2011 FFO caravan from PA to Nashville

[mdrburchette]

Copied from the Xweb site:

I'm looking to plan a caravan style cruise on July 20 beginning in Harrisburg PA at Italian Park located just off 81 on North 3rd street. The meeting time will be 8am and we will stay until as late as 9am if you are running a little late but PLEASE CALL and let us know that you are in fact coming. My number is (252) 649-8717. Once everyone has arrived we will depart promptly there after. For our journey we will be using Hwy 81 South picking up additional cars/drivers at predetermined state rest areas on hwy 81 at/near approximate timed intervals. Communication is going to be key to this cruises success and as such, I have up to four 2 way radios to be distributed amongst the pack to stay in touch as well as most of us have our cells on us at all time. I fully understand that traffic, construction and cities are nightmares for this type of driving but not to worry If you get lost, pulled over, or left behind don't worry just radio or call one of us and we will either pull over down the road or more likely slow down until you've caught back up. I will be posting a list/locations of the rest areas and approximate times that will be our rendezvous/ pick up points along the way. For those that are curious it will be an 11 hr drive from Harrisburg to Knoxville TN where we will be staying for the evening at a hotel (yet to be determined) and meeting up with Brett M for a possible cookout/ fun nite. With traffic and the occasional wrong turn I expect us to make it to Knoxville in around 12-12.5 hrs with an E.T.A of around 10:30 pm. After a brief nights sleep and continental breakfast of champions, we will depart the hotel with Brett leading the way for a 45 minute drive through the beautiful mountains bordering Tennessee and North Carolina for a few a little play time on the infamous Hwy 129 also known as The Tail of The dragon After we've had our fun or until time demands (more likely) we will all continue or trek to Nashville where we will arrive at our final destination for FFO 2011!!! For all parties interested in sharing in this journey please respond with a simple " +1" so we can begin to tally up and begin getting the ball rolling for reservations etc.. I would say its fair to assume that a deposit will be required at some point to secure the hotel room for the night and everyone will be updated as soon as a few details are ironed out. Thanks for reading and please feel free to post this on other Fiat sites you may be part of as all are welcome and makes for more fun.

[Eastep]

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Below Ive mapped out the state rest areas along Hwy 81 South that will serve as both a little break for our weary backs and as our scheduled Pick-up/Rendezvous points for those that wish to join in the cruise. All pick up locations are within easy access to other major Hwy s such as Hwy 64 & 77 to aid in travel time and minimize "back-tracking" as much as possible. There will be three stops in VA and two in TN.


VA pick up points

TN pick up points


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[quote="mdrburchette" As promised I have made up a general itinerary for the trip. Upon review I noticed I never marked the welcome center in Bristol as a stop. It is. Ive already corrected this here and on every other site Ive posted on. Below is the itinerary along with approx mileage between locations.

Harrisburg PA (Start Point)
Arrive: 7:30-8:00 am
Leave: 8:30-9:00 am 120 miles

Winchester VA (First Stop)
Arrive: 10:45-11:00 am
Depart: 11:15-11:25 am 80 miles

Mount Sidney VA (Second Stop)
Arrive: 12:30-12:40 pm
*Lunch*
Depart: 1:00-1:15 pm 160 miles

Radford VA (Third Stop)
Arrive: 3:45-3:55 pm
Depart: 4:05-4:10 pm 130 miles

Bristol TN (Fourth Stop)
Arrive: 6:05-6:15 pm
Depart: 6:25-6:30 pm 45 miles

Baileyton TN (Last Stop)
Arrive: 7:20-7:25 pm
Depart 7:30-7:35 pm 75 miles

Knoxville TN (Stop for the night & possible cookout at Bretts)
Arrive: 8:50-9:00 pm
Depart: 7:30-8:00 am 50 miles

Deals Gap (aka The Tail of The Dragon)
Arrive: 9:00-9:15 am
Depart: .. do we really have to leave?
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Just thought I'd make a check list of sorts of things it'd be a good idea to bring along on the trip. Most of these items can fit in a small duffel bag or backpack and take up very little room. These are not in any order so bare with me.

Tool pouch: with basic hand tools (most of us have our regularly used tools for wrenching on our Fiats)

Duct tape & zip ties: Never leave home without em!

Spare radiator cap: JIC

Spare belts/hoses: If you got em, bring em!

Atlas/Map

Food & Drinks: Lunch will only be as good as you bring it

Water/Coolant: To save space Id suggest bringing water or coolant in a 1-2l bottle

2 way radio: I have 4 to be used but the more the merrier

Tire Guage

Spare Tire: Make sure its inflated

Fuse's & Bulbs: Lets face it these things go out pretty often

First Aid Kit: At least Band-aids and Advil.
Don't forget any medications you have to take, and please inform me the day of the cruise if there are any medical conditions that might affect you during the drive.

Fire extinguisher: Not a "must", but a damn good Idea

Jumper cables

Sunscreen: 11hrs in July with the top off, it just makes sense to wear it

license/Registration & Proof of Insurance : seems common sense to keep it in the car, but as they say common sense isn't so common
I'm sure there's more I'm forgetting, and each person has their own needs of things to bring so this is just to help out.

[mdrburchette]

What day are you planning to start your voyage? Will you be able to post probable times you'll be at these rest areas in case people want to join in?

[Eastep]

Hi great question. Yes I will post approximate times to be at each location. In all probability the "joinee" will most likely have to wait a little while or travel to the next pickup point (if they missed us at the previous stop) or arrive earlier then expected (or we're running late) If your like me and absolutely HATE stopping when traveling and every minute not driving feels like an eternity then I apologize but it will be worth it to wait and join the caravan as it will make for a much better drive for everyone involved. Like I mentioned before participation and communication is going to be the key to this cruises success. If anyone is planning to join, I suggest calling me personally the day of travel and stay in touch as much as possible because as we all know; things never go according to plan when traveling. I will work on ETA's tonight or this week sometime and post them. It will be up to the individual to map and plan their own trip and time management up to the point of pickup and to arrive at the predetermined time. As it is already going to be quite a drive, the caravan can not afford to spend to much time on stragglers, but we will wait as much as possible. STAY IN CONTACT!

PS: Right off hand, we should be leaving Harrisburg PA between 8:30-9am on July 20th. IIRCC the first pickup point is something like 70-80 miles away so be there around 10:25-10:30am. I suggest that EVERYONE call me between 7-7:30am on the 20th and I will get updates from you and give some to you. Thanks everyone who reads this, I cant wait to meet everyone in person.

[mdrburchette]

This sounds fun. I will probably have to be in Nashville Tuesday night since I'm one of the organizers but I'd like to send this to all my Carolina FLU members so they can join in. I'll copy it to them if it's okay with you.

[Eastep]

Thanks link away!! Ive updated the cruise details above

[mdrburchette]

Thanks! Looks like it's shaping up nicely.

[ga.spyder]

I am going to make a suggestion.If possible,have a wife,friend,child.etc...in a chase vehicle at the back of the caravan.Read the story in the newest Ricambi(I hope you rec'd it by now,as I had Mike B contact you),about their caravan to FFO last year.Lots can happen when you get a group of 30 yr. old cars on the highway Would be nice to have a vehicle capable of running to the next exit for parts,tow dolly,etc...I will link this to the Atl. Chapter also,in case they want to meet up at the 'Tail' with you guys.Sounds like fun.I would join in,but I am in the same boat as Denise and will already be in Nashville.
If there is no big rush at the 'Tail',why dont you loop in a drive on the Cherohala Skyway? Many people who have done bth ,prefer it over the 'Tail'(me included).Nicer scenery,less traffic,faster curves,etc....The group that Brett led last year ran that route.If you need help with contacts, or anything in that area,let me know.I live very close to both rides.
http://www.cherohala.com/

[Eastep]

Thanks! I have read the horror stories and I agree a chase van/truck is great but as I don't have either and unless someone volunteers for it, a chase car is out Ive been on several VW cruises and I'm fairly familiar with the cruise dynamic and what a PITA it can sometimes be not only physically but also mechanically, not to mention things that tend to slip ones mind for instance fuel stops. If you notice Ive not made any mention what so ever about fuel stops and other then this, I most likely wont mention them. The reason behind this is (assuming 15-20 cars involved) is that it is far easier for individuals to break off from the cruise as needed to refuel then catch up or if worse comes to worse rendezvous at the next pickup point, then it is to stop the caravan and wait for 15-20 cars to fill up then try to get back on the interstate smoothly which is near impossible as traffic lights and turns and traffic tend to put a wrench in things and are far more trouble then they are worth. This scenario is just one of the reasons that constant communication is going to be needed as well as a little common sense. I strongly urge everyone thinking about joining to print out all the cruise details, contact info and buy an atlas and sit down and physically map out the course and be familiar with the route and where the pick up stops will be and times. I made a basic check list of things that one should bring along for the trip. Thanks. Sorry for such long posts, I'm just trying to cover all bases and be as plain black and white as possible for everyone's well being

PS I grew up in Asheville NC and have to agree that the skyway and parkway are far more enjoyable then Deals gap, but its one of those things, ya know?

[mdrburchette]

If you guys Tame the Tail, we probably still have some shirts left in the FFO store when you get to Nashville.

[ga.spyder]

I couldnt agree with you more re. the fuel stops.I took a group of 18 from Asheville last year and ran the 'Tail'.I was so proud how well we stayed together...until the fuel stop!!Some stayed and ate and drank at the bar ,some got lost in the restrooms,etc... We all got back,but the group got splintered a bit.We had one breakdown,it seemed to be vapor locked(very hot day),but we did get him going.When it happened again and he opted for a tow truck.We had contacted several tow companies before hand ,and everyone had the numbers.Worked out just fine.I wish I could join you guys!!

[Eastep]

Just a reminder this cruise is still on schedule and please arrive as early as possible so we can leave as soon as possible. Also if you are planning to attend please notify me ASAP Thanks
My number is 252-649-8717 Thanks Mike

[Eastep]

TTT Okay everyone the clock is winding down and we have just 8 weeks until FFO. If you would like to join our cruise to Nashville please let me know, as I still have a fair amount that I need to do in preparation for the cruise. Thanks