EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION.

If you have cell coverage, call 911. If you do not have cell coverage, remember to stay calm, and try to make your way to an establishment such as Fontana Village or Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. Here are some other helpful numbers:  

Cheoah Ranger Station (NC): 828-479-6431  
Tellico Ranger Station (TN): 423-253-2520  
Graham County Sheriff (NC): 828-479-3352  
Monroe Sheriff Dept (TN): 423-442-3911  

There is also a TVA Police station located at the top of the Fontana Dam near the Visitor's Center. The nearest hospital is the Swain County Hospital in Bryson City. As a reminder, none of the drives are a race. Please drive safely, obey all traffic laws, and stay alert for changing road conditions.

If you need a tow, we highly recommend Butler’s. Their website is https://www.butlerswrecker.com, or they are reachable via 865-982-9346.

SAFETY ON THE DRAGON. 

If there is one thing we take seriously at this event, it’s everyone's safety.  Anyone found to be driving recklessly will be asked to leave the group. Follow the rules of the road at all times. You are responsible for your own actions. FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD, AND STAY IN YOUR LANE (BETWEEN THE MAYO AND MUSTARD AT ALL TIMES). Let’s be careful out there. 

1. STAY IN YOUR LANE

STAY IN YOUR LANE. Law Enforcement will ticket vehicles even touching the double yellow. Vehicles cutting the corners and taking chances that might appear “fun”, but this style of driving on the Dragon can cost you dearly. The challenge of the Dragon is to take the many curves in the best line possible and both lanes IS NOT “the line”.
HUG THE WHITE LINE. If you see another vehicle coming at you in your lane, hug the white line in your lane. In all likelihood you can avoid problems if you stay alert and watch ahead. Don't go off the mountain to avoid anything.
SAFE ZONE. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Watch your rear view mirrors for faster vehicles.
PULL OFFS. If you see a faster vehicle coming up from behind pull over at one of the many paved pull-offs.  It is much safer to let a faster vehicle around you than to try and outrun them. NEVER stay left trying to keep someone from passing you. NEVER pull off the road onto the shoulder unless it is paved or gravel. It may be illegal to pass on the Dragon, but I’ll let a faster vehicle get around me to protect my safe zone. It will be their citation.

2. DRIVE AT YOUR SKILL LEVEL

DRIVE YOUR SKILL LEVEL. Don’t try to push it, there will always be someone faster than you. 
FOCUS. Watch the road, your mirrors,and other vehicles. If you want to sightsee, pull over at one of the many paved pull-offs or stop at the Calderwood Dam Overlook and enjoy the show.
BRAKE EASY. Do not overuse your brakes. Use your gears and DOWNSHIFT. A good Dragon driver WILL NOT use a lot of brakes. Most of the accidents on the Dragon are due to speed and then over-braking. 
DON'T BE SPOOKED. Do not make sudden avoidance moves. You might have to adjust your line to avoid a car, truck, or bike, but DO NOT lay on the brakes or turn off the roadway suddenly unless that is the only option. Motorcycles might dent your car, but that is better than going off the bank and hitting a tree sideways. If a motorcycle is in your lane, that is their mistake and problem. Don’t let them force you into a worse situation for yourself.
CARELESS DRIVERS ARE NOT WELCOME. Show off your drifting and speed at a closed course.
MAKE SEVERAL RUNS. The first is always a nervous one and have fun on the second and third runs.

3. USE CAUTION

BE ALERT. Use the paved pull-offs for sightseeing.
WATCH FOR WILDLIFE. We have seen deer, elk, bear, turkeys, and wild boar on the roadway. 
TIME TO DRIVE. Avoid the Dragon during heavy traffic times. Weekends from 11AM to 5PM are the busiest. These are the times to lay back and watch the "show". The early mornings (before 11AM) and the late afternoons (after 5PM) have the least traffic.
MECHANICS. Make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound.
START EASY. Let your tires warm up;  there is a reason the first turn on each end of the Dragon is named "Beginner's End".

SUMMARY

Medical help is 30-45 minutes away. The emergency room is at least an hour away. This is no place to be injured. 99% of the accidents on the Dragon come from the following:
1. Too much speed
2. Too much brakes
3. Inattentiveness
4. Driving above your abilities 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

Camera/GoPro/Insta360/etc. - secure it to your vehicle properly!
Download offline maps – cell service is terrible/non-existent.
First Aid Kit or any medically necessary supplies.
Radios – we are using Channel 4.
Proper clothes - it gets cold in the mountains & rains at random.
Food, snacks, cooler, drinks, etc. - not many stores are nearby.
Robbinsville is the closest town (30 minutes away) and everything there closes around dark. Plan accordingly.
Positive attitude - we are here to have a great time. 
Car wash and detailing supplies - for use at the car wash area.
Spare tools & equipment - you or someone else will need it.

PRO TIPS.

1. Fontana Pit Stop Gas station closes at 7PM each day.  Fill up when you have the chance. Not all stations carry 93 octane all the time, or will run out.
2. Please introduce yourselves, friends, and rides. This is a car meet; we are here to hang out with enthusiasts and admire what everyone brings.
3. Weather may be good; weather may be bad. The Smoky Mountain weather does whatever it wants and has no master.  Be prepared for whatever to have fun. 
4. IT IS NOT A RACE; YOU HAVE NOTHING TO PROVE
5. STAY IN YOUR LANE/BETWEEN THE LINES.
6. DO NOT, FOR ANY REASON, CROSS YOUR LINES OR TRY TO PASS ANYBODY ON DOUBLE YELLOW – YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE GROUP.
7. Allow time for your car’s brakes to cool down after a run. DO NOT USE THE e-brake when your brakes are hot.