Run for the Dragon

[Greg Cothern]

Looks like a decent place to stay Ray! 

Far as a date, well still thinking on that...

[Greg Cothern]

Alright, looking at the weather charts  shows Sept and Oct as the least rain months and temps averaging 80-54 & 71-42 respectfully.  However I would think these would be busy times for the area with the color change.....  Sure would be pretty though.

Next I would think late April or early May would be the slower time periods that are rideable.  69-40 & 76-49 respectfully.

What are the thoughts and suggestions of the folks whom are looking at going????

[MarylandMagnav45]

Alright, looking at the weather charts  shows Sept and Oct as the least rain months and temps averaging 80-54 & 71-42 respectfully.  However I would think these would be busy times for the area with the color change.....  Sure would be pretty though.

Next I would think late April or early May would be the slower time periods that are rideable.  69-40 & 76-49 respectfully.

What are the thoughts and suggestions of the folks whom are looking at going????

I'm a follower.  You guys point, i'll follow.  I've never been to these parts before nor have I ridden with MOOT.  Not to mention, I'll def. be last on the dragon....NO SPEEDOMETER .

 

[hootmon]

However I would think these would be busy times for the area with the color change.....  Sure would be pretty though.

Color change also might mean leaves on the ground.. That could add challenge points to the ride!!! BTW there are few guard rails and some pretty steep drop offs...
Rather then worrying too much about busy times (I would watch out for organized rally's, etc), as I stated previously, I would shoot to be there in the middle of the week. I was there Tue / Wed and there was quite a few bikes there (Honda Hoot was going on) but on the road it was not too bad and there were few LEO's... I would avoid week-end if at all possible.

[greg_o]

A few web site links for more info :
http://www.dealsgap.com/
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps.html
this prior link has great maps
and a very sobering listing of the "DRAGON MAP with location of deaths since 2000"
......as to be expected mostly sport bikes

Both time frames Greg C proposed look good from a weather standpoint and the Events calendar show equal number of stuff happening in Apr vs Sep and May vs Oct so any time would likely work well ; with maybe more available lodging openings further out...?

BTW a while back I bought a copy of the Ride Like a Pro on the Dragon DVD . It shows a really nasty off camber corner that has claimed many riders . I recommend a viewing prior to a run out .....its very informative on the route and some of the problem areas

[hootmon]

BTW a while back I bought a copy of the Ride Like a Pro on the Dragon DVD . It shows a really nasty off camber corner that has claimed many riders . I recommend a viewing prior to a run out .....its very informative on the route and some of the problem areas

Maybe you can watch the video on your one nite stay over on the way up there..

[Smoked U]

Alright, looking at the weather charts  shows Sept and Oct as the least rain months and temps averaging 80-54 & 71-42 respectfully.  However I would think these would be busy times for the area with the color change.....  Sure would be pretty though.

Next I would think late April or early May would be the slower time periods that are rideable.  69-40 & 76-49 respectfully.

What are the thoughts and suggestions of the folks whom are looking at going????

Late spring is fine with me. I just don't want to get into June or later because my busy season cranks up at that time.

I also agree with Hoot that the middle of the week ride time on "the Dragon" would more than likely be the most opportune.

Greg O.: I want to borrow your video. I have the "Ride like a Pro IV", but would like to see "The Dragon" DVD.

[Greg Cothern]

Yeah my thoughts were to leave out on a weekend get there to ride during the week and back by the next weekend with some weekend left to recover some before going back to the daily grind.

[MarylandMagnav45]

throw out some dates

[Greg Cothern]

I am thinking of early May or late Sept...... 

I know we cant make it perfect for everyone, but those that are SERIOUSLY interested please speak up about these 2 time frames?

I am thinking Sept mainly with the color change but compeletly understand the increase of area tourists.

[hootmon]

I am thinking of early May or late Sept...... 
I am thinking Sept mainly with the color change but compeletly understand the increase of area tourists.

If $$$ gets better, I'd like to make the run (Meet up with you folks and spend some real time with you), but I can't "put up" now, so maybe I should "shut up"..
But for me early May would be better due to the "Rainy season" here in Florida.. Late Sept. I'd get soaked getting out of state.. I don't expect you to put any weight in my response, but that is my vote.

[greg_o]

Greg O.: I want to borrow your video. I have the "Ride like a Pro IV", but would like to see "The Dragon" DVD.[/color]

OK to borrow the dvd ....its pretty good
we gotta figure a time place to hand off
sounds like a ride excuse 

[MarylandMagnav45]

I am thinking of early May or late Sept...... 

I know we cant make it perfect for everyone, but those that are SERIOUSLY interested please speak up about these 2 time frames?

I am thinking Sept mainly with the color change but compeletly understand the increase of area tourists.

I can possibly make early MAY it depends.  I'll def. try. 

My trip to SC or Texas for the matter is like the Sons of Anarchy theme song...

"Riding through this world, all alone...."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNu4Pa0qzqg

lol

[DC Smith]

Greg,
As you may recall I moved to western NC in February (Forest City-about 50 miles SSE of Asheville).  Late Sept is a little early for the color change.  It peaks about mid to late Oct in the mountains.  Weather would be great in Sep (could be pretty chilly in Oct).  Be sure and check out the Cherohalla (sp?) Skyway, and of course, the Blue Ridge Parkway, if time permits.  I will try to meet up with you all and am following this topic.  My place would be out of your way, but you are welcome to stop here. 
Dan

[MarylandMagnav45]

Greg,
As you may recall I moved to western NC in February (Forest City-about 50 miles SSE of Asheville).  Late Sept is a little early for the color change.  It peaks about mid to late Oct in the mountains.  Weather would be great in Sep (could be pretty chilly in Oct).  Be sure and check out the Cherohalla (sp?) Skyway, and of course, the Blue Ridge Parkway, if time permits.  I will try to meet up with you all and am following this topic.  My place would be out of your way, but you are welcome to stop here. 
Dan

Chilly in NC during Oct?    I can't believe it.

In Maryland, two states up, it doesn't get chilly till November (and that's with days still in the 50-58 degree range for the high).