i recently move here from nyc and will like to know of some cool places to motor in the carolinas eny ideas ?

 

Oh, prepare for the barrage....!!

Not only is THE DRAGON down there, but ...whew! I would suggest you join the motoring club: Tar Heels Mini Motoring Club or THMMC....they have about 900 members now I think, and we've just started a chapter of them up in Roanoke, VA. You can find them on the "clubs" forum here on NAM, and it's free to join.

This weekend some of them are planning a VERY twisty ride - Once you get to the club's website, look for the event thread "Blimey's Tour of Terror II."

Hope your move went well!

 

You are now a heck of a lot closer to the Dragon! You better go to MotD for those of us who are too far away. That being said, Charlotte after NYC? Ouch, why?

 

thanks a lot x uh oh x ill look for them

 

i needed a change from the fast lane zonedguy

 

You can always come to the Dragon in October with us
Welcome to NC

 

Head North on 77 until you find the Blueridge Parkway as the leaves start to turn. That is a terrific drive in the fall and you can make a great weekend out of it in my home state of VA!

(Just watch out for the troopers on the Interstate...)

 

I just checked the route for this weekend again, and it goes through the Dragon. (I'm seriously considering it, although the "start" point is 6hrs from me...) Blimeycabrio (also a NAMer) said it looks like a "blue intestine." Yup.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=e...6,1.875916&z=9

 

Welcome to the area, we have no shortage of wonderful roads just to the west!

 

And if you're person of independent means, drive west to Asheville and settle down. It's a great little town with a lot of stuff going on... Perfect refuge for left-leaners that don't mind interacting with nice people who consider showers optional!

One of my good friends quit his coporate job, moved down there, and now is a bass player in a neo-bluegrass band.

 

You're kidding right? I moved to Charlotte back in 1990 from up North and would NEVER move back. I can't tell you the thousands of people that have moved from up North to down South. I'll bet there is less than a handful going the other way.

It takes a year (or two for me) to become acclemated to the South and their ways but once it happens, you're here to stay.

Anyway, back to the OP. Congrats on the move, there are quite a few clubs here, lots of twisty roads, fun trips to the beach and mountains.

If you need any body or paint work, (if you live in Charlotte, you will...lol) you can contact me.

If you just need to know who to talk to or where to go, feel free to contact me.... I'll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

I mention that because one of the things I hate the most about moving is losing that "network" of friends and businesses you've built up before the move.

You can contact me at Collision Specialties, Inc. (704) 882-1150

Mark

 

Hi -

I made the same move, and you'll love it here. In addition to the roads mentioned, the entire Blue Ridge Highway is worth the ride. Mostly 45 MPH, lots of great scenery, especially in the fall with the leaves turning color, the roads are great.

I also suggest you take a ride to Virginia International Raceway (VIR), just over the NC/VA border outside of Danville, VA. There are lots of racing schools that use the track, and many car clubs do the same. It's a fantastic course, lots of technical areas and lots of run-off areas so you can let it run as hard as you want with little risk of serious damage - just be sure you get the proper instruction.

If you really want to enjoy VIR take the Keith Code Superbike school - they provide the motorcycles and Keith himself provides the classroom instruction. Worth every penny I spent. Right in Charlotte you can take a variety of riding classes on the Charlotte Motor Speedway, lots of fun and classes are available for all skill levels. With that background taking the turns in a MINI will be a snap.

Enjoy finding the roads yourself, but team up with some motorcycle clubs for lots of pre-selected routes with minimal traffic and lots of twisty roads.

You've just moved to motoring heaven - enjoy it.

 

I echo Mark's comments. I'm a native of Charlotte, and can offer some really great runs depending on time, weather, and interest.

I just did a nice one two weeks ago in the P-car. My home near SouthPark to Grandfather in two hours (yep), wide sweepers, good highway, stay OFF the parkway, and what a view. Spent lunch and some time in Blowing Rock, then back home.

I've done this particular run many times in various performance vehicles. Email me for details as I'd rather not post it.

eric@bumperplugs.com

As for life in Charlotte, we've got it made. Two hours to the mountains, a bit over 3 to some of the best east coast beaches, fantastic restaurants, and great real estate options (one of the few cities not impacted like the rest of the country), and great shopping.

Happy to help with some suggestions anytime. Welcome to Charlotte!

 

I live in charlotte too =p i stayed in queens for a bit of time, there woul be no room to drive my mini! haha just kidding

anyways feel free to hit anyone up especially mark. He's definitely a great guy!

mark: even though I couldnt get stuff for my mini, my mom needs some work!! Ill call you when I get the details

 

X2.... About 7-8 years ago I took 3 levels of Keith Codes school... Absolutely the best money I ever spent. I loved it so much I took a Kevin Schwantz's race class also. VIR is great, Roebling Road, (I just took the Phil Wick's Mini driving academy there), Road Atlanta and Mid Ohio. Gotta love the track.



Absolutley, if I can help her, just give me a call. Did ya get your car taken care of? Hope everything went well.


MarlOne,

As you can see, southern hospitality is at it's finest. You'll find for the most part, that same attitude all over this board. Must be a mini and southern thing.

Hit anyone of us if you need anything, I'm sure we'd be more than happy to help.

Mark

 

I grew up in Charlotte, great place, would love to go back!! You have the whole Appalachian trail at you beckon call.