Nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Smoky Mountains and surrounded by some of the best motorcycle roads in the region, Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson in Maryville, Tennessee, can be a great destination if you’re shopping for a new bike, a delicious lunch or ready to rock out to live music.
Tonya Brown, marketing manager at Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, said this year the dealership is celebrating the Year of the Dragon, 2024, and their 20th anniversary. SMH-D’s birthday bash weekend is Aug. 30 with two nights of music, rides and vendors. She generously responded to some of our questions:
Describe SMH-D and what makes the dealership attractive to riders?
“We offer an unparalleled experience for motorcycle enthusiasts. Our expansive showroom boasts a large selection of top-quality inventory, from classic cruisers to cutting-edge models, ensuring that every rider finds their perfect match.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to the thrill of the open road, our knowledgeable staff are here to assist you every step of the way. From finding the ideal bike to offering expert maintenance and customization services, we’re dedicated to ensuring that your Harley Davidson experience exceeds all expectations.”
How would you describe The Shed and all it has to offer?
“The Shed Smokehouse and Juke Joint, where good times, great food, and soulful music come together under the open sky. Located in an inviting outdoor setting, our venue offers a unique experience that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and entertainment. Summer at The Shed runs April to September. Every weekend, The Shed comes alive with the sounds of live music, we have featured talented artists from Blackberry Smoke, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, and JJ Grey & Mofro to name a few. Our concert line-up for 2024 can be found online at www.theshedmaryville.com
Thursday nights are dedicated to bikers and music enthusiasts alike, with our popular bike nights. You can join fellow riders for an evening of camaraderie, delicious food, refreshing drinks and electrifying live music. Our Smokehouse is open daily, serving up some of the best BBQ you’ll find anywhere. Indulge in mouthwatering ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and all your favorite classic barbecue dishes, expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. Each bite is a testament to our dedication to quality and authenticity.”
What are some of the main events planned for this summer?
“In celebration of our 20th year, we are organizing several overnight and day rides. We have a yearly Smoky Mountain Cannonball Run in April. Win cash & prizes!
You have three zones to choose from with first, second and third winners in each zone. There will be additional awards for the largest group and first-, second- and third-place prizes for the costume contest. This is the perfect event for you if you would like to participate in a charity, ride at your own pace, with the group of people you choose to ride with, while exploring new areas.
The Cannonball Run consists of teams of motorcycle riders (minimum of two bikes) using their navigation skills to hit as many of our checkpoints as possible within a 7-hour timeframe. Checkpoints are located all over East Tennessee within a 100-mile radius of SMH-D. Registration for riders to participate is $25 for a single rider and $35 for two-up. Your registration also gets you into the concert for free that evening. The event will occur rain or shine. Registration opens up at SMH-D at 8 a.m. From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., riders get planning time with your team. Once your route is selected gear up and head over to the start gate. From the time you leave, you have 7 hours to collect points and return to the dealership to get clocked back in, but 1 second late, and you are disqualified.”
How did the Smoky Mountain Cannonball Run get started?
“Sean ‘Lil Sean’ Summerfield practically grew up at Smoky Mountain Harley, he began working with us at the age of 15 when his father Mike also a member of the Smoky Mountain family, volunteered him for an open wash bay position. By 16, Little Sean was riding his Sportster daily to school and working afternoons and weekends at the dealership. It was obvious from the beginning that Harley-Davidson was in his blood, he absorbed everything from those around him, building and modifying his motorcycle and working on all sorts of special projects for the dealership.
Little Sean was the inspiration for Smoky Mountain’s H-D’s High School Biker Build-Off and was a key member in developing and promoting the Smoky Mountain Scrambler projects. For all that knew him, his “Summerfield Smile” was contagious; his sense of adventure filled others with life. He was a real-life James Dean, and his memory will live forever in all of us.
The Cannonball Run was created for Lil Sean, instead of a memorial ride. A parade-style ride just would not have been his style. Proceeds from this event fund the Sean Summerfield Scholarship, which is awarded to a local student every year.
What other rides does SMH-D help sponsor?
“She Rides Moto is May 9-12 and is the sixth year of this event. The first year, we had 43 attendees, but for the past three years, this has been a sold-out event. This year we have 250 attending. This event is women only from the attendees to our volunteers.
Our annual Ride the Ridge trip is June 7 to 9 and a customer favorite. We head out on Friday and take the Blue Ridge Parkway over to the Switzerland Inn. Throughout the weekend, there are organized rides and a lot of hang out time, which gives everyone the opportunity to connect with our staff away from the dealership and find new friendships with other customers.
The second-annual Smoky Mountain Bike Week is Sept. 28-Oct. 5. The first year was amazing and by far exceeded any of our expectations. We estimated just over 10,000 attendees throughout the week and we definitely expect more for this year. Things planned for this year include live music every day and at several locations. The community is stepping it up and having their own events throughout the week.
Well known aftermarket vendors such as Saddlemen, Vance & Hines, RWD Russ Weinermount Designs, Slyfox, Custom Dynamics, S & S, Mustang Seats, Ciro and more plan to attend. The Smiky Mountain Speedway will host flat-track racing on Oct. 5. Events, lodging, and area deals for this event can be found on the site smbikeweek.com.”
What is Project RideMore about?
“We developed Project RideMore to get people out riding more so they are more familiar with their surroundings in their backyard. Some riders have the tendency to ride the same routes.
Project RideMore is a way to expand your horizons of motorcycling. Guided by experienced and enthusiastic leaders, you will explore exciting roads, fantastic scenery and historic places. These rides leave Smoky Mountain H-D in Maryville every Tuesday and Thunderhead H-D in Kodak every Thursday. Calendar for rides can be found at www.ridethesmokies.com.”
— Michael E. Gouge
