Deals Gap info
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 142
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Deals Gap info
Dad and I are headed to Tail of the Dragon on the 3rd coming home on the 4th about 500miles one way. One question that I do have that concerns me a little bit is both of us only have a skid lid for a helmet (for the states that require helmets) I read on here somewhere that Md. is really cracking down on non DOT helmets and can impound your bike if they choose to. Does anyone have any information or experience with the Helmet Laws in MD VA NC and TN? Or what kind of Police Patrol there is on the Dragon's Tail specifically?
Any other info on the Tail and the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge is welcomed. We are Traveling From PA Thanks in advance.
Any other info on the Tail and the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge is welcomed. We are Traveling From PA Thanks in advance.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 683
From: Forest Hill, Md
The "crackdown" in Md. turned out to be false, I spoke to several police friends State and County that had not heard of anything. I believe VA is more strict.
You sure it's only 500 miles? I'm leaving on the 8th from Md and Two Wheel Inn (25 miles from Deals Gap) is 631 miles according to the fine folks at Garmin
Have a blast, I know I can't wait!
You sure it's only 500 miles? I'm leaving on the 8th from Md and Two Wheel Inn (25 miles from Deals Gap) is 631 miles according to the fine folks at Garmin
Have a blast, I know I can't wait!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 212
Likes: 5
From: South Central, Pa
Just did the same trip from York two weeks ago. 81 south is a breeze and sometimes gets boring. You will be running with semis so the wind is an issue. I did the trip; 560 miles in 9 hours. My destination was Johnson City Tn. From there I did the dragon from the south. Ashville area. Very pretty ride. Very nice scenery.
Also the leos in VA are strick as I was told, I did 80-85 miles per hour and was never bothered. I was alone so that may have been the reason.
Ride safe and enjoy the great views from the saddle.
Also the leos in VA are strick as I was told, I did 80-85 miles per hour and was never bothered. I was alone so that may have been the reason.
Ride safe and enjoy the great views from the saddle.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
If you can swing it - buy a DOT helmet - wouldn't hurt to have the noggin protected while on the Dragon and local roads.
Someone died when we were there a month ago. Saw a battered blue Ultra on a flatbed coming out of the mountains - don't know if it was the death though?
Unbelievable roads out there - have fun - be safe!
Someone died when we were there a month ago. Saw a battered blue Ultra on a flatbed coming out of the mountains - don't know if it was the death though?
Unbelievable roads out there - have fun - be safe!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 883
Likes: 2
From: Clearwater, FL
We just returned from the Dragon and there were plenty of LEOs on patrol. Some in our group wore DOT and some non-DOT. We didn't notice any second looks regarding the helmets.
One word of caution: there is some road work being done on the end towards the store. We saw signs indicating there was a flagman ahead but all of the equipment was off to the side and not being used when we went thru. If you plan to ride it hard make a pass first to see if and where the road work is in progress.
One word of caution: there is some road work being done on the end towards the store. We saw signs indicating there was a flagman ahead but all of the equipment was off to the side and not being used when we went thru. If you plan to ride it hard make a pass first to see if and where the road work is in progress.
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Banned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 300
Likes: 1
Rode with a group down to Pigeon Forge (close to the Dragon) about 2 weeks ago; the group was pulled over about 20 miles outside of Sevierville by a TN trooper who proceeded to write up a non DOT ticket to the tune of $189.
With that said, he was actually pretty cool as 4 of the guys had non-DOT, he only wrote 1 ticket and told the other non-DOT folks to chip in to help him pay for the ticket. He could have busted us all for 85 in a 60, but said we were riding pretty safe in the group.
So long story short, yes...they will bust you for non-DOT lids if you get caught.
With that said, he was actually pretty cool as 4 of the guys had non-DOT, he only wrote 1 ticket and told the other non-DOT folks to chip in to help him pay for the ticket. He could have busted us all for 85 in a 60, but said we were riding pretty safe in the group.
So long story short, yes...they will bust you for non-DOT lids if you get caught.
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