LexFather

I agree. I went with some friends June of 2002 and got a cabin for the weekend, it was kinda bad with the traffic (well there was a NOPI show there). I preferred to just stay in the cabin. There is basically 1 main road and a smaller backroad that leads to the main road.

We want to really put some research into this and choose the best option, especially for those coming long distances.

I may ACTUALLY be going back to Gatlinburg this summer. Dipstick how far away is that from you? We can do some research and look at hotels/parking etc.

dipstick

Gatlinburg is about 2-1/2 to 3 hours from Greenville via I-26, and I-40. I might drive up through Deal's Gap from the South through Cashiers and Franklin NC, etc. and on up to Gatlinburg one weekday to see what is available on the TN side of the mountains. I haven't been through there south of Knoxville in years.

LexFather

Hey Dipstick, it might be the weekend of June 29th. Just a FYI, I'll let ya know if it's a definite.

dipstick

Thanks, let me know.

DrRick

did someone say pole? excuse me while i with this out..........

Doc

1BomexLex

uh oh
here we go again

this should be fun

for those who didnt go last year

you missed out .... best road i have ever seen

dipstick

Just browsing and found a Microtel at Robbinsville, NC, only a few miles from Deal's Gap. I thought the Microtel in MV was just right for the weekend. Rates about the same. Close to Joyce Kilmer Forest (old growth, huge trees, supposed to be worth a visit. I've heard it's something like Muir Woods near Sausalito in CA, which is awesome (had to go back to see it again!) Probably not as impressive, but I have wanted to see Joyce Kilmer, so close and all. Thinking of driving up this week to scout around. Any other ideas?

Daddy-O

Just a FYI...We don't need to get caught up in traffic with foliage-watchin', slow-drivin' rubberneckers.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

OK folks, we've had a LOT of potential conflicts posted (thanks!). September looks to be basically out with Labor Day, NOPI, football and other car/biker meets at Deal's Gap. October is leaf season, more football and is crowded for both roads and hotels. November is getting a bit chilly and some risk of ice under trees, etc. All this led me to look a bit earlier than we were originally thinking.

In addition to all your posts, some good references we used in planning were when to ride the dragon, which reinforces a lot of our thoughts around slow drivers during leaf season, etc. and a list of other bike and car meets already scheduled

The date I'd like to get feedback from you all on is the weekend of August 23. Many folks would drive up Friday August 22 and return Sunday August 24, but ambitious folks could do it in one day on Saturday August 23.

I know it's a little earlier, but is that a bad thing ? High historic temperature for this date is 85 with lows of 60 in the evening (mean temperature of 72). Not too hot, not too cold. No leaf traffic. No biker event that we know of.

Please let me know asap what you think about the date and we can move on to more details on logistics for hotels, etc!

Thanks

Daddy-O

We'v already had a poll on this.

August 22-24, 2003. Let's do it.

KayGee

I'm in.

Daddy-O

It's unanimous!

LexFather

No polling, let's say this is the date and start working on it.

Okay, is this the official weekend? Give me the go so I can promote it.

mumbles

I am SO there!

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

I think we've got enough people to get it started, but would like to hear from Bitkahuna though. I'll want to do a new post you can link back to, and we'll make a website with an easy URL like we did for the Maggie Valley trip that's easy to tell people about.

Let's hear from the Bit-slapper and then GO!