For you DGRR newbies

daleclark · 04-11-2012, 05:18 PM

Here's a few things to bring I've found from my past years at DGRR that will help you have a super time.

- A light coat. Traditionally it's been in the '50s at night and there's quite a lot of hanging around the parking lot and socializing once the sun goes down. Also, the awards banquet Saturday night is in an outdoor pavillion and can get a little chilly.

- A flashlight. Especially if you stay in the cabins at NVNC, it's DARK out there at night.

- Cash. There will be some vendors selling stuff like T-shirts and parts and your Visa card won't work

.

- Sunblock. Primarily if you burn easily, you do a LOT of standing around outside and it adds up.

- Adult beverages. The county NVNC is in is a dry county, the hotel bar does serve some drinks but they're pretty pricey and they may not have what you like. Much easier to load up with a 12-pack on the way in and have them getting cold in the fridge in your cabin. Of course, PLEASE drink responsibly.

- Some sort of GPS. I imagine most guys will have a GPS in their car, but if you follow a group somewhere for dinner or to the Dragon, it's easy to get separated from the pack and lost. If you put in the address of NVNC in your GPS or phone it's an easy way to get back. Pretty obvious, but it's VERY twisty and confusing up in the mountains!

- Dramamine. If you plan on hitting the Dragon and have a passenger that has motion sickness issues (especially wives/girlfriends/significant others) this can help them out. I don't think I've heard of a story of passengers having a barf, but I HAVE heard of wives making one pass through the Dragon and saying "that's enough!".

Also, before you come, PLEASE do a basic safety inspection of your car. This includes -

- Working headlights, parking lights, and brake lights. Guy last year had NO working brake lights and nearly caused an accident. Way not cool.

- Good air pressure in your tires, and good tires.

- Check your belts and all hoses to make sure they're good, if you have one that's sketchy you have time NOW to fix it!

- Check for loose gear in your car. The Dragon is quite twisty and those empty soda cans and junk in your floorboard can get caught up in the pedals and cause problems. Same goes for general gear in your car, like your camera - make sure it's safely secured before a pass.

It's not much, but seeing as how we all work on our cars and they are quite a bit older, there's the small stuff that gets overlooked.

Big thing is get ready to have a BIG weekend of the BEST car event EVER. I've been to tons of events, I've NEVER had as much fun as DGRR!

Dale

RLM55 · 04-11-2012, 07:31 PM

Thanks for the tips Dale!

Looking forward to my first DGRR, just hope my car makes it. I've been driving it daily for the last couple of weeks but you never know with about 300k miles on the car.

djmtsu · 04-11-2012, 07:49 PM

Yep. When you leave the cabins to run the Dragon, take everything but the essentials out of your car. No need to carry all your stuff or tools with you. If you have a problem, someone with tools will come by, or run back to bring some out to help. Everyone is really willing to help each other out.

I think I have given out some spark plugs one year, and a tail light for a Skyline another year. Lol.

This year I will be bringing along a spare set of plugs, wires, and coils for RX-8's with me. Whether I need them or someone else, it doesn't matter.

And yes, it gets chilly!

Sephitrask · 04-11-2012, 08:19 PM

I would suggest bringing eye drops too. Being around 100 rotaries all running at the same time can dry the hell out of your eyes

Sephitrask · 04-11-2012, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLM55

Thanks for the tips Dale!

Looking forward to my first DGRR, just hope my car makes it. I've been driving it daily for the last couple of weeks but you never know with about 300k miles on the car.

Jacksonville? Who is this?

RLM55 · 04-11-2012, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sephitrask

Jacksonville? Who is this?

I'm the guy you talked into going to the DDGR when you stopped by C&C about six months ago. Now I cannot wait to get there. I have been doing a lot of work on the car in the last year, I think it had just been painted when we met.

estevan62274 · 04-11-2012, 08:59 PM

Good stuff Dale!

IH8DSM · 04-11-2012, 09:36 PM

beer
2 stroke (giggidty)
energy drinks (pick your posion)
wiring
spark plugs and plug wires
belts
check all fluids (trans, diff)
sunglasses
jumper cables
spare set of keys
spare liver

Sephitrask · 04-11-2012, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLM55

I'm the guy you talked into going to the DDGR when you stopped by C&C about six months ago. Now I cannot wait to get there. I have been doing a lot of work on the car in the last year, I think it had just been painted when we met.

So you are the guy with the beautiful first gen that is silver? I look forward to seeing it again!!

Duffman692002 · 04-11-2012, 10:56 PM

Probably the most important thing that the newbies to remember is STAY IN YOUR LANE! DO NOT CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW. As tempting as it it may be to follow 'the line', don't. Last year I several close calls with other motorist/cyclist for this very reason and even saw one of the Minis with a bike up it's snout. Can't say who was at fault as I saw it after the fact but no one wants their first DGRR to be the one the hit a bike or another motorist.

Perhaps anothe good thing to cover would be the various hand signals that are used?

djmtsu · 04-12-2012, 07:10 AM

Go to the Tail of the Dragon website, Killboy, or Deals Gap.com

They have articles on what to expect when you are there. As well as the hand signals.

The only real tidbit of information everyone needs to remember is: You are not as good a driver as you think you are. Nor are you the fastest person on the Dragon, nor should you be.

reddozen · 04-12-2012, 07:41 AM

For those that don't know, there's a liquor store like... 15 min away from the lodge in Bryson City.

Enjoy!
Street View: http://g.co/maps/8wx8s
Directions from the resort: http://g.co/maps/mazqc

t_g_farrell · 04-12-2012, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reddozen

For those that don't know, there's a liquor store like... 15 min away from the lodge in Bryson City.

Enjoy!
Street View: http://g.co/maps/8wx8s
Directions from the resort: http://g.co/maps/mazqc

This is why I'm at the Microtel

reddozen · 04-12-2012, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t_g_farrell

This is why I'm at the Microtel

Yea, it's a really clean hotel, closer to food, and only 15 min from all the action. It's a good location if you can't get a lodge room.

My5ABaby · 04-12-2012, 11:19 AM

12 pack? Amateur...

04-11-2012, 05:18 PM	#1
daleclark RX-7 Bad Ass Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 105 Rep Power: 17	For you DGRR newbies Here's a few things to bring I've found from my past years at DGRR that will help you have a super time. - A light coat. Traditionally it's been in the '50s at night and there's quite a lot of hanging around the parking lot and socializing once the sun goes down. Also, the awards banquet Saturday night is in an outdoor pavillion and can get a little chilly. - A flashlight. Especially if you stay in the cabins at NVNC, it's DARK out there at night. - Cash. There will be some vendors selling stuff like T-shirts and parts and your Visa card won't work . - Sunblock. Primarily if you burn easily, you do a LOT of standing around outside and it adds up. - Adult beverages. The county NVNC is in is a dry county, the hotel bar does serve some drinks but they're pretty pricey and they may not have what you like. Much easier to load up with a 12-pack on the way in and have them getting cold in the fridge in your cabin. Of course, PLEASE drink responsibly. - Some sort of GPS. I imagine most guys will have a GPS in their car, but if you follow a group somewhere for dinner or to the Dragon, it's easy to get separated from the pack and lost. If you put in the address of NVNC in your GPS or phone it's an easy way to get back. Pretty obvious, but it's VERY twisty and confusing up in the mountains! - Dramamine. If you plan on hitting the Dragon and have a passenger that has motion sickness issues (especially wives/girlfriends/significant others) this can help them out. I don't think I've heard of a story of passengers having a barf, but I HAVE heard of wives making one pass through the Dragon and saying "that's enough!". Also, before you come, PLEASE do a basic safety inspection of your car. This includes - - Working headlights, parking lights, and brake lights. Guy last year had NO working brake lights and nearly caused an accident. Way not cool. - Good air pressure in your tires, and good tires. - Check your belts and all hoses to make sure they're good, if you have one that's sketchy you have time NOW to fix it! - Check for loose gear in your car. The Dragon is quite twisty and those empty soda cans and junk in your floorboard can get caught up in the pedals and cause problems. Same goes for general gear in your car, like your camera - make sure it's safely secured before a pass. It's not much, but seeing as how we all work on our cars and they are quite a bit older, there's the small stuff that gets overlooked. Big thing is get ready to have a BIG weekend of the BEST car event EVER. I've been to tons of events, I've NEVER had as much fun as DGRR! Dale

04-11-2012, 07:49 PM	#3
djmtsu My minds tellin' me no... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 4,043 Rep Power: 22	Yep. When you leave the cabins to run the Dragon, take everything but the essentials out of your car. No need to carry all your stuff or tools with you. If you have a problem, someone with tools will come by, or run back to bring some out to help. Everyone is really willing to help each other out. I think I have given out some spark plugs one year, and a tail light for a Skyline another year. Lol. This year I will be bringing along a spare set of plugs, wires, and coils for RX-8's with me. Whether I need them or someone else, it doesn't matter. And yes, it gets chilly! __________________ 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 2003 Toyota Tundra TRD 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5

04-11-2012, 08:19 PM	#4
Sephitrask BOILED PEANUTS!!! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Jacksonville, Fl Posts: 257 Rep Power: 15	I would suggest bringing eye drops too. Being around 100 rotaries all running at the same time can dry the hell out of your eyes __________________ www.rotarycarclub.com *"The way a Rotary engine makes power is ferocious, much like having a chainsaw under your right foot."*

04-11-2012, 08:59 PM	#7
estevan62274 counting down till DGRR Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Melbourne, Fl Posts: 358 Rep Power: 18	Good stuff Dale! __________________ -74 RX-4 -84 REW GSL-SE Past rides -05 REW Swapped RX-8 -93 FD base

04-11-2012, 09:36 PM	#8
IH8DSM RCC Contributor Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 610 Rep Power: 18	beer 2 stroke (giggidty) energy drinks (pick your posion) wiring spark plugs and plug wires belts check all fluids (trans, diff) sunglasses jumper cables spare set of keys spare liver __________________ 85 rx7 gsl-se - AA tags/ never ending project will never run

04-11-2012, 07:31 PM	#2
RLM55 The Newbie Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 8 Rep Power: 0	Thanks for the tips Dale! Looking forward to my first DGRR, just hope my car makes it. I've been driving it daily for the last couple of weeks but you never know with about 300k miles on the car.

04-11-2012, 10:56 PM	#10
Duffman692002 Member of the D club Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Quinlan, TX Posts: 142 Rep Power: 17	Probably the most important thing that the newbies to remember is STAY IN YOUR LANE! DO NOT CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW. As tempting as it it may be to follow 'the line', don't. Last year I several close calls with other motorist/cyclist for this very reason and even saw one of the Minis with a bike up it's snout. Can't say who was at fault as I saw it after the fact but no one wants their first DGRR to be the one the hit a bike or another motorist. Perhaps anothe good thing to cover would be the various hand signals that are used? __________________ Follow my Spark Yellow restoration: http://www.rotarycarclub.com/rotary_...ad.php?t=12726 Last edited by Duffman692002; 04-11-2012 at 11:00 PM.

04-12-2012, 07:10 AM	#11
djmtsu My minds tellin' me no... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 4,043 Rep Power: 22	Go to the Tail of the Dragon website, Killboy, or Deals Gap.com They have articles on what to expect when you are there. As well as the hand signals. The only real tidbit of information everyone needs to remember is: You are not as good a driver as you think you are. Nor are you the fastest person on the Dragon, nor should you be. __________________ 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 1976 Mazda Cosmo RX-5 2003 Toyota Tundra TRD 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5

04-12-2012, 07:41 AM	#12
reddozen Gold Wheels FTW Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 744 Rep Power: 18	For those that don't know, there's a liquor store like... 15 min away from the lodge in Bryson City. Enjoy! Street View: http://g.co/maps/8wx8s Directions from the resort: http://g.co/maps/mazqc __________________ My Cars: 1974 RX4 Coupe 1991 FC3S RX7 - Sold 2003 ZZW30 MR2 (Rotary swap after RX8) 2004 SE3P RX8 (20B Swap in the works)

04-12-2012, 11:19 AM	#15
My5ABaby Sigh..... Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 2,377 Rep Power: 20	12 pack? Amateur... __________________ 1986 Sport: 132k miles, 5A (Sapphire Blue Metallic), Tokico Blues, Racing Beat Springs, Custom LED tailights (only S4 LED tails in the world), SSR Mark II, Racing Beat exhaust, S5 black interior, Rotary Resurrection rebuild at 120k miles Community Service Manual RotorWiki "Imagination costs nothing; we could build square locomotives or fly to Mars" - Felix Wankel Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the "present."