Tail of the Dragon Rookie

Just the main road in, you can still get in the back way from what I understand. Maybe I've got it wrong but I thought the rock slide was near the foot hills parkway turn off? I usually stay at the treetops so we've always come in via the Cherohala.

 

No entry into the dragon at all !!!!!!

 

I've ridden the Dragon (aka, Deal's Gap...Rt. 129) only once; it was on a Thursday in late October of 2007, at the peak of the fall foliage season, so the road was rather congested with tourists, trailer campers, motorhomes, sports cars, etc., as well as commercial vehicles, trucks (including 18-wheelers), and of course, most all types of motorcycles. I even saw a few brave bicyclists along the way.

For those who've never ridden the Gap before, I think it's important to keep in mind that despite all of its fabled stories and hype, Rt. 129 is in fact a very busy and dangerous public road, and not a public race-course or track. On many portions of the Dragon, if you really screw the pooch, there may be no do-overs. The great temptation for some will be to attempt to pass slower traffic by only "briefly" crossing the double-yellow lane markers. Some who've come from far away in order to ride the Gap may feel a quest to ride and "slay" the Dragon by eventually pushing things a bit too much.

If you're a first-time Gap rider, probably the worst times to show-up are during most weekends and holidays during the riding season. Better to beat the crowds and traffic as much as possible. YMMV.

 

I hear there is still plenty of great roads to ride down that way. Any suggestions?

 

You can always ride 28 to Robbinsville and of course Cherohala Skyway. Not to mention Blood Mountain run.

Sherpa Guides | Georgia | Mountains | Blood Mountain

But remember Georgia now has a stupid speeder tax. And the “why’s I don’t like these rides”.
1. 28 to Robbinsville, Two times while riding this road I have encounter auto’s COMPLETELY on the wrong side of the road. I think it’s the scenery so be careful and ride VERY defensive.
2. Cherohala Skyway the speeds I run at the place scare me but a great ride.

 

I have a suggestion based on all of the accounts on this thread. Don't go...unless it's for the group thing, because serious riding there is seriously frowned upon, if not made impossible by traffic and cops. Dangerous also comes to mind.

There are a number of very derogatory things that can be said about Deals Gap and the surrounding area, but based on what you're seeing here I think you get the picture. A group ride however, would be a blast, as you more than likely would be riding with a group mentality, which is to say that hanging out with friends and sight seeing would be the main objectives.

Unless your headed that way regardless, I would maybe research some other areas. Montana, Idaho, and North Western Wyoming to name a few. All of the of the great riding and scenery you could want, as fast as you want (although you do need to watch it on interstates etc.), with none of the headaches.

OK, who's going to be the first to tell me to go piss myself?

 

Your right about alot things you wrote but however I live for those days when there are no LEO's and mostly sport bikes are there. Man those days are the days you LIVE for.

 

Definitely go. Unless your only reason for going was to the ride the Dragon. I'm going down in July for the Katriders rally regardless of if the Dragon is open or not. The entire area is covered with fantastic roads and scenery. I've been going down there for week long rallies every July for 4 out of the last 5 years. I think I rode the Dragon twice last time down, did the Cherohala at least once a day lol.

BTW the biggest problem with that entire area isn't the Police, The slow moving gaggles of harleys, or the SUV's straddling both lanes. It's that horrible longing you feel after going for a ride when you've been back home a few days and you realize how bad Ontario roads suck .

 

Let me know the dates, I have to work 12 & 13. It may be opened by then. There offering a BIG bonus to finished the clean up early.

 

The ride up to Clingman's Dome through The GSM National Park is nice. There's a neat 360 degree loop in the park, can't remember the road. I wouldn't want to be anywhere near the Dragon on a weekend.

<----- Me on the dragon. I got passed!

 

my first time on the draggon i got passed a lott but i rode my own ride and it was still a blast had pleanty of fun now been back into the the area several times since and still have had fun without goingto the draggon

 

My first time riding the Dragon I had a grand total of about 28 hours seat time on a motorcycle, and that included the 720 mile ride down. I was very slow on the Dragon, but I did pass several HDs. I made it out alive, too. I would recommend a bit more experience than I had for a first time ride on the Tail. IMHO, it's not a road for the kneedraggers most times of the year. Too crowded, lots of semis coming at you around the curves, and the cops are everywhere. There are LOTS of other great roads nearby.