3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
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From: Grimsby, Ontario
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by hcarter
Here's a article that ran in todays paper here in Kingsport Tn. I thought you might find it interesting especially the highlighted section
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TALLASSEE, Tenn. (AP) — As of Monday, motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts will once again have access to most of a stretch of road known as "The Dragon."
But a rock slide that caused the segment of U.S. Route 129 to be shut down in March will still block access from the Tennessee side of the road that winds into North Carolina.
That means merchants on the Tennessee side will have to wait until the $2 million stabilization and cleanup is completed in July until they can once again reap the benefits from the swarms of motorcycles streaming through their area.
Despite warm temperatures and blue skies over the weekend, a cluster of businesses on the Tennessee end of The Dragon saw only the occasional motorcyclist pass through, including two Blount County police officers and a reporter.
"There would be thousands of motorcycles out there if it was open," said Dave Ramsey, owner of the 129 Motorcycle Pit Stop.
Ramsey estimated that more than 90 percent of his business has been choked off because of the rock slide, and questioned why the state would go through the trouble of opening the stretch of road when there will be little benefit to the tourism industry in Tennessee.
Counterparts on the North Carolina will be able to corner the tourism market, Ramsey said.
"They're going to squeeze us out of business," he said. "We're paying for it, and we get nothing out of it."
Tennessee state troopers are taking a two-hour detour into North Carolina to enforce traffic laws on the road between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. every day. Emergency response will be provided by Graham County, N.C.
In the meantime, traffic will be able to enter from the North Carolina side near Robbinsville and turn back about two miles from the rock slide, just short of the Foothills Parkway that many enthusiasts follow to accommodations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The slide also cuts off roads coming from Maryville and Knoxville.
Workers on Saturday were perched about 160 feet above the road surface, jarring loose rock from the face of the cliff above the original rock slide. Vancouver, British Columbia-based Pacific Blasting has been promised a $195,000 incentive to finish the project by July 1.
But for some the work can't be completed soon enough.
Cook Todd Bell said he was inside 129 Motorcycle Pit Stop when he noticed an unusual serenity surrounding the store on a prime riding day.
"It's the sound of motorcycles not going by," he said.
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TALLASSEE, Tenn. (AP) — As of Monday, motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts will once again have access to most of a stretch of road known as "The Dragon."
But a rock slide that caused the segment of U.S. Route 129 to be shut down in March will still block access from the Tennessee side of the road that winds into North Carolina.
That means merchants on the Tennessee side will have to wait until the $2 million stabilization and cleanup is completed in July until they can once again reap the benefits from the swarms of motorcycles streaming through their area.
Despite warm temperatures and blue skies over the weekend, a cluster of businesses on the Tennessee end of The Dragon saw only the occasional motorcyclist pass through, including two Blount County police officers and a reporter.
"There would be thousands of motorcycles out there if it was open," said Dave Ramsey, owner of the 129 Motorcycle Pit Stop.
Ramsey estimated that more than 90 percent of his business has been choked off because of the rock slide, and questioned why the state would go through the trouble of opening the stretch of road when there will be little benefit to the tourism industry in Tennessee.
Counterparts on the North Carolina will be able to corner the tourism market, Ramsey said.
"They're going to squeeze us out of business," he said. "We're paying for it, and we get nothing out of it."
Tennessee state troopers are taking a two-hour detour into North Carolina to enforce traffic laws on the road between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. every day. Emergency response will be provided by Graham County, N.C.
In the meantime, traffic will be able to enter from the North Carolina side near Robbinsville and turn back about two miles from the rock slide, just short of the Foothills Parkway that many enthusiasts follow to accommodations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The slide also cuts off roads coming from Maryville and Knoxville.
Workers on Saturday were perched about 160 feet above the road surface, jarring loose rock from the face of the cliff above the original rock slide. Vancouver, British Columbia-based Pacific Blasting has been promised a $195,000 incentive to finish the project by July 1.
But for some the work can't be completed soon enough.
Cook Todd Bell said he was inside 129 Motorcycle Pit Stop when he noticed an unusual serenity surrounding the store on a prime riding day.
"It's the sound of motorcycles not going by," he said.
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From: South Carolina
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Gary, I have a late addition to the list. My wife has decided to attend and drive her car. So it would be, Flying Turtle, (Linda) 2005 SSB SRT-6 Roadster, Spartanburg SC. We are looking foward to seeing everyone this week end. Jim
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From: IN
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by Thirteendog
So... how many tickets has our little group racked up in the past few Dragon runs?
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From: wills point tx
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
I got one
, when not running with the group, about 8 am Sunday morning. So when in the group don"t be the first are last car they will probably get picked on
Danny==== Ya"ll have fun now
, when not running with the group, about 8 am Sunday morning. So when in the group don"t be the first are last car they will probably get picked on Danny==== Ya"ll have fun now
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From: Cincinnati ( Delhi )
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
I'm guilty of one warning, but he was nice about it. I thanked the LEO and then was gun-shy the rest of the week end.
James
James
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From: Warner Robins, GA
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by oledoc2u
Just warnings from what I remember. Not me, I never speed down there....
LOL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Man, you guys have NO idea of how envious Deb & I are about this upcoming weekend !
We'll have to find some twisty road around here & drive it like a fiend just to get a feeling of what you guys (& gals!!) will be experiencing, dang it!
We'll be thinking of all of you....have a blast!!!
!We'll have to find some twisty road around here & drive it like a fiend just to get a feeling of what you guys (& gals!!) will be experiencing, dang it!
We'll be thinking of all of you....have a blast!!!
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From: Cincinnati ( Delhi )
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
• FRS Radios
• GPS
• Playmate Cooler
• Beer
• Pop
• Laptop
• Cash
• Master Card
• Wife
We are ready!
• GPS
• Playmate Cooler
• Beer
• Pop
• Laptop
• Cash
• Master Card
• Wife
We are ready!
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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
• FRS Radios
• GPS
• Playmate Cooler
• Beer
• Pop
• Laptop
• Cash
• Master Card
• Wife
We are ready!
• GPS
• Playmate Cooler
• Beer
• Pop
• Laptop
• Cash
• Master Card
• Wife
We are ready!
GPS... Check
Laptop... Check
1/2" Torq Wrench with 17mm deep socket... Check
Xbox 360 with Forza 3... Check
Can't wait,
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by Bigkid
Gary, I have a late addition to the list. My wife has decided to attend and drive her car. So it would be, Flying Turtle, (Linda) 2005 SSB SRT-6 Roadster, Spartanburg SC. We are looking foward to seeing everyone this week end. Jim
I have added her to the list
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
I'm not staying overnight in Florence, KY. on the way down this year.
As it turned out I would have been the only one there on Thursday night.
Therefore I will be meeting James1549 at the Red Roof Inn in Florence, KY. around noon instead on Thursday and running the rest of the way down arriving at Fontana Lodge on Thursday late afternoon.
A full 3 day weekend in NC !!!
We are coming in via the Cherahala Skyway and through Robbinsville since US129 in now closed near the Foothills Parkway.
Looking forward to seeing all of you and wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable trip to Fontana Dam
Gary
As it turned out I would have been the only one there on Thursday night.
Therefore I will be meeting James1549 at the Red Roof Inn in Florence, KY. around noon instead on Thursday and running the rest of the way down arriving at Fontana Lodge on Thursday late afternoon.
A full 3 day weekend in NC !!!
We are coming in via the Cherahala Skyway and through Robbinsville since US129 in now closed near the Foothills Parkway.
Looking forward to seeing all of you and wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable trip to Fontana Dam
Gary
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Revised routes posted here
Saturday (if time allows) we may add the Cherohala Skyway to the run but we will need to run it out and back to Robbinsville and then follow US129 back to Hwy 28 to Fontana Lodge.
I have printed copies of our route maps and directions for the Saturday and Sunday run and will pass them out to each of you on Friday night after dinner arount 9pm in the lobby during a brief meeting I will have with ALL drivers attending.
Saturday (if time allows) we may add the Cherohala Skyway to the run but we will need to run it out and back to Robbinsville and then follow US129 back to Hwy 28 to Fontana Lodge.
I have printed copies of our route maps and directions for the Saturday and Sunday run and will pass them out to each of you on Friday night after dinner arount 9pm in the lobby during a brief meeting I will have with ALL drivers attending.
Last edited by Valk; Apr 14, 2010 at 06:31 AM.
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From: Lexington Kentucky
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Susan And I ,hope to get out of lexington by 4:00 Pm Thru , If we make good time we may come on in to Fontana , if not we be in frist thing Fri Early , Look forward to meeting everbody , Be Safe coming down see all soon ! Ray & Susan
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
List attending as of 4/14 with all updates
__________________________________________________ _______________
Valkryderguy - (Gary) Aurora, Ill. - '04 SSB Coupe - (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Iamfink2 (Pat) - Laurel, Md. - '05 SSB Ltd Roadster
james1549 - (James & Tammi) - Cincinnati, OH - '04 Red Crossfire Coupe (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Osofast2(Ray & Susan) - Lexington, KY - '05 Black Ltd Roadster (FRI, SAT, SUN)
daminal (Dan) - Yulee, FL - '05 SSB Ltd Coupe (THURS, FRI, SAT)
KimPossible - (Kim) - Winter Park, FL - '05 Yellow Roadster (THURS, FRI, SAT,)
Bigkid - (Jim) Spartanburg, South Carolina - '05 SRT6 SSB (FRI, SAT, SUN)
pizzaguy - (Mark & Hope) Columbus, Georgia - '05 Blaze Red Roadster (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Sunflowrrz -(Lori-Ann Cantu) Florence, Alabama - '04 Black Limited Coupe (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Crossfirejb - (Joyce & Rick) Dalton, Georgia - '05 Classic Yellow Roadster (FRI, SAT, SUN)
2006 Roadster in TN - (Darren & Mina)-Athens, TN - '06 Alabaster Roadster (Drive in Saturday only)
Msgump - (Judy)Ann Arbor, Michigan - '05 Yellow Roadster
Jeff Cobb - Asheville, NC - '05 Aero Blue SRT6 Coupe
Thirteendog - (Nick) '05 Graphite SRT6 Coupe - Lebanon, Tennessee - (THURS, FRI, SAT, SUN)
dakota-boy1 (Don) Bradenton, Florida - '05 SSB SRT6 Roadster (RV CAMPING RESERVED)
JDS50 (Jay & Judy) Kansas City, Missouri - '06 Aero Blue Roadster (FRI, SAT)
kenyonmjr6 - (Omar) Fayetteville, NC - Alabaster Roadster
John Book - Apopka, Florida - '06 Black Coupe
hcarter (Howard) Kingsport Tn. - '05 Areo Blue SRT6 Roadster (SAT, SUN)
john1780 (John & Glenda) Cincinnati, Oh.- '05 Aero Blue Roadster (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Retired3303 (Dave) Millbury Massachusets - '05 Red Roadster (FRI, SAT, SUN)
stelmos (David) Owings Mills, Maryland - '08 Aero Blue Coupe (FRI, SAT,SUN)
Mickey5469-(John) Gainesville, Ga - '05 SSBSRT Roadster (FRI,SAT)
Ella Lynn -(Ella) Gainesville, Ga - '05 Ltd. Alabaster Roadster (FRI,SAT)
Ohioflyer - (Doug & Anita) - '07 Silver Coupe - Centerville, Ohio (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Bluecoupe - Grimsby, Ontario Canada - '05 Aero Blue Coupe (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Rokypoky (Steve) - Lynchburg,- Tn. '05 SSB SRT6 (FRI, SAT & SUN)
DBLewis - (Dave and Wanda) Edelstein (Peoria) Il - '05 Inferno Red Limited Coupe (FRI, SAT)
DGSPIKES (Tom & Debbie) Hendersonville , NC - '04 blaze red coupe (FRI, SAT)
Tim Le - Atlanta Georgia - 2005 SSB SRT-6 Roadster (SAT)
Flying Turtle - (Linda) 2005 SSB SRT-6 Roadster, Spartanburg SC.
__________________________________________________ _______________
Valkryderguy - (Gary) Aurora, Ill. - '04 SSB Coupe - (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Iamfink2 (Pat) - Laurel, Md. - '05 SSB Ltd Roadster
james1549 - (James & Tammi) - Cincinnati, OH - '04 Red Crossfire Coupe (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Osofast2(Ray & Susan) - Lexington, KY - '05 Black Ltd Roadster (FRI, SAT, SUN)
daminal (Dan) - Yulee, FL - '05 SSB Ltd Coupe (THURS, FRI, SAT)
KimPossible - (Kim) - Winter Park, FL - '05 Yellow Roadster (THURS, FRI, SAT,)
Bigkid - (Jim) Spartanburg, South Carolina - '05 SRT6 SSB (FRI, SAT, SUN)
pizzaguy - (Mark & Hope) Columbus, Georgia - '05 Blaze Red Roadster (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Sunflowrrz -(Lori-Ann Cantu) Florence, Alabama - '04 Black Limited Coupe (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Crossfirejb - (Joyce & Rick) Dalton, Georgia - '05 Classic Yellow Roadster (FRI, SAT, SUN)
2006 Roadster in TN - (Darren & Mina)-Athens, TN - '06 Alabaster Roadster (Drive in Saturday only)
Msgump - (Judy)Ann Arbor, Michigan - '05 Yellow Roadster
Jeff Cobb - Asheville, NC - '05 Aero Blue SRT6 Coupe
Thirteendog - (Nick) '05 Graphite SRT6 Coupe - Lebanon, Tennessee - (THURS, FRI, SAT, SUN)
dakota-boy1 (Don) Bradenton, Florida - '05 SSB SRT6 Roadster (RV CAMPING RESERVED)
JDS50 (Jay & Judy) Kansas City, Missouri - '06 Aero Blue Roadster (FRI, SAT)
kenyonmjr6 - (Omar) Fayetteville, NC - Alabaster Roadster
John Book - Apopka, Florida - '06 Black Coupe
hcarter (Howard) Kingsport Tn. - '05 Areo Blue SRT6 Roadster (SAT, SUN)
john1780 (John & Glenda) Cincinnati, Oh.- '05 Aero Blue Roadster (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Retired3303 (Dave) Millbury Massachusets - '05 Red Roadster (FRI, SAT, SUN)
stelmos (David) Owings Mills, Maryland - '08 Aero Blue Coupe (FRI, SAT,SUN)
Mickey5469-(John) Gainesville, Ga - '05 SSBSRT Roadster (FRI,SAT)
Ella Lynn -(Ella) Gainesville, Ga - '05 Ltd. Alabaster Roadster (FRI,SAT)
Ohioflyer - (Doug & Anita) - '07 Silver Coupe - Centerville, Ohio (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Bluecoupe - Grimsby, Ontario Canada - '05 Aero Blue Coupe (FRI, SAT, SUN)
Rokypoky (Steve) - Lynchburg,- Tn. '05 SSB SRT6 (FRI, SAT & SUN)
DBLewis - (Dave and Wanda) Edelstein (Peoria) Il - '05 Inferno Red Limited Coupe (FRI, SAT)
DGSPIKES (Tom & Debbie) Hendersonville , NC - '04 blaze red coupe (FRI, SAT)
Tim Le - Atlanta Georgia - 2005 SSB SRT-6 Roadster (SAT)
Flying Turtle - (Linda) 2005 SSB SRT-6 Roadster, Spartanburg SC.
Last edited by Valk; Apr 14, 2010 at 04:58 PM.
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From: Carmel, In.
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by Kurts
Man, you guys have NO idea of how envious Deb & I are about this upcoming weekend !
!
I changed my reservations like a week before I was set to leave, now they opened it back up You guys have a great trip, I am already looking forward to the Fall Dragon....
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by BoilerUpXFire
I think I have a pretty good idea, Kurts I changed my reservations like a week before I was set to leave, now they opened it back up
You guys have a great trip, I am already looking forward to the Fall Dragon....
I changed my reservations like a week before I was set to leave, now they opened it back up You guys have a great trip, I am already looking forward to the Fall Dragon....
Anyway, we'll be at the fall Dragon, I am sure!
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Originally Posted by BoilerUpXFire
I think I have a pretty good idea, Kurts I changed my reservations like a week before I was set to leave, now they opened it back up
You guys have a great trip, I am already looking forward to the Fall Dragon....
I changed my reservations like a week before I was set to leave, now they opened it back up You guys have a great trip, I am already looking forward to the Fall Dragon....
I'm sure you can recover your reservation and group rate if you call the lodge.
If you reconsider I'd give them a call or contact me.
I'm send you my # via PM
Gary
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From: Aurora , ILL
Re: 3rd Annual Spring 2010 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - April 16, 17, 18
Don't be now Franc.....there will be a Fall Dragon on October 1, 2, 3 this year
I'm all packed and leaving around 6 in the morning.
Running all the way to Fontana Lodge
now Franc.....there will be a Fall Dragon on October 1, 2, 3 this year I'm all packed and leaving around 6 in the morning.
Running all the way to Fontana Lodge
