Early thoughts for Fall run in the Smokies

John Hallstrand and I had a conversation about our Fall run this year and agreed that it would be fun to do something different from the Tail of the Dragon. I mentioned the roads in the Asheville/Lake Lure area and both he and Sarah liked the idea. Sarah's comments was something on the order of wanting to make sure we included a trip to the Biltmore for those who were interested. A number of us have done the TotD for several years now, and would like a change, but we don't want to run folks off.

Think about it and let's discuss. We have plenty of time.

Biltmore would get Kim's interest. Another thought would be add in Dollywood for a day .
I have kicked this around last year and I'll put it out there again. I would consider hauling four speedters down and back on my commercial car carrier. However, I would need to cover truck expenses at whatever the fall costs would be.
A side note, did you know that Bob Morgan, the pilot of the Memphis Belle lived on the Biltmore property as he was growing up ?

...There's you history lesson for today boys and girls ...

Oh man, just the mention of the Biltmore got my right seater all excited!

HIJACK ALERT!!! HIJACK ALERT!!!!!

The very first road trip the wife and I took was to Biltmore Estates.....Left home EARLY, so we could do a quick tour.....Pulled in and was informed we had to wait 30 min. till it opened for business.....Pulled into a small side lot followed by a beautiful 58 356 coupe.....The driver gets out, walks over and hands me a bottle of windex and some paper towels and starts asking about the car.....As this is going on, several more 356 types and older, pull up and join us......It seems we had invaded a PCA gathering......There were some 300+ cars on the lawn in front of the mansion.....What a trip.....!

Yeah!!!! Let's do this..........

Sandy and I are all over that. Just do it early enough so we don

I'm sensing a trend here, I think. I wonder what it would take to get the Biltmore to allow us to group together for a photo shoot or something.

Biltmore? That's GREAT. it's about 20 minutes from here.
It's about 10 minutes west of Dundahk and a half-hour north of Ahnap'lis.
Hehehe ...

Da Spell Check buddy :)

I'm planning to do the fall trip with my middle son. I will be post-delivery of my 3rd son by then :)

Sorry Marty, Spyders only on the trailer, Speedsters weigh too much.....hehehe!

What kind of timing are we talking about? 2nd week in October (hopefully?) Would be interested if the dates work out.

NC 441 up in that neck of the woods is everything the Tail is and more, without all of the RADAR cruisers. Just my 2 cents. I've driven it and love it.

In my extraordinarily humble opinion, if you go to Ashville, NC, and do NOT stay at the Grove Park Inn, especially driving Speedsters, you folks are all nuts.

A little expensive? Well....maybe. But the place is GORGEOUS and harks back to a very classy era, believe me. And the Spa is one of the best on the East Coast (your right seaters will all appreciate that for months - think about it).

The Biltmore Estate is only about 20 minutes from the Grove Park Inn. There's also a Farmer's Market in Ashville that is worth spending an hour or two in, and the paper store downtown has Sunday newspapers from all over the World.

If it wasn't so damn cold there in the Winter, I might consider living there.........if it was on the ocean, too.......

You stay at the G.P.I., and we might come along, too.

Dollywood? Not for us, sorry...

Yeah Danny, Bring the scales to Carlisle. I wonder if my phat 356 weighs more than Bruce's did. I think he was close to 2,000 right?

I would love to stay at either the Grove Park or the Biltmore, but I will let y'all decide what is too much $$ as I have free lodging at my in-laws if I want it. I can call both and check into group rates if'n ya want. We would need to do the planning early as that is peak leaf-peeper season.

And Gordon, I would live there regardless of the winters if I could get a job. My favorite place.

Lane, I am good with either. Sandy likes the pampering stuff, but don't let her fool you. She is old school and can hang almost anywhere. Please move forward and get some group rates. Looks like a beautiful location.

Count me and Alice in. Time's a wastin' if we are planning group dinners and tours. Lane--are you going to coordinate this?

Seems like I'm elected since I did propose the idea. I will contact both places but it would probably help to have an idea of how many would be there. So far we have (and all of this I know is tentative):

- Jack and Alice C.
- Marty and Sandy G.
- John and Sarah H.
- Me and quite possibly Pam
- Tom B. and son
- Leon and Margaret C. (?)
- Gordon and Kathy N. (?)
- Cory and Teresa D. (?)

Lane.....You had to ask?????? Marion, (errr Margaret) and I wouldn't miss it for anything!!!!

Wouldn't that be "Marilyn" - as in Monroe? ;-)

CALLING TOM RAYMOND! Tom, you up for this?

OK, Gents,

I tried this a year ago by a request! I live in Lake Lure. Apparently Lane has forgotten that I had the motels set, rates established, etc. The powers at be decided the roads were too much for the passengers. And I quote, "The passengers would get sick". The roads are truly scenic and can be a real challenge to drive. I know of roads that Lane and a few others have never seen and will put the "Tail of the Dragon" to shame. Will be a true test of your driving skills.

For those that are not aware that the Grove Park Inn and the Inns owned by and located at Biltmore grounds are just $450 or so a night!

The Carolina Trophy Rally has been held here in Lake Lure for years in Mid-September. These guys pay near $5000/car to enter this rally over the last few years. The cars cover approximately 250 miles a day.The rewards are Silver. The link to read all about it is: http://www.carolinatrophy.com

Look at what you have been missing.

$450 a night in Paris (France) is one thing but not Asheville. Let's find rates like what we pay at Carlisle and Morro Bay.

I haven't forgotten Aaron, just rejuvinating an existing idea.

Yeah, $450 a night is ridiculous for most of us. I have heard that you can get a group into the Biltmore Hotel for ~$200 a night, but I haven't confirmed. That's still kinda high. As I said, I have free lodging in Asheville if I want it (but it's more fun to all stay together), but the rest of you don't so just tell me what you're looking for. Aaron's place is gorgeous, but it only has three guest rooms, so not many can stay there. It's also close to an hour from Asheville, although parts of the drive are spectacular, so that shouldn't be a problem. Anywhere in the area works for me. We're still in the formative stages, so please submit ideas. I'll come up with a plan based on what y'all want and try to get some representative rates.

Aaron, are you open to proposing your place and others in the Lake Lure area for early October?

Regarding the roads, some of them are twistier than the Dragon, while others are similar to the Cherahola Skyway. In fact, the Blue Ridge Parkway goes right through there and is one we drove on last April when Mike Lempert and I went to Aaron's place. The super-twisty sections - at least at Aaron's pace - might be too much for some folks. Aaron, can you identify some medium-twisty roads in the area that have good scenery?

So far it sounds like the things we all agree on are:

- The Asheville area is fine with everyone
- Gotta include a visit to the Biltmore
- Timeframe is the first half of October

$450 a night ?
I want a hooker,
NO ....make that TWO hookers for that price ....I'm just say'n.

Lake Lure is quite a ways from Asheville---I'd be for staying closer to Asheville with things to see and do----also for the group dinners.

Asheville is maybe 150 miles further for us than Townsend---am I close on this? I do know that there are spectacular roads around there. Plus Beau Catcher Mountain--such memories!!

I haven't done TOD yet, but if the roads are twisty count me in.

Felix, the roads in the Asheville area are certainly twisty - some beating the over-hyped TotD. Aaron, our intrepid backroad explorer took several of us on a route last April that dang near twisted our cars in half.

Jack - Yeah, it's a bit further from Townsend to Asheville, but most of the distance is interstate. No more than 2 hours, and probably less with that T4 ;-)

As for location, I think most folks will find more to do in and around Asheville, but we could make the cruise route go over toward Lake Lure and/or up the Blue Ridge toward Boone. Many, many possibilities.

Jack,

Lake Lure is ~25 miles from Asheville. Highway 74A Asheville to Bat Cave Chimney Rock is like your intestines when viewed through the eyes of the your GPS. One can see the cars coming and going above your car. I say...as you go around the curve , you can smell your own exhaust pipe.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is scenic, but the leaf looker traffic could be a problem in October. There are some GREAT roads off the Parkway. An ideal lunch stop would be at Mt. Mitchel State Park. They have a restaurant that is OK and the prices are right. More important is the large parking area. Tom Blankenship will be here at Linne `Ardan April 2. I plan on taking him in Merlot around the roads near Lake Lure. Let Tom report this venture to all on this thread.

The Biltmore entrance fee was around $50/person last year. Have to be there pretty early to get a parking place or take a bus to the house area. The tour is best utilized by burning approximately 6 to 8 hours to get you money's worth.

Ever been to the back side of Grandfather Mountain. Bring your banjos!

I'll be glad to work with this venue. I know that I can get the rooms at the Esmeralda. Last year was very embarrassing to me in a township of 1000 people. Once rooms, restaurants etc are set, you have to remember...these folks are my neighbors! The itinerary must be set before I put my reputation on the line.

Aaron---closer than I thought. What is the Esmerelda? (Motel I assume.)

Lane, count me and Jan in!

Copy that, Nolan.

Aaron, I will probably give you a call this weekend.

You too, Tom - if'n yer out there.

Keep it mid month and You can include Becky and I. Black Mountain is also a neat little town to visit. TOD is fun but the roads Aaron speaks of have intrigued me for some time . I for one anticipate an exhilarating adventure in the Asheville / Lake Lure area. Hope to see old friends and hopefully a lot of new friends. Work keeps us away at the begining and end of any month.

Richard.

Ok, we'll plan for mid-month. There are 5 Saturdays in October, so let's shoot for the 9th or the 16th - probably the latter.

I have had requests for the option of a longer stay and multiple days of driving events for those who's schedules allow. Give me some time to communicate with some folks and I'll post some ideas.

All works for us Lane you set it up we will follow your lead. If Felix is going to make the journey we will try to hook up with him as Metarie is only about 90 miles from here.
Have to see if any others from our local would be interested. Will probably come early or stay late spend a couple extra days on the back roads.

Richard

Gentlemen & Ladies, I have been traveling & I am still Speedsterless. after the events of last year, and still not having one this cars in my stable, I think it best to take a back seat toplans for 2010 & let you guys put it together. As the trip becomes more concrete, I'll see if I can certainly come fo r part or all of it. Here are a few suggesions:

Date: For Hoss, it must be an open or away weekend for Tennessee football

Biltmore: lots of fun roads w/ no lane markings (a favorite for shooting car commercials), the house, winery & two motels on site that are pricey ($200 per night & up). The house tour is approx $45 pp. There is a nice hotel just outside the Biltmore grounds on US 25

Grove park: Not $450, but certainly $300 per night & up. The Ferrari club stays there en mass every May. Food is great (4 restaurants & increbile Sunday buffet) but again pricey.

Roads: As Lane & Gordon have stated there are many, plus the Blue Ridge parkway, Grandfather 65 miles away, Pisgah forest, etc.

Summary: I have shot Asheville & its environs for the last 30 years for major magazines & papers. There is a great deal to do, see & hear, but its going to cost you (except Lane, and I live 60 minutes away). If the Talley Ho weekends in Townsend cost you say $600 in Motel & meals, Asheville is gonna run you two grand.

I look forward to hearing what you guys decide. I can certainlty help w/ restaurant & hotel choices.

Tom

Much appreciated Tom....Thanks.....Marylin says HI !

I think we can find suitable lodgings in or near Asheville that will keep the price reasonable, although probably not as low as Townsend. Our choice then is this:

1. Pay a little more and be in the Asheville/Lake Lure area at something like a Hampton Inn.
2. Pay a good bit more for something special. I will make sure this option doesn't exceed$200/night.

So that we can make intelligent choices, I will make some phone calls this week. If the higher priced option is too much, you can let me know offline. I'd rather have more friends show than sleep in a fancier bed.

Good, Even'in,

I just finished a discussion with Lane. The most important agenda to me is the driving route. One could classify the the various routes similar to the methods used in white water rafting and kayaking. 1 being a smooth one and a 4/5 rating would requiring a very high driving skill level. The selection of routes would all would be scenic. Your input to me is very important. Some routes will twist your frame, require a camber compensator, passengers may up-chug while others would be a drive along the river nearly level with calm hills, or low speed ascends and descents with curves. Please, send me your desires and ideas.

We also have available Chimney Rock Park. The entrance drive was used by the SCCA. This was a hill climb that was second only to Pike's Peak. The climb came to a halt in 1990'sdue the Park's insurance cost, environmental stuff, and of course the noise level, well, it would have been OK to me, but not to some. I have a DVD showing the the climb with sound. One can almost smell the casteroil. I any one would to view this even send me an email. The elevator that carries you to the top is a 26 story ride. The Park was featured in "Last of the Mohican's". The falls Hickory Nut Falls is very visible in the moveie.

Please go to the Carolina Cup site that I posted above for a sample of driving conditions and scenery. I plan to infiltrate the Rally just to see and travel the routes.

I'll be waiting to hear from all.

The most important agenda item to me is NOT the driving route. Maybe #4 or so. I never want to see such a "challenging" drive that the safety of our members is compromized.

To me, in order of importance:

1. Pleasant venue with attractions for the right seaters.
2. Group dinner(s) with some program and maybe even some awards.
3. Time for socializing, looking at cars and hanging out w/friends.
4. Attractive caravan route at a skill level that suits our group.
5. Reasonable distance to travel with moderate hotel/motel rates.

The T.O. D. programs Hoss put together filled the bill. Carlisle always does too, and I expect Morro Bay will as well. I'm sure if Lane honchos an Asheville area program it will be more than worthwhile. But my priorities are these.

I'm just sayin'.

That's pretty much in line with my priorities as well. So far I'm thinking a two day affair as a baseline, with options for those who want to stay longer. One day would be devoted to scenic and fun drives, perhaps up the Blue Ridge to Boone and/or Mount Mitchell. The other day would be driving events on other, perhaps more challenging routes for those that wanted it, and a trip to the Biltmore Estate for those who preferred that sort of activity.

There are also options such as Chimney Rock park just next to Lake Lure, that I think many would enjoy. The western NC area around Asheville, Lake Lure, and Black Mountain is chock full of spectacular scenery, parks, waterfalls, theaters (e.g., Flat Rock), and other options. Oh yeah - Carl Sandburge's home is in Flat Rock. That would make a nice destination. Our problem may be whittling it down to just enough to fit in a long weekend.