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2018 "Tail of the Dragon" - April 26-29

10K views 48 replies 20 participants last post by  gamble 
#1 ·


What is "Deals Gap" aka "The Dragon" aka "Tail of the Dragon" aka "Hwy129"?
"The Dragon" is located ~1hr south of Knoxville TN and ~2.5hrs north of Atlanta GA.
The road is a popular and internationally famous destination for driving enthusiasts.
The 11-mile stretch of the Dragon in Tennessee is said to have 318 curves. (I checked, it does...)

[HR][/HR]What's the plan for the weekend, where do we start, where do we stop and when do we eat!
--Reference Map (open in a new tab/window)--

--Resort Map (open in a new tab/window)--

This year will be organized with our group tentatively being based 100% out of Fontana Village Resort (point "A" on the Reference Map)
Please see below for lodging and reservation group-rate details.

Following is a rough estimation of the overall weekend, with Saturday being the primary meet day:

Thursday April 26th
I arrive ~1pm, relax with the crew, wander the resort, volleyball, maybe a short hike?

Friday April 27th
9:30am: pancake and egg breakfast by BillyM at cabin 420
11am: spirited cruise down the Dragon (A-B-A on the Reference Map)
3pm: Official cruise down the Cherohala Skyway - NEW for 2017
8pm: dinner at Wildwood Grill

Saturday April 28th
9:00-10am: car-wash/shine (fuel up if less than 1/2 tank)
10am-2pm: official Dragon cruise and photo-ops at the dam (A-B-D on the Reference Map)
2-4pm: official meet lunch at the Wildwood Grill
5-6pm: mini-golf tournament at with prizes - fun for all ages but bring your A-game
9-10pm: campfire at cabin 420 - BYOM(arshmallows)

Sunday April 29th
7:30-9am: short mountain hike and photography opportunity
10am: official farewell breakfast at The Mountainview up at the lodge
11:30: check out and trip home


The meet will cover ~100 miles Friday (optional) and another ~55miles Saturday of some of the greatest driving roads to be experienced. Cruising speed will be brisk but kept to a safe pace so no one feels the need to cross the double-yellow. Additionally, there are 3 full-time photographers on the 11-mile stretch who sell digital copies online.

Cell-phone reception is spotty at best, so please bring a 2-way radio.[/url]

[HR][/HR]Where can I stay, because it's a heck of a drive?
We'll be staying at the Fontana Village Resort, amenities can bee seen at their website: (www.fontanavillage.com)

Unit Type Rate Number Available!
Reservation Date 4/26 4/27 4/28 4/29
Lodge Room with two queen beds $96.00 5
Lodge Room with one king bed $96.00 3
1Bedroom Maple Cabin $136.00 3
1 Bedroom Willow Cabin $106.00/$116.00 6
2BR/1BA Hemlock Cabin $146.00 1
2BR/1BA Hickory Cabin $166.00 4
3BR/2 bath Azalea Cabin $222.00 1

OK - these are the rooms available and we can go ahead and reserve when ready - reference "CelicaSupra 2018" and don't forget to schedule early so you can get your pick of cabin locations.

[HR][/HR]More info, general notes, and answers to questions.
With help from CJ and JohnB, I made the pilgrimage April 2011 and found it too nice to not share.
2012 provided a HUGE turnout of attendees, staying in Robbinsville and having a darn good time overall.
2013, greater than 20 cars make it out to our stay at Fontana Village for a long weekend, lets do it again!
2014, better than 18 cars who enjoyed a BEAUTIFUL weekend and wonderful time in the mountains.
2015, we hit 29 supras, and had a wonderful time with some great runs all while dodging the rain.
2016, we had 20 supras come out for some of the best weather we've ever experienced.
2017, we officially added the Cherehola skyway run to our itinerary and it was a great drive.

Please post any thoughts/questions or simply to say "I'm in and plan to arrive Thursday afternoon" here.

Looking forward to it, and hope to see many of you in April,
--billyM
 
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#6 ·
These meets sure do sound like fun. It's been my luck in the past fifteen years, that I always seem to be overseas or working when they pop up.

Speaking of Dragon's tails and hiking, I did the Dragon's Tail Trail in Hong Kong in 2016. It was amazing, and worth it.
 
#15 ·
Not sure which supra we'll be in, but we're gonna try to make it in something. Now to start the mad dash to make things reliable for the trip. Thinking about driving around the northeast while we're at it this time, haven't driven the car in that part of the US yet.
 
#17 ·
Heads-up folks, I just talk to Fontana Village and they released our reservation block but will still respect our discount pricing if you call up.

There are only the following options available for us at this point:

Reservation Date 4/26 4/27 4/28 4/29
Lodge Room with two queen beds $96.00
Lodge Room with one king bed $96.00
1 Bedroom Willow Cabin $106.00/$116.00


CALL QUICK BECAUSE THEY ARE ABOUT TO BE OUT OF ROOMS!'

-billyM
 
#19 · (Edited)
I'm ready to roll, or fly that is. Looks like a limited crew coming from the north so I decided to fly into Knoxville, rent a car and hook up with everyone at Fontana. Only decision to make is what kind of car should I rent?? Kia, Hyundai or ? Hopefully the Supra will be ready for 2019's event, or maybe get the beetle ready, leave two weeks early and drive her down m

See everyone next month!
 
#25 ·
Damn, this comes up so fast, and I'm always scrambling to get my car ready. Twice now, I've been Murphied the day before, or the day of. I still have blown cam seals in the MK2, and the brakes almost sent me off the Cherohola last time out, so no promises. If I do make it, I'll be sleeping in the parking lot likely..... Hope to see you all again soon either way.
 
#28 ·
Well, Mother Nature threw a wrench into my plans this year. We are buried in snow, freezing rain, slush, and other similar crap here and there is no way I'm going to get my car out into this mess, nor complete the maintenance needed to make the trip. I'll keep fingers crossed for next year, and hope to connect with a bunch if you over the summer or at a NEPA Fall Meet perhaps? Hunt, hint.... Have fun down there!
 
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