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Tail of the Dragon

  • Thread starter Thread starter rideOn
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rideOn

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I just read the top 5 scariest drives in America. 318 curves, hairpins and switchbacks in 11 miles. Has anyone done the tail of the dragon (rt 129 from NC to TN in the Smoky's)? I'm in that area in late May and thinking about doing it.
 
YES, I was there last October and strongly recommend going during the week. The place gets crazy with sportbikes and Law Enforcemnt on weekends. It is a ride worth taking.:)
 
Idiot magnet

Idiot magnet

rideOn said:
I just read the top 5 scariest drives in America. 318 curves, hairpins and switchbacks in 11 miles. Has anyone done the tail of the dragon (rt 129 from NC to TN in the Smoky's)? I'm in that area in late May and thinking about doing it.
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Scary because it's an idiot magnet.
 
Me and my girlfriend rode it last October on our way back from Vegas. It was awesome ! We must have hit it at just the right time , just before sunset , because there were maybe 5-6 other bikes and a couple of cars on the dragon at this time so we were able to ride the thing pretty much without any traffic. From what I hear about the dragon that was a very, very rare event. I'll probably do it again this year, but I doubt that it be as enjoyable as that wonderful evening last October. Cheers :cool:
 
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tkent02 said:
Just another winding road with too many idiots and cops. Who cares?
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I think "winding" doesn't give 129 proper credit.

arielDragonT.jpg
 
I live 30 miles from the dragon. It's quite beautiful, the only scary thing, are all the people coming at you like missiles!! :eek:
 
I too rode it last year in September when I was bringing home a Triumph I had just purchased in North Carolina. I rode the Blue Ridge Parkway from Ashville and it was beutiful. A friend from Georgia came up on his triumph and we had a great ride from Ashville to North GA. We went up and down the dragon twice trying not to end up on the "tree of shame". It was during the week and was not too busy. I hear there are a lot of idiots up there and the cops make it no fun. It is worth seeing but there are many other roads to find out in that area that are less busy.
 
I have been down there 3 time in the last five years. I usually spend a few hours and run it a few times. It is quite an experience. every year I see a crash or drive by one anyhow. Run it slow the first time then pick up your pace if you feel comfortible. During the week in the AM is the best time, less Ricky roadracers, and fewer Harley parades.
 
tkent02 said:
Just another winding road with too many idiots and cops. Who cares?
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After 9:00 or 10:00 am, that's pretty much how it is.

But early in the morning before the idiots wake up and the cops get there, it's magical.

There are approximately 10,000 equally magical roads in those mountains. Let the idiots and Harley parades clog up the same 11 miles of road and enjoy the rest.
 
Today 02:19 PM bwringer After 9:00 or 10:00 am, that's pretty much how it is.

But early in the morning before the idiots wake up and the cops get there, it's magical.
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I agree with Brian. I was there last year for the first time at the SE rally. Definately worth the 600 mile run to get there. Early morning or early evening are the best times although during the day there is a major league freak show at the gas station worth checking out. Lots of clown suits and racer wannabees. You do have to be very careful since there is a lack of skills and courtesy displayed by lots of the people there. I did almost get picked off by a Ricky Racer type launching out of a blind corner over the yellow line and into my lane. I also got behind a guy in a full dresser that would not let me "play through" and he ended up crossing the center line on about 1/3 of the blind corners. :eek: I followed him at a VERY safe distance so I would not get hit by the bike parts when he got mashed by another bike or a car. Fortunately for him he did not get hit but you have to be very careful when going through it to allow for the "moron factor". Run it early and late, there are a ton of other great roads in the area to play on during the day.
 
I was there 2yrs ago and had a blast. There were 12 of us that rode down from MI. and did the dragon. Like everyone says do it in the AM. Less fools on the road. Ran into one semi truck He obviously was lost. Good thing he had a short trailer. Lots of crotch rockets in the afternoon. We also road the Skyway and that was awsome also. Plan on going back this fall for another tour. There are so many great rides to do in this area besides the Dragon. Camping is cheap and the people are real friendly.
 
bwringer said:
There are approximately 10,000 equally magical roads in those mountains. Let the idiots and Harley parades clog up the same 11 miles of road and enjoy the rest.
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I like it that way. Put the crazies all in one little 11 mile patch and leave the rest of the state for me. Works for me. LOL There are too many other great roads I would ride before enduring the parades and ricky racers on that small stretch.

Earl
 
The road is amazing - do it once or twice - then move on to equally amazing roads in the area.
 
ausome ride

ausome ride

I just rode the Dragon and the Cherahala skyway for the first time..Freakin ausome..the bad thing was i had like 4 police bikes on my ass the whole way on the dragon.I have found some pics of me and them to.Killboy has not posted his pics yet though.I cant wait to see the others..I will be at the dragon for the gs rally june 11 through the 14th.Cant wait to see some more old gs bikes like mine..The curves at the dragon are sick....
 
rideOn said:
I just read the top 5 scariest drives in America. 318 curves, hairpins and switchbacks in 11 miles. Has anyone done the tail of the dragon (rt 129 from NC to TN in the Smoky's)? I'm in that area in late May and thinking about doing it.
Click to expand...
What were the other four?
 
Highway 50 and Highway1 are two of the others. I found the list at Forbes Traveler. Two others were in Hawaii and Alaska. In most cases what they deemed scary was lack of services on long stretches.:confused:
 
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