SE CL Asheville Meet - October 19, 20 & 21
09-27-01 | 06:47 AM
#16
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
22 Days Til Go Time
Please make your lodging arragements if you haven't yet - again, this time of year is peak season.
This is who I have confirmed so far:
1SICKLEX
BITKAHUNA
DAVEGS4
DEXTER
THE MAN 986
CMPUTERWHIZ
LEXPUSHER96
Those who I have not heard from, but have expressed interest are:
ADDITUDE in Charlotte
RHART00 in Raleigh
KAYGEE in Atlanta
The more the merrier!
Everyone concentrate real hard on plans changing for RealMarty so he can show up.
Later
Please make your lodging arragements if you haven't yet - again, this time of year is peak season.
This is who I have confirmed so far:
1SICKLEX
BITKAHUNA
DAVEGS4
DEXTER
THE MAN 986
CMPUTERWHIZ
LEXPUSHER96
Those who I have not heard from, but have expressed interest are:
ADDITUDE in Charlotte
RHART00 in Raleigh
KAYGEE in Atlanta
The more the merrier!
Everyone concentrate real hard on plans changing for RealMarty so he can show up.
Later
09-27-01 | 11:58 AM
#17
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Sorry, my plans CANNOT change. Carolyn made an ironclad committment to attend a function with some folks she works with on saturday morning and evening. And I have to attend as her SO. This one I gotta do for the team. 
Last edited by RealMarty; 09-27-01 at 12:00 PM.
09-30-01 | 01:41 PM
#18
Thread Starter
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,646
Likes: 2,388
From: North Carolina
Agenda and Pics for Meet
Dexter and I are following up on outstanding items to prep for our meet in Asheville and want to get your input.
Pictures:
We have an opportunity to have a Lexus-only group picture in front of the estate. The catch is that it will be EARLY on Sunday morning (like 7 / 7:30am) and will require some funds to get someone in to open the gate and clean. Shouldn’t be many $$, finding out the total cost now.
Our alternative is to take the pictures during normal hours, but these will have other cars and people in with it. We can still have pics like the BMW example Bitkahuna posted (in front of a wall at the estate), just not directly in front of the estate with the house as backdrop.
Please let us know your thoughts in a posting or PM!
Agenda by Day:
FRIDAY:
In general: Arrive, get car cleaned up and meet folks.
- Some arrive late afternoon and early evening.
- Car wash / cleanup. We’re toying with the idea of arranging for a mobile detailer to be around for quick external washes at the hotels. Let us know if you’re interested.
- Casual dinner or appetizers at location TBD, or dinner on your own.
- PM cruise around town, meet others as they arrive
SATURDAY:
In general: Formal meet and pictures, Biltmore tours part of day (start late morning), more meet and a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the evening. Pictures at scenic overlooks.
Our thought is to have a fairly early start to the day (9am) to get a jump on other tourists in the area.
- Meet for breakfast at nearby place for bagels or something mobile where we can eat in the parking lot and check out each others rides.
- Head over to Biltmore for pictures (see options above) and tours until early afternoon, around 3 pm. Casual Lunch at Stable Cafe at the estate.
- Leave from the Biltmore to take Blue Ridge parkway cruise around 4:00 pm. It will get dark around 6/6:30, but we figure everyone will have been driving to get to Asheville and would rather hang out after dark.
- Back to hotels to clean up / change if needed
- Meet for dinner with the group if you wish around 7:30 pm, or dinner on your own with your SO. Location TBD - nice, but reasonable. Shooting for Hops / Chili’s kind of place, but local if we can find it.
Hang out Saturday night, maybe some local Asheville action / cruising.
SUNDAY:
In general: Open day. Some who have passes for two days may want to go back to the Biltmore or do some of the more aggressive drives in the area. Head home.
- Potential picture in front of estate EARLY (7am)
- Ad hoc get-togethers if folks are interested.
- Head home
As above, please let us know your thoughts in a post or PM.
Pictures:
We have an opportunity to have a Lexus-only group picture in front of the estate. The catch is that it will be EARLY on Sunday morning (like 7 / 7:30am) and will require some funds to get someone in to open the gate and clean. Shouldn’t be many $$, finding out the total cost now.
Our alternative is to take the pictures during normal hours, but these will have other cars and people in with it. We can still have pics like the BMW example Bitkahuna posted (in front of a wall at the estate), just not directly in front of the estate with the house as backdrop.
Please let us know your thoughts in a posting or PM!
Agenda by Day:
FRIDAY:
In general: Arrive, get car cleaned up and meet folks.
- Some arrive late afternoon and early evening.
- Car wash / cleanup. We’re toying with the idea of arranging for a mobile detailer to be around for quick external washes at the hotels. Let us know if you’re interested.
- Casual dinner or appetizers at location TBD, or dinner on your own.
- PM cruise around town, meet others as they arrive
SATURDAY:
In general: Formal meet and pictures, Biltmore tours part of day (start late morning), more meet and a cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the evening. Pictures at scenic overlooks.
Our thought is to have a fairly early start to the day (9am) to get a jump on other tourists in the area.
- Meet for breakfast at nearby place for bagels or something mobile where we can eat in the parking lot and check out each others rides.
- Head over to Biltmore for pictures (see options above) and tours until early afternoon, around 3 pm. Casual Lunch at Stable Cafe at the estate.
- Leave from the Biltmore to take Blue Ridge parkway cruise around 4:00 pm. It will get dark around 6/6:30, but we figure everyone will have been driving to get to Asheville and would rather hang out after dark.
- Back to hotels to clean up / change if needed
- Meet for dinner with the group if you wish around 7:30 pm, or dinner on your own with your SO. Location TBD - nice, but reasonable. Shooting for Hops / Chili’s kind of place, but local if we can find it.
Hang out Saturday night, maybe some local Asheville action / cruising.
SUNDAY:
In general: Open day. Some who have passes for two days may want to go back to the Biltmore or do some of the more aggressive drives in the area. Head home.
- Potential picture in front of estate EARLY (7am)
- Ad hoc get-togethers if folks are interested.
- Head home
As above, please let us know your thoughts in a post or PM.
Last edited by DaveGS4; 09-30-01 at 01:44 PM.
09-30-01 | 02:55 PM
#19
Re: Agenda and Pics for Meet
Guys, thanks for pulling this together... some thoughts here...
1) First, not sure what time I'll arrive on Friday night - depends on when I can head out and of course, depends on potentially evil traffic in Atlanta. I may not get there until 8 or so...
2) Two thumbs up from me at least on an early picture shot in front of Biltmore on Sunday! It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm up for it if others are. Of course, if Biltmore wants ten thousand dollars, forget it.
3) On Friday evening, where will we meet since people will be in different hotels? Perhaps we can all get the cell # list before we arrive so we can find out where everyone is!
4) Re: Interest in mobile detailer on Friday night - depends on cost
- maybe if you guys could find a good manual car wash as well? Although to be honest, I may not do anything - depends how much time and energy I have. 
5) Re: PM cruise around town on Friday - sounds good, again cell #s will help to synchronize... alternatively, maybe you could pick a spot like a StarBucks, and a time, say 9p.m., to meet.
6) Re: Saturday schedule... if possible, maybe you could find out the time for the Biltmore tours on Saturday?? I think you can do the main tour any time, but I'd like to do the behind the scenes one, which I think only happens at specific times, and if that doesn't fit in with the 'late morning' tour start, I may be out of luck. Plus, don't forget time for people to get tickets who don't have them. My own opinion is we should not meet to get breakfast (the Wingate has breakfast for those staying there anyway), and just get to the Biltmore to meet and organize ASAP (say 9a.m.). If people want to do the house, the winery and the gardens, it takes a while!
7) Looking forward to lunch at the Stable Cafe! Neat place.
8) Dinner around 7:30 sounds great, and I'd definitely prefer a LOCAL place rather than a chain. There's a greek place (Aztec or something?) a few miles south on Hendersonville Road that's inexpensive and has great food.
Hope that helps, and again, thanks for your work!
1) First, not sure what time I'll arrive on Friday night - depends on when I can head out and of course, depends on potentially evil traffic in Atlanta. I may not get there until 8 or so...
2) Two thumbs up from me at least on an early picture shot in front of Biltmore on Sunday! It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm up for it if others are. Of course, if Biltmore wants ten thousand dollars, forget it.
3) On Friday evening, where will we meet since people will be in different hotels? Perhaps we can all get the cell # list before we arrive so we can find out where everyone is!
4) Re: Interest in mobile detailer on Friday night - depends on cost
- maybe if you guys could find a good manual car wash as well? Although to be honest, I may not do anything - depends how much time and energy I have. 5) Re: PM cruise around town on Friday - sounds good, again cell #s will help to synchronize... alternatively, maybe you could pick a spot like a StarBucks, and a time, say 9p.m., to meet.
6) Re: Saturday schedule... if possible, maybe you could find out the time for the Biltmore tours on Saturday?? I think you can do the main tour any time, but I'd like to do the behind the scenes one, which I think only happens at specific times, and if that doesn't fit in with the 'late morning' tour start, I may be out of luck. Plus, don't forget time for people to get tickets who don't have them. My own opinion is we should not meet to get breakfast (the Wingate has breakfast for those staying there anyway), and just get to the Biltmore to meet and organize ASAP (say 9a.m.). If people want to do the house, the winery and the gardens, it takes a while!
7) Looking forward to lunch at the Stable Cafe! Neat place.
8) Dinner around 7:30 sounds great, and I'd definitely prefer a LOCAL place rather than a chain. There's a greek place (Aztec or something?) a few miles south on Hendersonville Road that's inexpensive and has great food.
Hope that helps, and again, thanks for your work!
09-30-01 | 06:18 PM
#20
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
Re: Re: Agenda and Pics for Meet
Originally posted by bitkahuna
2) Two thumbs up from me at least on an early picture shot in front of Biltmore on Sunday! It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm up for it if others are. Of course, if Biltmore wants ten thousand dollars, forget it.
I'm with you here, just may be a little too early for some, but I'm not taking the trip to sleep, y'know?
3) On Friday evening, where will we meet since people will be in different hotels? Perhaps we can all get the cell # list before we arrive so we can find out where everyone is!
I've got the 'cell' list - we'll probably have attendee call either Dave or my cell phone, then coordinante on an individual basis, since we might be at dinner when some arrive, or we already might be out crusin....
4) Re: Interest in mobile detailer on Friday night - depends on cost
locally mobile, I'm guessing will be $20-$30, but if you arrive after 5pm, not really an issue unless you want to do it yourself before the pics...
5) Re: PM cruise around town on Friday - sounds good, again cell #s will help to synchronize... alternatively, maybe you could pick a spot like a StarBucks, and a time, say 9p.m., to meet.
see earlier reply - a specific time might be tough to nail, so an an individual basis, we can meet anyone any where, regarldless of time....
6) Re: Saturday schedule... if possible, maybe you could find out the time for the Biltmore tours on Saturday?? I think you can do the main tour any time, but I'd like to do the behind the scenes one, which I think only happens at specific times, and if that doesn't fit in with the 'late morning' tour start, I may be out of luck. Plus, don't forget time for people to get tickets who don't have them. My own opinion is we should not meet to get breakfast (the Wingate has breakfast for those staying there anyway), and just get to the Biltmore to meet and organize ASAP (say 9a.m.). If people want to do the house, the winery and the gardens, it takes a while!
GOOD POINTS - I'll defer to Dave for particular tour times; once we're all together on Sat, we'll probably let the group decide on eats and times;
and let me emphasize that Dave and I are not dictating a schedule - we'll be shoe-horning a lot of activities into 1.5 days; we know some will want to drive more, and some will want to see Biltmore more - we'll have a blast either way!
2) Two thumbs up from me at least on an early picture shot in front of Biltmore on Sunday! It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I'm up for it if others are. Of course, if Biltmore wants ten thousand dollars, forget it.
I'm with you here, just may be a little too early for some, but I'm not taking the trip to sleep, y'know?
3) On Friday evening, where will we meet since people will be in different hotels? Perhaps we can all get the cell # list before we arrive so we can find out where everyone is!
I've got the 'cell' list - we'll probably have attendee call either Dave or my cell phone, then coordinante on an individual basis, since we might be at dinner when some arrive, or we already might be out crusin....
4) Re: Interest in mobile detailer on Friday night - depends on cost
locally mobile, I'm guessing will be $20-$30, but if you arrive after 5pm, not really an issue unless you want to do it yourself before the pics...
5) Re: PM cruise around town on Friday - sounds good, again cell #s will help to synchronize... alternatively, maybe you could pick a spot like a StarBucks, and a time, say 9p.m., to meet.
see earlier reply - a specific time might be tough to nail, so an an individual basis, we can meet anyone any where, regarldless of time....
6) Re: Saturday schedule... if possible, maybe you could find out the time for the Biltmore tours on Saturday?? I think you can do the main tour any time, but I'd like to do the behind the scenes one, which I think only happens at specific times, and if that doesn't fit in with the 'late morning' tour start, I may be out of luck. Plus, don't forget time for people to get tickets who don't have them. My own opinion is we should not meet to get breakfast (the Wingate has breakfast for those staying there anyway), and just get to the Biltmore to meet and organize ASAP (say 9a.m.). If people want to do the house, the winery and the gardens, it takes a while!
GOOD POINTS - I'll defer to Dave for particular tour times; once we're all together on Sat, we'll probably let the group decide on eats and times;
and let me emphasize that Dave and I are not dictating a schedule - we'll be shoe-horning a lot of activities into 1.5 days; we know some will want to drive more, and some will want to see Biltmore more - we'll have a blast either way!
10-03-01 | 06:42 PM
#21
Thread Starter
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,646
Likes: 2,388
From: North Carolina
Sick,
I think we've got 9 confirmed so far, and have reached out to others who are on the fence. Got to stir up those Altanta peeps of yours who haven't responded!
Yep, I've been on a marketing blitz trying to make sure we get a good representation and coverage on all fronts... if you see anywhere I've missed (like you did) let me know!
Some updates for those folks attending:
If you didn't send Dexter or me an email with your info, please do so... Please be sure to check the email address you give us from time to time as we will send stuff there rather than post as appropriate. Get your hotel if you haven't already!
Steve Ganz at Carson Toyota is sending us some cool little goodies for our meet and we'll have a drawing for them. THANKS STEVE!
I got partial confirmation from the Biltmore on our picture - we CAN get it in front of the house at 8am, but they didn't tell me which day (Saturday or Sunday). I've called and should know tomorrow... We will need a valid Biltmore ticket to get into the estate, so depending on the day, you may need to order these in advance as we will be there before the ticket office opens. Will post more on instructions how to do that if we need to.
If you have a choice, come down Friday night - most people are arriving then. That will make it easier for the picture if we can only get in front of the estate on Saturday.
We want to be ready to rock and roll for the pictures, I plan on doing both digital and film and am bringing a tripod. If we're good, we should be able to get both group and individual shots in front of the house (that way, you can show all your women your "summer home").
Unfortunately, there's no Hooters in Asheville. I've attached a Hooteriffic map that shows the closest one - about an hour away in Hickory.... I'm sure we'll be able to find something else to look at, er I mean a good place to meet up and hang. Also need to figure out how many SOs are coming...
I think we've got 9 confirmed so far, and have reached out to others who are on the fence. Got to stir up those Altanta peeps of yours who haven't responded!
Yep, I've been on a marketing blitz trying to make sure we get a good representation and coverage on all fronts... if you see anywhere I've missed (like you did) let me know!
Some updates for those folks attending:
If you didn't send Dexter or me an email with your info, please do so... Please be sure to check the email address you give us from time to time as we will send stuff there rather than post as appropriate. Get your hotel if you haven't already!
Steve Ganz at Carson Toyota is sending us some cool little goodies for our meet and we'll have a drawing for them. THANKS STEVE!
I got partial confirmation from the Biltmore on our picture - we CAN get it in front of the house at 8am, but they didn't tell me which day (Saturday or Sunday). I've called and should know tomorrow... We will need a valid Biltmore ticket to get into the estate, so depending on the day, you may need to order these in advance as we will be there before the ticket office opens. Will post more on instructions how to do that if we need to.
If you have a choice, come down Friday night - most people are arriving then. That will make it easier for the picture if we can only get in front of the estate on Saturday.
We want to be ready to rock and roll for the pictures, I plan on doing both digital and film and am bringing a tripod. If we're good, we should be able to get both group and individual shots in front of the house (that way, you can show all your women your "summer home").
Unfortunately, there's no Hooters in Asheville. I've attached a Hooteriffic map that shows the closest one - about an hour away in Hickory.... I'm sure we'll be able to find something else to look at, er I mean a good place to meet up and hang. Also need to figure out how many SOs are coming...
Last edited by DaveGS4; 10-03-01 at 06:47 PM.
10-03-01 | 06:48 PM
#22
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
Hey Sick,
We've got 8 confirmed cars (at least 8 theat have told me they are coming) - ranging from 0 - 3 guests - mostly GSs, an SC, and an ES - trekking from ATL, CLT, and RDU
Dave is trying to finalize the plan for the day of the pictures out front on the estate, dfferent from in front of the 'wall' like above.
Dave brought up a good point earlier - this is not finalized yet.....but the possibility of having a back up day for the picture(s) on Sat in case the weather forecast looks bad for Sun morn
Now, what this does is this: you'll need to have a pass to get in to take the pics (if you do the 2 day package deal like we described above, not an issue) also, if you show up Sat afternoon, you'll obvioulsy miss the Sat morn pic.
Again, nothing firm, but Dave and I need to get some hard numbers to our Biltmore Estate Rep so they can plan for us....
We'll have another formal post here with the info soon.
Again, if you haven't made your lodging arrangements, and you know you're coming, do it now. AND, get me your info in the format specified above
If anyone else has ANY questions, please feel free to post them here so others can benefit......
Later
We've got 8 confirmed cars (at least 8 theat have told me they are coming) - ranging from 0 - 3 guests - mostly GSs, an SC, and an ES - trekking from ATL, CLT, and RDU
Dave is trying to finalize the plan for the day of the pictures out front on the estate, dfferent from in front of the 'wall' like above.
Dave brought up a good point earlier - this is not finalized yet.....but the possibility of having a back up day for the picture(s) on Sat in case the weather forecast looks bad for Sun morn
Now, what this does is this: you'll need to have a pass to get in to take the pics (if you do the 2 day package deal like we described above, not an issue) also, if you show up Sat afternoon, you'll obvioulsy miss the Sat morn pic.
Again, nothing firm, but Dave and I need to get some hard numbers to our Biltmore Estate Rep so they can plan for us....
We'll have another formal post here with the info soon.
Again, if you haven't made your lodging arrangements, and you know you're coming, do it now. AND, get me your info in the format specified above
If anyone else has ANY questions, please feel free to post them here so others can benefit......
Later
10-03-01 | 07:17 PM
#24
Thread Starter
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,646
Likes: 2,388
From: North Carolina
One important point I left out...
Except for the normal pass we'll need to get into the Biltmore estate tour, it's looking like we'll get in to do it for FREE!
My GF is searching for additional information on the parkway drive - she's considering driving up separately in her NSX (of course, she'll be behind me because mine is faster ). I don't think anyone would have issues with that (or if a couple of her NSX buddies showed up too). If you do, let me know! We can do pics separately or together, but WE are the primary group.
One good point someone sent her was to take a ladder for the pictures. Once we're in front of the estate, there's nothing but a big lawn and getting a good vantage will be difficult. I've got about a 4ft ladder that will be a start, but if anyone has one of those folding deals that goes 8 ft and is willing to bring it, let me know. I may make a Home Depot run this weekend and see if they'll fit in the trunk.
Except for the normal pass we'll need to get into the Biltmore estate tour, it's looking like we'll get in to do it for FREE!
My GF is searching for additional information on the parkway drive - she's considering driving up separately in her NSX (of course, she'll be behind me because mine is faster
). I don't think anyone would have issues with that (or if a couple of her NSX buddies showed up too). If you do, let me know! We can do pics separately or together, but WE are the primary group.One good point someone sent her was to take a ladder for the pictures. Once we're in front of the estate, there's nothing but a big lawn and getting a good vantage will be difficult. I've got about a 4ft ladder that will be a start, but if anyone has one of those folding deals that goes 8 ft and is willing to bring it, let me know. I may make a Home Depot run this weekend and see if they'll fit in the trunk.
Last edited by DaveGS4; 10-03-01 at 07:19 PM.
10-08-01 | 06:07 PM
#26
Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Guys, not looking good. Looks like I got an exam and a mid-term that week and I'll need that weekend to do last minute work, crap, I'll know for sure after attending class Tuesday.
Guys, not looking good. Looks like I got an exam and a mid-term that week and I'll need that weekend to do last minute work, crap, I'll know for sure after attending class Tuesday.
Totally understand your school work must come first though... there will be other opportunities for pictures, etc.
10-08-01 | 07:07 PM
#27
Thread Starter
Forum Administrator
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 31,646
Likes: 2,388
From: North Carolina
If you can't make it, we'll take a picture with an empty space and photoshop your ride into it for you!
Hope things work out so you can come - but don't put your grades at risk for it!
Hope things work out so you can come - but don't put your grades at risk for it!
10-15-01 | 08:15 AM
#28
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,861
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
It's almost here. Dave will be posting a couple of time here also, so keep your eyes peeled for the posts.
For those around Raleigh, RHART00 specifically, I'll be leaving from Raleigh Friday, sometime before 12N, the earlier the better, somaybe we can get a caravan moving. If not, no big.
That's about it for me, just be sure to bring your cameras and some warm clothes; here's a good place to keep a tab on the weather....perfect forecast with highs in the 60s
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNC0022
We've got 7 cars confirmed, and maybe a few others coming from ATL
BITKAHUNA
DAVEGS4
DEXTER
THE MAN 986 need cellphone number, PM it to me if you have one
CMPUTERWHIZ need cellphone number, PM it to me if you have one
LEXPUSHER96 need cellphone number, PM it to me if you have one
RHART00 need cellphone number, PM it to me if you have one
Later
For those around Raleigh, RHART00 specifically, I'll be leaving from Raleigh Friday, sometime before 12N, the earlier the better, somaybe we can get a caravan moving. If not, no big.
That's about it for me, just be sure to bring your cameras and some warm clothes; here's a good place to keep a tab on the weather....perfect forecast with highs in the 60s
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USNC0022
We've got 7 cars confirmed, and maybe a few others coming from ATL
BITKAHUNA
DAVEGS4
DEXTER
THE MAN 986 need cellphone number, PM it to me if you have one
CMPUTERWHIZ need cellphone number, PM it to me if you have one
LEXPUSHER96 need cellphone number, PM it to me if you have one
RHART00 need cellphone number, PM it to me if you have one
Later
Last edited by ///MDex; 10-15-01 at 08:41 AM.