Atlanta & Nearby Pelicans - Tail of the Dragon?

BlkBird · 03-05-2003, 08:18 AM

Guys,

I keep hearing about the "Tail of the Dragon" ride. Does anyone want to try it?

It looks like we would start off in Robbinsville, NC and then drive a large loop finishing off in the "Tail ". Supposedly the "Tail" alone has 318 curves in 11 miles! Now that sounds like Porsche country!

Mapquest says Robbinsville is 130 miles (plus or minus) from Atlanta. I propose we drive up Friday night and stay at a local motel, then drive the loop starting early Saturday morning. Not sure how long it takes to finish the drive - anyone know? Then we drive back Saturday evening or Sunday morning depending on how tired we are.

How does beginning of end of March sound? Or is the weather still sour that far North?

Tspringer · 03-05-2003, 08:21 AM

This sounds like a blast to me! Pick a weekend so we can plan it. I'll be there provided I figure out and fix the gas in the oil problem on the "S".

Terry
'69 Porsche 911S hotrod
'77 Ferrari 308GTB
'67 Jaguar E-type OTS

atlporsche · 03-05-2003, 08:33 AM

been there, don't be a hero. IT WILL BITE.

It's a wonderful ride in the country. if you can do the posted speed limit all the way, I'll be impressed...it's posted 40, and that's plenty...kept the subaru in 2nd the whole time...

depends if I have the 912 painted...

sjd

brawlins · 03-05-2003, 06:15 PM

I'm up for it....
Gonna check my schedule.

mm86911 · mm86911's Garage

BlkBird - got those seats/belts installed yet? Might need them for this kinda ride.

I would be up for it sometime later this month but this weekend need to spend at home (been traveling at least 3 of every 4 weekends each month!) Weather looks should be great this weekend though.

BTW - Peachstate Auto-X is March 23 at Turner Field - I'll be there. Also, just signed up for the Barber DE in April and plan to do the Tracquest DE (Road Atl) in June (will miss the June Peachstate DE as will be in Montreal for F1 - have 2 tickets for sale in Off-Topic section) - click here: F1 Montreal Tickets For Sale

Elombard · 03-05-2003, 06:35 PM

Actually I have discussed this with a few folks and I have heard it is very doable in a day. Say leave at 7 am and be home by 4 kind of thing. I would definitely go if we do something like that, doubt I can do a multi day thing.

Tspringer do you still have the Ferrari?

BlkBird · 03-05-2003, 07:02 PM

Guys...

As to when, well I was thinking maybe the weekend of the 29th? Doing it in a day sounds kind of aggressive though. Besides I like the idea of a night away in a seedy motel with cheap beer in a gin joint.

The weekend of the 22nd also works well. The weekend of the 15th I was kicking around the idea of visiting the NC Pelicans and joining their mountain run. What do you guys think?

MM86911,

Seats have not arrived yet. Waiting on one harness. But yes I think I would use them for something like this. Maybe the roll bar but hopefully it won't be required.

Besides Blkbird is in the shop getting an Andial fuel enrichment system installed. Parked right next to yours as I recall. And did I mention the rims/tires arriving tomorrow (Thanks Joey!)?

The Barber DE said something about solo drivers only - I took that to mean group 3 and higher? But I am thinking about the Carolina DE on the same weekend.

Elombard · 03-05-2003, 07:19 PM

Ummm a night in a seedy hotel with car guys and beer does sound good!!! (especially since I have a two week old and there aint that much sleepin goin on!) I guess you were not thinking of doing the Auto X on the 23rd?

Tspringer · 03-06-2003, 11:39 AM

ELOMBARD.....

Yep, still have the 308 and just got the Jag. The 308 is due for some serious carb tuning, replacement of the AC lines and repair of an exhaust header leak. Im digging into it this weekend. The Jag needs a paint job... and the 911 is puking fuel into the oil! There all broken!!!

Im trying to find the right body shop for the Jag and will probably take the 911 to International Performance to have the MFI worked on... I just dont have time right now.

Terry

cellison · 03-07-2003, 03:46 AM

I was planing to do the auto-x the w/end of 3/23. after last w/end i really need to learn how to drive this thing.

charles
88 cab

Elombard · 03-07-2003, 04:14 AM

Wow TSpringer talk about a dream car garage. All you need is a Lotus Esprit, Acura NSX and a cobra kit car and you will have a complete collection of the under $30K super car club like I have always wanted!!

I thought I recognized you from FerrariChat. I used to lurk over there before I got a 911 :-))

Cornpanzer · 04:28 AM

My wife and I ran the tail last fall in our 70 S. Great road. There is heavy police prescence at each end but there isnt anywhere for them to really park once you are in the esses. Be carefull going around the lake at the north end. We went on the weekend and there was a lot of people in motorhomes and Harleys. Nothing sucks like ripping down a killer set of switchbacks and finding a struggling Winnebego in your path.

Have fun and post pleanty of pics when you go. Make sure your passenger has seasick meds

Cornpanzer · 03-07-2003, 04:27 AM

well, no photos today I guess ?!?!

tryan · 06:36 AM

its only about 113 corners, about 50% hairpins. i do give to motorcylce ridiers a couple feet of my lane. their head and torso are usually over the line. i have helped scraped a few crotch rockets off the road and every black streak on the pavement has it's own story.

i like to run it at night and never on the weekends.

the man usually sets up right past the tocoa entrance next the lonley 40mph sign on the tn side. the nc state boys are very unforgiving. i would NOT be in violation on the shorter nc strech. i have been to the marbled halls in robbinsville.( no throwable life preserver when i was alone doing a shake down run in the boat. 'who is going to throw it to me, officer?' $82.00)

another concern would be the pixey dust that is used to patch the road in the spring. do inspect the road before you run it and it should be a few more weeks before the floriduh to michigan winabago pilgrimage begins.

the thunderbird motel on lake santeetla (sp) would rank right between seedy and fleabag, but a nice view of the lake and decent resturant. there is a lodge on the back side of the lake, but i can't remember the name. you can camp anywhere you want in joyce kilmer.

if your car has at least 4" of clearance, parsons branch (gravel) road out of cades cove is quite an enchanting. it comes out at mile maker 6 on the tn side. foothills parkway is another fun 18 mile road at the west end of 129/deals gap/the tail.

again DO NOT SPEED ON THE NC SIDE.

tom

edit .... the tail website says 31? corners. i think thats a little optimistic.

atlporsche · 03-07-2003, 07:28 AM

depends on how you count corners...
sjd

tryan · 03-07-2003, 07:51 AM

there are only about three couple 100 yard straight sections ( illegal passing zones ), but i would consider more than a quarter turn of the wheel a 'corner'.

once over the nc line, i back off.

also you do need to watch out for wild pigs/ boars at dusk.