We just spent a few days riding in North Carolina, Tennesee & North Giorgia. One of the routes on the top of our list was to ride the Rattler. We ended up buying t shirts from 2 different locations. SO which one is correct. The one on the left or the one on the right. The one on the left was purchased at a shop in hot springs and the one on the right at from someone selling out of a trailer at the southern end of 209.
We just spent a few days riding in North Carolina, Tennesee & North Giorgia. One of the routes on the top of our list was to ride the Rattler. We ended up buying t shirts from 2 different locations. SO which one is correct. The one on the left or the one on the right. The one on the left was purchased at a shop in hot springs and the one on the right at from someone selling out of a trailer at the southern end of 209.
We did not notice until that evening when we pulled them out of the Frunk. I think the shirt on the left would be more accurate.
Interesting differences. The answer may be found by looking up a travel guide source on the net. Bottom line, most people are not going to notice any difference--they don't read the fine print. What counts is you were there and got to drive it.
Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.
The Rattler (209 to hot springs from Maggie Valley is a good ride. I've been on it many times on my way from Greeneville Tenn. to Maggie valley. I have a decal on my spyder and it looks like the one on the left. there is a store/market that sells the Rattler items At the intersection of 209 on the maggie valley side. At least it was the last time I was through there. There was another restaurant/store about a third of the way in. Seems there was some competition in the beginning as to what the nick name of the road would actually be and the type of logo that would come out on top. Maybe it is still not settled. Regardless it is a great ride.
The Rattler is a good ride. The first thing we noticed was the 55mph speed limit through out. There are area's that you can "relax" . Some longer strait sections. I found it not as challenging as the Dragon. If you are riding the Rattler on a 2 wheeler you need to be really cautious as there are many corners with spalls & small stones in the center of the the road. This road was also well traveled by locals in trucks, cars & SUV's.
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Between the Rattler, and The Tail of The Dragon; I have GOT to find a way to escape South for about a week...
Ron's right: Our 209 is exciting, but for all of the WRONG reasons!
We did the Rattler last year during the Owner's Event, which is not far from Maggie Valley.
Can't say which info is correct, but I can tell you it is more exciting than the Dragon itself.
May all your encounters with the law begin with the words: "nice trike!".[/B] 2015 Can-Am Spyder F3-S SM-6 Can-am Red/Black SM-6 with 2010 Black RT-622 trailer (hitch in the works).
We were not sure what was official merchandise , we just tried to buy a good quality T-Shirt that was a souvenir from riding the rattler.
I also found a patch to sew on my vest.
We were not sure what was official merchandise , we just tried to buy a good quality T-Shirt that was a souvenir from riding the rattler.
I also found a patch to sew on my vest.
You beat me to it with this shirt I do not remember which group, but it was a group ride and we stopped at the store a couple
We have a pretty good ride out here on the California coast. From San Louis Obispo to Leggett California. About 500 miles (you have to take a detour through San Francisco) and I don't know how many turns maybe a million, but you can't beat the scenery, and the weather is cool and the view unmatched. Highway 1 is awesome, the only drawback is some slow moving traffic.
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Between the Rattler, and The Tail of The Dragon; I have GOT to find a way to escape South for about a week...
Ron's right: Our 209 is exciting, but for all of the WRONG reasons!
I do not think a week straight would allow you to cover all the great roads in that area. 421, blue ridge to add just a couple. To add to sweaty palms go to Grahamcountytravel.com. It is a local travel bureau or at least was the last time I was down there.
Good luck
Oldmanzues
We did the Cherohala on the way to the Dragon. We actually stayed on rte 28 south of the Dragon and took the long way around and rode from the north back down 129. I missed the whole devils triangle ride, maybe next time. I only had 3 days of riding.
2016 Spyder F3 Limited Steel Black Metallic
Lamonster approved LED Headlights
Lamonsters LED Fog lights
BRP Driver & Passenger backrest
BRP Trailer Hitch
Shamrock Black & Polished
Signature light
Elka front shock's
Rolo Laser Alignment
Dual Power outlets
Garmin 590 GPS
Between the Rattler, and The Tail of The Dragon; I have GOT to find a way to escape South for about a week...
Ron's right: Our 209 is exciting, but for all of the WRONG reasons!
And while you are here don't forget the Sidewinder that is 31 miles of 215 curves.
You're gonna have some fun! (sorry it's sideways but the sidewinder was running away)
Penny and Rick have owned many motorcycles starting in 1974 with Hondas, then to Suzukis, Gold Wings and ultimately Spyders.
74 Honda 360T (pair); 78 Suzuki GS 1000 (pair); 82 Honda Aspencade; 84 Honda 400; 87 Yamaha 1100; 99 Honda Valkyrie; 01 Suzuki Burgman(triked); 02 Honda GL 1800(triked); 10 Spyder RTSE; 11 Spyder RTSM; 12 Spyder RTSL (pair); 20 Spyder RTL (current)
I do not think a week straight would allow you to cover all the great roads in that area. 421, blue ridge to add just a couple. To add to sweaty palms go to Grahamcountytravel.com. It is a local travel bureau or at least was the last time I was down there.
Good luck
Oldmanzues
We are lucky to have great mountain roads in the area I live in, Another one to put on your list is "The Snake" which is unusual as it has 3 different directions to go. Elizabethton Tenn. to Shady Valley, Bristol Tennessee To Shady Valley, Mountain City tenn. to Shady valley. The Snake is Highway 421
I believe. Along with The Snake we have of course the Dragon, The Rattler and never forget the Blue Ridge Parkway (470 miles of beautiful senic mountian roads from Cherokee N.C. to Waynesboro Va.
We did the Rattler last year during the Owner's Event, which is not far from Maggie Valley.
Can't say which info is correct, but I can tell you it is more exciting than the Dragon itself.
Whats our patch say Erick?
dont have my vest here at work ...
Earl
PS Found the picture ... 290 curves in 24 miles according to the road sign at the start of the Rattler
The Rattler RTE 209, Tail of the Dragon, Devils Triangle, Cherohala skyway, Sidewinder, Blue Ridge Parkway are all on my Bucket list.
We have are own "Tail of the Dragon" here in Vermont that is RTE . 113, ( in Chelsea to Berkshire) and RTE 17, from Waitsfield to Bristol, and RTE. 108 Called the Notch from Stowe to Jeffersonville( sometimes Truck Trailers get stuck near the top, and in the Winter RTE 108 is Closed. Deanna
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Interesting true story about the Rattler. Up unto a few years ago 209 was just that 209. Some women in the local government in the area realized that it would be a smart marketing move to name the twistie stretch of US 209 (this stretch starts about 9 miles or so south of Hot Springs). They realized that "naming" a stretch of road brings tourists as well as provides an opportunity to sell merchandise. It is my understanding that the Rattler is the twistie section of 209 (about 9 miles) not the entire route from Lake J. to Hot Springs. Most of US 209 is a gentle road going through valleys and farmlands NOT challenging twisties like the Dragon. The Tail of the Dragon is far more challenging than the Rattler but the Rattler is a more scenic ride.
THE RATTLER Route 209
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Originally Posted by 900Dave
Happy Spyderlovers
2015 Can-Am Spyder F3-S SM-6 Can-am Red/Black SM-6 with 2010 Black RT-622 trailer (hitch in the works).
Previously owned: 
You're makin' my palms sweat... 
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White 2013 Spyder RT Limited. BajaRon Swaybar, Custom Dynamic Third Brake Light. Ultimate Custom Black and White seat with driver and passenger back rest. Gloryder Led Wheel lights.Custom Dynamics Led Bright sides, Amber and Red Fender lights, and Saddle Bag Bright sides.
