Disclaimers up front: I'm posting this in the hope that we all have a great weekend and return home with nothing more to show for our efforts than dusty wheels. The Dragon is a highly dangerous road on which wrecks and near-wrecks happen every day. In my dozen-or-so trips I've seen broken bikes and cars nearly every time. Its also a blast to drive! Also, its not my intent to insult anyone's driving ability. If I use any racing terms, its only because its the best way to explain, not to encourage "racing" on the Dragon.

My thoughts on driving the Dragon:

1:Motorcycles are everywhere! And many of the riders are over their heads trying to keep up with or outrun their buddies. I have seen a rider off on nearly every run I've made. I have shared my own lane with an oncoming cruiser (who apparently early-apexed his right turn and "needed the room") and been passed by Johnny (crotch) Rocket anywhere they feel like it. If you see one in your mirror, just expect him to do the most ill-advised thing imaginable and know how you'll avoid it. This goes for cars, too. And other roads.

2:Treat the stripes (yellow AND white) as edges of a cliff. There are simply too many blind curves (and traffic) to take a chance on exiting or entering wide, or cutting across the center stripe.

3:The L.E.O.s (law enforcement officers) will likely be around. In addition to speeding tickets, they like to give citations for crossing the center stripe. You really can have fun on this road while obeying the speed limit, just don't be in too big a hurry to get to the next corner. It should be mentioned that if you're driving in the TN direction from the NC line and don't see any LEOs, you can turn around and be sure none will sneak up on you. Just putting that out there...

4: Don't turn off the traction control. There are many corner exits where the road changes camber drastically and this can catch you just as you feed on the power.

5:Use your lights. Being seen is good.

6:Look ahead to the next corner. Most of the corners can be treated as late-apex (come closest to the inside near the end of the corner). This will help set you up smoothly for the next one.

7:No distractions! Drinks, radio, phone, camera, GPS, etc.

8:Leave a safe following distance.

9:If the other guy wants by, just pull off and let him go.

10: If you're hopelessly stuck behind traffic, it might be a good time to just pull off and car-watch for a few minutes. Just don't park at the outside exit of a corner. You might get hit (seen it).

11: Check over your car before you leave. Don't just rely on the warning lights! Tires and tire pressures, fluids, suspension, secure any loose items before you start a run.

Anyone else with something I've missed, feel free to add!