THE 2012 CALENDAR PAGEis now posted. Send us your group information and we'll post your event.
BULLETIN: North Carolina has done what Tennessee won't do ...... ban trucks heading to the DRAGON. It is now illegal for trucks longer than 30 feet to operate on US 129 anywhere from US 19/74 all the way to the NC/TN State Line. They are also banned on NC 28 from NC 143 all the way to US 129. Also on the ban list is the entire Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina.

New signage will be erected to advise of the Restrictive Routes.

Want to hear what Tennessee says about banning trucks?

The commissioner (John C. Schroer) added that TDOT provides enhanced safety advisories in regards to potentially dangerous roadways and that it is the responsibility of motorists to exercise a greater amount of caution when traveling winding mountain roads.

So in Tennessee the signs warning trucks are actually aimed at other motorists telling them to DODGE THE TRUCKS THAT WILL BE IN YOUR LANE !!! Leave it to Tennessee to even make such ridiculous statements. The commissioner ought to be FIRED !!!

How about just banning the TRUCKS like North Carolina !!!! Now it is technically illegal for trucks to cross the Dragon and enter North Carolina. But they can legally turn around at the state line and return northward back across the Dragon as long as they stay in Tennessee. Great thinking Tennessee.

Map showing roads that Prohibit Trucks Over 30 feet long.
The DARK BLACK ROADS INDICATE THE BAN

WINTER 2011-12: The main tourist season is winding down, but there will still be good days to ride your motorcycle on area roads. We can have days with temperatures in the 60s just about any time in the winter. The trick is to watch the weather and time your winter visit. There are accommodations that remain open during the winter months and many offer special discounts. CLICK HERE for the November End of Season Newsletter for seasonal information and accommodation discounts.

Crowds are down, so it is a good time to have the roads to yourself. Bring some warmsies if you plan to ride.

The Green Hornet was recently spotted in Asheville. Check out those green spinners !!!

TAIL OF THE DRAGON ROAD TRIP - Nancy and I just took a 300 mile tour of western North Carolina, northern Georgia and northern South Carolina. We found some new twisties and the colors were still magnificent in the lower elevations. And there was very little traffic on all the roads. Some of the roads we traveled: GEORGIA - US 76, Warwoman Road and Moonshiner 28; SOUTH CAROLINA - SR 107, SR 130, SR 11 and US 178; North Carolina - SR 107, US 64 and SR 281.

All major roads are open and in good condition. UPDATE - There has been chip and seal work on Joyce Kilmer Road (SR 1134) between US 129 and Santeetlah Road (SR 1127). This is the shortcut from the Dragon to the Cherohala. Loose gravel for about 100 yards!!!

IT IS TIME TO BAN 18 WHEELERS ON THE DRAGON. Ike Woodard died on the Dragon when a flat bed big rig completely entered his lane in a curve. We have been fighting for years telling officials this was going to happen. The best we got were a couple of signs that truckers pay no attention to. These big rigs should be required to have front and rear escorts if they do have to cross US 129 and they should be limited to early morning or late afternoon. Want to see what we've been posting? CLICK HERE

Also look at the bottom of this front page ..... FLAT BEDS IN THE ONCOMING LANE. It's time for Tennessee and North Carolina to act !!!! SIGN THIS PETITION TO BAN TRUCKS

Don't forget to look on-line by date to get your action photos. KILLBOY

We have updated all our web sites to help you plan your trip to our area. The new brochure features some great maps on the best roads and nearby places to stay. SEE BROCHURE

We are expanding our coverage of the great area roads to include the southern section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Diamondback, north Georgia Six Gap, The Snake, The Devils Triangle, Moonshiner 28, in addition to the Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon. And even more is coming in 2012.

Now you'll have to plan a two week vacation just to get all of these roads into your riding plans. We'll also be including some lesser known roads of interest. Nancy and I are ready this season to ride to provide the best, up to date information to you.

Our Tail of the Dragon Store at the Gap is open Daily from about 9 am to 6 pm. You can still get our products by ordering from our On-line Store. If you are in the area Wheelers and Shell in Robbinsville carries most of our gear.