Dragon's Tail - September 10-12
08-08-2004, 05:21 PM
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Dragon's Tail - September 10-12
*** MOD EDIT: Temporary Sticky thread as per D MENAC 7 ***
I can't hear those words and not giggle with excitement. The map of the road alone makes me scoot my desk chair up and put my hands a 9 and 3 :D
***8/9 Edit: Luxury accomodations have been secured courtesy of Randy (razpewton). Take a look at http://www.smokymountainmansion.com/. If you think you might *not* wanna go, don't look at that site. DAMN! that place is nice.
At any rate, this is going to be big. It's $975 a night (for the whole place, not per person) for under 12 people and $20 a night for each person thereafter. Sleeps up to 24. In the end, this isn't going to break your bank. if we can fill it, $51 per person per night. Like our Orlando meet, we're going to do door prizes courtesy of SE Mazda Dealers and Tuners. I'm almost sure RX Tuner will want to cover this, and I'm going to contact even the big dogs (motor trend, R&T, Car and Driver, etc)
updates and a roll call always will be posted here and www.mazdanow.com. contact me or Randy via PM or email with any questions. this event will be open to all cars.
I can't hear those words and not giggle with excitement. The map of the road alone makes me scoot my desk chair up and put my hands a 9 and 3 :D
***8/9 Edit: Luxury accomodations have been secured courtesy of Randy (razpewton). Take a look at http://www.smokymountainmansion.com/. If you think you might *not* wanna go, don't look at that site. DAMN! that place is nice.
At any rate, this is going to be big. It's $975 a night (for the whole place, not per person) for under 12 people and $20 a night for each person thereafter. Sleeps up to 24. In the end, this isn't going to break your bank. if we can fill it, $51 per person per night. Like our Orlando meet, we're going to do door prizes courtesy of SE Mazda Dealers and Tuners. I'm almost sure RX Tuner will want to cover this, and I'm going to contact even the big dogs (motor trend, R&T, Car and Driver, etc)
updates and a roll call always will be posted here and www.mazdanow.com. contact me or Randy via PM or email with any questions. this event will be open to all cars.
Last edited by Omicron; 08-09-2004 at 08:19 PM.
08-08-2004, 06:21 PM
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Brian, I'm in.
Drove the "Dragon's Tail" about 3 weeks ago. First time in my 8. Have also driven it in my Alfa GTV6 and my Dodge Ram 4x4. It's a blast in just about anything, but nothing with 4 wheels has come close to the run in the Rx-8 for me. It's just "point and shoot". You are better off to run it during the week if possible. Weekends the place is full of bikes. Of course, I have time options since I live here. Keep me posted as you get closer time-wise.
Dave
Drove the "Dragon's Tail" about 3 weeks ago. First time in my 8. Have also driven it in my Alfa GTV6 and my Dodge Ram 4x4. It's a blast in just about anything, but nothing with 4 wheels has come close to the run in the Rx-8 for me. It's just "point and shoot". You are better off to run it during the week if possible. Weekends the place is full of bikes. Of course, I have time options since I live here. Keep me posted as you get closer time-wise.
Dave
08-08-2004, 06:29 PM
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08-08-2004, 06:48 PM
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Hmm...didn't know it was that popular. it would be tough too coordinate a time when everyone could get off work/school during the week. there's around the holidays, but then we get to deal with snow. nor do I want to wait that long. on the weekends, is it to the point of being unpleasent?
08-08-2004, 07:00 PM
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It's never unpleasant, just more bikes on the weekend, and you have to watch carefully since many of them are way faster than we are. I'm just saying that during the week there is a lot less traffic. Don't cancel your plans 'cause it's a blast.
08-09-2004, 07:05 AM
#6
FREE ADVICE!
Originally Posted by epitrochoid
I can't hear those words and not giggle with excitement. The map of the road alone makes me scoot my desk chair up and put my hands a 9 and 3 :D
At any rate, I have plans to go up there in early September. I think it would make an awesome meet/weekend. We could probably get a decent rate at a 2 star motel. Do a Friday drive up, drive all day saturday, and leave sunday. Even if you're not up to pushing the envelope, that entire area is an absolute dream to drive through. I haven't expierenced the Dragon yet, but I've romped all over other roads in west north carolina.
well, if you think this might be something you wanna do, chime in! I'm going, be it alone or with a group.
At any rate, I have plans to go up there in early September. I think it would make an awesome meet/weekend. We could probably get a decent rate at a 2 star motel. Do a Friday drive up, drive all day saturday, and leave sunday. Even if you're not up to pushing the envelope, that entire area is an absolute dream to drive through. I haven't expierenced the Dragon yet, but I've romped all over other roads in west north carolina.
well, if you think this might be something you wanna do, chime in! I'm going, be it alone or with a group.
When are you going? The weekend of the 6th will be Labor day weekend, so that will be a 3 day weekend, BUT it would probably be PACKED (and so will the highways). I have secured tentative permission with my wife, so I'll definitely make plans to go. It will probably be just me. I doubt my daughter would want to go on this one.
Make a firm date, let me know and WE'LL GO FOR IT. I'll post a Meet on the MazdaNow website, start a rollcall, make caravan plans, research motels, yadda yadda yadda...
I'm in...let me know! Let's ROLL!
James? Allen? Craig? Pete? Eddie? You guys in??
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee HAW!!!!!!
318 CURVES IN 11 MILES!!!
Last edited by Razpewton; 08-09-2004 at 08:52 AM.
08-09-2004, 04:50 PM
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***check the update in the first post. ***
We need to call this something. It isn't just 8's, but it will likely be 99% rotary. So something rotary themed would be cool.
We need to call this something. It isn't just 8's, but it will likely be 99% rotary. So something rotary themed would be cool.
Last edited by epitrochoid; 08-09-2004 at 05:17 PM.
08-09-2004, 05:17 PM
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From S2K to an RX8 :)
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Hey guys, you know that same weekend, the crew from S2Ki will be doing a huge weekend there. Just thought you'd like to know, you might not be the only one's slaying the dragon! (BTW Expect up to 100 - S2000's from all over the country!!!!)
08-09-2004, 06:42 PM
#10
FREE ADVICE!
318 CURVES IN 11 MILES!!!
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeee HAW!!
The Rotary Engine Dragon Challenge is ON!!
September 10th 11th and 12th ~ Robbinsville, North Carolina
We have TWO Chalet's rented to accomodate 34 people. If more people sign up, more chalets will be rented. :D :D
WE have the Treetop Chalet and the Smoky Mountain Mansion. Arrival time is Friday night, check out Sunday. Those reserving rooms for BOTH nightS WILL HAVE PRIORITY. Check out the MazdaNow.com "Meet" section for Rollcalls, meet times, and further details.
Smoky Mountain Mansion & Treetops
The pricing is yet to be determined, but will probably be around $120 for BOTH nights at the Smoky Mountain Mansion (accomodates 24) and $70 for BOTH nights at the TreeTop (accomodates 10). These prices WILL include breakfast, the Saturday evening bar-b-que AND a Rotary Engine Dragon Challenge t-shirt.
Sponsors are currently being lined up and KUDOS given. Bring your camera....THIS IS THE ONE you don't want to miss.
Did I mention...
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeee HAW!!
???
Last edited by Razpewton; 08-09-2004 at 06:59 PM.
08-10-2004, 07:56 AM
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I'll go. Where's robinsville NC?? it's about 9 hours drive for me right? I have to leave friday night and come back sunday aft.. i cant take any more day off
08-10-2004, 09:01 AM
#14
FREE ADVICE!
Originally Posted by guy321
I'll go. Where's robinsville NC?? it's about 9 hours drive for me right? I have to leave friday night and come back sunday aft.. i cant take any more day off
Glad to see you're coming, dude. :D :D
08-10-2004, 09:11 AM
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Yes, yes :D Even tho I don't like being up there so close to yankee territory!
Originally Posted by Razpewton
Good. I'm working time tables and stuff, but have my hands full with updating the website AND keeping my job. LOL
Glad to see you're coming, dude. :D :D
Glad to see you're coming, dude. :D :D
08-10-2004, 09:32 AM
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its 11 hours from orlando according to flapquest.
in reality, depending on traffic it could be less. I can make it to ATL in 6, and it's only about 3 hours north of there. on once out of atlanta, thats where the good roads start.
in reality, depending on traffic it could be less. I can make it to ATL in 6, and it's only about 3 hours north of there. on once out of atlanta, thats where the good roads start.
08-10-2004, 11:02 AM
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I am pretty sure I am in. Won't be bringin the 8 though, I'll bring my rotary powered Triumph spitfire. Its faster anyway. How do we pay? Through you or directly?
08-10-2004, 11:25 AM
#18
FREE ADVICE!
Originally Posted by Xavier296
I am pretty sure I am in. Won't be bringin the 8 though, I'll bring my rotary powered Triumph spitfire. Its faster anyway. How do we pay? Through you or directly?
Currently the plans are $120 for TWO nights the Mansion and $80 for TWO nights at the Treetops. These prices include lodging, a T-shirt AND the Saturday evening catered bar-b-que. Since so many people have already applied, it will be the package deal only (2 nights).
This will be a PAJAMA EVENT! There will be two couples per room, with more on sleeping bags in the conference room. We're looking to squeeze 30 folks into the mansion and 10 folks into the Treetops. We have more chalets reserved, if we need them.
I've already discussed arrangements with the managment at the Mansion and Treetops. We may even be able to squeeze in a Continental breakfast without increasing the cost. This is NOT a money making venture....everything collected will be used to pay for lodging and food. We're taking the cost of the servcies and dividing it by the number of people attending. If there are any funds left over, it will go back into concessions or beverages.
Keep watching the MazdaNow.com website for details as they evolve.
318 CURVES IN 11 MILES!!!
Last edited by Razpewton; 08-10-2004 at 11:30 AM.
08-10-2004, 03:03 PM
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MMM The Dragon!
Hi all. I just joined today thanks to a chance post office meeting with DaveT. we spent about 30 minutes or more talking about our beloved RX-8s and the subject of the dragon came up. He tells me he is a member of this club and that they are planning a Dragon run in September. Prior to getting my RX-8 I used to run the dragon on two wheels, sometimes one, on my Honda CBR900RR so I had to know more about this club and the upcoming event.
I told Dave that I had run The Dragon a few weeks back with a camera in car while chasing a friend on his CBR929RR. Let me assure you all if you have any doubts about the RX-8's abilities on the twisties you won't after you do the Dragon. Throughout the 318 curves my friend could only pull away in the straights and numerous times myself and the passenger filming the action can be heard joking about passing in the next corner. I used to think we went fast on our bike but wow, the RX-8 made me think otherwise. It is a rush hanging off the side of a bike at those speeds on that road at such altitudes but the thrill of the RX-8 was just as big a rush. I would say there are only a handful of bike riders up there that could keep up with an RX-8 and lots of other sports cars that could never dream of keeping up. The Dragon truly lets the RX-8 shine.
In case no one has pointed it out yet you can go to www.tailofthedragon.com for the best Dragon info. I would recommend that anyone who hasn't been up there read over this site. It gives lots of good info and tips for surviving the dragon. Even at moderate speeds it can be a dangerous road with other bikes, cars and big trucks around. There are plenty of intersting pics and a link to www.killboy.com. Killboy goes up every Friday thru Sunday just about and take pictures of all that venture to the Dragon. The Miata gang was up a few weeks back and he has lots of great shots of them. He sells the pics for $5 each and sends them on a CD that you can take to any store and get copies made.
One last thought is that the club might want to make a "Loop" run while everyone is up there. The Loop is the Dragon followed by the Cherohala Skyway. The skyway goes from 2600 to more than 5300 feet elevation in around 11 miles and has much more stunning scenery than the Dragon. The curves are more sweeping compared to the sharp switchbacks of the Dragon. Anyway safe to say I will see you all in Septmeber and look forward talkin to you here on the forums. Sorry for such a long post, I get soooo excited about curvy roads. We here in East Tennessee really are blessed when it comes to great roads to play on.
I told Dave that I had run The Dragon a few weeks back with a camera in car while chasing a friend on his CBR929RR. Let me assure you all if you have any doubts about the RX-8's abilities on the twisties you won't after you do the Dragon. Throughout the 318 curves my friend could only pull away in the straights and numerous times myself and the passenger filming the action can be heard joking about passing in the next corner. I used to think we went fast on our bike but wow, the RX-8 made me think otherwise. It is a rush hanging off the side of a bike at those speeds on that road at such altitudes but the thrill of the RX-8 was just as big a rush. I would say there are only a handful of bike riders up there that could keep up with an RX-8 and lots of other sports cars that could never dream of keeping up. The Dragon truly lets the RX-8 shine.
In case no one has pointed it out yet you can go to www.tailofthedragon.com for the best Dragon info. I would recommend that anyone who hasn't been up there read over this site. It gives lots of good info and tips for surviving the dragon. Even at moderate speeds it can be a dangerous road with other bikes, cars and big trucks around. There are plenty of intersting pics and a link to www.killboy.com. Killboy goes up every Friday thru Sunday just about and take pictures of all that venture to the Dragon. The Miata gang was up a few weeks back and he has lots of great shots of them. He sells the pics for $5 each and sends them on a CD that you can take to any store and get copies made.
One last thought is that the club might want to make a "Loop" run while everyone is up there. The Loop is the Dragon followed by the Cherohala Skyway. The skyway goes from 2600 to more than 5300 feet elevation in around 11 miles and has much more stunning scenery than the Dragon. The curves are more sweeping compared to the sharp switchbacks of the Dragon. Anyway safe to say I will see you all in Septmeber and look forward talkin to you here on the forums. Sorry for such a long post, I get soooo excited about curvy roads. We here in East Tennessee really are blessed when it comes to great roads to play on.
08-10-2004, 03:23 PM
#20
FREE ADVICE!
Originally Posted by LeeP
Hi all. I just joined today thanks to a chance post office meeting with DaveT. we spent about 30 minutes or more talking about our beloved RX-8s and the subject of the dragon came up. He tells me he is a member of this club and that they are planning a Dragon run in September. Prior to getting my RX-8 I used to run the dragon on two wheels, sometimes one, on my Honda CBR900RR so I had to know more about this club and the upcoming event.
I told Dave that I had run The Dragon a few weeks back with a camera in car while chasing a friend on his CBR929RR. Let me assure you all if you have any doubts about the RX-8's abilities on the twisties you won't after you do the Dragon. Throughout the 318 curves my friend could only pull away in the straights and numerous times myself and the passenger filming the action can be heard joking about passing in the next corner. I used to think we went fast on our bike but wow, the RX-8 made me think otherwise. It is a rush hanging off the side of a bike at those speeds on that road at such altitudes but the thrill of the RX-8 was just as big a rush. I would say there are only a handful of bike riders up there that could keep up with an RX-8 and lots of other sports cars that could never dream of keeping up. The Dragon truly lets the RX-8 shine.
In case no one has pointed it out yet you can go to www.tailofthedragon.com for the best Dragon info. I would recommend that anyone who hasn't been up there read over this site. It gives lots of good info and tips for surviving the dragon. Even at moderate speeds it can be a dangerous road with other bikes, cars and big trucks around. There are plenty of intersting pics and a link to www.killboy.com. Killboy goes up every Friday thru Sunday just about and take pictures of all that venture to the Dragon. The Miata gang was up a few weeks back and he has lots of great shots of them. He sells the pics for $5 each and sends them on a CD that you can take to any store and get copies made.
One last thought is that the club might want to make a "Loop" run while everyone is up there. The Loop is the Dragon followed by the Cherohala Skyway. The skyway goes from 2600 to more than 5300 feet elevation in around 11 miles and has much more stunning scenery than the Dragon. The curves are more sweeping compared to the sharp switchbacks of the Dragon. Anyway safe to say I will see you all in Septmeber and look forward talkin to you here on the forums. Sorry for such a long post, I get soooo excited about curvy roads. We here in East Tennessee really are blessed when it comes to great roads to play on.
I told Dave that I had run The Dragon a few weeks back with a camera in car while chasing a friend on his CBR929RR. Let me assure you all if you have any doubts about the RX-8's abilities on the twisties you won't after you do the Dragon. Throughout the 318 curves my friend could only pull away in the straights and numerous times myself and the passenger filming the action can be heard joking about passing in the next corner. I used to think we went fast on our bike but wow, the RX-8 made me think otherwise. It is a rush hanging off the side of a bike at those speeds on that road at such altitudes but the thrill of the RX-8 was just as big a rush. I would say there are only a handful of bike riders up there that could keep up with an RX-8 and lots of other sports cars that could never dream of keeping up. The Dragon truly lets the RX-8 shine.
In case no one has pointed it out yet you can go to www.tailofthedragon.com for the best Dragon info. I would recommend that anyone who hasn't been up there read over this site. It gives lots of good info and tips for surviving the dragon. Even at moderate speeds it can be a dangerous road with other bikes, cars and big trucks around. There are plenty of intersting pics and a link to www.killboy.com. Killboy goes up every Friday thru Sunday just about and take pictures of all that venture to the Dragon. The Miata gang was up a few weeks back and he has lots of great shots of them. He sells the pics for $5 each and sends them on a CD that you can take to any store and get copies made.
One last thought is that the club might want to make a "Loop" run while everyone is up there. The Loop is the Dragon followed by the Cherohala Skyway. The skyway goes from 2600 to more than 5300 feet elevation in around 11 miles and has much more stunning scenery than the Dragon. The curves are more sweeping compared to the sharp switchbacks of the Dragon. Anyway safe to say I will see you all in Septmeber and look forward talkin to you here on the forums. Sorry for such a long post, I get soooo excited about curvy roads. We here in East Tennessee really are blessed when it comes to great roads to play on.
I've downloaded a map of the "LOOP" and have spoken with Ron Johnson at www.tailofthedragon.com and Peter at the Smoky Mountain Mansion office. We're definitely going to post directions on the LOOP and will most definitely be navigating the entire circuit. We will be relying on the experience of Dragon Veterans like you and Dave to ensure this event will be one of the most memorable Meets ever! If you or Dave have any suggestions, ideas or further information you'd like to share, feel free to post or PM me. Thanks guy....look forward to meeting youse.
Last edited by Razpewton; 08-10-2004 at 03:31 PM.
08-10-2004, 06:54 PM
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Thanks for the welcome. Just to clear it up in case anyone was wondering it's Lee P as in Patrick, although Leep is kind of funny and I have been told to take one on more than one occassion.
I will be glad to do anything I can to help make the time at the Dragon fun and safe. I really miss the mototrcycle fraternity I had become part of and look forward to a new one with fellow RX-8 junkies and other car junkies as well. I think Dave would agree that you can rest assured this will definately be a most memorable ride for all involved. If you have camera mounts, mount them because no one will believe it when you tell them about it so you might as well be able to show them.
I will be glad to do anything I can to help make the time at the Dragon fun and safe. I really miss the mototrcycle fraternity I had become part of and look forward to a new one with fellow RX-8 junkies and other car junkies as well. I think Dave would agree that you can rest assured this will definately be a most memorable ride for all involved. If you have camera mounts, mount them because no one will believe it when you tell them about it so you might as well be able to show them.
08-11-2004, 12:32 PM
#23
FREE ADVICE!
Website Update
The Mazdanow.com website has been updated to reflect all the latest information pertaining to the Rotary Engine Tail of the Dragon Challenge.
You won't want to miss this one. Those who have stated you are going, please use the online form to pre-register and download the enrollment form. First come, first serve on the Rocky Mountain Mansion!!
Tail of the Dragon
318 CURVES IN 11 MILES
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee HAW!!
You won't want to miss this one. Those who have stated you are going, please use the online form to pre-register and download the enrollment form. First come, first serve on the Rocky Mountain Mansion!!
Tail of the Dragon
318 CURVES IN 11 MILES
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee HAW!!
Last edited by Razpewton; 08-11-2004 at 12:34 PM.
