I found out about this about a week ago and I've been searching for a place to stay. I finally found and confirmed a place at Nantahala Village, so I'm registered and in! I'm excitied, even though I can only come up Friday evening and stay to Sunday.

Hey, quick question on the Dragon drives -- it is going to be total chaos all day Saturday? And will I be in people's way if I'm going slow on the Dragon because it's my first time? I don't want to slow people down, but I've never been to the Dragon.

 

Early morning runs will be clean for the most part, but after 10AM expect traffic to slow way down and by 2 PM expect it to be bumper to bumper, between 15 to 25 MPH on the road.

So I’m thinking you won’t be slowing anyone down any more than they already are.

 

After your first run you'll be fine. My first run was between 2 friends who had been there before and took off!!! After a couple of turns I was right with 'em. What fun!!! It is a little frustrating when it's busy or you get behind a sedan full of sight seers going 20MPH. When I see a group of MINIs coming up on me wanting to run...I get over ASAP and let 'em run. You'll have a blast.....happy motoring.

 

Great, thanks! Maybe I'll plan on an afternoon run Saturday to learn the road, then a 7am ride Sunday...

 

First off, Welcome to NAM!

Second,

Last year was my first year at MOTD and it's still fresh in my mind. So here are some tips which may help:

1) MOTD is intimidating as all get out in your first year. Almost overwhelming to see almost 600+ people with a common interest and 300+ minis all looking beautiful. Tip #1 - Don't be timid or shy. I was way to shy last year and probably missed out on meeting tons of great people. Not this year though.

2) The Dragon, while fun, is dangerous. TIP #2 - NEVER EVER EVER cross the double yellow! If someone is in front of you going way slow, don't even think of passing. Either kindly motion for them to move aside (which if it is not a mini they probably won't), or take a breath and enjoy the scenery. Crossing the double yellow is dangerous and stupid for you AND everyone else on the road.

3) If it is your first time on the Dragon, TIP #3 - Take it slow the first time. Last year, even with taking it slow, there are some turns that sneak up and sucker punch you really hard.

4) If you have a passenger, TIP #4 - Bring Dramamine. After our second run together, my wife needed me to pull off for a 15 minute pause cause she felt like she was going to vomit. There is a big difference of the effect of the Dragon on a passenger then a driver.

5) When the Dragon has had its fill of you, TIP #5 - Research drives in other parts of the area. There are a ton of fun roads around the area and some beautiful scenery. Plan out some other trips that aren't as ball-busting as the Dragon.

6) When you're not on the Dragon, TIP #6 - Involve yourself with all the fun activites going on. There are a lot of functions and things to do everywhere. Welcome Dinner (which since you're so late you won't get it... so perhaps you'd like to join us at the NSW Dinner), Brew Swap, BBQ, drive-in movie, Farewell Dinner, etc...

Anyway, hope those help... I'm sure people could add a TON more stuff to this list, but I think these are the basics. Look forward to seeing you there!

 

The road isn't that bumper to bumper. Not like the LA freeway or anything. You will find that there are PLENTY of times to get out there. But remember a few things...It usually rains, and in the morning there may be a fog, and wet roads...so be careful! you will have a GREAT time! I can't wait to get back down there!

 

Great advice from Shankrabbit. Ogre....check into the Ice Cream Social run(there's a thread) we're doing on Sat at 1:30pm to Bryson City...looks like a good group and it's a really nice drive....we went last year. Like Shankrabbit says ...don't be shy. I was last year too and will make a better effort this year. Have fun.

 

Again, thanks for the tips, everyone!

I've registered for the drive-in (hopefully will make it there in time) and the alternate dinner. It looks like I missed out on the brew swap by a day (it's full). I'll look for the ice cream social, as that sounds neat for the afternoon.

Thanks for the tip on the Dramamine -- I'm not sure I would have thought to bring that along as the passenger I'm taking never gets motion sick -- but I guess this will really test them, huh?

 

This is my first time for MOTD as well. Since I will be coming from the West it appears that my first experience with the Dragon is going to be on my way in to reach Fontana. At what point should I tell my wife she should take her Dramamine? Maybe she should just starting taking it when we leave Indy.

 

There is a pull off right before you head up through it. Pull over and take a breather. Most likely you will be 'loaded' down with stuff. As we came in last year with a 60gal cooler, suitcases, and a box of food, etc...it was the PERFECT way to 'break in' the Dragon. You don't have the ability to go fast! Take it nice and easy and enjoy poppin that dragon cherry...
You will find it easier to start it loaded down. It makes it easier to go through it again once you are unloaded

 

Welcome!
Where is Nantahala Village?
See you there!

(Great name, BTW)

 

Here's the Nantahala Village website.

From the website:

"The Nantahala Village is at the beginning of the Nantahala Gorge, home of the Nantahala River, just west of Bryson City."

 

Heh. According to the Minis on the Dragon site, Nantahala Village is about 40 minutes from Fontana and about 55 from the Dragon. It was the closest place I could find that still had space available!

 

And you will find some really nice roads between there and Fontanna too. And beautiful scenic routes too

 

Not to worry .. lots of newbies will be there! We are staying in Bryson City and look forward to all the extra motoring. Good Advice about being friendly, I really want to make the most of this experience!

 

Last year was my first on the Dragon. I was the last car in my group going up. Most of them were veterans.
We pulled off at the rest area before we went up. After a few turns on the dragon I was pretty comfortable.
This picture was taken by killboy just up from the overlook.

Yea, cargo can slow you down but it makes it more of a challenge. Follow me sometime it is like a fun house mirror!

 

Even the driver can get a little queezy on the Dragon. One morning I drove the dragon on an empty stomach & midway through I felt a little like yakking. From then on I would at least try to eat a piece of toast before venturing out