Dragon 3

[Offroad]

I got delayed on my dragon trip, but I'm going THIS week if it kills me ;-)

I got my tank bag, tail bag, air seat cushion, 600 mile oil change in...I going to try and install my 12volt lighter/USB supply today.

My two choices for hotels that I've found in Maryville, TN are

Mainstay: [url=http://www.hotels.com/hotel/details.html?pa=4&pn=1&ps=4&tab=reviews&searchDestination=Maryville%2C+TN%2C+USA&hotelId=141341&arrivalDate=07-28-14&departureDate=07-31-14&rooms]http://www.hotels.com/hotel/details.html...1-14&rooms[0].numberOfAdults=2&roomno=1&validate=false&previousDateful=false&reviewOrder=date_newest_first#reviews

and

Quality Inn: [url=http://www.hotels.com/hotel/details.html?pa=2&pn=1&ps=2&tab=reviews&searchDestination=Maryville%2C+TN%2C+USA&hotelId=197323&arrivalDate=07-28-14&departureDate=07-31-14&rooms]http://www.hotels.com/hotel/details.html...1-14&rooms[0].numberOfAdults=2&roomno=1&validate=false&previousDateful=false&reviewOrder=date_newest_first#reviews

Any input on those?

Here are my two routes planned for my tail of the dragon trip.

I was planning on trailering my 2014 CB1100 std to Maryville, TN then using that as my home base to make two loops.

[url=http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroadfx4/media/7-28-2014Day1Map_zpsdacfe4be.jpg.html]

[url=http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroadfx4/media/7-28-2014Day1route_zps898b07ab.jpg.html]

[url=http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroadfx4/media/7-28-2014Day2Map_zps05f2f30d.jpg.html]

Any suggestions or comments are appreciated!
[url=http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroadfx4/media/7-28-2014Day2Route_zps90c75735.jpg.html]

[emptysea]

I stayed at the Quality Inn in Alcoa and I thought it was a great deal. My room was clean and it was walking distance to a couple of (chain) restaurants. Pretty quiet there, too.
Those are pretty ambitious distances on your routes, but maybe not so bad if you're riding in a group. You really can't pick a wrong road there. Good luck and have a safe trip.

[Gingersdaddy_imp]

Day 2 looks great, that is about what we did except we split it in to two days. The Cherohala Skyway is a must do.

[Offroad]

Finished my trip today, riding the Dragon again, then the Cherohala Skyway (thanks for the suggestion Gingersdaddy!)

I had the only CB1100 at Deal Gaps out of 50-100 motorcycles, got quite a bit of interest.

It was a great two days, 230 miles on day 1, 180 on day 2. After probably 2000 curves, I'm definitely a better curve taker. I also now understand why sport bikes have the rider leaning forward...as you are constantly leaning/pushing that inside handle to make it turn.

I'm also smoother at braking...I almost exclusively use the front brake, but found the rear brake help smooth out things...I even had some throttle and brake on at the same time sometimes, just experimenting, but it seemed to help.

The CB1100, performed flawlessly...I did just complete my 600 mile oil change check using Ferrets check list before I left. Adjusting the chain tension and throttle slack did help make the shift from 1st to 2nd smoother!

The Air Hawk2 seat cushion was a life saver....as discussed and suggested on this forum!

The Nelson Rigg tank and tail bag were perfect....saw them on this forum too!

The MainStay Suite in Alcoa, TN was a great base from my loops. I could park my truck, trailer and CB right outside my window in the back. Texas Roadhouse and two other restaurants were right across the street...steak and beer, walk home, can't beat that! ;-) http://www.mainstaysuites.com/hotel-alco...ssee-TN287

Went on two parkways, both got up to 5000 feet, temperature drop was amazing, go prepared!

The scenery was better than I remembered, sometimes I wish I was a passenger instead of a driver so I could look around more!

Here are a couple of pictures....I'd like to have a slide show instead of scrolling...I might do that later.

Here is the CB loaded and ready to go....got ideas for the trailer on this forum!

[url=http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroadfx4/media/CB1100ontrailer_zps4eac766a.jpg.html]

Here it is sleeping outside my hotel window, resting for the big day.

[url=http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroadfx4/media/CB1100sleeping_zps34ce15de.jpg.html]

Here is the beauty taking the place by storm.

[url=http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroadfx4/media/CB1100atdealsgap1_zpsadbb0587.jpg.html]

Here is the skyway:

[url=http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroadfx4/media/bigjunction2_zpsed49359d.jpg.html]

Thanks to all the forum contributors for the very useful advice, facts, stories!

[Novice_imp]

Nice! Thanks for sharing.

[the Ferret]

Cool..glad it was a good trip. That area is a special place, not so much the Dragon itself, but the surrounding area is full of gem roads. Looks like the weather was even agreeable. Can't beat that!

[Gingersdaddy_imp]

Awesome, glad your trip turn out great too.

[Cormanus]

Nice report offroadfx4. Glad you enjoyed the ride.

[Offroad]

The photo companies that sit along the Dragons Tail do a good job.

I'm trying to embed a slide show here, hope it works!

I know I need to invest in some body armor, gloves, boots, etc....I'm working on it!

http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/offroa...ons%20Tail

[the Ferret]

Nice.. I like the last pic best for some reason.

Jacket first, then gloves then boots.

Try Revzilla,

or motorcyclegear.com especially their close outs and customer sales sections for good deals

also leatherup.com