Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

jojogsx600f · 02-24-2008, 07:41 PM

I was wanting to know if anyone in th north Carolina area has rode this. i was looking foe place to ride and found this deals gap 318 turns in 11 miles. i am planning a trip with some of my buddy's but i am still kind of new to riding and wanting to know if this is something that i can take on or just need to stay at home. it looks like a lot of fun. i like taking the curves but still a little nervous about dropping in all the way. well if you rode the dragon. let use here about it.

Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC

Rockhead · 02-24-2008, 07:43 PM

Group here goes out each year http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...rg-2008-a.html

frostbitevinnie · 02-24-2008, 08:48 PM

Hopefully I will be there in early June.

jojogsx600f · 02-24-2008, 08:59 PM

i only live about 3.5 hours or so away. so i was going to try and get up there in the next few weeks to check it out. not working right know so just setting around trying to find someone to ride with and some where to ride just come back from oak island. nice ride and anyone that has been down there can't say that they don't like riding on 211 about a 25 mile two lane road through swamp land with no houses or cross roads. just watch out for deers had two run across the road.

k5blaz · 02-28-2008, 09:08 PM

i live about 2hrs away. me and a guy I work with are supossed to go in about 2-3 weeks.

jojogsx600f · 02-29-2008, 11:02 PM

i need some one to ride up there with and your on the other side of the hills. but if i can get my buddy to go we can meet up.

TWALKER · 03-01-2008, 09:04 AM

Deals Gap is a blast. Just remember it is a public road, so stay away from the center line when going into turns. Just enjoy it and go only as fast as you are comfortable with.

willyperkins · 03-03-2008, 11:46 PM

I did it last December, on a rental Road King. I was (still am) pretty much a beginner. I actually did it twice, once at night, under a clear sky and full moon. Was just great. Nightime wasn't really an issue as I was in second gear most of the time, and the road is so twisty that I wouldn't have been able to see any farther in the daytime anyway. Went again the next day. Biggest hazard was the knee draggers passing me, but I just took it easy and waved them past. Definitely will go back, though I'd avoid busy weekend/holiday days.

The popular loop trip goes down skyline scenic byway, which isn't so twisty, but has nice vistas.

stp1971 · 03-07-2008, 05:24 PM

Call up there in advance to get the road conditions. Sometimes from the ice and snow the roads are still a little tricky with the sand and all early in the season.

Also check the weather. Although it is only a couple of hours away you have to remember that it is higher up in North Carolinas elevation than Charlotte. SO you may find ice up there.

But best bet is call a day or so prior to make sure the roads are good and watch the weather. As a new "Dragon Rider" during the weekdays will afford you better riding as the weekend squid patrols are alot less. Translated: Not as many knee draggers up there trying to break land speed records.

Keep focused and watch your mirrors for bikes coming up behind you. If they want to go faster let them by and wave them around.

Have fun!!!

clockdaddy · 03-12-2008, 05:06 AM

As long as you don't try to "beat the Dragon", you'll be just fine. Always stay to the right two feet of your lane so faster riders can go by you when you wave them by and should a car or semi be coming around a turn taking up more than their share of the road, this will keep you clear.
Just take it at a comfortable pace (for you) and you'll do just great.

Another great ride is the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee going North. It's 450 miles of curves and fun. Not as radical as the "Dragon" but an easier more scenic ride.

CD

DrBob · 03-21-2008, 11:26 AM

I've riden it dozens of times, and it is a fun ride. But its not even close to being the best road in the area- its just the only one with a PR department. Run it once or twice just to say you did, then go exploring on some of the other roads, like NC28, NC211, etc.

BOBCATTOO · 03-22-2008, 08:53 AM

IMHO if your signature indicates your true riding style I'd only give you a 50/50 shot at completing the Dragon without incident. That is NOT the place to take chances especially for a novice! Just my $.02.

kay · 03-22-2008, 09:22 AM

Japan is all mountains and we have lots of twisties, but that is one place I'd love to go ride, just so that I can say I rode it.

But I do agree that there may be lots more that are as interesting, if not more, but has been less publicized. Sometimes, too much publicity brings the wrong kind of crowd too, so those less publicized twisties can, in fact, be nicer.

jojogsx600f · 04-04-2008, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOBCATTOO

IMHO if your signature indicates your true riding style I'd only give you a 50/50 shot at completing the Dragon without incident. That is NOT the place to take chances especially for a novice! Just my $.02.

That is just a saying between my friend we used to say take it easy but one night leaving a buddy's house me and three of my friends were ran of the road by a semi trying to miss a dog. so we say ride fast take chances now and no more problems so far knock on wood.

Davecm203 · 04-14-2008, 12:29 PM

While you are on the way to The Dragon, go on 64 through Highlands and Lake Lure. The road is actualy (IMHO) just as good and is longer than the Dragon and makes the trip there more fun. The Dragon is just exciting. There are people from all over the place. Lots of motorcycles and cars. Lots of friendly people. It is worth going to for that I think.

As DrBob said, there are other roads in the area. The Cherola Skyway is great also.

Davecm203 · 04-14-2008, 12:30 PM

Have fun and be safe.

wildwolf · 04-17-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBob

I've riden it dozens of times, and it is a fun ride. But its not even close to being the best road in the area- its just the only one with a PR department. Run it once or twice just to say you did, then go exploring on some of the other roads, like NC28, NC211, etc.

Dr. Bob shared this little gem with me a couple years ago. VERY fun road.

I think my next trip up there, I'll see if I can't convince him to try this wonderful looking road with me.

knoxbox · 04-24-2008, 12:59 PM

i frequent the dragon... its no were near as bad as everyone claims it to be... now if your a dumbass and do stupid %%%% and try to go beyond your means yeah you can get hurt... its no so much your own skills you need to worry about its the amateurs on the other side of the road that cross over when they can't take a turn as fast as they thought they could...

just take a look at the tree of shame and read some of the actual comments of the poeple that went down, most of them admit they were
a) doing something stupid
b) someone crossed over and hit them while they were doing nothing wrong

there are alot better roads that are just as fun and not so crowded... while your up here you might as well make a weekend of it... i'd go through the dragon onto the foothills parkway, on over either through cades cove and then into gatlinberg or skip cades cover into gatlinburg then i'd head for 421 it near johnson city its known as the stripedsnake and its like 4 roads alot of twisties and higher speeds. then i'd come back through new found gap the NC side of new found gap is awesome... good 60 - 70 mph with sweeping turns... or you could come back the long way through the skyway, and man skyway is jsut amazing... you can coast for miles... tennessee and NC have some of the best riding roads in this area... do some research on tail of the dragon's website they list alot of other roads so check them out get you a plan together and have fun.

also check out 28 hellbender aka mini dragon. its a good road too.

Falcopilot · 04-27-2008, 06:12 PM

28 is REALLY fun!!

I lowsided on the Dragon at no more than 30mph back in '05, have no real idea what happened. One second I was in a left hander and the next I was tumbling down the road. My tibia was in 14 pieces, fibula broken in two places, ankle cracked and four toes broken!! 15" titanium rod inside my lower leg now.

ANyway, I did not enjoy the Dragon that much....too tight....I Love the Cherohala much more!! Scenic, long and some VERY fast sweepers!!!

NC 64 between Franklin and Highlands is fun also, but usually a lot of traffic.

robertc729 · 04-27-2008, 06:28 PM

I'm hoping to get to the dragon sometime this year. Maybe in October.

02-24-2008, 07:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
jojogsx600f Seat Tester Joined: Feb 2008 Bike: 1995 gsx600f katana Location: Charlotte nc Posts: 64	Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap I was wanting to know if anyone in th north Carolina area has rode this. i was looking foe place to ride and found this deals gap 318 turns in 11 miles. i am planning a trip with some of my buddy's but i am still kind of new to riding and wanting to know if this is something that i can take on or just need to stay at home. it looks like a lot of fun. i like taking the curves but still a little nervous about dropping in all the way. well if you rode the dragon. let use here about it. Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC __________________ drive fast take chances.

02-24-2008, 08:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
frostbitevinnie No Significant Other Joined: Jul 2007 Bike: 07' C90T 76' MT250 Location: 3rd house NW of the Depot Posts: 2,262	Hopefully I will be there in early June. __________________ Go sit on a egg!!

02-24-2008, 08:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
jojogsx600f Seat Tester Joined: Feb 2008 Bike: 1995 gsx600f katana Location: Charlotte nc Posts: 64	i only live about 3.5 hours or so away. so i was going to try and get up there in the next few weeks to check it out. not working right know so just setting around trying to find someone to ride with and some where to ride just come back from oak island. nice ride and anyone that has been down there can't say that they don't like riding on 211 about a 25 mile two lane road through swamp land with no houses or cross roads. just watch out for deers had two run across the road. __________________ drive fast take chances.

02-29-2008, 11:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
jojogsx600f Seat Tester Joined: Feb 2008 Bike: 1995 gsx600f katana Location: Charlotte nc Posts: 64	i need some one to ride up there with and your on the other side of the hills. but if i can get my buddy to go we can meet up. __________________ drive fast take chances.

03-07-2008, 05:24 PM	#9 (permalink)
stp1971 May 2007 Member of the month Joined: Mar 2005 Bike: 2004 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC / 2005 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom Location: Douglasville, Georgia Posts: 7,725	Call up there in advance to get the road conditions. Sometimes from the ice and snow the roads are still a little tricky with the sand and all early in the season. Also check the weather. Although it is only a couple of hours away you have to remember that it is higher up in North Carolinas elevation than Charlotte. SO you may find ice up there. But best bet is call a day or so prior to make sure the roads are good and watch the weather. As a new "Dragon Rider" during the weekdays will afford you better riding as the weekend squid patrols are alot less. Translated: Not as many knee draggers up there trying to break land speed records. Keep focused and watch your mirrors for bikes coming up behind you. If they want to go faster let them by and wave them around. Have fun!!! __________________ Biketoberfest 2006 flashback courtesy of Intimid8er: "Like you knew damn well you shouldn't eat something like that, but all be damned to hell, you were gonna eat it!" __________________

02-24-2008, 07:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rockhead M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: M50 Location: 1060 West Addison, Chicago Posts: 3,753	Group here goes out each year http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...rg-2008-a.html

02-28-2008, 09:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
k5blaz Newbie Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 2007 c50 black & red Location: jonesborough tn. Posts: 17	i live about 2hrs away. me and a guy I work with are supossed to go in about 2-3 weeks.

03-01-2008, 09:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
TWALKER In Training Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: M50 red (red paint adds 5 horsepower) Location: Florida Posts: 126	Deals Gap is a blast. Just remember it is a public road, so stay away from the center line when going into turns. Just enjoy it and go only as fast as you are comfortable with.

03-03-2008, 11:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
willyperkins Newbie Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 2007 Roadliner S Location: North Carolina Posts: 9	I did it last December, on a rental Road King. I was (still am) pretty much a beginner. I actually did it twice, once at night, under a clear sky and full moon. Was just great. Nightime wasn't really an issue as I was in second gear most of the time, and the road is so twisty that I wouldn't have been able to see any farther in the daytime anyway. Went again the next day. Biggest hazard was the knee draggers passing me, but I just took it easy and waved them past. Definitely will go back, though I'd avoid busy weekend/holiday days. The popular loop trip goes down skyline scenic byway, which isn't so twisty, but has nice vistas.

03-12-2008, 05:06 AM	#10 (permalink)
clockdaddy Where Am I ? Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: 1983 Honda Nighthawk CB550SC Location: Frankfort, Kentucky Posts: 45	As long as you don't try to "beat the Dragon", you'll be just fine. Always stay to the right two feet of your lane so faster riders can go by you when you wave them by and should a car or semi be coming around a turn taking up more than their share of the road, this will keep you clear. Just take it at a comfortable pace (for you) and you'll do just great. Another great ride is the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee going North. It's 450 miles of curves and fun. Not as radical as the "Dragon" but an easier more scenic ride. CD __________________ "Life can be Heaven or Hell, It all depends on your attitude!" hm2001

03-21-2008, 11:26 AM	#11 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,508	I've riden it dozens of times, and it is a fun ride. But its not even close to being the best road in the area- its just the only one with a PR department. Run it once or twice just to say you did, then go exploring on some of the other roads, like NC28, NC211, etc. __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog!

03-22-2008, 08:53 AM	#12 (permalink)
BOBCATTOO Newbie Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1	IMHO if your signature indicates your true riding style I'd only give you a 50/50 shot at completing the Dragon without incident. That is NOT the place to take chances especially for a novice! Just my $.02.

03-22-2008, 09:22 AM	#13 (permalink)
kay Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer Joined: Oct 2006 Bike: Kawasaki Zephyr750RS, Suzuki GSX-R600, Ducati 999S Location: Crappy Little Island!!! Posts: 3,650	Japan is all mountains and we have lots of twisties, but that is one place I'd love to go ride, just so that I can say I rode it. But I do agree that there may be lots more that are as interesting, if not more, but has been less publicized. Sometimes, too much publicity brings the wrong kind of crowd too, so those less publicized twisties can, in fact, be nicer. __________________ *Suzuki GSX-R600* Cherry blossom season is here! Yay!!!!

04-14-2008, 12:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
Davecm203 Puddle Runner Joined: Apr 2008 Bike: 2006 GSXR750 Location: Central North Carolina Posts: 385	While you are on the way to The Dragon, go on 64 through Highlands and Lake Lure. The road is actualy (IMHO) just as good and is longer than the Dragon and makes the trip there more fun. The Dragon is just exciting. There are people from all over the place. Lots of motorcycles and cars. Lots of friendly people. It is worth going to for that I think. As DrBob said, there are other roads in the area. The Cherola Skyway is great also.

04-14-2008, 12:30 PM	#16 (permalink)
Davecm203 Puddle Runner Joined: Apr 2008 Bike: 2006 GSXR750 Location: Central North Carolina Posts: 385	Have fun and be safe. Last edited by Davecm203; 04-14-2008 at 12:30 PM. Reason: I am an idiot.

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04-24-2008, 12:59 PM	#18 (permalink)
knoxbox Seat Tester Joined: Aug 2007 Bike: 07 Suzuki m50 Location: Strawberry Plains, TN Posts: 64	i frequent the dragon... its no were near as bad as everyone claims it to be... now if your a dumbass and do stupid %%%% and try to go beyond your means yeah you can get hurt... its no so much your own skills you need to worry about its the amateurs on the other side of the road that cross over when they can't take a turn as fast as they thought they could... just take a look at the tree of shame and read some of the actual comments of the poeple that went down, most of them admit they were a) doing something stupid b) someone crossed over and hit them while they were doing nothing wrong there are alot better roads that are just as fun and not so crowded... while your up here you might as well make a weekend of it... i'd go through the dragon onto the foothills parkway, on over either through cades cove and then into gatlinberg or skip cades cover into gatlinburg then i'd head for 421 it near johnson city its known as the stripedsnake and its like 4 roads alot of twisties and higher speeds. then i'd come back through new found gap the NC side of new found gap is awesome... good 60 - 70 mph with sweeping turns... or you could come back the long way through the skyway, and man skyway is jsut amazing... you can coast for miles... tennessee and NC have some of the best riding roads in this area... do some research on tail of the dragon's website they list alot of other roads so check them out get you a plan together and have fun. also check out 28 hellbender aka mini dragon. its a good road too. __________________ -knoxbox- 07 Suzuki Boulevard m50 PureTalkForum debates & discussion [Express Yourself] Last edited by knoxbox; 04-24-2008 at 01:01 PM.

04-27-2008, 06:12 PM	#19 (permalink)
Falcopilot Where Am I ? Joined: Apr 2008 Bike: 2003 Aprilia Falco Location: North Georgia Posts: 29	28 is REALLY fun!! I lowsided on the Dragon at no more than 30mph back in '05, have no real idea what happened. One second I was in a left hander and the next I was tumbling down the road. My tibia was in 14 pieces, fibula broken in two places, ankle cracked and four toes broken!! 15" titanium rod inside my lower leg now. ANyway, I did not enjoy the Dragon that much....too tight....I Love the Cherohala much more!! Scenic, long and some VERY fast sweepers!!! NC 64 between Franklin and Highlands is fun also, but usually a lot of traffic.

04-27-2008, 06:28 PM	#20 (permalink)
robertc729 M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,760	I'm hoping to get to the dragon sometime this year. Maybe in October.