★☆★ MaTG 2012★☆★

[morr]

I figured I'd start a thread on here to see who all's going to Miatas at the Gap (http://www.gapmiatas.com/). I missed it the past 3 years so I plan to go this year... gonna be camping out in Fontana with a few other CR members. Anyone is welcome to join us, and I'll be leaving from SC so if you wanna meet up along the way that's cool too!

[f86sabjf]

this ones till up in the air for me. We had reservations at Fontana last year and the economy got us at about 60days out.

[theothersawyer]

I need to go one of these times! I have never gone and I am only a few hours away. Maybe I will go this year.

[blu92]

Obviously you know i'll be going again this year. If anyone is going from around PA they can always join our group.

[blu92]

Here's a pic from last year

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x480/blu92/killboy.jpg

[ChrisJuliano]

I will be there:D

[RedCarmel]

It's a toss up between this and the Mitty...haven't decided yet. It's nice to know there's people to caravan with from from PA...

[TheFrohn]

definitely going again!
Probably staying in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg like I did last year. Love it there as well and it's not too far of a drive to the dragon.

GF and I at our cabin in Pigeon Forge... awesome view from the loft/balcony!
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/Thefrohn/GOPR0484.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/Thefrohn/img_8010.jpg
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c68/Thefrohn/img_2199.jpg

[blu92]

i remember seeing those cars cruising through:cool:

[pork n beanz]

Trying to get a crew from canada to come down since the drive is like 18hrs long

[Tekel]

Frohn: How long is "Not bad of a drive" and being up there did you feel like you missed much not actually staying at the Fontana?

[TheFrohn]

Frohn: How long is "Not bad of a drive" and being up there did you feel like you missed much not actually staying at the Fontana?

It's about an hour to an hour n a half drive... but with those type of roads around i dont mind :D

Yea you do miss out a little by not staying in Fontana but we were down there almost all day for a couple days and we also got to spend some time in Gatlinburg and the national park.

[Bryan]

I'll be there this year as long as my wife and the baby are settled by July.

I generally stay at Fontana, and, if you're up early enough, you might actually catch me running around the premises :o

If I come this year, I'm bringing along one of my RC planes, too.

[blu92]

Flying it in the baseball field?

[Bryan]

Flying it in the baseball field?Yup :)

Last year, I was flying my micro heli. Actually managed to (momentarily) land it on top of a telephone pole, lol

[blu92]

I'll have to check it out... I remember meeting you there like 3 years ago but i didnt run into you there last year.

[Bryan]

I'll have to check it out... I remember meeting you there like 3 years ago but i didnt run into you there last year.I'm easy to spot. I've been there every year since '06. On Saturdays, I wear this beauty:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/284548_10150276793663307_724163306_7546845_6103799 _n.jpg

[blu92]

It would be nice to get a MR.net/**.net meet together on saturday afternoon or something.

[Bryan]

It would. Admittedly, I tend to only drive in the morning or at night. It's normally too hot during the day and traffic gets heavy. Well, that and the fact that I enjoy sharing a drink with my fellow Miata folks--especially since I get to see so many of you guys only once a year!

[morr]

I'm freakin excited to finally go! Even if I can't get that Friday off from work, it's only a 5-6 hour drive which isn't too bad. Bryan, you make a good point about traffic... I'll probably do the same thing depending on the conditions.

[Tekel]

Heard back from fontana. They are sold out of rooms already :-/

[blu92]

Did you tell them you were coming for MATG? I know they set aside a lot of their rooms specifcally for MATG. If so, i better call and reserve my campsite very soon.

[XCLR8TN]

*sigh* I still have not been to this :(

[Bryan]

I normally room with some friends.

[ChrisJuliano]

Rich you should reserve that one spot closest towards the dam, where that other miata guy came in later towards the day remember where I am talking about?

[blu92]

I don't think you get to pick your spot..

[ChrisJuliano]

Just ask to see if its available, I dont mind going wherever but that spot was badass:P

[Tekel]

Did you tell them you were coming for MATG? I know they set aside a lot of their rooms specifcally for MATG. If so, i better call and reserve my campsite very soon.

Yep, a couple of the more expensive cottages come up but not the lodge rooms.

[Bryan]

Yep, a couple of the more expensive cottages come up but not the lodge rooms.Secret of using the cottages is to get a couple guys to go in with you on it. You should have no problem getting a couple roommates for the weekend!

[Tekel]

Secret of using the cottages is to get a couple guys to go in with you on it. You should have no problem getting a couple roommates for the weekend!

Yah, unfortunately the wife isn't so keen on the whole "rent a place with some guys I met on the internet" thing. :confused:

[Bryan]

Yah, unfortunately the wife isn't so keen on the whole "rent a place with some guys I met on the internet" thing. :confused:
Is she coming along?

[Tekel]

Is she coming along?

Yah. Right now she is planning on it. Been married 3 years and still go just about everywhere together.

[Bryan]

Yah. Right now she is planning on it. Been married 3 years and still go just about everywhere together.Understandable. My wife went with me right after we got married back in '07:

http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=47037&d=1185661375

Admittedly, we had to drive her Altima down because my Miata (to be sold months later) was laid up. She had a great time, and made friends with some of the other wives that come down for the trip. I even got her to jump off a bridge, lol.

You might want to see if you can catch up with Josh (swingdancr) over at the gapmiatas.com forum and is a good connection on people and places in the area.

[morr]

Did you tell them you were coming for MATG? I know they set aside a lot of their rooms specifcally for MATG. If so, i better call and reserve my campsite very soon.

Do it! You're the official 'make reservations' guy haha. Just make sure we don't end up sharing a campsite with The Situation like in Baltimore :p

[ChrisJuliano]

HAHAHA that was funniest thing ever when the situation came into our hotel room, I nearly shit myself!

[blu92]

I wanted to wait for IA to annonce their dates but they're dragging their asses.

[ChrisJuliano]

send em a email or something so we can plan things:D

[blu92]

Who? IA? People have been bothering them for weeks on their fb page and they still haven't released any dates..:( I think we should just pick the dates we want to be down at MATG and if it works out, it works out.

[ChrisJuliano]

Sounds good I hope it works out though!

[morr]

^I agree with that. I think what I might try to do is get the Friday and Monday off for the weekend at the gap.

[Bryan]

^I agree with that. I think what I might try to do is get the Friday and Monday off for the weekend at the gap.I normally take off Thursday after work and take Friday. By Sunday, Fontana is dead quiet.

[blu92]

I think we're going down on thursday and staying until the following friday. It will be a nice long vacation and i'd like to go see gaitlinburg and pigeon forge while we're down there.

[ChrisJuliano]

I am with blu92, the next week if they have IA (last last year) we will have that up too in nashville. But the whole week will be good fun for a nice little trip! And I hope we can hit up that restaurant that was closed last year:D

[blu92]

With being there a week, I'm sure we will be in Robbinsville quite a few times. So we'll have to see what the hours are.

[morr]

I normally take off Thursday after work and take Friday. By Sunday, Fontana is dead quiet.

I figured it might be, but since I moved down South I wouldn't mind hanging with blu92 and ChrisJuliano for the day :)

[ChrisJuliano]

Me and rich are staying for an entire week so we will be exploring the entire area and having lots of little explorations and checking out new areas even though fontana will be dead:P

[adamvanxxx]

I want to join the party.

[ChrisJuliano]

You can ask blu92 for details on where we are staying. You can stay at the same campsite as us and attend our dragon runs/etc with us! CR/MR sausage fest woots!

[blu92]

I want to join the party.

Simple life campground in Robbinsville, NC

pm me if you want anymore details

[adamvanxxx]

It would be me and RyanXstorey. Lets get the party started.

[Bryan]

Right on. There's no way I can take that long this year, lol

[ChrisJuliano]

Our crew should have 4 guys from PA (morr I consider as a PA guy even though he moved to NC), and we might have a huge virginia crew joining us aswell, dazedandconfused (seth) and freshnb, anthony (i forget his forum name but red na on volks) and whoever comes with them.

[Bryan]

I normally stay with a couple guys from Va Beach.

[ChrisJuliano]

That area has some awesome cars, I think I saw you at MATG last year, when we were all taking the group photos was it you who came late or something and ran between all of the cars last second before pics were taken?

[Bryan]

That area has some awesome cars, I think I saw you at MATG last year, when we were all taking the group photos was it you who came late or something and ran between all of the cars last second before pics were taken?
Most likely. I'm like one of three Black guys that show up, and the only one that wore a pink shirt--let's not get into the whole "I drive a Laser Blue" thing. There's NO mistaking me for anyone else that weekend, lol.

(In reference to the photo, I was helping direct traffic and then checking to make sure all the cars were empty for the dam photo. For the previous couple years when we did the group photo up at Fontana, I was responsible for getting the "official" shot)

[blu92]

Yeah, your car is very easy to spot...

[ChrisJuliano]

Ill see you there this year then:D

[Bryan]

Yeah, your car is very easy to spot...Ironically, I had left it up at Fontana this past year because it had acted up earlier that day and I was stressed the heck out about it, so the only LB to show up wasn't in the dam photo.

[Tekel]

Ironically, I had left it up at Fontana this past year because it had acted up earlier that day and I was stressed the heck out about it, so the only LB to show up wasn't in the dam photo.

Wow bryan, no need to cuss about it.

[Bryan]

Wow bryan, no need to cuss about it.
:lol:

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/000/681/what-you-did-there-i-see-it.thumbnail.jpg

[blu92]

Might get screwed over on this trip by my coworker...hopefully not...if so i might quit and find another job lol

[Bryan]

Semi (pardon the pun) good news: North Carolina has banned trucks with trailers over 30ft in length in US129 in Swain County north of US19 and US74. Trucks coming from Tennessee have to turn around at the state line or be ticketed. That should cut down on incidents where you come around a corner to find truck and trailer crossing lanes.

[ChrisJuliano]

I hope nothing happens rich:[

[blu92]

Me too...it's the same coworker that almost screwed me over for the baltimore trip

[morr]

Bryan, that's great news! I'm most worried about other people swerving in lanes, cuz I usually drive pretty slow myself :lol:

Rich, that's bullcrap! I say find another job or offer the guy a couple bucks to stay and work for you... haha

[Bryan]

Bryan, that's great news! I'm most worried about other people swerving in lanes, cuz I usually drive pretty slow myself :lol:So do I ;)

You're welcome to take a ride-along, of course!

[morr]

Definitely! You're welcome to ride along in my car as well if you'd like to get the feel of Ricelands :) haha

[ChrisJuliano]

Your not the only one with ricelands:D Just mine arnt blown ha

[Bryan]

You'll find after riding with me that Illuminas and FM Springs are wholly adequate for the job :lol:

[ChrisJuliano]

Last year I had stock suspension and had the time of my life! This year the ricelands (if I still have em for MATG might switch things up;p) will be a upgrade and I will be on some sticky wide rubber instead of crappy all seasons! Oh and alotttt of chassis stiffening will be done aswell so I am very excited for my cars changes!

[morr]

Your not the only one with ricelands:D Just mine arnt blown ha

I still need to take off my wheels to check, but I think the locking collar itself just started slipping because there isn't the usual bounce of a blown shock.

[ChrisJuliano]

You could have maybe broke the spring idk? I dont think a collar could even slip. With the heavier spring rate I also dont think it would bounce much at all when my mk4 strut blew it didnt bounce at all.

[Bummer]

I normally stay at Microtel in Robbinsville. I went to SoCal last year instead of MATG, so I forgot to make reservations for this year. The only place I could find with room was the Philips Motel. At least I have a room. If any of you see us, introduce yourself. We are usually travelling as 2 red NA's, a black NB, along with a 350z and a WRX. Oh, and we are almost always following one or more slow moving Harleys... :dispirited:

[chiefmg]

I might be able to make it. Won't be home from work until late May-early June so the only question will be money. I've never been and would love to hit the Dragon at least once.

[Bryan]

I might be able to make it. Won't be home from work until late May-early June so the only question will be money. I've never been and would love to hit the Dragon at least once.
If you're going, let me know. I don't normally like to caravan much, but we can head down. I'm not 100% sure I'm going or where I'm staying, but we can at least head down together if you want.

[blu92]

Luckily my coworker going a different week so it's a definite for me now!

[ChrisJuliano]

^^^ best news ive heard all day:D

[morr]

Sick!!! Good to hear!

[Tekel]

Ok, so apparently the person who emailed me back from Fontana had no clue what they were talking about and they have several rooms available. I am now booked at Fontana Village for Miatas at the Gap 2012. I'm excited! Me and the wife will be driving down from Southern WV (I live at the intersection of I-64 and I-77) in the MSM.

[Bryan]

Hopefully I can make it this year. Still iffy.

[concealer404]

Ok, so apparently the person who emailed me back from Fontana had no clue what they were talking about and they have several rooms available. I am now booked at Fontana Village for Miatas at the Gap 2012. I'm excited! Me and the wife will be driving down from Southern WV (I live at the intersection of I-64 and I-77) in the MSM.

What was the price if you don't mind me asking, and for how many days?

I'm thinking about going, bringing the MSM. How long i stay will depend on whether or not she can get time off from work. Longer if she can, short 2 day trip if she can't.

[Tekel]

What was the price if you don't mind me asking, and for how many days?

I'm thinking about going, bringing the MSM. How long i stay will depend on whether or not she can get time off from work. Longer if she can, short 2 day trip if she can't.

$115/night in the 1 bedroom cabins.
There are cheaper places around to stay but we decided this would be our summer road trip.

more info on the room rates at Fontana here: http://www.gapmiatas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=69&t=1314
Other places to stay: http://www.gapmiatas.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=69



Hopefully I can make it this year. Still iffy.
http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/files/imagecache/news/files/news/20090916_fingers_crossed.jpg

[concealer404]

Shit that's not bad at all. I think last time i went down there i just stayed at a La Quinta in Knoxvegas for $60/night. Thanks!

[Bryan]

I thought about camping in the MZ5 :lol:

[kung fu jesus]

I'm going. My wife is coming, too. Don't know if we are bringing one Miata or both.

Staying at the Phillips Motel in Robbinsville. Arriving Thursday, leaving Sunday.

Let's plan some hoonage, Mr.N style!

[Bryan]

I'm officially in :)

[kung fu jesus]

REALLY?! You bringing the missus and the bambino or is this a "daddy ME-time" trip? :lol:

I could dig up some long-ish drives from the past, if people are interested. Let me know so I can get the routes from people I drove them with 10 years ago.

[Bryan]

REALLY?! You bringing the missus and the bambino or is this a "daddy ME-time" trip? :lol:I'm coming solo. My mother and father in-law along with my sister-in-law and her three kids will be coming up the day after I leave and will be staying until the next week, so I'll feel good that I can enjoy myself and she will be well taken care of :)

[kung fu jesus]

that's good news, indeed!

remember to shut your phone off when you're drinking at night, though. ;)

"Sorry, honey. Cell service was spotty/there was passing thundershowers/my phone was on roam and ran the battery down."

[Bryan]

that's good news, indeed!

remember to shut your phone off when you're drinking at night, though. ;)

"Sorry, honey. Cell service was spotty/there was passing thundershowers/my phone was on roam and ran the battery down."Nice thing about staying at Fontana is that I only get service at the General Store. What that means is that I will only be talking to her once or twice during the day. Once people head back to cabins to relax, I don't have to worry about the phone ringing.

[kung fu jesus]

:) Yes!

[psulja]

I wish I could go to this but I work :( Of course we have shutdown the two weeks before MATG, but not the week off. I hope to make it out in the next couple of years, would be cool to actually meet some of you guys in person.

[kung fu jesus]

Dude. 8 hour drive from Detroit. Seriously. Straight shot down I 75, pick up the 129 outside Knoxville, ride the Dragon on your way in.

[kung fu jesus]

So, Tina just wants to take one car, which will most likely be mine. :)

I asked,"Are you going to get car sick on the drives?"
She responded,"No, why?"
"Just askin'...."

We both did in '05, but we were both hung over. :P

[Bryan]

Yeah...I kinda did that back in '06 in my old car. I had my APR seat and 5pts...kinda out-drove my stomach and was sick for the rest of the day :oops:

[psulja]

Dude. 8 hour drive from Detroit. Seriously. Straight shot down I 75, pick up the 129 outside Knoxville, ride the Dragon on your way in.

If I'm not working that Saturday I might hop in my car after work on Friday and drive out. But the chances of not working are really slim so we'll see. Although I might be in Virginia the weekend before so it might be a lot of driving back and forth. Could be fun though. Would definitely hit my goal of 300,000km before the end of the summer.

[morr]

Less than a month away! :frantic:

[NAautoxer]

If I'm not working that Saturday I might hop in my car after work on Friday and drive out. But the chances of not working are really slim so we'll see. Although I might be in Virginia the weekend before so it might be a lot of driving back and forth. Could be fun though. Would definitely hit my goal of 300,000km before the end of the summer.


where in VA? i'd love to make it to this, especially since i'm sooo close, but can't right now. :( one day...

[gapmiatas]

Just 20 days left!!! Can't wait!

Personally, I'm looking forwards to meeting a bunch more people, and seeing the new trailer that Sylvan is bringing over. 1 1/2 King bed worth of sleeping space, can carry ATV or 2 dirt bikes, dining table, front canopy, screened windows, and only weighs 800 lbs.

Oh, and the Beer Swap. Can't forget the beer swap!

[kung fu jesus]

Tell me more of this so-called beer swap...

[Bryan]

Tell me more of this so-called beer swap...
Good times, good beer, and I occasionally make an appearance. What else do you need to know?

:lol:

[kung fu jesus]

location, day and time?

[gapmiatas]

Vendor's Area, Fontana Village, Saturday, July 28, 2012, 7pm

http://yoarkiv.com/arkiv/AGE/photo/misc/IMG_2808.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-48mCSQAhKhw/TjdRPX2dFXI/AAAAAAAAEmw/_XgeMg_OnWk/s800/IMG_2812.JPG

Usually 4-5 tables of different beers and wines. But remember... it's a swap. So bring something nobody else has to trade.

[Bryan]

location, day and time?Oh yeah...duh.


Vendor's Area, Fontana Village, Saturday, July 28, 2012, 7pmJosh is on it :)

[Demon I Am]

I hate to miss this.
Working Saturdays really blows

[Tekel]

I'm scared to bring a six pack in my trunk. Especially if its hot. It barely fits standing up, let alone in a cooler. I've had my wifes makup melt in the trunk on a trip to Florida... Add the stiff rear end to the carbonation(sp?) And I feel like its a bomb in the making.

[Demon I Am]

Dude, just get a small cooler/large lunch box. I have an insulated plastic/vinyl box with a removable hard shell insert. It can hold 8 brews (or a growler) and plenty of ice. or, ya know, don't bring so many clothes. Priorities, man.

[Bryan]

I'm scared to bring a six pack in my trunk. Especially if its hot. It barely fits standing up, let alone in a cooler. I've had my wifes makup melt in the trunk on a trip to Florida... Add the stiff rear end to the carbonation(sp?) And I feel like its a bomb in the making.Dude...what kind of roads are you driving on :lol:

[kung fu jesus]

I'm scared to bring a six pack in my trunk. Especially if its hot. It barely fits standing up, let alone in a cooler. I've had my wifes makup melt in the trunk on a trip to Florida... Add the stiff rear end to the carbonation(sp?) And I feel like its a bomb in the making.


I drove from TN on a beer run with the trunk packed with beer. Had to open some cases to get it all to fit, then it hit me that I had to drive through the Dragon and the 129 all the way back to Robbinsville. I think I had some liquor in there, too. I could hear it shifting around. Most of it was warm by the time I got back from the muffler/exhaust heating up the trunk. Have has some if the same when I go grocery shopping.

I've thought about using the gold insulation to line the trunk

[Demon I Am]

That story would be better with moonshine, and cops.

[kung fu jesus]

yeah, I thought the same while making the drive.

[Bryan]

I'm scared to bring a six pack in my trunk. Especially if its hot. It barely fits standing up, let alone in a cooler. I've had my wifes makup melt in the trunk on a trip to Florida... Add the stiff rear end to the carbonation(sp?) And I feel like its a bomb in the making.

I drove from TN on a beer run with the trunk packed with beer. Had to open some cases to get it all to fit, then it hit me that I had to drive through the Dragon and the 129 all the way back to Robbinsville. I think I had some liquor in there, too. I could hear it shifting around. Most of it was warm by the time I got back from the muffler/exhaust heating up the trunk. Have has some if the same when I go grocery shopping.
I always pick up the weekend's libations in Cincinnati and they take up spots in the trunk and the main cabin during the 6hr trip to the Gap. I just have to remember that I can't drink anything immediately after getting out of the car because they're hot, not warm :lol:

[Bummer]

Saw this posted, today, by Tail of the Dragon:
LEO (Law Enforcement) sobriety check on the Dragon at the TN/NC state line. At least 60 yes... SIXTY LEO's from NC and TN causing a HUGE road block. You tax money at WASTE. Pictures and video coming soon.

[kung fu jesus]

Challenge accepted.

[kung fu jesus]

anyone down to help plan a MR drive?

[Bryan]

anyone down to help plan a MR drive?
I know the Club Roadster folks are heading out from the restaurant at Fontana on Friday at 6.30pm. I'll be there. I'd love to do an early bird run if anyone's down.

[kung fu jesus]

That's the best kind!
Not sure when we will get into R'ville on Friday.

[gapmiatas]

Just don't think about the federal restrictions of transporting alcohol across state lines when you go on beer runs or when you drive to the event.

:-)

I just hope they don't stop me with my homemade stuff.....

[kung fu jesus]

Pffff!

A jar or two won't cause a stink. A car load, well, maybe.

[gapmiatas]

3 to be precise. One quart for us and two for a friend.

That reminds me, I need to find out when it will be ready for pickup....

[Bummer]

Ready for pickup?? You need to start providing your own! (http://www.milehidistilling.com/)

http://www.milehidistilling.com/product_images/uploaded_images/4th-ofjuly-milehi.jpg

[Bryan]

That's the best kind! I'm normally up by 8am to run :)


Just don't think about the federal restrictions of transporting alcohol across state lines when you go on beer runs or when you drive to the event.I've had drinks in my car every year I've come down and never had a problem (knock on wood).

[kung fu jesus]

Actually, I stand corrected. We will arrive Thursday, not Friday.

[Bryan]

Actually, I stand corrected. We will arrive Thursday, not Friday.Awesome. I'll be in on late, late Thursday.

Perhaps we can both mourn the fact that neither of our teams picked up Parise or Suter :lol:

[kung fu jesus]

pppht. minnesota.

what a waste.

I think the Wings will wait until the CBA is done and will go hard after the UFAs next year. Getzlaf would be killer in the lineup and I think Weber will be looking to move on by then too.

[gapmiatas]

Ready for pickup?? You need to start providing your own! (http://www.milehidistilling.com/)

Trust me, I've looked into it seriously. Obtaining the equipment quietly is the issue. Any shop you purchase equipment from is required to turn in a report to the ATF.

[gapmiatas]

Two weeks!!!

[kung fu jesus]

Man, 6 years since I was last in that area...we are looking forward to it!

[morr]

I've missed it the past 4 years of my Miata ownership. So glad to finally be going! These two weeks need to go by faster...

[Bryan]

Man, 6 years since I was last in that area...we are looking forward to it!
It'll be good to see you again, man!

[kung fu jesus]

You too! When did you come out to KINOD?

[Bryan]

You too! When did you come out to KINOD?Twice. First was back in '06 I think. Wilner brought me, so that oughta tell you how long ago that was :lol:

Last time I was out there I think was '09. Jay was nice enough to take my picture. I believe I was captioned as "Random guy from Ohio" :oops:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/TheSamuraiX/P9071435.jpg

[kung fu jesus]

Wow! 09? Damn.

[Bryan]

Wow! 09? Damn.Yep. That was actually my 3rd trip. During the second, in '07, I didn't really have time to hang out with anyone :(

[mhogan0]

hey KFJ take ur cam and bring lots of pics Pleeeeeeeeesse, for those of us that cant go

[kung fu jesus]

All I have is a cell phone. I will see if I can find my wife's point and shoot.

[gapmiatas]

It's this weekend!!! Can't wait. Just 1.5 more days of work for me!

[Bryan]

See you late Thursday :)

[kung fu jesus]

where's the general meetin' spot?

[Bryan]

where's the general meetin' spot?Are you staying in Robbinsville? Generally there's always someone hanging around the general store.

[gapmiatas]

Anybody traveling to MATG down I-75? There has been a landslide that has closed one lane. More details and a detour listed here: http://gapmiatas.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=73&t=1374

[Ciotti]

I think I'm chickening out, I don't have reservations anywhere, didn't have time to get comfy seats in or cruise control or fix the 70 mph shimmy, the cat in my 1 month old FM midpipe is partially clogged from Seafoaming, and it's a 12 hour ride each way for me. I do have Friday off but I just don't think I can swing this much driving.

Sucks because I was REALLY looking forward to this.

[Bryan]

Bummer, man...it'd have been good to meet up!

[kung fu jesus]

Great meeting everyone!

Hope everyone made it back safely.

[Bryan]

Great meeting everyone!

Hope everyone made it back safely.I got back about 3hrs ago :)

Many many pics from the weekend!

[gapmiatas]

Just got the registration sheets all tallied up.

Final count at registration: 402 cars
Plus a conservative guess of 10-15% that never registered = about 450-460 cars!!!!

Fantastic turnout! Thank you all very very much!!!

[Demon I Am]

TTWWP!

[gapmiatas]

Here's a pool that different people are contributing to:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/matg/

[Bryan]

TTIWP!
I've got a LOT (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39576102@N00/tags/matgxvi/) of pics (still uploading, in fact). I'll try to put my best ones here tonight :)

[kung fu jesus]

Yeah, I forgot to register.

I enjoyed Friday very much! Both drives, to Bryson City and Marcus'.

Saturday was a mixed bag for us.

We were stuck behind a dangerously slow groups on the 28/129 and on the Cherohala. I am patient, but it's rude to not use the turnouts. When the locals start stacking up behind you, you're going too slow.

[tsingson]

Sounds like a blast. Maybe I'll try to go next year. I can just make the drive up and just drive home after.

[SM16RMSM]

I wish I didn't have to miss this year also. never gone before. I really want to. sad day for me.

[kung fu jesus]

Couple staying at our hotel drove in from Orlando. They said it was a 10 hour drive.

[gapmiatas]

I think Davey and Nina still hold the record for longest distance traveled.

They live here: http://goo.gl/maps/ncUgl

[Bryan]

Couple staying at our hotel drove in from Orlando. They said it was a 10 hour drive.Chris, Brad, and Steve I think all had about 12hrs.

Quite frankly, if I had to come any further than I already do, I'd have to either stay longer or not come at all. 6.5hrs is a lot to drive for what's essentially two days--even if it's fun with friends.

[gapmiatas]

Chris and Steve have about 7-8 hrs each. Brad had 12 hrs IIRC.

Oh, and Bryan... you need to stay longer anyways!

[kung fu jesus]

wait, Dave and Nina were there? I know they were thinking about moving back stateside, but I didn't know they were here to visit.

[Bryan]

wait, Dave and Nina were there? I know they were thinking about moving back stateside, but I didn't know they were here to visit.AFAIK, they haven't been here since 05-06.

[gapmiatas]

Yeah, sorry... guess I should have clarified that. They were here in 2005, from NZ.

[gapmiatas]

If any of you are planning on attending, here's a full itinerary:

Thursday, July 25, 2013
- Sunset Cherohala Run
Fontana General Store: 6:15 meeting, 6:45 departure
Phillips Motel: 6:45 meeting, 7:10 departure

Friday, July 26, 2013
- Friday Morning Spirited Run
Phillips Motel: 9:30 meeting, 10:00 departure

- Fat Buddies Run
Phillips Motel: 5:00 meeting, 5:30 departure

Saturday, July 27, 2013

- Annual Dam(n) Photo
Base of Fontana Dam, shutter snap at 11:00 am sharp

- Free Lunch
Fontana Village Vendor's Area, starts at noon
Provided by Graham County Travel & Tourism and the Town of Fontana Dam, NC

- Mazdaspeed Meet
In Front of Wildwood Grille at Fontana Village 2:00pm

- ClubRoadster spirited run
In Front of Wildwood Grille at Fontana Village, 5:15 meeting, 5:40 departure

- 7th Annual MATG Beer Swap and Wine Tasting
Vendors Area at Fontana Village, 7:00pm to ???

- MATG Raffle to Benefit National Kidney Foundation in Bill D'Antoni's honor
Tickets for sale at Registration Tent at Vendor's Area Fontana Village
Drawing at 8:00pm at Beer Swap
Not necessary to be present to win

[Phatmiata]

You should probably start a "2013" thread so that folks don't have to read through 11 pages to get to the new info.

[mini_fd]

Please do... I'll be going