Tail of the Dragon Trip in July

[jcrios68]

Riders -

My friends and I (total of 4 bikes, sportster, victory, vtx1800 and my IS) have planned a ride from Aurora, IL to The Tail of the Dragon during the last week of July.  We have done some research reference the Dragon and I would like some input from those that have gone before.  We have heard both the good and bad things about the ride.  I'm starting my 2nd year with my 2000 IS and prior I rode a 99 Magna for 7 years.  Additionally, my 11 year old son will be with me on the ride. 

Any and all comments welcomed!

Thanks, Juan
 

[Dave Weaver]

I am sure others will chime in here, but my own experience is go during the week instead of weekends.  Go early and ride sensibly as State Highway patrols are beefed up this time of year.  Whatever Smokin' Joe says, listen to him.  You might send him a private message or e-mail for advice as he lives down there and rides that stretch quite often.

[lacon]

What Dave said.  (early A.M. during the week unless you just want to people watch)  If you make this the focal point of your trip, you may be dissappointed  due to the traffic & strict law enforcement.  Definately ride through there, but make your plans around the whole ET area.  Lots of great roads that I like better myself, but without all the entanglements.

[..]

Keep away form the centre line and keep one eye in your mirror.
Let other faster riders go by.
Keep off the front brake when pulling onto gravel pull offs.
Be prepared for anything to be around a blind corner.

Go ride Hwy 28 from Franklin, NC to Deals Gap.
Go ride the Cherohala Skyway from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville - DO NOT GET DISTRACTED byt the views.

Remember you're a flatlander and these roads will bite yer ass if you don't pay attention.

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

http://www.killboy.com/

Have fun. There are many good roads apart from Deals Gap.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

The law is heavy and very little slack is givin' for speeding on The Dragon. Way to many getting hurt and killed and Tennessee is cracking down . Ride it during the week as stated above or early morning / late evening when they go home.( If you see another rider tapping his helmet slow down ). The Hellbender, Cherohala Skyline with a stop at Bald River Falls is a must when in the area. Also a great day trip to The Highlands with Dry Falls and Bridal Falls is well worth the time you can swing over and take The Blue Ridge Parkway back toward Deals Gap ( Cherokee ) . If you're lookin' for a clean place to stay check out Phillips Motel in Robbinsville , NC  ( American Owned ) . If you stay in Robbinsville its DRY so bring it with you.The Dragon now has ( 5 ) photographer's that make a living taking pictures of motorcycles its just a matter of time till someone  takes one of them out and that will be the end of that.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Keep away form the centre line and keep one eye in your mirror.
Let other faster riders go by.
Keep off the front brake when pulling onto gravel pull offs.
Be prepared for anything to be around a blind corner.

Go ride Hwy 28 from Franklin, NC to Deals Gap.
Go ride the Cherohala Skyway from Tellico Plains to Robbinsville - DO NOT GET DISTRACTED byt the views.

Remember you're a flatlander and these roads will bite yer ass if you don't pay attention.

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

http://www.killboy.com/

Have fun. There are many good roads apart from Deals Gap.

Hey Paul ...The Great State Of Tennessee has paved all the pull-offs they have also made dirt walls in many of the turns to keep folks from smackin' trees when they go off the road.

[Sharkey]

Everyone here has great advice. I actually enjoyed the Skyway more than the Dragon. We had a group of four and rented a cabin. Much cheaper, and we cooked meals and did laundry there. Like Joe said its dry, we ran out and its a long drive for more Kickn Chicken.  Bald River falls on the Skyway is beautiful.

http://www.thundermountaincabin.com/

[jcrios68]

Wow - Thanks for all of the responses.  Great info on when to and not ride.  My fears are those who tailgate (just going to let them pass) and the unknow beyond the curve. 

Having my son with is a big concern; however, I do want him to be a part of this experience, as he too wants to ride.
 
Hey Smokinjoe nice pic! 

Thanks, Juan

[..]

Phillips Motel in Robbinsville has "cottages" for rent. Ask for #205. It's furnished like a small home.

2 single beds with a shared bath.

Master bedroom with 2 doubles and ensuite bathroom

Full kitchen, dining tabe with 4 chairs, sofa and 2 recliners, smaller breakfast table with 4 chairs

[legender]

I was there two weeks ago and had a great time... three of us and we stayed in Bryson City at Ridge Top Motel which had a beautiful view and for $45 a night it was a great deal.  Fire pit, pool, patio and very biker friendly... check here  www.ridgetopmotel.com

The Dragon is needed to say you've done it, but the Skyway is what you're really traveling there for... it's an awesome ride.

[humshark]

Have a great time!  You've heard the best advice already about when to ride the dragon, now just relax.  With your son on the bike I know you won't be pushin' it.  Take your time and "enjoy" it.  Do not allow others to push you beyond your safe feeling.  As long as you are courteous and let others pass when needed, no-one has a bad time. 

My wife was very hesitant, and after riding the dragon on her bike, realized that it was more of a "head trip" until she actually rode it.  Then she enjoyed it.

As far as your ride down.  You stated that you were previously used to riding a Magna.  I'm not sure what the range was of your Magna, or the range of your friends bikes, but remember to stop every 100 - 120 miles for a stretch.  When I traveled with my then 13 year old from WISCONSIN, I realized how easy it is to keep stretching the length of the time in the saddle especially when you can go 200 to 240 miles on a tank....  From experience, we arrived feeling better when we took frequent leak and refill breaks!