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[Rupert]

Heading down to the Dragon in late July, then Northwest Arkansas, hwy 7, pig trail, 65 and 71 to name a few. Staying in Eureka Springs and Fayetteville in September.

Let me know your recommendations related to places to stay when going to the Dragon, always looking for other ideas.

WE stayed at a campgound/ motel about 8 miles from the bottom of the tail. can't remember the name, but its the only one around.  There was a moonshine fest going on.  in addition ot the dragon, we rode all over. My wife and turned left at the intersection wher ethe tail begines, instead of right to go up the hill. we rode along the river and stopped at a suspended footbridge. we walked accross and explored some. very peaceful.
Another day we found a quaint lil country store,  which my wife loved.  I rememebr going around a complete circle while going uphill, kinda like an onramp that doesnt stop. very cool to look down and see others on the road below you. we rode along the lakes  made by the dams and  explored everywhere.  The history of the dams etc was interesting to me.
I am not  a big fan of riding along the ridgeline, one route goes along it, you can see far but it seems sparse and not much color to me.
then theres the native american gambling place.
Ill see if I can dig up some address etc. 

[tpcrawford]

I was just there a couple of weeks ago ...... beginning of June.      AWESOME road !

-Tim

[tpcrawford]

another pic ......

[WTF Chuck]

We go to the Valley at least twice a year to ride
everything but the dragon. 209 to Hot springs and
the River road not to be missed also 28. Ride save

[Jswerve]

We go to the Valley at least twice a year to ride
everything but the dragon. 209 to Hot springs and
the River road not to be missed also 28. Ride save

Chuck 209 was awesome and 28 was my favorite of all.

[tpcrawford]

Chuck 209 was awesome and 28 was my favorite of all.

Rt. 28 is an awesome road as well !   Leads you right to Deals Gap Resort !

-Tim

[FLHTCUSE7]

So I just found out the speed limit on these roads are 35-45 mph. Is that correct?

That would be really disappointing.

[Jswerve]

So I just found out the speed limit on these roads are 35-45 mph. Is that correct?

That would be really disappointing.

Yep.  The Dragon is 30 mph I passed 4 cops in 20 minutes.  The BRP is 35-45 also saw a couple cops "camping" just outside of tunnel exits. Be careful.

[OBB]

Rt. 28 is an awesome road as well !   Leads you right to Deals Gap Resort !

-Tim

Looking at all the local maps in the area, that part of 28 is called the Hellbender. On particular turn heading away from the resort starts out as a nice right sweeper and the turn gets a whole lot tighter about 1/2 way through it.

[owl893]

So I just found out the speed limit on these roads are 35-45 mph. Is that correct?

That would be really disappointing.

posted speed limits in the mountains seem restrictive, and in many cases rightfully so, however IMO pushing speed on these technical rides isn't worth the additional thrill. Mountain riding takes more skill, more planning, more knowledge of turn angles, and more time than a weekend cruise. I have taken many friends on these runs and I tell them to use the experience to evaluate their skills, especially those that need some improvement.

Rotary you can push it if that's where you are at, especially if you are on the BMW, but keep in mind most others are not, and that alone slows things down.

OWL

[gadgetz]

Agree with Owl. I'll have 10 couples with me in that area the week after next and don't plan to lead them in any hurry since several haven't ridden roads like 129 or 28 or any serious switchback road.  It'll be fun none the less watching and listening to them talk about the rides of the day.


 

[Jswerve]

I don't understand why you would drive to the smokies and then hurry up past all the glorious scenery?

Jesse

[smkymtnboy]

I don't understand why you would drive to the smokies and then hurry up past all the glorious scenery?

Jesse

totally agree!!

[FLHTCUSE7]

Well, to me, nice curvy roads are fun at speed, not walking speed.  I of course would not push it down there if the speed limits are that restrictive. I don't want to jeopardize anyone else.

I am sure the scenery is nice, and worth looking at, but all I read is how great and curvy the roads are, some say challenging    Must be curvy as heck if challenging at 35 mph.

Nice curvy mountain roads in Europe are normally with much higher speed limits. 

[smkymtnboy]

Well, to me, nice curvy roads are fun at speed, not walking speed.  I of course would not push it down there if the speed limits are that restrictive. I don't want to jeopardize anyone else.

I am sure the scenery is nice, and worth looking at, but all I read is how great and curvy the roads are, some say challenging    Must be curvy as heck if challenging at 35 mph.

Nice curvy mountain roads in Europe are normally with much higher speed limits.

maybe, europe would be the ticket!