Rode Tail of the Dragon Thursday

[OldDog]

Well, sorta. We were in a Ford Expedition not a Spyder or bike. Lots of commercial photographers like Killboy. We also went bear sighting at Cades Cove. We saw several Spyders out and about. The pictures are Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, A bear at Cades Cove, The overlook of Lake Fontana at the top of the Dragon. We also drove the Foothills Parkway. We stayed in Townsend.

 

[SpyderRx]

Great looking pics. Can't wait to Ryde this on my spyder!!

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

Rode the dragon twice a few weeks ago, two up on my new '12 RT-S. it was a blast! A must do for any of us. The bike did great as did nanny she was at my side for about 75% of each curve! Be sure to vist the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valey ifmyoundo the Dragon

 

[Daisyjoe]

Well, sorta. We were in a Ford Expedition not a Spyder or bike. Lots of commercial photographers like Killboy. nWe also went bear sighting at Cades Cove. We saw several Spyders out and about. The pictures are Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, A bear at Cades Cove, The overlook of Lake Fontana at the top of the Dragon. We also drove the Foothills Parkway. We stayed in Townsend.




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Was in that same area. I left Tuesday to come home. Stayed at the Highland Manor Inn in Townsend. Rode the Foothills Pkwy. on Sunday, attended the Old Timers Festival on Saturday and spent the day Monday in Cades Cove. Saw 3 bears. The leaves were really beginning to show their beauty. I like the quiet side of the Smokies!!

 

[ARtraveler]

:congrats: on your Tail of the Dragon Ride.

Does anyone know how many curves and how many miles the ride entails? (pun intended).

I wanted to compare it to our Hatchers Pass--11 miles climbing from almost sea level to alpine meadow above the tree line. I counted 95 curves give or take one or two on my last ride.

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

:congrats: on your Tail of the Dragon Ride.

Does anyone know how many curves and how many miles the ride entails? (pun intended).

I wanted to compare it to our Hatchers Pass--11 miles climbing from almost sea level to alpine meadow above the tree line. I counted 95 curves give or take one or two on my last ride.

It's listed as 318 curves in 11 miles. But the 35 or so miles to get to it are about the same! Rt 129 is called the "Hell Bender" and has its own reputation. Actually that entire area is just chock full of great roads and the folks and businesses are very motorcycle friendly.

 

[rc51ny]

I can't wait to get the Spyder down there and on the tail. I've ridden it a few times on my Hayabusa and RC51-I'm just wondering if the Spyder will be as much fun. I wish i lived as close as some of you guys--I just love that area of the country!

 

[murphybrown]

On my 2013 gonna do it list!!!

Thanks for pics. Just put another star by Tail of the Dragon!!! :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

THAT'S why the Missus and I keep looking at North Carolina as a place to retire...

 

[BuddaBelly]

Dragon

318 curves in 11 miles

QUOTE=Mr Orange;526152]Here you go! http://goo.gl/maps/S3P7H hyea:[/QUOTE]

 

[OldDog]

Rode the dragon twice a few weeks ago, two up on my new '12 RT-S. it was a blast! A must do for any of us. The bike did great as did nanny she was at my side for about 75% of each curve! Be sure to vist the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valey ifmyoundo the Dragon

I struck up a conversation with a couple of Harley Riders at a Shell station in Pigeon Forge. One was on a pristine 66' Electra Glide Shovelhead. The other was on a like new 58' Duo Glide panhead. They were on their way to Maggie Valley for an antique Motorcycle show. :doorag:

 

[SpydeRider2010]

I've ridden the Dragon NUMEROUS times in the last 15 yrs and had
a blast. but on the Spyder... the Nanny kicks in TOO much. ride the
Cherahala Skyway. it's longer, has a lot of twisties, but is a more
casual ride. especially these next couple of weeks

 

[johnnyrocket]

I've ridden the Dragon NUMEROUS times in the last 15 yrs and had
a blast. but on the Spyder... the Nanny kicks in TOO much. ride the
Cherahala Skyway. it's longer, has a lot of twisties, but is a more
casual ride. especially these next couple of weeks

Have the leaves started changing on the Cherahala yet? We were up there a couple of years ago about this same time and it was really pretty.

 

[CWilber]

While I think that riding anywhere on my Spyder is great, I must be honest and say that there is a far greater feeling of accomplishment doing The Dragon on 2 wheels that on three. On three it's a lot of work and, if you try to power out of a turn in 1st gear rather than moving smoothly throughout, your stabilization system will kick in. Regardless, it's worth the trip and there are several motorcycle campgrounds and motels geared to motorcycles around Robbinsville. The ride from Robbinsville up 129 to The Dragon is also beautiful.

 

[SpydeRider2010]

leaves on Cherohala ARE changing !!!

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

two wheels or three it's a lot of fun!