Topic: The Dragon Strikes Again (Read 8113 times)

Woop De Doo · « **on:** July 16, 2007, 10:18:57 PM »

http://www.thedailytimes.com:80/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770714003>

What a shame. It appears like driving too fast for conditions in both of these cases. For those that are riding the dragon, please be careful.

Don S

Woop De Doo · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2007, 10:24:15 PM »

OOPS/ Didn't work. Try this url:

http://www.thedailytimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770714003

SOKOOLJ · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2007, 11:04:54 PM »

Just another tragedy. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.

CVOJOE · « **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2007, 12:43:09 AM »

Damn...........approaching a record it seems on the Dragon. Won't be long and they'll install speed bumps or other devices to slow traffic down further.
...
Friday’s accident followed by one day the fatal accident that involved a motorcycle rider from Michigan losing control of his bike on a curve on the Dragon and sliding to his death over an 80-foot cliff. The man killed in the motorcycle wreck at 6:52 p.m. Thursday on Calderwood Highway was identified by authorities Friday as Kevin James Hoyt, 40, Highland, Mich. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol accident report, Hoyt was southbound on the highway when he lost control in a curve and slid down an embankment. He “low sided” his bike by applying too much braking pressure on the front wheel while taking the curve, according to Trooper Marion, who also responded to that wreck.
Hoyt then slid with the bike over the edge of the highway, down an 80-foot cliff and landed on a small ledge in a heavily wooded area off the side of the road. His black 2005 Yamaha motorcycle continued on for another 15 feet before coming to rest 95 feet below the road.

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #4 on:** July 17, 2007, 11:04:50 AM »

The cops were all over the place up there the weekend after the 4th...I rode the Dragon on two different days and saw at least 6 different police/sherriff/HP cars each day. Several people got pulled over.

Both these accidents are tragic.

The fact of the matter is they are going to end up doing something drastic in this area to curtail the activity. Too many people, with too little experience, who are riding this section of road. The place is becoming an amusement park.

flyingwillie · « **Reply #5 on:** July 17, 2007, 01:44:15 PM »

Quote from: TCnBham on July 17, 2007, 11:04:50 AM

The cops were all over the place up there the weekend after the 4th...I rode the Dragon on two different days and saw at least 6 different police/sherriff/HP cars each day. Several people got pulled over.

Both these accidents are tragic.

The fact of the matter is they are going to end up doing something drastic in this area to curtail the activity. Too many people, with too little experience, who are riding this section of road. The place is becoming an amusement park.

Terry, it is that very thing that prevents me from riding the dragon....I have absolutely no desire to do so.

ccr · « **Reply #6 on:** July 17, 2007, 01:57:49 PM »

Quote from: flyingwillie on July 17, 2007, 01:44:15 PM

Terry, it is that very thing that prevents me from riding the dragon....I have absolutely no desire to do so.

It is really and truly not all that big of a deal. We have ridden on much better roads else where, although the dragon is very nice. It is not dangerous unless you do something dangerous. You should see the roads where we are at right now. Breathtakingingly gorgeous sceneries, lotsa nice curves, sure wish I had a running bike and could be out on them. See you folks in a couple of weeks.

Jock · « **Reply #7 on:** July 17, 2007, 09:11:06 PM »

Quote from: TCnBham on July 17, 2007, 11:04:50 AM

The cops were all over the place up there the weekend after the 4th...I rode the Dragon on two different days and saw at least 6 different police/sherriff/HP cars each day. Several people got pulled over.

Both these accidents are tragic.

The fact of the matter is they are going to end up doing something drastic in this area to curtail the activity. Too many people, with too little experience, who are riding this section of road. The place is becoming an amusement park.

Certainly sad thoughts go out to the family.

Terry you are correct...I was there too during the 4th of July and police were all over the place.

EGUC7 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 18, 2007, 11:49:33 PM »

That picture made me cringe. Any traffic accident deaths are tragic, but the picture of that Trike on its side amongst all the devastation and death was particularly horrifying to me. I hope that we can all take at least some small lesson from this -- ride within our limits. Our prayers go out to all of those involved.

Ride Safe.
Walt

lilbear · « **Reply #9 on:** July 30, 2007, 02:03:08 PM »

Quote from: TCnBham on July 17, 2007, 11:04:50 AM

Both these accidents are tragic.

The fact of the matter is they are going to end up doing something drastic in this area to curtail the activity. Too many people, with too little experience, who are riding this section of road. The place is becoming an amusement park.

Indeed, both are tragic accidents. Regardless of experience, too many are riding well beyond their riding abilities and pushing the limits a bit more each and every time! Every freakin' motorcycle show these days is publicizing the Dragon. The entire region is chock full of amazing roads! There are so many much less travelled roads with far better overall "Fun" factor! I agree completely that law enforcement will have to resort to drastic measures in order to curtail if not end these senseless deaths.

DavidB · « **Reply #10 on:** July 30, 2007, 09:30:17 PM »

Im gonna let the cat out of the bag. There is another great road here besides the Dragon the tourist have not found yet. http://www.tailofthedragon.com/DevilsTriangle/DevilsTriangle.html

Its a good`n !

Fired00d · « **Reply #11 on:** July 30, 2007, 09:38:09 PM »

Quote from: DavidB on July 30, 2007, 09:30:17 PM

Im gonna let the cat out of the bag. There is another great road here besides the Dragon the tourist have not found yet. http://www.tailofthedragon.com/DevilsTriangle/DevilsTriangle.html Its a good`n !

Now you let me know about this. I was just down there last week. Oh well, now I've got to go back again.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Jock · « **Reply #12 on:** July 30, 2007, 09:41:09 PM »

Quote from: DavidB on July 30, 2007, 09:30:17 PM

Im gonna let the cat out of the bag. There is another great road here besides the Dragon the tourist have not found yet. http://www.tailofthedragon.com/DevilsTriangle/DevilsTriangle.html Its a good`n !

Dave,

This was supposed to be our secret...Been there and it's better if nothing else because of traffic and availability.

DavidB · « **Reply #13 on:** July 30, 2007, 09:42:59 PM »

Quote from: Fired00d on July 30, 2007, 09:38:09 PM

Now you let me know about this. I was just down there last week. Oh well, now I've got to go back again.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Yea , come on back Firwood.
There is plenty of good riding weather year round.

Jock · « **Reply #14 on:** July 30, 2007, 09:44:05 PM »

Quote from: Fired00d on July 30, 2007, 09:38:09 PM

Now you let me know about this. I was just down there last week. Oh well, now I've got to go back again.

What better time to go back then the Knoxville HOG Rally? Will we see you there?

DavidB · « **Reply #15 on:** July 30, 2007, 09:45:40 PM »

Quote from: Jock on July 30, 2007, 09:41:09 PM

Dave,

This was supposed to be our secret...Been there and it's better if nothing else because of traffic and availability.

We`ll just keep it in the family here. No out posting allowed.

Jock · « **Reply #16 on:** July 30, 2007, 09:50:20 PM »

Quote from: DavidB on July 30, 2007, 09:45:40 PM

We`ll just keep it in the family here. No out posting allowed.

I was turned on to it by a friend who is local and stated "we want to keep it a secret." Rode it several weeks ago...

spydglide · « **Reply #17 on:** July 30, 2007, 09:51:09 PM »

Quote from: DavidB on July 30, 2007, 09:30:17 PM

Im gonna let the cat out of the bag. There is another great road here besides the Dragon the tourist have not found yet. http://www.tailofthedragon.com/DevilsTriangle/DevilsTriangle.html Its a good`n !

thanks David.....great write-up and pics.

spyder

Fired00d · « **Reply #18 on:** July 30, 2007, 09:51:47 PM »

Quote from: Jock on July 30, 2007, 09:44:05 PM

What better time to go back then the Knoxville HOG Rally? Will we see you there?

At this time that is not in my plans.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

DavidB · « **Reply #19 on:** July 30, 2007, 09:56:09 PM »

Quote from: spydglide on July 30, 2007, 09:51:09 PM

thanks David.....great write-up and pics. spyder

SPYDER,
Thanks but I cant take credit for the artical I just passed on the link for others to enjoy
if they get in the area.
Dave

MUFFMAN · « **Reply #20 on:** August 15, 2007, 09:35:28 AM »

I was down there in June. Although no one died the day I was there there was one serious accident due to
excessive speed caused by a crotch rocket(who left the scene)

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #21 on:** August 15, 2007, 11:10:35 AM »

Best thing to do is just stay away for a while 'till all this dies down. There's no way I'll be going anywhere near the place during the upcoming Knoxville event. They will have a field day up there and it will be a zoo.

MJZ · « **Reply #22 on:** August 15, 2007, 02:50:14 PM »

I was going to stay away but now I've decided to ride through there Friday and see the zoo. I am very curious to see all the nuts and TN HP from what I've read in here. I figured I'd just slow her down and enjoy the show.

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #23 on:** August 15, 2007, 03:04:49 PM »

Quote from: MJZ on August 15, 2007, 02:50:14 PM

I was going to stay away but now I've decided to ride through there Friday and see the zoo. I am very curious to see all the nuts and TN HP from what I've read in here. I figured I'd just slow her down and enjoy the show.

Mark...just watch out for the other guy, and make sure you have all your documents with you...

spydglide · « **Reply #24 on:** August 15, 2007, 03:07:46 PM »

Quote from: TCnBham on August 15, 2007, 03:04:49 PM

Mark...just watch out for the other guy, and make sure you have all your documents with you...

will a HOG membership card do, or do you need a concealed carry permit and dog tags?

har! spyder

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #25 on:** August 15, 2007, 03:26:31 PM »

Quote from: spydglide on August 15, 2007, 03:07:46 PM

will a HOG membership card do, or do you need a concealed carry permit and dog tags? har! spyder

I don't think I'd be holding anything on my person or bike out of the ordinary, Spyd...

I don't think those PO-lice are real happy about working the weekends anyway, and one thing I've learned in my lifetime is not to mess with the Man when he/she has you cornered.

Just say yasir, nawsir...

spydglide · « **Reply #26 on:** August 15, 2007, 03:43:41 PM »

Quote from: TCnBham on August 15, 2007, 03:26:31 PM

I don't think I'd be holding anything on my person or bike out of the ordinary, Spyd... I don't think those PO-lice are real happy about working the weekends anyway, and one thing I've learned in my lifetime is not to mess with the Man when he/she has you cornered. Just say yasir, nawsir...

you got that right.....I hear experience talking. And on the Dragon, there are no 'side roads' to take.

har!

spyder

16HD117 · « **Reply #27 on:** August 15, 2007, 08:24:47 PM »

Quote from: MJZ on August 15, 2007, 02:50:14 PM

I was going to stay away but now I've decided to ride through there Friday and see the zoo. I am very curious to see all the nuts and TN HP from what I've read in here. I figured I'd just slow her down and enjoy the show.

See ya there Friday!

porthole · « **Reply #28 on:** August 24, 2007, 04:44:17 PM »

Been on the Dragon 3 days in a row now, no problem. No PD on Wednesday, 1 on Thursday, I believe due to a bike accident (Fatboy??)
Lot of Troops on the road today, and a lot of traffic. But I took newbies up and down each day, no problems and very little traffic until today.
I think the sport bikes are staying away because of the amount of "baggers" in the area, slowing them down

PHAZE · « **Reply #29 on:** August 26, 2007, 10:09:19 PM »

We had a small group that rode it on Friday. We left the Knoxville area about 7:00 a.m. and caught The Dragon early. We saw two THP along the way, but no hassles and no problems. Before we got away from the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, the bikes were really starting to stream in. It was a great ride and just something you need to do at least once. Most of our group thought the Cherohala Skyway was a better ride (we took it following our ride through down US 129).

harleync · « **Reply #30 on:** September 07, 2007, 08:19:04 AM »

I AM HEADING TOO THE MTNS ON SUNDAY..IVE BEEN THINKING OF STAYING AWAY FROM THE DRAGON BECAUSE OF NOT HAVING A DOT HELMENT..WITH THE COPS PULLING EVERYONE FOR NO REASON...ANYONE RIDE THE DRAGON IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS WITH A NON DOT HELMENT?
THANKS AND BE SAFE MICHAEL

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #31 on:** September 07, 2007, 08:52:05 AM »

Quote from: harleync on September 07, 2007, 08:19:04 AM

I AM HEADING TOO THE MTNS ON SUNDAY..IVE BEEN THINKING OF STAYING AWAY FROM THE DRAGON BECAUSE OF NOT HAVING A DOT HELMENT..WITH THE COPS PULLING EVERYONE FOR NO REASON...ANYONE RIDE THE DRAGON IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS WITH A NON DOT HELMENT?
THANKS AND BE SAFE MICHAEL

I have read reports of them writing tickets for non DOT helmets. It's fairly easy to spot a non DOT...they are supposed to stay up there in force until the end of this month.

porthole · « **Reply #32 on:** September 07, 2007, 08:54:36 AM »

if you are going to wear a helmet, it may as well be a DOT. Mine is the Daytona brand, DOT and not much bigger then the novelty helmets. Noticeably different in size to a HD DOT helmet, but smaller and more comfortable due to less drag and weight.

spydglide · « **Reply #33 on:** September 07, 2007, 09:02:09 AM »

Yep, In North Carolina, they just revisited the helmet law with some new wording or something and now a few law enforcement types (like in Randolph County) are once again writing tickets for non-approved headgear. Last time this happened across this State was in the early 70's. Also, heard that some were going beyond the 'ticket' phase and impounding the bike if you didn't have access to 'approved' gear to move the vehicle. May be just a rumor, you know how these things go......but it is a new day riding in NC, at least for now. Stay tuned. $:-\$ har!

spyder

porthole · « **Reply #34 on:** September 07, 2007, 11:02:53 AM »

I think if you ride within the legal speed limit, stay in your lane you will have no problems.

16HD117 · « **Reply #35 on:** September 07, 2007, 03:16:55 PM »

Quote from: porthole on September 07, 2007, 11:02:53 AM

I think if you ride within the legal speed limit, stay in your lane you will have no problems.

Not so! I've been up there twice this summer. Talked to two guys who were pulled over and ticketed for non DOT helmets and one also got a ticket for no proof of insurance (he had an expired insurance card). No ticket for speeding or wreckless driving.

My son was also up there with about ten members of the MC club that he's in (Dragoneze) and three were ticiketed for their license plate not being displayed properly (mounted inside the rear fender in front of and above the tire).

During our two trips we made six passes thru the gap and saw no less than four TN LEO's each pass, usually more than that. One trip we counted eight.

Seems like it's the TN LEO's that are writing the tickets. Don't remember seeing any from NC.

So, if you go, go legal!

spydglide · « **Reply #36 on:** September 07, 2007, 03:34:34 PM »

There are ton of roads every bit as good as the Dragon in the Blue Ridge Mtns.......w/o the traffic and other hassles. That's the 'ticket' to avoid the ticket.

har!

spyder

harleync · « **Reply #37 on:** September 07, 2007, 03:49:21 PM »

THIS YEAR I AM STAYING AWAY FROM THE DRAGON...HEADING TOO BLOWING ROCK AND SURROUNDING AREA ON THE PARKWAY..KEEPING THE NON DOT HELMENT FOR NOW UNTIL I FIND A DOT ONE TO BUY...I DID FIND OUT THAT THE ACC HELMENT WILL NOT PASS IN NC IN 2008. EVEN IF A COP PULLS YOU OVER WITH THE ACC HELMENT ON (BECAUSE ITS LOW PROFILE AND SMALL). AND LETS YOU GO BECAUSE IT IS DOT...I DONT WANT THE HASTLE. I WOULD RATHER FIND A GOOD LOW PROFILE HELMENT THAT DOESNT ATTRACT ATTENTION..WE GET ENOUGH ATTENTION AS IT IS..

porthole · « **Reply #38 on:** September 08, 2007, 10:33:30 AM »

Quote from: 07hd110 on September 07, 2007, 03:16:55 PM

Talked to two guys who were pulled over and ticketed for non DOT helmets and one also got a ticket for no proof of insurance (he had an expired insurance card). No ticket for speeding or wreck less driving.

They were pulled over because the LEO saw they were not wearing DOT helmets and one had no insurance? The LEO's were actually able to see the lack of a DOT sticker or were the helmets obviously just a plastic lid?

I don't belive in helmet laws, and I do belive in letting those who ride decide. But, if I have to wear one at least it will be approved and offer some protection.

Or were they pulled over for something else and go "non-point" tickets instead of something that would affect their license at home?

New Jersey is a reciprocating state, as are many others. Get a moving violation outside of New Jersey and you will see insurance surcharges of approximately $3000 - $3500 over the next 3.5 years.

16HD117 · « **Reply #39 on:** September 08, 2007, 11:46:16 AM »

Quote from: porthole on September 08, 2007, 10:33:30 AM

They were pulled over because the LEO saw they were not wearing DOT helmets and one had no insurance? The LEO's were actually able to see the lack of a DOT sticker or were the helmets obviously just a plastic lid?

I don't believe in helmet laws, and I do believe in letting those who ride decide. But, if I have to wear one at least it will be approved and offer some protection.

Or were they pulled over for something else and go "non-point" tickets instead of something that would affect their license at home?

New Jersey is a reciprocating state, as are many others. Get a moving violation outside of New Jersey and you will see insurance surcharges of approximately $3000 - $3500 over the next 3.5 years.

Yes!

I've got a few years on me and my eye sight isn't the best, but, I can see well enough to see a DOT sticker while riding behind another bike.

harleydiva · « **Reply #40 on:** September 08, 2007, 07:05:14 PM »

Quote from: spydglide on September 07, 2007, 03:34:34 PM

There are ton of roads every bit as good as the Dragon in the Blue Ridge Mtns.......w/o the traffic and other hassles. That's the 'ticket' to avoid the ticket. har! spyder

Love the Dragon, but you're absolutely right Spdy!

DavidB · « **Reply #41 on:** September 09, 2007, 06:02:18 PM »

The THP has left the Drogon.
Well almost.
I was up there playing today and it was great. Only one THP and he was just hanging around to chase the crotch rockets and I only saw about 5 of them. The rest of the bikes were mostly Harleys. I had almost forgotten what it was like to ride the old road with out the ZIP AND SPATS running up my butt and coming at me head on in my lane.

I saw a BANNANA CVO up there today. Some dude with yellow sunglasses from Michigan.

Welcome to Tennessee.

Author Topic: The Dragon Strikes Again (Read 8113 times)

harleydiva