2007 Tail of The Dragon Run - Page 2

427sharpe · #21 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 02:25 PM

I hope some of the Cobra owners carry onboard cameras to record the 'run'. It would be interesting to see if the local yokels are as hard on the cars as on the bikers. It seems obvious by the website that the THP has a steel bobo
for the bikers. Looks like a bad scene looking to get worse.

ENTDOC · #22 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 03:05 PM

I have done it 3 times in 2 different cobras and 2nd gear is used mostly no doubt, however if I was going to be in town that week I would definitly be going again. It is fun, the people are nice and the mountains beautiful. Take plenty of water.

Bob Jones · #23 (**permalink**) 08-10-2007, 06:54 PM

Tony,

ENTDOC is right...I have run the Dragon four times and it has always been a blast. On many portions of the route the traffic was such that a great deal of speed was not an option but even so the curves, ups & downs and frequency of them kept us busy and fully entertained.

On top of that, participating in this has also given folks the opportunity to see some great looking cars and to make some friends that will last a long time.

And finally, regardless of where you come from, you get to drive your car to and from the event and probably see some great scenery.

Hope to see you there!

Bob

Rich Scherer · #24 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 10:11 AM

Seems like the enthusiam is still there to make the run which is a good thing. Keep in mind a sports car is a sports car. and COBRA ROADSTER IS A COBRA ROADSTER. If I'm a cop and see 20 plus Cobras my eyes are on you to see how fast you may try to go, or stop you just to check out your cool car...There should be some goods posts on the Dragon after the run. & pictures.I was in that area for 10 days in early June, and never seen a cop anywhere except downtown Gatlinburg..Instead of running straight up the hill into Tn. from the Dam, you might stop at the store and get a smoky count...Have fun....Life is SHORT !

Bob Jones · #25 (**permalink**) 08-11-2007, 05:22 PM

My son Mike and I should arrive at the Comfort Inn West, at exit 44 on I40 justa west of Asheville Friday about 5 PM. If anyone else is staying near there and wants to join us for dinner abut 6 PM, we sill assemble in front of the Comfort Inn West at about 6 PM and go from there.

Bob Jones/Raleigh

Rich Scherer · #26 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007, 05:53 PM

Don't know if you guys seen this video of the Cobras Sept. 06 on the web site. I posted, but it's pretty cool. Who's the Hot Dog with the camera that passed on the double yellow?? Damn I going to miss being there....Hope it downloads. i'm not a computer brain............
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...657&pr=goog-sl

DealsGapCobra · #27 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007, 06:58 PM

Yeah, that's a video of our run from last year!

I will have driven over the road on my way to meet the group at the dam so will have some info on enforcement. I would suggest that everyone make sure their cars are legal and expect a pleasant drive at the posted speed limit of 30 mph. Should be a good time again this year.

If anyone will be arriving from the North and would like to caravan up let me know.

terry lee · #28 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 07:30 AM

Am I seeing things inthe video, or are some of the guys wearing helmets? Maybe not the worst idea in the world - helps quite the noise alittle

Now about 30mph

!
Still hoping I can make it Saturday AM.

TL

Godzila · #29 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 07:55 AM

Guys do not want to rain on your parade, but there is something going on there that you should be aware of going in, see another discussion here
http://www.michiganmini.org/forum/in...p?topic=2329.0

I have been ther once in the cobra and three times in the MINI, its an awsome road, but be careful, and do not cross the yellow line or you may take off a bikers head or be in the way of a semi coming the other way.
It will be intersting to hear from you as to how you were treated by the LEO?
Have fun, be safe
Kumpie

will butterwort · #30 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 11:53 AM

second gear mostly, but man what a ride, beautiful, can,t run fast anyway,watch for girls in woods----pictures---have website or two, can buy---children gave me for christmas last year, looking at it all time, on office wall, . There is amountain road just south of the dragon, Tennessee 165--n. carolina 143, go there, not as curvy, but most beautiful mountain scenes.My heart is with you, want to be there, take care,dragons linger in that land. Will-alabama

Tony Radford · #31 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 05:44 PM

Bob, I plan to get to Dillsboro around 10 AM Saturday. Got my tires balanced at Gran Turismo East, got to change my brake light switch tomorrow, oil/filter change and I'm ready to go. I will carry your cell phone number and will call somewhere along the way to confirm my participation. I guess I'll be driving alone up through Dillard and on to Dillsboro.

Bob Jones · #32 (**permalink**) 08-14-2007, 06:32 PM

Tony,

Feel free to call me...as we speak we have some where between 25-30 folks coming...looking forward to seeing you there. Check out www.FFCobra.com, thenced Southeast Activities/Events for other informative threads.

Bob

jagger · #33 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 10:51 AM

It looks like I will be able to make it. I should be at deals gap by noon. Looking forward to seeing everyone and having a great ride also, the cherohala skyway ( 40-50 miles of just big sweeping curves ) is a fun ride and is never crowded.

DealsGapCobra · #34 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 11:25 AM

Great news jagger! I have only run the Cherohala once and am looking forward to doing it again. See you then.

Tony Radford · #35 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 04:56 PM

Jagger, what route are you taking to get up there?

Bob Jones · #36 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 05:31 PM

Tony, Jagger,

Lots of excitement building on this adventure...will be looking for you at Dillsboro.

We are scheduled to leave Asheville at 915AM which should put us near Dillsbora about 10AM however I encourage you to arrive there maybe a bit earlier than that in case the caravan moves faster or we get started a bit earlier...don't want to miss you. Drive safe.

Bob Jones

jagger · #37 (**permalink**) 08-16-2007, 08:42 PM

I take 575n ( turns into hwy 5 ) all the way through blue ridge then I take spur 60 to us 129 and that takes you all the way to the dragon. O and Bob I will have to see you guys at the dragon because dillsboro is out of my way. but, my brother will also be there ( we will be in a silver cobra with black stripes ) can't wait to see everyone and we should be at the dragon by noon. If anyone has any questions about the area let me know I used to live there.

Bob Jones · #38 (**permalink**) 08-17-2007, 03:46 AM

Jagger,

Note our schedule is to depart the top of Fontana Dam at 1130AM...probably won't get off exactly on time, so if you are at Deal's Gap by noon or just before we should meet up ok.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Bob

Bob Jones · #39 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 08:25 AM

The 2007 Tail of The Dragon run was a great success.

The weather was perfect, and as per my count, 25 cars, many with two riders, participated. The group included one original 289 Cobra, 18 Cobra replicas from various manufacturers, a newly completed GT 40 replica, a Cooper Mini, a BMW Z3, a classic Datsun Z car, a classic Mustang convertible, and a classic Porsche 911. (I hope I did not miss anyone.)

Cars came from Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina & North Carolina.

The early morning get togethers, breakfasts, and rides to the final staging location were great, with cool weather, beautiful scenery and terrific people to share the event with.
People came from all directions, many after having arranged meets and caravans with other enthusiasts.

The Dragon was calmer than in past years with light bike traffic, due to the 12 law enforcement officers, I counted, spread over the 11 mile run. Speeds were generally maintained within the limits and tires within the lines. For sure, it was still a great and safe experience.

Following the Dragon run lunch was available at the restaurant at Deal’s Gap providing more time to sit and talk with new friends and Cobra enthusiasts.

Afterwards, the group disbanded some going home, some to mountain retreats, some headed to the casino at Cherokee, NC and a small band of us ran the NC portion of the Cherohala Skyway, another scenic winding highway that climbs up over 5000 feet.

Several acknowledgements are due, including Phillip Deal aka Mariah on the forum, and his son Jason, who served as the tour guide for the group of us connecting up from the Asheville meet, and for also leading us on the southbound leg of the Dragon run.

Also, thanks to Frank, aka Mustang II460, for coordinating the Tennessee connecting group and for safely, and as swiftly as the law permitted, leading us on the northbound leg of the Dragon run.

Additionally, to Rob Bond, aka Deal’s Gap Cobra, for bringing along his photographer friend, and for spearheading the ride on the Cherohala Skyway.

Special acknowledgement is in order for the increased number of ladies that made the run this year.

No doubt many others made significant contributions to the success of this event and I apologize if I did not mention each of you by name but no less thanks and appreciation go out to you too.

Expectations are that some fine pics and vidio will begin to show up here shortly, so those of you who were not able to participate this year, can see how much fun and fellowship was had.

Hopefully, we can do it again next year!

Jim Maxwell · #40 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 04:33 PM

Bob, It sounds like a wonderful event! I wish I could have been there, but if I had even mentioned doing that instead of moving our last child to college for her freshman year, I would probably not have had a reason to come home except to pick up the shreds of my clothes!
Who was the original 289 owner that went on the trip?
Thanks. Jim Maxwell