Planning Help Dragon Trip 2013

[Hillhouse]

Here is a GREAT place to stay, very bike friendly. Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge Cabins, Rooms, & Campground. www.ironhorsenc.com

If you have time be sure to check out Wheel through time in Maggie Valley. so many vintage American made machines, saw a pre-runner to the snowmobile a Harley powered toboggan also had a HD jet ski made wayyy before what we have now. http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/ If you get to meet the owner Dale spend as much time with him as possible, he is one friendly/knowledgeable guy. All the bike there run.

As for the Dragon it's OK, do it so you can say you did. I am not impressed by it. They just have better PR people. As CORIGAN listed all those rides are super. So many roads to ride in that area, twisties every where you go.


The V- Star group I belong to has had 3 Meet & Greets in that area, next one is in July looking forward to it, will be taking my new Voyager for that one.
Trevor

[Chili]

We had our first planning meeting last night, looks like it is going to be a good group. Any route tips from Minneapolis to the Maggie Valley area? We'd like to stay of the slab but not exactly flower sniffing pace either. Was thinking of using some of the Great River Road.

[jlreeves]

Be aware there has been quite a bit of damage to roads in the area due to landslides from recent rains. Check your route carefully

[Chili]

We don't go until early May, hopefully most damage will be repaired by then, but will double check planned routes.

[jlreeves]

Originally Posted by Chili

We had our first planning meeting last night, looks like it is going to be a good group. Any route tips from Minneapolis to the Maggie Valley area? We'd like to stay of the slab but not exactly flower sniffing pace either. Was thinking of using some of the Great River Road.

I had a trip planned for the Great River Road this past year. I left from Atlanta, GA and got all the way up to Kentucky. I was going all the way down to Baton Rouge LA then head home.

Timing is everything. Hurricane Isaac came along and headed straight for us. They closed all the roads we were going to use and bacically we couldnt get anywhere. Had to to just head home.

[sacarriker]

I'd stay in Gatlinburg!

[Corigan]

I'd avoid Gatlinburg like the plague! Ever been in stop and go traffic for 2+ hrs and completely worked out your clutch? I have hit this kind of traffic in gatlinburg multiple times. I'd stay out in Townsend. Much more low key, better prices, not a tourist trap, and the traffic is easy. Still easy access to the Smoky mountains and over the foothills parkway to the dragon.

I have one free night stay up in Gatlinburg, and after that the only reason I will ever plan on going through that town is if I am going up to Roaring Fork..

[traveler]

I would avoid Gatliburg as well .Stay in Cherokee , Maggie Valley or Townsend. My Favorite place is the "Pink Motel" in Cherokee . We've been staying there for years spring and fall . good luck and take lots of pictures.

[highwayman2011]

I was in that area two years ago. We stayed at the Microtel in Robbinsville NC. Nice small town right on US 129 about 20 miles south of the Dragon and right at the start of the Cherohala Skyway. Short ride to Cherokee as well. Check out tailofthedragon.com for info on roads and lodging.

[highwayman2011]

Even if you come south on the Interstate keep away from Chicago. Traffic backs up and too many tolls.

[davidhollinger]

A military friend of mine just invited us up for the weekend on May 9th-11th. Free condo and drinks, just show up and ride! Cant wait. I have never ridden the dragon!

[bchris964]

Originally Posted by Chili

A group of us are planning a trip to the Smokey Mountain area in May of 2013 from Central Canada and with none of us ever having been we are looking for some advice on the area and our routes etc...

its looking awesome idea to move the trip around the Smokey Mountains on the bike but, in my view, its looking dangerous idea to move out on bikes. if we will move there on bus and cars it can reduce the risk of danger on the smokey mountain because on the high its not easy to handle bikes. if anyone agree just join me to move around.