I'm heading for Nashville on Tuesday for literally for an overnight trip. Now, I'm a new owner and have read a few things about the Dragon. Do I head out early Wednesday morning run the Dragon or not?

Any locals out there who can PM me with some info as well?

 

Made a trip through the area a few times; still never been to the Dragon and regret it, but for all the striaght flat roads you'll be taking (almost 20 hrs if I remember right) go out and get the twisties!

 

hmmm... it's about 3-4 hours to the Dragon from Nashville... If you leave really early, you'll arrive before noon on WED and should be able to get several runs in. Assuming you're going to eat and rest a little before heading back to Chicago, it'll take 10 hours to get back (remember the construction zones at the IN/IL boarders...)

If you don't mind getting back late WED, go for it

 

I would think going to the "Dragon" adds 6-8 hours to your drive. The Dragon is a unique experince but, if you consider the time you will already need to spend behind the wheel, not sure it's worth the detour.

My daughter and I went to "Minis on the Dragon 06" and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. We went, and came back, the same day. Since we live about 4.5 hours away, and shared driving time, driving fatigue wasn't a big deal.

Make your plans, and reservations, to attend "Minis on the Dragon 07." Not only will you have time to enjoy the road more, you will love the overall experience.

 

Yes, the wonderful flatlands of IL, corn and soybeans for miles. Thanks for your input!

 

This is my thought, go for broke but just make the time to stop, rest and eat. The one thought that keeps popping up is how much traffic during the week versus the weekend would there be on the Dragon itself.

Given the construction always going on, the wait at the IL/IN border could be longer than the detour itself.

 

I've already looked into making plans for next year. For me this is just an idea which I'm seriously looking at because I won't get down to that part of the country until next year. Believe me, I know the drive will be a killer, but the experience will still be good in my eyes if I elect to do it.

 

I think If it is possible to add a night of sleep in that equation somewhere you might be better off. But I have to say once you've done the dragon you get cravings for it. I know I look for curvy roads around here and none of them even for a short while hold up to that one.

It's your choice, but if you can find a way to add a night of sleep in there you'll be better off.

 

Check, I'll be crashing Tuesday night in Nashville at my sister in laws house. I'll hopefully be getting a good nights rest, some home cooked food and a real bed.

 

ummm, I'd suggest going during the week. Too many sport bikes on the weekends. During MOTD, there were more of us than them. Just make sure you're rested when you first arrive at the Dragon. Take your time the first couple of times through. After that.. just make sure you're not tired. Don't go past your limit.

Enjoy the ride

 

I've already looked into making plans for next year. For me this is just an idea which I'm seriously looking at because I won't get down to that part of the country until next year. Believe me, I know the drive will be a killer, but the experience will still be good in my eyes if I elect to do it.

What's the saying "Anticipation makes......." 10 1/2 months is a whole lot of anticipation. Tough choice, Dragon now (with hours of "normal" driving the experience will still be good) or Dragon later. Dragon now isn't bad, just make sure you attend Dragon later (07 Minis on the Dragon.)

 

build in another day....one of my favorite sayings "if not now,when...if not me,...who?".....the Dragon is unique.....if you have never been there you will not regret it......time for a mental health day from work

 

Go for it.

Nashville to the Dragon is just under 4 hours drive time. Remember, you'll be crossing time zones so leave as early as possible. Watch the weather the night before. If rain is likely, don't bother. Even if you're familiar with 129 it's dangerous and not a lot of fun when it's raining. Especially if you have to drive back to IL.

If you do make it, please write a follow up post and let us know how it went and what you think. There's nothing quite like "The Tail of the Dragon."

 

It's tough when you see and listen to others who have done it and my mental health day would be doing the dragon!

 

Thanks for the advice, I was hoping a local to that part of the state would chime in. My nephew attends college in Knoxville so it wouldn't be a total bust. Lets pray for no rain then to the Mini motoring gods...

 

We are close and would meet up but are heading out early Weds for MME2006 in Maryland. For the most enjoyment of the road, weekday mornings are best. Take care but if wet, take extra care. We were there yesterday and it was a bit damp.


Good thing it is this week rather than last as the the Honda Hoot was in K'ville. 20,000 bikes visiting the area.

It will be a rather long detour but a great road.

 

By all means do the Dragon I was there in May on my motorcycle and we are going back at the end of July. We are going to a rally in Cincinnati at a Mini dealer and then it is off to the Dragon 318 turns in 11 miles what a hoot!!
Not like Illinois where there is 11 turns in 318 miles.