HRMINI

A member of Tar Heel MINIs posted a link to WBIR News (http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=115853&provider=rss) about a rock slide that occurred yesterday on U.S. 129 along the Dragon.  They are not indicating when the highway will be reopened, but I find it hard to believe it will last into when we go at the end of April.

Boy that car crashing into the slide was a bit scary!

Looks like the far western part of 129 down by the lake. Miles away from the twisty parts and Fontana. Like you said though should be cleared by then. I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time they've had to clear something like this. :045:

per the folks at Fontana it will be cleared up by March 20th

You go Barry !  Thanks for the update and quick info about this rock slide  :038:

First off, I think Dale will agree with me about this, it's because of drivers like this one that were able to stay in buisness.
Fact is, and the video proves it, people just don't pay attention.

Secondly, is the driver a female with a bushy mustache, or a man with some serious upper region chest flesh? :018:

I loved that video! And yea! I LOVE those drivers....Cha Ching!

I laughed pretty hard watching that guy fly his car up and into the rock slide (kept replaying it too....). But that second video ticked me off from that foreign guys comment.

That guy just wasn't paying attention. :icon_redface:

And the Enlish guy shouldn't really talk. :116:

Oh no you didn't!

(I was thinking the same thing!)

I agree, Carry your Limey azz back to the UK, there Guvna!  :044:

Had to go back and watch the second video with the English Bloke. I missed that the first time round.

I kinda have to agree abit with the falling apart statement (putting myself at risk here) but I don't think the rock slide has anything to do with that.

BTW Dale, ow long ave ya been studyin cockney English mate? Has driving a MINI transformed ye inta summit of a new mhan  :038:

Well, he could be taking some special hormones.   :044:

I'd havta say yes there Mate!

We know English people have their own way of humor. We know what he meant, but he used it to describe the rock slides. So he be a wanker...


Yeh that was some serious man boobage..

Update posted on NAM.  There is a 60-ton boulder that has to be removed.  Re-open date is now March 26th.

Here's the NAM post:  NAM - The Dragon is Closed (http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/general-mini-talk/185530-the-dragon-is-closed-rockslide.html).

Here's the news link:  WBIR - Rock Slide (http://www.wbir.com/video/default.aspx?aid=90522#/Local%20News/Web%20Extra%3A%2010%20News%20camera%20captures%20car%20drive%20into%20rockslide/44024439001/39627146001/71783729001).

I have posted an update on the NAM thread.  Please go to that link the post just above and scroll to the bottom to read up.  I have included several more links for information, including TDOT and "Tail of the Dragon's" website.

In a nutshell... the only official posted date for reopening is March 26th.

Tail of the Dragon Just received a clarrification for the TNDOT Public Information Officer regarding the September 1 date. The date is an ESTIMATED date. The contract for clearing the slide will be awarded on Monday (3/29), at that time a more accurate opening date will be posted. TNdot DOES SAY it should take several months to clear ...the slide. We will post as soon as we hear updates. Yesterday at 10:21am.

Copied from a post at www.tailofthedragon.com

 :icon_frown: :icon_cry: :icon_mad: :091: :120: :105: :092: :icon_frown:

I missed that post.  That sucks!   :009:

Here's an update post to that NAM thread:  Knoxville News - Dragon Remains Closed for Weeks (http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/mar/25/dragon-remain-closed-weeks/).  This really sucks.   :093:

I love this reply on that link Adam posted:

"

4 weeks to award a contract! Thats the same government mentality thats going to administer your health care! "Mr. Jones, we'll call you in a couple weeks when we contract you a heart specialist for your ticker problem." Don't call us, we'll call you!

Ocoee rockslide last Oct was suppose to be a few weeks to clear, it still ain't open !

I'm sure that the Sea Bees could clear that whole mountain and build an international quality runway right beside the lake in the time its taking to award a $&^%&^ government contract. Believe me! I've seen em do it!

Lawyers and politicians stuffing their pockets, thats all its about !

How about they stuff it with burning rubber and dust?   :066:

Well, I'm out! Seems Regina has an event that Sunday she has to attend and Christy (who really wanted to run the Dragon) has a school function that Saturday. No sense in going down for just one day.

So I have a room at the Inn in Fontana if anyone is interested in it! Just shoot me a PM if ya are!

The road is now OPEN  :026: :026: :026:   8am.-8pm.  :038: