Tricky Southern routes?

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by TrvlChnnl, Jul 15, 2011.

  1. TrvlChnnl

    TrvlChnnl Bobtail Member

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    Hi everyone,

    I'm doing some research for a television show that will be airing on the Travel Channel later this fall. Right now I'm on the hunt for a story to fill out 2-5 minutes for our "Trucker's nightmare" segment. Specifically, I'm looking for a stretch of road in the south (preferably in TN, WV, AL, or FL) that is notoriously difficult, dangerous, tricky, etc (and in a perfect world a driver that would be interested in doing a ride along on that road!).

    Any insight, information, interest and/or general tomfoolery would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks :wave:
     
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  3. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Your best bet is to find an owner operator on a local or dedicated route as most drivers don't know where they will be driving from one trip to the next. Plus company trucks have strict insurance requirements for ride alongs being limited to a single family member. You might prearrange it with a company being a well known TV station.
    I live in East TN and the trickiest roads consist of mountains, sharp curves, cliffs and no shoulders. Some of the most dangerous roads I've been on are in southeastern Kentucky.
    A few near where I live are US64 between Cleveland, TN and Ducktown, TN running along side the Ocoee river where they had the white water kayaking during the Olympics for the Atlanta games. It has cliffs hanging out equal with the white line and blind 90 degree curves that 18 wheelers need both lanes. You have to be on your toes. Any conflict of two trucks meeting on the blind curves can be dangerous. Most will announce on the CB they are approaching. I use to drive for Johnston Coca-Cola out of Cleveland and run that route many times. You might make arrangements with them. The scenery is beautiful and might be a good background for a film.

    Another truck route that is tricky is Hwy 68 between Spring City and Crossville, TN. Many trucks use that as a short cut to I-40. There are several mountain curves you have to slow way down for.

    Logging companies take it to the extremes running make shift gravel roads in the mountains. You can find many running to the Bowater paper plant in Charleston, TN to get a lead.
     
  4. DocG

    DocG Light Load Member

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    Nothing is worse than driving Deal's Gap. It's US 129 at the NC/TN border. Some people call it the Tail of the Dragon because it has so many frigging curves.
     
  5. TrvlChnnl

    TrvlChnnl Bobtail Member

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    This is awesome info! Thank you so much. :biggrin_25514:
     
  6. bubba mark

    bubba mark Medium Load Member

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    There is a website with tons of pics of accidents caused by trucks on that road.
     
  7. ronin

    ronin Road Train Member

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    Isn't Tail of the Dragon also the place where folks on sport bikes and sports cars go to play?
     
  8. bubba mark

    bubba mark Medium Load Member

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    Yeah it is. That website I was talking about was started by a bike rider who uses that road a lot.
     
  9. dave26027

    dave26027 Road Train Member

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    Kentucky Hwy 92 from Monticello, Ky to Tinsley, Ky- then U.S.25E from Tinsley to Pineville, Ky. Then U.S. 119 East to Harlan, Ky. Then U.S. 421 North to Hyden, Ky.

    If you're still bored and want a better challenge, try starting at the California/Nevada border. Take U.S. 6 South From Tonopah, Nv into Ca. Take Ca 120 West to U.S. 395 North. Go past Yosemite and take Ca Hwy 108 West to Modesto.

    You're not supposed to be on those routes with trucks in Ca. Until the statute of limitations runs out I might want to politely decline comment and only say that I firmly believe that a determined driver could take 46,000 lbs of beer from Golden, Colorado across that route.

    And PLEASE- give us some positive press, we're all tired of being the evil bad guys..
     
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  10. bullhaulerswife

    bullhaulerswife Forum Leader/Admin Staff Member Administrator

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    Quoting this for extra emphases! :biggrin_25514: Amen!
     
    dave26027 and Hardlyevr Thank this.
  11. Sportster2000

    Sportster2000 Road Train Member

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    Please do not go on US129 (aka Deals Gap, Tail of The Dragon) with a truck. Since so many sportbike riders are there because of it being well known the chance of a accident between truck and motorcycle is higher than in other areas.
     
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