For the past 6 years, F-Type owners from across North America have gathered each Spring in the NC/TN mountains to tackle the Tail of the Dragon (TOD) and enjoy the other local roads and sites. Anyone interested in joining us for 2025 is welcome.

Our TOD drive will be Saturday, May 3rd, with the group staying at Tapoco Lodge Friday night and Saturday night. Discounted room rates are available. Use the link on the event website - the hotel will show sold out for our dates otherwise.

The area and roads in Robbinsville and Deals Gap were NOT impacted from the recent devastation of Hurricane Helen. Our extended routes (Thurs/Fri, and Sunday) will be updated based on road and rebuild status in Asheville and Little Switzerland as we get closer.

For details and registration: www.f-type.org

 

We will be there! Hope you allow us to support it a bit!

 

Suncoast Jaguar Club (Melanie) turned me on to the TOD

Scheduling conflicts did not allow me to join the group, however I was able to enjoy the experience twice; once in my P300, and then again the following year in my current P450 AWD.

The TOPOCO LODGE is a wonderful venue, and I do hope to make the group event this year.

It's a long drive for us here in S.W. Florida, but I can assure you, if you are on the fence, it's well worth it.

Hope to see y'all this year !

BEST !

RWS

 

 

The first time we went in 2019, we met for lunch at Tapoco. Even if you don’t stay there, Tapoco Lodge is a great place for a meal.

If your spouse doesn’t do the “car stuff”, Tapoco is a great place to spend the day, either their spa services or coordinating kayaking or fishing activities to keep them busy (and in my case, stay married). I’m cheap and reluctantly booked my room the first time we went multi-day. Have not regretted a stay there once.

One note, they did remove the car wash station last year and have a guy who offers the service on site instead. I think a few folks booked with him last year but don’t recall if the feedback was good or bad.

 

I recall using a quarter car wash in Robbinsville, or maybe it was on 74 on the way in.

Was necessary for me as to look good for the photos !

BEST !

RWS

 

Just updating here that our optional Friday morning drive will be based out of Knoxville for 2025. This will allow us to explore Devil’s Triangle and surrounding roads on our way to Tapoco Friday afternoon.

If you’ve made a reservation at Elements Asheville as part of the event, please cancel. New Knoxville hotel details will be provided to registered attendees once confirmed.

Surprising to me that while Knox and Asheville are approx 2 hours apart, it’s only a 30 minute difference in my GPS route from FLA. I guess FL public school was a little light in geography lessons. Or math, or critical thinking. All may be true in my case.

Please know that we hope to return to the Asheville area for future events.

 

My photos from my Friday afternoon run (rain and leaf debris) look like I went offroading before hitting TOD. I was thinking Parsons Branch (the partially paved road) might have left me cleaner. Still a great drive though!

 

I've been there several times on bike trips. It's quite the experience!

https://i.imgur.com/2tQppAo.jpeg




My last ride at TOTD
mgur.com/2tQppAo.jpeg

 

Of course, from here, it's 2 hours - assuming I-40 is open by then...

I-40 in NC after Helene.

 

Yes, I just made that trip last week. Riding with the leafer-peepers on 441 (Newfound Gap) was painful.

The TN portion of BRP was a surprising treat! First half mile or so was rough surface and then was very nice. Being the only one on the road didn’t suck either. Talked to a guy in Knox who told me 209 out of Hot Springs was open, but I did not confirm personally as I headed home another route. I’ve done it previously and it’s a nice run.

 

We are getting close! Happy to announce Harper Jag is our meetup location for Friday morning (Knoxville). I’m hoping to get a chance to meet some of the parts guys that have been so super helpful.

If you haven’t RSVP’d yet, please do. That way I can provide an accurate count to each location. No cost to register, just need to know what events you’ll participate in.

I was told last week that the final room of our block at Tapoco was booked. Alternate lodging is available at Fontana Lodge or downtown Robbinsville.

If you’ve registered look for details in your email. If you believe you’ve registered and not received anything from me, please drop me a note.

 

Mel we used the on site "detail" guy. He did a fine job and was reasonable. If he is still there we will use him again as I am sure folks in those areas need all the income they can earn. See you there!

 

Good to know. Thanks!

 

Please contact me if you are looking for hotel room for Friday night and Saturday night. We have fully booked Tapoco but I can transfer one of the cabins, if anyone needs. First come, first serve.

 

Sorry, room has been taken.

Tapoco does have availability for Friday night. Last I checked Fontana village had availability for Saturday.

 

This year’s agenda has been sent to all registered attendees. If you have not received any emails about the event, please check your junk folder. If nothing there, please contact me to confirm your registration and make sure you receive all communications. Thank you.