The Gamble Family (.Net)

I called in sick today.  I had a serious case of the East Tennessee Tristy Flu, also known as Dragon Fever.  In other words, I was having withdrawals from the Tail of the Dragon.  It has been over a year since I last tamed my favorite stretch of highway.  At least once a year, I make a trip to east Tennessee to ride the famous “318 curves in 11 miles”, the Tail of the Dragon.

Our son, Chris, has recently moved to Maryville, TN, which is located only 20 miles from the north end of the Dragon.  I called him last night and asked if he’d like to meet me for a “big boy play day” on the twisties.  Chris has a supercharged Chevy Cobalt and I have a Honda Gold Wing.  Both of these vehicles are made for the curves and switchbacks of the Dragon.

I left Murfreesboro for the 2 1/2 hour ride to Maryville at 6:30 in the morning on the freshly polished Wing, aka “Wind Dancer”.  I hooked up with Chris about half way between Maryville and the Dragon.  After a brief rest, and some catching up, we headed south on US 129 towards curve nirvana.  Just before heading out, I mentioned Chris that “the mom” made me promise that I would be good today. We both smiled at each other because there are some things that he and I get into that are better just kept between him and me. We both had already figured that today would probably entail a few things of which he and I agree that mom would be better off just not knowing about. It’s what he and I jokingly refer to as one of those “don’t tell mom” things.

The road to the Dragon is a joy in and of itself. You encounter lots of quick rises that are followed by sharp right or left hand turns. After a few miles, the road eases up a bit as it runs beside Tellico Lake. This gives you a chance for one last bit of calm and tranquility, and an opportunity to gather your thoughts for what your are about to experience. The main indicator that you have arrived at the Dragon is where the road takes an abrupt left and leaves the lake’s coastline.  Here at Tabcat Creek Bridge, you put your game face on, for the Dragon awaits his duel with you.

Map of the Dragon

For the next 12 miles, Chris and I fought the Dragon for all this treachurous old beast threw at us.  I scraped my footpegs more times that I could count as I pushed Wind Dancer through the 318 curves.  We made three passes through the Dragon.  Traffic was light, which made it just that much more fun.  As we completed our third pass and headed south past Fugitive Dam, I couldn’t help but notice that I as soaking wet with sweat and that my heartrate was up quite a bit.  The Dragon has that effect on me everytime I challenge him.  This road is not for beginners, and it is not forgiving.

Wind Dancer and Me on the Dragon

 

Chris on the Dragon

 

We continued down US 129 towards Robbinsville, NC on our way across the Cherohala Skyway (also known as The Mile-High Legend) towards Tellico Plains, TN.  But, just before we reached Robbinsville, we made the obligatory stop at Wheeler’s to pick up a new t-shirt.  From Wheeler’s, we made our way to Robbinsville, and across the 45 miles of the Cherohala.  The Cherohala is a wonderful highway.  The road consists of an endless supply of wide open sweepers, spectacular views, and elevation changes that range from 900 feet to over 5,390 feet above sea level.  The temperature was around 90 degrees at the lower elevations, but down to 65 degrees at the top.  We stopped for a while at the top to take in the cool temperature and a view that will humble even the most arrogant of beings.

Near the end of the Cherohala, just before arriving at Tellico Plains, we stopped for a late lunch at a nice deli. On the back of the deli is a wooden deck that overlooks a beautiful stream.  Here, we ate, enjoyed the view, and reflected on the fun that we had just experienced.  After lunch, Chris and I said our goodbyes, as he headed back to Maryville and I turned Wind Dancer west towards The ‘Boro.

This was a wonderful day, for it was a day that I got to visit my favorite roads in east Tennessee and a day to share some very special moments with my son.