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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - British V8 2003

YEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

HOLY $%#$%@

WHOA BABY!

Well, in case you're wondering what I'm so hepped up about, I just got back awhile ago from driving the Dragon! It's been a while since I drove it, and I had forgotten just how great it is. Dang, but that's a fun drive. And very scenic too, for the passengers. I decided to drive it today, leaving from the Highland Manor Inn so I could clock the driving time to finalize the V8 meet schedule. Turns out it's closer than I originally thought - only a short, very scenic, 28.5 mile drive from the motel. About 40 minutes or so. I'm happy to report that the road is in EXCELLENT condition, having been resurfaced fairly recently.

From the motel, it's a short 6.5 miles to the parkway, a scenic 17 mile drive up and over the foothills to Chillhowe lake, and then a short 5 mile drive to THE DRAGON! At precisely 28.5 miles from the motel, the road makes a dramatic and sudden change from a winding, scenic, mountain country road into Motoring Nirvana!

Based on all that, I have decided to drop the autocross from the schedule. I was having a hard time working it in anyway, and the closest location I could find was 20 miles from the motel. With all the great driving roads available around here, and the FANTASTIC Dragon Tail, I don't believe anyone would prefer to drive 20 miles for a parking lot event, when a mere 28.5 scenic miles takes them to the Dragon. I hope no one is disappointed with the elimination of the autocross, but if you are, I'm sure the other events I have planned will more than make up for it. Rather than the autocross on Friday, I have now planned a drive to Deals Gap, which will "require" a drive over the Dragon.

The closer we get, and the more finalized the plans become, the better this gets.

See you there

Wait a minute, was that 28.5 miles? Or maybe it was actually only 28. Or 29? Hmmm, I guess I'd better drive it again just to be sure. I sure wouldn't want to mislead any one. Maybe I'd better drive it a few times, and take an average. Yeah, that's it, an average. That'll work.
Dan Masters

<<I have decided to drop the autocross from the schedule. >>

WHAT?!!!!
Carl

Now, now Carl! This way, you can keep your championship for another year! ;-) rick
rick ingram

What route # is this road? Be interesting to look at it on MapQuest or something ... is it really that good? Do people buy the farm from time to time ... like on Skyline Drive in Palo Alto ... those crotch-rocket guys go howling down it and then just when they need some traction to get around a tight turn they find a shady patch of road where the sun hasn't yet burned off the morning dew ... ouch!!

I just can't make it down to TN this summer ... would love to but I don't think it's in the cards. I hope someday we'll have a V8 convention somewhere a little closer by.
David D.

Q. What route # is this road?

A. US 129

Q. Be interesting to look at it on MapQuest or something ...

A. I don't think it will show up as anything special on Map Quest, as it's just a short 11 miles of a very long highway. Try: http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

Q. is it really that good?

A. Yes! Yes! Oh, hell yes!

Q. Do people buy the farm from time to time ...

A. Yes!

Q. like on Skyline Drive in Palo Alto ... those crotch-rocket guys go howling down it and then just when they need some traction to get around a tight turn they find a shady patch of road where the sun hasn't yet burned off the morning dew ... ouch!!

A. The real safety hazard on this road is the many idiots that come here because of its fame and haven't a clue as to how to drive. Many of them are prone to "clip the apex," even on blind curves. Yesterday, I shared this section of the road with no more than a dozen or so vehicles, and yes, one of them was a moron in an old, beat up honda, coming around a rock outcropping halfway in my lane, totally out of my sight until we both rounded the curve. Luckily, I was driving rather sedately, and he was so incompetent that he thought he was really cooking, when in reality, he was driving well below a dangerous speed.

This highway can be dangerous, and I recommend that no one approach it as a speed contest. Drive carefully, be alert, and enjoy the drive. We will be driving this road at a time when the traffic is at its lightest. If we drive in a caravan, we can greatly reduce the risk (for all but the lead driver that is - any volunteers?).

BTW, I have also driven the Skyline drive you refer to. It was a looooong time ago, so I don't remember it all that well, but I do remember it as being a lot of fun. Damn, that was 40 years ago - jeez, I'm getting old.
Dan Masters

There are a couple of nice maps at this site.

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps/DRAGONmap.gif
Ozzie Pillon

I can hardly wait! (Got to get that registration sent in though)

Hey Dan, did you say there is any convenient spot to park a motorhome nearby? Sounds like a great event. I think you ought to check the route again though just in case. Who knows, it might get dark early or something. Or late. Or there might be glare on the 57th turn. Naturally we'd like to know in advance.

Jim
Jim Blackwood

Well....my wife, Jean, has already refused to go on the Dragon with me....which means I'll have a spare seat.....who's first?!?! rick
rick ingrm

This thread was discussed between 12/02/2003 and 15/02/2003

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