Tail of the dragon(TN/NC)

[exit90a]

Is anyone planning a trip to the Dragon this year? I'm about 4 hours north in KY and usually make a couple trips a year. Can't wait to get this 1000RR through as it handles so much better than my 99' R1. If any of you have wanted to go and just never made it for whatever reason, plan a trip. You will not regret it.

[DavesRepsol]

It is about 4 hours to the dragon for me, We had a group go last year and we loved it, Let me know when you are planning your trip and maybe we can hook up.

[Radical Rich]

I've been wanting to go. I'm 3-4 hrs also. Would like to go with some people who have been before. That now the area places to stay eat etc.

[TX Repsol]

There have been discussions about a possible group ride at the Dragon. Do a search and you'll find a thread or two on the topic.

I will ride the Dragon at least once in my life. Would be cool if it were with some of my Repsol brothers... and sisters.

[Radical Rich]

As they say, just do it TX. It would be fun running with a bunch of Repsolians.:)

[jet2233]

Heres my friends myspace she lives there so holla at her and she might ride out with you. Im only an hour from there so I might ride with you all.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=54315389

[Repsoul]

Some of my boyz go every spring and fall. They all recommend going during the week in order to avoid the assclowns and the popo. I'm only about 5-6 hours from there myself. Planning a trip out there sounds friggin' awesome. I haven't gone yet but I am going before I transfer out of here!! :D

So, enough wondering when were going to do this, who's available for a trip this year and when do we want to do this?? :confused2:;)

[Hondaman69]

Heres my friends myspace she lives there so holla at her and she might ride out with you. Im only an hour from there so I might ride with you all.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=54315389

Is that her in the picture leaning over that bike?:eek:
If so it looks like she knows how to ride a bike pretty good.:D

[serche]

whats the dragon ?
:confused:

[Repsoul]

whats the dragon ?
:confused:

Sergio my friend we need to get you out of Chicago!! I'll simply say this.......317 turns in 11 miles through God's country. Check it out man.

http://www.dealsgap.com/index.html

[exit90a]

US 129 near the Tennessee/ North Carolina boarder. A continous set of tight switchbacks that go on for 11 miles. More fun than your first time:evilgrin:(NOT)!! My avatar picture was taken on the dragon.
http://tailofthedragon.com/

[tnine]

Im in Indiana...so I'm up for going.

[Hondaman69]

Let us know when you plan on doing this. If I have my bike at that time I will surely go.

[exit90a]

Let us know when you plan on doing this. If I have my bike at that time I will surely go.
All the way from Honolulu, HI?:confused2: Cool. I am going sometime in September for sure. Either before or after the GP in Indy. If something comes up sooner I'll let ya know.

[Hondaman69]

All the way from Honolulu, HI?:confused2: Cool. I am going sometime in September for sure. Either before or after the GP in Indy. If something comes up sooner I'll let ya know.

No. I will be transfering to Tampa Florida in May and I will be getting my bike then also, so if you do it after I get my bike then I am interested.

[serche]

at what speed do u guys go ?

[Repsol47]

I think most of the guys here run about the speed of the attached pic.:p

[exit90a]

Speeds there depend on alot of factors such as your expirence(duh), traffic density and popo presence. Get stuck behind several slow riders and you may not get over 45mph. Cops are hit and miss but, if they are out they will be looking to give tickets. It's more about finding a speed that suits you(see Tree of Shame!!:eek:) and honing your skills. Just keep in mind that it is a public road and not the track. Rule #1 is stay in your lane at all times. If everyone is following rule #1, all is well. Also, local photo teams shoot pics several hours a day and post them to their web sites so you can buy your piece of the action!!! How cool is that?
http://www.killboy.com/destiny.html
http://dragonslayerphotos.com/

[Hondaman69]

Speeds there depend on alot of factors such as your expirence(duh), traffic density and popo presence. Get stuck behind several slow riders and you may not get over 45mph. Cops are hit and miss but, if they are out they will be looking to give tickets. It's more about finding a speed that suits you(see Tree of Shame!!:eek:) and honing your skills. Just keep in mind that it is a public road and not the track. Rule #1 is stay in your lane at all times. If everyone is following rule #1, all is well. Also, local photo teams shoot pics several hours a day and post them to their web sites so you can buy your piece of the action!!! How cool is that?
http://www.killboy.com/destiny.html
http://dragonslayerphotos.com/


yah if I am there you might not want to get behind me because I will be taking it easy considering I will have just gotten my bike. that is so cool that you can buy the pics of you going thru the turns.:D:D

[exit90a]

In reference to the September time frame, before or after the Indy GP. Is any one going to the GP and interested in doing a Dragon ride in conjunction with that trip? We could do the ride before or after the race weekend, depending on what works for the majority. If you are coming from the south, the Dragon will be on your way. Just a suggestion for those who are not within a few hours of TN/NC. Hope to see you there.:nana:

[DarkStarsRepsol]

I just got back from The Dragon 129. I only made 2 runs on the Dragon, but spent another 3 days riding on just about every surrounding road in the area. Great riding up in them Smokie Mountains.......Cherahola is a must do as well as Rt. 28 upper and lower ends. Too many great roads to keep track.

[davedude]

I am only about 3 to 4 hours to the dragon. Some of my photos I posted on here were taken while I was riding the dragon. If you guys want a F3 "Fakesol" riding with you let me know. I love riding the dragon..alot! Its my favorite set of twistes! :dblthumbsup::D I am also planing on going to MotoGP in Indy to watch Hayden do his stuff!

[Repsoul]

O.K. boyz and girlz, let's stop talking about doing a trip and actually do one!!

I haven't been and want to go this year. September is a great time to go. So, I vote on September. Also during the week will help avoid the jackasses that avoid rule #1.

I vote for the week after Labor Day weekend. Most people will be returning from vacation, not going to it. ;)

So who's down and who's going to help me plan this thing?? The week of September 9-12? Arrive on the 8th, ride 9,10,11, and scoot out on the 12th. Sounds like a plan to me. Then those going to Indy can be there for the race on the 14.

The call goes out..........Repsolites, UNITE!!! :flag:

[DavesRepsol]

O.K. boyz and girlz, let's stop talking about doing a trip and actually do one!!

I haven't been and want to go this year. September is a great time to go. So, I vote on September. Also during the week will help avoid the jackasses that avoid rule #1.

I vote for the week after Labor Day weekend. Most people will be returning from vacation, not going to it. ;)

So who's down and who's going to help me plan this thing?? The week of September 9-12? Arrive on the 8th, ride 9,10,11, and scoot out on the 12th. Sounds like a plan to me. Then those going to Indy can be there for the race on the 14.

The call goes out..........Repsolites, UNITE!!! :flag:

Sounds Good to me, Count me in. Dave, Jacobs Dad, Donna and I al live fairly close to one another so we could plan on making the trip together.

[OLDZMAN]

I think most of the guys here run about the speed of the attached pic.:p

This would be me for sure:D I stay all the way to the right side so those crazy bastards can go under me. Man my ass was clinched so tight a flea could'nt get through:D I ran around 45 and my fore arms looked like popeyes on the other side. HE, HE, But If you guys go I will be there for sure im in 100% I will bring up the rear boyz I know my limits:D

[TX Repsol]

I'm in!

If anyone from Texas (or surrounding area) wants to carpool, holler at me. I'll be driving a brand new '09 SuperDuty (crewcab) and can haul three bikes on the trailer and one or two in the bed if needed. Or I might borrow squidracer's trailer and fit 4 bikes on his trailer.

I don't think I can afford the trip if I'm driving the entire distance solo... diesel is ridiculous right now.

[Radical Rich]

Good chance Im in. Im 3 hrs away. Almost went this past weekend wold have been great weather but I figured it would be to busy.

[Hondaman69]

where exactly will this be at because I would be interested, but just need to see what my schedule will be like when I check into my new command.:D

[Radical Rich]

Google tail of the dragon. Tons of info. The people that went this weekend stayed in maggie vally. Rented a big house that sleeps 12.

[Teamzigen]

California in the Bay Area have I9-(Backside, Frontside) to Pescadero to I84. Mines Rd in Livermore to Patterson to Del Puerto. Mt. Hamilton, Calaveras, Lake Berryessa, etc,etc. Too many rides down here!!!

[Thomkat]

I'm in Jason. I'd probably meet you out there. My wife gets free rooms at Cherokee so I'd probably stay there and ride down to the Dragon from there.

[Radical Rich]

Tom and jason keep in touch about a quick trip up and back. Im in Charlotte. Do a warm up trip for a day or two?

[browningbuck]

i have been telling myself for the past 3 years i was going to pull the 1900 miles and spend a few days playing out there...there are TONS of roads on google map that look like fun out there...(if the popo is in deals gap ...seems like there are TONS of others you could hit)

GOD I WANNT TO GO!!!(but with gas prices the way they are you think i could get a grey houndticket and fit the bike under the bus???)

[Repsoul]

BUMP!!:D

I still need someone who's been to the Dragon to help me plan the trip.
You know; places to stay,eat,other routes available etc........

[FirebladeRR]

This would be a kick ass place for a "Repsol Reunion"

ya think?

[Repsoul]

This would be a kick ass place for a "Repsol Reunion"

ya think?

So Normy you in or not?? I've started a list.....:D

[exit90a]

I sort of semi-kinda had plans with my brother and dad to go the Monday after the GP (15th), but if it's the 8th that should work also. I just went down for the day on Friday (500+ miles) and had a blast. What do you have in mind as far as planning is concerned Repsoul? The websites are a great guide for roads to ride and places to stay. The dragon itself is kinda isolated so if you want cell phone coverage, among other things, you may look at staying in Robbinsville, NC. Here are the sites by the way.:D
http://dealsgap.com/
http://tailofthedragon.com/

[Repsoul]

Thanks Josh for the info, I've been researching the sites and joined the Tail of the Dragon forum to get more info. One thing I found was that they are remodeling the rooms there at the Inn and working on the store as well for the upcoming 08 season.

I think what I would need to know first off is are we planning on all staying at the same hotel to get a group rate or are we leaving accommodation's up to the individuals and simply meeting at a specific place each day to begin the rides? What are some of the better places to stay? I've seen the list and there are plenty to choose from.

Also, I as many of us other Dragon "noobs" would like to do the Tail at least once. I know most of the regulars know of some other great places to go ride besides Rt. 129.

My main goal is obviously for us all to get together, avoid the tree of shame, and have kick ass time. So a regular who knows the area that can act as a tour guide would also prove beneficial.

Any other ideas boyz & girlz?? :confused2:

(P.S. found this photo on the Dragon's website ;))

[Diamond Charlie]

I'm in California but I've seen vids on "youtube" looks like an amazing ride!

[Radical Rich]

Just wish it wasn't the same week as the gp. Going up for a few days then get back and head to Indy? Im not sure what to do yet. Dragon is always there Gp once a year.:confused2:

[Mr.Goodwrench]

I went to the nascar all star race the other week and we drove about 20 miles north of it....I badly wanted to take a detour through the area; but I decided it would be a lot more fun on the bike instead of in a car. Maybe one of these days soon i'll get back down there.

[Thomkat]

I have next week off from work, I plan on going up one day in the week, depends on the weather. If I get some pics, I'll post them up.

[exit90a]

Got some pics from my day trip to the Dragon. Had an absolute blast. I tried to upload the pics but I guess they were too big? What is the status of the September trip, repsoul?

[TX Repsol]

Had an absolute blast. I tried to upload the pics but I guess they were too big?

Problem's Uploading Images? (http://www.repsolforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1246&referrerid=138)

Download the Image Resizer PowerToy - it's a painfully simple right-click tool that lets you select a group of images and resize them in one step.

[exit90a]

Ok, I think I got it.

[exit90a]

And these....... The original photos were huge and great quality. They were from zeefoto.com, by the way.

[Repsoul]

Very freakin' cool Josh. :dblthumbsup:

As for the trip, I have the following guys/gals who said they wanted to go.

Exit90a
DavesRepsol
Jacobs Dad
Donna
Oldzman
TX Repsol
Radical Rich
Thomkat
Tonysbrute
Hopefully Mean Machine as well

and I have a couple of boyz here that want to go. So, again I need to know if it's everyone for themselves or am I going to need to try and find a place where we can all meet etc.? I've been looking around the area, but where are some good places to stay? Someplace we can meet for a discounted rate? Just not sure what everyone wants to do........:confused2:

[TX Repsol]

So, again I need to know if it's everyone for themselves or am I going to need to try and find a place where we can all meet etc.? I've been looking around the area, but where are some good places to stay? Someplace we can meet for a discounted rate? Just not sure what everyone wants to do........:confused2:

When we take our annual trips to Arkansas, we rent two bedroom cabins that sleep 5-8. Larger cabins are available for larger groups, but we usually just get two small cabins.

It would be really cool if there was something like that so we could all stay in the same place.

I might have one or two guys with me as well...

Having planned many road trips, you're going to find that 75% of the people "interested" will not attend. The tricky part is that most places require a deposit for a reservation. It's hard to know how many to plan around until a week or two before the trip. That's when everyone that was wishy-washy tells you they can't go because they couldn't get time off work, don't have the funds, or whatever.

[Repsoul]

When we take our annual trips to Arkansas, we rent two bedroom cabins that sleep 5-8. Larger cabins are available for larger groups, but we usually just get two small cabins.

It would be really cool if there was something like that so we could all stay in the same place.

I might have one or two guys with me as well...

Having planned many road trips, you're going to find that 75% of the people "interested" will not attend. The tricky part is that most places require a deposit for a reservation. It's hard to know how many to plan around until a week or two before the trip. That's when everyone that was wishy-washy tells you they can't go because they couldn't get time off work, don't have the funds, or whatever.

Ah yes, true so true. So, what would be nice is if we can find something like that. Or at least rent out the Dragon's motel. They just renovated and their supposed to be nice. Josh, any help here bro on a cabin or where to stay so we can make some reservations?

[exit90a]

I have planned 3 trips there in the past and honestly, it can be a hard thing to organize. If you plan to reserve a place(cabin) or rooms, you may need a deposit . Some places have 3 night minimum stays as well, so you kinda need commitment early, cause anything near the dragon fills up early. I have stayed at the dragon inn once and in Robbinsville, NC after that. The problem with staying close is that you are in the middle of nowhere. Once the dragon store/grill closes you are on your own. Also, there are no phones and cell phones don't work. Robbinsville is only 15-20 mins away and its a good road to ride in itself. It's only a small town, but stuff stays open past dark. Something else to keep in mind is there is no place to get drinks(alcohol) south of Maryville, TN. If you think you will want some, take it with you. Now that I got that out of the way, I am 95% committed at the present time. My brother and dad may come as well. I guess the first thing to do would be a poll of where people want to stay and go from there. I always liked the look of these places if you have a big group... http://www.thetreetops.com/ The Ridge is the only one of the 3 properties that is not reserved already. It can sleep 7, has 2 bathrooms and is $205 a day. Not bad split a few ways. However, let me say that I have never seen the place in person, just the website. Quality is not guaranteed by me!!! Anyway, just my 2 cents.

[DavesRepsol]

I have planned 3 trips there in the past and honestly, it can be a hard thing to organize. If you plan to reserve a place(cabin) or rooms, you may need a deposit . Some places have 3 night minimum stays as well, so you kinda need commitment early, cause anything near the dragon fills up early. I have stayed at the dragon inn once and in Robbinsville, NC after that. The problem with staying close is that you are in the middle of nowhere. Once the dragon store/grill closes you are on your own. Also, there are no phones and cell phones don't work. Robbinsville is only 15-20 mins away and its a good road to ride in itself. It's only a small town, but stuff stays open past dark. Something else to keep in mind is there is no place to get drinks(alcohol) south of Maryville, TN. If you think you will want some, take it with you. Now that I got that out of the way, I am 95% committed at the present time. My brother and dad may come as well. I guess the first thing to do would be a poll of where people want to stay and go from there. I always liked the look of these places if you have a big group... http://www.thetreetops.com/ The Ridge is the only one of the 3 properties that is not reserved already. It can sleep 7, has 2 bathrooms and is $205 a day. Not bad split a few ways. However, let me say that I have never seen the place in person, just the website. Quality is not guaranteed by me!!! Anyway, just my 2 cents.

Not bad at all split by 6 or 7.

[Thomkat]

I think that I already let you know, but I'll put it in again. I plan on making it but I will be staying at Harrah's and meeting you peeps down there.

Also, I'm planning to go out Wed. morning, I hope to be there by 10:30 or so, if anyone is interested, either riding out with, or meeting me there.

[exit90a]

A few pics I took at Deals Gap.....

[Repsoul]

We've been looking at places to stay. I'm going to see what the military has to offer. They have a vacation resorts program, so I'll post up what I find. A bunch of the guys here go twice a year so got some good info. ;)

[Hondaman69]

Ill be there next year jason for sure.

[exit90a]

Any updates on the trip planning? Here is a link to a site with lots of videos and Dragon info to keep everyone interested. Enjoy!!!
http://dealsgapdragon.com/

[Repsoul]

All righty then boyz and girlz!!

It's getting close to heading out to the Gap. I know some of you have plans to go to the Indy Moto GP race, so if you can't make it we'll try again next year.

The week of Sept 15-19 is when my guys are going. A bunch of the guys from HomelandSportbikes.com and guys I work with are heading that direction for the week. One of my boyz g-parents has a small cottage in Bryson City which is about 30-40 miles from the Gap. (Good warm-up ;))

So, that's where we'll be staying. With that, who is still planning on going to the Gap?? :confused2:

[AWD_ENVY]

Im in Indiana...so I'm up for going.

If you go yet this year, let me know. We could probably trailer together if you want.

[Repsoul]

O.K., let's get some names together!! :D

[exit90a]

I am in for sure and pretty flexible week by week as far as Monday-Wednesday is concerned.

[Repsoul]

SWEET!! When we get closer to September Josh I'll shoot you a PM with my cell# so we can throw a plan together to meet up.

Who else wants to roll!! C'mon, the WEST SIDE members just meet up so now it's time for the EAST SIDE members to meet up!! Let's do this!! :D:D

[TX Repsol]

Who else wants to roll!! C'mon, the WEST SIDE members just meet up so now it's time for the EAST SIDE members to meet up!! Let's do this!! :D:D

I'm split right down the middle of the East/West line - hopefully I'll be able to join you guys. I just spent a small fortune on the California trip, bought a boat the weekend before the Cali trip, and am buying a truck in October.

But I've always wanted to ride the Gap... fingers crossed!

[Repsoul]

I'm split right down the middle of the East/West line - hopefully I'll be able to join you guys. I just spent a small fortune on the California trip, bought a boat the weekend before the Cali trip, and am buying a truck in October.

But I've always wanted to ride the Gap... fingers crossed!

Well, well, it looks like someone went on a bit of a spending spree eh?? :p

Hope you can make it brotha' man. It doesn't matter what side your from (I'm originally WEST SIIIIIIIIIIDE anyway ;)). Just hoping to meet some of the Forum family and do some kick ass riding!! So, come one come all and let us tame the Dragon!! :D:D

[exit90a]

So, do we have a head count. Who's in and who's out? My girl is gonna come if she can get off work. She has been before, not so much into riding, so she spends time in Gatlinburg shopping while I ride. Anyone else bringing their better half?:confused2: Just over a month now!!:D

[LosPer]

Crap. I'm out. MotoGP. Must do next year. :(

[exit90a]

The trip seems to have lost it's momentum with folks. Too close to the GP race and recent bad publicity for the Dragon I imagine. I'll be there anyway so hope to see a few you.