2007 Tail of The Dragon Run

[Bob Jones]

The 2007 Tail of The Dragon run was a great success.

The weather was perfect, and as per my count, 25 cars, many with two riders, participated. The group included one original 289 Cobra, 18 Cobra replicas from various manufacturers, a newly completed GT 40 replica, a Cooper Mini, a BMW Z3, a classic Datsun Z car, a classic Mustang convertible, and a classic Porsche 911. (I hope I did not miss anyone.)

Cars came from Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina & North Carolina.

The early morning get togethers, breakfasts, and rides to the final staging location were great, with cool weather, beautiful scenery and terrific people to share the event with.
People came from all directions, many after having arranged meets and caravans with other enthusiasts.

The Dragon was calmer than in past years with light bike traffic, due to the 12 law enforcement officers, I counted, spread over the 11 mile run. Speeds were generally maintained within the limits and tires within the lines. For sure, it was still a great and safe experience.

Following the Dragon run lunch was available at the restaurant at Deal’s Gap providing more time to sit and talk with new friends and Cobra enthusiasts.

Afterwards, the group disbanded some going home, some to mountain retreats, some headed to the casino at Cherokee, NC and a small band of us ran the NC portion of the Cherohala Skyway, another scenic winding highway that climbs up over 5000 feet.

Several acknowledgements are due, including Phillip Deal aka Mariah on the forum, and his son Jason, who served as the tour guide for the group of us connecting up from the Asheville meet, and for also leading us on the southbound leg of the Dragon run.

Also, thanks to Frank, aka Mustang II460, for coordinating the Tennessee connecting group and for safely, and as swiftly as the law permitted, leading us on the northbound leg of the Dragon run.

Additionally, to Rob Bond, aka Deal’s Gap Cobra, for bringing along his photographer friend, and for spearheading the ride on the Cherohala Skyway.

Special acknowledgement is in order for the increased number of ladies that made the run this year.

No doubt many others made significant contributions to the success of this event and I apologize if I did not mention each of you by name but no less thanks and appreciation go out to you too.

Expectations are that some fine pics and vidio will begin to show up here shortly, so those of you who were not able to participate this year, can see how much fun and fellowship was had.

Hopefully, we can do it again next year!