SmoothZ

iTrader: (13)

I was planning on bringing radios, so this plan of yours is a good idea. I'm open to either one. I agree that if it's the same amount of time, we should take the shorter distance.

pulpz2

I'll be bringing radios also.

mekatoka

iTrader: (2)

How many folks are driving cars by themselves without a passenger? I don't have a passenger, been pestering my friend to go with me. It might be boring to drive 12 hrs by yourself.

This is my first time going with a caravan, I am excited about it

Phreakdout

iTrader: (32)

That's great you're bringing radios. Are there any compatibility issues with radios of different brands? I'd assume if you're on the same channel, that they should work together. I was planning on buying a set from Walmart. I want one with decent range 25+ miles and headsets. I don't want to wreck reaching for a radio in the curves. LOL

Bringing a friend:

Deepu, you will like the TSD event. This is Time, speed and Distance rally. It really helps to have a passenger for this event since it is hard for you to read the clues, navigate and use a stopwatch. (BTW: I recommend bringing a stop watch if you are entering the TSD.) If you end up not bringing your friend, I volunteer to be your navigator.

Your friend will have to negotiate for floor space in the cabin. LOL. I've paid the first night. The next two nights can be split up among the rest of you. So far, we have 4 in the cabin. (You, me, Rob and Lee) If they bring a tent, they could set it up in the back and hope FVR doesn't have a problem with it. The more we can stack in there, the cheaper it is for the 4 of you.

Caravaning:
This is not my first caravan, but my first one of this long of a distance. I hope everyone enjoys it. Whoever leads usually has a lot of responsibility so we may want to rotate that position around. The leader has to keep pace, try not to break up the group by weaving in and out of traffic, know his way there, judge good places for gas or rest stops, keep look out for dangers (like retread tire pieces in the road and potholes) and most importantly, they are the first to get clocked by the Police.

Videos
I will be bringing a 1.5TB USB drive to collect video and photos from everyone who will share. I am depending on those who have GoPro HD cameras to help me out with footage.

I may "buy" a HD video camera for the trip and return it after I get back. LOL If someone has a HD video camera that they would like to "rent" me for the week, I will pay a fair price. It has to be cheaper than a 15% restocking fee. (he-he)

Ultimately, I will assemble a video for ZdayZ. Last year, we had a drive-in movie night where we parked the cars and watched Talledaga Nights. I hope to edit this well and perhaps we can show this at next year's ZdayZ. I will invest in iMovie software for the Mac or Adobe Premiere for the PC (Or both and combine the strengths).

So any help I can get to make you a star is greatly appreciated.

SmoothZ

iTrader: (13)

I'd rather drive alone in my Z.

There shouldn't be any issues with the radios. As long as we can dial in the channels, it should work fine. I've done it with our local club when we go cruising in the back roads for a day.

I'm used to caravaning with a large group of cars, so I can volunteer to rotate through that if you want.

mekatoka

iTrader: (2)

That sounds like fun, I doubt I'll get anyone to go with me. I'll be interested in signing up even if I be the last one in the event Thanks, that'll be great to have you as my partner for the event then.

I'd pay more to have a bed, that's more important to me at the night than having to sleep on the floor or couch. I am a person who goes to camping in the day and sleeps in a hotel at the night

Nice now I don't have to get a laptop

I'll lend you my HD camcorder (Canon HFS100) and there is no fee or nothing as long as you don't damage it I'd appreciate if you can shoot some clips (a lil more than others ..lol) of my car in the trip.

I also have the portable 1080P camcorder that I'll use to shoot video from y car. I'll have both GoProHD (bumper cam) and Kodak-1080P (in-car)

I wonder if your 1.5 TB will be enough

pulpz2

I wont have a passenger. I'm actually looking forward to the down time in the car by myself.

May do the TSD as a passenger or driver if anyone is interested in partnering up.

I have a room at the lodge with two beds if anyone is interested in splitting the cost PM me. I think its around 100 bucks a night.

The two way radios work great for the caravan, and as Smooth says, as long as you're on the same channel you should be fine. FYI - In the mountains the radio range is really limited.

pulpz2

Caravan is a blast! As each day goes buy I'm getting really hyped about the whole weekend.

pulpz2

We shouldn't have too much of a problem keeping everyone together with ten or so cars. When I've participated in "runs" in the past, we usually have a radio in the first car and the last car. It helps to have a passenger in the lead car as well. But on the freeway, and considering Z-Car drivers tend to be somewhat spirited/aggressive/engaged, I don't think we'll have any stragglers.

Now when we did the 2005 Caravan with twenty cars, once we were in Tennessee north of Knoxville, the lead cars become more spirited in driving the mountains, but we regrouped at the exit that had the giant crucifixes casting shadows on the Adult Stores. But that was mix of younger and older drivers. I'm guessing most of us in this group will probably more moderate (fun but responsible) in our driving style.

pulpz2

OP is updated with current info.

Phreakdout

iTrader: (32)

Ha-ha. I know exactly where you are talking about. That is at the base of Mt. Jellico if I remember correctly. It's a good place to stop if needed. Large gas station with easy on and off.

That crucifix is really cheesey. Looks like it was made from corragate building material. But it's better than what I call the "Touchdown Jesus" statue 29 miles North of Cincinnati. Some day I'm going to kick a football through the uprights.

Phreakdout

iTrader: (32)

Cabin: I'm sure that's not a problem.

Laptop / USB Drive: LOL - You're probably right. HD files take a ton of space. If it's a problem, I'll run to the closest Walmart and pickup another one for $130.

I have a small video cam. Kodak Zi8 which is like yours. It also shoots 1080P but the quality is no where near an actual video cam.

Thanks for the loan on the camera. I will take very good care of it. I'm planning to get a GoProHD for exterior (of the car) shots and use a good video cam for shots from the interior.

I plan to make a tripod style mount between the two head rests that will allow me to shoot what is behind me. Using the video out cables, I will feed them into the video in on the new Pioneer DVD Headunit. This way I can see what the camera sees from the dash. This will allow me to keep cars centered (using one hand) or angle for drive-by shots.

It should be interesting. I just pray there is no rain on this trip.

SmoothZ

iTrader: (13)

I remember that 20 car run. That was awesome.

I agree that the lead car should have a passenger calling out directions and what not. My passenger seat will have the famous rolling beer cooler.

redmike_02

iTrader: (15)

Here is our group rolling down from Cincy. We will also have radios to chat.

Redmike_02, 2005 350z, Cincinnati, OH
Push, 2008 Vette, Cincinnati, OH
Jesse Holman , 1993 240sx, Cincinnati, OH
Mi 35th, 2009 Jeep 4dr (beer pong stuff hauler), Cincinnati, OH

pulpz2

Updated:

1. PulpZ, 2009 370Z, Dayton OH
2. FuszNissan, 2009 370Z, St. Louis MO
3. Mekatoka, 2008 350Z, Canton, MI
4. Phreakdout, 2004 350Z Roadster, Ypsilanti, MI
5. sig11, 2009, 2009 370Z, Ferndale, MI
6. StlRedrider, 2009 370Z, St. Louis, MO
7. SmoothZ, 2003 350Z, Twin Cities, MN
8. silverbullet Z, Twin Cities, MN
9. MyV6IsFast3r , 2004 350Z, Worthington, OH
10. ZkindaGuy, 2009 370Z, Ohio (MAYBE)
11. drivessidewayz, 2006 350Z, Ohio (MAYBE)
12. Sunset123, 240&300tt&370Z, and 6-8 others from ZROC (TENTATIVE)
13. Redmike_02, 2005 350z, Cincinnati, OH, and 3-4 others (non Z friends)
14.
15.
16.


Could make for quite a caravan!
_________

Phreakdout

iTrader: (32)

Holy Crap!!!

This is turning into a parade! Phreakin' Awesome!

pulpz2

I've added maps to the original post. The format is PDF and should print landscape on 8.5 x 11. The files had to be compressed to meet the web site max file size limit so image quality is so-so. If you want the originals let me know and I can email them to you. There are six altogether, five in the OP and the sixth here:

EDit: Maps removed. Will revise with I-40 route as advised by the Phreak!

pulpz2

Oh, and I took the liberty of routing us on th Gatlinburg bypass instead of thru town. If I remember, its like two-lane and stop and go.

pulpz2

BTW this a MUST SEE in person. I shake my head everytime I go by. If they make a Ricky Bobby 2 This could be in it, and be like, Galactic Jesus.

Phreakdout

iTrader: (32)

Good plan on the bypass.

Bad plan on getting off at Henley Street in Knoxville. There are dozens of red lights rolling through downtown not to mention Knoxville police all the way down 441 to Sevierville. There's no way the caravan would stay together if we rolled in the afternoon of a work day.

Suggest I40 East and get off at exit 407 and take 66 into Sevierville. It's a 4 lane road with fewer red lights. It rolls right into Sevierville and up onto 441 through Pigeon Forge. Mile wise it's probably slightly longer but it has to be faster with interstate speeds and 55 mph 4 lane roads.

You won't miss anything not taking Chapman Highway out of Knoxville.