Tour de Smo' 2024

Thanks Lane, I'll be booking in the morning. Can't wait to meet you guys. I already have my stops and route mapped for the trip out there and back. Looking forward to the fun.

To those on the fence -- this is the right event, in the right place, at the right time of year. It's not a show or a cruise -- it's 3 days of driving at pace on some of the best roads in America.

I've been on the PCH, and on Mulholland Dr, and in the Plumas and Tahoe National Forests in my Speedster -- the roads at the TdS are every bit their equal. If you don't have a car, don't worry -- there are plenty of right seats. If you've got a car that doesn't fit "like for like", don't worry about that either (Lane will be coming in his BMW). If you do have a replica, but you think you'll be embarrassed -- you shouldn't worry about that either. We've got guys with tools and a lot of experience who will help you get out and stay out on the road. Just figure out a way to get out east. You really won't regret it.

I look forward to this all year, and it'll take something pretty bad to keep me away.

Come to the mountains to play.

@Butcher Boy posted:

Thanks Lane, I'll be booking in the morning. Can't wait to meet you guys. I already have my stops and route mapped for the trip out there and back. Looking forward to the fun.

Dave-- I'm really hoping you're planning on coming or returning via the northern route along the I-80 corridor. If you do, you'll be minutes from Morton, IL and we'd love to have you as a guest in Stanistan. We have ample room, and a lift and tools for your car.

@Stan Galat posted:

Dave-- I'm really hoping you're planning on coming or returning via the northern route along the I-80 corridor. If you do, you'll be minutes from Morton, IL and we'd love to have you as a guest in Stanistan. We have ample room, and a lift and tools for your car.

Wow, that's great offer Stan. I'm likely to do the I-40 route going and coming. It's one route I know very well and less likely to hit cold (ie snow) in late Sept/Oct. That being said, I did encounter snow if Flagstaff in June one year. Had to follow in the tracks of an 18 wheeler or I'd be pushing snow with the front of my car. I'm coming for sure .....

Those of you who said you'd be coming but who haven't yet made hotel arrangements, get on it.  I suspect we'll be seeing the beginning of leaf-peeping season so rooms are likely to go quickly.

@Butcher Boy posted:

Wow, that's great offer Stan. I'm likely to do the I-40 route going and coming. It's one route I know very well and less likely to hit cold (ie snow) in late Sept/Oct. That being said, I did encounter snow if Flagstaff in June one year. Had to follow in the tracks of an 18 wheeler or I'd be pushing snow with the front of my car. I'm coming for sure .....

I get it about I-40, but the chance of hitting snow on I-80 in Sept. is almost non-existent. I-90 is another matter altogether, and even I-70 west of Denver can put up a squall in late September.

No matter. The citizens of Stanistan will await your state visit on another occasion. The Glorious Red Flag of the Revolution will always be flying for the "Butcher of Frisco".

Bump!

Folks, if you want to true driving event on spectacular roads in some beautiful country it's hard to do better than this.

YAB! (Yet Another Bump)

Shhhhh Lane. Don't invite them. Leave them in their catatonic state. They'll never know what they're missing.

Re: Tour de Smo

How many of you bring a right seater, aka your wife?

Just wondering what there is to do if said wife doesn't want to go on every day's drive?

Jeanie is coming, Bob, and we’ll have a second vehicle there (the limo, assuming I can get the AC fixed).

@550 Phil will have to chime in on what other activities there are as I've only passed near that area and know little about it.  Phil?

Michelle is coming too. I believe that the Mullis duo will be there too.

We'll have our truck available for other activities.

I know Michelle is going to sit out one of the runs, whichever the most technical/switchback-laden of the days it is.

Abingdon is a nice town for shopping with antique stores and lots of nice restaurants. We are all going there on the 2nd day after some spirited driving to eat at the Pecan restaurant. It will take us about 2.5 hours to get there. You can get there in about 45 minutes on 81. We could just coordinate to be there for lunch at the same time. The way it is planned the most challenging day will be the first and will decrease in intensity. Saturday is a more leisurely scenic tour to Bluefield West Virginia. The first day is the Back of the Dragon 🐉.

Sounds great, Phil.

I need this.  I really need this.

@Stan Galat posted:

Jeanie is coming, Bob, and we’ll have a second vehicle there (the limo, assuming I can get the AC fixed).

Hey, let me know if you need help with that AC. I know a guy in Morton...

Stan, I can throw my vacuum pump and gauges in the trailer if necessary. I think you might know what to do with them.

... so bummed . . .

@Michael Pickett posted:

Hey, let me know if you need help with that AC. I know a guy in Morton...

Not this guy. I can't even see the compressor. It's at a shop.

@Stan Galat posted:

Not this guy. I can't even see the compressor. It's at a shop.

A man's gotta know his limitations!

I drew a vacuum and charged it up before taking it to Branson last weekend. It performed wonderfully in near 100 deg heat, until the trip home when the compressor shelled so badly I could hear it inside the car.

There are many, many irons much more needful of my personal attention in the fire. My man Dan Kulp at Miller Automotive will get me hooked up.

@Bob: IM S6 posted:

Re: Tour de Smo

How many of you bring a right seater, aka your wife?

Just wondering what there is to do if said wife doesn't want to go on every day's drive?

The girls usually go off on their own to explore with the exception of a one day drive which is less intense for the passenger. Dianne enjoys the day jaunts with the other woman and has new friendships from the experience.

If your on the fence Bob.. fall off and come to the SMO.

Bump.

This is the one you don't want to miss. It'll be well attended, we've got good roads lined up, the weather in September is spectacular, and the hotel situation is not too rustic, not too fancy-pants. Wives/GFs will be coming and while there will be some rides they all go on, most of them find stuff to do together during the more "spirited" drives.

We'll have steaks. We'll have libations (BYOB to share). We'll have a fire. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be forever changed (OK, maybe not -- but you'll have a good time unless you decide you're not gonna'). If you think your little plastic fantastic is only for polishing and cruising, come on out to the mountains to play. You'll be surprised, and will probably go home with a list of things to do to make it even more fun.

The roads are tight and technical. Slow cars driven briskly are 5x as fun as fast cars driven slowly. It's a hoot. There is plenty of time to make a reservation, get your car up to snuff, and get out to Western Virginia (don't go to West Virginia unless you're a loner).

You might even see an ape trying to fit in Danny's size-tiny clown car yet again.

@Stan Galat posted:

You might even see an ape trying to fit in Danny's size-tiny clown car yet again.

That's reason enough to come right there.

People of Earth!!!

Ok, we have plenty of folks who've signed up and made reservations, but if you live within a day's drive of southwestern VA and love twisty roads and car-related camaraderie, you owe it to yourself to join us in late September.  'nuff said.

I'll see you guys in the Smokies.  New top is on the TT and rear wind deflector drive belt replaced - why does Audi not provide a way to service (replace) this belt without drilling rivets? The conspiracy theorist in me says to build in dealer service $$$.  Other than a trip to harbor freight for a larger capacity rivet tool (for the top not the wind deflector I had that), and occasional 3rd & 4th hands needed to pull/hold something whilst fastening said something, I had the jobs covered.  And it only took me twice as long as "book-time"

PEOPLE OF EARTH!!!

I’ve been asked to provide a headcount so that we can plan for the cookout.  Please reply here or PM me if you (and include spouses/guests) are coming.  As soon as possible would be appreciated.

See y’all in a few weeks!!!

I'm truly sad to say, I'm not going to be able to make it. The reasons out way the excuses. It just isn't in the cards.

It sounds like it's going to be a great one though. I was looking forward to meeting a few more of the peanut gallery in person, and of course, the usual suspects.

Carlos, really disappointed that you can't join us this year.  Is your son also not going to make it?

Ok, how 'bout this, I know the following will be there (please let me know if incorrect):

1. Me in Das Blaue Biest, the "tool truck" if needed.
2. His Majestic Majesty, President Stan of Stanistan.  Beloved by his people.  No need for elections.  He will be accompanied by the brilliant and beguiling Jeannie, First Lady of Stanistan. @Stan Galat
3. Danny And Michelle Piperato, @DannyP
4. Mike Warjas and Dianne Croxford, @MikelB
5. Wrenn Smith (and?), @Wrenn Smith
6. Phil Luebbert, our planner and navigator, @550 Phil
7. Dave Whose Last Name I'm Not sure I Know, aka @Butcher Boy
8. Ron and Maddie Mullis, along with the ever handy ERV, @Ron Mullis
9. Chris MacDonald (is Karen coming?), @Chris MacDonald
10. Marty and Sandy G2daZ, @Marty Grzynkowicz
11. Still waiting to hear back from Chris Dauerer, my local friend who used to own the new Beck Speedster that is the centerfold for the updated Beck Speedster Manual, not sure of his handle here so I texted him.
12. Anyone else?????

@Lane Anderson Correct, my son will also not be attending.

@Carlos G posted:

I'm truly sad to say, I'm not going to be able to make it. The reasons out way the excuses. It just isn't in the cards.

Dang.

I can only add that I feel Carlos' pain . . .

Just heard from Wrenn that he’ll be bringing a friend (Ennis).

Jeanie and I will be there, barring some unforeseen catastrophe. My reservation has been made for at least 6 months, and I've delayed a fairly big project on the car (EFI) to make sure I'm not bringing a ticking bomb to VA.

I'm really looking forward to it.

Lane, just to confirm, I will be there too. My wife will miss this time, so its just me.

Thanks,

Dave Schaub

Sandy and me are not going to be able to attend. There is medical stuff going on.  

I'm coming.

If Karyn comes, the new baby comes and he tends to throw up all over the back seat when g-forces bang his head on both sides of the car seat repeatedly.

I have him on a physical strength program to beef up his neck muscles for next year.

@Marty Grzynkowicz posted:

Sandy and me are not going to be able to attend. There is medical stuff going on.  

Good luck, Marty.