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Fritz The Cat
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« on: December 28, 2011, 06:27:05 AM » |
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There are lots of roads in the general area that are twistyer and funner to ride. So what's special about the Dragon? ???
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HayHauler
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« Reply #1 on: December 28, 2011, 06:31:52 AM » |
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My $.02... It's fun to ride when the traffic is low, like mid-week. Cherahala Skyway is more fun to me, because you can go faster. BRP has much better scenery and tunnels! But, you have to ride the Dragon at least once in your life. I would gladly ride it again, probably will. Hay  Jimmyt |
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Hef
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« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2011, 06:48:55 AM » |
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I'm with you Fritz. I have ridden the Dragon 4 times and can't say it did much for me. The first time was for me and the last three were taking friends on it who wanted to ride the "Dragon." I would much more prefer the gentle sweepers of the Blue Ridge Parkway which also offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. However, I understand we are all different and just like on tires and oil, everyone has their own opinion.
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13848
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2011, 06:50:46 AM » |
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Just got off the phone with my ridin' bud Paul ( Wimp ) and we talked about doing The Dragon today. We just rode up there a couple weeks ago so I think we'll cut through the woods and ride down to the Mennonite Community of Muddy Pound and rip some pegs across The Anaconda ( Hwy.85 )today.The Dragon has mystic and danger along with the fact that folks from not only America but all over the world come here to ride. You would be hard pressed to find a better road or one that gives a adrenaline rush when you can let the bike roll through. Now is the best time to come you won't have slow ass Harley's and flatlanders pluggin' up the road and changing gears 2,000 times or crotch rockets up your tail-pipe. In the last few years with so many getting hurt and killed the law is pretty heavy when it's fair weather biker season.  |
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« Last Edit: December 28, 2011, 02:49:59 PM by Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 »
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
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sugerbear
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« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2011, 07:07:21 AM » |
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rode it once, got my stcker. not impressed.  now the brp, that's a real ride. planning a full ride in the near future.  |
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DIGGER
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« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2011, 07:17:58 AM » |
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In my younger days when I THRIVED on Adrenaline Rushes it was a great place to go play..........wonder I never crashed in there.......came close a couple times......the last few times I've been down it at an older age I got tired of going into so many curves before the ride was over......however......being from the Houston area iffin I'm in the Dragon area I ride it just to do it.
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bscrive
Member
Posts: 2539
Out with the old...in with the wooohoooo!!!!
Ottawa, Ontario
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« Reply #6 on: December 28, 2011, 07:20:55 AM » |
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I did the Dragon in 2007 and I loved it. I have really been thinking of the BRP for a ride this coming year. Curves are really nice but I would rather have great scenery.
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 If global warming is happening...why is it so cold up here? |
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2011, 07:28:22 AM » |
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ride it just to get your picture posted on the internet
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Valkyrie member # 23084
Started out on old forum on day one but lost my member number.
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solo1
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« Reply #8 on: December 28, 2011, 07:53:52 AM » |
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I've never ridden it but waited at the store while my kids rode it.
We went on to ride the Cherahola and THAT was one of the best rides for me on the Valkyrie.
The best ride was on my Matchless riding the uncompleted (back then) BRP in 1950.
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2011, 08:05:23 AM » |
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I remember riding out from Abrams Creek all the time having to traverse that road and it was nothing but a pain in the ass with all the shifting and curves with my underpowered stick shift van.
It wasn't till years later I realized the bikers name for that road. I remember the tree however with wrecked stuff all up in it.
There never were many automobiles on that road and very few bikes. That was in the 70's.
Now it's a whole different story.
But the road still hasn't changed, Just a little bit smoother with the resurfacing.
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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Master Blaster
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« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2011, 08:14:25 AM » |
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In the same general area, I like 209 north off I/S 40 just west of Ashville. Run up to Hot Spring. Its away from the crowd and has everything, sweepers, hard curves, scenery, and great fun. The Gap is a must do just to say its been there done that, and can be lots of fun also. Last time I did it was on my ZX14, but if I go back to that neck of the woods, I will be sure to hit 209.
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"Nothing screams bad craftsmanship like wrinkles in your duct tape."
Gun controll is not about guns, its about CONTROLL.
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10660
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #11 on: December 28, 2011, 08:25:55 AM » |
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Guess till you ride it, you'll never know. |
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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Dogg
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« Reply #12 on: December 28, 2011, 09:12:17 AM » |
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My wife removed a rib from my right side on the dragon. Wasn't sure it I was gonna make it down to the store or bleed out.. It scared the crap out of her and at my age, I just put anymore...
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DIGGER
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« Reply #13 on: December 28, 2011, 09:49:25 AM » |
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Deals Gap boasts "318 CURVES IN 11 MILES"....
I was once at the store there in Deals Gap and a guy from Illinois had sent the store a T Shirt that they had put up on the wall of the store area.......it said.......
(NAME OF TOWN), ILLINOIS,
11 CURVES IN 318 MILES
I thought that was funnnnnny.........
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Fritz The Cat
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« Reply #14 on: December 28, 2011, 09:50:10 AM » |
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Guess till you ride it, you'll never know. I've ridden it more times than I can remember. I've aqlso ridden just about every motorcycle worthy road in and around the Appalachians.  |
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10660
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #15 on: December 28, 2011, 10:45:04 AM » |
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Then you answered your own question since you rode it more then once.  |
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Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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Fritz The Cat
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« Reply #16 on: December 28, 2011, 10:52:47 AM » |
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Then you answered your own question since you rode it more then once. Only the first time as a destination. Others were passing through or just happened to be close by with time to kill. I'm not saying it's a bad ride, what I'm saying is there's much better out there that doesn't get near the recognition the dragon gets. |
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ptgb
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« Reply #17 on: December 28, 2011, 11:27:18 AM » |
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...what I'm saying is there's much better out there that doesn't get near the recognition... That can be said for many people, places, and things... not only motorcycling roads.  |
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 Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13 |
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FloridaValkRyder
Member
Posts: 1677
If your offended , you need a history lesson!!
Apopka, Florida
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« Reply #18 on: December 28, 2011, 02:36:31 PM » |
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I just rode it in early October of this year. Probably my 4th or 5th time on a MC. That was my last time ever I'm pretty sure. Wasn't all that crowded for a Wednesday, a few cars, too many sport bikes and lots of LEO!! I guess I'm not that kind of rider any more. Talked to a TN State Trooper, nicest cop I ever spoke to, and he said he doesn't come there on his GW any more either. Those damn sport bikes have killed this road in my opinion. I had them passing me on every curve and straight away. I guess I was just too slow for them. The BRP is, and always has been, my favorite ride. I can look around, enjoy the scenery, stop when ever I want to and not worry about which curve is next and how sharp is it, what gear do I need...Guess I'm getting older huh??   |
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I still miss her.
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BradValk48237
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« Reply #19 on: December 28, 2011, 03:25:58 PM » |
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I like it because it can be ridden "At Speed" on a good day.... Hard and fast.... has decent visibility and is a fun road... Others you can ride faster, but it can be more of a challenge to push it on a good day... not a fan of busy days, but the few times I have been on it there was minimal traffic and could ride it to the edge of the my and the Valks limits.. nice thrill. The Devils Triangle was also fun (Thanks Joe!!!), but some of the hairpin turns and switch backs get a little tough with a big bike especially with traffic ahead of you in the wrong place.....
Have been on many roads all over the eastern US and it is still one of my favorites for dragging pegs, and many of them I have repeated- HWY 17 in Vermont is still a fave- But I still will hit the Dragon every time Im in the area.
As far as the BRP.... I like to go more than 45 most of the time....... Gone the entire length at least 6 times and may again if I have to...... But everyones idea of a "Favorite road " is subjective.... Just like Beer!
Brad
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13848
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #20 on: December 28, 2011, 03:31:18 PM » |
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I like it because it can be ridden "At Speed" on a good day.... Hard and fast.... has decent visibility and is a fun road... Others you can ride faster, but it can be more of a challenge to push it on a good day... not a fan of busy days, but the few times I have been on it there was minimal traffic and could ride it to the edge of the my and the Valks limits.. nice thrill. The Devils Triangle was also fun (Thanks Joe!!!), but some of the hairpin turns and switch backs get a little tough with a big bike especially with traffic ahead of you in the wrong place.....
Have been on many roads all over the eastern US and it is still one of my favorites for dragging pegs, and many of them I have repeated- HWY 17 in Vermont is still a fave- But I still will hit the Dragon every time Im in the area.
As far as the BRP.... I like to go more than 45 most of the time....... Gone the entire length at least 6 times and may again if I have to...... But everyones idea of a "Favorite road " is subjective.... Just like Beer!
Brad
That was a good ride we did across The Devils Triangle that day Brad I enjoyed both you and your Dad's company . I'd ride with you folks anyday |
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I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
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BradValk48237
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« Reply #21 on: December 28, 2011, 03:41:15 PM » |
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Oh we WILL be back....Thanks Back at ya and a Happy New Year!!!! I'd like to hit the Dragon on an off day with you and Lucky 13 in front..... Nice to have a tour guide that knows the trail and I can see the Brake light! ANd know where the photo ops are.....  The Dragon 2011 Brad |
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« Last Edit: December 28, 2011, 03:45:53 PM by BradValk48237 »
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dragon_slayer_129
Member
Posts: 171
Throttle Jockey
Leipsic, OH
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« Reply #22 on: December 28, 2011, 04:14:01 PM » |
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I've been going to deal's gap a few times a year since '95 when I first bought my sportbike. Is the road alot of fun.......YES it can be fun and it can really suck if traffic is terrible. Back when Pete owned the gas station/store it was better in my opinion (you may think otherwise) as it wasn't listed in every magazine and promoted big time on websites like it is now....was more of a biker secret not a spectacle. Yes the pavement might not have been all nice and new back then like it is now but the speed limit wasn't 30 back then either. For all you long time "deal's gap" riders (before tail of the dragon was ever thought of) do you remember when the speed limit on the TN side was 45 and the NC side was 55  I do and it was great Anymore I would rather ride across the foothills parkway, the cherahola skyway or anyplace on the BRP. Guess you could say that I'm not into crowds and prefer the sweeping curves of any of those roads above over the tight technical stuff you'll find at the gap. Must be getting old  Old faithful on the foothills parkway:  Last years gap toy:  Now the new untested (by me anyway) gap toy:  Dragon Slayer 129 |
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'01 Interstate - Fast Black w/loads of chrome - 63K miles
'95 CBR 600F3 - 67K miles
'14 Bennington GSR2250 Tri-toon 150HP Yamaha
To many toys not enough time to play !
[img width=347 height=175]http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo160/Rashed_F3/vtx%20forums/VisitedStatesMap.jpg[/img
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FryeVRCCDS0067
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« Reply #23 on: December 28, 2011, 04:29:22 PM » |
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I've been there a few times though not in several years. I intend to get down there every year but life and work just get in the way I guess.
In my flatlanders mind it's a great road. It's legend makes it even better. The fact that it's the best known landmark in a virtual bikers utopia makes it even better yet.
I've been frustrated by HD's there, HD's that seemed to think they were ridin' in a parade, HD's that shouda' been throwing candy to kids. HD's going so slow they forced me to pull over and let them get ahead a few miles just to maintain my sanity. And don't get me wrong, I've seen plenty of HD's ridden by great riders. I just haven't seen em there yet.
And I've been passed there by some of the finest riders I've ever seen in person. My first time through really sticks in my mind. A pair of Motard type bikes were suddenly on our arses. We got single file and motioned them around and around they went. They rounded the next corner and went out of sight side by side nearly laying on each other like fish scales. Amazing skill level. We saw their bikes at the store and when we saw the riders I was amazed. I expected young, glassy eyed adrenaline junkies but what I saw was two guys who had to be close to or well over 60. Wow, they rode so much better than I did we might as well have been on different planets.
Although I probably liked the snake and the skyway better I can't wait to get back down there and ride all three again.
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"Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And... moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.'' -- Barry Goldwater, Acceptance Speech at the Republican Convention; 1964  |
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13848
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #24 on: December 28, 2011, 04:30:46 PM » |
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Now the new untested (by me anyway) gap toy: Dragon Slayer 129 You can trust me on this ....That bike has been Dragon Tested I followed Big Al and Lucky13 out of Deal's Gap one night when we was doin' The Dragon At Night....What a RUSH I'd guess that bike has been across The Dragon 5 or 6 times in the short time Al owned it . I'm thinking I was on about 5 of those trips ....Still shake my head that Al let that one go |
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I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
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BigAl
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« Reply #25 on: December 28, 2011, 05:14:10 PM » |
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Don't miss any bike I ever sale. Glad Ole Dragon Slayer is on it and he will be a good ambassador for the Valkyrie Club and brand. More like about 30 times to the Dragon, in rain, sun, and even a few smow flurries. It will run the Dragon a lot faster than the law will allow. Killboy liked this pic. and put it on his Photo Feature Front Page. This bike has actually been on the Killboy front page twice.  |
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« Last Edit: December 28, 2011, 05:19:50 PM by Harley Al »
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #26 on: December 28, 2011, 05:19:03 PM » |
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You guys are right......there are a LOT of other good roads up there to ride besides the Dragon.....it's NO fun on holiday weekends and most summer weekends......I'd rather ease over to the white line and let the crotch rockets by than get stuck behind some HD riders that look like they were on parade....  ....... I've had some good runs there at off times of the year.....there are a couple of sections that you can get the old girl over 70mph on...... ......here lately, I'm always there at the worst time to ride......unless you wait until after dark....last run on it at night was back during Joe's FCR....had one jack ass youngster that wouldn't get out of the way....I pulled off for a few minutes and still caught back up to him too fast.....  This is a one of the videos I took heading back South after turning around at the overlook.....it was fun almost to the end.....caught up to some cars..... 
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" ![](http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/gizmotimetempbig/language/www/US/GA/Athens.gif" alt="Click for Athens, Georgia Forecast" border="0" height="40" width="467") |
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BigAl
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« Reply #27 on: December 28, 2011, 05:20:31 PM » |
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thumper
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« Reply #28 on: December 28, 2011, 06:01:09 PM » |
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I love the Dragon. Sometimes it's a tourist attraction cluster f*uck but that's been more the exception than the rule for me. When you can get in a rhythem with the road and you're draggin' pegs in every corner there is no better feeling in the world. Then you stop at the awesome overlook for photos and tellin' lies....it doesn't get any better than that. In fact, I think I am going to take my club up there for the first ride of the new year.     |
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An oak tree is nothing but an acorn that stood it's ground!
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98 T
Member
Posts: 649
'98 Tourer
Brookfield, WI
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« Reply #30 on: December 28, 2011, 08:59:56 PM » |
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In the same general area, I like 209 north off I/S 40 just west of Ashville. Run up to Hot Spring. Its away from the crowd and has everything, sweepers, hard curves, scenery, and great fun. The Gap is a must do just to say its been there done that, and can be lots of fun also. Last time I did it was on my ZX14, but if I go back to that neck of the woods, I will be sure to hit 209.
I would agree with Master Blaster.... The Dragon is at least a "must do" ride. The last year we had InZane at Johnson City, my cousin and I went off exploring and found Hwy 209 - in many ways it was just as good as Deals Gap... in Hot Springs we found some homes still had their Christmas lights up yet in July... But I would say over all, there are lots of great roads all over that part of the country.. you almost can't go wrong. If you look, you'll find some. |
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It's not WHAT you ride....it's THAT you ride!
vrcc # 21815
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SANDMAN5
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Posts: 2176
Mileage 65875
East TN
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« Reply #31 on: December 29, 2011, 05:39:46 AM » |
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I like "going to the Dragon" more than actually "riding the Dragon". It's
about a 350 mile round trip for me.....a good day's ride late fall to early
spring or a 1/2 day ride in the summer. I seldom drag my pegs anymore
so I don't ride it just for that. To me it's just another "Hey let's ride there"
destination. As others have said, there are roads I enjoy a lot more...but
none of them will get your picture on the www!!
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"Evolution" is a dying religion being kept alive with tax dollars.  |
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #32 on: December 29, 2011, 07:45:05 AM » |
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i worry about going around a curve or turn on a slow day and finding an 18 wheeler across both lanes when you round the turn,,if i cant see around the corner or turn i wont drag a peg i will go real easy,,,
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Valkyrie member # 23084
Started out on old forum on day one but lost my member number.
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Canuck
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« Reply #33 on: December 29, 2011, 08:11:18 AM » |
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i worry about going around a curve or turn on a slow day and finding an 18 wheeler across both lanes when you round the turn,,if i cant see around the corner or turn i wont drag a peg i will go real easy,,,
NC has finally banned trucks (greater than 30') from US 129. TN says becareful. http://tailofthedragon.com/ |
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Valkyrie ~ "chooser of the slain"
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #34 on: December 29, 2011, 09:39:41 AM » |
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If it's sweeping curves you're looking for the "Dragon" will disappoint. It mostly consists of blind outside curves and sharp switchbacks on the inside.
It's very easy to grind the pegs with the slope of the switchbacks where you're only going 5 or10 mph which is what most all of them are.
I understand calling them the twisties because they are, but I do not see traversing the "Dragon" as being any kind of test of ability to ride the cruiser motorcycle in a sport bike like manner.
Because of the LEO's penchant for over-cruising the road and their "take no prisoners" attitude the true test of riding ability on that particular road (ie: time/vs length) is not possible.
This is just my personal opinion and not meant to be critical of the opinion of others.
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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