Caravan to Tail of the Dragon Time and Locations

[CarolinaViper]

Carolina Members,


For the last couple of years we have had two caravans of Vipers for the ToD. Those departing east of Asheville, NC (I-40) and those departing south of Asheville, (I-26) with both caravans picking up other members along the way. The Cracker Barrel restaurant located in Asheville, is located right off the interstate (see link below) is a great place for the two groups to meet and have lunch. After lunch, we would proceed to Gatlinburg, with approximately 20 Vipers driving through the mountains and making a statement that the Carolinas VOA have arrived. I have attached a link showing the location of the restaurant and the approximate time it will take from Raleigh (approximately 4 hrs.) We will try to arrive at the Crackle Barrel in Asheville at 12:30 to 1:00pm.

If you have the 2-way radios the club recommended purchasing a couple years ago please use Channel 10 - sub-channel ZERO.
If you plan on joining the caravan (I-40 or I-26) please state where/what exit you are going to join in and also if you have a guest so I can arrange a head count for lunch at Cracker Barrel. If you are not joining either caravan, but will join us at Cracker Barrel, please let me know so I can include you in the head count.

Link: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Rale...d35.562064!3e0

Angel, if you could initiate a time and pickup locations for those that will be driving on I-26, thsta would be great.

As for lunch, Cracker Barrel has a policy that they will not hold tables for customers, so in the past, Mike or Brian would call me when you guys passes exit 100 (I-40 group) and I would leave and try to obtain tables and parking for our group. From exit 100 (Morganton, NC) to the Cracker Barrel is about 50 minutes or less.

Attached is the I-40 caravan itinerary from previous years. It was designed to get to the Cracker Barrel at 12:30am. If everyone could state where they would be joining the I-40 and I-26 it would be helpful to ensure no one had car trouble on the way.

Kangaroo Express
100 Factory Shops Road
Morrisville, NC 27560
Arrive: 8:30am
Depart: 8:45am

Rest Area (MM 178)
Arrive: 10:15am
Depart: 10:30am

Wilco Hess Travel Plaza (Exit #133) It is now a Pilot Travel Plaza - change names since last year (Thx Patrick for the update)
1343 Rock Barn Road Northeast
Conover, NC 28613
Arrive: ~11:00am
Depart: ~11:15am

Cracker Barrel
5 Crowell Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Arrive: ~12:30pm
Depart: ~1:45pm

As a reminder, if you plan on joining the caravan, please state the location and how many are with you. See you all in a week or so.