Kallan's comment in another thread about getting food in Alcoa before heading to Fontana made me think of something else that's not overly abundant in that area - gas stations. I'm a bit concerned about fuel prospects with 100 S2000s staying at Fontana village. I'm going on memory but the only fuel options in the vicinity will be:

• Texaco station on 28 (just east of the village), which has two slow pumps and I'm guessing a limited supply of premium. Also, no pay-at-the-pump card readers.
• Deals Gap station. It was well over $3/ gallon at DBR '05.
• Texaco station on 129 (~10 miles north/west of the gravel lot), and only slightly more advanced than the first.
• Running to Robbinsville or Bryson City

Not saying this is end-of-the-world material, but just curious if the planning group had any thoughts on mitigating the pain in the arse factor of getting fuel.

 

Remember, gas was over $3/gallon EVERYWHERE during DBR '05 because of the pesky hurricanes. I paid $3.15/gal in Ashville coming home that Sunday. Deals Gap is usually pretty fair on gas prices, in my experience. It's usually within $0.15/gallon of what I pay at home. Yes, gas will be less convenient than in Alcoa, but I really don't see it being a problem.

 

Problem Solved

In flight fuel tanker,


or we buy a new one and have WSB tow it with his S,


or we highjack one from the back country.

 

Good point, WSB, but the Mini Coopers use Fontana each year for their gathering, and they have had over 200 cars the last 2 years...so it has to be "do-able". There's also several "speedy" gas stations in Robbinsville (15-20 min drive), if anyone gets panicky.

We'll just ask for patience for service at the pumps!

 

That's asking a LOT from this group isn't it?

 

bring 2 gal gas carriers? that'll last like what.. o.. 52miles according fueleconomy.gov?

 

2 gals of gas should last me from one side of the dragon to the other.


And NOT much more.

 

One *more* thought is that we always have tried to respect Deal's Gap's fuel pumps (and the bikes that the business tends to cater heavily to). So WSB's other bulleted fuel sources should be considered as much as possible...so as to not be "pigs at the trough" in Deal's Gap. A fun ride down 28 has always been my option for fueling up at that Texaco . Just don't want to begin the jaunt at 1 bar of fuel...that'll leave you working some button-holes in your seat by the time you arrive at the gas station .

Back to the "planning group"... It might be well worthwhile to try to contact these nearby convenience stores / service stations and give them a heads-up regarding our dates. Perhaps they would take such information as initiative to double-down on their fuel orders for that week, etc.

Nice post WSB

- Dave

 

I say we just siphon gas out of WSB's tank.

 

I'll provide the tanker (and semi to pull it) if you fill it.