Better than I expected

[pidjones]

Made my initial Dragon trip on the 4th. As a 'wing rider, I was not really too pumped about the trip, other than to get it done a) safely (I stayed 3 ft from the right edge) and b) enjoyably. I wanted to be able to answer my students - Well, yeah! - when they ask me if I had "done the Dragon".

I must say that I enjoyed the ride more than I expected. Now, I live a little north of Knoxville, so I have PLENTY of fine motorcycle roads to travel (some with much less traffic than US 129).

I rode down through Knoxville, 129 to the park road (1134?), then on down 143 to Tellico Plains. 68 and I-75 back North were a bit boring.

Next time I'll go through to Robinsville and back up 129 again to return. I'll spend more time at Deal's Gap next time, too. Looks like a fun place to explore and get to know the folks.

[brad@dealsgap]

Glad the trip was better than expected. Always glad to here when folks come up and have a good time.

[chrisarrington]

Me and a buddy left out from Seymour and went through Sevierville down Pittman Center Rd. Up 321 through gatlinburg then across to Cherokee through Bryson City and Deals gap. Foothills parkway and on the backroads from Walland/Townsend back to my house. It was an awesome ride. We had a little bit of everything. Sightseeing to twisties. And man could we stretch the legs on the Busa's on Hwy 28 I think it was.

[laggindragon]

I like to take the Dragon down to 72 and take it into Vonroe (I think that's how to spell it) then I cut across to Tellico plains and ride the skyway, and come back to the hotel out of Robinsville sometimes on 28 (always stop at Fontana Dam) or sometimes on 129. Always gets me back intime for lunch. I could make that ride in my sleep and have many times from here at home just south of Nashville.

[Bob Marshall]

I'm coming from Texas to ride the Dragon. How far is Deals Gap from Knoxville? I'm debating staying in Knoxville and riding to the Dragon, or trailering down there and then ride it, Any suggestions?

[buellridersww]

Distance from Knoxville to Dragon is about 30 min to an hour depending on the traffic. The US Route 129 leading to Dragon is neat. No need to trailer your bike to the Dragon from Knoxville.

[brad@dealsgap]

We are 54 miles from Knoxville, but it is a great ride once you hit the two lane portion of US 129, and it is a pain to trailer through the Gap, best thing to do is ride it.

[MilleArp]

Instead of Knoxville, try the Marysville/Alcoa area or Townsend. MUCH closer.

If you're not staying at CRoT, Townsend TN is a good second choice. Not too touristy.... yet...

[khelton]

+1w/ MilleArp. Best places to stay are :

1) Deals Gap Resort -people, food, clean, very accommodating, 2.8 seconds from your ride, get saturated with your hobby

2) Tapoco Lodge - like the Resort, good people, good place to park , also close to ther ride.

3) Townsend - quiet place with many places to stay ,good 25 minute cruiser ride over Foothills Parkway to The Gap.

Knoxville - Avoid it, Too much 4 lane drivingto get to the ride, unnecessarily far away,

Side Note - if you want to have a great trip, come in Octoer for the EOSB,
( End of Season Bash) which will be sometime in October.

[v2wyn]

As mentioned somewhere previously, the Two Wheel Inn near Robbinsville is a great place to stay... IF the Deals Gap Resort is booked :D I've stayed at TWI twice for a week each time, and the folks there are great, as well as the accomodations. Will do my best to make reservations early enough to stay at the CRoT next time.. hopefully in Sept :o