This is an update on the status of NEQ’s Winter Driving Events for 2013

We are pleased to announce that we are planning on the following events:

Saturday,  February 9th, 2013 on Lake Algonquin, Wells NY

Saturday, February 16, 2013 on Caroga Lake, Caroga Lake NY

As always with lake based winter events we are at mercy of the weather and we may be forced to change the schedule according to Mother Nature’s whim.  Our partners at Adirondack Motor Enthusiast Club(AMEC) are experts in determining the best time and place to get on the ice and we count on them to make the right decisions regarding where and when we will be able to hold an event.
 
We will open registration approximately two weeks before the event and keep everyone informed by email of changes which could include both date and venue.
 
We were hoping for an earlier start to the season based on predictions of a hard winter.  Obviously that has not been the case so far.  We are encouraged however, with the turn the weather is taking recently.  Keep your fingers crossed.
 
In order to maximize the experience for all participants, attendance will be limited to the number of students we can support with our instructor base.  There will be a waitlist in case of cancelations or increased instructor attendance. The cost is $100 for the day driving your own car with instructors in the passenger seat. You will also have opportunities to ride with instructors.  Lunch as well as coffee and pastry at registration are included.
 
Lodging: The best bet for lodging for both events is in the Johnstown - Gloversville area. These towns are located about 30 miles south of Wells and 20 miles West of Caroga Lake on Rt. 30A (N. Comrie Avenue).  There are several accommodations in the Johnstown – Gloversville area; Holiday Inn 308 N Comrie Ave, Johnstown, NY? - (518) 762-4686?, Microtel 136 Comrie Ave, Johnstown, NY? - (518) 762-5425?, Super 8 Motel, 301 N Comrie Avenue, Johnstown, NY? - (518) 736-1800?.  Google “Gloversville NY lodging” for more.

 
Venue:  These events will be held on lake ice with areas for car control exercises including a skid pad area, and slalom area as well as a 1.0 – 1.5 mile road course on the ice. Facilities will be very basic. Plan to spend the day outside. The only place to get warm other than lunch will be your car.  Toilet facilities will be whatever nature provides.
 
Registration and lunch will be at a local restaurant. Registration opens at 8:15

General Schedule:
8:15 AM  Registration and Drivers Meeting. Coffee and donuts provided
9:00 to 12:00  Exercises (we will break up into groups for the skid pad, slalom and possibly mini- road course working on Scandinavian Flick turns and power slides)
12:00 to 1:30  Lunch
1:30 to 4:30 Run groups on the full track

What to bring: You will be outside all day so dress accordingly. Layers and wind blocking outer ware is recommended. Foot ware is a tough choice shoes or boots need to be warm but also you need to be able to feel and manipulate peddles. If your boots are too bulky you will get tangled in the pedals and perhaps create a situation that ends up in a snow bank. Consider two pair of boots one warm pair of pack boots and one pair of smaller insulated boots for driving.

Helmets are not required for this event.

Your Car: Unlike track events you will be able to leave things in the trunk of your car. Come with a full tank for gas since it is likely that your car will be running most of the day especially if it is very cold. Be sure your fluids are topped off and your lights and wipers are in good working order. We are on a frozen lake so fluid leaks are not great for the environment. If you have any chronic garage floor staining leaks or drips this may be a good time to take care of those. You may want to drop your tires down a couple of pounds to increase traction. Of course snow tires are highly recommended but if you don’t have them you will go out and buy a set after this event even if you have all wheel drive.   Snow tends to build up on wheels causing imbalance so an old snow brush or wheel brush to clear out the wheels is a good idea.

Finally: This venue promises to be a great opportunity to improve your car control skills at relatively low speeds and drive on a frozen road course. We are looking forward to another great time on the ice. Our partners at AMEC work hard to provide us with a great venue. Visit their web site to see what they do and if you see them during the day thank them for their help in putting this event together. Back seat passengers can ride with the participants when an instructor is in the car but no "back seat drivers" are allowed! Passengers pay $15.00 for the opportunity to ride for the day which includes lunch.  Invite your spouse, teenager or a friend!

 You will: Be amazed at what you can do with a car on the ice. Learn about car control dynamics and low friction handling techniques; Have more fun that you thought you ever could in a moving car!

For questions contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .