Fall of the Dragon 04 – Wrap-up
Coordinator :: Smoky Mountain MINIs
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, Tennessee
Glad to hear all had a good time and stayed mostly safe. It was fun passing through, catching different groups, on our way to and from Atlanta.
CAN, I wish we had eaten slower at the grill. We would have still been there when you came through. We were reminded though that UT was in the 3rd quarter of a home game and we had to go past Neyland Stadium to get home so we blasted off so we would not be engulfed in a sea of orange. See you guys next time. :smile:
CAN, I wish we had eaten slower at the grill. We would have still been there when you came through. We were reminded though that UT was in the 3rd quarter of a home game and we had to go past Neyland Stadium to get home so we blasted off so we would not be engulfed in a sea of orange. See you guys next time. :smile:
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Muncie, Indiana
We had a great time 
and it was good to meet everybody and their MINI's. There are a couple of photo's from the weekend posted at http://groups.msn.com/MINICCI/pictures 
and it was good to meet everybody and their MINI's. There are a couple of photo's from the weekend posted at http://groups.msn.com/MINICCI/pictures
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Good times, indeed...just wish I'd been able to get there on Thursday, but had a great, although abreviated, time with many of you for the rest of the weekend. It was especially fun running the roads with koolmini and hearing the respect that the bikers had for the MINIs. Unlike the Cobras on Saturday, we go faster and stay on our side of the road!
Paul
Paul
A bittersweet weekend to say the least! Lots of good, lots of bad, but I still had a great time. MM2 handles better and quicker than ever before, but don't think I won't up the ante for next May! 
Here are some of my choice pics:
Maximusmini cruisin' down to The Dragon. Those new Exel Radius wheels are HOT!
The view from "the lookout" on The Dragon
The Dragon from the only turnoff going north, very beautiful!
...and the drive back home; Minzila, Maximusmini, Sarcux, and rabbot, posing in front of MM2.
--->rabbot - it was AWESOME meeting you!
Cheers!
Ryan
Here are some of my choice pics:
Maximusmini cruisin' down to The Dragon. Those new Exel Radius wheels are HOT!
The view from "the lookout" on The Dragon
The Dragon from the only turnoff going north, very beautiful!
...and the drive back home; Minzila, Maximusmini, Sarcux, and rabbot, posing in front of MM2.
--->rabbot - it was AWESOME meeting you!
Cheers!
Ryan
Coordinator :: MINI Car Club of Indiana (MINICCI)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: Plainfield, IN
Gee thanks
Originally Posted by glmini
We had a great time and it was good to meet everybody and their MINI's. There are a couple of photo's from the weekend posted at http://groups.msn.com/MINICCI/pictures
and it was good to meet everybody and their MINI's. There are a couple of photo's from the weekend posted at http://groups.msn.com/MINICCI/pictures 
I TRIED to hide it 
.Very nice pics Rye!
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Stow, Ohio
MINIclo wrote:
Actually, Jeremy and I were talking about that last night... the rally lights are what sold me. Love them! It'll be while, but I'm definitely starting to think in that direction
Also, everyone has posted such awesome pics. As soon as I get a CD of the pics we took (*ahem*) I'll post some. I got some decent ones of the car-washing on Friday.
Now....when are you ordering your very own MINI..hmmm?
Also, everyone has posted such awesome pics. As soon as I get a CD of the pics we took (*ahem*) I'll post some. I got some decent ones of the car-washing on Friday.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Galion, OH
Well I for one Hate the dragon,,,,,,,and Hate the People at the Dragon!
Hee hee hee as "W" would say,,,,,, Just kidding
No I didn't have fun, no I'm not coming back,,,,,,,,,, until May
Here's some pix for all you hosers to enjoy
Hee hee hee as "W" would say,,,,,, Just kidding
No I didn't have fun, no I'm not coming back,,,,,,,,,, until May
Here's some pix for all you hosers to enjoy
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: NC, USA
The funniest thing I heard while at the Dragon was Ryephile trying to get tickets for the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad. The thought of someone who goes all out to be fast riding a slow moving steam engine train through the woods. 
Soon as I get my pics back I'll be sure to post some. I want to thank the MINICCI folks for letting me hang out with them. I just sorta tagged along and enjoyed the ride. :smile:
Soon as I get my pics back I'll be sure to post some. I want to thank the MINICCI folks for letting me hang out with them. I just sorta tagged along and enjoyed the ride. :smile:
Originally Posted by Pebblecrusher
The funniest thing I heard while at the Dragon was Ryephile trying to get tickets for the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad. The thought of someone who goes all out to be fast riding a slow moving steam engine train through the woods.
After a hard day of cranking on The Dragon and hwy-28 (not that you'd know about aggressive driving, ahem!), a bit of scenic overlook helps soothe. --->Minzila - stop lying - we know you had an AWESOME time
Thanks again for the brats, they, and you, ROCK!
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Originally Posted by Ryephile
--->Minzila - stop lying - we know you had an AWESOME time
Thanks again for the brats, they, and you, ROCK! Yeah, Steve! Your cajun brats were AWESOME! Thanks so much for the tasty meal, sweetie! See you in May! Clover
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Originally Posted by MINItencan
We had a good time this past weekend! It was nice to meet everyone and put a face with the names.
We did have a little fender bender though
. It was on Thursday afternoon on the way to check in at Fontana. It was still a bit wet and caught a guardrail. Minor damage and that can always be fixed, we were both fine.
Clo, you are great! I am sooo happy to have met you! Sndwave, super guy with some really cool new kickers (and thanks for the hug!). Kool, what can I say, you are just tooo KOOL (and I will be getting you a special decal for you to put on in the spring )! Thanks for waiting on us after the fender bender. Pebblecrusher, it was super to have you along for the drives! It was great to meet everyone else too!!
The weekend went by way to fast, we didn't even get down to the party cabin . Maybe next time.
Can
We did have a little fender bender though
. It was on Thursday afternoon on the way to check in at Fontana. It was still a bit wet and caught a guardrail. Minor damage and that can always be fixed, we were both fine.Clo, you are great! I am sooo happy to have met you! Sndwave, super guy with some really cool new kickers (and thanks for the hug!). Kool, what can I say, you are just tooo KOOL
(and I will be getting you a special decal for you to put on in the spring )! Thanks for waiting on us after the fender bender. Pebblecrusher, it was super to have you along for the drives! It was great to meet everyone else too!!The weekend went by way to fast, we didn't even get down to the party cabin
. Maybe next time.Can
Can, it was great to meet you, Tom, and all the fun Indiana MINIacs! Sorry about your MINI's boo-boo, but the main thing is that we all got out alive, eh? Look forward to seeing you and your pals in May! YAY!
Clover
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,304
Likes: 4
From: new york
hey everybody, killboy just posted his pictures from the weekend
looks like he got most of us...........sndwave & his new wheels
(how about those old wheels saving the day.....twice)
http://www.killboy.com/
http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/...event=04RK003R
looks like he got most of us...........sndwave & his new wheels
(how about those old wheels saving the day.....twice)
http://www.killboy.com/
http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/...event=04RK003R
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: wherever
Originally Posted by rabbot
Maximusmini needs to post more pics of MOTORN's sweet new racing wheel... light, fast, easy to store. Plus, looks really HOT. On sale soon at detroittuned.com!!
Who gave you permission to post a piccy of the prototype?
Ryan had not even cleaned the dust off.
Maximusmini has piccys of the final version to be released at
the Detroituned Autoshow in December.
Thanks to Ryephile, Maximusmini, Minzila and others who helped
me get back to Fontana.
And special thanks to Sndwave forthe Minilite to get me home
BTW, NC State tractors with bushogs really blow.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
From: NC, USA
Originally Posted by Ryephile
What's wrong with a bit of relaxation? After a hard day of cranking on The Dragon and hwy-28 (not that you'd know about aggressive driving, ahem!), a bit of scenic overlook helps soothe.
After a hard day of cranking on The Dragon and hwy-28 (not that you'd know about aggressive driving, ahem!), a bit of scenic overlook helps soothe. The Killboy fellas missed me again.
Oh well, maybe next time.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,304
Likes: 4
From: new york
Originally Posted by Pebblecrusher
The funniest thing I heard while at the Dragon was Ryephile trying to get tickets for the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad. The thought of someone who goes all out to be fast riding a slow moving steam engine train through the woods.
....too many MINI's (& rain) on the Dragon that Sunday in May
btw: i suggested the stream train thingy to those guys at the party cabin
Thread Starter
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Coordinator :: Gulf Coast & Panhandle MINIs
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 12,662
Likes: 0
From: In the Tube
Because of the accident and being stuck on the overlook side of it, I just drove back and forth by Darryl (Killboy). He got 10 shoots of the BLU MENE with its new wheels. If he got a good shot of your MINI and you’ve never ordered pictures from him, he puts them on CD and does a great job.
As far as helping you guys with the wheels - I'm glad to have done it. Everyone getting home safe is more important then going there in the first place. I was happy to help.
If he got a good shot of your MINI and you’ve never ordered pictures from him, he puts them on CD and does a great job.As far as helping you guys with the wheels - I'm glad to have done it. Everyone getting home safe is more important then going there in the first place. I was happy to help.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 352
Likes: 0
From: Flowery Branch, GA
Just wanted to say we had a great time at the Dragon! It was nice meeting everyone. Thanks Ryephile for inviting us over Saturday night, I'm sorry we didn't make it. We were heading your way when it started to rain. I'll post some pictures this weekend.
Coordinator :: MINIsota Motoring Society (MMS)
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 874
Likes: 1
From: MPLS. MN
I'm sad I missed it!
For those who have never been there before <ahem - me > would someone be willing to do a write-up that explains the days activities over the weekend? What time did you start, how many times did you drive the Dragon? Where you ate, who you drove with...that sorta thing...
I've seen a bunch of pics and it looks fantastic! Did anyone do any trash talking with the SVTs?!
Just looking to get a better feel for the Dragon
Thanks!
Adam
> would someone be willing to do a write-up that explains the days activities over the weekend? What time did you start, how many times did you drive the Dragon? Where you ate, who you drove with...that sorta thing...I've seen a bunch of pics and it looks fantastic! Did anyone do any trash talking with the SVTs?!
Just looking to get a better feel for the Dragon
Thanks!
Adam
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,304
Likes: 4
From: new york
hey adame
check out this site: http://www.tailofthedragon.com/ it should help you with information on the Dragon (US129) & surrounding areas
and just follow the Dragon threads on NAM (MCO) for the MINI events/activities during Dragon meets
some of us just drive the wheels off our kars or till the belts are poping out of their tires others don't
check out this site: http://www.tailofthedragon.com/ it should help you with information on the Dragon (US129) & surrounding areas
and just follow the Dragon threads on NAM (MCO) for the MINI events/activities during Dragon meets
some of us just drive the wheels off our kars or till the belts are poping out of their tires
others don't
Coordinator :: MINIsota Motoring Society (MMS)
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 874
Likes: 1
From: MPLS. MN
Thanks - I'll hang out at the site for awhile. But I was hoping to hear more details from this group over the weekend.....
Originally Posted by koolmini
hey adame
check out this site: http://www.tailofthedragon.com/ it should help you with information on the Dragon (US129) & surrounding areas
and just follow the Dragon threads on NAM (MCO) for the MINI events/activities during Dragon meets
some of us just drive the wheels off our kars or till the belts are poping out of their tires others don't
check out this site: http://www.tailofthedragon.com/ it should help you with information on the Dragon (US129) & surrounding areas
and just follow the Dragon threads on NAM (MCO) for the MINI events/activities during Dragon meets
some of us just drive the wheels off our kars or till the belts are poping out of their tires
others don't
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 5,304
Likes: 4
From: new york
btw adame
May is the big National MINI event at the Dragon https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...splay.php?f=86
this fall event "Fall of the Dragon" turned out bigger then expected (30 MINI's?) just a bunch of "Dragon ******"
May is the big National MINI event at the Dragon https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...splay.php?f=86
this fall event "Fall of the Dragon" turned out bigger then expected (30 MINI's?) just a bunch of "Dragon ******"
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Adam, Fall of the Dragon II was not a formal event. It started last year when Koolmini and YuccaPatrol decided to run the Dragon in the Fall and experience the seasonal change. :smile:
They had so much fun that when FOTD II was suggested, a bunch of us jumped on it, including me! I flew east from Los Angeles to attend!
We tried to meet at the Dragon Overlook on Thursday at a certain hour, but due to a number of miscalculations (including forgetting to factor in going from Central to Eastern time...DOH!), many of us didn't quite make it by high noon!
Most of us stayed at Fontana Village, and just motored through the village, looking for MINIs and figuring out where everyone was staying. That worked great. We all went to breakfast together, pretty much, on Friday, then some went on to the Cherohala Skyway run, while others chose to clean and buff their MINIs before running the Dragon again.
We all ate dinner at Sweetwater on Friday night, except for the mamarazzi contingent from Atlanta, who were staying at the Biker Motel and had their own lasagna to enjoy! :smile:
Saturday people did whatever, with many running the Dragon, others driving the Cherohala Skyway (which is where I believe Minzilla got the awesome shot of his MINI in front of the waterfall). Saturday on the Dragon was weird: too many nutzo pocket-rocket riders making super-dangerous passes; leaf-lookers motoring verrrrrrrrry slowly; and just plain too many vehicles altogether. Two bikers had accidents, and as was mentioned above, one lost his life.
Now, the MOTD in May will be a very different event. It will be the third annual and will have lots of planned activities which will be up online here at NAM very soon. The organizers are working hard to provide a fun-filled event for y'all!
I'd also like to reiterate what a fantastic road 28 is from Deal's Gap (beginning of the Dragon) to Fontana Village. It's about 11-12 miles of some great twists and turns and some straightaways, making it possible to pass when necessary.
Read all the Dragon-related threads, go to http://www.tailofthedragon.com/ and scroll down to the bottom of the page to all the other links. It started out as a motorcycle resort, but has developed into a favorite of the sportscar crowd!
Clover
They had so much fun that when FOTD II was suggested, a bunch of us jumped on it, including me! I flew east from Los Angeles to attend!
We tried to meet at the Dragon Overlook on Thursday at a certain hour, but due to a number of miscalculations (including forgetting to factor in going from Central to Eastern time...DOH!), many of us didn't quite make it by high noon!
Most of us stayed at Fontana Village, and just motored through the village, looking for MINIs and figuring out where everyone was staying. That worked great. We all went to breakfast together, pretty much, on Friday, then some went on to the Cherohala Skyway run, while others chose to clean and buff their MINIs before running the Dragon again.
We all ate dinner at Sweetwater on Friday night, except for the mamarazzi contingent from Atlanta, who were staying at the Biker Motel and had their own lasagna to enjoy! :smile:
Saturday people did whatever, with many running the Dragon, others driving the Cherohala Skyway (which is where I believe Minzilla got the awesome shot of his MINI in front of the waterfall). Saturday on the Dragon was weird: too many nutzo pocket-rocket riders making super-dangerous passes; leaf-lookers motoring verrrrrrrrry slowly; and just plain too many vehicles altogether. Two bikers had accidents, and as was mentioned above, one lost his life.
Now, the MOTD in May will be a very different event. It will be the third annual and will have lots of planned activities which will be up online here at NAM very soon. The organizers are working hard to provide a fun-filled event for y'all!
I'd also like to reiterate what a fantastic road 28 is from Deal's Gap (beginning of the Dragon) to Fontana Village. It's about 11-12 miles of some great twists and turns and some straightaways, making it possible to pass when necessary.
Read all the Dragon-related threads, go to http://www.tailofthedragon.com/ and scroll down to the bottom of the page to all the other links. It started out as a motorcycle resort, but has developed into a favorite of the sportscar crowd!
Clover