Run for the Dragon

Greg Cothern · November 03, 2008, 09:18:28 PM

OK a few of us have been tossing around the idea of making a run to the Dragon.. It would be a week long trip get there in 2 days or less, so it would be 500 mile days there and back. Spend 2 days riding the area then head home.
We could find a cabin to split the cost or camp etc.
So let me know if your interested in making a run next year.

roboto65 · November 03, 2008, 09:30:53 PM

Oh well I am so in !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Greg and I have been talking about this for a while I am SO ready we would have a free place to rest in Alabama LoL my dad is up in hazelgreen and we could RAID his house

come on Spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Found this lots of good info and tips for the Dragon. http://www.dealsgap.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=7ff56612551f10cac0eac9d49b6a9a08&f=2

hootmon · November 03, 2008, 10:53:25 PM

My wife and I made a run up to Honda Hoot this past June and did the Dragon twice..
If you go up, make sure you also do the Cherahala Skyway (The same area).. I actually enjoyed this more than the Dragon.. it is 40+ miles of long sweeping turns and great vista views. It goes from about 840 ft. to about 5400 feet in elevation across the 40+ miles. This is a GREAT ride!!!

Here is a shot of my wife and I at one of the vistas... As usual the picture does not reflect the true beauty of the landscape...

Smoked U · November 04, 2008, 06:44:13 AM

I'm interested of course. Just depends on time of the year vs. my work schedule. After school gets out is bad for me since that's the time my clients want me to get started on their projects.

L J VFR · November 04, 2008, 09:04:23 AM

Depending on the dates, I would be ready as well. I'm pretty sure my brother would tag along behind us with his new v-max..

I stayed in Gatlinburg in summer of 2006 for a week with family, absolutely beautiful country..

Greg Cothern · November 04, 2008, 12:18:40 PM

Well first we need to pick a date for those interested can make it. Balance that with the weather patterns of the area as well as the area activities.
This is going to be something that we cant wait till the last minute to make our arrangements and such. WE have to be committed early and move.
As previously mentioned its going to be a pace that will require 500 mile days to and fro. Wont take the interstates there and more than likely not coming home either. So plan on a 1000+ there and 1000+ back, with a good 500-600 while there.
Camping? Or Cabin/hotel?

lragan · November 04, 2008, 02:45:56 PM

For those uninitiated, like me, who did not know what was being talked about, here is a site with some video:

http://jeeps.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/03/tail_of_the_dragon.php

Looks like an awesome ride, but travel to and fro is a bit "beyond the butt" if you get my drift...

Smoked U · November 04, 2008, 11:25:03 PM

Cabin/hotel for me.

rjb/AKA Bob Barram · November 05, 2008, 04:06:06 PM

A whole week, huh? Why not Iron Butt it there and back, but if you go off highway I guess you would not be able to make the time..
There may be a way we could do that.
I am interested.
What would be our base city?

Greg Cothern · November 05, 2008, 06:46:08 PM

I am open to basecamp/hotel location just about anywhere in the area.

It would be easy if we could find a large Cabin to fit us in. I am open to Cabin or Camping.

rjb/AKA Bob Barram · November 05, 2008, 08:29:42 PM

Okay, I will be specific. Where is this place? I know it is about 500 miles east but what city is it near?
Thanks.

roboto65 · November 05, 2008, 08:58:07 PM

Ashville ,NC and Ironbutt could be done like I have said I would like to stop by my Dads he is in Hazelgreen, Alabama and we could get 6 hours there and make it the rest of the way in the 24hrs

TLRam1 · November 05, 2008, 11:27:09 PM

Quote from: rjb/AKA Bob Barram on November 05, 2008, 08:29:42 PM
Okay, I will be specific. Where is this place? I know it is about 500 miles east but what city is it near?
Thanks.

Do a search for Deals Gap or Tail of the Dragon. I have read a lot about it from the 2-stroke guys (Kawasaki, Suzuki & Yamaha boards go together) who have a large get-together yearly but I have never attended.

Allen you will like this video, not a great vid but shows a bunch of strokers on the webpage below.

Look for;

A walkthrough of Deals Gap parking Lot. Lined with 2-strokers

This site has a few photos and a map at the end.

http://pages.villagephotos.com/page.asp?page_id=3290

These guys have a great time there and I'm sure the ones that go will also. This will be a nice trip!

Allen you can click on these photo to enlarge, you might see some bikes you like. You will also see many being worked on, nature of the beast.

http://www.3cyl.com/dg508/

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MarylandMagnav45 · November 06, 2008, 12:16:49 AM

If it fits with my schedule in the Spring. I'll make a trip from Maryland solo to join MOOT in their trip on the dragon.

hootmon · November 06, 2008, 06:10:56 AM

just another suggestion from my trip this year...
Plan on being on the dragon during the week. We hit Tuesday & Wednesday and there was no more than 2 Leo's (Police) and the number of bikes was acceptable.. I'm sure it would be a much crazier experience on the week-end..
One stategy is have one person run through and map out the distances from the start to where the Leo's are.. then cell phone the others from the other end.. Then everyone else can ride through knowing when to make sure you are at the correct speed...
I had a friend get caught at 55 and it was a 185 ticket
The speed limit is 35 on the Dragon...

Run for the Dragon

MarylandMagnav45