Well, Rocketgeezer, all I can say is that The Dragon sounds like the most challenging public road in this corner of the country. And yes, Dylan did tell me about the "Tree Of Shame". I just continually pray that his sense of survival will overcome his desire to "push the envelope". I raised him on dirters for 7 years before he ever got his permit.
All I want to do is let you know when you do run that road, DO NOT assume anything some of those switchbacks will wreak you in a heartbeat, and you don't have to be going that fast, I have seen dudes crash at 30 MPH, and when you crash you crash bad, if you bahave yourself and respect the road you can have fun, 3 people so far this year have died, all from out of the area, never been on the road before, I realized some time ago that the first few times your really just learning the road and defiantly should not be pushing it, I would say after at least 4 or 5 runs you will start to honestly enjoy the ride, until then, if you say that you didn't scare yourself, your ether foolish brave or lieing.........when you do get up there be careful and have fun.........and before you head this way, get in touch.........Dave