I hear you!!! 15-20 years ago me and my buddies use to go twice a year to TOTD. Sometimes there were 10 or 15 of us in mostly Mustangs and we would run the Dragon twice in a day and only see 10- 15 other cars...NOW its like Spring Break in PC!! Now I run the other curvy roads in the area!!
Some of the best roads we ever toured on was all the side roads that lead up to and down from the Blueridge parkway. We did parts of the BRP itself, but it's so redundant after awhile.
As a 57 year old motorcyclist that has ridden safely thats why I made it this long it is super refreshing to see a younger rider not ride like an idiot!!!! THUMBS UP
as a 46 year old i started as a idiot when i was 8 now 46 cooling down slowly still rideing been down couple times nobig deal just use your brain and u be good
I dont mean to be so off topic but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account? I was dumb lost the password. I would love any tricks you can give me
@Brentley Ford thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
I rode the Tail of the Dragon yesterday. I’m glad I did so I can take it off my bucket list. It was fun & exciting but honestly the roads cutting through the Nantahala national forest on my way to TOTD were just as exciting & challenging in their own way but without all the traffic.
I grew up near Helen, Ga and I agree with "7 Reasons"; I started riding the "Dragon" in 1969 on a Yamaha 250cc "Ascot" factory 1/2 mile dirt tracker that I had adapted into an "Asphalt burner". That lightweight bike had wide handle bars which I consider to be the best for riding all these curvy roads. "When, not IF", you run off the edge of the pavement it is a lot easier to control your bike on the gravel on the sides of the highway. I eventually bought a Yamaha "TD1B" factory road racer. All all this was done when we used to call the "Dracon", "The road to Greg's Grandmother's house". It was a perfect ride on a Wednesday afternoon with no traffic and dry roads. I rode on a set of "Goodyear 400-18's Gumballs" that was like riding on rails. I am now 75 years old and wouldn't ride the "Dragon" again even if I could. PS; I still have the "TD1B."
I drove from Myrtle beach where I was vacationing with my family to Deals gap and had way more fun on the 215 up towards Wanyesville. The dragon was cool but I was terrified of a head on collision with someone riding or driving beyond their abilities. I agree 100%. I will be back to ride in North Carolina again
You're right, 215 is dynamite drive with just the right amount of challenge. It's used by locals mostly but I have found they're willing to pull over when there's a chance. I also love the uphill climb towards Waynesville, which assures max traction. When in Waynesville, Bogarts is THE place for lunch or dinner. If you're in the area again, consider the nearby 276 that passes "Looking Glass Falls". That road also heads to Waynesville; it's a little slower but considerably more scenic.
Wait till you meet a logging truck or motorhome in a curve that's over the line into your lane because they can't make the tight turns! Try 68 from Ducktown Tn to Tellico Plains in the Spring, just a nice ride!
As a NC native and frequent rider in the GAP! East Tennessee and WNC has great riding! A Challenge is HWY 215 in the center of Transylvania county. Now that is a hard road to tame!
215 (Parkway Rd) and 276 (in Brevard, thru Pisgah Forest toward the Blue Ridge Parkway) both offer nice elevation change as well as curves separated by nice straightaways. 276 to the Parkway and down 215 is an epic loop.
Some of the best roads we ever toured on was all the side roads that lead up to and down from the Blueridge parkway. We did parts of the BRP itself, but it's so redundant after awhile.
The Suches Loop in Georgia is really good. It goes around the perimeter of Blood Mountain and spans about 37 miles. The biggest tourist attraction is the US 129 section, and often is quite busy. However Highway 60 and Highway 180 see much less traffic, even on the weekends
ive heard a few people saying the dragon was overated when I was riding there years ago..... they were usually the ones getting in everyone elses way! everything has some cons but the dragon is a bucket list thing for any rider!!
I think your correct! Most will be getting in the way. Is why it’s so DANGEROUS. They cross the double yellow coming at you, or they cross going with you just in front of you.. Not to mention those that over drive the corner,spilling all over the road.
So what you are really saying anyone who’s not riding faster than you is in your way....on a 2 lane road with double no passing lines in the road. Seem to me you are more of a problem than they are.... I’m not pulling off the road for you..if you fu** it up that’s on you...😊
It's absolutely overrated, especially relative to any twisty road in a mountain range with a glacier. Spend a week in the mountain west riding and you'll have an entirely different view of "twisty". That said the Dragon is a great road that has many great roads around it, but top-10 in the US is beyond a stretch.
I’m with you 100%. I live in Bryson City where I am a Patrol Sgt for our Sheriff Office. Love your bit about to many cops. Lol. But your right. When I’m off work, I’m off work. I hate slow traffic and the endless possibilities of getting stopped for exceeding that ridiculously low speed limit. The dragon is far inferior to a lot of roads in our area. Hwy 28 north takes you to the dragon and if you take 28 south it it 10 fold a better road than the dragon. I haven’t been on the Devils whip but I’m looking forward to it. Cheers and happy riding
Most fun I had riding the Dragon was not the riding itself but watching the lumber-truck I got stuck behind on one run. The guy obviously drive his truck through there often and knew exactly where to put each wheel at any moment. He maintained a respectable speed and it was impressive to watch! But yeah, I totally agree with this video and prefer to ride elsewhere when I'm in the area.
@@JohnCunningham-sy5ug It wasn't a prohibited road until the late 00s. I've taken a tractor-trailer on that road a couple years before they were banned.
Points well taken! The number of (318) curves was derived at while drinking beer, though it doesn’t change the fact that it is a highly technical route. I live in Huntsville, Alabama and can ride great roads like Cherohala which ties into the Dragon in 400-500 miles round trip. Now that I am retired, I spend time plugging routes into Basecamp/GPS then ride the routes. The Appalachian’s are great! I have lived and ridden out West, lived in Germany (Alps) and believe the combination of minimal traffic, good weather, and multitude of roads here is unbeatable. The one main point about the Dragon that other roads cannot provide is the gathering of motorcycles at Deals Gap.
I think my favorite road in that area is NC 63 from Trust to Leicester. It's just a really fun stretch of pavement. I do ride the Dragon when I'm in the area but never on a weekend. Good video.
Since the vid was made--just this year, actually--Graham County is no longer dry. Beer and wine sales allowed. But you're right about it being overrated. Safety wise, it's getting worse because so many people are attracted to it who can't corner worth squat. Not all of them are Harley riders, but a lot are.
@@moshealex Not sure what part of 191 has curves but starting at Douglas all the way, including part of I-10, to Safford, looking on Google Earth, I didn't see more than 70 - 100 curves and most of those are just typical long sweeping curves.
Western NC, North GA, and East TN all have thousands of roads to check out. If anyone thinks the dragon is the greatest, tell em to ride more. We love the dragon but I have found roads much more fun and challenging. TN116 is one of the most dangerous roads I have ever ridden, known fondly as the Devil's Triangle which starts at Brushy Mountain State Prison. No guard rails deep in, small towns sprinkled in, killer kickbacks that will challenge even Rossi, and semi's have access to it. Over 500 curves in 18 miles. I loved 318 in North GA to Helen. Also Suches is a great ride. Why people focus on one road around here is beyond me. That is one thing we love to record is the different roads all around us.
@Bantham Nobilis it's not the best road to ride. That itself makes it overrated. Some prefer it to others. I just don't understand the hype. I have rode it many times. It's super fun but the stupid riders kill the allure for me....
116... teehee... we left some rubber on that road during our vette cruises back in the day. TOD was far better before the speed limits started dropping. We were fortunate to be there twice before they dropped.
I enjoyed the TOTD immensely. Of course I went early, and was gone by lunch. My first two trips on a Friday morning around 9:30 I pretty much had it to myself. By around noon though the cops, and traffic definitely picked up to an uncomfortable level. Moonshiner 28, and Foothills Parkway are both great, but the best road I was on by far was Cherahola Skyway, and the turns, while pretty amazing, took a distant 2nd to the scenery.
Location: The Tsil is about an hour from Knoxville, TN, and in fact, most of the Tail is in Tennessee. The speed limit has now been dropped to 30 mph. I rode it on a Tuesday, and didn't see one cop. And it wasn't very crowded. But, there were still plenty of idiots(I'm talking to you in the copper BMW 2series coming at me in my lane). Too many curves...no such thing! If you don't like curves, stay on the freeway. Thar said, I liked the Back of the Dragon, between Marion and Tazewell, VA better. 31 miles, 450 some turns, 55 mph limit over three mountain ridges. And much lower traffic.
I wasn't really impressed with the Devils Triangle. Too many of the curves were in drastic dips in the road, the road is poorly maintained, a lot of blind driveways, and 4wheelers on the road. Also there's really only 2 kinda good sections in it, and they are short.
Rode the dragon (survived in terror is more accurate), checked it off my list and will not be back. If you are in the area do yourself a favor and ride the Cherohala Skyway, much better experience.
I agree the Cheohala is better. Not technically as challenging as the dragon but far longer. The dragon is just too busy. That said I haven’t ruled out returning to the dragon.
Well done. I can remember when there was no "Tail of the Dragon." It was just another road through the Smokies. I would drive from one end to the other and rarely see another car and NEVER a motorcycle. It's a bit of a shame what's happened to it.
@@mikekrol7485 my first ride there was in 1960 or so and no one was racing, the few who did ride were very safe and at reasonable speeds. I cant understand why all who ride there now are racing each other. Lets do that at a designated track where it is safer and doesnt endanger others.
I agree with you. I have done the Tail of the Dragon, fun road, but there are many other great roads in the area. However: Devil's Whip? Do we need nicknames for all these roads? I live in Asheville and 80 is just 80, 226A is just 266A, etc. It seems like the nicknames are just a way to attract tourists. I don't mind sharing the road, but I would hate to see these roads end up a circus scene like the tail.
I agree over rated. I live and ride in Western North Carolina. There are tons of windy twisty roads that are not as crowded. I live on US 276 between Waynesville and Brevard. Just saying
We are going to Pigeon forge next week and visiting Cherokee. Is the Devils Whip between them? We have a 4wd Lancer and would love the scenic drive you are on.
I ride a 98 GL1500 Goldwing.. 90 percent of the time I'm in shorts. That's how I've riden for over 55 years. People say I'm crazy and will regret it when I crash. I guess I've been very fortunate in my life that I have never had to lay down any of my bikes. One thing .. if I know I've going to go out and get wild I'll put on my bike gear to protect myself, but for the most part I j uh st cruise.. Come out west to see some amazing roads through the Sierra Mountains and down along the Pacific Coast.. Thanks for the great video
as a life long rider AND watching some of these crashes, I come to one conclusion..the road is fine..the main problem seems to be the noobs riding it..think I,ll pass..boostedM prob has it right..
I mostly agree with this video, having ridden TOTD numerous times, up and down. I like it, but much prefer the Cherohala Skyway. Having said that, we once got stuck for over two hours on the BRP, due to two bikes hitting head on; two fatalities. Drive within your limits and keep your eyes on the road ahead.
I some what agree with you, i am also envious of you because of where you live. My hope is to retire there some day soon. I just came back from a 2week vacation near Waynesville and many roads around there are great. The southern part of the blue ridge pkwy is very relaxing. We did spend a day at the Dragons tail, it was fun and exciting to finally be there. It is very very tight, and you need 100% of your attention for the entire length or it will bite you in the blink of an eye. But, it's a famous road, a destination, and you'd regret not going. The other thing I noticed was the quality of the roads, pristine, pool table smooth just a delight for motorcycle riders. Thanks for the video. Can not wait to retire. Maybe we'll meet up someday.
I just retired and moved to Tellico Plains. This is where the Cherohala Skyway begins on the Tennessee side. Limitless great roads. Better than the roads are the people!
As someone who goes to the dragon as much as possible, I’m glad everyone in the comments won’t be back. You Harley people are the reason I run at 2am. There really aren’t other roads like the dragon maybe a couple but not as intense. I’d have to go ignorantly fast on the whip because of all those sweepers. The dragon is all very tight and technical turns which is just hard for bikers
I am glad you like the dragon, but up yonder in western va, there are plenty of roads that will make you pee yourself compared to the dragon sleeper...
I have run the Dragon several times and it is fun but typically too crowded. I live ~15 minutes from Lake Lure NC and there are roads in the mountains around there that are less traveled and just as exciting. My preference is track days at Road Atlanta.
I rode it last year, and I agree with his assessment. Some great riding in that part of the country, with out all the madness of the dragon trail. Nice video
Access to BEER is NOT a 'Reason' to select a road to ride a motorcycle on... !! It has NOTHING to do with why I would pick a road. And NOT having any 'pull-offs' is BAD... because you are then STUCK behind slow drivers for a Long Time. BTW -- the Dragon doesn't REALLY have 318 'curves'... But the Dragon has NO driveways nor side-streets for traffic to pull out in front of on-coming vehicles.... And it has a little over 1,000 feet of elevation change... highest in the 'middle' and down on each end, with the lowest part at the Deals Gap Resort... But I agree there are a LOT of great roads thru-out the southern Smokies and Blue Ridge ( including Eastern TN and North GA)... that will be excellent rides... The number of curves in the short distance is WHY most people come Back to The Dragon. Even the Best Race Tracks don't offer that. But Yes, it is a specific 'Skill Set' and rather technical to ride The Dragon 'right'. I live about 4 hours from The Dragon, NE of the Atlanta Metro. And when I come up to the Dragon I take a 'route' that is entirely twisty roads... coming up one way and back another... a 'Loop' of almost 10 hours of riding.
Everywhere in North Carolina off the beaten hiway around Baker when I was there seemed like a death wish to even drive on. Logging trucks, and wide turners everywhere. I was white knuckled most of the way. Great video. Watched the whole thing.
you are correct! thanks for the tip about hwy 80. looks like a fine loop; 80, 19E, 197. I haven't been there, but know the interstate between old fort and black mountain (a curvy racetrack!) proves the area will be excellent. thanks!!
They lowered the speedlight on the tail so they can write bigger tickets. I've wanted to ride that road for many yrs just because it was the thing to do. But it's not like it's a bucket list thing. Thank you for making this video brother. And you are absolutely right, there are alot of great roads all across this country
I’ve made several trips to the Tail and other areas of N. Carolina and the Tail is very dangerous on the weekends. I’ve ridden the Tail well over 20 times and have almost been hit head on many times. I learned to ride it during the week, much less traffic. One of my favorites is called the Rattler in N. C. It’s been ten yrs since I’ve been that way to ride but that area is great for motorcycling.
The southern part of WV has a lot of curvy and technical road. Some of it is rough - be careful. Lots of wildlife - be careful. On one trip across Blair Mountain (SR-17), I saw two deer, a squirrel, an owl, a small bear, and a turkey; the turkey made me duck; that was all on one trip across - very unusual but awesome. The best road would be the trip across Bolt Mountain (SR’s 85 and 99). Bolt Mountain actually has three sides; all sides are fun; the best is SR 99 - that’s a 55 mph curving sweeping fast road with some tighter curves thrown in. Most other curvy roads in WV are much slower than Bolt Mountain.
I had a log cabin in the backroads of Bryson City for a couple days, just learning that 0.5 mile stretch of road I had to go in and out of was plenty fun and saved me time from going to TOD.
Another slept on road is NC 64 east bound starting from Murphy, NC up through Franklin, NC all the way into Rosman. It's about 60 miles of twisties, steep hills and minimal traffic. It is a truck route, however most don't go that way because of the steep grades and lack of skill in the corners. (Current trucker with plans to bike this route.)
The Devil’s Whip Rte 80 is one of my favorite roads too. On the south side of that road near Marion NC is Lake Tahoma. Beautiful lake and mountain scenery with the Old Casino building in the water.
My son and I are going totd in June. Middle of the week. It's a bucket list road for me. Told him we'd ride it a few times to say we did at a slow pace. Then go find moonshine 28 and some other roads that are supposed to be awesome rides
I have both ridden and driven the Dragon quite a number of times. But I've never been there on a busy weekend. I believe it's all the crazy traffic that makes it as hairy as it seems to be. During the week and in the off tourism season, you're likely to have the entire road completely to yourself. The last time I was there, I drove it at night in the pouring rain. It was a piece of cake. I didn't push the limits and stayed to the speed limit. It was still fun.
I’m a Brit Biker in Spain.. There are many great rides where l live in Valencia, we’re spoiled for choice. Roads that resemble your Canyon rides …Mulholland drive….to various twisty mountain roads similar to the one featured. Very little traffic plus a higher speed limit. Besides that Spain is a motorcycle friendly country. ….Greetings from España
Great points I totally agree I live near Roanoke Virginia and there are so many roads between here and north Carolina that are so fantastic to ride on. I have been riding for 15 years love this area. We have a road that's called bent mountain that's awesome 900 feet above sea in Roanoke and like 2000 at the top near Copper hill great curves. It is 221 south out of Roanoke
Awesome video, great commentary! Kinda crazy, I planned a solo trip to the Bryson city area so I could do Deals Gap again and ride some local roads, and on the way home decided to hit Mount Mitchell…from there I took the parkway back east and hopped off on…what I now know is…the Devil’s Whip…I’ve been talking about that road…highway 80 I think, far more than the Gap, just got fresh pavement too, WHAT A ROAD!! Curves you can circumnavigate better being able to see the apex and the end!!
Thanks for a very useful video for a group of us who will be hauling our bikes from Canada to visit the Tail. Have your ridden the Bloodmountain and what road no. would that be? 19? Again thanks
Anybody that goes to the Dragon isnt just riding the dragon. They are riding all the roads down there Blue ridge, Cherohala, hwy 28 hwy 19. Anywhere u turn is good . Besides that dragon kicks ass idc what anyone says. Just pay attention.
I thought you'd have traffic as the #1 problem with TOTD. It's so crowded most days you can't get anywhere near the speed limit. Ready for a road trip? Head west on I-40. Turn north on Tennessee 95 and go north on White Wing Road. Turn around at Tennessee 58 and do it again. White Wing Road is an epic driving road, with twisties and extreme elevation changes. Just don't try it on a Sunday. It seems they plug up the road with bicycle races every Sunday :(
Tried to mix it up a little since most people know how bad the traffic can be. It definitely puts a damper on your day when you get out there and see it backed up before you even start though
I love the area for driving. I'm on record as saying that TOD is great, but isn't the best road by a long shot in that region. The Cherohala Skyway hands down beats it, and NC28 is also better, though NC28 doesn't have any pull offs, so one slow riding cruiser or car and you're crippled. Great video, well done and I completely agree with you. I'm from the Hilton Head region of SC and go up to the mountains from the low country here very often.
@@caymanchronicles4753 thanks! I've driven all across the country and will always maintain that western NC and eastern TN have the best driving roads in the US. I live in Florida now so I'm sure you're like me and enjoy escaping the heat in the summer. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I didn't know what the Tail of the Dragon was until I was on it. I had passengers in my back seat headed from Knoxville Airport to Fontana dam to hike the Smokies. It was dark and terrifying. I had the chance to drive it again after dropping other passengers off in Murphy. It was a home football game day, so I had to get to Knoxville. I took the TOTD on a beautiful fall afternoon with the peak leaf color changing. It was so beautiful.
I agree with you 100% about the dragons tail, while on holiday at my brothers in South Carolina we took a trip to the Dragons tail in North Carolina but I was so dissappointed and found it pretty boring especially when compared to the roads around Kings mountain in South Carolina, which IMO are amazing.
other larger cities to Deals Gap is Maryville and Knoxville. No doubt there are other roads to consider but none can have the draw or attraction that the Dragon offers. It is more than just a road, it is a destination/gathering place.
they dont need life line air support if you miss a turn riding the rockys west of the Continental Divide south of Denver to Santa Fe as usually all they need to rescue you is a sponge and a body bag
I've ridden the Dragon and it was worth a trip. That said, I wouldn't go back for the reasons you mention. North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia have hundreds of roads that are fun and challenging without the traffic and other issues. Enjoyed the video! I will have to put the Devil's Whip on the list of must visits!
Except that Virginia is a a Nazi state when it comes to cops and speeding. Can't even use a radar detector there. North Carolina isn't much better. Better to speed in N.C. If you are out of state. Residents get their license taken for 15 over now. Wasn't like that when I was growing up there.
Used to ride it before the internet was a thing and it was awesome! We'd ride from eastern NC to the TOTG and back in a day. My back still hurts in fact.
Thanks for posting this. I have been trying to figure out what or why TOTD was so special. I live in CA near the mountains and get great rides driving the winding roads up and over the mountains to get from one highway to the next. Aside from the number of curves, and being mostly flat, TOTD doesn't seem any different
If coming to nc for riding ( tod) tail of dragon from Cali itll will challenge you and your wallet so many cops on tod writing tickets its 30 mph for 11 miles currently posted and they enforce it strictly, your better off doing devils whip ,or some other rides your wallet will thank you 😊, ps in summer its quite hot so stay hydrated drink plenty of fluid down here you'll sweat it out in no time at all God bless ride safe
We have gone to Deal's Gap since 1996 before it really gained such a HUGE following. I love the dragon but honestly I prefer the Foot Hills Parkway and the Cherohala Skyway both of which are amazing.
Same thing has happened to the dragon that has happened to Sturgis, Laconia, Daytona, etc...Over publicized, they have become nothing more than a feather in the caps of weekend warriors and wannabes who only go so they can brag that they went...
Riding from Ohio.Been using TOD as a destination since 04. Riding from a FZ 1, FJR1300 and 1290GT. It's a road you must be on your game. Normally will ride out and back a couple times on my visits. I enjoy bike and people watching from under the tree of shame. The roads we take back and forth are just as enjoyable. I've had my fair share of close calls on TOD and 100% have been from other drivers and riders. So understand where your coming from. MjP
I live in Titusville, Florida on a road called Windover Way. It's a road built through a subdivision that locals come on the weekend to practice and have fun. It's about a 7 mile road. Max speed limit of 35mph is a joke even for most cagers except the elderly. If you enter from the I-95 exit on Hwy 50 it starts out with more sweeping turns and 'S' curves. Down where I live on it, it gets tighter and more challenging. A lot of the people here will pull off to the side of they have a motorcycle behind them because they know you want to enjoy it and can go faster safely if you know the road. It has many blind curves and people cycle, walk, walk their dogs, etc on this road. But with that said I commute to work daily and usually do 45mph-65mph on it safely without even stressing the bike or crossing the middle. I've seen everything from Honda Grooms to Harleys here on weekends enjoying the road. I've been here since 1982, lived in this subdivision for 5 years and have yet to see an accident on it... Because we're not stupid!
As a Coloradan planning a 2021 road trip from Virginia to Georgia this spring your video and others is part of my ride research. From what I've heard & seen I'm going to spend my time & money on other great roads in that beautiful area. You didn't mention it seems like it is not very scenic on TOTD either, but just some feedback I've received?
BoostedM, thanks for the video. Definitely appreciated you honest opinion. I move to Charlotte about two years ago and finally got a bike. I lived in SoCal most of my adult life and have ridden most of the talked about roads (Ortega, Mulholland, Idyllwild and a few others). For years I've heard about TOTD, always wanted to ride it at least once, but you make some valid points. Its no fun being backed up due to traffic and too many riders of varying skill levels. I will check out the western part of the state now that I know that there's more to it than just Tail of The Dragon. Thanks again.
Dude.. I live in Burnsville myself and just got into street and trail riding but I think I like the street riding better haha 80 S is an amazing road I've been driving for years. Let's go for a ride on 80 N which totally needs a name and more riders on!! I love being right in the middle of 80 S and 80 N, amazing roads
Interesting take on it, which I agree with to a great extent. For myself, I found it just too damned tight (as many curves are blind), with too many crash marks (pavement gouges and fluid spills) and too many other riders -- on a midafternoon on a Wednesday in October -- to be able to relax AT ALL. And the two idiots on GSX-Rs who decided to pass me on my last run really pissed me off; second asshole near crashed right in front of me. It isn't a track! BTW, a couple years ago I was headed north out of Asheville on the BRP, and ended up going DOWN NC80 without knowing what I was in for! THAT was fun, the Dragon was not! I also prefer NC209 from Hot Springs down to Lake Junaluska, that's a great ride too.
Great video. I've posted many times that if nb you want a great ride cime out west and travel Highway 20 to the old pony express highway, 49, and head north our of Grass Valley California to Chilcoot California . 80 miles with the over 900 turns in the beautiful mountains of the Sierras.. Lakes , Rivers and great scenery. You also go from 1500 feet to 5000 feet elevation.. Thanks for your great video and what cameras are you using and mic..very clear and volume is excellent
I got a ticket on the cherahola and it was very expensive. NC law is if youre from out of state you must show up to court. This ticket cost me about $600 missing work included gas and lodging coming back down on a weekday. Had to make it back to ohio by the next day for work
Iron mountain, Needles Highway and the pigtails in the black hills of South Dakota make Dragons tail look like a warm up ride. There are stores and some great! small towns on those routes as well for you to take a break and or do some shopping.
I have done Iron mtn, needles and all the back roads in that area many times. Nice road but way to many tourist in motorhomes and mini vans etc. unless you do them early in the AM. I have done the Dragon more times than i can count. There are pro's and con's to every cool motorcycle road. The devil's' whip that he is on in this video the last time did it in 2021 the payment sucked in a lot of sections but it is a cool road. The dragon is a real cool road i either do it very early or late in the day and mid-week. to me the dragon will test your skill, focus and concentration. I know a lot of roads in the southeastern U.S. that have no traffic and are a lot of fun. I agree to many cops, traffic and newbies don't make the dragon fun anymore. when i found it in 1997 it had a 55 mph speed limit and cops and others had no idea about the road. Locals and a few riders only knew about it. as with any good thing when the masses find out about they ruin it.
i ride the dragon daily.... more harley riders and tourist lane split and makes it unsafe for us locals... i see it time and time again... us locals know the road and we DONT LANE SPLIT!! if you decide to go to the dragon weekdays or weekends go after 5pm GHOST TOWN!!! I REPEAT ALWAYS GO UP AFTER 5!!!! I've ridden on a LOT of roads around tn. none compare to the dragon!!! another good spot i play on is hwy 95 in lenoir city beside Melton Hill dam!!!. that's my race track, its not fun unless you go fast!! drawback, its not real long, maybe 6 miles, but it feels like the feel of a race track that a very fun spot! the dragon isn't overrated at ALL!!!! ive been riding up there for over 20 years, its the main reason that keeps me from moving away... HE SAID THERE'S TOO MANY CURVES!!. LMAO. it takes skill to drive there, its very TECHNICAL! im up there to race not sight see... JS
Here in central texas the road everyone talks about is Lime Creek. It's crowded, tight, as you mentioned blind corners and cops all over. Meanwhile 30 minutes away is cow creek. Always empty and you can go fast.
I was riding hwy 80 thirty years ago even more on triumph hardtail and Harley Davidson .I love that Rd . Goes up to parkway and Mt. Mitchell or Burnsville.I grew up in Swannanoa Black Mt area I live in Florida now but come home every chance I get .also love number nine down to lake lure and bat cave and 74 back to Fairview but not on weekends lots of traffic.
Late to the party. Only time I had fun on the Dragon was in the middle of winter. Had my auto cross prepped GTI with winter tires on it and it had snowed 18 inches the night before. No one was out except me, and it was a blast doing it like a winter rally stage. I’ve been there in the season and you couldn’t move for all the traffic. OP didn’t mention the fact that sometimes an idiot 18 wheeler will decide to go up the Dragon, crossing the yellow line all the way to the opposite white line. They inevitably get high centered in a switchback, closing the road for hours when they get stuck.
Done the dragon.... during the week. Not bad, but, as mentioned, there are many other great roads in NC. My favorites, however, are a bit farther west.... the Chief Joseph Highway and the Beartooth Highway. Not only are they great riding roads, but the scenery is spectacular. Another good one is US 550 from Durango, Colorado north to Ouray.
About halfway through you start thinking enough with the curves already. It gets old . Lots of cops taking radar too. Places where if your bike goes over the edge your not getting it back up again.
You are absolutely right. I live in Tennessee and I ride the Dragon often, actually rode it yesterday. We ride a loop from home thru Cherohala Skyway, the Dragon and back home. It is 470 miles for our loop from Middle Tennessee. The Dragon is my least favorite ride. Lots of better and more enjoyable rides. I won't even do the Dragon on a weekend. Thanks for a great video.
Excellent video...so many other roads indeed....but if you must ride the Dragon (and Cherohala), stay at Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort (especially if you are with your gal or guy)
Hwy 421 in East TN is a better road to drive. Imo. Love it. If you go-stop by the country store at the intersection. You'll notice it by all the bikes parked there. When you get to intersection- you're minutes from VA and NC(Boone)
I started this video thinking, "How douchie/arrogant is this guy gonna be?" But not even a little. Good video, good points, good overall assessment and advice, and good delivery. I haven't ridden TOTD yet. I still will one time but I'll definitely look for other options as my regular routes and destinations. Thanks for the vid.
Nice video great comments. I agree with you about the tail and the dragon done it 6 or 7 times and once in my Mazda MX 5 I plan on being down in that area with the mx 5. This fall for a nice color tour tons of nice roads. There is a company that puts out a ride circles map that gives you a number of options in the area. It's all fun most challenging. The devil's triangle West of merriville Tennessee. Don't forget to visit the museum in maggie valley it's cool. And I certainly endorse Going Out to the black hills and riding the roads there. You don't have to go during the rally before. Or after is just as much fun, wonderful roads. Iron Mountain highway has 314 turns in 14 miles and 2 splits and 2 corkscrews, it's a hoot!
Not many places that caters to motorcycles like they do ? Plus the number of people from everywhere. Makes for a great place to meet people, with like interest .
Sir, you are a very good driver I thoroughly enjoyed this; one of the best and most informative motorcycle vids I’ve ever seen. Great work, and I agree 100% with your assessment of the Dragon. Ride well my friend, stay out of harm’s way (edited to correct typo)
I'm glad TOTD is so popular. It acts like a fly trap by keeping all the other better roads nice and clear.
I hear you!!! 15-20 years ago me and my buddies use to go twice a year to TOTD. Sometimes there were 10 or 15 of us in mostly Mustangs and we would run the Dragon twice in a day and only see 10- 15 other cars...NOW its like Spring Break in PC!! Now I run the other curvy roads in the area!!
Cherohala is waaayyyy better.
mtnman1984 not supposed to talk about the skyway. It’s a secret.
Some of the best roads we ever toured on was all the side roads that lead up to and down from the Blueridge parkway. We did parts of the BRP itself, but it's so redundant after awhile.
Agreed. I was far more impressed by the riding around the Dragon. The Dragon is a good road with a great hype man, full stop.
As a 57 year old motorcyclist that has ridden safely thats why I made it this long it is super refreshing to see a younger rider not ride like an idiot!!!! THUMBS UP
Hes not riding like this for fun hes riding like this to talk for the video 😆
as a 46 year old i started as a idiot when i was 8 now 46 cooling down slowly still rideing been down couple times nobig deal just use your brain and u be good
I dont mean to be so off topic but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account?
I was dumb lost the password. I would love any tricks you can give me
@Cannon Gregory instablaster =)
@Brentley Ford thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
I rode the Tail of the Dragon yesterday. I’m glad I did so I can take it off my bucket list. It was fun & exciting but honestly the roads cutting through the Nantahala national forest on my way to TOTD were just as exciting & challenging in their own way but without all the traffic.
Yep. Nanthala National Forest!
I grew up near Helen, Ga and I agree with "7 Reasons"; I started riding the "Dragon" in 1969 on a Yamaha 250cc "Ascot" factory 1/2 mile dirt tracker that I had adapted into an "Asphalt burner". That lightweight bike had wide handle bars which I consider to be the best for riding all these curvy roads. "When, not IF", you run off the edge of the pavement it is a lot easier to control your bike on the gravel on the sides of the highway. I eventually bought a Yamaha "TD1B" factory road racer. All all this was done when we used to call the "Dracon",
"The road to Greg's Grandmother's house". It was a perfect ride on a Wednesday afternoon with no traffic and dry roads. I rode on a set of "Goodyear 400-18's Gumballs" that was like riding on rails. I am now 75 years old and wouldn't ride the "Dragon" again even if I could.
PS; I still have the "TD1B."
I drove from Myrtle beach where I was vacationing with my family to Deals gap and had way more fun on the 215 up towards Wanyesville. The dragon was cool but I was terrified of a head on collision with someone riding or driving beyond their abilities. I agree 100%. I will be back to ride in North Carolina again
You're right, 215 is dynamite drive with just the right amount of challenge. It's used by locals mostly but I have found they're willing to pull over when there's a chance. I also love the uphill climb towards Waynesville, which assures max traction. When in Waynesville, Bogarts is THE place for lunch or dinner. If you're in the area again, consider the nearby 276 that passes "Looking Glass Falls". That road also heads to Waynesville; it's a little slower but considerably more scenic.
Wait till you meet a logging truck or motorhome in a curve that's over the line into your lane because they can't make the tight turns! Try 68 from Ducktown Tn to Tellico Plains in the Spring, just a nice ride!
As a NC native and frequent rider in the GAP! East Tennessee and WNC has great riding! A Challenge is HWY 215 in the center of Transylvania county. Now that is a hard road to tame!
215 (Parkway Rd) and 276 (in Brevard, thru Pisgah Forest toward the Blue Ridge Parkway) both offer nice elevation change as well as curves separated by nice straightaways. 276 to the Parkway and down 215 is an epic loop.
Some of the best roads we ever toured on was all the side roads that lead up to and down from the Blueridge parkway. We did parts of the BRP itself, but it's so redundant after awhile.
As a pisgah resident. This is the fun riding.
The Suches Loop in Georgia is really good. It goes around the perimeter of Blood Mountain and spans about 37 miles. The biggest tourist attraction is the US 129 section, and often is quite busy. However Highway 60 and Highway 180 see much less traffic, even on the weekends
ive heard a few people saying the dragon was overated when I was riding there years ago.....
they were usually the ones getting in everyone elses way! everything has some cons but the dragon is a bucket list thing for any rider!!
I think your correct!
Most will be getting in the way.
Is why it’s so DANGEROUS.
They cross the double yellow coming at you, or they cross going with you just in front of you..
Not to mention those that over drive the corner,spilling all over the road.
I crashed 😂
So what you are really saying anyone who’s not riding faster than you is in your way....on a 2 lane road with double no passing lines in the road. Seem to me you are more of a problem than they are.... I’m not pulling off the road for you..if you fu** it up that’s on you...😊
It's absolutely overrated, especially relative to any twisty road in a mountain range with a glacier. Spend a week in the mountain west riding and you'll have an entirely different view of "twisty". That said the Dragon is a great road that has many great roads around it, but top-10 in the US is beyond a stretch.
I’m with you 100%. I live in Bryson City where I am a Patrol Sgt for our Sheriff Office. Love your bit about to many cops. Lol. But your right. When I’m off work, I’m off work. I hate slow traffic and the endless possibilities of getting stopped for exceeding that ridiculously low speed limit. The dragon is far inferior to a lot of roads in our area. Hwy 28 north takes you to the dragon and if you take 28 south it it 10 fold a better road than the dragon. I haven’t been on the Devils whip but I’m looking forward to it. Cheers and happy riding
Most fun I had riding the Dragon was not the riding itself but watching the lumber-truck I got stuck behind on one run. The guy obviously drive his truck through there often and knew exactly where to put each wheel at any moment. He maintained a respectable speed and it was impressive to watch!
But yeah, I totally agree with this video and prefer to ride elsewhere when I'm in the area.
Well, it is a prohibited road for commercial vehicles. So he must have got lucky not to have received a driving award from the local cops lol.
@@JohnCunningham-sy5ug It wasn't a prohibited road until the late 00s. I've taken a tractor-trailer on that road a couple years before they were banned.
Points well taken! The number of (318) curves was derived at while drinking beer, though it doesn’t change the fact that it is a highly technical route. I live in Huntsville, Alabama and can ride great roads like Cherohala which ties into the Dragon in 400-500 miles round trip. Now that I am retired, I spend time plugging routes into Basecamp/GPS then ride the routes. The Appalachian’s are great! I have lived and ridden out West, lived in Germany (Alps) and believe the combination of minimal traffic, good weather, and multitude of roads here is unbeatable. The one main point about the Dragon that other roads cannot provide is the gathering of motorcycles at Deals Gap.
I think my favorite road in that area is NC 63 from Trust to Leicester. It's just a really fun stretch of pavement.
I do ride the Dragon when I'm in the area but never on a weekend.
Good video.
I've done the TOTD once, but I found the supporting roads around it to be much more fun. You're spot on with this video.
Since the vid was made--just this year, actually--Graham County is no longer dry. Beer and wine sales allowed. But you're right about it being overrated. Safety wise, it's getting worse because so many people are attracted to it who can't corner worth squat. Not all of them are Harley riders, but a lot are.
Fancy seeing you here...I'm a pilot and huge fan of your channel! Thanks for stopping by
Arizona Hwy 191 100 miles, almost 3000 turns. Light traffic and virtually no Law Enforcement.
I'm thinking to visit this HWY one day. Thank you for info.
@@moshealex Not sure what part of 191 has curves but starting at Douglas all the way, including part of I-10, to Safford, looking on Google Earth, I didn't see more than 70 - 100 curves and most of those are just typical long sweeping curves.
Western NC, North GA, and East TN all have thousands of roads to check out. If anyone thinks the dragon is the greatest, tell em to ride more. We love the dragon but I have found roads much more fun and challenging. TN116 is one of the most dangerous roads I have ever ridden, known fondly as the Devil's Triangle which starts at Brushy Mountain State Prison. No guard rails deep in, small towns sprinkled in, killer kickbacks that will challenge even Rossi, and semi's have access to it. Over 500 curves in 18 miles. I loved 318 in North GA to Helen. Also Suches is a great ride. Why people focus on one road around here is beyond me. That is one thing we love to record is the different roads all around us.
@Bantham Nobilis it's not the best road to ride. That itself makes it overrated. Some prefer it to others. I just don't understand the hype. I have rode it many times. It's super fun but the stupid riders kill the allure for me....
116... teehee... we left some rubber on that road during our vette cruises back in the day. TOD was far better before the speed limits started dropping. We were fortunate to be there twice before they dropped.
@@MotoAtheist what I would give to ride back then...
I enjoyed the TOTD immensely. Of course I went early, and was gone by lunch. My first two trips on a Friday morning around 9:30 I pretty much had it to myself. By around noon though the cops, and traffic definitely picked up to an uncomfortable level. Moonshiner 28, and Foothills Parkway are both great, but the best road I was on by far was Cherahola Skyway, and the turns, while pretty amazing, took a distant 2nd to the scenery.
Location: The Tsil is about an hour from Knoxville, TN, and in fact, most of the Tail is in Tennessee.
The speed limit has now been dropped to 30 mph.
I rode it on a Tuesday, and didn't see one cop. And it wasn't very crowded. But, there were still plenty of idiots(I'm talking to you in the copper BMW 2series coming at me in my lane).
Too many curves...no such thing! If you don't like curves, stay on the freeway.
Thar said, I liked the Back of the Dragon, between Marion and Tazewell, VA better. 31 miles, 450 some turns, 55 mph limit over three mountain ridges. And much lower traffic.
The Moonsher28 is another great road. Do not forgot about the Devils Triangle or DiamondBack.
I wasn't really impressed with the Devils Triangle. Too many of the curves were in drastic dips in the road, the road is poorly maintained, a lot of blind driveways, and 4wheelers on the road. Also there's really only 2 kinda good sections in it, and they are short.
What's the Devil's Triangle?
Rode the dragon (survived in terror is more accurate), checked it off my list and will not be back. If you are in the area do yourself a favor and ride the Cherohala Skyway, much better experience.
I agree the Cheohala is better. Not technically as challenging as the dragon but far longer. The dragon is just too busy. That said I haven’t ruled out returning to the dragon.
terror? Really? Just rode it on my Road Glide and I loved it! Rode from Wisconsin just to go there.
It was a fun drive, bunch of balsy people on it though
I’ve heard about this one.
Well done. I can remember when there was no "Tail of the Dragon." It was just another road through the Smokies. I would drive from one end to the other and rarely see another car and NEVER a motorcycle. It's a bit of a shame what's happened to it.
My first visit was a mapquest route that sent me and my 4 cylinder Toyota truck pulling a 17' bass boat at 10 pm. Glad I was still young then.
@@mikekrol7485 my first ride there was in 1960 or so and no one was racing, the few who did ride were very safe and at reasonable speeds. I cant understand why all who ride there now are racing each other. Lets do that at a designated track where it is safer and doesnt endanger others.
Rode the Dragon about 10 years ago, one pass up & back counted seven wrecks with two dead on a Thursday in July, never going back, just wasn’t fun.
@@jeffhughes6167 yeah,right......
I agree with you. I have done the Tail of the Dragon, fun road, but there are many other great roads in the area. However: Devil's Whip? Do we need nicknames for all these roads? I live in Asheville and 80 is just 80, 226A is just 266A, etc. It seems like the nicknames are just a way to attract tourists. I don't mind sharing the road, but I would hate to see these roads end up a circus scene like the tail.
I agree over rated. I live and ride in Western North Carolina. There are tons of windy twisty roads that are not as crowded. I live on US 276 between Waynesville and Brevard. Just saying
I agree, don't think I did this road but back in the 90's I had a blast on some of these roads on my Nighthawk S. I think one of them was 221.
Thanks for the info on NC-80. I rode it today. NO traffic, very scenic, very relaxing, loads of fun!!!
We are going to Pigeon forge next week and visiting Cherokee. Is the Devils Whip between them? We have a 4wd Lancer and would love the scenic drive you are on.
I ride a 98 GL1500 Goldwing..
90 percent of the time I'm in shorts.
That's how I've riden for over 55 years.
People say I'm crazy and will regret it when I crash.
I guess I've been very fortunate in my life that I have never had to lay down any of my bikes.
One thing .. if I know I've going to go out and get wild I'll put on my bike gear to protect myself, but for the most part I j uh st cruise..
Come out west to see some amazing roads through the Sierra Mountains and down along the Pacific Coast..
Thanks for the great video
as a life long rider AND watching some of these crashes, I come to one conclusion..the road is fine..the main problem seems to be the noobs riding it..think I,ll pass..boostedM prob has it right..
I mostly agree with this video, having ridden TOTD numerous times, up and down. I like it, but much prefer the Cherohala Skyway. Having said that, we once got stuck for over two hours on the BRP, due to two bikes hitting head on; two fatalities. Drive within your limits and keep your eyes on the road ahead.
I some what agree with you, i am also envious of you because of where you live. My hope is to retire there some day soon. I just came back from a 2week vacation near Waynesville and many roads around there are great. The southern part of the blue ridge pkwy is very relaxing. We did spend a day at the Dragons tail, it was fun and exciting to finally be there. It is very very tight, and you need 100% of your attention for the entire length or it will bite you in the blink of an eye. But, it's a famous road, a destination, and you'd regret not going. The other thing I noticed was the quality of the roads, pristine, pool table smooth just a delight for motorcycle riders. Thanks for the video. Can not wait to retire. Maybe we'll meet up someday.
I just retired and moved to Tellico Plains. This is where the Cherohala Skyway begins on the Tennessee side. Limitless great roads. Better than the roads are the people!
As someone who goes to the dragon as much as possible, I’m glad everyone in the comments won’t be back. You Harley people are the reason I run at 2am. There really aren’t other roads like the dragon maybe a couple but not as intense. I’d have to go ignorantly fast on the whip because of all those sweepers. The dragon is all very tight and technical turns which is just hard for bikers
I am glad you like the dragon, but up yonder in western va, there are plenty of roads that will make you pee yourself compared to the dragon sleeper...
@@ccgrider1014 yea they’re around, I know of some other ones as well.
@@wholelottamiata6976 Banner Elk to Boone on 94?? Short but awesome!!
I have run the Dragon several times and it is fun but typically too crowded. I live ~15 minutes from Lake Lure NC and there are roads in the mountains around there that are less traveled and just as exciting. My preference is track days at Road Atlanta.
I rode it last year, and I agree with his assessment. Some great riding in that part of the country, with out all the madness of the dragon trail. Nice video
Access to BEER is NOT a 'Reason' to select a road to ride a motorcycle on... !! It has NOTHING to do with why I would pick a road.
And NOT having any 'pull-offs' is BAD... because you are then STUCK behind slow drivers for a Long Time.
BTW -- the Dragon doesn't REALLY have 318 'curves'... But the Dragon has NO driveways nor side-streets for traffic to pull out in front of on-coming vehicles.... And it has a little over 1,000 feet of elevation change... highest in the 'middle' and down on each end, with the lowest part at the Deals Gap Resort...
But I agree there are a LOT of great roads thru-out the southern Smokies and Blue Ridge ( including Eastern TN and North GA)... that will be excellent rides...
The number of curves in the short distance is WHY most people come Back to The Dragon. Even the Best Race Tracks don't offer that. But Yes, it is a specific 'Skill Set' and rather technical to ride The Dragon 'right'. I live about 4 hours from The Dragon, NE of the Atlanta Metro. And when I come up to the Dragon I take a 'route' that is entirely twisty roads... coming up one way and back another... a 'Loop' of almost 10 hours of riding.
Everywhere in North Carolina off the beaten hiway around Baker when I was there seemed like a death wish to even drive on. Logging trucks, and wide turners everywhere. I was white knuckled most of the way. Great video. Watched the whole thing.
Thanks Mike! Glad you enjoyed it
you are correct! thanks for the tip about hwy 80. looks like a fine loop; 80, 19E, 197. I haven't been there, but know the interstate between old fort and black mountain (a curvy racetrack!) proves the area will be excellent. thanks!!
They lowered the speedlight on the tail so they can write bigger tickets. I've wanted to ride that road for many yrs just because it was the thing to do. But it's not like it's a bucket list thing. Thank you for making this video brother. And you are absolutely right, there are alot of great roads all across this country
I’ve made several trips to the Tail and other areas of N. Carolina and the Tail is very dangerous on the weekends. I’ve ridden the Tail well over 20 times and have almost been hit head on many times. I learned to ride it during the week, much less traffic.
One of my favorites is called the Rattler in N. C.
It’s been ten yrs since I’ve been that way to ride but that area is great for motorcycling.
In Wyoming we have secondary roads that will blow away the TOTD, and no traffic.
Back of the Dragon was my favorite.
Are you talking back of the dragon in Tazewell/Marion Va?
The southern part of WV has a lot of curvy and technical road. Some of it is rough - be careful. Lots of wildlife - be careful. On one trip across Blair Mountain (SR-17), I saw two deer, a squirrel, an owl, a small bear, and a turkey; the turkey made me duck; that was all on one trip across - very unusual but awesome. The best road would be the trip across Bolt Mountain (SR’s 85 and 99). Bolt Mountain actually has three sides; all sides are fun; the best is SR 99 - that’s a 55 mph curving sweeping fast road with some tighter curves thrown in. Most other curvy roads in WV are much slower than Bolt Mountain.
I had a log cabin in the backroads of Bryson City for a couple days, just learning that 0.5 mile stretch of road I had to go in and out of was plenty fun and saved me time from going to TOD.
Another slept on road is NC 64 east bound starting from Murphy, NC up through Franklin, NC all the way into Rosman. It's about 60 miles of twisties, steep hills and minimal traffic. It is a truck route, however most don't go that way because of the steep grades and lack of skill in the corners. (Current trucker with plans to bike this route.)
I've loved riding motorbikes for 54 years I feel riding anywhere even London traffic is fab.
The Devil’s Whip Rte 80 is one of my favorite roads too. On the south side of that road near Marion NC is Lake Tahoma. Beautiful lake and mountain scenery with the Old Casino building in the water.
Pisgah hwy 151 in Candler with more turns and no traffic.
35m/h speed limit is almost the same, like on TOTD with 30m/h. But thank you for info.
My son and I are going totd in June. Middle of the week. It's a bucket list road for me. Told him we'd ride it a few times to say we did at a slow pace. Then go find moonshine 28 and some other roads that are supposed to be awesome rides
Highway 192 between London and Somerset in Kentucky is pretty sweet. Traffic is always a issue though.
I have both ridden and driven the Dragon quite a number of times. But I've never been there on a busy weekend. I believe it's all the crazy traffic that makes it as hairy as it seems to be. During the week and in the off tourism season, you're likely to have the entire road completely to yourself. The last time I was there, I drove it at night in the pouring rain. It was a piece of cake. I didn't push the limits and stayed to the speed limit. It was still fun.
I’m a Brit Biker in Spain.. There are many great rides where l live in Valencia, we’re spoiled for choice. Roads that resemble your Canyon rides …Mulholland drive….to various twisty mountain roads similar to the one featured. Very little traffic plus a higher speed limit. Besides that Spain is a motorcycle friendly country. ….Greetings from España
Cheroholla Skyway - best motorcycle road east of the Mississippi.
#7 Beer somewhere else ??? Who gives a sht
Cant stay off of the centerline? Stay off the bike.
Great points I totally agree I live near Roanoke Virginia and there are so many roads between here and north Carolina that are so fantastic to ride on. I have been riding for 15 years love this area. We have a road that's called bent mountain that's awesome 900 feet above sea in Roanoke and like 2000 at the top near Copper hill great curves. It is 221 south out of Roanoke
Awesome video, great commentary! Kinda crazy, I planned a solo trip to the Bryson city area so I could do Deals Gap again and ride some local roads, and on the way home decided to hit Mount Mitchell…from there I took the parkway back east and hopped off on…what I now know is…the Devil’s Whip…I’ve been talking about that road…highway 80 I think, far more than the Gap, just got fresh pavement too, WHAT A ROAD!! Curves you can circumnavigate better being able to see the apex and the end!!
Ride the Tail of the Dragon and get your picture taken and buy the t-shirt.
Bob Gil and a patch for your vest
Thanks for a very useful video for a group of us who will be hauling our bikes from Canada to visit the Tail. Have your ridden the Bloodmountain and what road no. would that be? 19? Again thanks
Anybody that goes to the Dragon isnt just riding the dragon. They are riding all the roads down there Blue ridge, Cherohala, hwy 28 hwy 19. Anywhere u turn is good . Besides that dragon kicks ass idc what anyone says. Just pay attention.
I thought you'd have traffic as the #1 problem with TOTD. It's so crowded most days you can't get anywhere near the speed limit.
Ready for a road trip? Head west on I-40. Turn north on Tennessee 95 and go north on White Wing Road. Turn around at Tennessee 58 and do it again. White Wing Road is an epic driving road, with twisties and extreme elevation changes. Just don't try it on a Sunday. It seems they plug up the road with bicycle races every Sunday :(
Tried to mix it up a little since most people know how bad the traffic can be. It definitely puts a damper on your day when you get out there and see it backed up before you even start though
I love the area for driving. I'm on record as saying that TOD is great, but isn't the best road by a long shot in that region. The Cherohala Skyway hands down beats it, and NC28 is also better, though NC28 doesn't have any pull offs, so one slow riding cruiser or car and you're crippled. Great video, well done and I completely agree with you. I'm from the Hilton Head region of SC and go up to the mountains from the low country here very often.
@@caymanchronicles4753 thanks! I've driven all across the country and will always maintain that western NC and eastern TN have the best driving roads in the US. I live in Florida now so I'm sure you're like me and enjoy escaping the heat in the summer. Glad you enjoyed the video!
@@mitchellbanks197 my name is Elliot
Ride safe, brother
I went last year was great
I didn't know what the Tail of the Dragon was until I was on it. I had passengers in my back seat headed from Knoxville Airport to Fontana dam to hike the Smokies. It was dark and terrifying. I had the chance to drive it again after dropping other passengers off in Murphy. It was a home football game day, so I had to get to Knoxville. I took the TOTD on a beautiful fall afternoon with the peak leaf color changing. It was so beautiful.
The snake on 421 is a good road
The Snake is 3 times better than the Dragon
i drove to from Knoxville to the snake, definitely wasn't worth it the trip....
I agree with you 100% about the dragons tail, while on holiday at my brothers in South Carolina we took a trip to the Dragons tail in North Carolina but I was so dissappointed and found it pretty boring especially when compared to the roads around Kings mountain in South Carolina, which IMO are amazing.
other larger cities to Deals Gap is Maryville and Knoxville. No doubt there are other roads to consider but none can have the draw or attraction that the Dragon offers. It is more than just a road, it is a destination/gathering place.
Rule of the Dragon. Stay to the right. Its 30 minutes before you can get a life flight.
If you have to cross the cener line in the other persons lane - you are a danger to OTHERS.
they dont need life line air support if you miss a turn riding the rockys west of the Continental Divide south of Denver to Santa Fe as usually all they need to rescue you is a sponge and a body bag
@@donniebaker5984 Breath of fresh air
I've ridden the Dragon and it was worth a trip. That said, I wouldn't go back for the reasons you mention. North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia have hundreds of roads that are fun and challenging without the traffic and other issues. Enjoyed the video! I will have to put the Devil's Whip on the list of must visits!
Except that Virginia is a a Nazi state when it comes to cops and speeding. Can't even use a radar detector there. North Carolina isn't much better. Better to speed in N.C. If you are out of state. Residents get their license taken for 15 over now. Wasn't like that when I was growing up there.
Used to ride it before the internet was a thing and it was awesome! We'd ride from eastern NC to the TOTG and back in a day. My back still hurts in fact.
Thanks for posting this. I have been trying to figure out what or why TOTD was so special. I live in CA near the mountains and get great rides driving the winding roads up and over the mountains to get from one highway to the next. Aside from the number of curves, and being mostly flat, TOTD doesn't seem any different
If coming to nc for riding ( tod) tail of dragon from Cali itll will challenge you and your wallet so many cops on tod writing tickets its 30 mph for 11 miles currently posted and they enforce it strictly, your better off doing devils whip ,or some other rides your wallet will thank you 😊, ps in summer its quite hot so stay hydrated drink plenty of fluid down here you'll sweat it out in no time at all God bless ride safe
We have gone to Deal's Gap since 1996 before it really gained such a HUGE following. I love the dragon but honestly I prefer the Foot Hills Parkway and the Cherohala Skyway both of which are amazing.
you should ride the Needles Highway during Sturgis. You have'nt seem traffic. Also, try the Beartooth Pass
Same thing has happened to the dragon that has happened to Sturgis, Laconia, Daytona, etc...Over publicized, they have become nothing more than a feather in the caps of weekend warriors and wannabes who only go so they can brag that they went...
Riding from Ohio.Been using TOD as a destination since 04. Riding from a FZ 1, FJR1300 and 1290GT. It's a road you must be on your game. Normally will ride out and back a couple times on my visits.
I enjoy bike and people watching from under the tree of shame. The roads we take back and forth are just as enjoyable. I've had my fair share of close calls on TOD and 100% have been from other drivers and riders. So understand where your coming from. MjP
I live in Titusville, Florida on a road called Windover Way. It's a road built through a subdivision that locals come on the weekend to practice and have fun. It's about a 7 mile road. Max speed limit of 35mph is a joke even for most cagers except the elderly. If you enter from the I-95 exit on Hwy 50 it starts out with more sweeping turns and 'S' curves. Down where I live on it, it gets tighter and more challenging. A lot of the people here will pull off to the side of they have a motorcycle behind them because they know you want to enjoy it and can go faster safely if you know the road. It has many blind curves and people cycle, walk, walk their dogs, etc on this road. But with that said I commute to work daily and usually do 45mph-65mph on it safely without even stressing the bike or crossing the middle. I've seen everything from Honda Grooms to Harleys here on weekends enjoying the road. I've been here since 1982, lived in this subdivision for 5 years and have yet to see an accident on it... Because we're not stupid!
As a Coloradan planning a 2021 road trip from Virginia to Georgia this spring your video and others is part of my ride research. From what I've heard & seen I'm going to spend my time & money on other great roads in that beautiful area. You didn't mention it seems like it is not very scenic on TOTD either, but just some feedback I've received?
BoostedM, thanks for the video. Definitely appreciated you honest opinion. I move to Charlotte about two years ago and finally got a bike. I lived in SoCal most of my adult life and have ridden most of the talked about roads (Ortega, Mulholland, Idyllwild and a few others). For years I've heard about TOTD, always wanted to ride it at least once, but you make some valid points. Its no fun being backed up due to traffic and too many riders of varying skill levels. I will check out the western part of the state now that I know that there's more to it than just Tail of The Dragon. Thanks again.
There are hundreds of not thousands of roads in our area to check out other than TOTD it is known here as the road to death instead Tennessee.
Dude.. I live in Burnsville myself and just got into street and trail riding but I think I like the street riding better haha 80 S is an amazing road I've been driving for years. Let's go for a ride on 80 N which totally needs a name and more riders on!! I love being right in the middle of 80 S and 80 N, amazing roads
Interesting take on it, which I agree with to a great extent. For myself, I found it just too damned tight (as many curves are blind), with too many crash marks (pavement gouges and fluid spills) and too many other riders -- on a midafternoon on a Wednesday in October -- to be able to relax AT ALL. And the two idiots on GSX-Rs who decided to pass me on my last run really pissed me off; second asshole near crashed right in front of me. It isn't a track! BTW, a couple years ago I was headed north out of Asheville on the BRP, and ended up going DOWN NC80 without knowing what I was in for! THAT was fun, the Dragon was not! I also prefer NC209 from Hot Springs down to Lake Junaluska, that's a great ride too.
Great video.
I've posted many times that if nb you want a great ride cime out west and travel Highway 20 to the old pony express highway, 49, and head north our of Grass Valley California to Chilcoot California .
80 miles with the over 900 turns in the beautiful mountains of the Sierras..
Lakes , Rivers and great scenery.
You also go from 1500 feet to 5000 feet elevation..
Thanks for your great video and what cameras are you using and mic..very clear and volume is excellent
I drove TOTD and the devil’s whip yesterday (car not bike). The latter is a far more enjoyable experience in a far prettier/more stuff to do area.
I got a ticket on the cherahola and it was very expensive. NC law is if youre from out of state you must show up to court. This ticket cost me about $600 missing work included gas and lodging coming back down on a weekday. Had to make it back to ohio by the next day for work
Iron mountain, Needles Highway and the pigtails in the black hills of South Dakota make Dragons tail look like a warm up ride. There are stores and some great! small towns on those routes as well for you to take a break and or do some shopping.
I have done Iron mtn, needles and all the back roads in that area many times. Nice road but way to many tourist in motorhomes and mini vans etc. unless you do them early in the AM. I have done the Dragon more times than i can count. There are pro's and con's to every cool motorcycle road. The devil's' whip that he is on in this video the last time did it in 2021 the payment sucked in a lot of sections but it is a cool road. The dragon is a real cool road i either do it very early or late in the day and mid-week. to me the dragon will test your skill, focus and concentration. I know a lot of roads in the southeastern U.S. that have no traffic and are a lot of fun. I agree to many cops, traffic and newbies don't make the dragon fun anymore. when i found it in 1997 it had a 55 mph speed limit and cops and others had no idea about the road. Locals and a few riders only knew about it. as with any good thing when the masses find out about they ruin it.
i ride the dragon daily.... more harley riders and tourist lane split and makes it unsafe for us locals... i see it time and time again... us locals know the road and we DONT LANE SPLIT!! if you decide to go to the dragon weekdays or weekends go after 5pm GHOST TOWN!!! I REPEAT ALWAYS GO UP AFTER 5!!!! I've ridden on a LOT of roads around tn. none compare to the dragon!!! another good spot i play on is hwy 95 in lenoir city beside Melton Hill dam!!!. that's my race track, its not fun unless you go fast!! drawback, its not real long, maybe 6 miles, but it feels like the feel of a race track that a very fun spot! the dragon isn't overrated at ALL!!!! ive been riding up there for over 20 years, its the main reason that keeps me from moving away... HE SAID THERE'S TOO MANY CURVES!!. LMAO. it takes skill to drive there, its very TECHNICAL! im up there to race not sight see... JS
Here in central texas the road everyone talks about is Lime Creek. It's crowded, tight, as you mentioned blind corners and cops all over. Meanwhile 30 minutes away is cow creek. Always empty and you can go fast.
I like Park Road 4 pretty nice road when its not crowded
Go to Wyoming/Montana and ride the Chief Joseph Highway and the Beartooth Highway. Also Hwy 14 east of Cody through the Bighorn Mountains.
I was riding hwy 80 thirty years ago even more on triumph hardtail and Harley Davidson .I love that Rd . Goes up to parkway and Mt. Mitchell or Burnsville.I grew up in Swannanoa Black Mt area I live in Florida now but come home every chance I get .also love number nine down to lake lure and bat cave and 74 back to Fairview but not on weekends lots of traffic.
Late to the party. Only time I had fun on the Dragon was in the middle of winter. Had my auto cross prepped GTI with winter tires on it and it had snowed 18 inches the night before. No one was out except me, and it was a blast doing it like a winter rally stage. I’ve been there in the season and you couldn’t move for all the traffic. OP didn’t mention the fact that sometimes an idiot 18 wheeler will decide to go up the Dragon, crossing the yellow line all the way to the opposite white line. They inevitably get high centered in a switchback, closing the road for hours when they get stuck.
I rode it years ago on a Goldwing, not sure if I will go back but at least I can take it off the bucket list
Done the dragon.... during the week. Not bad, but, as mentioned, there are many other great roads in NC. My favorites, however, are a bit farther west.... the Chief Joseph Highway and the Beartooth Highway. Not only are they great riding roads, but the scenery is spectacular. Another good one is US 550 from Durango, Colorado north to Ouray.
Tail of the Dragon or in other words.....a good place to meet NC and TN Hwy Patrol officers.
Yes.👍
About halfway through you start thinking enough with the curves already. It gets old . Lots of cops taking radar too. Places where if your bike goes over the edge your not getting it back up again.
You are absolutely right. I live in Tennessee and I ride the Dragon often, actually rode it yesterday. We ride a loop from home thru Cherohala Skyway, the Dragon and back home. It is 470 miles for our loop from Middle Tennessee. The Dragon is my least favorite ride. Lots of better and more enjoyable rides. I won't even do the Dragon on a weekend. Thanks for a great video.
Excellent video...so many other roads indeed....but if you must ride the Dragon (and Cherohala), stay at Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort (especially if you are with your gal or guy)
Hwy 421 in East TN is a better road to drive. Imo. Love it. If you go-stop by the country store at the intersection. You'll notice it by all the bikes parked there.
When you get to intersection- you're minutes from VA and NC(Boone)
Your so right about almost any back roads are just as good... And the traffic sucked on 129... And it's only about 180 turns not 300+
I started this video thinking, "How douchie/arrogant is this guy gonna be?" But not even a little. Good video, good points, good overall assessment and advice, and good delivery. I haven't ridden TOTD yet. I still will one time but I'll definitely look for other options as my regular routes and destinations. Thanks for the vid.
Over here, we have sever options. Mulholland is our busy one. But we have so many other nice canyon runs.
The Blue Ridge parkway is absolutely beautiful in the fall to go and ride and or drive.
Everything you said is 100% correct. Ill take the Copperhead 276 any day over the dragon
I can agree with you on reason 1. 11 miles really isn't that far. When I rode TTOTD I loved it but wished it a few miles longer.
Nice video great comments. I agree with you about the tail and the dragon done it 6 or 7 times and once in my Mazda MX 5 I plan on being down in that area with the mx 5. This fall for a nice color tour tons of nice roads. There is a company that puts out a ride circles map that gives you a number of options in the area. It's all fun most challenging. The devil's triangle West of merriville Tennessee. Don't forget to visit the museum in maggie valley it's cool.
And I certainly endorse Going Out to the black hills and riding the roads there. You don't have to go during the rally before. Or after is just as much fun, wonderful roads. Iron Mountain highway has 314 turns in 14 miles and 2 splits and 2 corkscrews, it's a hoot!
Have you ridden the snake yet in shady valley near mountain city Tennessee?
Not many places that caters to motorcycles like they do ? Plus the number of people from everywhere. Makes for a great place to meet people, with like interest .
I'm from NH and I have driven the Dragon 7 times. But the most fun I had was driving all the different roads going and coming to the Dragon.
Sir, you are a very good driver I thoroughly enjoyed this; one of the best and most informative motorcycle vids I’ve ever seen. Great work, and I agree 100% with your assessment of the Dragon. Ride well my friend, stay out of harm’s way (edited to correct typo)