My suggestion was to meet on Henry Hudson Drive under the GW bridge. It is a cool location and a great photo op.

 

KPV - Keep me in the loop on the actual course you'll be taking - I amy try and meet up with you guys somewhere for lunch or what ever. I put the snows on Thrusday night so high speeds are somewhat limited - look forward to meeting some more of you soon!! T2

 

I thought we would meet right off of GWB up on the Palisades north. however, if you have a better course for us coming from cross bronx to GWB post it... We also need someone to suggest a brunch place right off of Palisades...

 

off of Henry Hudson might get a little hairy near the city, don't you think?

 

Just a heads up to those who dont travel the Palisades Parkway often...It's narrow with a lot of cops and slow moving traffic. If you dont get pulled over from radar, someone will report you and the cops will be waiting for you. I can only imagine a fleet of Porsches cruising down the parkway!

I've been pulled over twice b/c someone called me in. Both times I was driving around 75 mph and NOT DRIVING LIKE AN A**HOLE. I always signaled when changing lanes and never cut anyone off!

I assume it was b/c it was raining both times and unlike most people who slow down to 45 mph on the parkway, I maintained my normal speed.

I didnt get a ticket (b/c the cop wasnt there to witness anything), but just the hassle of getting pulled over and having to deal with the cops just isnt worth it.

Be safe!

 

My suggestion of a meeting place is Henry Hudson Drive (NJ) NOT Henry Hudson Parkway (NY).

It is a tiny road that parallels the Hudson River on the NJ side and is accessed from River Road/Main Street/Hudson Terrace (Route 505) about 1/2 mile south of the bridge toll booths. It is the access road for Palisades State Park. There are parking lots and access back to the Palisades Parkway.

I am really pushing for this meeting spot because it is a really good spot, not crowded ans easy to access. We will have great photo opportunities as well with the bridge and NYC as a backdrop.

As far as a place to eat, if we travel north on the Palisades Parkway we will eventually hit Route 87. I believe there is a cool eatery in the Palisades Mall on 87 (can't remember the name but it was a meeting place for the Ducati Club I was in, although I was never there). New Yorkers can then head back via 87 and the Tappan Zee bridge and New Jerseyans can head back as they need to.

Regarding BCS996TT's comments about speed and the PP, I wholeheartedly agree. We will need to exercise restraint.

Boy, if I didn't know any better, it sounds like I am organizing. Sorry, it is just in my blood.

Dr. Bill, take a look at a map and you will see what I mean. I exclusively use Microsoft Streets and Trips. If anyone has it and uses it, I could send the file with a pushpin to show you where I am talking about.

 

If any of the guys here that are going to the meet are interested, I can make u a CD of some sweet! porsche videos that I have. let me know!

 

i think the location that KPV is talking about is the boat basin area. it is right next to exit 1 off the PIP. I took some photos of my car there. It is a really nice location, but i am not so sure about the pavement since it has snowed there and prob not plowerd

If anyone wants to scout the area, be my guest.

 

There are a couple of scenic outlooks on the Palisades Parkway....right after exit 1 and between exit 1 and 2 (alpine scenic lookout). Those would be ideal meeting grounds since the area is quite large, could accomodate a large number of cars and is right off the parkway (very easy to get to).

I will have to check and see if they are open. One has been closed (alpine scenic lookout?) for construction. Not sure about the other one. I'll check on the way to work later today.

There is another boating area right off of exit 1 on the palisades parkway that might also be a good meeting point. I might stop by and check that out as well.

Seems like this might be a decent turnout...I just hope I can make it!

 

Ken, not sure if parking at the Palisades Center would be a good idea. I've heard some horror stories about stolen cars, break ins, etc. Plus, with all the holiday shopping going on, it's just going to be a mad house there.

There is one good italian restaurant off of exit 1 on the parkway called "Grissini". For those that live in the Englewood/Closter/Alpine area im sure you've been there or at least heard about it. I've been there a number of times and food is quite good (both dinner and lunch). I wouldnt say it's cheap, but it's typical NYC pricing for good italian food.

It's valet parking, but this is the only place that I will valet the car. Depending on the time we get there, the cars would most likely be parked right up front side by side (there is no back parking lot...so not to worry about the valet guys going for a little spin) and would also be a good opportunity for some picture taking! The valet guys know what they are doing and arent some young teens salivating over cars. They always drive top end cars (360s, 996TT, AMs, SL55s, etc.). Everytime I drive by, there are always a fleet of nice cars parked out front...actually a lot of MBs and BMWs. Occassionally i'll see a 360, 996TT and lambo. A good friend of mine actually thought it was an exotic car dealership!

The front half of the restaurant has large windows overlooking the parking lot area, so im sure if we requested, we could get a table right up front (depending on how many people show up).

It's not a huge parking lot by any means, but it would easily hold 20+ cars no problem.

Anyway...just a thought for Dr.Bill

 

Valet is bad under any conditions...IMHO

 

I agree ....however this is the only place I will valet the car. If you saw the layout of the parking lot, you would understand. The valet attendant is in the car for literally 30 seconds. He just gets in, moves the car about 20 feet and backs it up. That's it.

Never had a problem with stalling, grinding gears, etc. They were actually pretty damn good (knock on wood)!

 

Bill,
All of your suggestions are great in my opinion, sans one, the valet parking. Call me ****, but I have never let someone park any of my cars, ever. I am all for anything that is decided but would not like to be forced into a valet parking situation. It is just an idiosyncracy of mine.

 

What valets should do, is accompany the owner(upon request) to the spot the valet would park the car in the first place....

 

sounds like a good plan and don't worry about helping in the route and eatery. I welcome it. since you are familliar with the route and this is more scenic let's change it to this.