2009...( 5 ) Killed on The Dragon ( 7 ) Killed on The Hellbender

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Record year for death's on these two roads . This year and last has had the most law enforcement I've  ever seen on these roads and I took my first pass through The Dragon and Hellbender in 1978    Below is a copy/paste from this weeks Killboy Highlights.

The crowd and skill set has changed for sure though, with a lot more novice riders coming out now that everyone knows the police have ran off all those pesky fast guys. As stated, this year we've had a record 5 fatalities, one due to speed, beating 2008's record of 4...we had never seen more than 3 in one year before that, although in 2007 we did have the 3 for that year all within a 24 hour period...itself a record. There have been 7 on Hwy 28, and we used to see MAYBE one, if any out there. I can almost guarantee that none of those were people traveling over the posted speed limit.

[fiddle mike]

Joe, there's a lot of chatter on mc forums about "taming the dragon" and a lot of the folks chattering are pretty green.  I get the idea that riding through the gap is seen as a pilgrimage, like trailering to Sturgis or Daytona. 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Wonder when they'll realize all the extra patroling isn't having the effect they want.

[fiddle mike]

Wonder when they'll realize all the extra patroling isn't having the effect they want.

I'm betting, "never". 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Wonder when they'll realize all the extra patroling isn't having the effect they want.

I'm betting, "never". 

I think thats why Hwy 28 is showing more deaths,crashes etc....It's no secret about law enforcement presence on The Dragon it's been on the local news several times that I know of and I work on the road and gone most of the time.My ridin' buddy Big Al and I stood on a pull-off one day just watching the show on The Dragon it was scary to say the least.Some folks just don't need to ride motorcycle's and they sure as hell don't need to be ridin' these roads.

[Stanley Steamer]

Wonder when they'll realize all the extra patroling isn't having the effect they want.

I'm betting, "never".  

I think thats why Hwy 28 is showing more deaths,crashes etc....It's no secret about law enforcement presence on The Dragon it's been on the local news several times that I know of and I work on the road and gone most of the time.My ridin' buddy Big Al and I stood on a pull-off one day just watching the show on The Dragon it was scary to say the least.Some folks just don't need to ride motorcycle's and they sure as hell don't need to be ridin' these roads.

I'm wondering if I need to park mine Joe??.....lol...I've turned green a time or two.....

[fudgie]

Joe, there's a lot of chatter on mc forums about "taming the dragon" and a lot of the folks chattering are pretty green.  I get the idea that riding through the gap is seen as a pilgrimage, like trailering to Sturgis or Daytona. 

Trailering to Sturgis is a pilgrimage?  ??? Nah riding is the pilgrimage!

[fudgie]

Do you have the numbers such as how many have riden these roads? Numbers might be average. If you have alot of riders, typically you will have some deaths.

I rode it in 2002. It was fun, we only were there a weekend. I'm not into my curves like I use to be. I take'm slow these days. Must be getting old!  I like long sweepers tho. I perfer a long stretch of highway over a rolling prairie. I'm more of a highway rider.

[Gilligan]

Wow! Navigator and I rode "The Dragon" in 1966, 1967 and 1968, while we were at Maryville College, TN.  In '66 we were riding an 80 cc Suzuki.  In '67 and '68 we were riiding a 150 cc Suzuki.  There was never any traffic back then.  It was one of the many rides we took to "get away from it all."

We never rode  "The Dragon" on our Valk, even though we were in the area many times, because we had read about the "crazies" who were there for "speed" and not for "nature."

It's terrible that there are any accidents at "The Dragon."  That there are deaths is tragic.  We hope that all bikers who ride it in the future will respect it enough to stay away until they are both skilled enough and mature enough to ride it.

[SteveL]

Fudge.. great pic of you and your sweetie!

[fudgie]

Wow! Navigator and I rode "The Dragon" in 1966, 1967 and 1968, while we were at Maryville College, TN.  In '66 we were riding an 80 cc Suzuki.  In '67 and '68 we were riiding a 150 cc Suzuki.  There was never any traffic back then.  It was one of the many rides we took to "get away from it all."

We never rode  "The Dragon" on our Valk, even though we were in the area many times, because we had read about the "crazies" who were there for "speed" and not for "nature."

It's terrible that there are any accidents at "The Dragon."  That there are deaths is tragic.  We hope that all bikers who ride it in the future will respect it enough to stay away until they are both skilled enough and mature enough to ride it.

Wow, you guys need to write a book on your travels. You guys are a inspiration for us with traveling partners. 

[fudgie]

Fudge.. great pic of you and your sweetie!

Thx!  I just caught slack for posting it! 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.

	powered by Aeva

[fiddle mike]

People should ride in their skill limits.

I set a record, there.  They timed me with a calendar.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.
 

Yeah he's one that needs to stay on the side-walk...That was pitiful and whats sad is he made a video of it 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.
 

Yeah he's one that needs to stay on the side-walk...That was pitiful and whats sad is he made a video of it 

.................................and was bragging of how cool he looks. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.
 

Yeah he's one that needs to stay on the side-walk...That was pitiful and whats sad is he made a video of it  

.................................and was bragging of how cool he looks.  

What was he riding ?  VTX or Vulcan  would be my guess from the sound of it  

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

People should ride in their skill limits.

I set a record, there.  They timed me with a calendar.

I have no problem with folks that want to ride and enjoy the sights ....I'd bet while making that calendar that you stay in your lane its the lane crossers that get to me.

[Stanley Steamer]

People should ride in their skill limits.

I set a record, there.  They timed me with a calendar.

I have no problem with folks that want to ride and enjoy the sights ....I'd bet while making that calendar that you stay in your lane its the lane crossers that get to me.

And when it's the CARS crossing the yellow, I just have to shake my head.....

[Stanley Steamer]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.
 

Yeah he's one that needs to stay on the side-walk...That was pitiful and whats sad is he made a video of it  

.................................and was bragging of how cool he looks.  

What was he riding ?  VTX or Vulcan  would be my guess from the sound of it  

Whatever it was, it sounded like shiotttttttt....

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

People should ride in their skill limits.

I set a record, there.  They timed me with a calendar.

I have no problem with folks that want to ride and enjoy the sights ....I'd bet while making that calendar that you stay in your lane its the lane crossers that get to me.

And when it's the CARS crossing the yellow, I just have to shake my head.....

I agree 100 % Steamer 

[Stanley Steamer]

I agree 100 % Steamer 




[/quote]

They must have been out sick and missed driving school that day.....

[DFragn]

Wow, what poor throttle control and lousy gear choice & shift timing. He constantly sacrificed control by coasting (clutch disengaged) thru the curves, it seemed to me anyway.
If he was that proud of the run it must of been his best.

[Stanley Steamer]

Wow, what poor throttle control and lousy gear choice & shift timing. He constantly sacrificed control by coasting (clutch disengaged) thru the curves, it seemed to me anyway.
If he was that proud of the run it must of been his best.

Exactly my thoughts....!!

[Gilligan]

Wow, you guys need to write a book on your travels. You guys are a inspiration for us with traveling partners. 

Hey, Fudgie, I love the part of your signature that says, "It takes more Love to share a saddle then it does to share a bed."  With your understanding of two-up touring, we need to get together and write that book for other couples. 

[Thunderbolt]

all of them were across the line.  Granted, we were going below the speed limit most of the time, but riding at the edge of our skill level.  We ride it maybe once a year, and will stay out of the way of the good riders.  I saw a couple of bikes at the rest stop at the dam that had their whole chicken strips used up. 
There were 5 of us and we were all passed on 360 by the same SUV. 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.
 

Yeah he's one that needs to stay on the side-walk...That was pitiful and whats sad is he made a video of it  

.................................and was bragging of how cool he looks.  

What was he riding ?  VTX or Vulcan  would be my guess from the sound of it  

Boulevard Suzuki

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

 Suzuki Boulevard  that's what my little brother rides his sounds much better than that one but he does have after-market exhaust .

[..]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.

What a plonker.

You can hear him coasting through some curves, changing gear half way thru a curve etc. He needs to go back to kindergarten riding school before he hurts himself.

The other MORON needs to pick up his trash, dirty little man.

[Stanley Steamer]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.

What a plonker.

You can hear him coasting through some curves, changing gear half way thru a curve etc. He needs to go back to kindergarten riding school before he hurts himself.

Never mind hurting HIMSELF...what about the folks he may come in contact with one day!!!

[T-Bird]

 
 [/quote]Trailering to Sturgis is a pilgrimage?  ??? Nah riding is the pilgrimage![/quote]

I rode from TN to Sturgis this year on my streetglide with four of my HD friends. It was my first time there,It was a 3 day ride to get there, but was worth it. The riding was the best thing about the trip... we did close to 5000 miles in 9 days.  

[thumper]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.

I remember watching this video a while back and thinking "this guy doesn't have a friggin' clue about what he's doing"!

[Normandog]

Wow! Navigator and I rode "The Dragon" in 1966, 1967 and 1968, while we were at Maryville College, TN.  In '66 we were riding an 80 cc Suzuki.  In '67 and '68 we were riiding a 150 cc Suzuki.  There was never any traffic back then.  It was one of the many rides we took to "get away from it all."

We never rode  "The Dragon" on our Valk, even though we were in the area many times, because we had read about the "crazies" who were there for "speed" and not for "nature."

It's terrible that there are any accidents at "The Dragon."  That there are deaths is tragic.  We hope that all bikers who ride it in the future will respect it enough to stay away until they are both skilled enough and mature enough to ride it.

Wow, you guys need to write a book on your travels. You guys are a inspiration for us with traveling partners. 

Ditto that Fudgie. I would love for Carolina Girl and I to meet Gilligan and Navigator.

[Grumpy]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.

Real obvious they are not good riders, every corner he was pulling the clutch and coasting. And crossing the yellow will get some one killed.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Here's the kind of idiots that ride the dragon. He posted this proud of his run as he put it looking cool on the dragon. I called him out on that forum I used to be on because of his crossing the line repeatedly and his friend throwing trash on MY road. He downplayed it that he was looking ahead, like that is safe. I told him if he wanted to come ride the curves of the dragon then why does he feel the need to cut the curves out. People should ride in their skill limits.

What a plonker.

You can hear him coasting through some curves, changing gear half way thru a curve etc. He needs to go back to kindergarten riding school before he hurts himself.

The other MORON needs to pick up his trash, dirty little man.

PLONKER, I like that !!

[Cruzen]

The “Ride Like a Pro” folks down in Florida put out a ride like a Dragon video which is quite interesting.  It does show some bike riders exceeding their skill level and the results of that but more importantly to me at least, it showed some guys in cars passing on blind curves etc.  Now, I do not know if they had spotters along the road broadcasting to them or not but their actions would definitely put anyone approaching from the opposite direction on a motorcycle in jeopardy.

I ride the Devils Highway (currently Route 191, formerly known as Route 666 ) here in Arizona which, because of it’s sharp 10mph hairpin and numerous tight turns as well as 6000+ foot change in elevation, 10-20 degree in temperatures, has been ranked as one of the most technically challenging roads in the US.  I have had the experience of being passed by faster riders numerous times.  On two occasions I caught back up to them after they crashed.   Not bad accidents but they were on the ground.  I made sure I waved!!

After over 30 years in the Nuclear industry, I switched careers and designing roads is now my lively hood.  I am now familiar with the criteria and all the considerations used to assign a speed limit to a particular segment of road.  Those posted speed limits on winding roads are put there for a reason.  Exceed them by much more than 10% and you get what you asked for.

[hubcapsc]

Those posted speed limits on winding roads are put there for a reason.  Exceed them by much more than 10% and you get what you asked for.

If the Dragon was in West Virginia, it would be posted 55.   

-Mike

[G-Man]

People should ride in their skill limits.

I set a record, there.  They timed me with a calendar.

They used the Jewish calendar for OSS!  Just kidding my fellow hebro!   

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Those posted speed limits on winding roads are put there for a reason.  Exceed them by much more than 10% and you get what you asked for.

If the Dragon was in West Virginia, it would be posted 55.   

-Mike

I can remember when it was 55 

[Cruzen]

If the Dragon was in West Virginia, it would be posted 55.   

-Mike

OH!!  Now I get it.  The Dragon is a way of thinning the herd.  Does the Sheriff also double as the local undertaker or is that job left to his brother-in-law/son?