3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
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From: Kingsport Tn.
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Thats exactly my thoughts ,,,, Doc
thirteendog you will probably want to go down 75 and come in that way , see post 303 what day are you coming in ?
thirteendog you will probably want to go down 75 and come in that way , see post 303 what day are you coming in ?
Last edited by hcarter; 04-08-2010 at 03:53 PM.
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From: Lexington Kentucky
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by Thirteendog
pictures worth 1,000 words
It looks like i'll be running straight through the dragon... correct me if I'm wrong. I've not been yet and this'll be my first time.
It looks like i'll be running straight through the dragon... correct me if I'm wrong. I've not been yet and this'll be my first time.
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From: Lexington Kentucky
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Report From dealgap.com the Dragon will Reopen at the NC & TENN. line Mon. you will be able to run down to the lakes and turn around run back . They will put in a gate at the line and close it at 8:00 Pm open at 8:00 AM GOOD NEWS !!Bad news still CLOSED at the Slide or bottom at the lakes just past FOOT HILLS , For You all coming from the west and the north you will half to come in another way ! James has a nice Rt to come or you can come through Gatlinbuurg 
Last edited by Osofast2; 04-08-2010 at 04:52 PM.
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From: IN
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
So, Ray ole' buddy...any chances of slipping the Blount Co. Sheriff's Dept a few bucks and locking that gate behind us for a few hours? Huh ole' buddy, lol.....
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From: Lebanon, Tennessee
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
I'm coming in on Thursday. I'm trying to make this trip without touching any interstates, so can someone look at this route and tell me if I'll avoid the dragon's fallen stones? This is a modified route of the one I posted avoiding what I think is the Dragon and going the way Valk showed.
Google Maps
Click "include large map" at the top of the screen for a map.
Google Maps
Click "include large map" at the top of the screen for a map.
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From: Lexington Kentucky
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by oledoc2u
So, Ray ole' buddy...any chances of slipping the Blount Co. Sheriff's Dept a few bucks and locking that gate behind us for a few hours? Huh ole' buddy, lol.....
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From: Yulee, FL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by Thirteendog
I'm coming in on Thursday. I'm trying to make this trip without touching any interstates, so can someone look at this route and tell me if I'll avoid the dragon's fallen stones? This is a modified route of the one I posted avoiding what I think is the Dragon and going the way Valk showed.
Last edited by danimal; 04-08-2010 at 06:46 PM.
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by Thirteendog
I'm coming in on Thursday. I'm trying to make this trip without touching any interstates, so can someone look at this route and tell me if I'll avoid the dragon's fallen stones? This is a modified route of the one I posted avoiding what I think is the Dragon and going the way Valk showed.
Google Maps
Click "include large map" at the top of the screen for a map.
Google Maps
Click "include large map" at the top of the screen for a map.
THIS ROUTE WILL WORK AND YOU WILL AVOID THE ROCKSLIDE CLOSURE.
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From: Cincinnati ( Delhi )
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Thirteendog,
Your route will work as Gary pointed out. I did sections of that route last year when some of us got lost from the group. I followed my GPS and that was mistake. Some of those roads are gravel with pot holes.
Once you get to Tellico Plains, I would suggest you follow the route I posted above (post #313). Just a suggestion.
James
Your route will work as Gary pointed out. I did sections of that route last year when some of us got lost from the group. I followed my GPS and that was mistake. Some of those roads are gravel with pot holes.
Once you get to Tellico Plains, I would suggest you follow the route I posted above (post #313). Just a suggestion.
James
Last edited by James1549; 04-08-2010 at 10:04 PM.
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From: IN
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by James1549
Thirteendog,
Your route will work as Gary pointed out. I did sections of that route last year when some of us got lost from the group. I followed my GPS and that was mistake. Some of those roads are gravel with pot holes.
Once you get to Tellico Plains, I would suggest you follow the route I posted above. Just a suggestion.
James
Your route will work as Gary pointed out. I did sections of that route last year when some of us got lost from the group. I followed my GPS and that was mistake. Some of those roads are gravel with pot holes.
Once you get to Tellico Plains, I would suggest you follow the route I posted above. Just a suggestion.
James
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Revised routes planned for Saturday and Sunday due to the closure of US129 near the Foothills Parkway.
The Dragon is said to be open to run the 11 miles/318 curves but closed beyond that at the north end.
So ya turn around and run back through the 11 miles/318 curves back toward the lodge/Deals Gap.
Friday
Some members will already be at the lodge or in the Area.
I will arrive around 2pm
People begin to arrive and check in to the lodge throughout the day.
Dinner is at 6 and 8 and I hold a drivers/members meeting at 9pm where I ask everyone to be present in the Fontana lobby.
I take attendance and go over the agenda for the weekend as well as handing out this time line with maps.
____________________________________________
Saturday
begins at 9:00am with the Crossfire line up at the lodge.
Then around 9:30am we take our convoy of ALL our Crossfires in a continuous line (road blocked) to the Fontana Dam visitors center (3 miles) where professional photos are taken by US129photos.com
We will have a few folks directing you in to the parking area and assisting in getting all our Crossfires parked nicely and evenly to provide a good photo
We are usually there til around 11:30am and then divide into smaller groups for the remainder of the day.
Our route begins with about a 49 mile run to Franklin and then a 47 mile run to Robbinsvillle.
We can have lunch in Franklin around noon or Robbinsville around 1:20.
Then a revised route back to Fontana Lodge due to the closure of US129 "The Dragon"
There is then time to freshen up and then come down to the Chestnut room at the lodge for our BBQ.
We will start the grilling around 6:00 pm and should be starting to eat by 6:30.
Bring your own alcohol but soft drinks will be provided.
Revised Saturday run map
Fontana visitors center to Franklin to Robbinsville and return to Fontana Lodge from the south via of US129
__________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Revised Sunday Run - click link below
XFire Route - Cherokee-BRP-Chimney Rock-Hwy28.pdf
Highlighted in yellow
Dinner will be available back at Fontana Lodge for those who wish to dine there.
Eventually all of us who are staying overnight at the lodge are again welcome to hang out in the comfortable spacious lobby and share stories and reflect on the weekend spent together.
The Dragon is said to be open to run the 11 miles/318 curves but closed beyond that at the north end.
So ya turn around and run back through the 11 miles/318 curves back toward the lodge/Deals Gap.
Friday
Some members will already be at the lodge or in the Area.
I will arrive around 2pm
People begin to arrive and check in to the lodge throughout the day.
Dinner is at 6 and 8 and I hold a drivers/members meeting at 9pm where I ask everyone to be present in the Fontana lobby.
I take attendance and go over the agenda for the weekend as well as handing out this time line with maps.
____________________________________________
Saturday
begins at 9:00am with the Crossfire line up at the lodge.
Then around 9:30am we take our convoy of ALL our Crossfires in a continuous line (road blocked) to the Fontana Dam visitors center (3 miles) where professional photos are taken by US129photos.com
We will have a few folks directing you in to the parking area and assisting in getting all our Crossfires parked nicely and evenly to provide a good photo
We are usually there til around 11:30am and then divide into smaller groups for the remainder of the day.
Our route begins with about a 49 mile run to Franklin and then a 47 mile run to Robbinsvillle.
We can have lunch in Franklin around noon or Robbinsville around 1:20.
Then a revised route back to Fontana Lodge due to the closure of US129 "The Dragon"
There is then time to freshen up and then come down to the Chestnut room at the lodge for our BBQ.
We will start the grilling around 6:00 pm and should be starting to eat by 6:30.
Bring your own alcohol but soft drinks will be provided.
Revised Saturday run map
Fontana visitors center to Franklin to Robbinsville and return to Fontana Lodge from the south via of US129
__________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Revised Sunday Run - click link below
XFire Route - Cherokee-BRP-Chimney Rock-Hwy28.pdf
Highlighted in yellow
Dinner will be available back at Fontana Lodge for those who wish to dine there.
Eventually all of us who are staying overnight at the lodge are again welcome to hang out in the comfortable spacious lobby and share stories and reflect on the weekend spent together.
Last edited by Valk; 04-14-2010 at 07:58 AM.
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From: Upstate SC
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Got an eMail from Fontana Village Resort this morning. According to them, The Dragon is re-opening on April 12th. Seems that access is limited (8 AM to 8 PM), so keep these hours in your plans when traveling to FVR. Looks like those attending the XFire Spring Dragon weekend event on April 16-18 will be able to drive this section. Enjoy!
Last edited by dedwards0323; 04-09-2010 at 08:22 AM.
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From: Lebanon, Tennessee
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by James1549
Thirteendog,
Your route will work as Gary pointed out. I did sections of that route last year when some of us got lost from the group. I followed my GPS and that was mistake. Some of those roads are gravel with pot holes.
Once you get to Tellico Plains, I would suggest you follow the route I posted above (post #313). Just a suggestion.
James
Your route will work as Gary pointed out. I did sections of that route last year when some of us got lost from the group. I followed my GPS and that was mistake. Some of those roads are gravel with pot holes.
Once you get to Tellico Plains, I would suggest you follow the route I posted above (post #313). Just a suggestion.
James
Google Maps
Thanks for the heads up. This should be a fun day just getting to the Dragon
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From: Yulee, FL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by oledoc2u
GPS is for Jeep Rubicon's only in the Dragon area....trust me on this one....
Last edited by danimal; 04-09-2010 at 12:03 PM.
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From: Lexington Kentucky
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by danimal
LOL Doc....all you have to do is make sure your setup doesn't inlcude 4WD and dirty bikes, and it works like a charm. My Garmin only steered me wrong one time and that was in PA...forgot to tell it I wasn't in an amish horse-drawn buggy...
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From: Upstate SC
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by Rv Xfire08
We will not be going to the Dragon is spring due to both of our crossfire were recked.Both in one month. And not sure they will be fixed by then.Hope everyone has fun.we will miss everyone.Allen & Joanna
I trust that neither of you were injured in the XFire wrecks. You live in the NC mountains now instead of the Piedmont/Sandhills of SC. Take care up there. Roads are more "twisty" than where you moved from!
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE
Tennessee and North Carolina Cooperative Efforts Will Open The Dragon | TN.gov Newsroom
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will reopen an 11-mile stretch of U.S. 129 in Blount County known as
“The Dragon” on Monday, April 12 at 8:00 a.m.
The stretch of U.S. 129 from the Tabcat Bridge to the North Carolina state line will be open to traffic each day between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The section of U.S. 129 from just past the Foothills Parkway to the Tabcat Bridge will remain closed as crews work to remove a rockslide that closed the roadway in March.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____
This map below shows the location of the closure at the Tabcat Bridge.
The closure is on the section where US129 runs mostly straight along the lakes north of the section with the 11 miles/318 curves.
We will be able to run the Dragon north and then turn around and run it coming back to the south.
Notice the miles marked on the 11 mile section of the Dragon and US28 at Deals Gap going off to Fontana Lodge on the lower section of the map.
The turn around will be somewhere south of the rockslide but north of the twisty section of the Dragon.
Crews constructed this rock berm to protect the nearby waters of the Chilhowee Lake.
Tennessee and North Carolina Cooperative Efforts Will Open The Dragon | TN.gov Newsroom
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation will reopen an 11-mile stretch of U.S. 129 in Blount County known as
“The Dragon” on Monday, April 12 at 8:00 a.m.
The stretch of U.S. 129 from the Tabcat Bridge to the North Carolina state line will be open to traffic each day between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
The section of U.S. 129 from just past the Foothills Parkway to the Tabcat Bridge will remain closed as crews work to remove a rockslide that closed the roadway in March.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____
This map below shows the location of the closure at the Tabcat Bridge.
The closure is on the section where US129 runs mostly straight along the lakes north of the section with the 11 miles/318 curves.
We will be able to run the Dragon north and then turn around and run it coming back to the south.
Notice the miles marked on the 11 mile section of the Dragon and US28 at Deals Gap going off to Fontana Lodge on the lower section of the map.
The turn around will be somewhere south of the rockslide but north of the twisty section of the Dragon.
Crews constructed this rock berm to protect the nearby waters of the Chilhowee Lake.
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
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From: IN
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by VALKRYDERGUY