Monday, March 30th, 2009 Tail of the Dragon Run [Archive]

totsubo

11-19-2008, 12:12 PM

Monday, March 30th, 2009 Tail of the Dragon Run

This date is just the target date. So hopefully we can get a larger group up there. Please reply if you can make it. As I mentioned, the date may change. The reasons it may change are mostly due to the weather or how much snow is still in the hills.

The day will go something like this:
We will gather at 7AM at the Best Buy's parking lot across from Perimeter Mall at 7 AM. We should arrive at the Tail of the Dragon around 10:30 AM.
We will be able to get in at least two runs before lunch... if there are no large trucks. Each full run can take as long as an hour.
We will do a group photo at both ends of the run.
We will also do a "fake" fly by photo and video. The last one was pretty cool hehehe.
After the two runs, I will take off back to Atlanta. The last time, I still hit traffic. This time I want to totally avoid it. hehehehe

Video Equipment:
Hopefully, I will have a better camcorder and better mounts.
I want to mount four camcorders through out the run:
Two in the lead vehicle. One pointing towards the front and one shooting out the rear.
One in the tailing vehicle pointing towards the lead.
One in the rear vehicle pointing forward.

Please let me know if you have camcorders or mounts that you can bring. I only have two camcorders.

More information:
http://www.dealsgap.com/
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/
http://www.nissangtrclub.com/showthread.php?t=1571

cheesewz

11-19-2008, 02:01 PM

Pencil me in. I've got a decent camcorder if you want to use it. I don't have any mounts, but I've got a tripod and monopod.

totsubo

12-01-2008, 05:36 PM

Looks like we got flammed hard for the last run. One of the cars was clearly on the wrong side of the road a couple of times. So, I must insist that all cars stay in their lanes. It will not only stop the flammers, but it is the correct and safer way to drive on a public road.

cheesewz

12-03-2008, 02:55 PM

People cried about that? I'm sorry, but that's just hatin'.

lindros2

12-06-2008, 12:21 PM

I have a Nikon D90 (w/ 720p video but no autofocus).

How would I do the mount in a car?

totsubo

12-06-2008, 01:12 PM

I will be bringing the mounts to Caffeine and Octane tomorrow. I can show there or at Z1 motorsports. I will have a Nikon D90 there too.

lindros2

12-06-2008, 03:31 PM

Not to go too far off topic, does your D90 have a hot pixel (or pixels) at high ISO? If you haven't done it yet, take a picture of something simple (i.e. a wall) under medium/low light with ISO above 800.

If you zoom in and move around you should be able to see it.

Both of mine (first one returned) have/had it. First one had red pixel; second has yellow. Since it's so small it doesn't appear on the rear LCD.

totsubo

12-16-2008, 03:17 PM

Josh, will you be able to make it (or will it be gone by then)?

TODGTR

03-02-2009, 10:15 PM

This Tail of the Dragon run is 4 weeks from today. Who is going?
This time of year there is very little traffic and almost no motorcycles. It should be perfect. Last year Fuguman and I found a good place for lunch.

cheesewz

03-03-2009, 03:45 PM

My plan is to go. Have you set the firm date yet (30th)?

totsubo

03-03-2009, 03:55 PM

The date is not firm. The 30th is the earliest date. We really need to make sure the weather will be OK enough to go. The last time we went was perfect. Almost no one on the road.

cheesewz

03-03-2009, 06:06 PM

The 30th won't work for me. I've got an all day meeting I can't miss.

TODGTR

03-03-2009, 06:11 PM

Maybe the following day Tuesday the 31st. If that date does not work please post an alternate date and we can see if we can get everyone.

totsubo

03-03-2009, 06:26 PM

The only days I can go are on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

cheesewz

03-03-2009, 07:20 PM

Let me check my work calendar tomorrow. I'm in the mode where every other week is full of meetings that I have to be at. That will continue until at least May.

cheesewz

03-05-2009, 11:14 AM

31st should work for me.

Purple Pashin

03-05-2009, 11:35 AM

Looks like fun, but the baby is due around that time.

If he's born before then, I might be able to sneak away for the run.

TODGTR

03-05-2009, 03:06 PM

Head Count for Tuesday the 31st 2nd Annual GTR Dragon Run.

1) totsubo
2) TODGTR
3) cheesewz

318 turms in 11 miles.
No stop signs, no traffic lights, no driveways!
Who's in?

Purple Pashin - Congats on the baby! Hope you can make it.

totsubo

03-05-2009, 06:21 PM

Tuesday it is.

Official TOTD run will be Tuesday, March 31st. I will be taking some cheap video equipment and will mount it in the one or two of the cars. Hopefully, Shawn, you will bring your camera and shoot some video with it. I can let you borrow a mount.

cheesewz

03-06-2009, 06:33 PM

I'll bring my camcorder and 5D Mark II.

prov1

03-08-2009, 09:47 PM

Hi Terry,

I am interested in this one :)

TODGTR

03-10-2009, 07:30 PM

Head Count for Tuesday March 31st 2nd Annual GTR Dragon Run.

1) totsubo
2) TODGTR
3) cheesewz
4) prov1

Prov1 will you be coming from Augusta or will you be coming through Atlanta?

We will gather at 7AM at the Best Buy's parking lot across from Perimeter Mall

dyjo1

03-10-2009, 09:56 PM

Hi guys, I'm new to the site and I live in the Duluth area. I've been viewing the post and it looks like your having a great time in these different events. Where does the dragon run take place? I wish I could join in, but I have to work. When and where do you guys hook up? Maybe one day I can meet everybody.

TODGTR

03-10-2009, 10:29 PM

The Tail of the Dragon is US 129 extending across the NC to TN borber. The closest town is Robbinsville, NC. The best road in North America.

The 1st Sunday morning of every month at the Avenue. 8:30 to 11:30 am. There are several posts on this forum about this event. The next is April 5th. It should be a very good turnout with the weather getting better. Take a look at some of the photos of previous months in the other posts. Very strong selection, GTR, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ford GT's, R8, Lotus, old classics etc.

TODGTR

03-17-2009, 10:30 PM

Construction of berms on the Dragon is underway. This earthen embankment is at Guard Rail Cliff at MM 7.2 and will hopefully prevent accidents from going over the edge at this dangerous corner.

A second berm is under construction at Carosel Corner at MM 4.9. Tail of the Dragon worked closely with TNDOT in the development of the safety recommendations now being done.

TODGTR

03-23-2009, 10:39 AM

The weather forecast for next Tuesday is a high of 69 degrees and sunny!! Perfect for the Dragon!! Only 8 days away. Who's coming?

1) totsubo
2) TODGTR
3) cheesewz
4) prov1

I know of 2 more still considering it.

Killboy will be photographing most of the day.

The link below can provide maps for the area including Police Radar Locations, GPS Coordinates, Dragon Curve Names, Elevation Profile, etc.

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps.html

Jordanmd88

03-24-2009, 12:00 PM

I know I will not be able to make It :(

I went to College about 25 minutes away from deals gap It was a blast to run it at least once a week, before there were tons of Hwy Patrol

TODGTR

03-24-2009, 12:34 PM

Hope you can make it next time. The police are not bad during the week. We see almost no traffic on the morning runs during the week. Last year it was just a couple of hunters.

cycmag2282

03-24-2009, 02:03 PM

I would love to join you guys in the future but I'm still breaking in mine. 300 more miles!

Jordanmd88

03-24-2009, 02:14 PM

I probably won't get to meet up with you guys till Cars and Coffee. I'll bring A R-32 GTR With me :) Or my 600+ HP BMW M3 Maybe get some good video footage :)

Purple Pashin

03-25-2009, 08:00 AM

I probably won't get to meet up with you guys till Cars and Coffee.

Same here... Burning up my vacation time with "Baby Spring Break". Might have to sit out on autocross this Sun too..:(

Jordanmd88

03-25-2009, 10:16 AM

Same here... Burning up my vacation time with "Baby Spring Break". Might have to sit out on autocross this Sun too..:(

Yea I'm missing the SCCA Auto X this weekend too :(
Congratulations on the Baby :D

prov1

03-25-2009, 11:05 AM

TODGTR

03-25-2009, 01:01 PM

Great! Glad to see someone will make it. I was beginning to think I was going to the Dragon alone. Are totsubo and cheesewz still able to make it?

totsubo

03-26-2009, 11:02 AM

Yes. If the weather holds up. I am still going.

cheesewz

03-26-2009, 06:45 PM

I'm still a yes at the moment. Work is getting really crazy though. Fingers crossed.

TODGTR

03-29-2009, 06:43 PM

The current forcast for Tuesday 31st at the Dragon is a high of 67 and sunny. A 30% chance of showers in the afternoon. However, we will be long gone by then.

We will gather at 7AM at the Best Buy's parking lot across from Perimeter Mall at 7 AM.

prov1

03-29-2009, 10:24 PM

TODGTR

03-29-2009, 10:54 PM

GA 400 North all the way to Dahlonega, GA. Then left on Route 60. Pitstop at the Chevron on the corner of 60 and GA 400.

TODGTR

03-30-2009, 09:48 AM

The forecast for tomorrow is a high of 68. No rain!!

totsubo

03-30-2009, 12:00 PM

I'm going to leave earlier (6:30) and meet you guys up there. The last time I went up with you, you outran me so badly that I felt bad for holding you guys up. hehehe You will probably pass me though.

Can you type out the route:

I've got 400 to the Shell station, but after that I am a bit fuzzy.

cheesewz

03-30-2009, 12:05 PM

Terry, I'll go earlier with you if you don't mind. I'll have my Valentine, but may not run as fast as the other peeps. When we're doing the actual run, I definitely do not want to be out in front. You guys have all driven yours harder than I have, so I'll need to find my comfort level.

totsubo

03-30-2009, 12:13 PM

I will be heading out of Lilburn and will be taking Pleasant Hill to 141 (Peachtree Industrial) to GA400. I may head out at 6 AM.

cheesewz

03-30-2009, 12:16 PM

I live by Oglethorpe. There should be a place where we can link up on 141. I definitely don't mind going early.

TODGTR

03-30-2009, 12:18 PM

I do not need to outrun anyone on the way up. I would love the group to be together on the way up however I am flexible. Also, prov1 will be going us on the fly on GA 400. He will already be on the north side of town. Be on the lookout for him. If anyone is going to be at the Best Buy at 7am please let me know. Otherwise I may try to catch totsubo and cheesewz departing at 6:30am.

The directions are:

GA 400 to the Chevron station on Hwy 60. Turn left on 60 towards Dahlonega. Continue on Rte. 60 North for approx. 8 miles where the road will fork. Take the right fork on US 19/State Route 9. Travel 5 miles on US 19/State Route 9 untill it ends at US 129. Turn left on US 129. At this point you will stay on US 129 until you reach the Dragon. If you are using a Navi. you are looking for Robbinsville, NC.

totsubo

03-30-2009, 12:52 PM

GA 400 to the Chevron station on Hwy 60. Turn left on 60 towards Dahlonega...

Just spoke with TODGTR and I will meet up with him at the Chevron station at 8 AM.

TODGTR

03-30-2009, 01:10 PM

We will all meet at the northwest corner of GA 400 and Hwy 60 at 8am at the Chevron Station on the hill. Travel GA 400 north until the left lane is a left turn only lane. This occurs right after a bridge. Turn left on 60 and the first right is the Chevron.

cheesewz

03-30-2009, 01:50 PM

How far up 400 is that? Got an address for the nav?

TODGTR

03-30-2009, 01:59 PM

45 miles north of I-285 and 30 miles north of Alpharetta. I searched the Chervon address and it appears to be wrong. The Chevron is next to a Waffle House. The waffle house address and phone number are below.

Waffle House
67 Long Branch Rd
Dahlonega GA 30533
(706) 867-0444

cheesewz

03-30-2009, 04:06 PM

Awesome, thanks. I'll see you guys there at 8am or before. May head up early and grab an All Star. Terry has my cell number.

TODGTR

03-31-2009, 06:48 PM

A few photos from todays Dragon run.

TODGTR

03-31-2009, 07:48 PM

One speeding ticket was issued (60 mph in a 45mph zone) by a very nice North Carolina State Trooper on the way up. This was not on the Dragon. We saw very little traffic on the Dragon.

On a side note. For the past 2 days I have had a message on the dash saying engine malfunction and service engine soon. After driving through the mountains all error messages are gone. I think babying the car around town made it mad. Driving it very hard made it happy again.

cheesewz

03-31-2009, 07:54 PM

Great run fellas, I had mad fun. Thanks for the invite. I'd do it again in a second.

Here are my pics:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesewz/sets/72157616188693156/

I'd love to get the video off of my camera, but Canon decided to not include the Firewire cable I need. Trying to borrow one.

cheesewz

04-01-2009, 09:30 AM

Hey, do you guys have the links for those people who were taking pics at the side of the road? I wanted to see if any of their pics were worth buying.

TODGTR

04-01-2009, 10:05 AM

The links are below:

They have many photos of all of us.
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/ThumbPage.aspx?e=4635069&s=0

Click on purchase photos at the top. (not yet available)
http://www.us129photos.com/

cheesewz

04-01-2009, 11:23 AM

Cool, thanks.

prov1

04-01-2009, 01:48 PM

Thanks for the invite,

This was my 1st time at TOD, and I realy enjoyed it,
but you must respect the road no doubt. :eek:

cheesewz

04-01-2009, 10:30 PM

It was nice to meet you. That road definitely requires respect.

The pics came out pretty nice. I won't post the one where my back-end is over the line. ;)

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/9878/photo3tkb.jpg

cheesewz

04-04-2009, 08:31 PM

Finally got my video up on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_7kyZFV4aY

totsubo

04-05-2009, 01:17 AM

Im still trying to get mine up on YT.

cheesewz

04-05-2009, 08:04 AM

They kind of pissed me off with the whole 10 minute limit thing. I had to do some serious cutting.

cheesewz

04-06-2009, 02:18 PM

One of the guys I work with is an avid motorcycle rider and he recommended some other roads to check out.

One (Wayah) was listed on the "other roads" list on the TOD site:

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/other_other.html

He also mentioned GA 197 and GA 180.

Anyone driven any of those?

Running the Dragon really made me want to drive my car harder for some reason;)