7/7/07 Cruise to Tail of the Dragon

[Kitcat]

Misc:

 

Ditto the comments about Pigeon Forge, Cherokee, Gatlinburg etc. Talk about America gone bad! Wax museums/Gondola rides/salt water taffy and every other possible way of commercializing the countryside. In spite of that, or because of it, it is a hugely popular tourist destination. Travel is like mid-Manhattan on Friday afternoon.

 

When driving on the little jammed roads leading in an out, people will stop their vehicles in the middle of the road and photograph wildlife (deer/bears, etc.) So you get to stare at the back of an SUV whilst they commune w/nature. Then multiply that times the number of city folks who have never seen a live animal and your 30' trip becomes 2 hours.

 

Cold Mountain-great novel, so-so movie.

[BillMarcy P]

I haven't logged on in sometime. Just reread Al's post from his April visit. LET ME REPEAT. DO NOT EVEN THINK OF GOING TO PIGEON FORGE, GATLINBURG, CHEROKEE, SEVIERVILLE OR ANY PLACE CLOSE. We live in Knoxville and avoid it like the plague. I made the mistake of going to Myrtle Beach ONCE - reminded me too much of the above. It is so sad that in this very beautiful part of the country people have to travel through that trash to get into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A word to the wise and all that...

[BillMarcy P]

One other thing. A great big thanks to Al and Mazda for all their hard work getting 7-7-7 organized! It's going to be fun!:hurray:

[slngsht]

Mostly Al... My contribution will be to finish my car in time :lol:

 

:cheers:

[Al N.]

Aw shucks...

 

It's been fun seeing it all grow. And of course, I couldn't have done any of it (nor would have I wanted to) were it not for folks like Bill & Marcy, Mazda, Jerry E., the rest of founding club members — not to mention all the forum/club members at large.

 

FYI, I just sent out the May update. So check your email boxes. Forgot to mention that we were not able to get the 100 octane fuel thing lined up...price would have been about $9/gal. However, we will have Texaco Super Unleaded available at Tapoco, an upgrade from the Regular fuel they generally carry.

 

[Al N.]

[X-post from USA@SE7ENS.NET]

 

A few points regarding the event...

 

A) Some folks have emailed with minor changes in plans (adding Auto-X, dropping Auto-X, etc.) We've been handling these requests as they come in.

 

Please note the following refund policy, which we sent out when you paid:

 

DUE TO THE SCALE OF THE 7-7-7 MEET, THE REFUND DEADLINE FOR THIS EVENT IS JUNE 7, 2007. YOU MUST NOTIFY USA7S, INC. IN WRITING AND RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION EMAIL/LETTER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND.

 

We're totally fine with people changing plans, just be sure to get any changes in before June 7 — otherwise we cannot guarantee you a refund. We have to make firm arrangements/commitments and headcounts with vendors, as I'm sure you understand. Refunds will be made by PayPal if applicable or by check.

 

B) I'm happy to report that there has been a flurry of new sign-ups in the past week or so, which we are handling manually since the migration of USA7s.com to new forum software. I have to look at the numbers (some folks who signed up are in build), but I think we're at about 71 cars...which means there are less than 10 open slots left.

 

C) I got an email today from someone who signed up on our original "handraising" registration form...but who hasn't gotten any of the monthly updates regarding the costs and schedule.

 

If you are in a similar situation, please write to Mazda and I directly or visit the appropriate thread at USA7s.com:

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=137

 

That's about it for now.

 

-Al

 

P.S. We're holding elections on 7-7-7 for a new club president and secretary, so if you feel like nominating someone or yourself, find the appropriate thread at USA7s.

[Al N.]

[ANOTHER X-POST FROM USA@SE7ENS.NET]

 

I received an email from someone after sending out my previous message to the list. Here is the exchange:

 

ME:

>C) I got an email today from someone who signed up on our original

>"handraising" registration form...but who hasn't gotten any of the monthly

>updates regarding the costs and schedule.

 

HIM:

I might fall in that category. I've gotten some mailings, but I think I've missed others. I'm not sure if I'm still registered or not. I've never paid a registration fee...don't even know how to.

 

----

 

FOR CLARIFICATION:

The easy way to know if you are officially signed up for the Event: If you've paid any fees, you are registered. If you have not, you are not.

 

The original "handraising" registration was set up to get a feeling for how many people we might expect to commit to the event. Back in January, we sent an email out and posted in several places how to pay the reg fees. Note that we are now taking registrations manually, since USA7s.com switched forum software packages.

 

The good news is that of the original 90 or so folks who raised their hand that they were interested, about 70 have followed through on paying.

[Al N.]

An update/request, but mostly a way to wind down after a long week (Jon C. and Mazda may know what I'm talking about) :boxing:

 

In the last week or so, we've had a few people drop out of the event with about the same number signing up. I somehow think we'll hit our projected ceiling by the time it all rolls around in just a few short weeks.

 

Here are the things which are on my mind right now...and really, they're not that major:

 

A) Although we've had a few people drop out of the Auto-X, many of the remaining people still have not gone to the SCCA chapter site to pre-reg:

 

http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEventDetail.Show?psevent_id=6988&psrnd=.7556811563444495584530643303185690072

 

If you still intend on participating, please take the time to pre-reg. Also, if you are not participating, please come out to watch the rest of us go through hundreds of dollars worth of tires and gas! FYI, Maryville is on the way out of town for the folks from the North. Note that with the numbers we have, we'll be able to get in lots of runs and perhaps still end early enough to have a blat back down in the Robbinsville area. Still looking for someone to coordinate a dinner meet up (in town or perhaps at Fontana?).

 

B) Not everyone has supplied T-shirt sizing. If you are a paid registrant, you get a t-shirt (final design TBD, my art director is at the Nurburgring...no, seriously), and if you ordered any extra memorabilia packs, those include one too. So, regardless of whether you specified a size in the past — take the time in the next week or so to drop me an email with the subject line "Dragon Tshirt Size" and your desired sizes in the body of the email.

 

If I don't hear from everyone, we will print some additional XL ones, and take orders at the meet for exact sizing for anyone who wants something smaller — though this means you won't be sporting the USA7s at the Dragon flair that weekend.

 

THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR YOUR INTEREST AND SUPPORT OF THE EVENT. AND TO THE SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN OF THE US. Enjoy the long weekend.

 

[slngsht]

An update/request, but mostly a way to wind down after a long week (Jon C. and Mazda may know what I'm talking about) :boxing:

 

 

 

Serious

[Al N.]

A few more points to ponder...

 

Looking for a few folks to be "route buddies" (don't call 'em "drive leaders" what ever you do!) for both Friday and Saturday...would be best if you were familiar with the area or coming in thursday to do recon for yourself.

 

Also was able to secure a sponsor for the "farthest traveled" and "farthest driven" awards...the winners will receive a very special "driving shirt" from my friends at groupe1620.com. Finalizing a very special sponsorship of the welcome receptions, details TBD.

[Al N.]

Slots in North Carolina?

 

Here's a preview of the Ninco Rally set we'll have set up at the meet. Note that the actual layout is much larger than what I'm showing here, and like the Dragon has both increasing and decreasing radius turns. On the second photo, you can see the timing "bridge" as well as the scale of the cars (that's a quarter on the track). I'm bringing two Ninco Renault Rally cars as well as 2 Se7ens from another mfg.

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1400239000_IMG_1537.jpg

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1725038238_IMG_1538.jpg

[slngsht]

make sure the sevens are faster than the renaults

[Al N.]

!!!ONE MONTH TO GO!!!

 

To make it easier to get the message out to everyone, I'm posting an interim MONTHLY UPDATE here instead of sending a long bulk email. Everyone who paid a registration fee (as well as a few who merely raised their hand a while back, and the handful of folks who have dropped out) will get a brief email directing them here.

 

Minor admin details first:

 

1. If you have not sent me your T-shirt size by now, you will get an XL or the option to order another size at the meet.

 

2. If you have not pre-registered for the Sunday Auto-X, but have paid and intend to participate, please click on this link and pre-register:

 

http://www.myautoevents.com/pls/mae/frmEventDetail.Show?psevent_id=6988&psrnd=.7556811563444495584530643303185690072

 

Cancellations and Openings:

 

There are 8 parties who have officially withdrawn from the event for one reason or another. Meaning we received an email from you and sent you a confirming email.

 

Not too bad, really...and a few new folks have thrown their hat into the ring. So our overall numbers are about the same. Note that the June 7th refund deadline has officially passed — any cancellations from now until the event are non-refundable.

 

Just so that everyone knows where they stand, here is a list of the people who have withdrawn from the event:

 

Fred S.

Skip C.

Bernie L.

James W.

Bob R.

Sal F.

Mitch L.

Steve W.

 

If your name is not on that list and you thought you had withdrawn and waiting for a refund, please write to both Mazda and I for clarification. Likewise, if your name is on that list and you still intend on being there, let us know.

 

Here are the folks who have withdrawn from just the Auto-X:

 

Michael D.

Jim G.

Cherik B.

Graeme G.

Rob M.

 

Again, if you feel there is an error, please write to Mazda and I.

 

Finally, I want to say that just because your car is not ready or running does not mean you shouldn't come to the event. While we would like to have as many LSiS vehicles there as possible, the camaraderie and networking is worth coming for, IMHO. And I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to grab some passenger seat time from fellow Se7eners.

 

So if you are still intersted in coming, whether you had paid and withdrawn or are just finding out about the event and want in, here's what you should do:

 

1. Call to find a room for at least Friday and Saturday nights. Tapoco, Fontana, MicroTel, or any other place in the Robbinsville area.

 

2. Send an email to Mazda and I, Mazda will tell you how to pay. A reminder that the cost for 1 individual is $100, including memorabilia, insurance, and 3 meals (Friday Dinner, Saturday Breakfast, Saturday Dinner). Additional Memorabilia and Meal Packs are available.

 

That's about it...things are really coming together and rain or shine, it promises to be a fun event for all Se7en enthusiasts.

 

[stevet]

The latest edition of 'Automobile' magazine (July) has an article of the Audi A8 on the dragon (steady, Al). Page 120. Enjoy.

 

 

 

[Al N.]

Steve, my brother just called me with the same message. I think that R8 was down there when I was in April...some bikers who were staying at Tapoco told us about it and also, that was the S2000 weekend, apparently they are mentioned/shown in the pix.

 

The only question is...where will we go next that has the same concentration of twisties? BTW...I think I was able to score the club a loaner Digital recorder and lipstick cam for the event. We'll have to make sure to capture some of the drives for posterity.

[slngsht]

Rt 33 on the way to Snow Shoe, WV has some awesome runs. Higher speed switchbacks with alot of 180 degree turns mixed in. It is probably not suitable as the next "big" event, but for some of us in the midatlantic, it'll be great. I'm thinking early fall.

[Al N.]

make sure the sevens are faster than the renaults

I'm keeping the Se7ens in the boxes...who knows, they might make good prizes at the event!

 

For the record, I just ran a few laps with my old Scalextric Panoz LMP racer and beat my best time with either of the Renaults by a pretty wide margin. Better throttle response and "aerodynamics" (stronger magnets).

 

[Al N.]

Some recent good news and other things to note:

 

A) I think that the Organic Racing "One Lap" car is going to make an appearance courtesy of Kevin B., Loren's co-driver in that crazy endurance event. Thanks for stepping up Kevin, I know a lot of folks who are going to want to see that supercharger!

 

B) The Tamiya JPE model is done and will be at the event. However, instead of giving it away as a prize for something, we are thinking of raffling it off — with proceeds split between club and perhaps the local EMS/Sherriff. Would love know what people think (and what's a fair ticket cost?). In the end, I personally felt that everyone should have a shot at taking this great model home, and not just people with the "nicest" Se7en (whatever that might mean). Thanks again to Bill and Marcy Power for their efforts on the model.

 

C) In a similar "support the locals" vein, it might be nice to have a food pantry drive at the event. Even one can or box of nonperishable food per car would be welcome, and I found a pantry in the area who would appreciate it. Don't stress about it when you're packing, you could even pick up something from the grocery store in Robbinsville.

 

D) In a leap of faith, we ordered some logo'd baseball caps. Black with silver 7-tail icon. They'll go for about $15, and are first come first-served (we can always order some more if the demand is high).

 

E) PLEASE KEEP IN MIND that the Friday night "car show" was intended to be totally casual and not something that anybody should lose sleep over "entering" or preparing for. If you are a paid event attendee, you're entered. It's just a nice way to meet people and cars up close, and make use of the space at Tapoco.

 

I'm just two weeks away from starting my trek down to the Dragon. Looking forward to meeting all of you.

 

-Al

[slngsht]

TWO WEEKS!!

 

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[Al N.]

Some more prizes came in...from my friends at Groupe1620 and Seize sur Vingt in NYC.

 

An incentive for those of you traveling/driving for far off...these guys frequently top the "Best of NYC" reviews in New York Magazine (one of the owners is a friend from college):

 

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/284580314_Traveled-Driven.jpg