Sunday Afternoon Cruise: June 2, 2024

Once again we’re going to head south to the small town of Coats, NC where there is a quaint, country style ice cream shop, called Smith Farm. They have picnic tables, shade and a clean bathroom. This makes for a great place to picnic and then have ice cream available on-site. If you want to see some pictures Google “Smith Farm” in Coats.

The address is Smith Farm, 919 Hwy 55 E., Coats, NC 27521.

Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and non-alcoholic drinks for yourself.

Things to bring:

1. Cash (for ice cream)
2. Lawn chairs (just in case all the tables are occupied)
3. Mosquito spray
4. Sunscreen
5. Food and non-alcoholic drinks for yourselves

3 Stage-up Options:

1. In Wake Forest at 11804 Galaxy Dr, Wake Forest, located just north of Lowes Home Improvement on Galaxy Dr. Park on the street in front of the store rather than in their parking lot.
   • • Departure time: 1:30
2.   In Garner at the New Bethel Baptist Church parking lot located at 2110 Benson Rd, Garner (this should be empty on a Sunday afternoon.)
   • • Departure time: 2:15
3.  You may choose to just meet us at Smith Farm Ice Cream Shop in Coats, 919 Hwy 55 E., Coats.

• • • We should arrive there about 3.

Be sure to let me know where you plan to join us.

This cruise route will include driving on I 540 with a speed limit of 70, but if we have older Vettes/cars with “low” rear axle ratios we will limit our speed to 60 or so in consideration of those engine and drivers.  😊

Caravan Driving TIPs:

1. Your job is to keep track of the car directly behind you. If that driver slows down, you slow down. Or if that driver has to stop, you pull over to wait for them as soon as possible. If everyone does this, it will cause a reverse domino effect. The leader will then only have to pay attention to the car directly behind him/her rather than trying to keep track of everyone, and it will keep all cars in closer proximity.
2. When approaching an intersection with a Green Light, get through the intersection as quickly as possible. If you lolly-gag, the chances of you and the cars behind you catching a Red Light greatly increases. So stay “as tight as is safe” when you see a light ahead of us.
3. If we have to stop for a Red Light, and there are multiple turn lanes, break out of line so we can occupy all turn lanes. Then once we get through the light you can get back into single file.
4. NEW: If we are traveling on a multi-lane road and you are the last car in line and you are able to anticipate when the leader is going to make a lane change, go ahead and make the lane change ASAP. This will then tie up both lanes, allowing all cars in between the leader and you, the tail car, to change lanes with minimal distractions.