Dragon fs Den US-129 South over to Cherohala Skyway loop to Tabcat Bridge 9:00p-until Night Ride on the Dragon 9:00a-11:30a Freelance the Dragon and/or US 28 2:00p- RTB Chalk 1 Placekeeper Chalk 2 Placekeeper Pathfinders InTTruder/JAFO (Ted & Bud) RoberTT TBA by Chapter leaders 6:30a depart to Tabcat parking area: cones 11:00a arrive Fontana Dam: ground guide 6:30a depart to Tabcat parking area: cones Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx Situation S AFETY : S EPARATION , S PEED C ONTROL , S EE THE O THER G UY Local LEO: SPEED LIMITS: Prior to 1992 the speed limit in both Tennessee and North Carolina was 55 mph.<br><br> In 1993 the speed limit on the Tennessee side was lowered to 40 mph. In 2002 the speed limit was lowered to 30 mph, which is still in effect today. The North Carolina portion of the Dragon was lowered to 30 mph in early 2005.<br><br> Maps (InTTruder will print and provide group routes) : see Annex for solo or small group unescorted runs. PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS: o North Carolina: August 2006 repaving of US 129 from Fugitive Bridge to the Tennessee State Line. Other US 129 projects remain unfunded.<br><br> o Tennessee: TN repaved the Dragon in June of 2002. No Major projects planned on the Tennessee side according to TN DOT. Local info: http://www.tailofthedragon.com/links.html and see Annexes MOTD and VFR are also grouped-up on The Dragon this weekend Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx Overview: ACNA Ohio, Potomac, Southeast, and Cherokee Chapters organize and conduct cQuattro de Mayo d Dragon Rides on selected portions of US-129/US-28 4-6 May 2007.<br><br> Details: See Matrix (it cannot tell you where you are!) Chalks (can be organized to make smaller, more agile groups) Safety- How to drive the Dragon- see Annex Manifest of attendees (Separate attachment) Dining: Annex Support: Gas Stations: o most are clustered in Alcoa, TN o Dragon fs Den Medical: any EMTs/1 st responders? Closest trauma/hospital? Emergency procedures/notifications (cell phones are spotty in the region) Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx Control: Radios: FRS channel 9 or 914 Paul Gazella @ Jameson Inn (Cell #) Ted Dannemiller @ Jameson Inn (706-284-7204) Others: TBA (see separate Roster) Pathfinders (if necessary) can depart ahead of main body/chalks and mark intersections/points of confusion Waiver/Release signatures (separate document: MUST sign) ANNEXES How to Drive the Dragon (VERY respectfully) Dining (casual and fine) Things to Do!<br><br> Additional info: maps, shirts, & pictures Load List Fun Facts Maps (an index of links to the web) Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx HOW TO DRIVE THE DRAGON: -Drive the Dragon at your skill level: don't try to push it or keep up with faster vehicles. - STAY IN YOUR LANE, There are videos available for sale that show vehicles cutting the corners and taking chances that might appear "fun" while sitting in your easy chair. BEWARE !<br><br> This style of driving on the Dragon can cost you dearly. The challenge of the Dragon is to take the many curves in the best line possible and both lanes IS NOT "the line". Drive Florida if you like to straighten out the curves.<br><br> - Do NOT sight-see. The Dragon is to drive, not to watch the sights. On many runs I don't even see what is on the side of the road.<br><br> I'm watching the roadway way ahead. - Look far ahead at the road, curves, bushes, other vehicles, etc. If you haven't seen the hazards right in front of you, you a re going to hit them anyway, so you might as well pay attention to what you have time to avoid.<br><br> - We have seen deer, bear, turkeys, and wild boar on the roadway. Be ready to brake and slow. When we say brake we DO NOT mean slamming on the brakes.<br><br> That will get you turned around in a hurry and it fs no fun looking at where you fve been at any speed. -Maintain a "safe zone." Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Watch your rear view mirrors for faster vehicles.<br><br> If you see a faster rider/driver coming up behind you, pull over to the right of your lane, slow down just a little, and wave them around. It is much safer to let a faster vehicle around you than to try to outrun them. NEVER stay left trying to kee p someone from passing you.<br><br> NEVER pull off the road onto the shoulder unless it is at one of the pull-off parking areas. It may b e illegal to pass on the Dragon, but I'll let a faster vehicle get around me to protect my safe zone. - There will always be faster drivers than you.<br><br> Don't try to be the King of the Dragon. - Drive the Dragon many times before trying to challenge it. Then you still need to respect it at all times.<br><br> - DO NOT STAND ON THE BRAKES if you see danger ahead. You are much better off to tap the brakes and maintain control. Some 90% of the accidents on the Dragon are due to speed and then over-braking.<br><br> If you see another vehicle coming at you in your lane, hug the white line in your lane. In all likelihood you can avoid trucks and trailers if you stay alert and watch ahe ad. - DO NOT be spooked by other vehicles.<br><br> DO NOT make sudden avoidance moves. You might have to adjust your line to avoid a car, truck, or bike, but DO NOT lay on the brakes or turn off the roadway suddenly unless that is the only out you have. - Motorcycles might dent your car, but that is better than going off the bank and hitting a tree sideways.<br><br> If a cycle is in you r lane that is their mistake and problem & don ft let them force you into a worse situation for yourself. - Trucks are usually traveling at a very slow speed and you should have time to stop and back-up if you see one coming at you and taking the whole corner. Watch for signals from drivers/riders coming at you.<br><br> Many times they will escort a big truck over the Dragon and wave a warning to you to pull over. DO NOT ignore these warnings. - Avoid driving hard on the Dragon in heavy traffic times.<br><br> Weekends from 11 am to 5 pm are the busiest. These are the times to lay back and enjoy watching the "show" go by. - The early mornings (before 11 am) and the late afternoons (after 5 pm) have the least traffic.<br><br> - ALWAYS stay 100% alert. You do not have the advantage of relaxing on the Dragon. - Make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound and that your tires are good.<br><br> - Plan to make several runs, the first is always a nervous one .... then you can have fun on the second and third. - DO NOT over-use your brakes.<br><br> Use your gears and DOWNSHIFT. A good Dragon driver WILL NOT use a lot of brakes. - Focus - do not daydream.<br><br> Watch the road, your mirrors, and pay attention to other bikes/cars/trucks. 99% of the accidents on the Dragon come from the following: Too much speed Too much brakes Inattentiveness Driving above your abilities Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx http://www.minisonthedragon.info/restaurants.html Casual Dining Wildwood Grill at Fontana Village: Offers Pizza and Sandwiches for lunch or dinner seven days a week. They also offer delivery to your cabin in Fontana Village Sweetwater BBQ: Open seven days a week for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.<br><br> Standard Breakfast choices. Sandwiches, Burgers, BBQ, Salads and more for Lunch and Dinner. Address: 176 Sweetwater Rd , Robbinsville Phone: 828-479-6862.<br><br> Lynn's Place: Open six days a week for Lunch and Dinner. Closed on Sundays. Located across from the Courthouse in Robbinsville.<br><br> Down home cooking in a Diner setting. Address: 237 E. Main Street, Robbinsville Phone: 828-479-9777 Brushy Mountain Smokehouse and Creamery: BBQ, Chicken and Ice Cream Address: 219 Rodney Orr By Pass, Robbinsville Phone:828-479-7656 Tapoco Lodge: Open April thru October.<br><br> Seven days a week. Serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Reservations suggested.<br><br> Set Menu for each Dinner and Sunday Lunch. Address: 14981 Tapoco Road Phone: 828-498-2435 Dragon's Den Grill: Located at the Start of the Dragon. Right next to the "Tree of Shame".<br><br> Open seven days a week for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinners. Sandwiches and Burgers type fare. Address: 17548 Tapoco Road Phone: 800-889-5550 Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx Fine Dining Papa's Pizza To Go: Located in Robbinsville.<br><br> All You Can Eat, All Day, Pizza Buffet. Closed Sundays Address: 211 Tapoco Rd Phone: 828-479-2431 Mountview Bistro at Fontana Village: Open Year Round, seven days a week. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.<br><br> Liquor License. Reservation not required. Address: Highway 28 - Fontana Dam Phone: 800-849-2258 Snowbird Lodge: Serving Dinners seven days a week.<br><br> Closed January. Liquor License. Reservations only.<br><br> Located in Robbinsville. Address: 4633 Santeetlah Road Phone: 828-479-3433 Blue Waters Mountain Lodge: Serving Dinners Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Located in Robbinsville.<br><br> Has Liquor license. Reservations recommended. Address: 292 Pine Ridge Road Phone: 828-479-8888 Fryemont Inn: Liquor License.<br><br> Located in Bryson City. Open Mid-April to Thanksgiving. Serves Breakfast and Dinner.<br><br> Reservations are recommended for Dinner. Dinners include: Soup of the Day, mixed green salad, entree, family style side dishes and dessert. Address: Phone: 800-845-4879 Nantahala Village Resort & Spa: Open Year Round.<br><br> Serves Breakfast and Dinner seven days. Located in Bryson City. No reservations required.<br><br> No Liquor License Address: 9400 Hwy 19 W Phone: 828-488-2826 Robbinsville http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps_robbinsville.html Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx Things to do General Info http://www.minisonthedragon.info/ThingsToDo.html http://www.tailofthedragon.com/links.html http://guestlinetn.com/ Scenic Drive http://www.minisonthedragon.info/ScenicDrive.html Cherohala http://www.cherohala.com/ Waterfalls http://www.minisonthedragon.info/waterfalls.html Gatlinburg http://www.gatlinburg-tennessee.com/ Harrah fs http://www.harrahs.com/casinos/harrahs-cherokee/casino-misc/hotel- overview.html Dragon outlets http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps/outlets2007.pdf Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx ADDITIONAL INFO: EVENT MAPS For those wanting early event map copies, contact Ted (InTTruder) at EMDII@comcast.net and he fll send out your own package. Ted will be bringing map packages, but color is pricey! SHIRTS We are considering shirts, tees or Polos.<br><br> Right now the consensus is Polos. These can run up to about US$40. We need at least 24 committed buys to order.<br><br> Here are the c designs d - and PHOTOS http://killboy.blogspot.com/ Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx Load List (it fs just a recommendation!) Start looking at your load list. Here fs a good ecommon f LL: 12v compressor Attitude- GOOD: NOTHING ELSE WILL DO! Anti-nausea medicine for passenger on Dragon Batteries (did I mention batteries?) Batteries for: Camera, Flashlights, Etc.<br><br> (did I mention batteries) & Chargers! Booze (Graham County is a Dry County) Bug spray Camera and storage/film + batteries Cash Clean underwear for passenger on Dragon Coffee fixings and travel cups Detailing Supplies (you guys know who you are) First Aid Kit Flashlights Folding Chair FRS Radios (Family Radio Service) + batteries GPS System (very optional) Maps Medical supplies (e.g.: I am diabetic) Patience Rain gear Reflective triangles, Road flares Snacks/drinks & Cooler Tie-Downs to keep stuff from shifting Tire plugging kit and/or fix-a-flat/slime Tire gauge (the good type, you know!) Umbrella or poncho Window Cleaner and Rags Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx FUN FACTS ABOUT THE DRAGON TOTAL DISTANCE: By Road: Tabcat Bridge to Deals Gap - 11.1 miles Tabcat Bridge to Hwy 28 - 11.8 miles (Dragon f s Den here) Tabcat Bridge to Fugitive Bridge - 14.0 miles As the Crow Flies: Tabcat Bridge to Fugitive Bridge - 6.0 miles AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC (ADT): 400 vehicles in 2002 ( boy are we going to change THAT!) HIGHEST ELEVATION: Deals Gap - 1962 feet LOWEST ELEVATION: Tabcat Bridge - 877 feet ELEVATION CHANGE: Tabcat Bridge to Deals Gap - plus 1085 feet Tabcat Bridge to Fugitive Bridge - plus 321 feet http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps/elevation.gif LEGENDARY POEM ABOUT THE DRAGON: http://www.tailofthedragon.com/dragon_realm.html AN ENGINEER f S VIEW OF THE DRAGON http://www.tailofthedragon.com/dragon_engineer.html Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx MAPS & Other Adventures Asheville to Fontana http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&un=m&cl=EN&ct=NA&rsres=1&1y=US&1a=&1c=Ash eville&1s=NC&1z=&1ah=&2y=US&2a=&2c=Fontana+Village&2s=NC&2z=&2ah = Knoxville to Fontana http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&un=m&cl=EN&ct=NA&rsres=1&1y=US&1a=&1c=Kno xville&1s=TN&1z=&1ah=&2y=US&2a=&2c=Fontana+Village&2s=NC&2z=&2ah = Atlanta to Fontana http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&un=m&cl=EN&ct=NA&rsres=1&1y=US&1a=&1c=Atla nta&1s=GA&1z=&1ah=&2y=US&2a=&2c=Fontana+Village&2s=NC&2z=&2ah = Maps provided a t MOTD http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/motd-maps Unescorted runs- cHoots and Hollers! d 1. Leave gravel parking lot at Tabcat bridge going south on 129 for 2.9 miles 2.<br><br> Right on Happy Valley Rd. for 8.0 miles 3. Hard right on Flats Rd.<br><br> for .5 miles 4. Straight ahead at yield for 2.8 miles 5. Right on Butterfly Gap Rd after crossing earthen dam for 3.4 miles 6.<br><br> Right at T on Butterfly Gap Loop (no road sign) for 1.2 miles 7. Right at T on Butler Mill Rd. for .1 miles 8.<br><br> Right on Laws Chapel Rd. for 2. 8 miles 9.<br><br> Right on Payne Hollow Rd. for .4 miles 10. Left on Barb Hollow Rd.<br><br> for .9 miles 11. Straight at stop onto Rocky Branch Rd. for 1.4 miles 12.<br><br> Right at T on 321 (Lamar Alexander Parkway) for 6.0 miles 13. Left on one lane bridge for less than .1 mile 14. Left at end of bridge on Old Walland Hwy for 4.9 miles 15.<br><br> Right on E. Millers Cove Rd. for 6.3 miles 16.<br><br> Continue straight on Walden 9s Creek Rd. (name change, no turn for 7.0 miles 17. Right on Old Valley for .4 miles 18.<br><br> Continue on straight Russie Gap for .3 miles 19. Right at T on 321 Wears Valley Rd. for 5.5 miles 20.<br><br> Left on Lyons Spring Road for .9 miles 21. Continue straight on Metcalf Bottoms Rd. for 1.6 miles 22.<br><br> Right on Hwy 73 Little River Road for 7.6 miles 23. Right on 73 Continue on in to Townsend (becomes 321). There are several choices in Townsend for lunch.<br><br> Deadbeat Pete 9s is Mexican food, slow but worth the wait. Smokin Joe 9s is BBQ. You can eat alongside the rive r in either on of those restaurants.<br><br> Several other choices and a grocery store are available along 321. To return to the Dragon continue on 321 until you see Foothills Parkway. Follow Foothills Parkway to 129.<br><br> Turn left to the Dragon. Audi on The Dragon 4-6 May 2007 C:\Users\Rmcclain\Desktop\QdM OpPlan 2007-05.docx Highlands Run: (starts at Fontana Village) Route to Highlands, NC 1. Leaving Fontana on 28 toward Bryson City 2.<br><br> Right on 74/19 through Nantahala Gorge 3. Left on to Wayah Rd. toward Franklin, NC 4.<br><br> Right on Patton Rd. (little white store at corner) 5. East on 64 6.<br><br> South on 28 to Highlands, NC Return route 1. 28 North leaving Highlands to Franklin 2. Follow signs for 28 through Franklin (a couple of turns required) 3.<br><br> 28 to 74 turn left 4. Right on 28 to Fontana Additional eplanned f maps will be available at Drivers f Meetings and if you meet the NavigaTTor or one of the eleaders f. T HAT f S ALL ( SO FAR )!<br><br>

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