Went on vacation to gatlinburg this week with the family and just happened to pick up a "things to do map" and saw that the dragon was within driving distance so I carved out some time to make the short run over the mountain to see what the big deal was. Well now I know. 318 curves in 11 miles up and down a mountain. Strange little stretch of road in the manner that it is not located close to any attractions other than a biker motel but the road was extremely traveled by bikes sport cars and passenger cars. Very narrow road with tight curves and extremely dangerous as oncoming traffic does not always stay in their lane. I can see why there are so many accidents as bikers think they are pros and travel waaaay to fast for their skills. This is the same for people in cars as well. I would love to drive that 11 miles on a closed street as you need all of that little road to get the most out of it. There were many cops on the dragon just waiting to catch someone speeding or to scrape them off the pavement. My wife did the driving as you all know my current situation but it was still a blast. Her top speed was about 40 on a straight portion and we were in my avalanche which made it that more scary for me.

 

Thank you for the detail about the dragon. I have read many of the posts about how much (scary) fun it might be to drive - but you give more info than I have found in the other posts. I have been thinking that ya really need to be a 'driver' to take on the dragon, and you pretty much endorse that. Dealing with (maybe) out of control on-coming traffic? Whew. What I am wondering is, when the Tail of the Dragon' event happens for the XFs - how does that work? I should probably ask Valk or Pizza Guy - they probably know. The get-together sounds like a great time to meet other XF owners - and many of my friends think I am kinda wild in my car (I'm not) but the actual driving of the tail sounds... challenging??? Alicia

 

Challenging ??? Try following Nick ( thirteendog )

 

The dragon event really is a great time regardless of your skill level. We book the lodge in Fontana a few miles away and we organize several groups of differing intensity levels. If I were you I'd reach out to Valk (Gary), KimPossible (Kim), PaceMaker (Michael I think), me, or if your up for a winded conversation PizzaGuy (Mark). Honestly though anyone you talk to in that group are excellent leaders and can answer just about any question you may have.

Nick

 

Anyone can drive the Dragon
In 2010 we had 84 Crossfires attend the fall meet and everyone had a good time and most everyone had a run on the Dragon

Don't let it scare you.
You only go as fast as you are comfortable with.
We have had these meets twice a year now since 2007.

 

I'm new here and just got my SRT6 Roadster last week.
I heard about the dragon and would like to get in on the fall meet if there is one.
Who do I contact?
THanks
Brian

 

Go here and sign up. You'll also find hotel reservations.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...r-5-6-7-a.html

 

both of you get signed up because the rooms are all but gone..... It is a great time...I don't even get out and drive as much as I used to....been there done that kind of thing...I just enjoy checking out all the cars, and relaxing now... Now Sunday morning I might sneek out onto the Hellbender for a little "fresh air"...but that is about it.... Plenty of exploring to be done in the newby towns....