I recently started a thread that showed a personal driving route I was hoping to drive while at MOTD 2006. A few posters mentioned the lack of organized drives (other than the Jarrett House & Dilsboro Excursion that is full), so I sent out a few PMs and there is now one more 'official' MOTD drive...



Date/Time: Groups will launch at 10, 10:30 and 11am on Saturday morning, May 6.

EDIT: ALL OF THE PRE-EVENT REGISTRATION SLOTS ARE FULL! THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK... 5 SPOTS WILL OPEN UP IN EACH OF THE LAUNCH GROUPS ON THURSDAY EVENING WHEN I REACH FONTANA AND CAN POST THE SIGN-UP SHEETS. FOR THOSE SPONTANEOUS PEOPLE OUT THERE, YOU CAN SIGN UP NEAR THE DAY-DRIVE WHITEBOARD IN THE REC CENTER, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.

The Route: It spans 140 miles and runs from the base of Fontana Dam, across the Dragon, up the West side of the Smoky Mountains, along the Foothills Parkway (a stop for pictures possible) and stops near Townsend for lunch. We then head into Smoky Mountain National Park for a run along Little River Road (One of Reader's Digest top 100 scenic drives in the USA - rivers, waterfalls and wildflowers) before heading over the Smokys via 'the Big Hump' (more scenic views and photo ops).




Here's a Yahoo map of the general route. http://maps.yahoo.com/beta/index.php...33970442&mag=6

Duration: I've been told that this is a 4-5 hour drive (given average traffic, if you are driving straight through). Given an hour for lunch, some scenic photo/stretch stops and some traffic in the area due to a heritage festival in Townsend, I would expect the entire trip to take about 6-7 hours, getting us back to Fontana around 4-7pm... Odds are, enough time to get back, rest up a bit and make it to the farewell dinner. It may run a bit longer... It may run a bit shorter. You never know!

Cost: There is no cost for this event. You must be a registered participant for MOTD 2006 (pay your $5 on the NAM store) to participate in this drive. We are organizing a group lunch, but everyone will be responsible for their own meal.

Meeting Place: The drive will begin from the base of Fontana Dam. A map is below. I believe that the MINI Parade on the Dragon is starting from the same place.


Car Limit: Apparently there were some congestion issues last year with the drive. We are going to limit this drive to 75 cars (sign up soon), starting in 3 batches (25 cars each) that will launch 30 minutes apart.

Maps: As soon as I can get a map packet together and reviewed by a local, I will post a PDF on this thread of the route. I will provide every car with a paper map and detailed directions on the day of the event.

Radios: FRS radios are wonderful for this type of event. Please bring 'em if you have 'em. The channel information will be included with your map.

The Drive: This is a SCENIC drive. Please keep all four wheels on your side of the yellow line! The group leaders will be instructed remain in the general area of the speed limit.

Volunteers: I could use a few people to help organize the event and lead a caravan of 25 cars. Detailed maps and information will be provided to these brave and civic-minded souls.

Lunch: Lunch is being planned at Apple Valley Kitchen. They serve soup, sandwiches and a diverse menu of comfort foods on the weekend (Menu is coming soon). The web reviews say that the food is good and that the fried apple pies are a must! I've made them aware of the swarm of MINIs that will be coming their way and they are making preparations to handle all of us in 3 waves around Noon, 12:30 and 1pm.

An Apple Valley Kitchen menu is available here: http://focusoa.bizland.com/Menu.pdf




Updates: I'll keep updating this first post will all of the relevant details. Please check back in before heading to MOTD 2006 to know the most current version of the plan and to print out your map.

Maps and Instructions:
Before heading to Fontana, you may want to print out one of these instruction sheets... especially if you have access to a good color printer. I will bring copies of the General Directions for every car, but you may want to print out the more detailed Leader Directions to have turn-by-turn maps:

http://focusoa.bizland.com/GeneralDirections.pdf
http://focusoa.bizland.com/LeaderDirections.pdf

Legal Stuff:
Please note the legal disclaimer that is in the direction packs. Every driver must sign before participating in the drive. MOTD 2006 has some general event insurance, but you are responsible for your own actions while on the drive. If you feel uncomfortable with the speed that the group is setting (leaders will be instructed to keep it at the speed limit), it is your responsibility to slow to a pace at which you feel safe. You will have full instructions and the route will be marked, so getting home will be no issue. Most of all, we want a safe and fun motoring experience!



How to sign up: Please reply in this thread with:

1. The number of people in your car who will be having lunch at Apple Valley Kitchen
2. If you want to depart with the 10am, 10:30am or 11am group.

If you are willing to help as a drive group leader, please mention that as well.

See you on the Dragon!

Aaron

 

EDIT: ALL OF THE PRE-EVENT REGISTRATION SLOTS ARE FULL! THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE OUT OF LUCK... 5 SPOTS WILL OPEN UP IN EACH OF THE LAUNCH GROUPS ON THURSDAY EVENING WHEN I REACH FONTANA AND CAN POST THE SIGN-UP SHEETS. FOR THOSE SPONTANEOUS PEOPLE OUT THERE, YOU CAN SIGN UP NEAR THE DAY-DRIVE WHITEBOARD IN THE REC CENTER, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.

The 'official' list of PRE-EVENT REGISTERED participants:

10am Group (RED)

1. LEADER: dotBob (aka: Bob, I assume) - 2 for lunch
2. SALEMGYM - 2 for lunch
3. thatatvguy - 1 for lunch
4. minutia - 2 for lunch
5. Pattman - 1 for lunch
6. Zyamfier - 1 for lunch
7. Mini PRRRRL - 2 for lunch
8. Is A Mini - 2 for lunch
9. BB's Mom - 2 for lunch
10. Ppnthr1 - 2 for lunch
11. minircr - 2 for lunch
12. MNI LIMO - 2 for lunch
13. Nancy Smith - 3 for lunch
14. Gabe - 2 for lunch
15. rgl777 - 1 for lunch
16. sdybedock - 2 for lunch
17. BartMack - 1 for lunch
18. SumWon - 2 for lunch
19. minic'archi - 2 for lunch
20. ZiggityZoo - 2 for lunch
21. MiniPlay - 2 for lunch
22. Mininana - 2 for lunch
23. mattburns1 - 3 for lunch
24. JC Scooper - 1 for lunch
25. VooDooPope - 1 for lunch
26. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
27. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
28. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
29. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
30. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --

10:30 am Group (WHITE)

1. LEADER: Honeymooner (aka: Rowdy) - 1 for lunch
2. sam yaconetti - 1 for lunch
3. Darth Cooper - 2 for lunch
4. zeezeemouse - 2 for lunch
5. greenmini - 2 for lunch
6. catnbruce - 2 for lunch
7. OZ MCW - 2 for lunch
8. TheOldMan - 2 for lunch
9. minimerch - 2 for lunch
10. imapepper - 2 for lunch
11. Nails 69 - 2 for lunch
12. T&BROSS - 2 for lunch
13. Paladin7 - 2 for lunch
14. GeminiSun - 0 for lunch
15. BeOSKid - 1 for lunch (maybe 2)
16. Risu - 2 for lunch
17. MINIPRL- 1 for lunch
18. hogtrader - 1 for lunch
19. jgardiner01 - 3 for lunch
20. Thameth - 2 for lunch
21. Thameth Sr. in a Scion tC - 1 for lunch
22. mininana's brother Tom - 2 for lunch
23. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
24. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
25. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
26. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
27. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
28. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
29. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
30. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --

11 am Group (BLUE)

1. LEADER: agranger (aka: Aaron) - 1 for lunch
2. drdave113 - 1 for lunch
3. paulr - 1 for lunch
4. ministi2005 - 1 for lunch
5. MiniMac2005 - 1 for lunch
6. Edge - 1 for lunch
7. ssallykat - 1 for lunch
8. davidjr316 - 2 for lunch
9. Scavenger - 2 for lunch
10. MiniNurse - 1 for lunch
11. billcd - 2 for lunch
12. Moskito - 1 for lunch
13. capnkirk - 2 for lunch
14. parkerlauren - 2 for lunch
15. grit - 1 for lunch
16. mpwald05 - 3 for lunch
17. Miles McNutt (car #1) - 1 for lunch
18. Miles McNutt (car #2) - 1 for lunch
19. doxiedaddy - 1 for lunch
20. Louispup - 1 for lunch
21. Irishcow - 1 for lunch
22. jblatt - 2 for lunch
23. HotRodPilot - 1 for lunch
24. Lns1122 - 1 for lunch
25. merv545 - 2 for lunch
26. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
27. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
28. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
29. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --
30. -- open for on-site registration at Fontana Rec. Ctr after Thursday evening --

 

Put me down for the 10:00 run - two in the car.
SALEMGYM

 

Sounds like a fantastic drive and you are VERY well organized with it. I am autocrossing...but I am sure you will get your 75 MINIs very soon!

 

Sounds like fun. I'm not sure what I'm planning as of yet, I'll talk to DH and check back.
Annette

 

Hubby and I did this drive this past Nov. It is very nice, a must do.

 

I figured that there would be more on the list by now.... that is a very nice scenic route.

Put me in for the 1st group - only one in the car. :(

 

Bump! Looks like a great run! I'll be busy planning the Dragon Jam on Saturday, so I cannot make it. Have fun!

 

Put us in (1 Mini - 2 Humans) for the Red Group at 10:00.
Sounds like fun!!

Terry

 

Would love to attend, but we too are autocrossing. We will be arriving at the dragon on Monday, so we may do this drive on Tuesday or Wednesday. It sure looks like and enjoyable ride.

 

Now that sounds like a plan

 

Count me in! Just one person and one Mini for the 10am red group. Sounds like fun.

Patt

 

Add me. 1st run, single for lunch.

 

Count Mini PRRRRL in with 2 for lunch!!

 

Add Is A Mini to the run and 2 for lunch.

 

Hey gang,Not a clue of how this is done,but her goes.Count me in on the run ,this will be my first Dragon.I really look forward to this.See ya-all there.

 

Will have to see if the co-pilot would like to do this run. Sounds like a very scenic drive.

 

11 AM would be great with only one in car.

 

My husband and I would like to join the 10 am group - sounds like fun.

Sandy

 

I'd like to take a slot in the 11AM BLUE group. 1 MINI, 1 for lunch.

Thanks, paul

 

PLease sign up Lori & Scott aka MINIRCR for the 10 am departure. We are considering the lunch stop, so sign up 2 for lunch.

Thanks

 

Great idea! Thanks for organizing!

Please add me to the 3rd group (11am) - 1 in car, 1 for lunch!

Regards,

Taylor

 

Add me to the Blue Group (11am launch) - 1 car/1 for lunch

Thanks, Francis

 

Watch out for Minis coming the other way

 

we were going. I'm going to keep your directions and maybe the better half and I can get up there at another time and do this drive. Sounds very scenic.