ATTN: Georgia Members! - Page 2

ToyCollector · #21 (**permalink**) 03-13-2002, 04:27 PM

Hey Keith,

If it rains this weekend don't feel bad--I'd rather use up the bad luck for this weekend than for the big meet!!

excelguru · #22 (**permalink**) 03-14-2002, 05:33 AM

Yea, I'd rather use up the bad luck now. Still sucks, though.

Glad to hear your motor is back in tune. That cast has to be a real pain in the ass.

We'll chat about some of the DSCC stuff on Saturday. Hey, did that guy from the newspaper ever get back in touch with you?

I talked to Susan the other day about my engine. They plan to use it in a display at the open house... one of those "exploded view" displays that shows all the little pieces and parts that go inside the engine neatly laid out. Should be a nice-looking display.

NO RAIN! NO RAIN! NO RAIN!

Keith

patrija · #23 (**permalink**) 03-14-2002, 06:03 AM

Since it's "exploded", everyone be sure to bring some nail brads and place them in odd places in Keith's engine. Really give Luis a headache!

Dave Crace · #24 (**permalink**) 03-14-2002, 07:35 PM

Well chances are now up to 100% according to the weather channel

That means the chance can only go down right?

patrija · #25 (**permalink**) 03-14-2002, 08:01 PM

Dave's right, not looking good. Here's the forecast at my house:

http://www.weather.com/weather/hourb...umber=3&hour=0

excelguru · #26 (**permalink**) 03-15-2002, 05:21 AM

Here's the forecast for Jasper on Saturday...

Jasper Forecast

Notice the 40-50% chances listed at the bottom. (sigh) Whadda you guys wanna do if it rains? I've included some "rain plans" up on the first post. Does that sound okay? Would you prefer to do something else? Or call it off completely? Makes no difference to me. Just let me know what you think. I think it would still be enjoyable to get together and socialize even without the cars.

I have a great story about why John Woerheide won't be able to join us. He has "a job" to do Saturday that he just can't get out of. It's a hard job, but hey somebody's gotta do it.

Just wait till you hear about it. You'll love it.

Keith

(Still a smiley because it's not raining on April 12th yet.)

patrija · #27 (**permalink**) 03-15-2002, 07:10 AM

I'll probably be out at this point with the rain (local and in Jasper). Probably end up working on the "honey-do inside" list.

I'm also available next weekend if anyone wants to postpone or just go for a drive.

ToyCollector · #28 (**permalink**) 03-15-2002, 08:16 AM

I have to hear the JW story. Would be happy to meet in normal cars as well. Rain looks very spotty for tomorrow--wet and dry mix which will be unpredictable. The confidence level of even the NOAA forecast which I will spare you, is LOW. Current models actually say moisture will be more in TN and above. All depends on overnight frontal position and winds. Could actually be decent weekend. I will check back on NOAA after 3PM when they may do another update. They have done 3 updates already today--which is unusual and means it is in constant motion for wx modeling.

You can all come over--I got plenty of work to be done on my garage

excelguru · #29 (**permalink**) 03-15-2002, 11:31 AM

Now why can't tomorrow look like THIS...

(Image won't show... click HERE)

This is what it looks like outside the plant right now. Sunny, 80 degrees, southern breeze.... Coming back from lunch, I just rolled down the windows, opened the sunroof, and pretended I could hear sidepipes. (sigh)

Keith

excelguru · #30 (**permalink**) 03-15-2002, 01:49 PM

Beginning in about 20 minutes, I won't have email access until Monday morning. If you need to reach me, please call me on the cell phone. (803) 243-8220

Keith

Dave Crace · #31 (**permalink**) 03-15-2002, 07:42 PM

Is everyone just going to play it by ear and check the weather in the morning? I am loaded up, gassed up and ready to go if the weather permits.

GB · #32 (**permalink**) 03-16-2002, 05:51 AM

Gentlemen,
I'm going to give it a try. Might have to leave a little early if the front comes through, but as of now it looks like it has stalled out. Hope to see you there.
Greg

patrija · #33 (**permalink**) 03-16-2002, 06:46 AM

we're leaving now and praying.

patrija · #34 (**permalink**) 03-16-2002, 07:37 PM

I gotta say, today what the MOST FUN that we have had yet in the Cobra!!! Weather was excellent once we got through the morning rain showers and the drive up to Amicalola Falls was beautiful. As far as going to Bill Elliotts and our sprint strip ... AWESOME!!! Thanks everyone!

Keith, I do have a disk of yours. I'll email you tonight with what's on it.

In the meantime ... let's see the the other pics and maybe a .mov!!!!!!

Jason

excelguru · #35 (**permalink**) 03-18-2002, 07:24 AM

What a blast!

I sent out an email this morning with some pics & video attached (Jason & Chip - your mailboxes wouldn't take attachments that large - I'll try to make 'em smaller for you guys).

The Full Report

The day didn't start very well. It was raining and a big band of "green" was moving eastward from Alabama on the weather radar. Not good, but I held out hope. A few folks had to call and cancel and with very good reason. I actually didn't expect any Cobras to brave the weather.

Around 10:15 the first Cobra arrived! It was Jerry Witt and his date, Robin, riding in his blue/white SPF (with the roof on). Not long thereafter, Jason and Wendy Patrick arrived SANS ROOF in their Unique. Talk about taking chances! And then a THIRD Cobra arrived with Greg Buck's green/white Factory Five - again without the roof! This was turning out pretty well after all. The rain had stopped, but the clouds still seemed threatening.

Mike Geng (Toy Collector) arrived in his latest toy (a new pickup) and was almost immediately mad at himself for not bringing The Hammer.

We milled around for a bit and Mike rode shotgun with my dad in his Luscombe taildragger. Soon, it was time to head out.

Let me tell ya something... three Cobras following each other around Jasper (middle of nowhere) GA will get some attention. Lots of it. It was totally cool. After one (ahem) wrong turn, we eventually got on the right path for Amicalola Falls. Nice 2-lane roads through the mountains... slow Hyundai's in front of you who ride their brakes through all the turns... yep, this was north GA alright. John Woerheide called me on the cell phone to say he was en route and would met us at the lodge.

The greatest thing about Cobras (to me) is not so much the speed and acceleration, it's the effect the car has on other people. For example, the lady taking money in the booth at the Amicalola Falls park entrance didn't seem the slightest bit amused by a bunch of loud, annoying cars. On the other hand, as we drove through the park, it seemed that everyone would stop eating their picnics to look and wave.

We managed to traverse the VERY steep grade up to the Falls Lodge and had a fine lunch. For those who have never been there, the view from the Lodge is fantastic.

After lunch, Jerry and Greg had to depart for home. After we all struck hands and wished one another a good journey, they fired up and departed, leaving our crew with only one Cobra (Jason's). We were still waiting for John and figured that he had driven straight to Bill Elliot's shop over in Dawsonville (that's where he was planning to take us anyway). So we headed out.

Shortly after leaving the park, we met John in his A/C Cobra. After a bit of recon, we managed to all get together and travel to Bill's shop. We stopped at a gas station on the way and had several oglers. Again, the lady filling up her Bronco next to us didn't seem amused. The two teenagers who stopped by were ecstatic. Several others looked on quietly.

By this point, the weather was looking very nice. Warm sun... scattered clouds... the rumble of the V-8... people along the route pointing and waving... leaving a little rubber in front of the gas station

... this is what owning a Cobra is all about.

We pulled into Bill's place and after a short visit to the shop, we headed for the private runway. It was a 1-mile long strip perfectly made for drag racing. We "goofed off" a bit. John was having a hard time shifting with his clutch problems and Jason kept winning easily. Jason made some high-speed runs (130). And basically, we just had a blast burning rubber and playing. I managed to take several nice pictures now that the sun was out. We chatted awhile and before long it was time to go.

I look forward, not only to April, but also to more Cobra Luncheons throughout the spring, summer, and fall. I hope everyone got home safely and without incident.

What a blast.

I managed to upload a few pictures to my gallery here on CC, but ran out of room. Here's a link to my Club Photo account with all the pics...

Weekend Pictures

Keith

ToyCollector · #36 (**permalink**) 03-18-2002, 08:57 AM

Keith,

The flying aspect made up for my not having driven the Hammer. I again want to thank your dad for the flight. Seeing Bill's private field was also an event.

I drove the car yesterday to make up for it though

patrija · #37 (**permalink**) 03-18-2002, 09:00 AM

Now I gotta offer one correction ... 130 wasn't TOP SPEED for the car, that was the fastest I could get up too until the change in blacktop on the runway. I got off it at that point since the new blacktop tar section of the runway was littered with pebbles.

Johan · #38 (**permalink**) 03-18-2002, 09:54 AM

Nice report Kieth. Maybe you should post it under a new topic like "luncheon report" . That was a bunch of fun....

GB · #39 (**permalink**) 03-18-2002, 11:05 AM

Keith and Gang,
Had a great time this weekend. Hope to see everyone at the event in April.

Greg

doubleclutch · #40 (**permalink**) 03-18-2002, 02:35 PM

Keith,
Robyn and I had a great time. I really appreciate your efforts in organizing the outing. After going "topless", the cruise up to Amicalola was just beautiful, the lunch was grand and the view was just awesome. I wish we could have made it to Bill's place with you. It would have been nice to grab 6k in 4th. Love that gear. I look forward to seeing you again in April.