Tail of the Dragon ?

tauras92 · 08-13-2009

I'll be riding in N.C next week and wonder if it's worth a three hour ( extra ) ride to go ride Deal''s Gap ? I've been told by some it's way over rated and other roads in that area are just as good with realistic speed limits but some say definitely check it out, any input would be appreciated.

NCDave · 08-13-2009

it's one of those "must do" types of things. The dragon is actually a fun road to ride, as are the roads leading to it. I am planning on going in September for an annual trip. if you'd like some suggestions on roads and sights, let me know. you should really plan to spend the night there to enjoy the area a little bit. Cherahola skyway is another great road to ride there too.

Bubba68CS · 08-13-2009

You're from Wisconsin, you'll be 3 hours away...

I mean, how often do you really plan to be down there?

If it were me, 3 (or even 6) hours of my life is worth it to find out for myself whether it is overrated or not...especially considering how often I go down that way (NEVER).

I've never been (though I have considered a random trip down that way), but my attitude is I'd rather try something and find out it sucks than live in a bubble and never know...and how much can a road that twisty really suck?

NCDave · 08-13-2009

It's not too late to make plans for September 17th to 20th!!!

Chad_Clearwater · 08-13-2009

Try and go. Also, try to "do" the Dragon during the week. Weekends can get pretty busy. And, there are indeed many very good roads all around the area.

We just got back from about a week in the Franklin, NC, area. No bike but lots of driving around doing the waterfalls, tubing, etc. Depending on where you are HWY 64, I think, through the Cashier area is great. Farther down in north GA the roads in the Blairsville area are great, too.

soc_monki · 08-13-2009

go to Youtube and there are TONS of videos of people riding the dragon. i like this one...Deal's Gap Ninjas. theres a 2nd part, and a couple other videos from the same guy.

i think the Dragon is far from overrated, even though i havent been there. just watching videos gets my blood boiling! i wouldnt ride as fast as some people, but i dont care...i like the views as much as i like curvy roads! LOL im looking at going sometime next month possibly, if i can swing it. we shall see!

Chad_Clearwater · 08-13-2009

There is a website dedicated to the Dragon:
Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC

Weather, directions, road conditions, etc. Looks like NC DOT is looking at improving the pull offs, adding some berm, etc.

clausiam · 08-13-2009

Deal's Gap ("Dragon") as a road is not overrated. The problem with it is too much traffic and overzealous law enforcement. If you're in the area it's worth going especially on a weekday. But I much prefer Cherohala skyway.

tricker · 08-13-2009

If you go during the week it isn't bad. I rode down to the dragon from minnesota and its the best vacation i've ever had. We did ride other roads and one guy went down on the dragon but no one hurt and we all rode back.

ZZRGUY · 08-14-2009

You need to go to the Dragon. It is worth the ride, not over-rated ,but over ridden, like Clausiam said it is crowded on the weekend and Leo infested. The Cherohala Skyway is not far from there and like was also stated, is a great road in it's own right.

kermitDfrogZX10 · 08-19-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad_Clearwater

There is a website dedicated to the Dragon:
Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC

Weather, directions, road conditions, etc. Looks like NC DOT is looking at improving the pull offs, adding some berm, etc.

Another great site is dealsgap.com, Deal's Gap, North Carolina information guide, The Dragon, US Hwy 129, Great Smoky Mountains. It's the resort/resteraunt on the N.C. side of the Dragon where everybody stops. Great food, great atmosphere, and LOTS of different kinds of bikes. Good website with a good daily blog from the G.M. of the place. If you get that close you should really take a trip there. I go once a week but then again I live very close. Definatly worht the trip.

Streaking Tiger · 08-21-2009

Every long trip I make includes The Dragon at least 1 of the days. Add the Cherohala to that and it's worth the trip.

So YES - take in The Dragon. I plan to be there 9/17 and possibly 9/19, so maybe we'll see you there.

Elmer · 08-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by tauras92

I'll be riding in N.C next week and wonder if it's worth a three hour ( extra ) ride to go ride Deal''s Gap ? I've been told by some it's way over rated and other roads in that area are just as good with realistic speed limits but some say definitely check it out, any input would be appreciated.

Like any other ride the enjoyment depends on how you experience it. To make a 3 hour detour only to ride 11 miles in each direction and then leave will be a disappointment. My son says he could ride the dragon for a week and never tire of it. For me the joy is in seeing and experiencing new places and meeting new people. Sharing the experience adds even more enjoyment. As another rider said, spend the night, relax, take it all in, start fresh and see how much the area has to offer. The Dragon will always be high on my list of things I have truly enjoyed.

V2K_CCTX · 08-21-2009

If you do make sure you have valid registration , insurance and dont violate ANY tennesee laws!!! Last year the THP were Nazi's i the "gap"

tauras92 · 08-22-2009

Thanks for the advice guys, I was at Deals Gap 8-18 and just got home, WOW what a fun trip, the roads in those mountains have to be experienced to believe

CTRider · 08-22-2009

In my opinion, riding The Dragon is like having cotton candy at a carnival. It's good, fun to eat, and part of the atmosphere, but probably not something you'll want to do often. It's more just about having the experience and knowing you tried it once.

There are a lot of things people do because it's there and seems like other people had fun doing it. For some, it's learning to ride a horse. For others, it's skydiving, surfing or bungee jumping. I tried blood pudding in Ireland because I went all the way there and it seemed like I ought to at least taste it. It was OK, but I don't need to have it again.

I was out in California several years ago. While I was there, I went to see The Tonight Show, Universal Studios, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and drove part of the Pacific Coast Highway. I probably won't bother going back to those unless I have a lot of extra time, though I enjoyed them all. It's just that I don't need to do those things again. On the other hand, I'll definitely hit up the Warner Brothers tour, the San Diego Zoo and Disneyland now that things have expanded a lot from what was only the Magic Kingdom when I was there last (California Adventure was still under construction).

The real question is, since you tried it once, did you enjoy it enough that it was worth the trip?

tauras92 · 08-22-2009

Yep, I agree with that the Dragon was a fun experience, ride, buy a t-shirt and look around but not sure I'd go the extra miles to get there year after year. Most of my week was spent around Asheville, lake Lure, Mt.Mitchell, looking glass falls, Hot Springs and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway and those areas IMO were awesome with next to no traffic or cops.

RichLockyer · 08-22-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCDave

it's one of those "must do" types of things. The dragon is actually a fun road to ride, as are the roads leading to it. I am planning on going in September for an annual trip. if you'd like some suggestions on roads and sights, let me know. you should really plan to spend the night there to enjoy the area a little bit. Cherahola skyway is another great road to ride there too.

+1

It's like seeing Van Halen at least once. Yes, there are other roads in the area and across the country that are just as sweet, but if you're in the area, just do it.

SteelMonkey · 08-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichLockyer

+1

It's like seeing Van Halen at least once. Yes, there are other roads in the area and across the country that are just as sweet, but if you're in the area, just do it.

I've seen Van Halen, so I guess next year I need to plan a trip out east to ride the dragon, and then life will be complete

Bob Myers1 · 08-23-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by tauras92

Yep, I agree with that the Dragon was a fun experience, ride, buy a t-shirt and look around but not sure I'd go the extra miles to get there year after year. Most of my week was spent around Asheville, lake Lure, Mt.Mitchell, looking glass falls, Hot Springs and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway and those areas IMO were awesome with next to no traffic or cops.

WIfe and I did that 2 or 3 times a year for about 10 years. Out of all those trips we would ride the gap maybe once. The Skyway was ridden almost every trip, the Blue Ridge from one end to the other at yeast once a year. There are some roads off of the Blue Ridge that are much more fun than the dragon, if you prefer to be out there alone.

08-13-2009	#1 (permalink)
tauras92 03 ZR-7s and 08 ZX-6r se BTK Beginner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 100	Tail of the Dragon ? I'll be riding in N.C next week and wonder if it's worth a three hour ( extra ) ride to go ride Deal''s Gap ? I've been told by some it's way over rated and other roads in that area are just as good with realistic speed limits but some say definitely check it out, any input would be appreciated.

08-13-2009	#2 (permalink)
NCDave Novice Tank Roller Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 14,957	it's one of those "must do" types of things. The dragon is actually a fun road to ride, as are the roads leading to it. I am planning on going in September for an annual trip. if you'd like some suggestions on roads and sights, let me know. you should really plan to spend the night there to enjoy the area a little bit. Cherahola skyway is another great road to ride there too. __________________ NCDave Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail us now. - Elwood Blues http://www.bikepics.com/members/ncdave/

08-13-2009	#4 (permalink)
NCDave Novice Tank Roller Forum Supporter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 14,957	It's not too late to make plans for September 17th to 20th!!! __________________ NCDave Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don't fail us now. - Elwood Blues http://www.bikepics.com/members/ncdave/

08-13-2009	#5 (permalink)
Chad_Clearwater Uncle Bob's Love Child BTK Intermediate Join Date: May 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 253	Try and go. Also, try to "do" the Dragon during the week. Weekends can get pretty busy. And, there are indeed many very good roads all around the area. We just got back from about a week in the Franklin, NC, area. No bike but lots of driving around doing the waterfalls, tubing, etc. Depending on where you are HWY 64, I think, through the Cashier area is great. Farther down in north GA the roads in the Blairsville area are great, too. __________________ Dave Clearwater, FL

08-13-2009	#6 (permalink)
soc_monki Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,484	go to Youtube and there are TONS of videos of people riding the dragon. i like this one...Deal's Gap Ninjas. theres a 2nd part, and a couple other videos from the same guy. i think the Dragon is far from overrated, even though i havent been there. just watching videos gets my blood boiling! i wouldnt ride as fast as some people, but i dont care...i like the views as much as i like curvy roads! LOL im looking at going sometime next month possibly, if i can swing it. we shall see! __________________ 2008 Green ZX-6R DIY Fender Elim, Jumper Mod, Yoshi RS-5, rearset raisers Music Lucian Scott

08-13-2009	#3 (permalink)
Bubba68CS I'm your Huckleberry BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,759	You're from Wisconsin, you'll be 3 hours away... I mean, how often do you really plan to be down there? If it were me, 3 (or even 6) hours of my life is worth it to find out for myself whether it is overrated or not...especially considering how often I go down that way (NEVER). I've never been (though I have considered a random trip down that way), but my attitude is I'd rather try something and find out it sucks than live in a bubble and never know...and how much can a road that twisty really suck?

08-13-2009	#7 (permalink)
Chad_Clearwater Uncle Bob's Love Child BTK Intermediate Join Date: May 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 253	There is a website dedicated to the Dragon: Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC Weather, directions, road conditions, etc. Looks like NC DOT is looking at improving the pull offs, adding some berm, etc. __________________ Dave Clearwater, FL

08-13-2009	#8 (permalink)
clausiam Can't find time to ride BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 567	Deal's Gap ("Dragon") as a road is not overrated. The problem with it is too much traffic and overzealous law enforcement. If you're in the area it's worth going especially on a weekday. But I much prefer Cherohala skyway. __________________ 2004 ZZR1200 - street 2005 ZX-6R - track 2006 ZX-10R - street

08-13-2009	#9 (permalink)
tricker digs tinfoil hats BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: rochester, minnesota Posts: 1,214	If you go during the week it isn't bad. I rode down to the dragon from minnesota and its the best vacation i've ever had. We did ride other roads and one guy went down on the dragon but no one hurt and we all rode back. __________________ Are you nucking futs?

08-14-2009	#10 (permalink)
ZZRGUY Old, but wise Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Alabama Posts: 11	You need to go to the Dragon. It is worth the ride, not over-rated ,but over ridden, like Clausiam said it is crowded on the weekend and Leo infested. The Cherohala Skyway is not far from there and like was also stated, is a great road in it's own right. __________________ Charlie 2002 ZZR1200 Silver, the fastest color

08-21-2009	#12 (permalink)
Streaking Tiger Old Man Riding BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 873	Every long trip I make includes The Dragon at least 1 of the days. Add the Cherohala to that and it's worth the trip. So YES - take in The Dragon. I plan to be there 9/17 and possibly 9/19, so maybe we'll see you there. __________________ I just wanna ride. 2006 Kawasaki 650R

08-21-2009	#14 (permalink)
V2K_CCTX RIDING LIKE I STOLE IT BTK Expert Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 7,413	If you do make sure you have valid registration , insurance and dont violate ANY tennesee laws!!! Last year the THP were Nazi's i the "gap" __________________ 07 ZX14 Kawi Lime Green (32/50) 07 VN2000LT White/Ti 07 GV650 03 BMW 745Li 00 VW 1.8T Beetle

08-22-2009	#15 (permalink)
tauras92 03 ZR-7s and 08 ZX-6r se BTK Beginner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 100	Thanks for the advice guys, I was at Deals Gap 8-18 and just got home, WOW what a fun trip, the roads in those mountains have to be experienced to believe

08-22-2009	#16 (permalink)
CTRider TV Guru Forum Supporter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 10,599	In my opinion, riding The Dragon is like having cotton candy at a carnival. It's good, fun to eat, and part of the atmosphere, but probably not something you'll want to do often. It's more just about having the experience and knowing you tried it once. There are a lot of things people do because it's there and seems like other people had fun doing it. For some, it's learning to ride a horse. For others, it's skydiving, surfing or bungee jumping. I tried blood pudding in Ireland because I went all the way there and it seemed like I ought to at least taste it. It was OK, but I don't need to have it again. I was out in California several years ago. While I was there, I went to see The Tonight Show, Universal Studios, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and drove part of the Pacific Coast Highway. I probably won't bother going back to those unless I have a lot of extra time, though I enjoyed them all. It's just that I don't need to do those things again. On the other hand, I'll definitely hit up the Warner Brothers tour, the San Diego Zoo and Disneyland now that things have expanded a lot from what was only the Magic Kingdom when I was there last (California Adventure was still under construction). The real question is, since you tried it once, did you enjoy it enough that it was worth the trip? __________________ 1983 Honda CB550 About Me Answers to your Gadget Questions Gadget Forum

08-22-2009	#17 (permalink)
tauras92 03 ZR-7s and 08 ZX-6r se BTK Beginner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 100	Yep, I agree with that the Dragon was a fun experience, ride, buy a t-shirt and look around but not sure I'd go the extra miles to get there year after year. Most of my week was spent around Asheville, lake Lure, Mt.Mitchell, looking glass falls, Hot Springs and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway and those areas IMO were awesome with next to no traffic or cops.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Cherohala Skyway, Tail of the Dragon, Foothills Parkway, Blue Ridge Parkway	OrlandoArbie	Kawasaki Cruisers	15	07-14-2009 08:58 PM
Tail of the Dragon	Sparky39	Rides, Events and Rallies!	38	02-28-2009 06:57 PM
Leather Gloves - Who Conditions Them?	WeBeToyz	Riding Gear	7	10-10-2008 12:34 PM
I rode the Tail of the Dragon !	bigmacbkr	Kawasaki Cruisers	7	10-09-2006 10:58 AM
Tail of the Dragon, story, video, pics	NomadGuy	Main Lobby	9	09-10-2006 01:20 PM