Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever been?

I got interested in the tail of the dragon a while ago. It was actually a cop here in wisconsin that first told me about it. He rides and has been there and said he doesn't exactly follow the speed limit on it.
Was wondering about deals gap and what its like. There is supposed to be a great scenic rout and then like this route where there are 318 curves in 11 miles.

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

http://www.dealsgap.com/

Deals Gap is in North Carolina close to the Tennesee border. Yup! 318 curves in 11 miles. There are videos of Deals Gap on youtube taken from bikes making the run. They will likely make you puke when you watch them.

It is not a place for the faint hearted or those who want to ride aggressively and keep the ching in their wallet. It is patrolled VERY heavily on the weekends/holidays during the season and often during the week. MANY MANY "performance bonuses" (tickets) handed out daily for too fast, crossing the line, wreckless driving etc. ticketsThey often kill riders weekly. In fact, they hang something belonging to the dead dudes on a "Memorial Tree".

Have I ridden the Tail of the Dragon? Are you freakin' nuts? I live in Washington State just north of Orygun! It's a 3000+ mile ride just to win a performance bonus? Nope!

Go to the web site as their are many amazing photos!

 

I have ridden the Dragon many times over the years. I don't go now because it has become overcrowded and Forest Gumps Mom was talking about riders on the Dragon when she said "Stupid is as stupid does". If you go, try to make it in the middle of the week. Less riders and cops. It is not a scenic road as all your attention needs to be on the road. It is intense. Also keep in mind that 18 wheelers will use this road on occasion. If I could ride it every day without the squirrels it would be heaven. I like the concentration it requires. It keeps you busy!

 

I understand its a trip to get out there. It is more like a vacation resort, I know that. I would probably take a week or two off. But there are two super famous roads... one being the tail and the other being Cherohala which is more for the people who want a curvy but very awesome scenic ride. I do want to play with both but I guess the tail would be more of a personal endeavor.
I have seen the insane crotch rocket guys doing the tail in like 10 minutes and that is beyond my skill, I think and definitely beyond a maxim's capability. No guts no glory, right? Well I'd hate to hit a tree or car and have no guts... That and wouldn't want my kids to hear they don't have a dad anymore.
I do want to ride it for sure and probably not at the speed limit. But Not fast enough to kill me either. In my opinion it is worth the trip. But Washington State has some of the best riding roads in the country as well.
Wisconsin doesn't. And the roads really worth riding are full of deer. Glad it's hunting season.

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

Wamaxim, I always thought Vancouver, USA in your sig was some sort of joke, but I googled it and wow, it IS in the USA - ya learn something new every day.

 

The Tree Of Shame isn't for people who died riding the dragon, but for those who have dropped, endoed, lowsided, etc. Five riders have already died on the Dragon as of Oct 9, making this the most fatal year on record.

The Tail of the Dragon definitely isn't a good idea to try to play Ricky Racer on, either on the weekends when it is packed with squids, or during the rest of the week, when there are trucks crossing the line and taking up the entire roadway at times. For a "Been There Done That, Got The T-Shirt" kinda ride, it is worth it, though. Just be very careful out there, especially the first time you you go there. Trucks On The Dragon


One more link, if you decide to go. Remember ATGATT. Have fun, and stay safe!!

 

Definitely going to go there for the been there, done that t-shirt But if it is as fun as it looks I might ride it 20 times tim I am bored. But it doesn't look like a ride for the faint of heart.

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

Gitbox, Oh yeah Vancouver, USA is for real all right. We are the poor red headed step child of Portland, OR! Except our schools are better, the pace is a little slower, we (Washington State) is the home of that little coffee company Starbucks! Our state government is more reliably funded with our 8+%sales tax vs. Oregon's 9% income tax! The Columbia River separates the two cities by 2 bridges. The river is more than a mile wide at this point. On the east side of the river is I-84. Ho hum! Snore!!! On the Washington side is SR 14 with 25 mph twisties! Yee haw!!! It's a hoot with huge sweeping vistas of the Columbia River gorge and the freeway on the other side.

The best part of living in WA is that we can shop in OR and avoid the sales tax. Except for items that have to be registered, titled, or licensed like cars, boats, XJ's, planes etc.

Cooter, thanks for setting me straight on the tree thingey. It's macabre enough as it is even without the dying part!

You guys gotta watch some of these knuckleheads (jealousy here for the admittedly FAR superior, wild and crazy riders) hurtling down the dragon pegs and undercarriage dragging on both sides. Quite a sight on youtube.

Loren

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

I was there last year when I lived just down the road in Pisgah Forest, NC.

It's a must do if you are a motorcycle guy.

I'm riding my other brand 550 at the bottom of the page.

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/thumbpa ... g=04&s=375

 

I was part of a Norton group ride there nearly 30 years ago; not something you forget. (It turned into a TT.)

Incredible stretch of road.

 

I took Rt. 64 from Cleveland, TN to Asheville, NC across the Smoky Mountains once when I was younger and had more stamina. It had so many twists and turns I felt seasick when it was over. I was never so happy to see a straight stretch of road in my life. That was my Dragon - on an '77 RD400 no less.

Wamaxim, I do the same thing for tax reasons. I go across the state line into DE where there is NO sales tax. It sometimes still shocks me to see that the receipt total is the same as the price on the item. Gotta love it.

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

Well from what I have read and heard about the tail they have or are going to ban semi tractor trailors from the tail. Cheohala skyline has an average of 10 cars and 50 motorcycles per day. I want to do both. I guess I am a fool for the twisties. On my bad ass '82 xj550 maxim. Haha

 

I rode it about 20 years ago and had a great time so I went back to relive that time a few years ago. Already stated is that it is very busy except early in the morning. The cops were so bad and where ticketing riders if when leaning on there bikes any part of them crossed the center line, not just the wheels. At the time one guy was getting a ticket for that a log truck came around the corner using the WHOLE road forcing other riders and drivers off to the side of the road but nothing was said. The police have been taken to court quite a few times in the last few years for harassment and lost. Because of that I hear they have lightened up some but don't know.

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

Made it up there 4 times this year on my Bandit. There are other roads up there with less people that are just as fun.

Friday and Saturday are awfully crowded. The summer is packed. After Labor Day isn't nearly as bad.

For me, the Cherohala Skyway is more fun on my Bandit.

North Georgia has some great roads as well.

 

The Cherohala Skyway is incredible! More like high speed sweepers, good pavement and amazing views. One bit of caution. There are no services on the Cherohala and it is very long. I don't remember the exact distance but I think it is 45-50 miles. If ANYTHING goes wrong, emergency services are a long time away. Be careful and enjoy the ride. It's worth it!

 

Been all around the NC, VA, and TN mountains, but for some reason never been to Tail of the Dragon. Almost all of my riding buddies have been though. Guess it's because I didn't trust my old bike to make it that far, although I'm a lot closer than most of you guys. Anywhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway is good for me. I've found a few roads up there that I wanted to go back and visit on the bike, maybe once I get the 750 going...

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

One day I will ride the tail but 'till then one of my favorites is the King Kancamagus Highway in NH.
Lots of twisties but you can take your time and enjoy the scenery too.
I like to run it from the Gorham end, taking 16 south to Conway then 112 west(King Kancamagus Highway) to Woodstock and then home.
Gorgeous views everywhere.
Enough twisties to kill yourself on no problem, if you feel the need to.

 

Again? Wasn't there a thread on this before?

Why, yes. Yes, there was.

 

I love when people get all up in arms about someone starting a thread about something that has been mentioned before. yes, everyone should spend all of their time searching for any mention of what they are going to ask, even if it really isn't the same topic. And then they shouldn't post anything at all, lest they "bring a topic back from the dead."


That way, this forum can be nothing more than an archive. No need to talk to each other on it, or anything...

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

If I ever go to North Carolina, it'll be for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Now THAT looks like a scenic route!
But I'll go do the Dragon while I'm there, just so I can say I did.

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

Check this guy out, can you say amazing!
You can here the pegs scrapping on the chase bike, nearly every turn.
Enjoy.
Dragon's tail 1800 goldwing

 

If you love it, why are you whining about it?

Actually, not only is it the same topic, it answers the original question. And I suppose you missed all the forum posts that urge new users to... wait for it... search the forums to see if their question has already been answered.

On the contrary -- it's a common and accepted practice. The OP could have done this had he found the old thread first.

But, if you're really that upset about what I post, then feel free to click on that big X in the upper right hand corner of your browser.

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

Hound, been over those 2 highways you spoke of many times. I lived on ether side of the "Kanc" 3 years in Conway and 6 years in the Lincoln area. It is a great ride. I found NY highway 7 out of Troy leading to VT hw 9 to Keene NH. I traveled this in Sept this year on my BMW. What a great ride.

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

I'm glad others here have had the opportunity to ride this great road.
You lived right in Conway so it was in your back yard, SWEET!
IT's a whole long days ride for me.
I've even camped near the Woodstock end and made a loop out of it ending back at the campground, much easier on the butt.
Yes, RT7 out of Troy is a great ride.
When I'm heading to Maine I take RT7 from Troy to Rutland or RT4 out of Fort Ann to Rutland.
7 is a much nicer ride, as 4 has been under constrtuction for years.
I see VT RT9 you found is called the Molly Stark Trail, looks beautiful.
I'm already planing a trip for next season, I've friends in Portsmouth who ride should be great.
Thanks for the heads up.

 

Re: Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon. Has anyone ever be

Ridden the Dragon many times, as has my wife, on cruisers. If you drive like a fool then it's dangerous. 7-9 folks killed each year. If you just cruise it at a moderate speed then it is easy and fun. Just be aware of the speed demons coming up from behind and let them pass. In my experience semi's are escorted by police and they go ahead of the truck to slow or stop oncoming traffic. I don't know how a semi makes some of the curves. The weekends are very crowded, so try it during the week for a fun ride.

 

damn, neat lookin stretch of road!

 

oilheadron,CBX, and I KZ650B2, rode the dragon last fall. He has ridden the dragon many times but this was my first. It's an awesome ride, just don't get cocky and never avert your attention from the road. It's a long way to the bottom in some spots.

 

Been riding up there going on twenty years now. One thing about the Gap is that when you take young Newbie sportbikers up there they sometimes think that their latest and greatest rocket will insure that they can keep up with the older experienced guys on older standard bikes or sport tourers or whatever. Nowhere near it. You can tell them for SIX MONTHS before they go to ride their own pace and don't try to keep up with ANYBODY who knows what they're doing up there. BOOM, crash, you have an Aprilia sticking its' clutch lever 15ft up the cliff above Gravity Cravity and then falling down on the rider. Or a guy makes it the very first few curves on The Foothills Parkway (another awesome highspeed curvefest) headed toward the Gap, highsides, and fractures his back (not seriously, fortunately). Or a guy leaves the store on the Gap and blows right through the FIRST curve at the top of the hill and the bike is under about 10ft of water with the headlight still on. And then there was the time....on and on. :lol:

 

And then you're up there for the umpteenth time and know you're a pretty good rider and some 70 year-old dude flashes by you on an ancient clapped-out Concours or whatever, grinding everything on both sides, and disappears like you're standing still. G-D it!!!

 

The Kanc! Damn I haven't been up to the white mountains for about 4 years now. I bet the MT Washington auto road would be one heck of a trip on the bike.