Would You Ride the Dragon in November?
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Tourer
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Would You Ride the Dragon in November?
A friend and I are tentatively planning to ride the Natchez Trace and then jump over to the Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway the week before Thanksgiving. It's the only time we can both get off from work at the same time.
I have talked to the locals there and the best advice they can give me is check a few days before I leave. They tell me that November weather can be very accomodating for the ride, but also can be very unpredictable. I have also checked average temp and rainfall data for the area and it definitely is on the cool, but not intolerable side that time of year.
We would be getting there about the 18th of November.
Just wanted to poll a few of you forum members who either live in that area, or have ridden the Trace and/or Tail of the Dragon in mid to late November and what the weather and riding conditions were like.
I have talked to the locals there and the best advice they can give me is check a few days before I leave. They tell me that November weather can be very accomodating for the ride, but also can be very unpredictable. I have also checked average temp and rainfall data for the area and it definitely is on the cool, but not intolerable side that time of year.
We would be getting there about the 18th of November.
Just wanted to poll a few of you forum members who either live in that area, or have ridden the Trace and/or Tail of the Dragon in mid to late November and what the weather and riding conditions were like.
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RE: Would You Ride the Dragon in November?
the biggest factor is rain otherwise the weather and temps aren't bad. It can be chilly there in June and July. Just be sure you have a leather jacket and chaps.
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RE: Would You Ride the Dragon in November?
In my neck of the woods, rain can turn to ice quickly if it's cold. Even if it rained a day or two earlier, ice can be a factor on some turns in heavy shade. My 2 cents worth, anything under 50° be extra careful.
And in answer to your question . . . maybe
And in answer to your question . . . maybe
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RE: Would You Ride the Dragon in November?
ORIGINAL: Lpye
Watch for leaves on the road that time of year. If the wind has blown leaves on the road they can be like ice. Otherwise go for it.
Watch for leaves on the road that time of year. If the wind has blown leaves on the road they can be like ice. Otherwise go for it.
My thoughts exactly. I remember about 6 years ago the first time I went to Deal's Gap, I decided on a Sunday about 9am that I was going out to visit it by myself. (I was on a sportbike) It was about November and I thought I knew where I was going. I knew physically Deal's Gap's location in reference to towns so I figured I could wing it.
9 HOURS later after going the wrong way, ending up in the middle of a parage and went RIGHT DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF A KKK MEETING
I ended up at Blue Ridge Parkway. It was terrible, it was cold, wet and leaves everywhere.By the time I came home, it was 39 degrees, I wasn't dressed for it and froze my azz off.
I was on the bike for 12 hours straight (minus gas stops) and couldn't believe I never did get to ride the Gap.
So, moral of the story. Dress appropriately, take a map and check the weather.
Good luck.
Mark
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Road Warrior
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RE: Would You Ride the Dragon in November?
I ride year 'round in North Georgia and have been up there in late november . Dress warm , bring a ski coat or similar and long johns if you have them , it may not look cool but if the temps drop it will save you. It is a great ride and not crowded then.
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RE: Would You Ride the Dragon in November?
I live about an hour from where the Dragon starts so the normal ride for most of us is up one way and down the other. Cherohala has a 5300 ft. elevation so you need to watch the weather real close.
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