May 18 Mountain Cruise and NC Fiero Meet

[whiteandnerdy27]

looks like Greg and I are going to actually meet you in Franklin when you pass through. he and I both have business there, so we plan to get there a bit early, take care of that and then meet up and cruise in to asheville with you.

[Fierofool]

What's the weather forecast up there?  Down here they're saying spotty showers early morning, mostly in the west and northwest, expanding as the day progresses. 

Whatever the weather, I'm still up to it. 

[tinman]

I will bring a radio. What channel were we using?

[whiteandnerdy27]

Looks like about a 50% chance of scattered T-storms. I'm still going either way, but I'll keep an eye on the radar as per usual and keep everybody informed.

[Fierofool]

I've driven the parkway before during thunderstorms.  On a couple of occasions, we were looking down at the flashes of lightning in the tops of the clouds. 

Steve, we generally use Channel 7.  I'll call you on the radio as we approach.  If you're on the North side of the intersection, you can just pull out and join us without us having to stop. 

I forgot to mention that Scott is driving my 86SE, so there will be 4 cars total unless someone unannounced joins us. 

[Robs Fieros]

I'll have to pass on this one for right now. I'm still waiting on my leg and shoulders to finish healing up. Plus I'm not allowed to drive right now.

[CowsPatoot]

This thread needs some pictures.  Colin and I both forgot our cameras, so these were taken with the cell phone.  Gotta admit, those cell phone cameras are getting better all the time.

[Fiero GTB]

Those are some pretty stunning cell-phone pics!

I look forward to a narrative on slippy-slidin' through those beautiful foggy mountain roads!

FGTB

[Fierofool]

Sorry, but there was no slippy-sliding this time.  Nice calm, easy cruise.  It was a bit of a teeth clencher in the heavy fog, using only the double yellow center line as your guide as we drove along at 20-25 mph. 

I think I might have experienced the only real excitement when I came upon 2 bicyclists in the fog and was within about 10 feet of running over them as they rode down the middle of the lane.  Just happened to catch that little flashing red light underneath the seat.  They rode by 2 or 3 turnouts but refused to get off the road and let us by. 

Before the fog.




Just getting into the pea soup.  Most of the time there was only about a 30-50 foot sight distance at best.


I can see clearly now, the rain has gone.  I can see all obstacles in my way.....


A little of what we came to see.



This is the End Crowd at the restaurant in Asheville.  We lost Steve (TinMan) and his lovely wife Gretchen in the fog.  Actually they had to turn around in order to attend a graduation back in Georgia, and Pat and Linda (TopNotch and GrannyLinda) had already departed after eating. 

[MetalBlue85GT]

I glad it went well - thursday when i drove home from the airport Ilost a generator - and then the car died about 1 mile from the house - I would have not been able to go any way.

My 40th bday was a blast though I cannot wait for the next one.

[Fierofool]

I glad it went well - thursday when i drove home from the airport Ilost a generator - and then the car died about 1 mile from the house - I would have not been able to go any way.

My 40th bday was a blast though I cannot wait for the next one.

When do you plan to have your next 40th birthday? 

The alternator wouldn't have been a problem for us.  I nursed another member back from Asheville by swapping out batteries, charging his in mine and when the one in his got low, we swapped out again. 

[GrannyLinda]

Pat And I Spent The Night At A Bed And Breakfast Just Outside Of Asheville.

[Robs Fieros]

The only way I can make it is in my truck. They are having a car show in Etowah, Tn. this weekend at the depot on highway 411.

[Fierofool]

That cruise was about 3 weeks ago.  That's when the pictures above were taken.