Can you believe it, as I type this we're just 60 days away from MINIs on The Dragon 2005! Who thinks they can hold their breath that long?

I figured two months was plenty of lead time for everybody to start working on their lists of what to pack and what to bring, and in the case of some people which shoes to pack!

With that in mind, I'd like to provide everyone with a recommended list of items to bring down with them:

• FRS or GMRS radio. Cellular phone coverage in the area is poor at best, plus given the number of people and how spread out people can be, these are essential for communicating with everybody. You don't have to spend a lot of money on your radio if you don't wish to, you can often times find two packs of FRS or GMRS radios for around $20, while high end radios may sell for $100 each. The key difference between an FRS radio and a GMRS radio is that the GMRS radios have a higher power output (and theoretically a longer range) and can use more radio channels than an FRS radio. However if you have an FRS radio, you can talk to somebody with a GMRS radio. The key thing to look for when you are shopping for a radio- make sure it supports privacy or sub-channels. The goup will be using chanel 7 subchannel 21, if your radio doesn't support subchannels, you'll be able to talk to the group, but won't be able to hear the group respond to you. If you intend to participate in group drives when you return home, your radios will still be useful, as many MINI Clubs throughout the country use them on their drives.
• Bug Spray: While the bugs aren't too bad this time of the year, we are still up in the woods, and there are some mosquitos about in the evenings (although not enough to carry away small children... yet!) It's a good idea to bring some Deep Woods Off! or equivalent just in case.
• Food: Are you participating in the Chili Cookoff? Don't forget your Chili fixin's or your pot luck item. While there are restaurants at both Fontana and Tapoco, hot dogs and burgers available at Crossroads of Time, and some fast food and BBQ in Robbinsville, if you're staying in a cabin you'll have a full kitchen available to you, and it's not a bad idea to bring some groceries with you too. There is a small convience store at Fontana which carries many of the essentials, but this is still Fontana's off season so they may have a limited inventory. There's also a supermarket in Robbinsville if you need to pick up some last minute options.
• Clothes: Definately bring some! If the weather is similar to the previous two Dragon events held at this time of year during the day most people will be comfortable in long pants and short sleeve shirts. However it may get chilly in the evenings and you may want to have a sweatshirt or jacket with you as well for the cool nights.
• Alcohol: First, under no circumstances do we support or encourage drinking and driving! Especially on the roads in the area, they're challenging enough sober, let's not add alcohol to the mix please. That being said, if you do wish to drink while you're there then you need to bring your booze in with you. Graham County NC, and Blount County TN (the two counties on either side of the Dragon) are both dry counties. While not illegal to consume alcoholic beverages in these counties, with a few exceptions it is illegal to sell them. One of those exceptions is Tapoco Lodge where there is limited alcohol sales there.
• Camera: Trust us, 200+ MINIs gathered together is something you're going to want to have pictures of! With that also make sure you have plenty of film and batteries, both of which may be expensive to purchase down there. Shooting digital? Make sure you have either plenty of memory or a laptop to copy pictures too, don't expect to find anyplace down there that carries memory cards.
• Flashlight: As always safety first. If you're staying at the Fontana it gets very dark at night, should you decide to go walking around the property at night a flashlight will make it you more visible. Plus it's always handy to have a flashlight with you.

It was also suggested to me that a camping chair or two might not be a bad idea as well. Especially if you're going to be hanging out with your car (say at the Dam, Crossroads of Time etc...) and chatting with everybody.

 

One thing I wish I had last year when I was a passenger on the Dragon was some medication for motion sickness! Even at the leisurely pace we were going, I felt a little queasy by the time we stopped.

 

Well, and then there was that wrong turn our drivers took on the way to the train....

But, you might want to add brakes to your list.

Hugs,
PB

 

Ok, the turn wasn't my fault, I was given bad information...

And instead of brakes, maybe oh a hmmm CLUTCH!

 

Yes, I'll bring a map for those drivers that take the scenic route! )

 

Flares & med.kit Serious twistys & deeeeeeep ditches!

 

Brake pads and tires, for the really serious ones out there.

 

Flares are actually a great idea. I had a couple in my kit last year . . but I pray that nobody has to use them to signal an upcoming accident. . .

Let's remember to bring our brains with us too!

The best driving advice I can offer is to drive in a spirited but controlled manner. Instead of pushing the edge, work on your rhythm and precision while never ever touching the double yellow lines. . .

And since we are poking fun at myself for my failing brakes and nearly bald tires, I would highly suggest that everyone take their MINI down to their favorite mechanic for a pre-dragon safety inspection. Do this early enough that you will have time to repair or replace anything that might be suspect.

Brake pads that are significantly worn down but acceptable for street use might not work so well after a day or two of dragon slaying.

 

Detroit Tuned is holding a pre-Dragon Mods Party April 29th thru 31st at our shop in Detroit. We would be happy to look over cars and make sure all the items you have are good shape for the trip. We will also be installing pulleys, springs, sway bars, CAI, anything you can think of. All weekend will have special rates and prices. Contact us for a time slot and what items you would like!

 

Did I mention names? Noooooo....

Granted, a once-over of the whole car prior to the event is a great idea, especially those who plan on being a bit on the spirited side. Also, it's a good idea to sort out any involved mods before the run. You dont want to end up stranded or with a misbehaving car and possibly no means to make adjustments. There will be enough people with tools and experience around that weekend, so it's not too likely anyone would be left needing.

You'll feel like you are among family.

 

While researching GRMS, I noticed some sites say these radios require a license .

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....9473&type=page

Can anyone recommend a particular model?

 

Officially, due to the increased power output and range of GMRS radios the FCC does require you to apply for a license ($55 I think) after you buy the radios.

Unoffically, as long as you don't modify the radios to broadcast on different frequencies than they come from the manufacturer set for or make them cause interference with other devices than you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Not that the license will give you permission to do either of those things, but you won't attract the attention of the FCC if you don't mess with the radio.

I have a set of Motorola Talkabout T7100 radios that I like a lot. They are a little pricey, but after having a set of cheap Cobra FRS radios that had crappy range and a ravenous appetite for batteries I decided to move to the Motos.

I think I spent as much on AAA batteries in a year for the Cobras as I did to buy the Motos which have rechargable batteries...

 

I've said it before and I'll say it again. .. .

If I had to have a license to use a $20 walkie talkie, Wal-Mart would make me show my license before selling to me

 

Oh, so you are using the old "Wal-Mart" Defense, I see.....

Hmmm...is this the same place that has a three day waiting period before a nine year old can buy a gun? Or is this is the place that sells guns, but won't carry certain books or magazines because they aren't "family friendly"

Hugs,
PB
(not a Wal-Mart fan)

 

I have to agree with that! I have been to tthe Dragon every year for eleven years on a motorcycle and I find I have the most fun when I ride at MY PACE. Don't let you ego ruin your weekend or your life. There are alot of deep holes along the road and if you run off the road you may as a repeling instructor said, PLUMMET TO YOUR SCREAMING BLOODY DEATH!

 

Reference Radios, ****'s Sporting Goods has a great deal the Motorola Talkabout T7100R NiCd Radio 2-pack. Regular price $100, on sale for $49.98,with the $15 rebate your final cost is $34.98. The web site (DicksSportingGoods.com) list locations.

 

A credit card for gas and my A$$ in the seat. I'm packed and ready to roll. Next stop Yucca's place and then the Dragon. :smile:

Don't worry Andrew, I'll help you pick out the best bald tires again this year.

 

Now that you remind me, sndwave, you DID have a part in my choice of tires for last year!

I remember now that we were deciding between the Falken Azenis which had good tread but would not be very safe in the wet weather that had been forecast or the nearly worn out Yokohamas which would have better traction but not as much tread depth. . . .

Either way, the tires did not turn out to be the real issue since what I really needed was a brake caliper that was properly functioning, but thanks for nothing sndwave!

 

And if we did have rain you would have been all over the road with the Falken's. We made the right choice last year. Falkens are questionable in rain with tread and those were far from new.

 

Speaking of which, Sunnie is getting new shoes just in time for the Dragon.
17in Yokohama AVS ES 100's. Thanks for the recommendations

Lois

 

Also, Lois -- since you talk of going topless so often -- you might want to pack a little sunscreen.

Hugs,
PB

 

Lois

 

I've already programmed my Garmin 2610 with Fontana as a waypoint! Nav systems are a great idea for the geocachers out there, too!

Oh, and at least one pair of hot shoes! Now that I have my Garmin, I have more room for shoes! YAY!

Clover

 

If Sunnie has new shoes then I need new shoes Maybe I should bring those pink Crocs

Our Garmin (Hazel for short) is already programmed too

Lois

 

My Garmin is oh-so-cleverly named "Navi!" LMAO! I may bring all 4 pairs of my different colors of Ugg Boots! Purple, olive, sand, and, of course, BLACK! But, I always seem to live in my simple black flip-flops!

I think that multiple pairs of fur-lined apres-ski boots are a MAJOR necessity for the Dragon's nippy nights!


Clover