I have been going to Deal's Gap for years. Yes, the Tennessee Highway Patrol current has a hard-on for motorcycle riders (not just sport bikes) but they have always been a bit of a pest, even before this latest initiative. I schedule an annual trip to Deal's Gap, through another motorcycle forum. We go every year the week before Memorial day and to date only have one ticket to show for all of the fun. Riding during the week is usually the best advice. You have to run the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway several times. We stay only at the Tree Tops and Ridge, (
http://www.thetreetops.com/) who just happen to own the Tail of the Dragon website (
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/). The Ridge features a HUGE garage with pool table, ping pong, darts and enough space for about 12 bikes and plenty of beer.
Great for rainy days or just hanging out. The houses feature hot tubs and sleep up to 16, so you can make a whole week's vacation for about $300.00 bucks per person and that figure includes travel expenses down and back. Food and gas while you are down there will be extra.
Gosh, I sound like I work for the travel agency.