Tail of the Dragon - GET ON BOARD NOW!

[gutterworks129]

Man, its looking good, going to be a great trip!

[Ninjakris]

I'm pretty excited about this. I even have a buddy flying in from Oregon to enjoy the weekend as my copilot since my wife will be 6 months prego and doesn't want to deal with all the turns. It will be his first experience ever in a viper, and first trip ever to the east coast.

[C.J]

If your buddy doesn't own a Viper, my guess is that after the ToD trip he'll be shopping for one!

Congrats! First child?

[Brian GTS]

I'm pretty excited about this. I even have a buddy flying in from Oregon to enjoy the weekend as my copilot since my wife will be 6 months prego and doesn't want to deal with all the turns. It will be his first experience ever in a viper, and first trip ever to the east coast.

Awe, if he is a car guy, he is going to be going back west with a big grin on his face. We need one more car to have 10 more than we had last year. Lets do it. Anyone else?

[Ninjakris]

CJ, yep its my first kid. I just got a recaro baby seat today that matches the vipers interior.

My buddy is a big car guy. He's part of the reason I like cars. He bought an early 70's Cuda' when we were both 19 and he has been slowly restoring it ever since. I think it should be done in a year or so.

[DaveW]

Brian,

With the TOD being my first road trip with you guys, and it looks like about 15 Carolinas' Vipers are participating to date, I was wondering whether there's been any discussion regarding communications between convoy participants, other than cellphones. Cellphones are okay between a few people in areas of coverage, but I'm not so sure what it'll be like in the Smokies with 15 different people. Probably a bit of a conundrum...

I can research some 2-way radio options if you'd like. Some rentals are advertised at less than $2 a day, but probably have no bells and whistles such as FCC channels and hands free operation. It's nice to have the small earpieces that fit behind the ear and have a tiny clear tube that inserts into the ear and doesn't interfere with other sounds, nor do they have external mikes.

Let me know if there's any interest, or if there are other suggestions.

Going to be an awesome trip!

[SUB SONC]

I have some BK radios at work. We can use them if the batteries will hold a charge because we never use them anymore. They do not have hands free or VOX.

[C.J]

I've got a CB, but I'm not sure how well they work in the mountains. What is a BK radio?

[DaveW]

How many are available? Might be a great opportunity! Are any single chargers or multiple position charging stations available, and/or extra batteries?

I've not had direct experience with BK's before, but they are great radios. My real-time experience is with Motorola's, but only because they command most all government contracts and have service/sales in most every city across the country.

[Brian GTS]

Hey Dave....very good post. We never used radios last year, but it is a great idea. I have 4 Motorola 2-way radios we can use. However, if Seth's BK's will work, great! Otherwise, I can lend a few of mine out and maybe we can encourage members to buy a set or rent one? But they wouldn't necessarily have too.

[Leslie]

RI am thinking about going, just trying to figure out my vacation time
Is there a holder/clip for the radios? All those turns, I might need both my hands haha!

[J TNT]

Will be there , but on 2 wheels , sometimes 1 wheel !......lol !
In September when the Winnebago's have gone home....lol !

[No hemi]

Hey Brian It's getting close to this, are we meeting up on asheville on thursday like last year?, i think there might be 3 or 4 vipers coming up from my area, keep me posted so we can hook up with you guys.

[Stretch]

RI am thinking about going, just trying to figure out my vacation time
Is there a holder/clip for the radios? All those turns, I might need both my hands haha!

I'd recommend one of the FBI looking ear piece things. I picked up a couple like Kevan had and they work great. Then you can hear what's going on and still have 2 hands on the steering wheel. I also clip the radio to the seatbelt on the passenger side so it doesn't fly everywhere.

If you drive down you can meet us in Cincinnati on the way. I've got a big group meeting there, including a few from Indianapolis and eastern Illinois.

[J TNT]

Don't forget to check out "Hell's Bend !" Some of us like it better than the "Dragon"

[Brian GTS]

Hey Brian It's getting close to this, are we meeting up on asheville on thursday like last year?, i think there might be 3 or 4 vipers coming up from my area, keep me posted so we can hook up with you guys.

Hey Angel. Yes, we'll meet again in the Asheville area. Trying to get it all figured out this week!

[SUB SONC]

You don't need an earpiece, you just need to grab a co-pilot. My charger can charge 8 BK radios at a time but they are a "line of sight" fm radio. I am not sure how well they will work around curves and mountains. Satellite communication would be best for that type of terrain but pretty difficult to come by outside of military aviation from what I understand.
I have about 20 of them at work, I will test the batteries on them this week to see if they are a viable option.

[Brian GTS]

Okay, below is the itinerary for the event as posted by Joel from AL/TN. I would be interested to hear from those attending if they are wanting to arrive before the helicopter shoot at 1:00pm. If so, Raleigh and Charleston area members will need to leave no later than 6:00am to arrive my noon. Personally, I feel there is enough to do and would rather have a relaxing drive Thursday and arrive by 3:00pm or so. Please let me know.

Thursday May 29

Helicopter filming on 441N above Gatlinburg – 1:00 pm Driving time till afternoon for early birds. We will leave the hotel at 12:00 noon so we can be ready. First shot probably at the parking area above Gatlinburg.

Dinner at Doubletree Park Vista – great view of city and mountains, buffet dinner to include prime rib – special for us. Time to be 6:00 pm or thereabouts. Need to know if you are coming so we can make arrangements with the restaurant for seating.

Friday May 30

Meeting in Knoxville and other areas for Tail of the Dragon, Cherahola Skyway, drive to Gatlinburg. Breakfast in Knoxville at 8:00 am OR BEFORE. Start assembling cars at 8:45 am.

Leave Knoxville Campbell Station Area at 9:00 am. EST. Drive is about 90 miles to Tellico Plains.

Arrive Tellico Plains about 11:00-11:30. Break for gas and food and meet up with other groups. Leave for Gatlinburg no later than 12:30 pm. Possible stop at Deal’s Gap. Driving distance just over 100 miles.

Arrive in Gatlinburg about 3:30 – 4:00 pm. Check in Greystone Lodge.

Leave for Crystelle Creek Grill about 5-5:30 pm. Pick up t-shirts. Dinner about 6:30-7:00. Door prizes to be given away during this time. Announce plans and times for Saturday.

Saturday May 31

Leave for Douglas Lake and Ackley Party about 9:30 am. Police will block off lights to keep everyone together. Lunch provide by AL/TN Club.

Tail of the Dragon Round II group to leave at 10:00 am.

Return to hotel by late afternoon – freshen up before parade.

Parade lineup will start at 5:45 or 6:00 pm at staging area. Cars should stagger on road so the photographer can get each car individually. NOT side by side. Dinner at Cherokee Grill at about 6:30. Parking is set up behind the Cherokee Grill but some spillover might have to take place across the street. Unfortunately this is a pay lot and we will try to make arrangements. Return to hotel about 9:00 pm so individual merriment can begin.

Sunday June 1

Check out, check cars, say goodbye, and head home or drives around the area on your own. Smile all the way home and plan for coming back next year.

If you haven't already, please post up here once you book to let us know you are coming

SO looking forward to this! Get on board!

Members attending so far:
Angel & Eli
Bill & Elaine
Craig & Kiera
Paul & Joanie
Mike & Terri
Jeremy
Rush
Patrick & Brittany
Seth & Bob
Jeff
Kristian
Al & Kristy
Dave
Brian & Janelle

Brian, Mike, Craig, Seth, & Chris
Your Carolinas VOA Team

[No hemi]

I'm with you about arriving there at about 3 , i guess we'll meet about noonish in asheville?

[Brian GTS]

I'm with you about arriving there at about 3 , i guess we'll meet about noonish in asheville?

Yea, that's what I'm thinking. We can do lunch like we did last year.

[PatrickB]

Brittany and I aren't able to leave until mid-afternoon on Friday, so we *might* miss dinner at Crystelle Creek on Friday night. However, we're definitely heading out for some nightlife on Friday night and would be glad to have company if anyone wants to come! Hopefully there's some options within walking distance of the hotel.

[No hemi]

Ok , Brian sounds like a plan, Patrick I'm down witht that!!!.

[Brian GTS]

Brittany and I aren't able to leave until mid-afternoon on Friday, so we *might* miss dinner at Crystelle Creek on Friday night. However, we're definitely heading out for some nightlife on Friday night and would be glad to have company if anyone wants to come! Hopefully there's some options within walking distance of the hotel.

LOTS of stuff near the Hotel. In fact, everything is within walking distance. I want to visit the car museum again....that was fun last year.

Added Rich....that's 15!!!

Angel & Eli
Bill & Elaine
Craig & Kiera
Paul & Joanie
Mike & Terri
Jeremy
Rush
Patrick & Brittany
Seth & Bob
Jeff & Donna
Kristian
Al & Kristy
Dave
Rich
Brian & Janelle

[TurboRich]

Okay, below is the itinerary for the event as posted by Joel from AL/TN. I would be interested to hear from those attending if they are wanting to arrive before the helicopter shoot at 1:00pm. If so, Raleigh and Charleston area members will need to leave no later than 6:00am to arrive my noon. Personally, I feel there is enough to do and would rather have a relaxing drive Thursday and arrive by 3:00pm or so. Please let me know.

Thursday May 29

Helicopter filming on 441N above Gatlinburg – 1:00 pm Driving time till afternoon for early birds. We will leave the hotel at 12:00 noon so we can be ready. First shot probably at the parking area above Gatlinburg.

Dinner at Doubletree Park Vista – great view of city and mountains, buffet dinner to include prime rib – special for us. Time to be 6:00 pm or thereabouts. Need to know if you are coming so we can make arrangements with the restaurant for seating.

Friday May 30

Meeting in Knoxville and other areas for Tail of the Dragon, Cherahola Skyway, drive to Gatlinburg. Breakfast in Knoxville at 8:00 am OR BEFORE. Start assembling cars at 8:45 am.

Leave Knoxville Campbell Station Area at 9:00 am. EST. Drive is about 90 miles to Tellico Plains.

Arrive Tellico Plains about 11:00-11:30. Break for gas and food and meet up with other groups. Leave for Gatlinburg no later than 12:30 pm. Possible stop at Deal’s Gap. Driving distance just over 100 miles.

Arrive in Gatlinburg about 3:30 – 4:00 pm. Check in Greystone Lodge.

Leave for Crystelle Creek Grill about 5-5:30 pm. Pick up t-shirts. Dinner about 6:30-7:00. Door prizes to be given away during this time. Announce plans and times for Saturday.

Saturday May 31

Leave for Douglas Lake and Ackley Party about 9:30 am. Police will block off lights to keep everyone together. Lunch provide by AL/TN Club.

Tail of the Dragon Round II group to leave at 10:00 am.

Return to hotel by late afternoon – freshen up before parade.

Parade lineup will start at 5:45 or 6:00 pm at staging area. Cars should stagger on road so the photographer can get each car individually. NOT side by side. Dinner at Cherokee Grill at about 6:30. Parking is set up behind the Cherokee Grill but some spillover might have to take place across the street. Unfortunately this is a pay lot and we will try to make arrangements. Return to hotel about 9:00 pm so individual merriment can begin.

Sunday June 1

Check out, check cars, say goodbye, and head home or drives around the area on your own. Smile all the way home and plan for coming back next year.

If you haven't already, please post up here once you book to let us know you are coming

SO looking forward to this! Get on board!

Members attending so far:
Angel & Eli
Bill & Elaine
Craig & Kiera
Paul & Joanie
Mike & Terri
Jeremy
Rush
Patrick & Brittany
Seth & Bob
Jeff
Kristian
Al & Kristy
Dave
Brian & Janelle

Brian, Mike, Craig, Seth, & Chris
Your Carolinas VOA Team

Brain, so we'll have an opportunity to do the Dragon 129 Friday afternoon and Sat noon? What does this mean "Leave for Gatlinburg no later than 12:30 pm. Possible stop at Deal’s Gap. " So they'll be running the Dragon on their way to Gatlinburg? and maybe stopping at Deals Gap for a break but will be by there nonetheless? Also does this mean a group will be heading to the Dragon Sat morning also? "Tail of the Dragon Round II group to leave at 10:00 am."

[BigBadViper]

You can add my name to the list, but unfortunately I will be driving my black car. I really do own a Viper though.

I got a room with double beds for $68 per night during the week and $77 on the weekend at the host hotel.