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Fazer
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« on: January 25, 2017, 06:34:55 AM » |
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After reading a few of the many posts about riding the Tail of the Dragon, I am planning a trip this spring and would appreciate any tips as to lodging for a couple of nights. I have read that it is suggested to avoid holidays and even weekends due to the amount of traffic.
Greg
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Binkie
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Posts: 226
Binkie from the holler
Vonore Tn
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« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2017, 06:48:09 AM » |
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Near the dragon is the Topoco Lodge. It's a beautiful historic place with cabins or lodge rooms. They have a great restaurant and pub. They also have covered bike parking. I have no idea on rates. Another nice place is over in Tellico Plains Tn which is the Lodge at Tellico. Very biker friendly and reasonable rates. Of course in Robbinsville there is the Phillips hotel and a Microtell along with the 2 wheels inn.
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Woton
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Posts: 410
1997 Tourer Pearl Green/Pearl Ivory "BRNHLDE"
Central North Carolina
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« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2017, 07:19:35 AM » |
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I'd also toss out Fontana Village about ten miles away from Deal's Gap. Not inexpensive, but they have a decent restaurant and small bar. If you're looking for quiet vs the company of fellow bikers where you are lodging this is a place to consider. 10-4 on avoiding holidays and weekends - especially if it is your first trip so you can get the most out of your runs on the Dragon. Smile for the cameras!  |
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"Ride Smart - Ride Safe"
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hubcapsc
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Posts: 16799
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2017, 07:23:23 AM » |
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We like to stay at the Phillips Motel in Robbinsville. There's some places nearby that cater to motorcycles specifically that people say they like too... Sure, you should go down the Dragon, but explore all around, too... there's a little road, Yellow Creek Road, between Robbinsville and the Dragon... go down that. Go down 28... go over the Cherohala... go south into Georgia, cross 64 and get lost in North Georgia...   -Mike |
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« Last Edit: January 25, 2017, 07:26:02 AM by hubcapsc »
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old2soon
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« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2017, 07:24:07 AM » |
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da prez and I made that a side trip on our way to Asheville in 14. We had spent the night in a motel 6 in Nashville Tn. We were on the Dragon first thing on a Sunday morning and only made one pass. When we got to Deals Gap and got our trinkets "they" were unloading crotch rockets off trailers and outa vans and pickups and we decided to become scarce. We also ran Moonshine 28 and some others I can't recall. I've also heard doing it during the week but by hitting it early on that Sunday the ONE thing I was Concerned bout was the lane splitters comin the other way. Ride YOUR Ride and pay ATTENTION.  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Bighead
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« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2017, 11:05:20 AM » |
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Many roads in the area as good or better than the gap and not nearly as crowded I am in that area many times each summer and may cross it once in a while. Going from Tn into Nc you are on the steep side so one mistake is all you will get,so don't go balls out before you know the road  |
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2017, 11:30:35 AM » |
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Keep away from the center line and where safe pull over to let the faster wheeled vehicles by.
I don't care how fast anyone thinks they are there's always someone faster than you.
Maybe pull over near one of the photographers and watch others zoom by for a few minutes.
On the Cherohala Skyway DON'T get distracted by the views.
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Fazer
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« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2017, 12:31:41 PM » |
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Thanks for all the great tips. I am not trying to set any Valk speed records, and have no problem pulling off and watching others.
After riding the Tail, does one do it again, or is it one and done?
My thoughts are to leave Cinci early on a Sunday, avoid the interstate, find a place in the area to stay (thanks for the lodging recommendations). That should take all day Sunday. Get up Monday am, ride the tail, then tool around some of the other local roads. Got a few suggestions for those as well. Back to the room, then up early Tuesday and head back to Cincinnati--back to work on Wednesday.
Originally had planned for a long weekend, but would rather miss any weekend crowds.
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Nothing in moderation...
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« Reply #8 on: January 25, 2017, 01:00:10 PM » |
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Using Robbinsville as a base.
Go West on the Cherohala Skyway having the sun at your back mostly.
If it's rained just prior to your visit make a side trip to Bald River Falls.
Gas up in Tellico Plains.
Back track slightly to Hwy 360 north to Vonore. Go North / East on 411.
TR on 72
TR on 129 / Deals Gap back to Robbinsville.
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ridingron
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« Reply #9 on: January 25, 2017, 01:49:03 PM » |
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After riding the Tail, does one do it again, or is it one and done? It's only 10-11 miles. Turn around and do it again. Depending on which way I'm heading, I run it 3 or 4 times. Stop in the store and buy a t-shirt, dragon sticker or ... . I stop in the store and get something to drink and a snack and look at the bikes. I don't know if the restaurant is still open. Lots of good roads in the area. |
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Mr Whiskey
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« Reply #10 on: January 25, 2017, 04:15:04 PM » |
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If you're doin' a Sun/Mon night then you can probably get a decent rate at one of the nicer places.
My vote would be...
http://tapocolodge.com/
cause it's right on the river, AWE-SUM!
http://www.fontanavillage.com/
is killer as well!
If you know your travel dates I highly recommend you reserve as early as possible. Both of these places get car clubs & such that sell 'em out for the whole week. Don't forget to ask about cancellation policy, in case of inclement weather. I say that because we sometimes get massive washouts & slides that close some of the best roads.
As for road, WE GOT SUM!
I use...
http://www.bestbikingroads.com/motorcycle-roads/motorbike-rides-in-united-states-/tennessee-_-5628.html
for alot of my trip planning. Excellent site for road info (their map is interactive!) & I jus' noticed they have an app. (If ya find one ya wanna know more about jus' holla, I probably know most of 'em on the E.Tn. & W.Nc. maps. If not me, somebody here will know it, guaranteed!)
Also, ask for a free map at Deals Gap. I know they've got 'em at Killboy's place across the road.
P.S. Don't let anyone try an tell ya The Dragon is only 318/11.
(She's a whole different critter when ya stroke 'er the other way!)
Have fun & remember,
when you're crankin' & bankin'...
ya gotta swerve with nerve!
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Peace, Whiskey.
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12764
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #11 on: January 25, 2017, 06:43:05 PM » |
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IMHO run it first at the speed limit paying attention to where the cops are hiding and where the camera stations are at
Then make as many passes as you want.
Folks distracted and not paying attention to the radius of the turns means you have to anticipate trouble and hope to avoid it
I've enjoyed 28, the cherahola and just about every road in the area including the wilderness road in the park when I've done the big loop ride
My vote is to do it during the week, less morons riding too much beyond their ability
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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Fazer
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« Reply #12 on: January 26, 2017, 07:04:22 AM » |
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My original thought was to stay in one of the local hotel/motels, but the more I think about it, camping seems like something I would like to try. I really don't have, or need, to go on a particular date, and hauling a small tent and sleeping bag seems kind of cool. That way I can keep an eye on the weather, and just go without worrying about hotel reservations or finding a room. There must be decent campsites around. Plenty of room on the Valk for what I need for a couple of days.
I haven't slept outside for probably 30 years, but it could not have changed THAT much.
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« Reply #13 on: January 26, 2017, 08:33:19 AM » |
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I haven't slept outside for probably 30 years, but it could not have changed THAT much.
You may find that the ground has got harder  Some friends are regular visitors to this campground. http://turkey-creek.com/ |
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old2soon
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« Reply #14 on: January 26, 2017, 09:16:05 AM » |
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My original thought was to stay in one of the local hotel/motels, but the more I think about it, camping seems like something I would like to try. I really don't have, or need, to go on a particular date, and hauling a small tent and sleeping bag seems kind of cool. That way I can keep an eye on the weather, and just go without worrying about hotel reservations or finding a room. There must be decent campsites around. Plenty of room on the Valk for what I need for a couple of days.
I haven't slept outside for probably 30 years, but it could not have changed THAT much.
I/me/you/we/us-have all gotten-OLDER. AND the ground HAS gotten Harder!  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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NEHI
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« Reply #15 on: January 26, 2017, 09:57:53 AM » |
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Stay at the Ironhorse Lodge in Stecoah it's about 15 miles from the dragon. Ironhorse is all motorcycle with camping or fine lodging and some of the nicest people working their plus good food. As others have mentioned the Tapoco lodge is really nice and close, but pricey. Lots of great roads in the area don't get hung up on just the dragon.
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mark81
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« Reply #16 on: January 26, 2017, 11:49:02 AM » |
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Greg I am planning a trip with a few friends this spring to ride the Tail of the Dragon Cherohala and Blue Ridge Parkway. When I get the details figured out I'll let you know. so far all I have mapped out is from cincy to red river gorge. https://goo.gl/maps/W6cGWasczW42 |
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1997 Honda Valkyrie 1981 Honda CB750 Custom  |
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« Reply #17 on: January 26, 2017, 01:50:43 PM » |
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Greg I am planning a trip with a few friends this spring to ride the Tail of the Dragon Cherohala and Blue Ridge Parkway. When I get the details figured out I'll let you know. so far all I have mapped out is from cincy to red river gorge. https://goo.gl/maps/W6cGWasczW42 Mark your post was hidden from me until I started to reply to your what looked like a blankpost. Very strange. |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #18 on: January 26, 2017, 01:58:39 PM » |
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It's blank to me also. we've got a new NSA guy ? |
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #19 on: January 26, 2017, 02:48:26 PM » |
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Marks post is blank to me also
Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Mr Whiskey
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« Reply #20 on: January 26, 2017, 02:57:37 PM » |
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...but the more I think about it, camping seems like something I would like to try. Heck Bro if you're thinkin' 'bout ruffin' it,
might as well be "Ground Zero"!
Somebody's always pullin' out on Sun. so no prob gettin' space.
http://www.dealsgap.com/motel.htm & campground.(where all the action is!)  |
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Peace, Whiskey.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #21 on: January 26, 2017, 03:04:10 PM » |
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...but the more I think about it, camping seems like something I would like to try. Heck Bro if you're thinkin' 'bout ruffin' it,
might as well be "Ground Zero"!
Somebody's always pullin' out on Sun. so no prob gettin' space.
http://www.dealsgap.com/motel.htm & campground.(where all the action is!) you make it look so fun. |
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Fazer
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« Reply #22 on: January 27, 2017, 09:24:51 AM » |
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Mark--let me know when you get your trip planned. I'm not going solo to be antisocial, just to be free and easy with respect to dates. If it's rainy I can easily go another time. That's the reason for camping as well.
Greg
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Nothing in moderation...
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mark81
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« Reply #23 on: January 29, 2017, 07:06:39 AM » |
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Greg I will keep you in the loop when I get the details ironed out. You're more than welcome to join us on our trip.
Don't know why the previous post isn't / wasn't showing. I can see it fine.
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1997 Honda Valkyrie 1981 Honda CB750 Custom |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #24 on: January 29, 2017, 07:42:09 AM » |
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Greg I will keep you in the loop when I get the details ironed out. You're more than welcome to join us on our trip.
Don't know why the previous post isn't / wasn't showing. I can see it fine.
It does now. It was very weird for a couple days. |
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mark81
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« Reply #25 on: January 29, 2017, 07:57:25 AM » |
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It does now. It was very weird for a couple days. [/quote] This whole site has been a little sketchy for the last couple weeks. Half the time I cant get the page to load. Hope they get it straightened out soon. |
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1997 Honda Valkyrie 1981 Honda CB750 Custom |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #26 on: January 29, 2017, 08:06:42 AM » |
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It does now. It was very weird for a couple days. This whole site has been a little sketchy for the last couple weeks. Half the time I cant get the page to load. Hope they get it straightened out soon. [/quote]Yeah, the last couple days seem improved slightly. Yours was strange how it was blank unless it was quoted, then it showed. 007ish |
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