the access road.

This vid includes footage of the main lot and lodge, the access road, one cabin, and some of the grounds. Note that a few of the cabins have sizeable parking areas, and I could see various sub groups hosting smaller gatherings — not to "balkanize", but more to bond/represent...for example, the Texas folks may want to have a pre or post dinner or during the "car show" cocktail hour. Or the original Skyline folks might sponsor a lunch on Sat for our family and friends. Just some thoughts.

Oh, and it might be very funny to have a shuffleboard or horseshoe bracket/round robin avaiable to foster mixing and meeting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoBHsyzj__0<edited><editID>Al Navarro</editID><editDate>2006-11-07 10:03:43</editDate></edited>

solder_guy

11-07-2006, 01:00 PM

Mazda, Al and all:

Thanks for all your efforts to organize this great event.

This report of driving on the wrong side of the road (straightening a great road) is inexcusable. Obvoiusly they got the appropriate chewing out on the i-net.

Rob Mitchell

(ride between the lines)

Arya Ebrahimi

11-07-2006, 01:31 PM

Man, I saw the pic above about crossing the double line and was trying to figure out what the big deal is. I mean hell, he's only a tire width's distance over the line. If the bikers are gonna get that upset over it, then oh well.

Then I realized about halfway through reading the Lotus thread that they are on the complete other side of the road. For some reason I saw Lotus's and though of left hand lane driving DOH!

After some brief discussions with Mazda and Al, it looks like I'm in the running for the "official chase truck" title, assuming my work schedule pans out.

I'm really excited about this opportunity as it will be my first significant experience with a car based enthusiast event. All of my previous experience has been around 4x4 rally's, although I suspect the good natured community atmosphere will be the same. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

slngsht

11-07-2006, 02:44 PM

slngsht

11-07-2006, 02:47 PM

After some brief discussions with Mazda and Al, it looks like I'm in the running for the "official chase truck" title, assuming my work schedule pans out.

I'm really excited about this opportunity as it will be my first significant experience with a car based enthusiast event. All of my previous experience has been around 4x4 rally's, although I suspect the good natured community atmosphere will be the same. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

We're way more "good natured" http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrinjester.gif

Hopefully your schedule will work out. Seven owners are very friendly with their tool truck support guys http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/rofl.gif

Arya Ebrahimi

11-07-2006, 05:42 PM

slngsht

11-07-2006, 06:17 PM

So all my fuel, meals, and incidentals will be covered? Is that what you're telling me? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

BTW, assuming someone is willing to put up their trailer(hopefully w/ a winch on the front) I can play tow truck too.

Also, what is your expected attendance?

So far, 74... you can find that from the link off the home page >http://www.usa7s.com/forum/eventregistration/index.aspx (http://www.usa7s.com/forum/eventregistration/index.aspx)

I'll pay for your meal... I have to take a loan out for your gas money if you bring the cruiser http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

locostv8

11-07-2006, 09:12 PM

Hopefully my tow/recovery vehicle will be done by then but you would have to take out an even larger loan to get it there.

http://wrangler.rutgers.edu/gallery/d/33676-2/Re-exposure+of+DSC00025.JPG

Jeep BJ 4wd 460 M12000 winches & receivers front & rear.

Al Navarro

11-08-2006, 05:38 AM

Folks-an FYI that I will be uploading a full run of the Dragon at my pokey pace (includes stopping for truck across road and pulling over to let some Vettes and bikes through...more on that later) today or tomorrow.

Since it's from Tabcat Bridge to Tapoco It's a bit long (plus I drive slow!), so I'll need to chop it up into smaller parts. I watched a bit of it this AM and got seasick.-Al

Al Navarro

11-08-2006, 01:43 PM

FULL DRAGON RUN VIDEO

In 5 parts. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/willy_nilly.gif

No sound, but all you're missing is Mazda and I talking about cars and corners.

PART 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4-a9t5Jd8Q

PART 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np6slCqP6hM

PART 3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IXKP9RNK08

PART 4:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edBiQ-u-ecA

PART 5:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn3sjBkAhc4

Al Navarro

11-09-2006, 06:36 AM

A last post here before I switch over to the TotD thread in the EVENTS section.

My business partner, upon viewing the videos above, said something like "It doesn't look very curvy, you should speed it up." Sometimes, he's right.

Warning. If you are prone to seasickness, you may not want to watch it. No, I'm not kidding.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mWEKGejHDM