Hampton Roads Club Mini

Okay, this is cool. I don't mean, "that's nice" I mean THIS IS COOL!

Virginia now has it's own OFFICIAL version of the DRAGON!!!!!!!!!

Introducing "the Back of the Dragon! While I'd like to have seen it called something a bit more original, this has the making of something great!

Below is the story. Seems some two wheeled guys were able to convince the administrators of Tazwell and Smyth Counties that Route 16 between Frog Level (Not making that up I swear), VA and Marion, VA should be designated as a "FUN" road. Believe it or not they agreed! Seems they liked what they saw when they looked into the economic benefits of motoring enthusiasts, (both two and four wheeled) that Fontana and Deals Gap were reaping.

I have sent an email off to Jim Spencer (Not the former Daily Press reporter I'm sure) thanking them for taking this initiative as well as lending my support and (hopefully) HR MINI's support as well. (Though there is no obligation on any part of any member of the club) I think if we can get in on the ground floor, so to speak, this can be an awesome opportunity for the motoring community as a whole.

After all a 5 hour drive versus a 8 hour drive combined with FAR more services then we can get at Fontana/Robbinsville can only be a win/win situation.  Lets see, The Dragon is 11 miles, the Back of the Dragon is 32 miles long Any body else excited yet?


Here's the story:

TAZEWELL, Va. — As part of a joint economic development and tourism initiative between Tazewell and Smyth counties, local officials are hoping to emulate an outdoor motorcycle trail system that is already creating jobs and economic growth in a remote section of North Carolina.

Located along Route 16 between Frog Level in Tazewell County and Marion in Smyth County, a 32-mile trail system already in use by off-road enthusiasts has been unofficially dubbed the “Back of the Dragon” by local motorcyclists because of the unique geography of the mountain, including three “humps of a dragon’s back” and its 15-mile-per-hour curves.

The inspiration for the new trail system comes from Deals Gap, N. C., which is the current home of the “Tail of the Dragon.” While the North Carolina trail is only 11 miles in length, it has generated economic growth for the region by creating lodging, restaurants and entrepreneurial opportunities, according to Tazewell County Administrator Jim Spencer.

Spencer said Tazewell and Smyth county officials are now hoping the 32-mile “Back of the Dragon” trail — already designated as a Virginia Byway — can reap similar economic development and tourism rewards for the region.

“It’s another good way to bring folks to Tazewell County and spend money,” Spencer said. “That’s what tourism is all about.”

The county Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution of support last week for the “Back of the Dragon” project.

The idea for the local trail system was presented to the Tazewell County Tourism Committee by Larry Davidson, according to Spencer.

In a letter to area lawmakers, Spencer said officials believe the project will attract not only local motorcycle enthusiasts to the region, but also international visitors and automobile clubs from across the nation. He said the project has the potential to spur entrepreneurial opportunities, create new jobs, and increase tourism visitation.

Spencer said the county tourism committee, along with the Historic Crab Orchard Museum, requested county support for the project.

Local tourism officials are already planning a special event called Back of the Dragon Days that will be held in conjunction with the Southwest/Regional Rec-reation Authority and National Trail Days on June 4 at the Historic Crab Orchard Museum.

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com

WOOT!

Ok...so which weekend will be designated MOTBOTVAD?

This could be the making of something Big for another weekend run. MOTBOTVAD

Sweet.  I have that stretch included in a weekend rally I'm hoping to do one day.

We've had the motorhome out to Hungry Mother State Park a couple of times and the part I drove surely wasn't motorhome friendly and that was only 5 miles or so. We did take the Jeep further up route 16 and it was nice. I've also taken the MINI up route 16 a while back. I think it might have been Tyler's car before we bought the Clubbie. I really enjoyed rte 16. And that was before I knew it was an enjoyable road. Now that I know we
re supposed to enjoy it, I'm sure I'd like it even more.

Here's the website for the Back of the Dragon: http://backofthedragon.com/

Gotta love their slogan "Eleven....try thirty-two"
Referring to miles , by the way. I ain't even gonna try to count the turns!

Man, that site is already off to a good start!  Some good pics, including a hint at some BBQ.   

Just checked out the website...I hope the Dragon image that appears in red hasn't been copyright-protected by MOTD...could pose some BIG problems if MOTD owns the image copyright!

Headed back over to the website to mosey around...