US129 Rock Slide v.2.0

[Herblenny]

OK,

I've gotten some emails and such about the rock slide.. So, I thought I give the down low..

Here is the map the TDOT is providing regarding detour and such.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/129Rockslide3-16-10.jpg

As you could see the accident point is about 2-3 miles north of the lake pull of parking area..

to see this better, here is a google map.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e79/herblenny/Screenshot2010-03-23at21827PMcopy.jpg


Currently US129 is closed from North Carolina border to the scene of rock slide. I'm reading that it would be re-opened by March 26th. I'll keep you guys updated!

Phil

[Herblenny]

I just called Tennessee DOT and they told me over the phone that the road is schedule to open on Friday afternoon, March 26th, 2010

[My5ABaby]

Awesomeeeeeeeeeeeee.

:party:
:party:
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:party:

[ZGN]

Thats Great news.. I was about to skip out on this event if the dragon was sleeping :) J/K

[PortedRotorTuner]

Yippy YAY Woooooooooooo!
:party: :party: :party: :party:
:driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving: :driving:
:party: :party: :party: :party:

[TitaniumTT]

Not to rain on anyones parade........ but SDOT told us kin in my neighborhood that a certain construction project was going to be over about a year ago..... lemme explain something, I live on a peninsula - one road in or out. At the end of this rd you can turn left or right. If you turn right, there's a 4 way intersection. The 4 way intersection has been under construction for over a year. Before that was finished they backed up to the 3 way and started ripping that up. Then they moved down the street and tore that up. For about 3 weeks now they've had dozers and back-hoes PARKED in the center of the 4 way intersection and no work has been done with no reasons. I live about 2 miles from the highway and because of this construction it's taken me as long as 45 miuntes to make it to the highway... I hate this shitty sometimes.

So I'll hold off on my celebration until the Dragon is awake ;)

[PortedRotorTuner]

Not to rain on anyones parade........ but SDOT told us kin in my neighborhood that a certain construction project was going to be over about a year ago..... lemme explain something, I live on a peninsula - one road in or out. At the end of this rd you can turn left or right. If you turn right, there's a 4 way intersection. The 4 way intersection has been under construction for over a year. Before that was finished they backed up to the 3 way and started ripping that up. Then they moved down the street and tore that up. For about 3 weeks now they've had dozers and back-hoes PARKED in the center of the 4 way intersection and no work has been done with no reasons. I live about 2 miles from the highway and because of this construction it's taken me as long as 45 miuntes to make it to the highway... I hate this shitty sometimes.

So I'll hold off on my celebration until the Dragon is awake ;)

This is our Celebration Thread! Only Positive Thoughts Are Allowed! :o11:

:toetap05:

















































:ack2:

[TitaniumTT]

Says the guy with a "life is pain" avatar :smilielol5:

[PortedRotorTuner]

haha, you got me there! :001_005:

[PortedRotorTuner]

well everything I'm reading today says the dragon won't be open until 9/1!

Edit: I guess 9/1 is miss information! They just updated and said the contract will be awarded on Monday.

http://www.dealsgap.com/save-the-gap/index.html
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/index.html
www.dealsgap.com

[ZGN]

:banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:WTF>>ADFHSTRYUW%^N W%^NUWE%^N UW%^u:banghead::banghead::banghead::icon_bs::icon_ bs::icon_bs::icon_bs::icon_bs::icon_bs::icon_bs::i con_bs::icon_bs::icon_bs::icon_bs::icon_bs::icon_b s::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss: :cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss::c uss::cuss::cuss:

[Viperx7]

Here's where I've been keeping up with this situation. He's the owner of the Pit Stop at the end of the Dragon. http://www.dealsgap.com/

[Herblenny]

Looks like the pitstop is awaiting on a call from TDOT... I actually talked to TDOT and the representative that I spoke with stated that 26th is the open date. For some reason its not open by that time, she told me that they will post it on the TDOT site. My guess is that it will most likely open by the time we get there. If not, they need to at least open from NC into TN for those who wants to run the dragon :)

[Redhawkjrt]

Looks like the pitstop is awaiting on a call from TDOT... I actually talked to TDOT and the representative that I spoke with stated that 26th is the open date. For some reason its not open by that time, she told me that they will post it on the TDOT site. My guess is that it will most likely open by the time we get there. If not, they need to at least open from NC into TN for those who wants to run the dragon :)

I'm guessing they wouldn't open the border closing unless the rockslide is clear, because if they allowed anyone on the road and something were to happen, emergency services would not be able to get on site from the north, and they probably aren't willing to take the risk, nor to depend on North Carolina to carry the burden of responsibility on the Tenn. side.

[Herblenny]

I'm guessing they wouldn't open the border closing unless the rockslide is clear, because if they allowed anyone on the road and something were to happen, emergency services would not be able to get on site from the north, and they probably aren't willing to take the risk, nor to depend on North Carolina to carry the burden of responsibility on the Tenn. side.

You are correct..

And I was mearly joking, hence the smiley.

We shall see tomorrow afternoon if they infact clear the area and open the road... Otherwise, there are ton of great roads in the area.

[Herblenny]

Well, Looks like I was misinformed by the actual person at TN DOT..

Here is what's posted on the TN DOT website..


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Work to clear a rockslide that closed U.S.-129/SR-115 is expected to begin early April. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will let an emergency contract to clear the slide on Monday, March 29. TDOT qualified two specialty contractors, Pacific Blasting Demolition Ltd. and Phillips & Jordan, Inc., to bid on the project. Both contractors offer specialized experience in rockslide clearance and stabilization that is needed to repair the substantial and complex slide on U.S.-129/SR-115.

The emergency contract is expected to be awarded to one of the two specialty contractors on Monday, March 29 with work expected to begin no later than April 5. This will allow contractors time to transport specialized equipment to the site of the slide in Blount County.

TDOT’s contract has a completion date of July 31, 2010.

Meanwhile, detours remain in place while the stretch of road known as the Dragon is closed from the slide area to the North Carolina state line. Motorists are advised to continue to monitor the TDOT website at www.tn.gov/tdot for updates and detour details. TDOT is also on Twitter. For up to the minute traffic information in Knoxville and the Tri-Cities follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/knoxville511. For statewide travel information follow www.twitter.com/TN511.

###

For More Information Contact:
Yvette Martinez
TDOT Region 1 Community Relations Officer
865-594-0161
Yvette.Martinez@tn.gov

[TitaniumTT]

awesome.

Can we still access the damn?

What about all the rumors about the locals cleaning it up themselves?

B/U plan? Obviously DGRRX dates aren't going to change.

[classicauto]

So we can't run the dragon even from the opposite end?

Is it shut down right at the biker motel? if so at least the road from there to NV is fun. And Brian I'm sure (and hopeful) that the dam can be accessed being its between the biker motel/gas station and NV.

[TitaniumTT]

I hope so. All the roads down there are awesome, but the Dragon is the Dragon, ya know? Where's DJ to rouse the locals? Fucking DOT's... seriously... how long does it take to clear a road? I'll go halfsies with someone to rent a dozer and move everything myself... damnit

[TitaniumTT]

Ok, after looking @ Phils map again....

it's closed at the NC border, which is bad, but per the two arrows, it seems that the clide is way north of what is considered the dragon, correct? Hard to tell with no scale how far is 11 miles. Between the end of the dragon and the the slide, are there any turn off's or once you're on the rd, you're on the rd?

[Lastphaseofthis]

I hope so. All the roads down there are awesome, but the Dragon is the Dragon, ya know? Where's DJ to rouse the locals? Fucking DOT's... seriously... how long does it take to clear a road? I'll go halfsies with someone to rent a dozer and move everything myself... damnit

We should just but front end loaders on all the 20b Cars. and tire chains..

[classicauto]

Ok, after looking @ Phils map again....

it's closed at the NC border, which is bad, but per the two arrows, it seems that the clide is way north of what is considered the dragon, correct? Hard to tell with no scale how far is 11 miles. Between the end of the dragon and the the slide, are there any turn off's or once you're on the rd, you're on the rd?

Thats what I'm wondering, the slide is beyond the dragon section by the looks of it. If we could get by whatever (if any) barriers are at the bike motel you could run the dragon and turn around and come back. Even if it were just to the overlook and back.

But yeah even though the other roads are fun, they're no dragon. Will still be a good event though!

[TitaniumTT]

The event will still kick ass.

Here's the problem, while the slide is well beyond the Dragon, it's still TN's road and therefore TN's liability. NC has offered police and EMS service from the border to the slide to keep the rd open, but TN declined the offer. It's a liability thing. I'm sure the govenor knows all about the Dragon and why so many people are writing his office pleading with him to accept NC's offer. However, if he's not a total idiot, he also relizes WHY people are pleading to keep the rd open. If there's a slight fender bender and someone cuts thier leg surveying the damage, and NC doesn't arrive until 8 hrs later and that person has bled to death or contracted ganggreen, it's TN's rd and therefore Liabilty.

I don't like it at all, but I understand the reasoning behind it.

It also appears that the damn for the Friday meet and saturday photoshoot is no longer accesible either.

[ROTORX7Holly]

The event will still kick ass.

It also appears that the damn for the Friday meet and saturday photoshoot is no longer accesible either.

Where are you seeing this information? The Fontana Damn is off of U.S.28, not U.S. 129. I'm just asking, because the route from NV to Fontana Damn does not even hit the TN line.

Holly

[TitaniumTT]

Then I am mistaken.... I was under the impression that the damn was only accesible by 129. My mistake.

[War Eagle]

Well I don't know how much good this will do but I just wrote to the TN and NC government officials with this letter or a derivation of it:

Good afternoon Governor,

I am writing to ask for your help in promptly reopening US129, otherwise known as the "Tail of the Dragon". Please accept the offer of Graham County NC officials to support the 13 miles of US129 until the road can be reopened. The Tail of the Dragon is of significant importance to tourism in both TN and NC and your decision to close the entire road is adversely impacting the economy of the region, placing many jobs at risk. I am sure during these difficult economic times you will review your position on the matter and do everything in your power to keep the economy of the area vibrant and growing.

I am part of a large gathering of over 250 rotary enthusiasts gathering from around the nation that will be in the Deals Gap area April 15th through the 18th and your current plans to reopen the road on July 31st are unacceptable to us as I am sure it is to the businesses that depend on the road for their income. Put government to work and show us what can be accomplished when government functions for the good "of the people".

I appreciate the consideration and look forward to you willingness to promptly solve the issue.

Best,

David Hayes

Click here to get the emails of the officials:

http://www.dealsgap.com/save-the-gap/index.html

It can't hurt so we'll see.

[Kentetsu]

Just in case, we should have one or more of the locals putting together a map of alternative cruise routes. While there is nothing like the Dragon, there are still plenty of damned good roads down there. I found several just cruising around with the wife, getting lost, so I know they're there.

[TitaniumTT]

David, I like the letter very much. I would however like to offer my opinions on it for anyone else that would like to write in. I deal with people personally, face to face, with difficult personal situations and with many years experience, I can basically run a meeting however I want with whoever I want.

First - very well written, proffesional, courteous, generally non-confrontational. Things that anyone who wants to write in should consider. Don't attack, threaten, say WTF are you doing you tard.... these will get you no-where.

I REALLY like this phrase, point, everything about it is phenomenal

I am sure during these difficult economic times you will review your position on the matter and do everything in your power to keep the economy of the area vibrant and growing.

The three things that I would change are

1) - the word enthusiast. I would say club members. Enthusiast has a certain conatation that we want to avoid. We want to sound like tourists, not like people that want to tear ass down the rd. That's the reason I believe the dragon is closed to the border.

2) placing many jobs at risk. While true, it might be viewed as a bit of a stretch and it's an assumption as well. I would site the motorcycle lodge by saying, The Tail of the Dragon is of significant importance to tourism in both TN and NC and your decision to close the entire road is adversely impacting the economy of the region; the rest area/gift shop in NC has already significantly cut back thier hours of operation due to the road closure.

3) unacceptable - I wouldn't use this at all. As soon as I read that word the entire tone of that sentence was changed. It felt a little too aggressive. Not knowing the personality of the TN govenor, we should treat it as worst case scenario. For all we know he wanted to be govenor to boss people around. Hearing a word like that could provoke a response such as, FU, I'll keep it closed as long as I want. I am part of a large gathering of over 250 rotary enthusiasts gathering from around the nation that will be in the Deals Gap area April 15th through the 18th and your current plans to reopen the road on July 31st are unacceptable to us as I am sure it is to the businesses that depend on the road for their income. I would say
I am part of a large gathering of over 250 club members gathering from around the nation that will be in the Deals Gap area April 15th through the 18th. The current plans to reopen the road on July 31st are causing us great concern. This is an annual gathering that has been in planning since last year and we would love to see the road open in time for our gathering. I am sure the local businesses that depend on the road for their income would love to see it open as quickly as possible as well to take advantage of the near weekly gatherings of clubs/tourists that beautiful region brings.

I would also go on to say, I understand your concern with allowing NC to maintain and protect the road until your officials have unrestricted access to it, however I urge you to please reconsider the offer. Surely something can be worked out that is in everyones best interest.

Just me, but that's how I would, and plan to approach it when I write in. This is of course assuming that these are being read and not just tallied in an In-box

[War Eagle]

^Works for me. Had to try and encourage the rest of you to do the same.

[TitaniumTT]

How about an online petition and link all the other forums/businesses/etc to it?

[ZGN]

How about an online petition and link all the other forums/businesses/etc to it?


working on it right now.

http://www.openus129.com/
I have only spent 10 mins on it. got to clean it up.

Anyone familiar with WP want to help?
I need content, what should I say.. T"TT help me out! :)

[TitaniumTT]

NICE!!!!!!!!!


I don't even know what WP is so I can't help you there. As fort what to say......... gimme some time to ponder and before I go to bed tonight I'll post something up here ;)

[TitaniumTT]

This petition is brought about to illustrate the concern from around the country regarding the seemingly overly cautious closing of US129. We ask you to please reconsider & accept the offer of Graham County NC officials to support the 13 miles of US129 until the road can be reopened and access gained from the TN side. We are sure you are aware of the signifcance of this stretch of road and the importance to tourism in both TN and NC.

The decision to close the entire road has already provided an adverse impact to the economy of the region; many rest stops & gift shops have begun shortening thier hours of operation due to less tourism. It would not be out of the realm of possibilities to consider that resorts and hotels are loosing reservations and experiencing an increase in cancelations. These effects will be felt in the local economies and have the potential to place jobs at risk and lower the profits of many businesses. I am sure during these difficult economic times you will review your position on the matter and do everything in your power to keep the economy of the area vibrant and growing. With spring approaching, the region should see an increase in tourism. It's possible with the close of this road, tourism could stay stagnant or even decline until the road is accesible.

The creator of this petition is part of a large gathering of over 250 club members gathering from around the nation, around the continent actually; members are flying and driving in from as far as CA and even Canada. Our plan right now is to be in the Deals Gap area April 15th through the 19th. The current plans to reopen the road on July 31st are causing our group great concern. We're sure this emotion is shared with local residents and business owners that rely on the road, the tourism it attacts, and the groups that decend on the region for their livelyhood. Our Mid April gathering at Natahalla Villiage has been in planning since last year and we would love to see the road open in time for our annual event. We're sure the local businesses that depend on the road for their income would greatly appreciate it being opened as quickly and safely as possible as well to take advantage of the weekly gatherings of clubs and tourists that the beautiful region brings.

We understand your concern with allowing NC to maintain and protect the road until your officials have unrestricted access to it. However, we urge you to please reconsider the offer. Surely something can be worked out that is in everyones best interest. The tourists, the business owners, the locals and even state officials we're sure would like to see US129 open today

We all, everyone on this petition, appreciates your consideration and look forward to your willingness to promptly solve the issue.


Here ya go, feel free to add, modify, etc etc.... offer goes to all.

[bop_rocco]

Here is a link of a local motorcycle forum and you can get some more info here on the dragon and other roads. http://www.easttnriders.com/forum/index.php

[TitaniumTT]

If anyone belongs to these local forums, or any other forum for that matter that has anything to do with US129.... link them the petition please......

[War Eagle]

How about an online petition and link all the other forums/businesses/etc to it?On-line petitions usually don't get much traction with politicians - they're seen as too easy and usually ignored. They are used though for total counts so I would still do it.

The best route is for individuals to send letters/call.

[War Eagle]

Time to think of alternatives. The Moonshiner 28 looks good:

http://www.moonshiner28.com/

[ZGN]

Let's get a list going, I just made a page for it on http://www.openus129.com/

[angelofragnarok]

Does anyone know what the refund policy is for the hotels around the Dragon? If the road stays closed then I don't want to lose all of that money I put into a hotel that I'd have no reason to go to. That's my current stance unless we decided on an alternative route or gathering point.

[ZGN]

You'll just have to call the hotel, where did you make reservations?




http://www.openus129.com/

[War Eagle]

Does anyone know what the refund policy is for the hotels around the Dragon? If the road stays closed then I don't want to lose all of that money I put into a hotel that I'd have no reason to go to. That's my current stance unless we decided on an alternative route or gathering point.

If you have never been to the region than I highly encourage you to still attend. You'll never get to another meet like this on the east coast where 250 or so rotary heads gather. And last I checked there were over 130 rotary cars of all sorts for us to admire.

The Dragon is great and I am disappointed that it will not be open but there other great, great roads right around Nantahala Village. In fact, the highway going to the village is pretty nice and the roads that lead to the Dragon are tons of fun too. And don't forget the Skyway which for some reason, I could never find last year:)

[HDP]

And don't forget the Skyway which for some reason, I could never find last year:)

You sure you're not a part of the "other" A-team? :) :rofl:

[helghast7]

oh ok so the whole thing is still definetly on correct?

i was just worried our meet was cancelled

and David...i still havent forgotten i owe you cookies lol

[Nyc Drift King]

=[

[djmtsu]

Anyone who is considering not going because the Dragon 'might' be closed, get over it.

This is the BEST Rotary event in the US, and there are TONS of other roads to take advantage of in the area.

Holy crap, you think the Canadians are going to bail? Hell NO!! Eh.

[Redhawkjrt]

oh ok so the whole thing is still definetly on correct?

i was just worried our meet was cancelled

and David...i still havent forgotten i owe you cookies lol

Holy Mother of Pearl! While driving the Dragon is a blast, it's the least of my reasons for returning to this event. The people and the cars, the great venue, the chance to interact and share ideas with rotorheads from all over; I mean, I sincerely hope no one even thinks about backing out due to the Dragon being closed. There are plenty of other roads to enjoy in the area, and if anyone cancels, they will be shorting themselves severely. Personally, I can't wait, and in some ways, this will present an interesting challenge, finding other worthy roads, many with the possibility of less intense scrutiny from LEO's.

2 1/2 weeks!! :driving:

[PortedRotorTuner]

I can't wait to go! Plenty of other roads! With this many people signed
up, should still be one of the best DGRR's ever! :driving:

[helghast7]

i wasnt thinking of backing out for your information, since you cant seem to understand properly

i was asking if the whole meet was cancelled, i had not seen any confirmation wether it was or was not, and since it seemed to me originally that this meet revolved around the road there was a thought that the whole thing would be cancelled

thank you for your inspiring story, i think ill watch the notebook now...ill be on a roll

[TitaniumTT]

Anyone who is considering not going because the Dragon 'might' be closed, get over it.

This is the BEST Rotary event in the US, and there are TONS of other roads to take advantage of in the area.

sing it girlfriend!

Holy crap, you think the Canadians are going to bail? Hell NO!! Eh.

:smilielol5:

2 1/2 weeks!! :driving:

Ugh.... don't remind me. Car doesn't even roll, no suspension, steering or drivetrain.. shit I'm still wiring :banghead: At least last year the car was moving under it's own power by now.....

[Herblenny]

DGRR is not canceled.

I know the event is called "Deals Gap" Rotary Rally, but Deals Gap isn't the main reason for this event... well, it used to be but no longer the only main attraction. DGRRX is more about the RX vs DG :)

Anyhow, There are tons of great roads to explore on your own during the "FREE" time... Or those of you wanting to do other things, you could explore the excitement of white water rafting or hiking.. Me, I just like to hang out and talk cars with various rotorheads. If you look at the list, you'll see there will be ton of very informative rotorheads coming to this years event.

[Drama]

DGRR is not canceled.

I know the event is called "Deals Gap" Rotary Rally, but Deals Gap isn't the main reason for this event... well, it used to be but no longer the only main attraction. DGRRX is more about the RX vs DG :)

Anyhow, There are tons of great roads to explore on your own during the "FREE" time... Or those of you wanting to do other things, you could explore the excitement of white water rafting or hiking.. Me, I just like to hang out and talk cars with various rotorheads. If you look at the list, you'll see there will be ton of very informative rotorheads coming to this years event.

SPOKEN WELL!!!!!!!!!:driving:

[HockeyRX-8]

^+1...while trying to find the Dragon last year, we got lost and went in the complete opposite direction and the road we were on was very twisty and just as fun

Can't wait to go!

[Redshft]

What they said. The road is pretty much just an excuse for the meet, isn't it?
If you simply want to drive the road, why would you need the big event? I'm looking forward to meeting all the people, talking cars, and hopefully learning a bunch.

[angelofragnarok]

Ok, as long as the meet is still on, then I'm going! I wanted to know about cancellations because I was under the impression that it was called off.

[classicauto]

Holy crap, you think the Canadians are going to bail? Hell NO!! Eh.

Heck no, budday! there'd be no one to comment on the weak 'merican beer, fwiend! Or to say how hot it is on those 15C days, guy!

[djmtsu]

See, Joe knows wassup.

Celsius confuses me.

[helghast7]

if you own a pfc you catch on real fast lol