The curves beckon you. Enticing you to see what's just around the bend. The Tail of the Dragon. 11 miles of curves. 318 glorious curves. Enthusiasts from all over the globe are drawn to Deal's Gap every year. Sometimes you're a Dragon Slayer, sometimes the Beast bites back. As seen on the "Tree of Shame" at the Motorcycle Resort. The Gap is responsible for numerous crashes and deaths every year. Mostly from inexperienced drivers. If you're driving with a group, trying to prove you can keep up with the guy (or girl) in front of you... check your ego at the state line. Many people get overwhelmed this way. Bikers and cars alike. 18-wheelers are another big hazzard. Sometimes they don't quite know what they're getting into until it's too late, taking up both lanes, and causing a pileup.
This year, for Miata's at the Gap, we were those people. The ones who bring an OTM. Other than Miata. Yes, we drove our Mazdaspeed3 instead of our Ubercharged 95 MX-5. Just think of us as the chase car. Every group needs one, right?
We arrived late Wednesday night at the Phillips in Robbinsville, NC. Thursday was supposed to be our club rafting trip, but one of the cars needed an alternator and got held up a day. Mr. Mike, our lead car, took us out for a day on the Blue Ridge Parkway. As we started getting closer to Cherokee, my excitement could not be contained! Maybe it's because I'm 1/16th Cherokee. Maybe it's just my love for history. I LOVE Cherokee! I even mailed my Mom and sister a post card from the Cherokee Post Office. We made our way to the Pisgah Inn Restaurant for lunch after stopping at the highest point on the Blue Ridge (6047 feet). After lunch, it was a spirited run up and down Wagon Gap Road before heading back towards Robbinsville. After we were off Wagon Gap, Brandon said I should have filmed it. I was too busy enjoying the ride (and holding on!).
After another stop at an overlook, I took over driving for a bit. Along the route, we passed Rainbow Falls, drove under Bridal Veil Falls, and took the path at Dry Falls to walk behind it.
We finally drove The Gap on Saturday, after stopping for breakfast at the Motorcycle Resort. I was dropped off in a corner again for a photo-op after one pass on the Dragon. I joked about going sit in Killboy's corner, but I didn't. I'd love to sit and chat with Killboy and Killgirl!
After a stop to check out what was going on at Fontana Village for MATG, we headed out for more driving. A stop at the Fontana Dam was first. After a few more overlooks, I took over driving again. We headed to Bald River Falls. The way back included a run down the Tail of the Dragon which I drove and Brandon filmed. I am a Dragon Slayer once again!
We missed our miata a little bit. The sound of the supercharger mostly. All in all, the Mazdaspeed3 handled just as well and we weren't dissappointed in the least!
To see more of The Tail of the Dragon and Miata's at the Gap, click HERE.
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