Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! We're invading the legendary Back of the Dragon on April 19th for Dragon Fest 3! This 150-mile drive is your chance to unleash your Porsche's full potential and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Imagine this: 70+ Porsches conquering 32 miles of pure driving nirvana – 438 curves, switchbacks, and breathtaking Appalachian views. This isn't just a drive; it's a test of your skills and a feast for the senses!

But wait, there's more! We're also detouring to the enchanting Burkes Garden, a hidden valley known as "Vanderbilt's First Choice" and "God's Thumbprint." Picture lush hills, stunning overlooks, and a charming general store run by the Amish community (cash only!).

Meeting Points:

Option 1: 8:45 AM at the Bristol, Virginia Welcome Center (66 Island Rd, Bristol, VA - I-81 North - Mile 1)
Option 2: 10:00 AM at the CITGO in Marion, Virginia (1121 N Main St, Marion, VA)

Event Poster ($18):

A high-quality, 11x17 inch commemorative poster of the "Dragon Fest 3" event. The poster, printed in full color on premium matte paper is perfect for framing or gifting. It's a limited-time offer to capture the memory of the event.

Order here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/dfa0287c-e086-4bef-87eb-fe90c39056ab

Parking in Marion:

Lunch:

Main Event: Back of the Dragon Welcome Center's "Dragon Fired Pizza" with a $20 Pizza Buffet (perfect for our group!). You can also order from their menu*.
Downtown Tazewell Options: (Service times vary – fastest to slowest):
- The Happy Goat (Fast) - 216 Main St
- Bee Noodle'd (Fast) - 171 Main St
- Old Va. Chophouse (Potentially Slow) - 203 Main St
- The Front Porch on Main (Slow) - 254 Main St

Why the Back of the Dragon?

32 miles of pure driving bliss – challenging curves, switchbacks, and stunning scenery.

Why Burkes Garden?

A unique, high-altitude Amish valley with a charming general store and breathtaking views.

Facebook Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1646445662639036

Agenda:

Bristol to Marion (49 miles):
- 8:45 AM: Meet in Bristol
- 9:10 AM: Groups 1-5 depart (2-min intervals)
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Marion Citgo/Ingles (restrooms available)
Marion to Tazewell (32 miles):
- 10:30 AM: Groups 1-5 depart (3-min intervals)
- 11:30 AM: Arrive at Back of the Dragon Welcome Center
Lunch (1.5 hours):
- 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at Dragon Fired Pizza or downtown Tazewell.
Tazewell to Burkes Garden (23 miles):
- 1:05 PM: Groups 1-5 depart (3-min intervals)
- 1:45 PM - 2:05 PM: Arrive at Burkes Garden General Store (park on shoulder, cash only).
Burkes Garden to Tazewell (13 miles):
- 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM: Meet back at Back of the Dragon Welcome Center (restroom stop).
Back of the Dragon to Marion:
- 3:30 PM: Depart for Marion.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at Marion Citgo/Ingles (PCA event concludes).

* Pizza Menu at the welcome center

THE ROADS

BACK OF THE DRAGON

This premier riding road is perfect for Porsche drivers and enthusiasts, as it offers thirty-two miles of driving excitement, with 438 curves that will challenge drivers' skills. The Back of the Dragon is the ultimate road driving experience, crossing three mountains from Marion to Tazewell, VA, and featuring dragging curves, switchbacks, limited access, and elevation changes that no other route can offer. The Back of the Dragon (VA-16) is a 32-mile stretch of road that runs through the Appalachian Mountains in Southwest Virginia. It is known for its scenic beauty, tight curves, and challenging switchbacks, making it a popular destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. Back of the Dragon was designated a Virginia Scenic Byway in 2015, which recognizes its unique scenic, historic, cultural, and recreational resources.

Back of the Dragon on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0GZ-pwMIDM

- Source: Internet image / not from PCA or captured during a PCA event

BURKES GARDEN

Residing at 3,000 feet, a world of lush green hills, mountainous overlooks and secret forests await you in Virginia’s very own Narnia. A picturesque valley framed by nature's majesty that has been dubbed "Vanderbilt's First Choice" and "God's Thumbprint." The route there was as interesting as the destination itself, with twisted roads that every driver dreams about. While there, we will make a visit to Burke's Garden General Store, which will make you feel like going back in time. The store, run by the Amish community, offered a variety of local items (CASH ONLY), and radiates a relaxing, community vibe. The front porch provides an ideal vantage point from which to take in the valley's views. Burkes Garden viewed from the sky looks like a valley on top of a mountain or an old volcano, but in truth it was an ancient seabed, limestone caverns underneath it collapsed making the bowl like structure. It has two roads in and out, an entire self-contained community.

Burkes Garden on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k07UpOLjyDc

Get ready for an epic day of driving, camaraderie, and stunning scenery!

RSVP List (updated with a delay):

Driver	Passenger	PCA Region
Alan Ragsdale	Joni Ragsdale	Wilderness Trail
Alex Tilson		Wilderness Trail
Amir Rudyan	Mindy Rudyan	Hurricane
Antonio Abriola	Rachele	Wilderness Trail
Bilal Lateef		Carolinas
Brian Johnson	Isabel Johnson	Shenandoah
Cesar Palacio	TBD	Three Rivers
Chauncey K Gregory		Carolinas
Christopher Mayfield	TBD	Carolinas
Colby Hurd		Wilderness Trail
Daniel Wells	TBD	Wilderness Trail
Daniel Wilcox	Elaine Wilcox	Wilderness Trail
Danny L Thomas		Carolinas
Dave Sample	Beth	Wilderness Trail
David Fagerburg		Wilderness Trail
David Kelly		Hurricane
David Steinman		Appalachian
David Thomas	Scarlette Thomas	Wilderness Trail
Fernando Moran		Hurricane
Frank Sauk		Hurricane
George Watson	Liz	Wilderness Trail
Gordon G		Carolinas
Houston Haynes		Wilderness Trail
James Benard	Tracy Benard	Wilderness Trail
James Pierce		Wilderness Trail
Jamie Parton	Rebekah Parton	Smoky Mountain
Jeffrey McKee		Wilderness Trail
Jeremy Stanley	Karla Stanley	Wilderness Trail
Jerry Sherrill	Dianne	Wilderness Trail
Jimmy Xoinis	Lucas	Carolinas
Keith Sluss	Tina Sluss	Wilderness Trail
Kevin Woodley	TBD	Palmetto
Kimberly Browder		Wilderness Trail
Leo Anderson		Wilderness Trail
Lewis Carroll		Hurricane
Lia Ayoob		Wilderness Trail
Linda Aidukas		Hurricane
Lisa Weill		Wilderness Trail
Luis Nina		Hurricane
Mark Jackson		Wilderness Trail
Michael Snoddy		Wilderness Trail
Parker Smith	Ross Smith	Wilderness Trail
Patrick Kirby	Aileen Kirby	Carolinas
Richard Lutz	TBD	Wilderness Trail
Rob Gordon		Peachstate
Robert Kaehler		Wilderness Trail
Ryan Elswick		Wilderness Trail
Scotty Branson	TBD	Wilderness Trail
Shrin Rajagopalan		Hurricane
Skip Weill		Wilderness Trail
Sung Bang		Carolinas
Todd shapiro		Carolinas

RSVP

Name *

Passenger

Phone *

Email *

If 'Other', what is your PCA Region? *

Meeting at *

Bristol, VA - 8:45 a.m.

Marion, VA - 10:15 a.m.

Describe the PORSCHE that you're planning to bring (Year, Model, Trim, Color, etc.) *

Just so we have a headcount for lunch, are you more inclined on eating Pizza buffet at the BOTD Welcome Center (faster service) or eating in one of the Downtown restaurants (slower service)? *

Pizza at the BOTD Welcome Center (WTR organizers will send them a headcount)

One of downtown's restaurants (no reservations will be made, but WTR organizers will send them a note)

Let us know what is your preferred driving pace (select each of them to read a detailed description of the pace) *

Cruising+ Pace

Touring Pace

Enthusiastic Pace

I am Not Sure

- CRUISING+: Ideal for those who prefer a mixed of relaxed & some closer to moderate-pace drive. Imagine a weekend drive with family, where you can fully enjoy the views and take in the beauty of the mountains at a comfortable pace. This pace is perfect for drivers of all skill levels who want to experience the outdoors in a laid-back, leisurely way. Cruising pace is recommended for those familiar with the guidance of Leo on previous WTR events.

- TOURING: For those who enjoy a balanced blend of relaxed and lively driving, the Touring Group offers a mix of both. Expect a moderate+ pace with stretches of more enthusiastic driving that can add a bit of excitement to the journey. Touring is for drivers looking for a moderately challenging experience on curvy roads while ensuring passengers stay comfortable and the focus remains on the scenic journey. Touring pace is recommended for those who've driven under the guidance of Jeremy Stanley or Christian Miller on previous events.

- ENTHUSIASTIC: Designed for experienced drivers who crave a faster, more brisky pace. This group allows participants to enjoy a brisk but safe drive, stretching their car’s legs on twisty routes and taking on the mountain roads with confidence. Enthusiastic Pace is recommended for those familiar with Wilderness Trail events, especially if you've driven with Group 1 under the guidance of Daniel Thompson, Josh Hayes or Ryan Elswick.

Notes to the organizer, if any (yes, we read them):

THE ROADS

RSVP List (updated with a delay):

RSVP

We recommend starting in a conservative group and moving up if comfortable. Many switch to a slower pace, so feel free to ask if you’d like to adjust your group during the weekend. We’re here to ensure you have the best experience!