Tail of the Dragon Death | SMSBR2021

[@GromBeardo]

Thanks for watching! Hope to meet a bunch of you at MTM2021. Link in bio! Stay Rad

[@butcherstl16]

Luke Hutsell the 18 year old blew the corner and rode into the oncoming lane. He hit David Dobbs head on and died on impact. (I've heard a few scenarios but this is from David himself) David is alive and recovering with a heavily damaged foot and an arm broken in many places. Thought you might like the update. 👊🏻

[@GromBeardo]

Adam! Thanks so much for the update! Good to know David is alive and recovering! Thanks again, man! Much appreciated!

[@Bearintheweeds]

Karma

[@teacherbill8452]

Man thank you so much for that update. I was with Grombeardo and pulled over to help David when I saw him sitting on the side of the road. I didn’t know what happened to him after we left. We had heard that he didn’t make it either. I am glad he’s okay. I really appreciate the update.

[@GoVols2015]

@@Bearintheweedsit was an 18 kid JA.

[@Bearintheweeds]

@@GoVols2015 ya. Risk other people’s live and this is what you get. Get off the roads Seriously. People have their kids on this road and bunch of spoiled brats think they own it.

[@gretagrooms7320]

Luke was my nephew. We live just off of 129 aka the dragon, a year later and it still shatters my heart.

[@steveoconnor7069]

Sorry for your loss.

[@babiesmakinbabies]

I wish they'd just turn this into a one way route. treat it like nordschliefe.

[@oldehatt476]

God bless those who met a tragic fate. For the rest of us, ride at your skill level. I’m 65, I rode the dragon twice on a trike at speed limit or less. That was my skill level. Pulled over for those who had better skills. Wife and I still had a great ride.

[@vancejones7698]

Spend less time on the wrong side of the double yellow. Why even post up when you cant keep it in your lane?¿

[@GromBeardo]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment😎

[@717Chris]

In all seriousness another biker or car could have been coming around the corner fast and could have been tragic for both parties just like the deaths u described. Not trying to be an ass just saying please be careful with staying on the right side of the road. Take riders classes etc

[@billysims4748]

I just found this video. The 18 year old and another rider had just passed me when I heard the crash up in front of me around the curve. When I came upon it there were little pieces of motorcycle lying in the road smoking. I saw one rider walking around in a daze and then I saw a black lump in the road. I rode up next to it and saw the kid was deceased. I knew I had a friend coming up behind me so I took off to get help. I stopped at every photo tent and asked if they could make a call for help. I finally found one that had a satellite connection and he called for help.

[@billreynolds2221]

So much needless death on this road and far too many people espousing worn out cliches about being afraid to live. I believe people have the right to enjoy these roads in safety. My life should not be threatened by riders/drivers driving beyond their skill set. There are posted speed limits for a reason. If you want to test your skills take it to a track. That way, more often than not, you’ll only hurt yourself if you screw up.

[@GromBeardo]

100% Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!🤜💥🤛

[@Feedback66]

Sorry for the fallen riders. Keep it in your lane and help avoid more deaths.

[@Bearintheweeds]

Darwin. They did not care about others when they chose to race on a road families go on

[@quocducnguyen]

accident begins at 11:50

[@jimmystanford7039]

You are lucky that was not you because you can’t drive the gap you was on the wrong side of the road a lot

[@GromBeardo]

Awesome! Thanks for watching! I'll be there in June again. Stay tuned to see me die! It's gonna be awesome, I promise!

[@jimmystanford7039]

@@GromBeardo you be SAFE up there

[@GoVols2015]

Bad day. He was well liked. We lost quite a few locals that year, and a few visitors. Really tuff year 😢

[@jeffjohnson1464]

I grew up riding the deals gap in the late 90s all the way up til about 10 years ago. It seems like there wasn't as many deaths back then or maybe we just didn't hear about it because of social media back then.

[@VeraArms-tk3ru]

You are right, not only less media, also less motorcycle and traffic, and less powered vehicles

[@ken481959]

Having been a road captain and led rides, the one thing people must remember is this: Ride to your own skill level. The only one with their hand on your throttle is you. You are responsible for your riding. I have ridden the twisties from SoCal in the 80s and the West and all through the East until today. Lots of miles under my belt, with and without a passenger. Ride to YOUR skill level, not the level of those you are with.

[@GromBeardo]

100%

[@countrygromer]

RIP to those gentlemen and ride safe y'all.

[@jamesappel8747]

Did you guys slow down and get off the double yellow ?

[@GromBeardo]

No, we sped up and only road the double yellow 🤪💨

[@3CMiniWorks]

I remember you talking about this the one year. Honestly glad I missed it, but hope it was a quick taper for them.

[@Optimus._97]

I agree 100% on we need to live and not be scared of dying. Good video. My only criticism is please stay in your lane. Also not hating on small bore bikes. I have one too but the weekend of the rally this year. The small bore guys were the worst i have seen in a while for not letting faster bikes or cars pass. Im not saying you are one of them but i think you could help spread the word.

[@GromBeardo]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I appreciate you, my man!🤜💥🤛

[@arthurtennessen9680]

The problem is not "small bore guys". It's riders who think that road is a race track and they are qualified to ride it as if it is. It is not and neither are they.

[@scottrackley4457]

I saw one going downhill. Gravity Well got him into the ditch to his right, hit a rock in the ditch and met a tree on the left. Missed an NSX coming the other way by inches. He was on a HD bagger, way beyond his skill level, as near as I remember to put a peg to asphalt. Then proceeded to become one with a very large pine. Shut 129 down for the rest of the evening.

[@MarkVanTasell]

I LIVE HERE THIS HAPPENS EVERY DAY. SLOW DOWN THIS IS NOT A RACECOURSE

[@TheOtherSideoftheHill]

Never understood why some ride w/o protective gear smh

[@bonestock6243]

I'm going back next year. I drive with in my capability and car Lane. I'll keep the fast stuff for track days.

[@GromBeardo]

Good deal! The roads down there are amazing! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, much appreciated 🤜💥🤛

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

I have gone 48 years without seeing an actual dead body. I know that day will come. Glad it wasn't today.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

Yes, I know I am lucky.

[@Pmtd1234]

I love running Road Atlanta and optimizing my performance at the track. I also enjoy driving the Dragon as well as other mountain roads, but I drive there very differently there than I drive at the track because a mistake there can impact others. Sad to see someone lose their life because a rider got caught up in the adrenaline rush and exceed their ability. Only IMHO, but I have followed quite a few crotch rockets in the mountains and seen way too many take chances. Although I could hang with them I keep my distance just in case.

[@GromBeardo]

The streets aren't the track. So many people need to come to terms with that. Just not worth it. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! Ride safe!

[@steveoconnor7069]

We were just in that area a week ago in our MX-5. I have rode the Dragon many times and will only ride or drive it now on a weekday. We happened to get down that way on a Friday afternoon so we did the Cherohala Skyway instead. There is too much craziness there on a weekend.

[@teacherbill8452]

That guy you have leading is doing an amazing job!

[@GromBeardo]

He's the best!😁

[@77jmajor]

Just got off the tail, had a cruiser go down today! Luckily as far as I know he made it out alright!

[@GromBeardo]

Good to hear they're okay. Scary stuff!

[@WayneEldridge69]

If everyone would stay in there lane it would be a lot safer for everyone else!

[@GromBeardo]

Totally! Thanks for taking the time to watch and leave a comment! Ride Safe-ish!🤜💥🤛

[@heyoldtime8969]

I mean dang, ya did not show the dead guy or the accident scene , or the bike. The vid was useless.

[@GromBeardo]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!🤜💥🤛

[@anthonybanker6479]

Faster than a pedicab.

[@justanoldman697]

many broken rules of the road can be seen in this video. The Dragon is not for in-experienced riders. The Dragon has been turned into a race course by many who consider it a personal playground. Riders die on the Dragon because of only a few reasons. Inexperience, speed, not riding within your own capabilities, trying to keep up the rider in front of you, etc.. All 3 Dragon roads will have the same reputation one day! If you need the speed go to a race track. The life you save will be the rider who's out for a cruise.

[@GromBeardo]

Facts! Listen to this guy👆

[@stephenelmes7970]

I agree with you Dave 3000, these guy's have no business on a motorcycle!!

[@GromBeardo]

@@stephenelmes7970 Right! Such an embarrassment to all riders. Be sure to watch this weeks video from this year's trip to the Dragon. Guy in front of me was a little scary 😬

[@davioswald4863]

Might want to listen to your own advice. Hiw many times in thus video were you in the wrong lane? You almost touched the white line on the other side if the road several tines.

[@GromBeardo]

@@davioswald4863 Thanks for your concern and for taking the time to watch. Hope you kick ass today at whatever goals you're working towards! Take care and ride safe-ish 😘

[@MotoBrosMoto]

Just another day at the gap 🤙 Great vid bro

[@GromBeardo]

#facts 🤜💥🤛

[@Smallbore2wheels]

Fuck dude. That's always haed to hear, but I can't even imagine what it was like to be there soon after it happened. Definitely brings you right back to reality real quick

[@GromBeardo]

I have that kid's purple face etched into my mind forever. Was a bit of a gut check, which is good to have every now and again!

[@Smallbore2wheels]

@@GromBeardo 😔

[@ftlfist]

So sorry for their families IMHO this should be a scenic beautiful ride test your skills at a race track.

[@GromBeardo]

100%! Race tracks exist for a reason!

[@mikestevens9455]

The yellow line is the Wall of Death, respect if you expect to live long

[@OnDuty_Footage]

Hey man, do you authorize me to use your video in one of my editions? I leave the name and link in the description. Thank you for your attention

[@GromBeardo]

Yeah, I'm cool with that 🤘

[@abslenchar2347]

why is the video split, looks really bad

[@GromBeardo]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! Next time I'll do it like your videos🤜💥🤛

[@bubbiesdad]

Is the rider with the camera still alive?

[@GromBeardo]

Alive and defying death everyday🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment👍

[@bobsullivan5714]

Road racing events would be real crowd pleasures if racers ran both ways at the same time.

[@omw2fymom76]

I was actually there with family at the exact same time you where. We went through shortly after it happened as well. Was a damn good time until we came up on the body in the ditch. I didn't know 2 guys ended up dieing. We were on harleys our bikes are in the beginning of your video at deals gap sitting close to the road by the bank.

[@GromBeardo]

Yeah, bodies in a ditch are always a buzz kill😬 I guess the other guy survived, from what I've heard since posting the video. So that's some good news at least.

[@omw2fymom76]

@@GromBeardo yes it is. Like you said in your video that's the risk we all know and take. The kid died having a blast doing what he loved I assume. Definitely feel for his family. I watched a friend die on an atv when I was a teen so I'm not exactly a stranger to death when comes to speed.

[@omw2fymom76]

@@GromBeardo on a positive note tho you grom guys were tearing up the dragon. I've definitely been on the look out for a marketplace grom project after watching yall at the sbr.🤣

[@BranchBruh]

@@GromBeardo dude, when you were little i bet you never thought you were ever gonna say yeah, dead bodies in a ditch is always a buzz kill

[@GromBeardo]

@@BranchBruh Facts 🤣🤣🤣

[@kenweis2291]

Those roads were fresh paved in 2016....they don't look fresh anymore

[@GromBeardo]

Compared to Northern Ohio, all the roads down there looked brand new 😁 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, much appreciated. #ridesafe

[@markszawlowski867]

Is anyone here counter-steering at all?

[@GromBeardo]

Everyone is going too slow to counter steer, ha, ha. Thanks for watching!

[@motomadnessmike1570]

love the dragon 🤙 it's a shame the dragon claims so many lives. It's a really fun road. But it does remind me a lot of our back country roads in west Virginia. The atmosphere there is intense🤙 which makes the dragon a unique place that's in its own class for sure 🤙

[@GromBeardo]

100% Looking forward to going back next year and having time to ride during the week! Thanks for watching, Mike! 🤜💥🤛

[@Bearintheweeds]

Its a shame but you are glad to take part in the killing so you can have fun. Geez

[@kenweis2291]

They say an average of 2 people every year die on the dragon when we went in sept 2016 no on died then less than a month later 2 guys together went off the side one died and the other was rescued by grace of god next day

[@GromBeardo]

Yes, had heard stories like that before. This was my first time down there and the anxiety was pretty high 😬

[@buckearly2009]

Dude,....you were laughing when you said,.. " a couple of people died". What kinda freak are you??

[@GromBeardo]

😁

[@prestonlard7687]

You dude are a real piece of work i bet you think your a tuff guy too

[@hennesseegary1]

So you find this hilarious, could have been you.

[@GromBeardo]

Well I don't know where you got that from? I laugh at literally everything, from dead people to idiot internet comments 🤔 Here's the thing, it wasn't me and no it won't be. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! Truly appreciated, since it just helps boost my engagement rates. I hope you find happiness some day 🤜💥🤛😘

[@napturalgoddess6602]

@Shalltear Phantom yes I agree…I call it the “nervous laugh.” I do it & it’s to mask what I’m feeling at the moment(anxious, frightened & nervousness)🤔

[@carbonrrpilot]

@@GromBeardo lol it wasnt you and it wont be?? this guy crossed the double yellow and hit someone that could have easily been you or any other rider! youll face that fact after youve riden more than a few months..... with that attitude im hoping you last that long!

[@GromBeardo]

@@carbonrrpilot Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. #muchappriciated FYI, been riding since the early 90's. Stay Rad🤘

[@carbonrrpilot]

@@GromBeardo lmfao i HAVE been riding since the 90's and thats how i can tell you have not! grow up son, adjust that attitude and stop with the BS. this is no game

[@napturalgoddess6602]

Breath taking view!

[@silverstar4289]

Curious how much local tax money is spent in first responder services on these crashes

[@GromBeardo]

Far less than what the people that come to the area spend into the local economy. The real winners are always the hospitals. $35K to be life flighted when all you have is a sprained ankle🤪

[@Arealprizeguy]

Towns like robbinsville greatly profit from the dragon. Along w tellico plains maryville ect

[@yahweh3943]

I was in that red civic.

[@MiniMoturd]

Crazy man, we had just gotten off it when that happened I guess…sucks. The tail lived up to its name that day🏍💨😔

[@mikeyguess9936]

Wow that’s wild

[@RichLord]

Would be nice to see at least one guy Not taking the Race line. This is a public road, not race Track. Drive safe

[@Arealprizeguy]

I was there at the same time

[@GromBeardo]

One of those days I'll never forget😞

[@jackpresscot7043]

This is a ridiculous and moronic road to ride on. Grim Reaper awaits the “need for speed”

[@GromBeardo]

Agreed!

[@your_royal_highness]

The Dragon is dangerous what with the crowding, car drivers exceeding their capabilities crossing into the oncoming lane, not to mention the dumb riders overdoing it. I rode it once and fortunately was just following one rider with few vehicles oncoming. Instead of turning around and running one more time, I just kept going….Cherahola Pkwy is the road to ride there, not the Dragon.

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

I am not picking on cruiser riders, But why the F would you want to ride a 600lb bagger around over 100 corners? I get superbikes all day. but I would not bring my dads Fat boy to the tail or Blood Mountain.

[@GromBeardo]

Probably ego driven, I assume. Lots of ego with that crowd. Not all of them obviously, but being able to say they "Slayed the Dragon" helps to feed that ego🤣🤣🤣

[@Flawampuscat]

@@GromBeardo Because we like to ride period. I haven't been there because there are roads around the Cashiers N.C. area that are as good as the dragon with very little traffic and almost no L.E. I think you are applying ego to the wrong crowd.

[@GromBeardo]

@@Flawampuscat Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! Hope you get lots of miles on two wheels in 2024! 🤘🤜💥🤛

[@Flawampuscat]

@@GromBeardo i'm gonna try, be safe!

[@romeoreacts1952]

you cross the double yellow wayyy to much, good way to end up hurt or dead yourself

[@GromBeardo]

Cool story, bro! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Love you too! 😘

[@repetitivemotion]

I would NEVER RIDE THIS POS ROAD. Too many people on it think they’re Valentino Rossi. They ain’t. I don’t need it. I find plenty of curves where I ride.

[@bill45colt]

what were we riding here, childrens scooters??? never seen anything that small with a grown guy riding,,,,

[@GromBeardo]

Honda Groms! Never grow up, it's a trap! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, appreciate you, my man! 🤜💥🤛

[@bill45colt]

@@GromBeardo maybe i need to be riding honda Z 50,,,,you cant get hurt on that.....if you see danger coming, all you have to do is put your feet down and let go. That thing was very small and wouldnt go fast enough to hurt. Two speeds and maybe 30 mph max,,,,cant exceed the speed limit anywhere!! best wishes,,,,

[@bill45colt]

1971-1973 i was honda factory rep for ga and ala. Honda made at that time a QA 50,,for kids under 6 yr old,,,,auto clutch, two speed transmission, kick start. We called them queer alberts. Riding that thing if you saw trouble coming up all you had to do was stand up and let go,,,,,,haha

[@GromBeardo]

@@bill45colt 🤣🤣🤣

[@deadeye4164]

God wanted them to be up there with him

[@GromBeardo]

😢

[@williammartin9332]

Speed kills 😢

[@billwalker4158]

Good thing ur on a groom cause you wouldn't keep a big bike on the road at all stay in ur lane dude !!

[@GromBeardo]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 😘 #ridesafeish

[@billwalker4158]

@@GromBeardo sorry bro but had to give u a hard time about the line ride safe man

[@GromBeardo]

@@billwalker4158 No worries, my man! If you didn't care you probably wouldn't have said anything. I appreciate that 🤜💥🤛 Take Care!

[@bdmenne]

RIP to all the property home values with all that noise POLLUTION.

[@GromBeardo]

No homes in the area, ha, ha. Probably one of the reasons that stretch of road is so popular. There's a ton of better roads to ride in the area, but there's homes/traffic, etc...

[@marvindockery-lo9cw]

Every new rider on 129 should practice for a year riding about one foot inside the right side white line. I rode it for years, only had two close calls.

[@kenweis2291]

The riders always give the cops away

[@GromBeardo]

Everyone does seem to do a pretty good job of communicating about the road ahead.

[@Tony-oj8qo]

Don’t hold a line worth a shit….

[@GromBeardo]

Thanks, Captain Obvious🫡😘

[@josephsaucedo8691]

I would still ride the dragon I seen this video the min it came out and keep wondering was it there fault or did someone else cause it and we're they on bikes or in cars? Unfortunately nothing last for ever expect memory's it's the only thing you can take with you so try to make the best of them and ride it like it's stolen because you don't no if your going to live to ride it again. Just don't be stupid with it. I like that you that you don't hold back and stick to your guns. To bad I don't live closer I'd love to ride with you mybe one day I could get out there and ride the dragon. Ps there hand sign for cops funny he pulled over to say it.

[@GromBeardo]

Yep, I feel the same way. You just gotta know your limits and not think you're invincible. We all know when we cross that line and we're asking for trouble. I'm not 100% on who hit who, but it was two bikes, both locals and very frequent riders on the Dragon. Zack and I were getting pretty far ahead of everyone compared to how we usually ride as a group. People on the sides were giving us the slow down hand waves and a couple people did the Cop head tap. It was a little confusing as this was way before the scene. Between the gap we pulled and all the people signaling us, Zack did the right thing and pulled over to get the group back together. Yes, we need to ride! I want to get out to the West Coast for a big ride. Been out there a few times for VW events. I'm definitely due for another trip West!

[@prestonlard7687]

We dont need your life wisdoms

[@GromBeardo]

Cool story, bro👍 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! 😘

[@j.clarkhelton7883]

WAAAYYY too much profanity with this generation in all age groups.

[@akgamer8244]

stay in ur lane lol

[@GromBeardo]

No 🤪🤣

[@BEASTYkiller]

T shirt og ingen udstyr. Kæmpe spade og dårligt eksempel for seriøse mc folk😡😡😡

[@GromBeardo]

Yes, always a bad example and we're far from serious🤪😘

[@bobsullivan5714]

This video is a waste of time....👎👎👎👎

[@GromBeardo]

Awesome! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! After looking at your channel it's nice to know this one video is on par with your entire channel. Hope you have a kick ass rest of your day!🤘