Solo Road Trip to Tail of the Dragon: Most dangerous road? 

Please, when anyone asks, "Are you riding alone?" - Say NO, my friends/spouse/someone is going to be here in a minute. Great video, love the scenery!

"I'd rather ride alone than in a group and feel loney" hits hard! 🖤

Smart riders like you are very appreciated. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate the attitude that you don’t push unfamiliar roads! Got to know the rd, the bike and the skill level. Awesome, thanks 🙏

i feel the same way about riding solo: something about being able to go at your own pace, not having to worry about keeping pace, waiting for slower riders, and being able to be alone with your thoughts. its always been my zen place... and always will be! thanks for sharing... and keep the rubber side down!!

“Go with the flow, let your plans be broken and enjoy the ride”...duly noted ✅ There is so much goodness in this video, it would take me paragraphs to comment my appreciation. Just know it made me smile so big! Your adventures are always worth the wait. Great job, Doodle 👏 👏👏

Young lady, I have literally watched you since the beginning when it seemed you were white knuckling the S40..so that 1st scene of you on the freeway dancing with one hand in the air was AWESOME!!! I've told you this before, but as a rider of over 45 years I am so proud of your dedication and how far you've come. Very cool 👍

I ride solo too, largely because of my job not granting me regular hours or weekends to enjoy with people but also personally it is so therapeutic and relaxing to just enjoy your own ride… picking the farthest Starbucks your gas tank allows gives me the best feeling when I can unchain my freedom machine and just chase the horizon. Your adventures inspire and I hope help more riders feel confident enough to take to the road less traveled… and of course find only the finest coffee or tacos in that place you decided to make memories.

As a motorcyclist I always hate it when somebody starts a conversation upon meeting me with I've seen an accident today! Keep up the good work young lady.

Truly inspiring. Still remember your older video when you dropped your Bonneville. Look at you now hey. Thank for the inspiration as it inspired me to start riding. Now 1 year later, 15000km later, watching your journey, i cannot stop enjoying my journey. Be safe and keep doing this. PS: never mind the trolls. In life there will always be bad people, negative people, crazy people, bullies etc. Be positive, be strong. Even more so when you the voice that other people look up to hear.

There's probably more riders who go to the Dragon and the Smokies for fun and relaxation than for an adrenaline rush. You recently asked subscribers whether we show your videos to spouses or SOs. I showed this to my non-riding wife because you rode the Dragon sensibly and are very reassuring. Most Dragon vids seem to focus on the crazy. Also nice scenery shots. You captured what a trip to the Dragon is for me.

I've watched many of your videos, and I don't know what you've done differently, but this is an awesome video. Next level, if you will. The thing you said about "go with the flow and let your plans be broken".....yeah, that's what life is about. Enjoy the moment and the journey. Thank you for another fantastic video.

I love this video, Doodle. I agree with your comparison of the Dragon against the Skyway. The Dragon is only dangerous to those who misuse it; the racers and the speed demons and those not paying attention. There are a few tricky corners where the camber of the road changes and comes up to your peg. If you are already close to dragging a peg, then you are going to come off. Driving 'normally' in all those situations can be enjoyable and safe. You can spot the trick corners because of the white scrape marks left by others. I enjoyed that whole scene, Dragon and Skyway and I had a good time. I'm glad you did too.

Nice to see you still riding, very proud of you. As a female rider myself, I also ride conservatively. I believe riding is a joy and thrilling in and of itself. I ride alone all the time, I love the solitude and the ability to set my own schedule, stop when I want, see what I want, no apologies.

I loved that last line about being more capable than you think. I started on a tiny Rebel cruiser and I recently tried test driving the bigger bikes adventure bikes like the 1250 GS and felt so uncomfortable because I couldn't flat foot and was scared to even test drive it out of the lot. Thought I'd never be able to ride those bikes and got really discouraged, but I came back 2 days later and just practiced on that thing for hours. Now my other bikes feel like tricycles and i'm very confident now! Amazing video btw, hoping to hit up the Smokey's at some point!

+1 on traveling solo. And - strictly speaking - when you're that high up, it's cloud, not fog. ;-) The Dragon is really technical, but, IMHO, not all that much fun. The Cherohala is just a lovely, relaxing ride. Looks like you stayed in the Microtel in Robbinsville (I recognized the flooring and window seat) - it's my usual place to stay when I'm in the area.

Why do people always feel like they have to tell us about a motorcycle accident. It always makes me feel angry.

Here's my FIRST solo road trip on a Harley Street Glide ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_lthpG26Hc8.html Here's the short rider tricks I apply to the Tiger 660 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VxGEtkDOD-g.html

If you ride the speed limit you should have no issues. Most wrecks on the dragon are due to people acting like it's a race track and trying to ride way beyond their skill level. Sure you can take a lot of the curves faster than the suggested speed limit. But on your first try I'd suggest following the speed signs and to see how you feel and maybe the next go around you can try to go a little faster if you felt comfortable the first time around. Use the pull offs for faster traffic behind you but ride at your own pace don't try to be a showoff just to try to keep up with more experienced riders. A lot of these guys are locals and ride the dragon all the time so of course they're going to be able to ride thru it faster and better than someone who is there for their first time.

This is a lovely video, thanks for posting ... Riding on your own has many advantages. A couple being, you can go at your own pace and enjoy the stops you want to make. For me the most advantageous part of riding solo, is that you don't get stiffed at the restaurant by those five people who came along with you, against your better judgement, who eat two months worth of food and drink 10 beers each, and then say "Oh let's split the bill 6 ways, when all you had was a plain cheese sandwich and a glass of cold water! An PLB would have saved that biker from having to lie there for 24 hours. Garmin have a product along with many others. These should be mandatory on long solo trips. "Press the SOS button on absolutely any part of the planet and the rescue services know you are hurting." These operate on the GPS satelite system and not the 'phone signal. If you are not in the bottom of a cave, the system can see you! Ride safe!

The Tail of The Dragon is dangerous if your riding beyond your skill level, but that can be said of any road. My trip to the Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon was my first time in the mountains on a bike, and I can tell you, I was blown away by the great views. I had no trouble with either location. Great video.

Coincidentally, my son and I did the Cherohola Skyway a couple of days ago. Sunny day, Temps from 59 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, 7 hours including two gas stops and a lunch stop; about 275 miles total. I agree with your opinion as to Cherohla being more scenic and the Dragon more challenging. I am predicting that your channel will achieve 100,000 subscribers before the end of this year. Your videos get better and better.

I’m so amazed that today’s bike riders crash and burn on this road and build it up to mythical status to ride it. I rode these roads 50 years ago on bikes no where near as good at handling as modern bikes. ALL the roads around East Tenn and NC were like this or worse .No Interstates to get you there. This road has actually be improved ,widened, signed and marked. We rode through the Smoky’s fogs at night on these roads. So ,LEARN TO RIDE FIRST, take your time and enjoy the cruising.

Really love your channel Doodle. Everything, camera angles and shots, editing, music and just everything. Thank you for letting me tag along.

Doodle,Doodle,Doodle this is the 1st time I have seen your channel. One word comes to mind ...... WHOLESOME!! Also Awesome, refreshing, generous. Generous of you to document and share what you saw, experienced , and learned along the way. You have a new fan. Thanks Again.

Review on the Tiger 660 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ywb90XJsCbM.html FIRST solo road trip on a Harley Street Glide ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_lthpG26Hc8.html Short rider tricks I apply to the Tiger 660 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VxGEtkDOD-g.html

Thanks for the video. It brought back good memories of coming down from Canada to ride the same roads a few years ago. At the time Dale Walksler, the creator and owner of Wheels Through Time was still with us. While walking through the museum we heard the sound of a bike being ridden between the exhibits...coming to a stop where we were standing. It was Dale and he couldn't have been more generous of his time. He even took us into his... normally off limits... workshop to show us the bikes he was restoring. A really great guy!

There is always someone that talks nonsence about motorcycles accidents, and you are right " WE DO NOT WANT To KNOW"!!!!!!!

Awesome video. I’m a big fan of independent bikers and I liked how you handled your bike that day. Thank you so much for taking our picture that day (9 minute mark). As I said when you met us, my buddy and I hadn’t seen each other since we were shipmates on our old submarine back in the day. Take care and keep the rubber side down!

HI! DOODLE, Where did you obtain the lights on the back of your helmets, pretty cool....Enjoy your V idoes and agree with on solo riding less ego and attitudes to deal with....

Nice video. I loved your lone rider explanation. You get to be with you.And that's freedom. Thanks for showing all the putting on the raingear,putting the box back on your bike,riding safely requires preperation and you showed that. You drove like as a sensible adult so no roads are dangerous when you do that . I love that bright yellow rainsuit. Someone says they can't see that,they need to not drive. Beautiful countryside. We have the same in Virginia and especially West Virginia too. Always somewhere else to road trip too. Enjoy.

Hey, that's the whole point. Having only 2 wheels is getting lost, and not even worrying bout it it's awesome. Oh, and love ur videos so far. I watched ur Sturgis "series," and my hats off 2 ya young lady ur a trooper and dedicated rider. Probably more dedicated and tougher then most men honestly lol but I'd keep up wit'cha haha. Keep riding keep sharing, keep posting, and God bless

From a riding standpoint, I'd choose the Dragon. They would be close however, due to the excellent sweeping curves of the Cherohala Skyway. All in all, definitely worth riding both as well as the southern section of 129 towards Robbinsville. It was nice to meet you and I'm thankful that you had a great ride. Take care. :)

If you've gone down on the Skyway or any lengthy mountain roads, you know it can be hours before AAA shows. Even longer if you can't walk and are waiting for other cyclists to see where you went down. So while the Dragon itself has more turns on it than any track ever will, there are a lot of cyclists running laps on it on the weekend. So getting out there while there are lots of other riders who can go by Deals Gap to let them know what mile marker you went down at lets them call in the 100% Privately Operated Volunteer Rescue Team. So while running laps on the dragon itself may be dangerous, I've spent enough weekends on it to stop and talk with the other cyclists who are all really good about looking out for their fellow motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. If your really going to find a road you enjoy enough to run laps increasing your comfort and confidence in the mountains. The Dragon is one of the most technical and highly lapped by motorcycle enthusiasts and their are no side roads of any kind that might ignore the motorcyclist's right of way, or any two lane traffic that will continue to move into your lane after you honk at them and have to accelerate out of your current lane position when they don't immediately start going back into their own lane after you've honked at them. It's definitely more technical and constantly lets you feel that as you accelerate out of the apex of it's corners, but it's also one of the best roads for motorcyclists to gather on and plan events around. The motorcycle enthusiast energy on the weekends is always impressive and it makes you feel like taking the time to relax with some ice cream every few laps and take a bit of extra time enjoying the atmosphere while eating one of Deals Gap's Pineapple Burgers named for the turns 1.4 miles up from Wheelie Hill known as The Wall. It's a great burger and a good meal to enjoy before climbing the switchbacks of The Skyway. Glad you enjoyed cycling The Dragon and I really like that you took the time to mention how different it can be throughout the mountain weather. ^_^

A truly excellent trip vid Doodle! Really took us along and I very much enjoyed the laid back vibe. While the Dragon is technical, you have already done far more formal training than most riders ever do. It shows in your riding, the smooth lines and smooth control inputs because you've already thought ahead as to what you needed to do long before the bike got there. Folks who haven't put in the work to master the machine in a focused manner are going to have more trouble. Great "ride your ride" trip. Totally agree on riding solo, even when I head into the backwoods.

PS: Some heavy-duty mechanics latex gloves under your riding gloves will help keep the warmth in. I am really enjoying your channel. Super Thanks from SoCali

Great video! Riding within your skill set is always a must, so very glad you promote that. Glad you didn't give up riding! Hope to "run into you" one day on the road. Ride safe!!

You're so lovely. Your energy and personality are awesome. Perfect for making these great videos. I have a 2023 Goldwing, and I would ride with you any day of the week. Good luck to you. I hope to see you on the road someday. ❤ A new subscriber.

As a new female rider, I love your content! It makes me feel less scared and excited to ride when I commute to work and back! You're awesome! If Doodle can do it, I can too.

I hope you got a chance to ride your VStrom “off highway” in Tellico Plains, TN at the western end of the Cherohala. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

You did good Doodle... Get out and explore, take a chance, most of the time you'll be glad you did. I enjoyed the video, really like the looks of the Tiger 660 and am looking forward to your ride report on it... I've been with you from the start and you have come a long way girl.

Came upon your channel by chance. Great riding. Regards from the Himalayas Bhutan 🇧🇹

"I knew you were Canadian because I saw shorts" Haha 😄 yup, it's a Canadian thing. You seem like such an honest and good person Doodle and I can tell you genuinely like what you do and that makes your videos even more entertaining. Love your channel. Keep up the good work.

I get riding alone. It is rare for me to ride with someone just because of boundaries. I don't ride side by side and I don't cross the centre lane unless I'm passing. I also don't hop from pub to pub and say "I usually limit myself to 1 beer for every wheel my vehicle has per pub". Not to mention that most riders have an overweight passenger... Their ego.

I’m so envious! What an awesome adventure and I love the voice over. It really made for a great video. Nicely done and thanks for sharing!

Nice films....will follow you...70 years old norwegian man on a 94 Virago 750🤣🏍

Love this video, the content and pace is fantastic. Makes me want to do a road trip right now!

Great vidio,keep,em coming,you should try the Moon-shiner 28 it's in the area and the best all around road,all kinds of turns and scenery ,be safe!

I love your content. It's so well thought out with the way you edit it and it really brings a personal touch and perspective to the journey. Keep up the great work!

I rarely ride in groups for the same reasons you mentioned. I also have had experiences where there are those couple of guys in the group, who aren’t necessarily my friends, that behave badly. They ride aggressively, act childish and generally make the group look bad.

I loved the video, you make me smile from ear to ear through the whole video. Great job Doodle! You definitely are not a poser, you are now a professional rider, if you get paid for something it makes you a professional. Really really good. I will give you 5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏍

People treating the open road as their playground not only risk themselves but also others. I for one don't care if they hurt themselves, they chose that risk. It's when they drive into the opposite lane and might hit another motorcyclist who plays by the rules. Imagine one of those clowns riding into you at 80 mph. That's literally an attempt on your life, and they might succeed.

Thank you for sharing your ride on the Tail of the Dragon, Doodle! I am feeling more encouraged to get over there to ride it! Before, I was a bit tentative because of its infamous reputation! ✨️🏍💨

I love ridng alone as well but not on overnite trips. I do admire you for taking overnite trips alone. Please share your safely tips for riding along and doing overnite trips. I want to be able to do the some overnite trips but I am very apprehensive to do so. Thank you in advance and keep on doing what you do. I truly enjoy your vids. May traveling mercies be with you always.

I have ridden here many times and have never gotten bored with it. The scenic views and the curves keep me coming back. I especially like running the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive for a longer scenic ride. Good work on this video. I enjoyed watching it.

you hit the nailon the head. I look happy and sucsessful, why do I choose to idfe alone? piece of mind tbh the whole reason i got on a bike to begin with. love your journey Doodle, always look forward to the next, your myy soap opera for a grown man lol

Riding the Tail of the Dragon and surrounding roads is fun, I would recommend it to anyone. My favorite roads are twisty mountain roads... I managed to hit a few mountain ranges, over the years and it never gets tired.

Its so cool how she keeps saying fog lol!!! Not even knowing, she's so high above sea level that those are clouds!!! Not fog!!! 💙💙 Also, since you've rode "the dragon" have you ever rode the way to Garden of The Gods in southern IL? Its also very scenic and very hilly and the mountains are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing! Love your content!

Riding solo has its freedoms! Kudos to you for tackling the Dragon on a new to you bike. The second time I visited, I had just bought a new bike and opted not to ride the Dragon again. Technically challenging roads are great fun. Exploring and finding new ones are even better! Enjoy the ride! ✌️

Cool ride. I am just riding around Cebu Island in the Philippines. There are few big bikes here and most average 110-150 cc. I have a 250 Rusi that a friend sold me for "a deal I couldn't refuse".

Hi Doodle. I've only recently found your RU-vid page. With every view I am getting more engaged in your adventures and learning from your advice and experience. Thanks for sharing! You are motivating me to ride better and more.

Who let's u fuel up first then pay ? 🤣🤣💵Where is this twilight zone place ?

The speed limit on the dragon has been lowered since it was designated a “dangerous road”. Still lots of hooligan riders that push their limits. The Cherohala Skyway was far better than the Dragon for me and my crew. Sorry the weather wasn’t great. But it was a good video. Thank you for sharing.

Well dear you know the way to my heart, first God our Father, then Harley's. Amen

For me it‘s amazing, what people say about the tail of the dragon. I am an European, living in the Austrian mountains and in my area there are dozens of roads like this (as you can see on my videos…) and nobody has any problem on these roads😉

This is a really cool video and since I can't drive a car mess less a motor cycle due to my eyesight I can get a real sense of things from watching your videos.

I like the Skyway better than the Dragon. I admire how the locals took a bad road and made a tourist attraction

Doodle great Video! I think sometimes in life things get hyped up soo much and even though they are great when you experience them they don't live up to that hype, I knida feel like that the Dragon falls into that category. Congrats on the 100k! Loveing the channel.

I got used to riding solo with most of my career with few weekend off so I did major exploration of the mountains of western and central New York and north central Pennsylvania Mixed with overnighters to the Smokies and New England and one Western new York to west coast trip to dip my feet in the Pacific. It's nice to take whatever road you care to take at any time with no arguments.

No roads are dangerous. Only riders can be dangerous. The Dragon is just Fun !

It's not a dangerous road, riders crash because they do not have the necessary skills.

Thank you for documenting these adventures and inspiring other riders (like me!)

Tennessee is the most beautiful place I've ever rode (so far) I agree with everyone else, I like the cherohala skyway better. This was a great video!

You weere actually in the clouds. Technically parts of that area are a rainforest.

Thanks for sharing the adventure, these are things I plan to do myself and great to see how much fun it looks like it can be! Will sub for more!

That last part really hit home for me. I stopped riding about 20 years ago because of a back injury. After life saving heart surgery in 2020 I was determined to get back on a bike. It took me a further 13 months, but I finally found my Intruder 1500 (became the Boulevard C90 in the US), and now I ride unless I need the car for carrying stuff that the bike won't, as I find the bike more comfortable. What an amazing ride. Even from Australia I've heard of the Tail of The Dragon's reputation, and it sounds similar to a few roads within a few hundred miles of where I live, but they don't have the same reputation. Once winter is over and it warms up a bit, I hope to do a 2000+ mile round trip from Sydney down to Hobart Tasmania, but I need a bike with a bigger fuel range to do it. Saving my butt off so I can hopefully update by the end of the year. Stay safe, stay upright, and I look forward to more videos from you in the future. 🤘

You’re living the dream. Thanks for taking us with you. I gotta get up there soon.

I live in the Ozarks and we just cal that a road around here.😜

The devil's triangle was more challenging than the Tail.

That looked like an awesome trip! 😎👍 I will be heading out here real soon. ☺️

"I can't" has followed me around my whole life and is a Nemesis. It stops people in their tracks and it is dangerous. After a career in the military, I irritated my bosses by proving it wrong, and got rid of people who lived it (because my life, and theirs depended on a can do attitude). BTW, wonderful video. I love the Smokies and Appalachians. I live in the Ozarks, retired, and I just breathe easy.

The fact you found it to be not scary, shows you know how to ride. Stay safe.

That is exactly how I like to ride, free of stress, direction and time schedule and stopping or turning to anywhere I want. That is what I call riding freedom. Be safe and Happy Trails Doodle! PS I am 74 yrs old and I will continue to ride my motorcycle 🏍 until the good Lord ask me for my final ride Home 🏡

Great adventure! Seems like a great time of year to go.

It’s only as dangerous as you make it!

This was beautiful all around. Keep riding ✌

How do you have stacked visors like that?

once i accidently did the tail in a car at night and was dizzy by the end

So proud of you, ... stay safe little sister.

Amazing trip. IDK how it would compare, but I live in California and my great riding area is the Sierra Nevada Foothills, and Lake Tahoe area. If you ever get a chance, come out and spend a few days running around the Sierra. We have Salmon Falls, which is called the "baby dragon", it goes into the foothills for some great canyon carving. Glad to see that people know who you are! I assume the channel has worked out, I remember when you decided to quit your job and do this, I was worried that it might not workout, so I'm glad to see it working.

Hey Hey. Glad there is another soul who ventures out alone on their bike. I just completed the "Tail" for the second year in a row. Last month was my first tour of Cherohala Skyway. I actually did the loop from Fontana to Cherohala Skyway to Tail of the Dragon and back to Fontana... the loop was slated for two and a half hours... it took me 4 hours with no gps signal or cell service to keep my loved ones posted 😯. Nevertheless, I agree with you. Cherohala Skyway is a phenomenal ride for the views, but the T.O.D. makes the trip worth it every year. Although I just visited 2 weeks ago in June, I may be heading back before summer is done. Also, great video... you remind me I have to somehow make time to post my rides. I have backed up video of rides to Sturgis, Mt Rushmore, Needles Highway, Crazy Horse Mountain and of course, the T.O.D. & Cherohala Skyway.

Rods are as dangerous as you make them.

Loved this one you hit all my old riding places. I live in Atlanta and would ride to my friends house in Ashville and we would ride all over through there. Arthritis has ended my riding days so it was fun to see you hit all those old places. There is an access road from Ashville to the Blue Ridge Parkway that if you like tight curves is as fun as the Dragon no scenery though. Safe Travels!

If every motorcyclist on the Dragon were as smart as you or as mature as you, there'd hardly be any wrecks on Hwy 129. Unlike you, far to many go there trying to prove something. Fantastic video, the best m/c Smokies video I've watched.

when you said, "Tail of The Dragon, complete!", it was so wholesome, I got teared up. thanks for all the hardwork and time you put in these vlogs!

Just got back from the area. Hit the Dragon on a Wednesday at 5pm. Had it ALL to myself as well! Guess it was too cool for other riders. I took it at a relaxed pace too. The Cherohala Skyway probably my favorite tho!

Group rides are not fun. Traveling in a group or somebody that doesn't know you much? - also not fun.... Riding with your partner....might be a lot of fun

You have inspired me to do solo rides. Unfortunately since covid most of my close friends have pulled away and phased everyone out and its been lonely but when I am on my Road king all that goes away and i just love the wind and the beautiful scenery wherever I go. I pick a town on the gps and select avoid tolls, highways and un paved roads and its just me and the backroads. It’s the greatest feeling in the world for me. In 2023 I am playing on hittin all the rides. Tail of the dragon, Daytona bike week, sturgis, and Laconia. I am disabled and on a fixed income so it might be very hard but I am hoping i can do most of them. My girlfriend of 23 years has been so supportive and does sooo much to help me be able to ride and I can never show her the love and gratitude for her. Keep up the great videos and stay safe on twos..

Awesome video Doodle! I ride down to the Smoky Mtns every year and while I do love the Dragon, I must admit I prefer Cherohala over it. I'd choose scenery and sweeeping curves over the technical stuff any day! Your video makes me want to pack my bike and run down there right now...

Congrats on completing the tail of the dragon 🐉. Hopefully one day i can give this road a try.

Great video and yes Solo is the best way to ride. Great video and full of good info, I will be riding all these roads in a week from now, I go every year and love this area, next time you roll through this part of the country go for a ride on Wayah road, one of the less traveled roads in the area. Get after it. I'll be staying at the lodge of Tellico, great place to hang. I subscribed and hit your bell, check my channel out, pressure washing up front with a lot of motorcycle videos in deep. Ride safe and thank you for sharing.