2004 Dragon Run Thread
Coordinator :: Alabama Motoring Society & South East
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,170
Likes: 2
From: Burning-Ham Alabama
SERIOUS WARNING
In light of the recent thread concerning a MINI crashing while street racing on a canyon run, I wanted to remind everyone attending the Dragon event that this is a place to have safe and sane fun on a fantastic twisty road.
It's certainly a place where we can see what our MINI's can do, but I hope that everyone will remember that this is a public road and that extreme caution must be observed at all times.
It is possible to have fun and toss our MINI's into some corners, but there are no trophys, nobody is timing our runs, and everyone is a winner that makes it safely home without being bitten by the dragon.
That being said, let's all have a fantastic time, stay in our lanes and in control for our abilities.
*****end of rant*****
In light of the recent thread concerning a MINI crashing while street racing on a canyon run, I wanted to remind everyone attending the Dragon event that this is a place to have safe and sane fun on a fantastic twisty road.
It's certainly a place where we can see what our MINI's can do, but I hope that everyone will remember that this is a public road and that extreme caution must be observed at all times.
It is possible to have fun and toss our MINI's into some corners, but there are no trophys, nobody is timing our runs, and everyone is a winner that makes it safely home without being bitten by the dragon.
That being said, let's all have a fantastic time, stay in our lanes and in control for our abilities.
*****end of rant*****
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
:smile: Good advice, Yucca! After all, you and kool know the Dragon just about better than any other MINI owners. I absolutely take your warning to heart and promise to be a safe and sane motorer there.....no matter what Wanda wants to do! 
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,406
Likes: 0
From: Northeast Ohio
SERIOUS WARNING
>>
>>In light of the recent thread concerning a MINI crashing while street racing on a canyon run, I wanted to remind everyone attending the Dragon event that this is a place to have safe and sane fun on a fantastic twisty road.
>>
>>It's certainly a place where we can see what our MINI's can do, but I hope that everyone will remember that this is a public road and that extreme caution must be observed at all times.
>>
>>It is possible to have fun and toss our MINI's into some corners, but there are no trophys, nobody is timing our runs, and everyone is a winner that makes it safely home without being bitten by the dragon.
>>
>>That being said, let's all have a fantastic time, stay in our lanes and in control for our abilities.
>>
>>*****end of rant*****
>>
>>In light of the recent thread concerning a MINI crashing while street racing on a canyon run, I wanted to remind everyone attending the Dragon event that this is a place to have safe and sane fun on a fantastic twisty road.
>>
>>It's certainly a place where we can see what our MINI's can do, but I hope that everyone will remember that this is a public road and that extreme caution must be observed at all times.
>>
>>It is possible to have fun and toss our MINI's into some corners, but there are no trophys, nobody is timing our runs, and everyone is a winner that makes it safely home without being bitten by the dragon.
>>
>>That being said, let's all have a fantastic time, stay in our lanes and in control for our abilities.
>>
>>*****end of rant*****
Coordinator :: Gulf Coast & Panhandle MINIs
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,662
Likes: 0
From: In the Tube
We had a great time last year at the meet. Nobody was silly enough to over drive a very difficult road and the conditions were great for the most part. We did have a tremendous squall come through on Friday midday that washed boulders and trees on to roadways, but it cleared and dried up fast. As I came around a turn after the storm, I came head-on to a boulder that had fallen during the torrential rain storm. It measured up to mid grill on my MCS and in the middle of my lane on the blind side of a turn.
You have to stay in your lane. If you are seen by police crossing the center divider getting a better line for the next turn, you will get a ticket, but you may also have a head on with someone coming the opposite direction doing the same.
The road is narrow and almost every turn is blind. What there is of a shoulder is very loose dirt and rock. The drop-offs are steep and the walls unforgiving stone mountain.
If you are going to The Dragon this year and have not visited http://www.tailofthedragon.com I urge you to do so. They have all the information about the road including do’s and don’ts for driving it. It’s a great site to get enlightened information from people who have driven it for years.
Let’s have a fun and safe meet again this year.
_________________
You have to stay in your lane. If you are seen by police crossing the center divider getting a better line for the next turn, you will get a ticket, but you may also have a head on with someone coming the opposite direction doing the same.
The road is narrow and almost every turn is blind. What there is of a shoulder is very loose dirt and rock. The drop-offs are steep and the walls unforgiving stone mountain.
If you are going to The Dragon this year and have not visited http://www.tailofthedragon.com I urge you to do so. They have all the information about the road including do’s and don’ts for driving it. It’s a great site to get enlightened information from people who have driven it for years.
Let’s have a fun and safe meet again this year.
_________________
Coordinator :: Alabama Motoring Society & South East
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,170
Likes: 2
From: Burning-Ham Alabama
Not only is there minimal shoulder on the dragon, but there are almost none of these to prevent a MINI from flying off the side of the mountain. . .
Most of the corners are banked, however, which makes for a reduction in risk for automobiles (not so much for bikes, hence the high number of bike-crashes). As Yucca and Sndwave said, Rule #1 is DO NOT drive over your ability! The last thing you want to do is get an outside wheel off the road; it's a long way down, and plenty of trees to stop you along the way 
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
From: Lexington, NC
>> SERIOUS WARNING
>>
>>In light of the recent thread concerning a MINI crashing while street racing on a canyon run, I wanted to remind everyone attending the Dragon event that this is a place to have safe and sane fun on a fantastic twisty road.
>>
>>It's certainly a place where we can see what our MINI's can do, but I hope that everyone will remember that this is a public road and that extreme caution must be observed at all times.
>>
>>It is possible to have fun and toss our MINI's into some corners, but there are no trophys, nobody is timing our runs, and everyone is a winner that makes it safely home without being bitten by the dragon.
>>
>>That being said, let's all have a fantastic time, stay in our lanes and in control for our abilities.
>>
>>*****end of rant*****
I gotta chime in and agree with Yucca. The only time I have ever felt fear in my MINI was on the dragon. I wasn't paying attention accelerated down a short straight and saw the next turn a half second late. The MINI did a 4 wheel drift/skid into the turn and powered out the other side. Would have been cool if it was what I had intended instead it was a "seat of the pants GOD let me make this turn" type of maneuver. Get used to the road before you push it.
>>
>>In light of the recent thread concerning a MINI crashing while street racing on a canyon run, I wanted to remind everyone attending the Dragon event that this is a place to have safe and sane fun on a fantastic twisty road.
>>
>>It's certainly a place where we can see what our MINI's can do, but I hope that everyone will remember that this is a public road and that extreme caution must be observed at all times.
>>
>>It is possible to have fun and toss our MINI's into some corners, but there are no trophys, nobody is timing our runs, and everyone is a winner that makes it safely home without being bitten by the dragon.
>>
>>That being said, let's all have a fantastic time, stay in our lanes and in control for our abilities.
>>
>>*****end of rant*****
I gotta chime in and agree with Yucca. The only time I have ever felt fear in my MINI was on the dragon. I wasn't paying attention accelerated down a short straight and saw the next turn a half second late. The MINI did a 4 wheel drift/skid into the turn and powered out the other side. Would have been cool if it was what I had intended instead it was a "seat of the pants GOD let me make this turn" type of maneuver. Get used to the road before you push it.
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 486
Likes: 0
From: Near the Dragon!
We are going to stay with family near Gatlinburg, well I hope so, I haven't asked them yet. And was wondering if there is going to be a good idea of the times that everything is happening so we know when to be around. Unless someone let us hang out in their hotel so we are in the loop. I don't wanna miss out on anything!
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Olney, MD Crossroads of the World ! ! !
Just one more reminder.......
INFORMATION ABOUT MICROTEL
I talked with Sue this afternoon about the rooms left at the Microtel. As AW has stated that there are only 8 rooms being held for the MINI Cooper's at the reduced rate. While talking with Sue, she noticed that there were four other rooms booked for the this event at the reduced rate. This may mean that there are really only 4 rooms left out of the 30 set aside. Sue also said that they have had a request for 15 rooms that same weekend for a wedding. Sue said that she would hold the remaining rooms until the end of this month, after that remainig rooms of the 30 would be released.
please book now or risk being shutout ! ! ! ! !
Dragon Run 2004 takes place the same weekend, April 29 through May 3, with the official parade on Friday, April 30. Here's a link to the web site, with local information:
Tail of the Dragon
Room discount info:
The Microtel has 30 rooms reserved for 4/29 through 5/1 2004. The rates are:
Single room - $44.95 -> one queen size bed
Double room - $49.95 -> two queen size beds
Suite - $62.95 -> Refig/Microwave/coffe machine table chairs 1 queen and a sleeper sofa
These 30 rooms have been set aside in a block. When those are gone they will honor the above price until they are completely booked. The Microtel will also honor the above prices on the front and back side of the stated date.
The booking code word, for lack of a better phrase, is can you guess....."Mini Cooper"
Call the local Microtel at (828) 479-6772, do not call the 800 number.
Once you get an operator, make sure you tell them that you want to make a reservation for the MINI Cooper block of rooms.
See You all down there..... 
INFORMATION ABOUT MICROTEL
I talked with Sue this afternoon about the rooms left at the Microtel. As AW has stated that there are only 8 rooms being held for the MINI Cooper's at the reduced rate. While talking with Sue, she noticed that there were four other rooms booked for the this event at the reduced rate. This may mean that there are really only 4 rooms left out of the 30 set aside. Sue also said that they have had a request for 15 rooms that same weekend for a wedding. Sue said that she would hold the remaining rooms until the end of this month, after that remainig rooms of the 30 would be released.
please book now or risk being shutout ! ! ! ! !
Dragon Run 2004 takes place the same weekend, April 29 through May 3, with the official parade on Friday, April 30. Here's a link to the web site, with local information:
Tail of the Dragon
Room discount info:
The Microtel has 30 rooms reserved for 4/29 through 5/1 2004. The rates are:
Single room - $44.95 -> one queen size bed
Double room - $49.95 -> two queen size beds
Suite - $62.95 -> Refig/Microwave/coffe machine table chairs 1 queen and a sleeper sofa
These 30 rooms have been set aside in a block. When those are gone they will honor the above price until they are completely booked. The Microtel will also honor the above prices on the front and back side of the stated date.
The booking code word, for lack of a better phrase, is can you guess....."Mini Cooper"
Call the local Microtel at (828) 479-6772, do not call the 800 number.
Once you get an operator, make sure you tell them that you want to make a reservation for the MINI Cooper block of rooms.
See You all down there.....
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 486
Likes: 0
From: Near the Dragon!
I just did the brake light mod to my MINI the other day and am really glad I did. Not only for the practical use, but also looks better cosmetically. I have decided to do this for anyone else that wants it done for them and do not want to try it during the Dragon Run weekend. All I ask for is the cost of the parts, a dollar at most. If you would like me to do this please pm me so I make sure that I have enough materials with me to do them. It only takes a few minutes and definitely recommend them to all, especially if you're gonna take the dragon Saturday at Midnight. I will use materials that won't need any wires to be cut and no, not a paper clip either. It will be a nice and clean setup. One more thing, if you have the rear fog option it'll be about 3 or 4 dollars because of the cost of the diodes. So let me know also if you have the fogs or not or plan on upgrading in the future.
5th Gear
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 882
Likes: 0
Recommendation for Deal's Gap riders:
Some will want to drive faster while others will tend to drive slower. A slower driver will tend to hold up one who drives at a more spirited pace and could conceivably s poilthe latter's enjoyment of the ride. Why not, then, ask riders to voluntarily segregate themselves in a "Spirited drivers" and "Slower drivers" group and let the Spirited drivers go first? There's no embarrassment in being labelled a slower driver.
The famous San Francisco Bay to Breakers foot race allows the serious, better runners to start first with the hordes starting at a time interval afterward.
Some will want to drive faster while others will tend to drive slower. A slower driver will tend to hold up one who drives at a more spirited pace and could conceivably s poilthe latter's enjoyment of the ride. Why not, then, ask riders to voluntarily segregate themselves in a "Spirited drivers" and "Slower drivers" group and let the Spirited drivers go first? There's no embarrassment in being labelled a slower driver.
The famous San Francisco Bay to Breakers foot race allows the serious, better runners to start first with the hordes starting at a time interval afterward.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville, NC USA
Good idea but for one thing. Peoples perceptions of their driving style vary....a lot. I've found some "spirited" drivers to be a bit on the slower side, while others border on insane. Best bet for the group tours is going to be just do whatever the group does. If it's not "spirited" enough with the group, you can always turn around and run it solo. After all, you'll be in the area for a little while.
Personally, I plan on my first few runs to be a bit on the sedate side until I know the road a little. Having never driven the Dragon before, I'd like to scout out the surprises first.
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03 B/W S model; Madness intake; Cibie 45 lamps; Magnaflow exhaust; H&R springs; Helix swaybar
Personally, I plan on my first few runs to be a bit on the sedate side until I know the road a little. Having never driven the Dragon before, I'd like to scout out the surprises first.
_________________
03 B/W S model; Madness intake; Cibie 45 lamps; Magnaflow exhaust; H&R springs; Helix swaybar
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,304
Likes: 4
From: new york
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
From: Stuttgart Germany
There are enough turn outs on the Dragon to let the faster ones by. IF you notice a car on your rear for more than 3 corners find the next turn ou and pull over. This will help eliminate the most dangerous part of the run- CROSSING THE DOUBLE YELLOW. Now which tires for the Gap? Azeni or Kumho 710's????
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cboling@northamericanmotoring.com||PM me
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Moderator: SOLO 2 DISCUSSION and H STOCK
cboling@northamericanmotoring.com||PM me
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,304
Likes: 4
From: new york
>>There are enough turn outs on the Dragon to let the faster ones by. IF you notice a car on your rear for more than 3 corners find the next turn ou and pull over. This will help eliminate the most dangerous part of the run- CROSSING THE DOUBLE YELLOW. Now which tires for the Gap? Azeni or Kumho 710's????
>>
Yokohama's AVS ES100's
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>>
Yokohama's AVS ES100's
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Coordinator :: Gulf Coast & Panhandle MINIs
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,662
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From: In the Tube
The rocket pack concept – ya. Accelerate to a gazillion MPH for 100 feet just in time to make that next 15 MPH turn. I can see you going in to orbit off the cliff now.