Here’s the second video in our three part series on driving the Dragon in the new 2007 MCS. In this portion I drive from the middle of the Tenessee side to Deal’s Gap and the Tree of Shame. As you can tell by my school-boy giddiness, it’s probably the tightest and twistiest spot on the entire road.
Look for part three along with some in-car footage of the road itself later this week.
For those that need a little background on the road itself, this quick description comes from tailofthederagon.com:
>The Dragon, as many have found, is truly a unique road. In 14 miles there are only two intersections; NC28 to Fontana Dam and the lightly traveled gravel road at Parsons Branch. There are no buildings other than the Crossroads of Time. There are 318 curves in the 11 miles located on the Tennessee side. Most of the time there is very little traffic and the vehicles that do use this road are primarily motorcycle riders and sports car drivers looking for the thrill of their lives. It is remote – there is very little evidence of human population within 20 miles in any direction.
The one thing they don’t mention is that the road is glass smooth and is designed (with cambered corners etc) as if it were a race track. Add sheer cliffs, specatular drop-offs and trees everywhere and you have something truly special.
Damn, that looks like fun.
OBW Gabe, your wife called, its a girl.
WOW!
Yea, I am soooo going next year!
Oh yeah, and now that I know how to add pics (crossing fingers that it works), this is one of the reasons we DON’T CROSS THE YELLOW LINE!!
<img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/227/488928382_d3d854333c.jpg" width="468" />
make your reservation today if you can. most people re-booked their cabin either upon arrival or upon check-out.
WOW, well done! Thanks Gabe.
Great point on the WRC. I would love to see them in the US as well, never even thought about the Dragon as being a leg.
I wonder why no one operates a “Dragon Rentals” business with choice cars available for rent. If I were able to fly in and rent something I would be much more likely to go.
Awesome review of the drive, Gabe!
Next time, can you position the camera so that we see a little more of the road and a little less of the Gabe. 😉 😛 Just kidding.
But seriously, I would love to see a driver’s perspective of the drive if anybody has a link.
>But seriously, I would love to see a driver’s perspective of the drive if anybody has a link.
It’s coming…
Who do we contact to reserve a cabin? What are the dates for next year? Thanks!
Gabe, after driving your MINI on the dragon last year and the R56 this year, how would you compare the two? It seemed like you were impressed with the R56’s performance on the dragon.
>Gabe, after driving your MINI on the dragon last year and the R56 this year, how would you compare the two?
Yes – review coming…
Wow Gabe, you appear to be having entirely too much fun! I’d always heard about how kick ass the dragon was, but now you’ve given me the itch. Now I’ve got to figure out if I want to do the dragon or MTTS next year (combine the two?). Can’t WAIT to see your in-car video or hear your recap review of the R56 (I’m assuming you’re planning one- ha ha!).
<blockquote>It’s coming…</blockquote>
<blockquote>Yes – review coming…</blockquote>
We are a little too anxious. Thanks again, Gabe! 🙂
<strong>Love the videos!</strong> I’ve got 5-6 hours of road vid to edit myself-woo-hoo!
<blockquote>It’s coming…</blockquote>
AWESOME!
<blockquote>Look for part three along with some in-car footage of the road itself later this week.</blockquote>
Doh! It helps if I actually read the article that came with the video.
Awesome commentation while driving such twisty roads!
You should join Brian Lalor up here in New England for MINIs on Top in NH. Its no Dragon, but it is a big MINI event for the North Eastern corner of the US.
>You should join Brian Lalor up here in New England for MINIs on Top in NH. Its no Dragon, but it is a big MINI event for the North Eastern corner of the US.
I’ll be at either on the Nurburgring or at MINI United that weekend.
how about some video of tarmac!
I remember getting on the Rockport to Leggett road on Hwy 1 out here, right after they poured a new surface, and you look just as goofy as I did that day – it’s like being in a big video game, isn’t it?
Wardell asked why noone offered a car rental for the Dragon…they do but Gabe may not want me to post their name. Several folks were driving rentals. It is a nationwide company…I believe in 12 cities so far. I’ll go ahead a list the name…Gabe can edit it out if he wants…Flexcar.com
<em>“…It shouldn’t be this much fun…”</em>
LMAO.
Haha! As soon as I started watching the video my beagle/Dragon co-pilot came flying in the room to watch it! I’m thinking he’s missing the ride! 😀