Tail of the Dragon - March 2013
- Thread starter buzzbomb
- Start date
My time off has been approved. I am off on April 17, 18, and 19. I had a thought, though. I'm not making reservations.
It has rained here pretty much steady, for over a week. I bought a blasted GoPro camera, and it still sits on a table in my house. No reason to mount it. My bike hasn't moved in days.
I'm playing the reservations by ear. Meaning if the weather looks like rain on those three days? That's a lot of money to go up there and not be able to run the road.
I picked the date based on temperature. Incoming rain? We won't really know until the date is imminent.
I've got the days off. Kind of set in stone. It would be a shame if they were wasted. More so, if my reservation money were wasted as well. Still. Lord willing, I'm running the FREAKIN' DRAGON on the 18th of April, 2013.
By the way, is anyone trying to show up? Just curious, I'm obviously planning to run it regardless. I'm just wondering if anyone else is planning to run it with me.
There is only one thing I can promise: It won't be boring!
It has rained here pretty much steady, for over a week. I bought a blasted GoPro camera, and it still sits on a table in my house. No reason to mount it. My bike hasn't moved in days.
I'm playing the reservations by ear. Meaning if the weather looks like rain on those three days? That's a lot of money to go up there and not be able to run the road.
I picked the date based on temperature. Incoming rain? We won't really know until the date is imminent.
I've got the days off. Kind of set in stone. It would be a shame if they were wasted. More so, if my reservation money were wasted as well. Still. Lord willing, I'm running the FREAKIN' DRAGON on the 18th of April, 2013.
By the way, is anyone trying to show up? Just curious, I'm obviously planning to run it regardless. I'm just wondering if anyone else is planning to run it with me.
There is only one thing I can promise: It won't be boring!
I officially won't make it for May. Going to Italy again for the Mille Miglia 2013!!! 
1000 rally from Brescia to Rome then back. 800 miles of it is Dragon grade twisties up and down mountain. Cant wait!!!
I will be heading for a week long bike trip later on this year... cant wait!!! Way over due!
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1000 rally from Brescia to Rome then back. 800 miles of it is Dragon grade twisties up and down mountain. Cant wait!!!
I will be heading for a week long bike trip later on this year... cant wait!!! Way over due!
Sent from my LG-P925 using Tapatalk 2
If you are going to ride the dragon you should look at some other places also. I lived in NC for some years and pretty much hit all the roads in the western part of the state. You can goto the snake which is route 421 runs from shadey valley TN to mountain city TN which is 33 Miles, 489 Curves, 3 Mountains, and 1 Valley. You call also goto the diamond back which is north of marion nc on route 226a. And ill even throw the NC secret route out for you that locals try to hide. which is route 181 north of morganton nc also near marion nc. If you want a good day trip full of twisties you can successfully hit all 3 within one days time. Here are videos of all three rides
the diamond back
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geCdsSFqgRs
the snake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNkLoDVqbJE
rt 181
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9mcLffj11U
these are just kind of glimpses you can find more of them on youtube
the diamond back
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geCdsSFqgRs
the snake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNkLoDVqbJE
rt 181
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9mcLffj11U
these are just kind of glimpses you can find more of them on youtube
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Dude, that's awesome stuff! I need more memory cards for my cam, LOL!
I'm just damn happy to be running the Dragon. Afraid that's the best my finances can do. 800 miles of twisties in Europe??!! Yeah, screw you! I will not allow myself to be jealous. I'm going to have an awesome three days!I officially won't make it for May. Going to Italy again for the Mille Miglia 2013!!!
1000 rally from Brescia to Rome then back. 800 miles of it is Dragon grade twisties up and down mountain. Cant wait!!!
I will be heading for a week long bike trip later on this year... cant wait!!! Way over due!
Sent from my LG-P925 using Tapatalk 2
OK, maybe I'm a just little jealous...
You dont need 800 miles when you can ride the Dragon all day long back and forth until your muscles starts to acheI'm just damn happy to be running the Dragon. Afraid that's the best my finances can do. 800 miles of twisties in Europe??!! Yeah, screw you! I will not allow myself to be jealous. I'm going to have an awesome three days!
OK, maybe I'm a just little jealous...
the other good thing about the Dragon is that there is a great scenic pull off area at the very top.. Thats kinda cherry on the top! and of course the deals gap store serves as a great base with gas, food and all..I have done it twice each year for the last two years, the first year was when i was still in Maryland so that's about 9 hours to the Dragon.. and i rode there on the 6r.. It is totally worth the ride!
The Dragon really lives up to the hype!!
Been there mostly in April and September.. For accommodations you can look up this place: http://www.vrbo.com/427491 it's called Riders Home and is only about 12 minutes to the Dragon, it can accommodate up to 10 persons for $150.00 a night. It's close to the Cherohala Skyway and local shops too.
I think i am in
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Funkmaxtor
New Member
I was down at Deal's Gap this past summer (June 2012). It is an amazing ride. Some things to keep in mind:
1.) As with any road make sure you ride within your limits and keep a cushion in case a car comes into your lane (it happens, and much faster than you think).
2.) Be prepared for a workout if you want to hold a faster pace.
3.) The Deal's Gap store is a great place to hangout, catch your breathe, stretch and get fuel. However, take note of what time they close. They are the only fuel location for quite a few miles.
4.) Check out the Cherohala Skyway. Around 50 miles of un-intersected road that climbs to over a mile in elevation. Amazing overlooks here so take a camera. On our trip this was by far the best ride we had!
5.) Watch for cops, squids and hogs. We had a guy go down after a wild hog ran into the side of his front wheel. Luckily he was only bruised up (thank god for leathers).
6.) Wear proper gear and inspect your bike before leaving. The road is only 11 miles but you will work hard in and temps can vary pretty widely. It was really hot (100+ most day) when we were there but we still wore leathers and made sure we drank a lot of water to stay hydrated. If you do need parts for a bike go visit: Wheeler's Motorcycle Shop. Wheeler knows his stuff and is a great guy. He diagnosed a guys electrical problem for us and let me fix it. Then he didn't charge us anything! Can't ask for anything better.
7.) Most Important! Have fun! It is a great area and the locals are great people. Be polite and you will understand the meaning of "Southern Hospitality".
By the time I go again I won't be on my FZ6R anymore but I was able to hang with the R1's here. This road is about skill not power.
1.) As with any road make sure you ride within your limits and keep a cushion in case a car comes into your lane (it happens, and much faster than you think).
2.) Be prepared for a workout if you want to hold a faster pace.
3.) The Deal's Gap store is a great place to hangout, catch your breathe, stretch and get fuel. However, take note of what time they close. They are the only fuel location for quite a few miles.
4.) Check out the Cherohala Skyway. Around 50 miles of un-intersected road that climbs to over a mile in elevation. Amazing overlooks here so take a camera. On our trip this was by far the best ride we had!
5.) Watch for cops, squids and hogs. We had a guy go down after a wild hog ran into the side of his front wheel. Luckily he was only bruised up (thank god for leathers).
6.) Wear proper gear and inspect your bike before leaving. The road is only 11 miles but you will work hard in and temps can vary pretty widely. It was really hot (100+ most day) when we were there but we still wore leathers and made sure we drank a lot of water to stay hydrated. If you do need parts for a bike go visit: Wheeler's Motorcycle Shop. Wheeler knows his stuff and is a great guy. He diagnosed a guys electrical problem for us and let me fix it. Then he didn't charge us anything! Can't ask for anything better.
7.) Most Important! Have fun! It is a great area and the locals are great people. Be polite and you will understand the meaning of "Southern Hospitality".
By the time I go again I won't be on my FZ6R anymore but I was able to hang with the R1's here. This road is about skill not power.
Idiosynocracy
New Member
Man That sounds like a fun ride. The best thing I have out here is Muholland Drive out in LA. I want to take that ride someday...
Love riding in Europe. It's a biker's paradise in terms of roads, laxed rules, and respect to motorcycles.I officially won't make it for May. Going to Italy again for the Mille Miglia 2013!!!
1000 rally from Brescia to Rome then back. 800 miles of it is Dragon grade twisties up and down mountain. Cant wait!!!
Ah, they have rules? LOL
Correction - no rules for bikes...
LOLI remember how easily they pass on the middle solid line between oncoming traffic. And it's considering normal riding. Try it here...
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During the Mille Miglia, we do the same with cages! Even driving opposite side of the road when everyone is parked at the red light. You should have seen that when we left Rome during rush hour at 8:00am... The funny part is... I fitted right in!Correction - no rules for bikes...
I remember how easily they pass on the middle solid line between oncoming traffic. And it's considering normal riding. Try it here...
Yep. On the way from Milan to Monza we rode as well on the opposite side to pass heavy traffic, while cops were directing it on an intersection. First we thought they gona bust us, but all bikes were doing it as it was normal... love it!During the Mille Miglia, we do the same with cages! Even driving opposite side of the road when everyone is parked at the red light. You should have seen that when we left Rome during rush hour at 8:00am... The funny part is... I fitted right in!
Well, I said it on page two: I've watched the weather and it's going to happen. I've made reservations at the "Two Wheel Inn" in Robbinsville, NC for the 17h and 18th.
I leave about mid-morning. Five and a half hours up, plus traffic, coffee and fuel stops. I've gotta stop in Bryson for beer, since the Gap is in a dry county.
Other than that? My Tora Tanshi is ready and more than willing. I've got my little list of things to pack into my side bags in the morning.
Top the air in the tires, blow the DARN pollen off with a leaf blower, and WE ARE GONE to the Dragon!!!!!
Wow. It's actually going to happen. So many years to wish for this. Running my twisties, and training for this. Literally months of waiting once the plans were laid. The money is in the bank. My bike is ready. I am ready.
All I could wish is more twisty time to get the skills back up. I only made it up to my twisties above Rockingham, NC once, since I decided to run the Dragon. It was a good run, but I wish it were more current.
On the upside, I've laid out a route that is nearly all backroads, including my second favorite twisty road on the way! Lots of chances to lean and get my spine in line with bike.
Lots of chances to remember how to toss my girl from side to side, with a little bit of ass hanging off.
That sounded sexual. It's because it is! Wow. Just a few more hours....
I leave about mid-morning. Five and a half hours up, plus traffic, coffee and fuel stops. I've gotta stop in Bryson for beer, since the Gap is in a dry county.
Other than that? My Tora Tanshi is ready and more than willing. I've got my little list of things to pack into my side bags in the morning.
Top the air in the tires, blow the DARN pollen off with a leaf blower, and WE ARE GONE to the Dragon!!!!!
Wow. It's actually going to happen. So many years to wish for this. Running my twisties, and training for this. Literally months of waiting once the plans were laid. The money is in the bank. My bike is ready. I am ready.
All I could wish is more twisty time to get the skills back up. I only made it up to my twisties above Rockingham, NC once, since I decided to run the Dragon. It was a good run, but I wish it were more current.
On the upside, I've laid out a route that is nearly all backroads, including my second favorite twisty road on the way! Lots of chances to lean and get my spine in line with bike.
Lots of chances to remember how to toss my girl from side to side, with a little bit of ass hanging off.
That sounded sexual. It's because it is! Wow. Just a few more hours....
Sorry I won't make it having to many issues right now
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Funkmaxtor
New Member
You can buy beer at the store right on The Dragon. They had a small selection when we were there last summer.
Are you getting any video?
I am still going
I am still going to the Dragon but the dates have been changed. I am going with many riders(approx 30) & we have all rented a cabin. Pictures attached... Our plans were delayed due to a fire that actually burned down our original cabin reserved. So now, We have even more people going & staying in a luxury cabin that will only house us riders who already reserved/paid for the trip... My wife & I are very much looking forward to this trip & will post many photos & videos upon our return. We are keeping the dates we are going private just for security reasons..
I am still going to the Dragon but the dates have been changed. I am going with many riders(approx 30) & we have all rented a cabin. Pictures attached... Our plans were delayed due to a fire that actually burned down our original cabin reserved. So now, We have even more people going & staying in a luxury cabin that will only house us riders who already reserved/paid for the trip... My wife & I are very much looking forward to this trip & will post many photos & videos upon our return. We are keeping the dates we are going private just for security reasons..
