Topic: The Tail of the Dragon

[No H2O]

The last time I drove the Alps I did some of the roads around Grenoble like Col du Rousset and some of the roads outside La Mure.

I am sure there are a crapload of crazy roads in other parts of the Alps. Just my opinion.

I toured a bit east of Grenoble closer to the Italian border. Sure enough, a bit more relaxed compared to the Dolomites in Northern Italy.

I did the run over the Grand & Petit St. Bernard, then over the Col de l'Iseran, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier, Col d'Izoard, Col de Vars, Col de la Bonette towards Nice. They're all great roads with some sections better than others, but they're not nearly as exciting as the ones in Northern Italy or Corsica (just watch a WRC race).

The Col du Galibier is more relaxing to drive...


Compared to the Splügen Pass in Italy...




I just like to be able to take in the views while driving as well.

[Blue01]

 

I cannot fathom any "enthusiast" who would not be impressed by the Dragon...
I've driven some of the best roads in the Alps. As good as those roads were, Deal's Gap is different, and in many ways much more of a technical challenge.
You have to drive it to believe it I guess. Those videos show nothing of the intricacies involved in driving at a "sporting" speed. Off-camber turns, on-camber turns, compressions right before a switch-back, etc...

And the biggest problem on the Gap are the camper vans and trucks that cannot make the turns, and even worse are the "cruisers/Harleys/Goldwings"  motorcycles that can't make the turns without going into the other lanes or dragging their pegs at anything over 40km/h...

The Gap is not intended to be a "scenic" drive.  It definitly is technical.
And as for m/c's that are slowing you down, check out this video.  Yeah, they're dragging their pegs alright, but sure not holding anyone back.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo

[daft]

That's awesome! (Must of removed the pegs!)

And ironic too!
Two years ago, I watched a yellow goldwing grab a peg, tank slap, and slide into a Miata...

[rrocket]

I've been to Deal's Gap several times...but never in a car.  Always on a bike....I stopped going several years back as it became just too busy..(and dangerous at times)..

[dorin]

Since when is crossing a double yellow line legal in Ont as I have never seen it allowed anywhere unless the vehicle has no choice because of the size of it which then is somewhat understandable. I suspect most OPP in Ont or even the City Police would allow for something like that as it can't be helped. Common sence has to be used to give a ticket as the judge would probably throw it out otherwise.

AFAIK in Ontario the center yellow lines are advisory (i.e. suggestions) just like all the yellow signs.  There is nothing in the HTA stating that you are forbidden from crossing those lines.  Now, if you pass someone on a double yellow then the police can charge you with failing to yield to oncoming traffic (assuming there is any) or dangerous driving, but there is no passing on a double yellow line offense.

Fuzzy, care to elucidate further?

[visavis]

my driving instructor used to say about the double yellow, "it's just paint". meaning, it's a suggestion. if you can make the pass safely in a double yellow area, then more power to you (or your car).

i've been to the gap several times too. as posted earlier, you have to drive it to appreciate it. no amount of video can do it justice. and yes, that stretch of hwy has become a victim of its own popularity. i've gone on the miata weekends and every year it just keeps getting more and more crowded. last time i was there (two years ago) i couldn't get a single run done without encountering slow traffic. most minivans/SUVs/pickups are nice enough to move over for you but it's the cruiser bikes that hold everything up. why you'd want to drive this road on a cruiser (with your SO hanging on for dear life out back) makes no sense to me.

crossing the double yellow on a road like the gap is a big no-no. since some of the corners are blind you can easily clip an oncoming car (or bike) all just to 'cut the corner'. if you have to cross the yellow around a corner, you're probably going too fast for your car and/or level of driving.

[The Fuzz]

AFAIK in Ontario the center yellow lines are advisory (i.e. suggestions) just like all the yellow signs.  There is nothing in the HTA stating that you are forbidden from crossing those lines.  Now, if you pass someone on a double yellow then the police can charge you with failing to yield to oncoming traffic (assuming there is any) or dangerous driving, but there is no passing on a double yellow line offense.

Fuzzy, care to elucidate further?

You are more or less correct. Your possible charges are a little out of whack but you got your point across. Yellow lines are suggestions....And double yellows are even stronger suggestions. You'll generally find double yellows that correspond to this section of the HTA...

Driving to left of centre prohibited under certain conditions

149.  (1)  No vehicle shall be driven or operated to the left of the centre of a roadway designed for one or more lines of traffic in each direction,

(a) when approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the roadway or within 30 metres of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel where the driver’s view is obstructed within that distance so as to create a potential hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction; or

(b) when approaching within 30 metres of a level railway crossing. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 149 (1).

I'm done elucidating now...I feel much better.

[No H2O]

Crossing the double yellow on a road like the gap is a big no-no....all just to 'cut the corner'.

I could never figure out why anybody would go so far to drive/ride a twisty road and then try to straighten the road out by cutting the corners. I mean if you want to do it in the minimum amount of time, fine, but thats taking the twistiness out of it. Might as well find a straight road and just pin the throttle. 

I see the same thing happening in Europe. Now for the cars to do it, I can fully understand. They live there, they want to get home ASAP and they want to save their tires and brakes. But the visiting motorcyclists do it after coming from a neighbouring country. Go figure. Its unfortunate I don't have a video or pics of the SS46 between Rovereto and Pian della Fugazze because it would make the gap look tame/lame. I don't cut my corners. I guess thats why my front and rear tires are evenly worn from edge to edge.