The Tail of the Dragon in the Great Smoky Mountains is one of the greatest roads in America. If you’ve never heard of of the Dragon, it packs 318 corners into 11 miles, making it a challenge and a bucket list destination for any driver. I make an annual pilgrimage to this road every April for Minis on the Dragon (MOTD). It’s a volunteer-run celebration of all things Mini where the Mini community completely fills the nearby Fontana Village Resort. The parking lots and cabin driveways become an impromptu car show.
My first MOTD venture came nearly 20 years ago, and I have witnessed many changes since. During the early years, all of the cars at the event were first-generation BMW Group Minis and classic Minis. Through the years, as subsequent generations have been released, the variety of new Minis has increased in number compared to the classics.
For many years, I drove my R53 to the Dragon, and my R58 Coupe has also made the trip. This year we took the F54 Clubman. Every time we take a different Mini, it creates a fresh experience. The Clubman is, by far, the easiest to pack. The R58 proved the most difficult, since we could only use duffel bags to pack everything we needed.
My first year at Fontana Village was a challenge; the resort was completely booked, and I could only find an available nearby campsite. The rainy weather made staying in a tent miserable. Now we reserve the same cabin near the center of the resort every year, close to all the big events. Our neighbors also renew the same cabin units year after year, making it feel a little like a second home.
These are the type of friends I may not see for an entire year, but when we come together again, it feels like I just saw them yesterday.
One of our neighbors has two Corgis that are lovingly called “barking potatoes.” We first met them when they were puppies, and now we play with them as adult dogs. So even with our neighbors’ pets, we see their growth over time, and create more memories. We coordinate a dinner one night, sharing dishes among nearby neighbors, and finish the night around a campfire, swapping stories of our lives from the past year.
I return annually for the people, the scenery, and the relaxation—I learned years ago that such car events are about the people first, and the cars second. The cars are the common thread, the catalyst to meet so many great folks over the years.
The mountains provide a tranquil, scenic backdrop for the trip, with outstanding driving roads for enthusiasts and cruisers alike. There are planned drives throughout the nearly week-long MOTD schedule, and volunteers lead a small group of Minis on planned routes to nearby towns. Most drives incorporate a stop at a restaurant, and it is a great way to see the area and meet people. The scenic drives are also great because they allow us to be a part of a small caravan without the fear of being lost. We go on the same drive every year, but we make new friends and catch up with the drive leaders who graciously volunteer.
I have always believed that a vacation is a time for events and experiences that you cannot complete every day due to time spent at work. In previous years, the cell phone service was non-existent, so being away from social media and constant connectivity was a bonus. While the cell network has expanded over the years, I try to limit my time online. I want to take in the solitude of the mountains and soak up all of the car sounds in the background. The time off also means getting to drive to new areas and see vistas and views that I cannot experience from my desk at the office.
Even after all these years, I never tire of attending Minis On the Dragon, or remembering the time I sat in the middle of a tent in the pouring rain, or next to a roaring fireplace under blankets, feeling so toasty and warm. Each year holds its own special memories, and no matter which Mini from our stable makes the trip, each enhances the event for that year. If you have never attended, please plan to come some year. We want to make new friends and welcome all of the first-time attendees. The culmination of great driving roads and nights by the campfire make Minis On the Dragon a great vacation spent with Mini friends.
At Top: The Tail of the Dragon, photo via William Klos/Wikimedia Commons
