Blimey's Tiny Tour of Terror - Sat Oct 24, 2009 10AM

[BlimeyCabrio]

I will NOT lead a drive of the Dragon / Skyway loop at MSSD 2009 (like I have in the past)- I'll let someone else have that fun - but I WILL lead a performance drive with a little later start time that concentrates on extreme twisties. We'll do Wayah Road again, as well as some others. Probably depart from Fontana at 10ish and return mid-afternoon....

UPDATE: Here's the route I think we'll do - it looks RIGHTEOUS.
Mapquest (correct)
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/1-nCfGAU4626YzWz3jjzAl

Google Maps (used to work, now broken)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Welch+Rd&daddr=NC-143%2FSweetwater+Rd+to:aquone,+nc+to:wayah+depot,+nc+to:35.201586,-83.63265+to:Murphy,+NC+to:Cherohala+Skyway%2FNC-143+to:Meadow+Branch+Rd%2FNC-1247+to:Welch+Rd&geocode=FZqwHAId7u0A-w%3BFd4sGwId9P8B-w%3B%3B%3B%3BFQZ5FwIdXdP9-g%3BFaq3GgIdZ-L9-g%3BFTTaHAIdMtP_-g%3BFTqsHAIdbusA-w&gl=us&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=2,3&mrsp=4&sz=14&via=1,6,7&sll=35.199623,-83.623295&sspn=0.045519,0.070467&ie=UTF8&ll=35.271411,-83.807831&spn=0.727645,1.127472&t=h&z=10

Hat tip to Twister and Vango for the Murphy to Robbinsville segment.

UPDATE to the UPDATE:
well, drat - appears some of the Murphy-to-Skyway roads are NOT MINI-passable. Soooo... we'll re-route - Probably go from Wayah to Franklin for lunch - then up 28 and back to Fontana. a bit shorter, so we can do a Hellbender / Dragon run when we get back.

UPDATE TO THE UPDATE TO THE UPDATE:
After seeing more details of the Tour de Nantahala bike tour routes for Saturday - I'm leaning toward staying as far away from Robbinsville, Nantahala, Wayah and Franklin as possible on Saturday. So I may do a Wayah Rd Run on Friday Afternoon, and then change this drive to the old Dragon / Skyway route on Saturday... grrrr....

We'll depart from the Fontana General Store at 10AM. Lunch on the route. Return by 4ish. 174 miles of twisty bliss in between! Note: This is for drivers and passengers who like to go FAST on twisty mountain roads. It's not a sightseeing drive. Passengers are likely to barf. You have been warned. :bad:

Who's with me?
Blimey
RudyT
jcauseyfd
vango
Sgt Pepper
bryman10
paul_
TGS91
SalemGym
FlyinScot1772
dmagoun
colejd

[minimark]

Count me in!:yes4:

[RudyT]

I think everyone here knows what "The Stig" will be doing... You already know where my alliances lay... :wink:

This gives me plenty of time to start the mods on my MINI to really squeeze out some better performance...

[BThayer23]

Rudy's Mod List:
1) Aero Bumper
2) Track brake pads
3) Deer whistles

hehehe...

I'm always game for driving somewhere fast. Count me in.

-Ben

[RudyT]

Rudy's Mod List:
1) Aero Bumper
2) Track brake pads
3) Deer whistles

hehehe...

I'm always game for driving somewhere fast. Count me in.

-Ben


:lol: Way too funny... let me add a few more...

4) Blimeys Air Horn
5) Ralley Flood Lights
6) Gun Rack complete with Shotguns and Ammo

On yea.. I'll be ready :laugh:

[DamonC]

You guys didn't run into bicyclists on Wayah Road? When we went on a drive at MSSD 2007 that road was full of 'em. [at least I think it was Wayah Road]

I'm really missing that I didn't make it to MSSD 2008... I'm glad you all had a great time and hopefully I'll make it in 2009.

Cheers,

/D


(http://www.noc.com/index.php/tour-de-nantahala.html)

[MINIFIED]

I'm always game for driving somewhere fast. Count me in.

-Ben

appropriate choice of words there, Ben :tongue:

-susan
MINIFIED

[BlimeyCabrio]

You guys didn't run into bicyclists on Wayah Road? When we went on a drive at MSSD 2007 that road was full of 'em. [at least I think it was Wayah Road]

I'm really missing that I didn't make it to MSSD 2008... I'm glad you all had a great time and hopefully I'll make it in 2009.

Cheers,

/D

Well... we didn't technically "run into" any... as far as I know...

But there WAS an organized bike tour or century or something going on that day. We caught the tail end of it - there were still maybe a couple dozen cyclists coming down and over Wayah Bald on our way out (at about 2:30PM) - they were coming and we were going. By the time we came back, most of them had flowed through, we maybe had to pass a dozen on the way back. But not a big deal. Very little traffic otherwise.

Ah... here's what we saw:
http://www.noc.com/index.php/tour-de-nantahala.html

[MidnightDave]

You know I'm in! If I'm not laid off, maybe I can get a suspension under this thing before the run...and a Blimey horn to warn cyclists!

[abuzavi]

First someone gets hit by a bear, and then there's the whole deer incident....

What's next? A lion? Sarah gets to second base with a porcupine? Need to have a midnight showing of this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Race_%28film%29), instead.

Blimey, I am totally.... not going to make it. Crapola. Bummer. Let me know the dates, and I'll see if I can put together a matching Tour of Terror -- Ramadi through Baghdad out to Samara or something. Think Bambi is going to get in my way? Not a chance.

[BlimeyCabrio]

I think "Bambi" is Farsi for "Fierce Warrior with Loose Bowels".... so you never know....

[MDK]

I think "Bambi" is Farsi for "Fierce Warrior with Loose Bowels".... so you never know....


Now there's a good image........gee thanks Paul:bad:

You guys watch for those cyclist now- I might be one of those you pass next year and we have deadly aim with full water bottles:tongue:

[minimark]

Actually me thinks they enjoyed the nice cool breeze as we went by.....:pleasantry:

[Scott111184]

Were gonna try and make it for the weekend but we don't know for sure yet.

[WINICooper]

When is the tiny tour?

[wildcrazy442000]

We combined posts from last years MSSD, fall run with the one coming up. So that would be this October 23-25.

[jcauseyfd]

BTOT? Oh h*** yeah!

[MidnightDave]

Fruitbaskets! <That's cussing on a family friendly board> I'm going to REALLY miss MSSD and BTTT, unless of course I can scab on with the Nissan and just stay at the back of the pack. As I leave the MINI in second like I do when I'm the last car, behind every other car, maybe I'll have to drive in 1st with the parking brake set or something, so I behave and don't tailgate whoever is second last?

For those who haven't been, Paul leads a FANTASTIC ride for those willing to "rock out".

[minimark]

Dang Dave maybe you shoulda taken it out of second and you woulda gone faster.....:sarcastic::lol:

[MidnightDave]

Jumped back on to clarify! I mean when I'm at the back of the pack being the sweep man, and in this case as the red headed step child in a non-MINI, I'll always be at the back!

We already demonstrated in no uncertain terms last Saturday, I can't run with the big dogs! On the beer run, I wasn't even nipping at their heels and believe me, I was all out. ;-)

There are many, okay, some ;-) faster cars/drivers than me in this club, I just meant when you're at the very back of the pack, (and not allowed to p**** say two at once on curves), it's a little slow.

BTW, Mark, you would have had a blast up front last Sat, with Paul, a GP, Big Brakes Ben and Lee...

[minimark]

:laugh::laugh: It's cool Dave, I hope ya do bring the Z to the Dragon, like to see what they'll do there and you can lead and I'll follow ya... :ms_thumbsup: Went and looked at a black touring 370Z the other night and WOW they are sweet but $40,000.00...yikes!

[BlimeyCabrio]

WOW they are sweet but $40,000.00...yikes!

...sounds like a bargain to me... I've got more than that in my MINI now... WAY more than that.... :ugh1:

[BThayer23]

Dave, if you can keep up with your new wheels, I have no problem with you tagging along. If you bring some of your friends from Zoomba, I'll even let you try to tailgate me. =)

[minimark]

...sounds like a bargain to me... I've got more than that in my MINI now... WAY more than that.... :ugh1:
Dang Paul I got no where near that in mine...... $40,000.00 isn't really that much for a performance car but it does put it in range of some pretty tasty alternatives...New 135, year old 335 coupe, 2 or 3 year old M3, very lightly used Boxster S, etc..... And once I would start modding the Z I'd be scaring $50,000.00 pretty quick... Once ya get the modding bug there's no cure........LOL

[BThayer23]

And once I would start modding the Z I'd be scaring $50,000.00 pretty quick... Once ya get the modding bug there's no cure........LOL

The difference with the MINIs is that $10,000 in mods goes a lot farther. New wheels for a late-model BMW are wicked expensive 'cause they're so big, and I assume it's the same for Nissans. The ricers have a lot of JDM options, which may be cheaper because the market's bigger. You don't have to spend any money catching up on horsepower, though. Either way, it's tough to make that 1:1 comparison, because you're never going to end up with the same car. And that's really what it all comes down to.

[minimark]

For grins Ben I went to Tire Rack and tried to put together a track wheel and tire set up like what I recently purchased for the Mini for roughly $1.600.00. First off they had no options for a 19" wheel and the only tire they listed was a Potenza REO50A at $308.00 each. So just using that increase in cost I kinda figured a cost once options are available of somewhere north of $3,200.00.... When you start comparing the upgrade cost of other cars to what we encounter for the Mini, you really can't find more bang for the buck driving fun than our little cars!!!!:ms_thumbsup:

[BlimeyCabrio]

Mine started off a lot pricier than most folks - convertible (+$4500), auto (+$1200 I think), Leather (+$2000 or something insane like that)...

And I've spent an insane amount on mods and accessories... intentionally.. but still insane.... and I could drop another $6000 in the blink of an eye for head, big brakes, wheels, coilovers if I wanted to... that would put me over $50K... :jester:

[BThayer23]

Damn, Paul... but hey, money spent on life's passions is money well spent indeed.

I did a little math and I've invested about $5500 into improvements and maintenance to my car over a little more than two years, everything included. The thing to remember with mods, though, is that money spent later is cheaper (inflation, time value of money, etc.). If you spend an extra $5000 on your car and finance it at 5% for two years (for example), that $5000 actually costs $5513. If you wait two years (@ 3% inflation) and spend $5000, that cash, relative to year zero, only costs $4713.

So in simple terms, by waiting two years to spend $5000 on your car, you save $800, or 16%. I've simplified the numbers a bit and made a few assumptions, but you get the idea.

[BlimeyCabrio]

... but money spent later is mods enjoyed for a shorter period of time assuming the vehicle (or the driver) has a finite life... for me, the fun I get out of my mods is worth an extra $33.33 per month... which is the cost of that money per your math... :jester:

would be cool if we'd get back on topic, at some point...

[wildcrazy442000]

Blimey's Tiny Tour of Terror, or TTofT. Whats the deal, Paul new road, different route?

[minibugs]

Hey Dave, I 'm going 2 go with the SLOW GUYS at oct.meet Like Vango..:fie:...Sgt.Pepper...:blink:...& Twister..:help: .....did i slow..:ms_ponder:...:sarcastic:

[1QukMINI]

I would be maybe in, now that my tires are replaced. i can't believe I did the previous TOT on those tires. This was when I got home from the Dragon:
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/64/l_bb36ac990f4c4e71a4ab8a788b5cfabe.jpg

[minimark]

.....and you said I was crazy.:blink:

[1QukMINI]

I know. Stupid.

[minimark]

I'm personally inspecting your tires before we go...:yes4:

[1QukMINI]

Nice! The Yokohama s-drives are doing just fine. ;-)

[tjwoodson1]

Wow. And I thought my tires were really worn after the dragon...

[X5JR]

After reading all this, perhaps waiting 3 years to try to buy a GT-R for about $45-50k may not be a bad idea.

[WINICooper]

You aren't supposed to run 1/2 racing slicks and 1/2 highway tires on the dragon.

[MidnightDave]

Have to bang on the car notion for a second. I paid $21.6 for the MINI and have less than $25K in it--it's a LOT of bang for the buck. However...

I'm looking at the base model 370Z $29.9, (will have to order, they're only building Touring aka $4,500+), and HAVE to have the sport option for $3K.

So, for 33K and change I get 332 hp, 270 tq, carbon fiber driveshaft, aluminum body parts, iridium plugs, ABS, EBD, VDC, TDS, TPMS, Security system, front and rear sway bars, xenon headlights, remote key for locks/windows, auto up, auto temp control, cruise, stereo controls on wheel, lighted vanity mirrors on visors, leather wheel, brake, shifter, full air bags, variable wipers in a 3200 lb pkg, with 19" wheels with Potenzas, LSD, aero kit, 14" brakes, and finally, that WAY cool synchro rev heel/toe magic stuff.

Doesn't sound like I need ANY mods at any cost, other than HPDEs!

I <3 my MINI, I'm just sayin'...

[BThayer23]

Dave, I don't blame you for a second. Can't wait to see you out on some HPDEs! I won't even blame you when I catch you on the uphill esses! =P =)

But seriously Dave, that sounds like a great birthday present. Hope it brings you many miles of joy. Check your e-mail, too.

[BlimeyCabrio]

Doesn't sound like I need ANY mods at any cost, other than HPDEs!

You were doing fine until you got to that part.

A sports car without mods is like a latte without milk.

Do you honestly believe that a car with handling and driveability detuned for the masses who think they "look cool" will be *good enough* for *YOU* when you get it to the track and see what the guy next to you has done to his?

I'm just sayin.

[ZOOOOOM!]

:help:Will my tires look like 1QukMINI'S if I do the dragon ??? Or was his worn alot before he started??:help:

[minimark]

You'll be fine if you go with a decent set of tires to start with, his were pretty much toast to start with and the DRAGON just applied the jelly...:happy-smiley:

[ZOOOOOM!]

:thank_you2:Thanks for clearing that one up for me. Now I know I can go and ENJOY.If you didn"t know for sure you could do both the spring and fall run on the Dragon which would you do minimark????:help:

[minimark]

Having never done the Spring Dragon not sure I'm a good one to ask but I prefer the MSSD because of the smaller (but not small) group. With the 300 to 400 Mini turnout for the spring the roads would be very crowded and Thursday to Sunday is a bit long. But if your into a long party and all the vendor stuff it would be a blast to see all the cars! Still want to do it some day if I can get a decent room for just a night or two. MSSD, great people, great fellowship, great drives, just right!!!:ms_thumbsup:

[jcauseyfd]

:help:Will my tires look like 1QukMINI'S if I do the dragon ??? Or was his worn alot before he started??:help:

You could always try to shoot for a new record for World's Slowest Dragon Run (http://www.tarheelminis.org/showpost.php?p=18339&postcount=159). That would save your tires.

[BlimeyCabrio]

MOTD (spring) and MSSD (fall) events are really totally different. MOTD is all about the mass of MINIs and owners in one place - with some drives that happen, too. The Fall event is more about the driving, with some social stuff too...

MOTD really is something every MINI owner in these parts should experience - just to see all the cars and meet the people... though it's waning a bit now compared to the massive attendance in 2007...

[x UHOH x]

:help:Will my tires look like 1QukMINI'S if I do the dragon ??? Or was his worn alot before he started??:help:

Those who replied to your question forgot to add: And DON'T try to keep up with Blimey (aka Power-Hungry-Speed-Monger).

Thanks to dear ol' Paul, my front tires lasted half their life after BTOT II!! But holy he** it was fun. And I kept up within tail-light sight of him MOST of the time...much to Art's chagrin, since he was trying to keep up with ME. (Or was that, "trying like mad to hold his car on the road" instead, Art??)

If I'm still in the area, you can count me in for any tour Blimey leads. :yes4:

[WINICooper]

All this dirty talk makes me want summer to fly by... just to make this one. I will be happy mid-pack, but WINI wants to play!!!

[sarahlizbeth]

Okay -- I'm new to all this? What in the world? I'm sure I need to go with the slower group that is going in Oct. How do I get details of where all the trip takes you and all that? LOL- thanks!

[BThayer23]

Just hang around and keep checking the forum - more details usually show up as people plan the events and the date gets closer.

[Xiek]

I am gonna REALLY TRY HARD to make down for this.. but not sure I can get the additional time off.. .I did AMVIV again this year... that was rockin!!!

[R52 WUF]

Yep. Can't wait until the fall run.

[orangecrush]

I am gonna REALLY TRY HARD to make down for this.. but not sure I can get the additional time off.. .I did AMVIV again this year... that was rockin!!!


X2....

Haven't been to the dragon since MOTD last year. Would love to go again.

Mark

[Vango]

Will be there

[orangecrush]

I'm gonna have to try extra hard. I was all excited about going to MOTD and at the last minute, realized it was the same weekend as Roebling Road. Duh!

Guess that was a good thing. I can't think of a better way to break in a brand new car. :yes4:


Mark

[Sgt Pepper]

I'm in! :yes4:

[minimark]

Paul's runs are a def "not to be missed", so I'll be there!!!

[bryman10]

Oh heck yeah, I'm in on this one.
I just hope I don't embarrass myself too miserably w/ my ALL STOCK (read, limited handling/braking/accelerating/grip) machine.

bryman<----been looking for the "spirited" drives/drivers group:)

[jcauseyfd]

Bryan,

You'll be fine going all stock. I took mine on BTOT2 last summer. What a blast!

[minimark]

This is a BYOBB run....:yeah!:

-Bring your own barf bag...:lol:

[WINICooper]

Oh heck yeah, I'm in on this one.
I just hope I don't embarrass myself too miserably w/ my ALL STOCK (read, limited handling/braking/accelerating/grip) machine.

bryman<----been looking for the "spirited" drives/drivers group:)

Join any Sunday Sliders event to find spirited driving, I roll all-stock and kept up just fine. MINI's are amazing out of the wrapper, upgrades make them better, but they are already great.

[BlimeyCabrio]

Yep - the only guy who gets a BIG benefit out of mods is the leader... because in that spot you need more margin for error as you're driving somewhat "blinder" than the folks behind you.... and if you misread a corner and go in too hot, you need every advantage available to ensure you can correct "gracefully". The folks behind you will see brake lights and have considerably more reaction time.

[orangecrush]

Yep - the only guy who gets a BIG benefit out of mods is the leader... because in that spot you need more margin for error as you're driving somewhat "blinder" than the folks behind you.... and if you misread a corner and go in too hot, you need every advantage available to ensure you can correct "gracefully". The folks behind you will see brake lights and have considerably more reaction time.


That's the reason I would rather be completely upfront (or in second place) than in the middle. I tend to be overly aggressive and don't like being "stuck" in the middle being held up by someone who chooses to go slower. (nothing wrong with that... I'm not there for a sunday cruise)

Fast but safe...

Mark

[x UHOH x]

This is a BYOBB run....:yeah!:

-Bring your own barf bag...:lol:

HA!! I thought it was, Bring Your Own (new) Brakes afterwards!! I also drove stock last time with no issues...it was more issues with the driver preferring NOT to slide off the mountainS than it was the car not handling it....


Yep - the only guy who gets a BIG benefit out of mods is the leader... because in that spot you need more margin for error as you're driving somewhat "blinder" than the folks behind you.... and if you misread a corner and go in too hot, you need every advantage available to ensure you can correct "gracefully". The folks behind you will see brake lights and have considerably more reaction time.

Especially if you're not staring at your G-Force Meter while you're driving like that... :jester:

[minimark]

Yep - the only guy who gets a BIG benefit out of mods is the leader... because in that spot you need more margin for error as you're driving somewhat "blinder" than the folks behind you.... and if you misread a corner and go in too hot, you need every advantage available to ensure you can correct "gracefully". The folks behind you will see brake lights and have considerably more reaction time.

Exactly...first to "Oh Crap!":blink:

[BlimeyCabrio]

Exactly...first to "Oh Crap!":blink:

Remember that first switchback coming down NC80 from the Parkway last year when I lead?
:dance:

[BlimeyCabrio]

See the first post! Route and details added!

[TWISTER]

meadow branch rd is not paved yet

[BlimeyCabrio]

Has been the last 2 years I've driven it - the map shows that part is unpaved - but the map is WRONG.

[paul_]

I wouldn't miss this for the world. I'll be along with a passenger and another MINI/passenger in tow.

[minibugs]

:ponder: Sorry Paul ,I am going with the FAST RIDE ( MR TWISTER )...:fie:...:wacko:......:lol:.....:dance:.....:bye:

[paul_]

Hmm... That would be the fast ride? Maybe I'll have to reconsider. <confusion> Then again, I am terrible at detecting forum sarcasm... </confusion>

[jcauseyfd]

General rule - if the post contains the words "Blimey" and "Tour of Terror" - it is the fast ride.

[Sgt Pepper]

General rule - if the post contains the words "Blimey" and "Tour of Terror" - it is the fast ride.

As survivors... um, I mean, participants of "Blimey's Tour of Terror II", I would agree with Jeff 110%! :yeah!:

[paul_]

Phew *wipes brow* that's what I thought, and definitely is what Chris and I are looking for. Ready for some major twisty pwning!

-Paul

[RudyT]

As survivors... um, I mean, participants of "Blimey's Tour of Terror II", I would agree with Jeff 110%! :yeah!:

Agreed :happy-smiley: :yeah:

Another hint... if you see RudyT's post somewhere saying he is following the Blimey... it is indeed the "fast" ride... I eat fast for breakfast :yes4:

[TGS91]

Count me in Paul!

[BlimeyCabrio]

So the NOC fall bike century is that day again this year - the routes DO cross Wayah Bald. Last year the timing worked out perfectly - the tail end of the cyclists was coming down Wayah toward Nantahala while we were going the other way - and they were gone by the time we came back. We'll keep an eye out for them this year - if it looks like our run back down Wayah will be problematic, we'll alter the route and only do Wayah in one direction - then take 64 to Murphy to pick the route back up.

[SALEMGYM]

Count me in.

[minibugs]

Hi Frank,:ponder:...OK ..U R :yes4:..about that ....we will have moooooore...:yeah!::yeah!:.....we R riding with STORM RIDE (twister):sarcastic:.....:thank_you:....:bye:

[Flynscot0256]

Count me in also, Looking forward to it this will be my Birthday treat!

[BlimeyCabrio]

Hi Frank,:ponder:...OK ..U R :yes4:..about that ....we will have moooooore...:yeah!::yeah!:.....we R riding with STORM RIDE (twister):sarcastic:.....:thank_you:....:bye:

Twister pulls off to :bad: on my rides. Case closed.

[orangecrush]

Hey Paul,

I just realized this is the same date as MSSD, did I not read that you're making the terror ride part of the Dragon?

Thanks,

Mark

[TWISTER]

The only ride of yours I've been on is the CBC run once and never turned green thank you

[BlimeyCabrio]

OK. It was a run on the Dragon that you were leading. Then you had to pull off when you turned green. If you want to be technical about it. :bad:
:sarcastic:

Love ya. Mean it. :yes4:

[BlimeyCabrio]

Hey Paul,

I just realized this is the same date as MSSD, did I not read that you're making the terror ride part of the Dragon?

Thanks,

Mark

Yes - note that this is in the MSSD forum. This is one of two organized drives that Saturday morning - Mark's leading one, I'm leading the other. Both will be fun. Mark's will be fast. Mine will be faster. :ms_thumbsup:

[TWISTER]

Yep I fully admit I made myself nauseated on that run. I was not concentrating on driving it correctly with my astigmatism. It happens all the time

<3 back at ya

[dmagoun]

Conner and I are in!

[colejd]

Wayah Road? :fie:I'm in!:yeah!:

[BlimeyCabrio]

UPDATE:

Unless Mark and Van find something different on Friday AM, what I hear from Jeff C is that the route from Murphy to the Skyway is NOT passable. So we'll re-route - probably Wayah Rd, to Franklin, up 28 all the way back to Fontana - that's a good drive, too.

[BlimeyCabrio]

Grumble, Grumble.....

So, looking at the Tour de Nantahala info, looks like they're running THREE DIFFERENT ROUTES on Saturday - which will pretty much clog all roads around Robbinsville, Wayah and Franklin with bicycle traffic for much of the day.

Based on this - I may do a Wayah run Friday on the way up or right after we arrive in Fontana. Then change my run to do the Dragon/Skyway loop instead on Saturday, just to avoid the bicycles. Last year we managed to avoid most of the bike traffic - but I'm wary that it will be MUCH different this year with the new routes they've added - and going slow on Wayah Road is NO FUN.

[BlimeyCabrio]

Thanks to Eddy for calling NOC to verify the routes and the direction the bikes will be going. Looks like we can drive "out" Wayah and "up" 28 with the bikes going the opposite direction. Still, it can be a little dicey meeting oncoming cyclists on all those twisty sections. In my experience, THEY don't always stay on their side of the centerline... we'll figure out a route between now and Saturday. No worries.

[BlimeyCabrio]

THANKS to the intrepid souls who dared follow me on Saturday - I had an absolute BLAST on the inaugural "Blimey's Tour of Terrible Impalas"

Other than the Impalas, I thought we had a GREAT run. Weather cooperated, and we got some good runs on TN360, the Skyway, Wayah and Fontana Heights. Big fun.

[whitfar]

Thanks for the awesome ride! Tim - thanks for the radio! We would have been clueless without it! Paul, thanks for the great leadership!

I will be posing some pictures for you soon.

[dmagoun]

A most excellent time was had by all!!!!

[paul_]

What an awesome run! I had a huge amount of fun, and pics (and possibly video) will be coming to this here forum.

[SALEMGYM]

What a great time - Thanks Paul for the fun.

[blitzcat]

Wish BMW would enable the fog lights on R56'es
There are at least three visable minis:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/4045431574_0e56c00098.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/4044693119_4b28b864e6.jpg

[minimark]

Paul's runs at the Dragon are always a blast!!! Really hate we missed it.....

[TGS91]

Think I'll be having nightmares for a while slip sliddin through the leaves on the "super secret" Fontana Village back road! Awesome run all! Can we do it again?! Tommorow?

[BlimeyCabrio]

I'm too freaking tired.

You make it home OK, Tim?

[BlimeyCabrio]

By the way - here's the route we did, in case anyone cares. Epic.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=35.435079,-83.825254&daddr=TN-33+S%2FTN-72+W%2FUS-411+S+to:Indian+Boundary+Rd%2FTN-165+E+to:Rodney+Orr+Bypass+to:Wayah+Depot,+NC+to:tapoco,+nc+to:County+Ro ad+1247%2FMeadow+Branch+Rd+to:County+Road+1246%2FRhymers+Ferry+Rd&hl=en&geocode=%3BFVEWHwIdVrH6-g%3BFXZiGwIdQhP7-g%3BFcgBGwIduEYB-w%3B%3B%3BFfzdHAId4P3_-g%3BFcibHAIddNQA-w&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=14&via=2,6&sll=35.431722,-83.821907&sspn=0.046787,0.073385&ie=UTF8&ll=35.377854,-83.884735&spn=0.749082,1.174164&t=h&z=10

It looks like a colon. Which is a good thing.

I did another 40 before that in the AM, and another 40 that night. So right at 300 miles of twisties in one day. Killer.

[ehatl]

Paul

All I can say is, what a GREAT day. Thanks for allowing me to tag along.

Oh and your animal magnetism is beyond belief. You know the impala thing.

[TGS91]

Started raining here in St. Louis literally when I got home and hadn't stopped till like last night. Got out this morning and washed off layers and layers of North Carolina and Tennessee. Think I found the remains of a Impala hoof in the grill...............brought a smile to my face

[MINIFIED]

BlimeyPaul .. much remiss in the delay in replying to this post that this was a great run .. many thanks also to the folks that allowed me to ride shot-gun .. especially Frank, who I still credit to this day with instilling my nerve to leave that middle peddle alone .. it was a terrific day and the most wonderful colors I have ever seen in NC*, and I have a new appreciation for Paul's design .. and yea, it's called Tour of Terror for a reason, you can ask me .. :girl_wink:

*perhaps I haven't previously seen them because I've been too busy driving??

[SALEMGYM]

Susan - You have come a long way with your driving. YOU GO GIRL NOW.