Is anyone driving to the Dragon alone, and without cruise control? Am I nuts to be contemplating this? I've never been there and it sounds like a blast, but given my situation it seems a bit insane.

 

I have driven solo from NH to Atlanta, so no I wouldn't say you are crazy, and cruise control, no biggie, I don't have it.

 

Do it - insanity is just part of the amusement!

Also, I'm sure there are many MINIac's coming up from FL, so you shouldn't have any problems grouping up and storming the highways together.

 

There will be several of us going to the Dragon from FL, myself included. I never use cruise control...it lulls me to sleep! But I do have it!

Where in FL are you? I'll be stopping a day early in Birmingham, AL, to visit YuccaPatrol, and make sure that he gets up to the Dragon!

Clover

 

Im down in Davie, and I'll probably be making the trip up there.

 

I've made the drive from Jax solo the first year, no problem and I took back roads to make it interesting and not to use cruise control.

 

I'm in Clearwater. I'm going to look into getting time off from work, just in case. :smile: So what are the dates I need to ask for off?

 

Yeah I went last year by myself, about 9 hours or so, no big deal. I have cruise control, but it's really just something to fiddle with, I'm always pushing the + or the - and then passing the other cars anyway . You'll be fine. Just give yourself plenty of tme for the trip back, that's the dinger!

[oh my gosh and it was sooo much fun -!!! bring money for mods!! ]

 

What kind of mods? Do they accept plastic? :smile:

 

well, last year I did the brake light mod, which was about $10... and then discovered that a guy from Atlanta MINIs who does graphics for MINIs came equipped to do stripes and stuff so I had black stripes put on my (then) silver MC. I think that was around $100, more or less.

I read they are considering a professional panarama photo this year, that would be worth getting, and there was a bunch of 'Dragonslayer' type stuff for sale too last year. I'm sure it will expand in scope!

I even remember people having aero grilles installed, and they might be doing pulley reductions too, but that's a whole 'nother thing....

 

The 3rd Annual MINIs On The Dragon (MOTD) is May 5 - May 9, 2005! YAY!

Here's the link to all the info:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...splay.php?f=86



And Fontana Village is going to be party central...where all the non-driving events will be held (be sure to ask for the MINI club discount)...and where most of the MINIacs will be lodging:
http://www.fontanavillage.com/


Clover

 

Not only did I drive from Tampa to NC for the Dragon last year without CC... but as part of a caravan... I drove round trip, Tampa to Dallas & back, completely alone, and made each trip in one day without shattering speed laws.

In order to shorten drive time, I avoid any unneccessary stops. I get gas, meals (to go), snacks & drinks, and bathroom breaks at the same time. So basically, when the gas gauge says STOP, I do. And I get going in as little time as possible.

Toss some good CD's in the car, and I recommend some of them NOT be music- like standup comedy, etc., because those are less likely to drone you to sleep. If you don't have any non-music CD's, at least bring LOUD music. There are tmes that being a fan of heavy metal comes in handy...

Have a blast!

Bill

 

Unless you’re only driving to the Dragon for a day, you will have more MINIs on the road with you than you know.

20 plus MINIs went to the Dragon last year from as far away as the Miami area or the Keys. They have meeting places along the way and drive up to NC together. As time gets closer and the SSMs board get back online you will find people in the Clearwater area who will be part of the caravan.

I’m in the far NW area of FL so I drive a different route up there, but would join the caravan if I lived closer to the central area like you do.

You’ll only drive alone if you want to, but either way you'll have a great time.

 

Due to my vacation schedule, my wife & I are planning to go up the week before Memorial day..I think we may go to Gatlinburg for the tourist thing and due some day trips to the Dragon thru the Smokies and the "water fall tours"that I found on the web...has anyone else done the day trips out of that area?..any input would be appreciated

 

I've alread taken the days off from work, now i just need to find out where the South Floridians are planning the caravan?? I've gone to a few sites but its a bit confusing to see when and where they're meeting and when they're leaving.

Thanx! I can't wait.

 

As I said above when the Sunshine MINIs board gets back up, that's where all the Florida folks meet for information. We still have a few months so you'll be well informed before the Dragon event. Just hang in there.

 

You are not nuts for traveling alone or for contemplating a long drive without CC. You are nuts if you would let that stop you from coming.

Giddy Up!!!

 

Thanks for all the encouragement everyone. :smile:

I have questions about the actual Dragon Run. Since it's an actual public road, not closed to other traffic, is it possible that some slow-poke (maybe a truck) could ruin it for everyone? I don't want to drive crazy dangerous and I wouldn't like to have someone riding me on my rear bumper, but I want to have fun. The Midnight Run sounds like scary fun.

 

It’s a public road and many go to drive and tour the area, but some go to burn it when they can. No one has ever been pushed off the road because they don’t want to drive more aggressively so don’t worry. Just pull over to the side and let them by when you see any then pull out again.

Yes there are trucks that should not be on the road some times and not often, but don’t worry about that. When they are seen getting on the Dragon someone always escorts them through warning on coming drivers to pull over.

What ever you do just come and have a great time which I’m sure you will because it’s going to be too many hours crammed into a great MINI weekend for you to miss.

 

Yeah I saw it happen from time to time last year, basically you just pull over and give them a few minutes to get ahead of you, then continue.

For the parade event there are soooo many MINIs there's no chance of of a Crown Vic getting in the way. Frequent speed bikes going crazy fast, too, though on the event weekend most people know to stay away. There's a few surrounding roads that are fun too, with higher speeds and great curves. On the Dragon there's only ,maybe 10 feet of straight pavement in the whole 11 mile strech.... most of the time it's like a rollercoaster Don't eat just before driving on it (and don't bring carbonated drinks!! )

 

Great advice for those of you motion challanged.

Me, I'll be chomping on some raw fish and swilling fizzy drinks.

 

its kinda like this: http://mini2.com/video/usa/carbonation_big.mov

 

Last year, we had a AMAZINGLY well organized FL caravan that started in Tampa, picked up people in Orlando, Gainesville, Jax (I-10) and Atlanta. Cruise control and boredom weren't really problems because we were traveling in a line of 20+ MINIs, communicating constantly via GMRS/FRS radios and trying to stay togther at fairly good speeds.

It was a blast!!!

No worries!

- Mark

 

Can someone post the exact date the Caravan is scheduled to leave Miami this year?

Would also be nice to see a full schedule now so we don't have to wait for Sunshine to come back up (haha pun intended).

 

What do you mean by full schedule - of events? Of meeting points along the way? I'm not sure what you are asking here?