8th Annual Fall 2014 - Tail of the Dragon GTG-October 3, 4, 5
There is ALWAYS a run on Sunday, sometimes 2 or 3 depending on interests.
FRIDAY:
On Friday, Franc has a run planned as does Nick - so you have a choice of a more leisurely drive or a pants-on-fire run, both are (I do beleive) a bit shorter runs,
I know Nick will be back to the Lodge not long after lunch.
Then, I and others will be running up and down hellbender and the Dragon on Friday afternoon - so you could come along and see what bunch you fit in, in preparation for the runs on Sat and Sun!
Also, Friday is a low traffic day until about 4 or so - Sat and Sun can get crowded.
FRIDAY:
On Friday, Franc has a run planned as does Nick - so you have a choice of a more leisurely drive or a pants-on-fire run, both are (I do beleive) a bit shorter runs,
I know Nick will be back to the Lodge not long after lunch.
Then, I and others will be running up and down hellbender and the Dragon on Friday afternoon - so you could come along and see what bunch you fit in, in preparation for the runs on Sat and Sun!
Also, Friday is a low traffic day until about 4 or so - Sat and Sun can get crowded.
Friday has just sort have been added over the past few years because many just like to kick off the weekend a day before the roads get busier.
Most are actually arriving on Friday mostly during the afternoon.
That is why any Friday run is somewhat short in comparison to Saturday and Sunday runs.
This allows for those who got there on Thursday to be around to greet those who are arriving Friday afternoon.
I still feel Sunday is worth staying for the entire day and having dinner together with those who stay Sunday night is a nice end to a 3 day weekend.
If you travel such a distance to come don't cut your weekend short and miss out on any time with the others who stay until Monday morning.
As far as the routes and days they are run and who will lead them.....
This is not pre determined but I assure you whatever time you decide to spend with us you will enjoy.
I will post up some route maps in Post #6 once I have them available
Thanks, Gary
I still feel Sunday is worth staying for the entire day and having dinner together with those who stay Sunday night is a nice end to a 3 day weekend.
If you travel such a distance to come don't cut your weekend short and miss out on any time with the others who stay until Monday morning.
Gary is right. Work always gets in the way, and I leave on Sunday. But Sunday, to me would be the best day to drive the twisties all to your self in the mornings..... I am still trying to shore up some things, but I am going ahead and make reservations, so hopefully we can stay a little longer.
Gary: Looking forward to my 3rd Dragon this Oct. The excitement seems to get greater with each one...this year looks like maybe a record turnout...hope so, I fired up with anticipation to see old faces as well as new ones...It's going to be a blast... Carl
Yep, the excitement is rising. New Hankooks on the front now ready to rock and roll for my 4th Dragon. Arriving Thursday lunchtime leaving Monday morning
I know it is a way off yet, but here is what Tammi and I plan to do for Saturday, and anyone that wants to join is welcome. It will be a take-your-time drive and enjoy the scenery. Since the Cherohala Skyway is our favorite part, we will double back over it after eating lunch in Tellico Plains. We do need some suggestions for eateries that have parking for everyone.
On the way back, we can stop at Bald River Falls just outside of Tellico Plains for those that have not been there yet. Cherokee National Forest - Bald River Falls It is worth stopping even if you have been before.
Also we plan to stop at the Joyce Kilmer National Forest before getting back to the lodge. It is two mile walk from the parking lot but sounds really interesting. More info here: National Forests in North Carolina - Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
This route does NOT include the Dragon. Once in and once out is enough for one weekend for the other passenger in my car!
See the attached map if you are interested. Times and distance are printed on the map.
PS Gary move this where you see fit.
On the way back, we can stop at Bald River Falls just outside of Tellico Plains for those that have not been there yet. Cherokee National Forest - Bald River Falls It is worth stopping even if you have been before.
Also we plan to stop at the Joyce Kilmer National Forest before getting back to the lodge. It is two mile walk from the parking lot but sounds really interesting. More info here: National Forests in North Carolina - Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
This route does NOT include the Dragon. Once in and once out is enough for one weekend for the other passenger in my car!
See the attached map if you are interested. Times and distance are printed on the map.
PS Gary move this where you see fit.
Last edited by James1549; Aug 9, 2014 at 09:11 PM.
I know it is a way off yet, but here is what Tammi and I plan to do, and anyone that wants to join is welcome.
It will be a take-your-time drive and enjoy the scenery.
Since the Cherohala Skyway is our favorite part, we will double back over it after eating lunch in Tellico Plains.
We do need some suggestions for eateries that have parking for everyone.
It will be a take-your-time drive and enjoy the scenery.
Since the Cherohala Skyway is our favorite part, we will double back over it after eating lunch in Tellico Plains.
We do need some suggestions for eateries that have parking for everyone.
We have enjoyed the "Tellicafe" in Tellico Plains on our past runs
They have enough space to park and always provided good food and service for our group.....
Tellicafe - Lunch Menu - Tellico Plains
Last edited by Valk; Aug 9, 2014 at 09:23 PM.
IMO if you leave Sunday you are cutting your weekend short
Friday has just sort have been added over the past few years because many just like to kick off the weekend a day before the roads get busier.
Most are actually arriving on Friday mostly during the afternoon.
That is why any Friday run is somewhat short in comparison to Saturday and Sunday runs.
This allows for those who got there on Thursday to be around to greet those who are arriving Friday afternoon.
I still feel Sunday is worth staying for the entire day and having dinner together with those who stay Sunday night is a nice end to a 3 day weekend.
If you travel such a distance to come don't cut your weekend short and miss out on any time with the others who stay until Monday morning.
As far as the routes and days they are run and who will lead them.....
This is not pre determined but I assure you whatever time you decide to spend with us you will enjoy.
I will post up some route maps in Post #6 once I have them available
Thanks, Gary
Friday has just sort have been added over the past few years because many just like to kick off the weekend a day before the roads get busier.
Most are actually arriving on Friday mostly during the afternoon.
That is why any Friday run is somewhat short in comparison to Saturday and Sunday runs.
This allows for those who got there on Thursday to be around to greet those who are arriving Friday afternoon.
I still feel Sunday is worth staying for the entire day and having dinner together with those who stay Sunday night is a nice end to a 3 day weekend.
If you travel such a distance to come don't cut your weekend short and miss out on any time with the others who stay until Monday morning.
As far as the routes and days they are run and who will lead them.....
This is not pre determined but I assure you whatever time you decide to spend with us you will enjoy.
I will post up some route maps in Post #6 once I have them available
Thanks, Gary
This is my first Dragon where I am not staying Sunday. However, I may change my mind.
Sunday evenings at the Lodge always seemed to be the sweetest time. After the days run a quiet time with just a few close friends. Monday Breakfast is bittersweet but the Dragon is clear and unmolested. A great final run just before the long boring trip home.
We shall see.
Friday will be a run to Cades Cove and then a off road trek on rich's mountain to the BREW and CHEW in Maryville. A dragon run back to the Lodge by 3:00.
Some gravel so not recommended for garage queens. However, if you wish there is an alternative route for the faint hearted.
Speed is not planned except for the Dragon run.
Last edited by Franc Rauscher; Aug 28, 2014 at 12:59 PM.
Any info on potential Friday runs and Sunday runs? This may help us decide on what days to make our reservations for. A "tentative" run schedule added to post one/three would help as these runs are talked about especially for us newbies. Sorry, we aren't in the flow of the weekend yet. 
My thanks to these folks for there efforts in helping make this weekend enjoyable
Some routes/maps have been posted and I will update Post #6 as more info becomes available
Thanks, Gary
+ 1 Face Book group not my thing , you try to help and you get rip , it funny you can own car for three days and know everything about it , Susan and I will be around Sunday and heading home Monday , and should be getting in Fri early about noon , look forward to a great weekend ,
+ 1 Face Book group not my thing , you try to help and you get rip , it funny you can own car for three days and know everything about it , Susan and I will be around Sunday and heading home Monday , and should be getting in Fri early about noon , look forward to a great weekend ,
Not a Facebook fan...just doesn't appeal ...This Forum is enough...sometimes I have to "run" just to try and keep up...LOL..Carl
Last edited by Osofast2; Aug 10, 2014 at 09:15 PM.
I am possibly brining 2 other car(335i, and a c6 vette) up with me will keep y'all posted! And also mark have you talked to nick about doing a run? Because he might not have a addiquit car. A Mini Cooper would have a heck of a time trying to lead...
Might be bringing my slightly high-strung friend who frequently reminds me that I drive too fast, even though I told her I cannot possibly keep up with "the boys."
may not be the only C6 there, will see ,


