Each year the excitement grows with the thought of joining over (400) other Miata faithful in reclaiming the hallowed turf on U.S. 129 with its 318 tight curves, in that incredibly short 11 miles. We will be returning to our 'Miata Mecca' during the last full weekend in July. And this year, the fun and excitement created by that slab of unbelievable asphalt, will still be the "adrenalin draw" it has been for the past 14 years. This informal Regional Event is the highpoint each summer & is a total B-L-A-S-T !
We'll meet at the Mount Juliet Cracker Barrel at 6:30AM CDT on Thursday, July 28th for breakfast, then take off at 7:30AM (with a topped off tank, a full belly, an empty bladder & fresh batteries in you FRS radios) for all points east on the I-40 super-slab, stopping in Newport for a light lunch, before moving on to Cosby TN. This will be our first real exposure to the infamous Cosby Road (Hwy 32) in about three years. If you've heard some crazy stories about this 11 mile stretch of mountain highway, believe me, they
are
all
true. We'll take at least one "warm-up" R/T thru this ball buster, then head for some chow at
The Old Mill Square http://www.oldmillsquare.com at 3344 Butler Street in Pigeon Forge TN (865-429-3463/Eric/waiting list at 4:00PM EDT)Following dinner, we'll catch US321 & slip across to the Foot Hills Parkway to U.S. 129 and re-introduce ourselves to the best Miata road in the East. Make no mistake, this road is the best test of your Miata & your driving skills east of the Mississippi River. Following at least one R/T thru the Dragon, we'll head to our bunks at the Microtel for a good nights rest, in preparation for another big day on Friday.
On Friday, some of us will rise at the crack of dawn (7:00ish) to take advantage of the tranquility of an undisturbed solo thru Deals Gap (without the crowd & LEO's to contend with). Who knows, you may even be able to settle into that indescribable "groove" and become one with the car & the Dragon. Later in the day, feel free to explore the territory, including the Crossroads of Time
http://www.dealsgap.com/ and the many great roads around Robbinsville. The primary activities will be centered around Fontana Village http://www.fontanavillage.com/, including vendors, beer/wine swap, food, etc.
Also, on Friday, (3) "Runs" are being planned, one involving a 165 to 170 miles run to The Snakethru the Blue Ridge Mountains of north GA (meeting at 9:30AM at the Phillips Hotel & leaving at 10:00AM EDT sharp, with a return around 5:00 PM) & the second involving (2)
Wineries (meeting at the Phillips at 11:30AM EDT & departing at 12 Noon & returning around 6:00PM).
The Sands & all interested MCMC members, will make a run to Fat Buddies
at 311 Westgate Plaza in Franklin NC
(828) 349-4743 http://www.fatbuddiesribsandbbq.com/ for dinner on Friday afternoon. We'll meet at the Phillips Hotel at 5:00PM EDT & pull out at 5:30. Ask for the details on each, if you want to participate. If you do not join us for the run to Buddies at 5:00 PM, you will be 'on your own' for dinner that evening.
Then back up at the crack of dawn (7:00ish) on Saturday for another "joust" with the "Beast in the East". Late Saturday morning, we'll gather at the foot of Fontana Dam for a group photo shoot from both the top of the dam, as well as from a high lift bucket at the bottom. The Corps. of Engineers has agreed to allow entrance to our group in 2011. We have also confirmed that the grass should be mowed so you can see our cars. The photo will begin promptly at 11:00 AM. So we'll be lining up at Fontana Village to enter the area around 10:15AM EDT. KillBoyhttp://killboy.com/ will be taking the official photos and posting them on his website for purchase upon your return home. Immediately following this shoot there will be "Free" lunch bags handed out at 12 Noon at the Fontana Village Ballfield. .
Then, we have a real treat planned for our members. We will be leaving the Ballfield parking area immediately after retrieving your "Free" lunch at 12 Noon, as close to 12:15 as possible. We have selected the favorite Miata Road of the
Ridge Runner Miata Club out of Asheville NC for a drive out on Saturday afternoon. For those of you who are interested, we'll head out northwest of Asheville immediately following the picture session, check out these roads that brush up against the northeast corner of the Smokey's into Hot Springs NC, then drop back into Waynesville NC for dinner at Bogarts Steakhouse www.bogartswaynesville.com at 303 South Main Street (at 6:00PM / 828-452-1313 / Catherine), before returning to our hotel for the evening.
We'll head back out thru the Cherohala Skyway to points west on Sunday morning at 9:00AM EDT.
For those of you wishing to stay at the
Microtel at 111 Rodney Orr Bypass in Robbinsville (828) 479-6772, the room rate is about $80.00 per night, with no advance payment required. Just let Gray know which nights you will be staying at the Microtel, and he will take care of your reservations & make sure you have a room. NOTE: There is no "cut off" for room availability at the Microtel. But be sure and tell us if your plans change. Otherwise, you will be obligated for your room.
So, go ahead and throw your name in the hat for
Miatas
at
the
Gap
XV. It's just (15) short days from now. RSVP to Gray Sands at graype@bellsouth.net or (615) 419-3943.
FUN ! SUN ! RUN !
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