Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC

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First Annual Lean on the Dragon
August 16 - 18, 2002

Thanks to so many riders that supported our first annual Lean on the Dragon. We had no idea what to expect and were pleasantly surprised to see some 200 riders even with the bad weather. We saw showers on an off throughout Friday and Saturday but skies cleared late afternoon. About 75 riders signed up for the Special Event and many more folks stopped by Fontana Village. This event consisted of a self guided mystery ride / scavenger hunt over some of the areas better roads. Cozy Payton passenger on her husbands Ducati ST4, won him a much needed new set of MAXXIS tires, which were installed Sunday morning for their trip home. Other prizes included a BOHN back protector, 3 nights stay at Fontana Village, 1 night stay at Microtel, 1 night stay at SanRan Motel, 1 night stay at Tapoco Lodge, and dinner for 2 at Fontana Village. Wheelers Performance also awarded four $25 dollar gift certificates. Besides the Special Event, we had a few vendors - MZ brought bikes for test rides, GIVI brought luggage and windscreens, a local vendor brought his obscene stickers and provided us with DJ music all day, a jewelry vendor, TTDYNO.com brought their excellent dyno machine, and SportBikeTrackTime.com provided some great information on how to get involved in track days. The highlight of the weekend was the outdoor evening video shows by Killboy.com. Saturday night we had over 100 people watching, including the stars of the video - Noah and Jacob. Killboy will be back again next year, and I'm sure it will be even better.

It was a small event, but the turnout was better than expected considering the weather. We feel very positive about the future and are already in the process of planning next years event which will include some new challenges and entertainment. Those of you who didn't make it this year missed out on some great fun, and won't be able to say "I was there the first year."

The Lean will once again be held on the weekend after the VIR superbike races. Next year plan on joining us at the VIR track day and then mark off the following weekend for the Lean. Thanks again to Fontana Village for proving the perfect venue for a sportbike rally. The folks at the Village are biker friendly and I believe many riders will return.

Appearing by popular demand, Lori Ann Lloyd (in orange), Biker Fitness and R6 rider
along with her friend Rosemary (in blue) mingled with the crowd at the Lean. www.loriannlloyd.com

Andy, the Dragon's most eligible bachelor, taking applications from Lori and Rosemary.	First Place Mystery Ride winner, Cozy with her winning set of MAXXIS tires for her husband's Ducati ST4.
Kurt and son Palmer from Atlantic Moto Sports brought showing off their MZ bikes and offering demo rides.	The 101st Dragon Slayers return with their wives for the LOD.
Melinda from www.ttdyno.com - TN mobile Dyno.	The girls on their own bikes, getting a taste of the Dragon!!
Mary the birthday cleaning her children.	More guys enjoying the sights at the LOD.
Another eligible bachelor and first time Dragon Slayer on his own bike - John Bunch, our gracious host from Fontana Village, had to come down and join the fun.	Video night at the Lean.
A Dragon newby at the Dragon with Lori and Rosemary.	Palmer smokin the tires and wishing he could slay the Dragon.
The Piney Mountain Boys enjoying the fun.