US 129 The Dragon....Closed for rock slide again....

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

A section of U.S. 129 called "The Dragon" will be closed through the weekend because of a 60-foot-high rock slide this morning, according to state officials.

The slide was reported at 4:54 a.m. on the road, which also is called Calderwood Highway, according to the Blount County E-911 Center.

The slide is near the Power House along "The Dragon." The road that runs into North Carolina is entirely closed, according to Tennessee Department of Transportation regional spokesman Mark Nagi.

TDOT has sent crews to the site to determine the severity of the slide. Nagi said the slide is 125 feet long and 60-feet tall and consists of shale, top soil and trees.

"Early estimate for the time of this closure is throughout the weekend," Nagi said. "But that is just an estimate."

There is no detour route. Nagi said there is room for unaware motorists to turn around at the blocked point.

Nagi said about 1,265 vehicles a day use the portion of U.S. 129 at the Blount and Monroe counties line.

The road has been called The Dragon because of the more than 300 curves along the route that attract motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Just saw this a minute ago. Hope it don't kill most of the season........ 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Just saw this a minute ago. Hope it don't kill most of the season........ 

I don't think its as bad as the last one ....Wonder if its at the same place they " fixed " the last time 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Joe, I'm hearing mm 9.5. Hope to get with you all down there for a ride on a Sunday soon. Can't this weekend, but itching to see TN roads again.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

http://www.wbir.com/news/article/211318/2/Rockslide-closed-The-Dragon-at-least-through-the-weekend

[LandElephant]

Joe, I guess that means you'll have to go play over on the Devils Triangle or run up to the Snake this weekend.  Damn the bad luck!

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Joe, I guess that means you'll have to go play over on the Devils Triangle or run up to the Snake this weekend.  Damn the bad luck!

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

Yeah, no shortage of roads here Charlie. Hope you're doing well. Dave

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

http://www.wbir.com/news/article/211318/2/Rockslide-closed-The-Dragon-at-least-through-the-weekend

Dave several of us are headin' out next friday 3-23 for a ride to scout out " The Return To Hillbilly Highway " we have coming up in June.....You know you are welcome to join us     We'll be staying in Marion , Va.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

http://www.wbir.com/news/article/211318/2/Rockslide-closed-The-Dragon-at-least-through-the-weekend

Dave several of us are headin' out next friday 3-23 for a ride to scout out " The Return To Hillbilly Highway " we have coming up in June.....You know you are welcome to join us     We'll be staying in Marion , Va.

You guys are always great hosts. Can't make the weekend ride, but I'm gonna head that way on a Sunday in the next few weeks for sure. Hope to see you when I do. Dave

[Evil Twin Lisa]

Just a heads up, probably don't want to try "The Snake" this weekend.  Bristol race weekend and a lot of people use that as a back road to the race track.   

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Joe, I guess that means you'll have to go play over on the Devils Triangle or run up to the Snake this weekend.  Damn the bad luck!

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

Kinda down and out right now Charlie with some lung issues but I'm feeling better and as of now the scouting ride next weekend is still a GO 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Just a heads up, probably don't want to try "The Snake" this weekend.  Bristol race weekend and a lot of people use that as a back road to the race track.   

Great point Lisa nothing like being in thoses mountains with 125,000 race fans 

[BigAl]

It's at the Power House according to the local rock channel.

Good thing.

I am glad I heard about it this early.

Going to Pan Head City  in Rome Georgia tomorrow.

Was going to include the Dragon on my way back, but it's all good.

None of my firends will be going, but htat ain't nothing new.

ALone is OK as well.

Pictures to follow.

[LandElephant]

Joe get better.  I was told getting old isn't for wussies.  Can't make the 23 - 25 because I'm heading home that weekend to be worn out by the Grandkids.  Still shooting for mid April though for a trip to the Glory Land.

But I did schedule myself for June.

Charlie
Land Elephant

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Joe get better.  I was told getting old isn't for wussies.  Can't make the 23 - 25 because I'm heading home that weekend to be worn out by the Grandkids.  Still shooting for mid April though for a trip to the Glory Land.

But I did schedule myself for June.

Charlie
Land Elephant

Good deal Charlie ....Enjoy them grand-kids 

[BigAl]

I have no kids and No Grand Kids

Glad you guys do.

They are Precious.

I wish my wife coulda had some.

29 years with the same woman and counting.

She is special in her own way.

Enjoy the kids.

[Michael K (Az.)]

Joe, last year about this time, I was freakin because California's Pacific Coast Highway U.S.1 got hit by 2 slides at either end of the most scenic areas! They cleared it in time for me to ride it (whew) Hope the Dragon gets squared away for you folks!
Pic of the PCH fixit job behind me!

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Joe, last year about this time, I was freakin because California's Pacific Coast Highway U.S.1 got hit by 2 slides at either end of the most scenic areas! They cleared it in time for me to ride it (whew) Hope the Dragon gets squared away for you folks!
Pic of the PCH fixit job behind me!

Nice picture....I added it to my collection