Most liked posts in thread: Live from MOTD 2014

Epilogue

Just got back from my first ever drive of The Dragon. (Took Herself on a trip to Asheville, and made a side trip to drive The Dragon since it was now devoid of loud hooligans.) Had a wide open clear run, nobody in front and nobody catching up from behind, so decided that even though it was my first time seeing the route, I'd try to take some advantage of the situation. Some observations from a Dragon Rookie:

1. Despite whatever bragging you may have heard, nobody tore it up. It's still there and the surface is in great condition.

2. I'll never make it as a World Rally Driver. (Or any rally driver for that matter.)

3. However, I can demonstrate understeer at the drop of a dime. (Made the OEM skinny 15" all seasons squeal like Ned Beatty.)

4. I spent more time in the wrong gear than in the right one. (See #2 above.)

5. I want to do it again!

 

Proud of my un-modded R53 and the beating it took at MOTD. Turned over 70k on the donut run.

 

What I think he is saying is every year it only takes one fool driving like a nut and causing a stupid accident to give our whole MINI group a black eye.

 

BIG truck stuck on the Dragon coming from the Tennessee side yesterday during the Sunrise run. The cab and cargo sections were twisted in opposite directions on one of the heavily canted S curve sections. Being Minis, and coming from the NC side, we were all able to squeeze by, as the accident had happened only moments before and emergency/tow equipment had not yet arrived.

My car actually drove under a small portion of the truck's cargo section that was tilted upward as a result of the rear end hanging off the road.

It's beyond belief that TN will not prohibit trucks from traveling this route. Someone told me that traffic from the TN direction was halted for 4 hours..:frown2:

Had numerous Dragon runs later in the day. Virtually no traffic (considering there are 600+ Minis in the area). The R56 JCW really impresses me the more I drive it on these roads. I have ridden bikes on the Dragon as well as a couple of high performance cars (GT3 and Z06), and the R56 JCW, with sticky rubber and a mildly firmed up suspension equals or bests them in sheer fun factor. I can drive this car closer to the limit, with very little drama. Adding coil overs and a slightly lower ride height must be a serious E ticket ride in these cars! I may have to look into that next.

 

The decibel levels on I-75 north today were a bit higher than normal

 

Sunday morning as I was departing to head home the most fantastic, unimaginable ride occurred. I checked out of Fontana and went to Deal's Gap for breakfast. I left Deal's Gap at 10:10 a.m. and had a totally clean Dragon run, arriving at Tabcat bridge at 10:29. I did not see another vehicle going in my direction either in front of or behind me! I had expected SUVs, Campers, vehicles towing trailers, cruising bikes, crotch rockets, LEOs and everything else at that time, but there was nobody else there. It was exhilarating.

 

Whole bunch of guys biting their tongues over that one, Nathan.

 

Augggh....

My retinas have been cauterized....

 

The hills are alive with the sound of...........

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAPPPPPP

 

Group shot from Fontana, Nate, Dave and the gang.

 

I'm still hanging out in the area. Staying with g/friend just outside Asheville. Had a blast at the Dragon! Will post pics of the Bat mobile I saw as soon as I get home. Probably head that way tomorrow day. Gotta love being retired! Everyone ... Safe travels going home !

 

So glad I went, it was a great first time on the dragon for me. I'll be there again next year.

 

What ever happened to, What happens at the Dragon stays at the Dragon? Geez

 

For some of us who can't be there, some names to go with the faces would be nice....:confused5:

 

Justa Jim justa knows about everyone.....