I'm planning to do the Dragon/Cherohala/other routes in a couple of weeks. At present, I have about 6 other guys that are also in for the ride. Also, at present, I am recommending staying in Maryville (likely Punkin Center), going in on Thursday, doing the routes on Friday, and returning on Saturday. We're about 3.5 hours out from that area, so we could make it in one day, but I'm also suggesting indulging in adult beverages on the night of arrival and Friday night, so it's likely not a good thing to attempt to return under those conditions.

There are no sport bikes in the group - we're all touring types, though only two of us ride Harley's, but I'm okay with that, and they are okay with us Harley types. Anyways, that's not the purpose of the post.

I'm soliciting suggestions/recommendations/opinions/half-truths and other unsubstantiated innuendo on the area. We know it will be busy with riders and we are all fairly experienced though I have not ridden with everyone of these guys (I tend to gravitate to other Harley riders - I'm probably an unrequited bigot and just don't know it, but they at least drink beer, so some level of forgiveness is available). I'm doing most of the planning at this stage, so I guess I'm the unofficial Ride Captain or whatever the position may be called (No women will be on this trip so I won't have to worry about marrying anyone, will I?!?!). It's a reasonably short trip so I have told everyone they are responsible for their "stuff" though I expect us to all ride to the area together and return together, and I hope everyone accepts the accommodations I'm suggesting, though there not an official requirement to accept. At least not yet.

They are all up to par on the legal aspects - insurance, licenses, endorsements; have plenty of dinero, and permission from their wives (or should that be wifes' - I don't think any of them are Mormon); and all are physically capable of the ride, though a couple of us do have lower back issues and I often wonder about my poor attitude and posture.

So, if you have something to contribute, however inane or banal, please do. If you don't have anything to contribute, please don't. We're gonna go anyways.

Thanks...

 

Have never been on any of those routes, but there is no way I'm not responding to a post that includes the words "inane or banal" and "unsubstantiated innuendo".

Strong work sir.

Your verbiage is both magniloquent and grandiose.

 

Great riding, remember don't ride faster then your ANGEL can FLY............ I have rode it three times..

 

The wife and I did that trip 3yrs ago,it was awsome. We stayed at a little place for bikes only called the Telico Motor Inn right outside os Telico. We had a blast even when we were not riding. Like has already been said,watch out for Semi's taking Deals Gap as a shortcut. There were 4 spills the day we rode it,and one was a Heritage,he took a curve to fast while it was still early. He went off right where a pull off was on a curve and no one found him till about 5hrs. later. He had rolled down the hill and even though he was wearing a helmit,he rolled into a tree and snapped his neck. They were pulling him out while we were stopped at the pull off. Hell,the bike was not even messed up very bad,they said he wasn't really going fast,he just happen to fall a short way the wrong way and underneath his bike against the tree. That was enought. Be careful,but man have a blast. We did. I think we are going to the Outer Banks this year.

 

use the search buton and you will find hours o reading about the trip

 

For good information on the area, go to www.tailofthedragon.com , lots of good information.

 

There are a lot of dry counties in that area...If you plan on having "adult beverages" and you're going to be staying in a dry county you may have to bring your own or go to the nearest county that serves.

 

long answer made short.....
If you're there on a week end, you may encounter groups of "boy-racer" types.. on all manner of motorcycles. be mindful of other riders who may have m,ore skills, or just perhaps less sense.... if another rider comes flying up to you... let them go on....
Be careful of oncoming traffic (of all sorts) crossing the centerline, and invading YOUR space
In the past... Blount county TN, has had patrol cars with radar, and they have given a few tickets...

Ride within your skills, and be respectful of others.. and you will join the millions of us who have "been there, done that"
The "dragon", is a typical road in the area... it simply has a nice little "cottage industry" centered about it

 

Search is your friend...
Great Area of our Beautiful country....Enjoy...
Happy Trails...........o~`o.....................

 

We spent 4th of July up there last year. At the "end" of the Cherahola Skyway was a pretty nice food court kinda place. About half done when we were there -a good break spot.
Deals Gap is the other place to stop / start. Lots of good reading on the internet.
The Dragon is The Dragon. BEWARE of the TN troopers - they have a couple of spots to catch you. At Deals Gap - be sure to review the "Tree of Shame". Its a good reality check.