People have to be informed that while a heckuva lot of fun extreme caution needs to take place and that people of widely varying skill levels will be attending. I think we owe that to new comers
You missed my point. While what you say above is true, you are talking with authority about an event you know nothing about. Therefore you are not the person to inform them. Jim
I have been to the Dragon on numerous occasions, always on a bike. On every occasion, there has been a car club of some make there. I have seen Corvette clubs, Miata clubs, Honda 3000 clubs, MINI clubs, and most every motorcycle type from Harleys to Goldwings to Café Racers. Not a popular opinion but I personally think it should be closed to the public. There are always those in any group who have the need to prove how talented and macho they are while risking the lives of totally innocent folks who often just happened to stumble on to the scene. The Internet contains thousands of pictures and films showing folks doing really stupid things on the road and many showing the disastrous results. If you don't agree, spend an hour at the general store at the bottom and listen to those who are timing runs and encouraging others to go increasingly faster. Or, go look for the numerous vehicle body parts displayed almost the entire length of the road section. Some of the more enjoyable roads in the Country are close to the Dragon including the Cherohala Parkway. These roads are far safer, much less crowded, and record far fewer fatalities than does the Dragon on an annual basis. I would be one to encourage any MINI driver to stay away from this particular piece of road but would encourage everyone to spend some time in the general area. It is an enthusiast's playground beyond compare. Just not a great place to risk your's and others lives on the Dragon.
Thing folks need to understand, is that it takes ZERO TALENT TO CROSS THE LINE. Let me say that again; crossing the center line demonstrates only that you are incapable of staying in your lane no matter how fast you are going. Want to prove how poorly you can drive? Cross the line. Want to prove what a talented driver you are? STAY IN YOUR LANE and we'll be proud to motor with ya!
I'm really looking forward to going again next year.. it will be my 3rd Dragon. I hope that people try and keep their egos in check each time they drive the Dragon. This is why I always go out on my own and drive it. That way there's no issue with keeping up with a group or slowing down for one either (although I think I am one of the slower Dragon slayers ). My main concern while driving is keeping alert and staying in my lane, period. A lot of people go on other drives in the area- they are some of the best roads around! But they can be dangerous as well. Hopefully everyone is respectful and drives safe in 2012.
