vozizm
Needs a job
Got Nothing Witty To Say
Posts: 4417
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posted April 10, 2004 12:25 PM
The Dragon claims another victim
From another board!!! You guys be safe on your outing!!!
Just watched the news here in Knoxville and the Dragon has killed again.A kid [25] from South Carolina riding an R1 died today after losing it and sliding under a car.The news segment was very negative towards our sport,calling them thrill seekers ans adrenaline junkies which i guess we are.The Highway patrolman that was interviewed said there was a problem with web sites promoting the Dragon as a racetrack and that they are monitoring the internet for gatherings such as next weeks [Wake the Dragon] and they will make there presence known in weeks to come to try to get this under control.At this point it would probably not be a good idea to have events posted on the Tail of the Dragon website since the police have come out and said they are watching.For all you guys that are coming in May i want you to Think about what i'm about to tell you.An overwhelming % of people who get hurt or die here are from other parts of the country and it also seems that a large % are from areas that don't have alot of curves and elevation changes.If your coming from an area like this and your not used to alot of action PLEASE take it easy.I have met some of you and consider you as friends and there is nothing fucks up my day like a friend getting hurt or killed.If you have never ridden here there is nothing that will prepare you,especially track days.This past Tuesday a friend of mine on a BMW boxster smoked a dude onthe dragon that was supposed to be a regional WERA champion.What im telling you is it's all about familiarity and knowing the road so Please take it easy
  
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frEEk
Administrator
ummm... yeah
Posts: 9660
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posted April 10, 2004 12:52 PM
too true about not knowing a road. i'v had my share of close calls on unfamiliar roads where i went over the line cause the corner was slower than it looked. by now i'm paranoid about blind corners. i think everyone is gonna be a decreasing radius just beyond where i can see. if u just HAVE to go nuts on a road u'v never ridden, at least do it following someone who does know the road so u can take your speed off them and slow down when they do. has worked well for me in the past.
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Ninjaman12R
Needs a job
as a Deal's Gap tour guide.
Posts: 4767
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posted April 10, 2004 03:06 PM
 Edited By: Ninjaman12R on 10 Apr 2004 16:07
Sad news.......
Hate to hear this news. 
The Dragon is a pretty technical road that challenges experienced riders, much less a newbie. It is a road that actually invites you to push the envelope. Even without all the hoopla that surrounds it. Any guy here that has ridden the gap can attest to that. It is unfortunate that another young life was claimed there.
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What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
Sheriff Buford T. Justice of TEXAS
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oldkawboy
Needs a job
Posts: 2125
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posted April 10, 2004 03:31 PM
Being local, I either see wrecks or hear about them every week-end at the Gap. It's bad news for sure but when a life is lost, reality sinks in. We choose this hobby and it's a dangerous one to enjoy, not just blasting through the curves but everyday street riding.
I can tell that as I get older ( 50 next year...whew) I don't push like I use to and guess what? The thrill is still there! I'm not quite ready for a Gold Wing yet but hope to grow into it one day.
All I'm asking is for everyone to ride smart and safe and let's all be around next Spring to bring in another great year of riding.
Dan (slow oldkawboy)
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Hells Dark Lord
Needs a life
living life, and loving it.
Posts: 7981
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posted April 10, 2004 06:07 PM
that sucks to hear about accidents like this....major bummer
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When in doubt, lean farther and go faster....
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redelk
Moderator
Please... speak to the hand.
Posts: 3212
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posted April 10, 2004 06:50 PM
To me, it's getting to the point that the Tail of the Dragon is just another road to get to the really good roads (Cherohala, Foothills, Blue Ridge, etc.). Bike traffic made up of sight seeing cruisers, as well as the collection of posers, squids and wannabe racers, has made me really lose any interest I once had over that small stretch of highway.
My skills will never reach the point where I will "fly" through there and my desire to ride another day will ensure that even if my riding does improve, that will not be one of the places I'll "test" it. Like any good twisty back highway, once it becomes "public knowledge", ever sportbike or sport car owner will think they can "do it better" than anyone one else.
Dan, when you get a Gold Wing, I'm taking the Chevelle away from you. Maybe the Beemer too. You'll need a minivan to go with that Gold Wing.
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There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.
-Ernest Hemingway
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oldkawboy
Needs a job
Posts: 2125
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posted April 11, 2004 11:41 AM
Redelk...
The "M" Roadster is gone, replaced by a Chevrolet ( '03 Vette convertible) and the Chevelle may not be far behind.
Coby Adams is thinking about buying it, if I do decide to sell it, a turbo goes on the 12 (by Horsepower Mike) and a supercharger goes on the 'Vette!
I'm getting older and have less time, so I need to go faster. :-)
Dan
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vozizm
Needs a job
Got Nothing Witty To Say
Posts: 4417
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posted April 12, 2004 11:11 AM
quote:
I'm getting older and have less time, so I need to go faster. :-)
Dan
I like that line!!!
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Ninjaman12R
Needs a job
as a Deal's Gap tour guide.
Posts: 4767
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posted April 12, 2004 11:27 AM
Me too !
quote:
quote:
I'm getting older and have less time, so I need to go faster. :-)
Dan
I like that line!!!
I like it too, good one Dan!!! 
____________
What we're dealin' with here is a complete lack of respect for the law.
Sheriff Buford T. Justice of TEXAS
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slug
Pro
Out in search of my mind...
Posts: 1433
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posted April 12, 2004 02:40 PM
sad news
last weekend i had to stop andhelp a biker who crashed hard, saw blackmarks on road, and said to myself "hrmmthose look fresh" and then asi got closer and saw the bike in ditch with lights still on and rider not moving, "yup VERY fresh"
broken ribs , he got lucky
people don't apparently realize that the road is still cold. the air is not hot yet, the tires aren;t at their best yet. and RIDERS are not at their best either. even at track,having done decent at end of day, the next day it still takes a session or 2 to get back up to speed.
it's sad that someone has to die because they feel they are ok and really are not.
be safe people
  
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necro
Needs a job
My Grandma Is A Virgin
Posts: 2148
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posted April 13, 2004 06:18 PM
quote:
quote:
quote:
I'm getting older and have less time, so I need to go faster. :-)
Dan
I like that line!!!
I like it too, good one Dan!!!
Me too
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3829
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necro
Needs a job
My Grandma Is A Virgin
Posts: 2148
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posted April 13, 2004 06:21 PM
I'll be happy with .1 of second faster 
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3829
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TurboBlew
Moderator
BUSY DOING THE SCHIAVO
Posts: 4590
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posted April 13, 2004 06:36 PM
Slug... you gonna join us on May 16?
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Official Charter Member of the RIDERS OF KAWASAKI MEMBERSHIP REVOCATION CLUB
Also a BadAss Internet Forum Moderator 4 Hire!! Come at me brah!
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