Sweet! Looking forward to meeting you, Barry.
Route posted as "Run to the Top of the Blue Ridge Parkway". The Diamondback Loop is at the option of the SOC drivers and should consult your 2nd seater. Why? The route is very curvy with hairpins, switchbacks, elevation changes and NO GUARDRAILS. Just saying...It is up to you! Remember that the temperature will be 10-15 degrees lower at elevations along the route. Dress with layers or what you think will be comfortable. Weather Report later...Wednesday night 32F at AVL and 29F at Mt. Mitchell.
Ziggy will be arriving at Linne `Ardan Thursday night.
Lane, are you passing through Lake Lure? All SOCs are welcome as long as I have room. Please let me know ASAP.
See all at the hotel Friday afternoon.
Ziggy will be arriving at Linne `Ardan Thursday night.
Lane, are you passing through Lake Lure? All SOCs are welcome as long as I have room. Please let me know ASAP.
See all at the hotel Friday afternoon.
Aaron, I will probably bypass Lake Lure and head straight up I-26 to Arden so I can spend some time with my inlaws. I'll let you know if I have some free time to swing by. Kinda depends on how early of a start I get on Thursday. Remind me - How long does it take to get to your place off of I-26, and what is the best route from the south? I might be able to get by for lunch.
Aaron, how far is the diamond back loop from the hotel? Maybe we can run sans spouses if it does not take too long. Just an idea.
Looks like it's too far for a quick jaunt. If we can't make it this year we could consider it as a destination, perhaps even a place to stay, next year. Nice to have options.
Got the car detailed today and it's right purty, if'n I do say so myse'f. Knock wood, the carbs seem much better, and I am looking forward to the trek up there on Thursday.
Oh yeah, I just checked the weather. Other than a 30% chance of showers on Thursday it looks absolutely perfect. Clear and sunny with highs around 70 (in Asheville) and lows in the mid/upper 40's. Of course it WILL be cooler up at altitude, and we are going up to near 7000 ft., so bring a jacket.
Got the car detailed today and it's right purty, if'n I do say so myse'f. Knock wood, the carbs seem much better, and I am looking forward to the trek up there on Thursday.
Oh yeah, I just checked the weather. Other than a 30% chance of showers on Thursday it looks absolutely perfect. Clear and sunny with highs around 70 (in Asheville) and lows in the mid/upper 40's. Of course it WILL be cooler up at altitude, and we are going up to near 7000 ft., so bring a jacket.
No gathering room available at the Hilton as apparently they're all reserved for a bar mitzvah that weekend, and have been for a year. The Hilton folks were very apologetic, but couldn't help us. They supposedly have a nice bar and we are encouraged to gather there.
UPDATE: We are set up for ~10 people at Chelsea's at 11:30 Friday. Yumm!
Playing phone tag with Renee at the Biltmore for Sunday's tickets and photo shoot. She's "it" at the moment.
UPDATE: We are set up for ~10 people at Chelsea's at 11:30 Friday. Yumm!
Playing phone tag with Renee at the Biltmore for Sunday's tickets and photo shoot. She's "it" at the moment.
Marty,
The Diamondback Loop starts at NC 80 It's about 50/60 miles from were we will enter on to the Parkway at US 25 in Asheville. If time is of the essence, you are looking at over a 100 mile trip one way.
The Diamondback Loop starts at NC 80 It's about 50/60 miles from were we will enter on to the Parkway at US 25 in Asheville. If time is of the essence, you are looking at over a 100 mile trip one way.
Ok, I got in touch with Renee at the Biltmore and we have two options:
1. We arrive at the gate at 7:30 (7:45 at the latest) to make it to the mansion and set up before the gates open to the public at 8:30. This will allow us to get a photo shoot in front of the mansion, BUT it comes at a cost. Because there are a lot of preparations going on every morning at that time, they require a person to come in to manage logistics. That costs $100. Split between the 10 (or so) cars, that's $10 per car. Not too bad. We then get preferential parking up by the mansion next to the retaining wall.
2. Arrive as a group a bit later (say 8:30 or 9:00) and have reserved preferential parking as stated above. There is no cost for this if we arrange ahead of time, but we won't be able to take pictures with the mansion in the background behind the cars as daily traffic (buses, etc.) will be passing through the area.
Either of these is a significant advantage over parking in the lot and taking the shuttle to the mansion. Please provide feedback ASAP so that I can let her know tomorrow morning which option we want.
As for tickets, I have arranged a group discount of $40 per person as opposed to the normal $60. Not cheap, but I'll take a $20 discount any day. It's worth it, particularly if you've never been there, as it covers the mansion, the grounds, the winery (free wine!), the gardens, etc.
Gonna be fun, folks!
1. We arrive at the gate at 7:30 (7:45 at the latest) to make it to the mansion and set up before the gates open to the public at 8:30. This will allow us to get a photo shoot in front of the mansion, BUT it comes at a cost. Because there are a lot of preparations going on every morning at that time, they require a person to come in to manage logistics. That costs $100. Split between the 10 (or so) cars, that's $10 per car. Not too bad. We then get preferential parking up by the mansion next to the retaining wall.
2. Arrive as a group a bit later (say 8:30 or 9:00) and have reserved preferential parking as stated above. There is no cost for this if we arrange ahead of time, but we won't be able to take pictures with the mansion in the background behind the cars as daily traffic (buses, etc.) will be passing through the area.
Either of these is a significant advantage over parking in the lot and taking the shuttle to the mansion. Please provide feedback ASAP so that I can let her know tomorrow morning which option we want.
As for tickets, I have arranged a group discount of $40 per person as opposed to the normal $60. Not cheap, but I'll take a $20 discount any day. It's worth it, particularly if you've never been there, as it covers the mansion, the grounds, the winery (free wine!), the gardens, etc.
Gonna be fun, folks!
10.00 cool with me Lane.
Lane--you'e breakin' my heart. I hate I'm missing this event.
Just an Outlander here wishing you guys a really good run, decent weather (last year, you paid your weather dues, as I hear it) and a safe journey. The Biltmore tour sounds pretty grand even if a bit uppity for a such a bunch of gritty Speedster owners -- but hey, I 'spose y'all can act civilized at least for a few hours. Except for Lane, so I hope someone can keep a tight rein on him. And, you'll be hard pressed to top this year's Pumpkin Run III, at least weatherwise. Alan and Wild Bill apparently talked to the right person, and got that all arranged perfectly. You should do as well.
Wish this was all a bit closer to hand, as I would enjoy the chance to see this part of the country and all you good Southern Gentlemen (?). It will happen, one of these years . . .
Wish this was all a bit closer to hand, as I would enjoy the chance to see this part of the country and all you good Southern Gentlemen (?). It will happen, one of these years . . .
Count us in!, already figured it'd be about $40 entry to the Builtmore. Compared to Disney World it's a bargain.
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I keep invitin' y'all, and y'all keep sayin' no! Somethin' about a long drive for a weekend. Now it's turned out to be a three-day gathering like Carlisle, and the distance is the same coming down as it is going up, so you have no excuses. Shall I go ahead and make reservations for you all next year? ;-)
Seriously, we could easily have three full days of activities in the mountains, so consider a caravan next year. The drive is a bit long, but that's part of the fun. We always enjoy the mini-gatherings in Christiansburg before and after Carlisle. You COULD do it in one long day if you wanted.
Seriously, we could easily have three full days of activities in the mountains, so consider a caravan next year. The drive is a bit long, but that's part of the fun. We always enjoy the mini-gatherings in Christiansburg before and after Carlisle. You COULD do it in one long day if you wanted.
Errrrrr.....Did Lane say something about FREE WINE!!!!!!!?
Leon, I am told that it does not matter because Lane always buys!!!
Oh yeah, hold your breath for THAT, Charles ;-)
The $10 fee for the photo-op is fine w/ me. I will probably head home after the picture. I have toured Biltmore many times & did an extensive shoot there for the NY Times in '85.
Everyone should enjoy the tour, right down to Napolean's chess set & the FIRST pull toilet ever installed in the US. 100 servents & only THREE residents. The movies Being There, Richie Rich & Last of the Mohicans were shot in part at Biltmore. The 24 miles of unmarked roads (they used to be) was a fav' for car commercials.
Everyone should enjoy the tour, right down to Napolean's chess set & the FIRST pull toilet ever installed in the US. 100 servents & only THREE residents. The movies Being There, Richie Rich & Last of the Mohicans were shot in part at Biltmore. The 24 miles of unmarked roads (they used to be) was a fav' for car commercials.
Unfortunately, Tom, you'd still have to pay the $40 to get up to the mansion. Are you ok with that?
BBBWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...........
Sure
Sure
While I haven't heard back from everyone, what I have heard is in favor of the early rise and photo-op. That's what I'll tell Renee at the Biltmore.
********* IMPORTANT UPDATE! *********
Ok, it's all set up. The group ticket sales office doesn't open until 8:30, so y'all will need to get your tickets Friday or Saturday so that we can do the early arrival necessary. Be sure to mention that you are with the "Speedster Owners Club". If you don't pick up your tickets early, you won't be able to get in until after the photo-op is over. The Group Sales Office is the first building on the right (not the left, where the gift shop is) before the big brick gate. The funds for the photo-op logistics are on my credit card, so y'all just can give me cash. (Lots and lots of cash! BWAH HAH HAH!!!)
********* IMPORTANT UPDATE! *********
Ok, it's all set up. The group ticket sales office doesn't open until 8:30, so y'all will need to get your tickets Friday or Saturday so that we can do the early arrival necessary. Be sure to mention that you are with the "Speedster Owners Club". If you don't pick up your tickets early, you won't be able to get in until after the photo-op is over. The Group Sales Office is the first building on the right (not the left, where the gift shop is) before the big brick gate. The funds for the photo-op logistics are on my credit card, so y'all just can give me cash. (Lots and lots of cash! BWAH HAH HAH!!!)
Step into this alley with me for a minute Lane.........
Leon, I'm right behind ya
I brought Bruno & Tony wit me
forgetaboutit
I brought Bruno & Tony wit me
forgetaboutit
I promise I'm not a paid spokesmodel for Old Navy, but ... check this out before y'all go freeze to death in Appalachia.
Teresa (the brains of our operation) took me to the Old Navy to get some jeans last winter. They make a pair with flannel lining them; jeans on the outside, flannel PJs on the inside.
I have an open panel under the pedal cluster on the Sloppy Jalopy, and except for a little chill at the top of my right boot, they've kept me warm -- even driving that car in close-to-freezing weather.
I like that they don't feel like you're wearing an extra layer, and I don't have to resort to the electric motorcycle gear that bikers use. They're between twenty and thirty bucks a pair, every day of the week.
Good fitting jeans. Loose, with enough room at the ankles for a good pair of boots.
Hope that helps SOMEBODY.
Less luggage, too. The down side is that they're ... uh ... hip.
Teresa (the brains of our operation) took me to the Old Navy to get some jeans last winter. They make a pair with flannel lining them; jeans on the outside, flannel PJs on the inside.
I have an open panel under the pedal cluster on the Sloppy Jalopy, and except for a little chill at the top of my right boot, they've kept me warm -- even driving that car in close-to-freezing weather.
I like that they don't feel like you're wearing an extra layer, and I don't have to resort to the electric motorcycle gear that bikers use. They're between twenty and thirty bucks a pair, every day of the week.
Good fitting jeans. Loose, with enough room at the ankles for a good pair of boots.
Hope that helps SOMEBODY.
Less luggage, too. The down side is that they're ... uh ... hip.
Funny you should say that Cory - Wolfgang and myself ended up in front of the Old Navy in Carlisle the last two times we went w/ two different GPS's and two different hotels addresses - don't know how that happened, but it did - I'm just say'n
I have a heater fan problem But Im gona rough it. I have a bus fan to upgrade it But haven't had enough spare time to do it..
I will have a late start thrudsay I fenagled a extra day But have to do some busness in town early before I head out. Hopefully before lunch.
I will have a late start thrudsay I fenagled a extra day But have to do some busness in town early before I head out. Hopefully before lunch.
No worry, low around 40's this weekend. Raining already...your fault, Barry!
Oops, change that low temperature to 32F at Little Switzerland.
Oops, change that low temperature to 32F at Little Switzerland.
Latest weather report indicates that the rain should be gone sometime tomorrow, so I'm still pumped for the weekend.
Safe travels to all & may the coldest spot be in the beer cooler !
All packed, the same gear we wore in Alaska. Leaving in the morning wearing shorts and a t-shirt. We'll see y'all Friday!
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Weather lookin' go! Windy tonight or in the morning. Final wash and wax in the morning, top and tonneau already cleaned along with a fresh application of waterproofing. Go bag filled!
Let's Roll'em!
Let's Roll'em!
Aaron you have jack stands and a decent flor jack I found my feeler Gauges If you still want your valves checked . I getin up very early thursday about 6ish and Im gona try a quick patch in on the heater blower. Im hoping under 2 hrs then to town and back and then Im in the wind bound west.
Oh!! the rain may blow clean through TONIGHT Think positive
Oh!! the rain may blow clean through TONIGHT Think positive
No way do I want to get under that car after yesterday! All day changing oil and filter! The engine runs GREAT...If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
See you today!
All SOCers are welcome at Linne `Ardan. Stop and have a cup of coffee!
See you today!
All SOCers are welcome at Linne `Ardan. Stop and have a cup of coffee!
Sun's Out...Weather Great!
WE will really miss the trip this year you guys have a blast and be careful.
Richard
Richard
Nolan!!!!!!
Where will you be staying overnight on Thursday??
Oh, wait....I've got your mobile number - I'll call!!
Gordon
Where will you be staying overnight on Thursday??
Oh, wait....I've got your mobile number - I'll call!!
Gordon
Made it to the inlaws after an unusually pleasant drive. Car is running great with no sticky idle. Weather is spectacular, although this front coming through is dropping the temps tonight. It's really gonna feel crisp and "mountainy".
Lookin' forward to seeing the early arrivers at lunch tomorrow and the museum tour afterward.
Lookin' forward to seeing the early arrivers at lunch tomorrow and the museum tour afterward.
Lane are you meeting us at the Hotel before we go to lunch?
Have a great time, enjoy great weather and be safe.... ~ Alan
Be safe, have fun, post pics when you can!