THP shuts down Tail of the Dragon...

That's what happens when all these fools post threads and videos of driving/riding fast there...do people think the cops don't have access to the internet! Same thing with all these morons posting about how they had "test pipes" installed or removed their cats...state EPA's also have access to the internet my friends...Big Brother uses the internet for more than just catching pedifiles...

 

They won't do anything to you for admitting that you have a test pipe online. They could absolutely care less. Why bother? Too much work for too little reward.

 

Say it ain't so.

 

Actually, I have been waiting for something like this to happen. It is just a matter of time before some teenager in a jacked-up Honda with a Home Depot spoiler and fartcan tail pipe runs himself or someone else off the road. It will be ugly. I guess the cops have no choice but to step up to the plate before something really bad happens.

I drove it for the first time last May in my MG and it was full of this sort of thing. Oh well...

 

There have been three fatalities this month. I'm on call this weekend and I'm sure we'll be busy with the usual assortment of crotch rocket morons. Most are uninsured, many from out of state. I've read all the ranting how the crackdown will cost tourist dollars. Buying a cup of cofee prior to incurring a $100,000.00 medical bill doesn't really help the state out that much.

 

You would be surprised. It is my understanding that a few years back inspectors from The Georgia Clean Air Force showed up at a Import Tuner car show and had a couple of cars sans cats confiscated. I heard that they found out about the show via the internet...regardless, if you're going to break the law, why post about it on the internet anyway?

 

My sentiments exactly.

 

From the site: "While these 14 Troopers were here: Friday 11 am, Meigs TN, 45 miles from the Dragon - Two pick-ups collide, one driver dead"

It's not about teenagers. The cops "stepped up", but a driver (in a PICKUP not a race car) still died.

So they purchase $100k of medical services? That is good, right?

 

I think the point was that the police would have been better served having their force over more area instead of in one place (pickups were 45 miles away?) I don't know if $100k of medical services is good for the person who needs them? I don't think that's the kind of business that the area wants, it doesn't fall into the "tourism" category.

 

So who is faster a bike or car?

 

Give it a week or two and the police will be gone. They can't keep up this kind of effort for very long. Then head back to have some fun.

 

Dude, don't you know? All the teens like to drive their "imports" so they think they're from F&F! OMGZ, they r c00l.

 

It sure is fun living in a police state.


Terry

 

Instead of using so much energy complaining about the police, why don't you use the energy to work out a deal with Tennessee authorities to close off the road once a month during the week. Then in the morning hours traffic is only allowed to travel in one direction, and in the afternoon travel in the other direction. That way you don't have to worry about being harrassed by the poilce or face oncoming traffic. Keep in mind, it was the continuing irresponsible driving/riding habits of a number of people that caused the crackdown. Those are the ones to blame.

 

..from another forum, after speaking with an officer... "Heavy patrols will last though mid October on the Gap and it will pick back up in the spring. He stated this will go on for the next 2 to 3 years."

 

Yep- right on the money. afterall it is an actual public road... what do you expect the state to "ok... use your superbikes, fancy sports cars ... go as fast we you like.. we don't care!.....

I love the ideal of shutting it down and making it a hill climb!!! love that!

 

Well, thankfully I am safe. Hyperflow on mine now and I have no idea why anyone wouldn't go this route anyway. Same throttle response and no eye burning fumes. It's a no-brainer really. I wish I had bought one years ago.

 

No, they don't "purchase $100,000.00 of medical services. They are uninsured, you purchase it for them.

 

I don't think the state wants to take on the liability to do something like this. I've never heard of them teaming up with a bunch of law breakers.

 

There was a similar thread about this a while ago that said that this happens every so often and then disappears. Cops crack down, people get scared, cops leave, etc. Whether or not this is different remains to be seen. It is unfortunate that it isn't made into a hill climb every now and then. And yes, the stupid people are to blame for this. The cops are simply doing there job (albeit a little irreverantly). Oh, well.

I am going to Knoxville next Sunday and will be making a trip to the Dragon the following day. We'll see how bad it is.

 

Silver State comes to mind - enthusiasts and State authorities working together.

 

Nevada is a whole different ball game from Tennessee. Get the powers that be to close down the dragon and allow high speed runs on it and such? Never happen. The only hope would be if you could show them how they would earn 10 times as much money as writing tickets with no liability and no risk of loss. Then, Maybe.

The pigs have sold grandma on the "speed kills" mantra for decades in order to justify their ongoing road tax scheme. They wont risk making grandma ask "does speed really kill?" by allowing events like what is being discussed. What motive would they have to stray from such a well proven business model?




Terry

 

Get on the track where it's safer...too many cars coming, guard rails, and trees. But, hell, it is fun. Three years ago I did it on Jan 1 and then 3 more times, my new years resolution. I even did 28 all the way from Clemson SC. And as far as the cops untill October deal, it's better after that anyway. Far less trafic,and no foliage to block your view of the road ahead. You can really see the terrain. The tree (Tree of Shame) is sort of an indictment, a testimate to the accidents that occure there. There almost were some Ferrari Parts there..
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I doubt they will ever shut down that road for any type of racing. It is one of the major routes through that area, as for any other way its 2-3 hour detour especially for Tractor Trailers and such. If you can convince the Nashville TN Police to shut down a stretch of I-40 or a stretch I-85 in downtown Atlanta and all of I-485 on a Monday morning at 7am then you have a good chance to work something out with the TN State police to shut down Rte 129 for a Hillclimb at Deals Gap.