My Ride, My Thoughts, & I (long read w/ many pics)
05-26-2008, 02:02 PM
#1
Time to Climb
Thread Starter
My Ride, My Thoughts, & I (long read w/ many pics)
… I don’t think I’ve wanted/yearned/lusted after anything more than having my car back over the past 3 and a half months. The TSX has been sidelined, due to serious, dehabilitating injury from an icy road. It was after roughly 7-8 weeks of coveting a ride in my Acura that I decided to go to the Tennessee/North Carolina border and run the infamous Tail of the Dragon. 318 curves in 11 miles, coupled with elevation changes, chicanes, esses, switchbacks, embankments, and picturesque scenery. Yup, that’s all that I could wish for.
Cue Saturday morning – up early, check tire pressure, top off gas tank, and hit the road. Nothing too interesting to note up until the halfway point. But then, out of nowhere, my journey had begun. Looking off into the horizon I spy a green-capped monolith as the gradient begins to change. In no time at all, I set the cruise to 65mph and tried to take it all in. An epic setting, sunroof open, and the wind & sun played in my hair. Then came a definitive sound. What a sound is was! The tach needle floating just above 3500 rpm, the exhaust's note pressing me to pay attention. The oral sincerity of the moment was, in fact, pure bliss. I knew then that I was exactly where I was supposed to be at that moment in time. Approximately 2 hrs from my destination, Fontana village, I already knew that this trip would live up to it’s billing.
I stop at nearly every scenic outlook along the way to take a pic, but kept the engine running … after all I was on a mission. Pictures here, a photograph there, things were turning out just right. As I arrive at the Fontana settlement, I forego checking into my suite and gladly work my way straight to Fontana Dam, which leads into the Great Smoky Mountains for a short hike. The temp nears 75 F and I begin to sweat calmly, consistently. I decide enough is enough. Time to hunker down in my cabin and prepare for tomorrow’s challenge.
Cue Sunday morning – up at 530am, camera fully charged up, route planned, sun glasses in hand, and adrenaline pumping. A short 10-mile jaunt to The Dragon helped to warm up my trusty steed. Little Tennessee River on my left, Blue Ridge Mountains to my right, the ultimate destination in sight, I was beginning to grin. My muscles tightened, my mouth was wet and held slightly agape. I begin to see signs, the road becomes slender, and a faint amount of sunlight appears through the canopy of trees above me.
I AM HERE. ABSOLUTELY NO CARS IN SIGHT - NOT ONE, NOT ANYTHING. JUST MY RIDE, MY THOUGHTS, AND I.
It was the stuff that dreams are made of. You pray for things to fall into your lap like this. When planning borders on perfect. Where desire is met with passion and completion. An open road, a tuned vehicle, and a romantic 60 F. Time to slay The Dragon:
It begins so abruptly that you don’t know what hit you. Both hands are now affixed to the steering wheel and I begin to work up my confidence. No sport shifting for me here. Too much going on, I’m a novice at mountain driving, so I stick my syn-fueled tranny into D3. she surges forward with pride and begs to be pushed in and out of the deadly turns …
Summer tires screeching, robust engine singing, exhaust note protruding, and my eyes settling on the line to take ahead. Left after treacherous right, right after swooping left, trouble is at every bend. Gaining speed down a negative gradient into a sweeping, right-hander w/ low visibility. This famous stretch of highway was named ever so correctly. A medieval fire breathing beast that took lives, now it’s on with an urgency.
Brake gently prior to the turn, allow your suspension/chassis/engine/brakes to work as cohesively as was intended. Being sure not to become swallowed up like drivers of the past I begin to fall into a place of sanctity. My mind tuned into the conditions of the path ahead, my hands and feet working together like clockwork to navigate my travels. And then my humble Acura TSX begins to itch my senses. She’s saying, ever so intently, “Push harder.”
There’s a short straight away up ahead (maybe 50 yards long, probably the longest of them all) so I gunned it to an astonishing 50 mph. That’s all the courage/speed I could muster, but it was enough for me. Back to the difficulty of managing a string of turns seemingly made to brake you. I continue down the Dragon’s back with a further reserved caution, yet still intent on becoming victor. I was forced to muster up some cojones at a moment's notice. I knew I had it in me.
Before I know it, it’s over. I’m tired. Exhausted really. Numerous thoughts racing through my head. Was it over? Had I survived? Was it everything it was supposed to be? I pondered for a moment and a resounded YES came to mind. Round 1 was over, time to head back with some conviction!
I had a sprightly trip back towards NC-28 south on the Tail of the Dragon. All that I had seen, heard, smelled, felt, and taken in was now being put to good use. I was still a rookie on these peaking roadways, but I was maturing with every mile traveled. I mastered one curve after another. I thoroughly conquered the abuses in elevation change. Everything became to work as one … and soon it hits you … I stop thinking and reacting. I settle in, converge all my abilities, and begin to act to the multitude of variations around me.
Speeds begin to pick up, the agriculture starts streaming by, and my composure has been elevated. Part 2 of my journey onto The Dragon confirmed what had been brought to my attention from the first – simply put, I was in heaven.
Cue Sunday afternoon – after a rest and a meal back at the cabin I checkout to see what else my trip had in store. There was a hint of imperativeness in the air as I had to make it back to Charlotte, NC by dinnertime. I start heading towards the direction of home. Seamlessly thinking about what else I could get into. I came here to drive, I came here to getaway from myself, I came here for a visceral experience, and then I find this.
The Blue Ridge Parkway was my final attempt at accomplishing said tasks. The shoulders of the winding road were tickled with flowers of all hues, yet the reds, oranges, pinks, whites, and purples seemed to call more attention to themselves. This was a more aesthetically pleasing motorway, one marked with higher elevations, and gradual sidewinders fit for sporting vehicles.
All I had experienced had culminated into this. Parked atop a mountain peak, overlooking the valley, and now consumed in introspective thought. I had done it:
- checked off every item on the to do list
- challenged myself and my car
- became awe-struck w/ nature’s magnanimous beauty
- valiantly charged up and down hazardous roads
- realigned myself with myself (does that even make sense?)
I felt whole again as I started the lowly journey home. The hair on my neck gradually fell back down and I was engulfed in serenity. More than words can say, I was completely satisfied. My journey – orgasmic, my memories – priceless.
Enjoy the pics and feel free to chop em up if you’re so inclined. Bare in mind I cannot even pretend to be a photographer, I simply wanted to capture specific scenes into memory.
Thanks for reading,
Vinny
Cue Saturday morning – up early, check tire pressure, top off gas tank, and hit the road. Nothing too interesting to note up until the halfway point. But then, out of nowhere, my journey had begun. Looking off into the horizon I spy a green-capped monolith as the gradient begins to change. In no time at all, I set the cruise to 65mph and tried to take it all in. An epic setting, sunroof open, and the wind & sun played in my hair. Then came a definitive sound. What a sound is was! The tach needle floating just above 3500 rpm, the exhaust's note pressing me to pay attention. The oral sincerity of the moment was, in fact, pure bliss. I knew then that I was exactly where I was supposed to be at that moment in time. Approximately 2 hrs from my destination, Fontana village, I already knew that this trip would live up to it’s billing.
I stop at nearly every scenic outlook along the way to take a pic, but kept the engine running … after all I was on a mission. Pictures here, a photograph there, things were turning out just right. As I arrive at the Fontana settlement, I forego checking into my suite and gladly work my way straight to Fontana Dam, which leads into the Great Smoky Mountains for a short hike. The temp nears 75 F and I begin to sweat calmly, consistently. I decide enough is enough. Time to hunker down in my cabin and prepare for tomorrow’s challenge.
Cue Sunday morning – up at 530am, camera fully charged up, route planned, sun glasses in hand, and adrenaline pumping. A short 10-mile jaunt to The Dragon helped to warm up my trusty steed. Little Tennessee River on my left, Blue Ridge Mountains to my right, the ultimate destination in sight, I was beginning to grin. My muscles tightened, my mouth was wet and held slightly agape. I begin to see signs, the road becomes slender, and a faint amount of sunlight appears through the canopy of trees above me.
I AM HERE. ABSOLUTELY NO CARS IN SIGHT - NOT ONE, NOT ANYTHING. JUST MY RIDE, MY THOUGHTS, AND I.
It was the stuff that dreams are made of. You pray for things to fall into your lap like this. When planning borders on perfect. Where desire is met with passion and completion. An open road, a tuned vehicle, and a romantic 60 F. Time to slay The Dragon:
It begins so abruptly that you don’t know what hit you. Both hands are now affixed to the steering wheel and I begin to work up my confidence. No sport shifting for me here. Too much going on, I’m a novice at mountain driving, so I stick my syn-fueled tranny into D3. she surges forward with pride and begs to be pushed in and out of the deadly turns …
Summer tires screeching, robust engine singing, exhaust note protruding, and my eyes settling on the line to take ahead. Left after treacherous right, right after swooping left, trouble is at every bend. Gaining speed down a negative gradient into a sweeping, right-hander w/ low visibility. This famous stretch of highway was named ever so correctly. A medieval fire breathing beast that took lives, now it’s on with an urgency.
Brake gently prior to the turn, allow your suspension/chassis/engine/brakes to work as cohesively as was intended. Being sure not to become swallowed up like drivers of the past I begin to fall into a place of sanctity. My mind tuned into the conditions of the path ahead, my hands and feet working together like clockwork to navigate my travels. And then my humble Acura TSX begins to itch my senses. She’s saying, ever so intently, “Push harder.”
There’s a short straight away up ahead (maybe 50 yards long, probably the longest of them all) so I gunned it to an astonishing 50 mph. That’s all the courage/speed I could muster, but it was enough for me. Back to the difficulty of managing a string of turns seemingly made to brake you. I continue down the Dragon’s back with a further reserved caution, yet still intent on becoming victor. I was forced to muster up some cojones at a moment's notice. I knew I had it in me.
Before I know it, it’s over. I’m tired. Exhausted really. Numerous thoughts racing through my head. Was it over? Had I survived? Was it everything it was supposed to be? I pondered for a moment and a resounded YES came to mind. Round 1 was over, time to head back with some conviction!
I had a sprightly trip back towards NC-28 south on the Tail of the Dragon. All that I had seen, heard, smelled, felt, and taken in was now being put to good use. I was still a rookie on these peaking roadways, but I was maturing with every mile traveled. I mastered one curve after another. I thoroughly conquered the abuses in elevation change. Everything became to work as one … and soon it hits you … I stop thinking and reacting. I settle in, converge all my abilities, and begin to act to the multitude of variations around me.
Speeds begin to pick up, the agriculture starts streaming by, and my composure has been elevated. Part 2 of my journey onto The Dragon confirmed what had been brought to my attention from the first – simply put, I was in heaven.
Cue Sunday afternoon – after a rest and a meal back at the cabin I checkout to see what else my trip had in store. There was a hint of imperativeness in the air as I had to make it back to Charlotte, NC by dinnertime. I start heading towards the direction of home. Seamlessly thinking about what else I could get into. I came here to drive, I came here to getaway from myself, I came here for a visceral experience, and then I find this.
The Blue Ridge Parkway was my final attempt at accomplishing said tasks. The shoulders of the winding road were tickled with flowers of all hues, yet the reds, oranges, pinks, whites, and purples seemed to call more attention to themselves. This was a more aesthetically pleasing motorway, one marked with higher elevations, and gradual sidewinders fit for sporting vehicles.
All I had experienced had culminated into this. Parked atop a mountain peak, overlooking the valley, and now consumed in introspective thought. I had done it:
- checked off every item on the to do list
- challenged myself and my car
- became awe-struck w/ nature’s magnanimous beauty
- valiantly charged up and down hazardous roads
- realigned myself with myself (does that even make sense?)
I felt whole again as I started the lowly journey home. The hair on my neck gradually fell back down and I was engulfed in serenity. More than words can say, I was completely satisfied. My journey – orgasmic, my memories – priceless.
Enjoy the pics and feel free to chop em up if you’re so inclined. Bare in mind I cannot even pretend to be a photographer, I simply wanted to capture specific scenes into memory.
Thanks for reading,
Vinny
05-26-2008, 05:23 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
Good read, looks like a fun trip. I always wanted to drive the tail of the dragon when I lived in Charlotte, but never found anyone to come along.
05-26-2008, 09:27 PM
#6
closest drive, from toronto, ontario, that would even come close to deal's gap, would be the Shenandoah National Park in VA.
sigh, all we get here are flat lands and straight roads...
sigh, all we get here are flat lands and straight roads...
05-26-2008, 09:59 PM
#7
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
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nice pics, nice story...cept I had to stop reading as soon as you said youre car was an auto...
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05-26-2008, 11:42 PM
#9
Needs more Lemon Pledge
The sport shift in the auto TSX is fun!
05-26-2008, 11:44 PM
#10
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
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Originally Posted by stogie1020
The sport shift in the auto TSX is fun!
05-26-2008, 11:49 PM
#11
Needs more Lemon Pledge
OK, so we have Manual-Envy! 
OP, nice thread, great pics and a fun read. Thanks for sharing and for taking the time to write it up so well.
OP, nice thread, great pics and a fun read. Thanks for sharing and for taking the time to write it up so well.
05-27-2008, 01:09 PM
#17
Team Owner
iTrader: (4)
Looks fun.
I just drove to my inlaws in VA. We drove down at night. And I kept thinking how cool it would have been to video tape the last leg of the trip. It's about 25 miles of back roads with a ton of twists and turns.
I just drove to my inlaws in VA. We drove down at night. And I kept thinking how cool it would have been to video tape the last leg of the trip. It's about 25 miles of back roads with a ton of twists and turns.
05-27-2008, 02:10 PM
#19
Time to Climb
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by RaviNJCLs
Looks fun.
I just drove to my inlaws in VA. We drove down at night. And I kept thinking how cool it would have been to video tape the last leg of the trip. It's about 25 miles of back roads with a ton of twists and turns.
I just drove to my inlaws in VA. We drove down at night. And I kept thinking how cool it would have been to video tape the last leg of the trip. It's about 25 miles of back roads with a ton of twists and turns.
05-27-2008, 02:18 PM
#20
Team Owner
iTrader: (4)
^^^
Nope, Aylett VA. It's closer to Richmond. The first time I went down there was with my CL. And lowered with wheels and performance mods really made it a fun drive. Not too many hills, but just a lot of twists and turns.
Nope, Aylett VA. It's closer to Richmond. The first time I went down there was with my CL. And lowered with wheels and performance mods really made it a fun drive. Not too many hills, but just a lot of twists and turns.
05-27-2008, 05:57 PM
#22
Time to Climb
Thread Starter
i could've EASILY made my write up much longer. i left out so many cool experiences and pictures. kinda glad i didn't post more though -- some of us have a.d.d. lol
05-28-2008, 06:45 PM
#24
ah.. great little read right before taking off from work. very impressive writing, kept me interested what was coming up next the whole time 
as much as I wish my car was a manual. Sportshift isn't too bad. the car is my Daily, and i comute home during rush hour.
as much as I wish my car was a manual. Sportshift isn't too bad. the car is my Daily, and i comute home during rush hour.
05-29-2008, 12:18 PM
#25
Time to Climb
Thread Starter
much obliged, wong. i don't know where the words come from, i just come up with this stuff on a whim. yup, auto was essential for me for a couple reasons:
- i drive a helluva a lot (much of it stuck in heavy traffic to/from work)
- i like the convenience of an automatic
- when i orignially bought the car, I THOUGHT MY MODDING DAYS WERE OVER lol
- i drive a helluva a lot (much of it stuck in heavy traffic to/from work)
- i like the convenience of an automatic
- when i orignially bought the car, I THOUGHT MY MODDING DAYS WERE OVER lol
05-31-2008, 10:53 PM
#29
Originally Posted by RaviNJCLs
^^^
Nope, Aylett VA. It's closer to Richmond. The first time I went down there was with my CL. And lowered with wheels and performance mods really made it a fun drive. Not too many hills, but just a lot of twists and turns.
Nope, Aylett VA. It's closer to Richmond. The first time I went down there was with my CL. And lowered with wheels and performance mods really made it a fun drive. Not too many hills, but just a lot of twists and turns.
Do you drive down 301?
06-01-2008, 11:47 AM
#30
Suzuka Master
What an amazing journey you've been through. Now that is an idea of a vacation.Thanks for taking the time to share pics and story. If I could do the same. This is another reason why I musto drive on the tail of the dragon one day.
06-05-2008, 06:20 AM
#32
Time to Climb
Thread Starter
going back to the dragon sometime in july w/ a few friends. if anybody has any suggestions, please post. if you wanna join in and need details, shoot me a pm
06-09-2008, 03:05 PM
#35
Let's Go Pens
Join Date: May 2007
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wow.. wow. and wow. I'm originally from Virginia and have driven all over the state and have never heard of this stretch... It looks like it's time for a roadtrip :o )
06-10-2008, 09:40 AM
#38
i think you just sold me on getting the gtc01's for my NBP TL. since moving to charlotte, i still haven't ventured west to asheville or the GSM Nat Park. Been to Boone and Blowing Rock, just not that area. Must get out there, especially to avoid this freakin heat!
06-10-2008, 11:00 AM
#39
Time to Climb
Thread Starter
the heat is a bit much. and the gtc01's would look unbelievable on a tl ... i say go for it! i got to most of the charlotte area meets so you can check my ride/wheels out in person before you make the plunge
