Yes! Note to EVERYONE going to this event....MAKE sure you have those radios!! 7/21 and if we get tons of chatter (which we usually don't) 5/21 has been the DCMM side channel at the Dragon. The radios aren't that expensive, but if you want to hear ANYTHING on the radio while motoring with everyone during the run as well, you need to get those radios! I would offer one of mine, but I have a copilot and we both have our ear pieces in to hear what is going on!

 

What, me, miss out on a chance to buy a new gadget? Radios bought today!

What's with the whole FCC license thing - fact or don't worry about it? I"ll have an extra radio someone can borrow.

 

I'm pretty sure that only applies to particular channels (the GRMS channels), not to the FRS channels. In theory, you're supposed to apply for and receive an FCC license to use the GRMS channels.

I think channel 7 is combined FRS & GRMS... so you are probably OK there.

The thing is, despite what you are "supposed" to do to use GRMS, not many people actually do.

Note - I'm think that the official FRS standard is only 0.5 watt transmission. If your radios also have the option of transmitting at a higher power (for example, mine can also transmit at 2 watt), that might also "require" an FCC license. License or not, I recommend using 0.5 watt most of the time anyway because it is MUCH more conservative on battery life. 2 watt would come most handy if you get a little too separated from your friend(s) - especially around curvy/hilly areas such as the Dragon.

 

Boohoo, I don't think I can get out of DC before 3:00. I will catch up with all of you at the drive in. Are we meeting up for dinner beforehand?

 

I just realized I am supposed to be dogsitting on Thursday and Friday next week, and dropping the dog off before heading down to Charlottesville. Couple that with the fact that my coworker (who would normally cover me for leaving work early) is already taking Wednesday, Thursday & Friday off next week, and I'll need a very understanding boss in order to leave work early at all! Fortunately, being the Friday before a long weekend, things should be slow and I am optimistic I'll be able to leave work before my usual time...

BUT

I SERIOUSLY doubt I'll be able to join a 12pm or 1pm caravan. I just hope I can make it down there in time to be at the drive-in!

Is anyone going to be there in time for the 1pm-3pm registration? If so, can they pick up my registration materials for me?

 

I thought someone said something about "B-dubs' (Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant). But I haven't heard anything since.

 

I want to come back on the skyline drive, but I was thinking of getting off at 211 and finding a vineyard for lunch. If you go to Virginiawines.org you can see all the vineyards that have tours. We might need to stop in Sperryville for picnic stuff. What does everyone think?

 

Does anyone want to get a group together for 4:00ish, i cant leave earlier due to work, so I plan on being there by 7:00 to head off to the drive in movie.

 

Just a heads up -- if you are thinking of picking up lunch at "Sunnyside @ The Schoolhouse" you're out of luck because that operation is closed!
Philip

 

It looks most likely that this will be my situation as well. I can meet up and motor down with you, Edge. Also, can someone pick up my reg. materials also?

Is anyone else interested in an "after work caravan"?

 

I will be leaving at 3:30 that day if that is considered "after work". As for picking up reg. material, I was under the impression we can do that Saturday before heading out. Am I wrong?

 

You are not wrong - departure desk in the Omni Hotel is open 8a - 10 (I think). This is where you pick up the day's details/info packet, etc.

There will be an arrival desk at the hotel in DC on Saturday.

 

Coolio, now I won't bust my _______ trying to get to Charlottesville early enough to pick up the reg. material.

 

After work for me will probably be 5:30 at the earliest...

 

yes 3:30 or 4:00 will work for me

 

that may be fun! Wine is ALWAYS a good thing!

 

Me and my co-pilot would definitely be up for meeting at B-dubs. Or maybe there is a place closer to the drive-in. I can research it.

 

I'll be at the:
Doubletree in Charlottesville.
Home in DC
Ramada Airport in Jersey City (The one MINI listed has a two night minimum)
Lakeville CT, I haven't decided.

I will probably try to get a head start towards home that night. Depends on what all if anything is going on there. I've got a ticket to the Rolex Vintage Festival, and depending on when things wrap up. Might stick my tent and sleeping bag in the boot in case things are still booked up.

 

I expect all roads to be a disaster near here Friday... My assistant is off Wed - Fri so I will work Fri, but it'll be quiet I hope and maybe take off after around lunch.

Anyone have local knowledge of the last 2/3rds of this idea for a sanity check? I'm trying to stay off 66 and 95 completely. Using 1 south only a short way from my place to Woodbridge.

My plan: GPS says 3 hours 11 minutes and 116.2 miles.

South Rt 1 to Woodbridge. If early will be semi tolerable.
Right on to Gordon Blvd
Quick left onto Horner Road (VA-639)
Left onto Minnieville Road (VA-640)
North on Dumfries Rd (VA-234) for a short bit
Left onto Aden Rd (VA-646)
Left on Fitzwater Drive (VA 652)
South on 28 (well below Manassas, hopeully ok by that far out)
South on 15
South on Gordon Ave (VA-231)
south to west on US 250...

 

I agree. Do you want to pick a vineyard? We should have time for a tour.

 

[

Left onto Minnieville Road (VA-640)
North on Dumfries Rd (VA-234) for a short bit
Left onto Aden Rd (VA-646)
Left on Fitzwater Drive (VA 652)
South on 28 (well below Manassas, hopeully ok by that far out) Ok I run this route quite a bit --- it's the best way to get from Culpeper to Potomac Mills area. You can generally stay 50/55 for this stretch of road --- however if you end up behind someone who's behind someone.... then there's not much opprtunity to pass. When you go south on 28 you hit Rt 29 (which I believe is also 15 at that point) When you hit 29S the rest of the directions below are unnecessary and will only take you out of the way. 29 as I'm sure you know will run you right into Charlottesville --- on a Friday night it's going to be busy but it still moves along at a brisk pace 60/65/70 for much of the way. Hope that helps you.
South on 15
South on Gordon Ave (VA-231)
south to west on US 250...[/quote]

 

Thanks, thought 29 might be to busy heavy labor day Friday / weekend. IS 29 south not liekly to be a problem labor day weekend friday afternoon? I've a Uncle who swears by 15 south...

Thanks for the input!

 

Well I just had an orientation for a new job and my first day turns out to be next Friday--- so i won't be able to join the group heading to Charlottesville on Friday afternoon. I will have to come down early on Saturday morning to pick up my package. See you then.
regards Philip

 

Is anyone else planning to leave the DC/NoVA area around 5:30? I don't wanna be all by myself!!

 

I'm staying at the Hampton Inn; going to be leaving from just north of DC between 4-5 pm to head down 66 to 29 if we might be able to figure out a second caravan on down...