Just wondering how many MINIs from DCMM are going to be at MOTD. I was really excited about going when i got my MINI, but then i read about the cops down there and got discouraged. i read that they were harassing people nonstop and handing out big tickets for small things. it seemed like if you went even a couple mph over the limit, like 33-35 in a 30, you were stopped. if you touched any line whatsoever, you were stopped. anyone else hear about this and know if they are still being a-holes down there? i really want to go, but i dont want to come back with a bunch of tickets. its not that i plan to break laws nonstop, i just dont want to constantly be stressed out and worried that if i make a mistake, i will get ticketed. that doesnt make for fun motoring,

i know most, if not all of the hotels are probably sold out and will stay that way, but theres no sense in worrying about a room if i decide not to go.

thanks for any insight.

EDIT: I don't hate the police or anything like that. I support them and one of my friends is a sheriff, it just seems like, from what I read, that particular force is going overboard. And it may not even be their choice. In fact, I'm almost sure that some politician came up with the idea and they had no choice. But that doesn't change the fact that it is happening. Just wanted to clear that up. Cops=Good. Cops giving me tickets for no good reason=Bad.

 

Well, I had considered going as I've never been and it sounds like the main big MINI event on the east coast.

But if the cops are going to be hounding us...but more importantly, if all the hotels are booked, then maybe not

 

What you have heard is true, and it's only going to get worse. Supposedly the crackdown has been so succesful, ie, lot's of ticketing, that the govenor has increased the State Police budget for this year to patrol the Dragon. Radio's will be a must this year!

 

meh... I go up to this big VW meet in Ocean City every year (h20) and the local cops are indeed out looking for easy targets. And there are plenty of idiots causing trouble but for the most part, they don't harass you unless you really ask for it. It seems the city appreciates the fact that hundreds of VW heads come down to OC after the summer season is over and continue to patronize the local hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. I guess the governor at Deals Gap doesn't want the extra revenue that groups of car enthusiasts bring.

 

well f*** that

 

I've never been to MOTD (sounds like fun, though), but have driven cars and ridden motorcycles on the Dragon more than a few times. If you want to experience the thrill of a MINI gathering, MOTD is likely the absolute best thing you can do. But if you want to really experience the thrills that this road has to offer, I'd suggest going during the week (NEVER on a weekend), and between 10am and 2pm. Those times are when the road is the least crowded with locals, racers, posers and LEOs, and is also probably the safest for the same reasons.

Something I've never gotten an answer to, is the following question:

If it's illegal for a bike or a car to touch the center yellow lines with our tires, how come trucks (including 18 wheelers) can get away with crossing the lines, actually touch the outside shoulder, and cross over onto the shoulder of the oncoming lane, all at the same time and completely blocking both lanes of traffic, without getting a ticket?

 

A lot of DCMMers go to the Dragon..this'll be my 6th. Don't let the LEOs keep you from attending, or the fact that accomodations are tough to come by.

First, keep your eye on the '08 MOTD forum...folks will post if they have rooms or beds available. These availabilities go very fast, so be quick. If you're not particularly choosy, you might even snag a couch or floor space to sleep on.
MOTD is by far the largest gathering of MINIs and Minis in the US...a sight not to be missed. So, if you're inclined you should try to attend.

Secondly, the LEOs. I haven't been down there in a year. I always arrive days before the actual event occurs, so the roads have been LEO free in the past. I drive the Dragon like an old lady (cuz that's what I am), which is probably considered a snail's pace by most. I'm rarely above 2nd gear for the whole length.
All I can say is that if you drive within the speed limit (35mph, I think) and are considerate of other motorists, you shouldn't have a problem...
We'll see what this year brings. Hopefully, not a lot of citations. Graham County benefits enormously from MOTD, but that's not to say we're off scott free just because we attend it. Just be careful, I guess.

 

I was down there last Oct. and did not see one cop for three days.

 

This will be my 3rd MOTD. I never have seen a LEO on the road. I know they do a "crackdown" every year. Who knows, don't let that deter you from coming! This is THE MINI event of the year! Where else can you ONLY see MINIs?! Last year, what, over 600 MINIs?! Just growing every year! I can't wait

 

Don't worry about it everyone. They concentrate on the motorcyclists and people that are being idiots. Just go with the flow and within your abilities and all should be fine.

 

We are in for our second Dragon.

If you have never been, you need to understand that it is so much more than just that 11 miles of twisties.

 

Is there any camp grounds at the dragon?

 

Yep - and they are VERY close to the "action". If you like camping, you won't be unhappy about the location or the view! Also, availability tends to be high since not that many people are content with tents.

Trust me - no matter what you have to do, get down there for MOTD. It is so worth it! This will be my 4th - it's a permanent fixture on my calendar now.

 

Camping it is for me and my wife! We love the outdoors

 

I think I read somewhere that there are still camp sites available, so I'd snag one right quick. I know it seems early, but just take my word for it. Accomodations of any kind will be at a premium.

 

I will not be going to this Dragon event, and for me that is a real let down. I have been every year starting in 03. The annual gathering has grown to be a fare sized event. If you are there only the published dates it is unlikely that you will have a "clean run" at the dragon. For that you need to arrive early or depart late. The road is a beautiful bit of realestate. The turns are a joy. But that is nothing compared to the people you meet. If you have never been to this event or one like it I strongly suggest going.
Should you decide to go - drive the road a few times before taking it at speed. The LEOs do give the truckers a bad time for taking the road as a short cut and crossing the yellow. Crossing the yellow on that road is a matter of life and death because of the number of blind turns. You would not want to meet someone coming the other way doing the same thing. Staying in the yellow makes the drive harder and requires better driving habbits.
Click on the link below for pictures from past events.
John

 

you're not going this year, John? Bummer..

 

This would have been our 4th year in a row. However, I didn't get to my work scheduler fast enough and now I can't get out of the planned business travel. I am going to Alcoa in July on business and you can bet there will be a side trip or 2 to the Dragon. Sure gonna miss the gathering of MINI/Minis in May. You all have fun now, ya hear. Motor On, Safely.