Don't you love that we always go to Franklin for lunch? I do!

I've been asked to lead one of drive groups on Friday (see my Saturday drive, too). Here's the intel for the drive:

Pace - see the individual group options (let us know which group you want to be in)

When
Meet in front of the Wildwood Grill. First Group leaves at 9:45. Additional groups leave in 30 minute increments.

The Route
Leave Fontana Village, turn right (South) on NC 28 (aka Hellbender), down sweeping and technical turns, for roughly a 1:15 drive to Franklin, NC, to eat at Café REL (Ken's favorite spot!) There a gas station on the property.

WARNING! - Cafe REL is Ca$h Only. No credit cards.

Group 1 IS taking the airport loop on this drive.... (I'll get it right...promise!)
Group 2 (and Group 3??) will be going straight to Cafe REL.

After enjoying some mighty fine cuisine at Café REL, and a full gas tank, we'll take the 37 mile trip, South down NC 28 (and US 64) to Highlands, NC for ice cream and local shopping.

We will pass 2 beautiful waterfall locations:

Dry Falls
Bridal Veil Falls

I know we will stop at least at Bridal Veil Falls (and mostly likely Dry Falls...you can walk under it!), the other one is open for debate among the drivers. Bridal Veil Falls will be a group shot opportunity. Depending on the amount of people at Bridal Veil, we should be able to get most of our cars up the edge of the falls (they don't let cars underneath anymore). Be prepared to park before or after Bridal Veil, as this is on a twisty curve.



(May 2019 Rock the Dragon at Bridal Veil Falls)

(I'll pack a tripod)

After we are finished at Bridal Veil, we'll continue on to Highlands. Ice Cream will be at the SweetTreats Deli, near the center of the town. Tons of local shoppes are all along the main road in Highlands.

Total Drive Time to Franklin and Highlands (not including lunch) - 1:40

After we are done in Highlands, we'll have a 2+ hour drive to return to Fontana Village:

Leave Highlands Southwest on NC 106, cross over into GA for a second, then pick up US 23 North, coming right back into NC, going North, to just south of Franklin, pick up US 64 West, so we can then turn right (Northwest) on Wayah Road, which will push us back to the bottom of the Dragon.

Watch your speed, turning on US 64. Cops are known to sit near the intersection.

After Wayah. turn on US 74 South to get to Topton, to pick up US 129 North, going through Robbinsville, which will take us back to top of the Dragon, before jumping on Meadow Branch Road, to get back to Fontana Village..

If you have the itch to run the Dragon, or stop at KillBoy, continue straight on 129 North, when we turn on Yellow Creek/Meadow Branch!

Total Drive Time to back to Fontana Village - 2:30

Total drive time - 4:15 Gas stops in Franklin, Highlands and Robbinsville

Drive limited to 10 drivers! (Extra drive groups added!!)

Download the map to your phone, so you have it Offline.

Group 1 (Moderate to semi-Spirited) (includes Airport Loop and Yellow Creek/Meadow Branch Road)
(Map to Lunch - https://goo.gl/maps/LcvuDyFtdPrTv9Kg8)
(Map after Lunch - https://goo.gl/maps/BDhWnZ1d3qaBmuDr8)
1. Jim (JoePhotographer) - Leader
2. Christopher/Haydee (cold.logic)
3. David (MaGoogle)
4. Jim/JD (Pinky)
5. Steve (MeFryRice)
6. Martha/Tim (SkyladyZ)
7.
8.
9.
10. Bob (RobM)

Group #2 (Moderate) (without Airport Loop)
(Map - https://goo.gl/maps/zs9i4TADPhDPS7e89)
1. John (Vortamock)- Leader
2. Lee (batguano)
3. (New to Me) (gephelps)
4. John (RevJohn)
5. Mark/Mary (SheDrivesIt)
6. Bob/Tanya (Modifry)
7. Brian (KissThePilot)
8.
9.
10. Ken (kgf3076)

 

Sign me up please

 

Signing up, please.

 

Is this related to the Dragon run? Or is this a "every" Friday event?

 

It's the main Friday drive for the S2000 weekend. There is an introductory cruise across the Dragon that morning and a big drive group drive across it Saturday morning with everyone at the event.

 

I'll be arriving around 4AM Friday, so put me down for the "spirited" group

 

Put me down for Group 1 - I guess if I can hang with Billman for a dozen or so turns on the Dragon before loosing sight of him, I can probably handle this groups pace.

 

This will not be Billman's pace. I've ridden with him. It'll be semi-Spirited, but not breakneck worthy.

 

Hehehehe. I didn't think it would be. I am sure it will be an enjoyable pace regardless.

Not sure if I would want to ride with him. It's one of those I KNOW I would be safe but my lizard brain would be going WOAH WOOOH WOAAAAAHHHHHH!!! AHHHHH!!!

 

Sign me up for group 2 please.