I ran the Dragon today with the Palmetto Region of PCA. It was pretty incredible. We actually ran the entire loop of the Dragon going out and the Cherohalla Skyway returning.
We started out at Deal'sGap and ran the Dragon's Tail. It was 20 min of the most intense driving. I live in a mountainous area and drive curvy roads often, but I was still very surprised. I've also done autocross and some DE's, but it doesn't compare. Changes in elevation, camber, and radius of the curves makes them more challenging than any parking lot or road courses. Not all, but many of the curves are blind, which is not typical on road courses, and the curves are one after another, really close together. That also make it more intense, plus, the stakes are higher because if you lose it, you're not taking out cones. Also, there are no shoulders on the Dragon's Tail and it's full of bikes, scooters and Toyota Camrys and Ford Tauruses trying to take you out.
After the 20 minutes or so, you come off the mountain and it's 30-45 minutes of 'normal mountain road'. During this period you go through a couple of small towns and restaurants. Eat up and gas up here if you need it. We went back on the Cherohalla, which is fairly long. The Cherohalla is more enjoyable. There are some great sweeping curves in which you carry tons speed, and there are really tights turns which slow you down in a hurry. The views are also better and you can see farther ahead.
That sums it up, but doesn't give the trip justice. We drove from 9:30 to 4:00, with a 20 minute detour because we missed a turn. It was a ton of fun and the group was a great group to drive with.
Some Thoughts:
1) I didn't see many cops while burning up the mountain roads, but getting there and back I saw a few.
2) It's good to leave early, but not too early. The mountains and overhanging trees do a good job of blocking out the light during-mid day, so early morning or late night might be tough.
3)If you are uncomfortable driving fast, then don't. The roads make for some great driving, but are unforgiving.
It was a ton of fun. I can't wait wait to go again.
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