depressions are overrated.

 

I don't think the cliques are too bad. Most people just hang out with who they know. I've yet to meet a group of people that wouldn't chat with you. I felt like we didn't get to meet enough people at DBR last year, but most of it is because you're trying to figure out what the heck is going on your first event. 9 out of 10 times you can walk up to any gathering and meet everyone without the slightest hostility. Extra beer helps too.

 

What surprised you?

• The generally high level of driving skills displayed by every S2000 driver I saw on The Dragon. I didn’t expect people to be bad drivers, but I can’t help thinking that the speed and accuracy of the lines that every car took through those eight miles was of a very superior caliber.

• It was not the fault of the organizers, but I was disappointed by the lack of adequate preparatory information that the resort’s website provides about its facilities. For example, it was disappointing to discover that, in spite of the relatively low rate charged for the cabins, they had effectively no TV reception and did not even provide the small amenities that you’d get in places costing half the amount (like a simple sachet of shampoo or small container of dish detergent that you’d logically expect to go with the kitchenette). Given that I was at least prepared for having no cell reception, I expected to have WiFi access problems, but it was still disappointing to have to trek up to the Lodge whenever I wanted to check emails. If I stay at Fontana again, I’ll opt for the Lodge rather than the cabins.

What did you like / not like?

• I especially liked the banquet and the “speeches” afterward. Good fun.

• Small potatoes again, but I didn’t like the fact that the beer swap was scheduled to begin a half hour after the dinner was scheduled to begin. I prefer my beer before dinner rather than after, so in the end, even though I had brought beer to swap, I had to opt out and just enjoy my usual couple of beers well ahead of the swap time.

Suggestions for making "newbies" feel welcome

• I appreciate Raoul saying that a few years back he would always hold the Saturday morning Driver's Meeting in person and would always recognize the new folks, review safety concerns and reiterate key points of the itinerary, and that he likes the idea of a social mixer, but I think Leadfootgirl’s idea of an orientation, Q&A information session for first-timers would have been even better. I think that such a meeting, if it were held on Thursday evening, could spend some time focusing on such topics as (a) speed enforcement on The Dragon and other nearby roadways, and (b) tips for staying safe on The Dragon. The info exchange process would also provide another means by which newbies could get to know others, both first-timers and veterans.

But, in any case, I was impressed by the effort extended by the organizing team and I greatly appreciated it.

 

This is the first event I have missed since 05.

I really wanted to come but other priorities took me away.

As for the comments by the newbies, everyone made good points and I am sure Raul and the other organizers will press to make changes to benefit all.

I am really looking forward to DBR seeing old friends and making new ones.

See y'all in the Fall

 

All and all a great event. I think the biggest surprise was the speed of the Saturday roll out that logically would have been the slowest of drives. It made my day and Loved rolling through at such a spirited pace even if it turned my wife green. I was kind of burnt out of driving curves when we arrived Thursday morning after 1300 miles of Blue Ridge Parkway running and was glad to have a rest but it seemed that the event didn't really start until it was almost over. ie, the roll out and the Saturday Banquet which marked the end. I used the Poker run as a way to see the area as I was a bit disoriented but would have loved a self guided or group drive around to the local sights. Watching and chatting with Billman was worth the trip alone as he serviced multiple cars on Saturday morning. Maybe next year I will bring down an engine for him to rebuild.

 

Hmmmm... she must be talking about me!

 

I'd go one step further and suggest the organizers supply / provide some painter's tape to mark newbies' cars. My favorite local AutoX organizing group does this for newbie drivers so that experienced drivers can help them out and give advice, often by riding with their first few runs.

Perhaps as another meet 'n' greet idea, maybe several lunch drives could be organized for Friday, you would sign up for the event, but then somehow you would be randomly assigned to one of the groups, allowing you to likely meet a good amount of new people. Perhaps the drive leaders would want to keep it a "leisurely drive" to make sure everyone was content with the pacing. The other nice thing about drives for meals like this is you'll get a chance to visit with everyone during the meal.

Also, despite my suggestions, I still had an EXCELLENT time, and the pink bunny will definitely make an effort to return in the future.

 

p.s. K1ngfunK, your mini rocked! And I see you do autocross, too - nice! ; ) Just had to mention it when I saw your post. That mini was one of the things that made my first morning in Fontana!

 

Haha, I'm sure all the first-timers would love going to see their killboy pics only to remember their cars are marked with a giant "N" in blue painters tape front and back!

The randomly assigned group drives could be a good idea as long as they were voluntary. I'd like to choose the drive I go on and I'd definitely prefer if it wasn't "leisurely". I have to drive leisurely at home, I want to let the S stretch it's legs when I'm in the mountains!

 

I think before the next event we could create a dragon newbies thread for them to introduce themselves, help them understand what events are what, some of us can offer advice, etc.

We could even plan a newbie drivers meeting that is held thursday or friday (or even more than one?). I think many of the leaders of caravans already do this themselves, but it's inevitable that many members come on their own.