Tail of the Dragon & Baggers
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
Tail of the Dragon & Baggers
Finally got around to buying and downloading a picture that we had taken on the "Tail of the Dragon" last June - for those of you that have not been on this ride or who have never heard of it - Well, if your ever in the area of Western Noth Carolina and Tenn. Check it out. I did a coast to coast last June and wanted to do this ride - a LOT of people tried to talk me out of it - being that I was on my FLHTC - I was starting to get a little worried - Well, wife and I start EARLY in the AM to have the road to ourselfs and that we had and to be honest - it was a piece of cake - Now, Iam 62 and just took it easy - thats the trick to keep it safe - Lots of people take this ride FAST and it would be fun but also risky. On at least two turns - as you approach them - big signs.. smile at next curve for US129photos.com / great picture.
For those riders that ever ride Yosemite here in CA (our back yard) as you leave the park on the west side (highway 120) and ride towards 49 or ride towards Yosemite on 120 as you approach Priest Grade - Take OLD PRIEST GRADE - NOT the new one / you will have to keep your eyes open, you come up on it FAST and easy to miss..
http://california.hometownlocator.co...st%20grade.cfm
Take this short 3 miles but you will experence some of the tighest turns - mini tail of the dragon, lol
for more fun, take either 108 or 4 Over the Sierra's - more fun.
Moral of this post - 62 year old rider / 64 year old passanger on 04 Bagger X Tail of the Dragon = Piece of cake and very nice ride at 0700
For those riders that ever ride Yosemite here in CA (our back yard) as you leave the park on the west side (highway 120) and ride towards 49 or ride towards Yosemite on 120 as you approach Priest Grade - Take OLD PRIEST GRADE - NOT the new one / you will have to keep your eyes open, you come up on it FAST and easy to miss..
http://california.hometownlocator.co...st%20grade.cfm
Take this short 3 miles but you will experence some of the tighest turns - mini tail of the dragon, lol
for more fun, take either 108 or 4 Over the Sierra's - more fun.
Moral of this post - 62 year old rider / 64 year old passanger on 04 Bagger X Tail of the Dragon = Piece of cake and very nice ride at 0700
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 576
Likes: 20
From: Eau Claire, WI
Lots of folks crashin on that road, but that's because people get way braver there than their riding abilities will keep up with for some reason. You're right, take it easy, enjoy it and it's just fine. It's a very pretty part of the country.
Finally got around to buying and downloading a picture that we had taken on the "Tail of the Dragon" last June - for those of you that have not been on this ride or who have never heard of it - Well, if your ever in the area of Western Noth Carolina and Tenn. Check it out. I did a coast to coast last June and wanted to do this ride - a LOT of people tried to talk me out of it - being that I was on my FLHTC - I was starting to get a little worried - Well, wife and I start EARLY in the AM to have the road to ourselfs and that we had and to be honest - it was a piece of cake - Now, Iam 62 and just took it easy - thats the trick to keep it safe - Lots of people take this ride FAST and it would be fun but also risky. On at least two turns - as you approach them - big signs.. smile at next curve for US129photos.com / great picture.
I have heard alot about it ,I hoping to get to go this year to ride the Dragon
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
BTW - just wanted to add, In approaching this curve, I knew the camera guy would be somewhere there, slowed NO traffice behind and NON approaching from oppisite direction, plenty of clearance to road and slow speed, I only looked that direction for a second and it was a safe move - These can be done in a safe way IF you keep your head up and aware of whats going on..
If you do decide to ride this road and see the camera sign - be careful, heavy traffic, don't take your eyes off the curve (look through as you have been trained) slow, give your self some space and you can look/wave in a safe manor. Heavy traffic, don't risk it.
If you do decide to ride this road and see the camera sign - be careful, heavy traffic, don't take your eyes off the curve (look through as you have been trained) slow, give your self some space and you can look/wave in a safe manor. Heavy traffic, don't risk it.
Last edited by harley0711; Mar 3, 2013 at 11:42 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5,282
Likes: 2
From: Northwestern Nevada
I would enjoy the ride, my wife however....motion sickness often dictates our riding speeds and occasionally our course.
Nice pic.
Nice pic.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 1,582
From: m
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
From: Chicago burbs
I agree with Harley 0711. I rode it last summer and took it very easy. It was cool and less intimidating when taking it slow enough. It's beautiful, but I found the Cherohala Skyway more enjoyable and scenic. Was able to cruise a little faster cause the turns weren't as killer. And the scenery awesome!! Great post. Great ride. Here was one of my images along the Tail.
Last edited by Smokengun; Mar 4, 2013 at 04:31 AM.