Fall 2008 Weekend in the Smoky Mountains

And I hope I can deliver good weather again. Here are some shots from my club's run on September 10th:
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=0CVY00EO010014&po=14
You'll see my car first, followed by my neighbor's Allard and then a few classics following. When you see the bowtie Chevy truck, it's over.

I think the photographer reeeeeeally liked your car, John.

I am a new member as of a couple of hrs ago. Since then I posted a request for more info re the Tail of the Dragon Tour. I found all I needed to know on this page of the site. Now the question is, "Should I really go?". I have very much work to do but I also need some Speedster time. I plan to call the Tally Ho in about 8 hrs [it's a little late tonight]to see if any rooms are available and/or if there is alternative lodging. If I luck out in that regard I will advise the group of my plans to participate. I have to put a quick 2000 miles on the Speedster so I can put the repaired original speedometer-odometer back in place of the temporary substitute. I got the repaired original back sooner than I expected. Going on this tour will get me more than half way through the needed mileage.

I agree with the comments of one poster who said that there are a lot of civilians out there now and it can't be driven as it could 20 yrs or more earlier.......but still fun.

Cross your fingers for me.

Mike Robbins
Indpls
One owner '58 Speedster 84617

Michale.....If the Talleyho Is booked up, (not likely) there are numerous bed and breakfast outfits very close by....Townsend is a tourist based economy....You should have little trouble finding lodging....Just search via Internet.....

"Should I really go?"

Last year's run was an absolute blast, and these folks are wonderful to spend time with. Within a few minutes of meeting everyone you'll feel like you've known us all for quite a while. Please join us.

I have just reconfirmed our Friday night reservation at the Trailhead Restaurant & told them 18 folks. I will do this again next week.

Now all Hoss has to do is come through w/ the weather !

All,
I'm all set to join you guys and gals in your replicars, no malice intended, for the trip on the Dragon and Terehola. I got a room at the Talley Ho this morning. Do I need to advise anyone of evening dinners and/or any other activities for which reservations are required? Someone please let me know what else I need to do.....when to arrive in Townsend, etc. My friend, Bud Bowlby will be joining me. He rode and drove w/ me to the Speedsterfest in Monterey CA in 2004. After that event we drove through Death Valley so that I could say that my Speedster has been driven on the highest [Mount Evans CO] and lowest roads in the US.....not to mention the 48 contiguous states, Mexico and Canada.

Looking forward to meeting all of you who'll be on the tour. My 3 trips w/ the Speedster on the Dragon were back in the late 70s. Twice enroute to Road Atlanta for the SCCA Runoffs, once as part of a 1900 mile tour over Memorial Day weeekend.

I'm counting down the days.

Mike Robbins
Indpls

Glad you could join us! I will be caravanning with Tom Raymond and probably Gordon Nichols, arriving mid afternoon on the 10th (Friday). We'll just gather at the hotel, probably standing in the parking lot drinking beer and trading lies. Just show up.

As for dinner - Tom, here are two more for ya!

I'll try to have the beer iced and waiting......

Maybe I need to plan to get down to Townsend a little earlier on Friday for the dinner. I'll try to talk Sarah into it. Right.

Room for two more? I am trying to put together plans to trailer down with Sandy. I was thinking about making the drive, but I don't think that Sandy would like me much after. Questions:

1) Where do we put trailer when we get ther?

2) Can you put a car cover on after loading the car?

3) I was planning on renting a U-Haul Auto Transport. Anyone expereinced on loading this type of trailer? I do have the A-1 exhaust that hangs pretty low.

4) Dress code?

5) Tally Ho phone number or back-up places to stay.

Thanks,

Marty G.

U Haul will rob you blind, locate a single axle 6.5 x 12 ( you'll have 6" overhang front and back) with a 2,900 GVW for the cost of renting a U Haul trailer three times and you own it. ~Alan

Marty....
(1) Plenty of room for trailers....Managment friendly....

(2) Don't know, sorry.

(3) Don't know this one either.

(4) Run what you brung....Jeans/slacks/whatever....Warm clothing &
jacket advised for the run, gloves optional...

(5) Talleyho Tel No. 800-448-2465....should have rooms.
Mention the "speedstergroup".

Check with the Tally Ho, Marty. If they're full, check the Hampton Inn or the Best Western Valley View - both in Townsend. I'd look 'em up on the web for contact info.

Tom, I hope the restaurants don't mind us adding some more :-)

There is also an Econo Lodge that is right across the road from the restaurant where we are dining on Friday night. Google Townsend Tennessee and I'm pretty sure that the motels will come up or at least a link that will take you to the choices.

This is turning out to be larger than I expected. Great!
Hoss

U-Haul car carriers are low to the ground and the ramps are long and not so steep. I just loaded the SAS Creme Brule coupe on one about an hour ago. It sits pretty low. I think you will be OK.

1) Where do we put trailer when we get there?

Right next to the room parking lot - just pull it to the right on the way up to the room and park it on the grass - ask at check-in, and they'll direct you.

2) Can you put a car cover on after loading the car?

I wouldn't, because as it's flapping in the wind as you're driving along, it'll abrade (rub off) the paint on the car. Better to trailer it uncovered, with the top up and side curtains in.

3) I was planning on renting a U-Haul Auto Transport. Anyone expereinced on loading this type of trailer? I do have the A-1 exhaust that hangs pretty low.

As Charles stated above, loading onto/off-of a U-Haul is pretty easy because of the overall lowness of the trailer and ramps. VERY nice trailers, but the rental fee is pricey. A-1 exhaust hanging down shouldn't be a problem.

4) Dress code?

You're joking, right? No? OK.....Cocktail or smoking jacket (or cocktail dress for the ladies) for beers in the parking lot, then a Tux (or tails) for dinner (and we prefer a dinner dress for the ladies, rather than a ball gown - this is a National Park, after all) and since it IS after Labor Day, Black for dinner, no white, and gloves for the ladies.

Hunting or driving attire is OK for the early breakfast, as we'll be leaving straight away, and remember a slightly more formal change for Lunch at Tampoco lodge - Since it is Autumn, Tweeds would be nice, with Gabardine slacks (for both men and women). Please remember to bring appropriate, designer eye wear (Ray-Bans are optional, of course, but Gucci's or Le Coq Sportif would be nice).......

OK, OK...Just kidding.......Hawaiian shirts or Polo's (or whatever) work just about anywhere, but remember that's it's getting cool in the mountains this time of year, and lower 40's at night is to be expected. We're looking at 60's to 70's during the day - cool, but not cold. Bring several layers of clothing for the ride, just in case, and a windbreaker over all is recommended. Last year Kathy and I had insulated windbreakers over hooded sweatshirts over shirts and we were fine. Also, sun screen, sun glasses and a good hat that won't blow off at speed (we'll be riding on a divided highway returning from the Dragon to the hotel and will be running 60-70mph). I'll be bringing shorts as well as long jeans, just in case. Jeans are OK for both restaurants, but if you had Chinos or something nicer we would probably get a few points with the hostesses - doubtful, but maybe.

See all Y'all in Townsend!

Gordon
The "Speedstah Guy" from Beaufort

Gordon,

No Gucci's, Sandy wants to know if her LV or Fendi's will do. How about a Bikini? of course not white since its after Labor Day.

Marty G.

What do you find about Gordon's response funny???? That is the way we dress in Colorado............. Especially at brandings!

Happy Trails,
Dusdty and the LMS

OK here's the deal: Anyone who shows up for dinner Friday night in a tux gets his dinner paid for by the rest of us. But don't go on the drive on Saturday in your tux...........you might just hear banjo music !!!

I don't know if it's appropriate to ask this or if I should wait and be surprised.

After the Dragon's Tail, how much farther will we go on US 129? I know NC-28 is a neat road.

Just curious.

Mike Robbins

Mike, the route that has been worked out is what is called "the Dragon Loop." Included in the plan is rt. 321, Foothills Parkway, rt. 129, rt. 143 and rt. 165 to Tellico Plains. From Tellico Plains, there are options, depending on where the drivers are going. Most driving back to the Tally Ho will probably go rt. 360, rt. 411 and then rt. 321 back to Townsend.

I would invite you to suggest an alternate route for consideration for next year's run while we are in the planning stages. Thanks.

Hoss

Just checked the forecast for next weekend in Townsend:
partly cloudy, lows in the mid 50's, Highs in the mid 70's
Hoss you da man !!

Also everyone. Don't be to hard on Hoss. I heard this weekend he left his car parked at Neyland Stadium with two tickets to the TN - Alabama game on the front seat. Poor guy, someone smashed his window
...........................................................................................................and left two more...........

BWAAAHHHHHH HAAHHHHHHHHH HAAAAAHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhh...............

As the wife and I will most likely arrive first, and I owe just about everyone a brew, I'm taking a poll on the brand(s) prefered, considering Spyders have "0" cargo space....Purchases will most likely be local.....OK,OK, name your choice....

Tom, that was FUNNY!

I dunno know about owing me a brew, but I'm kinda partial to some of the Samuel Adams seasonal beers. They have a black lager that is great.

I don't remember you being in my debt either Leon, but I like Yuengling black & tan and Shiner boch. Any dark ale would also be in the running. Sarah drinks the lite 64 calorie stuff....yuck!

Sarah and I plan to arrive around 5:00 PM so we have a little time for brew and tire kicking before the dinner run.

FYI: There is a really nice gas station (BP) and grocery store on the other end of town (towards Maryville). I suggest that they may be a good source for beer and snacks. Not sure, but I think so.

Tom - THAT was a good one!! I'm gong to get some serious mileage outta that one!!

My source for Dixie VooDoo Lager has dried up (big pun there) so I'll be bringing either Sam Adams or Magic Hat. Either will do,nicely....

K and I are shooting for somewhere between 3 and 5pm at the Tally Ho - Won't know for sure until we're actually on the road. Hoping to hook up with Lane in Ashville and get lost somewhere in the Smokey Mt. Nat. Park on the way from Gatlinburg to Townsend.

If you don't hear from us, please send beer - and/or wine. And none of that Pinot Grigio stuff, either 8>(

mis-fire...

Go VOLS! They did win yesterday, even though it was a non-SEC game. The backup quarterback is now the starter and he got decent marks in the review in today's paper. Maybe the season isn't a total loss after all. We'll see.

G-dawg, Give me a call around 11:00, or so on Friday to let me know where you are. Tom and I are having lunch somewhere in downtown Asheville, after which we'll hit the road. If you're relatively close, we can wait for you.

Yuengling Lager (the green bottle)
But Leon you do not owe me anything
Gordon, Lane & I should roll in about 3 PM. I'm sure all will chip in for beer & some ice to chill down brews for later arrivals.
Hey, since Speedsters resemble upside down bathtubs, one of us offer their car as a cooler..............naw bad idea, 'cept if no carpet Hoopty was around !!

Henry's IM Kublewagens have a huge built in ice chest with drain even! Get him to send one on the tour!

Tomm

My King Ranch Pickup has three (yes, 3) coolers on board. I use one of them as a utility box full of "stuff" like bungees and tools. The other two will prob'ly have beer and wine this trip. On top of that, there are two center consoles that could each hold a couple of Jack Russells (if you could ever get them to sit still that long) plus a storage area behind the rear seats that could easily fit a small tent. The Jacks love this truck because each of them gets his or her own window to look out. Like their own little movies going on back there......

BTW: I'll be bringing the usual complement of tools, jacks, spares, duct tape, tie wraps and "Stuff", 'just in case'. All of it fits easily in the back of the truck (and doesn't affect mileage, either).

And you guys wonder why I don't just drive the Speedster to meets.....

OK, where are we...
- Car is running fine - check
- Got it all shined up - check
- List of tools, etc., ready to go - check
- Spare gas can cuz gas still short in Asheville - check

Just 48 hours from now I will be in the road toward Asheville. I love their motto: "Altitude affects attitude." So true. It's gonna be tough being productive for the next two days.

Confirmed for the Talley Ho. I am having trouble getting a tow vehicle to pull my big butt tub. Sandy (wife) would like to come too, so driving down in the tub 600 miles is probably not going to happen. Does anybody have any reservations of us coming down for the weekend in our other VW, the EOS? We can hold up the rear on the tours as not to ruin any pics. We can even take many pics of the Speedies in front.


Thanks,

Marty G.

Marty - You KNOW you wanna drive that bad-boy on the TOD!!

FWIW - I know it would be kinda extravagant, but have Sandy follow you in the EOS (with all necessary luggage, toiletries and in relative comfort) to Tally Ho, park the EOS then spend the rest of the time with both of you cruising in the Speedy. I'm guessing the cost of fuel/trailer/towing might be pretty close to driving 2 fuel efficient vehicles but not NEARLY as much fun (ask me how I know)!! I think to experience the TOD in your Speedster and the comraderie of all those SOC knuckleheads would be easily worth the cost!!

...I'm just saying!!

Mail the luggage; drive the Speedster. The company you'll keep won't give a dang what you show up in, but you'll kick yourself for decades if you don't roll the dice.
I will personally abandon my plans for the next week if you get jammed up -- I'll mount the rescue mission myself.
I took a couple extra turns last year and wound up with a 2,287-mile round trip with only a backpack and decent toolbox in a topless car. And met a great woman while I was at it!

'Course, you'll probably want to skip that last bit.