I'm still going to be there! I fell in love with Fontana and the surrounding area at my first MOTD, MOTD7. I agree there are so many other beautiful roads to explore(re-visit) that it will still be a great time.

I'm also looking forward to seeing the new friends I met last year. Another BIG plus is I'll probably save alot of tread on my tires by not feeling compelled to go ***** out on the Dragon (safely, of course). I hope this rock slide doesn't deter people from coming down anyway.

 

Oh well! A whole year of waiting and planing and looking forward to 5 days in NC. You can bet your sweet a$$ I'm going.

 

For those of us who have never been, can you guys list these "roads as good as the Dragon in the area"? I am still gonna go, but could use some advice

 

There is a section of 28 that leads off off of 74 and goes to Franklin / Hendersonville that is very "Dragon" like in sections.

The Cherohala Skyway is not as intense as the Dragon but is often a more popular road.

The section of 28 infront of Fontana that leads the Dragon is very popular also.

 

Wayah Road, baybee.

I would tell you about Rhymer's Ferrry Road too... but that's MY secret.

 

TELL ME PAUL!!!!!! Tell me, tell me, tell meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks TNMiniMama for putting that in perspective. I did not know it was that bad up there and I thought the Govenor was just being an jerk about things based on what I read here.

This was going to be my first time on the Dragon (and it may still be ) but even if it doesn't work out, I still will go. I want to see the Mini's (even if there are less) and get to meet some fellow Mini lover's. And maybe even go on a Jet Boat ride!

Based on what I have seen online most other car clubs are abandaning the place if there is no dragon but it looks like most of us are still going! Maybe that will help their economy. MINI to the rescue!!

See you there,
Kevin
Florence, AL

 

This screen shot is from the TN TDOT website. It says all should be cleared up by March 26th. This may be optimistic, myslelf and several local folks in "the know" feel it will be more like 30 days.

Either way, the 8th Annual MOTD will go on. I have a couple of new additions to the line-up to announce in the next couple of days.

 

In my humble opinon MOTD is much more then a road. It has grown way past that. It's people getting together and sharing a common interest. People getting together having a good time and enjoying the best that nature has to offer. The road may be blocked but the Dragon lives. We all should strive to make this an event to be remembered for years to come.
Just my opinon.

 

Well said Freddy !!

 

I'm pretty sure the dates that are given on the website have no relationship to the actual time it will take. I'm guessing that date refers to the initial evaluation of the scope of work.

Perhaps by the 26th they will have a more realistic guess as to how long the whole thing will take.

 

I agree.......hoping this upcoming week will bring some more definitive plans and dates

Either way, I'm still getting excited about the event and seeing everyone again.

 

It's OK. It's ALL good, whether the road is open or not. As Freddy put it, MOTD is about US. The Dragon will be there until the powers that be decide to do something else with it. A lot of rumors have flown about that for a number of years now, and yet, the Dragon is still with us.

Snooter says the Dragon is resting, which is good, cuz when he awakens again in a "refreshed" mode, we'll all be there to welcome him back in our "usual" way.

 

Still going Dragon or not....

 

Here is a link to Knoxville News source sited that all should be cleared by April 16th. Keep your fingers crossed.

Edited: article does not give a date for the Dragon repair

 

Actually the article is saying that 64 will be cleared by the 16th... it does not give a date for the Dragon...

As many have said, lots of good drives around even if the Dragon is not avalable

 

oy....that's what I get for taking someone else's word and not reading the article myself

 

Lots of exciting Forest Service Roads up there, too, if you want the rally effect.

 

Oh, if my car wasn't lowered...

 

no rally for me

 

I encourage everyone to still attend MOTD; you WILL have a blast no matter if you get to drive the Dragon or not. The road may be cleared by then.


If the Dragon is not reopened by then, I suggest to everyone not spend a dime in Tennessee. Fill up and eat a meal before crossing into TN. Do the rest of your business while there in NC. And be sure to let the Gov. of TN know that he is not getting a penny from the MINIs. I think it would also be a good idea to let other car clubs know, Miatas, Cobras, Porsches etc. If we all write to the TN Gov and let him know of our plans, this may or may not change things, but it will get their attention.

Please POLITELY write, call or e-mail the TN Governor, Phil Bredesen, and convey your intentions and respectfully ask him to reconsider closing the section of 129 known as The Dragon and please reopen it.
Governor's Office
Tennessee State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243-0001
Phone:... 615.741.2001
Fax: 615.532.9711
Email: Phil.Bredesen@tn.gov

 

Not to go to off topic, folks. Since I am not going to MOTD, but do have plans in a year or so, I feel for the you all.

A suggestion, could someone good with google maps layout some drives/routes that have been noted as good alternatives.

Post the links and let folks take a look at what your suggesting as great drives.

Since I will going to TN for a family visit...

I am planning a mid-week drive over to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park towards the end of May for a few days.

Probably going to be staying around Gatlinburg area. I will be driving my MINI.

Don

 

I'm working on some alternative routes for folks not familiar with the area as we speak. Hopefully we won't need them, but better safe than sorry.

 

Created a form letter with the help of Mol that can be sent to the gov.

See Letter to TN Gov

Feel free to use as is or edit to your liking.

 

Sent mine in