Annual Tail of the Dragon Ride (3 days and 2 nights)

This will be a three-day, two-night trip to the famous "Tail of the Dragon" (U.S. 129 on the Tennessee/North Carolina Border).  Anyone who went last year knows what a blast this trip is.

The basic plan is to leave Friday morning and ride down to the Dragon through Kentucky and Tennessee, arriving (hopefully) before dark.  We will spend Saturday riding in the area, and then head back on Sunday.

More info to come and suggestions welcome in the comments!

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  • Jackie

    All. Kuryakyn ISO grips on sale this weekend at cruiser customizing. I know some were interested in them while on the trip. So here you go. Www.cruisercustomizing.com.

    October 19

  • Jen Valdez

    A blast as usual. Harley has my bike currently detailing it. They cut me a check for the repair costs. The dealer was very apologetic and eager to make it right. I'll have the cleanest bike ever!

    Ready for next year!

    October 10

  • Jackie

    Check this event out. 63rd running of the Devil's Staircase AMA Pro Hillclimb
    www.daytonmc.com/index.php?...The 63rd running of the Devil's Staircase AMA Pro Hillclimb will be on Sunday October 14th, 2012, ...

    October 3

    • Daryl Earls

      I very seldom miss it. People on every make and model bike available show up an park in a huge cow pasture. A great place to ogle bikes and people watch. Since they sell beer in gallon milk jugs, the people watching can be very entertaining at times. No colors allowed, so it is fairly peacefull for the most part.

      October 3

  • mark smith

    How was the road construction this year?

    September 26

    • JAY (Big Daddy)

      Ran in to some black topping on the way down, had a 5 min wait, rode with Kimball on the way back and it was nonstop.

      September 27

  • Ted (T-RUX)

    Thanks to all the great people that went on this trip. I rode, relaxed, laughed, and shared with my friends in a beautiful place with the best riding weather yet. Many memories were made and the fearless five Veterans had each others backs the entire time, making it even better for everyone by sharing and coming up with great things to do. Lost balls, loose nuts, and another hour and a half GPS story (he was gone that long?) to make us all laugh for years to come. We perfected the art of making fire, mixing bourbon, and how to cure a hangover! I think next year we should go for four days because when I walked in the door Sunday night and started to unpack, I was laughing still and I missed my friends, old and new. Thanks to Jackie, Jay, Bill and Kim. It was a pleasure meeting and riding with you all. Nathan, Bill, Rick, and Jen - Lets start planning next year!

    September 24

  • JAY (Big Daddy)

    What can I say, 3 days of sunshine in one of the prettiest places in america. A day on one of the most thrilling roads I've ever been on. I want to thank everyone who came and made this trip one that I will always remember. Ride safe everyone.

    September 24

  • rick lusk

    had a great time. special thanks to bill for planning (much faster route down) and great ride on sat. i improved my riding on that big old bike alot after the 10,000th twisty bill always finds.a little over 1,000 miles, 6 states, 3 days, my personal fire log adventure, 2 water falls, evening beverages,and 8 great friends to share it with. LIFE IS GOOD

    September 24

  • Jackie

    Great group. Great rides. Lots of good memories. Ride safe!

    September 24

  • Nathan S.

    What a trip! Wonderful weather, great roads, and even better company. I don't think I'd laughed that hard since last year's dragon trip. Thanks to everybody who came -- you made it fun and I really enjoyed meeting those of you I didn't know before the trip, as well as spending time with our dragon veterans. We discovered a bunch of great new roads and places to stop, so I'm already looking forward to next year.

    September 23

  • Nathan S.

    Went over the new bike front to back over the past two days: new rear tire, oil & filter changed, inspected brakes, topped off all fluids, lubed chain, and adjusted suspension and other adjustable bits. Bike is ready, just need to pack stuff for the rider tomorrow. Have to dig out my cold weather gear -- last year I froze my butt off on the way down. Pack your long underwear and some warm gloves...

    September 20

  • Jackie

    Started packing tonight. Cannot wait

    September 19

  • Ted (T-RUX)

    Bike is packed with necessities and the bag is almost done. I am so ready to get my head "INTO THE WIND" baby!!! Riding down to Cincy Thursday night, See everyone at the Pilot on Friday morning.

    September 19

  • JAY (Big Daddy)

    Worked on the bike today...shes running great.....lets go

    September 18

  • Ted (T-RUX)

    I met Rick in North Columbus last night to catch up and visit. He gave me some great advice about mounting my GPS and we got to take a short ride on 270 until I had to part ways at Rt 33. I have to say, my Nomad fit the bill as I was running with Rick at 75mph when I realized I was still in 4th gear! I-75 will be no issue for me this year. LETS ROLL!!

    September 16

    • JAY (Big Daddy)

      Ted my 1500 Intruder is the same, It runs 80's and 90's in 4th and 5th is like overdrive

      September 17

  • rick lusk

    if anybodys planning on meeting ted and myself at speedway at cinti dayton exit on 75. weve moved time up to 6:30 so we can make it to pilot stop on time.

    September 16

  • Ted (T-RUX)

    In one saddlebag I will have my flat kit and compressor as well as a first aid kit, my frogg toggs, and spare bike items. I would suggest everyone pack rags for dew removal, glass cleaner, spare bulbs, and some extra oil for your bike. If you are unsure of your fuel capacity, take along a portable gas jug that you can get a AutoZone. The type for ATV travel. Don't forget your care personal package - your type of allergy/heartburn/stomach medications, headache/back ache meds, and you favorite mixer for sat night. Pack in PLASTIC containers for damage control! I am stoked for this ride!

    September 16

  • Bill Schill

    ICE Cards can be made using this PDF page found at:

    http://alfsoftware.net/maps/ice...

    It would be a good idea to do this.

    September 14

  • Jackie

    Also. I dont know if there could be a 2nd meeting place in northern ky for those who may live closer to there vs Fairfield for TOTD. Just be cognizant of driving an extra hr when we are going to be driving past it anyway.

    August 17

    • Ted (T-RUX)

      Kim, you can meet Rick and I at the Ikea on 75 sout at 6:45 am the morning of. We will be heading down from Ricks place which is nearby.

      September 2

    • Ted (T-RUX)

      Kim, you cam meet Jackie, Rick, and me at the speedway rightoff Cincy/Dayton Road on I75 South at 6:45 Friday morning.

      September 13

  • Doug Joerger

    Hey all, I may go also. What area is everyone lodging in and at what motels ? Also dont forget rain gear it is late Sept. A tire repair kit(s) is also a must have.

    September 12

    • Nathan S.

      Doug, I think we're all at the Phillips Motel in Robbinsville, NC. [masked]

      September 12

    • Doug Joerger

      OK thanks

      September 13

  • Jackie

    Cya at Speedway at 645 am.

    September 13

  • rick lusk

    i messed up the 6:45 meet up will be at speedway on cincinnati dayton & 75 the frisch,s on the north bound side.

    September 12

  • Bill Schill

    Meeting at 7:30

    Pilot Travel Center
    118 Richwood Road, I-75/71/ky 338 Exit 175

    We are leaving at 8:00

    First stop after we leave will be exit 62 for gas (118 miles, 2hrs.). Take a left off the exit and there is a Shell station on the right.

    We will be off the interstate from here on out.

    When we reach Sommerset, KY we can stop for lunch. This is a little over the halfway point.

    We will take 27 to 62 in Tennessee and head towards Oak Ridge.

    62 to 162 to I40 to 129 and on to the Dragon.

    September 12

    • Ted (T-RUX)

      Way to go Bill! Nice JOB!!!! Thank you for getting it DONE!!!

      September 12

    • Nathan S.

      Great plan -- thanks for putting it together man!

      September 12

  • Bill Schill

    Saturdays ride has three choices. Two short and one long.

    We can choose the first map and go to Tellico Plains first. Those who want to have a shorter ride can return over the Cherahola Skyway (105 miles, 4hrs.) round trip. Others can follow the map and ride the Moonshiners 28 (Driving Distance: 251.0 miles Time: 6 hours, 31 minutes).

    The second map will travel the Moonshiners 28 route first. Those who want to have a shorter ride can return over 28 (170 miles, 4hrs.) round trip. Others can follow the map and go over the Skyway (Driving Distance: 251.0 miles Time: 6 hours, 31 minutes).

    First ride : http://alfsoftware.net/maps/moo...

    Second ride : http://alfsoftware.net/maps/moo...

    I will be going on the longer ride which ever direction we decide, the Skyway first or the Moonshiners.

    All times and milage may vary.

    September 12

  • rick lusk

    ted, jakie, rick are meeting at the frisch,s at 75 & cincinnati dayton rd. at 6:45 a.m. everybody is meeting at the pilot at richwood, ky. at 8:00 am. first exit after rest area i think at 8:00 am. anybody thats wants to ride along with us from north are welcome.

    September 12

    • Ted (T-RUX)

      correction-we are meeting at the speedway off that exit so getting back on will be easier.

      September 12

  • Nathan S.

    Kimball - glad you're able to make the ride. I reserved a three-bedroom cabin and you're welcome to one of the bedrooms. We can split the cost when we get down there.

    September 9

    • Kimball Roots

      Great, thank you. I look forward to joining you. Kimball

      September 11

  • JAY (Big Daddy)

    Cool....more people going

    September 10

  • Kimball Roots

    Nathan, I had a change in travel plans and found that I can do the Dragon Ride. At the organizing meeting today, Bill said you might have an extra bed in your cabin. If so, may I split the cost with you? If not, I'll try to make a reservation at the Phillips motel or another place nearby. Thanks, Kimball.

    September 9

  • Ted (T-RUX)

    Check out this link!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?fe...

    September 9

  • Ted (T-RUX)

    I hope to take the same route down that we used to come back on last year. That was much better than fighting the highway traffic and dodging semis at 75MPH. We still will have to run on I75 but not all the way. any ideas for other routes, please post them here for group review.

    August 12

    • Ted (T-RUX)

      Nice choice Bill. I think this would be better than the main highways, especially with newer riders. The thing to remember is its 8hrs long without stops! We have to keep stops to a minimum, and head out early so we can get there before its too late, like we did lat year. Remember also that Phillips motel is at the END of the TOD. If we get there in the dark, we ride the dragon in the dark to get to our rooms!

      September 2

    • Ted (T-RUX)

      SO leaving out from the first rest stop in Kentucky at 8am is almost a must do!

      September 2

  • Ted (T-RUX)

    Robbinsville is a DRY TOWN. SO its BYOB if you want them. THey also don't have much selection of oil, lightbulbs, spare parts, so pack your bags accordingly. Plan on supplying yourself with what you may need to make your trip a nice one.

    September 2

  • Bill Schill

    Second meeting place could be at the Pilot Travel center at 118 Richwood Road, I-75/71/ky 338 Exit 175, Walton, KY. Meet there by 8:00.

    August 28

  • Jackie

    Do we need to do a premeet before the 21st? Or just show up and go on 21st? Thx. J

    August 28

  • Tim Hampton

    The wife and I would like to take the trip with you guys. Never ben on the TOTD. Will have to find a place to stay. Will book in the next few days.

    August 20

  • Jackie

    The ride today was awesome. Twisty roads, not hot and the view was spectacular. +200 miles. Gettin ready for TOTD.

    August 19

  • JAY (Big Daddy)

    I'm in I'll be there

    August 17

  • Jackie

    All. If you would like to meet up Sunday for a 158 mile ride. I will be leaving Frischs restaurant in New Richmond, OH at 12:15 pm. I have an itinerary if you want it emailed, please respond to me with your address. My email is [masked]. It sounds like some have ridden together and some have not. It would be a great time to meet before TOTD.

    My profile picture is the bike i will be riding and will be at Frischs. This way you have a reference for when you pull in the parking lot. Hope to see you there.

    August 17

  • Daryl Earls

    Jackie, I've never ridden with this group, but would be glad to join in on Sunday. I live in Florence and wouild be able to meet up with the group anywhere in Northern Ky. Just let me know where and when.

    August 17

  • Kim Schmitz

    What time and where are u thinking about meeting in OH?

    August 17

  • Jackie

    I have a suggested itinerary for sunday but no mapping software.

    August 17

  • Jackie

    Yes. Sunday i can do after Noon.

    August 15

  • Kim Schmitz

    Has anyone thought about a ride this weekend as it is suppose to be a beautiful weekend. I am available on Sunday.

    August 15

  • Kim Schmitz

    I have booked a room at the Phillips Hotel. So count me in!!! I have room if someone want to share the room with me.

    August 13

  • Kim Schmitz

    I would love to ride next weekend Jay, but like I said, I am new to the area and don't know of any good plases to go. Any ideas let me know and I will meet you

    August 12

  • Kim Schmitz

    I haven't booked a room yet but will if anyone want to share a room

    August 12

  • JAY (Big Daddy)

    Ok Im booked at the Phillips....good deal.

    August 12

  • JAY (Big Daddy)

    Jackie did you book a room at the Phillips? How many still needs a room?

    August 12

  • Jackie

    I bookEd a room.

    August 12

  • JAY (Big Daddy)

    Im game Kim for next weekend.

    August 12

  • Jackie

    I Might be open sun. Waiting on kids football schedule to be posted :-)

    August 12

    • Kim Schmitz

      cool Jackie, let me know and we can meet up somewhere.

      August 12

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