As much as it pains me to think our beloved Dragon might be closed, it's better to be prepared in any case. For those not familar with some of the other incredible roads in the area, I'll be putting together some printable PDF's of drives leaving Fontana that are Dragon Free. HERE is the link. Feel free to make suggestions and I'll add them as I can.
One word.. Blimey! He knows all the great roads and drives there like the back of his hand. Lot of great roads there without ever doing the Dragon itself, just be prepared to repair your seat bottoms when ya get home...:lol:
My favorite route - Wayah Road out and back, with Rhymer's Ferry on the return. N Carolina 28, NC to N Carolina 28, NC - Google Maps As drawn takes 3-4 hours depending on how you drive. Can easily extend it and go on into Franklin for lunch in the middle. Can substitute NC28 for either the out or back leg - though Wayah is so deliciously different depending on which direction you're going, I always want to go both ways on it... Rymer's Ferry Road is not recommended for cars lowered more than 1". But it's bliss.
Great idea Barry... way to be proactive. I'll be meeting with my boss for "great routes and driving" while down there. He insists he knows tons of great driving down by the Dragon. He goes down there a lot, but on motorcycle rides. If I get any good ideas that are not already posted, I will certainly share.
Is Wayah Road also known as Thunder Road? in '03 or '04, we drove Thunder Road....I don't remember where it is, but I remember we liked it a lot.
Actually I always wanted to get "catalogue" of drive together for years now. Now that I at home on crutches and the Dragon being down also....seems like a great time to work on it. If anyone can provide me with pdfs of thier drives, I'd love to add them to the collection.
Although I was really looking forward to " Driving the Dragon" the closing of said road will not keep me away, after this long crappy winter I am so ready to get out and enjoy some roads, being a first timer and not having driven 129 yet I wont know what I will be missing and besides who knows maybe, just maybe Tenn. and NC will be able to hash out some kind of agreement, think positive..:smilewinkgrin:
Crutches? Bummer! This is my first time as well, but I hear such great things about surrounding area roads. I think either way we are going to have a great time :cornut:
stepped on toothpick and got a puncture wound and they think possibly some nerve damage :frown5: I hope to be walking, crutch free, sometime next week
Dude.... I'm trying not to laugh. Really. Because I know it's not funny, and I seriously hope you don't have any lasting issues from this. But a TOOTHPICK? ut: :useless
you and me both....I looking at possible long term nerve damage and the only thing I keep thinking is a "TOOTHPICK" :mad2:\ sorry no pictures :rolleyes5:
I have fond memories of several runs with a small group on the HellBender :mad5: After missing two consecutive MOTD's, I'm not that concerned with roads being open or closed, I just can't wait to get back into the MINIness! But, yes, there are several great alternative if necessary.
There is more to MINIs on the Dragon than US 129. I was honestly looking forward to the surrounding roads more than the Dragon. Plus the whole MINI community thing.
Well, I'm a total Dragon newb so this Thunder Road and HellBender both sound great to me. Haven't taken a look at the PDF but does it include drive time? I know it'd depend a lot on the driver but having an idea is always helpful.