AO

Since we're now 3 months away from our favorite time of the year, I thought it's time to start thinking about the 3rd annual Pre-SITM Dragon Run.

If you don't know about the Dragon, look at these search results. Lots to read! https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/345754-people-driving-the-dragon-pre-sitm-please-read.html

If we can approach the hotel with a block of rooms, I think we can get a slightly better rate. I think we got a whopping $5 discount last year. In all likelihood it will again be the Comfort Suites Hotel in Alcoa, TN as everyone seems to have enjoyed their stay there the past two years, the free breakfast also helps to achieve an early start (we just need to go to bed before 3AM! ).

EDIT: I have switched to the Jameson INN. Better rate and they appear to have more rooms. See post #31 for details.

So if you can post here over the next three weeks or so if you will need a room or not, I'll approach the Hotel with the the block of rooms and see what we can do.

There are some really great roads between the Dragon and SITM. I highly recommend NC-28 and NC-209 just to name a few. Be sure you have a really good map or a GPS so you don't get lost as often times the groups get separated.

Man I can't wait!

Flott Leben

Andrew,
Man, you are all over SITM this year (as you seem to be every year)! Nice.

Giovanni

lol, we are skipping TOTD this year. With stroller, walker, diapers, etc and my wife not wanting me to go over 25 mph, it would not be a very fun option :-(.

928drvr86.5

I am planning on being there

Ispeed

I haven't done TOTD yet, maybe this year.

Fabio421

I plan on being there once again Andrew. I would like to reserve a spot in your caravan to Banner Elk if possible. I promise I won't blow a coolant hose this year.

For those interested in going, the room rate in Alcoa was unbelievably cheap. Maybe I'm just used to overpriced FL hotels, but I was pleasently surprised.

AO

Carl-

I think you would have a great time. Looks like it would only take you an extra hour to reach Alcoa, TN instead of going to Banner Elk. But it will take you an extra 5 hours to get back, but this is why we drive these roads... they are some of the best roads around... at least that I've experienced so far.

AO

Nice Pics!

Yes the rooms were $69 last year. I expect they will be about the same this year.

Shawn - If you can keep up, you're welcome to join. I'm not sure if you followed the same roads as we did last year after your car puked, but I have to say, it was awesome! The roads (NC-209 in particular) were better than the Dragon IMHO. The Dragon can be downright S...L...O...W...

ew928

Where's the thread of your TOTD video you made last year?

(I'm lazy)

Fabio421

I agree with what Andrew says. The TOTD is kinda lame compared to the next 5 or 6 hours of twisty roads. Some of the vista's are nice as well.

AO

Here's the link, but I've embeded for you below.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...58028733&hl=en

Bus

I would very highly recommend you skip the dragon for the "Skyway", the Cherohala Skyway. if you come down I 75 just another 30 minutes or so, you could stay in Sweetwater, TN (very cheap and clean) and ride the Cherohala Skyway the next day... The Skyway would be much better for sharks anyway, much more flowing and less super tight turns.

From the end of the Cherahala, you can turn left and be at "Tail of the Dragon" in about 10 minutes, then follow NC28 to NC209...

I only live about 1:10 from the Skyway, it's one of my favorites....

I'll try to take the day previous off this year and not try to bust in during the night this time.

Anyone coming my way that wants to join up around Chattanooga or Cleveland TN, you're welcome to join me through some of my favorite routes also...

JHowell37

You got John Goodman to drive your car for you? That's pretty cool.

AO

Sounds like a great road. I think I may opt for this route over the Dragon. I;ve driven the TOTD three times now, and I think I'm ready for a different venue. I'll probably still stay in Alcoa as it's a great starting gate for either the Dragon or the Skyway.

cold_beer839

I have been all over those roads on a motorcycle but not a 'good' car yet. Maybe I'll have my car sorted out by then, but more doubtfully, have the time off from work.