Maggie Valley event - Tail of the Dragon

[SpyderDuck]

I'm interested in the legendary Tail of the Dragon ride. BUT I have only owned my Spyder for 6 months, some of them too cold for me to ride. I ride reasonably well, and am a cautious sort. My question here is - last year, at the Spyders in the Smokies event, when this excursion took place, was it a casual, laid-back thing? I don't want to irritate anyone by dragging along and tempt them to pass where they shouldn't; I am well aware that this road can be quite hazardous. I want us all to be safe and happy.

So, would it be advisable for me to attempt this, or not? I know I could handle the curves, but at my own pace. All opinions are welcome.

 

[Yazz]

Practice on less twisty roads first and work on your technique and confidence. Lots of roads in the area for that.

Its a pretty laid back bunch but they are all up there to carve the curves. There are pull-outs and everybody appreciates a considerate rider.

 

[docdoru]

There are numerous scenic overlooks, picnic tables and pull outs on the ryde, so you can pull over to enjoy the view and let faster traffic pass. :doorag:

 

[SpyderDuck]

Thanks for the replies. I will be traveling with another Spyder owner, and I'm sure she will want to do this ride.

 

[rogerb]

The Tail of the Dragon is almost a have to if in that area.I did it twice at Spyders in the Smokies. My camera didn't work the first day so I went back the next day and did it over. Smile at the cameras as you ride. They do take some nice pictures that you can purchase when you get back home. S0me ride fast but most take their time and savor the ride. To each their own. Definitely plan on it if possible. :2thumbs:

 

[Gordy]

just ride the speed you are comfortable with.I rode the dragon two years ago and found that if you ride like that you wont scare yourself and I am sure others will be riding like this as well:2thumbs:

 

[spyderwoman]

Spyderduck my husband and I live in Morganton, NC. If you want to practice on some twisties around here contact us and we'll ride with you. We live on 181 which is a mini-dragon in itself. We are planning a ride to the dragon Memorial Weekend. We go there 2-3 times per year. We are camping at the Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge. You are more than welcome to come up and ride with us.

 

[cjackg]

Lots of good advice here... if you ride the dragon, keep going on the loop and do the Cherohala Skyway also, it is a great ride but with super impressive scenery.

 

[WackyDan]

The Dragon is as technical a ride as you want to make it. I have yet to ride with a group that is not considerate of the slower or two up riders. We've always put the craziest and fastest up front and we wait at either end of the Dragon for the others before turning around or continuing on. It is only a matter of minutes for even the two up riders to complete the Dragon.

The Smokies have a large quantity of twisties, and you'll likely be preconditioned by time you run the dragon.

Lastly...Look forward through the turn when riding and not at the painted lines or nose of your Spyder. You'll be a pro by time you hit the Dragon. If you don't set the nanny's brakes off, then you aren't trying hard enough!

 

[SpyderDuck]

Spyderduck my husband and I live in Morganton, NC. If you want to practice on some twisties around here contact us and we'll ride with you. We live on 181 which is a mini-dragon in itself. We are planning a ride to the dragon Memorial Weekend. We go there 2-3 times per year. We are camping at the Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge. You are more than welcome to come up and ride with us.

Cool! Actually, I have been on 181, from the BRP to Morganton. I really wondered what all they hype was about it; I had no trouble at all. But then again, I was following my friend, who habitually drops and kills the engine on her V-star... she recently admitted that she could use a Spyder; now I just have to get her to loosen up the pursestrings. ray:

But I would love to ryde with you guys sometime. I also want to ryde with Ltownblue; perhaps we could all get together and freak out the local populace hyea:

Catniption (from G-boro) and I are booked at the Ramada Limited in Maggie Valley, I think. We plan to ryde up the afternoon or evening of the 16th, depending on how her work schedule is. I'll send you a PM with my contact info. I love having Spyder friends. :2thumbs:

 

[WackyDan]

Cool! Actually, I have been on 181, from the BRP to Morganton. I really wondered what all they hype was about it; I had no trouble at all. But then again, I was following my friend, who habitually drops and kills the engine on her V-star... she recently admitted that she could use a Spyder; now I just have to get her to loosen up the pursestrings. ray:

But I would love to ryde with you guys sometime. I also want to ryde with Ltownblue; perhaps we could all get together and freak out the local populace hyea:

Catniption (from G-boro) and I are booked at the Ramada Limited in Maggie Valley, I think. We plan to ryde up the afternoon or evening of the 16th, depending on how her work schedule is. I'll send you a PM with my contact info. I love having Spyder friends. :2thumbs:

Don't forget about your Charlotte Spyders!

 

[SpyderDuck]

Don't forget about your Charlotte Spyders!

Of course not! We all definitely need to meet up sometime!

 

[SpyderWolf]

If you don't set the nanny's brakes off, then you aren't trying hard enough!

:2thumbs:

You should also get at least one decent wheel lift out of it.

 

[Spyderjuice]

I would love to ride with all of you sometime. I live in High Point. Are any of you going to SpyderFest? I would love to ride along with some of you if you are.

Stan [email protected]

Cool! Actually, I have been on 181, from the BRP to Morganton. I really wondered what all they hype was about it; I had no trouble at all. But then again, I was following my friend, who habitually drops and kills the engine on her V-star... she recently admitted that she could use a Spyder; now I just have to get her to loosen up the pursestrings. ray:

But I would love to ryde with you guys sometime. I also want to ryde with Ltownblue; perhaps we could all get together and freak out the local populace hyea:

Catniption (from G-boro) and I are booked at the Ramada Limited in Maggie Valley, I think. We plan to ryde up the afternoon or evening of the 16th, depending on how her work schedule is. I'll send you a PM with my contact info. I love having Spyder friends. :2thumbs: