The Dragon has a NEW Hazard 😳

Join us at a motorcycle and sports car destination “The Dragon” or “Tail of the Dragon” on Highway 129 on the Tennessee - North Carolina border along the Smokey Mountains as we offer up five tips for street bike safety on the Dragon’s 318 curves in just 11 miles. We catch up with expert rider Jud Merrell of Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort to offer five important motorcycle safety tips and we catch up with some of the Dragon Tail Two Stroke, Suzuki Hayabusa, Harley Bagger, touring, and even female riders to get their best advice for safe street bike riding. We also take a look at some of the paving that was done at the Dragon and some of the Tail of the Dragon crashes that created the Tree of Shame. Enjoy these five tips and be safe out that on your motorcycle. #motorcycles #riding #ridinglife #streetbike #streetbikes #dragonriding #dragontail #tailofthedragon
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[@jerryjones2818]

The road is not dangerous. It is a road. The danger is the Idiots who overdrive their skills.

[@DraggonCanoe]

And the ones who are just simply careless.

[@IronMission]

My biggest concern is not me - it’s people not staying in their lane.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

Yes, you have to ride like everyone coming around the blind curves will be a few feet in your lane.

[@joeb734]

A concern that was validated way too many times when I rode it

[@riding2nowhere]

That's my problem anywhere I ride. Come on people in cars . Slow down, stay in your lane.

[@Dave-sw2dm]

@@riding2nowhere Observe the center line when you ride. If it is worn more in a curve you know people consistently cross it. A good indicator to slow down and go wide.

[@riding2nowhere]

@@Dave-sw2dm that's very good advice

[@johnsonandsons4]

I've been riding the Dragon for years. I ride there every year from Texas to North Carolina. Every road in that area is a great ride, in both NC and Tennessee. If you are a new or inexperienced rider, don't let your friends talk you into riding the Dragon. You're not only a danger to yourself, you're a danger to me. The biggest danger on the Dragon that has hurt and killed people is Poindexters (inexperienced riders) crossing the yellow line into my lane. I've had some near misses, and if you can't stay in your lane keep your ass off of the Dragon please.

[@ronfriedman8740]

Not just inexperienced riders cause wrecks...for me it's the riders that are racing a clock and passing others. I have a nephew that broke an ankle in Suches, GA when someone approaching him low sided & the bike slid across the road and with no time or room to avoid took him out. Thankfully, it was all recorded because the investigating cop was going to issue tickets to both parties until he showed him the video on his GoPro.

[@charlespflanze9651]

I used to ride the Dragon all the time in the early to mid 1970's, I lived around a 1/2 hour away from the area. I road a Honda CB450, and I had to modify the exhaust to keep from scraping the pipes on the pavement. Nobody was there, local people drove on it only because they had to be getting from point A to point B and the Dragon was unfortunately in the middle. It was a near primeval wilderness, quiet, peaceful, and spectacular. The road was so poorly engineered that some of the curves were actually reverse banked. Those would take you out quick on a motorcycle if you weren't paying attention. I was usually riding solo and cell phones weren't invented yet. You run off the mountainside playing road racer nobody is there to help you. If nobody can see you and you can't make it out on your own - you'd die in the woods. Simple as that back in the 70's. But that's all changed. Now it's a madhouse of noise, fools, and helicopter ambulances. I'll never go back there until after full scale war erupts in the Mid East and fuel becomes mostly rationed or even unavailable in the US to due to warfare. Fuel at that time will cost the equivalent of ten to 15 bucks a gallon and most all recreational driving stops in America. There's suddenly peace in the valley again and the Dragon is quiet. Then I'll get my old '74 Suzuki TS185 street/dirt bike out of the basement and I'll start riding the Dragon again. The little Suzy can get up to 55 mpg if yer easy on it, and I don't live that far away from the Dragon. It's light enough for an old fart like me to handle it no problem. If I was dictator and had absolute power, I'd have the entire Dragon torn up and converted back to the crazy and very poorly engineered road full of potholes and other surprises it was in the 70's. As dictator, I'd also completely destroy the entire cellphone industry and old fashioned pay phones beside the highway with rotary dials would return. Suck it up and ride like a man without having one of those baby pacifier cell phones stuck in your pants or on the bike. Have an old fashioned adventure when you were truly on your own. There's a lot more to riding than just going fast and making noise.

[@DraggonCanoe]

@@charlespflanze9651 I have been over it a million times, all just like you. I worked with a guy from Andrews who actually lived in Knoxville during the week. He had gone to visit his parents and his dad had a used car business. He loaned him one to get back to Knoxville and into the first mile past Deals Gap the steering wheel came off the column. 10:00 at night on a rainy February night. He had to walk miles in the cold rain to get help. He was lucky he wasn't going fast and a tree stopped him about 20 feet down the bank.

[@countrygirl5579]

All the "kids" driving crazy and crossing over the center line is what makes it dangerous. I'm talking about the ones on crotch rockets & driving race cars.

[@varminthunterhobbyist4302]

The best advice for motorcycle riders on the dragon is “you go where you look”.

[@heathwest3718]

Just rode it today with the great American convoy. All paving is complete. Beautiful smooth road/ride

[@cedricpieterse7280]

Although The Dragon is an impressive piece of road with nice curves and beautiful scenery. I'd hardly call it the most challenging road on Earth. Ever been to Norway? There are countless mountain passes that are far more impressive than The Dragon. Also, The Alps, Slovenia, Albania, Croatia and many more places I've been to. The one reason The Dragon is dangerous, is all the traffic and lots of careless car drivers and bike riders that go beyond their skill levels.

[@helmutwollmersdorfer7314]

Fully agree. Austrian Alps; Italy: South Tyrol (extreme curves), Tuscany, Sardinia; Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia. 35,000 km (20,000 miles) of mountain streets in one year.

[@LuckyTown77]

Mongolia

[@davej3487]

There are some nice bike roads inside USA that are better than the Dragon. US 97 from California up to the Canadian border has many long sets of curvy roads at 55+ MPH.

[@gvoluto2816]

Genau so ist es, in Europa sind solche Strassen normal😊

[@josephschmidt2183]

We quit riding the dragon there’s just too many low performance riders thinking they’re professionals and nearly took us out several times.

[@steventwiddy3402]

My number 1 tip is if you have to drag your feet in the parking lot don’t ride the dragon 🐉

[@Jonathan-L]

Yeah, I noticed that also. I don't know why people are inclined to do that. If my wheels are turning, my feet are on the bike.

[@steventwiddy3402]

@@Jonathan-L i think it’s because they are not very comfortable riding or with that bike

[@henrymetevia521]

I see that ... rode for years . Did the dragon years ago on a chopper . Find myself dragging my feet at stops. At times .

[@janisblack2183]

I noticed that too. I can’t stand it when people drag their feet on a motorcycle. It tells me they’re not comfortable on their bike and therefore a hazard. I either get away from them or wait 10 minutes for them to get way ahead. Same thing for erratic riders who speed up and then suddenly slow down for reason or brake for imaginary demons or worse I’ve seen other women riders checking their makeup for bug guts in their mirror as they’re riding along! I’m a gal in my 60’s. I’ve been riding for 42 yrs, I attended a motorcycle safety course in 1982 and they taught us how to balance and be confident on your bike. If you didn’t learn to stop with one foot down and your other foot on the the rear brake, they failed you. I ride a HD- Ultra Classic Electra Glide now since 2001 and still only put one foot down when I stop. I think that people who are not comfortable on their bike should attend a rider safety course to brush up on their skills. It’s worth saving your life or limb, or someone else’s.

[@steventwiddy3402]

@@janisblack2183 I agree completely

[@vmonk1474]

The Dragon is OK, but I’m glad we have other twisty motorcycle roads here in western NC that fewer people know about.

[@mldiode]

Was just on it with my son. It’s all repaved now. The time to ride the dragon is during the week in the morning. The weekends are way too busy. Gas up before you get there as the two gas stations (At Deals gap & Lake Fontana) are way over priced. The roads around the area are very nice as well.

[@scottmaz4063]

Stay away from the yellow lines. People tend to cross over into your lane. Love the tail.

[@YouTubehatesconservativespeech]

Call me chicken, but I have no desire to ride my Kaw Voyager 1700 through 318 curves. That's too much concentration I like to relax when I ride. I love myself and my bike too much to risk a crash on the Dragon. For those who do ride it I will watch you on KZbin . God bless and protect my fellow riders.

[@sixwheelcarlisle8491]

Sometimes you can do it all right and the other motorists can take you and your loved ones out.

[@davenehilla9610]

First rode it in ‘93. CBR 600F2. The road was pristine. Very few bikes were there back then, and certainly not cars. It was a paradise. Ran up and down it many times a day. No joke. No traffic. And we were moving. A joy I will always treasure. Can’t imagine going to that cluster f&%* today. Sadly, I lost a friend to the dragon on a return trip I didn’t make.

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

Great video. Thanks for providing us information to keep us safe.

[@ninji5226]

There's a 1000% difference between a public road and a race track and that's where a lot of people get in trouble. Race tracks are impeccably maintained, 1 way, and have no speed limit, a public road, not so much. Seems obvious but some are oblivious.

[@GenghisKhan311]

Unfortunately the race track is for rich people like almost everything these days

[@ninji5226]

@@GenghisKhan311 True that, not to mention the logistics of finding a track, scheduling, and prepping for a track day. I love sport bikes but you really do have to break the law to have fun on them, just the nature of the beast. Prob going cruiser because of that.

[@andrewbrodis1239]

There are many facets of technique that are important but if I have to pick the most helpful thing for riding "blind turns" like the TOD, it is learn to focus on your relativity to the "vanishing point" and ride accordingly. The vanishing point is were the road disappears from your line of sight. If that point is getting closer to you, you should be decelerating. Sometimes as you ride, that point doesn't get closer. It can just stay the same, as you ride, you see farther so the vanishing point is not getting closer. Here it's safe to maintain speed. And only when you see the exit and the vanishing point is moving farther away do you roll on throttle. This is how you become smooth. Throttle is not arbitrary, it's tuned to sight distance.

[@blade-x]

I am coming there on holiday with a friend from Belgium in September. We have rented a Harley and we are going to drive the road

[@mojomanmurph1925]

The road averages around seven to ten fatalities annually. Keep that in mind. I been traveling that road on both two wheels and four since late 90's. Seen a lot over the years. I don't do the Dragon anymore due to wild cagers that can't stay in their lane. Another tip is understanding that many travel to road to get from one side to the other since there aren't too many roads to select from. You will encounter people in RVs, big trucks (hopefully no semis), pulling trailers, pulling boats, campers, gasoline and propane delivery trucks and locals who use it to commute. It is a public road not a dedicated race track. Ride Safe.

[@crossfitfortuna]

There are so many roads in Tennessee that are just as good or better without all the stupidity. Highly recommend riding this on Monday through Friday when there is way less craziness.

[@mjordan812]

Mid week, first thing in the morning and you have the road to yourself. Absolutely lovely!

[@mattsloop2736]

My son rode it after getting his license 6 months earlier. He rode a klx250s and had a blast. You don't need a lot of power to have fun on that road

[@rlsticks]

Hey Jack, I just got back from riding the Ozarks out of Branson for a week. The roads there are very similar to the dragon lost of ups and downs and a lot of curves and beautiful scenery too. be safe everyone!

[@Ridingon3TN]

looks like you visited before the repaving was finished which is done now..but the newest issue to watch out for lately has been the bears oddly enough. I know a few of us that have channels on here that live close by it and ride it a good bit have seen bears more often this year so far than years past for some reason. good video and for those heading up to it just keep your eyes peeled for anything to just pop out of the woods into the road in a moments notice. I know the last bear encounter I had I almost didn't see it until it was almost on the road but slowed down in case it decided to come out into the road which it waited but I did do what i could to try and grab the car's attention that was behind me to be careful and sure enough the bear did jump out onto the road right in front of them but they had seen it and slowed down so they didn't hit it. be safe out there.

[@northwestrider369]

I love riding my bike, and I ride it faster than the speed limit on many backroads without trying to race it. I get it, going fast is fun. But I also understand what the speed limit means. Roads are designed a speed limit based on how fast anyone should be able to go and be in complete control and safe in any road condition. Now if you have more skill than “anyone” and the road is dry you CAN go faster. But the next guy with less skill or the next day the road is wet, you can’t go as fast. I know as a motorcyclist, going the speed limit especially if it’s 35mph is not “cool” but on a road like this it can save you from crashing and bike damage. Possibly save your life. I also used to race cars, but I don’t drive my regular car like a race car. So on roads like the dragon, slow down, enjoy the road, be safe. Save the fast stuff for the race track.

[@JoeFurtado-xv5no]

Pretty much just stay within your skill set and wear your gear. Make sure your bikes up to snuff wheels and brakes. Stay safe and up on two

[@michellestewart6735]

There is a small dragon starting in Marietta Ohio .Very challenging.Keep the shiny side up.MPS#1

[@leobouchereauiii8158]

It's a fun road enjoy your ride two wheels down and watch your six use the pull offs

[@Bipecrazy69]

lived in Mayberry & rode Deals Gap almost 40 yrs. it quit being safe from the idiots YEARS AGO.. enjoy

[@charlespflanze9651]

I'm an old man and used to ride the Dragon all the time in the 70's because I didn't live that far away from it, maybe a 1/2 hour or so. I mostly rode a Honda CB450 with better aftermarket rear shocks on it and a Hooker 2 into 1 exhaust. On my first Dragon rides the factory street pipes would drag on the pavement sometimes so I had to change it for safer cornering. The cornering issue arrived because - and I kid you not - some of the curves were reverse banked. If you weren't watching and hadn't learned the road yet, you were in for some nasty surprises. The road was so poorly engineered because it was built during war time and they needed it built in a hurry so the Alcoa Aluminum Company could service the dams in the area. In the 70's only locals used this road or people going fishing at Fontana Lake or some of the other lakes. Unlike the noisy madhouse it is today, back then the area was like a primeval wilderness, quiet, peaceful, and spectacular. One great ride was to take the Cades Cove Loop Road and then use the one way Parson's Branch road (closed to the public now for a long time) which exited right in the middle of the Dragon. On a typical ride you'd encounter hardly any traffic, but you still had to be wary of long trucks and people pulling trailers that had no choice but to take at least half of your lane in order to negotiate a turn. The trucks are banned now but weren't back then, so you never knew what sort of surprise could be waiting around each turn. To get really fast on the old Dragon you had to learn it, you had to work your way up to it. I had to warn other riders following me who were new to it - to not follow me at my speed until they learned the road. Ride your own ride - don't ride mine. Back then there were no cell phones and if you went off and down the mountainside playing road racer - there was a chance you'd spend the rest of your short life down there in the bushes - nobody would have known you were there.

[@krisrawk1763]

Thanks for the video! Would love to visit this place some time!!

[@johnbewick6357]

Not unlike most roads in the Uk, but we know there will be bad surfaces everywhere and ride accordingly to the conditions. Actually Most roads in the UK are a lot worse than that, full of holes and broken surfaces.

[@viperrc535]

Stay to outside lane, it’s a 11mile dance, stay focused 😊

[@cruisingthethaiway6881]

Your comment of best riding roads made me laugh. The Mae Hong Son loop in Thailand with over 2000 twisty curves takes several days to conquer is amazing, but the best roads I've ever ridden on was riding south from the Golden Triangle is on route 1081. That Was intentionally engineered and built to mimic a motoGP track. And keep in mind that there are no police to worry about because it's not their job to police the roads. So you can go flat out at top speed until your tank is empty. Don't forget to have your suspension upgraded and tuned by an actual professional. Stock suspension kills.

[@mikeallen3518]

I've been riding 51 years now and I will start out by saying, "I ride for me and me only". I have been a "lone wolf" since I started riding at 16 years old, I am now 67 and still ride. I have two Harley's and a custom bike, a 2012 Street Glide and a 2004 Big Dog custom at home in the US, and a 2023 Harley Davidson Street Bob I just purchased last year over here in South Korea where I work. So anyway, I'm from North Carolina and have never had any desire to ride this Dragon road up in the mountains. I'm not knocking the folks that do, its their business to do so. I'm just saying I do what I want to do, ride where I want to ride and don't go off and do something because everyone else is doing it. I guess I'm like the guy in the old TV show, "Then Came Bronson". So above all RIDE SAFE everyone and do your own thing.

[@796andy2]

Bronson !? , damn you old 😂

[@mikeallen3518]

@@796andy2 Yup, 67 to be exact, but still in better shape than most 20 year olds nowadays.

[@796andy2]

63 and on an smcr ... remember watching "on any Sunday " with my Dad😂​@@mikeallen3518

[@796andy2]

63 and on a smcr (ami in the 80s) watching "on any Sunday " got me started 😂

[@796andy2]

ps: hit the dragon early on a weekday , it's a fun road

[@FarRightRider]

I rode from Galveston Texas to canton Ohio in just over 3 days on a2007 Honda vtx 1300C. Riding up 119&23(I believe) was a very interesting and nerve racking experience. Night time, rain and I was pushing myself pretty hard to make it home. (Sister passed). Beautiful ride during the day, but crazy experience in general

[@reidie6091]

I was there 2023. If you can drive curvy roads it is fun. Dangerous if you are to fast for your experience of motorcycle driving. I`am from Germany. We have a lot of curvy roads in Europe. Drive the Green Hell at tourist time that is dangerous! Dangerous to drive the mountain course of the TT. Too fast you will have a crash. Tail of the Dragon is fun!!!!! I enjoyed it very very much.

[@ghostofcpast8893]

I've been on the dragon's tail many times. Rode it knee dragging in the rain. It'll make your butt pucker up tight enough to peel M&Ms without touching the chocolate

[@rmcalhoun4543]

A few tips. Remember, you are not Kyle Wyman. I'm very confident in my riding skills but no so much about everyone else. Take the road in a lower gear than you would normally use at whatever speed you are going and build up rpms to let the engine do the braking. Stab that rear brake leaning and you are going down.

[@ChristianKustomz]

As a bagger rider, you may be able to lean into the curves deeper than your saddlebags are able too. If your bag touches the roadway, it will lift up your rear tire, most likely causing you to have an accident.

[@danorourke6933]

The best and safest time to ride this road is EARLY in the morning. It doesnt matter how skilled you are but when it gets busy you are at the mercy of the worst drivers/riders around you.

[@Shopsmith10er]

Be honest here. The 'dragon' is a parade and reminds me of kiddies and their first time at Mr. Toads Wild ride at Walt Disney World. If thats your thing, fine and enjoy. That said, this road magnet consistently has a percentage that turn into morons. We've all seen them. They just become something else after a few miles in. Wreckless, selfish, out of check ego wannabe racers. Avoid the area. There's so much more elseehere in this country to ride with twisties, off cambers, blind drop roller coasters, clean run offs, smooth surfaces and best of all - extraordinary lightly traveled! Those particular regions and county reports very few accidents. My advice; when you discover them, NEVER SHARE the location.

[@haroldbartleson2239]

Groups should stagger give everybody room

[@keithsheeley3031]

Last time I was at the Dragon some guy had crashed his cruiser on the first turn. I was in the IOM for the Classic TT. At breakfast one morning, some German guys noticed my Dragon t-shirt. They had 50 questions and hoped to ride it someday. IMHO the only scary thing about the Dragon is oncoming traffic. Always be ready for someone coming across the stripe into your lane.

[@LRHutch]

I've rode it at least 8 times maybe 9. You just have to ride normal for the road that it is and drag the foot rests or pipes on some curves. Obey the speed signs and watch out for the idiots that makes the ride turn bad. If you are new to riding get a lot of good experience riding first. Size of the bike doesn't matter even a scooter will do fine. I have riden a 650 Scooter, 750 800 900 1300 and 1700 VTwin on it. I've seen just about every size and style of bike made of the Dragon. Watch for the sports car idiots that hog both lanes because they wont slow down. Im from North East Kentucky and the ride just getting there is great. Be sure to gather your friend riders to come along with you. Ride safe and keep the shinny side up. P.S. watch out for wild hogs, deer and bears.

[@jamesknight802]

It's done. I rode it two weeks ago. The whole thing is paved, sweet.

[@rsmith3033]

i HATE how some riders act like a dam fool thinkin they can lay down a new land speed record ! some of us just want to cruise an enjoy tha ride! just remember RIDE HARD = DIE FAST !

[@JSpivey91]

You’re the hazard. Take your slow ass somewhere else lol 😂

[@meganpannell8447]

Rode the Dragon in the rain. Didn’t plan on the rain but it wasn’t stopping us. Take your time, look ahead when you can and as always, pay EXTRA attention to everything! 2 wheels down, Shiny side up! Ride safe! -Chris Pannell

[@MrDan7171]

I used to live in Virginia and would go to Maggie Vally and Cherokee multiple times a year and ride the Dragon. This was in the 1990s and until the mid 2000s, and I finally stopped riding it when too many people started showing up and riding crazy and putting other people at jeopardy. My last ride I was almost hit by a truck coming the opposite direction, and I decided it wasn't worth it. I transferred back to Texas My home State after 25 years in Virginia with the Military and Federal Government and I'm now Retired. I now ride more in the Rockies, Wyoming and Montana. Amazing riding there which I had already been multiple times when I lived in Virginia.

[@JB-by4si]

Anyone looking for another awesome destination very similar to the dragon is the inner island roads in Puerto Rico. The island is filled with mountains and identical roads to the dragon.

[@eddiecampbell5925]

One day I will ride the dragon but not until I know I’m ready safety first

[@DragonTales129]

if the dragon does anything, it brings the boomers out the woodwork to talk about how they got passed and It nearly ended their life.

[@jamesrey4609]

Live next to mosquito ridge rd in California 600 curves in 36 miles

[@raynic1173]

aka Iowa Hill Rd....ooh, that looks like a nice ride....

[@whitemdw]

My man Sammy Stetler on the crutches at the beginning of the video!!!!!

[@Brimitch-ce9wm]

Alot of turns sharpen at the apex, you can low side or high side very easily

[@Smoke-te1iy]

Gets cold at the top even on a nice sunny day

[@kevindowell6003]

One of these day I will try to make it to TOD, but the videos doesn’t look like half the road of the mountain passes in the western states.

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

Tar snakes are very slick this year.

[@bradprater246]

I rode the dragon twice, first and my last. To many spots cars hauling ass.

[@berserkerok3351]

Motorcycles need their own roads in this country.

[@SeikenFreak]

Little late on this video. Paving has been complete for at least a month, maybe 2.

[@marcmcdaniel7559]

It’s in my backyard. I’ve ridden it hard and fast several times since moving here. Weekdays are absolutely amazing. BTW…reminds me of a rollercoaster ride. There are many more excellent rides in East Tennessee…ATGATT.

[@johnmorrissey58]

Rode it in the dark with one eye! Got stung by a wasp in the corner of my eye about 100yards from the tree of shame. By the time I got to the gas station at the other end. It had swollen shut and it was getting dark. Had to ride back to Fontana dam from the gas station in the dark with my right eye shut. It's NOT dangerous.

[@treeguyable]

Lived in the mountains around there for 8 yrs. Learned to ride my 350 2 stroke Yamaha at 16 yrs old there . Never went down. . Never went there/ or heard of it. Remind me to never go to that cluster ----.

[@dmw31]

Make sure all your bolts are tight, brake caliper bolts, brake rotor bolts, drive pulley bolts, handle bar bolts……

[@ANotSoHotRodGarage]

Tar snakes are probably the worst thing to see going into a sharp curve. Hit one during construction and the front tire slid right out from under the bike. Not sure how I kept it up but it had pucker factor for sure

[@rickybobby1055]

Looks like a busy road. Where i live in the mountains we have a few roads like that but not highly traveled through and with no cell service. Best place to ride is the place with nobody else around

[@brandonmacon3317]

From someone who's been broken in half i would've taken the road rash and steel wool any day. We can deal with road rash but broken bones are a different story.

[@racespeed1485]

I've seen many wrecks happen there from posing for the cameras in the corners.

[@JoeFurtado-xv5no]

Road the dragon this past week stay within your skill set and you’ll be fine. Road it on a Tuesday at 19am had the road to ourselves loved the ride. Road all around the area tons of absolutely outstanding riding all around the area. Guy dumped his moto bike at the overlook luckily he was unhurt helped him pick his bike up and went on our way

[@JoeFurtado-xv5no]

FYI the entire dragon is replaced and super smooth.

[@James-f5h]

I dont know why people people complain, theres a posted speed limit. Hopefully it starts getting enforced.

[@ZX10Rrider04]

I am a local and have ridden this road for 25+ years and crashed twice. Both were from a moron that crossed the double yellow. This is not a road for beginners who think they can keep up with the locals who ride regularly. It's a public road but is popular for a reason. Ride your ride at your pace and stay safe.

[@mr.mikeyg.5282]

The Back of the Dragon is much more enjoyable in my opinion. Less traffic?

[@granty1150gs]

Last time I rode that to Cadwell it had so much gravel on it, it was a slog.

[@717Chris]

I just did the back of the dragon and enjoyed it 100% did it Saturday morning and it wasn't much traffic. I have a video of it on my channel

[@blue03r6]

I find it horrible thet you sell alcohol in the restaurant. Harley dudes always looking to ride intoxicated

[@oldninjadude1]

BTW, 318 is a myth. I’ve lived in the area and counted the turns , several times. depending on what you consider a turn and I’ve been real generous but never got more than 240.

[@FourMaxK1]

My tip would be to Ride Your Line! There will be others, both faster and slower, that can spook you. Stay focused!

[@doccadaver]

i imagine these guy used to be fighter pilots

[@jeffreybodine2897]

The dragon .. where rookie bikers go to die ... what a bad joke it has become

[@scottrichardson8963]

Been going for 16 years. Bike and gear prepped and ready for the ride. Stay in your lane! Go before 9am, cooler temps and very few riders.

[@leehart1498]

To have tar that thick on a road is idiocy. When it gets hot, it becomes a thick slippery glue.

[@andykirkendall8285]

State Rt 555 is just as bad here in Ohio

[@Flashracer1]

The road has been repaved as of June 11. Nice banked curves now.

[@jasonshaffer212]

The tail of the dragon isn't even close to one of the most challenging roads in the world.

[@blipco5]

#1 tip- Stay to the RIGHT SIDE of YOUR LANE as much as possible. There can be another rider coming from the opposite direction in your lane at ANY time. Not to mention a camper or tractor/trailer. Yes, big trucks drive the Dragon too. 😮

[@Donfleebie1]

I had a friend put his Goldwing in a tree not far from there. It was on 276 just outside of the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground. Henry, the original owner of the Campground had to pull the Wing out of the tree with his pickup truck.

[@bryce016]

Did you record this on Thursday, June 20th? That bike that tipped over looks just like one that happened on the day that I was there.

[@nickhall5959]

You obviously haven't seen the roads in the UK recently, this looks as smooth as a race track compared to round here.

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

2 kinds of riders . Those who have and those who will. You know what i mean Vern😅

[@jerrylong381]

#1 If you really want to ride in a parade with a bunch of squids, go to the Dragon.

[@kennethcole1551]

I never ride faster than I can see

[@theamateurbackyardgardener543]

Tip 1-Don’t speed Tip 2-Don’t speed Tip 3-Don’t speed Tip 4-Don’t speed Tip 5-Don’t speed The road isn’t dangerous. Never has been, never will be.

[@mikeallen3518]

SO TRUE! I got speed out of my system a long time ago. I can enjoy riding my Harley slow and back from the pack of drivers thinking they are in the Indy 500.

[@94SexyStang]

yeah right, people ride to "not" speed.....the problem is NOT speed, it's lack of skills, not paying attention...the end. If speed was the reason, the Autobahn would have the highest casualties on earth, but there's Zero evidence that speed alone causes accidents....Zero....they've proven this in Texas and other states by Upping the speed limits on highways.

[@Glyder1959]

Ridden it twice. Main problem I see is all the people that ride like it’s a race course. Most of them can’t ride like they think they can. You wanna road race, spend some time on a road course.

[@jimcain349]

I first rode Deals Gap in 1994 when it was just gaining notoriety, long before it was "dragon" anything.

[@skyrider7527]

From California and have rode it seven times. Ride in the middle of the road, not on the line and go near the speed posted. No weekends or Holidays. You'll be fine. Enjoy.....

[@SteveSavage79]

Come out to Nor Cal. I will show you some twisties.

[@simonapeters4372]

Why would anybody take a Harley down a curvy road when they don't turn all you do is drag your foot boards and then crash

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

Honestly. it was on my list. But tourism ruins EVERYTHING.

[@mykec.selene8302]

Ride Like you are invisible?!! That's the only way to survive on the road!!! Loud pipes save lives!!!

[@peterrussell798]

Loud pipes only annoy.

[@efzee8444]

coming from AZ in a week. thanks for the Vid!!!

[@normangraber1047]

Why go that far? Just ride 191 from Morenci to Hannigans Meadow here in AZ. Or White river canyon.

[@efzee8444]

@@normangraber1047 thanks! been there done that. meeting a friend from New Hampshire at the Dragon. safe rides brother!

[@mikeskidmore6754]

I was reading Dragon stats .. quite a few deaths by Heart Attacks .