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Tail of the Dragon

Discussion in 'South Central - USA (TN, MS, AL, GA)' started by Duane_Estill, Mar 30, 2013.

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  1. Duane_Estill

    Duane_Estill F1 Rookie

    Aug 20, 2007
    2,708
    Dallas, TX
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    Duane K Estill
    #1 Duane_Estill, Mar 30, 2013
    I'm from Norheast MS, and I have always wanted to take my modded X to the tail of the dragon, but don't want to drive it all the way, it has the bone crushing Koni's on it, and is about to get coil-overs.

    Does anyone know the general rigmarole to get up there, get situated, and be able to make a run. TImes? Places?

    Main reason I'm asking is that I've all manner of horror stories about bikers being less than kind to cars on specific days, and I've seen some incredibly stupid motorcyle antics from the TOTD. A group from our Italian car club in Memphis, before I moved back to MS, went up and made a run in an army of Fiats, Alfas, and a GT4, and they had a blast.

    Any input appreciated.....
     
  2. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 21, 2005
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    Bill Tracy
    #2 BT, Mar 30, 2013
    Im not really sure where you would park a tow rig for a day trip.to deals gap, but I actually prefer some of the less popular roads in the area to the Dragon. I don't think you would have any problems with motorcycle riders on any weekday but the weekends get pretty crowded sometimes when the weather is good. My schedule is pretty flexible so I would be glad to meet you there on a weekday if I am in town. It is always good to have another person around in case of mechanical problems or anything. I don't drive too fast there but I don't clog up the roadway either.

    :)
    BT
     
  3. rossocorsa13

    rossocorsa13 F1 Rookie

    Jun 10, 2006
    2,557
    Nashville, Tennessee
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    M
    #3 rossocorsa13, Mar 31, 2013
    Don't go on a weekend. Not only is it too crowded, but the patrols come out too (sometimes one every mile).

    As the first replier said, there are tons of great roads around the Dragon. Check out the Cherohala skyway.

    Also, be prepared to drive under 45mph for the duration of the road. It bends about every 200 feet or so (sometimes a lot more than that). The most fun--and safest--driving attitude is to use a lot less throttle than you want and to try and use even less brakes than that (not to a stupid point, but you get what I'm saying). Try to maintain consistent speed through the straights and corners instead of just closing gaps between them. This will make the road last longer and will prevent you from getting your brakes too hot and driving off the mountain.

    Always be ready for a biker to come around too far into your lane during your right hand corners. Hug the outside of your lane, always.

    Go with a friend driving another car with you. I've had friends go off, seen bikers shortly after they've gone down, etc. You never know what might happen, and having an officer give you a ride back down the mountain (even if it wasn't your fault) is never something you want to do.

    Have fun! Buy a t-shirt.
     
  4. Duane_Estill

    Duane_Estill F1 Rookie

    Aug 20, 2007
    2,708
    Dallas, TX
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    Duane K Estill
    #4 Duane_Estill, Mar 31, 2013
    BT....thanks very much for that offer, I may indeed take you up on that.

    I have a buddy who is modding his X and we would both be driving it at the same time, or maybe in shifts to make sure the other made it through. To be frank, I'm rather bothered not by the road, but by idiot drivers who overshoot the turns. I just enjoy driving on the curves at reasonable speeds, the suspension can handle alot. I've seen a ton of videos, most good, some bad, and, as with anything, obeying the law and knowing your ride will allow one to enjoy the experience.

    I'm going to research secondary roads, I find those much more interesting simply because there are fewer drivers on them, and they can be just as exciting to drive as the one's everyone goes apey over.

    Thanks for the feedback. I'd welcome stories, good and bad, of experiences on the dragon.

    Oh yes, we are also going to be mounting a Go Pro camera on the bumper of the X to get some good video.
     
  5. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
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    Mar 21, 2005
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    Bill Tracy
    #5 BT, Mar 31, 2013
    I think an X1/9 would be totally awesome ar Deal's gap or any other twisty road in the area. I prefer the really tight roads so that speed is kept reasonable but you can still push the car a bit in the turns. Probably the best bet is to go up I75 towards deals gap and unload the car near the cherohola skyway. Sorry if I spelled it wrong. If you wanted to have a great day driving some good warm upnroads and end the day with a couple runs on the dragon I can map out something and send it to you. Personally I think a great day with 10 hours driving is a hoot!

    I am going up to the NC mountains May 11-18 and can make one or more driving days routed to the dragon if you want a small group (I have one other car scheduled to go that week so far). We have been driving those roads about 2-3 times per year for the last 5 years or so.

    BT
     
  6. Rosso Veloce

    Rosso Veloce Karting

    Feb 14, 2012
    61
    Maryville, TN
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    Nathan
    #6 Rosso Veloce, Apr 1, 2013
    This Friday and Saturday the first annual Fiat on the Dragon event is being held. It would be great to have another X1/9 with us.

    More Details:
    FIAT on the Dragon
    I think the whole Fiat umbrella is welcome although I am not sure about it. I will be driving it in my Alfa 164.
     
  7. raider1968

    raider1968 F1 Rookie
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    Mar 13, 2008
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    NC Mnts & Asheville
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    John E
    #7 raider1968, Apr 1, 2013
    Bill
    Will you all be stopping by on your drive in May - you certainly are welcome
    John E
     
  8. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
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    Mar 21, 2005
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    Bill Tracy
    #8 BT, Apr 1, 2013
    I'm sure we are, just don't know which day yet. Thanks for the invitation. Visiting your place is always a great time!

    :)
    BT
     

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