View Poll Results: How many of you will attend this event??
Voters: 119. You may not vote on this poll
Mazda Rotaries at Deals Gap (Tail of the Dragon) April 8th-10th, 2005
12-15-04, 08:24 PM
#76
Originally Posted by Vette454
Im really keen on attending with my fellow SC club members but since this is labelled as a rotary event I feel I might get shunned for having a LS1 FD (dont feel like a repeat of the RR event) , is there a problem with me attending?
12-15-04, 08:41 PM
#77
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Originally Posted by Vette454
Im really keen on attending with my fellow SC club members but since this is labelled as a rotary event I feel I might get shunned for having a LS1 FD (dont feel like a repeat of the RR event) , is there a problem with me attending?
I dont have a problem with it, id be interested in seeing your car anyways. Although i personally wouldent do the conversion, i cannot shun someone else for doing it. i think it would be BADASS to turbo a LT1, LS1. I hope you can attend!
12-15-04, 10:35 PM
#78
Originally Posted by Vette454
Im really keen on attending with my fellow SC club members but since this is labelled as a rotary event I feel I might get shunned for having a LS1 FD (dont feel like a repeat of the RR event) , is there a problem with me attending?
12-16-04, 03:03 PM
#83
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You guys try to make it.
I've been once with a local board, HPT, and it was a blast.
That time of the year, the area is alive with color, just don't forget your allergy meds.
Here is a link to some pics that a local photograher (Killboy) took of some of the area.
http://www.8ntrite.com/images/DealsG...Pics/index.htm
I've been once with a local board, HPT, and it was a blast.
That time of the year, the area is alive with color, just don't forget your allergy meds.
Here is a link to some pics that a local photograher (Killboy) took of some of the area.
http://www.8ntrite.com/images/DealsG...Pics/index.htm
12-16-04, 03:29 PM
#84
Nice pics. A few of them remind me of my runs there. This looks like (most areas look the same) the area one of the APOC guys brake pads caught fire from the extreme rotor heat. His rotor and pads were glazed white and barely worked after that.
12-17-04, 02:47 AM
#87
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Originally Posted by 20B 3rd Gen
Those are so great photos, the motorcycle guys said that they were so tired from going down the tail that they had to rest before they went back up
12-17-04, 08:43 AM
#88
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If you have manual steering it will wear you out too, but you don't notice till you stop. Our group stopped at the bike store and then we went on through to the skyway, thats a sweet drive/ride too. Long sweeping curves and at the top an excellent view.
If you take the gap back it is a totally different experience going the other way. If you have time the Dam is a good stop, if I am not mistaken that is the dam in the Fugitive movie.
Jim
If you take the gap back it is a totally different experience going the other way. If you have time the Dam is a good stop, if I am not mistaken that is the dam in the Fugitive movie.
Jim
12-17-04, 06:18 PM
#90
Originally Posted by herblenny
Great pics HDP!! And great info about the run. I could imagine how tire we could be after the 317 turns. We might have to break it down a bit. Maybe stop after every 100 turns or so and sight see??
12-18-04, 09:27 PM
#91
First, Thanks to the organizers for putting this together. I am in too and I hope to bring a few Rotary friends from Southeaster Florida too. I am gonna mention this to Cameron at Pettit and see if him and Candy want to shoot up in their 20b FD as well.
So in all we hope to be there about 5-8 cars strong.
I might bring a spare set of front rotors and pads along with some gear to bleed my brakes with. I just mounted a set of Yoko Advans on my car so this should be a hoot!!
So in all we hope to be there about 5-8 cars strong.
I might bring a spare set of front rotors and pads along with some gear to bleed my brakes with. I just mounted a set of Yoko Advans on my car so this should be a hoot!!
12-20-04, 03:06 PM
#92
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Hi all. First let me say I think it is great that your event is getting such a great response. I am 30 minutes from the Gap and though I am an 8 owner I will certainly attend, if nothing else to help rotaries "represent" at the gap. I have taken both bikes and cars through and have to say the 8 is the most fun I have ever had up there.
As you may or may not know a group of 8 owners organized an event last year and are planning another this year. I know there may be the feeling among some that the 7 and the 8 are not the same class of car and I would agree. I think they both excel at different task right now, though I think the future may change some things. I think the one thing we can agree on however is that we all love the rotary motor. As was pointed out on the RX8 forum we tried to get you 7 owners to join us to no avail last year. We even kept the name of the event non-model specific and merely mentioned rotary in the name. I think that though your event is "free" now, as time goes on and events grow you will need more and more sponsors to make the event better and accomodate everyone. Face it unless you are all camping it isn't going to be free, you will have to pay for lodging and lodging is limited. We too have found that due to attendance increase we need sponsors in an increasing manner. I think too that most people will pay a nominal one time fee for a great event and the opportunity to win door prizes. Heck as an attendee last year I paid the $16 registration fee for locals and I walked away with a $600 full cat-back exhaust last year!!! Who wouldn't pay a fee to have that opportunity?
As an organizer of this years event I notice how much goes into running a great event and find that sponsors become terribly important. My fear is that by running two separate events we may begin to canibalize sponsorship. I know both 7 and 8 owners groups at some point will use the same sponsor whether it be lodging or performance parts. Wouldn't it be a shame for one group to lose out because a sponsor says I can't do both and have already commited to one group? What if they never make another 7 and the perfomance market shifts to the 8? Then sponsors say nah we are focusing on the 8's now sorry we can't help you because your market share isn't high enough. Or what if it happens in reverse. I know the dates are set for both groups but let's look at next year and try to combine efforts and really have a rotary presence up there.
On another note as a regular driver of The Dragon/Gap let me say that I don't think you will find yourself stopping and sight-seeing. If more than 2 or 3 of you show up you won't be stopping until you reach the end. There is only one really good pull off and it would only hold 3 cars max. It is also dangerous stopping and pulling back out with all the motorcycles and sports cars zipping through. The Cherohala Skyway is the best for stopping and sight-seeing. Also don't worry about horse power too much up there either. At best you might have 3 or 4 places where you can get out of second gear and then for just split second. I mean think about it it is 318 curves in 11 miles after all, how many straight aways can they make over a mountain.
Well anyway I just had to add my two cents. I have always been an RX7 fan and can't wait to see all your rides. I assure you, you will be hard pressed to find a better strecth of road to play on or a more thrilling ride. Ammusement parks would kill for this kind of excitement. Let's seriously think about combining forces next year to make this the best event in the Southeast.
As you may or may not know a group of 8 owners organized an event last year and are planning another this year. I know there may be the feeling among some that the 7 and the 8 are not the same class of car and I would agree. I think they both excel at different task right now, though I think the future may change some things. I think the one thing we can agree on however is that we all love the rotary motor. As was pointed out on the RX8 forum we tried to get you 7 owners to join us to no avail last year. We even kept the name of the event non-model specific and merely mentioned rotary in the name. I think that though your event is "free" now, as time goes on and events grow you will need more and more sponsors to make the event better and accomodate everyone. Face it unless you are all camping it isn't going to be free, you will have to pay for lodging and lodging is limited. We too have found that due to attendance increase we need sponsors in an increasing manner. I think too that most people will pay a nominal one time fee for a great event and the opportunity to win door prizes. Heck as an attendee last year I paid the $16 registration fee for locals and I walked away with a $600 full cat-back exhaust last year!!! Who wouldn't pay a fee to have that opportunity?
As an organizer of this years event I notice how much goes into running a great event and find that sponsors become terribly important. My fear is that by running two separate events we may begin to canibalize sponsorship. I know both 7 and 8 owners groups at some point will use the same sponsor whether it be lodging or performance parts. Wouldn't it be a shame for one group to lose out because a sponsor says I can't do both and have already commited to one group? What if they never make another 7 and the perfomance market shifts to the 8? Then sponsors say nah we are focusing on the 8's now sorry we can't help you because your market share isn't high enough. Or what if it happens in reverse. I know the dates are set for both groups but let's look at next year and try to combine efforts and really have a rotary presence up there.
On another note as a regular driver of The Dragon/Gap let me say that I don't think you will find yourself stopping and sight-seeing. If more than 2 or 3 of you show up you won't be stopping until you reach the end. There is only one really good pull off and it would only hold 3 cars max. It is also dangerous stopping and pulling back out with all the motorcycles and sports cars zipping through. The Cherohala Skyway is the best for stopping and sight-seeing. Also don't worry about horse power too much up there either. At best you might have 3 or 4 places where you can get out of second gear and then for just split second. I mean think about it it is 318 curves in 11 miles after all, how many straight aways can they make over a mountain.
Well anyway I just had to add my two cents. I have always been an RX7 fan and can't wait to see all your rides. I assure you, you will be hard pressed to find a better strecth of road to play on or a more thrilling ride. Ammusement parks would kill for this kind of excitement. Let's seriously think about combining forces next year to make this the best event in the Southeast.
Last edited by LeeP; 12-20-04 at 03:10 PM.
12-20-04, 08:53 PM
#93
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Wow that was a long read lol. I almost attended the meet you spoke of but seeing as it was mandatory to send the money before the meet I did not go. I think and hope the new meet we are trying to pull off will be much larger. Please do not take that the wrong way. Good to have another rotary owner on the forum.
12-20-04, 09:03 PM
#94
LeeP,
I do understand about the sponsorship and having two similar events etc.
Also, I didn't hear about your event until ideal about Deals Gap came about and seeing it on the RX8 forum. I don't think I saw it here at the RX7 forum.
The idea about Deals Gap have came up numberous times in the past. Its not some brand new idea that we came up with or we tried to copy. Its that this time, we seem to have many interested in coming.
One of my main goal is to have a free event. Your event cost $50 registration fee. Like other events I have seen in the past, I would like to see a "FREE" event where all the rotaries meet and drive. Since your event cost and this event is "FREE", I don't know how we could combine force?? What we are shooting for is NEXT Stock Seven like event. A free event where rotaries could get together.. The Sponsors in this case is to just provide meals and drinks.
I do understand about the sponsorship and having two similar events etc.
Also, I didn't hear about your event until ideal about Deals Gap came about and seeing it on the RX8 forum. I don't think I saw it here at the RX7 forum.
The idea about Deals Gap have came up numberous times in the past. Its not some brand new idea that we came up with or we tried to copy. Its that this time, we seem to have many interested in coming.
One of my main goal is to have a free event. Your event cost $50 registration fee. Like other events I have seen in the past, I would like to see a "FREE" event where all the rotaries meet and drive. Since your event cost and this event is "FREE", I don't know how we could combine force?? What we are shooting for is NEXT Stock Seven like event. A free event where rotaries could get together.. The Sponsors in this case is to just provide meals and drinks.
12-20-04, 09:09 PM
#95
I would also like to add,... Many have volunteer to help out this event without asking for any pay... I think thats shows the true love for these cars.. I certainly am spending quite a bit of time trying to get this going.. without any expectation of pay.. I just want to see ton of rotaries!
12-21-04, 10:27 AM
#97
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K Knox here is another long read for ya .
Well I hope it does come off as you hope. I also hope you don't run into what we did last year. Last years event was supposed to be mostly free with the exception of a nominal fee to cover T-shirts and one meal. All the door prizes were donated. The problem last year was that after all was said and done there were many unforseen expenses and 2 or 3 individuals ended up shelling out a large amount of money to cover those expenses. The organizer of last years event ended up shelling out the most so I hope you bring your checkbook just in case HB. In order to insure everyone paid their own way at this years event we decided to charge the registration fee. The fee also allowed us to have bigger and better door prizes which is what everyone stated they wanted.
Believe me I am in no way trying to put down this event. I am just trying to help out and give you some idea what happened to us. Like I said I am coming myself so I hope it goes off well! As a local I like the idea of a free event because all I have to pay for is gas. I just think it is a tad naive to think it is going to stay a totally free event. What happens after the novelty of The Gap wears off? What will keep people coming back then? I use the annual Honda Hoot for motorcycles as an example. They all come to ride the awesome mountain roads around here but they also have a huge event schedule and vendor expo. The only time I see 20,000 bikes in this area is when the Hoot is here. The roads are always here so why do they come to the event... because there is more to do than just drive.
If the event does turn out to be bigger than ours, as someone stated, that is even more argument for joining forces. Bigger, free event and more drivers would be the ideal situation. Take what works from each event and combine them. Sponsors would sell the farm to participate at that point. Again I am just trying to help things go smooth. Ideas are easy to come up with. It is executing them that is the challenge. Can't wait to see everyone up there. If there is anything I can do to help out let me know.
. Well I hope it does come off as you hope. I also hope you don't run into what we did last year. Last years event was supposed to be mostly free with the exception of a nominal fee to cover T-shirts and one meal. All the door prizes were donated. The problem last year was that after all was said and done there were many unforseen expenses and 2 or 3 individuals ended up shelling out a large amount of money to cover those expenses. The organizer of last years event ended up shelling out the most so I hope you bring your checkbook just in case HB. In order to insure everyone paid their own way at this years event we decided to charge the registration fee. The fee also allowed us to have bigger and better door prizes which is what everyone stated they wanted.
Believe me I am in no way trying to put down this event. I am just trying to help out and give you some idea what happened to us. Like I said I am coming myself so I hope it goes off well! As a local I like the idea of a free event because all I have to pay for is gas
. I just think it is a tad naive to think it is going to stay a totally free event. What happens after the novelty of The Gap wears off? What will keep people coming back then? I use the annual Honda Hoot for motorcycles as an example. They all come to ride the awesome mountain roads around here but they also have a huge event schedule and vendor expo. The only time I see 20,000 bikes in this area is when the Hoot is here. The roads are always here so why do they come to the event... because there is more to do than just drive.If the event does turn out to be bigger than ours, as someone stated, that is even more argument for joining forces. Bigger, free event and more drivers would be the ideal situation. Take what works from each event and combine them. Sponsors would sell the farm to participate at that point. Again I am just trying to help things go smooth. Ideas are easy to come up with. It is executing them that is the challenge. Can't wait to see everyone up there. If there is anything I can do to help out let me know.
12-21-04, 03:14 PM
#98
LP, Please elaborate what happened last year? You say you are trying to help but not state why extra fund is necessary for what event, then that doesn't really help does it? $50 bucks for person and what does it cover?? So, are you saying WE the organizers need to charge that PLUS money from the sponsors (Vendors)?? If you want to help us, please break things down and let us know what and how much we need.. and where all the money goes?? This is a drive and a get together, I'm hoping to just advertise here and rx8forum, which is free! Everyone is on there own to reserve a hotel and make sure their car is in good working order. We just need place to park, show our cars, and go for a drive.. I guess I'm missing other things?? Please help by telling us what we are missing...
12-21-04, 04:54 PM
#100
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I dont see what the big deal is , a free event is a free event. We pay for our rooms , we pay for our gas , and we all get together for a cruise and hang out, how can that novelty wear off? Its a fairly central location so there is a chance that quite a few people will be there. Just knowing that there is going to be a bunch of other RX7s out there is reason enough for me to go. Even if we dont drive.