Nissan 370Z Forum - MAZOC 2011 ZdayZ Caravan Thread

Fellow Mid-A'ers...

If you are participating in the Caravan down to ZDayZ from the NOVA Starbucks meetup spot, please fill out the following form to register:

2011 Mid-Atlantic 370Z Owner's Club ZDayZ Caravan Registration Form

Registration CLOSES at the end of the day Wednesday 5/11!!!
Jon and Pat have graciously decided to provide dinner for the group on Wednesday when we arrive at Fontana Village, so registration for the cruise will close a week prior so they have an accurate headcount.

I'll update this post with the list of participants and will add other Caravan details over the weekend, but for now, get registered!

:tup:

Quote:

Registered Participants:
1. m4a1mustang (Steve) - Has radio
2. GM_Traitor3.5 (Jay) - Has radio
3. Sscottfitz (Steve) + Beaujolis (Deb) - Has radio + five available
4. Red6spd (Jared) + passenger (Brandie)
5. Kirkster (Kirk) Has radio + one available
6. tooohip (Lance) Has radio + # available
7. shadoquad (Al) + passenger (Dan)
8. ZCarMan (Jon) + passenger (Patricia) Has radio + one available
9. GTLAW (Brian)
10. Red__Zed (Dan)

Speed Limits!!!
I think I speak for all of us when I say that, as a group, we take pride in knowing that we aren't viewed as four-wheeled hooligans because we respect the law and conduct ourselves in a mature and civilized matter. Be it at our weekly Starbucks meets, our dinner events like GB Annapolis, or any other random events we may have, we always conduct ourselves in a way that reflects positively on the group. This cruise will be no different.

As nice at it might be to fly down Highway 81 at high speed, we will be obeying all posted limits (we average around 5 over) and respecting the rule of law. The highways we will be travelling are very highly policed, and as a group of hot sports cars we will be attracting a lot of attention. So, we'll take it slow and enjoy the drive. 81 is a fast highway, and we'll probably be passed by numerous speeders, but relax and enjoy the scenery (it's a beautiful drive) and we'll all make it to the Resort in one piece!

A few key points to consider (AKA Cruise Rules and Guidelines):

Speeds over 80 mph in Virginia are considered reckless driving and the fines are quite high
We will maintain a safe following distance between the cars ahead of us (don't ride on anyone's ***)
The group will stay in a single line formation in either the right or center lane while cruising. The only time we will use the left lane is when passing. Please don't pass within the group.
If you get separated or someone not involved in the cruise gets in line, don't worry about it. Don't drive aggressively to get around them or re-unite with the group. This is what radios are for.
If a faster vehicle is approaching to pass the group, the "tail end Charlie" (Sscottfitz) will inform the group.
If the group is approaching a slower vehicle the cruise leader (either myself or tooohip) will inform the group.
NO AGGRESSIVE DRIVING!!! Have at it on the dragon but not during the caravan.

Lastly, if you aren't willing to adhere to the cruise rules no one is forcing you to cruise with us. If you are planning on driving like a tool we don't want you in our group... plain and simple.

Thanks for your cooperation! And now, on to the details of the cruise:

Caravan Details

Where: We will meet at the Fair Lakes Starbucks (our Saturday meeting spot)

When: Everyone should shoot on arriving between 5:30AM and 5:45 AM on Wednesday, May 18th. We will start the Caravan to ZDayZ at approximately 6AM.

The Route: ZDAYZ Caravan Route - Google Maps

Last year we took a revised route that involved exiting I-81 and taking Route 11 through Bristol by the NASCAR speedway. This involved a number of stop lights and made it difficult to keep the group together, so this year we will be continuing down 81 South and take I-26/US-23 to Asheville instead of Route 11. This should be a quicker and easier route.

I will post up more details on where we will likely be stopping along the way. Based on last year's cruise we stopped at the Cracker Barrell in Christiansburg, VA for an early lunch (we will probably do this again) and another 2-3 times to rest and fuel up.

Food/Drink Situation

As those of you who attented ZDayZ last year remember, the MAZOC crew stuck together for almost the entire event. Whether we were out driving the Dragon, lounging at the Wilwood grill, or kicking back some cold ones at Jon's cabin we spent a lot of time together! I suspect this year will be no different, so I figured it would be a good idea to address the food and drink situation.

This year Jon and Pat have graciously decided to bring a portable grill and have offered to provide a steak and baked potato dinner on Wednesday evening when we arrive at the resort. Thanks guys :tup:

For the remaining lunches and dinners I believe it would be best that each individual in the group be responsible for providing their own food to grill. Banquet dinners will be provided by the ZDayZ staff on Friday and Saturday nights, so we'll be responsible for our own dinners on Thursday, and lunch on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. I figure we'll eat at the Wilwood grill at some point, but maybe not for every meal like last year. :icon17:

So, if you plan on grilling out with the group be sure to bring enough food for the long weekend. Hotdogs, hamburgers, buns, chicken, whatever you want to cook. Also, if anyone else has a portable grill that they could bring let us know. It might be good to have two grills if possible instead of one.

Also, bring beer. You don't want to not bring beer!!!

Other stuff you probably want to bring

Obviously space is limited in our Z's (and even our G's and 5.0s to a certain extent) so we need to be very space concious when we pack. I figured it might be a good idea to bring up some things that you definitely want to bring with you:

Fold-out chair(s) - otherwise you'll have no where to sit on the porch!
Bug spray (and bear spray if you are worried about that :stirthepot:)
Flashlight - it gets DARK at night
Rain gear... umbrellas, ponchos, whatever
A few extra quarts of oil!!! - The VQs have a tendency to burn oil so you want to have a couple-few quarts on hand just in case!
Spare tire or tire repair kit
Basic/common hand tools to your vehicle just in case you need to do anything mechanical
First aid kit
Bottled water & snacks to keep in your car

If anyone has anything else that one could easily forget to pack let me know and I'll put it on the list. Of course, if you happen to drive one blue Maxima, space is unlimited.

Keep an eye on this thread, guys, as I'll be updating it frequently!