Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 0
From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico
RE: Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
I've been here in Knoxville for 5 weeks now on business with my bike. I've ridden as much as 150 miles a morning before work and the dragon is the last place I want to go. There is a lot of beautiful country to see here, no need to prove anything to myself or anyone else. \\; When I get on the bike I say to myself,  \\; I'ts a ride, NOT a race! \\; Just my observation. \\;
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,277
Likes: 4
From: Austin, TX - Some call it heaven.
RE: Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
ORIGINAL: dgriffith
I've been here in Knoxville for 5 weeks now on business with my bike. I've ridden as much as 150 miles a morning before work and the dragon is the last place I want to go. There is a lot of beautiful country to see here, no need to prove anything to myself or anyone else. \\;\\\\\\; When I get on the bike I say to myself,  \\;\\\\\\; I'ts a ride, NOT a race! \\;\\\\\\; Just my observation. \\;\\\\\\;
I've been here in Knoxville for 5 weeks now on business with my bike. I've ridden as much as 150 miles a morning before work and the dragon is the last place I want to go. There is a lot of beautiful country to see here, no need to prove anything to myself or anyone else. \\;\\\\\\; When I get on the bike I say to myself,  \\;\\\\\\; I'ts a ride, NOT a race! \\;\\\\\\; Just my observation. \\;\\\\\\;
I'm with you. It's real easy to get in over your head, especially when you're getting passed by sportbikes. I'm planning a trip to that area, and I'll probably just pick up the Blueridge Parkway at the north end, and ride it all the way to Asheville, then head over to Nashville and pick up the Natchez trace, then take it back towards Texas. That's my kind of riding, but to each their own.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 681
Likes: 0
From: Red&Black World
RE: Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
Dont worry about it. I grew up near there and have been driving it since i was 16. I do respect the road and its quircks. I advise for your first time, go sit at the pull off and wait on a couple of touring bikes or mini vans to go by. Follow them through you will have a nice ride. Remember to use your lane and always watch behind you for fast movers coming up. If you hug the white line they will think you are pulling over to let them pass. If you can swing a wednesday trip in the middle of the day go then. If you are not confident on your bike then skip the dragon all together.
 \\;
MOST IMPORTANT DO NOT CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW!!
 \\;
MOST IMPORTANT DO NOT CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW!!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 2
RE: Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
Have a great time at Deals Gap. It's a very fun ride and IMO completely safe as long as you ride safe. Keep in in 3rd gear and around 30MPH and you'll be good to go. Be careful when driving TO the Dragon, those corners will sneak up on you quickly when you aren't yet expecting them. Try to avoid going on Saturday or Sunday because the place is a zoo. There is very little traffic throughout the business week. We didn't have any issues while there and everyone including the sport bikes were riding safely from what I saw. They have a photographer there on most days that shoots 3-4 pictures of you going through the twisties. Stop in the Deals Gap Motorcycle resort and they have brochures with info on how to look at your photos online and purchase them if you like them. I thought that was pretty cool. I bought a picture of myself dragging a floorboard around a corner. 
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Todd NC
RE: Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
I would definately try and make the dragon a trip during the week since you're less apt to see the sportbike racers since they mostly show up at the end of the week and the weekend. Plus if you get a chance I would make the trip to Maggie Valley and stop in at the Wheels Thru Time Museum. They will be leaving the area for good later than august of this year and sounds like November now. Definately bring the digital camera since theres alot of Harley history there and some other interesting things you'll never see again. Enjoy the trip and I would second the trip to Marysville Harley, great dealer and lots of stuff going on.
 \\;
Scott
 \\;
Scott
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 0
From: Front Royal, Virginia
RE: Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
I've been across the Dragon many times. It certainly is a must do if you are in the area. But to be honest it is more like work than fun. It will test your skills. I've seen 6 accidents while crossing it. Having said that I will be heading that way again in about two weeks as my wife is heading for London. I'll leave Thursday or Friday from Northern Virginia July 10th or 11th and return Sunday the 13th. I have one other guy going and a couple who say they are going but I won't hold my breath. If anyone wants to tag along you are welcome, just email me.
Gary
Gary
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
From: New York / Texas
RE: Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
call the 800 number for road side assistance and upgrade your coverage,it covers more then the standard and the upgrades are reasonable, had my bike towed at 800 miles the tow company used a flatbed with dolly made for motorcycles to load it on truck. driver also told me the upgrade was the way to go. enjoy your trip
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
RE: Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
My wife and I were there last weekend. We rode highway 64 frome Henderson to the gap. I was actually tired of curved roads. Have a great time. We did.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: Southern Maryland
RE: Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
Sorry for crashing this post. \\; but I want to thank everyone with their advice on riding the Dragon. \\; Myself and two other buddies are headed there this week end pending the thunder storm expected goes away. \\; I have been preparing for this ride having heard about it from my Porsche Club so I gave up my Porsche and got a Harley to experience it and the great roads in the area.
RE: Nervous about a Trip to the Gap
If you replace the part before it breaks it is your dime, if they fix it after it breaks then it is their dime. \\; I am in the same boat as many in the forum, but what the hell, I am not going to let it stop me, I will ride it until that time comes, for many I do feel that will never happen. \\; I would be more worried about LEO's and the speed limit, and just who is crossing that yellow line into your lane. \\; Make sure all your paperwork is current and legal. And yes "the shed" at Marysville HD is the bomb, and BadPiggy we will be up that way for Million Mile Monday what was that phone #, lol. \\; Above all else ride you own ride, and save the sightseeing for when you are off the bike.