What to Expect
General Overview
The Freedom Road Rally is a touring event that provides its entrants with the opportunity to relive the fun and adventure of the classic American road trip. Along with other vintage car enthusiasts you’ll travel to a great destination and enjoy all the best there is to offer with all the planning done for you.
Prior To The Event
After you mail in your entry form you will receive an acknowledgement by mail that we received your registration materials and your space is reserved. Two weeks prior to the event you will receive a Welcome Packet with an overview of the itinerary, list of hotels, directions to the start/end point and other important information about preparing for the trip.
Arrival
Most people arrive on Saturday prior to the Sunday start date. When you arrive there will be a check-in table set up at the hotel. Front desk personnel will be able to direct you to check-in. At check-in F.R.R. staff will greet you and give you your name badges, polo shirts and other event souvenirs. Event staff will assist with moving tow rigs to the storage area. On Saturday evening, there is an orientation meeting for first timers followed by a welcome meeting for everyone. Maps, Day 1 Driving Directions and other materials will be handed out at the meetings. Please let us know if you do not plan to arrive on Saturday.
Hotels
The hotel nights included in the trip are Sunday through Thursday. We strongly recommend attending the Saturday meetings. For those who do not live local to the start/end point, Saturday night rooms will be available at a special discounted rate. Information about reserving one of these rooms will be included in your Welcome Packet. The rally staff inspects all hotels weeks ahead of time, prior to contracting them for night stops. Our stringent quality requirements are one of the reasons that our long-time participants return year after year with confidence.
Heading Out On Sunday
Sunday departure is scheduled for late morning to allow time for the completion of safety inspections and for those who wish to attend church services to do so. A list of local churches will be provided.
Each Day
Each day starts after breakfast with a morning driver’s meeting. Participants will be provided with the day’s driving directions, maps, etc. Directions are in a list form with distances following each instruction. The directions will also indicate suggested locations for lunch stops. There will be an average of 3-4 hours of driving each day with stops throughout the day. Participants are encouraged to drive the route at their own pace and spend as much time as they like at stops. There will be some days that guided tours have been arranged at specific times. Special instructions will be given to help make those appointments. Although maps are provided to the participants during the event, the directions should be followed at all times. The rescue vehicle will follow the given route. During the day we will stop at various attractions. Every trip includes museums, such as car and other transportation museums as well as local history. Other favorites are factory tours, mansions and gardens, unique shopping areas, historical sites and local points of interest.
Break Down/Mechanical Issues
The event provides complimentary sweep vehicle trailering services. A rescue truck will follow the tour in the unfortunate event of a mechanical problem. Event management will assist in resolving the issue, locating parts, etc. Disabled vehicles will ride on the trailer until the problem is resolved.
Victory Dinner
This dinner is held on Thursday evening to celebrate the eve of the final day of the tour. This new name, “Victory Dinner”, acknowledges that to finish is to win. Be prepared to swap stories, jokes and laughs.