ADRENALINE PUMPING | BREATHTAKING SCENERY | BEAUTIFUL MACHINERY | UNUSUAL CAMARADERIE
ADVENTURES
UPCOMING TOURS
RAGING BULL DRAGON STAMPEDE XXV
TOUR #151
Tuesday, April 29 - Friday, May 2, 2025
2 FULL DAYS OF DRIVING
328 MILES
3 NIGHTS STAY
$1,690 DRIVER ONLY
$2,780 DRIVER & NAVIGATOR
THE ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
YOU ARRIVE & DRIVE. WE HANDLE EVERY DETAIL.
- Multiple runs of The Tail of the Dragon with 311 curves over 11 miles
- 328 miles of the most fun and scenic roads in the US
- Experience thrilling drives with 91,300 ft. of elevation change
- Expert Tourmaster with 20+ years of experience leading 140+ drives
- The group is limited to 18 cars to maximize enjoyment and safety
- Middle-of-the-week drives with no crowds
- Optional drives on the Back of the Dragon and all of the other
most-famous dragons in NC and the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Visit to Gatlinburg, TN and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Amazingly beautiful scenic overlooks
- Overnight stay at the most beautiful lodge & spa in Western North Carolina
- Most highly-rated restaurants and catered dinners
- Private/gated parking
- Overnight security to guard our stallions
- On-site hand car washes at every overnight destination (optional)
- Professional photographer to capture all of our best moments
Entire Trip Has Been Personally Scouted and Meticulously Planned in Advance
To see photos from the last Arkansas Stampede, click here.
REGISTERED DRIVERS & NAVIGATORS
1. Chris & Burgundy (CO) 1997 Ferrari F355 + 2020 Camaro ZL1
2. Blake & Shana (TX) 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
plus The Tourmaster
TOTAL COUNT: 5 Participants in 3 Cars (Maximum 18 Cars)
To see photos from the last Colorado Stampede, click here.
The Raging Bull Dragon Stampede is intended to bring together enthusiasts
who have a passion for driving their cars the way they were designed to be driven.
It is designed to be the most thrilling and challenging yet safest
driving event in the United States.
The entire trip is organized for you.
All you have to do is show up ready to drive and have a great time.
FEATURES
328-mile road trip covering the most curvy, fun, and scenic roads and attractions in the United States
Led by The Tourmaster who has organized 150 driving tours in 20+ years
Two-day, three-night driving tour
Optional runs on the Back of the Dragon and the most famous other dragons in NC
Every mile, every overlook, every attraction, every restaurant, every stop, and every destination
has been scouted and meticulously planned in advance
Unmatched camaraderie
The experience of driving the most curvy, fun, and scenic roads in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia
The unforgettable thrills of 91,300 feet of elevation change
For beautiful views, we will slow down and take it all in
For breathtaking overlooks and shots, we will stop and absorb the incredible moments
When the roads are twisty, we'll speed up and carve every corner
It will be the most memorable automotive adventure and vacation of your life.
Amazingly beautiful mountain lodge resort
The most highly-rated restaurants and catered dinners
Private/gated parking
Hand car wash at overnight destinations (optional)
A professional photographer will capture our most memorable moments
Dedicated gallery for everyone to share photos and videos
High-power radio in each car for safety and banter
Detailed drivers notes and maps
An absolutely unforgettable road trip
PROGRAM (subject to change)
Main Event: Tuesday, April 29 - Friday, May 2, 2025
Start Location: Somewhere in Western North Carolina near Knoxville, TN (TBA to registered participants only)
Car Transport: The Tourmaster will personally supervise the delivery of every car shipment near the Knoxville, TN airport.
Accommodations: See the LODGING section below. Details will be shared with registered drivers & passengers.
Drive Routes: Detailed driver notes will be provided before each leg of the drive.
End Location: Same place in Western North Carolina
Day 1 | Tuesday, April 29 | Arrival in Tennessee, Explore Nearby Attractions, Check-In
4:30 PM: (MANDATORY) Stampede check-in at the most beautiful mountain lodge & spa in Western North Carolina, roll-call, vehicle inspection, and radio test followed by catered Welcome Dinner at the lodge, Drivers Meeting, and post-dinner social.
Day 2 | Wednesday, April 30 | Drive Day
185 miles, 57,120 ft. of elevation change
Ladies and gentlemen! Saddle up! Start your engines! Let's ride the Raging Bull!
Today we will embark on an amazing driving adventure in the Smoky Mountains including the Tail of the Dragon (twice!) and all of the other famous roads near the Dragon. We will escape to another dimension, enjoying the amazing sights and immersing ourselves in the intoxicating sounds from our cars echoing from the tree-lined roads and mountainsides. You will fall in love with your car all over again. We will own the roads and declare them our playground.
We will have more fun than a human being should be allowed to have.
Day 3 | Thursday, May 1 | Drive Day
143 miles, 34,180 ft. of elevation change
Let's ride the Raging Bull again!
This will be another incredibly fun day of driving. Our journey will cover some of the most amazingly beautiful and twisty roads and scenic overlooks in the United States. You will be amazed at the quality and thrill of the roads. You will finish today and our road trip a better and more skilled driver than when you arrived. We will all enjoy a great night of rest following our exhilarating two-day road trip.
Day 4 | Friday, May 2 | Say Good-Byes, Reluctantly Return Home OR Stay a Little Longer
Breakfast at the lodge, final good-byes, depart at your leisure. Or stay one or more extra days to make the best of your time in the area.
OPTIONAL RALLIES IN VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA
Back of the Dragon Run, Drive to Gatlinburg, TN | Saturday, April 26 | Drive Day
275 miles, 66,393 ft. of elevation change
The Back of the Dragon is ranked by many as almost as good or even better than the Tail of the Dragon. At 30 miles, it is more than twice as long as the Tail of the Dragon (11 miles). It is not the most popular road because it is 2.5 hours away from the Tail of the Dragon.
After a scrumptious breakfast, with our bodies and stallions fueled up, we'll drive the famous Back of the Dragon TWICE with social/restroom breaks in between. Following lunch, we will launch a spirited run to Gatlinburg, TN which we will enjoy for two nights.
(You should arrive at the hotel on Friday, April 25 to ensure you are well-rested and ready for the Back of the Dragon Run.)
Stay at Riverside Hotel in Gatlinburg, TN | Sunday, April 27 | Rest/Exploration Day
After a full day of fun driving on Saturday, we'll take today to rest, relax, and enjoy Gatlinburg and all the nearby attractions including the Great Smoky Mountains, nearby Pigeon Forge, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and attractions in and around Gatlinburg e.g. shopping, visiting Dollywood, etc.
Can't make the Back of the Dragon Run? Then join us on Sunday, April 27 to rest, explore, and prepare for the BONCRs Run on Monday.
Drivers coming for the BONCRs Run will join our group this afternoon.
BONCRs Run | Monday, April 28 | Drive Day
252 miles, 56,507 ft. of elevation change
This really is a bonkers run with a seemingly endless number of curves! The BONCRs Run -- Best of North Carolina Roads -- will include the most-famous other dragons in North Carolina (known only by local enthusiasts and those in-the-know) and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This was the most time-consuming and difficult run to prepare due to the remote locations of the roads included. This run will conclude with checking into to the most beautiful mountain lodge in Western North Carolina where we will stay for the next four nights.
Insider Info: This run was originally planned to be part of the main event. But the remote location of the roads and extremely high number of curves justified making it a stand-alone run with a day to rest afterward. It is an extremely fun and rewarding run and a unique route.
Stay at Most Beautiful Mountain Resort in Western NC | Tuesday, April 29 | Rest/Exploration Day
Book a spa package, enjoy the delightful views at the resort, explore the nearby mountains, hike trails at the resort, run the Dragon, or join us on a bonus run on roads near the Dragon including a visit to an amazing remote scenic overlook in the Nanthahala National Forest.
Can't make the Back of the Dragon Run or the BONCRs Run? Then join us on Tuesday, April 29 to rest, explore, and prepare for the Dragon Stampede starting on Wednesday.
Drivers coming for the main event will join us at the resort today.
If you have a question, please email The Tourmaster directly at Tourmaster@DrivingAdventuresUSA.com.
LODGING
Knowing the popularity of the Tail of the Dragon, a block of lodge rooms, suites, and cabins has been reserved at the most beautiful mountain resort in Western North Carolina, and rooms at the highest rated hotels have been reserved for the (optional) Back of the Dragon Run and BONCRs Run. The full itinerary including the overnight accommodations will be revealed to registered participants.
Lodging costs have NOT been included in the registration fee. Why? Given the four-day stay at the HQ resort and the variety of rooms, suites, and cabins available, we wanted to give participants the flexibility to choose whatever type of room that suited their tastes and spending preference. Obviously, people who register early will have the option to reserve the rooms and cabins of their choice.
For the main event at the mountain lodge resort & spa, The Tourmaster has negotiated discounted rates for our group which range from $220 to $360 per night plus 15% taxes. The reserved block of rooms, suites, and cabins will be released back to the resort on February 28, so make sure to reserve your lodging as soon as possible.
For the Back of the Dragon Run (1 night), the 3-star hotel room rates range from $152.96 to $236.80 (including tax) with 24-hr cancellation.
For the BONCRs Run (2 nights), the 4-start hotel room rates are from $292.04 (including tax) per night with 48-hr cancellation.
NOTE: You are NOT required to stay at the lodges and hotels chosen by The Tourmaster. You have the flexibility to stay at any hotel of your choice. All drives will start at the base lodges and hotels chosen by The Tourmaster.
COSTS
1. REGISTRATION FEE FOR MAIN EVENT (per car)
The Registration Fee includes three breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners (two of them private and catered), private dinner shuttle, private /gated parking at resort for main event, professional photography, and two full days of drives on the Tail of the Dragon AND the most famous other dragons nearby. Three nights of lodging are not included. Please see the Lodging section for details.
IF PAYING VIA CREDIT CARD
Driver Only: $1,690 + credit card fee = $1,751.00
Driver & Passenger: $2,780 + credit cards fee = $2,881.00
You are welcome to save money by mailing a check.
FIRST-TIME PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHECK (WHICH WILL SAVE YOU MONEY)
(If you accidentally pay by credit card, the credit card fee cannot be refunded.)
IF PAYING VIA CHECK
Driver Only: $1,690 ($61 less than paying with a credit card)
Driver & Passenger: $2,780 ($101 less than paying with a credit card)
During registration, please specify if you would like to pay by check so that we can send you a mailing address.
NOT INCLUDED in Registration Fee: Lodging, car rental, vehicle transportation, flights to/from event, gas and other any other personal expenses.
2. OPTIONAL RALLIES IN VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA (per car) (CREDIT CARD / CHECK)
Back of the Dragon Run (Driver Only): $611 / $590
Back of the Dragon Run (Driver & Passenger): $1,010 / $975
This run includes two breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners, and the full-day Back of the Dragon Run. Two nights of lodging are not included. Please see the Lodging section for details.
BONCRs Run (Driver Only): $922 / $890
BONCRs Run (Driver & Passenger): $1,503 / $1,450
This run includes two breakfasts, one lunch, two dinners, and the full-day BONCRs Run. Two nights of lodging are not included. Please see the Lodging section for details.
3. REFUNDABLE SAFETY DEPOSIT (per car) (CREDIT CARD / CHECK)
Former Participant: $104 / $100 ($100 is refundable)
If you are one of the 70+ people who already have a Safety Deposit on file (you know who you are), do not send a Safety Deposit.
First-timer with referral: $311 / $300 ($300 is refundable)
First-timer without referral: $518 / $500 ($500 is refundable)
THE REFUNDABLE SAFETY DEPOSIT IS TO:
- Motivate participants to be present on-time at the mandatory check-ins, vehicle inspection, radio check, and drivers meetings and arrive equipped with a working FRS/GMRS radio.
- Motivate participating drivers to complete the Stampede by following all the driving rules outlined in the Participant Guide.
Every participant who follows all the rules listed here and elsewhere (see above, Participant Guide and Terms & Conditions) will receive A FULL REFUND OF THEIR SAFETY DEPOSIT. You are welcome to keep your Safety Deposit on file to avoid the pay-and-refund cycle at future drives. If you want this, make sure to tell The Tourmaster when he confirms your registration via email. Please read the Terms & Conditions regarding the Registration Fee, Safety Deposit, refunds, cancelling or transferring your registration, and many other topics.
4. HIGH-POWER (8 WATT) BAOFENG HANDHELD RADIO (OPTIONAL) (LINK)
with 22 FRS/GMRS channels pre-programmed: $75
The Tourmaster will purchase this radio brand new and program all 22 FRS and GMRS channels for you. The new radio will be assembled, charged, programmed, and ready for your use at the start of the event, and you can take it home afterward with its original box and accessories.
REGISTRATION
PAYMENT
FIRST-TIME PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHECK (WHICH WILL SAVE YOU MONEY)
(If you accidentally pay by credit card, the credit card fee cannot be refunded.)
STEP #1: SEND PAYMENT
Send Registration Fee, Refundable Safety Deposit, fee for optional rallies, and fee for optional pre-programmed high power radio. If paying via check, please request our mailing address by writing to The Tourmaster at Tourmaster@DrivingAdventuresUSA.com.
IF PAYING VIA CHECK:
- Request mailing address by writing to Tourmaster@DrivingAdventuresUSA.com.
- Mail your total payment via personal check, money order or cashier's check to address provided to you.
STEP #2: CONFIRMATION
The Tourmaster will confirm receipt of your registration information and payment via email. Your information will be used strictly for purposes of organizing this tour only. To confirm your registration, you and your passenger (if any) will need to email The Tourmaster a scanned copy of your driver's license and automobile liability insurance card as well as a signed copy of the liability waiver. The Tourmaster will email you the liability waiver after receiving your payment and registration information.
STEP #3: GET READY
Get yourself and your car ready for THE ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE.
If you have a question, please email The Tourmaster at Tourmaster@DrivingAdventuresUSA.com.
IF PAYING VIA CREDIT CARD:
OTHER DETAILS
Group Size: Will be limited to 18 cars to maximize the enjoyment and safety for everyone.
Weather Conditions: This tour is a rain-or-shine event. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions for further details.
Registration: Required in advance.
Terms & Conditions: Please read the Terms & Conditions regarding the Registration Fee, Safety Deposit, refunds, cancelling or transferring your registration, and many other topics.
Driving Directions: Detailed drivers notes will be provided at every Drivers Meeting.
Decals on Cars: Never. Nothing touches the paint on any car.
Costumes and Silly Outfits: None.
Models in Risque 'Clothing': NO.
Creating Scenes, Loud Noises, Traffic Jams, Attracting Attention From The Public and Police: Never. We operate below the radar. We treat locals with whom we come into contact with respect and courtesy. The only reactions we seek are smiles and thank yous.
Booze, Heavy Drinking, Crazy Parties, Nightlife: Not a chance.
Breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners: All dining arrangements have been made in advance (except for free/rest days).
Accommodations: All hotels have been arranged in advance. Please see Accommodations section for further details.
Overnight Vehicle Security: Off-duty police officers will keep an eye on our pride and joy while we sleep. There may not be overnight security when we park in an enclosed/gated garage or private parking area.
Gas and Restroom Breaks: Have all been planned where necessary.
Photographer: A professional photographer will capture many of the best moments of our adventure together. All photos will be available for download free of charge.
Photo and Video Gallery: All photos and videos from the Stampede will be uploaded to this gallery. You will be able to upload your own photos and videos to this gallery, too.
If you have a question, please email The Tourmaster directly at Tourmaster@DrivingAdventuresUSA.com.
FOR OUT-OF-TOWN/OUT-OF-STATE PARTICIPANTS
Car Transport: Car transport is the ideal way to keep miles off your car and save time. This service is optional and not included in the base registration fee. If you'd like a recommendation on which car transport company to use, please contact The Tourmaster at Tourmaster@DrivingAdventuresUSA.com.
Note: The Tourmaster will personally supervise the delivery of every car shipment near the Knoxville, TN airport which is likely where most people in the group will fly into for the Dragon Stampede.
Rent a High-End or Exotic Sports Car: If you don't want to drive your car to the start location or transport your car and you would like to drive a high-end or exotic sports car, The Tourmaster can help you find one. You can choose from a variety of late-model sports including a Ferrari or Lamborghini, Porsche 911 and Boxster; Nissan GT-R; Mercedes Benz SL-class; BMW M2, M3, M4, M5, and i8; Corvette, Jaguar F-Type; Maserati Quattroporte GTS; Cadillac ATS-V; Ford Focus ST; and Mazda Miata. If you're interested, please contact The Tourmaster at Tourmaster@DrivingAdventuresUSA.com.
DO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY - GIVE A GIFT!
Do you want to do something special for your fellow participants? Gift them something they will remember for a long time.
If you own a company or know a company that would make a good gifter, please tell The Tourmaster.
There are big and small ways you can do something for one or many or all the participants.
Buy drinks, a few appetizers, or dessert for the group at dinner.
Give away an Amazon gift card.
Fill someone's gas tank at one of the breaks.
Do something unexpected and extraordinary.
You will likely receive a greater reward from giving than the recipient of your gift.
If you want to do something extraordinary, write The Tourmaster directly at Tourmaster@DrivingAdventuresUSA.com.