Deals Gap Rally (The Dragon!) May 1-3
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3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 175
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I thought this may have been posted here before, but I don't see it... so here goes:
We are planning a BIG rally at Deals Gap, NC May 1-3 (Thurs-Sat). With any luck, this could end up being *the* event to attend!
For those who aren't familiar with Deals Gap, it is rougly on the border of NC and TN. Deals Gap is famous for US 129, also known as - "The Dragon." The Dragon is 11 miles long, and contains 318 crazy curves, complete with a multitude of elevation changes! Not for the faint of heart. There are also countless high-quality "motoring" roads in this area. If you are coming from the north, a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must!
We have blocks of rooms reserved at a few different locations in the area (for more info, see link below).
I have set up a mailing list for folks that are interested in this event, and so far, there are well over 80 subscribers. If that's any indication, we could have a LARGE turnout for this event. Rooms are already being booked, and there is at least one persone coming all the way from SoCal!
So, see the info link below, and save the date!
2003 Deals Gap MINI Rally Info
We are planning a BIG rally at Deals Gap, NC May 1-3 (Thurs-Sat). With any luck, this could end up being *the* event to attend!
For those who aren't familiar with Deals Gap, it is rougly on the border of NC and TN. Deals Gap is famous for US 129, also known as - "The Dragon." The Dragon is 11 miles long, and contains 318 crazy curves, complete with a multitude of elevation changes! Not for the faint of heart. There are also countless high-quality "motoring" roads in this area. If you are coming from the north, a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must!
We have blocks of rooms reserved at a few different locations in the area (for more info, see link below).
I have set up a mailing list for folks that are interested in this event, and so far, there are well over 80 subscribers. If that's any indication, we could have a LARGE turnout for this event. Rooms are already being booked, and there is at least one persone coming all the way from SoCal!
So, see the info link below, and save the date!
2003 Deals Gap MINI Rally Info
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Stroudsburg, PA
Funny that you should post this today. I just called and made my reservations at the microtel for myself, a fellow MINIAC, and possibly two co-pilots! the woman aat the microtel said she had close to twenty rooms reserved already. She laughed and said that we'd have a great time!
I was thinking: on the Deals gap dragon website, there is a Dcool die cut decal with the route number and a dragon on it. I was planning on getting one for myself, to be applied after "riding the dragon," but it would be EXTRA cool if someone graphic designer-like could come up with one incorporating the route #129, the Dragon, and the MINI logo. One coulur die cut would look slick.
I can't wait. My friend and I have our birthdays in the first week of May, so it's gonna be a GREAT excuse!
I was thinking: on the Deals gap dragon website, there is a Dcool die cut decal with the route number and a dragon on it. I was planning on getting one for myself, to be applied after "riding the dragon," but it would be EXTRA cool if someone graphic designer-like could come up with one incorporating the route #129, the Dragon, and the MINI logo. One coulur die cut would look slick.
I can't wait. My friend and I have our birthdays in the first week of May, so it's gonna be a GREAT excuse!
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 94
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From: Memphis, TN
>>I was thinking: on the Deals gap dragon website, there is a Dcool die cut decal with the route number and a dragon on it. I was planning on getting one for myself, to be applied after "riding the dragon," but it would be EXTRA cool if someone graphic designer-like could come up with one incorporating the route #129, the Dragon, and the MINI logo. One coulur die cut would look slick.
>>
We have already started working on a graphic for T-shirts and possibly patches. Once we have some submitted, we will post them, and decide on the final design. We hope to make this an annual event, maybe the largest east of the Mississippi!
>>
We have already started working on a graphic for T-shirts and possibly patches. Once we have some submitted, we will post them, and decide on the final design. We hope to make this an annual event, maybe the largest east of the Mississippi!
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3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 175
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To be honest, I'm quite suprised that so many folks are flocking to the Microtel. Sure, it's a bit cheaper, but personally, I couldn't imagine heading to this neck of the woods and *not* staying in a cabin, which is what Fontana Village and Tapoco Lodge offer. I just have a great mental image of a bunch of little cabins each with MINIs parked in front of them! And the folks at Fontana Village were very eager to see our MINI's there.
I stayed in the cabins @ Tapoco last year, and it was a hoot! A more beautiful setting I could not imagine.
I stayed in the cabins @ Tapoco last year, and it was a hoot! A more beautiful setting I could not imagine.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Mid South, USA
>>To be honest, I'm quite suprised that so many folks are flocking to the Microtel. Sure, it's a bit cheaper, but personally, I couldn't imagine heading to this neck of the woods and *not* staying in a cabin, which is what Fontana Village and Tapoco Lodge offer. I just have a great mental image of a bunch of little cabins each with MINIs parked in front of them! And the folks at Fontana Village were very eager to see our MINI's there.
>>
>>I stayed in the cabins @ Tapoco last year, and it was a hoot! A more beautiful setting I could not imagine. :smile: :smile: As Jason has mentioned on the Dragon's Run web site, the Tapoca is the logical place for a "meeting place" for all of us.
I cannot wait for May
>>
>>I stayed in the cabins @ Tapoco last year, and it was a hoot! A more beautiful setting I could not imagine. :smile: :smile: As Jason has mentioned on the Dragon's Run web site, the Tapoca is the logical place for a "meeting place" for all of us.
I cannot wait for May
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3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
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Yeah... if I remember correctly, Robbinsville is about 10 miles from Deals Gap. It is the nearest metropolitan town - and I use the term "metropoitan" very loosely! Sort of a town of strip malls. The only reason I ventured that far down 129 last summer is because I crashed my bike near Asheville on my way to Deals Gap and I was searching for a replacement spark plug and cap ( the busted one being held together with electrical tape and prayers!)
Tapoco probably is the most central location. If vendors show up for the rally, that's where I'm going to suggest they set up.
In addition to Invinca-Shield, we may have some other vendors there... stay tuned! Our intention is to have this turn into THE event to go to!
Tapoco probably is the most central location. If vendors show up for the rally, that's where I'm going to suggest they set up.
In addition to Invinca-Shield, we may have some other vendors there... stay tuned! Our intention is to have this turn into THE event to go to!
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4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Stroudsburg, PA
>>To be honest, I'm quite suprised that so many folks are flocking to the Microtel. Sure, it's a bit cheaper, but personally, I couldn't imagine heading to this neck of the woods and *not* staying in a cabin...
I'd love to stay in a cabin, but I'm driving from Eastern PA, and will be surviving on MREs (one a day), water, and fresh fruit. No frills, or no go. I'm also sharing my room with three other people.
I'd love to stay in a cabin, but I'm driving from Eastern PA, and will be surviving on MREs (one a day), water, and fresh fruit. No frills, or no go. I'm also sharing my room with three other people.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 175
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I'm in the Philly area myself. If your coming from this far north, you *really* should make an effort to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway at least one way. Taking the expressways the whole way is a dreadful experience:
Blue Ridge Parkway Website
Blue Ridge Parkway Website
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, PA
>>I'm in the Philly area myself. If your coming from this far north, you *really* should make an effort to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway at least one way. Taking the expressways the whole way is a dreadful experience:
>>
I'm planning on driving down on Wednesday so that I can take full advantage of that "scenic route".
>>
I'm planning on driving down on Wednesday so that I can take full advantage of that "scenic route".
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,265
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From: Dunedin, FL, USA
I sent a message to the "DragonMINI" mailing list but I'll post here too:
I will be going to the Tail of the Dragon MINI meet, but will most likely have to go up alone (from Dunedin/Clearwater area, FL). If you're going up from Florida, will driving up I-75 and would like to meet up somewhere go up to Deal's Gap together, let me know. I think the trip up will be more fun if we can get several FL MINIs in line and make the trip up together. Let me know... you can PM me on MCO or email me at orbhot@lycos.com
I will be going to the Tail of the Dragon MINI meet, but will most likely have to go up alone (from Dunedin/Clearwater area, FL). If you're going up from Florida, will driving up I-75 and would like to meet up somewhere go up to Deal's Gap together, let me know. I think the trip up will be more fun if we can get several FL MINIs in line and make the trip up together. Let me know... you can PM me on MCO or email me at orbhot@lycos.com
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Stroudsburg, PA
>>>>I'm in the Philly area myself. If your coming from this far north, you *really* should make an effort to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway at least one way. Taking the expressways the whole way is a dreadful experience:
>>>>
>>
>>I'm planning on driving down on Wednesday so that I can take full advantage of that "scenic route".
Hmm.. the Blue ridge sounds like a GREAT idea! I was planning to take of Wed as well. Where is everyone jumping on? It'd be great to get a group together to take the Blue Ridge down.
I'll be coming from Stroudsburg, pa, 1.75 hours north of Philly.
>>>>
>>
>>I'm planning on driving down on Wednesday so that I can take full advantage of that "scenic route".
Hmm.. the Blue ridge sounds like a GREAT idea! I was planning to take of Wed as well. Where is everyone jumping on? It'd be great to get a group together to take the Blue Ridge down.
I'll be coming from Stroudsburg, pa, 1.75 hours north of Philly.
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,265
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From: Dunedin, FL, USA
Pasting this from a reply I received from Ron Johnson after I asked for some tips on allowing faster sport bikes to pass while driving on Highway 129. This is good stuff to read for all who will be attending the MINI meet, especially those like me who have never been to Deal's Gap.
Vince:
No big worry here .... just slow a bit in any short straight and wave them
around. Be aware that some bikes will pass you before you even have a chance
to slow. DO NOT PANIC at what might seem a very dangerous maneuver ... these
guys know how to ride and can pass is a split second. One thing that
sportbike riders hate is for cars to try to keep them from passing. You do
not have to pull off the road to let them around. Pass this on the the other
drivers.
Actually a sports car with an experienced driver who KNOWS THE ROAD can
outrun even the fastest sport biker on the Dragon. The more rubber on the
pavement, the better to take the curves. But don't try to stay ahead of a
fast group of bikers!!!
You will likely come up on slower traffic and understand how frustrating it
is when a truck or car or slow cycle won't let you around to have some fun.
For the most part drivers will pull over to let faster vehicles around them,
but there are some that just keep putting along. We usually pull over and
wait or turn around and go the other way. Be careful if you pull onto some
of the pulloffs .... there are spots with a drop-off that might not clear
the bottoms of the Minis.
We are looking forward to seeing all the Minis on the Dragon. Nancy and I
will be on our cycles taking photos. Try to stop by Wheelers Cycle or The
Tapoco Lodge to get some of our souvenirs. They are not sold at Deals Gap
Motorcycle Resort.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
Ron and Nancy Johnson
http://www.tailofthedragon.com
Vince:
No big worry here .... just slow a bit in any short straight and wave them
around. Be aware that some bikes will pass you before you even have a chance
to slow. DO NOT PANIC at what might seem a very dangerous maneuver ... these
guys know how to ride and can pass is a split second. One thing that
sportbike riders hate is for cars to try to keep them from passing. You do
not have to pull off the road to let them around. Pass this on the the other
drivers.
Actually a sports car with an experienced driver who KNOWS THE ROAD can
outrun even the fastest sport biker on the Dragon. The more rubber on the
pavement, the better to take the curves. But don't try to stay ahead of a
fast group of bikers!!!
You will likely come up on slower traffic and understand how frustrating it
is when a truck or car or slow cycle won't let you around to have some fun.
For the most part drivers will pull over to let faster vehicles around them,
but there are some that just keep putting along. We usually pull over and
wait or turn around and go the other way. Be careful if you pull onto some
of the pulloffs .... there are spots with a drop-off that might not clear
the bottoms of the Minis.
We are looking forward to seeing all the Minis on the Dragon. Nancy and I
will be on our cycles taking photos. Try to stop by Wheelers Cycle or The
Tapoco Lodge to get some of our souvenirs. They are not sold at Deals Gap
Motorcycle Resort.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
Ron and Nancy Johnson
http://www.tailofthedragon.com
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Hmm.. the Blue ridge sounds like a GREAT idea! I was planning to take of Wed as well. Where is everyone jumping on? It'd be great to get a group together to take the Blue Ridge down.
I'm down for this. I can't say I've been to Deal's Gap before, but I'm excited anyway. I love new and fun roads!
Is anybody organizing this from a MINI or MCO perspective? Also, I think a MINI registry of attendees would be good too, that way we know who's gonna be there, and have an idea of what to expect.
Cheers,
Ryan
Is anybody organizing this from a MINI or MCO perspective? Also, I think a MINI registry of attendees would be good too, that way we know who's gonna be there, and have an idea of what to expect.
Cheers,
Ryan
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Downers Grove, Illinois
>>I'm down for this. I can't say I've been to Deal's Gap before, but I'm excited anyway. I love new and fun roads!
>>
>>Is anybody organizing this from a MINI or MCO perspective? Also, I think a MINI registry of attendees would be good too, that way we know who's gonna be there, and have an idea of what to expect.
>>
>>Cheers,
>>Ryan
I talked to my better half, and I think there's a chance that she may let me sneak out for a couple of days to go down. I too would be interested in knowing any fellow MCOers that are heading down, especially from the Chicago area. And where are you planning on staying? The Lodge, the Village, the Microtel? Not definite for me yet, but I'm laying the ground work.
T J
>>
>>Is anybody organizing this from a MINI or MCO perspective? Also, I think a MINI registry of attendees would be good too, that way we know who's gonna be there, and have an idea of what to expect.
>>
>>Cheers,
>>Ryan
I talked to my better half, and I think there's a chance that she may let me sneak out for a couple of days to go down. I too would be interested in knowing any fellow MCOers that are heading down, especially from the Chicago area. And where are you planning on staying? The Lodge, the Village, the Microtel? Not definite for me yet, but I'm laying the ground work.
T J
Sand Dollar Collector
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,249
Likes: 2
From: Moved from Leesburg, VA to Oceanside, CA Nov. 2003
Whaaaaaa - bummer......all the other Lounge Lizards are at the Microtel.
We'll just have to make it a point to visit all the camps
Donna
>>I transferred my Microtel reservation to 2minis...YAY!
>>
>>Cheers!
>>Clover
We'll just have to make it a point to visit all the camps
Donna
>>I transferred my Microtel reservation to 2minis...YAY!
>>
>>Cheers!
>>Clover
Coordinator :: South East - Florida
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Winter Haven, FL
Has anyone thought about a side trip to Cades Cove? I love Cades Cove, and I think it would be a great little side trip for the weekend. Its an 11 mile, one way loop road, that goes through a 19th Century settlement... Grist mills, barns, churches...old houses. Just an idea... :smile:
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,099
Likes: 0
From: Just around the corner from the Dragon :~)
Saturday's Biltmore info, it's not to late to join the fun
Biltmore Attendees as of April 27, 2003
Name Tour Lunch
Eric a.k.a. MINIPOWER 1 1
Donna & Mike 2 2
Paddy 1 1
Barbara Miller 1 1
Mick & Jan Keenoy 2 2
Sam & Cindy Johnson 2 2
Katie Williams & Paul 2 2
Holly & Ryan 2 ?
Bruce a.k.a. brumi315 2 ?
George a.k.a. mininc 1 1
Tom & Elizabeth Clark 2 2
AprilWhine & Fuzzy One 2 2
Andrew Messerlian 1 1
Janibird & One 0 ?
Chris & Barbara Bader 2 2
Russ Nealis 1 1
Scott & Carmen Frazier 2 2
Steve a.k.a.sdmidget 1 1
Laura Jane 1 1
David & Cindy Miskell 2 2
Jeff & Kim Jenkins 2 2
Jason Tucker & Wife 2 2
Bruce & Lynn Beheler 2 2
Laura White & Guest 2 2
Trey Rogerson & GF 2 2
Mystery Guest (DF) 1 1
Total 41 37
Need to know any corrections by Tuesday night.
Biltmore Attendees as of April 27, 2003
Name Tour Lunch
Eric a.k.a. MINIPOWER 1 1
Donna & Mike 2 2
Paddy 1 1
Barbara Miller 1 1
Mick & Jan Keenoy 2 2
Sam & Cindy Johnson 2 2
Katie Williams & Paul 2 2
Holly & Ryan 2 ?
Bruce a.k.a. brumi315 2 ?
George a.k.a. mininc 1 1
Tom & Elizabeth Clark 2 2
AprilWhine & Fuzzy One 2 2
Andrew Messerlian 1 1
Janibird & One 0 ?
Chris & Barbara Bader 2 2
Russ Nealis 1 1
Scott & Carmen Frazier 2 2
Steve a.k.a.sdmidget 1 1
Laura Jane 1 1
David & Cindy Miskell 2 2
Jeff & Kim Jenkins 2 2
Jason Tucker & Wife 2 2
Bruce & Lynn Beheler 2 2
Laura White & Guest 2 2
Trey Rogerson & GF 2 2
Mystery Guest (DF) 1 1
Total 41 37
Need to know any corrections by Tuesday night.
