7th Annual Fall 2013 - Tail of the Dragon GTG - October 4, 5, 6
Yea, there is little wireless internet or cell service ANYWHERE up there. THe lobby of the lodge has a "micro cell" site, and there is service in Robbinsville (And I'm sure Franklin, NC.) But when that biker wrecked on the Skyway, GenCoupe people drove like maniacs for MILES to get a signal to call 911.
It makes a good get-away when you can honestly tell people back home that you are not reachable !
I usually check in with my sister when ever I pass thru Robbinsville, cause I know it's about my only chance.
It makes a good get-away when you can honestly tell people back home that you are not reachable !
I usually check in with my sister when ever I pass thru Robbinsville, cause I know it's about my only chance.
Little to no service on the Skyway. I start losing service as I approach the entrance on the Tennessee side, and don't regain service until I get close to 129 in North Carolina.
I should have four FRS radios with me THIS time... 'cause I KNOW many won't have one.
What time do we want to be down at the dock, Jon?
What time do we want to be down at the dock, Jon?
Thirteendog: Excuse my ignorance...What is involved in the Devil's Triangle? and will it interfere with the cruise Sat evening(I've booked a spot on it)...I just LOVE to drive my Crossfire...Carl
Last edited by cg80; Aug 29, 2013 at 01:17 PM. Reason: info
Devil's Triangle + 13dog in the lead = 10% less tread on your tires when you get back.
No, I'm not exaggerating! I keep thinking about going with them, but I'm still not sure I'm ready.
Seems to me that's a longer ride than the Franklin run OR the Skyway run....
No, I'm not exaggerating! I keep thinking about going with them, but I'm still not sure I'm ready.
Seems to me that's a longer ride than the Franklin run OR the Skyway run....
That drive is a all day thing of hard Driving , but I;m sure Dog will tell you more about the Drive soon
Look, I don't know anything about anything about this trip other than I need to bring the crossfire. Sooo, we newbies might need some terminology lessons! 
I am up for anything and my father will be joining me/us so we will have another person on board to have some fun.
Can't wait. Almost have the car ready for the trip!
I am up for anything and my father will be joining me/us so we will have another person on board to have some fun.
Can't wait. Almost have the car ready for the trip!
As I'm also on the little boat ride we will have to be back in time.
We will start at 9:00 from the lodge and head through the skyway at full steam. We will drive speed limitish on 68 to i75 to 321 to 58 which will take us to OakRidge. This is where we will eat lunch before we hop on the triangle. after the 62 back to i140 which will take us to Maryville and US129 for a quick as we can on a saturday run through the dragon and back to the lodge.
It's a long haul but we should be back before 4:00.
Be advised this is the "aggressive group" We run hard through the twisty bits, but slow up when it gets straight and boring (i.e. high trafficked roads and highways. we drive fast, but try to do it as safe as possible). We should and normally finish the Skyway in 45 minutes to an hour. Limited Crossfires are more than welcome. If you find yourself falling back don't worry about it. I always stop at the end of the twisty bits and wait for stragglers. (we've never really had any)
Last edited by Thirteendog; Aug 29, 2013 at 02:09 PM.
Look, I don't know anything about anything about this trip other than I need to bring the crossfire. Sooo, we newbies might need some terminology lessons! 
I am up for anything and my father will be joining me/us so we will have another person on board to have some fun.
Can't wait. Almost have the car ready for the trip!
I am up for anything and my father will be joining me/us so we will have another person on board to have some fun.
Can't wait. Almost have the car ready for the trip!
Seriously, its a great time. I'm in a SLK55 and I've had both SRT's and Limited Crossfires in my group. The limited struggle on the straights, but as I continue to get older the straights really don't excite me anymore. I tend to keep the speeds under the triple digit mark... That is unless I have Bigkid up my tail pushing me for more.
Look, I don't know anything about anything about this trip other than I need to bring the crossfire. Sooo, we newbies might need some terminology lessons! 
I am up for anything and my father will be joining me/us so we will have another person on board to have some fun.
Can't wait. Almost have the car ready for the trip!
I am up for anything and my father will be joining me/us so we will have another person on board to have some fun.
Can't wait. Almost have the car ready for the trip!
After driving around a bit Friday, and then attending the driver's meeting at 9pm - you will be able to make up your mind who to go with.
Mark you did fine last spring, and this fall you'll have rubber!
Seriously, its a great time. I'm in a SLK55 and I've had both SRT's and Limited Crossfires in my group. The limited struggle on the straights, but as I continue to get older the straights really don't excite me anymore. I tend to keep the speeds under the triple digit mark... That is unless I have Bigkid up my tail pushing me for more.
Seriously, its a great time. I'm in a SLK55 and I've had both SRT's and Limited Crossfires in my group. The limited struggle on the straights, but as I continue to get older the straights really don't excite me anymore. I tend to keep the speeds under the triple digit mark... That is unless I have Bigkid up my tail pushing me for more.
Nick is a very good leader. He drives a great line if you can stay close enough to follow it. This group is for you if you enjoy pushing the limits of your Crossfire (or AMG). Keep your traction control on and NEVER CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW. When you find yourself approching your skill and vehicle limits back off a notch or two. Nick will eventually stop and wait for everyone to catches up. He always does foe me
Mark the quickest way to get better is to follow the line of a better driver. Skills are essiential but the line is the thing. That is why I like to follow Nick or Howard . Please come join us. No competition, just good driving fun.
For those who just want to enjoy the mountains without pushing limits you can join "Pacemaker" and his group for a law abiding enjoyable day
His group is known as the "Tourist Class"
His group is known as the "Tourist Class"
Count me in for that .....
One of these days I will join this group. I've only heard good things.
OK I found the post that "Pacemaker" put on the thread from the Spring Dragon meet.
Now although he may choose a different route than described below I assure you it will still be a very relaxed pace with some great roads and fun for all who join this group and a nice stop to enjoy lunch together.
I'm sure Pacemaker will chime in soon and he will also address the entire group during our drivers meeting held in the lobby of our hotel on Friday night around 9pm to share the run he has planned for any who choose to join him.
For all those new to the Dragon, that get queezy at high speed curve hanging and can't tear their eyes off the white ditch line, may I recommend "THE TOURIST CLASS" group for your first run on Saturday morning?
Mostly made up of those who have retired from the "need for speed" crowd and would really like to actually SEE the passing scenery.
A leisurely, but at times challenging (90-100 mph at one point) trip to Franklin and then north to a WONDERFUL lunch at KOSTA'S Greek Diner rounds out the memorable day.
Hope you can make the trip at any speed, but if you want a "tour" go TOURIST CLASS!
Mostly made up of those who have retired from the "need for speed" crowd and would really like to actually SEE the passing scenery.
A leisurely, but at times challenging (90-100 mph at one point) trip to Franklin and then north to a WONDERFUL lunch at KOSTA'S Greek Diner rounds out the memorable day.
Hope you can make the trip at any speed, but if you want a "tour" go TOURIST CLASS!
I will be there as usual Nick gently nudging to insure the fun factor stays high. Howard is planning on being there as well and I am sure Easley 15 will join in the fun. Don't think we will ever have another Skyway run like the day you and I broke loose from the pack and burned 1/2 tank of fuel on that epic run. Triple digets? I never had time to look down on that run.
Nick is a very good leader. He drives a great line if you can stay close enough to follow it. This group is for you if you enjoy pushing the limits of your Crossfire (or AMG). Keep your traction control on and NEVER CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW. When you find yourself approching your skill and vehicle limits back off a notch or two. Nick will eventually stop and wait for everyone to catches up. He always does foe me
Mark the quickest way to get better is to follow the line of a better driver. Skills are essiential but the line is the thing. That is why I like to follow Nick or Howard . Please come join us. No competition, just good driving fun.
Nick is a very good leader. He drives a great line if you can stay close enough to follow it. This group is for you if you enjoy pushing the limits of your Crossfire (or AMG). Keep your traction control on and NEVER CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW. When you find yourself approching your skill and vehicle limits back off a notch or two. Nick will eventually stop and wait for everyone to catches up. He always does foe me
Mark the quickest way to get better is to follow the line of a better driver. Skills are essiential but the line is the thing. That is why I like to follow Nick or Howard . Please come join us. No competition, just good driving fun.
You know, I DO have new tires this time... and seldom does Gary NEED a leader for the SKyway run.... maybe this is my time on the Triangle?
As I said, I'll make up MY mind that weeekend...''
I'll just be happy to be on HellBender Hill again...
As I said, I'll make up MY mind that weeekend...''
I'll just be happy to be on HellBender Hill again...
Last edited by pizzaguy; Aug 29, 2013 at 10:23 PM.
It's a fantastic journey to Oakridge Tennessee where we meet up with Charlie Daniels and sell our souls to the Devil so we can ride this incredible 23 mile loop of a road while blasting Devil went down to Georgia. 
As I'm also on the little boat ride we will have to be back in time.
We will start at 9:00 from the lodge and head through the skyway at full steam. We will drive speed limitish on 68 to i75 to 321 to 58 which will take us to OakRidge. This is where we will eat lunch before we hop on the triangle. after the 62 back to i140 which will take us to Maryville and US129 for a quick as we can on a saturday run through the dragon and back to the lodge.
It's a long haul but we should be back before 4:00.
Be advised this is the "aggressive group" We run hard through the twisty bits, but slow up when it gets straight and boring (i.e. high trafficked roads and highways. we drive fast, but try to do it as safe as possible). We should and normally finish the Skyway in 45 minutes to an hour. Limited Crossfires are more than welcome. If you find yourself falling back don't worry about it. I always stop at the end of the twisty bits and wait for stragglers. (we've never really had any)
As I'm also on the little boat ride we will have to be back in time.
We will start at 9:00 from the lodge and head through the skyway at full steam. We will drive speed limitish on 68 to i75 to 321 to 58 which will take us to OakRidge. This is where we will eat lunch before we hop on the triangle. after the 62 back to i140 which will take us to Maryville and US129 for a quick as we can on a saturday run through the dragon and back to the lodge.
It's a long haul but we should be back before 4:00.
Be advised this is the "aggressive group" We run hard through the twisty bits, but slow up when it gets straight and boring (i.e. high trafficked roads and highways. we drive fast, but try to do it as safe as possible). We should and normally finish the Skyway in 45 minutes to an hour. Limited Crossfires are more than welcome. If you find yourself falling back don't worry about it. I always stop at the end of the twisty bits and wait for stragglers. (we've never really had any)



