SE: Hwy129 "Tail of the Dragon" Meet - April 28, 2012

[BillyM]

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The meet is tomorrow, how can I contact you?
Cell coverage is spotty at best, so text me at 864-256-19**

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...)

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What's the plan for Saturday, where do we start, where do we stop and when do we eat!
-----Reference Map (open in a new tab/window)-----
A: We will meet at the Robbinsville NC Microtel (A) at ~11am Saturday, heading out by 11:30
B: Cruise 20min to The Dragon, driving across all 318 cuves, stopping for a cool-down at the end
C: We then take The Dragon back to the Deals Gap gift-shop and Grill for lunch ~12:30-1pm
D: Once fed, we cruise over to Fontana Dam to pop hoods and chat (bring chairs/coolers)
E: After we tire of chatting and hunger returns, it's back to Robbinsville for Mexican ~6-7pm

The meet will cover ~85miles (fuel stop first-thing Sat) of some of the greatest driving roads to be experienced.
Cruising speed will be brisk but keept to a safe pace so no one feels the need to cross the double-yellow.
There are 3 full-time photographers on the 11-mile stretch who sell digital copies online: SEE HERE
Cell-phone reception is spotty at best, so please bring a 2-way radio: (2 Radios for $20 shipped!)

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Where can I stay, because it's a heck of a drive?
(Hotel - $75-85/night) - Microtel Inn and Suites Robbinsville
(Please reference "CelicaSupra" group for a 10% discount per Bobby at the front desk.)
Car-wash area, 24/7 Lot Surveillance, Continental Breakfast are all included!
111 Rodney Orr Byp, Robbinsville, NC 28771
MAP - (828) 479-6772
http://www.microtelrobbinsville.com/

(Bed & Breakfast - $150+/night) - Blue Boar Inn
1283 Blue Boar Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771
MAP - (828) 479-8126 ‎
(Also has 2-bedroom cottages ~$300/night)

(In February I will reach out to both for group lodging discounts and publish solid rates then.)

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More info, general notes, and answers to questions.
With help from CJ and JohnB, I was lucky enough to make the pilgrimage this April and found it too nice to not share.
I hope this meet will have a little something for everyone, especially those who truly enjoy driving these great cars.
The entire location is absolutely picturesque, and I highly suggest planning to stay an extra night or two.
Please post any thoughts/questions or simply to say "I'm in and plan to arrive Friday afternoon" here.

Looking forward to it, and hope to see many of you early next year,
--billyM

[Solo1Supra]

I'm in depending on what happens with my Supra.
Driving the Dragon in a 4runner won't quite cut it.

[akeem_da_dream]

you're doing it THIS saturday? too soon for me, but have fun!

[Solo1Supra]

Try April of next year.....

[akeem_da_dream]

Try April of next year.....

and this is what i get for reading in a hurry

[bosco659]

I'm in depending on what happens with my Supra.
Driving the Dragon in a 4runner won't quite cut it.

Why not Joe, I might be doing it! For one run anyway.

[Linchmob]

Count me in! I'm going. I rode the dragon on my bike this year, very curvy road....lots of hype. BIG bike spot, you guys will like the tree of shame. I've got one of those photos sitting on my mantle, VERY high quality photos. Never drove it in the Supra though, hell yea man. Mr. Billy shoot me some details man...I love the ride up there on HWY 28 from my end. Anyways stoked!
-Chris

[cmdeshon]

Sweet...

[cmdeshon]

if i have enough money for Gas im in. lol.

[discoelk]

Pending my location and the supra's engine status, count me in.