OFFICIAL 2012 Summer cruise
07-08-2012, 08:06 AM
#101
One more thing, the best part about the roads down around the Smokey Mountains is how clean and smooth they are. You may occasionally see a little bit of gravel or dust on certain roads (not the Tail of the Dragon) but it's always minimal and few and far between.
07-08-2012, 10:31 AM
#102
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I understand your logic guys but where you're mistaken is that when you go to the Dragon you don't just drive the Dragon. Just within a few minutes drive of the Dragon is Hellbender, and the foothills of Deals Gap which are both awesome roads and also both make Southwood look like the 401. There's also the Cherahola Skyway which has amazing look out points over the Smokey Mountains.
I'm not joking when I say that you can leave your cabin/hotel in the morning and drive for 5-6 hours on all different roads with barely any straight roads.
It's also not as expensive as you might think. You can rent a cabin at Fontana Village and share it with a few people and then buy your own groceries which all helps cut the cost. If you happen to bring a passenger in your car with you then they can split the cost of gas 50/50 which also helps. If it's your first time down I recommend a full week because then you don't have to rush to see everything and can really enjoy yourself but if time is of the essence you can do a decent trip in 3-4 days as long as your drive there and back in one day which isn't too bad as its approx 13-14 hours one way depending on stops.
Southwood was fun, but everytime I've been on a trip to the Tail of the Dragon there's always been at least one newby who's mind is blown the first time they get there with how ridiculous the turns are in the Dragon. Anything you think it's like (from reading or stories, etc.), multiply that thought by 100 and you might be close to how crazy the Tail of the Dragon itself is.
Anyway, still a fun cruise. Thanks again Footman!
Simon
I'm not joking when I say that you can leave your cabin/hotel in the morning and drive for 5-6 hours on all different roads with barely any straight roads.
It's also not as expensive as you might think. You can rent a cabin at Fontana Village and share it with a few people and then buy your own groceries which all helps cut the cost. If you happen to bring a passenger in your car with you then they can split the cost of gas 50/50 which also helps. If it's your first time down I recommend a full week because then you don't have to rush to see everything and can really enjoy yourself but if time is of the essence you can do a decent trip in 3-4 days as long as your drive there and back in one day which isn't too bad as its approx 13-14 hours one way depending on stops.
Southwood was fun, but everytime I've been on a trip to the Tail of the Dragon there's always been at least one newby who's mind is blown the first time they get there with how ridiculous the turns are in the Dragon. Anything you think it's like (from reading or stories, etc.), multiply that thought by 100 and you might be close to how crazy the Tail of the Dragon itself is.
Anyway, still a fun cruise. Thanks again Footman!
Simon
haha maybe when i graduate and get a stable job that pays me well enough i can afford to go down..but seriously..as a student...the thought of spending $600 just on gas in a week or so seems pretty frightening
07-08-2012, 10:51 AM
#103
Dragon what?
In all fairness, to go onto a cruise thread and comment in a way that belittles the fun had without even participating does seem like a bit of a **** up.
I'm not sure about anybody else but I did not sign onto this cruise for any other reason than to have some good fun with other like minded drivers out enjoying their vehicle. I personally do not care how much alike or not alike our drive was to any other road. Great time, great people. Nuff said.
I'm not sure about anybody else but I did not sign onto this cruise for any other reason than to have some good fun with other like minded drivers out enjoying their vehicle. I personally do not care how much alike or not alike our drive was to any other road. Great time, great people. Nuff said.
07-08-2012, 11:03 AM
#104
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I remember that day. a lot of cars to pull together and I had some help. Great time though.
Would someone be nice enough to PM me this route (southwood) since I wasn't able to go. I might try this next weekend. Thanks.
Last edited by mr.zoom; 07-08-2012 at 11:10 AM.
07-08-2012, 11:31 AM
#105
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i know we all had our fun and everything but we also got to admit that it was dangerous. it was an open road and if there was more cars comming in we coulda had a bad accident, just sayin. i think next time (if there is one) we should get a track meet =)
07-08-2012, 11:37 AM
#106
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Thanks for organizing Mars and Footman! Was looking forward to it all week and definitely enjoyed it. After hearing more about the Gap and the Dragon I'd love to consider making a trip out of that !!!
07-08-2012, 02:28 PM
#108
Just google either 'Tail of the Dragon' or 'Deals Gap' and you'll get tons of info but it's a hwy through the Smokey Mountains that runs between Tenessee and North Carolina. The dragon itself has 318 turns in 11 miles with some serious elevation changes. There are a lot of reducing radius turns as well so you have to be on your toes when driving it. It's a ton of fun and you can enjoy it and all the surrounding roads for hours without getting bored.
07-08-2012, 04:28 PM
#109
Footman,I had a great time on the cruise and you had it well organized (good job).
I will definetely go on another cruise with you guys just as long as the bumper cars stay at home or at least learn from there mistakes in following to close. I glad the damage was minimal to the 2 or 3 cars (please guys keep your space it's not a race).
Again Andrew good job
Thanks Glen
I will definetely go on another cruise with you guys just as long as the bumper cars stay at home or at least learn from there mistakes in following to close. I glad the damage was minimal to the 2 or 3 cars (please guys keep your space it's not a race).
Again Andrew good job
Thanks Glen
07-08-2012, 05:20 PM
#110
If you're going to think of it that way, why do you guys even "settle" for Dragon? For 3600km worth of RX8 fuel, you could fly to Europe, rent a dream-car, and drive *the best* roads in the world, right? I mean, it's only like a 6 hour flight! 
Point being, none of us have time to take a driving vacation all the time. (If you do, my advice to you is EAT ****. :P ) But we do have time for Southwood and similar, we could be driving that cruise every damn weekend if we wanted to. Hell, I'm tempted to do that, just to say I could do it!
The only thing that should be on our minds at this point, is "what else do we have here, that's as good as, or better than, this?"
Point being, none of us have time to take a driving vacation all the time. (If you do, my advice to you is EAT ****. :P ) But we do have time for Southwood and similar, we could be driving that cruise every damn weekend if we wanted to. Hell, I'm tempted to do that, just to say I could do it!
The only thing that should be on our minds at this point, is "what else do we have here, that's as good as, or better than, this?"
07-08-2012, 05:56 PM
#112
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Hey maitre, which car were you again sorry I'm bad with names. Lol but neways the picture will be up tonight. Just waiting for my brother to wake up so he can convert the files to jpg so I can post them up.
07-08-2012, 09:53 PM
#113
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Awwww .... Europe ...
I just came back from Italy driving around the Alps and Stelvio pass ... that was really eye opening .....
Both my arms are sore after just a few hours of driving on ribbons of tarmac on the side of the mountains that are as wide as 2 Ford Fiesta...
I just came back from Italy driving around the Alps and Stelvio pass ... that was really eye opening .....
Both my arms are sore after just a few hours of driving on ribbons of tarmac on the side of the mountains that are as wide as 2 Ford Fiesta...
If you're going to think of it that way, why do you guys even "settle" for Dragon? For 3600km worth of RX8 fuel, you could fly to Europe, rent a dream-car, and drive *the best* roads in the world, right? I mean, it's only like a 6 hour flight!
Point being, none of us have time to take a driving vacation all the time. (If you do, my advice to you is EAT ****. :P ) But we do have time for Southwood and similar, we could be driving that cruise every damn weekend if we wanted to. Hell, I'm tempted to do that, just to say I could do it!
The only thing that should be on our minds at this point, is "what else do we have here, that's as good as, or better than, this?"
Point being, none of us have time to take a driving vacation all the time. (If you do, my advice to you is EAT ****. :P ) But we do have time for Southwood and similar, we could be driving that cruise every damn weekend if we wanted to. Hell, I'm tempted to do that, just to say I could do it!
The only thing that should be on our minds at this point, is "what else do we have here, that's as good as, or better than, this?"
07-09-2012, 08:52 PM
#114
Ha-ha woooooo insults and name calling ha-ha you got me told off. Your written English is as tactful as your spoken English .
It is a free internet site I can post anywhere I please. if you don’t like people posting comments in your thread other than kissing your **** take it to your closed facebook group page. Anyhow Who died and made you captain?
What’s congratulatory about 20% of the contingency crashing into each other? I would say that’s darn right embarrassing for you the organizer and the club nothing to be proud of.
Since I’m such a douche here’s a tip for you and anyone else organizing an event/cruise, Special events liability insurance. Wouldn’t want to see you get sued because one of the morons that can’t drive their cars safely, kill themselves or anyone else as YOU the organizer is liable.
The last Rx8club cruise I was on one 8 ran into the back of another and after that I said screw it no more.
Oh forgot I must be a super douche cause wasn’t it a few months ago myself and WCS was lying underneath your girlfriend’s car checking the compression? Hmm yup I’m a douche.
I think you and a few others ruined your own thread.
You should learn how to engage your brain before you open your mouth.
Hey look i didn’t insult you or call you names.
It is a free internet site I can post anywhere I please. if you don’t like people posting comments in your thread other than kissing your **** take it to your closed facebook group page. Anyhow Who died and made you captain?
What’s congratulatory about 20% of the contingency crashing into each other? I would say that’s darn right embarrassing for you the organizer and the club nothing to be proud of.
Since I’m such a douche here’s a tip for you and anyone else organizing an event/cruise, Special events liability insurance. Wouldn’t want to see you get sued because one of the morons that can’t drive their cars safely, kill themselves or anyone else as YOU the organizer is liable.
The last Rx8club cruise I was on one 8 ran into the back of another and after that I said screw it no more.
Oh forgot I must be a super douche cause wasn’t it a few months ago myself and WCS was lying underneath your girlfriend’s car checking the compression? Hmm yup I’m a douche.
I think you and a few others ruined your own thread.
You should learn how to engage your brain before you open your mouth.
Hey look i didn’t insult you or call you names.
07-09-2012, 09:58 PM
#116
Doug,
Compression testing on Mars car has nothing to do with this, please don't bring it into the conversation. For that, I thank you and WCS for helping with the whole day's compression testing to everyone's car on that day.
The organizer cannot be liable for everything that goes wrong, if I were to make people who sign up for these events sign waiver forms, that isn't very welcoming and friendly. Everyone is expected to behave appropriately and likewise I don't expect anyone to sue me for any damages/liabilities. If this was a purely business event where things are paid for and certain expectations are come as a result (such as signing up for a track day event, and I am the owner of the track), I can see why waiver forms are present and liabilities are waived against the owner of the track.
I just want to focus back on track on the reason why I felt slighted by you. Many can attest we had a great time. People aren't sucking up to me with congratulatory notes; there is no reason for people to suck up to me, I don't pay them, there is nothing I can offer them other than help/advise and friendly chatter. I was slighted by you because you chose to (at the wierdest opportunity), find some flaw in a general broadcast statement I wrote about how the cruise went, and the proceed to highlight that fact and furthering it in a way that belittles and diminishes the cruise itself. It sounds uncalled for, and unnecessary. It also came off in a way sounding like where you are saying: "I could afford the time/money to go on the tail of the dragon which is 100x better than your shitty southwood rd 13 cruise, so you all are just noobs, and that's why I didn't go on that route cause it's boring, and I'm elite". This may or may not be your intended tone, but I am telling you this is the way I interpretted.
I could have just swallowed the comment, and made nothing about it and hold a grudge against you forever without you knowing, but I didn't want to do that. I wanted to be forthcoming and come out honest about it because I don't like holding grudges on people.
If this had been a thread where the subject of discussion was "best driving roads in north america", then your comment is totally fairgame. It just didn't fit the context and I was offended by that.
I am going to leave it as that in your hands, and instead will focus my energy into future event organization.
Compression testing on Mars car has nothing to do with this, please don't bring it into the conversation. For that, I thank you and WCS for helping with the whole day's compression testing to everyone's car on that day.
The organizer cannot be liable for everything that goes wrong, if I were to make people who sign up for these events sign waiver forms, that isn't very welcoming and friendly. Everyone is expected to behave appropriately and likewise I don't expect anyone to sue me for any damages/liabilities. If this was a purely business event where things are paid for and certain expectations are come as a result (such as signing up for a track day event, and I am the owner of the track), I can see why waiver forms are present and liabilities are waived against the owner of the track.
I just want to focus back on track on the reason why I felt slighted by you. Many can attest we had a great time. People aren't sucking up to me with congratulatory notes; there is no reason for people to suck up to me, I don't pay them, there is nothing I can offer them other than help/advise and friendly chatter. I was slighted by you because you chose to (at the wierdest opportunity), find some flaw in a general broadcast statement I wrote about how the cruise went, and the proceed to highlight that fact and furthering it in a way that belittles and diminishes the cruise itself. It sounds uncalled for, and unnecessary. It also came off in a way sounding like where you are saying: "I could afford the time/money to go on the tail of the dragon which is 100x better than your shitty southwood rd 13 cruise, so you all are just noobs, and that's why I didn't go on that route cause it's boring, and I'm elite". This may or may not be your intended tone, but I am telling you this is the way I interpretted.
I could have just swallowed the comment, and made nothing about it and hold a grudge against you forever without you knowing, but I didn't want to do that. I wanted to be forthcoming and come out honest about it because I don't like holding grudges on people.
If this had been a thread where the subject of discussion was "best driving roads in north america", then your comment is totally fairgame. It just didn't fit the context and I was offended by that.
I am going to leave it as that in your hands, and instead will focus my energy into future event organization.
07-10-2012, 07:43 PM
#119
Yaaawwwn is it just me or doesn’t anybody else get tired when reading footman’s posts? I guess you have to prove you’re smarter than everyone else that challenges you.
As my English teacher would say there’s too much in between get to the point. Well I guess you got to justify that university degree was worthwhile.
Do you know what Slight means? It means to insult someone by treating or speaking of them without proper respect or attention. If I remember right you’re the one that referred to me as dimmish and a douche. I take that as a personal attack and a lack of respect on my being regardless wither it’s a post on a free speech internet forum or it be me lying under your girlfriend’s car. Your thanks have no bearing.
You read my post and took it out of context and went on your crusade. If anything you belittled and diminished your cruise yourself with your childish out lash.
So my advice to you Mr Sheldon Cooper PhD in your own words swallow my comment and hold a grudge against me forever and pray to god you don’t see me passing by the next time your stranded at the side of the road.
Your intelligence doesn’t make you smart.
So now we know where we both stand.
Any who’s keep up the good work.
As my English teacher would say there’s too much in between get to the point. Well I guess you got to justify that university degree was worthwhile.
Do you know what Slight means? It means to insult someone by treating or speaking of them without proper respect or attention. If I remember right you’re the one that referred to me as dimmish and a douche. I take that as a personal attack and a lack of respect on my being regardless wither it’s a post on a free speech internet forum or it be me lying under your girlfriend’s car. Your thanks have no bearing.
You read my post and took it out of context and went on your crusade. If anything you belittled and diminished your cruise yourself with your childish out lash.
So my advice to you Mr Sheldon Cooper PhD in your own words swallow my comment and hold a grudge against me forever and pray to god you don’t see me passing by the next time your stranded at the side of the road.
Your intelligence doesn’t make you smart.
So now we know where we both stand.
Any who’s keep up the good work.
07-11-2012, 06:54 AM
#122
I've got Maffu's camera in my trunk, and will return it to him tomorrow. There should be some good photos in there especially of the whole car line up at that stoplight. I'm going to let him see it first and decide what to post.
07-11-2012, 11:32 AM
#123
Now that this thread has settled down, there are lots of great roads in Ontario but nothing like the Dragon:
If your willing to spend the time & gas! The Calabogie Boogie around Centennial Lake Road is one of my favorite just for shear driving pleasure, remote with large rock faces carved out of the bush. Just like the track with the same name, make a weekend and do them both!
Large Map:
http://shanekingsley.com/Two%20Wheel..._bikeroads.jpg
Links
Great Ontario Bikeroads: List of routes by region
If your willing to spend the time & gas! The Calabogie Boogie around Centennial Lake Road is one of my favorite just for shear driving pleasure, remote with large rock faces carved out of the bush. Just like the track with the same name, make a weekend and do them both!
Large Map:
http://shanekingsley.com/Two%20Wheel..._bikeroads.jpg
Links
Great Ontario Bikeroads: List of routes by region
Last edited by RXeckless; 07-11-2012 at 12:10 PM. Reason: The Calabogie Boogie
07-12-2012, 02:28 AM
#124
Nice list, I like the idea of exploring lots of new places.
But I dunno ... Forks of the Credit gets NINE stars? It's only like 5 minutes! Maybe this ranking is all oriented for motorbikes, but of the ones I've seen, Southwood still ranks high ...
Anyway though, maybe we could manage Algonquin, or Owen Sound. If we build it, they will come!
But I dunno ... Forks of the Credit gets NINE stars? It's only like 5 minutes! Maybe this ranking is all oriented for motorbikes, but of the ones I've seen, Southwood still ranks high ...
Anyway though, maybe we could manage Algonquin, or Owen Sound. If we build it, they will come!
