Friday July 3

Its Friday and the day is coming together very nicely. Highs are only expected to reach the high 80's and there is little humidity, so it makes for a perfect day riding. There is threat of showers through the weekend, but we will take a wait and see approach.

The 4th is tomorrow, and everyone seems to be heading somewhere. Yesterday was a little light in the motorcycle department but that is typical of this weekend. Seems everyone wants to hang with family instead of riding, and honestly I cant blame them.

There are fireworks all over the place this weekend, including Booms Day in Knoxville Saturday night, as well as the Duck Pond in Maryville. Tonite, on the lake just north of the Dragon, there is a lone family that lives just a few hundred yards north of the Foothills. This family has been doing a small fireworks demo every 4th, and this is no exception. If you are in the area tonite, and want to see a smaller display, but impressive none the less, then head towards the Foothills by 9 or so. You will see everyone gathering for it.

Special Mention: Todays mention goes to Tam and Randy in the STL. They couldnt make it down this weekend like they were supposed to, but Nonie and Al did. We will have a few boat drinks for you guys. Cheers !!

Thats all I have today. Be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

Thursday July 2

Its Thursday and what a beautiful day its turning out to be. Weather looks good, with a small chance of rain through the weekend. Overall, its looks like a perfect 4th weekend coming up.

Happy Belated Canada Day to all our Canadian friends. Just so you all know, I had 2 Molson Exports for all of you yesterday. Hope the party was a good one.

Well, theres not much on the calendar for the 4th weekend. I presume we will be busy as we always are, but I would also think many are going to spend time with family and head to parties this 4th. AAA actually said there would be much less travel this year, but weve not seen a slow down. Things are rolling right along here.

T-DOT update: The road crew are almost finished the northbound pass to fill in the pull offs. They are great too. Just an FYI, they are not there just for cars, but for bikes too. If you find yourself to be the slower rider/driver with people piling up behind you, take a minute and pull over to let the others pass. Legally in TN, if you are holding 5 or more vehicles up, you should be pulling over.

With nothing to report, I will wish you all a great day. Enjoy. --- Ben

Tuesday June 30

Good Morning Gang Looks like a superb week coming up as far as weather goes. Temps were 20 Deg cooler this morning than 24 hrs ago. Looks like mid 80's for the next 5 days. Monday was another great riding day with no major mishaps on the Gap. 4th of July weekend is shaping up to be a great weekend to ride, for those who can come up the 4th tends to be a slow and quiet weekend as everyone is doing the family picnics and fireworks think so it makes for a great time to ride here. Good friends (Cliff and Shawn) from florida are in this week, always great to see the Florida kids up in the area. Hope everyone has a great week. Brad

Monday June 29

Welcome to Monday and all it has to offer. Weather looks great for the coming days, and its already shaping up to be a perfect day here. Even with a little fog this am, it was a beautiful morning.

Once again, its with great sadness that we must report the passing of yet another rider. The accident from late Saturday night proved fatal for a sport bike rider from Georgia. Even with the efforts of his friends, the police and the Rescue Squad, the rider passed on from injuries at the hospital yesterday. Our thoughts go to all involved.

The weekend was a busy one with many milling around. Weather was hot and many felt it. There were in fact a couple of groups including the Savage Owners forum and a car club. Its was good to see as many people out as there were, and many had a great time.

Thanks to all for all the emails received. If you ever have something to add or say, please dont hesitate to email me here.

Thats about it. Be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

Sunday June 28

Good morning everyone. This ams weather is a bit overcast with lingering fog on top of the mountain. Highs are expected to hit in the 90's again, but we also have the threat of a shower or two this afternoon. Weather through the week looks good for the next few days, so get out and do something.

It is with great sadness and regret that I must report the first fatality of 2009 on the Dragon. Said rider was traveling southbound around the 5.5mm and went off the road and down the side. The riders friend didnt know what had happened to his buddy and enlisted the local officers to try to find him. It took hours to find the rider, as there were no indicators to show anyone had wrecked. It seems that he just drove off the side of the mountain. There is speculation as to whether or not the rider had suffered some sort of medical issue just before or not. Time wil tell and I will let you know when I get the info. RIP fellow rider.

After getting home last night, I decided it was time to gear up and head out for a quick spin to wind down after a very long day. I didnt make it to the Tallassee Store and I saw flashing lights. They were waiting for the helicopter to land so they could fly a guy from GA to the hospital. Seems he didnt negotiate one of the last turns coming off the Dragon, and he took a spill. I certainly do hope that the rider is ok, and that it wasnt more serious than it seemed. Our thoughts are with you.

Time to step up on the soapbox here for all you readers that actually care about what I have to say. I can go through all the "the isnt a race track" or "ride your own ride" but thats just not good enough. Yesterday, there were no less than 7 wrecks in various places and just about all were from rider error. .... and for the record, they were all cruisers. While I respect everyones right to go where ever they want, I also think some better judgment should be used based on riding ability and experience. The Dragon is not a place for just any rider(though some think it is). This - and most of the roads around it - are all very demanding and require your undivided attention at all times. If that is something you cant give, then you have no reason being in the mountains possibly putting yourself and others in danger. Yep, motorcycling can be a great way to pass the day and share time with family and friends, but not all roads are created equal and most everyone that rides should know their place. Please people, use just a bit more common sense..... end rant.

Had a visit from the head honcho in NCHP yesterday. He was ver complimentary regarding all we do here at the shop, and that was very flattering. Thank you for that.  He also said that because of all the issues on NC-28 that there will be some increased presence in the NC area. I for one, think this is a great idea, and I support them 100%. It all comes down to respect people. There are some great roads around this area, but we all need to respect those roads, our own abilities and the locals that live in this immediate area. We all have to share, and so far we arent doing that great a job right now. Please be mindful.

www.rideohio.org 's fearless leader, Tank, graced us with his presence the last 2 days. Its always a pleasure to see you Tank, and we look forward to your next visit. Maybe next time you can bring some friends with you.  :)

Race Day Sunday !!! Races start at 3 pm with WSB and go to GP at 5. It stands to be a perfect day on tv, so come up and help me scream at it. Its looking like a great race weekend. GO ROSSI !!!!!

I wish you all a great day and Im sorry that this isnt the best daily. I hope you enjoy whatever you are planning, and you do it with people you love. Please folks, be safe. Remember to have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

Saturday June 27

Welcome to Saturday everyone. Its already looking like a beautiful day here on the mountain and it looks like it will only get better. Highs are expected to be in the 90's today, but we might also get to see a shower later in the day.

On my way home yesterday, I noticed that T-DOT has already started to head back north, and that should take much less time than the southbound run. If all goes well, I would think they should complete it all by the end of next week, but I may be wrong. Either way, Ive noticed a difference already, and its much appreciated by all, Im sure. The berns seem to be getting used too. There are a few more scuffs on the guardrail berm, but thankfully Ive not seen anyone hurt seriously. Thats good news folks.

Heres a good one for you. This weekend, the Iron Pigs(a police motorcycle club) are in the area for a regional meet. Yesterday most of the group came through the Dragon and stopped for lunch here at the store. While they were here - 70+ of them - a younger man shows up with a FTP - Cops Lie - shirt on. Let the roasting begin, as I understood it. One of the larger cops took him up in a headlock and dragged him into the Grill where all the Pigs were hanging out, and it went from there. Both the police and the kid were in good spirits, so it all ended up well, but Im sure the guy with the shirt must have been worried for a bit. Theres a great shot on the top of this page on our site....

There are a few other groups around. Yesterday, we saw a small group of Triumph owners come through as well as a CBX group, but nothing in any major numbers. It was great to see all the CBX's come through. Ive always loved that style of bike.

Lastly, Tank is here. Lock up your women and children !!! Im not sure who let him out of Ohio, but Tank is back for another weekend of early morning/late night riding. Always great to see you Tank.

Thats all I have for the day. I hope you all enjoy it. Please be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

Friday June 26

Welcome to Friday everyone. Hope this finds you well and getting ready for a fabulous weekend. Weather doesnt look so promising for a short time today then it should be good after. There is a southbound storm coming out of Kentucky and we expect it will make it here by about 2 pm, if not sooner. After that, its looking really good for the balance of the weekend. Though theres a chance of rain all weekend, its a slim one.

This weekend Is yet another busy one with many smaller groups hanging around. I presume it will be ebb and flow today with many various gaggles coming and going. Sounds to me like a perfect people watching day/weekend.

T-DOT has started to head back northbound from the state line filling in the smaller northbound pull offs. I cant thank them enough for doing such a great job, and for their work ethic of cleaning up after themselves. Ive seen a lot of road work done in the past where they dont care so much about what is left behind on the roadways and these guys are just the opposite. They are even sweeping up after they are done. Once again, HUGE THANKS to T-DOT for the great job.

I wish I had something more interesting to share with you, but thankfully its been a pretty quiet week overall. I hope the weekend stays the same. Please remember to be safe, have fun and try to respect all you see and meet.  --- Ben

Thursday June 25

Morning everyone, I hope this finds you all well. Weather should be great the next few days, so no worries there. It looks like there might be some small rain showers coming. Weekend looks good though so dont let a thing stop you.

Well, I had a couple of days off and it just doesnt seem like its long enough to get my stuff done. I want to have a bit of fun and do all the "honey do" chores that need done. Well, between the chores, I went down to Smokey Mountain Harley Davidson to see about a new Harley...... for me. Before you start to pick on me for my choice, I wanted to ride the new XR1200 revamp of the old race flat tracker bike. Long story short, I was treated very well, but it was not a bike for me. With only 90 hp, it seems very under powered, but the ergonomics were very nice overall. I could see it as a "ride all day" bike, but I dont know that I would get anything with such little in the aftermarket world, just yet. Thanks for the test drive SM-HD. I now understand why everyone speaks so highly of you folks.

This week there are a bunch of motorcycle cops coming through the area. There is a gathering happening in the region, but Im not sure where. Either way there will be plenty of great riders out enjoying the roads, and you wont know whether they are police or not. Be polite people and remember to pass with respect.

Lastly, Brad has started to load more and more videos on www.dealsgaptv.com . If you have any small videos on the area, send them on to me or Brad and we will post them up on the site.

Thats it for me for the day. Be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

Monday June 22

Howdy, and welcome to Monday. Its a wet dreary am, but its promising to be a better day. Currently its in the 80's but I dont think it should get any worse. Seems lately the rains have been coming early in the mornings with nothing through the day. Good news for all you riders out there...

This last weekend went very well and there were no major incidents. I did see some smaller turn overs, but again nothing major. I did have a couple strange incidents though, and I will share one with you. Saturday am, I was coming in to work, and had came up the area that T-DOT was working on. T-DOT had coned off the pull offs that they had planned on paving coming this week to keep folks out of it. Well Saturday am, Im driving in and someone has moved the cones to make it seem as if southbound traffic had to change lanes around blind left handers. When I found the first set it took a minute, but I quickly realized that the rest of the pylons would be messed up as well, and they were. It tool me about 15 minutes to get them all off the road again, and Im glad I had because if not, there could have been a bad wreck.

This weekend coming up all I have on the list is a Subaru group and a couple of police riding groups coming through as well. I have not heard of anything else though. If you have a group coming through, dont hesitate to email me and let me know.

Thats all I have. Be safe this week with the paving of the pull offs. Be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

Sunday June 21

HAPPY FATHERS DAY !!!!

Howdy folks. Welcome ot Sunday and all its going to become. Currently its raining  here, but it should blow out here shortly and make way for some fine Sunday weather. Tomorrow is hit and miss but Through the week it should be 80's and sun.

Yesterdays Cherahola Challenge went off very well, and most seemed to get along. There were a few that werent very polite to the bikers, and there were a couple of selfish cyclists, but it all went off with little issue. We all feel that its only fair to share the road, as its just 1 day a year that the cyclists converge, and honestly they are as crazy if not crazier than us bikers. Congrats to all that completed the Challenge.

Otherwise it was a pretty quiet weekend with a little less than normal traffic. There were still many smiling faces out, but it was light traffic indeed. Thanks to all for making this weekend hassle free.

Thats it for the day. Please be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

 

Saturday June 20

Morning folks. Welcome to Saturday at Deals Gap and we are expecting a busy one. Weather should be beautiful and the highs will be in the 90's, so lets make sure you all have sunscreen on, and remember to hydrate often.

Cherahola Challenge is on this morning. A bunch of crazy pedal bike folks will be coming through the Dragon earlier than later today, on their way to the Skyway for a 150 mile run that I only wish i could pull off. My hats are off to all these folks, as they are truly the craziest ones out of all of us.

The USGP Red Bull Indy Truck is here for the weekend but unfortunately they didnt receive the Rossi M-1 in time for this weekend. Last year they were in charge of driving one of Casey Stoners bikes around to show it off. How cool a job is that ?? Come check out Nic and the boys showing off one of the finest races on the eastern seaboard. Get info, stickers and posters too....

Lastly, I want to give everyone a friendly warning. Theres a new Trooper thats been working the Dragon lately, and word around the mountain is that he used to be the #1 ticket writer in Knoxville. Well, it looks like hes trying to get his record back and I have heard of a few that have received tickets for 7-8 over the limit. Fair enough, since the speed limit is only 30 now. I do remember a day, not too long ago, when the limit was 55, then it was turned down to 40 and now in the last few years its become 30. This road can be safely navigated by most at a higher speed, and 40 would be a reasonable speed for all involved, but for whatever reason the powers that be have decided 30 was the best number, although it had been 55 for almost 50 years. Speeders will always speed, but controlled riders will always ride within their abilities and limits. 'nuff said.

Im out. Be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. -- Ben

Friday June 19

Morning folks. Welcome to Friday and what a dirty road day it is. Late in the day yesterday a violent storm came through and left fallen trees and lots of debris on the road. At one point it was hailing, but we heard of no damage because of it. We did lose power at the store about 4 pm and got it back around 9. Quite the evening indeed.

Well this weekend is the Cherahola Challenge. This is a 150 mile bicycle ride starting the east side of the Foothills heading towards to Dragon, over the Dragon and then on to the Skyway. Not every rider can pull it off, but can you imagine the bragging rights of the ones that can ?? Definitely not for the faint of heart. Please be polite when coming up on riders on the Dragon. Give them time to see you and wave you around. Good luck to all the cyclists !!!!

T-DOT has gotten past Gravity Cavity and are currently at the 2mm. Looks like they should have the rest of the southbound pull offs done by the end of day Monday. Then the quick run northbound shouldnt be too bad, considering there are not too many headed back that way. You guys are doing a great job. Keep it up !!!!

I hope you all have good plans for a fantastic weekend. Til tomorrow, be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben

Thursday June 18

Welcome to it folks. Its Thursday and while its not sunny yet, it definitely is coming. Highs are into the 90's today, so be ready for a hot and humid day. It should be nice again tomorrow and possibly through the weekend, but afternoon showers should be prevalent through the weekend.

This weekend coming up, Im not really showing anything specific but Im sure there will be many folks moving around. Get up early and get out to enjoy the weather and the roads, then sit back and watch the action from the porch. People watching is all part of a day on the Dragon.

T-DOT is doing well with the pull offs. They are almost at the Cavity as of this am, and they are moving south. There are still plenty of northbound pull offs but I dont think they will be coming back northbound for another week yet. They are doing a great gob, so special thanks goes out to T-DOT for doing all the great work.

Special Mention: Todays mention goes out to Audrey Faith Thatch or Graham County. Audrey - 7 lb and 7oz -  was born 7 pm on Friday the 12th of June to a fantastic couple of folks, Tina and Kosal. Congrats to all the family !!!!!

Thats it for the day. Be safe, have fun and respect all you see and meet. --- Ben