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General Meet Info
Several of us have been working on nailing down the details for the fifth annual "Taming the Dragon" meet for 2006. In this section we'll share a good overview of the meet with you and hope you'll put it on your calendar and join us!
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We're targeting the weekend of May 26 - 28, with the primary meet events on Saturday May 27. This should give folks a little time to plan and arrange travel plans, etc. The weather should be a bit cooler for outdoor activities as well as we'll be towards the end of summer.
We're suggesting:
 Meet fellow avid Lexus enthusiasts
Learn more about your car and scope out what other folks have done with their rides
Participate in day drives on some of the most challenging and scenic roads in the USA
Alternative daytime events for guests
Chances to win valuable prizes from our meet sponsors
Scheduled caravans to the area from major local metro areas. We'll form up folks who may want to drive together to the meet location
A central location that most folks in GA, NC, SC, TN, and VA can get to (as well as other ambitious folks). Deal's Gap (also called "Tail of the Dragon") is one of the most noted driving roads in the east coast. Robbinsville, NC - where we're suggesting the group stay - is a town in NC that is near the area for our drive. It's a nice little town; not too big or small, and most importantly, not too far from the curvy roads we're lusting to drive.
People that don't want to do the twisty drive can (among other things) go to Asheville, NC and tour the Biltmore Estate, visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or test their luck in the machines at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. All are about an hour away from our meet location.
Some additional info on Deal's Gap can be found at the following sites.
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/dragon.html
http://www.dickson.net/doc/gap/index.shtml
http://www.dealsgap.com
http://www.tapocolodge.com
http://www.cherokee-nc.com/
It's very tough finding a 'central' location to suit all. We ended up picking the location based on the challenging road for last year's Deal's Gap meet. The route was so amazing that those who participated unanimously wanted to return to the Dragon.
Robbinsville is roughly:
175 miles from Charlotte, NC
160 miles from Atlanta, GA
75 miles from Knoxville, TN
300 miles from Roanoke, VA
190 miles from Winston-Salem, NC
Additional Info on the Biltmore Estate http://www.biltmore.com
Additional Info on Harrah's Casino http://www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/che/
Additional Info on the Great Smoky Mountains
Make your hotel reservations SOON (see the Lodging tab for suggested meet hotel). Rooms are in limited supply - please do not wait.
Check the "Detailed Timed Schedule" tab on this site for the event agenda / timing. Most of the formal meet activities will likely take place on Saturday.
We need continue to rally local participation. If you want to volunteer to organize your local area attendees or canvas for local sponsorship, please email info@lexusdragon.com. We are preparing small handouts suitable for leave-behinds at local Lexus dealerships or with fellow Lexus drivers.
Check local forums for caravan information leaving from your local city. If you cannot locate on, please email us and we'll try to help you find out if anyone is coming from your area.
More info to follow! We hope other folks are as excited as we are about driving Deal's Gap again, it's a legendary course.
| C O M M U N I C A T I O N S & S A F E T Y
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We're all excited about this meet and the challenging driving, but the worst thing that could happen would be someone getting hurt. So let's keep it safe on the group drive. We will have some safety rules to follow for the drive "on the Dragon", and will stagger cars in groups according to model & suspension modifications.
Of course we can't possibly enforce all these guidelines, but the complexity of the Dragon warrants making sure we think about some common sense rules that can help keep this drive a safe event. It's up to each participating driver to make sure this happens.
We will discuss the safety rules prior to our Dragon drive. Please review them before coming to the meet and give us any feedback and suggestions or additions that can make our meet a safe one.
- Follow posted rules and regulations (speed limit, road cautions, etc).
The Dragon is a very dangerous road when you 'push it'. Several motorcyclists have lost their lives in past years and the speed limit in some areas has been dropped from 40mph to 30mph. Even at the lower speeds, the course will offer plenty of challenge. Speed limits in the Deal's Gap area in particular are strictly enforced.
- Exercise your good sense and take extra caution
Follow some good sense rules here. We have a fairly competitive driving profile for our group of enthusiasts, but this ISN'T a competition. As such:
- Please don't tailgate the person in front of you. We will establish some guidelines for requesting pullover/passing.
- Don't assume how tight a turn will be, even if you think you can see around it. There are switchbacks and curves beyond what you expect on this road and the driver in front of you may have suddenly slowed.
- NO DRIFTING. This is especially important for the safety of motorcyclists coming the other direction.
- Be observant. There will be other folks out there that are not as safe as our group will be. There may also be some logging trucks that create obstacles.
- Turn Headlights ON
This one is simple - please turn on your headlights for the additional visibility. Plus it looks cool in photos.
- Grouping for Safety:
We're going to leave in groups according to suspension capabilities and driver comfort, as defined below. Lead drivers for the group will be named at the meet.
- Level 0 - Ultra Capability Handling Group. This group includes Porsche, NSX, S2000, and modified IS300
- Level 1 - High Capability Group. This group includes IS300's, suspension modified SC4/SC3 or suspension modified GS4/GS3. Suspension modified means at least upgraded springs/shocks and swaybars (or combination of other suspension component upgrades).
- Level 2 - Sport Capability Group. This group includes GS4/GS3, SC4/SC3, suspension modified LS4, and suspension modified ES.
- Level 3 - Factory Handling Group. This group includes LS, RX, LX, GX, ES, etc
- Safety Group - This last group includes DaveGS4. He will be looking for cars in trees and gullies; those pulled over by the fuzz, etc. and will wait to make sure we all complete the drive.
The list above isn't intended to offend anyone - if you think we've done injustice to your auto's handling capabilities (sorry) please email us and let's discuss. We have driven (or own) all the cars listed above and went by our personal knowledge of the cars.
Please don't try to catch the next group.... Remember this isn't a competition. Within each group drivers will have different capabilities, so we'll plan on a 3-5 minute time gap between each group.
- Passing Rules:
The entire portion of 129 known as the Dragon is DOUBLE YELLOW (no on-road passing).
First - give the driver in front a chance to get comfortable with the road. We'll have a number of predetermined spots for pull-offs and pictures; the best chance to re-organize the group is that time.
Except for the large gravel starting area, the pullovers on the Dragon are only large enough for 4/5 cars, and the overlook will fit about 10 cars.
If you CAN'T wait, use your Motorola to check status on the person in front of you (call out a description if you don't know them) and request a pass. Barring that, use your headlights OR be patient and wait for the next safe area to change position.
There are several little pullovers that will hold 1 or 2 cars specifically for passing - please use them and allow a pass to occur. Please do not do a complete two-lane (over the double yellow line) pass during this event.
- Pictures and Video:
Unless there is a video hard-mount in your car OR you have a passenger taking the photo/video, please do NOT take pictures during the drive unless you're pulled over at an overlook or other spot and your car is stopped. If the car behind you has a passenger and you'd like for them to take some action pictures for you with your own camera - ask them!
A second consideration for videos is evidence in case we are pulled over. Of course if we follow all the regulations and posted limits, etc. this isn't an issue. HOWEVER, we don't want any cool video we shoot to show up in court. If you have any tape of drives prior to the Dragon drive, please leave it in your hotel. I'd suggest you discuss the fact you will be shooting video with the two cars immediately in front and behind you to make sure they are comfortable with it. We can re-arrange the group lineup as needed if you are concerned about being on an upcoming episode of 'COPS'.
- Communications:
All cars should try to have a communications device to call/ask for help. We're using Motorola (or similar) FRS radios and cell phones as backup. The initial frequency our group will use is 15 / 1. We'll make sure all the radios can receive that frequency before leaving for the drives. There may be some available to borrow if you do not have one or want to purchase one yourself.
We'll distribute at least two cellular phone numbers to the group to contact if they get in trouble outside of the dragon. CELL PHONES WILL NOT WORK IN THE DRAGON.
We highly suggest that you use hands-free devices or speaker when driving - or pull over to talk.
Thank you for taking the time to read this!
| F A Q s (Frequently Asked Questions)
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Q1) I see a lot of GS's in the confirmed attendees, are other Lexus models (IS, LS, RX, etc) going to be there?
A1) Absolutely! We hope for a great diversity in other models. Last year's Dragon participants were mainly GS models and we're just ready to get back on the road again. Join us!
Q2) What if I have special meal or dietary restrictions for the group meals?
A2) Please email us at info@lexusdragon.com so we're aware of any restrictions when making reservations for group meals. We already have at least one vegetarian (some would call him a vegetable) attending.
Q3) Can I bring my spouse? How about kids?
A3) They are all certainly welcome to attend. The only specific caveat we'd mention are that passengers on the Dragon drive will likely be jarred and thrown about the car. If they are in the least inclined to car sickness, they likely will be sick very soon into the run.
Q4) If I'm driving to the meet from a long distance, what else is there to do in the general area besides the meet?
A4) See links in the text above for some of the larger local attractions (Biltmore Estate/Asheville, Smoky Mountain National Park, and Harrah's Cherokee Casino). Gatlinburg, TN is also fairly close and has a variety of theme parks and shows.
Q5) If I'm driving to the meet from outside the SE area, can I meet up with one of the caravan's partway on Friday?
A5) Good idea. Check the Lexus forums (www.clublexus.com, www.seloc.net and www.is300.net) for group formation or email us at info@lexusdragon.com and we'll let you know the timing of the caravan closest to you.
Q6) I don't have a Lexus but want to very soon. I want to come to the event, can I?
A6) Very smart! This is a great place to see a lot of great looking Lexus with 'personality'. All Lexus enthusiasts are welcome to join us.
Q7) I can't stay both nights, is that OK?
Q8) I only want to come Saturday for the main drive, is that OK?
A7 / A8) No problem for either one. We've timed the Saturday main event so that you can meet us for lunch and do the primary afternoon drive, then head back home before dark falls. Simply meet up with us at 12:30pm at the Tapoco Lodge:
Please be sure to let us know if you plan to come just for the day so we can look out for you.
Q9) Is there a car wash nearby?
A9) We're told there is a four bay wand car wash right next door to the hotel. Please note that one of our forum experts on detailing will be hosting a detail clinic on Saturday morning. See the Detailed Timed Schedule for more information.
Q10) Where is the nearest ATM, Autoparts store, grocery store, ABC store, gas station, shopping mall, and hospital from the hotel?
A10) Grocery store (an Ingles) is directly across the street from the hotel.
ABC Store: There is no local ABC store (Robbinsville is in a dry county), you must either pack your adult beverages in with you OR you'll need to drive to the town of Andrews about 30 minutes away. The Tapoco lodge does have an ABC onsite licenses (where we're having lunch), but not carry out.
ATM: There is an automated bank teller in the parking lot, and one in the bank across the street. Local banks in Robbinsville are RBCC Centura, First Citizens and United Community.
Auto Parts: There are three auto parts stores in town, one within walking distance (1/4 mile down street, believe it is a Napa).
Gas stations: Several close nearby in town.
Hospital: There is no hospital in Robbinsville. The two closest ones are in Murphy (35 minutes) or Bryson City (on the other side of Deal's Gap).
Shopping mall/department store: Robbinsville is a pretty small town that doesn't have any large stores like a Walmart or big malls. It does have a number of Dollar Store-type general stores that you'd expect in a rural area like this, as well as drugstores that carry a variety of items we might need (film, Advil etc).
Q11) What happens if I get a speeding ticket or wreck during the drive? Will you pay for it?
A11) No. This Lexus Enthusiast meet is a group of individuals and has no specific affialtion with any group. All participants are coming to the event at their own risk. Remember this is not a race; we have put in place specific saftey rules to keep this is safe as possible. If you are going too fast, slow down.
Q12) I own a business and I want to sponsor the event; how?
A12) Thank you! Please send an email to info@lexusdragon.com and we'll give you all the details.
Q13) Is this going to be a wild party?
A13) We WILL definitely have fun, but will still be responsible adults. We ask that everyone please be courteous especially in the hotel parking lot with noise levels, respect others, no late night burnouts, etc.
Q14) Is there an official registration/check in?
A14) We'll bring the list of everyone who has confirmed their attendance via RSVP and scheduled arrival day/date. Each time we leave the hotel, we'll leave word (and a note) at the front desk with our departure time and destination so you can catch up. We'll gather in the hotel parking lot when we get there - don't be shy walking up to other Lexus folks and introducing yourself.
This section last updated March 19, 2006
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