The history of the Dragon Chapter would not be complete without some explanation of how its sponsoring dealership, Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson & Buell began.

Scott and Monet Maddux opened this dealership on the Labor Day weekend of 2004. Scott is a long time motorcycle rider who grew up in Middle Tennessee. He bought his first new Harley-Davidson in 1999. The purchase process was not as exciting for Scott as he had expected, and he began to think about how the experience should have been. After all, he had just purchased a Harley!

Scott thought that buying a Harley should be an experience to remember, and he knew that he could do better. He contacted Harley-Davidson about becoming one of their dealers. Scott and Monet put their vision and ideas into a business plan and made several presentations to Harley-Davidson representatives in its corporate office on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Harley liked their plan and unanimously chose Scott and Monet to represent Harley-Davidson as its next dealer.

The first market that Harley-Davidson offered was the Florence, Kentucky/Cincinnati, Ohio area. They were happy with that, but when the next market to be offered was in East Tennessee, they were ecstatic! East Tennessee fit them perfectly allowing them to stay in Tennessee close to family and provided a great place to raise their own growing family.

Scott and Monet then began looking for a business location. They knew that busy locations, like Alcoa Highway, were ideal for business, but were not good for motorcyclists. Their love of music also had to be considered, and they needed space to accommodate their dream of presenting a series of concerts. When the former Lowes property in Maryville became available to Scott and Monet, they knew it gave them a good location for motorcycle traffic. It also had room to expand, to hold community events, and to provide a stage for musicians.

After looking at many dealerships and soliciting suggestions for their new business, Scott and Monet chose the best ideas and advice. Work began on turning the former building supply complex into a Harley-Davidson dealership. Considering the views of the Great Smoky Mountains that attract so many motorcyclists to the area, what else would the dealership be named but "Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson & Buell."

Scott and Monet knew they wanted a Harley Owners Group Chapter. Their application for the "Dragon Chapter" was approved on November 19, 2004 under the sponsorship of Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson. The Dragon Chapter was named after the "Tail of the Dragon," that 11 mile section of US Highway 129 that lures riders from all over the world to challenge their riding skills on the 318 curves that are the "Tail of the Dragon." The "Dragon" begins outside of Maryville, Tennessee and heads toward the Great Smoky Mountains. It is truly one of the greatest motorcycling attractions in this area.

The inaugural "Swine Ball" was held on February 19, 2005, Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson & Buell drew in Harley enthusiasts from the areas surrounding Maryville and from as far away as California and Wisconsin. And to the surprise of even the Harley-Davidson officials, the line of Harley Owners stretched out the doors and into the parking lot. So many interested Harley Owners came that the Charter Membership Drive deadline was extended to allow everyone to fulfill their dream of being a member of the Dragon Chapter and become authorized to wear the coveted "Charter Member" patch. At the end of the drive, there were 633 Charter Members of the Dragon Chapter.

Another important piece of the Dragon Chapter history is its first officers. Scott and Monet asked Johnny Stooksbury to hold the office of Director. Johnny is from this area and bought his first Harley in 1950. It was a retired Army motorcycle, a 1942 "Model 45". He also rode a 1946 Indian Chief and a 1946 Knucklehead that he later converted to a Panhead. Many motorcycles later, he is an accomplished rider who along with his wife, Glenda, has ridden from coast to coast! He was instrumental in getting the Dragon Chapter started and works tirelessly on its behalf.

The dealership representative who coordinated the Charter Membership Drive was Susie Schmidt. Susie came to Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson and Buell in August of 2004 as its human resources administrator. She was appointed the first Secretary and Membership Officer. In her personal time, Susie handles a variety of HOG related tasks and rides her Softail Deluxe whenever she can.

Robin Wogomon ("Wog") became the first Assistant Director. Wog has been riding Harleys for many years. His first was a 1957 Panhead that he stripped and chopped (which he wishes he still had!). Wog next bought a new 1976 Superglide (that he still does have!) and later a 1997 Standard. He heard there was going to be a Harley dealer in Maryville, and he knew he wanted to get involved! When he noticed the sign announcing the dealership in front of the building, he decided a photo opportunity was in order. That is where he met Scott, and his relationship with the dealership and its Dragon Chapter began. Wog eagerly watched the entire transformation of the former Lowes building into a great Harley dealership and memorialized each step with his camera.

Andy Rogers was asked by Scott and Johnny if he would become the first Treasurer of the Dragon Chapter. He was honored to be asked and accepted the challenge. Andy started riding dirt bikes at about twelve years old and graduated to riding his Dad's CB750 as a teenager. His fascination with Harleys began when he saw the Wide Glide. Andy and his wife bought their first Harley, a Road King, in October of 2005. They have found the Dragon Chapter to be a great place to meet fellow riders and enjoy the solid friendships that have developed there.

Thus began the famed Dragon Chapter . . .