Truth is; after riding it 30 times in a Porsche 911 & Ducati MultiStrada…… is that its nothing special compared to hundreds of other roads in North Carolina Overhyped
I’ll respectfully disagree, there are no driveways or crossroads for the 11 miles. You don’t get that on most other roads. But we are blessed to have tons of great roads in the area.
I'll have to disagree as well. I totally get your point tho. There are tons of amazing roads in this area. The no driveways or roads connecting in, the state line to allow a check for the po-po scout run, and no serious grade changes and PULL OFFS! lol tho some dont seem to know what they are for.
I've ridden it 3 times on 2 different bikes, both with a passenger and without. It's just a fun ride! I dont ride beyond my skill level and to me it's not about riding it as fast as you can and taking risk. I came down there from michigan to enjoy myself and that I did. It's a great road and a great ride, just dont be stupid about it. I dont think I ever got above 3rd gear! And that was only briefly. It's not necessary to enjoy the ride. I would love to come down again one day.
Very possible. I was there all evening on the 25th. Was even going to try to go today but already drove 9 hours in 2 days and absolutely worn out lol. Maybe I'll get back over there tomorrow if the weather stays good. Did a waterfall trip thru Highlands, Cashiers, and past Brevard this week already too. Still editing from the dragon on the 25th too. I have a few weeks i could just edit and not film but I love the going and watching way more than editing lol
I should have about 4 or 5 more videos coming out from the time you were over there. Let me know if you find yourself. Just released 1 new video today actually and am in the process of editing the rest of all my June footage.
Doesn’t look dangerous at all. The only thing I noticed, most of the bikers have a really bad cornering control. Too close to the center line of the road, wrong entering of the curve. All mostly on left turns. Extremely dangerous on small roads and turns with an invisible curve exit. The problem is not the pavement, the problem is on top of it.
It’s not uncommon for me to do a north to south run and have 3-4 bikes and 1-2 cars come into my lane going the opposite direction. It’s only 11 miles and that happens all the time. It’s the most dangerous road I know of. I a,so prefer the Cherohala Skyway with its long sweeping turns and higher speed limit.
When I was a kid I just called it 129 lol. Later I did come around to calling it The Dragon but for UA-cam purposes Tail of the Dragon is what people search. I never call it Tail of the Dragon except on here.
Before the" information superhighway" ruined Deals Gap it was a riders paradise. Beautiful scenery a GREAT technical road without allot of traffic or law enforcement When it hit the web a bunch of inexperienced squids got hurt or dead on it because they can't even comprehend the road for what it is . They stole the telescopes off the overlook painted graffiti all over the stone wall and littered the corners with faring parts.The web ruined Deals Gap.
I rode the tail of the dragon 1 week ago on my 636 and it was fun and not hard at all. You just stay in a lower gear and be sure to slow down before the turns. The key is to focus on the road ahead like they teach in 101 motorcycle riding class.
Its only a bad road when you drive or ride beyond your abilities. Sadly this does happen. My first time on the dragon, l saw a biker go off the road. There was a crowd of cops and bystanders letting oncoming traffic know there was a accident. On my way back home l stoped at rt 16 in Virginia. The Back of the Dragon. I think l liked the back of the dragon a little more than the tail. The scenery was great and WAY less traffic.
Or a bad road when the oncoming guy rides beyond his abilities. I've ridden this many times, and more than once I have had to bail off the road (where you can), because a squid was over cooking a corner in my lane. I don't like this road because of that. I much prefer Hwy 28 going south to Franklin, Hwy 143 from Hwy 129 to Hwy 28, or the Cherahawla (sp) skyway over to TN. The Dragon? you can have it.
I went 2 weeks ago. Left dc late and had to ride the dragon at 1030 pm on the gl1500. Video does this rode no justice. Gear up and be vigilant. Its so fun tho. ❤
I see him occasionally but he's definitely not there all day or even daily for that matter. As much as I was there filming I got him on camera about 2 times and it took almost a month to see him the first time. People will argue that the sport bikes are the biggest problem but the reality is that most problems arise from people that have no clue how quickly you can get into serious trouble on this road. I've been driving it for 34 years and I still respect it lol. 34 years ago I was the local idiot tho lol.
I don't think you have to be caring a lot of speed to get really messed up, just enough speed above your skill level to carry you over the line into a head-on or offroad into a tree.
I totally agree with you! I rode the dragon for the first time earlier this year and rode on a '95 Electra Glide Classic. I had no issues. I rode three times up and once down. Came down Cherohala Skyway the second time and headed towards Murphy, NC the third time. Beautiful scenery! If you don't drive or ride like an idiot you'll be fine. When the speed limit says 15 mph on the horseshoe turns, it means it! Stay safe and keep the shiny side up!
It is a dangerous road. How many accidents happen yearly.. loads. It’s being used as minirace track by some. Yeah even the people driving and doing the right things are in danger of being hit by the loonaticks.
I normally ride it on a Harley, and if I get out of 3rd gear it is for a short period, but this guy took me through part of it in his custom Corvette that looked like a transformer, and he was taking turns at 90pmh, and at one point was doing over a 100 mph, I nearly crapped myself.
I normally stay in 2nd gear in my car. That's if I'm trying to go fast lol. If I'm just cruising I'll put it in 3rd lol. Needless to say it's been several years since I got a speeding ticket over there lol.
The Dragon is fun and you make it your own. I'm a grandpa rider and everyone tells me that. I enjoy the ride, for the ride. I don't have to go fast and I've been riding for many many years, first bike at 16. Now I have a PC800, not fast, but we have a good time. I personally like the Cherohala for the long sweeping curves instead of the tight technical turns. Great video and thanks for truth.
I like Cherohala myself. Not even for the drive but for the views and memories long before it was ever opened. Back in the day going to Hooper Bald was a big adventure. 4x4 only or walk. Can still remember dad and his stories about everything that went on up there thoughout the years.
Accidents happen occasionally? It's not nonsense that you are significantly more likely to have an accident. That's what the actual data demonstrates. There are even more signs posting that warning. Sure, most 'accidents' are single vehicle, where riders / drivers take themselves out by going too hot into a corner. But not all crashes are to the side of the road. Many cross over into the on-coming lane. Almost no one does the posted limit. Some are at multiples of that. Explain how in what universe are they not taking risks with their safety and that of others?
Not saying there are no risks. Simply stating that the vast majority of drivers are not doing crazy stuff. Sure, you'll have an occasional rider or driver going way over the limit, but that happens everywhere. I can sit there all day long and see maybe 5 or 6 people that are really pushing the limits. Then again when I drive on i285 around Atlanta the speed limit it 65 and at least once either direction in going I'll have about 3 vehicles doing 150 plus fly by me. There are risks everywhere. It's just not an all day every day occurrence on the dragon.
Thanks for the video. I know when I get the chance to ride the Tail I ride in first and second gear. More pull around the corners. And keeps my speed down. 😀
I was raised in Robbinsville, I've been across the Dragon so many times it ain't funny, when I was kid we'd go to Maryville and Knoxville to shop for school clothes that was 40 years ago😮 its a good road just be patient take ya time enjoy the 318 curves😊
It was extremely dangerous in August, 2007 and I had the pleasure of hiking part of the Appalachian trail to Fontana Dam where my daughter and I were picked up by someone and taken to Maryville via the Dragon when several hundred Tennessee highway patrolmen made the effort to catch everyone who was breaking the speed limit and driving recklessly. There were police everywhere, and they had a number of small mobile headquarters trailers plus a large mobile jail with another trailer to put impounded motorcycles on. There were also a number of high end sports cars stopped, as well plus the occasional roadblock to stop groups of cyclists who had been seen speeding by other policemen. It really is an extraordinarily beautiful area, and in some places there is a road lower down next to the river/lake. When the water is high it looks more like you are driving in Norway along a fiord and is quite stunning to believe that Blount County has such a variety of completely different types of beauty to see. But go on the same roads along the river when the water has been lowered to prevent catastrophe when the rains come, it looks like one big mud flats surrounded by mountains, with a little river flowing through it. After all, it is the Little Tennessee. I used to canoe it before the dams were built and there was a one car ferry somewhere south west of where Foothills Parkway meets the state highway. I got to cross the river twice on the ferry and go under the cables while canning. The state confiscated, or condemned farms all along the banks of the river, claiming that there was going to be a state park for miles on both sides of the Little Tennessee. My uncle in Maryville owned two farms side by side which were confiscated and received far less than they cost him because the land had been condemned. That was 1969 and the parks still have not been initiated.
I really want to take my drone down this road following with a bike. at these speeds I can absolutely dance my drone around them and get some sick footage. i'd have to be in a follow can driven by someone else.
I won't ride it I no what i'm going to do but meeting people coming the other way is out of my control! I have plenty of twisty roads in the UP of Mi, it take too long to heal up after you crash if they don't kill you.
Um Not really. I was at Mile 6. Most of the bikes actually stopped to ask where they could find my videos. Mile 6 is normally packed out with people so seeing someone standing there filming they will typically try to go faster. You're entitled to think whatever you like tho. Thanks.
Right there is an idiot that makes that stretch of highway dangerous the clowns on the crotch rockets that don't want to enjoy the scenery just want to see how fast they can go
It's only dangerous because you have people who wanna do 100 mph and not only endangers their lives but everyone else.
It's very dangerous when you have people that don't care about others. It's a road, not your personal race track.
Truth is; after riding it 30 times in a Porsche 911 & Ducati MultiStrada…… is that its nothing special compared to hundreds of other roads in North Carolina Overhyped
I’ll respectfully disagree, there are no driveways or crossroads for the 11 miles. You don’t get that on most other roads. But we are blessed to have tons of great roads in the area.
Agreed, it’s a great road and a fantastic area in general
I'll have to disagree as well. I totally get your point tho. There are tons of amazing roads in this area. The no driveways or roads connecting in, the state line to allow a check for the po-po scout run, and no serious grade changes and PULL OFFS! lol tho some dont seem to know what they are for.
I've ridden it 3 times on 2 different bikes, both with a passenger and without. It's just a fun ride! I dont ride beyond my skill level and to me it's not about riding it as fast as you can and taking risk. I came down there from michigan to enjoy myself and that I did. It's a great road and a great ride, just dont be stupid about it. I dont think I ever got above 3rd gear! And that was only briefly. It's not necessary to enjoy the ride. I would love to come down again one day.
Not dangerous at all, if you ride within your abilities.
I may have seen you out there this week. Got there 6-24 and came home yesterday.
Very possible. I was there all evening on the 25th. Was even going to try to go today but already drove 9 hours in 2 days and absolutely worn out lol. Maybe I'll get back over there tomorrow if the weather stays good. Did a waterfall trip thru Highlands, Cashiers, and past Brevard this week already too. Still editing from the dragon on the 25th too. I have a few weeks i could just edit and not film but I love the going and watching way more than editing lol
@@leroyleadfoot mile 6 is a solid spot
I should have about 4 or 5 more videos coming out from the time you were over there. Let me know if you find yourself. Just released 1 new video today actually and am in the process of editing the rest of all my June footage.
Doesn’t look dangerous at all. The only thing I noticed, most of the bikers have a really bad cornering control. Too close to the center line of the road, wrong entering of the curve. All mostly on left turns. Extremely dangerous on small roads and turns with an invisible curve exit.
The problem is not the pavement, the problem is on top of it.
the only danger is the small mini bumps on some of the corners :/
Yes the road is getting a bit rough in a few spots for sure
It’s not uncommon for me to do a north to south run and have 3-4 bikes and 1-2 cars come into my lane going the opposite direction. It’s only 11 miles and that happens all the time. It’s the most dangerous road I know of. I a,so prefer the Cherohala Skyway with its long sweeping turns and higher speed limit.
It’s enjoying the ride and view using common sense you come for the thrill if not any road will do I road it a beautiful ride
Guys on HD’s going 2mph ruin so many good rides in that area.
It’s not dangerous at all unless you’re riding excessively fast. It’s not the road, it’s the speed at which some ride it.
Well, first...it's not the "Tail of the Dragon", it's Deal's Gap.
Second...it's only as dangerous as you make it.
When I was a kid I just called it 129 lol. Later I did come around to calling it The Dragon but for UA-cam purposes Tail of the Dragon is what people search. I never call it Tail of the Dragon except on here.
Before the" information superhighway" ruined Deals Gap it was a riders paradise. Beautiful scenery a GREAT technical road without allot of traffic or law enforcement
When it hit the web a bunch of inexperienced squids got hurt or dead on it because they can't even comprehend the road for what it is . They stole the telescopes off the overlook painted graffiti all over the stone wall and littered the corners with faring parts.The web ruined Deals Gap.
I rode the tail of the dragon 1 week ago on my 636 and it was fun and not hard at all. You just stay in a lower gear and be sure to slow down before the turns. The key is to focus on the road ahead like they teach in 101 motorcycle riding class.
Its only a bad road when you drive or ride beyond your abilities. Sadly this does happen. My first time on the dragon, l saw a biker go off the road. There was a crowd of cops and bystanders letting oncoming traffic know there was a accident. On my way back home l stoped at rt 16 in Virginia. The Back of the Dragon. I think l liked the back of the dragon a little more than the tail. The scenery was great and WAY less traffic.
Or a bad road when the oncoming guy rides beyond his abilities. I've ridden this many times, and more than once I have had to bail off the road (where you can), because a squid was over cooking a corner in my lane. I don't like this road because of that. I much prefer Hwy 28 going south to Franklin, Hwy 143 from Hwy 129 to Hwy 28, or the Cherahawla (sp) skyway over to TN. The Dragon? you can have it.
I went 2 weeks ago. Left dc late and had to ride the dragon at 1030 pm on the gl1500. Video does this rode no justice. Gear up and be vigilant. Its so fun tho. ❤
Max wrist at 54 degrees of lean angle. He shouldn't have a license. Nice video. Thanks for the info.
I see him occasionally but he's definitely not there all day or even daily for that matter. As much as I was there filming I got him on camera about 2 times and it took almost a month to see him the first time. People will argue that the sport bikes are the biggest problem but the reality is that most problems arise from people that have no clue how quickly you can get into serious trouble on this road. I've been driving it for 34 years and I still respect it lol. 34 years ago I was the local idiot tho lol.
I don't think you have to be caring a lot of speed to get really messed up, just enough speed above your skill level to carry you over the line into a head-on or offroad into a tree.
If you want to take an enjoyable calm cruise on this road you literally can not due to the hotheads.
I totally agree with you! I rode the dragon for the first time earlier this year and rode on a '95 Electra Glide Classic. I had no issues. I rode three times up and once down. Came down Cherohala Skyway the second time and headed towards Murphy, NC the third time. Beautiful scenery! If you don't drive or ride like an idiot you'll be fine. When the speed limit says 15 mph on the horseshoe turns, it means it! Stay safe and keep the shiny side up!
It is a dangerous road.
How many accidents happen yearly.. loads.
It’s being used as minirace track by some.
Yeah even the people driving and doing the right things are in danger of being hit by the loonaticks.
I normally ride it on a Harley, and if I get out of 3rd gear it is for a short period, but this guy took me through part of it in his custom Corvette that looked like a transformer, and he was taking turns at 90pmh, and at one point was doing over a 100 mph, I nearly crapped myself.
I normally stay in 2nd gear in my car. That's if I'm trying to go fast lol. If I'm just cruising I'll put it in 3rd lol. Needless to say it's been several years since I got a speeding ticket over there lol.
The downhill switchbacks on the Arkansas dragon are WAY worse than the whole TN dragon.... In my opinion anyway
The Dragon is fun and you make it your own. I'm a grandpa rider and everyone tells me that. I enjoy the ride, for the ride. I don't have to go fast and I've been riding for many many years, first bike at 16. Now I have a PC800, not fast, but we have a good time. I personally like the Cherohala for the long sweeping curves instead of the tight technical turns. Great video and thanks for truth.
Skyway is may favorite
I like Cherohala myself. Not even for the drive but for the views and memories long before it was ever opened. Back in the day going to Hooper Bald was a big adventure. 4x4 only or walk. Can still remember dad and his stories about everything that went on up there thoughout the years.
You missed all the locals…need to get there a little earlier.
Lol I'm not a morning person. I'll try to get the early one day. It's been a minute since I've got to go at all. Deer season kinda took over lol
no. most of the bikes are actually NOT harleys.
Accidents happen occasionally? It's not nonsense that you are significantly more likely to have an accident. That's what the actual data demonstrates. There are even more signs posting that warning. Sure, most 'accidents' are single vehicle, where riders / drivers take themselves out by going too hot into a corner. But not all crashes are to the side of the road. Many cross over into the on-coming lane. Almost no one does the posted limit. Some are at multiples of that. Explain how in what universe are they not taking risks with their safety and that of others?
Not saying there are no risks. Simply stating that the vast majority of drivers are not doing crazy stuff. Sure, you'll have an occasional rider or driver going way over the limit, but that happens everywhere. I can sit there all day long and see maybe 5 or 6 people that are really pushing the limits. Then again when I drive on i285 around Atlanta the speed limit it 65 and at least once either direction in going I'll have about 3 vehicles doing 150 plus fly by me. There are risks everywhere. It's just not an all day every day occurrence on the dragon.
At least people there are not looking at their phones they have to look at the road
Id personally love to drive my Ryker at TOD one day
I rode it in the rain, while slow, it was nerve wracking!
You have to watch out for everybody else.
Thanks for the video. I know when I get the chance to ride the Tail I ride in first and second gear. More pull around the corners. And keeps my speed down. 😀
I was raised in Robbinsville, I've been across the Dragon so many times it ain't funny, when I was kid we'd go to Maryville and Knoxville to shop for school clothes that was 40 years ago😮 its a good road just be patient take ya time enjoy the 318 curves😊
yawn
It was extremely dangerous in August, 2007 and I had the pleasure of hiking part of the Appalachian trail to Fontana Dam where my daughter and I were picked up by someone and taken to Maryville via the Dragon when several hundred Tennessee highway patrolmen made the effort to catch everyone who was breaking the speed limit and driving recklessly. There were police everywhere, and they had a number of small mobile headquarters trailers plus a large mobile jail with another trailer to put impounded motorcycles on. There were also a number of high end sports cars stopped, as well plus the occasional roadblock to stop groups of cyclists who had been seen speeding by other policemen.
It really is an extraordinarily beautiful area, and in some places there is a road lower down next to the river/lake. When the water is high it looks more like you are driving in Norway along a fiord and is quite stunning to believe that Blount County has such a variety of completely different types of beauty to see. But go on the same roads along the river when the water has been lowered to prevent catastrophe when the rains come, it looks like one big mud flats surrounded by mountains, with a little river flowing through it. After all, it is the Little Tennessee. I used to canoe it before the dams were built and there was a one car ferry somewhere south west of where Foothills Parkway meets the state highway. I got to cross the river twice on the ferry and go under the cables while canning. The state confiscated, or condemned farms all along the banks of the river, claiming that there was going to be a state park for miles on both sides of the Little Tennessee. My uncle in Maryville owned two farms side by side which were confiscated and received far less than they cost him because the land had been condemned. That was 1969 and the parks still have not been initiated.
I really want to take my drone down this road following with a bike. at these speeds I can absolutely dance my drone around them and get some sick footage.
i'd have to be in a follow can driven by someone else.
I won't ride it I no what i'm going to do but meeting people coming the other way is out of my control! I have plenty of twisty roads in the UP of Mi, it take too long to heal up after you crash if they don't kill you.
Depends on who’s riding and How they are riding it
Lame take. The fast bikes slowed down because they were concerned that you had crashed.
Um Not really. I was at Mile 6. Most of the bikes actually stopped to ask where they could find my videos. Mile 6 is normally packed out with people so seeing someone standing there filming they will typically try to go faster. You're entitled to think whatever you like tho. Thanks.
I’ll pass.
Just got back. Life altering experience
Right there is an idiot that makes that stretch of highway dangerous the clowns on the crotch rockets that don't want to enjoy the scenery just want to see how fast they can go