THE DRAGON

[jsoltan]

I was there two years ago the same weekend as the MINI's and it was slow, slow and slower!

[DocRiSK]

Originally Posted by jsoltan

I was there two years ago the same weekend as the MINI's and it was slow, slow and slower!

Any idea how busy the other roads/routes were? What time of day did you drive on the Dragon? And what about Sunday, was it still busy?

TIA.

[BlackSapphireZ]

busy on most weekends guaranteed. and weekends are taken by most car/bike clubs

[jsoltan]

I would go again but earlier in the week. It gets busy and very slow during the week end days. A miata went into the trees after midnight on Saturday and then Sunday actually had a bicycle race. But the topagraphy and the road is really something to see. 18 miles with 300 turns?

[ianbiz]

Why not do it after AngieFest? There would be a HUGE turnout.

[ATX750i]

Ian, when is AngieFest?

[ianbiz]

Originally Posted by JHastings0826

Ian, when is AngieFest?

4/5

Here is the site: http://www.4ngiefest.com/

[DocRiSK]

Okay folks,

looks like there's a good bit of concern regarding May 3-4, given the Mini's meet that weekend (and rightfully so...)

Looked at the calendar of events on the TOTD website: pretty much every weekend has some car group event, on top of the usual weekend crowds.

What do you all think of doing a weekday meet/run? Is this a feasible alternative for those interested in doing a one day run on open roads, allowing us to maximize our time and fun?

[BlackSapphireZ]

may I recommend this route....about an hour long...more if you count the stops but Cherohala Skyway's view is spectacular... and a lot of open roads/curves as well

can I also say there is NO CELL PHONE COVERAGE in Tapoco Lodge or on Tail of the Dragon. Nearest cell phone coverage is Robbinsville 10miles away. There's also a carwash there as well. 1700mile round trip from MD to NC/TN and Back

[ATX750i]

BlackSapphireZ: Thats sounds fun but on the economical side, thats a lot of gas.

DocRiSK: During the week would not work for me unless we push it further back into the summer but then gas prices ar projected to be around $4 a gallon or more. Time wise, the summer would work great but Im taking the trip to NOPI in September and the Im going to the Dragon. Maybe we can just push the meet all the way back to September, right after NOPI. Just a thought.

[BlackSapphireZ]

you care about gas? That extra 100miles(more like 60) isn't going to kill anyone. plus you won't find a road like that anywhere guaranteed(in east coast)

[ZEEFOUR]

i rode the dragon for the first time in 1993 on my BMW motorcycle, not many folks new about it then. Now there is a website and much publicity about the 318 curves in 11 miles and a heavy police presence too. That road has become very dangerous in the past 5 years. Also, there are far better roads then that in the area if you want to have some real fun.

[ZEEFOUR]

try the blue ridge parkway and parts of skyline drive as much fun and better scenery...

[BlackSapphireZ]

Originally Posted by ZEEFOUR

Also, there are far better roads then that in the area if you want to have some real fun.

thats why i suggested the cherohala skyway loop. It's just the best. and isn't blue ridge 35mph and also heavy police presence as well?

and to add some excitement about the dragon, i've added some videos...i know there's a spot where i go over the double yellow. this is a big no no in dragon. I apologize

[BlackSapphireZ]

Originally Posted by jsoltan

I was there two years ago the same weekend as the MINI's and it was slow, slow and slower!

mini's they come in HUNDREDS. if you go to Tapoco Lodge, they have a picture of them all lined up in the parking lot and i believe a picture of them at the bottom of Fontana Dam(real nice place for photo)

[jsoltan]

I saw all the MINIs 2 years ago. Lots of nerds with stuffed animals and stickers all over their cars, but some were actually well modified and quick.

[ATX750i]

Originally Posted by BlackSapphireZ

you care about gas? That extra 100miles(more like 60) isn't going to kill anyone. plus you won't find a road like that anywhere guaranteed(in east coast)

keep in mind that I'm driving from the southmost part of Alabama. Im going to have atleast two fillups on the way there and back. And with gas projected to be above $4.00 a gallon for regular, gas is a concern for me.

[BlackSapphireZ]

Originally Posted by JHastings0826

keep in mind that I'm driving from the southmost part of Alabama. Im going to have atleast two fillups on the way there and back. And with gas projected to be above $4.00 a gallon for regular, gas is a concern for me.

IF i happen to make it, I would probably be driving further... and like i said most other people as well. 1700miles round trip= about 6 fill ups. @ $40 per tank(near empty) $240. not bad for 1700miles of PURE FUN

[ATX750i]

Nicely put. I have to applaud BlackSapphireZ on that one. well, we all need to figure out a time/days to meet up. mabey in or around mid summer is my perferred time.

[BlackSapphireZ]

it has to been on a weekend to have a decent turn out. Even if one group is there, there is no law saying another can't be there. so pick a weekend sometime in the late summer time(beautiful)
I saw my previous group going on a JET BOAT! lets dooo it

[DocRiSK]

Sorry for not updating... Just a busy month for me right now.

There appear to be a few people who would be able to do a weekday run and quite a few more who wouldn't be able to. I am up for a smaller initial weeekday group run and then perhaps arranging for a larger weekend meet later in the year on a not so busy weekend. This initial meet could help in planning the larger meet. So if those of you interested in doing a weekday run are still up for it let me know here and we can set a date and start making some firm plans.

Thanks!

[wrh3]

Originally Posted by BlackSapphireZ

may I recommend this route....about an hour long...more if you count the stops but Cherohala Skyway's view is spectacular... and a lot of open roads/curves as well

This is a great route, not too bad on gas either Hellbender (HWY 28) is a worthwhile detour to go to the base/top of Fontana damn, the base is a good spot for group pics.