Cops at Deals Gap?

[Carnifex]

In defense of the truckers, most don't realize what they're getting into until they get on the Dragon - on the map it looks like a short-cut.

 

[slapnpop]

that's what the:

WARNING! SWITCHBACKS NEXT 48 MILES

CONSIDER ALT. ROUTE

signs are for.

 

[Carnifex]

Yea, but those signs are new..

 

[Centerline]

Thanks guys, a good read. Going to the Dragon the week of 23April with about 60 some Warrior riders for a week.

 

[FJRScorpion]

The wife and I stayed at Ironhorse Lodge Independence day-week last year and enjoyed the countryside, greatly. It was our first outing ever on a bike and my first bike (FJR) in 30 years. The Dragon was first on our list. By the end of the week though, we were trying to figure ways to avoid it and still get around. It seems to be on the way to everything we wanted to see. For us, it was one of those white knukling experiences. We actually went on it about 8 times over the week, I kept thinking that if I were to try it alone I could do better but probably over extend myself. I can't tell you how many times I met bikes and cars on MY side of the white line coming around curves! It's a little like Russian roulette. We saw two motorcycle wrecks during those 8 trips up and back. I was surprised at how few people were actually on / near the Dragon during the week, maybe 50 bikes at any one time. On the weekend and Monday the 4th, I saw about 75 ~150 bikes parked at the hotel (at the bottom) and at the top by the dam though. All-in-all I can see why it is considered the motorcycle mecca for riders on this side of the Mississippi! I never saw any hint of law enforcement, maybe they were out on the interstates getting holiday travellers for big money!

 

[yanktar]

8 times up the Dragon and only saw 2 wrecks? Quiet day! There are lots of ways to get around without riding the Dragon, lots of nice roads and rides--from both the NC and Tenn side.

 

[wheatonFJR]

It was our first outing ever on a bike and my first bike (FJR) in 30 years.  The Dragon was first on our list.

HOLY CRAP BATMAN ! :dribble:

 

[NoCage]

It was our first outing ever on a bike and my first bike (FJR) in 30 years.  The Dragon was first on our list.

HOLY CRAP BATMAN ! :dribble:

That's what I was thinking Wheaton... not exactly parking lot practice. I'm sure there were other warmup trips... I hope. aladin:

 

[Silver Penguin]

Those truck pix are amazing. Scares me off that road, even if it were close enough to home to ride.

Jill

 

[chipset]

I have a friend who is in the process of choosing his ST. I think he is leaning towards the VFR or ST1300. But, this summer we are meeting in TN to ride for about a week. The Dragon is on our list, as is Skyline (if I make it that far north, as he is coming from NJ and me from MS).

A great read. We have our local canyons here in the SLC area. One of my neighbors biffed it through one of my favorite canyons. Amazing what a head on collision will do to you. Much less into a truck on a sportbike.

I will consider it a warm up for the Dragon in June..

 

[slapnpop]

By "skyline" are you refering to the Cherahala Skyway? It's only about 20 miles from the dragon.

 

[Carnifex]

My guess is Skyline Drive - the VA tip of the BRP.