Ninja 250 Rally - Deals Gap, Aug 4-7

[scotty]

Sweet! I just saw this and I am game to go! Anyone by/near Ohio would want to meet up and ride their in a group?

[oroboros]

Little update/teaser

It has been warming up very nicely over East TN like much of the winter weary US. I rode the Foothills Parkway over to Deals Gap this afternoon for a little fun. The road looks very good. I saw just a couple of little piles of salt hanging around but very little gravel. There were many other bikes out taking advantage of the warm weather. As usual there was a fair share of sports cars as well having a good time in the curves.

What a difference it was riding there today with 1000 miles under my belt as opposed to the >100 miles of street experience I had the first time through. No more chicken strip.... ha-ha, chicken strip, that makes me laugh.

BTW, we just bought a house in the Townsend TN mountains. I have a two months to transition from our nice little rental house to the new place. Looking forward to hosting a party in the woods this August. It will be here before you know it!

[DaBlue1]

Cool.
Deals Gap Resort reopens for the 2011 season March 1st.

[oroboros]

Does this make it official?

It's on the Tail of the Dragon calendar

http://tailofthedragon.com/calendar.html

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by oroboros

Does this make it official?

It's on the Tail of the Dragon calendar

http://tailofthedragon.com/calendar.html

Looks like some corrections need to be made.

[oroboros]

Went to the Gap yesterday and today. It was like 65 degrees today and partly sunny. Great day to visit The Dragon. Saw some folks out out today taking pictures. Not sure who they were but a quick google search and I found these guys.

Thankfully a bike coming the other way signaled a tractor trailer coming through the gap but on the way back through it was all mine.

I like the song but cannot say that you should do this on US 129 (but I aspire to it on my little Ninja ) Enjoy the video and the song.



See you in East TN this august.

http://www.us129photos.com/

[DaBlue1]

The Ninja 250 Rally is still on however the dates have changed to Aug 4-7. August 6th & 7th are expected to be big turn out days and groups rides. Kawasaki has even shown an interest in this event. If you're planning on coming and staying at a local hotel campground or cabin, be sure to book early as possible. When looking at the calendar there is another group rally that same weekend. If you are a member of another forum, please pass the word on to them as well as Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=119412711452516.


Visit the Tail of the Dragon updated webpage @ http://www.tailofthedragon.com/
Check the events calendar for 2011. http://tailofthedragon.com/calendar.html

[TnNinjaGirl]

Looks like a fun get-together!

[spooph]

lol, the FB event has 11 people attending... Somehow I think not a lot of ninjetters have responded, or have ninjettes.. :P

[oroboros]

Oh, I best sign up on FB. I'm expecting you to make it Spooph.
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[DaBlue1]

Dear Members of,

Ninja250Forum.com, 250r.net
Ninjette.org, Ninja250.org
NewNinja.com & Kawiforums.com

You are cordially invited to attend the Ninja 250 Rally @ the infamous Tail of the Dragon, August 4-7, 2011. This special event is in celebration of 25 years the Kawasaki 250 Ninja has been in production and sold in the U.S.

There is no doubt that the Ninja 250 community has grown over the years and as a result many liaisons and friendships have emerged, so what better so what better way to get all the forums and other 250 Ninja owners together at one time.

This will be a gathering of dedicated owner/riders of the Kawasaki Ninja 250. Even though the Ninja 250 will be the center of attention, all riders of every kind of motorcycle and skill level are invited to attend.

This rally will be at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort on US Hwy. 129, Tapoco, NC. There will be Meet & Greets and several Group Rides on August 6th & 7th or you may explore the area on your own. (additional details to be announced)

Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort is nestled deep in the Great Smoky Mountains on the NC/TN state line, just 20 minutes north of Robbinsville, NC. The world famous Tail of the Dragon is literally outside the doorstep of the Resort. You will encounter one of the most technical & challenging roads in the country, featuring, 318 curves in 11 miles. However, the best kept secrets are the many great roads leading you there. What better and fitting place to showcase the 250 Ninjas best attributes?

There’s no doubt, you will have one of the most exciting motorcycling experiences one could have. Besides having some of the best motorcycling roads in the world, the area around Deals Gap boast of some of the most gorgeous lakes and scenery, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking and nature trails.

Make one of your summer road trips this year to what looks to be a unique event. There may be other rallies at that time, so plan early.

For more information such as accommodations, area maps and other area roads, please visit.

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/index.html
http://www.dealsgap.com/
http://www.ninja250forum.com/index.p...6&topic=3346.0

Looking forward to seeing you there.

[bdavison]

Count me in....look forward to seeing yall there.

[Liber]

I have to be at a wedding in Knoxville around that time. I might try to make it.

[CC Cowboy]

Do you have to have a 250?

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Do you have to have a 250?

Even though the Ninja 250 will be the center of attention, all riders of every kind of motorcycle and skill level are invited to attend.

[Snake]

Cool, let me check my date book.

[Alex]

Isn't this the same as the existing thread here?

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=59007

[CZroe]

I just may. I live in San Diego but my lease is up in September and I have family near there in West Virginia. My older brother wants someone to watch his home while he is living in North Carolina for his girlfriend's surgery (waiting on a transplant). It could be a pilot trip to see if I can line up a job or something. Not sure that I could afford it, but I'm certainly entertaining the idea.

[Momaru]

Anyone planning to head down & wanna split a room to cut costs? I'm planning to be there Aug 4-7, pretty much same dates as the rally. Not sure there's rooms @ the resort left, but should be plenty that's not too far away.

[oroboros]

Feel free to PM me if you need help locally.
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[ally99]

Originally Posted by Momaru

Anyone planning to head down & wanna split a room to cut costs? I'm planning to be there Aug 4-7, pretty much same dates as the rally. Not sure there's rooms @ the resort left, but should be plenty that's not too far away.

You all should definitely try out: http://ironhorsenc.com/
It's our favorite place to camp or stay while out there. They even serve full breakfast and dinners! I'm so sad this is taking place the week school starts back. The week before, and I would have been there!

Edit: Hey all! I'm very excited! Hubby and I only live 2.5 hours from this stretch of 129, so we've decided to come up Saturday, August 6 and camp at the Ironhorse that night. I can't wait to meet some of you!

[ally99]

Originally Posted by Momaru

Anyone planning to head down & wanna split a room to cut costs? I'm planning to be there Aug 4-7, pretty much same dates as the rally. Not sure there's rooms @ the resort left, but should be plenty that's not too far away.

Hubby and I are camping. Only $15 per night at the Ironhorse Motorcycle lodge with a very nice bath house and delicious breakfasts and dinners! Of course, the food costs extra.
They also have cabins and bunkhouses, and everything is very reasonably priced. It's just off hwy 28, about 20 mins from the Dragon. A fun, curvy 20 mins!

Is the rally going to go through the Cherohala too? A

[Bosgarage57]

How many people are gonna be there on the 4th? Prob be the only day I can make it. THinking of taking a day off at work

[oroboros]

You are invited! Please join me on the Parkway!

Saturday August 6th at 7pm.

The Foothills Parkway at the Look Rock parking lot. It is about 15 minutes from the Overlook at the gap.

There is a large parking lot and it is super easy to find and get to.

I will have drinks (water, soda etc..) and light fare.

We can hang out, relax and eat for a bit.... then


Why are we here?

Sunset is at 8:36 on this date. It is about a 10 minute walk up the hill to a fire tower/look out point. Weather permitting it is a great view of the Smoky Mountains and the valley towards Knoxville.

Here is a picture from Killboy.



I suspect that I can get an idea on Friday and Saturday as to how many if any will be attending. Please feel free PM me if you want to give me advance notice or if you just need some local information or help.

Cheers!

[CZroe]

I'm likely going to be there about a month later.

[oroboros]

Originally Posted by CZroe

I'm likely going to be there about a month later.

Drop me a line when you get here. It will be less busy then.
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[CZroe]

Originally Posted by oroboros

Drop me a line when you get here. It will be less busy then.
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Will do.

[oroboros]

This was a groupon deal. This campground is in Walland and is basically at the base of the Foothills Parkway. This puts you 18 miles from the hill and nice ride there to boot.

http://www.leethost.com/knoxville/mi...bins-rv-resort

just so's ya know

[DaBlue1]

We are at the 2 week mark and time is fast approaching. If you plan on going and staying a day or two and have not found a place to stay, now is the time to start making arrangements. Prices will go up and accommodations will begin to fill. Keep in mind that there is another rally taking place that same weekend. Also if you do not mind sharing a room, tent or cabins with strangers, check the other forums for others looking to split cost with. There are a few.

Here is some information for those on a budget and looking to camp at or near Deals Gap Resort. This is not an exhaustive list, but areas recommended by other forum members.

Deals Gap Recommended Area Accommodations

http://www.dealsgap.com/area-information.htm

Hotel and Camping

http://www.dealsgap.com/motel.htm

http://www.mysmokymountainvacation.c...reek-camp.html

http://www.ncnatural.com/NCUSFS/Nantahala/nantfac.html (Sites 15, 14, & 17 around Robbinsville should put you within 20 miles or so of Deals gap resort.)

http://www.dealsgap.com/motel.htm

http://www.tailofthedragonresorts.co...ml#Campgrounds

http://ironhorsenc.com/ Camping only $15 per night at the Ironhorse Motorcycle lodge with a very nice bath house and delicious breakfasts and dinners! Of course, the food costs extra.

http://www.leethost.com/knoxville/mi...bins-rv-resort Camping about $15

Maps and Directions

http://www.dealsgap.com/maps.htm

[choneofakind]

Anyone with a trailer going to be going thru Ohio on the way to this? I need to run this by my parents but if its ok with them, I'm SO in on this.

[Momaru]

For what it's worth, I just called the Deal's Gap Resort. Their rooms are booked for the weekend.

I've got a room for the nights of Aug 4 & 5 though. It should have a second bed if anyone is heading down early-ish and wants to split with me. Still working out accommodations for the night of the 6th (& maybe 7th).

[midknight]

I don't have a bike yet, but since i'm so close to the area (like 30 minutes) I may try to swing up by the hill. If ya see me give me a wave and we'll stop and chat for a bit.

[Bosgarage57]

Originally Posted by midknight

I don't have a bike yet, but since i'm so close to the area (like 30 minutes) I may try to swing up by the hill. If ya see me give me a wave and we'll stop and chat for a bit.

Drive that ts125 there If you can go thursday I'll meet ya in maryville and we can ride together down there.

[oroboros]

Was on the hill nice and early today. I ran through it and was heading home by 8:00

I saw a bear and a timber rattler! The snake was dead though.

I am going to recommend the camp ground at Look Rock again. The location is great, right on the parkway.

Here are some more options for motels and camping. Remember, this is in Townsend, TN


http://www.highlandmanor.com

I don’t know how the rooms are but it is right next to valleyview lodge and the grounds nice

$79.50 - $99.50

http://valleyviewlodge.com/

Again, Not sure about how great the rooms are but the grounds really nice. Right on the bike trail and they have a couple of pools.
$59.95 - $99.95

http://www.townsendgatewayinn.com/

Small strip kinda motel. Often see bikers there

$69.00 -$79.00


http://www.headricksriverbreeze.com

Small strip kinda motel. Often see bikers there

(800) 879-0047 (8am-10pm) call!


http://www.docksmotel.com/

$60.00 +

http://www.riverstonelodge.com

call (800) 854-7358 for information on availability and price

http://www.econolodgetownsend.com/

$69.00 pretty much your standard motel. The only chain motel in Townsend (except a really cruddy one called Family Inns)

www.dancingbearlodge.com

For the fancy people. Ladee da. Cool place, nice lodge. $$$

$209.99 +


More camping


http://www.tremontcamp.com

This is an RV and campground but they have these little cabins that might be decent. Some are right on the river. Looks fun. This is literally at the entrance to the GSM Park.

Little 12X12 cabins - $75.00 check out website

http://koa.com/campgrounds/townsend-great-smokies/

It’s a KOA. Nice location. They have little cabins on the river but I think they are probably booked already. There is of course RVs there and tent camping

http://lazydazecampground.com/

I don’t know… I think mostly RV’s here. Come to the wilderness and park 5 feet from your neighbor. Turn on the TV and microwave some popcorn. Woot.



There are so many houses/cabins that you can rent in the area probably for less than you think. If you come back sometime and bring a few other people you should consider looking into renting a house.

[midknight]

Originally Posted by Bosgarage57

Drive that ts125 there If you can go thursday I'll meet ya in maryville and we can ride together down there.

The 125 is definitely in no shape to go through the gap, it needs tires and breaks and the spedo quite working...needless to say it needs a little work.

[Bosgarage57]

Originally Posted by midknight

The 125 is definitely in no shape to go through the gap, it needs tires and breaks and the spedo quite working...needless to say it needs a little work.

Ahhh wheres the fun and sense of adventure!

[midknight]

Originally Posted by Bosgarage57

Ahhh wheres the fun and sense of adventure!

That flew out the window last time I was up there and the state wrote me a big fat self imposed speeding tax.... and I don't want to slide the TS off into Chilhowee lake. If I had a better bike to take up there I would be there, but the little TS does better putting around the backroads at my house and in the hay fields.

[midknight]

Hey Lucas, if ya here of any 250s on the cheap in Sevierville, let me know - and when I say on the cheap...well I'm pretty sure you know what I mean

[ally99]

I'll put in another plug for the Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge. http://ironhorsenc.com/

Hubby and I will be camping there, but they have cabins and bunk rooms for rent too. It's an excellent place with delicious home-cooked dinner and breakfast and top-notch location. It's on a beautiful brook about 20 miles from the beginning of The Tail of the Dragon. The 20 miles is a scenic and FUN 20 miles! I have pics, so PM me if you want to see them.

[oroboros]

Originally Posted by ally99

I'll put in another plug for the Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge. http://ironhorsenc.com/

.

yup, I hear the place is nice, great commute to the hill as well.
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