Hi all!

I wasn't planning on attending MOTD 2009, but a lay-off and an amazingly supportive wife gave me the opportunity to get myself out to Fontana again, so I'm on my way!

It wouldn't be MOTD for me without running a drive, so Snooter recommended that I post here to offer an unofficial run and see who wants to come along!

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Sunrise Drive Thru the Smokys

Time: 6am on Saturday morning (should be back to Fontana by 10:30 for panoramic photo)
Place: Assemble in front of the General Store at Fontana
# of cars: Whoever wants to show up that early!

Where are we going?
The drive will take us over the Dragon, up the scenic Foothills Parkway, through Little River Road and back down through 'the gap' for a final run back to Fontana over the 'Hellbender'.

Why this route and why so bloomin' early?
For MOTD 2006, I put together this run for 90+ cars (in 3 different groups) to get up the Foothills Parkway and through the Smoky Mountain State Park. Before sending this many cars down the route, I got up really early one morning to pre-drive the route by myself and make sure that my directions were correct. I had the roads all to myself and had one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Whenever I need a break, I close my eyes and remember Little River Road, charging down the road with no traffic at all... windows down, sunroof open, seat heaters and heat on high... I was shivering from the cool, crisp air but I was alive! Dense forest on the right, whitewater river on the left and a perfect twisty road under my tires. The park becomes congested after 10-11am everyday as the families in minivans come out to enjoy the scenery, but if you get out early you get this beautiful place all to yourself.

We will meet up at 6am, have a quick driver's talk and get on the road about 6:10am. Bring your FRS/GMRS radios if you have 'em... I'll be calling out directions and road hazzards to make things safer and easier.

There will be a stop for gas and a quick breakfast (sausage biscuits are good at this smallish grocery store along the way) about an hour or so into the drive.

Barring any major problems, we should make it back to Fontana Dam in time for the panoramic photo.

Feel free to just show up and enjoy!

Want a map and turn-by-turn directions? Go here: http://focusoa.bizland.com/LeaderDirections.pdf






Want another fun drive: Here's a map packet that I used for a run to Highlands last year (it's a cute little town with lots of shops and restaurants... great for a lunch adventure run) that brings you back to Fontana via Wayah road, one of the up and coming driver roads in the area! http://www.minisonthedragon.info/fil...s_trip_1-2.pdf

 

This is a GREAT drive! I did the first half with Aaron last year, and have driven the route a few times now. The view of the sunrise over the Smokies is outstanding!

Aaron - sorry for the circumstances, but glad I'll get to see you again this year!

For the REALLY adventurous - you can do what I did... leave the group at Little River Road and head back through Cades Cove and Parsons Branch Road - that one-way road that dumps you back onto the Dragon...



Note that this is NOT for lowered cars... and I don't recommend anyone drive it the way I drove it... could break something literally in the middle of NOWHERE....

More details on my blog:
http://www.blimeycabrio.com/?p=460#more-460

 

This sounds like a great drive! Assuming I'm not too dead from the brewswap, I'll try to make it.

 

We really enjoyed the Highlands run last year and would like to make this one, but we have a 9am appointment with Way.

 

This sounds fantastic! I'll be there.

 

By the way... this will be a spirited run, but I always listen to requests to slow down a bit. Requests to speed up will be ignored as I take these roads very seriously when driving and take them at a pace where I am comfortable with the safety of myself and others.

I'm happy to see some interest. I know that 6am isn't the best time out there for everyone, but the drive won't disappoint for you early risers!

 

That sounds fantastic! I might make it! (depends on brewswap also )

 

Hey... I'm going to the brewswap as well (with maybe a cigar afterwards) and I'll be sleeping in a tent down at the Fontana Campground, so there should be no excuses! I made it last year after participating in the Beer Pong competition, so if I can do it after that experience, you can too! :D

 

Believe me it is worth it to get up that early!! I did it last year and had a

great time.

 

I agree it'll be worth it. Hmmm... need to get an alarm clock.

I think I'm gonna break off like Blimey mentioned and run down through Cades Cove and Parsons Branch Road. That should be a wonderful experience!

 

If you are lowered at all, be very careful with Blimey's route. I've been tempted to try it myself, but my car is lowered a bit and I don't think that it's the best idea. Definately an adventure, though! Be sure to read his blog entry, linked in his post above.

Also, you would miss Little River Road, which has made every 'top 10 most beautiful road' lists that I've ever seen.

 

Yep. I was at stock ride height last year. Lowered would have be BAAAAAAD.

Also, take it SLOW over the creek crossings.... I came over one crest fast and the creek was RIGHT THERE... though I was gonna hydrolock, but got lucky...

And Little River Road IS beautiful... did it on my Gatlinburg drive last year.

 

MAN! Now I'm in a quandry. Little River Road - one of top 10 most beautiful - or Cades Cove - ADVENTURE!

I'm at stock height... no probs there. And I'll be running on my 15s - my 17s need tires bad .

Hmmm.... I'll probably go adventure! But I'll take it slow. Def. don't wanna hydro-lock.

 

I'm in for the sunrise drive! Getting up early is easy- have to cram as much as humanly possible into the less than 72 hours I'll be at MOTD. . .

So which route are you taking this year Blimey? I'm with you jbkone, tough choice but I'll probably go for the adventure, especially if there are any others similarly minded. . .

 

I'm not doing PBR again in the MINI - too low now, and too much nice stuff I don't want to break off...

 

This is my first year and I'll go on any drive any other minis are going on together, that's what it's all about, right ?

 

I did this ride last year, Great ride. Only problem is it happens the morning after the Brewswap and Beerolympics. It is a real test of who can hang and who can't!

 

If I make it down there for the event, I am in, 6 Am is not very early in my world!!!

 

Absolutely! This one is also early enough that you get back in time for everything else.

 

Aaron, Rick and I will be there!

 

I'm in. Can't vouch for my daughter, but I'd love to be out on the road at that time.

 

Woo Hoo! The car is packed! I've just gotta throw some clothes in a bag and hop in tomorrow morning!

See you all at Fontana!

Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the drive, so please just show up!

Aaron

 

For anyone considering Parson's Branch Road - it's closed due to a landslide. Dustin (AutoXCooper) was gonna try it today but it was closed. But he did Rich Mountain Road instead (starts at about the same place in Cades Cove) and said it was great!

 

The brew swap has claimed another victim, I'm just now getting to sleep so I won't make it to this run.

 

Great drive! Thanks for arranging it agranger. Here are some of my photos. Also, it was my first chance to test out my new DDM Works Street CAI and 19mm Sway Bar on my CLubman S. Sweet!