Looks like DGRR 2009 is ON!!!

[Herblenny]

I know some of you might think what I'm about to say as bitching...

But here it goes...

I have thought about many different possibilities over past 4 years about this event...
When I decided to do this past event, I've thought of other locations (besides NV). I've literally drove 200-300 miles checking out other locations and deals around US129. But they all had problems.

Here are some of the problems and what I was looking for..

1. Food - Yes, I guess it would be easier for me to let all of you take care of the food.. But to me, it makes more sense for us to stay at a one place and we all eat together. It saves time for you as you don't have to leave the property. Otherwise, I also should care about organize parking.. Hence why I worked so hard trying to make a deal with NV regarding food.

2. Parking - I know we had to split into two parking area.. But you'll be surprised how hard it was for me to find parking for over 100 cars. I've looked at other surrounding lodges and most didn't have 100 single place parking.. Also, Once again, i did not want to mess around with catering food... Its a nightmare as at the end, i have to clean up. Again, one reason why NV was better choice.

Other things to do - Sure bigger city will give you more choice.. But Again, I had to look for a location better than Fontana.. NV provide some activities such as Horse back riding, white water, etc.. I know its not what all of you want to do, but its more than Fontana had offered and some of the stuff you can not do easily from Knoxville. Can't please everyone...

Bottomline, I'm open for suggestions... I am in no mean saying I'm sticking to NV.. But the new place is "NEW", which means, I have to re-plan!! That takes more time away from me and I don't want to switch for small improvements in food, activity, location, etc.. It would also take more effort from the location to try to get me to switch...

[Pourman]

Wasn't there a mention of a Stage and Activity area down at the Tennis Courts for next year ?? ... there was a TON of room down there that we didn't utilize this year ... looks like that area could accommodate a whole bunch of Cars ... I'm down for whatever

[Herblenny]

Originally Posted by Pourman

Wasn't there a mention of a Stage and Activity area down at the Tennis Courts for next year ?? ... there was a TON of room down there that we didn't utilize this year ... looks like that area could accommodate a whole bunch of Cars ... I'm down for whatever

That's what they told me.. But not sure if it would happen or not..

I met up with the owners (Husband and wife). And the guy is a big time car enthusiast!!! He told me that he wants the place to be more attractive towards car enthusiasts.. so hopefully he will get the place all fixed up for next year... but who knows how its going to be...

[khronus79]

Its hard for me to think about any improvements (besides paved roads) that can be done to NV since the place was damn near perfect, everything from the accommodations to the food to the drive to the dragon, which to me was the warm up lap to the main event. The prices were incredibly cheap, the scenery fantastic and the people were great, also the fact that we had the whole place to ourselves was unbelievable.
My wife and I fell in love with NV and even before BOTD08 or DGRR09 were announced we had already decided that we would be staying at NV for any upcoming events.
By the way a poll would help settle this matter, I for one vote NV.

[sinequanon]

My vote is for NV, I hate PF with a passion, too much touristy gimmickyness. As well as loving the roads from NV to the gap much more.

And if the significant others are gonna be bored at the car show or the gap, you shouldn't have married them, dated them, or had them.

[Herblenny]

Funny thing happened today..... Fontana Village called me tonight on my cell phone..

They asked if I had time to talk and I said, "NO!"

They then asked if they could give me call later and I said, "NO!".

She then so, "OH, Ok".

And Then, I just hung up... LOL!

[darthrotary]

I agree with david ^ went there for dinner last year, civilization in the middle of nowhere! but a good idea. Plus it puts you at the bottom by the lake, a great place for all the cars to park for the photo opp. like the 2007 pic. Just my 2 cents.
Either way I'm there 100% dont care where we stay!

[My5ABaby]

Ignoring Phil's time commitment, I think trying out one last place would be good. Then, we would have a comparison between the applicable places: Fontana Village (obviously out), NV (current one), and whatever the name of the one David said (potential). Then, from 2009 on out, we'll know which one we want to use for the next 60 years until Phil dies.

If David worked there and says it will be better, that's enough for me. It's not a recommendation from someone who stayed there one night and liked it. He managed the place.

Now, keeping Phil in mind, it's ultimately up to him if he has the time or not. I have no clue how much time/effort it would take to set up a new venue. However, if someone is willing to help him then that would make the decision easier.

[Herblenny]

Originally Posted by RotaryResurrection

Phil, you're such an asshole sometimes. You need to put your pitbull mentality aside when dealing with other human beings. She just wanted to help.

Lmao!!! I know.. I'm a di**head!! They actually called month or two before the event asking if I'm planning to stay at Fontana... I actually laughed out loud when they called me.. LOL!

[David Jerome]

They havent responded back to me with a price yet for some strange reason, you would think bringing in 200+ people they would call me back. Really strange cause I still deal with them about once a month or so sending them customers or answering questions for them. If they dont contact me by the end of today, it isnt worth dealing with them.

It is an insanely nice resort but apparantly new management is dropping the ball.

Oh well, looks like it will be NV again.

[My5ABaby]

Originally Posted by David Jerome

They havent responded back to me with a price yet for some strange reason, you would think bringing in 200+ people they would call me back. Really strange cause I still deal with them about once a month or so sending them customers or answering questions for them. If they dont contact me by the end of today, it isnt worth dealing with them.

It is an insanely nice resort but apparantly new management is dropping the ball.

Oh well, looks like it will be NV again.

Well that's disappointing. Damn 2 hour drive... On the bright side, driving home at 2 in the morning means I can go as fast as I want. I drove the Dragon last year coming home without seeing a single car. Too bad I was in my Mazda 6. (I still had fun)

[captn kev]

[QUOTE=David Jerome;22690]They havent responded back to me with a price yet for some strange reason, you would think

Phils reputation as a " hard ass" proceded him

[My5ABaby]

Originally Posted by captn kev

Phils reputation as a " hard ass" proceded him

[Herblenny]

LOL!! I do give everyone a chance.. but when their chance runs over, I have no need to waste more time

All I can say is, I'm bit vengeful Someone pisses me off, I'll go out of the way to make sure they learn a lesson.. hence, Fontana Village is feeling the pinch Now, I'm going to let other groups know about NV and persuade them away from Fontana... They just fucked with the wrong person

[My5ABaby]

Originally Posted by Herblenny

LOL!! I do give everyone a chance.. but when their chance runs over, I have no need to waste more time

All I can say is, I'm bit vengeful Someone pisses me off, I'll go out of the way to make sure they learn a lesson.. hence, Fontana Village is feeling the pinch Now, I'm going to let other groups know about NV and persuade them away from Fontana... They just fucked with the wrong person

Phil, all this assertiveness is kind of sexy...