Now THERE is an idea!

Looks like 20 cars - the smallest Easter Dragon was back in '13 or 12 and it was 23 cars, I believe.
We had a great time, I think everyone met everyone else.

In any event, the calendar shows that Easter won't interfere with us again until 2021.

 

i think that is a great idea

 

After I posted I thought of a secondary benefit for everyone to gather on Saturday night in the lobby, we would all be in one place to discuss any potential Sunday runs. I am sure some of the people who head home Sunday might like to do a partial or short run "on the way home" and those spending the night would be looking for a day trip run.

 

Generally we all hang out in the lodge reception area anyway after the evening meal for drinks and good conversation. Lots of mew people coming this time which is great.

 

All the newbies will be in good hands with the regulars that will be attending.
They know several of the fantastic runs and are very good group leaders.
I'm sorry I cant be there to meet all of you who are coming for the first time.
I can only hope that your experience will be terrific and you will come back in the Fall. (October 2, 3, 4)
I will be there for 3 days in the Fall and would like to meet all of you.

Just so you know I already have a contract with Fontana Lodge for the Fall Dragon so if you know you are coming back make your room reservations before you leave this event.
I will be creating a new thread for the Fall Dragon once everyone has come home from this meet.
Have a great time everyone.....I know you will !!!!

Gary

 

For us die-hards, it's two weeks from yesterday that we arrive at Fontana, the rest of us, it's two weeks from TODAY.

I'll arrive Thursday around 4-5 pm and will be at the Grill by 5:30 or so - waiting for the rest of you to wander in. The BIG day of runs is Saturday, but with so many first timers coming, I am working on some ideas for short, "Intro Cruises", if anyone is interested on Friday evening. I am talking under an hour quickies - since so many will have driven so far.

If you have never been there - simply walk up to anyone getting in or out of their car (ummmm, their CROSSFIRE, that is) and say hi!

 

Looking for anyone who is willing to share their room with me for Friday and Saturday nights. I arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday. I will split the cost of the room with you for the two nights. Please message me if interested.
thanks Andy

 

Looks like Fontana Resort has Easter Weekend festivities for their guests
I'm subscribed on their email list and got this today

 

I will be at the lodge by midday on Friday, hopefully get an afternoon run in with anyone thats around.
Mark i would love to follow you up the Dragon.

 

Dont forget to bring your walkie talkies, they are good to get info while on the runs for gas stops etc. Any cheap set will do.

 

I planned on keeping kinda close to the Lodge after about 2 on Friday - so I should be around.
If I can manage to NOT FORGET, I will have two radios with me. If most of us bring two, we will be able to cover those who dont get the message!

Andy is right, countless times I've heard people say, "Hey, having a radio made it more fun...."

 

Here is a little reminder of the fun we will have in 2 weeks

 

What can a first timer learn from that video?

Two things:

1) Wave at those who pull over for you.
2) I'll tell ya Friday night at the 9pm meeting.

 

Here is another video of a run last fall, me having some fun at times then slowing to allow the others to catch up. Evan was my passenger.

 

Tom -- Knoxville --- hopes to attend

 

Tom, hope to see you there

 

Andy, that last one is "Hellbender Hill", and you went the RIGHT direction. Franc led us DOWN that hill one year, he was GONE after two curves (and I was driving for all I was worth). I made up my mind to learn to do that. Still cant keep up with him, but after learning from (primarily) Kim and Nick - I can now hit it at the bottom, get the spoiler up after that first curve and KEEP it up till the next-to-the-last curve at the top.

I'll never keep up with Franc, but I've come a long way.

That is my FAVORITE three miles up there.

 

I hear they still have rooms. I hope to see you there - if you make a reservation, I'll add ya to the list.

 

Thank you. I hope to be there also. As I recall we took a drive together before.

 

Thank you. Most likely I will try to link up for a day and return to Knoxville that night if I can coordinate things.