Comments on: 318 Turns, 11 Miles, No Wimps http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:32:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: car injury claim http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-894707 car injury claim Mon, 18 Apr 2011 04:37:00 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-894707 <p>All injuries need to be attended to without any kind of procrastination. This is to ensure that you are fairly compensated for the unwanted ordeal. If you neglect this pointer, you could be left with a huge pile of medical bills in the near future with absolutely no cover on it. So, one cannot really afford to leave unattended health injuries. Experts suggest that one should necessarily have a second opinion about the damage estimate. As such, the insurance company will send a representative to evaluate everything, including the damage. However, it is in your best interest to get a second opinion on this matter to be able to negotiate on a favorable deal, if required.</p> All injuries need to be attended to without any kind of procrastination. This is to ensure that you are fairly compensated for the unwanted ordeal. If you neglect this pointer, you could be left with a huge pile of medical bills in the near future with absolutely no cover on it. So, one cannot really afford to leave unattended health injuries. Experts suggest that one should necessarily have a second opinion about the damage estimate. As such, the insurance company will send a representative to evaluate everything, including the damage. However, it is in your best interest to get a second opinion on this matter to be able to negotiate on a favorable deal, if required.

]]> By: Tsukiji http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18966 Tsukiji Wed, 13 Apr 2005 01:23:39 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18966 <p>I'm looking forward to the Dragon and other area roads with great anticipation - too bad my GPS doesn't have a 'Twistiest Route' option!</p> I’m looking forward to the Dragon and other area roads with great anticipation – too bad my GPS doesn’t have a ‘Twistiest Route’ option!

]]> By: Dai Uy Ted Stacy http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18965 Dai Uy Ted Stacy Wed, 13 Apr 2005 00:03:14 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18965 <p>I'm looking forward to my first Dragon meet, although as a loyal adoptive Floridian that area is nothing new to me - we visit the Smokies and Blue Ridge every summer to escape the heat and tedium of Florida. We eagerly anticipate the chance to meet and cruise with at least 200 other MINIacs. There'll be plenty of opportunities to motor solo on the Dragon as well as the many similar roads in the area. And we plan to remain there for several days after the hoopla is over. Incidentally, I'm a native Californian, who cruised uncounted delightful miles, especially on the roads north of San Farancisco, in my P1800 in the mid-sixties. These roads around the Smokies are the equal of those around the Russian River, and remain less spoiled.</p> I’m looking forward to my first Dragon meet, although as a loyal adoptive Floridian that area is nothing new to me – we visit the Smokies and Blue Ridge every summer to escape the heat and tedium of Florida. We eagerly anticipate the chance to meet and cruise with at least 200 other MINIacs. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to motor solo on the Dragon as well as the many similar roads in the area. And we plan to remain there for several days after the hoopla is over. Incidentally, I’m a native Californian, who cruised uncounted delightful miles, especially on the roads north of San Farancisco, in my P1800 in the mid-sixties. These roads around the Smokies are the equal of those around the Russian River, and remain less spoiled.

]]> By: dgszweda http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18964 dgszweda Tue, 12 Apr 2005 23:49:00 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18964 <p>To agree with a few other previous posters, there are a ton of great roads up in that area. Some I think are better than the Dragon. In fact, Transylvania county is nearby and it has more waterfalls than any place in America. That waterfalls are all along the roads. It is absolutely beautiful. My wife and I spend a week every year at Lake Toxiway a breathtaking location and extremely relaxing.</p> To agree with a few other previous posters, there are a ton of great roads up in that area. Some I think are better than the Dragon. In fact, Transylvania county is nearby and it has more waterfalls than any place in America. That waterfalls are all along the roads. It is absolutely beautiful. My wife and I spend a week every year at Lake Toxiway a breathtaking location and extremely relaxing.

]]> By: RB http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18963 RB Tue, 12 Apr 2005 23:48:03 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18963 <p>Now I'm getting that warm & fuzzy MotoringFile feeling.</p> <p>Itz a warm day, the birds are croaking, the ground hawgs are buzzing and there is no wood on the Goby Dessert.......Huh, oh itz medication time...B right there............Peace</p> Now I’m getting that warm & fuzzy MotoringFile feeling.

Itz a warm day, the birds are croaking, the ground hawgs are buzzing and there is no wood on the Goby Dessert…….Huh, oh itz medication time…B right there…………Peace

]]> By: doug http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18962 doug Tue, 12 Apr 2005 23:45:46 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18962 <p>Jack was quoting me.</p> <p>It was not a bash, consider it a parody. I think it's great that a social event as large as the Dragon is available. It's too bad the commercialism is infecting it tho.</p> <p>The pure enthusiast gathering concept is great.</p> Jack was quoting me.

It was not a bash, consider it a parody. I think it’s great that a social event as large as the Dragon is available. It’s too bad the commercialism is infecting it tho.

The pure enthusiast gathering concept is great.

]]> By: Mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18961 Mike Tue, 12 Apr 2005 22:55:40 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18961 <p>I really didn't mean to start any sort of Dragon-bashing. As I said I think it's a very cool event and would love to attend some time; hell, my whole motivation for asking about all this was because I was thinking about driving all the way across the country some year as a fun road trip event. So like I said before, I apologize if I caused any sort of antagonism or fighting - not my intention, was just curious about roads in other parts of the country, to which I don't have any exposure (except Chicago). :)</p> I really didn’t mean to start any sort of Dragon-bashing. As I said I think it’s a very cool event and would love to attend some time; hell, my whole motivation for asking about all this was because I was thinking about driving all the way across the country some year as a fun road trip event. So like I said before, I apologize if I caused any sort of antagonism or fighting – not my intention, was just curious about roads in other parts of the country, to which I don’t have any exposure (except Chicago). :)

]]> By: Jack07734 http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18960 Jack07734 Tue, 12 Apr 2005 22:47:16 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18960 <p>Mike,</p> <p>Sorry for that I am guilty of posting incorectly.</p> <p>I guess that all of the Dragon bashing is getting to me.</p> <p>Please forgive my foolishness.</p> <p>Cheers, Jack</p> Mike,

Sorry for that I am guilty of posting incorectly.

I guess that all of the Dragon bashing is getting to me.

Please forgive my foolishness.

Cheers, Jack

]]> By: Mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18959 Mike Tue, 12 Apr 2005 22:36:56 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18959 <p>Hey Doug, thanks for that. :) I'm in the SF Bay Area and don't make it down to SoCal too often, but if/when I do, I'll give you guys a shout. :)</p> <p>And Jack, I'm not quite sure what your point was. I don't think you realize that the second quote you listed wasn't from me. Hope you're enjoying, uh, SUNY Buffalo.</p> Hey Doug, thanks for that. :) I’m in the SF Bay Area and don’t make it down to SoCal too often, but if/when I do, I’ll give you guys a shout. :)

And Jack, I’m not quite sure what your point was. I don’t think you realize that the second quote you listed wasn’t from me. Hope you’re enjoying, uh, SUNY Buffalo.

]]> By: Jack07734 http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18958 Jack07734 Tue, 12 Apr 2005 22:15:53 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18958 <p>Mike,</p> <p>" There was no antagonism intended,"?...... "Albeit, there is no Cigar porch, Chili Boiloff, dinner, squaredances, bible studies, or even places to rent a cot"...</p> <p>I would hate to see you when you want to get under someone's skin.:)</p> <p>We all accept that you don't understand the whole Dragon thing. Nuff said. </p> <p>Cheers, Jack</p> Mike,

” There was no antagonism intended,”?…… “Albeit, there is no Cigar porch, Chili Boiloff, dinner, squaredances, bible studies, or even places to rent a cot”…

I would hate to see you when you want to get under someone’s skin.:)

We all accept that you don’t understand the whole Dragon thing. Nuff said.

Cheers, Jack

]]> By: Doug http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18957 Doug Tue, 12 Apr 2005 21:42:11 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18957 <p>Mike, </p> <p>I totally understand where you're coming from. Like I said, it's purely social. A few little jaunts here and there, but it's crammed with a lot of social activity. It's also quite a liability to be in a pack of 300 minis with drivers of all experience/inexperience. The track is a great place to release that driving bug.<br /> SoCal has a LOT of comparative roads, If you are interested, we can show you a few that are comperable and some even avoid oncoming traffic alltogether. Albeit, there is no Cigar porch, Chili Boiloff, dinner, squaredances, bible studies, or even places to rent a cot... but they are just as fun and scenic. </p> <p>If you're interested in joining some of the guys while the dragoneer's are away... or anytime you have time, click my name up there and we'll get your need for twisties satisfied. </p> <p>That offer goes out to anyone who's up for it. </p> <p>The only thing I see the Dragon, having over anything else, is it's social history.</p> Mike,

I totally understand where you’re coming from. Like I said, it’s purely social. A few little jaunts here and there, but it’s crammed with a lot of social activity. It’s also quite a liability to be in a pack of 300 minis with drivers of all experience/inexperience. The track is a great place to release that driving bug.
SoCal has a LOT of comparative roads, If you are interested, we can show you a few that are comperable and some even avoid oncoming traffic alltogether. Albeit, there is no Cigar porch, Chili Boiloff, dinner, squaredances, bible studies, or even places to rent a cot… but they are just as fun and scenic.

If you’re interested in joining some of the guys while the dragoneer’s are away… or anytime you have time, click my name up there and we’ll get your need for twisties satisfied.

That offer goes out to anyone who’s up for it.

The only thing I see the Dragon, having over anything else, is it’s social history.

]]> By: minimotorin http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18956 minimotorin Tue, 12 Apr 2005 20:37:18 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18956 <p>Having driven the Dragon with hundreds of Miatas and now looking forward to driving it my third year in a row in a MINI I can say you can always find a time to drive without a crowd. I usually arrive early in the first day of the event and get several runs in before most people even show, plus the surrounding roads offer great driving as well. Add all this driving in with all the great things going on at the event (lunchs, dinners, contests, paintball, horse rides, etc. etc.)it makes for a Great MINI time!!</p> Having driven the Dragon with hundreds of Miatas and now looking forward to driving it my third year in a row in a MINI I can say you can always find a time to drive without a crowd. I usually arrive early in the first day of the event and get several runs in before most people even show, plus the surrounding roads offer great driving as well. Add all this driving in with all the great things going on at the event (lunchs, dinners, contests, paintball, horse rides, etc. etc.)it makes for a Great MINI time!!

]]> By: Jen http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18955 Jen Tue, 12 Apr 2005 20:26:47 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18955 <p>Although the actual "parade" on the Dragon is really just that - a parade of 300 plus cars this year - there are plenty of other chances to drive the road during the long weekend. The road doesn't go anywhere! =) - and for most people it will be the road you drive into your hotel on.</p> Although the actual “parade” on the Dragon is really just that – a parade of 300 plus cars this year – there are plenty of other chances to drive the road during the long weekend. The road doesn’t go anywhere! =) – and for most people it will be the road you drive into your hotel on.

]]> By: KevinR http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18954 KevinR Tue, 12 Apr 2005 19:56:26 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18954 <p>One thing to keep in mind: there are a lot of other great driving roads in the same area. Although the Dragon gets all of the "press", there are plenty of others to keep one entertained.</p> <p>A few years ago my wife and I went up to the region for a Fall weekend. We spent 2 complete days driving and exploring the roads throughout the area in her Z3. It was a blast and I highly recommend it.</p> One thing to keep in mind: there are a lot of other great driving roads in the same area. Although the Dragon gets all of the “press”, there are plenty of others to keep one entertained.

A few years ago my wife and I went up to the region for a Fall weekend. We spent 2 complete days driving and exploring the roads throughout the area in her Z3. It was a blast and I highly recommend it.

]]> By: Mark http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18953 Mark Tue, 12 Apr 2005 19:02:53 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18953 <p>To address the concerns about having the Dragon stacked (and crawling along) with MINIs there has been only one event scheduled where every MINI would be present on the Dragon. That is the Dragon Parade which has become something of a tradition in kicking off the event. At the end of this Parade there are several drives that break up and go to different parts of NC/TN. </p> <p>There will certainly be a lot of MINIs present this year and the weekend will hopefully have something for everyone...organized drives, meals, non-driving activities, vendors, etc. If you want to drive the Dragon (or other do-it-yourself drives people have contributed) by yourself or with a few friends you can do it anytime during the weekend. It is a social event with MINIs front and center surrounded by some great driving opportunities. More than anything its a great time to see all kinds of MINIs...even some new stuff from MINI USA ;)</p> To address the concerns about having the Dragon stacked (and crawling along) with MINIs there has been only one event scheduled where every MINI would be present on the Dragon. That is the Dragon Parade which has become something of a tradition in kicking off the event. At the end of this Parade there are several drives that break up and go to different parts of NC/TN.

There will certainly be a lot of MINIs present this year and the weekend will hopefully have something for everyone…organized drives, meals, non-driving activities, vendors, etc. If you want to drive the Dragon (or other do-it-yourself drives people have contributed) by yourself or with a few friends you can do it anytime during the weekend. It is a social event with MINIs front and center surrounded by some great driving opportunities. More than anything its a great time to see all kinds of MINIs…even some new stuff from MINI USA ;)

]]> By: Erik http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18952 Erik Tue, 12 Apr 2005 18:48:27 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18952 <p>My wife and I are headed to the Dragon this year. This will be our last "hoo-rah" before our boy is born....yup, packing plenty of barf bags for her ;).</p> <p>Hope you make it, Gabe.</p> <p>-Erik '05 MCS</p> My wife and I are headed to the Dragon this year. This will be our last “hoo-rah” before our boy is born….yup, packing plenty of barf bags for her ;).

Hope you make it, Gabe.

-Erik ’05 MCS

]]> By: Mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18951 Mike Tue, 12 Apr 2005 18:30:41 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18951 <p>I'm aware of just what the Dragon is, and think it would be great fun to attend. I'm also aware that it's very much a social thing. Maybe my original post wasn't clear. There was no antagonism intended, I was just thinking for myself that one year when I have some free time around this time it would be fun to make the trek out to North Carolina from here in CA to do the run. But I was also curious whether I would find the road any more exciting than the roads we have out here, because it's talked about like it's just short of the Autobahn.</p> <p>I apologize if it sounded like I was bashing the Dragon, I think it's awesome and would love to participate some day. I certainly don't think that Californians have a "lock on fun drives". We do have a lot of good ones, though, and I was curious how they compare to other areas of the country. Is that so horrible? :)</p> I’m aware of just what the Dragon is, and think it would be great fun to attend. I’m also aware that it’s very much a social thing. Maybe my original post wasn’t clear. There was no antagonism intended, I was just thinking for myself that one year when I have some free time around this time it would be fun to make the trek out to North Carolina from here in CA to do the run. But I was also curious whether I would find the road any more exciting than the roads we have out here, because it’s talked about like it’s just short of the Autobahn.

I apologize if it sounded like I was bashing the Dragon, I think it’s awesome and would love to participate some day. I certainly don’t think that Californians have a “lock on fun drives”. We do have a lot of good ones, though, and I was curious how they compare to other areas of the country. Is that so horrible? :)

]]> By: dgszweda http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18950 dgszweda Tue, 12 Apr 2005 18:30:30 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18950 <p>The road is great. One of the best in the country. I drive it on a regular basis, since I live quite close to it. The event is not really a driving event, and is turning into more of a social event, which I think will have a self defeating purpose. It is starting to peak now, since I don't think it can either hold much more, or even be a lot of fun. At some point it becomes a traffic jam on a twisty road or a crowded town, which isn't a lot of fun at least for me. At this point, the Minis stretch out covering over 5% of the road as it is.</p> The road is great. One of the best in the country. I drive it on a regular basis, since I live quite close to it. The event is not really a driving event, and is turning into more of a social event, which I think will have a self defeating purpose. It is starting to peak now, since I don’t think it can either hold much more, or even be a lot of fun. At some point it becomes a traffic jam on a twisty road or a crowded town, which isn’t a lot of fun at least for me. At this point, the Minis stretch out covering over 5% of the road as it is.

]]> By: Bob Womack http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18949 Bob Womack Tue, 12 Apr 2005 18:29:02 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18949 <p>Well, we out East are used to having all things east of the Rockies minimized by those out west, so we just bear up. ;)</p> <p>Bob</p> Well, we out East are used to having all things east of the Rockies minimized by those out west, so we just bear up. ;)

Bob

]]> By: RB http://www.motoringfile.com/2005/04/12/318_turns_11_miles_no_wimps/comment-page-1/#comment-18948 RB Tue, 12 Apr 2005 17:46:41 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2005/04/12/#comment-18948 <p>MIKE...</p> <p>I used to work in Palo Alto and I lived in Pacifica, circa 1969. I drove the old Skyline daily and it was a blast. I entered Skyline somewhere west of Burlingame or was it Hillsborough? I recently drove the new road and found it rather dull, if I'm not mistaken it is mostly freeway now. The 1 south form Pacifica was still fun and the 17, either way is a must in a MINI, if you can find it with no traffic.</p> <p>I must admit that we in CA have a lot of fun drives but do you really think we have a lock on fun drives, I don't think so. I'm a California native and found your comment a bit antagonistic, but hopefully no one else did. Maybe I just miss read your intent.</p> <p>RB</p> MIKE…

I used to work in Palo Alto and I lived in Pacifica, circa 1969. I drove the old Skyline daily and it was a blast. I entered Skyline somewhere west of Burlingame or was it Hillsborough? I recently drove the new road and found it rather dull, if I’m not mistaken it is mostly freeway now. The 1 south form Pacifica was still fun and the 17, either way is a must in a MINI, if you can find it with no traffic.

I must admit that we in CA have a lot of fun drives but do you really think we have a lock on fun drives, I don’t think so. I’m a California native and found your comment a bit antagonistic, but hopefully no one else did. Maybe I just miss read your intent.

RB

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