Today we’ve got the final video in our three part series on driving the Dragon in the new 2007 MCS. In this last portion I drive from Deal’s Gap towards Fontana Village. It’s not technically the “Dragon” but it’s a faster sweeping road that has am endearing character all it’s own.
Look for some in-car footage of the road itself later this week or early next.
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.
This section of Rt 28 that you take after turning off of Rt 129 at the “Crossroads of Time” is called the Hellbender. 😀
A great video series Gabe, I look forward to seeing the in-car road video. I 100% agree with your comment on how addicting that road is. While I was on the east coast I was able to do it a couple times, sadley never in my new mini’s but I did make the run in my classic mini and a couple bikes. Someday would like to venture that way again to chase the dragon. Who knows maybe if Mini releases the stage 2 JCW in time I will drive it on over to join in the fun.
Thanks for that tour – I was wondering when/if there were going to be any comments on the R56. Its been so easy for me to love this car coming into it as my first Mini, but what a backlash from some people. They will come around, the car’s that good. You can always tune in “visceral” if that’s your passion. Its good Mini took it this way – if the new car had outdone the old in “visceral” where would that have left the r53?
Sweet growl it makes too, man.
Great videos Gabe! I think the most telling thing is that your are smiling the entire time. Clearly the love of the car and the road are showing. Hopefully, one day I’ll be able to partake of the Dragon…
I’m really enjoying these clips!
You’re obviously enjoying yourself & completely comfortable in front of the camera.
Good commentary Gabe. Wish I could have made a few runs with you guys in the orange car… Next year the #5 will be up there screaming through the smokies.
I got to make a short run in a dealers R56 (black with white coop graphics) and then an R53 directly afterwards on sunday. I didn’t get to hammer it very hard since I started to make the owner sick after the first mile or so. However, in that short stint, I was very impressed with the handling characteristics when pushing the car. It does feel more balanced compared to a stock 53, allowing for some control over rotation with the throttle (which was almost nonexistent with a stock rear bar in the 53). The other thing that really struck me was the stiffness of the wheel in the R56. I didn’t think there was much of a difference until I drove them back to back. I come away preferring feel of the 56.
Now I just need to get one to a track so I can really see how it acts at the limit.
Looking forward to seeing that slightly edited 😉 “road view” footage.
-Brian
Pet peeve time… yes, “addicting” is a word… but it’s a transitive verb, <strong>not an adjective</strong>:
<a href="http://dionidium.com/2006/02/addicting" rel="nofollow">Addicting vs Addictive [dionidium.com]</a>
Note also that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction" rel="nofollow">wikipedia page on Addiction</a> does not even have the word “addicting” anywhere on it.
Yeah, I was a nerd in high school. Shoot me. 😛
Back on topic, I agree that Route 28 “Hellbender” is a blast to drive too… it makes getting from Fontana Village to the Dragon fun too!
Incidentally… Gabe – have you ever driven Route 28 the other way from Fontana Village? (i.e. turn right when leaving, not left) Or been to the top of Fontana Dam? I’m just curious what parts of the region you’ve missed so far. With an extra day being added for next year’s MOTD, there will be a little more time to explore the region. 🙂
Thanks, Gabe, for some positive R56 feedback. Just wait ’till you drive one that’s been lowered a bit with Sport Suspension and the LSD. I have a friend with a highly modded 2003 with full coilovers and an Alta Twerbo (amung a grocery list of other stuff)… he was on the “any changes to the MINI are bad” bandwagon until just recently. After driving my R56S he’s now a convert, too. I swear, it’s like a little ralley car! A real hoot! I love it so.
Ok, Mr. Bridger, I know everybody hear loves your videos but (no offense) I find one problem, the camera view. It’s great to see the reactions on your face, but I think everybody who viewed these videos prefer a more traditional 3rd person view, maybe behind your head, like the one camera mount angle you had in your 2007 MOTD photots on Flickr, the camera situated on a bar, supported by the headrests.
>t’s great to see the reactions on your face, but I think everybody who viewed these videos prefer a more traditional 3rd person view, maybe behind your head, like the one camera mount angle you had in your 2007 MOTD photots on Flickr, the camera situated on a bar, supported by the headrests.
Tomorrow, the entire Dragon, wide screen straight shot. You’ll like it.
I’ve enjoyed these “rolling reviews” a lot. Definitely looking forward to the Dragon next year in my new R56.