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kgdblu

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Posts posted by kgdblu

  4. Dragon safety

    in MOTD 11 (2013)

    Posted · Edited by kgdblu

    Having ridden motorcycles on the Dragon a few times, please, please, please stay on your side of the road.

     

    I know the bikes have problems with that themselves but being on a bike and seeing a car come across the line is much scarier than being in a car and seeing a bike come across the line.

    it's scary no matter what.

  5. Dragon safety

    in MOTD 11 (2013)

    Posted · Edited by kgdblu

    So we always start this thread up each year as we have new people that don't know what to expect. I'm sure others will add on to this. But a few things to remember while you're having the time of your life in your MINI.

     

    STAY ON YOUR SIDE OF THE ROAD

    Stick between the mustard and the mayo

    don't cross the yellow line!!

    :motor:

    That's rule 1, 2 and 3 and it can save your life.

     

    This is a public road and it's unpredictable, there are many blind turns and you need to stay within your driving ability so that you can always stay on your side of the line and react if you need to.

     

    Check your tires and tire pressure. Before you leave have your MINI checked out because you don't want to get there and find a safety issue. It's happened before.

     

    Don't push yourself, stay within your ability. If you want to go slow, it's OK. Let people pass, there are turn outs. You don't have to drive as fast as you think the guy behind you would like you to go. When I go with a group I usually take the back, last car if I can get it. I actually find I prefer the Dragon at a more reasonable speed.

     

    There are a ton of other fun roads out there besides the Dragon. Hellbender is a huge favorite and it's on the way to the Dragon from Fontana. It's faster with sweeping turns and the occasional gotcha thrown in. In the years I've gone most of the MINI wrecks were on Hellbender or a road other then the Dragon.

     

    Before you ride the Dragon, go to Deals gap and look at the Tree of Shame. It's sobering.

     

    Then relax, have fun and remember

     

    Stay on your side of the road, let faster people pass

     

    I'm so excited to go again

    Make sure your brake pads and rotors are in top notch condition. If you're going to drive the Dragon, make SURE you stop at either end to allow your brakes to cool. Fade from over heated brakes could prove to be fatal....yes, fatal.

    This area is very remote and an ambulance is at least a half hour away, then another half hour to a hospital.

    2-3 people die on these roads every year due to a variety of circumstances. Don't be a statistic.

    There are safety classes offered during MOTD. If you're a newbie, I highly recommend you attend at least one. I've talked to the organizer about making these classes mandatory, but we decided there's no way to do that. However, if you're a newbie and you're a member of this club and I find out you didn't attend a class, well......:security:

    You're probably thinking " Who is this b*&^% and damn, she's bossy!"

    You betcha. I'm also looking out for your safety.

  8. 16 Days...

    in MOTD 11 (2013)

    Posted

    From what I understand it is open to the mini group. You can reserve for rooms, but not for tents. No worries. We will find a spot. Tyler, I can't get the Lady from Topaco to say yay or nay. I called her last week and she said that they had room but she would have to call me back by the end of this week. Tried to call again today, no one answered. :hmmmm:

    Keep calling Tapoco...Deal's Gap rooms are scary. Bunk beds and nothing else. I don't even think the rooms have their own bathroom, tho' I could be wrong.

  11. Post Holiday Party

    in Events

    Posted

    Thanks Craig and Lona! Driving all that way was definitely worth it!

    The glitter dragon and dragon bell have been introduced to the rest of the collection and are settling nicely.

    It was a very fun evening!

  20. 16 Days...

    in MOTD 11 (2013)

    Posted

    As the date draws closer, checking in with the 2 national MINI forums is an absolute must. There will be lodging threads on both that should be watched daily, if not hourly. Rooms/cabins at Fontana that become available can change hands in as little as 5 minutes, so be on the lookout. It can't hurt to post a request on these threads as well...you might get lucky.

  21. 16 Days...

    in MOTD 11 (2013)

    Posted

    There is camping, but it's pretty bare bones. If it rains, you will not be a happy camper, literally. Some years, it's gotten pretty cold at night. Campsites are limited in number, so I'd call NOW. You might be able to share a campsite as well.

  22. What are these magical 2nd gen windshield wipers

    in Maintenance & Modifications

    Posted

    I am driving Max this week while Tigger gets his makeover and Mark is away on business. I guess I have never driven him in the rain as it took me a while to figure out how to turn on the windshield washers.

     

    Then I noticed how magical they are, they slow down when I stop and they go faster when I go faster. What a great idea

     

    Can I mod Tigger to do that? I know, I know the answer is no :frown:

     

    It is a cool feature, made me all happy :biggrin:

     

    Look they're going fast, ooh now slow, ooh fast again... Amusing me during rush hour traffic

     

    simple mind, simple pleasure :wink:

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