to answer yyour questions
1. cost depends on who and where you are ticketed. In Tennessse, by state trooper it will likely be in excess of $200 - 15 mph over the 30 mph speed limit on the dragon is considered a "serious" crime by THP. On the other hand if the County Sheriff stops you, you will likely get a short lecture and one time pass on a ticket (don't get stopped again, the dept. share info on repeat offenders) Now, if your stopped on the Foothills Parkway (a Federal scenic highway) you can hit the jackpot and pay in excess of $500 plus have your car impounded. Don't mess with the Feds - it will not go well with you!

2. Haven't a clue - go ask Ken, he seems experienced

3. Usually a have an "indoctrination" lecture from Raul and test run through the Dragon with the Noobies on Friday morning - line up is at the Ball field and picking on the organizer is considered appropriate. Now about this meeting - If you need advice, this is a good place to get it. If you are new to the Dragon, but not to performance driving, well you could likely skip it, but you would miss the opportunity to have fun with "veterans". If you are new to the car, the road, and performance driving this meeting is mandatory, and you really should have Billman, Raul, Ken, or some of the other veteran S2000 drivers go over your car with you. Brakes, tire selection, treadwear and normal safety operating proceedures should be discussed. last year at DBR a noob totalled his car just outside Fontana Village. Turns out he had touring tires on his ride. Ok for interstate, but bad news on a tail happy car in the twisties.

4 & 5 The car show/Friday night meal/ bourbon/beer swap are at the ball field. No the path is not well lit. and the Lodge is all up hill from the ball field. I have never personally witness anyone being fall down drunk or unable to find their way safely the short distance to the lodge. But then I have never stayed long enough to see Lovetodrive or Scooterboy after they have polished off a couple fifths of Tennessee's best.

6. Never heard of ketch chips -but it sounds like something my wife would like.

7. the exhaust competition occurrs on the Dragon - it happens multiple times every day, and involves following a pack of Harleys, who can't turn, can't ride, and don't know how to tune their bikes -cough, gag, choughh - - -

8. that is really a tough question to answer - I know the Pennsylvania answer though - do not hit your brakes! you will hit the deer, hitting the brakes just before you do usaully results in the offending deer landing in the cockpit (not good). don't try and avoid the impact -one side of the road is a steep unyielding bank that will likely roll you - the other is a steep hill that usaully ends at a lake, if your fortunate enough to make it through the trees. If you can just hit the horn, hit the gas and then hit the deer - less damage (still not cheap) but aside from an new bumper/hood/ radiator and mayby a fender or two - your car will be recoverable - any other way and it's likely totaled.

9. the officer will beleave your story - because he will be talking to you as the wrecker removes the remains of your car from the road. Seriously - when an animal gets in front of you on the dragon - don't try and avoid it - the results will not be pretty and could include serious bodily injury to you and your +1 Be that animal squirrel or a deer, or anything in between, just hit it (hmmmmm i wonder if that should include the errant tourist or two) Probably not.

 

i got busted for 52 in a 30 on the dragon a couple years ago and it only cost me 4 hours of traffic school and $100 dismissal fee to the fine state of tennessee (the ticket never hit my license-insurance never went up)

 

^^here's the vid of it fast forward to 1:50 if you like ^^

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y547bkB93-g&feature=plcp&context=C427df7cVDvjVQa1PpcFPgbZpP8 iqQYkcYMXYGYvAlr8uRi_LC2kQ%3D[/media]

 

 

so umm, how long do the warning/free pass things stay in the system?

also whats the proper way to make a harley turn?

 

I believe the proper way is to place your big pot-belly beer gut on the side of the gas tank representing the inside line of the turn. At the same time, your pony-tail cantelevers towards the outside line, orchestrating a perfect dance of neanderthal and his ancient machine.

 

Here's a link to an excellent orientation video to driving the Dragon, produced and presented by Jack Rowland (MINIBee) for first timers to the "Minis on the Dragon" event.

It's <6 minutes but points out things every newbie and veteran need to remember. Especially given that it captures an S2K crossing the yellow.

http://vimeo.com/18611072

More information here.

 

thats a great vid sheila everyone new to the road should definitely take a look at it



btw yo dog i heard you like trailers



also this pic was from yesterday and theres another one that passed through in the set as well. that dude shot 60 pages worth of cars so it is already gettin busy out there

 

I pulled the following from Mini's On The Dragon and MiniBee and added a few edits. Read and HEED.

STAY IN YOUR LANE, There are videos for sale that show drivers cutting the corners and taking chances that might appear "fun" while sitting in your easy chair. BEWARE!. this style of driving on the Dragon can cost you dearly. The challenge of the Dragon is to take the many curves in the best line possible and both lanes IS NOT "the line". Drive in Florida if you like to straighten out the curves.

DO NOT sightsee. The Dragon is to ride, not to watch the sights. On many runs I don't even see what is on the side of the road. I'm watching the roadway ahead.

We have seen deer, bear, turkeys, and wild boar on the roadway. Be ready to brake and slow down.

There will always be faster drivers than you. Don't try to be the King of the Dragon.


DO NOT LAY ON THE BRAKES if you see danger ahead. You are much better off to trust your tires and lay into the corner than to hit your brakes hard. Some 90% of the accidents on the Dragon are due to speed and then over-braking.
DO NOT make sudden avoidance moves. You might have to adjust your line to avoid a car, truck, or bike, but DO NOT lay on the brakes or turn off the roadway unless that is the only out you have.

Trucks are very slow and have a hard time taking the Dragons tight turns. Watch for signals from drivers comings at you. Many times they will escort a big truck over the Dragon and wave a warning to you to pull over. DO NOT ignore these warnings.
Make sure your car is mechanically sound and that your tires are good.

Remember that it takes a while to heat your tires up. Cold tires equal low grip.

Focus - do not daydream. Watch the road, your mirrors, and pay attention to other bikes/cars/trucks.
99% of the accidents on the Dragon come from the following:

• Too much speed
• Too much brakes
• Inattentiveness
• Driving above your abilities

Have fun but don't do anything stupid. We want to see you at Dragon Ball Run.

 

As a seasoned driver who grew up on the back roads of Pennsylvania, it is with much enthusiasm AND respect that I approach my first time on the Dragon. I have taken every opportunity to talk to Metro folks who've done the run multiple times, and watch any videos I can. Despite this, I've no doubt that I will have lots of questions and much to learn. No amount of preparation can leave you question free for this trip. I also have no doubt that the veteran guys will be more than willing to listen and offer advice. And THAT alone, makes me more confident that I will have a good, safe time. .

I'm sure ill have questions, but since I don't quite know what exactly to expect, i will wait to annoy with questions when I come to them lol

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