At MOTD this year I was startled by the number of people in the MINI community who were constantly crossing the double yellow line. Usually I drive the Dragon watching for bikers over the line. This year, I was watching for MINIs. These photos, taken from the Killboy, Moonshine and Zee Foto web sites (plus one video by MINIBee), were all made during MOTD 7. On the first day we heard reports that a MINI had crossed the line and forced a biker off the road. Are you shocked? Appalled? Keep watching and you'll see many examples of FOTD - Fail of the Dragon. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efjzfx72BWc"]YouTube - FOTD - Fail of the Dragon[/ame] Sure, some people may see these photos who were unaware they were crossing the line. If that's you, this is your wakeup call. But when you look at many of the photos it's clear people are intentionally crossing the center line. Is this what we stand for as a community? We curse the bikers for crossing the line and then we go out and do it ourselves? The challenge and the honor in driving the Dragon at a spirited pace comes when you do it between the lines. Anyone can ride down the center of the road and do it fast. Come on people, lives are at stake here. If you are in one or more of the photos (or video) I make no apologies. They are public record and you knew the photos were being made. I'm sure this will be controversial but I'm hoping through constructive discussion some good will come from it.
In years past, MINI owners have gained much respect from the local biker and sports cars enthusiasts for their consideration and respect for the rules of the road. I fear we may have lost some of that respect. Epic fail!
It's sad:frown2: This was one of the reasons we did not go this year. We did not want to become a statistic. We saw so many drivers last year on the Dragon who were reckless & unconcerned about other drivers & the bikers. This would have been my 6th Dragon. We missed seeing everyone but did not miss the crazy driving.
We're getting more noobs every year who think they know how to drive, and they just aren't aware of the dangers. We didn't drive much during MOTD for just this reason.
If you are behind or in front of someone who is crossing make sure you take the time to tell them. It is as much our responsibility as anyones. They can cop an attitude if they like, but the community will respond if they do. Nothing like a whole village to get rid of the village idiots. Also, if you feel you cant stay in your lane the speed you are going then SLOW DOWN.
This is true, it is up to us to police ourselves or the locals will start doing it for us. They WILL pull you aside if they get a chance and have a talk with you, but really, they do expect the MINIs to have it a little more together than the other car clubs.
This is true, but I see veterans in those pics, too. FWIW, in previous years there always seemed to be a lot of discussion on the forums about staying in your lane, driving within your limits, etc. This year those discussions seemed to be lacking. IMO, you shouldn't have to be told (over and over) to stay in your lane, but noobies may not truly understand how dangerous this road can be and it can't hurt for everyone to have a reminder.
OK.. how about this..... The road is dangerous if you don't respect it! A three wheel crossed the line and hit a boat trailer. The two passengers did not survive... there are pieces of them hanging off the boat trailer. My best friends are locals on the Dragon. This stuff is personal to me. I know too many people who have been hurt on that road due to other people's stupidity.
sad- and a little discouraging for those of us who havent had an opportunity to make it to the dragon yet.... :frown2:
Don't be discouraged. If you have never done it, you can drive it at your own pace and you will have a great time. Please come on out and play. I don't drive when noobies are out because I do not want to pressure them. The regulars play at night to avoid slower traffic. I'll write up an etiquette on the Dragon for next year.
Liked Mol said: Don't be discouraged. Just be prepared and very careful your first several times driving it. Now that we've given you the pep talk, we expect to see you there next year.:yesnod:
This was my first MOTD, actually my first MINI event. I had a blast. I read as much as I could about past MOTD's and almost everything I read made it clear that staying in your lane is a must. Even after reading all of the warnings I decided to attend the noobie orientation and drive . Cabriopilot, MiniBee, and Snooter presented the talk before the drive and then took 20 maybe 30 MINI's out on the Dragon. I do not regret going on the noob run at all, they had photos of what can happen and they made sure everyone understood how important it is to be on your game. They also provided pointers for having a good time. I highly recommend it to anyone going to the Dragon for the first time. Thanks for the video Jack. Greg
Don't be discouraged. Go, you will have a blast. Every MINI owner needs do it at least once. This was my first time (not my last) and I had a great time. There are lots of other twistie roads and fun to drive that are not as popular as the Dragon.
MINIBee - you have done a tremendous service to both the MINI community and the Dragon-area community itself. Bravo!
Yeah- I've missed two dragon's in a row now- both times couldn't get off of work :nonod: i'll keep my fingers crossed that i can go to the next one
It is covered pretty well on pages 10 and 11. http://www.minisonthedragon.info/files/Welcome_Guide_-_4-17-2009.pdf