Forums

Linked Events

  • Winter Bus Trip: January 16, 2016 - January 18, 2016

Topic: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA  (Read 5098 times)

Offline Russ

Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« on: December 09, 2015, 02:51:18 PM »
This is a yearly trip over MLK weekend organized by Jeff Giesen on TheSamba.com. The route is not finalized yet but will definitely feature great scenery as we travel through the mountains of GA/NC/TN. This is a great opportunity to get your bus out and start the year off right with a relaxing road trip and primitive camping.

The starting point is Vintage VW, Inc. in Jasper, GA on Saturday, January 16th. The shop will be open starting at 8:00 and we will pull away for the mountains at 9:00 AM sharp. Drive time will be about 4-6 hours Saturday and Sunday, and we will travel along state routes, country roads and some easy forest service roads.

Primitive camping Saturday and Sunday night, so plan on bringing plenty of ice, propane, groceries, and anything else you may need. No need for firewood as we will cut up some downed trees in the area. Depending on weather, alternate routes are planned so be prepared to pay for camping if necessary.

Anyone is welcome, you don't have to be in a bus to participate or even an air-cooled VW for that matter. Once finalized, the route details will be posted so watch this thread on The Samba for more info: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=643810   
« Last Edit: December 09, 2015, 04:18:54 PM by Russ »

Offline Russ

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #1 on: December 29, 2015, 10:02:06 AM »
Route for Saturday is as follows:

Leave Vintage VW, east on 53 to old Hwy 5.

North on 5 through Jasper then east on 136.

136 to 52 then right by Amicolola State Park then 9 to Dahlonega, then back on 52 to 115 & 75 to Cleveland.

Then up 75 to Helen, to 356 and on to 197 to Lake Burton and Hwy 76.

Short ride east on 76, cross Lake Burton then left on Persimmon Rd.

We will drive Persimmon to Forest Service 70 and into the Tallulah River Basin/Sothern Nantahala National Forest through the river gorge.

There will be three campgrounds to choose from within three miles, so whichever is most desirable, then there we will spend Saturday night.
« Last Edit: December 30, 2015, 12:23:26 AM by Russ »

Offline Johnny B

  • Joined: Dec 2015
  • Posts: 13
  • 69 Bay Window Doodle Bug Bus

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #2 on: December 29, 2015, 10:19:03 PM »
We would like to make this trip this year if our schedules will let us. What are the average speed and miles traveled each day?

Offline Russ

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #3 on: December 30, 2015, 12:22:46 AM »
Saturday's planned route should cover about 100 miles give or take. Since we are traveling in the mountains on state highways and country roads, the pace is very friendly to air-cooled buses. Last year we averaged about 30-40 mph with frequent breaks. Expect around 4-5 hours of travel time.

Here is Saturday's planned route mapped out: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z4cI1dk8PPdE.kME1N61zt7MY&usp=sharing

Offline Johnny B

  • Joined: Dec 2015
  • Posts: 13
  • 69 Bay Window Doodle Bug Bus

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2015, 05:16:43 PM »
Sounds good, hopefully we can get off work and make the trip. Thanks

Offline Johnny B

  • Joined: Dec 2015
  • Posts: 13
  • 69 Bay Window Doodle Bug Bus

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #5 on: December 31, 2015, 07:13:59 PM »
Would it be ok to leave my truck and trailer at the Vintage VW shop while on the trip. Think I'll trailer the bus to there and it anything breaks it would be easier to get back to Rockmart.

Offline Russ

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #6 on: January 02, 2016, 08:07:10 AM »
I would think that is not a problem, but I can't speak for Jeff or Vintage VW. I would get in touch with them ahead of time just to be sure.

Offline Johnny B

  • Joined: Dec 2015
  • Posts: 13
  • 69 Bay Window Doodle Bug Bus

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #7 on: January 02, 2016, 09:16:29 PM »
I'll call one day and ask. Thanks

Offline moneybags

Re:

« Reply #8 on: January 03, 2016, 09:59:35 AM »
Keep in mind the trip may "end" miles from Vintage VW. You may be shooting yourself in the foot

Offline Johnny B

  • Joined: Dec 2015
  • Posts: 13
  • 69 Bay Window Doodle Bug Bus

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #9 on: January 03, 2016, 10:39:15 PM »
Do we know what area the ride will end, or where we will start departing each other, I'm just trying to plan my route back to Rockmart.

Offline Russ

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #10 on: January 04, 2016, 08:51:29 AM »
Sunday's route isn't finalized yet. In past years though, once the trip ends, most everyone goes their separate ways.

Offline Johnny B

  • Joined: Dec 2015
  • Posts: 13
  • 69 Bay Window Doodle Bug Bus

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #11 on: January 04, 2016, 09:58:35 PM »
Ok one more question...any wives going on this trip, mine don't want to be the only one going.

Offline Russ

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #12 on: January 05, 2016, 08:13:33 AM »
I know of at least one. In the past we have had several as well.

Offline Johnny B

  • Joined: Dec 2015
  • Posts: 13
  • 69 Bay Window Doodle Bug Bus

Re: Winter Bus Trip MLK Weekend out of North GA

« Reply #13 on: January 09, 2016, 09:11:42 PM »
One more week... :vw: :bluebus:

Offline moneybags

Re:

« Reply #14 on: January 10, 2016, 11:27:56 AM »
Super jazzed, so is Jackie
 

There was an error while liking
Liking...

About Us

Chattanooga's oldest and largest club for air-cooled and water-cooled Volkswagens, since 1998. Join Us

Follow Us

© 1998-2025 Scenic City Volks Folks