Post by: Fierofool on April 14, 2012, 11:19:39 pm
On April 21, we will be doing our first scouting run for RFTH 17. As usual, when we travel up toward the NE Georgia area, we meet at the QT gas station in Oakwood/Gainesville, Ga.
The QT is at 3446 Mundy Mill Road, Oakwood, Ga. It is at Exit 16 off I-985, about 1/4 mile to the right of the end of the exit ramp, when traveling North on I-985.
Please be at the QT, gassed up and ready to pull out by 9AM. If you say you're going and aren't there by 9am, please call Don K. or myself to let us know how close you are. We will be traveling up I-985 which changes to US 441. We'll follow it all the way to Franklin, NC, before we depart US 441 for other roads.
Some North or West Atlanta people may choose to travel up I-575 which eventually becomes US 76, and meet us in Clayton, Ga. around 10. If you do plan to meet us any place other than the QT in Oakwood, let us know.
This isn't a performance run, but you're welcome to try your hand at the roads, if you so desire. I'm sure all of us will at some point. Bring FRS radios if you have them. Also bring a few tools and an ignition module and a gallon of coolant mix. Never know when they'll be needed. At a point, we will be climbing constantly to an elevation of about 1 mile with a maximum speed limit of 45 mph, so overheating is a possibility. Bring a ride-along. It's more fun with someone sitting shotgun with you, and after a day of twists and turns, they can drive home while you rest.
Many of you expressed the desire to go. Hope all of you make it. It will be an enjoyable experience.
Post by: Spartanzz on April 15, 2012, 01:26:31 am
Post by: Donster on April 15, 2012, 09:38:41 pm
Fierofool
Spartanzz
85GT
Donster
C'mon folks, who else?
\D
Post by: TopNotch on April 15, 2012, 10:14:21 pm
Post by: CowsPatoot on April 16, 2012, 12:00:56 am
I am on the lookout for a hot young blonde to ride along...anyone have a spare available?
Post by: CowsPatoot on April 16, 2012, 12:11:46 am
Post by: Donster on April 16, 2012, 12:15:57 am
Headcount:
Fierofool
Spartanzz
85GT
CowsPatoot
Donster
C'mon folks, who else?
\D
Post by: Donster on April 16, 2012, 12:23:54 am
\D
Post by: Fierofool on April 16, 2012, 08:11:04 am
Post by: Donster on April 16, 2012, 09:08:05 am
\D
Post by: Fierofool on April 16, 2012, 06:53:31 pm
Post by: Fiero GTB on April 16, 2012, 07:38:43 pm
I can't imagine chasing you nutjobs through the twisties on wet roads in the Saturn anyway. ::)
FGTB
Post by: Spartanzz on April 16, 2012, 08:39:22 pm
Post by: HarryT on April 17, 2012, 01:00:07 am
Harry and Karin
Post by: CowsPatoot on April 17, 2012, 01:02:18 am
Post by: Fiero GTB on April 17, 2012, 08:35:05 am
:)
FGTB
Post by: Donster on April 17, 2012, 09:09:15 am
Headcount for May 19th:
Fierofool
Spartanzz
85GT
CowsPatoot
Fiero GTB (Saturn FieroHERO)
Donster
\D
Post by: Spartanzz on April 17, 2012, 10:53:04 am
Post by: TopNotch on April 17, 2012, 11:29:27 am
Post by: Fierofool on April 17, 2012, 02:03:02 pm
So its 100% that we are going the 19th then?
Sans rain and thunderstorms, Yes.
Post by: Donster on April 17, 2012, 05:51:12 pm
Headcount for May 19th:
Fierofool
Spartanzz
85GT
CowsPatoot
Fiero GTB (Saturn FieroHERO)
HarryT & Karin
TopNotch
Donster
Anyone else?
\D
Post by: Fiero GTB on April 18, 2012, 08:41:44 am
Also, I found a really nice set of FRS radios on-line and they arrived yesterday. Now I just have to re-learn all that CB radio jargon from the '70s!
"Come back, Rubby Ducky, you got a Bear in your air 'bout twelve rigs past that northbound reefer!"
Fiero "The Bandit" GTB
Post by: Fierofool on April 18, 2012, 09:45:38 am
This is KQM 6153, 10-8 and 10-10 on 11. 10-22 to 17 and will be 10-7 for about 20 for a LONG 10-99.
Post by: Donster on April 18, 2012, 09:46:59 am
10-4
\D
Post by: Fiero GTB on April 18, 2012, 11:28:13 am
FGTB
Post by: Donster on April 24, 2012, 09:10:19 am
SAFETY FIRST!
http://gafieroclub.org/bbs/index.php?topic=387.0
\D
Post by: Fierofool on May 13, 2012, 11:15:15 am
We will meet at the QT station on Mundy Mill Road, Exit 16 off I-985 in Oakwood, Ga. We will all be topped off with fuel and pull out by 9AM and continue North on I-985. Most of you have my phone number, so if you're not there at 9AM, you'll have to play catch-up. We have a long day so we can't wait up.
This isn't a run, but you're free to test your vehicle and skills at any time. I will provide everyone with a map and printed directions, so if at any time you want to take the lead, you're welcome.
Bring your FRS radios if you have them. We have traditionally used Channel 7 as our operational channel.
Post by: GrannyLinda on May 13, 2012, 12:00:52 pm
Post by: Fierofool on May 14, 2012, 11:05:29 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on May 15, 2012, 12:20:08 am
Post by: CowsPatoot on May 16, 2012, 06:11:43 pm
Post by: Donster on May 16, 2012, 06:20:51 pm
\D
Post by: Fierofool on May 16, 2012, 10:54:06 pm
From Dillard we'll go on up to Franklin, NC and going up the long hill just before US 441 intersects Hwy 64, there a place called The Fun Factory on the right of the highway. Kind of hard to see unless you know where it is, so just look for the Advance Auto Parts on the left. The Fun Factory is almost straight across the road. If you miss it, turn in at the Huddle House and follow the street around to the back of The Fun Factory. We will be stopping there for discussion. Should be there around 11am.
From The Fun Factory, we'll continue, crossing over the bridge over Hwy 64 and going on up into Franklin and stopping at the Franklin Inn for discussion.
Then we'll take Hwy 28 North and go to Fontana Village for the next stop. We will end our scouting trip in Telico Plains and head back down Hwy 68 toward Ducktown and Copper Hill, Tn.
Edit to add that we'll be having lunch in the Wildwood Grill at Fontana Village.
Post by: CowsPatoot on May 17, 2012, 12:48:20 am
Post by: Fierofool on May 17, 2012, 08:13:10 am
Post by: CowsPatoot on May 17, 2012, 08:55:38 am
Post by: Fierofool on May 18, 2012, 08:12:13 am
If you follow us up to Telico Plains you'll have to go up 360 to 411 then come back across 72 to get to The Dragon.
Remember, warn Colin that he should never touch the yellow line while driving on The Dragon. For safety and for ticketing purposes. After you've warned him, warn him again. And again. I guess that would really apply to any of the bike roads up there.
HarryT and Karin, haven't heard from you guys in a while. You joining us?
Post by: Fiero GTB on May 18, 2012, 08:18:48 pm
ROADSIDE SERVICE VEHICLE FOR SATURDAY, MAY 19 SCOUTING RUN:
I am going downstairs to pack up the Saturn Roadside Service Vehicle for tomorrow's RFTH Scouting Run.
I'm heading straight to bed after that, so I won't be back on-line tonight or tomorrow morning before I leave, so if you need to reach me, call me on my cell: Four-O-4 then 8-One Five, then 7 Seven One Five.
Rockin' Roger will be my co-pilot, and the Saturn will be loaded to the brim with safety cones and flashers, oil, coolant, brake fluid, tools, a few common spare parts, you-name-it to accomondate roadside repairs and keep the convoy rollin'.
Our motto is "No Fiero Left Behind." ;- )
I've funded the purchase of everything, so the only thing I ask is that anything you use (other than our human help), you replace or reimburse me for at-cost... if and when you can.
RR and I are mtg for breaksfast at the waffle house next door to the QT about an hour early tomorrow, if anyone wants to join us, you'll be welcomed!
Best,
FGTB
Post by: Donster on May 18, 2012, 08:29:03 pm
From what I heard, HarryT & Karin will join you.
\D
Post by: Fierofool on May 18, 2012, 08:40:47 pm
Post by: TopNotch on May 18, 2012, 09:35:12 pm
Post by: HarryT on May 19, 2012, 12:49:09 am
Harry and Karin
Post by: HarryT on May 19, 2012, 11:12:12 pm
Thanks all for the fun day. There were no mechanical breakdowns and great weather. We ran into rain after we left the group just before Blairsville but it was dry as we got closer to home.
Hope y'all enjoyed the day as much as we did.
Harry and Karin
Post by: CowsPatoot on May 20, 2012, 01:35:53 am
Post by: TopNotch on May 20, 2012, 08:39:28 am
Grandson Jason was about to shoo a gnat here...
How to take aerial pictures:
I can't wait to see those pics!
The scenery was beautiful...
Post by: Fierofool on May 20, 2012, 08:49:52 am
This was the first place we got separated from Tim and Roger. Things progressed well until we had lunch in Robbinsville and headed for the Cherohala Skyway. Someway or other we got separated from Tim and Roger in the FiHero and Scott P. in his Cadillac. Yep, Cadillac, like in big 4-door sedan, and he kept up with us for the most part. See, everyone, I told you we would take it easy.
Anyway, with other vehicles getting into our group, someway we got separated from the Highway Rescue Vehicle and the Cadillac. By the time we realized it and I went back to try to find them they were long gone. I don't know what type cell phones those folks up there use, but none of us had phone signals anywhere in that part of the state.
So, when I got back to the Fiero group, we continued, hoping the separated parties would find their way back home. First time I got a call from them, Pat and I were almost back down to Blue Ridge, Ga. with Greg, Chris, Sharon and Colin having split at Telico Plains to tackle The Dragon from the north end, and Harry and Karin had turned back East toward home just before we got down to Ducktown and Copperhill. At that time, Tim, Roger and Scott were about 14 miles North of Franklin, returning via the route we had taken to get up there.
Sounds like all of us got caught in that big thunder shower that moved across that region, except maybe for the NC folks. There were a couple of times I thought I heard some small hail hitting the car. Got home a little after 9. I think Pat and I may have been the first to get home since everyone else had much further to go.
Thanks to all who came along. I'd be interested in hearing your honest comments about the roads and everything we saw. I promise that the next scouting run will only involve 4 roads and the day should go much smoother.
Post by: TopNotch on May 20, 2012, 09:22:17 am
I think Pat and I may have been the first to get home since everyone else had much further to go.
Actually, we stopped to eat, and got home about the same time as you.
BTW, the roads were all good, except the bumpy one after Fontana. That one tested the shocks and body tightness (looseness?).
Post by: CowsPatoot on May 20, 2012, 02:25:18 pm
Remember when I mentioned that I ordered some good weather? Sorry, forgot to include a bit for your trip home. We were dry all the way home.
Sharon took 538 pictures...and a couple of them actually turned out OK.
I tried to get the action shot of Charlie, but couldn't get far enough from the road to do it right. Darn cliffs. This is where we started on the Cherohala Skyway. Beautiful scenery...wonderful road...but those darn motorcycles kept getting in the way.
After we separated from the group, we headed for Tail Of The Dragon...
Then we made a mad dash for home...
and left the day behind us...
Post by: Fiero GTB on May 20, 2012, 03:50:56 pm
Great driving, CowsPatoot - wouldn't have had that great blurry scenery without your skills!
FGTB
Post by: Roger on May 20, 2012, 06:43:26 pm
Yep! Great photos and thank you.
Scott, Tim and I would have been there to enjoy it with you if I hadn't got us lost.
One of these days I'll learn to read FieroFools directions.
Can I get a Homer DOH!?
Post by: Spartanzz on May 21, 2012, 12:31:28 am
Post by: Fiero GTB on May 21, 2012, 01:32:20 pm
Funny, none of the backgrounds seem to be blurred in my photos vs. Sharon's... but I guess it's hard to get that effect at only 20 MPH... ::)
FGTB
When we pull out, I'll be heading down this way at about 200 MPH.....
_(Small).JPG)
....which is what I meant when I said, "I'll be taking it easy on this scouting run..."
_(Small).JPG)
Now that's gratitude for you. That darn bear said he didn't need no stinkin' Charmin.
_(Small).JPG)
.JPG)
_(Small).JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Tree of Shame. A collection of parts of motorcycles The Dragon has consumed.
.JPG)
Did you ever notice there aren't any Fiero parts in that tree?
_(Small).JPG)
Does this mean Inside or Outside?
_(Small).JPG)
Spillway at Fontana Dam
.JPG)
Floodgates
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Nice Rides. Just a small portion of what was at Fontana Village.
_1.JPG)
I wonder if he's got one of Whodeanie's 3800SC's under that hood?
.JPG)
Post by: CowsPatoot on May 21, 2012, 03:12:33 pm
For some reason, he thought this was the only car worth taking an individual picture of.
Post by: Donster on May 21, 2012, 03:52:56 pm
\D
Post by: CowsPatoot on May 22, 2012, 04:33:51 am
(http://24.182.73.46/fiero/panarama.jpg)The full pic is 27 megapixel after blending it together. When I was taking the pic, I would have chosen not to have Pat's grandson in the shot...but after finishing it, I think he is what really makes the pic interesting. Clicking on the pic will take you to the full size image.
Post by: redraif on May 22, 2012, 12:57:37 pm
Post by: Fierofool on June 10, 2012, 09:59:34 am
For the June 23 trip, as is our custom, we will meet up at the QT station in Oakwood/Gainesville. It's I-985 Exit 16 which is the Oakwood, Mundy Mill Road, Hwy. 53 exit. Be ready to pull out by 9am.
To help with your schedule planning, estimated time to get to Oakwood is approximately:
1 1/2 Hour from Douglasville
1 3/4 Hour from Newnan
1 1/4 Hour from Marietta
1 1/2 Hour from Stockbridge
1 1/4 Hour from Monroe via 81 and 53
1 1/4 Hour from Athens via 129, 85 South and 53
1 1/2 Hour from Canton via 20, 369 and 53
These are estimated times from Town Center to Town Center of the listed cities.
If you would like to meet us at another location, we'll be traveling between Toccoa and Clarkesville at about 9:30, Clayton, Ga. at about 10 and Franklin, NC at about 11. Let us know so we can adjust our schedule to hook up.
We probably will be traveling on The Dragon on this scouting trip.
Post by: CowsPatoot on June 13, 2012, 08:21:17 pm
If the good weather I ordered is delivered on time, the vert will be there on the 23rd. Otherwise, I might show up in Colin's passenger seat.
For the 7th...i will have to see what my work schedule looks like.
Post by: Fierofool on June 18, 2012, 08:46:58 pm
The weather CowsPatoot ordered will be delivered on time so the curves won't be the only thing with 90 degrees.
Unfortunately the FiHero will not be able to be there this time, so be sure your vehicle is in good condition and bring your radios.
Post by: Spartanzz on June 19, 2012, 12:46:22 am
Post by: Donster on June 19, 2012, 09:25:13 am
\D
Post by: Fierofool on June 19, 2012, 01:46:37 pm
Post by: GrannyLinda on June 19, 2012, 02:48:51 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on June 19, 2012, 06:51:52 pm
Post by: Roger on June 19, 2012, 07:12:23 pm
Sorry guys I can't go this time.
I hope everyone has a great time, stays safe and maybe won't get lost!
Roger
Post by: Raydar on June 19, 2012, 10:00:47 pm
Post by: aerodonamic on June 20, 2012, 12:47:36 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on June 20, 2012, 10:42:53 pm
Post by: jwrape on June 21, 2012, 08:36:51 am
Post by: Donster on June 21, 2012, 08:40:28 am
I will ONE Day partake in this run.....One day.... Hopefully one day...... I just wanna take one of my cars up those hills.
Promises, promises
;D
\D
Post by: jwrape on June 21, 2012, 08:42:47 am
I will ONE Day partake in this run.....One day.... Hopefully one day...... I just wanna take one of my cars up those hills.
Promises, promises
;D
\D
I know..... Money HAS to get better. I am not riding through those hills on slicks. All my cars need tires... amongst other things.
Post by: Donster on June 21, 2012, 08:49:29 am
I know..... Money HAS to get better. I am not riding through those hills on slicks. All my cars need tires... amongst other things.
I feel ya bro
\D
Post by: whiteandnerdy27 on June 21, 2012, 08:26:33 pm
Post by: CowsPatoot on June 21, 2012, 10:44:20 pm
weather looks perfect, if not a tad hot, but i am 99% certain i will be there.
Are you going to drive over with Larry and I then? Where would be a good place to meet up with the group this time? Are you headed thru Franklin again, or going up 129?
Post by: Fierofool on June 21, 2012, 11:01:29 pm
Bring a good tarp for the 'vert. Atlanta weather says there may be some widely isolated precip in the north and northeast of Georgia, which means it'll be coming or going into NC or TN.
Jason you can drive at your own leisure so perfect tires aren't required. It's best to drive that way, then you can look at your route sheet and map so you don't get lost.
Post by: CowsPatoot on June 21, 2012, 11:16:03 pm
...then you can look at your route sheet and map so you don't get lost.
But...it wouldn't be a scouting run if nobody got lost.
Sounds like we will meet up with you at the Fun Factory again....11am it is. The radios are charging now.
Post by: whiteandnerdy27 on June 22, 2012, 01:12:41 am
Post by: CowsPatoot on June 24, 2012, 02:37:20 am
and a photo of the cars on the trip...
Note that you don't see a convertible there. That is because some genius drove 200 miles to Franklin only to find out he didn't have the key to the car he drove there. I suppose I will have to explain how that is possible. We start this scenario with a manual steering column...you know, the one that has that little lever you have to push down on to release the key. Now...imagine that your key is well worn. That makes it possible to turn the car off, turn the key back to the point where it stops, and remove the key...just like any auto column. But...because the lever was never used to bring the ignition back to the lock position, we can now take any other worn out key, stick it in the ignition, and start the car. Actually...we wouldn't even need a key at that point...but then it would be obvious that something is wrong. I didn't know I had the wrong key until I got to Franklin, and released the ignition key properly with the lever. Then I couldn't restart it.
edit to add: She's home...it's all good.
Post by: CowsPatoot on June 24, 2012, 03:30:31 am
I want to do the Dragon twice for the run....down and back, and down and back again. Is there any possibility? We WILL have the 85 GT back.
Post by: HarryT on June 24, 2012, 12:02:36 pm
We wish we could have participated but I had to work and Karin is in Germany with our daughter for a month.
Hope you all had a great time.
Harry
PS Don, Karin had a jump flight from Frankfurt to Breman
Post by: Fierofool on June 25, 2012, 03:42:37 pm
Great editing of the video, Greg.
Post by: CowsPatoot on June 29, 2012, 04:21:07 am
I also updated the earlier posted one with some credits. Same video...but still fun to watch.
Post by: TopNotch on June 30, 2012, 11:04:12 am
Post by: whiteandnerdy27 on June 30, 2012, 05:03:10 pm
Post by: TopNotch on June 30, 2012, 07:29:45 pm
Edit: Sorry about the audio quality. The microphone on my camera isn't very good.
Post by: Fierofool on July 02, 2012, 07:42:21 pm
If we could pull out of from the QT in Gainesville/Oakwood around 8AM we could be in Franklin by 10 which is an hour later than we normally start on the day of the RFTH. If we follow the program, we should be back to Franklin around 4-5PM.
If you're gonna go, sign in.
Post by: Donster on July 02, 2012, 09:32:01 pm
If you're gonna go, sign in.
???
Post by: Spartanzz on July 02, 2012, 11:31:20 pm
Post by: whiteandnerdy27 on July 03, 2012, 03:28:51 am
Post by: Fierofool on July 03, 2012, 07:46:25 am
Post by: TopNotch on July 03, 2012, 10:24:26 am
It's estimated to be +/- 200 miles. I'd like to leave Franklin around 8. By doing that, we can stop at more of the scenic overlooks.
Leave Franklin at 8, or leave Oakwood at 8?
If I go, I'll have to take the red car (86 SE automatic). I need to do the brakes on the yellow car.
Post by: Fierofool on July 03, 2012, 01:14:54 pm
Post by: Fierofool on July 03, 2012, 02:44:50 pm
and on Page 23 as we came back south.
US129Photos.com has us under June 23 Cars (b) 1-7 on Page 41 on the northbound pass and I didn't look for the southbound pass, which would be on a later page if you want to look for them.. http://www.photoreflect.com/store/ThumbPage.aspx?e=8566927&g=0QAK017D01
Post by: CowsPatoot on July 03, 2012, 11:17:46 pm
Post by: Spartanzz on July 04, 2012, 04:54:54 am
Post by: Fierofool on July 04, 2012, 07:36:00 am
Post by: Spartanzz on July 04, 2012, 11:07:15 pm
Post by: Fierofool on July 06, 2012, 08:40:13 am
Post by: whiteandnerdy27 on July 07, 2012, 01:34:34 am
Post by: HarryT on July 08, 2012, 12:57:35 am
I am in pain today and will probably be in more pain tomorrow and the next few days.
Harry
Post by: Roger on July 08, 2012, 08:06:02 am
Here's to a speedy recovery Harry.
Post by: Fierofool on July 08, 2012, 08:29:38 am
I may do another trip on the 21st if you want to tag along at that time.
Post by: Donster on July 08, 2012, 10:25:26 am
With Karin gone, is there anything you need?
Can you get around OK?
Let us know if you need anything
\D
Post by: HarryT on July 09, 2012, 01:47:48 am
Don and Anne; I can get around OK, just in pain. :'( My son said he would come up if I needed him but I told him I would be fine. Thanks for the concern.
Harry
Post by: Fierofool on July 14, 2012, 09:48:31 pm
I'll be leaving the QT in Oakwood/Gainesville, I-985 Exit 16 at 9 AM. If you want to go along, get there in time to get gassed up and pull out with me.
Post by: whiteandnerdy27 on July 15, 2012, 12:21:39 am
Post by: Spartanzz on July 15, 2012, 02:16:16 am
Post by: CowsPatoot on July 15, 2012, 04:08:49 am
if weather permits i will meet you at franklin.
Same here....weather permitting, I'm in. Weather.com says it doesn't look good...but it is still early.
Post by: CowsPatoot on July 18, 2012, 12:08:02 am
Post by: Fierofool on July 18, 2012, 08:05:14 am
I have a leaky heater core and I'm debating on taking the truck instead.
Post by: CowsPatoot on July 18, 2012, 10:01:32 pm
Post by: TopNotch on July 22, 2012, 09:09:00 am
Below is the silver GT Fierofool mentioned in this thread (http://gafieroclub.org/bbs/index.php?topic=330.210).
Some pictures from the south end of the Dragon below...
Post by: Raydar on July 22, 2012, 08:06:20 pm
I missed it because Tammy and I celebrated our 14th anniversary this weekend. (Even though we actually got married in April, this was the first weekend that we and our friends (who we always celebrate anniversaries with - ours and theirs) had free.
This has been in the works for a while. (I knew there was something, Charlie. Just couldn't remember, last weekend, what it was. :D )
Post by: CowsPatoot on July 23, 2012, 02:55:09 am
The other Fiero is at 9:30, the accident is at 11:30.
Post by: TopNotch on July 23, 2012, 11:35:24 am
Post by: Spartanzz on July 24, 2012, 12:51:37 am
Post by: TopNotch on July 24, 2012, 09:28:48 pm
Post by: whiteandnerdy27 on July 24, 2012, 09:32:33 pm
Post by: TopNotch on July 24, 2012, 09:41:35 pm
Post by: TopNotch on August 24, 2012, 03:24:52 pm
The first boo-boo is mine. I got something in my eye, and spun out on a curve. It all worked out OK, though.
The second boo-boo is not mine, and is self-explanatory.