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!
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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 24th
I arrive ~1pm, relax with the crew, wander the resort, swim, maybe a short hike?
Friday April 25th
8:30-9:30: pancake breakfast at billym's cabin
~2-3pm: spirited cruise down the Dragon (A-B-A on the Reference Map)
(free time, relax, nap, swim etc)
~8pm: dinner at Wildwood Grill
(Lodge Lounge night-cap for those party-folk)
Saturday April 26th
~9am: pancake breakfast by BillyM at our cabin
~9-10am: car-wash/shine (maybe a pro to give tips? *wink wink*)
~10-1: official Dragon cruise and photo-ops at the dam (A-B-D on the Reference Map)
~1-2pm: official meet lunch at the Wildwood Grill
(free time, relax, nap, swim etc)
~5-7pm: mini-golf tournament at with prizes?
~7:30-10pm: trip to Deals Gap for BBQ, gift-shopping, and watch pit-bike racing ("C" on the Reference Map)
Sunday April 27th
~7:30-9am: short mountain hike and photography opportunity
~9am: official meet breakfast at The Mountainview on-site
Cruise and check-out?
...etc...
The meet will cover ~55miles (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!)
[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)
We have a block of rooms available to us at discounted rates, you MUST state when calling "CelicaSupra2014"
Call 800-849-2258 option 1 to reserve one of the following rooms at the following rates (if two prices, the lower is for Thursday)
Reservations must be made ASAP and let me know if there are any issues (only the first-night will be charged as a deposit.)
Lodge Rooms with two queen beds - $79.00/$109.00 (14+ available)
1 Bedroom Willow Cabin - $79.00/$109.00 (1+ available)
2BR/1BA Hemlock Cabin - $129.00 (2+ available)
3BR/2 bath Azalea Cabin - $215.00 (1+ available)
[HR][/HR]More info, general notes, and answers to questions.
With help from CJ and JohnB, I was lucky enough to make the pilgrimage April 2011 and found it too nice to not share.
In 2012, I was greeted with a HUGE turnout of attendees, staying in Robbinsville and having a darn good time overall.
In 2013, we had more than 20 cars make it out to our stay at Fontana Village for a long weekend, lets do it again!
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