Anyone interested in a Dragon/Cherohala Skyway trip?
In the AFM Community Lounge, a couple of other members and I have been discussing the possibility of trying to get some Mustangs together for a drive on the Tail of the Dragon. Our plan is to take U.S. 129 (and the Dragon) across to Robbinsville, North Carolina. We plan to eat at the Brushy Mountain Smokehouse and Creamery in Robbinsville (the original location in Wilkesboro has been on the Food Network and I have eaten at the Robbinsville location before). The plan is to return via the Cherohala Skyway to give folks an opportunity to sightsee and take pictures. We haven't chosen a date yet. We would like to make the run early enough that there won't be as many motorcycles or other traffic on the Dragon. If the trend toward snow on the Dragon and Skyway of the last week or two keeps up, though, we may have to wait until the weather begins to warm. Anyone interested can check the thread entitled 'Hoping to drive the Tail of the Dragon soon' in the AFM Community Lounge.
Extended forecasts, which aren't always very reliable, especially for East Tennessee, particularly this time of year, are calling for pretty good weather next weekend. If the forecast holds as the weekend gets closer, would anyone be interested in making the run on Saturday, February 25, 2006?
This post is pretty much the same as a couple I made in the Community Forum. I'm posting here in case some interested folks may not have seen the Community thread.
For those who are interested, it looks like we are going to head over the Dragon this coming Saturday (Feb. 25, 2006). We plan to meet in a boat dock parking area near Chilhowee Dam (see directions below) around 9:45 AM and head out around 10:00 AM. We're keeping this simple and casual, so there is no set-in-stone itenerary. Our plan is to leave from the parking lot, head across the Dragon and stop in Robbinsville at the Brushy Mountain Smokehouse and Creamery for lunch. A couple of us plan to return via the Cherohala Skyway and stop at various 'overlook' locations for sightseeing, but some folks may choose to return via the Dragon or skip the sightseeing. Also, daylight and weather permitting, some of us will be taking a slight 'side trip' from the skyway to Bald River Falls. Again, folks are welcome to join us or skip the Falls and head on back. Personally, I'm in no hurry and am viewing this as an opportunity for a relaxing cruise on some nice, twisty curves rather than a speed run, especially with my stock suspension.
The extended forecast calls for 40% chance of rain here in the Valley and a 'slight chance' of showers in Robbinsville on Saturday. Unless we get a 'gullywasher', as we say in East Tennessee, we plan to take the trip, anyway. Failing an outright deluge, snow or ice are about the only things that are going to stop us, and the temps are supposed to be too warm for that but cool enough to discourage all but the most diehard motorcyclists. We're thinking that if we wait too much longer, the Dragon will start to get really crowded - not to mention that visibility there is better while the leaves are off the trees. We hope some of our fellow AFM members will decide to join us. This trip should be fun and pretty laid back and is open to any and all Mustangs. Throw in some pretty good barbecue (Carolina style - the vinegar based sauce is their best) and ice cream along with some beautiful scenery and you pretty much have an idea of what this trip is all about.
As far as a meeting place, once you get to 411, getting to Chilhowee Dam is pretty simple.
From 411:
Turn onto U.S. 129 (right turn if you are headed North on 411, left turn if you are headed South). If headed South on 411, you will see signs for Fontana Village and Robbinsville. Either way, you should see the Rite Stop Market at the intersection of 411 and 129. Turn there. After you turn on 129, go approx. 12.4 miles and you will see a large parking lot (parking area for a boat ramp) on the right. This is where I think we should meet up. Coming from the 411 end of 129, you will actually pass the parking lot before taking the right turn into it. Coming from 411, the parking area (Harrison Branch boat ramp) is before you get to Chilhowee Dam, so if you pass the dam, you have gone too far.
After leaving 411 and turning onto 129, some landmarks you will see include:
Punkin Center (on the left)
129 Motorcycle Shop, entrance to Highway 72, The Home Place Restaurant (all on the right)
The last three are fairly close together. Once you pass them, you are only about 1.5 miles from the parking lot.
For those who have not been across the Dragon before, I suggest you make sure you have plenty of fuel before turning onto 129. Opportunities for gas between our meeting place and Robbinsville are scarce.
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I'm ready to do this! If the weather tomorrow is anything like today, this should be a great trip. It has been getting daylight just a little earlier and staying light just a little later the last week or two, so I think there will be plenty of time to do all we have planned before dark. I hope to see some of you folks tomorrow morning at 9:45 or so.
Sorry I didn't join guys. I had to go into work Saturday and didn't get out untill 3pm. Sunday's usually work better for me when planning events. Now, don't forget this weekend, March 5th at Adesa Auto Auction we have the first event of www.etrscca.org autocrossing! If you haven't tried this..........it's a blast, and can be very addicting! Remember, this is also a fund raiser event to help out the kids. There will be hot dogs/hamburgers/drinks and the usuall mobile vendor type foods as well! Any money spent is for a good cause, and it is greatly appreciated! THANKS!
Hey Tony, what time is that event at Adessa, and what are the particulars regarding safety equipment etc. I'm only interested in watching but I have a buddy who has been wanting to do something like this.
Hey Tony, what time is that event at Adessa, and what are the particulars regarding safety equipment etc. I'm only interested in watching but I have a buddy who has been wanting to do something like this.
All you need is your drivers license, and your car. You can bring your own helmet(which is required), but we have loaner helmets that you are free to use. Your car must not have windshield cracks directly in the drivers vision, decent brake pads, decent tires(no cords showing), and your battery must be securely fastened down to the chassis. It's really just alota "common sense" stuff. I am the TECH GUY there, so you'll hafta go through me/my chronies anyway. I'm pretty lenient as it is. Most cars that autox are under a factory warranty, so I just pass them over honestly. If he/you even THINK you might want to run(which you should, it beats watching!), please "online register" over at www.etrscca.org . It makes registration a WHOLE EASIER, and you are not obligated to participate if you have signed up online, it just helps us speed things along. We allow passengers at these events(both must have/wear helmets), so catch a ride with your buddy or someone that is willing to take a rider. It's fun, like being on a roller coaster! Hope you all make it out......should be a great event!
Anyone interested in a Dragon/Cherohala Skyway trip? 
Hope you all make it out......should be a great event!
