|
|
| Featured Sponsor |  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.
 Abbey Inn Motel
Motorcycle friendly motel in Maggie Valley, NC. Open April-Oct.
 BlueWatersMTNL.com On Lake Santeetlah, biker friendly. Just off US129, near Dragon.
 CountryHearth.com Convenient to all the great roads in western NC and north GA
 DragonsRestCabins.com Cabins located on US129, just 3 miles south of Robbinsville
 EuchellCabins.com
Cabins in the Nantahala Gorge, close to all the great roads.
 FontanaVillage.com Great weekday rates, close to Dragon. Camping, Inn Rooms, Cabins.
 GrandVistaHotelandSuites.com Close to Dragon & Cherohala, good for groups, lots of parking.
 Hampton Inn Lenoir City TN Midway between the Dragon and Devils Triangle.
IronHorseNC.com Just 30 minutes from the Dragon & Cherohala, camping, cabin rooms, cabins, bunkhouse.
 LuxburyInn.com Maryville TN next to Smoky Mt Harley Davidson & The Shed.
 Magnuson Hotel Sweetwater TN, near I-75 and TN-68 and all the great roads.
 Microtel Robbinsville Motorcycle Friendly, convenient.
 SanRanMotel.com Robbinsville NC, Biker Friendly
SnowbirdLodge.com Mountaintop lodge at the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway in NC. 25% discount to BMWOA members.
 TwoSistersChalet.com Located on Happy Valley Road, just 2 miles from US129 and 5 miles from the Dragon.
 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 UPDATEThe 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 828-479-4220SNOWBIRD 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
|
DEVILS TRIANGLE TN UPDATETail 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.

|
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
|
| Follow Tail of the Dragon |
|
| |
|
|
|