In (this thread too).
In (this thread too).
Jay 94 A Laguna A Package 02 525i Sport 03 Black Kawi 636
Anyone from Florida going? Maybe I can caravan with a group, I dont wanna drive all that way by myself, I tend to fall asleep on long drives
I remember the first time I drove down, I was coming in from west Michigan. I linked up with another pair of Miatas and started the drive down. We left early in the morning, about 5am, and passed a few heavy downpours. I also had the top down as I was nearly passing a semi whose rear tire exploded on I-75. By the time we reached the exit near Knoxville, I was already pretty beat and wanted out of the car. The lead Miata knew the roads pretty well and as soon as we reached the turnout at the bottom of the Dragon, the lead car took off hell-bent for leather. So, my first drive on TotD was while I was exhausted, pounding headache and pissed because I just wanted out of the car and now I had all these corners to deal with. When we reached the CRoT, I found the rest of my party and those we were sharing a house with. Those 10 minutes outside the car were great. Then I had to follow them tearing through the 28 to get to our rental. Pissed again, I was given a cold beer after plopping down on the deck outside and had time to relax for a few moments. The driver on that lead car is now my wife.
Demon I Am (03-31-2016),JB 94 Laguna (04-01-2016),NCGreasemonkey (05-23-2016),theothersawyer (03-31-2016)
FWIW, my wife's first [and only] time at MATG had us coming down US129 in her 2005 Altima at 11pm
Even though I'm about 6hrs out, I actually don't like caravan-ing much. I generally prefer to travel alone, mostly because I'm free to drive as fast or slow as I want, stop if I want, or just go on a one-stopper (I *have* to fill up at least once).
For example, I took this picture shortly after passing 100k on the clock down by Chilhowee Dam. I was still on the way in, and it was 1am. I wouldn't touch my pillow for another two hours.
DSC_0037 by Bryan Wyatt, on Flickr
Last edited by Bryan; 03-31-2016 at 02:18 PM.
Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
Demon I Am (03-31-2016)
kung fu jesus (03-31-2016)
There's only 65 days remaining until MATG XX, and I thought I'd give you a list of the vendors who have signed up to attend this year.
- Bob Maurer Posters
- EcoTec Miata
- Fab9 Tuning
- Geri's Bazaar
- K Miata
- Palm Breeze Car Care
- Renew/Protect
- Ride Rage Powdercoating
- Superfast Miata
- The Dent Guy
- Track Minded Performance
- V8 Roadsters
They will all be set up in the Vendor's Area beside the General Store at Fontana Village. For more details, please visit the Vendor's section of the MATG Forum: www.gapmiatas.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=111
NCGreasemonkey (05-23-2016)
A little recon Intel. I was at the Fontana this past Friday through this morning.
They had some really strong storms Thursday. The roads are open, but there are still remnants of fallen trees in a lot of curves on the roads. I can tell there will be more cleanup to do, but extra caution should be taken for the debris that is laying where trees fell. The 28 from the 143 to the Fontana showed the most downed trees, but we saw downed trees in spots everywhere.
There were Ashplhund(?) tree crews and electric company line crews all over the region. I sat on the 129 next to Wheeler's last night from about 7:15-8p while a line crew repaired a broken line crossing the road. Both lanes were stopped. On Friday, they were using a pilot car to escort traffic back and forth in that area.
There is paving work underway on the Cherohala. There is one crew working spots on the NC side, about 10-15 minutes from the Snowbird, the other is on the TN side, about 10 miles from the Bald River Falls turnout. The NC side uses a pilot car to escort one side at a time.
The Dragon was open and the road was mostly clear. The storms have dropped branches and chips in some corners. Some of the heavy bikes were having problems with the debris. There is a log laying just off the road on the TN side where a small apron would be. Drive heads up more than usual. The storm that came through Friday night shook out more widow makers and took out some more power lines.
I am happy to report the switchbacks on Wayah Road are brand-spanking new! The fresh asphalt is glorious in an area that was previously a little dicey. It ends near the Macon Co. Watershed.
The rains are producing some awesome paddling conditions! We kayaked the Nanthahala and the waters were higher and swifter than normal, it was AWESOME. I know most of us go to drive the roads, but t the Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers offer some of the best rafting and paddling spots this side of the Mississippi. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a treasure, and a great way to escape the heat. There are many outfitting companies in that area that can rent you the gear for all sorts of levels and experience, guided or unguided. Let me know if you need a recommendation!
Last edited by kung fu jesus; 07-10-2016 at 01:55 PM.
tsingson (07-11-2016)
Looks like I'll be installing a rollbar in my car at Fontana this year
Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
kung fu jesus (07-10-2016)
So, it is 138.2 miles from the Shell station in Robbinsville to my front door. I would estimate 50 miles of multi-lane highway @ 60+, the rest are two lane back roads. I come up through Blood Mountain, doing part of the Suches Loop, aka, the GA Dragon. The 19 is an expressway here in Atlanta then becomes a 2 lane around Dahlonega. I take that till it merges the 74, jog right, go through Murphy, then pick up where the 129 splits off at Topton and on into Robbinsville. It's a nice drive.
I'll be there this year. I'll be staying at the Two Wheel Inn in one of the apartments (last minute reservation). Caravaning with my friend Zach and likely some other people on the way.
Looking forward to having fun and maybe seeing any of the other MR folks that will be there. Think I might actually be mindful of when the dam photo happens this time.
Well, if you make the photo, I'll be the guy in the pink shirt with the umbrella, probably directing traffic.
Originally Posted by DazedAndConfused
My For Sale Ads http://mazdaroadster.net/classifieds...untid%5D=13117
My NC Build Thread http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread....Unk577-s-DD-NC
I am planning on driving up this year with our Miata Club. Will be staying at Robbinsville.
I'd love to, but the house buying fund says no.
NCGreasemonkey (07-27-2016)