Mark your calendars and arrange time off from work. Make arrangements to put the kids in reform school and the dogs in obedience school. Or you could just bring them along.
Georgia Fiero's trusty scouts are roaming the back hills of Georgia and the far reaches of Northern Alabama and into Southern Tennessee for the best roads we can find to test that new suspension, brake upgrade, or engine swap. It will even give the old stock stuff a little to huff and puff about. I guarantee you, there's going to be a lot of twisting going on.
We will be updating this thread from time to time, so please check back regularly to see what's happening.
We will also be doing scouting runs to sort out the mundane and find more exciting paths as we progress. Included in those runs will be trial runs so anyone is welcome to join in on pre-RFTH junkets.
One of the areas is in the Scottsboro, Al to Lynchburg, Tn. area. Just right up in your part of the hills.
[This message has been edited by fierofool (edited 07-14-2013).]
We will also be doing scouting runs to sort out the mundane and find more exciting paths as we progress. Included in those runs will be trial runs so anyone is welcome to join in on pre-RFTH junkets.
One of the areas is in the Scottsboro, Al to Lunchburg, Tn. area. Just right up in your part of the hills.
Hey, that's MY neck of the woods. Let me know when you're doing this scouting run.
I am 20 min from Lynchburg. I use to work at JD and had thought long ago to put together a trip from nashville to lynchburg. and maybe a tour for those that never been. A corvette club does it couple times a year. there was a viper club there back in early 2000's .. The main roads are pretty straight but a lot of good back roads in the area
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87 GT series 1 3800sc (7.597 @88.53 1.579 60ft) (series II swap in progress) 85GT Northstar 86GT 3800 n/a
Ron768 has already done a scouting run in the Alabama/Tennessee area, but he and probably I, will be doing more. TopNotch is doing a scouting run this weekend out of Blue Ridge, Ga. to check out some road possibilities. It hasn't been determined if the run will be in North Georgia or in Alabama/Tennessee.
You should also check gafiero.org message board>new forum since some non-PFF members may post info there.
Man... I really need to get my Fiero back in shape and legal. Maybe I'll cruise out there via some other form of transportation.
We've had a Miata, a Lotus Elise, a Bimmer, and I can't recall what else join us on these runs. Google around for pictures. CowsPatoot posts a lot; he drives, I run the camera.
------------------ A good man is hard to find...but a good Fiero mechanic is "rare".
Yes, we've had Nissan Z's of various numbers, Eclipses, Lexus', Cadillacs, Corvettes, Firebirds, Solstices and Skys and Kia Sportages come along with us. We've talked about inviting the Georgia Triumph Association to come out with us this year. Savet regularly runs his Lotus with us. You know, the one with the suspension designed by Fiero.
We've had a Miata, a Lotus Elise, a Bimmer, and I can't recall what else join us on these runs. Google around for pictures. CowsPatoot posts a lot; he drives, I run the camera.
Cool, sounds like a good break-in run for the bike once I get everything fixed up.
Also, did any of the pictures you took of me in Indy turn out alright or did my anti-Barney status hold true?
edit: typos
[This message has been edited by skuzzbomer (edited 07-05-2013).]
agreed. i may only be able to make one scouting run, and i can't say for certain if i can make it to the actual event. won't know til it draws closer... quite a hike.
Just to clarify, there are two entirely separate venues that are being explored. One is in the Scottsboro, Alabama to Lynchburg, Tennessee area. The other is over in central North Georgia, in the Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Blue Ridge, Helen area.
After scouting runs, the areas will be compared and the best selected for the final event.
TAIL OF THE DRAGON AT DEALS GAP, with 318 curves in 11 miles, is America's number one motorcycle and sports car road. The nearby CHEROHALA SKYWAY is quickly becoming number two with its remote 60 miles of scenic mountain highway. The area also has other incredible roads like the MOONSHINER 28, DEVILS TRIANGLE, THE DIAMONDBACK, SIX GAP NORTH GEORGIA, THE SNAKE and GREAT FOREST SERVICE DUAL SPORT RIDING.
Killboy (mentioned in the video above) took these pics on a couple of my trips...
Taken during Run For the Hills in 2003
It's epic. It should be on every gear head's bucket list.
[This message has been edited by Formula88 (edited 07-07-2013).]
Some years ago, our members elected to do The Dragon only every 3rd year, so as to give RFTH participants a different route each year and to not diminish the novelty of The Dragon. We felt that doing it too often would diminish it's charm and excitement.
Each year we produce an event tshirt and a set of limited edition event coffee mugs. There are only 10 cups produced, with 6 being raffled and 4 going to the club President, VP, Graphics Designer and the person who submits the selected photo.
We are in need of artwork for this year's event tshirt and coffee mugs. In recent years, my photo library has diminished due to not having a passenger riding with me. Your pics don't have to be of recent RFTH events, but should be of high resolution and good quality.
Here's a chance to drag out all those pictures you've taken over the years. Everyone is invited to contribute,. In order to get graphics onto the art and accept orders, please try to get them to us by Saturday August 3.
Or, if you wish, you can submit your own graphic design. A few examples of past shirts can be seen here: http://spacecoastfieros.com/runs/RFTH/index.htm Background graphics or photo is all that's needed. We will add the event information.
The person who's photo is selected for use will receive one of the limited edition event coffee mugs, and I think the club can also provide you with a free event tshirt. This will be the sole compensation for permission to use your photo.
Since we will not be having a raffle this year, the tshirts and coffee mug raffle will be the only way we will have for raising funds.
Submit your photos or design to GeorgiaFieroClub@Gmail.Com Subject: RFTH 18 Photo Contest
[This message has been edited by fierofool (edited 07-08-2013).]
There will be a trial run of the proposed Alabama/Tennessee run on Saturday July 20. We will be starting in the Statesboro Scottsboro, Al. area near the intersections of Hwy 72 and 35. Start time is 9AM. Ron768 will post the exact location with information as soon as he determines a good spot.
TopNotch will be traveling over from the Atlanta area on Saturday morning and there may be others, so if you want to drive over with other Fieros, contact TopNotch. There are a number of people from Alabama that want to make the trial run, also, including a couple of Corvettes. Could be interesting. Correction: RFTH trial runs are always interesting.
I will be traveling over on Friday afternoon and will be staying with friends in Huntsville. Anyone wishing to drive over at the same time is welcome to join me. I'm strongly considering the Cartersville, Rome, Fort Payne, Statesboro Scottsboro route to Huntsville, but could be persuaded to go 411 from Cartersville to Gadsden or I-20 to Oxford/Anniston and up 431.
[This message has been edited by fierofool (edited 07-14-2013).]
Originally posted by fierofool: There will be a trial run of the proposed Alabama/Tennessee run on Saturday July 20. We will be starting in the Statesboro, Al. area near the intersections of Hwy 72 and 35. Start time is 9AM. Ron768 will post the exact location with information as soon as he determines a good spot.
Dang! I have plans for the 20th. Also, I think you mean Scottsboro, AL. I've done that road on my motorcycle, and in my Formula. One word of caution. There are many rolling hills, and a couple of curves that surprise you over some of these hills. Sportbikers like that road.
The meeting place for the Scottsboro scouting run will be at the Chevron gas station in front of the Wal-mart off 35 and 72. Turn right off 35 at the Home Depot sign onto the service road and go in front of the car dealerships. Follow it around to the gas station. There are several fast food places if anyone is hungry. See everyone at 9 am Saturday the 20th.
Trotters Chevron 24860 John T Reid Parkway Scottsboro, AL 35768
Skuzzbommer, I don't know if Ron is riding his bike or not. If the weather appears it won't be suitable or you need to drive something else, I'll have an empty passenger seat. If you have one, bring an FRS radio with you.
OK. Plans have changes. Looks like I may be able to make it. For your enjoyment, here's a 10 minute video by the local sportbike riders club of this run.
Also, I'm curious. Why was Scottsboro chosen as the meeting place? Gurley is closer to the start of the run. That's where the locals from the Huntsville area meet up for this run.
This is just a scouting run. No choice has been made as of yet. We are currently looking at 2 routes, 1 in Alabama and the other in Ga. I am scouting here in Alabama as I am currently working in Huntsville Al.
There were some interesting roads, but the only hills I saw were in the background. Hope to see you Saturday.
That video scares me. If that video is indicative of the entire run, then we are going to have to drive at "arrest me" speeds to push any limits around those curves. Remind me to bring bail money. Wish I could join you Saturday.
Greg, that's not a part of the scouting run, that I know of. I've looked at Ron's proposed route and most of it is in the mountains. I believe we will be doing the proposed Georgia run on July 27, and I know it has more ups and downs than some bumps in the road. I think the reference to beginning of the run meant the beginning of that particular run on those bikes. At least that's the way I took it.
From what I've determined from Ron's route, if we hit those kinds of speeds, bail money won't help get anyone out of the morgue.
Originally posted by fierofool: Greg, that's not a part of the scouting run, that I know of. I've looked at Ron's proposed route and most of it is in the mountains. I believe we will be doing the proposed Georgia run on July 27, and I know it has more ups and downs than some bumps in the road. I think the reference to beginning of the run meant the beginning of that particular run on those bikes. At least that's the way I took it.
According to this:
quote
Originally posted by fierofool: We will be starting in the Scottsboro, Al. area near the intersections of Hwy 72 and 35.
We'll be starting the scouting run at the intersection of 72 and 35, which is the same spot that the sportbike ride started in the video I posted. The bikes were going down the highway (72), and turned off onto 35.
quote
Originally posted by fierofool: From what I've determined from Ron's route, if we hit those kinds of speeds, bail money won't help get anyone out of the morgue.
Which is why I don't ride with those guys. I did it once, and that was enough.
Originally posted by CowsPatoot: That video scares me. If that video is indicative of the entire run, then we are going to have to drive at "arrest me" speeds to push any limits around those curves. Remind me to bring bail money. Wish I could join you Saturday.
The sportbike guys routinely go at "arrest me" speeds. At one point on the ride I attended, they "unleashed" on a straight, and one of them later admitted to hitting 150. I guess that they're just willing to roll the dice, because I HAVE seen police out there.
The scary thing (at least to me) about those roads is that many of the curves are indeed wide and fast, then a tight one pops up unexpectedly. Further down the road, it DOES get tighter. That first 10 minutes of the run is wider and faster than the later parts.
The meeting place for the Scottsboro scouting run will be at the Chevron gas station in front of the Wal-mart off 35 and 72. Turn right off 35 at the Home Depot sign onto the service road and go in front of the car dealerships. Follow it around to the gas station. There are several fast food places if anyone is hungry. See everyone at 9 am Saturday the 20th.
Just noticed this. You turn off 72 at the Home Depot sign, not 35.
Originally posted by fierofool: I will be traveling over on Friday afternoon and will be staying with friends in Huntsville.
Thanks for directing me over to this thread. Saw you will be in town on Friday night. That answers my question from the other thread on where your leaving from. If its not to late at night then maybe meet up somewhere?
As for the scouting near Blue Ridge - I'd suggest Old Hwy 2 and the roads shooting off from it. Born and raised in SE TN and grew up driving all those back roads.
The tentative Georgia route will be Hwy 52, Big Creek Road, Newport Road, Aska Road, Old US 76, Hwy 60, Hwy 180, Hwy 384, Hwy 75 Alt. and Hwy 19. There may be others included and some of these may be eliminated, but those are the ones I'm aware of at this time.
I'll be meeting up with Ron around 7PM Friday night. If it fits his schedule, maybe we can do dinner at the Longhorn over on Perimeter Parkway.
