Or maybe wombats. I like wombats. The world needs more wombats.

 

Lower your speed as you approach the overlook. Cars and two wheelers may be slowing to turn in or entering the highway.

I usually slow to about 25 and flash my lights to warn others.

 

Or maybe wombats. I like wombats. The world needs more wombats.
[/quote]
i thought you were on the a's how did we end up on the virgin islands?

 

 

Or maybe wombats. I like wombats. The world needs more wombats.
[/quote]
i thought you were on the a's how did we end up on the virgin islands?
[/quote]
You know how those interstates are...you go looking for an exit, you can never find one....

 

Still the most relevant

 

 

Dave, thanks for starting this thread - I was about to open a "Ask the Dragon Master" for Noobies thread, and then saw yours. A great idea, but I don't see too many real noobies asking questions. That's a good sign that some are too confident in their abilities. I know I was the first Dragon I attended. I drove that Dragon exactly twice during that event. The first time into the "Tail of the Dragon" on the monster roll from Alcoa, (event HQ that year) and then at the end of the day, with my ego completely deflated. In succeeding years, I learned a few things. On my second trip to WTD, the next year, I stopped at the gravel pit, mounted my camera and videoed the entire trip - It recorded every single screw-up I made, as well as high lighting a few good points. Each year I spool up the DVR and watch that vid.

there are rules to the Dragon.
1. Don't cross the yellow lines.
2. Let faster traffic get by. (and there is always someone faster than you) there are lots of paved pull overs and it is not a sign of Noobie to pull over. It's a sign of a seasoned veteran who has learned his limits.
3. Be polite and respectful. We are not the only car club that uses this road but we are the one with the best reputation.
4. Smokey, PoPo, Deputy Dog, or what ever other name you have form him is always out in force. Let other drivers know if one is ahead for them. And if you get pulled over - be respectful - It pays.
5. Killboy and friends are on the Dragon! So smile for the camera, wave hI and remember that his sport bike friends are a god send wihen they escort the errant 18 wheeler though the dragon.
6. Watch out for wild critters. Deer, bear, turkey, squirrel, and I am told even wild boar have been known to cross this road. Just ask Looter how up close and personal they can get.
7. Don't let your "little head" do the driving. Park the ego, and realize that just because you have the "balls" to show up, it doesn't mean you have the knowledge to master the road.
8. Make sure you have your "shit" secured in the cockpit. Loose change, paper, cameras, left-over bags from fast food stops, that extra hat, sunglass, or hand held radio with become bothersome, if not lethal in the rapid back and forth of the Dragon.
9. Remember to enjoy the drive and make it enjoyable for your +1. Get dramamine and use it. If he/she is getting sick, slow down or pull over. Otherwise, barf will be the next "loose" item that will be flying around your cockpit.
10. Lights on for safety!. You want to be seen!
And I can't stress this enough - DON"T CROSS THE YELLOW LINES! PERIOD!

I'm sure that there are a few other "rules" you will learn along the way, but these rules will assure that you will be around and want to return to the Dragon year after year.

Now, if your a noobie reading this, and have a question, ask - and the pros here will help you out. Questions you should have ask already -

What tires should I use, and how much tread wear can I expect?

What about brake pads?

What tire inflation?

What gear/gears do you use when running the Dragon?

What can I expect if I wreck?

If I get pulled over, what can I expect?

Anyway, those are a few sample questions. And I am sure there will lots of "banter" about them, but those were the ones I needed to ask when I first arrived.

Since I will not be there this year, be sure to look up some of the "Masters" of the Dragon. Lovetodrive, scooterboy, W1ngman, Killboy, Billman, Looter, Smccoy, Ron, Jamie and many others will help you out. Just speak up, and don't be afraid to ask. have a great time.

 

Excellent Linesuper!

As a Noob, I have a few questions. I have read all the posts over the past couple weeks and though there is great information, but I have a few gaps.

1) if I do get stopped, how much can I expect to pay?

2) only experience with lube is from a Tucker Max book, Is Astroglide OK?

3) follow-up to question 2, is there some sort of initiation ceremony for us noobs? Need to know time and place so I can miss that.

4) is it correct that the bourbon tasting and bourbon beer swap is at the ball field?

5) if answer to 4 is yes, how close is ball field to lodge, is the path well lit, is the way back to the lodge "drunk friendly"?

6) if I bring ketchup chips, will someone trade some Ruffles, Pringles, Jerky, Cashews, something because I don't like them.

7)need to know time of "exhaust competition" so I can miss that too.

8) where I am from cars hit moose but down there it seems deer attack cars. Any advice if confronted by one of these rabid deer?

9) follow-up to question 8, can I use the "I was trying to get away from a deer that was attacking my car Officer" excuse?


I am sure more will come to mind

 

Okay, because you're from that bastion of forward thinking Chatham, ONT, I'm going to try to answer a few of your questions.

1. How much you pay depends on who stops you. If it's a County Mountie, you may get away with a smile (if you happen to be female), or you may just get a warning or (gasp!!) an actual ticket. Be prepared to convert Canadian to US funds. Tennessee has enough problems trying to catch up with the 20th century, much less perform the higher math involved in money conversion.

2. If you think Astroglide will cut down on the squeaks, you might want to bring enough for the weekend. Two gallons should suffice (or 8 liters whichever is more)

3. There is and attendance is mandatory. Please bring $1000 in small, unmarked US currency. You'll be given the name of the person to pay when you pick up your registration packet (a hint, his screen name is similar to kgf3076 )

4. The beer swap will be on the ballfield. The bourbon tasting is going to be held at an undisclosed location. To discover the location, slip $1000 in small, unmarked US currency to the same person in #3 (Hint: his screen name is very similar to kgf3076).

5. The path from the ballfield to the lodge is well lighted and quite drunk friendly. To ensure you stay on the path, just avoid the mine-field, the piranha pools and the rabid dogs chained up every 15 feet. (If you need a guide, just bring $1000 in small, unmarked US currency and give it to the person named in #3 above (another hint: his screen name is similar to kgf3076).

6. No. If you bring ketchup chips you are duty bound as a good Canadian citizen to eat every disgusting one you bring. Any you don't eat will be turned into a very gritty liquid and forcefully injected into...well, let's just say you'll have problems sitting for a month or two.

7. I'm going to pass on that as well. Lots of noise does not equate to either lots of horsepower or speed or intelligence. It does equate to noise abatement tickets however which will keep the LEO's busy so the rest of us can have a good time.

8. If you're attacked by a rabid deer, invite it in for a quiet evening, share some drinks, maybe a sandwich or two. Whatever you do, be careful of the flying drool (from the deer, not you). Don't turn your back and don't make any noises that sound like a doe. You will be sorry.

9. No.