HA ha Mark. If that were the case I would spend more time between many a woman's breasts.

As it is, we know that is dangerous, so sadly, most of us don't..

 

State troopers mount motorcycles for enforcement on 'The Dragon' » Knoxville News Sentinel

Interesting article. Not because it mentions trooper strength for this weekend, but instead it gives us information about how trooper strength may be for our weekend.

"A $71,116.79 grant from the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, which covers a period from Oct. 1, 2012, to Sept. 30, 2013, will pay overtime funds to the motorcycle officers"

 

The period of the grant covers the overtime until Sept. 30 2013 we are going to be there after that so may not have an impact for our "fun".

 

Still good info and another reason to be careful

 

Alright, alright! It's time to take your blood pressure and start to think about whether YOU ought to be in this year's "TOURIST CLASS" Saturday run!
This event is just right for those with nothing to "prove", nubes, roadsters, automatic shifters and folks who really want to SEE the beauty of Appalachia! Always a popular crowd led by our own PACEMAKER, THE "CONCIERGE OF CAUTION"! This will be a delightful romp through the woods of fall and a great lunch in North Carolina.
Participation is limited so make sure to sign-up Friday night at the Team Meeting in the Lodge.

 

Ok Pacemaker I am a nube to the "Dragon" but run the Mtns of Colorado all the time......should I take the tourist route or a different run? I would like to see the appalachia but maybe could do it earlier or later at my leisure? As I said my first time and my wife never gets scared with my driving.

 

The Dragon is a little differ't than the Rockies. Both beautiful and challenging but hardly interchangable.

However, that said, the areas around Fontana are mostly lovely vistas and wide sweeping turns for the most part. 45 MPH speed limits and plenty of badges ready to take you money.

129 Dragon, Hellbender and Devils Triangle are twisty. Drive 'em fast if you like or slow,,,,, they are fun either way. Most everything else, you are already used to.

You and your loevly will be fine running with anyone of the groups. The hardest decision you will have to make, is which one. They are all fun.

If you run with Pacemaker, you will see more than the back of the Crossfire in front of you. Unlike Colrado, North Carolina has more than beeches turning yellow. This fall appears to be shaping up with good color, not to be missed.

 

Thanks for the info Franc .....all this will be taken into consideration and I can't wait to see you and the others at Fontana. Oct can't get here soon enough for me!

 

I find it is best to wait till Friday night to make up your mind on what route and group to go with, if it is your first time.
After driving into the area, you will know enough about the roads to know just how you want to enjoy the area - and after talking with others (or going along in the right seat with someone on a friday-evening-romp-thru-the-dragon), you will know.

Pacemaker's group is the "tourist class", good name for it, as a first timer will enjoy looking over the pretty area, but note there is no "SLOW" class - even Pacemaker's group doesn't hold any traffic up.

 

pacemaker...I guess I'll book the "Tourist Class" since my AUTOMATIC is dying to be pampered (darn't why didn't I get the 6 speed like i started to do...). Anywho, I know I'll love the run immensely!!!!.

 

rmaier - I lived in CO for a number of years and can re-enforce what
Franc said about the differences (and I even drove the back road to Central City ONCE ) There are challenges in the Tourist Run, fortunately just the right number. And very good advice to decide after arrival at the Lodge - the approach to the Lodge is very attention getting so try to arrive before dark. That will give you an idea of what Saturday may offer. (How do parents of the young folks who work at The Grill stand the suspense of their arrival home???) I loved the Tourist Run last year!

Alicia

 

Actually, I think you will meet me in St Louis as I plan to peddle along with you guys as you come thru.

Looking forward to the hook up!

As for your wife not being scared, I would suggest that many passengers need motion sickness pills to ride thru the Dragon.

 

Agreed 100%.

Advice to first timers.....Don't challenge the Dragon when you first come thru.
1) You're gonna be tired from the long drive
2) Your car is loaded with luggage and will not perform at it's best
3) This road is one of the "Deadliest Roads" (as seen on TV) It shows no mercy to fools
4) Don't prove before you get there and meet everyone , that your not safe to be around on the road.
5) Accidents happen. But blowing it on your third turn into the Dragon is no accident. It's just stupid.
6) Bending a wheel or a fender will ruin your week end.

The speed limit on the Dragon is 30 MPH. Believe me, on most of the turns, that is way too fast. Put the tranny in third (auto or manual) stay off the brakes, and enjoy.

Coming in from Knoxville,,,,the Dragon was just 11 miles of warm up.
The Hellbender stretches things out a bit more. But many of the turns are reverse banked after a long straightaway. And they will dump you into the lake.

Remember, the whole point of the trip was to meet and greet friends, and drive the Appalachian mountains.

 

I have been car sick once in my life - last year riding with Nick in his '55 - I made it almost half way thru the Dragon before I'd had enough.

Now, it MIGHT be that I had nothing but Orange Juice that morning.
Or that I partook of some of his "Jungle Juice" the night before.
Or that we made it from the Lodge to the overlook, took a 10 minute rest, and back to the Lodge in under an hour.

(We were in a hurry to make it back by 9AM for Pacemakers' church service.)




Anyway,
The little store at Fontana sells Dramamine... but that won't help you on your way IN!

 

And remember take it 1 hour before you enter the area where you will benefit from having it.
My advice is take it 1 hour before you get in the car so you are prepared.
It really is the best way to be assured you will fully enjoy your day and even if you don't need it it cant hurt to take it.
There is a non drowsy formula which I highly recommend as well

 

Wuss :P:P

 

As far as I can share...

When I enter the Dragon last year...

The Dragon ate (shredded) my pork sandwich and my McMuffin that was in my trunk... Later the day, I had to clean up the shredded lettuce, bread crumbs, as well as the pieces of cheese, sausage and breading from the McMuffin....

So, I'm with Frank, when you enter the dragon, take it easy...

But! With Gary, there seems like it won't be that easy....

 

As a former resident of the Springs and Canon City; and a regular commuter to Cripple Creek via the Shelf Road, I assure you there is a difference: the Dragon actually has GUARD RAILS in some places. The Appalachians are more like the run from Divide to Cripple Creek. Looking forward to meeting you and your gutsy wife!
PACEMAKER

 

sorry guys I will not make it to the Dragon this year. Everybody have a great time take some pressures and stay warm.jim

 

Hey Jim . . . Sorry you won't be there. I was going to buy your SuperCooler if you would install it for me while at the Dragon . . . :>(