June 12-14, 2025
GROUP RIDES - Friday, June 13
General Group Ride Info
- We have no way to tell how many people will show up for each ride. There could be 30 people, or there could be 200. With that said, the group leader will NOT be stopping for any reason other than at the scheduled stops and there likely won't be a tail person. Also, with a large group, it will be very difficult for the leader to know if they've lost any part of their group.
- We will try our best not to lose people on the rides... however, if you are unable to keep up or need to stop, you will need to find your own way to the destination or back to The American Legion. It's nearly impossible for an entire group of 100-200 to pull over and wait for others to catch up. Please try to keep up with the group.
- Do not turn off or stop unless you absolutely have to. We are expecting riders to stay with the group until the ride ends back at the rally location.
- Make sure you are fueled up and ready to go at the specified ride time. We will not wait on anyone and ride times will take off at the times posted. Arrive early and ready to go.
- All group rides will take off and end at the rally location.
- You are more than welcome to ride in 2 separate group rides... however, due to traffic and several rides going through tourist areas, the rides may take longer than expected. It may be difficult to be back in time to jump into another group ride.
- Nobody will be blocking intersections. Ride with caution! We recommend continuing through stop signs/stop lights IF THE CONDITIONS ARE SAFE AND OTHER VEHICLES SEEM TO BE LETTING YOU CONTINUE WITH THE GROUP. If you do get stuck at a light or get separated from the group due to traffic, we will try to slow the group down to allow you catch up. Please try to get caught up the best you can in a safe manner.
- Maintaining a safe distance and visibility of the rider in front of you is crucial! Nearly every ride has blind turns around curves and along cliffs and mountains. If the group slows down or someone stops around a blind turn, there is an extreme danger of the group hitting them causing a pileup. Always try to keep up with the group but give yourself plenty of space.
- Always stay in staggered formation. Do NOT ride next to another rider. Our roads are narrow and very curvy. Never ride next to another rider.
THE CASTLE
THE DAM DRAGON
10:00am
Leader: Chris Zacharias
If you like backroads and creepy stuff, this one is for you! The Fortress of Faith is a large hand-built
castle in the middle of nowhere that has taken it's owner 30 years to build. It's not nice, but it is
STRANGE to say the least. There's a pet cemetery, jail, child's bedroom, king and queen thrones, and
tons of random items laying around the castle.
This ride is the longest due to the 2 stops and time needed to see the castle in its entirety.
SPECS
Total miles - 63
Expected travel time (including stops) ~5hrs
Twisties - 7/10
Rider Level - Intermediate
Recommended bike size - 125cc+
Stops - The Fortress of Faith Castle (aka Greenback Castle) and 129 Hub for fuel, restrooms, food, drinks
and merchandise
THE DAM DRAGON
THE DAM DRAGON
10:30am
Leader: Daniel Canaday
This route touches on both the Foothills Parkway and the Tail of the Dragon. You'll travel all the way to Fontana Dam, then back down the Dragon to return to Maryville.
This is a dangerous route, ride at your own risk!
SPECS
Total miles - 100
Expected travel time (including stops)
~4hrs
Twisties - 9/10
Rider Level - Intermediate/Advanced
Recommended bike size - 125cc+
(NOT A SLOW RIDE)
Stops - Deal's Gap and Fontana Dam
https://maps.app.goo.gl/efLEWrJNfCKQLuMk7
THE TWISTED FORK
11am
Leader: Matt Carpenter
Get ready to lean into the curves and indulge your cravings! This scenic group ride winds through backcountry roads and twisty mountain routes to the heart of South Knoxville’s Old Sevier District.
Once we arrive, you'll have a full hour to feast on whatever your fork fancies—artisan pizza, gourmet burgers, craft brews, specialty coffee, Vietnamese noodles, dumplings, or even foraged mushrooms.
After lunch, we’ll regroup and head back through a fresh set of curvy roads, wrapping up at the American Legion with full bellies and even fuller hearts.
This ride is all about throttle, twisties, and tasty discoveries. Let’s ride—and dine—in style.
SPECS
Total miles - 47
Expected travel time (including stops) ~3 hrs
Twisties - 7/10
Rider Level - Intermediate
Recommended bike size - 125cc+
Stops - South Knoxville for lunch and Citgo for fuel and restrooms
Locals Shortcut
11:30am
Leader: John & Alicia Morin
For years this backroad into Pigeon Forge was only known to locals. It's a narrow, tight road that follows
Reed Creek along mountain farms and an old saloon town with gorgeous mountain views as the backdrop.
The return loop will be the new Foothills Parkway back into Maryville.
SPECS
Total miles - 52
Expected travel time (including stops)
~2hr 30mins
Twisties - 8/10
Rider Level - Intermediate/Advanced
Recommended bike size - 125cc+
Stops - Old Saloon Town (photo op)
50cc+ Ride (The slow roll)
12:00pm
Leader: Isaac Carpenter
Join Isaac on this slower/relaxed ride along the great Blount County countryside. This ride will stop at the Chilhowee Dam which is a super cool location! You'll make your way back to the the rally spot after grabbing some ice cream at Brusters.
SPECS
Total miles - 51
Expected travel time (including stops)
~2.5hrs
Twisties - 3/10
Rider Level - Beginner/Intermediate
Recommended bike size - 50cc+
Stops - Chilhowee Dam and Brusters Ice Cream
'LIL RIP
12:30pm
Leader: Justin Murphy
This route takes you across the new Foothills Parkway with amazing mountain views, down into Wears Valley. From there, you'll head up into the mountains across a one-lane bridge, then follow the river back to Maryville past several waterfalls.
If there's enough room to fit the entire group, a stop at one of the biggest waterfalls may happen... but tourists usually pack the parking area so stopping usually isn't an option for a group this size.
SPECS
Total miles - 54
Expected travel time (including stops) ~2.5hrs
Twisties - 7/10
Rider Level - Beginner/Intermediate
Recommended bike size - 125cc+
Stops - Metcalf Bottoms picnic area (scenic spot on the river with restrooms)