Al N.

Folks- The location of the group photo may be changed. I just got word from Fontana that their ballfield may be available. This would be a lot easier, since apparently the TVA police are gettting very strict about cars and their grass down there. I'm going to discuss it with Darryl Cannon and the other organizers and hsould have resolution by Friday AM. FWIW, the weather looks like it's going to be true to what locals said might happen...an occasional shower but not constant. Isn't that why you bought the Jill Judd in the first place? -Al

Gert, hopefully you will be exploring Mesa Verde. And this restaurant: http://www.franciscosrestaurante.com/

We're supposed to have a projector and screeen...so we can show vids at the Dinners too.. BTW, if any one happens to have a computer digital video output to VGA cable, please bring it. I don't know if I brought mine (not that we'll need my laptop). -A

I figured I'd start this over here as a catch-all for posting/viewing posted or linked photos and videos of the July 6-8 Tail of the Dragon meet. As Mazda mentioned in another thread, we're exploring a way to have consolidated photo and video hosting (via something like Flickr and/or a Youtube "guru" account).

a bat? I think that's what hit me tonight. The kids are with my folks visiting Boston, so Laura and I went down to Princeton for ice cream in the Seven (proud to say that I was able to maneuver the trailer sufficiently and unload the car without hurting it or myself). We didn't wear helmets like we usually do, it was still light out and we wanted to enjoy the breeze and be able to talk without flipping up our shields. On the way home, something struck my left cheek -- felt like the size of a tennis ball. About the same density too. You know, those helmets aren't such a bad idea...

Yes, there are 2 area maps in the program...one of the Dragon and another of the general vicinity, extending from Knoxville area to Asheville and down past Franklin NC a little bit. There are also all sorts of other Maps available for free when you are down there.

You know that scene in Austin Powers where he's trying to k-turn that skid steer thingy in a corridor that's getting increasingly narrow? And he keeps going backwards and forwards and not really getting anywhere? That was me trying to maneuver the trailer around the parking area at my house last night. I ended up leaving the trailer and tow vehicle in my side lawn — classy! It'll definitely take some practice. :willy: :willy: :willy:

Mazda-GET SOME SLEEP, MAN!!! I don't want you to crush my autocross times and still be all "man, I would have done better if I had been better rested":lol:

Well, the event programs are done. :hurray: Now I just need to fit it all in the tow vehicle.:cry:

Met Jeff and Bruce (and his wife Nancy) today up at Performance Trailer. Great to meet you all. Bruce and I drove our trailers home...Jeff's needs a little minor tweaking to fit in the garage where it will be parked. I swapped out the aluminum wheels for some less "bling bling" steel powdercoated jobs that appealed to me more....this also allowed Jeff & Bruce to use my extra ali wheels for their spares. Looking at these pix, the aluminum ones aren't actually as bling as I remember...but I don't mind the purposefulness of the steel. We had a nice lunch at the nearby Applebee's (Jon's going to think I take all my Se7eners there ) then parted ways. I was standing out in the sun for a while, and am very glad that I got a sun hat for Fathers Day — it got hot! Anyways, here in the office to finalize the 7-7-7 program, then the Herculean task of packing the Pilot. The trailer and car seem to be very compatible with the Pilot. I definitely notice the difference, but it's not like I'm dragging aronud a boat anchor or something. It's a trip to look in the rearview and see Orange seemingly floating in the air behind me. Al N., Jeff D., Bruce W. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1357526184_ThreeSeveners.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1789695885_IMG_1575.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/2104000944_IMG_1576.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/709134686_IMG_1577.jpg

Since I will be playing the role of desk clerk for the majority of Friday (handling registrations, etc.), I am probably going to get out for a blat early. Route TBD, time probably between 6 and 9. Leave from Tap.

Good news/bad news there Mutt. See you all very soon. Thanks for everything everyone!

For HRK and anyone who would like to come to 7-7-7 but has not registered or paid...an updated schedule of events follows below. To register & pay, please arrive at Tapoco on Friday July 6, 2007 between Noon and 4 PM. The Club will be accepting only cash and checks for fees and memorabilia during the event. The Club reserves the right to limit registrations — which will be handled on a first-come first served basis. (If you've already paid, you're in...don't worry.) --------- USA7s at the Dragon Event Schedule (July 6-8, 2007) All asterisked items will be held at Tapoco Lodge. Friday — July 6th 12 Noon – 5:00 PM Open Registration (Main Lodge Building)* Open Driving Time/Registrant Rendezvous Open Slot Car Track (Main Lodge Building)* 4:00 – 5:30 PM Opening Reception sponsored by Westfield* Meet & Greet/Car Show Prep* 5:30 – 7:00 PM Informal Car Show/Casual Dinner* 7:30 – 9:00 PM “Introduction to the Tail of the Dragon” Presentation (Location TBD)* 9:00 – 10:00 PM Regional Roundtables (Location TBD)* 10:00 – Midnight Movie Screening, “Grand Prix” (Quonset Hut)* Networking* Slot Car Track/Main Lodge Closes at 11 PM Saturday — July 7th 6:00 AM Early Bird Drive Rendezvous (Crossroads) 7:00 AM Slot Car Track Opens (Main Lodge Building)* 7:00 – 8:00 AM Marque-Specific Roundtables (Location TBD)* 8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast Buffet (Main Lodge Building)* 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Open Driving Time/Registrant Rendezvous 4:00 PM Group Photo Shoot Rendezvous (Fontana Dam) 4:15 – 5:30 PM Group Photo 6:00 PM Slot Car Track “Qualifying” Ends (Main Lodge Building)* 6:00 – 7:30 PM BBQ Dinner (Quonset Hut)* 7:30 – 8:00 PM Club Elections & Awards (Quonset Hut)* 8:00 PM Slot Car Track Reopens for fun runs 8:00 – 9:30 PM Builders Roundtable (Quonset Hut)* 9:30 – 10:30 PM Screening of “The Prisoner” Pilot (Location TBD)* 10:30 – 12 Midnight Networking* Slot Car Track/Main Lodge Closes at 11 PM Sunday – July 8th 7:30 AM Auto-Xers Depart for Maryville, TN* 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Auto-X (William Blount High School) 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM Non Auto-Xers are welcome to watch the Auto-X or further explore local roads 7:30 PM Ad Hoc Dinner/Farewell Party (MEAL NOT INCLUDED IN REG. FEE, SITE TBD)

HRK- We tried to email you several times...hopefully you have a room booked somewhere already. I'm going to update the main Tail of the Dragon thread with the schedule now... People who are in the same situation should just show up at Tapoco on Friday July 6th and pay the reg fees in person...cash or check only. -Al

I saw all 3 trailers this morning. I'll post pix of mine, and send Jeff and Bruce theirs... The spare is steel, but the others are pretty nice Aluminum wheels. However, I'm switching mine out to something less "bling-bling", because as the kids say "that's not how I roll". http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1234677357_AlTrailer.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/256395866_AlTrailer2.jpg

Gert, Gert, Gert...you forget that we live on the EAST coast, not in the land of sun and fun...

Loren- did anyone from the forum buy it? Also, please update your first post's headline to indicate SOLD status

You know, I'm not really freaking out anymore...everything seems to have eventually fallen into place, slowly but surely. You've got a trailer, you've got a Se7en, you've got your family and your health. Throw in a little gas money and you're set. But ask me again when I have to pack my car next week.

Final cost depended on options. Like our Se7ens, I don't think the three of us ended up with the same thing. See previous posts for ballpark costs. Jeff-I'll leave my phone number with the Trailer place or email you...call when you get in. -Al

:iagree: You know, it's actually a bit surreal for me that it's just a week away. And now that all the swag is coming in and real ads from real companies that I've got to put into the event booklet...whew! Let's just say that my co-workers here have been very very understanding. Thanks again to everyone for their support and interest over the past year!:cheers:

You have to add a choice of carbon fiber I'd bet most people don't have "none" due to inspection requirements.

This is not the surprise. There will be a limited number of these hats available at 7-7-7, first come first served basis. Although we could order another batch if there is enough interest. I happen to like the retro look of the white stitching contrasted with the modernish logo (in silver). http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1895184182_Hat.jpg

Sounds like a plan...maybe we can grab a bite before you guys go on your way...there's an applebys nearby.

More swag arrived via brown truck today...I guess I could have had it shipped down, but wanted to make sure it was a-ok before showing up in NC. All this and a t-shirt and a few other items for $20? What a bargain! (hope you all agree) I have to say that getting my art direction (I'm a copywriter by trade) act together in time for patches was not possible. And stickers require crazy quantities...though there is one surprise waiting. BTW, the decision to go with Club branding and not event branding is due to the minimum quantities...let's just say the PNW2007 folks will benefit from our order. And yes, the bottle is polycarb (like Nalgene bottles). Little spiral pad (for jotting down FTDs and names of new friends) has zip pocket for receipts and registration/insurance card. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/2059153323_Swag.jpg

Aw shucks.