[scarabY2k]

PLEASE NOTE: Although this is an extremely long thread, the information listed below is inserted about every 5 pages. Feel free to scan to the last page if you desire- You won't miss out on any pertinent info.

Welcome to:

T.O.D.6

The 6th Annual
2014
Tail Of The Dragon


Cruise/Weekend GtG Thread​

This first post will be continually edited for additional information.

T.O.D. is a family-friendly, non-competitive (trophy or otherwise) get together (GTG)

The 2013, year of the dragon edition of T.O.D is in the books. Now we have just under a year to plan, save and prepare for T.O.D.6. For anyone new to T.O.D., the event is that big. Planning a year in advance is necessary, so please do so... you can thank me later:wink:

2014 Tail of the Dragon Information Summary.

Date of the event: Friday, May 2nd- Sunday, May 4th, 2014

As in previous ToD's the Ridge Top (The Top) is the main gathering spot. Overflow or for those that the "Top's" accommodations aren't up to their standards, options are listed as well.

Accommodations in Bryson City:

Ridge Top Motel- T.O.D. home base/ main gathering spot
390 Arlington Avenue
Bryson City, NC 28713-7604
(828) 488-6363 or
(828) 488-6335
RV campground and motel. Bryson City, NC
IMPORTANT NOTE: You can book your room at The Top NOW, without any charge to your credit/debit card. You will only be charged if you fail to cancel 24 hours BEFORE YOUR RESERVED CHECK-IN DATE. Some might book earlier than the 3rd, so keep this in mind when booking.

Yes, The Top has a CAMPGROUND TOO.
29.00 a night for 2 people. Pets 2.00 extra.


Sleep Inn
500 Veterans Boulevard
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0326
Bryson City NC Hotel, Hotels in Bryson City NC.
NEW INFO: Group dicount now becoming available. When Booking, ask for the NEW BEETLE DISCOUNT.


Microtel
82 Songbird Forest Road
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-7900
Microtel: Online hotel reservations, hotel discounts, hotel packages

Although many will be lodging at the aforementioned hotels, The Top will be the center of activity and ALL attendees of T.O.D., regardless of lodging are welcome to hang out at The Top. Sanjay, the hotel manager is a very accommodating to all of us and welcomes us happily each year.


The names of all attending parties will be ascertained from the registration forms and added to "the list"- the T.O.D. attendee roster, posted here on the org. Here you can get involved in the T.O.D. vibe as you see the list grow before you eyes.

Get on the T.O.D.roster- "The List" submit:
-org screen name
-name of people in your party
-The year and model of your beetle, and your beetle's name
-The hotel you're staying at
-City and State where you live.
To get on "The List" PM Gene by CLICKING HERE


Additional area info:

Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC
Smoky Mountain Travel Guides - Bryson City NC - Vacation Guides

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____________________________

As in years past there will be current year ToD Swag and decals available for pre event purchase, as well s commemorative 5 year anniversary T.O.D. goodies. Watch for details in the Org "Classifieds" section.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________

This is a new beetle event, This includes the New Beetle and the 2012+ Beetle

HOWEVER, former new beetle owners, who attened T.O.D., owning a VW are welcome to attend run the dragon, and enjoy the weekend with us. Keep in mind that the beetles will caravan together, and non-beetles will caravan in like manner.

T.O.D. is a thrilling experience and some have voiced bringing other car brands to T.O.D. Your enthusiasm is appreciated, BUT please, this is a New Beetle event, and we want to keep the event as such. We hope that you'll co-pilot with another beetle owner and enjoy the T.O.D. experience just the same.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rough itinerary:

Friday- the beetles arrive in Bryson City, beginning early/mid afternoon until evening. Photo ops / meet and greet / motel check-in. Maybe some are checking in a day earlier...you never know.
6:00PM, gather at the "Top" for an informal meet.

7:00PM begins "pizza fest", our Friday night pizza dinner/meet and greet. After dinner more "getting to know each other" time. The pizza fest will be at the Top, with pies provided by, Anthony's Italian Restaurant downtown.
Pizza Fest costs are 5.00 per Adult.

there will be an assortment of pies available for all. Pizza Fest thread forthcoming.

NEW FOR PIZZA FEST: Pizza Fest will conclude with Movies @ The Top, on the grassy knoll. Come enjoy an evening under the stars as we watch movies on the big outdoor screen. Again, you don't have to be booked at The Top in order to enjoy the movies and all The Top has to offer.
Theater provided by VDubYah Cinema.

Saturday: early a.m breakfast at Everett Street Diner- The NEW Official diner of T.O.D. / gas-up / car wash in preparation for taming the Dragon. We depart from Everett Street Diner @ 9:00AM sharp, From Bryson City, we'll arrive at The Robbinsville Ingles market, for a potty break and a snack grab. Leaving Robbinsville, we'll proceed to the Cherohala Skyway where we'll make a stop at the Lakeview (?) overlook, for a photo op. Leaving the overlook, we'll proceed to the Telico Plains Welcome center for another potty break. Leaving Telico Plains we proceed to run The Dragon. Those who are opting out of another run(s), can peruse the Deals Gap shop and the Killboy shop, while others will run the Dragon again.

Saturday night
Saturday Night post-TOD BBQ...Back at the Neon Pig

Following dinner at the Neon Pig, Folk will trickle over to Soda Pops Ice Cream Shoppe for dessert, in the nostalgic 50's style soda shoppe.

There will also be a Saturday night Movie at The Top, as we finish up our Saturday night Ice Cream Social.

Sunday: Departure breakfast at Everett St. Diner, followed by one of two options:
-Option #1 Departing ToD to your respective homes or..
-Option #2 SixChuter Sunday. We've officially added Sunday as an option for those desiring to hang around one more day.

SCS, is a casual day, with no itinerary; just a day to wind down, relax and reflect on the great weekend. No pressure or plans, just go out and enjoy Bryson City. Some options available for SCS:

-Slaying at Sunrise: an early morning Dragon run.
-The Dam Beetles (no, i'm not cussing): Beetles making a run,exploring the Dams of the region. A big hit last year (2012)
-The Road To Nowhere: a trip into the Smokey Mountain national park, up a literal road to nowhere; but the end brings you to beautiful, picturesque scenery, suitable for a picnic.

some will just stay in Bryson City or explore other places; some might find a little group to piddle around with. Whatever the case, SixChuter Sunday is a no-pressure, casual day to do as you will.

SixChuter Sunday will be of extremely special significance for this edition of T.O.D. The one in whom SixChuter Sunday was named, John "SixChuter" Wards is no longer with us. We will do as John would want us to do...carry on, and enjoy the Sunday in His honor and memory.

We will be driving the the original tour loop, as we did in the '09 Maiden Voyage. there will still be time for those that want to make multiple runs while others shop at Deals Gap.

This post will be bumped throughout the thread and amended as new information warrants. Bumps will also include FAQ, ascertained throughout the past few years of ToD, as well as other neat facts about ToD and the Bryson City Carolina region.

So start planning NOW! Start saving and modding; come join us for a great adventure and meet some of the nicest people on earth.

We strongly urge you to bump this thread, especially former TOD slayers. Add your experience and vibe to this great event!

See you at Six!

Is it May yet????
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________


Official T.O.D. artwork. In tribute to John "SixChuter" Wards.

 

[scarabY2k]

BASIC FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS FOR T.O.D.

1. Gas to and from TOD

2. One fill up/top off for Saturday's TOD run

3. Meals & snacks...snacks are essential for Saturday- Subway will be open Saturday AM to order yourself a sub.

4. Lodging. The Ridge Top is TOD central & base of operations. The Ridge Top is a bargain by today's standards. You can book now, which i suggest. They give you up to 24hrs to your BOOKED DATE to cancel, before charging/debiting your account.

4. Luxury cash, for souvenirs and TOD gear. the swap meet should be in effect next year as well. a little extra cash for that would be nice too


IMPORTANT T.O.D. THREADS TO LOOK OUT FOR.
These threads will be up as 2013 comes to a close.

-T.O.D. Name Tag thread

-BEETLE name tag thread

-Pizza Fest

-Saturday evening BBQ

-T.O.D. Swag (T-shirt) thread

-T.O.D. decal thread

 

[scarabY2k]

Tail Of the Dragon (T.O.D.) Generally Asked Questions

please note that these are general questions, that cover pertinent information necessary, to make your T.O.D. experience (from thread to the actual event) a better one. More info can be ascertained via assorted threads in the Tail of the Dragon heading of the events and planning section.

1. What is T.O.D.?
T.O.D. is short for Tail of the Dragon, which is an 11 mile stretch of road, US 129, located on the North Carolina/Tennessee border. The “Dragon’s” claim to fame is its 318 curves in the 11 mile stretch. T.O.D. is a road of world renown, driven by auto enthusiasts of every ilk, as well as an area of movie fame: a portion of “The Fugitive”, starring Harrison Ford was filmed in this area.


2 .How long has there been a new beetle T.O.D. GtG?
The first new beetle ToD GTG (maiden voyage) was held in May of 2009. T.O.D. has become a notional GtG, bringing nB/2012+ owners from various parts of the country. 2013 marks the 5th year anniversary of T.O.D., with many of the original maiden voyagers still in attendance

3. When is T.O.D Held?
T.O.D. is a yearly event, held on the first Saturday in May.

4. How long is T.O.D.?
T.O.D. is a 3 day event.
Day 1- arrival/check in, followed by our meet and greet dinner, known as Pizza Fest.
Day 2- breakfast, followed by the driving the Cherohala Skyway; then making our way to The Dragon. Dinner is held at the BBQ Wagon; fondly know to us as The Neon Pig.
Day 3- farewell breakfast; followed by either departing, each to there respective cities, OR... staying for SixChuter Sunday. SixChuter Sunday is basically a day of leisure to do as you wish. It’s been found to be a great way to finish up the T.O.D. weekend; to reflect and casually enjoy the company of our beetle friends. Some are actually booked an additional night (Sunday) and leave Bryson City Monday morning. SixChuter Sunday has rapidly become a must for T.O.D. attendees, so if you're planning on staying for SixChuter Sunday, it is a FULL 3 day event.

5. Do I have to attend all 3 days of T.O.D.?
No. You can attend one or the entire 3-day event of T.O.D., but we do recommend making all 3, especially day #2, where we ride The Dragon.

6. Is the T.O.D. date subject to change?
T.O.D. will always be a 3-day event, beginning on the first Saturday of May.

7. Is T.O.D. a new beetle-only event?
T.O.D. is a new beetle-only event HOWEVER the term “new beetle” has been somewhat broadened with the arrival of the 2012+ Beetle. So T.O.D. encompasses both New Beetle and the next-gen Beetle.

8. Do I have to have a custom beetle to attend?
No. T.O.D. is for all new beetles; from bone stock, to works in progress, to full custom; all beetles are welcome.


9. Are there any exceptions for bringing non-beetle vehicles to T.O.D.?
Yes there is an exception: honorary beetle status. Honorary beetle status, is achieved via the following…
a) The vehicle is owned by a former new beetle owner (preferably a VW ), as well as an org member.


10. If I qualify for honorary beetle status, can my non-beetle participate in the T.O.D. run?
Yes. HOWEVER, please bear in mind that this is a new beetle event. All non-beetles will be asked to caravan with other honorary beetles non-beetles), to retain continuity of the beetle caravan.

11. Why is T.O.D a beetle-only event?
The New Beetle T.O.D. cruise weekend, is a beetle-only event to promote unity within the new beetle community. It has been observed over the nB’s 12-year run, that the nB has been to some degree, the odd kid out in the VW/car show/GtG scene. Although the nB has been in many a car show, the turnouts have been few. Furthermore, many nB owners albeit passionate of their cars, aren’t fully aware of new beetles appearances in meets and GtG’s, such as T.O.D. Our nB’s are few in the car show landscape; hence the need for our own event; to bring community, enthusiasm and exposure to the new beetle brand.
Apart from the driving experience of The Dragon; a few of the objectives of T.O.D., is to bolster the collective of new beetle owners across the country; to provide an arena, where other new beetle discover the scale of new beetle enthusiasm. It is our endeavor to provide a place of beetle acceptance, in a car show/media arena, that often times don’t.

12. Is T.O.D a safe driving experience?
U.S. 129, the Dragon, is a state governed highway, patrolled by the state patrols of North Carolina and Tennessee. Both state patrols enforce the speed limit of 30 M.P.H., as well as issuing citations for crossing the center yellow line.
Our event adheres to all state speed limit laws and all legal driving practices. We want the T.O.D. driving experience to be a fun and safe experience for all, with no hurt, harm or danger to driver, passenger or beetle.

13. Is the driving experience of our T.O.D. GtG catered to various driving skills?
Yes. Although T.O.D. is a U.S. highway of an extraordinary nature, we realize that not all drivers are of the same drive skills or driving passion/intensity, and will drive/approach U.S. 129 differently.
The 2013 edition of the T.O.D. GtG introduces multiple caravans. Our groups will be divided in at least 3 caravans, about 10 minutes apart. This will alleviate the large bottleneck during our drive. Even so, there will be moments in our run where we will be rolling en masse to enjoy the splendor of the multitude of beetles together. The different caravans will be grouped according to driving skills to make the TOD experience enjoyable for all.

The honorary beetle class (non-beetles) will drive in separate formation from the beetle caravan, yet will be together with the beetle caravan/driving classes, so that all can enjoy the T.O.D experience.
Due to the nature of the 2-lane roads, and the extreme length of our caravans, we will not pull over to allow others to pass; this is to assure the safety of all beetles and their passengers. We desire to be courteous to cyclists, but beetles are vehicles too and must adhere to the laws of the road; our safety cannot be jeopardized.

14. Is it necessary to subscribe & post in the T.O.D thread?
The T.O.D. thread is a living thread; meaning new info is added at a frequent basis. We feel that it is necessary to subscribe and post to the T.O.D. thread. Being that this is a non-registration event, there’s information that the organizing group needs from all who attend, so that their planning can be executed in an efficient manner and aiding in making T.O.D. successful. Prior to the event, there is also necessary information for the T.O.D attendee to be privy to; this is to assure that the attendee can take full advantage of all things available at T.O.D.

15. Why is the T.O.D thread started almost a year in advance?
We feel that advance planning is the key to a successful T.O.D. Many elements of T.O.D. are planned in advance i.e., hotel booking, swag/decal orders, meal reservations, hospitality, name tags, swap meet and much more. Initiating these elements in advance, allows the organizers to get their plans executed in a more efficient fashion. This is important because many who attend T.O.D are from various parts of the country- the extra time of an early posted thread allows all elements to be corralled more orderly.
Moreover, an early posted thread, allows the attendee to schedule time off with their employer, as well as working the 3-day (more days depending on travel) event in their life schedule.

16. Why do you bump the thread?
The T.O.D. thread, like other forum threads are bumped, so the thread will be on the top of the thread list/rotation. This is in hopes of new orgers to discover the event and subsequent attendance, as well as keeping the event and the date to the forefront of the attendee, as well as keeping them privy to all pertinent info.

17. Is it necessary for me to bump the thread?
No. It is our desire for you to bump the thread, but you’re not obligated. The T.O.D. core group and thread starter will usually bump the thread.

However, we do suggest that you make an effort to bump; that way you assure yourself of being up to date and in the know of all things T.O.D.


18. What can I contribute when I bump the thread?
If you desire to bump the thread, we suggest adding comments to encourage orgers to join the GtG, as well as promoting the event with exciting dialogue; personal experiences & memories of past T.O.D’s are a plus. T.O.D. thread bumps will be further enhanced, with interesting facts about T.O.D, the Cherohala Skyway, and the Bryson City NC region, as well as any media concerning our event. This will bring more informative content to the thread bumps.

19. As a T.O.D attendee, is there anything required of me?
We ask that all attendees:
1) Subscribe to the T.O.D. thread
2) Register for T.O.D...it's free (note: registration will be ready by the end of June)
3) Check in to the T.O.D. thread periodically- frequently as we approach January.
4) Fulfill any financial obligations i.e. swag, food deposits, RSVP’s
5) Take advantage of any advance bookings available for T.O.D.
6) Invite a fellow beetle owner to T.O.D. as well as joining in on the T.O.D. thread.
7) Bring an FRS Radio- they're usually sold in pairs. Communication is a key factor in our T.O.D travels; cell phone signals are sketchy to nil in the mountains. Purchase an FRS radio based on functionality and not style; style usually equates to poor signal & functionality in the world of FRS radios.
- there's other supplies and incidentals that make your T.O.D. experience convenient and enjoyable. Please check out the T.O.D supply and checklist threads, usually posted in the T.O.D. section of the "events and planning: Tail of the Dragon" section of the forums.


20. Can I contribute my ideas, gifts and talents to T.O.D.?
Yes. T.O.D is for orgers, by orgers. We will endeavor to incorporate the ideas, gifts and talents of those who submit them to us; provided that they are conducive to the vision of T.O.D. and the new beetle experience.

To keep all informed, these questions will be bumped along the life of this thread.

 

[scarabY2k]

If you're lurking on this thread...WELCOME :wave2:

If you have a slight idea that you might be attending T.O.D., please subscribe to this thread now. There lots of people behind the scenes now, to make your T.O.D. experience fun and memorable. A lot of our planning is hinged on who'll be attending. Knowing this in advance, even if you're not totally sure you'll be attending, is a big help to the T.O.D. planning group.

Thank you

================================================== ================================================== ==

FYI- The T.O.D. core
T.O.D. was designed for nB owners, by nB owners. All input is appreciated and is considered. All planning and assessment of suggestions/ideas are processed by a core group of orgers. These are:

T.O.D. attendees from previous T.O.D. events as well as the original '09 T.O.D. attendees. This core group help in keeping the unity and original direction of the event intact. some of these objectives are:
- established date
- activities and T.O.D. route
- keeping it an nB event
...keeping expansion of T.O.D. in conjunction with the original vision and the above objectives.


Orgers from '09 T.O.D to present have brought their talents, ideas and abilities to the table and have become a faithful and integral member of the T.O.D. experience. These members are many and their talents/efforts cover many facets of T.O.D. From PR, to web design, coordinating caravans, logistics, in-route communication, off-season T.O.D. recon, entertainment. The T.O.D. core, new and old, have made their contributions the success for keeping the original T.O.D. vision intact and thriving.

T.O.D. is an almost year-round planned event, extensively covered, promoted and planned by many. Their input and assistance is GREATLY appreciated.

T.O.D. founder is VW Gary. I, Al/scarabY2k have been deemed "the guy" by Gary in His absence. Be it known, and this can't be stressed enough, What I do cannot be accomplished without our founder and the aforementioned elements of T.O.D. I'm keeping the wheels straight- those who surround me keep the fuel in the tank and spark in the engine. We are like the crank and pistons- you can't have one without the other.

 

[scarabY2k]

Get on the T.O.D.roster- "The List" please submit VIA PM :

-org screen name

-name of people in your party

-The year and model of your beetle, and your beetle's name

-The hotel you're staying at

-City and State where you live.

To get on "The List" SEND A PM to Gene by CLICKING HERE

 

[scarabY2k]

New T.O.D. Lodging info:

Sleep Inn- one of the T.O.D. overflow hotels
500 Veterans Boulevard
Bryson City, NC 28713
(828) 488-0326
Bryson City NC Hotel, Hotels in Bryson City NC.
NEW INFO: Group dicount now becoming available. When Booking, ask for the NEW BEETLE DISCOUNT.

 

[mattyd2009]

I Dustin, do hereby submit my intent on attending 6!


The official ToD6 Central Bugavan thread will be up soon!


Is it May yet?!?!

 

[warren]

I am in for Six. Is it May yet?

 

[02SilverSport]

I'll be making my reservations at the TOP soon! 5 was great and I can't wait to see everybody again at 6!
:banana:

 

[MichelleRoze]

I will be there of course! Wouldn't miss it for the world. After 5 years of attending...it only gets better! Plus my mom will be attending this year....in her own beetle...more to come on that soon

 

[albie]

We are definitely making it this time!! TOD6....


Sent from AutoGuide.com App

 

[Round cars]

I'm in!!!
We had a blast at last years T.O.D. 5
We have been 'TAGGING' other NB's with newbeetle.org site info AND T.O.D.6 event info since the day after we attended T.O.D. 5

:wave2::jumpy: <----Chelsea is EXCITED TOO!

For YOUR printing pleasure....

 

[iVari]

Count me in..

:wave2:

I am signing up. It will be my first trip to TOD and I can't wait. I've read all the old posts and looked at all the photos from past events, it's looks like sooooo much fun!!!!

:jumpy:

 

[Smileybug]

We're planning on 6!

 

[IggysMom]

I'm in. I will come alone if I must; but I am going.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[red turbo 03]

Ohio's in. This will be my first and hopefully not my last.

 

[Pushing Fifty]

Now that enough people have reassured me that the curves aren't as death-defying as they're made out to be and that a stock 5-cylinder Beetle can manage it, I will do my best to try to make ToD, too. The camaraderie alone is enough inspiration!

 

[Smileybug]

The curves aren't bad really. But you can make them a bit more, um, exciting, if you so choose to

I'm hoping for no rain next year. My car was itching for me to take the turns just a bit quicker

 

[mattyd2009]

The curves aren't bad really. But you can make them a bit more, um, exciting, if you so choose to

I'm hoping for no rain next year. My car was itching for me to take the turns just a bit quicker

I agree. The rain side make it a bit more scary. N00bers rear shoes were a little bald. Hoping fir new rear tires for next year.

Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[IggysMom]

Iggy hugged those curves sooooo good. I had an amazing time. Can't wait till May.


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