Don't know all the details yet, but I wanted to put a placeholder out here so all the Southeast folks can begin planning.

We're starting to talk about an October ClubLexus meet in or near Asheville, NC. That's about 1.5 hours from Charlotte, 3 hours from Atlanta (at BitKahuna speed), and x from the Research Triangle area, SC, VA, TN, FL, KY, AL and other areas less civilized.

Why Asheville? It's a gorgeous little town with plenty of things for significant others to do and see, plus it's surrounded by mountains with nice twisties roads for CL drives. BMW sponsors a similar event every October in the area as well called (you guessed it) Oktoberfest.

Depending on turnout, we'll try to get group discounts on lodging and entry to the Biltmore Estate. We hope to arrange pictures in front of the estate (I've attached a picture below).

More info to come, if you are interested spread the news and start thinking about a pre-Halloween weekend. Probably head out on a Friday afternoon, meet informally Friday night, get together on Saturday with events, and have an informal breakfast/head home Sunday morning.

 

Bump and reminder to discuss this weekend in case I don't make it down to Atlanta in time for your get-together!

I've sent notes to the Biltmore for our group requesting information and permission for photos.

Also looking for details on routes that other car clubs have taken through this area. A buddy of mine is looking into the BMW club event course, and I found this link that the Porche Parade took. They were in the Asheville area during the parts of two days of Monday, June 25 and 26th.

I think we want a nice mix of 'Kodak' moments, twisty roads and some good straightaways.

 

I'm working beside Dave on this and am currently amassing possible routes for day trips:

SCENIC VS. CURVY

Obvioulsy some are both -

SCENIC - The Blue Ridge Parkway is choice 1 probably.

Would want to stay off the parkway for anything else just because of the volume of traffic and safety issues, plus, Park Rangers

CURVY - I'm working on it

If anyone knows anyone, who has a friend, who's been up that way (Asheville) and can make a recommendation for great curvy roads, shoot me PM.


Warning: some of them are so cury that persons susceptible to car sickness need to stay on the porch.

I have been in some sections, not near Asheville, where people actually have to pull over to unload stomach contents.

AGAIN, I'm in the very early stages of research for candidates, so I welcome any opinions.

 

Dexter - go easy on the curvy stuff - you're right about getting sick. I made some passengers not feel so great in the Georgia mountains after going up and then down a stretch of continuous switchback. It actually gets old for the driver too.

 

Ya it's an awesome place. Amazing that I'm just as far from it as Atlanta people, but I'm in NC. Damn wide state...lol

I'm game for this. Maybe I'll still be in this area when it's time for it!!

SR

 

Dexter and I have been working on details and should have a posting up this weekend so everyone can start planning...

More to follow!

 

This sounds like a great idea to me. I am in Lexington (Columbia), South Carolina and nothing ever comes around here. I'll be waiting for more details. Of course, I don't know how well my ES would fit in, having hydraulics and all, amongst all the other Lexus'. On the other hand, I haven't been to Biltmore Estates since I was a small child.

 

Everyone is welcome! Tell all your friends!

 

Lexpusher,

I for one would like to check out your car! That's a CRAZY video on your site of your ES.

Now the question... if we go for a drive on some twisty roads, how does it handle? Does it help to bank your car oO up on one side when you take a quick turn .

 

<Butthead mode = on>

uuhhh, that's pretty cool, uh, uh, uh

<Butthead mode = off>

 

LOL, um...no. "Banking" would not be a good thing while taking quick turns. It's probably the quickest way to end up in a ditch or something. That would be pretty cool if it did work that way, though. All in all, I think my ES will be able to hang on the twists and turns. There might be a few sparks thrown along the way, but it could hang.

Not sure if I can make it if late October is the time frame. I just will not have enough time to prepare for it. I definitely will be bummed-out if I miss it though!