More information for those who are coming to the Rally.

Agencies ready for influx of motorcycles
2006-06-02
by Anna C. Irwin
of The Daily Times Staff

Area law enforcement agencies are ready for heavier than usual traffic this weekend as motorcycles from across the country roll into Blount County for the second annual Wakin the Dragon Rally.

Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said motorcyclists are welcome in the community and his agency's goal is to keep them safe by enforcing traffic laws.

``We want everyone to enjoy themselves, and that's means having a safe weekend,' Berrong said.

Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. Danny Thomas said his troopers will work with Blount County Sheriff's deputies in the area of U.S. 129 throughout the weekend to ensure the safety of visitors as well as local residents.

THP troopers on motorcycles will follow the mass ride planned Saturday morning to take care of possible traffic problems. North Carolina Highway Patrol and Graham County, N.C., sheriff's deputies are expected to pick up the long line of motorcycles at the state line and assist them during that part of their looping tour of the area. Thomas said a THP trooper working on the Cherohala Skyway will assist the riders again once they come back into Tennessee in Monroe County.

Both Maryville and Alcoa police departments are also prepared for an increase in traffic. Maryville Police Capt. Greg Cooke said extra patrol officers will be on duty during the weekend to make sure all motorists keep safety in mind as they drive.

Earlier this week, rally organizer Jody Montgomery predicted that 5,000 to 7,000 motorcyclists will pass through the county this weekend. Most of them will stop by Wakin the Dragon Rally headquarters at Punkin Center Motorcycle Resort on Old Railroad Bed Road just off U.S. 129. Many of them will also ride the Dragon's 11.2 miles with 318 curves as well as the scenic Foothills Parkway. They will also visit other area attractions and shop at many area businesses.

Montgomery said he expects up to 1,500 motorcycles to participate in the group ride leaving Punkin Center at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Both Rural/Metro Ambulance Service and Blount County Volunteer Rescue Squad are prepared for the possibility of accidents but hopeful there will be none.

Rescue Squad Capt. Joe Rogers Jr. said the squad will be on standby at squad headquarters on Lincoln Road and at Punkin Center Motorcycle Resort. Rogers said Rescue 1 will be manned from the squad building and Rescue 2, a vehicle rescue truck also equipped for technical rescue with a four-member crew, will operate from Punkin Center. He said crew members are certified as first responders or a higher level of training.

``At Punkin Center, we'll be in a location where we can respond quickly to medical emergencies of all kinds at the campground and throughout that part of the county. We were asked by the event organizers to provide this support service,' Rogers said.

Rob Webb of Rural/Metro Ambulance Service said he will have ambulances and crews stationed in Walland and Greenback during the weekend.

``We can get to the Dragon area from Walland on Foothills Parkway and from Greenback on Highway 72. That will allow us to respond quickly to the Dragon as well as to the Walland and Greenback areas,' Webb said.

Webb and Rogers agreed they hope their emergency medical services are not needed during the weekend but are ready in case they are.

 

Took the walk thru the Dragon last year. Spent the night at Kickstand Lodge (www.kickstandlodge.com). Fred & Mo have a clean place and are great hosts