Riding the Dragon tomorrow

[frayne]

Taking off at 9 am from Chattanooga to ride Deals Gap tomorow. Can't imagine it being much different than most of the roads in my neck of the woods. And suggestions or precautions ? Appreciate any and all replies.

 

[Scab]

All I can say is what JeffAshe told me:

LEARN THE ROAD FIRST!

(and yes, he used all caps too)

Be careful, you've got nothing to prove, and have FUN!

 

[snikr]

All I can say is what JeffAshe told me:
LEARN THE ROAD FIRST!

(and yes, he used all caps too)

Be careful, you've got nothing to prove, and have FUN!

What SCAB said! And if you ride it more than once, you will get a good workout! :clapping:

Tom

 

[BullCBX]

Best advice I can give is to know your limits and ride within them. Don’t try to keep up with the guy ahead of you. If someone is pushing you from behind, let’m by.

Also, ATGATT.

BULL

 

[Mike-H]

Watch out for the doorknobs that will come around the corners in your lane.....& they will....I'll ....espeically @ deals gap....people seem to lose their ability to drive or even ride in their lane thru all the corners....so beware & leave yourself enough room (& time) to keep away from them.....otherwise....have a blast.... :good: .....

 

[one day]

This is a techincally challenging piece of road.

You cannot enjoy the scenery.

You cannot get lulled into the rhythm of the road--just because the last 5 turns were all about the same means pretty much the next one will eat your lunch if you don't have your wits about you.

There's a nice pull off almost half way up. It's a good place to clear your head.

Be sure to check out Fontanna Dam when you're in the area. It took my breath away first time I saw it.

 

[FJRMGM]

if you crash in front of Killboy taking pictures be sure to wave before you go down.

Check out the great near-high-side save today at www.killboy.com

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

<snip>This is a techincally challenging piece of road.

You cannot enjoy the scenery.

.... will eat your lunch if you don't have your wits about you.

+ 1Turn your head (head & eyes up) and look through the turn.

Be alert and conscious of both your lane position and cornering technique.

Be extremely aware of any semi-tractor-trailer -- they use the whole road.

good luck

 

[black mamba]

The best advice you'll ever get is this.....treat the Dragon like it was the plague and avoid it. Too many other roads ( many in the same area ) offer a superior ride without the risks that the Dragon poses.....idiot bikers, trucks and cagers that come into your lane at random, etc., etc. Hunt down some roads that don't entail the stress level you'll find there and that are much more fun.

 

[Scab]

And don't read this month's issue of Cycle World (i think, either that or Motorcyclist).

They did a feature on Killboy's crash captures. Pages and pages of what could happen on the Dragon.

 

[keithaba]

if you crash in front of Killboy taking pictures be sure to wave before you go down.
Check out the great near-high-side save today at www.killboy.com

Where??? The most current photos are from 5/13/07, under which category??? I couldn't find it.

Sorry for brief hijack!

HAVE FUN!!!

 

[Charlie Hoss]

What everyone else said.......

Plus, definitely go across EASY (it won't be easy) the first time to get acclimated to the various intensities of the curves, and to check for LEOs. Concentrate only on the road and the ride and don't allow yourself to get distracted by ANYTHING (Target Fixation). Then go ride the Cherahala (sp) Skyway. Don't ride the Dragon hard on a weekend, way to much traffic of all kinds.

Have a great friggin' time! :yahoo:

 

[RonBB]

Suggest to ride it in the mornings before the traffic picks up. Watch for double yellow line crossers. If the road is damp from rain or condensation be aware that the stripes will be very slick. Have fun & be careful. The road along Fontana lake (45 mph if memory serves) may have radar speed control. Ride safe.

 

[cougar8000]

Forget about outside/inside/outside on the Dragon. there is only one good spot, MIDDLE. away from idiots and away from the ditch.

 

[Jaycen]

Taking off at 9 am from Chattanooga to ride Deals Gap tomorow. Can't imagine it being much different than most of the roads in my neck of the woods. And suggestions or precautions ? Appreciate any and all replies.

search you tube for "trucks on the dragon" If you really want to be frightened :glare:

 

[Captain B]

Well, you might get this too late, but lots of great info, recommendations, etc. here https://www.tailofthedragon.com.

Have a great time! :yahoo:

 

[HaulinAshe]

LEARN THE ROAD FIRST!

(Scab already said it for me.)

Don't underestimate the effect that all the KillBoy photogs have on your concentration. You MUST remain concentrated on the road, but you cannot help but lose some concentration in those areas where so many people aggregate and point cameras. Resist ALL temptation to show off for the camera or be concerned about the photo op. That's what takes many people down for a good crash photo. It's not so much the road, it's the distractions.

Always, always, always assume that there is an 18-wheel coming around the next corner toward you and that there is a squid about to cut your left reflector off from behind. Odds are that both are coming soon.

Buy yourself a sticker and ride well enough within your comfort and ability to guarantee some lie-telling stories to friends. Come back to this forum and tell us all how you smoked the Dragon and set every record available. We want you back. You can prove yourself on another road that has less integrated hazards.

Be careful, have fun, LEARN THE ROAD FIRST!!!

 

[frayne]

Thanks for all the good advice and input.

 

[dean]

Taking off at 9 am from Chattanooga to ride Deals Gap tomorow. Can't imagine it being much different than most of the roads in my neck of the woods. And suggestions or precautions ? Appreciate any and all replies.

my single-most important suggestion about the dragon in particular is always. pay. attention. do. not. get. distracted. or you will go boom.