I am linking this from the TOD site.

It has a ton of helpful information for those who have never driven this stretch of road.

I encourage dragon vets to contribute any helpful information not covered in this writeup.

http://tailofthedragon.com/dragon_howtodrive.html

 

Pretty good write-up and advice. I would stress STAY IN YOUR LANE. There are so many blind corners on the Dragon you never know what's coming at you.

I can't count the times I've been hugging a hard right hand turn and have felt the urge to drift it out just a little to accelerate out of the corner only to feel my eyes bug out when the grille of some SUV suddenly appears.

Yeah, you can straighten out some of the softer curves when you can see that it's clear ahead, but on the switchbacks...? Stay in your lane.

 

Excellent writeup, Bat! Thanks for posting it. Looking forward to seeing you at the Dragon in April.

Dave

 

I'll be there. Can't hardly wait.

 

Yes that was informative. Nothing I wouldn't have thought of on my own but I have spent a lot of time driving in the park down there. Good refresher info none the less, thanks again for the link.

 

One thing to consider re your car, after running the dragon, allow your brakes to cool before using the parking brake. Don't want to risk welding your pads to the rotor.
Going up the dragon from Deals Gap, I always run past the gravel pit a mile or so and come back to the pit before using the PB. Going back, I drive at a regular pace when I hit the NC line. By the time I get to Deals Gap, my brakes have cooled enough.

 

You are far more likely to warp your rear rotors than weld the pads to them, but the cure is the same. Do NOT use the parking brake.

 

Nice write up-----wish I saw that before I went.....but I was surrounded by some dragon Vets who kept me in line....

 

don't want to see yourself (or the group) on the front of killboy for lane crossing.

 

Please slow to 35 or less as you approach the overlook. Many cars and bikes there in addition to people crossing the road to take pictures. Making U turns or just pulling off from the parking area.

Approaching from either direction is pretty blind.

Be very aware of the danger in that area.