The Dragon is the most intense road I've ever driven on - even more intense than Pikes Peak (also, fully paved, unlike Pikes Peak). I highly encourage first timers [actually, everyone] to really take their time and not over-drive themselves or the cars. Even with a speed limit of 30MPH (which isn't so much enforced, however crossing the double yellow IS!) it's tough for a novice driver to go that fast around some of the corners. Think of it as an 11 mile autocross, but without the dumb cones...oh yea, the corners are lightly banked too

A few pics:






Cheers - see you there!
Ryan

 

Hey Ryan I think I see some dirt on your car!

And it can't be stressed enough... especially on The Dragon, STAY ALERT and DRIVE SAFELY!!! While the road can be very challenging if you push it, at no point during the entire weekend is there a race on this or any other road!!!! It's hard to really go fast on The Dragon and that's a good thing...

 

Who are those guys and would they be interested in joining us MichiganMini's along the way. I believe we're starting from Detroit down I-75 at 6AM on the 5th

 

Great action pictures Ryan

Who took the time to setup the photos

 

TROGDOR!!!
Burninating the countryside!
Burninating the peasants!
Burninating all the people in the THATCH ROOF COTTAGES!!!

http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail58.html

Sorry, couldn't resist!

 

Hot Pics courtesy the wonderful staff of Killboy.com

They are the resident photographers at Deals Gap

 

I was JUST coming to post that!! Theres an IB/W MCS that lives on my street and has a Trogdor decal in his window. It makes me smile

 

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

i want in on this Dragon thingy

 

btw: i think everybody should do the contact thingy for "Go MINI mag"

so that they come and cover the USA Dragon event in their mag
link: http://www.gomini.co.uk/index.asp

 

I sent them a little note Kool.

 

For those that have never been to the Dragon- it is illegal to cross the double yellow, but at the same time there are rules of courtesy on that road and all others in the area. If you are not keeping the pace, then you are to get over or flag others around you. IN particular there are a lot of motorcyclists in the area (me included + the MINI) that can really cruise along on the curves. Nothing annoys them more or those that are locals and know their way around, than to be behind someone just putsing along. The speed limit is 30. It will be hard to do more than that most of the time with all the curves- many very sharp. In addition, you do want to take it easy in case you go around a blind curve and there is someone crossing the double yellow or a semi happens to be coming through the GAP and taking both lanes. Several people have died this way.

The area is beautiful and many lovely roads to drive or ride, so I highly recommend visiting the area. When I took my MINI down for the first time in Oct., I had so many people stop and ask me about my car. It was cool!! :smile: I'll be there in May with "Brit" and my MV motorcycle. Best of both worlds. Oh- the cops are very sneaky. If you see a motorcyclist tap their head- that's the sign there's one lurking. TN side is worse than NC side. Again- friendly advice.

 

To date I think there are only 6-7 MINIs that have committed to going. TEN and CAN will be getting there on Wednesday so we can't join you. I know I have heard some talk from the others on the caravan but think they will be leaving too late to join you (not sure bout that though).

 

appy, the LEOs have been conspicuously absent at the May MINI Dragon Meets the past two years. Your driving advice is excellent! The Dragon will bite those who do not drive well!

Look forward to meeting you in May...come to the Welcome Dinner and introduce yourself, please! :smile:


Clover

 

Love your new sig Clo What's that thing about the cops lurking? I thought there's no place to pull over

 

The cops wait down by the bridge on 129 before you enter the GAP. There is also an area on the state line between NC/TN now where they can sit. Also there is overhead radar, so they will get you as you are coming out of the GAP, and there is a spot called the Overlook just after you get into the GAP where the cops can sit. Also along 129 on the TN side prior to entering the GAP there are a lot of pull over camping/ cook out spots that they hide. They are actually quite good at what they do. They have a tendency to go after the cyclists more than the auto clubs, but they have been known to go after both.

 

when they come out....word will travel from one end of the dragon to the other
plus as appygirl says.." the bikers will tap the top of their head if there are coppers up ahead"
btw: that holds true even when not at the Dragon

 

Kool is the knome going to make the trip this time.

 

maybe