OK a few of us have been tossing around the idea of making a run to the Dragon.. It would be a week long trip get there in 2 days or less, so it would be 500 mile days there and back. Spend 2 days riding the area then head home.
We could find a cabin to split the cost or camp etc.
So let me know if your interested in making a run next year.
Oh well I am so in !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Greg and I have been talking about this for a while I am SO ready we would have a free place to rest in Alabama LoL my dad is up in hazelgreen and we could RAID his house :lol: :lol: come on Spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Found this lots of good info and tips for the Dragon. http://www.dealsgap.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=7ff56612551f10cac0eac9d49b6a9a08&f=2
My wife and I made a run up to Honda Hoot this past June and did the Dragon twice..
If you go up, make sure you also do the Cherahala Skyway (The same area).. I actually enjoyed this more than the Dragon.. it is 40+ miles of long sweeping turns and great vista views. It goes from about 840 ft. to about 5400 feet in elevation across the 40+ miles. This is a GREAT ride!!!
Here is a shot of my wife and I at one of the vistas... As usual the picture does not reflect the true beauty of the landscape...
(http://i22.tinypic.com/2gtunuf.jpg)
I'm interested of course. Just depends on time of the year vs. my work schedule. After school gets out is bad for me since that's the time my clients want me to get started on their projects.
Depending on the dates, I would be ready as well. I'm pretty sure my brother would tag along behind us with his new v-max.. :cool: I stayed in Gatlinburg in summer of 2006 for a week with family, absolutely beautiful country.. :grin:
Well first we need to pick a date for those interested can make it. Balance that with the weather patterns of the area as well as the area activities.
This is going to be something that we cant wait till the last minute to make our arrangements and such. WE have to be committed early and move.
As previously mentioned its going to be a pace that will require 500 mile days to and fro. Wont take the interstates there and more than likely not coming home either. So plan on a 1000+ there and 1000+ back, with a good 500-600 while there.
Camping? Or Cabin/hotel?
For those uninitiated, like me, who did not know what was being talked about, here is a site with some video:
http://jeeps.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/03/tail_of_the_dragon.php
Looks like an awesome ride, but travel to and fro is a bit "beyond the butt" if you get my drift...
Cabin/hotel for me.
A whole week, huh? Why not Iron Butt it there and back, but if you go off highway I guess you would not be able to make the time..
There may be a way we could do that.
I am interested.
What would be our base city?
I am open to basecamp/hotel location just about anywhere in the area.
It would be easy if we could find a large Cabin to fit us in. I am open to Cabin or Camping.
Okay, I will be specific. Where is this place? I know it is about 500 miles east but what city is it near?
Thanks.
Ashville ,NC and Ironbutt could be done like I have said I would like to stop by my Dads he is in Hazelgreen, Alabama and we could get 6 hours there and make it the rest of the way in the 24hrs
Quote from: rjb/AKA Bob Barram on November 05, 2008, 08:29:42 PM
Okay, I will be specific. Where is this place? I know it is about 500 miles east but what city is it near?
Thanks.
Do a search for Deals Gap or Tail of the Dragon. I have read a lot about it from the 2-stroke guys (Kawasaki, Suzuki & Yamaha boards go together) who have a large get-together yearly but I have never attended.
Allen you will like this video, not a great vid but shows a bunch of strokers on the webpage below.
Look for;
A walkthrough of Deals Gap parking Lot. Lined with 2-strokers This site has a few photos and a map at the end.
http://pages.villagephotos.com/page.asp?page_id=3290
These guys have a great time there and I'm sure the ones that go will also. This will be a nice trip!
Allen you can click on these photo to enlarge, you might see some bikes you like. You will also see many being worked on, nature of the beast.
http://www.3cyl.com/dg508/
[attachment deleted by admin]
If it fits with my schedule in the Spring. I'll make a trip from Maryland solo to join MOOT in their trip on the dragon.
just another suggestion from my trip this year...
Plan on being on the dragon during the week. We hit Tuesday & Wednesday and there was no more than 2 Leo's (Police) and the number of bikes was acceptable.. I'm sure it would be a much crazier experience on the week-end..
One stategy is have one person run through and map out the distances from the start to where the Leo's are.. then cell phone the others from the other end.. Then everyone else can ride through knowing when to make sure you are at the correct speed...
I had a friend get caught at 55 and it was a 185 ticket
The speed limit is 35 on the Dragon...
I am curious of the 'Leo' tag as to where it comes from, usually it is my brothers cousin...
I believe it is Law Enforcement Officer
Quote from: rjb/AKA Bob Barram on November 05, 2008, 08:29:42 PM
Okay, I will be specific. Where is this place? I know it is about 500 miles east but what city is it near?
Thanks.
The Dragon runs from the NC/Tenn border to just past Calderwood, Tennessee
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Calderwood,+Tn&sll=35.487791,-83.943615&sspn=0.076316,0.131836&ie=UTF8&ll=35.491984,-83.952885&spn=0.079667,0.131836&z=13 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Calderwood,+Tn&sll=35.487791,-83.943615&sspn=0.076316,0.131836&ie=UTF8&ll=35.491984,-83.952885&spn=0.079667,0.131836&z=13)
Oh man..! I really need to think about this one....So much to get ready...
Quote from: trapper on November 08, 2008, 02:49:35 PM
Oh man..! I really need to think about this one....So much to get ready...
Where the heck have you been dude? :) :) :)
Quote from: Greg Cothern on November 03, 2008, 09:18:28 PM
So let me know if your interested in making a run next year.
definitely interested
For me its gonna depend on WHEN
I already have some blackout times next spring and summer due to work events
(May 18-30) (~ June 20 --> August 30)
So it'll be tough for me to hook into this but I'll sure try
Greg O- this happens all the time, you need to find a new job......LOL
Quote from: rjb/AKA Bob Barram on November 10, 2008, 02:01:50 PM
Greg O- this happens all the time, you need to find a new job......LOL
Yea I know it...but it does pay some of the bills
....when you work from contract to contract its always a chase
I just hope luck/fate/fortune falls in my direction this time and I get to go to a MOOT event next year....I'm way WAY over due :lol:
Quote from: Smoked U on November 09, 2008, 11:25:44 AM
Quote from: trapper on November 08, 2008, 02:49:35 PM
Oh man..! I really need to think about this one....So much to get ready...
Where the heck have you been dude? :) :) :)
I dunno....Did I go somewhere? lol Thanks for noticing, Dave. It's nice to be missed. I've been coaching football, working on projects, watching football, moving a couple of kids, going to football games, buying motorcycles, being a grandpa...just boring stuff...lol
Speaking of coaching football, I am doing the same with the NWA Youth Sports. I am coaching PeeWee football. My son plays on my team. We have 2 more games left, and I am ready for them to be over. :shock: They are fun to coach, but I feel like pulling my hair out after games or practices. :lol:
You still have hair???
I am coaching soccer and understand how you feel. After games, and when the parents come back to pick up the kids from practice (if they come at all) the parents all tell me how we "need more passing", need more teamwork. Ack! I just smile and say we are working on it or ask them if they can please help assist next practice to help me get that across. That one shuts the parents up most of the time. :) T
ruth be told the kids are probably SICK of hearing me yell 'pass' and 'look for your team mates'. LOL The things we do for our kiddos!
Yes Lawrence, a full head of hair. It started out with supposedly 2 coaches and 1 coach never showed up. So I volunteered. Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking at the time, but when we win it makes it all worth while. I've even had 1 dad come and give me a hug after a game. :shock: All because I let his son blitz from the defensive-end position.
Anubody been thinking of dates or the week we are going !!!!! Still ready to go would be cool to throw an Ironbutt in there!!!!
As I mentioned to you last weekend, Greg. The below link is for a 'motorcycle' oriented place to operate out of in the area.
http://www.ironhorsenc.com/ (http://www.ironhorsenc.com/)
They have all kinds of berthing facilities including a bunk house at $24.95 per bed per night. I like that option myself. But they have many options including camping. I have stayed at this place and it has undergone some improvements since I was last there, about two years ago. Tent rental is also available including sleeping bags and linens. Not too bad if you want to keep expense down and not pack everything along with you.
Alan, I checked and I think it is about 240 miles from your Dad's area.
I will consider joining you if it fits in with my retirement travels. <grin>
Looks like a decent place to stay Ray!
Far as a date, well still thinking on that...
Alright, looking at the weather charts :lol: shows Sept and Oct as the least rain months and temps averaging 80-54 & 71-42 respectfully. However I would think these would be busy times for the area with the color change..... Sure would be pretty though.
Next I would think late April or early May would be the slower time periods that are rideable. 69-40 & 76-49 respectfully.
What are the thoughts and suggestions of the folks whom are looking at going????
Quote from: Greg Cothern on November 23, 2008, 05:15:03 PM
Alright, looking at the weather charts :lol: shows Sept and Oct as the least rain months and temps averaging 80-54 & 71-42 respectfully. However I would think these would be busy times for the area with the color change..... Sure would be pretty though.
Next I would think late April or early May would be the slower time periods that are rideable. 69-40 & 76-49 respectfully.
What are the thoughts and suggestions of the folks whom are looking at going????
I'm a follower. You guys point, i'll follow. I've never been to these parts before nor have I ridden with MOOT. Not to mention, I'll def. be last on the dragon....NO SPEEDOMETER :).
Quote from: Greg Cothern on November 23, 2008, 05:15:03 PM
However I would think these would be busy times for the area with the color change..... Sure would be pretty though.
Color change also might mean leaves on the ground.. That could add challenge points to the ride!!! BTW there are few guard rails and some pretty steep drop offs...
Rather then worrying too much about busy times (I would watch out for organized rally's, etc), as I stated previously, I would shoot to be there in the middle of the week. I was there Tue / Wed and there was quite a few bikes there (Honda Hoot was going on) but on the road it was not too bad and there were few LEO's... I would avoid week-end if at all possible.
A few web site links for more info :
http://www.dealsgap.com/
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps.html
this prior link has great maps
and a very sobering listing of the "DRAGON MAP with location of deaths since 2000"
......as to be expected mostly sport bikes
Both time frames Greg C proposed look good from a weather standpoint and the Events calendar show equal number of stuff happening in Apr vs Sep and May vs Oct so any time would likely work well ; with maybe more available lodging openings further out...?
BTW a while back I bought a copy of the Ride Like a Pro on the Dragon DVD . It shows a really nasty off camber corner that has claimed many riders . I recommend a viewing prior to a run out .....its very informative on the route and some of the problem areas
Quote from: greg_o on November 24, 2008, 09:54:35 PM
BTW a while back I bought a copy of the Ride Like a Pro on the Dragon DVD . It shows a really nasty off camber corner that has claimed many riders . I recommend a viewing prior to a run out .....its very informative on the route and some of the problem areas
Maybe you can watch the video on your one nite stay over on the way up there..
Quote from: Greg Cothern on November 23, 2008, 05:15:03 PM
Alright, looking at the weather charts :lol: shows Sept and Oct as the least rain months and temps averaging 80-54 & 71-42 respectfully. However I would think these would be busy times for the area with the color change..... Sure would be pretty though.
Next I would think late April or early May would be the slower time periods that are rideable. 69-40 & 76-49 respectfully.
What are the thoughts and suggestions of the folks whom are looking at going????
Late spring is fine with me. I just don't want to get into June or later because my busy season cranks up at that time.
I also agree with Hoot that the middle of the week ride time on "the Dragon" would more than likely be the most opportune.
Greg O.: I want to borrow your video. I have the "Ride like a Pro IV", but would like to see "The Dragon" DVD.
Yeah my thoughts were to leave out on a weekend get there to ride during the week and back by the next weekend with some weekend left to recover some before going back to the daily grind.
throw out some dates :)
I am thinking of early May or late Sept......
I know we cant make it perfect for everyone, but those that are SERIOUSLY interested please speak up about these 2 time frames?
I am thinking Sept mainly with the color change but compeletly understand the increase of area tourists.
Quote from: Greg Cothern on December 02, 2008, 05:40:08 PM
I am thinking of early May or late Sept......
I am thinking Sept mainly with the color change but compeletly understand the increase of area tourists.
If $$$ gets better, I'd like to make the run (Meet up with you folks and spend some real time with you), but I can't "put up" now, so maybe I should "shut up"..
But for me early May would be better due to the "Rainy season" here in Florida.. Late Sept. I'd get soaked getting out of state.. I don't expect you to put any weight in my response, but that is my vote.
Quote from: Smoked U on November 27, 2008, 10:43:40 AM
Greg O.: I want to borrow your video. I have the "Ride like a Pro IV", but would like to see "The Dragon" DVD.[/color]
OK to borrow the dvd ....its pretty good
we gotta figure a time place to hand off
sounds like a ride excuse :lol:
Quote from: Greg Cothern on December 02, 2008, 05:40:08 PM
I am thinking of early May or late Sept......
I know we cant make it perfect for everyone, but those that are SERIOUSLY interested please speak up about these 2 time frames?
I am thinking Sept mainly with the color change but compeletly understand the increase of area tourists.
I can possibly make early MAY it depends. I'll def. try.
My trip to SC or Texas for the matter is like the Sons of Anarchy theme song...
"Riding through this world, all alone...."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNu4Pa0qzqg
lol
Greg,
As you may recall I moved to western NC in February (Forest City-about 50 miles SSE of Asheville). Late Sept is a little early for the color change. It peaks about mid to late Oct in the mountains. Weather would be great in Sep (could be pretty chilly in Oct). Be sure and check out the Cherohalla (sp?) Skyway, and of course, the Blue Ridge Parkway, if time permits. I will try to meet up with you all and am following this topic. My place would be out of your way, but you are welcome to stop here.
Dan
Quote from: DC Smith on December 03, 2008, 07:30:40 AM
Greg,
As you may recall I moved to western NC in February (Forest City-about 50 miles SSE of Asheville). Late Sept is a little early for the color change. It peaks about mid to late Oct in the mountains. Weather would be great in Sep (could be pretty chilly in Oct). Be sure and check out the Cherohalla (sp?) Skyway, and of course, the Blue Ridge Parkway, if time permits. I will try to meet up with you all and am following this topic. My place would be out of your way, but you are welcome to stop here.
Dan
Chilly in NC during Oct? :shock: I can't believe it.
In Maryland, two states up, it doesn't get chilly till November (and that's with days still in the 50-58 degree range for the high).
You are talking about a bunch of guys from Texas!! 50-58 is cold in Texas (lol). You will also be in the mountains, and i said COULD be chilly.
Dan
Quote from: DC Smith on December 03, 2008, 07:40:56 AM
You are talking about a bunch of guys from Texas!! 50-58 is cold in Texas (lol). You will also be in the mountains, and i said COULD be chilly.
Dan
haha, you're right...those wimps from Texas!
~ Hey, i hate the cold too. However, "too cold to ride" for me is below 20 degrees.
....I imagine after this post i'll be getting a lot of hate mail :P. I wonder why?
Quote from: greg_o on December 02, 2008, 10:21:29 PM
Quote from: Smoked U on November 27, 2008, 10:43:40 AM
Greg O.: I want to borrow your video. I have the "Ride like a Pro IV", but would like to see "The Dragon" DVD.[/color]
OK to borrow the dvd ....its pretty good
we gotta figure a time place to hand off
sounds like a ride excuse :lol:
Oh Yeah.
Quote from: MarylandMagnav45 on December 03, 2008, 09:46:51 AM
haha, you're right...those wimps from Texas!
~ Hey, i hate the cold too. However, "too cold to ride" for me is below 20 degrees.
....I imagine after this post i'll be getting a lot of hate mail :P. I wonder why?
If you decide to go during Dec/Jan, you can bring this bike along with you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8mtgYWXjCU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8mtgYWXjCU)
(http://i38.tinypic.com/2vu0b9i.jpg)
Here is a Dragon Video off of US Rider news
http://www.usridernews.com/multimedia/dragontamer.mov (http://www.usridernews.com/multimedia/dragontamer.mov)
This is probably a little late based on the posts for many of you, but I was thinking about going to another event in Va. That event is June 13th thru June 20th, SO, if your run was just before or after this time period it would work out great for me (IF I go) due to economics...
Speaking of Economics.. I found this very interesting...
Per http://www.hondahoot.com (http://www.hondahoot.com) "Honda Hoot 2009 Canceled Due to Economic Uncertainty"
This is also usually also in June.
Hootman, the MOOTMag #7 is during that time. I do believe the dragon run was planned for earlier in late spring time.
Quote from: hootmon on December 21, 2008, 11:02:14 AMI found this very interesting...
Per http://www.hondahoot.com (http://www.hondahoot.com) "Honda Hoot 2009 Canceled Due to Economic Uncertainty"
Hmmmm.....wonder if discontinuing Honda motorcycle assembly at the Marysville Ohio Honda plant was a factor in Hoot cancellation....not wanting to face a large and dis-satisfied customer base......
Quote from: greg_o on December 21, 2008, 04:31:33 PM
Hmmmm.....wonder if discontinuing Honda motorcycle assembly at the Marysville Ohio Honda plant was a factor in Hoot cancellation....not wanting to face a large and dis-satisfied customer base......
Either that or both moves are fueled by the same sort of "scaling back" we're seeing in other industries. God help us if we have to ramp up our manufacturing for a major conflagration like happened in '41. Our auto industry among others, along with the work ethic of that generation is what helped win that war. If we keep going the way we are the only thing America will be able to do is sue them or throw Big Macks at 'em.
*rant off*
Curtis
Right on Curtis. Who needs all that crap in the Constitution about the right to a jury trial? Do away with that and you get rid of all the lawyers. Our founding fathers were idiots.
I disagree with you on the Big Macs. Although I prefer Whataburger, a Big Mac or quarter pounder with cheese will do in a pinch. I'd never waste one by throwing it, even if I were aiming at that ambulance chasing lawyer in the mirror.
Attached pic is the Valk in front of the Llano County Courthouse (another senseless use of tax dollars)taken the day before Thanksgiving. Lowell Yoder and I made a lunch run to Coopers.
Just having a little fun.
Jeff Atkins
MOOT #21
[attachment deleted by admin]
So back to the tire tracks of this thread :lol: :lol:
I am leaning towards September time frame. I hope to be able to squeeze it in but have some other trips that take precedence and if I still have vacation time and money I will get it done this year. If not I will put it on the books for next year..
I am still game too just say the word !!!
With the addition of the Dark Lady (99 Valk) to our stables, Karen and I are up for the trip to the Dragon. I had considered doing it solo on the V-65, but now it will be the two of us. Our daughter is in Chattanooga so we have been planning a trip that way already. We like either of the dates but suspect the Sept will work best for us.
We'll see when the time gets closer. Len and I have been talking about a California trip, but we've all but decided to give it another year of planning and do it in 2010. I'm still trying to figure out if I can make MOOTMAG. And then someone up and mentions Colorado! I'm dyin' here!! :?
Curtis
I'm still planning on hooking into this ride in Sept.
That's the last contract month of the program I work on ...so it'll be ....interesting
will know more as time gets closer
Reviving this post.
I hope to get my back repaired and be able to do this run next late April..
Who's in?? Would be a 8 day venture, run out in no more than 2 days maybe 1. Spend a few days there wondering around rides the area has to offer. Then back, again no more than 2 days back.
Count me in !!! 8) 8) 8)
Yep...me too :smile:
barring unforeseen events.. I'm there.....
Would love to but april is a bad time for teachers, you buys have fun.
My neighbor just got back from doing it. He said the speed limit is 30 and when he did the run there where police after two or three curves. I believe it is something like 30 miles but I don't remember the length of the run. He said he had a blast.
It is 300 something curves in 11 miles and the cops are the least of your worrys the Truckers are there too and they take the whole turn :shock: :shock: so we will for sure watch out for them !!!
I had the 3 right just the zeros where wrong. LOL
300 curves not 30 miles.
Quote from: roboto65 on August 31, 2010, 12:26:24 AM
It is 300 something curves in 11 miles and the cops are the least of your worrys the Truckers are there too and they take the whole turn :shock: :shock: so we will for sure watch out for them !!!
Yep
Last year I was riding the Pig Trail in Arkansas with my brother and a friend.
I was leading in single file thru some tight twistys
We hit a 10 mph curve
I rounded the bend
and saw the WIDE EYES of the Trucker going too fast
as I rounded the cab
my brother scooted round the tractors rear wheels
as the left leading edge of the box swept round the curve
all the way to the gravel berm on our side
where Walt rode the hairy edge
between the box and the 30 foot drop into the trees
(no guard rail)
He cleared it ....just
coulda been real bad.......
Thank God it was alright....
Quote from: Greg Cothern on August 29, 2010, 02:41:44 PM
Reviving this post.
I hope to get my back repaired and be able to do this run next late April..
Who's in?? Would be a 8 day venture, run out in no more than 2 days maybe 1. Spend a few days there wondering around rides the area has to offer. Then back, again no more than 2 days back.
One note
Just spoke w my brother in the midwest...he frequents the Smokie area on vacations..anyway
he says April is the rainy season , and it can be very cool.....
This still on?
I hope to be able to pull this off.. YEP its still on... MIGHT not be April LoL. But looking to get it firmly posted on the books!
Lets start the ball rolling on getting things started up???!!!
Thinking about doing this after MOOTMag. My daughter is moving to Kentucky and will be living about 4 hours away from the dragon. Going to go visit her then hed down the dragon and back home.
I am still in as long as we watch the days so I can be off the boat so lets start working on when...
Quote from: Greg Cothern on February 14, 2011, 07:38:54 PM
I hope to be able to pull this off.. YEP its still on... MIGHT not be April LoL. But looking to get it firmly posted on the books!
Lets start the ball rolling on getting things started up???!!!
(decloaking) Ok so any ideas on what time/date of year you are considering ?
I'm planning my coast to coast trip in late may through June. I could try to coordinate it so I meet you guys there then ride down to texas . (Coming from NY)