2005 KILLBOY HIGHLIGHTS

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FRI/SAT/SUN OCT 14,15,16: The weather doesn't get any better than this at the Dragon. Cool nights and mornings with low 70s during the day. Looks like a similar forecast for next weekend so let's ride while we can. There were several serious accidents including a 3 bike pile-up on Sunday caused by a group riding too tight. A Z-car went off the mountain on Friday, but amazingly no serious injuries to the car or occupants. Two riders got exspensive copter rides to the hospital .... ride with care.
FRI/SAT/SUN OCT 7-8-9: Rain on Friday kept riders off the road. Saturday cleared but it was the first chilly day of the fall season. Sunday was clear and warmer and a lot of riders showed up to take advantage. The First Annual Smoky Mountain Bike Week had some 200-300 attendees, not bad for the last minute planning. Watch for the 2006 Bike week to be much bigger.
FRI/SAT/SUN SEPT 30- OCT 2: Not as busy as past weekends with about an even mix of sportbikers and cruisers. Heard about a couple of incidents on the Dragon but nothing too serious. There was an accident on 28 near Fontana with the rider flown out, but it appeared to be non-life threatening.
SUNDAY SEPT 25: We have been asked several times about a supposed death on the Dragon last week. A Louden Co TN newspaper reported a death on the Dragon, but it actually occured on US 74 near Bryson City some 50 miles from the Dragon. There were two deaths in this two motorcycle accident according to NCHP. One bike with sidecar went down and another bike in the group hit it. Be sure to space out when riding in groups.
The weekend was slower than the last few, but still a good crowd. We were glad to see the SuperKaos Riders return and Ron led the Triumph Tiger Riders on a backroad dual sport adventure during the third annual RAT Raid.
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY SEPT 16, 17, 18: Another busy weekend with good weather. Some rain on Friday but it cleared during the afternoon and stayed sunny the rest of the weekend. Saturday was as busy as we have seen. Sunday saw fewer bikes and cars, but there were a number of accidents. A Porsche went off the side and a FJR hit a pick-up head on. Another tired rider ran off the road late Sunday. No serious injuries in any of the accidents.
WEDNESDAY SEPT 21, 12:30 pm - BULLETIN .... A tractor trailor is hung-up on Guradrail Cliff (milepost 7.2) and all traffic was blocked both ways on the Dragon.
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY SEPT 9, 10, 11: Another busy weekwend on the Dragon. No major incidents to report, TN HP made a showing on Saturday and issued a number of warnings. Blount County SO was also present trying to slow down some of the faster riders. Saw a number of minor wrecks including one on Sunday near the Wall when a SUV crossed the center line in a corner and a cruiser side swiped it. REMEMBER to ride the white line going into corners !! There was a touring cycle fatality on the Foothills Parway on Thursday and a serious accident on the nearby Happy Valley Road involving a cruiser with two-up. Rider and passenger are both listed in critical condition. Over the tree day period there were 4 cycle accidents on the Cherohala ... two riders were airlifted. No fatalities reported as of Monday pm. Please take it slow on these dangerous mountain roads.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND SEPT 2,3,4,5: Thousands of riders and sports car drivers took advantage of the holiday weekend at the Dragon making it one of the busiest that we have seen this year. Gas prices were high, but it was available in most places. And the weather was perfection with temps cooling from past weeks. There were no major wrecks that we heard of and everyone was enjoying the ride. Next week also promises to be big with the Cherokee Survivors Rally.
GASOLINE AVAILABILITY: Some stations locally have been limiting purchases to $20, but there is gas available. The situation is supposed to improve over the next few days as new deliveries are expected.
STORM CONDITIONS: Hurricane Katrina brought some blustery winds to the TN/NC mountains, but we have not heard of any major damage to the roads. Several highways were shut-down for a few hours until downed trees could be cleared, but all major roads are now open. Road conditions for the coming week-end look good.
SUNDAY AUG 29: Another big day, especially for the cruisers. Couple of minor incidents, but an overall safe day.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY, AUG 27/28: Unusally busy on the Dragon and all area roads with riders heading for the HOG Rally in Chattanooga and several large groups such as the S2000s coming to play. Some 15,000 were expected at the HOG, but it looks like there will be even more. Nothing major to report as everyone seems to be realatively safe. Big oil spill when a drain plug fell out on a north bound S2000 near Parsons Branch.
SUNDAY AUG 21: No updates yet on the car vs cruiser on Sunday. This was a huge cruiser/tourer weekend on the Dragon. Sportbikes and motards were clearly outnumbered.
SATURDAY AUG 20: Looks like we might finally see some action to keep trucks off the Dragon. W. T. "Ted" Phillips of Knoxville, CEO of Phillips and Jordan Inc has been instrumental in getting Blount Co, TN to pass resolutions requesting the state DOTs to ban trucks with 16 or more wheels on US 129 across the Dragon. Randy Jordan and Dirk Cody, Graham Co NC Commissioners, promoted a similar resolution on the North Carolina side. CLICK HERE to read more details.
Nancy and Ron also attended an I-3 meeting in Murphy on the 18th. Looks like there is a lot of opposition to this road which is in the study phase for north Georgie and southwest North Carolina. We'll keep you posted and let you know how you can pass on your opinions to officials. Some 350 concerned citizens were at the meeting and heard that this highway would cut a 900 foot swath across many of the best mountain roads and scenery at a cost of 50 billion dollars.
SUNDAY AUGUST 14: Saturday's rain washed most of the sand from where the EMS vehicle sprayed radiator fluid all over the road at the State Line. Blount County SO had a car on the Dragon to calm things down. No major incidents to report on the rather slow day for a week-end. Weather was clear and hot.
BULLETIN SATURDAY AUGUST 13: The third fatality of the year on the Dragon at 10 am. Jeremy Stuck, 31, from Dixon, Illinois, riding a ZX10R low-sided at Crud Corner and slid under an oncoming pick-up truck. The first two deaths on the Dragon involved riders from Florida and Maryland. We again warn riders who are not familiar with area roads to take it slow. These mountain roads are no place to speed. CLICK HERE to read news article. Rain moved in at 4 pm and sent everyone home.
AUGUST 5,6,7: Friday was slower than most, but Saturday things really picked-up as cycles and cars flocked to the Dragon. There was a good mix with V-Maxes, Honda Preludes, a small Porshe group, and lots of friendly riders from all over. Those who planned ahead got some good riding in because Sunday was a total rain-out..
JULY 29, 30, 31: Looks like the Miatas may have set a new record. Sure was a bunch on the Dragon and other area roads. Heard about one cruiser vs Miata at 10 mph corner on NC 28. Don't think any injuries were life threatening even though they flew the rider out. Overall a very safe weekend on the Dragon itself in spite of heavy traffic at times. We were busy filming for a new video all last week. It should be released in about a month and will be something different. Got an email from the female rider who went off at Wheelie Hell last week. She wants to thank all those who helped her. She says she will be back on her cycle.
JULY 22: BULLETIN - Tragedy Strikes the Dragon - Two riders lost their lives on the Dragon within 24 hours. David Workman age 48 of Alva, Fla, who had been riding with his 14 year old son on the back of his BMW had been reported missing on Thursday night. At 11 am Friday his son crawled to the roadway and summonded help. His father had run off the road at Rocket Corner and been killed. Another death occurred at about 1:15 pm Friday when 62 year old Jack Wolfe of Hagerstown Maryland ran off the road with his Buell just south of the Overlook. This should be a reminder to all riders how dangerous the Dragon can be. Please slow down and ride within your limits.
JULY 19: For the most part, last weekend the weather was mixed bag. If you were riding, chances are you were in a rain shower at some point during the day....typical July weather. Weather is looking good for this coming weekend - but again, be prepared for brief afternoon showers. Also, the NCHP (on bikes) are patroling Hwy 29 and US 129 near the Dragon, and the Cherohala Skyway. Doesn't appear to be heavy handed enforecement, but remember that the speed limit is 30mph from Tapoco Lodge to the state line. Hwy 28 is posted at 55mph. The Cherohala Skyway is posted 45mph. CLICK HERE for a funny story in this weeks Maryville Times about an incident at local dirt oval track - Smoky Mountain Speedway, which is the site of the annual Wakin the Dragon Rally.
JULY 8, 9, 10: Friday and Saturday saw about average traffic on the Dragon and other local roads. Sunday spotty rains slowed the crowd. Noted a Blount Co cycle LEO on the Dragon Saturday to keep things under control. Saw him pull over a car with elderly driver cutting the corners. NC Troopers were in the area of NC28 and US129. No unusual enforcement noted. Dragon bicycle regular and first finisher of this years Cherhala Challenge David Hixon wins National Masters Bicycle Championship CLICK HERE to read article.
July 3, 2005 : BULLETIN 10 am - A heavy thunderstorm is rolling through the Dragon. Watch for debris and limbs on the roadway this afternoon.
July 2, 2005: A rather slow day for the beginning of a holiday weekend. The 50th Anniversary Corvettes made several passes as a writer for Road and Track Magazine looked for car drivers to interview. Despite the hot weather in the high 80s riders seemed to be having a great time on the Dragon and Cherohala.
June 22-25: Honda Hoot was the biggest ever as some 25,000 riders came for the fun in Knoxville and area roads. There were a few serious accidents including a couple on the Dragon, but no deaths have been reported. With the number of motorcycles on the roads we think this is remarkable. The weather was hot and dry, the roads in great condition, and Knoxville threw a big party downtown on Saturday night. Mark this big event in your calendar for next year. CLICK HERE for latest printed news regarding Thursday's wrecks.
June 19: Beautiful day with average traffic for a weekend. Early morning accident at Tapoco required air transport. R1 rider hit concrete bridge after misjudging speed at this tricky corner. Cruiser rider injured on Dragon.
June17: Serious afternoon accident on the Dragon ... Cruiser with youngster on back sideswiped a van. Rider suffered severe arm laceration, young passenger leg injury.
June 12: Soggy weekend - with the exception of a dry Saturday afternoon for the annual Cherohala Challenge bicycle ride. A few of the 400 plus riders chickened out because of the gloomy weather forecast, but riders lucked out with only sprinkles in the morning and overcast skies in the afternoon making for almost perfect conditions. Riders chose between two ride options, either the metric century which was an up and back on the Cherohala or the 117 mile challenge route taking the riders from Tellico Plains to Hwy 72 - the Dragon - Cherohala - and back to Tellico. Dragon (bicycle) regular Kent Bostic finished first again this year completing the loop in about 5 hours and 40 minutes. Tail of the Dragon Nanc finished the loop 90 minutes later. Nanc reports this is an exceptionally scenic, fun, and challenging route and much easier from the seat of a motorcycle ! ! The weekend was also the annual FZ1 rally at Fontana village. This rally continues to grow every year with almost 200 riders for this years event. I'm sure they got plenty of riding in between the afternoon rain showers. Sunday was a complete rain out with the arrival of tropical storm Arlene.
We are sorry to report that a Canadian rider lost his life in a single motorcycle accident on Hwy 28 near Deals Gap early Monday (June 6) morning. As reported to us by the NCHP, Michael Landry, age 41, from Ontario lost control of his motorcycle and slid into an embankment. Our condolences to the Landry family and friends.
June 7: Annual Cherohala Challenge bicycle ride will be coming over the Dragon and the Cherohala on Saturday June 11th. The 115 loop begins at 7:30 in Tellico Plains and makes it way towards the Dragon, with bicycles on the Dragon from roughly 9am until 11. The bikes then make their way down US129 and take the short cut thru Joyce Kilmer to the Cherohala and then back to Tellico Plains. The Cherohala will not only host the 115 mile loop riders but also the metric challenge (from Tellico to the 5300 ft lookout and then back). Expecting about 200 riders for the big loop ride and about the same for the metric. There will be lots of riders on the Cherohala all day. Be respectful of the riders - let them have their fun on this one day. Don't get pissed if they don't hug the white line and ride 2 and 3 riders wide. You might want to grab a good downhill corner and watch the action of the lead group - you will be AMAZED !!
June 4: THE MEDIA EVENT dealing with motorcycle safety turned out to be about 40 LEOs, a few state and county officials, and 6 people from local news outlets (Ron from ToD and Darryl from Killboy were two). CLICK HERE The 30 minute presentation touted Tennessee's 100 Days of Heat aimed at ticketing seat belt violators and arresting drunk drivers. The Dragon was described by local officials as "a problem" and enforcement on the 11 miles was promised. In reality more serious injuries and deaths on motorcycles occur on other area roads. Seems they have a hard time seeing the good in the road when all they hear are complaints. Perhaps articles such as this opinion piece which appeared in the Maryville Daily Times recently will help show them otherwise. CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE The summer will be busy on the Dragon and other area roads. Plan on serious LEO presence and ride with courtsey and safety. Meanwhile, the Dragon was slow compared to the past few weekends. Nothing of any consequence to report. Once the Media Event was over most of the LEOs went home.
May 29: Wow .... talk about some awesome Rolling Thunder. Thousands of bikers converged on the Dragon and most of them were cruisers echoing the roar across the Gap. Heard about a couple of minor incidents and one that could have been much worse when a pick-up truck in the wrong lane side swiped a cruiser. Rider was transported with non-life threathening injuries. Serious accident on 28 near Fontana and a two bike accident on the Cherohala Skyway at mile 10 resulted in transports CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR WARNINGS. Actually a fairly safe day for the number of bikes. No LEO activity noted on the Gap.
May 27-28: Friday was fairly busy with a couple of non-life threatening accidents. One gal on a cruiser ran into the bank at the Hump trying to keep up with her group. Please ride at your own comfortable pace. A cruiser rider airlifted from the Cherohala late Friday. Saturday was much busier with a majority of cruisers celebrating their own Rolling Thunder. Heard that there were many complaints against the Tennessee Highway Patrol for the past weekend. Looks like they might have calmed the uncalled for harassement. No major LEO activity noted so far this weekend. Also be aware of repaving on US 129 in the Robbinsville area. - might be some sections with gravel present.
May 25: UPDATE ON THE PAST WEEKEND The First Annual Wakin the Dragon Rally was a success in spite of the weather and TN HP. Be watching for info on the next rally coming Labor Day. We would like to commend TN Highway Patrol Lieutenant Thomas for contacting our minister friend and apologizing for the treatment he received from the irate Trooper on Saturday. He promised the matter would be investigated and appropriate actions taken. Seems like the HP is getting a good number of complaints to handle after the weekend fiasco.
May 22 Sunday: Heard from many riders that the Saturday TN crackdown made them stay away from the Wakin Rally. Too bad for the Rally and local TN businesses. Sunday the TN HP was back at it again with at least six units on the road issuing tickets and harassment. One group of riders who were obeying all traffic laws were pulled over and checked closely for violations and paperwork before being allowed to proceed. Another was ticketed for 36 in a 30. We also heard from car drivers that tickets were issued for following too close (at 30 mph?) and not wearing seatbelts even though the occupants were wearing them. We didn't hear any reports of harassment by Blount County SO. Seems this was a TN HP event. Want to complain .. CLICK HERE
May 21 Saturday: Well if you read the local area newspapers you’d think the Wakin the Dragon was a huge success thanks to the Tennessee Highway Patrol. We heard some stories that are not quite so pleasant. By 9:00 am there were 2 wreckers standing by, EMS units with engines warmed, assorted Blount County Sheriff cars, mobile command posts with donut stand, 5 THP cars stationed on the Dragon and 4 THP cycles rolling. Then the THP helicopter came swooping over …. looked like a terrorist attack was imminent. Once the biker parade of some 100 maniacal cycle revolutionaries cleared the state line the license check stops and ticket writing began. Welcome to Tennessee all you riders and sports car drivers. Tickets were issued for such serious violations as not having proof of insurance, license plate placement and doing 39 in a 30. We’ve seen little old ladies in mini-vans going faster than that.
The one stop that we have the most concern with was a friend who was stopped for doing 47 in a 30. He had no problem with taking his lumps and a ticket, but the TN HP Trooper came running up shouting “What in the G--- D--- hell are you doing,” and then carried on nastily as he issued the citation. Our friend is an ordained minister and did not particularly care for the unprofessional treatment. How about investigating this incident TN HP?
By contrast the North Carolina side showed no sign of increased LEO presence and all was calm. Residents were not hiding their women and children as masses of uniformed troopers gathered.
Hint …. If you plan to ride the Dragon on a weekend come with a legal bike, proper paperwork, and let the mini-vans lead the way. But you might still get a ticket for looking at an officer oddly. Safer bet … ride and spend your money in biker friendly North Carolina until TN comes to their senses.
May 20 Friday: Looks like a big TN LEO presence on US129 leading to the Dragon. They have a command post set up with EMS service along the river. We hope that it is a friendly presence and that they are welcoming the many visitors to Wakin the Dragon. After some heavy rains early this morning, the weather broke mid afternoon and looks to be good weather the next few days.
May 17 Tuesday: Just wanted to make some comments about the local LEO's. We've had several complimentary comments about the Blount Co TN SO and Graham Co SO. Sportbikers reported being stopped for various reasons and were let go with a warning and a friendly "be careful and enjoy your stay". We want to personally thank these agencies for treating our guests in a positive manner. However, this doesn't mean you have a free ticket to break the law. Ride safely and obey our traffic laws.
May 15 Sunday: Just about a rain-out. The sun did pop out late in the afternoon to allow for some fun.
May 14, Saturday: A cacophony of sounds on the Dragon today. The two strokers won with the blue smoking - mosquito snuffing exhaust. Second place went to the muscle cars with a close third to the potato potato cruisers. Honarable mention to the many sport bikes and a few bicylists early in the day. Fairly good weather in spite of a couple morning showers and a mini twister that rolled thru at 5:30 pm. No serious incidents or need for strict enforcement noted. Forecast for tomorrow .... wait until late morning to start your day, afternoon looks clear.
May 12, Thursday: Weather looks good for Saturday and hopefully it will last thru Sunday. Road is clean. Expect LEO's to be patrolling the Dragon and area roads.
May 8, Sunday: South bound lane with 5 (new) deliberate oil spots on the dragon, TN DOT spread sand. Law Enforcement has a good lead on a suspect. Three cycle LEO's on the Dragon today, they were pretty upset about the oil spills. Road should be in good shape Monday. Quiet day on the Dragon, no serious incidents other than the oil spills. We heard that Chevrolet was on the Dragon last week filming a new ad. They had the original Chevy from Two Lane Blacktop filmed on the Dragon in 1972. We would love to have some photos if anyone has any. We are taking pledges for the reward offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons who oiled the road ... currently $750.
May 7, Saturday: Couldn't ask for better weather. The Dragon was not overly crowded today and most of the Mini's were on the Cherohala. TNHP motorcycle LEO and Blount County patrolled the Dragon and everybody behaved. We heard of no serious wrecks. We believe having BCSO patrol is the best method to keep situations under control at the Dragon. We would like to thank BCSO for being friendly to our visitors and doing an excellent job. One word of warning.... please go by the Calderwood Dam Overlook at a very controlled pace. Not only do you need to be aware of people and vehicles at the Overlook but this is also a favorite place for radar enforcement. Miata wrecked at Parsons Branch late Saturday night. No serious injuries other than the fatal injuries to a tree that saved the Miata from going into the creek.
May 6, Friday: The TAIL IS BACK AT DEALS GAP. Friday was our first day back on the Dragon for our retail sales and an information booth for Killboy. We welcomed some of the 400 Mini Coopers that came to the area this weekend. We found several corners on the Dragon that were deliberately oiled. Thanks to the several riders and TN DOT who did their best to clean up the mess. There is recovered evidence. If you have any information that leads to an arrest we are now offering a $750 reward. One rider went down at the Hump which brought out the TNHP & BCSO, injuries did not appear to be serious. We did hear of one Mini wreck (with no injuries), but don't know any details. The weather will be great this weekend, come out and watch the show !!
APRIL29-MAY 1: Friday was good riding weather in spite of the weather forcasts and a number of riders made the best of it. Saturday was a rain-out. Sunday began chilly, but the sunny skies quickly warmed the Dragon. Fairly busy day with an even mix of cruisers and sportbikes. There were also a good representation of various sportscars, motards, bicycles, trikes, and tourers. We noted no accidents of any consequence over the three days other than a Sunday afternoon incident that required LEO response.... no injuries.
APRIL 24, Sunday: Looks like warmer weather returns and hopefully that was the last snow. A fairly busy day for chilly weather. Blount Co SO was around, but we have heard of no major incidents. Two Corvette drivers reported being cited for speeding (69 in a 55) on US411 by TN HP. They were also told by a sheriff's deputy that someone dies every week on the Dragon. CLICK HERE to read the truth. Why tell our visitors lies? What ever happened to warnings being issued for minor speed infractions? We are sending letters to all of the area tourist agencies to protest such actions.
APRIL 23, Saturday: Snow on the Cherohala at mid-day. We saw a number of bikers on the downhill escape run and a few unknowing riders headed uphill. Might be some accumulation on the Cherohala tonight. TN HP Troopers had a rally on the Dragon .... 2 cars and 3 bikes. Almost more Troopers than traffic. TN tax money at waste. The Dragon should be clean but chilly on Sunday.
APRIL 22, Friday: Rain washed away the worst of the sand.
APRIL 21, Thursday: Heads up on to anyone heading to the Dragon on Friday. - a car blew it's transmission and spread tranny fluid from the overlook to the stateline in the south bound lane (heading towards NC). TNDOT spead sand to soak up the spill. Hopefully we'll get some rain and clean off the road by this weekend. Speaking of the weather... keep an eye on the Forecast for the coming weekend. Looks like we might be in for a mixed bag of conditions. Also, the Smoky Mountain Wheelmen (bicycle club) will be on the Dragon on Sunday morning and again later in the afternoon. They have a scheduled 80 mile training ride from Chillhowee Dam up to Hooper Bald on the Cherohala and back. Please be considerate to our fellow bikers.
APRIL 19, Tuesday: The Dragon was busy on Monday as well with another airlift. READ HERE
APRIL 17, Sunday: This pretty much sums up the weekend... READ HERE. Next Friday President Bush will be visiting Cades Cove to observe Earth Day - we think he should blow the cove and come ride the Dragon!! Anyway, if you are visitied - you might want to avoid the Park on Friday.
APRIL 16, Saturday: Another rider flown-out . Cruiser hits bank at Beginner's End near TN/NC border. Driver airlifted, passenger taken to hospital in ambulance. Once again there are rumors of one or two deaths on the Dragon Friday. TN HP reports no deaths as of 9 am Sunday morning. We did hear that one rider suffered serious internal injuries after hitting a rock wall, but he is reportedly still fighting for his life. Very busy weekend on the Dragon so ride cautiously and stay alert.
APRIL 15, Friday: MAYHEM ON THE DRAGON... We know of at least 5 accidents on or near the Dragon with 4 transports (3 were airlifted). Contrary to rumors, as of 8 am Saturday morning - the TNHP reports NO fatalities. Blount County SO began a stricter enforcement in the afternoon - and we can't blame them. If you are coming the Dragon this weekend, we advise you to ride safe and within the law.
APR 9-10: Couldn't ask for better weather this past weekend. Not too much traffic on Saturday. The RX7 Club met at Fontana and spent Saturday on the Dragon. The prime weather on Sunday brought out a good number of riders to the area. One of Blount County's motorcycle patrol made several passes. So far this year we've had a safe year on the Dragon - let's keep it that way !! We rode the DRAGON / CHEROHALA on Sunday. The Cherohala is in great condition.
APR 2-3: The first weekend in April is the beginning of the season around here.  All the lodges and campgrounds are now open and we are seeing more bikes.  But… that doesn’t mean the weather is cooperative. In fact it has been confusing with rain on Friday, snow on Saturday, and 70 degrees/sunny on Sunday.  Oh well, if you're not happy one day just wait till the next.  We were invited to a Ferrari get together at the swanky Asheville Grove Park Inn on Friday night.  We put on a presentation and had lots of goodies for our Ferrari friends. The bad weather didn’t dampen their spirits as many of them rode the Dragon on Saturday with lunch at the Tapoco Lodge.  We look forward to seeing them again!!  Saturday night brought a fresh blanket of snow to the roads above 3000’ – the Cherohala had over a foot of snow at 5000'.  It's cleared from the road, but look out for the occassional patch of road salt on the Chero.  One good rain – coming tomorrow - and the Chero should be clean again.  Sunday and Monday were perfect spring days on the Dragon with highs in the 70s.  Looks like we might get some mid-week rain and the coming weekend is looking good again.  We’ve added a more detailed AREA WEATHER page with all sorts of forecasts and radar for the area.  Everything is open around here so come see us!! 
MAR 25: Many riders are showing-up to take advantage of the good spring weather at the Gap. Several dozen bikes on the Dragon Thursday. BULLETIN: The Foothills Parkway has reopened. Watch-out for repair debris near the 321 intersection.
MAR 19-20: Saturday was chilly and overcast in the mountains, but not bad at all on the Dragon. A good number of sportbikes, motards, cruisers, and cars came to play. Sunday the weather was perfection, the road was in great condition, and Blount Co SO was charging admisssion. We estimated a dozen citations were written for speed (45 in a 30) and several for minor infractions such as no mirrors. We saw several cars pulled over too, but know at least one was not cited. In spite of the LEOs a large number of riders/drivers had a good day. We remind riders to have your bikes legally equiped, license plates visible, and to ride with a little common sense. There was a serious cycle accident near the US129/SR336 intersection just 13 miles from the Dragon on the TN side. A sportbike hit an SUV headon in Deadman's Curve. Rider was airlifted. Details of the accident are not yet known. STAY AWAY FROM THE DOUBLE YELLOW !!!
MAR 12-13: TN DOT salted the Dragon on Friday. Saturday only a few riders braved the added dangers, but Sunday the Gap was busy with cycles and cars. Nancy and I took a two-up pass on our Aprilia Capo Norde and had fun in spite ot having to pay special attention to the salt lines in some corners. There was also a large tree down on the edge of the road near Picnic Table. We had some rain Sunday night so the road should be in better shape now.
FEB 21: Quite a storm rolled through the area on Monday with high winds and hail. At least three trees fell on the Dragon and all the roads had a lot of debris. Tuesday brought warm temps in the 60s and the roads were in much better shape. NC has now posted 30 mph speed limit signs from the state line to Fugitive Bridge.

Dave from Boone NC was the first "bite" on the dragon New Years Day

FEB 5-6, 2005: What a great chance to get out the bikes in the middle of winter. Temps were in the mid-60s on the Dragon Saturday and Sunday. Several dozen riders and a good group of sportscars showed up to celebrate. Blount Co SO even had a deputy up to have some fun. No incidents to report .... just some unexpected good mid-winter riding.
JAN 8 and 9: Another very active weekend for the Dragon in winter. Temps in the 60s brought a lot of Subarus to local roads on Saturday and bikes on Sunday. Even the LEOs showed-up to have some fun. Didn't hear of any harassment though. Looks like good weather on Mon and then cloudy Tues/Wed and rain Thurs. Temps will stay in the 60s until Fri. Come on out and ride while you can.
JAN 7, 8, 9: Tail of the Dragon and Graham County Travel and Toruism will have a booth at the Atlanta International Motorcycle Show this week-end in the Cobb Galleria. Photos by Killboy and free maps to the Dragon.
JAN 1: The Dragon woke-up from its winter sleep for a few days. Friday saw temps in the high 50s and Saturday they climbed into the 60s. There were some 100 bikes and a dozen or so cars taking advantage of the perfect weather. Some of the corners didn't dry out until early afternoon, but then road conditions were good. Saw a number of the Canadian Fuzzy Riders down for the holidays. Sunday some scattered showers are spoiling the fun.