Wheelers Performance

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CHEROHALA COTTAGE Near Cherohala Skyway and Tellico Plains TN, off Hwy 360. Two plus bedroom newly remodeled private country cottage. Paved access and garage.

FONTANA FOR LESS FONTANA VILLAGE NC Just 10 miles from the Dragon. Stay in Fontana Village for less.

RELAX INN in downtown Bryson City. Walk to the Smoky Mountain Rairoad.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS KNOXVILLE STRAWBERRY PLAINS I-40 east of Knoxville. Convenient for Great Smoky Mountains attractions.

WEST BUFFALO CREEK CABIN Private Creekside Cabin on paved road & driveway, on West Buffalo Creek, near Cherohala Skyway.

SNOWBIRD LOG CABIN Secluded Luxury Log Cabin on paved road, located on Snowbird Creek, one of the area's best trout streams.

MICROTEL - BRYSON CITY NC On US74/19 and convenient to all great area roads. BRAND NEW in 2009 One mile to dining in Bryson City.

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, ALCOA TN Located near the Knoxville Airport (TYS) off US-129 (Alcoa Hwy) Just 30 minutes to the Dragon.

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS - ALCOA TN Located in Alcoa near the Knoxville Airport off US-129 (Alcoa Highway). Just 30 minutes from the Dragon.

FAIRFIELD INN, ALCOA TN Located near the Knoxville Airport (TYS) off US-129 (Alcoa Hwy) just 30 minutes to the Dragon.

SLEEP INN BRYSON CITY NC Located in Bryson City off US-23/74 (Great Smoky Mountain Expy) 32 miles to the Dragon & Cherohala, 15 miles to Blue Ridge Parkway.

HAMPTON INN LENOIR CITY TN Located a mile east of I-75 exit 81. Within an easy 30 mile ride to the Dragon and convenient to the Devils Triangle 35 miles to the north

CHEROKEE REALTY Located in Robbinsville NC. Offering sales and vacation rentals on Lake Santeetlah, near the Dragon

HUNTS LODGE MOTORCYCLE CAMPGROUND Located south of Tellico Plains TN on Hwy 68. Camping and sleeping cabins.

HIGHLAND MANOR TOWNSEND
Peaceful Tennessee location near all the Great Smoky Mountain attractions. Reasonable rates, great views.

BIG SNOWBIRD CREEK CABIN
Located directly on the trout stream near Snowbird Backcountry. Paved access.

FOUR SEASONS CABIN RENTALS Located near the Nantahala Gorge and Topton NC on US19/74.

MOUNTAIN IVY RENTALS 4 Cabins near Robbinsville/Deals Gap, different size cabins, garages, plenty of parking.

A HOLIDAY MOTEL Maggie Valley biker friendly motel. Covered parking, restaurant, pool, grills, fire pit, group discounts.

SWEET BERRIES B and B Only minutes from the Dragon with spectacular mountain views, covered cycle parking. All new in 2010.

GSM MOTORENT Guided and selfguided tours, dual sport motorcycle rentals. Cabin/camper rentals on Little River in Townsend, TN.

MOUNTAIN MOTORS Located in downtown Robbinsville. Specializing in HD service. Lots of biker gear, leathers, stickers, and gifts. TAIL OF THE DRAGON OUTLET. IMMEDIATE SERVICE.

WILDWOOD DESIGNS Custom Tail of the Dragon art including this custom picture frame.

SHELL GAS STATION Shell Gas Station in Robbinsville NC, Tail of the Dragon Outlet. Stop and shop.

TELLICO KATS DELI
Great sandwiches at the Tellico Kats Deli on the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains TN. Dine on the river and enjoy fresh deli sandwiches.

Gas and food stop in Tellico Plains TN on the Cherohala Skyway.

OES ACCESSORIES One-Eleven Sportbike Accessories custom made for your bike. Frame Sliders, KneeSliders, Clip On Bars, and much more.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA OUTDOOR LIFE Outdoor opportunities in the Graham County North Carolina area.

TIME WARP TEA ROOM This biker hot-spot in Knoxville features motorcycle decor, game room, and good food.
No alcoholic beverages served.

National Geographic Traveler Magazine nailed one of the local great roads but missed another . CLICK FOR STORY

The Official Web Site for US129 Deals Gap, Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28, Devils Triangle
and other incredible roads.

TAIL OF THE DRAGON AT DEALS GAP, with 318 curves in 11 miles, is America's number one motorcycle and sports car road. The nearby CHEROHALA SKYWAY is quickly becoming number two with its remote 60 miles of scenic mountain highway. The area also has other incredible roads like the DEVILS TRIANGLE, THE SNAKE, BLOOD MOUNTAIN, MOONSHINER 28 and some GREAT DUAL SPORT RIDING.

Current image from our camera at the Tail of the Dragon.

KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE FALL COLORS WITH UPDATED INFORMATION AND LINKS TO AREA WEB CAMS TO WATCH THE FALL COLORS ON-LINE

November 8, 2010: We have had some cold hit the mountains and there are several inches of snow on the Cherohala SEE PHOTO AT BOTTOM OF PAGE. The Dragon and other lower elevations are clear. Looks like a great week for riding with sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s. Ride while you can .... winters coming.
Remember that there are still good riding days in the winter months. You just have to make last minute plans as you watch the forecasts. Winter is a good time for the cages (cars) to have the area roads almost to themselves.
Recently rode to Chattanooga and had a great pizza downtown at Lupi's and some good pita sandwiches at Ankar's which has several convenient locations.

We've added a FALL COLOR INFORMATION PAGE for you to keep up to date.

1ST WINTER CONTEST: We have a winner. The location is in front on an antique shop in Micaville, NC at the intersection of NC 1186 and NC 80. Congratulations to the winner Dave Squires.

2ND WINTER CONTEST: We have a winner. Carrie correctly described the location which is under I-40 on Hartford Road and the Pigeon River.
Wayah Road BULLETIN: Repaving of sections of Wayah Road underway from Junaluska Rd to Wayah summit and loose gravel is present.

A severe switchback on NC 80 North near the Blue Ridge Parkway. This road is part of the Diamondback Loop.
TotD just rode the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. Many of our visitors inquire about these unique scenic highways so we investigated both in depth from Cherokee NC to Front Royal VA. We found some interesting sights and some great places to stay.
Here are some basic points about the BRP and Skyline:
If you are looking to make good time you need to find another route. The BRP is 469 miles long, but covers covers 300 air miles. Speed limit is 45 on the BRP and 35 on the Skyline with limited passing zones. Weekdays traffic is okay ... on weekends the many sightseers might just drive you nuts. Watch-out for fog in the mornings. Watch-out for deer all day! Great scenery along the entire route and many places of interest. GPS really comes in handy when you need fuel, food or a place to stay. There is limited access to this scenic road.

Enforcement continues at the Dragon. Crossing the double yellow and speeds over 40 mph just might get you an unwanted invite back to Blount County. Need an attorney in Tennessee? Call David M. Boyd, Esq. at 865-246-1800. He is a rider who specializes in injured bikers, but can also handle traffic violations.
Come on down and ride the Dragon, Cherohala and Moonshiner 28. All roads are open now. FTP
Many people are now finding the Moonshiner 28. READ ABOUT IT HERE US 19 from Cherokee to Maggie Valley has been repaved.
The Tapoco Lodge is now officially planning to open in March of 2011. Watch for updates on coming changes to the historic inn.
Recently added to our tour page .... Cherohala Skyway, TN68, Joe Brown Highway Loop READ ARTICLE

CLICK FOR COMPLETE 2007 TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL FIASCO. The outright harassment of law abiding citizens has cost Tennessee businesses millions of dollars in lost revenue. THP’s reputation was severely blackened, a major detriment to all enforcement agencies. Tail of the Dragon received some 1,000 complaints from riders and drivers many who promised not to spend a penny in the state.

Hopefully in the future Tennessee will provide professional enforcement that will encompass both safety and goodwill toward tourists. Tail of the Dragon will continue reporting their attitude on this site.

Please report your experiences with LEOs to us so we can pass them on to others. Be sure to determine the correct agency, LEOs name, exact location, nature of the offense and the details surrounding the stop. There are many different enforcement agencies, especially on the North Carolina side. These include HP, SO, Park Ranger, TVA, Cherokee Tribal, Forest Service and Wildlife. We need to know who is involved.

Take a listen to instrumentals inspired by the legendary road known as the Tail of the Dragon. Meet Tommy at our Tail of the Dragon outlet at Deals Gap. It's darn good music !!

DANS MOTORCYCLES Finally a place to rent great touring bikes just three hours from the Dragon. Honda Goldwing, Honda ST 1300, Yamaha FJR, Kawasaki Concours. CALL 404-512-6666

CHEROHALA SKYWAY HARLEY DAVIDSON is now open in Tellico Plains TN. Also visit Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson in Maryville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg TN.

WHEELERS PERFORMANCE If you break it he can fix it !! Full service motorcycle shop, located on US129 between Robbinsville and the Dragon. Dyno Runs too !!

MOUNTAIN MOTORS Parts & Service all makes and models, gift shop, info, Roadside Pick Up & Towing Service. Downtown Robbinsville on US129 across from McDonalds.

WHEEL JOCKEY Check out this new product, a simple tool for rotating motorlcycle wheels. Use it for cleaning, tire inspection, chain maintenance, etc. Small enough to take with you on the bike. Product brought to you by BLUE STRADA TOURS motorcycle rentals & scenic tours.

TELLICO MOTORCYCLE OUTFITTERS Gear and Farkels for you and your bike at this big city store in small town Tellico Plains. Located just off the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains TN, on the Town Square. Gear for the cruiser, tourer, and sportbike rider. Stop and say hello to Mike - he owns the ice cream too !! Olympia Gear retailer.

THUNDER MOUNTAIN DELI & CABIN RENTAL Located on the Cherohala Skyway near Robbinsville NC. General store, gas, deli, souvenirs, cabin rental. Thunder Mountain no longer has KLR rentals, we recommend GSM MOTORENT for area dual sport rentals.

Lee Parks Total Control Riding Clinics are now offered near the Dragon.

TRACK DAYS IN THE SOUTHEAST. Cheaper than a speeding ticket and a great place to test your skills.

Someone's in trouble after losing their Gremlin Bell ...

The latest technology. Tail of the Dragon and Moonshiner 28 T-Shirt in a bottle Vending Machine. Use your credit card and get a shirt. Located at Last Chance Saloon just north of Walhalla, South Carolina on Moonshiner 28.

And yet another Lawless Leo! HASSLED BY THE LEOs ? EMAIL US THE DETAILS
CHECK OUT THE VIDEOS HERE

CLICK FOR COMPLETE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL FIASCO AND WHO TO COMPLAIN TO

TAIL OF THE DRAGON 2003 Yamaha FJR For Sale. 1300cc, 6.6 gal tank, 522 lbs dry weight,
22,351 miles, large GIVI top case (two helmets can fit), side cases with Yamaha canvas liners, sargent seat, Muzzie pipe, WHEELER maintained and dyno tuned to 129 hp, EXTRA CLEAN - GREAT RIDE
First $5,000 rides it home. 828-479-8400

The popular Moonshiner28 T-shirts are now available in our online store and at our Deals Gap Tail of the Dragon Store. READ MORE ABOUT THE MOONSHINER

We recently visited the new Ole Smoky Distillery in Gatlinburg. Taste and buy some Tennessee Moonshine. SEE MORE HERE

Remember ... if it doesn't say TAIL it's not authentic Tail of the Dragon gear. There are many cheap imitations, but only one original Tail of the Dragon map and designs. Cherohala Skyway and Devils Triangle merchandise too !!

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
One note on area vacation rentals: Be sure to mention that you are riding a motorcycle and ask the details about access. Many rentals in the area have steep driveways, gravel, and limited parking for trailers. It is also a good idea to arrive in the daylight.

FALL COLOR PREVIEW NEWSLETTER WITH MONEY SAVING ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS, INFO, & FEATURED RIDE

TREETOPS, THE RIDGE, THE POINT by Tail of the Dragon. Secluded and private location just off the Cherohala Skyway and 20 minutes from Deals Gap. The Ridge and Point include private gamerooms with pool, foosball, ping pong, darts. TreeTops has an open fireplace. All houses have garages, computers with free broad band wireless Internet access, SAT TV, free long distance phone in US, private hot tubs. OPEN YEAR ROUND !!!

BLUE WATERS MOUNTAIN LODGE on Lake Santeetlah near Robbinsville, 15 miles to the Dragon. Game room billiards and darts. Dining, beer and wine served. Paved access.

EUCHELLA MOUNTAIN/LAKE CABINS features cabins with 3, 4, 5 and 6 bedrooms in the Nantahala area of western North Carolina near the great roads. Many conveniences.

FONTANA VILLAGE has something to offer everyone from camping to cabins. Located only 10 miles from the Dragon.

TWO WHEEL INNEach room has it's own motorcycle garage big enough for two bikes. Near the Dragon, 2 miles south of Robbinsville NC. CARS WELCOME TOO.

TWO SISTERS CHALETlocated on 35 acres 2 miles from the Dragon in the rolling hills of Tennessee. Sleeps up to ten. Fireplace, full kitchen, BBQ grill, SAT TV, deck, garage.

ROBBINSVILLE MICROTEL same great hotel everywhere you go, is located in downtown Robbinsville. Very biker friendly. Meeting room for groups and clubs. Complementary continental breakfast. Free WiFi

DRAGONS REST CABINS the newest motorcycle friendly place to stay in Robbinsville. The Dragon's Rest will offer reasonably priced cabins for rent by the night or week.

IRONHORSE MOTORCYCLE LODGE CABINS, ROOMS, CAMPING Full Cabin Rentals, Cabin rooms with baths, creekside camping, tent rentals, RV hook-ups, bunkroom, breakfast and dinner served. 30 minutes to the Dragon & Cherohala.

SANRAN MOTEL located in Robbinsville 20 minutes from the Dragon and Cherohala. American Owned, Motorcycle Friendly, Reasonable Rates, Clean. Covered Cycle Parking.

LUXBURY INN located in Maryville TN, convenient to the Dragon, Cherohala, and Devils Triangle. All suite hotel offers spacious rooms with private bedrooms and full kitchens. Near Smoky Mountain HD and restaurants.

COUNTRY HEARTH INN Conveniently located near all the great roads of western North Carolina in Andrews. Continental breakfast, picnic area with grills, pool, free wireless Internet, frige, micro, meeting room.

HIDDEN SPRINGS RESORT Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Many options to suit any family or group. Hotubs, fireplaces, full kitchens with 1 to 5 bedrooms. Pet friendly.

ABBEY INN Each room is individually decorated, kitchenettes available, HBO, frig, WFI, phone and a bath with walk-in shower. We provide information on area rides, including the Dragon.

THE MAGNUSON HOTEL - SWEETWATER TENNESSEE MC friendly, rider owned inn. Special rates for bikers. Secure covered parking, motorcycle motief, meeting room, FREE Breakfast & dinner buffet. Convenient to I-75 and TN 68.

SNOWBIRD LODGE Luxurious rooms, unbeatable views, gourmet meals, fireside bar, beer sales. On the Cherohala near Robbinsville. MC friendly, rider owned first class inn. BMWMOA discount available.

GRAND VISTA"One of the closest hotels to the Dragon in TN." Vonore TN. Conference Center with meeting facilities for large or small groups. WI-FI, secure parking. Beer sales on site close to restaurants. Reasonable Rates

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MANSION Located near the Cherohala Skyway. Bring the whole club and stay in this ultimate private get-away.

CHEOAH OVERLOOKPrivate gated community with tracts ranging from 4 to 17 acres. Surrounded by the Smoky Mountain National Park overlooking Cheoah Lake. Easy access to Hwy 28 and US129. Adventure and solitude REDUCED LOT PRICES.....CALL 706-781-7665

NEED A LAWYER in North Carolina?
McKinney and Tallant - Robbinsville Darryl R. Brown - Murphy
NEED A LAWER IN TENNESSEE?

And people think the Tail of the Dragon is dangerous? Rode I-40 from TN to NC. Passing lots of trucks, several oversized loads, dodging debris on the roadway, curvy tunnels and cement center barrier. At least the weather was good. Video coming soon.

Happy Halloween from Killboy and Tail of the Dragon !!!!

Odd Photo of the Week ..... Scoop and Poop, Burnsville, NC

Snow on the Cherohala at 4,000 feet on November 7, 2010

Tailofthedragon.com website for Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, Cherohala Skyway, and other area roads