The Dragon is in the news already this year...

Here's a copy / paste from the local TV stations website...

Dangers on the Dragon As Riding Season Starts

For motorcyclist Mike Exerhos, the open road is home. "This is kinda like my second home," said Exerhos, "Especially now after having cabin fever for quite a few months, it's good to get out and get some sun."

And he's not alone. "I'd say the season's started. With weekends like this, it will be great," said Brad Talbott, the owner of the Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort.

"It's business for the area," said Talbott. "When it's wet and nasty like it's been our tourism isn't there, so motorcycling for us is one of the key tourist market."

As another season gets started, it's a reminder of the dangers here on the Dragon. "We still want everyone to come here, have a good time, it is a fun place. But you've got to respect it," said Trooper James Dalton with Tennessee Highway Patrol.

Inexperience and overconfidence can lead to accidents says Dalton. "They get up here, it's curvy and it's hilly, and it gets away from them."

Dalton showed how to drive the Dragon safely. Keep your speeds low, under the 30 mile an hour posted limit. Stay on your side of the yellow line at all times, and if you need to utilize the pull-offs.

With several fatal accidents last year, Tennessee Highway Patrol is hoping for a safer ride along the 11-mile stretch. "We know it's going to busy this year," said Dalton. "Ride what's comfortable within the law."

Safety is better for business too. "We like to see you everyday, we like to see you having a good time. We don't want to be pulling you out of the ditches and having to call EMTs and Highway Patrol to come get you."

Dalton says because the Dragon is isolated, it often takes nearly an hour for first responders to arrive in an accident. He says before heading to the Dragon, be sure all your gear, whether on a bike or in a car, is ready for the road.