digdug, You've probably seen it but there is a website for the TOD http://tailofthedragon.com/

The website has a map of the Dragon. All the turns are hairpins or tight radius turns. For sweepers get on the Cherohala.

Anyone but a brand new rider should have no problem with riding two up on the TOD. It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be although it can hurt you if you don't know your limits. A 64 y.o. was killed on the Dragon yesterday when he rolled his Tri-Glide with his wife on the back.

The speed limit on the TOD is 30 mph. You could probably avg 35 pretty safely with some short stretches where you can leg it out some. However, on the weekends the Blount County Sheriff usually has a couple cars parked there to keep it sane. They don't usually write tickets but will if they see something real stupid, it's usually people on sport bikes and sports cars.

The website also has a calendar and it doesn't look like any car clubs are having a rally there this weekend so that's a plus for you. It will still be very busy, always is on the weekends.

The TOD is one of those rides that all riders want to say they've done. If you are in Gatlinburg you could do a loop around the GSMNP by riding over the mountain on 441 into Cherokee, taking 19 and then 28 to Deals Gap, ride the Dragon then take the Foothills Parkway to Townsend and then Little River Road back into Gatlinburg. It's a very nice loop and I bet at the end of the day the TOD will be only the 3rd or 4th favorite part of the loop. You could eat in Cherokee or Bryson City or grab something quick at Deals Gap.

As others have said here, and I agree, the Cherohala is a much better ride as is the Blue Ridge Parkway between Cherokee and Asheville. If you need some suggestions on a Cherohala loop from Gatlinburg let me know. I live in Knoxville and have a place in Gatlinburg so I ride the area extensively. We end up doing the Dragon a few times a year but usually only because visiting friends want to ride it or because we need to ride it to get to another road in NC. It's nice to say you've done it but once you've experienced some of the other rides in the area the TOD just isn't that enticing.

 

Just got back a few weeks ago from doing the Dragon and much more in that area. For the first time ever I had a Tour-Pak on my 2009 Street Glide. Coming in from Arkansas I had plenty time to get use to the extra weight and difference in the handling of the bike. Having your wife lean forward towards your back instead of fully reclined as if she was in a La-Z-Boy recliner will help a lot with how the bike feels in the tight stuff. Have fun and be safe....

 

The Dragon is more hype than anything. It is no different that 100's of crooked roads in the US, and not as good as a lot of them. It is only dangerous because of the idiots that ride it.

Riding the Dragon 2 up will be no different that riding any other crooked road 2 up. Just beware of the people you have to share the road with.

Bill

 

I would expect heavy police presence right now. They've had 2 or 3 deaths in just the past few weeks.

 

We did last year over Labor day, loved it

 

My wife's first time thru in 2012, looks like she had a good time.
I have ridden it seven times, twice with her with me and always during the week. My suggestion is look ahead thru the turns because if you have to stop for any reason there are many places that you could not get your foot down because the road slopes off so sharply. You need to look ahead and plan for that.
I run second gear the majority of the trip. If I don't, I find myself shifting from second to third constantly. You will need second gear to pull out of some of the tight turns. Just run the motor up on the few short shots and maybe hit third for a break.

It is not a sightseeing route. As others have said there are many more fun and scenic rides in the area but if in the area, ride it to say you did.
Ride your ride and you will be fine.