MINIS on the Dragon

Apr 28 to May 2, 2010 -  Join over 600 Mini Cooper enthusiasts, or Miniacs, as they drive the Smoky Mountain roads of North Carolina.

The main attraction of course is the 318 turns in 11 miles on Highway 129.  Known as the Dragon at Deals Gap and Tail of the Dragon, this famous stretch of road is joined by the Hellbender 28 and the Cherohala Skyway as favorites among drivers on both 2 and 4 wheels.

This 8th annual MOTD celebration will be based at Fontana Village and draws Mini Cooper owners from over 32 states

For more information visit the organizers site at: http://www.minisonthedragon.com/

Dam Bike Ralley at The Dragon

There’s fire in the mountains June 5-8, 2009, as motorcycles rumble into Fontana Village for the Dam Bike Ralley at The Dragon. Bikers arrive from near and far for this big party held  in western North Carolina.

Of course it’s not just the great food, live music, poker run, and vendors that call to riders. It’s the need to ride some of the most exciting roads in the country.

Slay the Dragon’s 318 curves in 11 miles on US-129. Cruise the incredible Hellbender 28, running for 30 miles along Fontana Lake and the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Run the mile high Cherohala Skyway for sweeping curves and breathtaking views.

After a great day of riding, head back to Fontana Village to share stories and enjoy the festivities of this premiere motorcycle rally in the Great Smoky Mountains.

For more information visit Dam Bike Rally at the Dragon. If you need a great place to stay close to all the fun, be sure to check out this Deals Gap Home!

Smoky Mountain Bike Week – Fontana Dam

There’s fire in the mountains October 2-5, 2008, as motorcycles rumble into Fontana Village for the Smoky Mountain Bike Week.  Bikers arrive from near and far for this big party held each year in North Carolina over the first weekend of October.

Of course it’s not just the great food, live music, and vendors that call to riders.  It’s the need to ride some of the most exciting roads in the country. 

Slay the Dragon’s 318 curves in 11 miles on US-129. Cruise the incredible Hellbender 28, running for 30 miles along Fontana Lake and the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.  Run the mile high Cherohala Skyway for sweeping curves and breathtaking views. 

After a great day of riding, head back to Fontana Village to share stories and enjoy the festivities of this premiere motorcycle rally in the Great Smoky Mountains. 

For more information visit Smoky Mountain Bike Week.  If you need a great place to stay close to all the fun, be sure to check out this Deals Gap Home!

Don’t Miss the Top Ten!

You’re visiting the area and wondering, “What do I not want to miss?” Here are the top ten things to catch in the Robbinsville, NC area. Read more

Dragon to Skyway Loop

After years of riding the Smoky Mountains around Deals Gap one of our favorite rides is still the Dragon – Skyway Loop.  Start the morning riding the Dragon at Deals Gap complete with 318 turns in 11 miles.  Drop down into the valley and loop around to Tellico plains for a stop at the beautiful Bald River Falls.  Then head back over the Cherohala Skyway for breathtaking views and mile high elevations ending back at Robbinsville NC. 

You can make this a half day to a full day trip depending on how many stops you make along the way.  Here we share the details of the route along with Read more

Cherohala Skyway

With mile high views and sweeping mountain curves, it’s easy to see why the Cherohala Skyway is a fantasy come true for road enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.  Rivaling the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, the Cherohala Skyway offers breathtaking sights with the advantage of being relatively undiscovered with substantially less traffic.

Besides the million dollar views, you’ll have the distinction of traveling a $100 million dollar highway, North Carolina’s most expensive.  By my calculations that puts the sticker shock at well over $2 million per mile.  Must be some pavement with Read more