I finally got to ride the dragon

[murph35640]

went to the smokies last weekend and got to finally see what all the fuss is about. We went out and rode the dragon & skyway loop and I must say that it will be an annual trip for us from now on, I honestly felt a little let down at deals gap after wanting to see it for several years it just wasnt the way I thought it would be. Still a very fun ride but it just didnt compare to the Cherohalla skyway, man that was really awesome!! Best views in the mountains very smooth road and long sweeping turns. My wife finally decided to go with me on the ride and she really enjoyed it, I never got pinched, called names, yelled at or threatened with bodily harm the whole day! Was a little cool on the way home on monday but not too bad. Now she wants to go down to the coast this weekend and pick up some fresh seafood, Oh well if I must I must!

[mini-muffin]

Next time you go for a ride up in NC let someone know. We have plenty of folks up that way and they can show you some really nice roads to ride. Ones that are much better then the dragon. Glad you had a good time and didn't get any bruises on the trip.

Have fun on your next trip....... to get seafood might need a trailer.

 

Margaret

Edited October 30, 2008 by mini-muffin

[BradT]

Couldn't agree more, I really liked the Cherohalla skyway, plus some of the other roads around there, over the dragon

 

BRad

[raceman62race]

We've got as trip planned to the Dragon in 2 weeks. Where is the Cherohalla skyway? Is it close to the Dragon?

[jrcain32]

The Dragon and Cherohala are in the same area. I too prefer the Skyway over the Dragon. There are several roads in the area worth riding. Go to tailofthedragon.com website and get more info. You can print out a map of the "loop" which includes the Dragon and the Cherohala. Don't over look the "Hell Bender" (hyw. 28). Two Wheel Inn in Robbinsville is a great place to stay.

[Eddie Fulmer]

Me and several other guys are headed to the gap and skyway on Nov 10. I hope it warms up a bit before then. Will be leaving from Tuscaloosa Alabama.

[loehring]

The draw of The Dragon is the length. There are a number of roads that are more challenging and more scenic. It's the 11 miles of relentless curves that gives The Dragon it's reputation. It's pretty hard to find a road that isn't fun to ride up there though. I like to stay at the Iron Horse. It's back off the main road and really quiet at night. I didn't get to go this year so I guess I'll just have to go twice next year.

[keithert]

How was riding the RSV on the Dragon. When I had an RSV I rode on some extended sets of twisties in the Ozarks in Missouri. After awhile I was getting tired of turns and hoping for a straight road! But my Dad on his BMW felt the same way.

[Ozark]

Glad you had a good time. We got to ride the Dragon a couple of years ago at the Vogel rally. It was fun, but been there done that and don't care to do it again. I would really love to get the chance to ride the Cherohalla Skyway though. I understand that is a ride that never gets old. I may have to touch base in the spring for some of the locals to ride it with me.

[murph35640]

I found that the rsv handled very well, even riding two up didnt seem to really need anything, of course I wasnt scraping the pegs or anything but it felt as though I could have with no problem. Overall I have always been very impressed with this bike whether riding on the tight twisties or running the interstates and only having to stop when I need gas. One thing I am going to change though is the exhaust, a couple of weeks ago I gutted the stock pipes and although I really like the sound when I am wearing my short helmet, when I changed to the full faced one it is a whole different sound, very very annoying!!! Dont know yet whether to go back stock or maybe some slip ons but something has to change

[eazyduzzit]

We should have made better plans. I was at the Dragon Sunday, and I missed RedRider who rode down. There were 2 other Royal Star riders and our wives. We would have loved meeting some of you guys.