SUNDAY DEC 19 BULLETIN .... Another 3 to 4 inches of snow blankets the Dragon. Local roads are icy and treacherous.
TUESDAY DEC 14 BULLETIN ..... Snow blankets the Dragon
SUNDAY DEC 12 BULLETIN .... Two die in single car crash on NC 28 near the Dragon. Details from NCHP: Driver of the 2003 Honda S2000 was Alexander V. Petrenko, age 22. Passenger was Vladimir Petrenko, age 16. Both from Georgia. Vehicle was traveling north on NC28 exceeding the posted speed limit and driver lost control in corner, slid across the road, and impacted tree.
OCTOBER 22-23-24: It was a wild and busy weekend on the Dragon. A car driver from England crossed the Dragon and then on the return northbound forgot they were in the US. The car, which was travelling north in the southbound lane, met a box truck head-on at Wheelie Hell Corner. Saturday a motard rider was airlifted out after a cruiser ran him over. Don't know the details yet, but the injured rider was admitted to UT Medical Center. Also noted some very dangerous driving by several cars. We have this on video and will include it in Vol 3 of the Dragon Videos ... how NOT to drive the Dragon. The colors are now at peak in the lower elevations for those looking to see the fall show.
OCTOBER 15-16-17: Another busy weekend at the Dragon with good weather. The leaves are beginning to turn at the lower elevations and are well on their way on the Cherohala and BRP. Riders will encounter some leaves on the roadway which can be a problem in wet weather, especially at Crud Corner. Rider transported from Dragon on Saturday apparently NOT in life threatening condition. Please ride safe as the season winds down. Let's finish the year out without any more serious accidents.
We are happy to report that the Deals Gap and Cherohala areas did not suffer from the hurricanes. The roads are in great shape. We understand that the Asheville and Franklin areas (to the east ) did suffer from some flooding but local authorities are generally very quick about cleaning up and opening roads, so if you're thinking about a trip to our area - don't change your plans. The flooding and rockslides have closed sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway -(828) 298 0398 for the most updated information - and US 64 between Highlands and Cashiers. We also hear that the backroads in the Caesars Head area of SC and NC are in poor condition.
OCTOBER 8-9-10: A busy but uneventful weekend at the Dragon and on other local roads. UPDATE ON THE FOOTHILLS TWO 
CYCLE WRECK ON OCT 2: Both riders were still in UT Medical Center as of Thursday. Both were listed in serious condition.
OCTOBER 1-2-3: A busy week-end at the Dragon and on local roads with only a few minor incidents. There was bad wreck involving two bikes Saturday on the Foothills Parkway, CLICK HERE  for info. Many FJs were spotted. Please ride safe when you visit us ... we'd sure like to close-out the season with no additional serious accidents.
SEPTEMBER 24-25-26: The Triumph Rat Raid was a great success with some 120 riders enjoying the annual festivities. Riders took advantage of great weather and good roads. Tail of the Dragon led a group of Tigers on a backroad dual sport ride that tested their skills on various types of surfaces. Ron road a Tiger and was quite pleased with the handling and performance.
SEPTEMBER 26: BULLETIN -- 2 DEAD ON FOOTHILLS PARKWAY -- A husband and wife riding a Goldwing were killed when a minivan swerved into their lane and hit them head-on about 3 pm. Several occupants in the van were injured. The accident is under investigation according to the National Park Service. Two hours later a Harley rider on the Dragon ran off the road near Swift Corner and was airlifted to UT Medical Center. Rider suffered a broken hip.
SEPTEMBER 25: BULLETIN -- TRAGEDY ON THE CHEROHALA -- Robyn McCrone was killed in a motorcycle vs car accident on the Cherohala Skyway in the early afternoon She was a friend of many riders in the area including Nancy and I and Ken Wheeler.

Robyn at Jennings GP in March

Another motrocycle also hit the car and rider is in serious condition. The accident occurred near the 17 mile marker on the Tennessee side. One cycle hit the driver's side and the other cycle hit the passenger side. No charges have been filed according to Tennessee Highway Patrol. The details on this accident, including the name of the deceased, were obtained from the TNHP Public Information Officer. Robyn, a frequent rider with us at Sportbike Track Time, was from Ft. Lauderdale Florida and was riding with her husband Mark. CLICK HERE to read the newspaper articles on these two tragic incidents.

SEPTEMBER 21: We just got back from a two week vacation discovering some incredible back roads in New Mexico, Colorado, and Nevada....reports to come. We appologize for not updating the website, but after taking our computer on a jeep trip up and over Engineer Pass from Ouray to Lake City CO - well, lets just say RIP. We've had lots of calls and emails concerning the condition of the area roads. We are happy to report that the Deals Gap and Cherohala areas did not suffer from the hurricanes. The roads are in great shape. We understand that the Asheville and Franklin areas (to the east ) did suffer from some flooding but local authorities are generally very quick about cleaning up and opening roads, so if you're thinking about a trip to our area - don't change your plans. The flooding and rockslides have closed sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway and you should telephone the park information line at (828) 298 0398 for the most updated information. We also hear that the backroads in the Caesars Head area of SC and NC are in poor condition.
AUGUST 20-21-22: Friday good weather brought some riders to the Dragon for good runs. Saturday was a rain-out with only a few braving the elements. Sunday was slow. There was a Viper accident that held-up traffic for an hour and an air lift out from an accident near the state line (no details).
AUGUST 17: Nanc and I escorted a large flat-bed over the Dragon southbound. He was making a delivery to Robbinsville and was not familiar with area roads. He won't be back. this way!
AUGUST 13-14-15: A lot of action on the Dragon with numerous cruisers hitting the ditches. No serious injuries. Recent rumor of a rider being found dead in a tree is false. SEE OUR NEW PAGE LEGENDS, MYTH, RUMORS and LIES CLICK HERE Saturday and Sunday busy with good mix of cars and plenty of cycles of all types. Blount Co SO issued several invites to court on Sunday morning. Recent story in local newspaper details plans by GA politician to push for Interstate along US129 route. Not to worry, we don't know anyone who has that much pull or willpower to tackle the tree huggers to get that done.
AUGUST 6-7-8: Perfect riding weather with temps in the 70s. Saw lots of bikes and cars on the Dragon Friday and Saturday. Spotted a new NC HP car on the way to the Cherohala... silver with no light bars and hard to spot coming at you. Serious R1 accident near SWIFT Corner in the morning. Rider suffered broken shoulder and other injuries. Sunday was relatively slow with only a few minor incidents.
JULY 30-31, AUGUST 1: A very slow week-end at the Dragon. It would have been a good time for those looking to avoid the crowds. Some rain Saturday afternoon. We're in the summer doldrums.
JULY 27: BULLETIN ... Good chance you'll meet a road block this week on US 129 in Tennessee so make sure your license is in order, your insurance card and registration are handy. TN HP also uses thes stops to look for other violations so remember that license plates cannot be tucked under your rear bumper. Want to avoid the hassle? Come ride in North Carolina this week.
JULY 23-24 The annual Miata Rally in Graham County appears to be the largest one yet. All the local roads were packed with zoomers having fun. The LEOs were thick on the Dragon Saturday with some 10 cars and cycles to keep everyone under control. Only heard of a couple of citations, one given to a Miata for backing-up into a corner! We chased an 18-wheeler over in the pm and got some great action video as it hit the bank several times and blew a tire. A Miata ran front escort to help the wayward driver. At Tabcat the blown rear wheel was nearly on fire. Watch for scenes in next year's TOD Video Vol 3. Also heard of one Miata wreck on the Cherohala - sounded bad, but minor injuries.
JULY 21, 2004 - BULLETIN: Foothills Parkway reopened
JULY 16,17,18: Friday and Saturday brought an unusual number of trucks over the Dragon. We almost kissed one near Parsons Branch. Lori jumped in the car and escorted the terrified driver down to Tabcat. He was shaking when he reached the end and got out. He wanted to know why TN and NC subject truck drivers to this torture. Very busy week-end on the Dragon. The Cherohala saw a couple of Goldwings go down. One rider was flown out.
JULY 9-10: Heard the LEOs wasted 7 units on the Dragon Friday trying to stake-out a Porsche Rally that came early to avoid the hassles. Thanks to Russ Gobble for the photo and correction.
After several hours, the nodding Troopers headed home. Saturday was a busy day with many cruisers on the highway and several minor cruiser accidents. There was spotty rain in the area, but the Dragon stayed dry all day.
JULY 4th WEEKEND: Many riders were celebrating the 4th with family and it was just an average weekend on local roads. We did hear of a couple of minor accidents on the Cherohala and remind riders not to sightsee on this road.
JUNE 23-27: Honda Hoot in Knoxville brought many riders to the area. Wednesday was wet, but riders had a good day on Thursday. Heard there was a lot of action on the Dragon and the LEOs were out. Several accidents and one rider was helioed out. Friday rain spoiled the rides. Saturday was fun for all in great weather. Sunday brought spotty rain. Contrary to rumors there were no deaths on the Dragon. There were several accidents on the Cherohala over the Hoot week,. Will try to get more details. The full dresser rider who went down on Blue Boar Bridge in Graham Co did not survive his serious injuries. A truck in front of him slowed down to turn and the rider was sightseeing. When he saw the truck ahead he grabbed too much brake and went down. Please ride safe and smart.
JUNE 18-20: Typical week-end on the Dragon and the LEOs were out again on Saturday. Looks like you can plan on them passing out invitations to court on the week-ends. There were a number of accidents in Graham County and two riders had to be flown out. One full dresser went down on the Blue Boar Bridge with serious injuries to the rider.
JUNE 11-12-13: The mountains are alive with FZ1s, R1s, YZFs, bicycles, and just about any other kind of motorcycle you can name. Busy, busy weekend so far. Friday was hot and clear until late afternoon. Saturday started out wet but dried-out by mid-day. The Cherohala Challenge bicycle race on Saturday attracted nearly 300 riders. Blount Co SO ran a sting op Saturday on the Dragon after the rain cleared. Radar units and unmarked LEO vehicles issued 29 citations, mostly for speeding CLICK HERE . We also heard of several tickets issued on the NC side. We advise riders to "ride smart" when visiting our area or you'll get an invitation to come back and "see the judge". We had reports of a nasty two motorcycle accident/fire on the Cherohala Friday, but TNHP reports no fatalities. Let us know if you have info on this. Sunday was rather quiet with rain most of the day. t
The Cherohala Challenge got a soggy start as the riders crossed the dragon in the morning. Everything dried out by the time riders got to the Cherohala in the afternoon. Even saw a few motorcycles passed. CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE REPORT AND PICTS
JUNE 5-6: Another senseless death on the Dragon this weekend. Michael "Spanky" Terry, age 43, died after leaving the CRoT on his 2003 GSXR 1000 and running into a tree at Wheelie Hell. Many riders get bit here at "show-off hill" as they accelerate beyond their riding ability and then overbrake. No 1 victims ... GSXR1000s and R1s. Please SLOW DOWN - no need to prove anything to anybody. Contrary to rumors, there was one and only one motorcycle related death on local roads since June 1.
MAY 29-30-31: Big days on the Dragon and Cherohala in spite of showers. Monday saw the most rain and trashed the road pretty good. Heard about a few minor crashes here and there, but nothing serious. Remember how dangerous the Cherohala Skyway can be if you are riding at excessive speeds. PLEASE slow down of this highway and enjoy the ride.
MAY 26: Heard there was a truck hung-up several miles on the TN side last

Photo by Chris Wingrove

night.
MAY 22-23: Update on the Foothills repairs Thanx to Richard Corn for the heads-up. Z Day Z at the Dragon over the week-end. Why not bring your car club to the Dragon. The Canadians are down for May 2-4. Welcome back boys and girls. Someone ouched an Audi we hear.
MAY 7-8-9: Lots of bikes over the week-end and a large group of Miatas. Killboy hobbled to the Dragon on Saturday to take his photos. Sunday we saw some rain. Uneventful at the Dragon, but two bikes went down on the Cherohala at Mile 10 on the NC side. Watch this tricky corner CLICK HERE
MAY 6: HEADLINE ... KILLBOY BIT BY THE DRAGON Read the story and see the pics KILLBOY.COM
APRIL 29-May 2: The Minis invaded Graham County this week with some estimates exceeding 200. These colorful cars add a lot of flavor to the local roads and the drivers are getting quite a welcome. They filled the Tapoco Lodge, Fontana Village, and the Robbinsville Microtel. Special dinners, music, and vendors were in several locations. Watch-out Miatas, this group could catch you in numbers next year!. Saturday and Sunday were just about a total wash-out for bikes.
APRIL 24/25: Cruisers ruled the Dragon over this Cherokee Survivors Rally weekend. It looked like scenes from an old biker movie with heavy metal and thunder passing through the Gap. It was quite a site as groups of 40 or more paraded by with colors flying. There were a number of sportbikes, tourers, and even trikes, but the cruisers stole the show. Ride-on choppers!
APRIL23: Large groups of choppers were seen all over the area as the Annual Cherokee Survivors Rally begins. We saw a large gang of Iron Pigs at Fontana preparing to assault the Dragon CLICK HERE
APRIL 19: We hear that our warnings posted on the 16th were well founded. Dragaknee was on the Dragon when the assault started on Saturday afternoon. He reports that "2 biker cops, 7 squad cars, and a helicopter" set-up from the Overlook to the state line and issued tickets. Tennessee once again welcomes visitors to one of its major attractions. We think this is real overkill and a waste of taxpayer's money. We will be reporting on other area roads that have a much higher fatality rate than the Dragon yet do not get any special attention. We will also be publishing contact information for those who wish to register a complaint with state and local officials. We are not against enforcement on the Dragon, but the extreme tactics used by THP are unnecessary. A car or two patrolling the road is sufficient to keep riders on the safe side. The Tennessee State Senate thinks the Dragon important enough to proclaim it a "legend" CLICK HERE yet the THP wants to intimidate visitors. Makes no sense to us. Perhaps we need to let the Senate know what is going on here.
APRIL16: Weekend riders BE WARNED.... You can expect increased enforcement on both the TN and NC sides of the Dragon this weekend. We hightly recommend that you be legal or accept responsibility for your actions. NUFF SAID !! April 10-11: Saturday's weather held off for most of the day and then a few showers passed over the Dragon spoiling the party. Sunday was a complete bust. Oh well, the weekend of the 17-18 looks good.
BULLETIN: April 9: The Dragon claimed its first life since August 4, 2002. Freddie Hughes, Jr., age 25 from South Carolina, lost control near the Wall and slid under an oncoming pick-up truck. CLICK HERE for Daily Time article PLEASE RIDE SAFE AT THE DRAGON
APRIL 3,4: Saturday brought many riders and good weather after a chilly rain on Friday. The Dragoneez were in town and Big Mike was stunting again putting on quite a show at the Overlook. Sunday the cold kept most riders away.
March 27-28, 2004: The best week-end so far this year. Absolutely perfect riding weather and lots of riders/drivers making the best of it. The roads were not crowded with slower cars and trucks, and about an even mix of cruisers and sportbikes showed up. We were on our KLRs and had some good runs watching the other riders. Killboy got some great pics ... we'll post some of the best tomorrow.
March 20-21, 2004: Another busy weekend for the unpredictable March weather. Many riders came out to enjoy the 60 degree weather on Saturday. Sunday was slower with temps taking a sudden drop, and we even saw some snow flakes on Monday. This coming week-end looks good for riding with temps forecast in the low 70's. It is also the opening weekend for the Tapoco Lodge near the Dragon where you can buy beer and wine and Tail T-shirts. Wheeler's Motorcycle Shop near Robbinsville has undergone some renovations and now features a big screen TV for you to play the days ride you just videotaped. Wheeler has a large selection of motorcycle gear, tires, parts, and T-shirts.
March 13-14, 2004: We heard Saturday was a fairly busy day with good weather. www.dragaknee.com took some good photos two of which are shown at the bottom of the page. We were at Jennings GP doing a track day and appreciate the update and photos. It looks like we could get lucky and have another great weekend coming up. Tune-up those bikes and head this way.
March 6-7, 2004: Saturday saw a few passing sprinkles come thru the area, but the Dragon dried by late afternoon. Very little traffic, but some Cobras and a few bikes made the best of it. Thanks to Cliff Parks for the update. We had a great day on Sunday with another hundred sportbikes and cruisers. Dry and clean roads made for some good runs. Blount Co had two of their finest on the road and it looks like it will be a regular routine ..... break the traffic laws at your own risk.
Sunday, February 29: More than a hundred riders on the Dragon in mid-winter with temps in the 60s! Some were headed for Daytona, but most were locals taking advantage of the early spring thaw. Road conditions were excellent, but the late afternoon sun shining through the leafless trees made visibility tough. Guess we can't complain too much.
Saturday, February 28: A welcomed winter warm spell at the Dragon with temps around 60 brought out a number of riders in the early afternoon. Later a lot of sportscar traffic (Corvettes, Mustangs, Cobras, and a Viper) showed-up for some runs.
Friday, February 27: Looks like a great weekend to Do the Dragon. We drove it Thurs. night and found the road in good condition. It was not salted/sanded before the past week's snow. The roadway is wet on the upper half to the state line, but this should dry by early afternoon on Saturday (watch out for Crud Corner and a few others though). We will probably be riding Sat, Sun, and Mon. based on the current weather forecast.
February 2004: TOD joined STT to visit the Indy Dealer Expo - the largest trade show of its kind..... and it is huge, CLICK HERE for the details.
The weather in early February hasn't been great for riding in the mountains, but we are looking forward to an early spring and some good riding in March. Had a few mud and rock slides in the area, the worst being at the Tapoco Lodge entrance on US129 (see picture below). DOT had to dynamite one of the larger rocks leaving a small crater in the middle of the pavement. The road has been cleared and should be re-paved by riding season.
RIDING WEATHER is coming soon. We usually find good enough weather in March for riding, but a few rainshowers are needed to clean off the roads first. We'll keep you posted on the improving conditions.BULLETIN January 26, 2004 US 129 closed at Cheoah Dam in TN from mud slide. Should be reopened later today. All roads expecting ice later in the day.
January 16-18, 2004: We attended the Atlanta Motorcycle Show over the weekend and saw a lot of Gap friends there. The turn-out was huge with a great deal of interest in the new models, track days, and coming to the Dragon. We worked the Aprilia and Sportbike Track Time booths telling about our experiences with both. Most wanted to check-out the Tuono and new Mille Factory, but the CapoNorde, Futura and scooter line also got some attention. Looks like we'll have a busy trackday season too. Many who have wanted to do a track day for a long time said this was the year. We are gearing up for Moroso in a few weeks, so be sure to sign-up soon.
REMEMBER Most of the Cherohala above 3,000 feet is frozen even on warmer, sunny days. If you do take a romp on the Dragon be sure to wash your bike/car good when you get home. It has already been salted several times and this can wreak havoc on you aluminum rims. The higher elevations of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed.

January 10, 2004: We received some winter photos of the Dragon SEE LEFT. Be advised that things are not this bad all winter. As a matter of fact we had a couple of decent riding days with Killboy on January 2 and 3. Temps were in the 60s and the road was nearly deserted. We saw only one or two other riders and a couple of cars having some fun.