East coast meet?

[denniswagnerusa]

It seems that east coast roadster owners are out of luck when it comes to a get together to show off their cars. When visiting Townsend, Tennessee it struck me that this would be a great place for a roadster meet. It is south of Gatlinburg and borders on the Great Smokies National Park. I have friend who owns a highly rated hotel in Townsend and campgrounds on the river are just across the street. There is a little used curvy road going into the park from there and Cade's Cove is nearby with a loop road perfect for a rally. Anyone up for a meet in Townsend, TN next summer? My restomod should be mostly finished by then.

[bikermike]

There is Watkins Glen, NY in September:
http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... tkins+glen

Tennessee sounds like a nice road trip destination for the East Coasters and migrants from further afield.

[Linda]

Dennis,
See my post to your build thread, great idea! But it seems like meets get talked about but few happen. There is Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta. Still if you want a meet I would just do it. Pick a date that doesn't conflict with the other various meets. I'd try for a date with the best weather. Consider inviting other Datsuns if the count looks on the low side. Put up a website for info, as well as a thread here that you can add to. Offer options from camping to hotels. Keep the cost low. Have a few prizes but don't scare off the primer cars. Give some info on the area so people can perhaps extend their trip. Promise some great Southern hospitality and it's a winner
I think the Datsun Matsuri meet and Shedd BBQ are nice examples of more casual meets, while Solvang and Shasta have evolved to a more ambitious level.
Then just pick a date and plan to have a good time whether anyone shows up or not

Linda
Link for weather in the area during the year
http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weat ... of-America" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[dbrick]

I agree with Linda, Keep it simple, offer up some dates and see what the response is. The less organizing the better, just time and place. If your friend with the hotel wants run with the idea and put it out there, even for all makes of sports cars, he may start his own annual show, and all you/we would need to do is get there.

[denniswagnerusa]

Some good ideas there. I will talk to my friend who owns to hotel and get ideas for the best timing for this meet. A website would be a good idea once the dates are set. How many days is Solvang and what days of the week?

[bikermike]

It's usually the last weekend in April:
http://solvangroadstershow.com/

[Linda]

Solvang and Shasta are a couple of days. Here's a link to the Shedd BBQ
http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=22101" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
One thing i would do if you get a date is try to get a group campsite nailed down too so that last minute attendees can show up. A lot of people can't plan real far in advance.
Another thing is to publicize frequently. Many people check in infrequently and they will miss the info. If you use one thread and post to that 6mo before the event then 1-2 x week for the month or so leading up to it you will catch the regular readers and all new owners.
I noticed Ted was particularly good about publicizing the Shasta meet this year. Of course he could have been lobbying for votes too......
Some meets like the Shedd BBQ do not have any contest or judging at all, and that is fine too, of course.
Would be neat to see some East Coast cars and scenery-

Linda

[theunz]

I could do a TN. Meet, about 14 hour drive for me. Would probably get cars from TX., AR., and MO. As well. With 60 or 70% of the cars on the west coast they are always going to get the big shows! but no reason not to get something new going? I would try something in the Fall, as I feel that's the optimum time for top down driving. I would also throw out the idea of every 5 years having a 4 or 5 day long meet somewhere in mid America where most everyone can get together. St. Louis, Kansas City etc. Branson MO. Would be an excellent location with plenty of things to do for wives and children who may get bored with the cars. Mike

[dbrick]

A big national show would be cool, be it every few years or even a 1 shot deal. I think 700-1000 miles is about the limit for most "normal" people to drive, so 1.5 or 2 days to get there and same home plus the show means a 6 day commitment, about what the Oregon guys do for Solvang.

[Gregs672000]

The Shasta meet started with a few cars and a camp ground. 30 yrs later we're still going strong! Agree with all, just get it started and see what happens! Come up with lodging options (as you have), things to do, fun runs or areas of interest and people will show!

[Linda]

There is an active Datsun Z community in TN too. You might consider having something at the same time, nearby, or just see what they have done. See MiddleZ club in TN.
http://www.middletennesseezclub.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Linda

[topdown]

I up for a tenn run, i visit family every year .I love the smokie mountians. Last year i vacationed in maggie valley NC . The wife and i almost put 400 miles on my subaru forester just touring thru the mountians . I 26 from johnson city Tenn to ashville Nc is very scenic and . US 129 the tail of the dragon over 100 turns in about 5 miles its a narrow 2 lane road thur the smokies . ITs not to far from gatlinburg .

[denniswagnerusa]

Talked to a guy today with a 240Z who also spoke of the tail of the dragon. Apparently it is large Z meet in May on the North Carolina side of the Smokies which centers on Hwy 129 which is very curvy and scenic. It draws 600 cars and lodging is difficult. Roadsters are welcome. My inclination would be to have a smaller meet devoted to Datsun Roadsters. If we meet on the Tennessee side we can always do a drive to hwy 129 as one of our events. One of the attractions near Townsend is Cade's Cove which is a secluded valley where pioneer homesteads have been preserved. If you go beyond Cade's Cove you will end up on Hwy 129. I remember hwy 129 from earlier trips but I also liked hwy 73 which meets 441 which is the Smokies Parkway. Lots of possibility for memorable drives from Townsend.

[spl310]

Helen Georgia is fun. Helen is a Bavarian style town.

[RobertAuclair]

Helen Georgia is fun. Helen is a Bavarian style town.

It could be like Solvang East.

I would be game for a an East Coast meet. I am not so sure I want to drive my Roadster to Tennessee from Florida; however, I just picked up a 2012 Abarth that would be a bit more comfortable.

Hell; who am I kidding, I am more likely to fly in to Knoxville and rent a car.