P
pedrocasper
Guest
I just returned from NC/Tenn. Purpose of the trip was to explore the great roads of the Smoky Mountains. I had read all the hype about the Tail of the Dragon (Route 129) and didn't necessarily believe it. Hell, just getting to the "Dragon" presented so many awesome turns that I had a smile securely fixed to my face upon arrival, and I queried out loud, ÔÇ£why donÔÇÖt these roads have businesses and web pages dedicated to them?ÔÇØ I arrived at the Dragon via NC Route 28 and felt my heart begin to pound (was I nervous?). After a few drinks of water, I said just take it easy and have a great ride. I hit the start button and headed for my first run of the day on the Dragon. After turn 3 of the 318 turns in 11 miles, I knew I had found a road that deserved all the ÔÇ£hypeÔÇØ. If you have ever been there, you know that a small community has sprung up supporting the motorcycle tourists who visit to ply their abilities on the ÔÇ£DragonÔÇØ. I imagine most of the owners as being transplanted motorcycle geeks (like myself) who started businesses near Route 129 just so they could be close to the road (not a bad idea). At about turn 30 you really hit the funÔǪthe Tennessee side is where it is atÔǪ I shifted out of second gear only onceÔǪ.enjoying riding my r100 boxer caf?® at 5,500 -6,200 rpm range carving corners. Pretending I was Nate Kern blasting by the competition, I enjoyed the road while playing at the upward end of my comfort level, but never leaving it. After a weeks stay and exploring many great roads (Route 28, 441, Wayah Road, etc) I had to do the Dragon one final day. A total of 6 trips that day finished my week on the Dragon. After saying good bye to several good people who I met throughout the weekÔǪI headed north and home. I must now add my bit to the ÔÇ£hypeÔÇØ. The Dragon is a road that must have been designed by a very talented rider. He/She knew where to put a reduced apex turn(s) because it would make for a great ride, not necessarily because engineering and road design principals required it. I still have a smile on my face and will likely always crack one when I think of the week that I danced with the Dragon.