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Big Rig
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« on: January 19, 2015, 05:49:38 AM » |
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I am planning a four day ride with some buddies down to the Tail of the Dragon in July...
None of us have been before, it is something we have been talking about for a while...
Being a safety concious rider/ride planner, besides the obvious, speed and pull offs...any pearls from you guys that ride it often. I have seen the videos and love speed thru the twisties, but not on the first run. Is there a technical riding video explaining the ride from both ends? Corners, pull off locations, where the cherry tops might hang about? Where to expect gravel debris in tougher corners? I will have approximately 8 riders with me all abilities. Would like to share something like that with the others so they know exactly what to expect.
Any insight about what to watch for and or expect would be appreciated.
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2015, 05:53:52 AM » |
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Go the speed limit and tell everyone in your group to give extra space inbetween and RIDE THEIR OWN RIDE. After the first pass you will pretty much answer all your own questions.
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Gavin_Sons
Member
Posts: 7109
VRCC# 32796
columbus indiana
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« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2015, 05:59:11 AM » |
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Just go ride the road. There is no information out there to prepare you for the dragon. Go the speed limit and you will be fine. Not as bad as many make it out to be in my opinion.
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eric in md
Member
Posts: 2495
ride hard now we all can rest when were gone !!!
in the mountains .......cumberland md
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« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2015, 06:26:11 AM » |
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lots of other roads in the area that are just as good if not better and not near as many bikes to look out for .. have a great time you wont want to go home after riding down there .  |
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Bighead
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« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2015, 06:31:19 AM » |
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I will give you one tip for riding it in July is to NOT I REPEAT NOT go on it on Friday,Saturday or Sunday it being your first time. there are so many sport bikes there on the week end you can't swing a dead cat without hitting two or three. mid week would be best. Tuesday or Wed. But that is my opinion and worth what you paid for it.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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BobB
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« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2015, 06:34:26 AM » |
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I rode it several times in 2012. Everything stated above is good advice. The only things I would add is to have everyone in your group ride their own ride and to try to do it on a week day.
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Spirited-6
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« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2015, 06:39:55 AM » |
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I rode it several times in 2012. Everything stated above is good advice. The only things I would add is to have everyone in your group ride their own ride and to try to do it on a week day.
Like Bob says. You need to know your riding skills and stay below them. Nothing worse than ; I wish I had : Good Ride ! |
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Spirited-6
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Pete
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« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2015, 06:49:23 AM » |
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Really watch for the other riders (not your group) as some of them are not as good as they think they are. Enough said.
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Texas Jimbo
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« Reply #8 on: January 19, 2015, 07:05:51 AM » |
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Spot on advice. I'd also recommend you hit the Devil's Whi . It's a blast and not nearly as crowded. http://www.thedevilnc80.com/ |
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"No, that's not a car motor..Yes, Honda made them that way...."
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Big Rig
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« Reply #9 on: January 19, 2015, 07:51:51 AM » |
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How is route NC 28?
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Woton
Member
Posts: 410
1997 Tourer Pearl Green/Pearl Ivory "BRNHLDE"
Central North Carolina
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« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2015, 08:29:48 AM » |
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Bighead is spot on - avoid the weekends. More police, traffic in general, and certainly more sport bikers. Although, believe me, if you ride at or below the speed limit the sport bikers will get around you. Look for the businesses taking photos of riders and maybe safely put on your best rider pose.  If you're interested later you and your group can go online and see/purchase a momento. This is a curvy mountain road with risks of gravel in curves and unexpected traffic. Ride at your skill level and enjoy the experience. No reason why a safe motorcyclist can't enjoy this road. The other ride I've done in the area is the Cherohala Skyway - not nearly as technical but a fun ride as well. Lots of good info online about the Skyway as well as the other area roads. |
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"Ride Smart - Ride Safe"
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old2soon
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« Reply #11 on: January 19, 2015, 08:35:01 AM » |
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Speed limit. WATCH WATCH WATCH yourself and oncoming traffic. Similar to riding anywhere else you ride-ride to stay alive. My brother-da prez-and I hit it early on a Sunday morning in June the same day I-14 started. He wuz draggin his trailer. He'd never been on it prior to that either. Coming from the Nashville Tn. airport that first twisting corkscrew wakes you up. Ride your own ride. We got down to deals gap bought our trinkets and was shootin the bull with other riders when some trucks started to unload some crotch rockets. We got outa dodge!  AND as an aside-did it once so I'm good to go UNLESS I "happen" to be in that area again!  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12768
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #12 on: January 19, 2015, 09:04:34 AM » |
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Like O2S said watch for trucks and bikes and police crossing the line heading your way
and bikes overtaking from behind you.
Yield to the faster bikes the first few passes by staying on the right side of the lane
I enjoyed it but not my favorite road by far. Prefer the roads out west and up north where you can see forever while turning over sweepers or switchbacks going up to and over passes to a road with tons of bikes and cars not obeying the speed laws or staying on their side of the double yellow and trees on both sides
Hoping to finally get to do 16 from Va into W Va one of these days, have done part of it only
You will love it, do a bunch of passes as its different each way
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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R J
Member
Posts: 13380
DS-0009 ...... # 173
Des Moines, IA
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« Reply #13 on: January 19, 2015, 09:42:17 AM » |
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I've ridden this road twice. Each time I have said I'll stay off this SOB at all costs due to the stupid riders riding about 40' over their ability.
If there is no traffic, you might be able to enjoy the ride.
I've ridden too many motor miles to enjoy this road, sorry Joe, me no likie.
But, at least do it once and ride no faster than your ability.
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44 Harley ServiCar   |
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #14 on: January 19, 2015, 09:43:47 AM » |
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i think they passed a law not that no trucks are allowed on it anymore,, i think i heard that somewhere,, Joe would know more about it..
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Bighead
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« Reply #15 on: January 19, 2015, 10:22:33 AM » |
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They did but if one happens to pass the last turnaround on either side they got no choice.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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LandElephant
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« Reply #16 on: January 19, 2015, 10:23:58 AM » |
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PM SmokinJoe. He's probably one of the most knowledgeable about the Tail of the Dragon. DON'T group ride this road. Get there early for the most enjoyment. As Yosemite Sam woild say "When I say early, I mean early".
And as state there are tons of other road as good or better than "The Dragon".
Charlie Morse
Land Elephant
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16802
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #17 on: January 19, 2015, 10:31:17 AM » |
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The Dragon is a spectacle... packed on the weekends and busy other days in the summer.
Come see the spectacle, stay safe, ride across and maybe back, eat a hamburger at
the store, and then clear out of there for endless great roads in every direction that
aren't crowded with police, would-be-racers and first-time-weeble-wobblers.
-Mike
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Willow
Administrator
Member
Posts: 16771
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #18 on: January 19, 2015, 11:00:56 AM » |
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The Dragon is a spectacle... packed on the weekends and busy other days in the summer.
Come see the spectacle, stay safe, ride across and maybe back, eat a hamburger at
the store, and then clear out of there for endless great roads in every direction that
aren't crowded with police, would-be-racers and first-time-weeble-wobblers.
-Mike
What Mike says is spot on. The Tail of the Dragon is a fun road if you can find it without all the Summer traffic. With the traffic not so much. Be sure to ride the Cherohala Skyway while your in the area. I find that one greatly enjoyable. |
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Rams
Member
Posts: 16684
So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out
Covington, TN
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« Reply #19 on: January 19, 2015, 11:43:08 AM » |
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Having ridden the Dragon's Tail successfully (which means I rode it within my own capability), I found the biggest danger was the jerk wads coming from the other end of the Dragon's Tail who couldn't keep it on their side of the center line. Both cages and bikers.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the days to ride the Dragon's Tail. Enjoy the ride.
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.
Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
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..
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« Reply #20 on: January 19, 2015, 01:32:17 PM » |
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How is route NC 28?
Best ridden uphill from Franklin, NC to Deals Gap. It will bite yer ass if you let your concentration wander. As will Deals Gap and the Cherohala Skyway. |
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« Reply #21 on: January 19, 2015, 01:37:26 PM » |
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Dont try this at home 
Yellow Wolf did the 1,000 miles in 24 hours on Deals Gap a few years ago. |
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #22 on: January 19, 2015, 03:04:28 PM » |
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I'm too darned scared to ride the Dragon.....scares the Bejezuss out of me!!!!......  |
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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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old2soon
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« Reply #23 on: January 19, 2015, 03:08:31 PM » |
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How is route NC 28?
Moonshine 28 is another one to pay attention on. That Sunday we ran it it had rained and hour or 2 before we got there. We were in the sand wash about the same time we realized WHAT it was!  I KNOW my ass took a bite outa my seat.  Some of the transitions are quicker than they look. Again-PAY attention to what YOU ARE doing and ride YOUR ride. Prior to that day we had NEVER been on those roads BUT we paid attention and kept our heads on a swivel. I'm relatively certain more make it safely across the Dragon and all those technical roads than crash out. I was 69 years and 4 months old when I ran the Dragon. Have fun and AGAIN RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE.  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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old2soon
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« Reply #24 on: January 19, 2015, 03:11:16 PM » |
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I'm too darned scared to ride the Dragon.....scares the Bejezuss out of me!!!!...... Yeah-RIGHT. WHO posted the night run on the DRAGON? Steamer-remember-we met you in person!  RIDE SAFE. |
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #25 on: January 19, 2015, 03:12:09 PM » |
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I'm too darned scared to ride the Dragon.....scares the Bejezuss out of me!!!!...... Yeah-RIGHT. WHO posted the night run on the DRAGON? Steamer-remember-we met you in person! RIDE SAFE. .... |
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" |
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #26 on: January 19, 2015, 03:15:27 PM » |
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There are a couple of straightaways on it that it's hard to go past 75mph on..... |
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" |
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Jersey mike
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« Reply #27 on: January 19, 2015, 06:46:40 PM » |
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I've been wanting to make the trip for quite a while now and have watched almost every YouTube video out there and read quite a bit about the experiences of those who have ridden The Dragon. Everyone here gave great advice regarding (not) riding on the weekend and to ride at your own pace. The minute you try and play keep up w/ the pack is when trouble will hit, ride at your own pace and if someone is crowding you from behind get right and let 'em by, don't let another rider or cage try to push you along.
The only other thing I could say is let the morning dew dry up before venturing out.
Check out the videos on YouTube, it will give you the good ,the bad and the ugly of it.
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..
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« Reply #28 on: January 19, 2015, 06:56:30 PM » |
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I've been wanting to make the trip for quite a while now and have watched almost every YouTube video out there and read quite a bit about the experiences of those who have ridden The Dragon. Everyone here gave great advice regarding (not) riding on the weekend and to ride at your own pace. The minute you try and play keep up w/ the pack is when trouble will hit, ride at your own pace and if someone is crowding you from behind get right and let 'em by, don't let another rider or cage try to push you along.
The only other thing I could say is let the morning dew dry up before venturing out.
Check out the videos on YouTube, it will give you the good ,the bad and the ugly of it.
If the weather is moist/humid the shaded areas will remain damp all day if and you don't pay attention makes you pucker butt transitioning from bone dry black top to slick half way through a sharp bend. |
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« Last Edit: January 19, 2015, 07:01:12 PM by Britman »
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13846
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #29 on: January 19, 2015, 07:41:51 PM » |
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I'm guessing I've rode it 100 plus times over the years. I crossed it in 1979 on a 550/4 before it was cool and had t-shirts. I've been lucky only coming " close " once . I've had several friends crash and two killed on The Dragon. Too bad you live so far away cause right now ( Winter ) is the time to play on The Dragon.  I work for the largest electricity provider in the nation and we have lines that cross The Dragon. I've crossed it on two wheels <<<< The best way .... I've crossed it on 22 wheels ( 3 axle low-boy ) , I've crossed it on 26 wheels ( 4 axle low-boy ) and a couple times I've crossed it with a 5 axle low-boy ( 30 wheels ) always with a front escort.  |
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« Last Edit: January 19, 2015, 07:43:36 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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Reb
Member
Posts: 2366
Don't threaten me with a good time
Greeneville, TN
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« Reply #30 on: January 19, 2015, 09:15:25 PM » |
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Lots of good advice here. It's not the best road to lead a large group on. Take your time and don't get in a hurry. If a car or bike starts coming up on your rear quickly, there are small pull offs along the road to get over. If you don't feel comfortable doing that then just keep going. I try my best to pull off if someone is riding my ass, you never know if it's an idiot that will attempt to pass in you in a curve or a brief straight away. As everyone said, that entire area has great roads to offer. 
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2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
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Reb
Member
Posts: 2366
Don't threaten me with a good time
Greeneville, TN
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« Reply #31 on: January 19, 2015, 09:18:26 PM » |
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I'm too darned scared to ride the Dragon.....scares the Bejezuss out of me!!!!...... What idiots would want to ride it at night? I don't get it
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2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
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GiG
Member
Posts: 2894
"That's just like, your OPINION, Man!"
NEAR the "In 'n' Out Burger"
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« Reply #32 on: January 20, 2015, 06:53:07 AM » |
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If the cream color Valk in front of you is throwing sparks everywhere...  ... don't worry - it's just Preston doin his thing - grinding down the headers and leavin chrome on the mountain... I had to back off to avaoid the shrapnel |
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« Last Edit: January 20, 2015, 06:56:00 AM by Motor City GiG »
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Everything is - Nothing is .
When you come to a fork in the road - TAKE IT!
(send it to OSS)
This isn’t Rocket Surgery
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Stanley Steamer
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« Reply #33 on: January 20, 2015, 08:44:20 AM » |
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I'm too darned scared to ride the Dragon.....scares the Bejezuss out of me!!!!...... What idiots would want to ride it at night? I don't get it Steamer_Reb_US129_FCR2013Those old boys are a few short of a six pack!!! |
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Stanley "Steamer" "Ride Hard or Stay Home" |
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Reb
Member
Posts: 2366
Don't threaten me with a good time
Greeneville, TN
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« Reply #34 on: January 20, 2015, 11:14:00 AM » |
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If the cream color Valk in front of you is throwing sparks everywhere... ... don't worry - it's just Preston doin his thing - grinding down the headers and leavin chrome on the mountain... I had to back off to avaoid the shrapnel Grind it till you find it  |
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2022 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT
1999 Honda Valkyrie IS
1997 Honda Valkyrie Standard *Supercharged*
1972 Honda CB350F
1978 Honda CB550K
1968 Honda CL175 Sloper
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