"The Dragon"
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: nc mountains
jeepskeet Been one time and then took a friend down that just had to ride it. I stay at the start, bike sport bike crowd that weekend. Buddy will never ride it again . But that nit all, you still have to deal with both the well mannered riders but the dumb as riders that blow by you at 100+ on the road that comes and goes to that darn place. Atleast where i live you see lots of bikes ,just not all fired up to do the dragon bs.
Novice
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I have been going there the last 5 years or so and never had a major problem. Biggest problems are the mobile homes! Week days are the best time to ride it, since weekends like said above,everyone is out running on it. Let them pass and its not a problem, if you have a group of bikes, split up in 3 or 4's and that allows the crotch rockets to pass safely(well....).
And no need to wave on the way up or down
And no need to wave on the way up or down
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,712
Likes: 9,216
From: Snow Hill, NC
There so many roads up here that can rival the dragon and not have to worry about sport bike crazzies. 276 from waynesville toward rutherford then back on 215 going back. Longer ride take 74 from asheville to chimney rock and then back to bat cave and hi-9 toward oldfort. This is a nice ride part of the way with part that will get you in trouble. Then take 80 going north all the way to bakersville ,go toward redhill and then south to the first left ,double island road. This one will get your attention. Get a atlas /gazette from wally world for planing road trips. Just so many roads not on the regular maps or roads the gps don't show till already by it. Even down around the dragon there are many roads just good or in some eyes better.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,712
Likes: 9,216
From: Snow Hill, NC
I did the Dragon on the 2nd of july for the first time. I gotta say that it is not for beginners. That stretch of highway is a very serious road. I for one am very thankful that I didnt have an accident on that road. I had a tire failure the very next day and after seeing the tire, I thanked my spirits for watching over us. Here's pic of the tire. I will ride it again but that first time was the real deal.
Looks like that tire was worn out before you left the house....pushing you luck a bit there hey?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
I did the Dragon on the 2nd of july for the first time. I gotta say that it is not for beginners. That stretch of highway is a very serious road. I for one am very thankful that I didnt have an accident on that road. I had a tire failure the very next day and after seeing the tire, I thanked my spirits for watching over us. Here's pic of the tire. I will ride it again but that first time was the real deal.
AND are still here to talk about it!
You are one lucky bastage!
Stage III
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
we just had a group ride the dragon 7-10-09 and it was a great!!! rideing in the smokey mountains is just unbelievable i would recommend it to any one. The dragon tail can be rode safely if you ride the speed limit. most of the wrecks are sport bike riders being stupid.(just look at the parts on the tree at deals gap). Our ride up to the mountain cabin was more dangerous!!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,423
Likes: 2
From: Ellenwood, GA - The Ghetto Part
Was in a convenience store 2 weekends ago and guy noticed my helmet sticker from "The Dragon".
He mentioned he had ridden it about 2 months ago and totalled his sport bike. Admitted he had been going to fast for the road.
He mentioned he had ridden it about 2 months ago and totalled his sport bike. Admitted he had been going to fast for the road.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,178
Likes: 683
From: Forest Hill, Md
we just had a group ride the dragon 7-10-09 and it was a great!!! rideing in the smokey mountains is just unbelievable i would recommend it to any one. The dragon tail can be rode safely if you ride the speed limit. most of the wrecks are sport bike riders being stupid.(just look at the parts on the tree at deals gap). Our ride up to the mountain cabin was more dangerous!!!