C30's Conquer the Dragon May 2010

[buster]

This is the Official thread for the C30World gathering at Deals Gap a.k.a. The Dragon. It will be updated regularly as more info. becomes available. All members planning to attend have a voice here. Please provide your opinions to ensure a good time is had by all. First order of business; please post up if you are planning to attend and help pick a suitable lodging establishment.


WHEN:

Thursday May 27th 2010 - Sunday May 30th 2010

WHAT:

A social gathering for C30World members at one of most renowned driving destinations in the U.S.A.

Go HERE for more information.

Where to Stay:

Fontana Village Resort. We have 10 lodge rooms reserved. You can choose between 2 queen beds or 1 king bed. Mention you are with the "Volvo C30 Owners Group" for a reduced rate of $59 for Thursday night and $79 a night for Friday and Saturday. Make your reservations before April please.

Itinerary:

Driving the great roads of the area including the Dragon, the Skyway, and the Hellbender.

Please post other things you would like to see included. There are lots of things to see and do in the area. I would also like to have a group dinner at an area restaurant (probably saturday night). It's a good opportunity to meet with everyone and have a giveaway!

Who is coming:

1. Buster
2. Fozzy boy
3. bobamoo
4.
5.
6.
7. DWright +1
8. 2WYKD +1
9. 350v8s10
10.ThE 47 RoniN*????????
11.
12.ronemca
13.AlconeC30
14.picturediva +1
15.

*indicates a maybe
list to be updated as you all chime in!

[Fozzy_boy]

Count me in!

[buster]

OK, here we go! First up, please post if you are planning to attend. It might be helpful for planning purposes if you add "+1" or something to your post if you are plnning to bring a spouse, a friend, a guest, etc.

Secondly, we need to get going on picking a place for Lodging. Area hotels can fill up quickly. Go here to research some of the places to stay:

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/accomodations.html

Some have expressed a desire to pick a reasonably priced lodging establishment. Given todays economic climate, that's probably a good idea.

My picks so far, in order:

1. Grand Vista Hotel and Suites. I've never been there but they seem to offer a good mix of ammenities... Alcohol, dining, Wi-Fi, close to the skyway and dragon.

2. Phillips Motel. I've stayed here before. It is cheap but, charming. Located in downtown Robbinsville, it's close to everything you'll need with some pretty important exceptions. It's a dry county (no alcohol sales), No Wi-Fi. Parking can be trying if you aren't staying in one of the little "cabins".

3. Microtel. This will get the job done but, it's corporate and sterile. Also in Robbinsville so, Dry County. Doesn't seem to have Wi-Fi.


Post up your opinions, whether you like one of my places or you want someplace else. Let's try to stay as a group. It's much more fun and easier to organize everyone. Cell service is VERY spotty in the area. If we don't stay together, we may not be able to reach each other. Lets get moving on a hotel, the clock is ticking on this one.

[bobamoo]

I'm in too!

[bobamoo]

Grand Vista looks a bit far and pricier (is that a word??). Agreed on Microtel, it is "sterile", but for $60, the price is right. Phillips looks OK, and price is the same, but if parking is an issue (and I'm sure I'm not the only one in the group who makes that a prime consideration ). Maybe we can take control of the parking lot! Saw the San-Ran http://sanranmotel.com/ same price, has parking right in front of the room. And those white plastic chairs on their website look so inviting Guess I'd vote for Microtel or San-Ran. Wifi not an issue for me, my laptop is a work one and it does not go on trips (except business trips). Alcohol, I am used to taking my own after 21 years of trips to Ocracoke. My Captain Morgan travels well, and is a great companion to a good cigar (outside, of course) after dinner.

[skissinger]

mapquest shows a 15 hr drive for me from upstate NY. ill have to think about it. my friend an i always talk about doing this tho.

[black volvot]

soooo wanna do it, gotta think about it, tho...

[Tim-H]

Come on, you guys have to go. If it were only 18 hours away from me there's no way I'd pass it up.

[skissinger]

haha. Washington would be a bit of a hike. you should fly out and rent a c30! lol. i bet someone would let you take theirs for a spin down the tail.

[DaSwede1127]

I'm in, tentatively at least!

[buster]

The Grand Vista is The same distance from the Dragon as the Hotels in Robbinsville, it's normal rate is $99 (includes hot breakfast ;eggs, bacon, etc.) a night but, we should be able to get a pretty good discount if we get people committed early enough. The night desk person could give me $79 a night group rate but said I should talk to a manager and she could probably do better. I'm no Shatner but, I can negotiate.

As for the San-Ran, well I've been there and it's kind of a sh*t-hole. I really liked the Phillips when I stayed there. The Cottages each have a private driveway. The main Bldg has about 10 spaces out front but, if they fill up you're on the street. The great thing about the Phillips is the fire pit in the court yard. Every night we had a big fire where we all sat around talking about the day.

I really don't want to stay at the Microtel but will if we must.

I really want to stay at the Fontana Villiage resort. It's beautiful! great views and atmosphere. I will call and inquire about group pricing anyway to see if there is anyway we can mak it work.

[DWright]

I am so there!! I'll probably have a buddy with me too. So list me as a +1.

As far as where I'd prefer to stay, I am not picky. I wouldn't mind a place where we could easily after a fun day of hitting the trail, but then again I'm not gonna be there just for the . So dry county or not doesn't bother me. I guess if we could work out a great group rate at the Grand Vista, that would be my place of preference.

Thanks BUSTER for getting these plans rolling!

[dugforrester]

Originally Posted by Tim-H

Come on, you guys have to go. If it were only 18 hours away from me there's no way I'd pass it up.

Seriously, I'd love to go. Let's caravan Tim!

[DWright]

^ Yo, we gotta get at least one of our west coast brother's/sister's to come out and let us show you how we do it down south.

[Tim-H]

Originally Posted by dugforrester

Seriously, I'd love to go. Let's caravan Tim!

Haha, well don't think I hadn't thought about driving out.