As for your BushTech trailer, I have a 1991 model that I still pull every season behind my trike now. Love the room that thing has when the wife wants to take the house along on a trip.
...with a speed limit no faster than 45mph, it can get boring if caught in traffic behind cagers, but yeah the BRP provides spectacular vistas on its overlooks. We stayed at Peaks of Otter for a couple of nights and explored the area. One
I live near Asheville, I get to ride these roads often. You're absolutely right, the BRP is incredibly scenic! The Dragon is an entirely different animal! (See what I did there?😅) I love riding each of them, but I ride completely different on each of them. Stay well folks!
You two are sooo blessed. I'm sure you worked hard to get to where you are to be able to do that do that but to be able to travel together in such a way warms my heart and finds me envious. My wife hates bikes and has never ridden with me. I am also a pilot and flew for 30 years and had my own airplane and she never flew in that even once. I love her don't get me wrong I just really really love to watch you guys and live vicariously through you.
We make pilgrimage every year from Ontario Canada to ride the Tail of the Dragon. Its great but there's better all through those mountains. On our way home we ride the Blue Ridge Parkway from beginning to end going north. We can't get enough of those views !!
Yes, there's so many great roads - each one different and unique in their own way and that can satisfy just about everyone's riding style. That's what's so fun about the area. If you get on a road that doesn't do it for you, then you can just take a left or right turn and try out another one.
I am a retired _re-entry rider,_ and this video is a great inspiration! _Especially since I live 4 hours from Deals Gap and 90 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway._ Love to see people riding responsibly.
Thanks for calling it Deals Gap!! I first rode it in 1976 on my brand new Yamaha XT500C. Rode from Wilmington, NC (about 425 miles) to camp there at the Esso station & motel ( now the TOTG Resort). Back then it was a 55mph speed limit! And little to no traffic, but occasional semi's!! My every summer ride was Wilmington NC to Asheville to Deals Gap to Cherokee up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Front Royal VA, camping the whole way. On a 500cc SINGLE cylinder 4-stroke Enduro (trail bike). Ride whatcha got!!! Now I've got a 2014 Tiger 800XC, a 1999 Tiger 885i (118,000 miles motor never rebuilt) and A 1995 Yamaha XT600E.
I live just 115 miles from the Dragon. I have ridden it many times and still love to ride it. However, if you go on the weekends the road is dangerous. Kids on rockets and sports cars act like they have a clock to beat going either way. In the past few years the speed limit has been dropped to 30 mph and during peak times a state trooper sits over 3 miles. Many people have crashed ( as noted by the tree of shame) and many have died. I'm so glad that you enjoyed our great state. And if you ever come back this way let me know I'd love to meet you and maybe have you for supper.
We stayed at the Iron Horse Campground, 1755 Lower Stecoah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771. Its close to the dragon, Fontana Lake, and a beautiful ride to Gatlinburg. That entire area is awesome!
When I lived in Maryville during grad school, I used to go ride the Dragon during the rain. It was almost always deserted and you could get a good mental “map” of the road as you were scootin along. There are so many good raids in this area. Been here 27 years and Never get tired of our roads and sights.
I like the dragon but prefer the Cherohala skyway, blu ridge parkway, moonshiner 28, but there are a lot of great roads in that area and near Asheville
Tazewell ? holly crap, there's a name you don't here every day , LOL , My mother in law was born there , hate's the place , only been back once in past 50 years ...
I took it from Tazewell to Marion in September on my 2018 Goldwing Tour and I was amazed at how well paved the road was. It reminded me of riding my Yamaha FJ1100 through southwest Virginia back during grad school when we used to scrape our pegs....I long time ago.
I’m still bing watching your channel! Started with oldest first & had to see how old this one was. Gas $1.76 a gallon & now only 1 year later almost $5.00 Gosh we need to sell our stuff & downsize to a tent & bike! Which is what we are gonna do as soon as I retire. 1-3 yrs? Love y’all & your life style. I hate sleeping on the ground but do love a hammock & we are looking into the roll-a-home motorcycle camper. Have you thought of a pull set up camper? My husband like the tent still & we pull a trailer like you but use 1 bike. I am on the bitch seat. Love it but really think I’d like the roll-a-home?? Keep having fun & shines side up!
Just a sixty year old Harley rider from South Jersey Magpie sent me your link will be watching all your videos be safe out hope to see you on the road.
Went to college Knoxville. Done the Dragon many times with its 318 curves in 11 miles. Last rides were on a ST1300. Yes, watch for the others and local Sheriffs. Cherohala has great sweeping turns. On Cherohala followed an old guy on a 650 Burgman 2 up and could hardly get by him. Stopped at overlook and my entire riding group bowed down to him! Love the area for riding. Yes!
I am a couple of hours from the Tail of the Dragon. Get down there a couple of times a year and love the road and the area. Great roads in every direction you go. As a motorcyclist I feel like I live in some of the best riding in the country.
If any of you riders take the ALCAN up to Alaska, Make sure to stay at Thompson's Eagle Claw in TOK, AK. Strictly a motorcycle campground. Awesome place.
Beautiful part of the country. I don't do cold but I would be perfectly content to cocoon in a pop up insulated tent trailer that I could easily heat. I don;t think that anyone makes one. You should treat yourselves to the heels Through Time Museum. Dale and Matt roll out the red carpet for vloggers. Have fun out there.
Absolutely love the dragon!! My hubs and have ridden a few times!! Me riding on bike with him Plus other roads in the smokies!! Breathtaking!! My happy place riding there!! You guys did great!! Love your videos!! Be safe!!
My wife and I were glad to finally meet both you at the Killboy store. we love your adventures been following your adventures for a long time safe travels
You might want to check out Two Wheel Inn and Moonshiner Steakhouse outside of Robbinsville, NC! It's my favorite spot to stay when I'm riding the excellent roads in Western NC and Eastern TN. The folks who run the Inn are awesome, and the guy who runs the restaurant knows his stuff.
Wow, that's a great video. That's a fantastic video of you's driving. The bike's trailer is so pretty. There's a lot of camping trailers in the factory. I'm glad to be a friend of your great channel. Happy New Year. Always stay healthy. 👍👍👍🤝🤝🤝🤙🤙👌
We traveled twice, it is no joke! It is fun! A liked the Cherohola sky way better, 50 miles of long sweeping turns near there, ends at a couple of rustic restaurants on the water, beautiful country!
I have the same tank bag, it won’t scratch your tank but the metal it picks up in nature will scratch your tank. I put down a few layers of blue tape on my tank to help
I gotta say that you guys reply to all of the comments that inspiring, I would love to live your life but just watching your experiences is enough for me, maybe someday
I HAVE BEEN THERE SEVERAL TIMES AND LOVED IT DEARLY. ALSO CRUISED BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY..... HAD TO CRASH GATLINBURG! FUNNY, I PLANNED ONLY A 2 DAY TRIP BUT WAS OUT ALMOST TWO WEEKS.
Living over in Brevard NC me and my brother have road the dragon many times . Leaving home early ripping out 64 west to hayesville GA then up and across the Cherahola to Robinsville the to Deals gap and the dragon . Back across 28 then across the Blueridge parkway toward home. It’s a long day but that’s living the dream
I live in Georgia approximately 2-1/2-hours south of of Robbinsville/Graham County, NC and Deals Gap. I've ridden the Dragon at least 18X over the last fifteen years. I've experienced "The Dragon" evolve for the good and bad. You are correct, it seems car clubs are driving The Dragon extensively more than ever. Many of the car drivers have none to limited experience driving a car on this road. I was three car lengths behind a Subaru "rally" car riding through a tight curve, the rally car lost controlled went head first into the embankment, bounced back onto the road, flipped three or four times and landed wheels down in the middle of the road in a spray of dirt, gravel and fona. Another experience, I was riding The Dragon coming from TN toward Deal's Gap. Just a few hours before I meet a group of riders from Miami during breakfast in Robbinsville that had just bought 5 brand new H'D's and had just trailered their new H-D's from Miami to ride The Dragon. They had explained they had never ridden The Dragon and obviously in south Florida or anywhere on Florida, there aren't any roads to ride to prepare you for riding The Dragon. They had no experience riding mountain twisties. As I was riding south , traffic become heavy and speed slowed to 10-mph. We road up and through an uphill positive cambered "s" curve and there laying in the middle of the road was one of the men from the Miami group! The TN HWP had arrived and were directing traffic through one-lane of the "s" curve. We road on to Deal's Gap. At Deal's Gap , we learned a crotch rocket rider was screaming through the "s" curve, went over center line and hit the Miami rider head-on! The Miami rider had to be helicoptered to an ER in Knoxville, TN. Here's a situation were an irresponsible crouch rocket rider allowed his ego to get the better of him and exceeded his skill-set and put an innocent rider in the ER. Both bikes were totaled. I never learned what happened to the crouch rocket rider. Riding The Dragon is a numbers game. Sooner or later you are going to lose that challange. I continue to ride and visit Deal's Gap. I no longer ride The Dragon. I'm on the short list of that numbers game. I ride the Cherohala and Moonshiners-28. Frankly the Cherohala and Moonshiner-28 are better rides than The Dragon. Try the Foothills Parkway and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway. A long time friend of mine that lived in Robbinsville use to tell me an average of 6 to 8-riders died every year on The Dragon. I've seen medevac helicopters take riders off The Dragon three times in the last to years. Ride The Dragon at your own risk, do not exceed your skill set. Be a mature, responsible rider/driver while on The Dragon.
My feelings exactly. It was once a good ride and the most pleasant way to get to FortLoudon or Maryville. I now avoid it. You can be the best and safest rider in the world but someone crossing the line or a corvette spinning out of control doesn't care who you are. I have 100 other roads in the area that are just as fun, a better speed limit, fewer radar patrols and much better statistics.
Made me homesick, lived there most of my life, moved to Alabama gulf coast in 2012, love it down here but get back up there few times a year. Good to see videos in my old stomping grounds, thanks, enjoyed it.
I lived in Atlanta and the dragon was a day ride for me, in the winter I took my sports car up there and rode the dragon late at night was other sports cars we will put our highbeams on and our rearview mirrors up to light it up. We took pride in not crossing the yellow line too. They’re no leaves on the trees in winter so we can see through the turns for cars coming the other way. But in the summer it was motorcycles all the way! I rode a Harley Davidson dresser so not much pigs were scraping for me but I seen quite a bit of others. I also stayed at motorcycle campgrounds in the nearby area many times. 😎
Good info I will check out the camp ground and the tank bag Been going to TN since i was 10, my mother grew up in TN. I discovered the dragon in 1997 since then I have done it well over 250 times i quit counting at 250. I got tried of dragging my floor boards. So i added a FJR to the stable that bike is a blast on hills and curve's. we go to the southeast every Sept. and do all the cool roads in TN, GA, NC, and VA. We call it the Million Curve Ride. The only curves we have in our area are the on and off ramps of the expressways only hill is up my driveway. I will retire this year and moving west of Knoxville so i can ride the cool roads of the Southeast all the time.
Stayed down there for a week Memorial weekend 2020 then back at labor day....made bunches of trips across and all the other roads around there...Had a great time...HAD A BLAST!!!!Y'all be safe n your travels
Great video. You probably was in that area at the best time of the year. Being from Nashville, TN. My friends and I finally discovered The Dragon in 2004. Many trips and 5 different motorcycles later I still love the ride too the Dragon by way of State road 30. Past Fall Creek Falls, thru Pikeville, Dayton, Tellico Plains, TN. Onto the Cherohala Skyway into Robbinsville, NC. I know y'all have the knew motorcycle camper. But for anyone else in the area. In Robbinsville there is a motel called Two Wheel Inn. Garage next to your room for your motorcycles. Great owners, have stayed there many times over the years. And of course if y'all make it back: Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive is like the Cherohala times 100. Blue Ridge is 480 miles, the Skyline is about 100 miles.
Those magnets irrespective of the padding still will end up scratching the tank. It's due to the dust particles and the tank bag slightly shifting due to bumps and wind. I ended up getting my tank buffed and polished to get the swirling removed. Then i put a 3m transparent film on the entire tank. Now i am worry free.
Rode it just to say we rode it. Ride your ride. Rode it on a BMW K1200lt. We liked the parkway much better. Got friends that live up there. Beautiful places everywhere. I've been looking for a tank bag for our ultra. Maybe give us a update on it later.
I have that same tank bag on my Indian Springfield and absolutely love it. I’m always careful placing it on the tank to keep the magnets from snapping down hard. It’s the perfect size for snacks and electronics. I’ve also carried a DSLR with a 55-300 zoom in it. Nelson-Rigg rocks!
Great looking road. Thanks for the video. If you ever get the chance, come ride the roads in the South Island of New Zealand. You will be amazed. Happy riding.
Yeah, late October is MUCH better than summer. You guys did it at a great time. The _Tail_ can have sand on the road, especially it there is any work being done there. Can semi trucks still use the road? I think that even though they have been banned or discouraged they can still sneak on. Be *VERY* careful of them on the turns. One almost caught me on a turn. I was left with less than six inches between the trailer and a shear drop off once. Thanks for the memories, S
My wife and I ride. But we ride the same bike not separate bikes. But I love having her with me. We watch your videos often and they are entertaining and educational. We just watched the one where you sold your house and then how you packed for your adventure. Good stuff. My only suggestion is to get some dedicated sound recording equipment and good mikes. The only issue we have had is hearing you talk from time to time.
Hey Rich & Chris. I've had a magnetic tank bag for years. It can and will scratch if you're not carefull with it. Set it on holding the flaps and slowly lower them down to the tank and take it off lifting the flaps and you'll avoid dragging the magnets across the tank surface. Great video as always. Enjoy the journey.
I love the Dragon and Cherohala skyway. You guys hit it at a great time it looked like. When I was on it we stopped a few times to help others get the bike back up on the road. And it was pretty busy. Even for a Sunday in April. Of course I went there with my friends since my wife is not a fan of the curves on the back of my bike but I took her back to do the Cherohala and Blue Ridge Parkway. Nice video as always!
Any twisty road is a joy on a motorcycle! We are blessed with many great roads here in Australia, not least of which is the Bonang Road which is signposted as 105km or about 65 miles of twisties on - now sealed - logging tracks.
I love every single of your episodes! Just got my wife a Ryker, she just didnt loved the bikes like I do. But now we have been getting more out there! Soon to hit longer rides!
I used to ride this road in the 80's when it was less known. I wouldn't ride it now. I found that early to mid-week was a good time to ride it or later in the day close to dusk, though I wouldn't advise that due to critters. I did it as a way back, in fact, finished in the dark. All those tourist places weren't there when I was there.
Rich, be sure to kiss that girl. Any lady that would be willing to travel the U.S. by cycle, sleep in a tent during chilly wet weather, then make videos with a smile on her lovely face, deserves to know that she's appreciated in a great way.
Well that was sure awesome! So glad you both got to experience The Tail Of The Dragon. I have ridden 2 up with my Husband on that road. We love to camp at the Iron Horse motorcycle lodge in Stecoah Creek. We cannot wait to go back up there. So beautiful! Enjoy, and ride safe! 😊
Thanks Karen. We did not stay at the Iron Horse, but have heard great things about it. Just another reason to go back so we can experience it and ride some more great roads.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife Yes......It is a great place! I love their biker breakfast! Also I admire you and your Husband’s riding skills. I see you park in the gravel. I would have been down in seconds flat. 😂😂😂😂
Wife and I rode the Tail of the Dragon during the summer of 2020. We ride a 2007 Goldwing Trike (RoadSmith). Great time, roads are well maintained and landscape was just beautiful. I’m 62 wife is 61. We finished the 11 miles in about 26 minutes. At 62, testosterone down, wisdom is up! Ride at your level and keep your eyes on the road, it changes quick without much forgiveness. While we we there a couple of young bikers did not fare so well. They were shooting for a much better time I’m sure. They were ok, bikes not so much. I believe they may have had tree of shame contributions. I have heard that a few years back a rider ran the tail in 9 minutes on a two wheel goldwing. Way over my skill level. Nice video, thanks for sharing.
20 years ago I told my wife to scatter my ashes on the Cherola. She can’t wait!
Oh, that's not nice!!! 😍 But I like the idea of the scattering of ashes on a good road.
I needed a chuckle this morning.. thank you.
Haha
I want to say I really appreciate the way that you both respect and show love 💘 towards each other.
Thanks Vernon we appreciate the kind words.
I'm envious, the relationship of mate's, husband wife who share interests, a rare pleasure indeed.
She a keeper. I call Chris my Unicorn 🦄 there isn’t another one like her❤️❤️
As for your BushTech trailer, I have a 1991 model that I still pull every season behind my trike now. Love the room that thing has when the wife wants to take the house along on a trip.
Those Bushtec are awesome trailers.
I rode the tail 3 years ago with a group of 7 when I was 72 and plan to ride again Oct. 2021. Love your videos.
Thanks. Cheers.
That’s inspiring. Ride safe and ride often. Peace.
The Dragon receives all the hype but the Blue Ridge Parkway is a much more scenic ride.
There are a lot of roads in that area. too much for this one video. we ride other over the next weeks.
Never done the Dragon, But have been on the Blue Ridge...One beautiful stretch of highway ✔️
...with a speed limit no faster than 45mph, it can get boring if caught in traffic behind cagers, but yeah the BRP provides spectacular vistas on its overlooks. We stayed at Peaks of Otter for a couple of nights and explored the area.
One
I live near Asheville, I get to ride these roads often. You're absolutely right, the BRP is incredibly scenic! The Dragon is an entirely different animal! (See what I did there?😅) I love riding each of them, but I ride completely different on each of them. Stay well folks!
Shhhh
You two are sooo blessed. I'm sure you worked hard to get to where you are to be able to do that do that but to be able to travel together in such a way warms my heart and finds me envious. My wife hates bikes and has never ridden with me. I am also a pilot and flew for 30 years and had my own airplane and she never flew in that even once. I love her don't get me wrong I just really really love to watch you guys and live vicariously through you.
Thank you so much!
We make pilgrimage every year from Ontario Canada to ride the Tail of the Dragon. Its great but there's better all through those mountains. On our way home we ride the Blue Ridge Parkway from beginning to end going north. We can't get enough of those views !!
Yes, there's so many great roads - each one different and unique in their own way and that can satisfy just about everyone's riding style. That's what's so fun about the area. If you get on a road that doesn't do it for you, then you can just take a left or right turn and try out another one.
Kool be safe,love ur channel, thanks 👌👍😄
A great video. Now I want a Bushtec trailer and a breakfast burrito..!
Thumbs Up on your video and wishing you all a good Sunday.
Thank you! You too!
@@TwoWheelsBigLife
You are welcome and I just subbed your channel now. Check out mine if you like and Peace.
Any place this hyped is bound to be overhyped. But it's definitely a destination and I'm glad I got to ride it.
✅
What a terrific video. Thanks
First Class video. Jim
Thanks Jim
I went down it 6 yrs ago in a semi by accident never heard of it before. I know now. Enjoy the ride and take care everyone
oops, I wouldn't do that again. 🤣🤔
We've been on it 3 times on a Honda Goldwing. Love it!!!!!
It’s a blast
I am a retired _re-entry rider,_ and this video is a great inspiration! _Especially since I live 4 hours from Deals Gap and 90 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway._ Love to see people riding responsibly.
Thanks for calling it Deals Gap!!
I first rode it in 1976 on my brand new Yamaha XT500C.
Rode from Wilmington, NC (about 425 miles) to camp there at the Esso station & motel ( now the TOTG Resort).
Back then it was a 55mph speed limit!
And little to no traffic, but occasional semi's!!
My every summer ride was Wilmington NC to Asheville to Deals Gap to Cherokee up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Front Royal VA, camping the whole way.
On a 500cc SINGLE cylinder 4-stroke Enduro (trail bike).
Ride whatcha got!!!
Now I've got a 2014 Tiger 800XC, a 1999 Tiger 885i (118,000 miles motor never rebuilt) and
A 1995 Yamaha XT600E.
On my bucket list , great video
Go for it!
I live just 115 miles from the Dragon. I have ridden it many times and still love to ride it. However, if you go on the weekends the road is dangerous. Kids on rockets and sports cars act like they have a clock to beat going either way. In the past few years the speed limit has been dropped to 30 mph and during peak times a state trooper sits over 3 miles. Many people have crashed ( as noted by the tree of shame) and many have died. I'm so glad that you enjoyed our great state. And if you ever come back this way let me know I'd love to meet you and maybe have you for supper.
Yes we went on a Tuesday I think.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife Chris I noticed that Rich and you son both wear the same back patch. What kind of patch is it ?
We stayed at the Iron Horse Campground, 1755 Lower Stecoah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771. Its close to the dragon, Fontana Lake, and a beautiful ride to Gatlinburg. That entire area is awesome!
Sounds like we missed staying at a fabulous campground - the Iron Horse. But there's always the next time!
When I lived in Maryville during grad school, I used to go ride the Dragon during the rain. It was almost always deserted and you could get a good mental “map” of the road as you were scootin along. There are so many good raids in this area. Been here 27 years and Never get tired of our roads and sights.
I like the dragon but prefer the Cherohala skyway, blu ridge parkway, moonshiner 28, but there are a lot of great roads in that area and near Asheville
i like the rattler
You are right but I hate going anywhere near Asheville the roads and the road signs are terrible
I am older the reason I rode it was for the views. It was beautiful. I like the Cherahala much better.
@@brianparker866 I agree Cherohala is a fantastic ride with great lookouts
Ditto!
Glad that you did not add to the Tree Of Shame. Safe travels.
You are so right!! Thanks
Thanks guys. Great job. We look forward to every video.
Awesome! Thank you!
Absolutely Cool! God Bless Be Safe!
You guys are so genuine and truly have the adventure spirit, good on ya.
this is such a great channel. luv it
Thanks a bunch.
It’s a must do but I prefer The Back of the Dragon from Marion to Tazewell. Over 30 miles and less traffic.
How about the Devils Highway in Arizona? About 90 miles and several thousand feet elevation change and and almost zero traffic.
Tazewell ? holly crap, there's a name you don't here every day , LOL , My mother in law was born there , hate's the place , only been back once in past 50 years ...
I took it from Tazewell to Marion in September on my 2018 Goldwing Tour and I was amazed at how well paved the road was. It reminded me of riding my Yamaha FJ1100 through southwest Virginia back during grad school when we used to scrape our pegs....I long time ago.
@@tomjones2121 who is Holly?
@@jimanders9971 typo , Holy , jeez , I think a smart person would have figured it out , but thanks for the spell check
Loved this video, You and your wife seem like happy and amazing people. Hope to see you two out on the road some time.
Great video thanks for the campground and the patch guy and the tip about the time to ride 👍 more like this
Beautiful video from EDWARD WARREN RIDES
Thanks Edward.
You must try the Back Of The Dragon ride .
I’m still bing watching your channel! Started with oldest first & had to see how old this one was. Gas $1.76 a gallon & now only 1 year later almost $5.00
Gosh we need to sell our stuff & downsize to a tent & bike! Which is what we are gonna do as soon as I retire. 1-3 yrs?
Love y’all & your life style. I hate sleeping on the ground but do love a hammock & we are looking into the roll-a-home motorcycle camper. Have you thought of a pull set up camper? My husband like the tent still & we pull a trailer like you but use 1 bike. I am on the bitch seat.
Love it but really think I’d like the roll-a-home??
Keep having fun & shines side up!
What a fun, relaxing video, thanks guys 👍🏻
Just a sixty year old Harley rider from South Jersey Magpie sent me your link will be watching all your videos be safe out hope to see you on the road.
Great video! Well done. My brother & I rode it this past May. Plan to be there in May 2022 again.
Went to college Knoxville. Done the Dragon many times with its 318 curves in 11 miles. Last rides were on a ST1300. Yes, watch for the others and local Sheriffs. Cherohala has great sweeping turns. On Cherohala followed an old guy on a 650 Burgman 2 up and could hardly get by him. Stopped at overlook and my entire riding group bowed down to him! Love the area for riding. Yes!
I am a couple of hours from the Tail of the Dragon. Get down there a couple of times a year and love the road and the area. Great roads in every direction you go. As a motorcyclist I feel like I live in some of the best riding in the country.
Yes i would agree. the roads are great
If any of you riders take the ALCAN up to Alaska, Make sure to stay at Thompson's Eagle Claw in TOK, AK. Strictly a motorcycle campground. Awesome place.
Thanks for the tip, bill car!! Appreciate it so much.
Beautiful part of the country. I don't do cold but I would be perfectly content to cocoon in a pop up insulated tent trailer that I could easily heat. I don;t think that anyone makes one. You should treat yourselves to the heels Through Time Museum. Dale and Matt roll out the red carpet for vloggers. Have fun out there.
That blue one looks like a car trunk!!!!! I need one!
Absolutely love the dragon!! My hubs and have ridden a few times!! Me riding on bike with him
Plus other roads in the smokies!! Breathtaking!! My happy place riding there!! You guys did great!! Love your videos!! Be safe!!
Been there numerous times. Various vehicles including motorcycles. Great run. Thank you for sharing.
My wife and I were glad to finally meet both you at the
Killboy store. we love your adventures been following your adventures for a long time safe travels
Awesome. It was great to meet you guys.
You might want to check out Two Wheel Inn and Moonshiner Steakhouse outside of Robbinsville, NC! It's my favorite spot to stay when I'm riding the excellent roads in Western NC and Eastern TN. The folks who run the Inn are awesome, and the guy who runs the restaurant knows his stuff.
I'll check it out!
Wow, that's a great video.
That's a fantastic video of you's driving.
The bike's trailer is so pretty.
There's a lot of camping trailers in the factory.
I'm glad to be a friend of your great channel.
Happy New Year.
Always stay healthy.
👍👍👍🤝🤝🤝🤙🤙👌
We traveled twice, it is no joke! It is fun! A liked the Cherohola sky way better, 50 miles of long sweeping turns near there, ends at a couple of rustic restaurants on the water, beautiful country!
I have the same tank bag, it won’t scratch your tank but the metal it picks up in nature will scratch your tank. I put down a few layers of blue tape on my tank to help
That’s good advice.
Really enjoyed that- great sights, fabulous choice of music, good information. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
It's a fun road. People die on it because they dont ride their ride. They try to keep up with friends. The skyway is beautiful.
I gotta say that you guys reply to all of the comments that inspiring, I would love to live your life but just watching your experiences is enough for me, maybe someday
Thanks Steve we love this community.
I HAVE BEEN THERE SEVERAL TIMES AND LOVED IT DEARLY. ALSO CRUISED BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY..... HAD TO CRASH GATLINBURG!
FUNNY, I PLANNED ONLY A 2 DAY TRIP BUT WAS OUT ALMOST TWO WEEKS.
It is a great area. Bummer you crashed
I love watching your videos. You guys are awesome!! Best of luck to you! Keep on riding!
We have done it several times, but in a car. Beautiful. Welcome to TN. Blessings
Great content keep up the good videos
Thanks, will do!
Living over in Brevard NC me and my brother have road the dragon many times . Leaving home early ripping out 64 west to hayesville GA then up and across the Cherahola to Robinsville the to Deals gap and the dragon . Back across 28 then across the Blueridge parkway toward home. It’s a long day but that’s living the dream
I WANT TO SEE WHEELS THROUGH TIME MUSEUM IN MAGGIE VALLEY.....LOOKS LIKE AWESOME PLACE TO VISIT...LOVE THE VIDEO!
Yes it’s pretty awesome to see the two wheels of history.
I live in Georgia approximately 2-1/2-hours south of of Robbinsville/Graham County, NC and Deals Gap. I've ridden the Dragon at least 18X over the last fifteen years. I've experienced "The Dragon" evolve for the good and bad. You are correct, it seems car clubs are driving The Dragon extensively more than ever. Many of the car drivers have none to limited experience driving a car on this road. I was three car lengths behind a Subaru "rally" car riding through a tight curve, the rally car lost controlled went head first into the embankment, bounced back onto the road, flipped three or four times and landed wheels down in the middle of the road in a spray of dirt, gravel and fona. Another experience, I was riding The Dragon coming from TN toward Deal's Gap. Just a few hours before I meet a group of riders from Miami during breakfast in Robbinsville that had just bought 5 brand new H'D's and had just trailered their new H-D's from Miami to ride The Dragon. They had explained they had never ridden The Dragon and obviously in south Florida or anywhere on Florida, there aren't any roads to ride to prepare you for riding The Dragon. They had no experience riding mountain twisties. As I was riding south , traffic become heavy and speed slowed to 10-mph. We road up and through an uphill positive cambered "s" curve and there laying in the middle of the road was one of the men from the Miami group! The TN HWP had arrived and were directing traffic through one-lane of the "s" curve. We road on to Deal's Gap. At Deal's Gap , we learned a crotch rocket rider was screaming through the "s" curve, went over center line and hit the Miami rider head-on! The Miami rider had to be helicoptered to an ER in Knoxville, TN. Here's a situation were an irresponsible crouch rocket rider allowed his ego to get the better of him and exceeded his skill-set and put an innocent rider in the ER. Both bikes were totaled. I never learned what happened to the crouch rocket rider. Riding The Dragon is a numbers game. Sooner or later you are going to lose that challange. I continue to ride and visit Deal's Gap. I no longer ride The Dragon. I'm on the short list of that numbers game. I ride the Cherohala and Moonshiners-28. Frankly the Cherohala and Moonshiner-28 are better rides than The Dragon. Try the Foothills Parkway and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway. A long time friend of mine that lived in Robbinsville use to tell me an average of 6 to 8-riders died every year on The Dragon. I've seen medevac helicopters take riders off The Dragon three times in the last to years. Ride The Dragon at your own risk, do not exceed your skill set. Be a mature, responsible rider/driver while on The Dragon.
Well said. Thanks
My feelings exactly. It was once a good ride and the most pleasant way to get to FortLoudon or Maryville. I now avoid it.
You can be the best and safest rider in the world but someone crossing the line or a corvette spinning out of control doesn't care who you are.
I have 100 other roads in the area that are just as fun, a better speed limit, fewer radar patrols and much better statistics.
I must have missed this one, I did the tail at nite in the fog, ride it again next day. Great fun
That had to have been interesting in the fog!
Love the "twisties" for sure! Another week closer to Spring. Cheers from Kelowna, British Columbia.
Hello there!
Made me homesick, lived there most of my life, moved to Alabama gulf coast in 2012, love it down here but get back up there few times a year. Good to see videos in my old stomping grounds, thanks, enjoyed it.
I lived in Atlanta and the dragon was a day ride for me, in the winter I took my sports car up there and rode the dragon late at night was other sports cars we will put our highbeams on and our rearview mirrors up to light it up. We took pride in not crossing the yellow line too. They’re no leaves on the trees in winter so we can see through the turns for cars coming the other way. But in the summer it was motorcycles all the way! I rode a Harley Davidson dresser so not much pigs were scraping for me but I seen quite a bit of others. I also stayed at motorcycle campgrounds in the nearby area many times. 😎
Sincerly tank you you make me live your trip and think why not me lol soon very soon I will
Thanks for sharing, it's on our bucket list. cheers
Love seeing you guys on the Tail. been there many times, I'm surprised you didn't have the tree of shame in your video.
Good info I will check out the camp ground and the tank bag
Been going to TN since i was 10, my mother grew up in TN. I discovered the dragon in 1997 since then I have done it well over 250 times i quit counting at 250. I got tried of dragging my floor boards. So i added a FJR to the stable that bike is a blast on hills and curve's. we go to the southeast every Sept. and do all the cool roads in TN, GA, NC, and VA. We call it the Million Curve Ride. The only curves we have in our area are the on and off ramps of the expressways only hill is up my driveway. I will retire this year and moving west of Knoxville so i can ride the cool roads of the Southeast all the time.
when i was younger i rode the dragon all the time.. now i enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway and cherohala skyway more. .and moonshiner 28
Hi Craig - couldn't agree with you more. BR Parkway, Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28 are awesome rides. Rich & Chris
Stayed down there for a week Memorial weekend 2020 then back at labor day....made bunches of trips across and all the other roads around there...Had a great time...HAD A BLAST!!!!Y'all be safe n your travels
Great video. You probably was in that area at the best time of the year. Being from Nashville, TN. My friends and I finally discovered The Dragon in 2004. Many trips and 5 different motorcycles later I still love the ride too the Dragon by way of State road 30. Past Fall Creek Falls, thru Pikeville, Dayton, Tellico Plains, TN. Onto the Cherohala Skyway into Robbinsville, NC.
I know y'all have the knew motorcycle camper. But for anyone else in the area. In Robbinsville there is a motel called Two Wheel Inn. Garage next to your room for your motorcycles. Great owners, have stayed there many times over the years.
And of course if y'all make it back: Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive is like the Cherohala times 100. Blue Ridge is 480 miles, the Skyline is about 100 miles.
Those magnets irrespective of the padding still will end up scratching the tank. It's due to the dust particles and the tank bag slightly shifting due to bumps and wind. I ended up getting my tank buffed and polished to get the swirling removed. Then i put a 3m transparent film on the entire tank. Now i am worry free.
Yes i agree Mine has small scratches also.
Its a fun ride just enjoy, be safe have fun
nice job. i rode the dragon Oct 11th 2020. had a blast. but like you said the cars were drifting in our lane bad.
keep the videos coming.
Thanks! Will do!
Rode it just to say we rode it. Ride your ride. Rode it on a BMW K1200lt. We liked the parkway much better. Got friends that live up there. Beautiful places everywhere. I've been looking for a tank bag for our ultra. Maybe give us a update on it later.
Lots of good road out there.
I have that same tank bag on my Indian Springfield and absolutely love it. I’m always careful placing it on the tank to keep the magnets from snapping down hard. It’s the perfect size for snacks and electronics. I’ve also carried a DSLR with a 55-300 zoom in it. Nelson-Rigg rocks!
Thanks for the ride and great video thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it
Nice video...I did the Tail of the Dragon both ways in October this year 2020.
Great looking road. Thanks for the video. If you ever get the chance, come ride the roads in the South Island of New Zealand. You will be amazed. Happy riding.
Yeah, late October is MUCH better than summer. You guys did it at a great time. The _Tail_ can have sand on the road, especially it there is any work being done there. Can semi trucks still use the road? I think that even though they have been banned or discouraged they can still sneak on. Be *VERY* careful of them on the turns. One almost caught me on a turn. I was left with less than six inches between the trailer and a shear drop off once.
Thanks for the memories,
S
I miss seeing their weekly updates!
My wife and I ride. But we ride the same bike not separate bikes. But I love having her with me. We watch your videos often and they are entertaining and educational. We just watched the one where you sold your house and then how you packed for your adventure. Good stuff. My only suggestion is to get some dedicated sound recording equipment and good mikes. The only issue we have had is hearing you talk from time to time.
Thanks for taking us on the ride take care
Glad you enjoyed
Love you guys, I do a few weeks on bike trips in the summer. It's allways an adventure!
That's the fun of it - I'm sure you have lots of plans for the summer of 2021. Ride safe!
The Tail of the Dragon is one of my favorite rides particularly in the Spring when I got lackadaisical in turns at high speeds over the Winter.
Hey Rich & Chris. I've had a magnetic tank bag for years. It can and will scratch if you're not carefull with it. Set it on holding the flaps and slowly lower them down to the tank and take it off lifting the flaps and you'll avoid dragging the magnets across the tank surface. Great video as always. Enjoy the journey.
Can’t get over how AMAZING the scenery was. I’m planning on visiting the tail of the dragon this year and this video got me hyped up!
Awesome!! There are lots of roads out there.
It's not overrated but there are more roads out there that as good if not better
No shit, Smith River in Oregon when the log trucks are rolling is a come to Jesus road.
great video! We here at VikingBags really appreciate your content! Keep up the good work!
I love the Dragon and Cherohala skyway. You guys hit it at a great time it looked like. When I was on it we stopped a few times to help others get the bike back up on the road. And it was pretty busy. Even for a Sunday in April. Of course I went there with my friends since my wife is not a fan of the curves on the back of my bike but I took her back to do the Cherohala and Blue Ridge Parkway. Nice video as always!
Any twisty road is a joy on a motorcycle! We are blessed with many great roads here in Australia, not least of which is the Bonang Road which is signposted as 105km or about 65 miles of twisties on - now sealed - logging tracks.
Now that was a fun video
Awesome. Thanks.
I love every single of your episodes! Just got my wife a Ryker, she just didnt loved the bikes like I do. But now we have been getting more out there! Soon to hit longer rides!
Great to hear!
I used to ride this road in the 80's when it was less known. I wouldn't ride it now. I found that early to mid-week was a good time to ride it or later in the day close to dusk, though I wouldn't advise that due to critters. I did it as a way back, in fact, finished in the dark. All those tourist places weren't there when I was there.
Rich, be sure to kiss that girl. Any lady that would be willing to travel the U.S. by cycle, sleep in a tent during chilly wet weather, then make videos with a smile on her lovely face, deserves to know that she's appreciated in a great way.
Can't wait to see you in action with the 'semi' tent!
I love your videos... they just keep getting better..
Thanks Dale.
Tail is nothing but a well advertised road, deal gap has done an excellent job of commercializing it. Nothing to see, but a fun ride.
Riding , camping and Cast iron skillet. Your my kind of people.
Great - good to meet you!
Well that was sure awesome! So glad you both got to experience The Tail Of The Dragon. I have ridden 2 up with my Husband on that road. We love to camp at the Iron Horse motorcycle lodge in Stecoah Creek. We cannot wait to go back up there. So beautiful! Enjoy, and ride safe! 😊
Thanks Karen. We did not stay at the Iron Horse, but have heard great things about it. Just another reason to go back so we can experience it and ride some more great roads.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife Yes......It is a great place! I love their biker breakfast! Also I admire you and your Husband’s riding skills. I see you park in the gravel. I would have been down in seconds flat. 😂😂😂😂
Wife and I rode the Tail of the Dragon during the summer of 2020. We ride a 2007 Goldwing Trike (RoadSmith). Great time, roads are well maintained and landscape was just beautiful. I’m 62 wife is 61. We finished the 11 miles in about 26 minutes. At 62, testosterone down, wisdom is up! Ride at your level and keep your eyes on the road, it changes quick without much forgiveness. While we we there a couple of young bikers did not fare so well. They were shooting for a much better time I’m sure. They were ok, bikes not so much. I believe they may have had tree of shame contributions. I have heard that a few years back a rider ran the tail in 9 minutes on a two wheel goldwing. Way over my skill level. Nice video, thanks for sharing.