speedweasel

The boat is houseboat....sorry, no wakeboarding! :D
You can rent the pontoon boat and do some tubing though.

epitrochoid

ooo the houseboat...i was hoping for like a malibu or a donzi or something lol

BlueGrimRX8

Alright everyone, I had been out of town for a few days. The Raffle and Registration pages are updated. 122 TICKETS SOLD!!! We are getting there. Can't wait for this thing to end so we can give these great prizes away!!

Jdunsh

I love my car and all, but I think this "brotherhood" of the dragon thing is taking it a little too far.

E-brake

It looks a bit boring to be honest.

Track days anyone? Maybe some twisty side streets somewhere? A tity bar anyone ?

Anything is better than just hanging out at someone's house...

Elara

Uh, it's just a get together to drive the Tail of the Dragon- how's that taking it to far? We had an amazing time last year, so the guys are setting it up again. If you don't want to go, don't- but don't pick at something you don't understand either.


And E-Brake, it wasn't AT someone's house- they rented a mansion in the Rocky Mountains, and local people came in from the surrounding area. This year it's at a resort. And honestly, if you find this road boring, I'd hate to see what you think is exciting- some of the best driving on the east coast. Most of the big car clubs have special events here- not exactly your run of the mill driving experience. Honestly, guys, what was the point of posting stuff if you think it's going to suck so much? Did you even look at the info for it before you made comments?

BlueGrimRX8

Jdunsh - you are more than welcome to your opinion, thats why we open it up to anyone that is interested, very similar to a car show.

E-Brake - I don't believe that you understand nor do I believe you took the time to read any of the posts on this event. This is an event held at Deals Gap North Carolina. There is a road there called US129, also known as the Tail of the Dragon (hence the name brotherhood of the dragon). This road has a lot of similarities to "track days" and "twisties". There are 318 turns in 10 miles of road, there are no cross streets to interfere and many car clubs meet there on an annual basis to hang out, enjoy a great driving experience, then have some beers and have a good time. This is what the event is all about. We are doing nothing even close to hanging out at someones house. We have rented a large group of cabins near US129 as well as a banquet hall. We have many sponsors as well as a great staff of people planning the event.

We respect everyone's educated opinion and please feel free to pass up this thread when reading through the forums if you are not interested. If you are interested please feel free to let me or anyone else on the event planning board if you have any questions. You can also visit the links in my signature for more information as well as a great raffle for all of the rotary community.

edit: Elara and I posted at the same time, sorry for a lot of duplication, but I think it provides even more insight and helps everyone to understand they must read the whole thread before posting to increase there post count.

E-brake

I was just asking. I'm not trying to start a rant or anything...

I didn't see many cruising pix. I saw a car wash and a bit of hanging out... What else am I to assume?

oh, and my idea of a great road is one so twisty and wooded you can't see more than 20-30ft in front of you :D

What else did everyone do last time?

E-brake

hmmm, interesting...I'll have to see when I have vacation days available

BlueGrimRX8

Like we said before, you didn't bring your post to say you were just asking, because you came across that you didn't read any of the posts above or any of the other threads on the subject, which if you haven't seen all the posts then you haven't read much
For everyone here are plenty of pictures, partying, driving, hanging out, the mansion, car wash, hanging out more, etc
One
Two

Three
Four

And here is a link to about 100 more pictures

For other threads on the Dragon meet see these:

One
Two

Three
Four

/rant Please don't take this in a harsh way, I just wish people (not just you) would take a little time to read threads before just posting senseless posts. /rant

Jdunsh

I understand what its all about, i've seen the pictures, videos etc. I definitely like to see people getting together on a common ground, especially the 8, so in that sense I applaud you. I guess I was just commenting on the choice of words (Brotherhood), for the get-together.

Elara

That's exactly what this is There could be 30 cars n the half mile in front of you, and unless you caught up wit them, you'd never know. There aren't a lot of pictures from THAT section of the road because it's very hard to hold the camera still- believe me, we tried, repeatedly.

InuYasha

Obviously, you have not ridden the dragon. Don't knock it until you have tried it!

epitrochoid

the weekend was more than just driving...it was all about meeting new people and getting drunk with them (no DUI'ing though). there are no crusing pics because if youre operating a camera while driving any of the roads we were cruising on, there better be a medivac chopper close by.

give us the chance to prove you wrong and come out this year!

BlueGrimRX8

Just made my reservation!! Can't wait!! Lets go guys registration for the event is still slim and in order to get the group rate you need to be registered by July 28, 2005!

MI_FamilyMan

There is definitely some interest here on my part, but since I still have some time to decide and do some convincing (it is a loooong ways from here and after all, I am a "FamilyMan"...), I cannot make any commitments yet. The idea of all those 8's winding through the Smoky Mountains is definitely intriguing.

BlueGrimRX8

Time for a family vacation! We have a couple members that are bringing thier families. There is plenty of room and we have plenty of activities planned that are family outings. Don't worry as it gets closer we will do a great job of convincing you!

Razpewton

I'm taking my entire family. There's horseback riding, museums, shopping, The Smokey Mountain Railway, Indian Reservations, white water rafting.....what better place for a family vacation? woooo hoooo :D

...and the list of doorprizes is growing.

MI_FamilyMan

Very nice, Raz...

And thanks guys for the advice. I will have to do some research on the area. BTW, my son is 4 (I guess 5 by then) and my daughter's 1 yrs. old, so I don't know how well the trip would work out. I might have a better chance leaving the bundles of joy at the grandparents and taking the wife down with me.

I guess if we make it to the end of summer and we still don't have our vacation used up, we'll have no choice but to come down, right?? Haha... (evil grin)

Razpewton

Can you say,


Wooooooooooooooooo HOOO!! :D :D :D

MI_FamilyMan

Hehe... I'll have to show her your post...

DaveT

It's even worth it if you're out of vacation ! !

Use some "sick" days, 'cause if you don't you're surely gonna be sick................

BlueGrimRX8

WINNERS HERE!!!!

Razpewton

Seriously, try and make it. We REALLY had a great time last year. This year will be even better, as a couple days have been added, we're slowing down the pace a bit more to take advantage of the sites and attractions of the area. There will be many give-aways, awards, socializing, good eating and picture taking.

The only reason we are doing this is because we had such a good time last year. We're not making any money....just socializing with friends and family, while enjoying the natural beauty of the Great Smokey Mountains and experiencing the thrill of challenging the Dragon! The t-shirt ALONE is worth the journey! :D :D

MI_FamilyMan

Thanks, Raz... I really am thinking about it, despite the almost 600 miles each way (I Mapquested it the other day). It's definitely on my list... but I don't even have my 1-yr. old's first birthday planned yet, and it's tomorrow! So you know how it is... I'll definitely decide before the deadline.

Gotta go find a cake for my little girl to spread all over her face now...