Category: 2013

OK, so it looks like the Lodge at Valley View didn’t hold enough rooms as originally arranged and the place is booked full.

No worries… next door at the Highland Manor Inn there are some rooms available (though not too many last I heard).

Highland Manor Inn

For the ultimate experience, head south on the Dragon and, once in North Carolina, make your way towards Robbinsville where you can then enter the Cherohala Skyway (maps and directions will be provided). The 36+ mile long Skyway offers breathtaking vistas as it runs across the mountains from N. Carolina into Tennessee, ending at Tellico Plains.

Beginning at Santeetlah Gap on the North Carolina side (at elevation 2660 feet), the road quickly twists and ascends to Santeetlah, an overlook at the highest elevation of 5390 feet. Along this section you will drive the mountain top for another seven miles to the Tennessee state line. At the state line the descent starts into the Tellico River basin. There are more spectacular scenic vistas on the Tennessee side.

Once you reach Tellico Plains, you can turn around and head back or head north towards Vonore and then east/south to Maryville and Townsend. This is a l-o-n-g drive from Townsend so plan accordingly if you decide to drive this during the Saturday afternoon “free time”.

For those of  you who just can’t pass up shopping in “tourist towns”, you will be in heaven. Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are shoppers’ paradises with an abundance of gift shops and outlet stores. Directions to both towns will be provided to those interested.

A drive on Little River Road will take you to Gatlinburg. Following the Little River for much of the way, this stretch of road (driving from Gatlinburg to Townsend) is the last leg of Friday’s all-day drive.

The road to Pigeon Forge takes you through Wears Valley. This scenic road has one or two sections of twisties. Enjoy the drive.

If either one of these two towns beckons, maps and directions will be made available so you will be able to easily find your way back to Townsend.

If Friday’s all-day drive was enough “spirited” driving for you, you may want to spend your Saturday afternoon “free time” leisurely navigating Cades Cove Loop.

The eleven mile tour through Cades Cove begins at the Cades Cove Parking Area, where informational signs give the first description of this scenic valley. The loop follows many of the curves and courses that settlers forged years ago. Along the way you will likely come upon wildlife.

Traffic is one way on the asphalt surfaced Loop Road. Much of it is an old roadway with its natural grades and turns. Fords across streams have been retained but are surfaced with concrete aprons in order to make them passable when streams are high.

Though this is a driving trail, you must get out of your car and experience the tranquil beauty of the trails, wildlife and scenery. Please remember on your visit that the wildlife is wild and it is unlawful to attempt to feed animals. For your safety and the safety of others, do not climb over fences or leave gates open. And please do not drive on or in the fields.

If you are interested in this drive, there will be maps and directions made available at Okteenerfest.

If you have never experienced the 318 curves of the Dragon, now is your chance to do so with a group of 914s. This 11 mile stretch of twisting, turning mountain road will challenge any 914 driver and is guaranteed to put a grin on your face.

As the second leg of Friday’s all-day drive, “Der Nebelbergring”, we will travel south “up” the Dragon and then further south and east into North Carolina. If you desire more time on the Dragon, you will have a chance to return on Saturday afternoon during “free time”.

As a bonus, you will have to drive the Foothills Parkway to reach the beginning of the Dragon. Yeah, I know… nearly 15 miles of scenic sweepers to reach 11 miles of insane twists and turns. Such torture.

Just remember, the Dragon is known to bite those who lose their focus.

A variety of awards will be given out such as:

• Farthest Distance Traveled (driven or trailered)
• Youngest Owner
• Oldest Owner
• Earliest VIN
• Latest VIN
• Newbie Award (newest to 914 ownership)
• Old Timer Award (owned their 914 the longest)
• Jack Stand Award….self explanatory??
• Other awards the staff can come up with

The Car Show will be Peoples Choice judging. There will be three classes: Stock, Improved and Modified. Again, this is not a concours or show event, it’s a driving event so there is less emphasis on “Q-tipping” your car than some events.

• Stock will be as noted – stock. Minor modifications can be made (radio, wheels, etc) but basically a stock car.
• Improved: Must be street legal, all basically Porsche parts
• Modified: Full race cars and conversions with other non-Porsche power plants (V8, Subie, etc)

Depending on the number of cars in each class, we will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, PLUS an overall People’s Choice award.  Classes will be at the discretion of the event Chairs and all decisions are final…but they do take bribes… 🙂

• Saturday’s itinerary begins with a “show-n-shine” car show with voting for “People’s Choice” awards.
• Classes will be announced at a later date.

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• The autocross will be held at Splash Country in Pigeon Forge (about a 30 minute scenic drive with one very fun curvy section).
• We will be sharing the course with the local PCA region so there will be other Porsche models besides the 914s being run.
• There will be separate Okteenerfest awards for our group – we are still determining the criteria for classes.
• A separate fee for this event will be announced as soon as we know what it will be. Most likely in the $25-35 range.

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This is the all-day drive scheduled for Friday, October 11th.

Stage 1: Foothills Parkway
About 40 minutes
Starting Point – the Lodge at Valley View
7726 E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Townsend, TN 37882
1. Head west on TN-73 W/US-321 S/E Lamar Alexander Pkwy toward Chestnut Hill Rd 6.4 mi
2. Turn left toward Foothills Pkwy 0.2 mi
3. Slight right onto Foothills Pkwy 16.8 mi
4. Turn left onto State Hwy 115/US-129 S/Calderwood Hwy
Continue to follow State Hwy 115/US-129 S 3.2 mi
Enter pull off on left side of road to prepare for Stage 2: The Dragon

Stage 2: The Dragon
About 20 minutes
This is the 318 curves in 11 miles so many people rave about.
Simply follow the road up the mountain to the TN/NC state line.
Do not push it on this run, especially if you have never driven the Dragon.
Enjoy the drive and get a feel for the Dragon’s variety of curves and elevation changes.
Saturday you will have a chance to return and drive the Dragon as many times as you’d like.
After passing the state line, we will come to Deals Gap about a mile down the road.
TURN LEFT on NC-28 South just past the motorcycle resort on the left.

Stage 3: Moonshiner 28, part 1: Fontana Road
About 20 minutes

914 GROUP PHOTO at Fontana Dam
About 45 minutes
914s only, please. (Other makes/models please park at entrance point)
This may take 15-20 minutes or more to set up so your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Photo will be taken from the top of Fontana Dam
ALT: Photo will be taken as a panoramic with Fontana Dam in the background.

Stage 4: Moonshiner 28, part 2: Fontana Road / 143 to Robbinsville
About 35 minutes
speed limit is 55mph much of this route (need to verify)

LUNCH in Robbinsville
1.5 hours – variety of restaurants from which to choose
Meet about 1/2 mile down the road at SECU parking lot to regroup for afternoon drive

Stage 5: River Run – Hwy 19/74
About 60 minutes

Stage 6: Great Smoky Mountains Expressway to Cherokee
About 20 minutes
At the beginning of GSMExp there is a long incline. At this point a photographer will be positioned at the top of the hill.
As a photo op, would like all 914s to slow to around 40mph and line up in both lanes for photo/video.
Once you’ve crested the hill, cruise on to Cherokee to meet up at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at the entrance to Great Smoky Mtn National Park.

Stage 7: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
About 60 minutes
GSMNP is federal land. If you speed, it is a federal ticket. Don’t speed. This drive is not a race.
Oh… and don’t get too frustrated if you get behind slow moving traffic. In fact, stop at the next overlook and enjoy the beauty of the Smokies in her Autumn colors.
Being peak season in the Smokies, this part of the drive is bound to be slow going.
We will quickly regroup at Sugarlands Visitor Center just before Gatlinburg.
At this point, you may head to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge for dinner, shopping, etc or return with the main group to Townsend via Little River Road.
Please let your group leader know what you plan to do so we are not left wondering if you got eaten by a bear.

Stage 8: Little River Road
About 40 minutes
Still on federal land so DO NOT SPEED! You have come this far without incident (you have, haven’t you?), so don’t mess it up this close to “home”.
See you back at the motel.

SUMMARY:
115 minutes drive + 20 minute stop at Dragon + 45 minutes group photo
90 minutes lunch
30 minutes at Oconaluftee VC + 20 minutes at Sugarlands VC

~3hrs before lunch
90 minute LUNCH 12:15-1:45
~4hrs after lunch
TOTAL SCHEDULED TIME = ~8.5hrs
Leave – 9:14am
Return – 5:45pm

Schedule of Events

Thursday, Oct. 10

• 4:00 pm:  Event Check-In Opens – mingle with other Porsche 914 addicts. Snacks and soft drinks will be provided.
• 7:00 pm: Check-In Closes

Friday, Oct. 11

• 8:45 am: Drivers Meeting – be sure to have your car gassed up by now!
• 9:14 am: First car off for All Day Drive – encircling the Smoky Mountains. Dubbed “der Nebelbergring” and including Foothills Parkway, the Dragon, a section of Moonshiner 28, Great Smoky Mtn. Expressway, Great Smoky Mtn National Park, Little River Road; group photo at Fontana Dam;
• 10:30 am (approx): arrive at Photo Shoot area At the base of Fontana Dam for a cool 914 photo shoot
• 12:15 pm (approx): Arrive in Robbinsville, NC for lunch break  Map will be provided with all the local food fare.
• 1:45 pm:  Leave “After Lunch Meeting Spot” Location will be on Robbinsville Map provided
• 4:45 pm (approx): Arrive back at Valley View Lodge
• 6:30 pm: “BYOBier und Brats” – evening meal back at the hotel. Wind down and relax after the daylong drive with a cold brew (bring your own adult beverage of choice) and grilled brats, sauerkraut, and other goodies. Weather permitting, there will be a fire to ward of the chill night air as well as a special video on the huge outdoor screen.  POSSIBLE TECH QUIZ TOO!!

Saturday, Oct. 12

• 9:14 am: “Show-n-Shine” Car Show – to be judged by attendees; Awards given at banquet.
• 11:30 am: Car Show voting Ends
• Lunch – on your own for lunch.
• Free Afternoon – do as you wish – we will have several drives mapped out. Run the Dragon again; shop in Gatlinburg; visit Cades Cove. Your choice.
• 6:30 pm: Banquet with Awards and Door Prizes – outdoor gathering (weather permitting) with grilled burgers and ???. Fire and video for your entertainment. BYOB.

Sunday, Oct. 13

• Time TBD: Autocross – held at Splash Country in Pigeon Forge (about a 30 minute scenic drive with one very fun curvy section), we will be sharing the course with the local PCA region so there will be other Porsche models besides the 914s being run. There will be separate Okteenerfest awards for our group. A separate fee for this event will be announced as soon as we know what it will be. Most likely in the $25-35 range.