Plenty of post about the Dragon so..I will try to enlighten on your other subject..BEER. The Punkin center has its own Beverage center, so if you want to just kick back there you have that option. If you are looking to get out one night there is Big Daddys in Maryville on 411 biker friendly bands and beverages, close to Punkin Center. Also Brackins Blues bar a little further down from there in the city. Also you may want to check out what is going on at the Shed at Smokey Mountain HD. Different bands each Sat night price depends on the band, but you do get a $5 discount for riding in on a bike. Nice big open outdoor venue under a large shed beverages on site. Have a good trip n stay safe.

 

You're picking a great riding venue, but I'd say give yourself more time. We rode the area last June, and did about what you are proposing, except that we rode 1200 miles to get there. Got in on Tuesday, rode the area on Wed, left Thurs morning. WAAAYYYY too short. You could easily spend 3-4 days just riding the great roads in the Deals Gap area.

However you do it, have fun and ride safe!

 

This... meets the criteria for substantial innuendo, and dare I say, the gospel truth.

Sorry that I did not indicate that I had used the Search feature of the forum(s) - I did. But, there is always additional useful information to be had if one asks nicely. Thanks BadBrew, who I am certain is in good standing with the Brotherhood of the Froth. At least he is now.

Yeah, I wish we could stay longer as well, but Momma's got to get in her kicks, so we gentlemen must return sooner and attend to our cares and responsibilities. It's only fair.

 

As stated earlier, search is a great idea. I started a thread here a while back as I was travelling out from the UK. The suggestions and support was awesome. It would be crazy for me to highlight rides etc as you are almost certainly going to be bombarded or find them.

Best tip I got, and in line with your intimation (sorry, actually it seemed to be a key requirement) that beer was a factor - do a night our at Smokey Mountain Harley. They have a live music venue there and, well, lets just say - Apparently I had a great time :-)

There is a motel about a half mile down the road which helps a lot! Pity they were fully booked that night so book well in advance. Sorry, don't know recall the name. We stayed in a real flea pit somewhere but had a gas anyway!

They let you park your bike securely overnight as well. Fit that in if you can, you won't regret it

 

Myself and a few others do this ride almost every year. We usually rent a cabin close or in Townsend and stock our own adult beverages. The rates aren't bad when split between the group. But my advice to anyone that plans on renting a cabin though, call and ask about the driveway/ road to the cabin (unless you like steep curvy gravel driveways). You will enjoy the dragon unless you get behind people that shouldn't be on it and like to go 5mph around the turns. Good luck.

 

Rode it Sunday the 15th. Light rain early that stopped for our second run. Not very much traffic before noon on that Sunday. One cop in a hard to see corner. The ride was my first time and it was great. 09 Ultra Classic handled great for a big bus that it is. Stayed in Marysville.

 

The "Tree of Shame" has some interesting decor for which you do not want to contribute to. Ride safe and remember once you cross the TN. border tickets are handed out for even minor infractions. Take lots of

 

i was there last week.stayed at a forum members rental log cabin.a word of advice do not use your credit card at texas roadhouse and hogs and hunnies my buddy used his at those two places and someone stole his card number a local guy named them two places when we were talking to him and we talk to a gatlinburg cop and he said they are being watched and that also includes texas roadhouse in pigion forge.as far as the dragon make sure to have your head in the ride!!the sportbike guys were not that bad they would wait til you flagged them to pass you.and they were dressed for the ride with full leather riding suits with knee cover so they could drag the curves. did not care for the dragon no time to look around had to keep mind on riding.but you will find alot of good rides on the tail of the dragon website. hope you have good time ride safe!!

 

All I can say about the Dragon is "Ride your own Ride" Between the Sport Bikes Knee Dragin and the "sight seeing" covertables it can be less then an enjoyable ride. Ride early and you should be ok. TN Trooper's actually respect most of the touring bikes and allow for the 35mph to be breeched a bit, but hit 55-60 and be sured they will nab ya.

 

Do like I did, just go! :-) Don't overthink it or plan it to death.

Once you get there, let the scenery take over. It's quite amazing. The Dragon is cool. The 'throttle-happies' will pass you, don't fret - just hold course at your own pace and let them negotiate their own. The turns can be very tight on a cruiser - keep your eye on who's directly in front of you and don't get burned trying to site see your way through. Afterward, hitting the Skyway is a great 180, providing long straights, sweeping curves, and all at decent elevations for scenery. Here you can let your eyes stray for just a sec here and there to catch some nice natural eye candy. Of course, there are pull-offs too but, who likes standing? You're there to ride! :-)

Now you've done it. I have to plan a trip down there again! Enjoy!

Here's my last ride: http://www.youtube.com/bubbashd#p/a/u/1/Mx-mC_UpcPE