How many have ridden the Dragon?

[0vationdave]

Just curious. I am heading down there in May. Being a Michigan "flatlander", just wondering how many folks here have ridden the dragon, I was wondering how the Vaquero would carve OK on those roads. I don't expect any issues mind you, but I don't get much practice on those kinds of roads around me.

Dave

[GIBBY]

Our 2011 National Rally was in Maggie Valley, NC
Many of us that attended tamed the Dragon, which was only 50 miles or so away.
Find all the twisties you can locally and practice.

[Bud2rat]

I've ridden the Dragon several times. I believe that it's over-rated. There are plenty of other roads in the area that are more scenic and just as interesting. Be careful when riding these roads. Look out for gravel in the low areas and around driveways, also, watch for cages when going around corners, they have a tendancy to cross the centerline.

[nomadtom69]

I live about 3 mile from Hwy 129 aka The Dragon it is about 25 mile up to where Dragon starts but the Hwy 129 has some curves of its own #1 Being a Flatlander as you said ride the speed limit #2 watch where you are going NO SITE SEENING and you will fine #3 donot let the speed demeans cause you to not to ride your ride just let them pass or pull over at one of the turn outs and let them go go to Google Earth and look at the road. If I am not busy give me a pm and I will give you my phone # and this OLD man will lead you through the first time and then you can ride it as fast as you want.

[54zamboni]

As a fellow Michigander, I can attest to the fact that you won't find roads like that around here to practice on! my wife I have been down several times over the past few years, and really enjoyed the riding in the entire area. we rode the dragon several times, back and forth, took it easy, and did fine. got caught in a downpour on our last trip, but again, went slow and no problem. to be honest, it was more enjoyable to ride elsewhere in the area. one thing we learned -- if you're estimating how long it takes to get somewhere, forget all about how long it takes up here to go the same distance -- its going to take a lot longer!

[cnc]

Was there in 2011 when we were at the National. Rode it in both directions. IMO it is just a been there done that road and as mentioned there are other nicer roads to ride down there.
Ride your own ride, don't try to keep up with the bike in front if your not comfortable and look through the corners. I think I went through there mostly in second gear, just letting it rev.

[jandreu]

Been on the dragon several times when I lived in NC it is fun but over rated unless you have a sport bike. Many, many roads all over the blue ridge parkway in N C that are worth riding.
See here
http://www.motorcycleroads.com/Route...olina_109.html

[usranger74]

Born (1948) and raised in Maryville, Tn.

I have driven and ridden the road to Fontan, NC many, many time - long before it was called the "Dragon". Frankly, I think its current reputation is not much more than a commercial adventure by local busineess men . Its a road with alot of cureves and no views which is only a challenge if you ride faster than you should.

[Top Cat]

Just be sure to go into the shop at the start and buy a dragon sticker for your bike and a T shirt so everyone will know you rode it.
Oh, and go the speed limit or slower. Your not trying to win a race, you just want to say you rode it

[kawboysix]

Never been on the dragon but I've been though some of them hills in Tenn. Just last July as matter of fact. Plenty of other great ridin there. Take a look at all those you tube videos of the crotch rockets taking the 15 mph hairpins at 45 mph. and passing every on the rode that gets in there path. that's were the thrill is supposed to be on the Dragon but I think not. If your in a group and try to keep up with the thrill seekers it can be more work than play. There isn't much scenery up the hills anyway, just a whole lot of tall trees. The tops of which are far below you down the 200 ft. ditches with no guard rails. Like a rollercoaster, except your wheels aren't secured to this track.

It's a great time none the less if you take your time and just do you, and let everybody else do their own thing.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by 0vationdave

Just curious. I am heading down there in May. Being a Michigan "flatlander", just wondering how many folks here have ridden the dragon, I was wondering how the Vaquero would carve OK on those roads. I don't expect any issues mind you, but I don't get much practice on those kinds of roads around me.

Dave

Try out a few of this guy's maps of the entire area.

http://americaridesmaps.com/Home_Page.html

There are a lot of great roads in the area; but knowing the best ones to ride (without riding the typical ones) can be daunting if you are not from there.

He is an avid rider and has every road worth riding mapped-out -- including a lot of roads many would never know to ride. He does sell them, but they are fairly priced and are good.

He updates the maps regularly based on road conditions and etc.

He also provides updates via email if you sign up for it. (Occasionally roads in the area are closed due to slide-outs or other reasons. You'll want to know that before heading out on a ride.)

Also, the owner's cell phone (Wayne) is listed on the site under "contact". He is a great guy and you can always call or email him when you get there for any updates.

Your biggest problem will be trying to figure out how to lengthen your trip, and how to ride more hours of the day!

[cactusjack]

I've never ridden it, but my friends who have say we have some better, more challenging roads in AZ. The Coronado Trail is one of them.

[jlreeves]

The Dragon is OK but from someone who lives in N GA its just a lot of curves in a short distance that a LOT of folks want to ride on. Lots more enjoyable routes to ride here. Go try the GA Gauntlet. Info at http://www.gauntletga.com/ Some of the prettiest and interesting riding in the SE.

[ndbigfish]

I was there with KawaNow in 2011 also. It was okay but I think over sold. 850 lbs of touring bike doesnt carve it up quite like a sport bike. Like Norm said I got into third a couple of times. Would I go back just for this piece of road? Probably not, but I'd go back in a minute to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway and such. Nomadtom took us through some areas on the approach from Maggie Valley that where great. We have several pieces of road like that here but there is no motorcycle destination businesses to promote them so you can't get a tee shirt.

[Mav1]

Did the Dragon in 2008. Considering heading that way again later this summer. I actually enjoyed the Cherohala more for sheer riding pleasure, but the Dragon was on the bucket list, lol.