Official 2012 Tail of the Dragon Thread

[Stretch]

Are you SURE they're new? I hear now that if they weren't manufactured w/i last month, they need to be replaced. I'll be glad to take 'em off your hands so you won't have to mess with classifieds.

You know they're 17" right?? Don't think you can stretch them to fit your wheels.

It's funny you should ask though, because I was not entirely pleased with the date codes on the fronts. The rears weren't so bad.

 

[HLANDIS]

Countdown has begun

 

[1TONY1]

For those with extra time to spare in Tellico and want more than a sandwich, this place is supposed to be pretty good: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tellicafe/371459711912

Tellicafe, it's about 1/2 mile from downtown.

 

[TowDawg]

Are we having the same type travel set-up?
Last year, I know there was a group coming N out of GA, a group coming NE out of the Cleveland, TN (Ocoee) area, and group coming from Knoxville.
Just trying to figure out the caravan options and locations.

 

[HLANDIS]

Are we having the same type travel set-up?
Last year, I know there was a group coming N out of GA, a group coming NE out of the Cleveland, TN (Ocoee) area, and group coming from Knoxville.
Just trying to figure out the caravan options and locations.

As of right now I know that we have a few Vipers that will be traveling together from Gburg to Kville. Mainly those that are trailering. Feel free to join us if you would like

 

[99 R/T 10]

Are we having the same type travel set-up?
Last year, I know there was a group coming N out of GA, a group coming NE out of the Cleveland, TN (Ocoee) area, and group coming from Knoxville.
Just trying to figure out the caravan options and locations.

We should be meeting up with Matt Chambers at the Shell station just off the highway around 8:30-9:00AM

 

[Stretch]

We've got a group coming from KY to Knoxville too if anyone is interested.

 

[HLANDIS]

Putting together a contact list of those meeting in Gburg and driving to meet the group at CB. If you would like to caravan from Gburg to Kville, please send your contact info. and we can all coordinate. We will be trailering in to Gburg and parking the trailers/cars together. I will be arriving on the p.m. of the 29th at the Lodge if any other are getting there early.

IS IT TIME TO GO YET!!!!

 

[HLANDIS]

SO FAR, SO GOOD!!

Thu May 31
83°
60°
Partly Cloudy
Chance of rain:10%Wind: N at 4 mph

Fri Jun 1
82°
58°
Scattered T-Storms
Chance of rain:30%Wind: NNW at 5 mph

Sat Jun 2
81°
59°
Sunny
Chance of rain:0%Wind: NW at 4 mph

 

[uvbnbit]

NICE! Usually it's 95+ with afternoon showers in forecast.

 

[TowDawg]

Is anyone else coming from (or through) the Chattanooga area? We had about 5-6 of us meet along the Ocoee and head to the main meeting place in Tellico Plains last year. All the groups met there and had lunch and then headed along the Skyway to the Dragon together. Driving to Knoxville is an option, but the 3 mian groups meeting in Tellico worked great last year.

 

[JoelW]

We will be coming from Middle Tennessee and go throught Tellico. I am not sure what time but around lunch. We lose an hour going east.

 

[HLANDIS]

NICE! Usually it's 95+ with afternoon showers in forecast.

Glanced at the map quickly, looks like a cool front may have moved through by that time. Looks great, keep our fingers crossed. Not really sure about TN but here in Louisiana we never know day to day Weather down here is almost like a guessing game. Looks good though!

 

[TowDawg]

We should be meeting up with Matt Chambers at the Shell station just off the highway around 8:30-9:00AM

There sure are a lot of highways and Shell stations around. Care to narrow it down?

 

[99 R/T 10]

The one off the highway on the road that goes to Pigeon Forge. 338 I think?

 

[AIRBNDR]

Opps , didn't take the poll but we've had reservations at the GB hotel since january ..... Pennina & I will see you all in Tellico on Friday !

 

[uvbnbit]

There's about 5 of us coming in on Thurs eve (6-ish) and staying at ******* Barrel exit. Who wants to hook up for dinner and a few adult beverages?

 

[bboyer]

****************** N O T I C E **************************

It's time!!! We'll be meeting in the "standard" 3 locations plus a few from G'burg on Friday. Pick your group (Knoxville, Cleveland, Atlanta, Gatlinburg) and plan to join in on the caravan to the Tellico Plains starting point. I'll publish the point of contact for each group so you can call if you're running late (in a Viper? Really?) so everyone can try to stay together.


Will be posting updated general itinerary and EMAILING ONLY REGISTRANTS the detailed itinerary this Wednesday!! Please add your name to the registry so you'll get the packet and we can complete the contact list. We have 28 vehicles on the list (37 registered last year and 50 showed). If you THINK you MAY come, go ahead and get on the mailing & contact lists. This will ONLY be mailed to registrants because it contains email and phone information that cannot be published here or sent for general distribution...even to the AL/TN club.


OFFICIAL REGISTRATION SITE: http://3199996.polldaddy.com/s/viper...e-1st-3rd-2012

Use this link to a survey to register your intentions. It's not binding, just a barometer for meal reservations and contact information. You will also get a emailing of the final details packet with the special tips need to make the trip nicer (call-ahead food ordering, driver's spacing rules, etc...)

 

[bboyer]

Gettin' ansy aren't we!! There will be 4 planned group approaches this year, with a contingent coming over from G'Burg to K'ville. Here's a preview of the email packet going out to the registrants:

2012 Tail of the Dragon

The following is the initial general itinerary of the 2012 Tail of the Dragon Run. This annual event draws participants from several states and appears to be growing every year. We'll try to change a few things this year to keep it hopping, but some things will never change! This is based on past experience, with delays built-in that will allow us to stay on schedule and possibly add a site-seeing stop. All times are Eastern Standard Time.


Friday June 1st Knoxville->Cherahola Skyway->Tail->Gatlinburg (Atlanta, GA & Cleveland, TN meetups planned too)
8:00am SOUTH (Atlanta, GA) group begin arriving at Gwinnett *******

8:15am SOUTH group LEAVING to cruise to Cherahola Market/Exxon in Tellico Plains, TN

9:00am NORTH group begin arriving at ******* Barrel in Knoxville.
9:15am WEST (Cleveland, TN) group begin arriving at gas station on Ocoee highway
9:30am WEST group LEAVING to cruise to Cherahola Market/Exxon in Tellico Plains, TN
​

10:15am NORTH GROUP LEAVING to cruise to Cherahola Market/Exxon in Tellico Plains, TN

10:30am SOUTH & WEST group combining at Ducktown, TN (Piggly Wiggly Parking Lot)

11:45-12:15pm Arrive Cherahola Market/Exxon, meetup with other groups, get gas/lunch @ market or Tellico Grains Bakery or Tellico Cafe

12:15pm Lunch
1:00pm Cherahola Skyway to Robbinsville, NC
3:15pm Arrive at Deal's Gap
4:00pm Tail of the Dragon @ Deal’s Gap
4:30pm Photo Shoot @ Tail End
4:45pm Cruise to Gatlinburg via Foothills Pkwy
6:15pm Check-in at Greystone Lodge
7:30pm Dinner in town (walking)

Saturday June 2nd Pigeon Forge->Smokies->Pigeon Forge->Gatlinburg
8:00-9:30am Breakfast, car cleanup, gas
9:30am DEPARTURE for Dragon Tail Mountain Cruise (Clingman's Dome, Lunch @ Wildwood Grill in Fontana Villiage, Fontana Dam stop, Tail of Dragon)
9:30am DEPARTURE for Maggie Valley Mountain Cruise (Clingman's Dome, Mexican Lunch in Maggie Valley, Wheels Through Time Museum)
5:00pm or earlier ARRIVE back at hotel
6:15pm Leave for Pigeon Forge (circle back for official Parade!)
7:00pm Parade
7:30pm Dinner @ Cherokee Grill
11:00pm Show at the Hotel meeting room (EXCELLENT professional entertainer!!)

Sunday June 3rd G'burg->Home
9:00am Breakfast
10:00 TBD group cruising/drive home
​

 

[my viper]

There's about 5 of us coming in on Thurs eve (6-ish) and staying at ******* Barrel exit. Who wants to hook up for dinner and a few adult beverages?

I get into Knoxville on Thursday evening too. PM me where you guys will be eating and I will join. Not sure of my arrival time though.A

 

[TowDawg]

Brett,

Any chance you know who (or at least how many) are meeting with each group? Just want to know how many people should be meeting in case someone might be a minute late, but not call.
Also, any chance you have addresses for the different places? That way we could plug it into a GPS and be good to go.

Or, is the above info in the email you'll be sending out?

 

[bboyer]

Brett,

Any chance you know who (or at least how many) are meeting with each group? Just want to know how many people should be meeting in case someone might be a minute late, but not call.
Also, any chance you have addresses for the different places? That way we could plug it into a GPS and be good to go.

Oops: Ocoee, TN, just west of US-64/US-411 intersection on US-64 (McD’s/gas station)
There is a problem coordinating who will show up at the different departure points...that's why there will be a contact number and a map so they can catch up. I double-checked the times and we have a buffer if we have to wait ('cept the Southern group...they better be hightailin' it up here!).

 

[bboyer]

****************** N O T I C E **************************

2012 Itinerary below...please note some changed times. This is the 1st 2 of 14 pages. The remainder will be emailed out to the registrants and will include the color maps/description of the weekend (includes contacts and phone numbers of participants).

2012 Tail of the Dragon/Smokey Mountain Run Weekend
Viper Club of America

All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Friday June 1st Knoxville->Cherahola Skyway->Tail->Gatlinburg
8:00am SOUTH (Atlanta, GA) group begin arriving at Gwinnett *******
Contact: Scott Tolleson
8:15am SOUTH group LEAVING to cruise to Cherahola Market/Exxon in Tellico Plains, TN
9:00am NORTH group begin arriving at ******* Barrel to eat, gas, meetup
Contact: Chip Winter
9:15am WEST (Cleveland, TN) group begin arriving at gas station on Ocoee highway
Contact: Brett Boyer
9:30am WEST group LEAVING to cruise to Cherahola Market/Exxon in Tellico Plains, TN
10:00am NORTH GROUP LEAVING to cruise to Cherahola Market/Exxon in Tellico Plains, TN
10:30am SOUTH & WEST group combining at Ducktown, TN (Piggly Wiggly Parking Lot)

11:30-12:15pm Arrive Cherahola Market/Exxon, meetup with other groups, get gas/lunch @ market, Tellico Grains Bakery or Tellico Cafe (1 (423) 253-2880)
12:15pm Lunch/gather at Cherahola Market
1:00pm Cherahola Skyway to Robbinsville, NC
3:15pm Arrive at Deal's Gap
4:00pm Tail of the Dragon @ Deal’s Gap
4:30pm Photo Shoot @ Tail End
4:45pm Cruise to Gatlinburg via Foothills Pkwy
6:15pm Check-in at Greystone Lodge
7:30pm Dinner in town (walking)

Saturday June 2nd Gatlinburg->Smokies->Gatlinburg
8:00-9:30am Breakfast, car cleanup, gas
9:30am DEPARTURE for Dragon Tail Mountain Cruise (Clingman's Dome, Lunch @ Wildwood Grill in Fontana Village, Fontana Dam stop, Tail of Dragon)
9:30am DEPARTURE for Maggie Valley Mountain Cruise (Clingman's Dome, Mexican Lunch in Maggie Valley, Wheels Through Time Museum)
5:00pm or earlier ARRIVE back at hotel
6:15pm Leave for Pigeon Forge (circle back for official Parade!)
7:00pm Parade
7:30pm Dinner @ Cherokee Grill

Sunday June 3rd G'burg->Home
9:00am Breakfast
10:00am TBD group cruising/drive home

Host Hotel Info:
Greystone Lodge
559 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(800) 451-9202

Tellico Grains Bakery – 828-498-2141
Tellico Cafe (1 (423) 253-2880)
Deal’s Gap Store - 800-889-5550
Fontana Village Resort (Wildwood Grill) - (828) 498-2211



Some reminders:
• Small cooler of drinks, snacks
• Camera
• 2-way radio tuned to channel 10.0 (NOTE: Usually can borrow an extra from someone!)
• Comfortable clothes for driving!
• Call ahead for Friday lunch pickup in Tellico Plains

 

[TowDawg]

Thanks Brett!

I don't know if John (red Gen I from Chattanooga) has registered or not, but I don't think he's on the boards very often. He called me last week and is planning on coming.

 

[bboyer]

ok...ps...got you a radio

 

[TowDawg]

Hahhaaa!!!

I appreciate it, but I already bought a set also.

 

[bboyer]

****************** N O T I C E **************************

After publishing this weekend's plans, several of you noticed some things were a little different! I thought I'd highlight a few things to expect:

> At least 10 states are represented and groups are forming to actually travel together to the 3 primary starting points...2 of the primary groups are hooking up before arriving, so Tellico Plains will be rumblin'!
> Our hotel is blocking outdoor parking for us, with 4 levels of indoor parking available in the event of inclement weather...Jim Morrison has ordered nice weather, so we should be good (he thinks of everything!).
> Once parked Friday night, we walk to the restaurants of our choice...no driving necessary!
> Saturday's drive now has TWO options: "Standard" route, or "Alternate" route. These are outline in your notes, but a little about the new "Alternate" plan:
- It will be part of the Standard route until we get to Cherokee, NC, so you will get to visit Clingman's Dome
- It will be about 2 hours of actual driving, with arrangements for a special guided tour of "Wheels of Time" museum in Maggie Valley (see http://wheelsthroughtime.com/ for details on this VERY unique museum!).
- Lunch will be at Guayabito's Mexican Restaurant, who is bringing in additional personnel to accommodate us.
- A stop at Cherokee's Casino is an option on the return, but the intent is that this alternate route will get participants back to the hotel around 3:00pm...we'll see how it goes!
> Saturday's Parade has an official permit this year. In addition, we have a gathering spot at the entrance of Gatlinburg that will allow us to trickle on over (it's 5 mins from the hotel) to organize.
> We are looking to excite the crowds this year a little more and will have a couple of pre-arranged "Horn/Rev Bursts" synchronized with our radios...with police permission of course.
> We have the hotel's meeting room BOTH nights for gathering and have scheduled one of the top ventriloquists in the country to perform. This show unfortunately can only be done late (11:00pm) and so the majority will need to decide if they can commit to staying up that late either night...so be thinking about it.


Two Days to Go!

 

[uvbnbit]

Dress accordingly. Gonna be kinda on the cool side in eve's.
http://weather.yahoo.com/united-states/tennessee/gatlinburg-2409305/

 

[Steve-Indy]

UPDATE ??? I have heard that the Dragon has teeth !!

 

[uvbnbit]

Great weekend! I think Viper total was 42-45 range. Police ****** for parade in Gatlinburg. I'm sure videos and pics will be posted soon. . . .