2016 Tail Of The Dragon Meet V September 22nd-25th: Chat Thread

[Bruce Bartlow]

There is one at Fontana Village Resort. Thats the other hotel people usually stay at. The campground is not at the actual hotel though. Its at the bottom of the hill near the dam/river side. There is a bathroom building with showers but from what I've heard, the showers are not heated. @Bruce Bartlow camped there.

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The room isn't heated but the water is. I'd call it "adequate" but certainly nothing fancy. Great setting though (right beneath the dam) and dirt cheap. I think they've started to add a hefty "resort fee" of $15/day... which about doubles the cost. It gives you internet access at the Lodge about 10 minutes away.

Scratch that. It's only about 5 minutes away. You have to remember where you are:

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

I like that route and it will take a day, but I don't want to completely leave out rt28, both the hellbender and moonshiner sections. Maybe rt28 will be a separate drive with wayah road thrown in.

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Don't forget the best part of Wayah is just a few miles of the far eastern section. Doesn't take long. But leave out the 28...seriously? No way.
The Loop is always a winner, especially when you stop for an early lunch at Brevard's in Waynesville. Really helps.

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

Personally I want another shot at the 276 southbound (one of Nix's faves); since my first experience was rather humbling, getting smoked by @Nix who carved it up like nobody's business... but if he's not coming the 281 is a great alternate route.

In the end, you'd enjoy 281 southbound so you can climb the 215. That approach might lend itself to a late lunch/early dinner at Brevard's, depending. In any event Brevards is a winner, just like Notorious Pig is a winner... which has moved.

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

I think rt28 to highlands with a 215/281 run might be do-able. Definitely a day long drive. Could easily take the highway over and head down 107 to 281. I like the 276/215 loop since you can take the expressway there and back from Waynesville. Unfortunately that connector from 276 over to 215 sucks and if you hit traffic on 276 you are stuck. 215 is at least rural enough I haven't seen much traffic on it ever.

I thought 276 was damn fun when there was no traffic. its too narrow and no pulloffs to pass though. Looking Glass Falls is pretty nice to stop at for a minute too. Its just that section through Brevard that is long and sucky.

Possible map/loop: Skipping rt28.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Microtel+Inn+&+Suites+by+Wyndham+Robbinsville,+Rodney+Orr+Bypass,+Robbinsville,+NC/35.39211,-83.1977374/JIMMYS+MINI+MART,+Tuckasegee,+NC/298+Blue+Ridge+Rd,+Lake+Toxaway,+NC+28747/35.144617,-82.8399042/Jukebox+Junction+Soda+Shoppe,+Pigeon+Road,+Canton,+NC/Microtel+Inn+&+Suites+by+Wyndham+Robbinsville,+Rodney+Orr+Bypass,+Robbinsville,+NC/@35.3037743,-83.598075,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m34!4m33!1m5!1m1!1s0x885ec67e50bb42b3:0x5133f880966d9fe3!2m2!1d-83.8030124!2d35.3229785!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x88591177c4be745b:0x1da2bbc44d739559!2m2!1d-83.1227556!2d35.2701761!1m5!1m1!1s0x8859070d790032df:0xd3cba04fbd1ff7c3!2m2!1d-82.93118!2d35.130217!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x88599d96061617ff:0x98d2f87862f94e5b!2m2!1d-82.8858115!2d35.4709565!1m5!1m1!1s0x885ec67e50bb42b3:0x5133f880966d9fe3!2m2!1d-83.8030124!2d35.3229785!3e0

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If you don't do 276 early, just forget it. Way too popular.

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

I'm getting there early Wednesday morning, coming in on the dragon, checking in, taking a small nap until about noon, then going driving all day wednesday and Thursday.

Another 276 - 215 run is definitely in the works.

As well as the rarely spoken of crown jewel....rt281.


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Ah, the 281 -- glad you guys agreed to try it. I remember that day well; except for the construction crew (near the end) blissfully empty. But by my count there are at least 7 other hidden gems that most have never even tried. Never enough time.

So imagine how nice it was last year when @Nix masterminded -- and largely funded -- an entire week in a 10-person cabin. Incredible.

 

[death_roll]

We'd have to do 276 very early, like leave Robbinsville at 6am early.


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[Nix]

Wayah is decent. I didn't like it the first time I did it but once you know it a little its much better. I do have to say I like how in the East to West direction it starts crappy and get better and better. The West side, I guess "downhill" section was completely repaved a couple years ago and is excellent. The climb "up" was still old broken pavement. The whole thing could be redone by now.

Wayah:

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/35....20ebff!2m2!1d-83.6153393!2d35.2194453!1m0!3e0

 

[sonej4]

I am in for whatever. I just hope I can keep up. Maybe I should just let Ryan drive, since he is beating me at autox. lol
In all seriousness, he may be there this year with me in the Si. Just depends on his college schedule.
I would like to get the power in the BMW to where the GTI is. It would be great fun with that power. Not that it isn't great fun now.

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

I am in for whatever. I just hope I can keep up. Maybe I should just let Ryan drive, since he is beating me at autox. lol
In all seriousness, he may be there this year with me in the Si. Just depends on his college schedule.
I would like to get the power in the BMW to where the GTI is. It would be great fun with that power. Not that it isn't great fun now.

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no worries, you're like @death_roll -- you can drive anything. Besides, how can my GoPro catch a glimpse if you're in the next time zone?

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

Wayah is decent. I didn't like it the first time I did it but once you know it a little its much better. I do have to say I like how in the East to West direction it starts crappy and get better and better. The West side, I guess "downhill" section was completely repaved a couple years ago and is excellent. The climb "up" was still old broken pavement. The whole thing could be redone by now.

Wayah:

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/35....20ebff!2m2!1d-83.6153393!2d35.2194453!1m0!3e0

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My bad. I was thinking of another road. Never did Wayah.

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

Might as well make it a 2.5 hour Loop Ride back to Robbinsville: https://goo.gl/maps/GzgqEGibbDR2

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

As long as you're doing 281, might as well eat the best ribs in town:
https://goo.gl/maps/AAvtZaNkTjL2

1.) 28 to Franklin
2.) Down the 23/441 to Sylva - pick up lunch @ Notorious Pig (Address: 2375 US Hwy 441 S, Sylva, NC)
3.) 281
4.) 215 north
5.) Back to Robbinsville

-- Given all the great driving, a 5 hour Loop Drive isn't bad.
-- Spoke with the owner (Branyon) last year... he agreed to sell those huge baby back racks for $24 as long as it was a decent order. Which guys can split.
-- Just need to call ahead -- 828-735-1741

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

^ @death_roll, @Nomar06 @Nix
... guys might want to save that route or send it to your phone.

 

[bootyluvr]

Food

PS: I'm hungry now!

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

Food

PS: I'm hungry now!

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It's that time of day! (or is it always that time of day?)

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

Here ya go then:

https://goo.gl/maps/wwh7Dj2XzcE2

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

@bootyluvr May come as a surprise, but we have food out here in Cali too, ribs even. Whatever you want. Best part is, a one-way flight from Baltimore just happens to be comped today.
Yes, of course there's a catch. This September you have to spend a few days helping drive an Si to Robbinsville.

Still hungry?

 

[death_roll]

I say Jeff should do it.

I like that ride to the PIG, ribs would be worth it.


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[bootyluvr]

That would be a cool trip! Long but definitely something I've always wanted to do (long trip)

 

[Bruce Bartlow]

That would be a cool trip! Long but definitely something I've always wanted to do (long trip)

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A big hat tip to @death_roll for starting the peer pressure on @bootyluvr

Hey Jeff, not to plant wicked thoughts but you could come a day or two early to see the sites: Tahoe, San Fran, L.A.... even Vegas. Your call.
On the preferred northern itinerary (link below) I had planned a stop at Pikes Peak. Ever heard of it? It's the location of the famous race to the top (12,000+ ft) that's been going on for 100 years. No guardrails either; but at least the scenery is epic.\

On the one hand i'm still not even sure about coming out this year. But it'd be a no-brainer if i had a shotgun. You'd have all expenses paid, of course, except maybe your food/bar bill.
I do have my limits.

If you're intrigued start up a PM and we'll kick it around. Obviously it's a unique opportunity to see the country. You'd enjoy it.

The Northern Route: https://goo.gl/maps/rzdrGWUbgpy
(via Hwy 50 i.e., "the loneliest highway" -- which i believe you'd like for obvious reasons)
From OKC, hard to say whether to approach Dragon from the south (ATL) for a Blood Mtn run, or to go straight in via Nashville, TN.... i'm flexible.

The Southern Route: https://goo.gl/maps/Q45z9JDqVgx
Would stay two nights in Vegas (just because) but overall the driving is more tedious. Not a problem... just sayin'.