me and some friends were talkin' about plannin' a trip this summer and have heard about the dragons tail .. US129 in north carolina. thought it would be cool to include it in our trip .. is it a fun ride?
2007-01-03 18:25:24 · 7 answers · asked by Ding Bat 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Y'all's awesome! I have to thank all of you for giving such good answers and informative info! As of now it's a date with the dragon!
2007-01-06 13:39:19 · update #1
I go to the smokies every year at least once for vacation, as a matter of fact, I'll be there in March. I've attended many Wing-dings and Honda Hoots. The dragon is fun to do a couple of times, but there are way better/scenic roads in the area. The Cherohala Skyway, RT.441 through the Nantahala Forest.......too many to name. While you're in the area, stop in Cherokee, Bryson City, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg,and make sure you go here in Maggie Valley:
http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/
Again, the dragon is neat, but if you go, plan out a week so you can see everything in the area, the dragon itself is not worth driving a long way just to ride on, unless of course you are a sportbiker squid (not that everyone on a sportbike is) that wants to risk running down a cliff, or getting mashed by oncoming traffic.
Take a look at some of the dangers:
http://tailofthedragon.com/dragon_trucks.html
Good luck, and ride safe!
2007-01-04 02:37:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just Do It!!!
I'm a Yankee. I transferred to the Carolinas 10 yrs ago.
I live just west of Charlotte, NC and I slay the dragoon at least three times a year on one of my HD's. Usually my Road King.
It will test your riding skills but, its a fantastic ride.
Yes, I was told all horror stories on how hard the ride was (318 curves in 11 miles) and for the most part I found that it was a lot of overcautious bunk, Things your MOM might tell you...lol. If you are an inexperienced rider, just take it easy. I don't think that's the case here.
The curves are very well banked and the road is well maintained. What makes it a great run is the lack of guard rails. That's a good thing! If you get too wide in a curve, there's nothing to hit and lop off your leg.
The store on the NC side is a great hang out. There is a stop on the TN side with a fantastic view of the Fontana reservoir and Smokey Mts and it is also a great hang out.
Usually on the weekends and on holidays there are some photographers taking action pictures of bikes going the curves. If they take yours, they will be posted on killboy.com. I had mine posted many times. They will send you your pictures for a fee.
I would suggest staying in the area for the week and going to Highland NC, Gattlinburg, TN, Dollywood, TN....OH heck!....just click on my icon and email me, I'll give you the scoop.
2007-01-04 10:49:53 · answer #2 · answered by HARLEY_4FUN 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't want to go there. You will be seduced by more curves than you will ever ride in your life. Pee on yourself. Scrape the crap out of your floor boards. Wear out a set of tires. Become a tree hugger ( you won’t want to leave). Never visit an amusement park again . Become a DRAGON ADDITIC Like me . I go at least twice a month now . If you go PLEASE follow a few simple rules and they may save your bike and your LIFE .
1.Do a SLOW ride through. Make friends with Dragon first.
2.Check mirrors often.
3.BE rider friendly . Allow faster bikes room to pass even if it means pulling over.
4.Make sure your bike is in good shape
5.STAY IN YOUR LANE !!!. Big trucks use this road also (SEMIS REALLY)
6.Don’t out ride your skills please I have seen several bikes crashes.
Be sure to also ride the Cherohala Skyway it is a beautiful road and not so crowded.
If you want a good route to take to it let me know were you will be coming from .
2007-01-04 03:08:25 · answer #3 · answered by walkinduce 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It would be better to wind up there on a weekday and the hot doggers wont be as bad and the sport cagers are at work. be xtra careful of trucks sometime they take both sides of the road trying to make those tight turns watch the link below and you will catch yourself leaning in the curves. Yellow Wing is awsome he puts that wing through there as if it is a sports bike his footpegs areprobably new now i bet he goes through 2 or 3 pair a year BE SAFE and ENJOY I did
2007-01-04 22:02:06 · answer #4 · answered by Jack C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
excellent ride the best in the east by far also ride suches ga 129 is great around vogel state park, 180 and the richard russel are a great ride slow to enjoy these. many people end up off the road
2007-01-04 09:42:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
By all means ride Deals Gap (US 129) and the Cherahola Skyway.
2007-01-04 14:58:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, God - YES. It is a fun ride. "318 turns in 11 miles" is the tagline, IIRC.
2007-01-04 18:23:28 · answer #7 · answered by Skip Poquette 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋