"Dragon" vs. Georgia Highway 60?

kjmorgan · #1 05-17-2008, 03:06 PM

Just did a 180 mile loop with two friends that included Dahlonega, GA to Blue Ridge, GA on route 60 through Suches. Beautiful day, great road, average amount of traffic. I had a blast and this road seemed to perfectly match our experience/ability levels at the pace we rode it. My question to those of you who have ridden both - how does this road compare to the Tail of the Dragon? Can't imagine that it's much twistier but I heard there's a lot of decreasing radius turns and off camber stuff that's pretty challenging. Don't want to go up there and have to ride it so slow I'm a hazard to everyone else! I'm a cruiser, not a racer!

scremineaglesoftail0 · #2 05-17-2008, 05:38 PM

i have road on both and 60 has nothing on the dragon both are nice roads with lots of curves tho

Sftail291 · #3 05-17-2008, 07:22 PM

Thanks for posting this question KJ, Funny thing is that I was just doing some research and planning for a ride in that area on the same roads. I look forward to reading the responses to your query......

Ride safe....................

Scootr · #4 05-17-2008, 07:54 PM

I rode the dragon yesterday. It's a great road that is no problem just take it at your own pace. Let faster cars and bikes pass when its safe and you will be fine.

I have to say there are so many great roads up that way that the dragon doesn't really live up to all the hype. It is a great road but there are so many other great roads around there that are awesome. You almost cant find a bad road in those mountains

Xtreme Hawg · #5 05-17-2008, 10:11 PM

Never rode 60, but I've riden the dragon and it's a great experience. You shouldn't have any problems, I did it with my dresser and had no problems with the other traffic..."D"

dyna rider · #6 05-17-2008, 10:19 PM

The "Dragon" has 318 curves in 11 miles. It's like it just keeps on going with no let up. I live about 30-45 minutes from there and have ridden it 6-8 times. It is not for cruisers as I have taken a lot of metal off my footpegs. Still it is fun as long as you know the limits of your bike and yourself. Everbody should ride it at least once and realize that several people die on it each riding season. There are lots more roads around here that are more fun and more scenic than the "Dragon."

kjmorgan · #7 05-18-2008, 08:14 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Scootr

I rode the dragon yesterday. It's a great road that is no problem just take it at your own pace. Let faster cars and bikes pass when its safe and you will be fine.

I have to say there are so many great roads up that way that the dragon doesn't really live up to all the hype. It is a great road but there are so many other great roads around there that are awesome. You almost cant find a bad road in those mountains

That's one of my concerns. I've heard folks on the rockets and even in sports cars will get impatient and just squueze by you in your own lane. Had one rider catch us on GA60 yesterday and he was extremely courteous - rode with us for a couple miles and then turned off down a different road.

kjmorgan · #8 05-18-2008, 08:17 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Sftail291

Thanks for posting this question KJ, Funny thing is that I was just doing some research and planning for a ride in that area on the same roads. I look forward to reading the responses to your query......

Ride safe....................

Make sure you stop for a rest break at the Two Wheel Only resort in Suches right on GA60. Great place to unwind, rehydrate, and sit in the rockers on the porch and talk to other bikers.

kjmorgan · #9 05-18-2008, 08:21 AM

My overall impression, then, is that the Dragon is a great ride BUT not head and shoulders above a lot of other beautiful and exciting roads in the GA/NC/TN area. Just one of those things where we've created a bit of a monster, website and all, and now everyone loves to say, "you've GOT to ride the Dragon!" I'm sure I'll ride it eventually but it's definitely not at the top of my must do list.

Thanks for all the comments!

The Beastmaster · #10 05-18-2008, 04:57 PM

GA 60, the stretch of GA 180 know as Wolf Pen Gap Rd, Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy, GA 75 north of Helen, and many others are great, twisty north GA roads that I've ridden numerous times. Wolf Pen Gap Rd has a 5 mile stretch with the longest straightaway being about 15 feet. The sport bikers love it. The problem with 60 is all the bicycles and looky loos. I'll be hitting the dragon for the first time next month. Check out the thread in the Members Meeting Members Forum about it.