Who has ridden The Tail of the Dragon?

LEDZEP · 11-08-2006, 07:22 PM

Captivated by the first sentence of the Z4 article in this month's Roundel, I did some searching on the tail of the dragon. What an awesome ride that would be! It's also pretty close (about 150 miles) to Spartanburg. I would think that riding the dragon's tail would be a must-do if taking PCD of your BMW...

This is officially added to the "might do this" list....

Has anyone driven the dragon? I'd like to hear some experiences....

rotts4u · 11-08-2006, 07:58 PM

I live nearby in Chattanooga, TN so its basically a day trip for me anytime I want to go so I have been many times over the years though never in a car. I also ride sport bikes so if I go I do it on a bike. First of all avoid weekends or holidays. The motorcycle crowd has caused such a problem its almost a 80-90% chance of a ticket as they run cop stings over there all the time. It is VERY crowded on weekends so best to stick to weekdays. Of course as it cools off for winter the bikes thin out.

I also have seen scores of exotic car groups over there as well as more common stuff like Miata clubs or 350Z clubs.

If you go just take it easy a few passes as the dragon will get you !!

Don

tmoney · 11-08-2006, 08:17 PM

I haven't been yet. A bunch of local Atlanta guys from the RennTeam forums (mainly 911s and some Boxsters) are planning a day trip on 20-Nov. I'm thinking about tagging along for the experience. I'll probably be the only Bimmer there and it should be a blast running with a bunch of p-cars. I'll post pics after the trip...

Driv3r · 11-08-2006, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmoney

I haven't been yet. A bunch of local Atlanta guys from the RennTeam forums (mainly 911s and some Boxsters) are planning a day trip on 20-Nov. I'm thinking about tagging along for the experience. I'll probably be the only Bimmer there and it should be a blast running with a bunch of p-cars. I'll post pics after the trip...

your wont be too far behind, having a 335 and all

tmoney · 11-08-2006, 08:53 PM

Thanks. The 335 definitely has great acceleration. It's the switchbacks I'm worried about. P-cars have such nice weight distribution. I'll have fun with some of the Boxsters while climbing the mountain. The stock 986s don't have much power.

rit · 11-08-2006, 09:40 PM

If you want to know more about the tail of the dragon, be sure to check out these sites:

www.tailofthedragon.com
www.killboy.com

The killboy site is pretty cool. Good for him for figuring out a fun way to make a living.

rit · 11-08-2006, 09:43 PM

^^^

Hey, that was my 100th post! Woo hoo! How come balloons didn't fall out of the top of the screen?

cobradac · 11-08-2006, 10:13 PM

We just finished up our Fall run of the Dragon. See Ronan's blog for Autoweek here: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...26014/0/weblog

We had 6 e63/64 including an M6 coupe, 2 e60s (1 M) an e39 M5, 2 e46 including a Touring, and a Euro Spec 850Csi

That's my 6er sandwiched between the M5 and M6 after a fantastic and intense 50 mile run of the Cherohala Skyway just after our second pass of the ToD that morning. All told we did 300 miles of fine NC and TN roads including three passes of the ToD. Only the first one early Friday morning was a good high speed run the whole 11+ miles. Best time is always weekdays and early am.

Only 2 to 3 locals so to speak. the rest of us were from Florida, Mississippi, New Jersey, Toronto, and Georgia. We did a two day event including otherroads on Saturday and found some real great routes.

We do again in April next year associated with Southeast Sharkfest (gathering of 6ers old and new) and the BMW Dragon Slayers will hit it again next October. We are totally inclusive and want all bimmers to join in. Would love to see 335i (e90/92) plus other 3ers of all model types join us. We thought we had one of the Z4 M coupes lined up but business matters interfered.

It was a total blast and well worth the 1100 miles r/t to do it. Obviously as I'm gonna doit twice next year.

LEDZEP · 11-09-2006, 05:55 AM

Cobradac - I saw that blog from a previous Google search. Good stuff!

txusa03 · 11-09-2006, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rit

If you want to know more about the tail of the dragon, be sure to check out these sites:

www.tailofthedragon.com
www.killboy.com

The killboy site is pretty cool. Good for him for figuring out a fun way to make a living.

Thank much...will check into this later on and get more info on these road. Looks like a great place for bmw and scenic drives.

MrSilver · 11-09-2006, 09:06 AM

I haven't received my Roundel magazine.

SCA · 11-09-2006, 09:08 AM

I reside approx. 45 minutes from US 129. In fact we just drove the skyway and slayed The Dragon 2 weeks ago. Fall leaves were just past their peak. I attempt to go twice a year, Spring & Fall. As previously mentioned, weekends are the worst time to go. During the work week is the best.

thd13 · 11-09-2006, 09:39 AM

That looks awesome!! Thanks for the info guys!

F32Fleet · 11-09-2006, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Captivated by the first sentence of the Z4 article in this month's Roundel, I did some searching on the tail of the dragon. What an awesome ride that would be! It's also pretty close (about 150 miles) to Spartanburg. I would think that riding the dragon's tail would be a must-do if taking PCD of your BMW...

This is officially added to the "might do this" list....

Has anyone driven the dragon? I'd like to hear some experiences....

I grew up in WNC, and that road is crazy (sometimes too crowded). There are many roads in the mtns which are just as fun, shorter, and fairly empty.

vladinecko · 11-09-2006, 09:41 AM

oh wow, that is beautiful! i would definitely want to do PCD in the future and as LEDZEP said, the tail would definitely be included on the way home from there...

jmftexas · 11-09-2006, 11:18 AM

I just read that article this morning and was thinking it looked like a lot of fun. May have to try and get out there with the coupe once I am out of re-delivery hell. Or maybe I will be successful in convincing the wife she really needs the new X5 and can do PCD.

txusa03 · 11-09-2006, 11:29 AM

maybe we can have a nation wide e90post meet at the dragon's tail

LEDZEP · 11-09-2006, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txusa03

maybe we can have a nation wide e90post meet at the dragon's tail

That would be cool as hell.

SCA · 11-09-2006, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

That would be cool as hell.

+2

Such an event specific to E30s is in the works. It is named the South East E30 Rally. To my understanding to plan such an event is very difficult and time consuming.

txusa03 · 11-09-2006, 01:02 PM

just in case someone is thinking of leading such an event, i like to submit my naming suggestion of 'E9x TOD Rally'.

LEDZEP · 11-09-2006, 05:28 PM

God forbid we let an interesting topic stay on the main page for awhile. I'm all about order, but moving this post so soon was premature. There was some interesting conversation, and it had to do with driving BMWs... how is that off-topic?

Meanwhile, all we have on the main board is newbies posting things like "what, no spare tire" and "what's the red blinky thing for".... yeah, that's a real attention grabber.

SCA · 11-10-2006, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

God forbid we let an interesting topic stay on the main page for awhile. I'm all about order, but moving this post so soon was premature. There was some interesting conversation, and it had to do with driving BMWs... how is that off-topic?

Meanwhile, all we have on the main board is newbies posting things like "what, no spare tire" and "what's the red blinky thing for".... yeah, that's a real attention grabber.

+1

We also need a RTFM smiley for those that repeatedly ask questions that could easily be answered in their owners manual.

11-08-2006, 07:22 PM	#1
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 433 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Who has ridden The Tail of the Dragon? Captivated by the first sentence of the Z4 article in this month's Roundel, I did some searching on the tail of the dragon. What an awesome ride that would be! It's also pretty close (about 150 miles) to Spartanburg. I would think that riding the dragon's tail would be a must-do if taking PCD of your BMW... This is officially added to the "might do this" list.... Has anyone driven the dragon? I'd like to hear some experiences.... __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-08-2006, 07:58 PM	#2
rotts4u Private First Class 8 Rep 104 Posts Drives: Audi A3 TDI Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: chattanooga, TN iTrader: (0)	I live nearby in Chattanooga, TN so its basically a day trip for me anytime I want to go so I have been many times over the years though never in a car. I also ride sport bikes so if I go I do it on a bike. First of all avoid weekends or holidays. The motorcycle crowd has caused such a problem its almost a 80-90% chance of a ticket as they run cop stings over there all the time. It is VERY crowded on weekends so best to stick to weekdays. Of course as it cools off for winter the bikes thin out. I also have seen scores of exotic car groups over there as well as more common stuff like Miata clubs or 350Z clubs. If you go just take it easy a few passes as the dragon will get you !! Don
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11-08-2006, 08:17 PM	#3
tmoney First Lieutenant 23 Rep 334 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 335i [0.00]	I haven't been yet. A bunch of local Atlanta guys from the RennTeam forums (mainly 911s and some Boxsters) are planning a day trip on 20-Nov. I'm thinking about tagging along for the experience. I'll probably be the only Bimmer there and it should be a blast running with a bunch of p-cars. I'll post pics after the trip...
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11-08-2006, 08:53 PM	#5
tmoney First Lieutenant 23 Rep 334 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 335i [0.00]	Thanks. The 335 definitely has great acceleration. It's the switchbacks I'm worried about. P-cars have such nice weight distribution. I'll have fun with some of the Boxsters while climbing the mountain. The stock 986s don't have much power. __________________ E90 335i - Black Sapphire on Terra // Full M-Tech Kit // Euro clear headlights // Vorsteiner vented hood // Gloss black front grill // Gloss black window trim // Carbon fiber splitters // Carbon fiber trunk spoiler // BMW Performance 19's
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11-08-2006, 09:40 PM	#6
rit Second Lieutenant 68 Rep 240 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	If you want to know more about the tail of the dragon, be sure to check out these sites: www.tailofthedragon.com www.killboy.com The killboy site is pretty cool. Good for him for figuring out a fun way to make a living. __________________ Matt 335i Sedan \| Arctic Metallic \| Black Leather / Light Poplar \| All Options Read About My Performance Center Delivery (with Pics)
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11-08-2006, 09:43 PM	#7
rit Second Lieutenant 68 Rep 240 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	^^^ Hey, that was my 100th post! Woo hoo! How come balloons didn't fall out of the top of the screen? __________________ Matt 335i Sedan \| Arctic Metallic \| Black Leather / Light Poplar \| All Options Read About My Performance Center Delivery (with Pics)
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11-08-2006, 10:13 PM	#8
cobradac First Lieutenant 20 Rep 374 Posts Drives: '05 645Ci Coupe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Titusville, FLA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 645Ci [0.00]	We just finished up our Fall run of the Dragon. See Ronan's blog for Autoweek here: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...26014/0/weblog We had 6 e63/64 including an M6 coupe, 2 e60s (1 M) an e39 M5, 2 e46 including a Touring, and a Euro Spec 850Csi That's my 6er sandwiched between the M5 and M6 after a fantastic and intense 50 mile run of the Cherohala Skyway just after our second pass of the ToD that morning. All told we did 300 miles of fine NC and TN roads including three passes of the ToD. Only the first one early Friday morning was a good high speed run the whole 11+ miles. Best time is always weekdays and early am. Only 2 to 3 locals so to speak. the rest of us were from Florida, Mississippi, New Jersey, Toronto, and Georgia. We did a two day event including otherroads on Saturday and found some real great routes. We do again in April next year associated with Southeast Sharkfest (gathering of 6ers old and new) and the BMW Dragon Slayers will hit it again next October. We are totally inclusive and want all bimmers to join in. Would love to see 335i (e90/92) plus other 3ers of all model types join us. We thought we had one of the Z4 M coupes lined up but business matters interfered. It was a total blast and well worth the 1100 miles r/t to do it. Obviously as I'm gonna doit twice next year. Attached Images
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11-09-2006, 05:55 AM	#9
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 433 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Cobradac - I saw that blog from a previous Google search. Good stuff! __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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11-09-2006, 09:06 AM	#11
MrSilver Judge Advocate General 104 Rep 1,128 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Buffalo, New York iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e92 335i [0.00]	I haven't received my Roundel magazine. __________________ '07 E92 335i "Over-Heating" and "Blowing Up" since 9-5-06 6MT, Space Gray, Gray w/ Dakota Leather, Dark Burl, ZSP, ZPP, ZCW Comfort Access, Sirius Satellite (Howard is not optional) '07 X3 3.0si - Black on Black, ZPP, ZCW, Step. - Wife's car
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11-09-2006, 09:08 AM	#12
SCA Brigadier General 618 Rep 3,784 Posts Drives: Multiple BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: 🇺🇸 iTrader: (0)	I reside approx. 45 minutes from US 129. In fact we just drove the skyway and slayed The Dragon 2 weeks ago. Fall leaves were just past their peak. I attempt to go twice a year, Spring & Fall. As previously mentioned, weekends are the worst time to go. During the work week is the best. Attached Images
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11-09-2006, 09:39 AM	#13
thd13 Major 51 Rep 1,445 Posts Drives: A07 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murrland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	That looks awesome!! Thanks for the info guys! __________________ My other ride is your mom.
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11-09-2006, 09:41 AM	#15
vladinecko Brigadier General 301 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	oh wow, that is beautiful! i would definitely want to do PCD in the future and as LEDZEP said, the tail would definitely be included on the way home from there... __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
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11-09-2006, 11:18 AM	#16
jmftexas Private 14 Rep 76 Posts Drives: E92 335 / F30 335i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	I just read that article this morning and was thinking it looked like a lot of fun. May have to try and get out there with the coupe once I am out of re-delivery hell. Or maybe I will be successful in convincing the wife she really needs the new X5 and can do PCD.
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11-09-2006, 11:29 AM	#17
txusa03 Major General 587 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	maybe we can have a nation wide e90post meet at the dragon's tail __________________ under construction!
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11-09-2006, 01:02 PM	#20
txusa03 Major General 587 Rep 6,563 Posts Drives: TS330iPPSP6MT Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Planet Earth iTrader: (3)	just in case someone is thinking of leading such an event, i like to submit my naming suggestion of 'E9x TOD Rally'. __________________ under construction!
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11-09-2006, 05:28 PM	#21
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 433 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	God forbid we let an interesting topic stay on the main page for awhile. I'm all about order, but moving this post so soon was premature. There was some interesting conversation, and it had to do with driving BMWs... how is that off-topic? Meanwhile, all we have on the main board is newbies posting things like "what, no spare tire" and "what's the red blinky thing for".... yeah, that's a real attention grabber. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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