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[SERK3]

Another rider was killed on the Dragon yesterday 9-1-09, speed was not the reason, rider lost control.

[smkymtnboy]

so so sad! guys and gals ride safely!!

[RedDevil]

Another rider was killed on the Dragon yesterday 9-1-09, speed was not the reason, rider lost control.

Another sad day on the Dragon.    Losing control of one's motorcycle can be caused only by a few things.  You either hit something (sand, ice, water, road debris, etc.), something hit you (big bug, bird, debris, etc), mechanical failure (sudden loss of tire air pressure, rear wheel lockup, etc.), or riding outside of one's ability, which on a twisty road like the Dragon, usually involves driving faster than you should.  The first two, and some of the third, are unavoidable for the most part, but the fourth is.  Without knowing all the facts surrounding the accident, it's hard to say whether speed was the reason or not.  But the Dragon is one of the most well-maintained roads I've ever been on, so unless it was raining, I'd almost have to rule out the first and in my experience on the Dragon, most of the second can be too.   

[Cvostu]

really sad to hear.  lots can happen up there,,   feel really bad when anyone goes down,,  this especially.

[UglyJohn]

Hate to hear about anyone that goes down and passes.... I've lost way too many good friends these past few years. I guess that goes with with the territory when you're an old fat goat like me. I've just been lucky, but the funerals.....   
UglyJohn

[spydglide]

That stretch of road, like many in the Smokey Mtns, doesn't leave much room for error.  Too many unmoveable objects close to you (trees, rocks) and steep drop-offs with little to no road shoulder.  I imagine that there is the occasional animal bolting across the roadway also.  Limited vision of the road ahead makes it interesting not to mention the on-coming traffic that is over the line into your lane as you round the blind curves.  It is a nice wide road with good surface by mountain standards though.  spyder

[captain_jeb]

Out of curosity do you know how old he or she was and what they were riding?

[Elixer]

SEE. See/Evaluate/Execute....I am sorry to read of another downed or lost rider but I'cant seem to fathom that today, with the technology, training and heightened safety awareness we ALL possess, that some just choose to take chances. Why is it that foolishness can overcome common sense so easily.

I am not implying that the rider made mistakes ...but hey in any case, its just a dam'd shame and a needless loss.

[SERK3]

Out of curosity do you know how old he or she was and what they were riding?

I'm not sure, this one happened 2 or 3 weeks ago, but seems like they said 62 and was riding a 90 something Harley.

[FLSTFI Dave]

That stretch of road, like many in the Smokey Mtns, doesn't leave much room for error.  Too many unmoveable objects close to you (trees, rocks) and steep drop-offs with little to no road shoulder.  I imagine that there is the occasional animal bolting across the roadway also.  Limited vision of the road ahead makes it interesting not to mention the on-coming traffic that is over the line into your lane as you round the blind curves.  It is a nice wide road with good surface by mountain standards though.   spyder

That happens all to often on the Dragon.  Of the five days I rode it this year, 3 days I have had at least one vehicle well over the double yellow.