Excursion Diversion / Ford Truck Rally July 17-19 2009

[cbradford]

Originally Posted by Neal 97 250 OK who is getting excited here? I know I am, I can't wait. . Same here, I'm looking forward to this needed vacation and meeting all.

[X_Hemi_Guy]

Excitement is building in our home as well...but we've got two vacations before Gatlinburg so we're focused on the near term ones first

I have been traveling a bunch for work and am in LA (again) as I type. My wife and girls are getting on a plane tomorrow morning to join me here. I have been staying about 1 mile from Disney Land for about 40 nights thus far this year...it's time to bring them out for some fun!

Then in June we do our bigger trip pulling the trailer...that one includes Niagara Falls, Lake Placid, Bar Harbor Maine (Acadia National Park) and Boston...we'll be away from home about 2.5 weeks on that one...

THEN we can REALLY begin to get excited about Gatlinburg!!!

I've got some goodies...but as Neal says...times are tough and many of the folks that supported us last year are cutting back (understandable) this year...perhaps we should call Obama and ask for OUR stimulous/bailout for OUR rally?...hehe

Really looking forward to seeing everyone again and meeting the new folks that are joining us this year...we will have a great time!

I've mailed out our preliminary agenda to everyone (I hope you got it)...Perhaps I will post it here for all to see as well...

Ford Truck Rally 2009
July 17-July 19, 2009

Friday, July 17th-

7:30 pm-Meet & Greet wine tasting-This will include Ford Truck Trivia and goodie give aways!!!

7:30 pm-Kid’s - Movie night under stars w/popcorn. Bring kid chairs & blankets

Saturday, July 18th-

12:00 pm-Go-Kart racing -Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. (Place TBD)

Mid/late afternoon - GROUP TRUCK PHOTO!!!

6:00 pm-Potluck dinner

7:00 pm-Ice cream social

7:30 pm-Kid’s activity-T/B/D


Sunday, July 19th-

8:30 am-Omelet Ziploc bag boil-

Dinner Theater show - Time and place T/B/D (late afternoon or early evening) More info to follow (we’re thinking possibly Sweet Fanny Adams or another)



Monday, July 20th-

Cades Cove or other down town activity if the group wants to go as group

[cbradford]

Sorry wrong thread.

[Neal 97 250]

Joe,
I went to Pigeon Forge this weekend and I found a few tracks that were a whole lot closer and some look like they have more activities the the Nascar track. I think it was called Fast Tracks. There are plenty others too.

I just googled go-carts and this is some of what I found:

Fast Tracks Reviews:
Fast Tracks - Pigeon Forge, TN


LazerPort (Star Tracks is part of LazerPort):
Lazer Port Fun Center | Pigeon Forge Tennessee | Pigeon Forge Arcade | Pigeon Forge Laser Tag | Pigeon Forge Go Carts | Pigeon Forge Birthday Parties | Pigeon Forge Mini Golf | Smoky Mountain Attractions | Smoky Mountain Amusements | Things to do in (go to go-cart link)
Reviews:
--My family and I went to this race track over the weekend, but not to start! We actually went to Nascar Speed Park first. We rode once - we werent really satisfied, so we asked the attendant how fast their go carts went & he told us that they were set to go no more than 28 MPH! What a JOKE! He said that if we wanted to go fast, then we should go to this place called Star Tracks down the road. We did and LOVED IT!!! The track was nice sized and perfect for racing - the cars were really SUPER fast! I recommend it to all race fans! A++++++

--Star tracks has two race tracks, more for younger kids and teens, they are easy.
they also have an upstairs with tons of games.
It's a pretty nice set up, I think they also have food.

After looking deeply at these reviews either Fast Tracks or Star Tracks would be just fine. I believe at both, little kids can ride too. Joe this time I hope to race you and your little one...I am bringing my little boy!
Anyway, The Star Tracks looks like it has a few more things to do and we could spend a good part of the day there. Either would be fine.

[Neal 97 250]

Joe one more thing, How do you do movie night under the stars?
I have an overhead projector screen if you want it.

P.S. I didn't get any e-mail either.

[RACERX7775]

FINALLY!!!!!!! I made my reservations today. I am renting a 29' puma TT.it's an 08 and has only been rented twice since new. When we called to reserve our spot at the campsite, we were told that they were going to try and keep us all together. It's going to be myself, my wife, and now 9 month daughter. This is the first time that we have ever done this. I rented from here-- Tennessee RV : Tennessee RV, Travel Trailers, Used, service . They are new to the renting department and were really easy to do business with. We cant wait for it. Oh, they are gonna even supply the weight distributing hitch too.

One thing that I have to ask from all of you. I have heard that there is something about a relay that has to be installed so the trailer batteries get charged? And do I have to keep a generator running at night or is there a plug in at the park? thanks all...

[MarkMoore]

RACERX7775,
Welcome to camping - you'll love it.

Yes, there is a relay that has to go in the power distribtuion box under the hood. Mine wa sin the dash of my X when I bought it - never installed before. If you don't have one, you'll have to buy one. You'll also need a brake controller unless the RV place will provide one.

The CG will have electric hook ups and water/sewer. Don't worry, they'll be enough of experience to help out with the 'stinky slinky'.

[RACERX7775]

Mark, thanks. I wasn't sure about the relay. I'll check it out tomorrow. I already have a brake controller from when I bring my mustang to the track on the car trailer. The rental company said they do a complete walkaround and show us how to operate everything. Thanks for the stinky slinky thing. lol. They also said that the gvw on the trailer is 9600 lbs. They are only 35 minutes from the CG.

[Neal 97 250]

RacerX That is awesome. I am glad the rental worked out good and will be easy and close. Man you can't beat that. I am familiar with that location and they are a pretty big place, they are part of the Camping World store.
If you come from Pa. you will have to get on I-40 west for a few miles to get to them then go back east to get to the campground. Not very much of a backtrack. I saw that they will even deliver a camper to your campground if you want. Now nobody has an excuse not to go!

Mark I hanen't heard the 'stinky slinky' term but I know all too well what you mean. This past weekend I was leaving a campground and dumped the black tank. Low and behold I forgot to close the grey tank prior so I didn't have anything left to flush the hose out. What a stinky job that was and in the rain to boot! Yuck!

Yes there will be plenty of experience there to help you out if you want or need it. I am not that familiar with the relay but no longer than you will be traveling it shouldn't be an issue. And yes there is full hookups at the campground so no worries.

I just went on my first camping trip this past weekend and now I am getting stoked. Bring on the blue ovals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[X_Hemi_Guy]

Neal,

Great infomation on the go-karts...THANKS! We'll have to decide between either of those two places...great recon...I know you are on the distribution list for emails...that's odd about not getting an email...hmmmmm

On the projector screen...we were just planning on putting out the flat screen TV for the kiddo's...but if someone has an actual video projector that they can bring along...we'd take you up on the screen for sure!!!

Racer,

Also GREAT news...glad you and your family will be joining us...if you can shoot me a PM with your email address, spelling of your names for all in your party so I can be sure to have name tags printed up for you guys...that would be great...We are very glad to have guys join the fun...

As Mark and Neal have pointed out...there will be plenty of friendly folks to help out in any area you need help...

Time is certainly getting close...looking forward to seeing everyone from last year as well as meeting our new folks from this year...we're going to have another great time!

Joe.

[MarkMoore]

...but if someone has an actual video projector that they can bring along...we'd take you up on the screen for sure!!!

Let me see if I can 'borrow one' for the trip.

[Neal 97 250]

I had some friends in N.C. that have an inflatable screen. They blow it up and put the projector on it. Amazing how well it works.

[X_Hemi_Guy]

FYI...I just sent out a email to all those that I have received word from that will be joining our rally.

If you are planning on attending the rally and didn't receive an email from me dated Monday evening...send me a PM so I know your intentions.

I have been traveling a lot for work this year and I may have easily missed a previous PM from you with your intentions on attending so I apologize...

Looking forward to this rally...we've added quite a few new folks to the group...and it should be an incredible time just like last year...when you get this many folks together with a few common interests (trucks, camping, family, friends and a good time)...things go great!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know I just sent out an email in case I missed your intentions.

We're up to 16-17 trucks this year...and there is still time to join the group if you are still on the fence...call Twin Creek and get a site or come on down and stay at a local hotel...

Joe.

[GeorgiaX]

Joe...fficeffice" />>>
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Really looking forward to the rally this year. I just ordered new Bilstein shocks for the X to get prepared for the coming camping season and many trips pulling with the X.>>
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One item we all need to think about: the group photo.>>
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Last year, it was almost an after thought. I know that Neal said he has been up in that area recently and wondered if he spotted a location that would work for us. I would think one on a slight hill so we could tier the shot so it wouldn’t have to be so wide. But in a pinch, the field next to the city hall/government offices would also work, as it did last year. I would suggest setting a time, at minimum, on the schedule so that we can plan around it>>
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Also, any plans to hold a Cade’s Cove run during the time as well? >>
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Just some food for thought on these topics. And if you are not signed up yet for the event, do it ASAP. It is a great time for everyone – especially when the diesels put the gassers in their place! >>
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\Sorry, had to say that>>

[RACERX7775]

I hear ya. I am so excited for the rally this year. It's my first time ever doing something like this. Heck, if we like it that much, it's gonna be the start of a new kind of vacationing for us. As for the X, I have been busy getting it ready for my local car show/stereo competition at the end of the month. I put ART rotors and pads on the front and rear, changed every fluid in on the truck, changed the plugs and all 10 coils, and gave it a GOOD HEAVY CLEANING. All I have to do for the rally is pick up the travel trailer and head on down. MAN I CAN'T WAIT......