Dragon Free Drives

Discussion in 'MINIs on the Dragon 8 (April 28 - May 2, 2010)' started by Snooter, Mar 25, 2010.

  1. Snooter

    Snooter Club Coordinator

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    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.
     
  2. minimark

    minimark Well-Known Member

    Jun 24, 2009
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    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:
     
  3. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    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.
     
  4. lotsie

    lotsie Club Coordinator

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    :Thumbsup::Thumbsup::Thumbsup:

    Mark
     
  5. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

    Jun 24, 2009
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    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.
     
  6. kgdblu

    kgdblu Active Member

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    #6 kgdblu, Mar 25, 2010
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2010
    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.
     
  7. Snooter

    Snooter Club Coordinator

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    #7 Snooter, Mar 25, 2010
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2010
    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. :D
     
  8. docv

    docv Well-Known Member
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    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:
     
  9. KittyMini

    KittyMini Club Coordinator

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    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:
     
  10. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    Yep
     
  11. kgdblu

    kgdblu Active Member

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    crutches?? Wha' happened?
    Cool...that's is a great drive!!
     
  12. Snooter

    Snooter Club Coordinator

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    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
     
  13. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    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? :eek:ut:

    :useless
    ;)
     
  14. Snooter

    Snooter Club Coordinator

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    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:
     
  15. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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  16. Scavenger

    Scavenger Active Member

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    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! :Thumbsup:

    But, yes, there are several great alternative if necessary.
     
  17. nabeshin

    nabeshin New Member

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    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.
     
  18. versus

    versus Active Member

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    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.
     
  19. Snooter

    Snooter Club Coordinator

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    drive times are included
     

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