Tailofthedragon.com Newsletter
In this issue...
Road Conditions Update
Aug & Sept Specials
Devils Triangle Update
Featured Sponsor

Tail of the Dragon Vacation Rentals, Robbinsville NC
TailoftheDragonRentals.com
3 secluded homes just 1 mile from the Cherohala Skyway and 18 miles from the Dragon.  Wi-Fi, Hot tubs and garages at each house.
Abby Inn, Maggie Valley
Abbey Inn Motel
Motorcycle friendly motel in Maggie Valley, NC. Open April-Oct.

Blue Waters Mountain Lodge, Robbinsville NC
BlueWatersMTNL.com
On Lake Santeetlah, biker friendly. Just off US129, near Dragon. 

Country Hearth Inn, Andrews NC
CountryHearth.com
Convenient to all the great roads in western NC and north GA

Dragons Rest Cabins, Robbinsville NC

DragonsRestCabins.com
Cabins located on US129, just 3 miles south of Robbinsville
Euchella Mountain Cabins, Bryson City NC
EuchellCabins.com 
Cabins in the Nantahala Gorge, close to all the great roads.

Fontana Village Resort, Robbinsville NC
FontanaVillage.com
Great weekday rates, close to Dragon. Camping, Inn Rooms, Cabins.
Grand Vista, Vonore TN
GrandVistaHotelandSuites.com
Close to Dragon & Cherohala, good for groups, lots of parking.

Hampton Inn, Lenoir City TN
Hampton Inn Lenoir City TN
Midway between the Dragon and Devils Triangle.

Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge
IronHorseNC.com
Just 30 minutes from the Dragon & Cherohala, camping, cabin rooms, cabins, bunkhouse.
Luxbury Inn, Maryville TN
LuxburyInn.com
Maryville TN next to Smoky Mt Harley Davidson & The Shed.

Magnuson Hotel, Sweetwater TN
Magnuson Hotel
Sweetwater TN, near I-75 and TN-68 and all the great roads.

Microtel Robbinsville
Microtel Robbinsville
Motorcycle Friendly, convenient.
SanRan Motel, Robbinsville NC
SanRanMotel.com
Robbinsville NC, Biker Friendly

Snowbird Lodge, Robbinsville NC
SnowbirdLodge.com

Mountaintop lodge at the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway in NC. 25% discount to BMWOA members.

Two Sisters Vacation Chalet, Happy Valley TN
TwoSistersChalet.com
Located on Happy Valley Road, just 2 miles from US129 and 5 miles from the Dragon.

Two Wheel Inn
TwoWheelInn.com
Just south of Robbinsville, all rooms include a motorcycle garage.

A HOLIDAY MOTEL, MAGGIE VALLEY NC

BIG SNOWBIRD CREEK CABIN, ROBBINSVILLE NC


BIG SNOWBIRD CREEK LOG CABIN, ROBBINSVILLE NC


CHEROHALA COTTAGE, TELLICO PLAINS TN


CHEROKEE REALTY, ROBBINSVILLE NC


COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, ALCOA TN

MICROTEL - BRYSON CITY NC


MOUNTAIN IVY RENTALS, ROBBINSVILLE NC


FAIRFIELD INN, ALCOA TN


FONTANA 4 LESS, FONTANA VILLAGE NC

FOUR SEASONS CABIN RENTALS, NANTAHALA GORGE NC


GSM M/C RENTAL & CABINS, TOWNSEND TN

HAMPTON INN, LENOIR CITY TN


HIGHLAND MANOR INN,
TOWNSEND TN


HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, ALCOA TN


HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, STRAWBERRY PLAINS, TN


HUNTS LODGE MOTORCYCLE CAMPGROUND, TELLICO PLAINS TN

RELAX INN, BRYSON CITY NC

SLEEP INN, BRYSON CITY TN


SMOKY MOUNTAIN MANSION, ROBBINSVILLE, NC


SWEET BERRIES B & B, MARYVILLE TN


WEST BUFFALO CREEK CABIN, ROBBINSVILLE NC

Tail of the Dragon Newsletter August & Sept 2010
ROAD CONDITIONS UPDATE
The Tail of the Dragon has been busy and the road is in good condition.  Work is completed and traffic is back to normal at the rockslide location just north of the Dragon on US129.  Law Enforcement has been active with radar and motorcycle patrol.  We advise visitors to keep speeds under 40mph and do not pass on the double yellow.

The Cherohala Skyway is in great condition.  There have been a number of accidents on the Cherohala recently making it dangerous if you are not paying attention.  One corner in particular at mile 5 in North Carolina, heading towards Tennessee, offers a spectacular view of the mountains.  Riders are distracted and run off the road into the guardrail.

Moonshiner 28 is getting even more popular with road enthusiasts, enjoying the uncountable curves from the Tail of the Dragon to Walhalla SC.  The pavement along this 103 mile adventure varies widely, but for the most part it is in good condition.

We recently rode the Devils Triangle, you can read about the current conditions in our ride summary HERE.

CLICK HERE For an excellent map of area twisties.

What do I do if I have a wreck?
First thing is to make sure everyone involved is safe from other traffic. Have people warn approaching traffic, especially in blind corners. Read what Knoxville Rider/Attorney David Boyd, Esq, suggests.

AUGUST & SEPTEMBER SPECIALS
SPORTBIKE RENTALS AT THE DRAGON and surrounding area providing quality sportbikes for rent in the Tail of the Dragon area. Delivery to where you are staying. Telephone 888-914-HIRE

DAN'S MOTORCYCLES  in Atlanta, GA offering touring and sport touring line-up of Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki motorcycles. Also offer self-guided tours as well as custom motorcycle tours throughout the South. Telephone 404-512-6666

BLUE STRADA MOTORCYCLE RENTALS AND SCENIC TOURS  Full Service Tours and Rentals of Adventure bikes that are ideal for ridingin the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains' great twisty roads.  Delivery & Pick-up upon request for rentals arriving in Charlotte.  Private guidedtours are a specialty. Telephone 704.292.8801

ABBEY INN MOTEL Maggie Valley NC  rooms still available for both the Sept. 10th and the Sept 17th. Harley rallies.  We do NOT raise our rates for rallies, but keep them at regular prices as posted on our web site.  Use the extensive information on our site to plan your vacation to the Smokies, and call us with your reservations once your plans are set.   Telephone 828-926-1188

A HOLIDAY MOTEL, Maggie Valley NC. Clean and affordable family owned motel in Maggie Valley. We appreciate all motorcyclists and love to take care of them. We are a one level flat ground motel. Covered porch parking in front of each room, bike wash area and much more. 1/4 mile to the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Special: 10% off weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) September rates start at only $45.00/night. (Not valid during motorcycle rally) Telephone 828-926-1186

BIG SNOWBIRD CREEK CABIN, near Robbinsville NC Three bedroom home on stocked trout creek, paved access, plenty of parking.  Great rates.  Telephone 828-735-0058

BLUE BOAR INN, near Robbinsville NC First Class Rooms for $100.00 per night plus tax for two, including a full breakfast. Must say you saw ad in the Tail of the Dragon newsletter. There is a 1 mile gravel road to the Inn, located on the North Carolina side of the Cherohala Skyway, and just a few steps from Lake Santeetlah. Telephone 828-479-8126

THE COTTAGE, Franklin NC Why rough it after a long ride, escape to our Cottage in the woods.  Relax to the sounds of the stream, a comfortable bed and all the comforts of home (paved roads to paved drive).  Base your visit here and ride The Dragon, Franklin Loop, Moonshiner 28, Cherohala & more.  Just a few September dates remain -Arrive Monday, September 6th and depart Friday September 10the or arrive Monday September 27th and depart Friday, October 1st 4 nights - $975.00 (includes exit cleaning fees) If you have time for a full week - arrive Monday September 27th and depart Monday October 4th - 7 nights - $1800.00 (includes exit cleaning fees) (Rates do not include 10.75% NC Taxes) Must mention Tail of the Dragon Newsletter to receive discounts

DRAGONS REST CABINS, near Robbinsville NC. 10% off for the month of August & Sept, ( 2 night min ) $74.70 per night after tax. Discount does not appy for weekends or Holidays. Mention you saw the ad in the Tail of the Dragon newsletter. Telephone 828-479-4726

FONTANA VILLAGE RESORT, on Hwy 28 Just minutes from the Dragon. Inn Rooms, Cabins, Camping, RV sites, Marina, Dining, Bar, everything you need. Stop in at the Fontana Pitstop for Tshirts, lunch and your favorite beverages. Open 7 Days A Week. Telephone 800-849-2258, or 828-498-2211 ShineFest featuring Matt Stillwell August 13-14.

IRONHORSE MOTORCYCLE LODGE, Cabins, Rooms, Camping near Robbinsville NC Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge is continuing to grow with our guest support and patronage.  The response to all the new additions has been well received and riders love the new asphalt parking lot. Our new air conditioned room called "Hog's Den" is proven to be the favorite afternoon gathering area with riders returning from the days rides and relaxing in the cool AC lounge.
 
For the month of August ONLY,  Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge is offering a 20% discount on any ROOMS OR CABINS to any military, police, firemen and EMS personnel.  Must present a business card or ID at check in to receive discounts.  Discounts only apply to the rooms and cabins and not the bunkhouse, RV's or tent camping. Thanks again for 7 years of your support and helping us grow to meet your motorcycle vacation plans. Telephone 828-479-3864

JIMBOS FARM near Robbinsville NC. After the ride, Relax and get away from the crowd at "JIMBO'S FARM " A 53 acre Private Mountain retreat with Trout Pond. 3 bedrooms. Full Kitchen. Direct TV with 5.1 surround sound. Pole Barn to store bikes. OutBuild with extra Bathroom / Refridge / Full futon / Twin bed included at no extra charge. Firepit. BBQ. Full Brunswick pool table in Jimbo's Playroom Easy access . 3 1/2 miles to Robbinsville 3 night minimum. $175.00 per night & sales tax. $1,125.00 per week & sales tax. Telephone 954-781-6921

NOW OPEN - NEW HUDDLE HOUSE in Robbinsville NC
Covered cycle parking and outside dining on the patio.  Located in Robbinsville NC, on US129 south of town 1/2 mile.   New owner is a motorcycle enthusiast.

LUXBURY INN, Maryville TN
. Bar-B-Q during your stay in Maryville /Townsend area this summer at Luxbury Inn & Suites, near Smoky Mountain Harely Davidson. Also, mention that you saw our ad in the Tail of the Dragon newsletter and receive 10% off our already great rates. Call toll free 800-780-9893.

MICROTEL of Bryson City NC
Managed by a Harley rider and certainly biker friendly w/ 59 rooms, spacious parking lot, bar & grill on site. Cleaning cloths are available for bikers as well as a water hose. Prepackaged map packet w/ directions to the Dragon, Cherohala, Great Smokies, Highlands 64, FootHills parkway and The Road to Nowhere. Bike Trailers welcome. 828-488-7900.

MOUNTAIN MOTORS in Robbinsville NC. Stop by and see Val & John. Service all makes and models of motorcycles, Harley Davidson specialist. 10% Discounts offered to all Bike & Car clubs, Veterans, Military, AARP & AAA members!
Telephone 828-479-3354

RIVER COVE CABINS, Murphy, NC 3 Night Special $165 (Sun-Thurs)Affordable Riverfront Kitchenette Cabins on the Nottely River.  Prices from $65-$85 a night.  450 feet of river frontage on 3 acres of flat level land, perfect for motorcycle parking right outside your cabin. Wood burning fireplace cabin, jacuzzi cabins and 1 and 2 bedroom cabins.   Telephone 828-644-9979

SLEEP INN Bryson City, NC Managed by a harley motorcycle and biker friendly.  Plenty of trailer parking, special bike parking, cleaning cloths, maps and directions to the Dragon, Cherohala , Blue Ridge Parkway , Great Smokies.   Outdoor swimming pool.  Ask for August & Sept special Biker Rate . 866-939-0998

SMOKY MOUNTAIN HARLEY-DAVIDSON
The Shed season is now in full swing! Concerts every Saturday night through October; check website for line-up. There's always a $5 ride-up discount at the gate! Eat on-site at Stinkers BBQ, and enjoy a great show. The Shed is located at our flagship location: 1820 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN, Tel. 865-977-1669.
Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson outposts -- official Harley-Davidson apparel and motorclothes, as well as custom Harley-Davidson apparel, regional maps, and tourist information:
Cherohala Skyway Harley-Davidson. Take a load off in rockers on the porch or in the lounge upstairs. Open 7 days: located at entrance to Cherohala Skyway on the Tennessee side. Tel. 423- 253-7432.
U.S. 129 Dragon Harley-Davidson, just north of the Dragon and Foothills Parkway on US129! Tel. 865-856-5942

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MANSION, near Robbinsville NC After a long day's drive, you deserve a little relaxation in a place that offers far beyond the basics. The Smoky Mountain Mansion features 6 spacious bedrooms with a total of 9 king and queen size beds and a few roll-aways. We can accommodate groups of up to 18 to 20, or just a few couples. Our well-equipped kitchen, covered parking, hot tub, large open-air dining pavilion, grill, fire pit, game room, and hot tub make even the most road weary guest wake up and smell the roses. June and July are almost booked, with a couple of good weekends and mid-week availability. We suggest booking now for August, September, October and November, as those dates are starting to go. Mention the "Tail of the Dragon Special" and receive 5% off weekend rates and 5% off already discounted weekly rates. Minutes from the Dragon and Cherohala, and two miles from the lake. Telephone 828-479-4220


SNOWBIRD LODGE on Cherohala Skyway NC First Class Mountaintop lodge at the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina. Offers 25% discount to BMWOA members, or 10% to all motorcycle riders for stays of two nights or more. 828-479-3433, 800-941-9290

TELLICO KATS DELI Great sandwiches at the Tellico Kats Deli on the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains TN. Dine on the river and enjoy fresh deli sandwiches.

TWO WHEEL INN near Robbinsville NC Where your motorcycle gets a room too!  $5.00 off per night Sunday thru Thursday (if available). Mention Tail of the Dragon - Call 828-479-4248.

WHEELERS PERFORMANCE north of Robbinsville NC. Located on your way to the Dragon on US129. If you need tires or repairs see Ken. Free bike wash, free scales, free demo table of cleaning and polishing supplies, Dyno is up and running, service on all models. Telephone 828-479-4998

WINDMILL INN Oliver Springs TN One of the few places to stay near the Devils Triangle. This 1904 church building has been converted into a luxury bed and breakfast. Great for a group of riders or ATVers. Telephone 865-730-6413

WHEELS THROUGH TIME Maggie Valley NC world's premier collection of rare American Vintage Motorycles.  Located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Open 9am - 5pm, closed Tues and Wed. Tel. 828-926-6266

NEED A LAWYER in NORTH CAROLINA?
McKinney and Tallant - Robbinsville
Darryl R. Brown - Murphy

NEED A LAWER IN TENNESSEE?
David M. Boyd, Esq.- Maryville
Rider Injuries and traffic offenses
DTDEVILS TRIANGLE TN UPDATE
Tail of the Dragon receives periodic updates from riders about road conditions in the area. We recently heard that the Devils Triangle was in really bad condition so we decided to check it out for ourselves. We two-upped on our FJR leaving early Sunday morning, crossing the Dragon and stopping for breakfast at the IHOP in Maryville.

Arriving at Oliver Springs we made a complete clockwise loop of the Triangle. We spent Sunday night at the new Windmill Inn Bread and Breakfast located on TN 61 just south of Oliver Springs. This 20 room inn is in an old church and quite unique. We thought it appropriate to stay in a church while challenging the Devils Triangle. John and Brenda are great hosts. We highly recommend staying there.

After a filling breakfast at the Inn on Monday we headed out to try the Triangle in the counterclockwise direction. Read the complete details HERE.

SUMMARY The Devils Triangle is for experienced riders with hazards that might present a problem for new riders. The hardest conditions we encountered were the sharp, steep uphill switchbacks on the counterclockwise run. There are a few sections of broken pavement to watch out for.  We were riding two-up on a FJR 1300 fully loaded with top bag and side bags. Personally, we like the Triangle and did not see anything that would keep us from returning. Keep your speed down, stay alert, and dodge the hazards.  

Tail of the Dragon on Facebook
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 Wheel Jockey
Wheel Jockey A small compact tool that makes wheel & chain maintenance much lessbothersome.  Ideal for sport-bikes, naked bikes, middle-weight cruisers andadventure bikes.  Small to carry along in most any luggage.
About Tail of the Dragon:
Tail of the Dragon LLC: We promote twisty, two lane tourism in the Smoky Mountain region of western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and the surrounding area. Ron & Nancy Johnson are the owners and webmasters and live in Graham County, North Carolina. 
 
Telephone us toll free at 800-768-7129 (8am - 6pm)
Canada and Other Countries 828-479-8400

Email us at info@tailofthedragon.com
 

We have a shop at the Dragon, open daily 10am - 5pm, April - October. Look for the TAIL sign at US 129 and NC 28. Click here for TAIL OF THE DRAGON OUTLET MAP for other locations that sell Tail of the Dragon gear. You can also purchase at our on-line secure store at TailoftheDragonStore.com
 
NEED DIRECTIONS ? check out HOW TO GET TO HERE

WEBSITE:
Cherohala.com
TailoftheDragon.com
Moonshiner28.com
DevilsTriangleTN.com
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