How About Riding the "Dragon"?

[roadhawg]

Here is the official Dragon web site
Some great pics here!
It looks like they are trying to get big trucks off the Dragon. Apparently, a guy was killed a while back when a big rig went into his lane.

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

[Idaho]

Originally Posted by cnc

OK we have the time let's hear the whole story Bud.

Let's just say that I could not find Maggie Valley and after touring around the NC hills for about an hour I started noticing things on the left side of the road that I had seen earlier on the right side of the road. Then, I popped up over a hill and around a corner and found myself right back at Deals Gap MC Resort! I did not know how I was going to get out of there. Spooky. I would not say I was lost, just extremely bewildered for a spell.

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by Idaho

Let's just say that I could not find Maggie Valley and after touring around the NC hills for about an hour I started noticing things on the left side of the road that I had seen earlier on the right side of the road. Then, I popped up over a hill and around a corner and found myself right back at Deals Gap MC Resort! I did not know how I was going to get out of there. Spooky. I would not say I was lost, just extremely bewildered for a spell.

OK sorry Bud, I was a little confused as usual. But it got you to tell the story, that was the intent.

You guys have to understand Bud does not use GPS. He uses paper maps.

If I was at the Dragon and wanted to get to Maggie Valley I would put Maggie Valley in the Garmin.
Bud looks at his map then goes by road signs. I found out when I was in Tenn. that is a good way to go in circles.

[cnc]

It was very confusing around there. We seemed to get split up on the way back and some took a faster route back to Maggie Valley. My gps wanted to send me off on a couple of different routes, but we followed Rhys GPS in cookie crumb mode and got caught in that big storm.

[Loafer]

Does someone have photos of this big storm?

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by Loafer

Does someone have photos of this big storm?

I'm sure some of the members have a very vivid memory of it in their mind.
Cindy and I got back to the motel before it hit.

[cnc]

Maybe Greg does, they were caught up on the parkway. We were maybe 10 miles from the hotel when it hit. It went from daylight to night in seconds, howling wind, thunder and lightning and rain like I've never seen. I could not see the road, nor could I see any place to pull off. I rounded a corner, at least I think it was, and saw a few lights. I headed straight for the lights figuring it was the best place to stop what ever it was. I was halfway into the place before I realized it was a gas station convenience store with an over head and the rest of the gang was already waiting it out there.

[Loafer]

Greg Has Photos.

[snarleybill08]

the dragon was a piece of cake. we had a great time. the real fun was hanging out at the restaurant and shopping for souvineers. the cops and traffic were heavy, so we could'nt get over 30 mph most of the time. it was nerve racking cuz you have to be on your toes the whole time. you have to do it just to say you did it. there are alot faster hairier rides in the area.

[bearbait]

Did the Dragon two weeks ago on my Vaquero. It was fun, a challenge, tiring - but a good "been there, done that" stamp to get on your passport. Ran into almost no traffic - but one eighteen wheeler - on an April Thursday. YMMV.

I agree with others that the Blue Ridge and Cherohala can be more fun. I ran 'em all (well, only part of the Blue Ridge) and found it worth the two-day ride to get there.

The Microtel in Robbinsville is a decent place to stay, BTW.

[ndbigfish]

Here is a little shot from the "storm" on the Parkway. The Dragon was fun but not the highlight of the National Rally.

[Blueraven]

Originally Posted by cnc

It was very confusing around there. We seemed to get split up on the way back and some took a faster route back to Maggie Valley. My gps wanted to send me off on a couple of different routes, but we followed Rhys GPS in cookie crumb mode and got caught in that big storm.

Aint that the truth!!!!!! Lol

[Bud2rat]

Rode the Dragon twice, been there, done that. Dragon's Tail is overrated. There are much better and safer roads to explore in western NC. Take some of the lesser traveled roads and see the true mountains and valleys that NC has to offer. Get off the beaten patch and explore. Ride safe.

[highwayman2011]

I rode the dragon last year on a rented 900 Vulcan. That was fun. NC 28, Cherahala Skyway, Foothills Parkway to Cades Cove in the Great Smokey Mtns Naational Park. Cherokee and Bryson City. Just a wonderful area people were friendly and most places are motorcycle friendly too. I'll second the comment about road signs in Tenn, very confusing. Enjoy! killboy.com takes some great pictures there.

[cactusjack]

You need to come out here and give this a try.

http://byways.org/explore/byways/2059/

http://www.americansouthwest.net/ari...ail/index.html

90 miles of twisties, 3 summits including one over 9300'.