Dragon / US129 claims another

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Jun 29, 2009 | 10:11 AM

#11

masterblaster

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: Conroe Texas

+1, can try getting behind a car or slow group.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDRider2002

I think roads like US129 are hard for some people to ride because they aren't used to controlling their bikes in that way. People flock to that road because its great for twisties, curves, etc, but they figure just because they can scrape a floorboard on the exit ramp off the free way that they can carve up a road like that in the same fashion. Best advice i've ever heard for the Dragon (or any similar road) ride it first slowly, get used to it, and then ride it again until you know what you have in store for ya. We've all gotta be safe out there folks!

Jun 29, 2009 | 11:30 AM

#12

Unome

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Joined: Sep 2006

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From: Ellenwood, GA - The Ghetto Part

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDRider2002

I think roads like US129 are hard for some people to ride because they aren't used to controlling their bikes in that way. People flock to that road because its great for twisties, curves, etc, but they figure just because they can scrape a floorboard on the exit ramp off the free way that they can carve up a road like that in the same fashion. Best advice i've ever heard for the Dragon (or any similar road) ride it first slowly, get used to it, and then ride it again until you know what you have in store for ya. We've all gotta be safe out there folks!

That is best advice for that road.

Jun 29, 2009 | 12:15 PM

#13

BadBobOk

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From: Central Oklahoma

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo

Jun 29, 2009 | 01:06 PM

#14

n8dc

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDRider2002

I guess i wouldnt be able to ride it simply because id want to putz along and enjoy the scenery.. I have no desire to hit the twistys and scrape the boards. especially on a glide.. Id prolly be to worried about some asshat coming the other way taking me out too... ?

Jun 29, 2009 | 01:43 PM

#15

Neckball

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Joined: Apr 2005

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From: Lincolnton, NC

My son and I were there this weekend. We were on the Dragon Saturday morning about 9:30-10:00am. On our return trip back to the store we came upon a sport bike rider in the ditch, just getting up. He was in the turn directly across the photographer from Zee Photo who was running across the road to help the rider. We slowed down to where we were idling along in 1st gear just to keep traffic behind us from getting on the crash scene too quick. Rider seemed to not be hurt as he was moving on his own before the photographer had crossed the road to help him get up.

Jun 29, 2009 | 02:04 PM

#16

Shag67

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Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 972

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From: NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by n8dc

Bingo. You nailed it. It's not that the road is that difficult to ride, it's that a lot of people go out there to ride the road as hard as they can and they overestimate their abilities. Next thing you know they cross the center line and smash into someone who's out for a nice relaxing ride. If you stay on your side of the double yellow line, unfortunately that DOES NOT guarantee your safety on that road or any other, but ESPECIALLY on that road. I've been there 4 times so far and am heading back in September. I will get to the area Sunday night and not ride the Dragon AT ALL except on a weekday. Too many people out there on the weekend to really enjoy it much unless you want to just park at the CROT and stare at bikes all day. Confession: I crashed on The Dragon once. Was heading into a left turn a little hot and fixated on a skid-mark that led off of the paved road to a cliff and decided it would be a good idea to follow that skid-mark for about 1/10 of a second. That was all it took to screw up my approach to the turn and dump (low-side) the bike. Fortunately the bike hit a stump after sliding on the left side and didn't go over the edge and I clawed at pavement and roots on the side of the road to keep from going over. What a rush.