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[SBB]

A video about the Dragon.


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[Eagle Eye]

Looks like they need to ban big rigs on that road.  RIP to those who didn't make it.

[GregKhougaz]

Nice Chip!  Thanks for sharing.  Brought back some great memories. 

[stevehd]

Trucks are banned on US 129 in North Carolina now.  Tennessee has not banned trucks, so things should be interesting at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line

[amigo Jorge]

Trucks are banned on US 129 in North Carolina now.  Tennessee has not banned trucks, so things should be interesting at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line

 

[1sharprdkg]

Anyone thinking about "riding" the Dragon should see that video first so they more fully understand what they are getting into. 

[T-Hawk]

I know a few that have made it successfully down and back... but I don't think I could even make a casual afternoon riding it, with everyone else attempting to push their limits.  Just don't like sharing my lane I guess and I'd likely be too slow for everyone else.  It does look as though it would be a nice scenic ride... but wow, I think I'll stick with the crazies up here, and the occasional Moose on the road.   

[porthole]

Trucks are banned on US 129 in North Carolina now.  Tennessee has not banned trucks, so things should be interesting at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line

And really interesting when the trooper sends for the wrecker  

Geez..........how 'bout that wide load excavator?

[gabhart]

I have been on the fence about going down there. This pretty much settles it. No thanks!

[SBB]

I have been on the fence about going down there. This pretty much settles it. No thanks!

Gabhart

It can be a lot of fun. If I'm going to ride it hard I wait till a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
The weekend is tough, with many riders that ride faster than their guardian angel can fly.


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[porthole]

I have been on the fence about going down there. This pretty much settles it. No thanks!

Don't let that video steer you away.
Although that section of highway is not without it's issues, it is not the doomsday road it is made out to be in that video. remember, edited for TV.

Come to Maggie Valley with the group. There are those of us us who ride it to the limit and those who take the meandering river style, and everything in between.

I opt for the leisurely ride now and try and avoid the weekends. But, if I am in the area on a weekend it won't stop me.

I've ridden that rode as far back as the late 70's, and still enjoy it.

[RedDevil]

I have been on the fence about going down there. This pretty much settles it. No thanks!

Gab,
Don't let that video disuade you.  The Dragon is a fun run.  I've taken it quite a few times now, both up from TN and down from NC and I love running it.  I usually ride it just above "river-cruising" speed as momma is usually riding it with me.  But it's a well maintained road and is fun to drive.  If they outlaw big rigs entirely on it, that would be outstanding.  Here's a pic of momma and me on one of our runs.

[mjb765]

After hearing so much about it, I am anxious to ride it...but seeing how some of the truck have to take those turns makes me think it will not be an "all out" ride, but rather a nice casual one.

[porthole]

Mike - your first few rides north and south should be at a relaxing - pay attention rate. It is too easy to get wrapped up in trying to set new records for the run, which you just are not going to do unless you live on that road.

That said, there are more knuckleheads (not bikes) on the road on the weekends, but there tends to be fewer issues with trucks.
weekdays are less crowded, and if you just take it easy even the trucks can be dealt with.
I have seen trucks and trailers but in all the times I have been there I have never seen a semi.

And as to my "north and south" comment, it is a completely different ride going both ways.

[mjb765]

Mike - your first few rides north and south should be at a relaxing - pay attention rate. It is too easy to get wrapped up in trying to set new records for the run, which you just are not going to do unless you live on that road.

That said, there are more knuckleheads (not bikes) on the road on the weekends, but there tends to be fewer issues with trucks.
weekdays are less crowded, and if you just take it easy even the trucks can be dealt with.
I have seen trucks and trailers but in all the times I have been there I have never seen a semi.

And as to my "north and south" comment, it is a completely different ride going both ways.

Agree 100%-----have absolutley no intention of setting any records--or even trying to for that matter......