A photo from one of the places that take them maybe silly to some. But when you look back over a life time of riding together you will be happy you have them.
Pictures of their Aunt on the bike riding deals gap and many place help set a few nieces up to get out and take a few risk in life.
Hope your trip goes well and makes memories that last a life time.

 

Definitely agree on the professional photo. You get them off the internet after the trip. I have a great shot of me in a curve on the Dragon taken by Killboy. The print cost about $20. Worth every penny.

I understand the Dragon is a bucket list ride. I agree with the other statements that there are other less crowded roads nearby that offer just as good, if not better, experiences. Personally, I like the Snake. I think it is a better road with more elevation changes, and nowhere near the crowds. Now that I have done the Dragon, and have the photo, I go elsewhere. Have a great run.

 

I have been going to that area at least once a year for the last 9 years or so. There is so much to see. I find a new trail every year. It never gets old.

Dennis

 

This^^^^^ This will be me....Get the tshirt and call it a day....We do plan that if we like this trip, it will become a yearly thing.

As of now, we will be six bikes deep heading that way....as word gets around our friends they are inviting themselves, which I in no way am not happy about...the more the merrier!!!! (Dragons pitt should be happy with me as I have had all but three of his rooms bought out....and if it keeps going this way, all of his rooms will be sold that night....)

 

Went last year. Plan to do again this summer. Lots of nice rides in the area. Many of which will bring you back thru the dragon. Hwy 28 "Moonshine 28" is a great ride. Cherahala, Bryson, Smokey Mtn National Park. Way to many to list or to do in just one trip. Had a blast.

 

ewwwww
I would avoid the dragon on week end....far too crowded, with riders who think their skills are equal to, if not better than professional racers... and are under the delusion that the dragon, is their personal race track...which is why the police presence is needed.

Monday afternoon, to Friday, is the ideal time to ride the dragon (IMO) Killboy, 129 photo, and others are there to take pictures , the store is open for your swag, and you get to enjoy the road, without worrying that a swarm of angry bees, will decide to pass you inside and outside in a curve

Cherhola, NC-28(Hellbender) are a nice part of a loop with he dragon.
There is a waterfall loop in the area as well, and the "snake" US-421 isn't that far away...Diamond back, devil's staircase, and a few thousand equally "fun" roads, with fancy names, or t-shirt sales

 

What can be expected for weather are the roads open in the mountains?
From Vermont were it was 0 degrees just yesterday .
I understand chance of rain just wondering temps end of March beginning of April?

 

SOOOoooo many good roads in Tenn/NC... Been twice, itching to go back.
Have to do the Dragon once if you haven't done it. Like others have said :
Cherohala
Upper and Lower 28
BRP
NC 209/The Rattler, similar to Dragon but less crowded.
Enjoy !

 

R BEE, I'm originally from VT and now live in Knoxville. Roads don't get closed down here too often. The road going between Gatlinburg and Cherokee (US 441) will be closed for snow a few times in the winter because the elevation at the top is >5,000 ft. The weather in Mar-Apr should be low 60s. Normally good riding weather although the green may not all be back yet.

 

Hey, if you haven't gotten one for you bike..its well worth the investment. Great way to find close gas stations and food stops.

We rode from Ontario, came all the way down the Blue Ridge to The Dragon, and if it werent for the GPS, we would of been pushing the bike. Signage isn't that great down there...and if you don't know where to jump on and off, its a lonnnnnnng way between gas stations.

Hope you enjoy the Dragon btw, we also stayed at the Dragon Inn and BBQ. Nothing fancy, but was clean and quiet. He has a full BBQ pit there and couple little shops to buy trinkets if need be. Just a warning though...its a dry township...you have to ride into Marysville to buy a beer!!! ENJOY