7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
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From: MOFN, AL, 70 miles from George
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
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From: St Louis MO
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
Nice prose there big Kid. Makes me wish I had tagged along with you and Nick.
My best run was Sunday evening on a less challenging part of 28. Stopped in Stecoah to photo and old House and Ford Pickup covered in vines. As I stood there on the lawn sizing up my fifth shot it occured to me that no traffic had passed for about 5 minutes. The sun was low but not gone. Put the camera away and hopped on 28 west bound.
After the Robinsville turnoff, I realized nothing was in front of me. I let my little NA pit bull rip. Through the valley and the little Biker Inn up to Rainbow falls,,,,and I still had not encountered traffic. Slipping between third and fourth with RPM's always near the red line (6350 on my roadster) the sticky rear tyres and SRT brakes made it easy to be on the edge and still flawlessly under control.
The small section after the Dam turnoff was much the same but different gears. Only 2nd and third got to play. Front tyres had a little understeer but agian no issues of control. That little pug car just went where ever I pointed it, like a well trained puppy and hung onto the road no matter how much I tortured the suspension. Great car, in a perfect setting, on a perfect evening. We both had a great time
I got to take the whole route right up to the last turn before the Hotel as flat out as I possibly could. Unfortunately I was unable to share it with anyone. But, easily, it was the best run of the weekend for me.
My best run was Sunday evening on a less challenging part of 28. Stopped in Stecoah to photo and old House and Ford Pickup covered in vines. As I stood there on the lawn sizing up my fifth shot it occured to me that no traffic had passed for about 5 minutes. The sun was low but not gone. Put the camera away and hopped on 28 west bound.
After the Robinsville turnoff, I realized nothing was in front of me. I let my little NA pit bull rip. Through the valley and the little Biker Inn up to Rainbow falls,,,,and I still had not encountered traffic. Slipping between third and fourth with RPM's always near the red line (6350 on my roadster) the sticky rear tyres and SRT brakes made it easy to be on the edge and still flawlessly under control.
The small section after the Dam turnoff was much the same but different gears. Only 2nd and third got to play. Front tyres had a little understeer but agian no issues of control. That little pug car just went where ever I pointed it, like a well trained puppy and hung onto the road no matter how much I tortured the suspension. Great car, in a perfect setting, on a perfect evening. We both had a great time
I got to take the whole route right up to the last turn before the Hotel as flat out as I possibly could. Unfortunately I was unable to share it with anyone. But, easily, it was the best run of the weekend for me.
Last edited by Franc Rauscher; 10-09-2013 at 09:47 PM.
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From: Sarasota, FL
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
After what Mike said about the dragon being too fast for me. I think I need to clarify. Mike said it was the slowest run he had ever been on, and I said it is a matter of perspective. It was the fastest run I had ever been on, (It was my first time.) In fact I said the dragon did not live up to it's hype. I thought it would be harder than it was. After the talk about it, I was expecting to find myself fighting for my life. It was a lot of fun, and I want to do it again, faster!
LOL! Wayne I suggest you drop Mary off or let her ride with one of the slower ones
(that way your right arm will not be bruised and the screaming won't distract you 
) And let your little baby fly through the Dragon and Hell Bender. I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy the experience! Looking forward to seeing you both next time.
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From: North Port, FL
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
What a great time we had. As old timers... our second Dragon...LOL it was great to see old friends. Our NEW little girl did great and with a little help will come to shine as well. Jack loved driving her. Maybe I got him hooked. I just love how this car handles. It never disappoints and makes it all great fun. Who would have thought we would get to do some off road driving....LOL. The little bump on the rump is being fixed as we speak and then Jack can show her off to our friends. Long drive home but well worth it. Next year it's time for the SRT to show her stuff and I can't wait.
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
Last edited by itsky; 10-09-2013 at 09:51 PM.
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From: South Carolina
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
Franc that was a nice read. Felt like I was right there with you on 28. I hope others will share their epic run experiences. Some time the solo runs are more intense with no distractions, but when it's over you always wish some one had been there to share it with you.
Btw I remember my first Dragon very well. I came up early Saturday morning and joined the aggressive group. Didn't know what to expect. Jane was leading and driving a very fast and smooth line. We had 2 cars drop out by the turn off 28 heading for Robbinsville. I spent most of the day behind Doc or you and I had an absolute ball. I called Linda on the way home and told her I had just spent the entire day blasting the mountain roads with seven crossfire owners who drive their cars just like I drive mine and that we would not miss any of these events in the future.
Red Racer I have heard that you have some serious driving skills. Hope you and Jack will join the group for some runs in the spring. Sounds like what we do would be your cup of tea.
Btw I remember my first Dragon very well. I came up early Saturday morning and joined the aggressive group. Didn't know what to expect. Jane was leading and driving a very fast and smooth line. We had 2 cars drop out by the turn off 28 heading for Robbinsville. I spent most of the day behind Doc or you and I had an absolute ball. I called Linda on the way home and told her I had just spent the entire day blasting the mountain roads with seven crossfire owners who drive their cars just like I drive mine and that we would not miss any of these events in the future.
Red Racer I have heard that you have some serious driving skills. Hope you and Jack will join the group for some runs in the spring. Sounds like what we do would be your cup of tea.
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
This was the Sunday run with Michael (SRQfun)
Beautiful run to Franklin on Moonshiner 28 then to Highlands to see Bridal Veil Falls and get photos and on to Cashiers then on to Sylva for lunch at Bogarts and then back to Fontana Dam.
Certainly a new route for every Dragon meet if the future
Click here for google maps
Beautiful run to Franklin on Moonshiner 28 then to Highlands to see Bridal Veil Falls and get photos and on to Cashiers then on to Sylva for lunch at Bogarts and then back to Fontana Dam.
Certainly a new route for every Dragon meet if the future
Click here for google maps
Last edited by Valk; 10-09-2013 at 09:46 PM.
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From: Tennessee
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
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From: Apex NC
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
Added some more pictures to my Dragon album:
Andrew King Photography
Andrew King Photography
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From: Carmel, In.
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
I have a new run that is very close to home (the lodge) that will more than likely become a go-to for our group. I ran it myself Saturday evening and filmed the entire thing, once I have time to edit the video and post it, I will let you all know. It has parts like the Dragon, even a few spots where there are multiple tight switchbacks cambered to the max, but also some straights. It is more technical in certain areas than the Dragon and is very fun to drive. The roads are not nearly the level of the Dragon, but being a little more rough, they provided excellent bite for the tires.
Tom2112 and I discovered this path when we were out exploring a few years ago. Once I can post some video you can see what a great, secluded spot it is. On the entire run out and back, I did not see another vehicle
You can be there in under 5 minutes from the lodge and it takes you out at the power plant right on the lake, where there are some excellent photo opportunities, as you can see....
All hail TWISTED WALKER. Highway 1246 to 1247, directly from Fontana to the lake, and back
http://goo.gl/maps/q1LfQ
Tom2112 and I discovered this path when we were out exploring a few years ago. Once I can post some video you can see what a great, secluded spot it is. On the entire run out and back, I did not see another vehicle
You can be there in under 5 minutes from the lodge and it takes you out at the power plant right on the lake, where there are some excellent photo opportunities, as you can see....
All hail TWISTED WALKER. Highway 1246 to 1247, directly from Fontana to the lake, and back
http://goo.gl/maps/q1LfQ
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From: Lineville, AL
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
and if you use 1246 & 1247 at the end, you have your very own closed loop race course !!!!
( I checked this out Saturday afternoon after returning from Jonathon's Dillsboro drive, I had seen it on Google maps also )
( I checked this out Saturday afternoon after returning from Jonathon's Dillsboro drive, I had seen it on Google maps also )
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From: St Louis MO
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
I got it all, video goes from when I turned the camera on just after leaving the lodge to just after Topless caught up with us on the pavement.
The run on Moonshiner looks pretty good, too.
You are NEVER gonna live this one down, Franc.
And Andy has a backup video - just in case anything suspicious happens to me.....
The run on Moonshiner looks pretty good, too.
You are NEVER gonna live this one down, Franc.
And Andy has a backup video - just in case anything suspicious happens to me.....
Since I have seen no postings of photos documenting the event, I am going to deny that the offroad experience EVER HAPPENED!
Last edited by Franc Rauscher; 10-10-2013 at 12:23 PM.
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From: Apex NC
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
OKay Franc, here are a couple of pics for proof, i am still working on the video as it is upside down (prob cause i am a suedo Aussie lol)
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
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From: Irmo SC
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
Once again a great dragon! I'll defiantly be attending in the spring!! Thanks to everyone who helped set everything up and it was great hanging out with everyone especially Nick, Jim, and Andy! Looking forward to next time!
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From: St Louis MO
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
My car isn't in any of those pictures.
I"M BEING FRAMED!
As for following me,,,,there was a free lunch with free beer at the end of that road.
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From: Apex NC
Re: 7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
Lets call it Franc's "Yellow Brick Road" with a pot of gold (free lunch & beer ) at the end.
It was totally worth it Frank, would i do it next time, sure if you find another road (paved this time).
It was totally worth it Frank, would i do it next time, sure if you find another road (paved this time).