I am grateful to attend the 25th anniversary of Miatas at the Gap as my very first experience. The unofficial event had over 1000 plus registrations for the 4-day event that started from Thursday, August 5th through Saturday, August 7th. Last year the event was canceled due to the pandemic, but this year marked the return to celebrate this particular roadster.

My first day at the Tail was rough because initially, it was dry weather on Saturday morning in Tennessee. It wasn’t until I arrived at the entrance sign of the road by the border of Tennesee and North Carolina that I noticed the road was wet. I was nervous and scared coming into the first few bends. I could not believe the sharpness of the turns. We have no roads that compare within the tri-state region. The speed limit at the corners is either 10 or 15 mph. Any form of absent-mindedness will get you hurt or killed on this road. Don’t ever cross the line. Ride within your limits and respect every living creature on the road. It’s a very challenging road. With the asphalt wet, it made for a more difficult first time.

As I drove closer to Fontana Village in the morning, the rain got heavier. The rainfall began to pour during the early hours of the morning, beginning from 8:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. Once I got to the resort, I did not know what to expect. I made it at about 9:30 a.m. We were all unsure if the famous group picture at the dam was still going to happen due to the weather. One of the Event organizers Garry has clarified that the group photo had to be moved to Fontana Village in 2018 instead of the dam due to a multitude of rules that will be applied by TVA making it costly.

I have never experienced anything in this magnitude Miata-related. Everywhere you went there was a Miata. We took over the area for the weekend. They list a few of the festivities going on their website for the three days. What I found out later is that those events are optional to attend. With an abundance of drivers, one can quickly befriend or drive with other enthusiasts. I would compare the experience to that of an MMORPG (Mass Multi Online Role Playing Game). It’s an open-world experience and you are free to roam and do what your inner driving enthusiast desires. You can drive the Tail in any direction either going towards Tennesse or going up and down the Carolinas. One can loop it until their body can no longer make the drive. The event is unique to everyone, but I know one thing that was common the smiles on people’s faces as they drove the road or finished driving the road whether it was dry or wet.