The first thing I want folks to not do is complain about things. This thread is started to let us just say what was important to them, made the event a good thing, and hopefully will bring us together for years to come.

For me it went like this.

We arrived in the afternoon, met up with our cabin mates and just chilled.

The next day we did the Dragon. I was a passenger on that ride, and my eyes were opened, motoring with a veteran, and a very good driver.


I got to lead on the motor back, I'm a flat lander, straight road motorer. Well I got into it right away, felt like skiing, and that road was so much fun.Getting to go hard on a clear run, with my buddies behind me made for much fun.

As I worked through the Dragon I found myself looking ahead, but mostly dealing with things as they came up. Things come up fast, and I will remember that first run forever.

As to the time spent at the Dragon, meeting folks, hanging out with some great folks, and motoring with them on some great runs will be remembered forever.

Mark

 

Lotsie you all softie ...

Now your making me even sadder that we were unable to attend

Theres always next year ...

 

My wife and I had a blast. My wife who is not the "Mini" person, still is talking about it. We caught the car show in Atlanta, the Welcome Dinner, Chili Cook-off, Sunshine Mini Farewell Dinner at Natahala Resort, of course we went to Dillsboro for the Jarrett House lunch, the Dragon Parade, and the Panaromic Picture.

I know I'm gonna get a lot of strange looks about this. But the stretch of road called the Dragon was actually not that important to me. For me, it was more about spending some time alone with my wife of 15 years, the beauty of the Mountains and streams and the PEOPLE. We got to met and know some cool people. The people at our lodge were all great, including the Innkeepers and of course my fellow "miniacs". Got to hang out almost ever evening and shoot pool and talk with some great folks (you all know who you are ). For me that is what the "Dragon" was all about.

I already reserved my same room for next year and I'm just trying to decide what "excursion" I want to host next year

BIG THANKS to everyone I met and all those involved to help make the 2006 MOTD rock!!

 

The people you meet are the most important thing

Mark

 

Your right, I'm a softie

Don't be sad, just know we all wanted to meet you, and hopefully we will next year

Mark

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=68188

 

This thread is not the same as Annette's (BoCRon), well not to me, anyway.

For me, after being to the Dragon 10 times, and to each MOTD, it is truly a family reunion. I have made so many strong connections and had so many adventures with my MINI pals, that I know they will always be my friends...my "family of choice" so to speak.

When I get within 25-30 miles of Fontana Village/Deal's Gap, my breathing eases, I feel relaxed and refreshed, and at home....even after hours and hours of driving. That is a very special feeling.

Group hug! Tee hee!

 

My thoughts of the Dragon are of paying attention, being as spirited as I could, and making sure Ruby was tied down.

My other thoughts of the week involve meeting folks, sharing food and drink, fun motors, and chatting about everything and anything

Mark

 

Oh, yeah....I love driving the Dragon! Even though my shoulders and arms are still a bit sore from clutching onto the steering wheel so intensely!

 

Yeah, I did notice that I could not hug as much as I usually do

Mark

 

I had a great time this year. My wife did as well except for the initial drive up the Dragon Thursday. I took it slow up the dragon as she is pregnant. She did very well. A 1/2 mile more and she would have made it to the state line without needing a pit stop.

Since this was my third time at MOTD I decided to just take in the sights. No planned drives but did manage to get in two runs on Saturday. I took it easy just enjoying the people and atmosphere. Sat atop the dam Friday morning to view the MINI's coming together for the parade. Had some work done by Detroit tuned a little later. Then walked around the rest of the day enjoying meeting people here in person.

The event I most remember from MOTD was the Jam. It was very relaxing just standing there listening to music surrounded by the mountains. I hope it happens again. If it does, keep it outside like this year.

 

We found out about the Dragon late and when we registered many events were filled. Next year we hope to make a vacation out of it and get to know more of the people. Most of all it was a time for me and my husband to be together. It's been a harrowing year for our family. It was also our 27th anniversary. We had a blast driving and taking in all the sights we could in such a lively and lovely place. One of the best things was laying my head on my pillow and listening to MINI's purring around Fontana Village as I fell to sleep .

 

It's been a long time since I breathed air that felt as fresh and as clean as that in the Smoky Mountains. I've never felt so energized yet so exhausted... I need a few more days next time!

 

I wasn't sure what to expect really. This was my first MOTD. Actually my first trip alone, without the family, since I've been married. Before I left, we celebrated my daughter's 6th birthday. When I returned from MOTD, we celebrated our 8th anniversary.

When we left Chicago, slaying the Dragon was the priority. Once we got there, it wasn't for me anymore. I couldn't wait to meet all of the people I've read about here on NAM. I've met so many people, but missed out on so many others.

The moments I'll take away from MOTD are all of the laughs and good times we had... on the road to Fontana (is it EST or CST??) to the late nights at the MINI5280/Motoringfile cabin. Thanks guys for the memories

To those I finally got to meet in person, thank you. For those I met for the first time, thank you. To those I didn't get a chance to meet.. well... we'll see you around and maybe next MOTD

 

It's EST at Fontana, MiniMac2005. See you next May!

 

MOTD for Heidi & I was a roller coaster. While we both knew she was susceptible to motion sickness we didn't expect her to be that affected. Well on the ride there we cross the Cherohala Skyway. That was sign #1 that this trip wasn't going to go as planned.

Naturally if you are nauseous you aren't going to be in a good mood. So Wed. Night and Thursday morning my wife wasn't doing too hot. But the Biltmore trip perked her up. She loved that. The ride back, when we went through Fontana and back down to the B&B via 129, was a nightmare for her. Then and there I knew I wasn't going to be attempting the Dragon this trip.

By Friday morning we were starting to be bummed. The people we had met so far (lodge company aside) hadn't been the friendliest. Heidi wasn't feeling well and there just seemed to be a blaise feeling hanging over us. We skipped the cades cove run cause we were tired and that left us all day Friday to sit around being bored trying to find things to do as the rain fell.

Ok wow I just rambled a lot. Anyway, Friday afternoon the tide turned. We met up with the Pre-Swap BBQ people and everyone was really nice. That perked us up. The food was great thanks to Annette and Mike. Then we were feeling really good. Then the Brew Swap people started arriving and thanking us for putting it on. Well that was it, we were sold right there. It really, really made our night and trip. The swap went great and we took our time on the drive back that night.

Saturday morning we were both in great moods and the weather was spectacular. Barry organized a great run to Dillsboro and the SSM crew put together a wonderful farewell dinner of their own. By Saturday night we were already trying to figure out how we were going to make it back next year coming from Arizona.

The moral of the story for us was that you can't give up on an event, vacation or people just because things don't start out ok. In the end we were extremely happy we made the trip. We met some truly wonderful people and I was personally astonished at the generosity of the MINI folks (you guys know what I am talking about).

We hope we can see you all next year. Just don't be surprised to see us in a non-MINI rental car.

 

The best thing for me for taking the time off to go to the dragon It was my first time and it was crazy because I wasn't actually able to go in the first place. I actually had to work! But I got people to cover my shifts. Then of course, I had to find a place to stay since it was really late in the game. Thanks to Driving Hampster...a great guy! I stayed in comfort in a wonderful cabin with him and JCMini! They are two of the nicest guys!
But the best thing, was that my hubby (JustJAY) was able to join me at the very last minute. And I mean last minute..he was registrant 587! I knew I would have had fun without him, but with him there, it was the BEST! This was actually our first vacation since we have been married (3 yrs already)
I really loved seeing 'Miniville' That was the greatest. It was so cool to see Minis/MINIS everywhere I looked. It was like a dream, but I was awake. It also was so cool to actually meet the people I feel I know, since I talk to you all every day!
Of course running the dragon was great, I learned alot about my driving and my car. I can't wait for next year

 

That little poke was for our fearless leader Gabe

I'm kinda timid in huge social settings... MOTD was big for me... I think we were within earshot of each other while at the Village. If you find yourself in Chicago, give us a shout out We will definitely meet @ MOTD 2007. Maybe I'll bring the family

 

These thoughts and experiences are all great. Exactly what my wife and I felt. Since last year was our first Dragon trip we did too much and were more tired when we got home than when we left. The theme this year was hang out, enjoy the sights, and meet people. Sitting on the covered porch of our cabin and watching it rain was even fun for us.

Some things that stick out in my mind:
We lead a small group on the Cherohala Skyway (since we were the veterans )
We had a great talk with queenB at the Chili Cookoff
I had so much fun at the Brew Swap that my wife got to drive us back to the cabin.
We had a small Derby Party for the Kentucky folks (gotta love cable TV)

We're already making plans for next year!

 

Please be sure to come say hi to me! Come by the cabin next time...we booked the same one as last year and this year: Cabin 429, on Fontana Rd at Welch Road, across (on the side) from the Adventure Center! BTW, it seems like a majority of the roads are some version of Welch Road!

 

You guys are great I'm for hire if you need a ride... all I need is good conversation

I think Jay was one of the first people I met when I arrived for the Welcome Dinner (after StoopidGirl & yomamali) love those dragon stripes

Thanks Clo, I'll be there

I'm sitting here reading all of the Dragon stories and looking over the Dragon pics and can't help but smile at the memories.

 

What is interesting about this is that I was there Fri , Sat and Sunday and loved every moment and I will be back next year for sure (my third) ...... I did not take one run on the Dragon. I drove to Deals gap a few times and back and to the Nantahala Outdoor center but not one Dragon run...it was about the people for me... I live in Atlanta and can drive twisties similar to the Dragon as often as I like but i can't always get to spend time with all off you ......my priority was my GF and you all. I had a great time....

 

Prior to departure, I was so excited about "driving this road"...

By Saturday morning, it was kind of like; "Ok, we're leaving tomorrow -- we really should take a(n intentional) run (in the daylight) since we're leaving tomorrow..."

There was so much to do -- and NOT do -- that the specific drive quickly became a cool, albeit somewhat superfluous, option. Everyone I met was fantastic; my cabinmates (chrisneal and Mully) were GREAT , Clo and her cabinmates were also GREAT, our neighbors were awesome, people driving by our cabin were awesome -- and frequently entertaining as they floored it 50 yards to the stop sign

The Brew Swap was stupendous. Finally: a socially acceptable setting in which to not only talk to strangers, but to approach them with armfulls of beer and break the ice by negotiating a trade. This was the best idea, ever. Thanks Matt!

I will absolutely be back next year! I'll also be considerably less tired, as I'll only be driving from Savannah, as opposed to Connecticut, which hopefully means that I will get to stay longer, too!

Hooray for the Dragon: total MINI love-fest.

 

yeah, i agree with om on this. for me, it was definitely about getting to meet new people and spending time with ones i don't get to see that often.

that, and the amazingly gorgeous backdrop of the smokies. i will def be there next year, especially since i didn't put the miles on my mini this year!

i think i am suffering from what hollister referrs to as "pdd,'" or post dragon depression.

 

I think my PDD = Post Dragon Decompression! And also, just beginning to get my arms back! LOL!