Friday May 9

Its Friday, and although the am is a bit wet, its warm, and the sun is trying to burn the wet off the roads. As f 9 am, it was already 65 out, and its drying up quickly. Looking at radar, it seems that it will be dry the next few days, but the rain should be back by Sunday for the day. The weekend looks ok from here, so get out and do something.

Yesterday, there were a couple of riders that decided to test the waters with our local Sheriffs Department, and they quickly found out that hooliganism is not tolerated around here. Im thinking of 2 separate incidents, but in one case, the rider went directly to jail... do not pass go. I hope you all are reading this and learning from it, because like Ive said before "Learn from others, instead of from your own mistakes". The local Sheriffs have been very good to us, and Im sure they will continue to do that, but if your acting like a moron, you will get treated as such.

We have a couple of groups kicking around through the week and into the weekend. Turns out the dual sport group is actually some of the folks from 2 Wheel Junkies, a Moto web group, and a group of sport bike riders out of Florida. Everyone seems to be having a great time and all is well.

I want to remind all of you that ride this a few things that have come to light around here as of late. Without going through all the stories taht have caused these conversations, I want to remind all riders that the back brake is not the only brake on the bike. In fact, please use both brakes here, with the most emphasis on the front brake. As well, remember our 2 moto's around the Dragon. Ride your own ride, and stay in your own lane. Please keep these thought front and center in your mind when riding anywhere, not just here. Who knows.... maybe some of my ramblings might actually help in a time of need.

Keep the emails coming folks. Its refreshing to read everyones thoughts and ideas. Enjoy your day. Be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

Thursday May 8

Howdy folks, and welcome to Thursday. As of 9 am, it was already 70 out, and cloudy. We do not expect the rain to move in until later in the day, but it should remain cloudy through the weekend, but with less rain after today. There is still the chance to see rain through to Sunday, so dont say I didnt warn you.

I would like to start this update out with a derogatory note towards one of our customers that thought putting one of their stickers on our bathroom was cool. ITS NOT COOL.  To the guy from the band "With Wings of Lead" I will thank you once to not do it again. In fact, this is the first bit of defacing our property that we have had in 5 years. Its rude and uncalled for, so please do not do this again.

The upcoming weekend is already starting up. We have a dual sport and motard group over at Fontana, and a sportbike group from Florida are here enjoying the quiet times of the road. As well, we have the Pin Striping King here this weekend in the parking lot as well, so make sure to come hang out at the store and check it all out.

Special mention goes to everyone that has sent me emails over the last few days. Thanks for the comments, suggestions, and remarks. Its nice to know someone is actually reading all this.

Questionable weather aside, I hope this upcoming weekend is good for you all. Remember to be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

Monday May 5

Monday has arrived and its Barb's Birthday. Happy Birthday to one of the most beautiful women we know. I hope you enjoy your day Barb !!!!

Weather this am is looking beautiful. As of 10 am, its already in the mid 60's and getting warmer all the time. Highs are expected to be in the 70's for the next few days, so get out and enjoy the days.

This weekend went off without a hitch. Everyone had a good time, and more importantly everyone got along very well together. We had Mini's, SSR's, Corvettes, Hondas and Mustangs. We also had many smaller bike groups in from various parts of the country including, PA, FL, CT, MI and a pretty large group from Canada. Thanks to all for the mostly trouble free weekend.... even the folks working this weekend had a great time because of you all.

Also, a special thanks to the LEO's that were out this weekend. You guys did a great job, and you did it with positive influence, instead of harsh tactics. What a fantastic turn around from the prior year, and I really appreciate it.

Keep the emails coming folks. Be safe and have fun. --- Ben

Sunday May 4

Its Sunday at Deals Gap, and I am dragging my butt this am because I went to hang out and watch the Midnight Run of the Mini's last night. It was kind of anti-climactic actually with no where near as many cars in the parade as we were hoping, but the "cuteness" of the Mini rubs off on you after a little while, and you get into it just as they do. A very special thanks to all the Cooper Owners this weekend, for being a fantastic group of people who are mindful and respectful of all the others that we share the area with. You guys are all a class act !!

As of 9 am, it was only 52, and honestly a bit cool out. Highs are expected to react the 70's, but Iit feels like it will take a while to get there. Radar looks good for the next few days though, and we are looking forward to some sun.

With the big exodus from Fontana comes a quiet day around here, and thats ok  because today is MotoGP day. Its going to be an interesting race with an American on pole today. The race is at 4 pm, and we will be watching it in the Grill, so come out and root for your favorite rider.

Special Mention: A very special thanks to THP Trooper Dalton for being a good person and a fantastic representation of the THP and police in general. I stopped and talked to Dalton late yesterday for a little while, and let me be the first to say that this is one stand up guy. Fair and reasonable are some of the best words used to describe Dalton. Thanks also goes out to SGT. Huckaby for putting Dalton up here.  We appreciate you not sending all your "peeps" to hang out on the weekend. Thanks also goes out to the BCSO for doing a bang up job on the Dragon. It really is great to hear form everyone about their polite and respectful treatment, even from the guilty ones. We appreciate the new police tactics that we have seen so far this year, and hope they continue in a positive trend. Positive interaction goes much farther than the lock down tactics that we saw last year.

Lastly, I wanted to say thanks to all that are sending in emails. I appreciate hearing everyone elses thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Keep them coming folks. If you have any questions, comments or topics you want touched upon in this blog, just shoot me an email.

Be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

Saturday May 3

Howdy everyone. Its Saturday, and the rain is moving in quickly. I even stopped at the overlook to watch it all blow in. Its always nice to watch a good storm roll in. Radar shows a long stretch of red from here to the gulf coast so I would think it will last some time. Tomorrow looks great though...

Yesterday was fairly uneventful and everyone was getting along swell. Lots of great Mini Coopers but the one that really stuck out is that new Mini Wagon. Man, what a cool car. Also, Kudos to the www.meanmrbean.com car for their fantastic custom vinyl on the Bean car this year. Even the old skool Mini's were pretty funky. Its always great to see the Mini's up here. Today, we also expect to see a Vette Club come through. This am, they were staged down in Robbinsville, so we expect to see them sooner than later.

Seems there is a misconception relating to the Blount County Sheriffs Department. Ive heard that another site stated that the BCSO is using an unmarked SUV to wave people around so the officer that is ahead of him can pull you over for passing on the double yellow. Let me be the first to tell you, this is not true. Not in the slightest. The Sheriff's Deputy in question is actually a friend of mine, and would never do that. After talking to him about this, he said " why wouldnt I just pull them over myself?" and believe me, he would. Anyhoo... this is just another of the many false statements that are being spread about our local Sheriffs office. Please dont believe all that you read in regards to the police presence here on the Dragon.

I want to touch on something that I feel needs to be addressed. The fatal accident we had here earlier in the week seems to be caused by too much rear brake. Driving past the wreck site every day, I see a 230 foot skid mark from said rear brake, which denotes incorrect braking by using only the rear brake, and most  experienced mountain riders know better than to use strictly the rear brake. In fact in my own opinion, you should never use just the rear brake in any application. The rear brake does not give anywhere near as much stopping power as the front does, or both used in conjunction with each other. This statement is not written to belittle the deceased rider, but for all of us to better understand what happened, and keep others form doing it again. Anytime we can learn from other people mistakes, we are better for it, and something positive can be taken from such a negative situation. RIP fellow rider.

Thats it for me today folks. Send your emails on with anything from sharing ride photos and routes, suggestions, feedback or just plain old babble. I appreciate all the emails. Be safe and have fun. --- Ben

Friday May 2

Morning People. I hope this is finding you all well, and ready for the weekend. As of 9 am it was already 70 out, and the sun is shining. The rain should make its way in tomorrow, but only for the day, and then its back to sunshine.

Its Mini Cooper weekend, so if you dont like the Mini's, you might want to go somewhere else this weekend. With over 300 of them in the area, it will be a busy weekend for sure.

Yesterday saw some smaller wrecks but nothing major. All was well at the end of the day. Thanks to the BCSO for taking such good care of our riders.

Enjoy the weekend folks. Be safe. --- Ben

Thursday May 1

Howdy folks. Welcome to Thursday at Deals Gap. As of 9 am, it was only 50 out, but we expect that it will warm up pretty good today. I cant believe its May already....   Weather should be good through tomorrow, then clouds move in for Saturday but Sunday looks pretty good.

This weekend is the big MOTD or Mini's on the Dragon. We are expecting no less than 300 cars for the weekend, so if you dont like Mini's, here is your warning. I personally love to see them come into town, so Im happy.

Lots of sorrow over the passing of a rider here a few days ago. Ive gotten many emails regarding the wreck, and all I can really tell you is that the rider passed doing what he loved, and was surrounded by his family when he passes. He was riding with his father at the time. Our most sincere condolences to the family for what was obviously a very tragic loss. Our thoughts are with you and yours.

Thats all I have. My lawn looks great after dealing with it for as long as I did. Wish I could enjoy it more sometimes. Keep the emails flowing folks. Enjoy your day. --- Ben

Tuesday April 29

Morning everyone. I know I dont typically do an update on Tuesdays, but Brad and I switched out some hours, so here I am. This morning is a very cool one with temps only at 34 as of 8 am, but the sun should warm things up pretty well by noon or so. It was definately cold last night, but it made for a perfect am with the fog and mist coming off the lakes and the sun trying to burn through it...

Im afraid I have to report a fatality on the Dragon last night. Shortly after 9 pm, a southbound rider wrecked just south of Parsons Branch and had fatal injuries. As I understand it, speed was definately a factor. RIP fellow rider. This is a very sad day here at the Gap.

People, please..... I know I sound like a broken record, but this is not a racetrack. If you are going to learn anything, do it from others mistakes.

Thats it for me guys. Enjoy your day, and please try to be safe. --- Ben

Monday April 28

Howdy folks. Hope this Monday finds you well. Todays weather isnt all that great, but its in the 60's and its stopped raining for now. The next few days should be nicer though so get out and ride if you can.

The weekend went well, but Sunday we had limited traffic because of the rain. It was very wet and quite slow. Saturday went off with little issue and it was quite busy. We had groups galore out here, and everyone was happy with a smiling face. Thanks to everyone that came out. This includes the Warrior group, the V-Max group, the Busa Bash, a small group of Ninja 250's, the boys from CT, the BMW car club, and everyone that came out for the Cherokee Rally.

This upcoming weekend we will be taken over by the Mini Coopers. MOTD should be 300+ strong, so if you like the Mini's you should be out here this weekend.  What a great group of people that come with the Mini clubs, and wea re looking forward to seeing them again. We are especially looking forward to our good friends at www.meanmrbean.com and www.fiascofarm.com . .

Police Presence: As usual, we have the Blount County Sheriffs Deputies here 7 days a week, and there were no complaints on poor behavior. As well, we had a couple of THP milling around, and again, no complaints from anyone, other than a few that got deserving tickets. Bottom line folks.... please make sure you and your bike are legal, and you will have no issues. Thanks to all the LEO's that make this place safer for us all. We certainly appreciate you all for being here.

Movie info: I saw Cloverfield last night, and loved it. It was a better version of Blair Witch and was done very well. IMO, the 2 best movies I have seen in a while were Cloverfield and Juno. Get them and check them out, when you get the chance.

Thats it for me folks. Im off to cut a bunch of grass after all this rain. I hope your next couple of days go well ,and without a hitch for you all. Be safe, have fun, keep the emails rolling in and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben 

Sunday April 27

Its Sunday, and all is well around here. Though the sky isnt pretty, there is no rain on the Gap itself. There was rain in Maryville, and the surrounding area though. As of 9 am, its already in the mid 60's and our expected high should be in the low 70's. The rain still looms heavily til Tuesday, but you never know around here. Yesterday was a 70% chance of rain but we had not seen a drop after 10 am. Its all a guessing game folks...

Yesterday went really well, even with all that was happening. Of course we had our local Sheriff's out dealing with folks, and I had not heard on any complaints at all. As well, we had a couple of THP come through and again, no complaints whatsoever. There were a couple of tickets handed out by each office, but all for very deserving reasons like no license or 50 in a 30, but from all I could tell EVERYONE was treated with respect. Thanks for the pro-active action officers. We appreciate you guys for being around and making things a lot safer for everyone.

Today is the exodus back home for many. Though we had a couple of tough wrecks over the weekend, again, it seemed everyone had a good one overall. The Cherokee Rally went off real well, and everyone had fun. The Warrior kids are always great to have around and are very respectable riders, and the Gold Wingers in PF all had a good time. Thanks to everyone for coming out to our areas this last weekend. We appreciate your smiling faces.

Update on Airlift week before last: The rider that took the chopper ride got with me via email. Kevin Johnson  of NC. is now back home recouping from his injuries. Though he wont be walking for some time yet, he is in good spirits and healing up well. Kevin wanted me to pass on thanks to all that helped him including the Park Ranger, a couple of sportbike riders and the guy with the RX-7. Thanks you guys for helping a fallen rider. Your selflessness is really appreciated. Get well soon Kevin !!!

Thats it for me today. I hope your weekend was nothing short of fun. Please remember(as always) to respect all you meet, smile and have fun. --- Ben

Saturday April 26

Welcome to Saturday everyone. I hope you are waking to a day full of fun plans and events. As of 9 am, its already 60 out, but the roads are wet and its very overcast. Today is calling for some more precipitation as well as tomorrow and Monday. I would think the rain will be gone by Monday, but you never know.

Yesterday was one of the busiest days we’ve seen yet, with people form all over here for many different reasons. For starters, there is the Busa Bash going on with over 100 bikes. As well, the Cherokee Survivors Rally is happening, and though I don’t know how many are in attendance, I can tell you its a lot of bikes. As well, we have a smaller V-Max group, and a couple of smaller car clubs. Today, the Redline Riders are coming in from Knoxville with about 50 or so friends too, so its already making for a busy day.

Last night I got out for some rides late in the day. I got with a couple of friends from up CT way, and we made some great night passes on the Dragon. Though its not for everyone, it is definitely way more challenging than any day run you can make. Somehow the darkness is intimidating… but we all had a great time none the less. Thanks for a great evening guys.

Yesterday, the THP gave a press release to WNOX in Knoxville , stating this weekend will be a “saturation weekend”. Thought they did not say that they will be on the Dragon specifically, they did mention most of the 4 lanes, and some of South Maryville , which means we should see some THP this weekend. From all I can tell, they will not be pulling the same crap they were pulling last year, so do not let these folks scare you off. Make sure you have all your paperwork for your ride, make sure you are legal and be polite and courteous if you have a conversation with these folks. While I expect some form of saturation in the area  this weekend I doubt it will be for a long time or as extreme as last year.

Yesterday was also interesting as far as who tried to go over the mountain. An 18 wheeler came north on 129 out of Robbinsville, NC yesterday. He was from California and wanted to get to Nashville , TN. When he put the Nashville address in his GPS, it routed him through Deals Gap into TN. He stopped at the store looking for an escort, and we sent MG out to take him through. Thanks MG !!! Well, the driver got through the Dragon, but on the other side, the local law went up one side and down the other for coming through the Dragon. Suffice to say, he wont be back this way anytime soon.

Lastly, the guys from Big Ear are here. Come get your custom ear plugs, because hearing is just way too cool to not have it. As well, Dennis the pin striping man is here, so check out his work and get him to spice up your ride. Of course, last but certainly not least, is Beth Evans, our in-house RMT. Beth is available for 15-20 minute massages on the covered deck by the front door. Very cost effective and it feels great, so don’t forget to check Beth out.

Well, that’s all Ive got. If you have anything you want to discuss, or something to say please don’t hesitate to email me. I appreciate them all….  Be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

 

 

Friday April 25

Morning everyone. What a great morning it is here. Although we are thinking it might rain a bit late in the day, its perfect right now. I had a great ride in, and it was over 60 at about 8 am. Last night was one of the first perfect evenings to sleep with the windows open and it was great. Weather this weekend is calling for chances of rain through Monday, but I wouldn’t let that dictate your plans. Get out there and do something with your time.

This weekend is the Cherokee Rally, as well as the Busa Bash. There is also the Gold Wing group in Pigeon Forge and this am I saw a bunch of V-max’s out, so there are some group moving in for the weekend. We had a BMW group here yesterday, but they moved out of the area for the weekend. We also expect a Corvette Club coming through tomorrow.

Strangely enough, I don’t have anything negative to report. J Everyone seems to be playing well with each other, but we did have a couple of small get offs yesterday. None of them major, but Im sure if there were bandages made for peoples pride, we could sell a ton of them. While its never fun to crash, at least here we are all surrounded by like minded individuals that are all willing to help, and most have been that situation already.

This weekend, Dennis the Pin Striper man is here in our lot willing to work with anyone to get their ride looking a bit sharper. Take a minute to check out all that Dennis has to offer. As well, we have a good friend King Wiggins from Big Ear is here to make custom ear plugs just for you. I have a pair and I love them. Lastly, but no less important is Beth Evans. Beth is an RMT and available for 20 minute massages on the porch for any weary rider. Thanks to all these folks for coming out.

That’s it for me today. I hope you are all getting ready for fantastic plans for the weekend. Whatever you get into remember to be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

 

 

Thursday April 24

Howdy folks, I hope this finds you all well, and getting ready for another weekend of fun and enjoyment. As of 9 am, it was already 60 out and the weather will be good for the day. After today, its anyone’s guess, because the guessers are calling for 50/50 all weekend long. I would think we will see some rain, but it looks like it will be mainly in the evenings.

This weekend coming up seems incredibly busy. We have the Yamaha Warriors in town, the Cherokee Rally in Cherokee, NC, along with the Busa Bash in Robbinsville, NC , a BMW car club and who knows what else will show up. Even if the weather is questionable, I know it will be busy so be ready for just about anything around here.

Today’s daily was delayed because I was on the phone with USA Truck's head office for some time. Seems some new routes send their trucks through the Dragon, but that was quickly stopped once they saw the image of the road from 10K feet. It was a pretty interesting call actually, and the folks at USA Truck were all very understanding of the situation. Some of the noises heard through the phone when they saw the satellite shot of the road were pretty funny too. If you dont know of what I am talking, check out this weeks update from www.killboy.com  Thanks for all you and your crew do for and on the Dragon Killboy.

After having 2 days off, I came in to about 40 emails on the dailies. THANKS FOLKS !! Please dont stop sending in your ideas and thoughts. I really enjoy reading others positions on things, and it helps me to learn more.

LEO Update: Yep, there are still police in the world, and I personally thank each and every one of them for doing what they do. The Blount County Sheriff has the mountain covered 7 days a week, and are very nice to our visiting riders and drivers. THP does not usually show up unless someone needs a police report on a wreck or something , but otherwise we have not seen a saturation weekend yet. Not to say ones not coming, but we have not seen the stupidity known as the 2007 season on the Dragon yet. I still seem to be getting emails asking if the PIGS are out, and I still find a polite way to tell these misinformed folks that people like that are needed in the world to combat the morons. Something else I have noticed though... it seems that the people that ask if the police are bad are NOT the ones that need to be policed. Strange, but thats what I am seeing.

Last night we had a wreck on the Dragon at Crud Corner. Southbound rider(new to biking and no endorsement) bought a bike in PA, and made it all the way down here, and almost through the Dragon but not quite. He crossed the line and hit a Northbound rider. They both took the ambulance ride into town, and are both ok, but this still should not have happened. The reason I say this is because I dont personally feel there is any space up here for new riders. New to me is less than 2 years of riding under your belt, and even then..... This is just not the place for new riders in my opinion. We seem to be finding that with the increased LEO presence new riders think its safer up here, when that is the furthest from the truth.  I know its a free country and all that jazz, but there are some things that need to learn while walking before you start to run, so why should this be any different ?? Please people.... leave the ego at home.

Lastly, a big hug goes out the Beths parents. It was great to see you both, and I hope we will see you sooner than later. Its always a pleasure.

Im off the soapbox now, and getting back to work. Please folks, be safe have fun and respect all you see and meet(this includes yourself too). --- Ben

Monday April 21

Welcome to Monday everyone. Im sorry for the delayed daily, but it was a late night last night, and I just got in the office a little after 11 am. As of 11 am, it was already 70 out with the sun shining and not a cloud in sight. Weather should hold for a few more days before the rain comes back, so make sure to get out and appreciate it.

Another soap box daily is coming here, so either find another page or read my ramblings.    I think its fair to say that the last few days have not really worked out in our favor, as bikers. I am really embarrassed about my fellow sportbike riders, after hearing about all the questionable behavior found over this last weekend, and I would like to apologize for all of the people that werent polite or respectful. A quick synopsis of the last week shows a fire, an air lift, truck on car and a 9 yr old involved(as a passenger) in a head on accident. This, coupled with the numerous little get off's and other wrecks, and I think its safe to say I now understand why the LEO's show such an interest in the place. If anything, this last weekend proved it.

There were a couple of car clubs out and most had a good time, less the S2K under the truck. We saw the S2K's, a Celica club, a Porsche club, some Vettes and a very small group of old Chargers, more than likely heading off to Pigeon Forge for the Grand Rod Run this last weekend. We also saw the Nekkid Riders from the North East, and what a great bunch of folks that was. Thanks to all that were here last weekend, it was great to see you all and we appreciate the continued support.

Man, Ive got some stuff to do, and little time to get it done. As always, if you have anything you want to talk about, please email me. Any info on groups coming this way that you might have would be great to hear about as well.

Special mention goes back out to Beths parents. Those crazy and loveable folks are in Gatlinburg, TN today checking out what I consider Niagara Falls without the water. We love you guys and are glad your here for a small vacation.

Im out. Be safe, respect all and have fun. --- Ben