Tail of the Dragon on a Can Am Ryker 

Thanks for watching! I will hopefully take you up on your offer to ride in NZ with you. It is #1 on my bucket list!

You are probably right about NZ. I have never been there, so I defer to your knowledge. A beautiful country. I would love to go there sometime. And you, I assume, have never ridden the Tail. Your statement of "he could kill someone else and himself" is simply overstating. If there was a view where you saw me and an oncoming vehicle coming in close or even at a distance, please point it out. There also could have been an oncoming 747 airplane full of passengers trying to land....but there wasn't. My point is, you could conceptualize all sorts of incidents that were not real/never happened and then say how terrible it is. The reality is. it was safe.

I totally agree!

You are so welcome!

Glad you enjoyed it. It was a very cool experience.

Thanks for watching Paul!!

Thanks so much!!

Thanks, you too!

Thanks so much Tom! It was really a fun experience to push myself an the Ryker.

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks D Kay!!

Oh yeah! It was amazing! I hope you are doing well!

Grab your crew (ie Brian and Denise) and get it done! You can thank me later!

Thank you very much! I really appreciate that!

Hey Mark! I TOTALLY understand!! I haven't watched any other video but George's. I also have a lot to catch up on. I am excited for your website and exploding decal business! Well done my friend!

Wow! It was!!

Wow George what a great comment! Thanks so much. That was my intention of the video, to give the viewer a sense of being there. And no, the coffee was not great (bring a thermos) lol. Talk soon big bro!

I couldn't agree with you more! Riding these types of challenging roads absolutely allows you to become one with your bike. You trust it and know it's every move and feel. Simply awesome!

Hey Coach Vic! Thanks for watching, it was awesome! You guys would really enjoy it.

Thanks so much for watching.

OMG sooooo fun!

My favorite in that area is Cherohala skyway!!!!

Hi Kellly! It is a public road and you ride it at your own pace. Really not as scary as everyone makes it seem. Good advice: ride it on a weekday vs a weekend. Less crowded and less pressure.

I know, right!!!!

It was!

Awww me too!

Maybe one day! Sounds beautiful!!

He needs to take a safety course. I'm glad I'm not the only one who's floored by that.

Awesome! What part are you moving too? It is such beautiful riding here, you will not be disappointed!

@@RykerRydes it's either south Carolina or Alabama,not sure as to location yet

Thanks so much! It took 2 weeks to get it "right"! So I appreciated you saying that. Apparently, there were parts of the ride I should have left out!!

OMG, I am getting such backlash for riding the yellow lines (read some of the comments). Some were so mean, I had to delete them. I guess, unless you've been there, it's hard to explain.

@@RykerRydes seriously, I watched the video a didn’t see one time it was done that there wasn’t a clear view of the road ahead. Can they be called back seat drivers? 🤷‍♂️😉

@@GrumpySpyder-Ryder ugh!! I feel like after 2 weeks of hard work, that is the only thing people are seeing!

@@RykerRydes non illegitimi carborundum

@RF Thanks so much for the comment!

Thanks for watching!!!

It is definitely not "more representative of being a skilled rider". A skilled rider picks their line through a curve to reduce the curve and keep as straight a line as possible, knows how to adjust for a curve that tightens up halfway through and one that opens up, picking the apex to clip. That is basic "Sport Riding 101". If a rider wanted to ride slower or try to make the curve sharper and more dangerous than it needs to be, than yes, stay in your lane. Being "scared" when riding a road where you can see nothing and nobody coming in the space you need is just being....scared and scared people are who cause problems when riding the Tail. Ride safe and enjoy.

You can do it! Just go at your own pace!

Thanks so much for watching Kevin! It's interesting, but when you are riding the Tail, you really do feel the need to push yourself, as a rider and and push the bike...BUT in a safe manner. Riding the yellow lines, is NOT recommended. I do not condone dangerous riding at all. I am sorry if the video comes across that way.

@@RykerRydes we all know you only promote safe riding. Didn't mean to preach at you or call you out. Humble suggestion from an overly cautious old rider. That's all. Totally agree about the Cherohala Skyway!

Hey Kevin, you weren’t preaching at all and appreciate your concern. I would never have done anything that put myself or others in danger. I am disappointed, after 2 weeks of work to make the video, that’s all that is being discussed. Ugh. I had to delete someone from the channel, their comment was so mean! I wish I edited that part out lol.

@@RykerRydes all your work was well worth it and you made a fantastic video. I kinda feel like this was all my fault since I brought it up and I was the first post. I edited that part out of my comments. Hopefully that will help stop all the nonsense.

@@kevinperry368 Thanks, Kevin

You'll love it, just go at your own pace. It is an experience for sure!

That is awesome! I have heard the twisted sisters is an amazing 2 day ride? Bucket list for sure! Planning around weather is always so hard! Stay warm and dry!

@@RykerRydes the sisters were fun as hell.

You are 100% on all points. I also mention those items in the video. Yup, it is hard to find a straight road anywhere!!

100% accurate!

I loved riding the GA tail!! No need to go to the dragon, after that!

I will ride it again in the next two weeks

Thanks for watching! The second run is done with the gopro mounted on the front A frame, near the tire.

@@RykerRydes Always! & Much Obliged!🤗

Both, but I mostly look over the windshield unless I am tired and I slouch! Backrest and windshield REALLY helps. Great investments.

Why are you surprised? It is a common occurrence here at the Dragon. You see me doing it, but all the times you have been here before, you have surely seen all the other riders doing it to. A safe way to enjoy the curves when done correctly. How did you ride it when you were here?

@@rykerparkingonly7441 In most places I ride and drive it's not legal to cross the double solid yellow lines. I'm able to have fun following the law. I don't worry about weather I can make around the corner it's more about someone coming fast from the other direction.

Well, this has been addressed elsewhere here. So..........

@@rykerparkingonly7441 I've been there three times over the years and rarely witnessed this, and when we did it was cars that were doing it. While you may have been doing it "safely" you can't react fast enough to the guys on superbikes tearing through coming the other direction. Crossing into the other lane, especially at the Dragon is hardly what I would call "safe".

@@rykerparkingonly7441 While being a common occurrence its hevaily frowned upon by most experienced people who nothing drive or ride the dragon. Everyone wants to enjoy their ride. None of us want to damage our rides or worse hurt someone.

MOST people! Hey Reggie, riding or driving the tail is a huge thing for most people. Some come from all over the world to experience it. There are some that ride it over and over and over again to memorize the turns to better there time. What they do is, at the start they hold stop traffic from entering, so they can get a clean ride without anyone else in front of them. It is no joke here!!

@@RykerRydes awesome

That would have been awesome!! Great idea!

Hi Marley! Can you private message my on FB? I ride with a group called So Flo Riderz out of Ft Lauderdale. Contact me, and we will work it out! Weather's great! Let's ride!!

Yup, and they are gorgeous!

Thanks for watching! The tail is in TN and NC. So awesome!

Did you also note that the accidents and fatalities happen on the outside of the curves where riders go to fast and do not have enough lane to correct. If you would like to discuss further, feel free to contact me, not here. Thanks

I appreciate your concern and thank you for watching.

It's OK for you to be wrong. However trying to justify it is just baffling. Stay in your lane.

@@MixedGrid yes, it is ok to be wrong. In this case, I am not. And this is where the rest of your assumption falls apart. You cannot state your opinion as fact, accuse some one of not complying with your "fact" and then be baffled by that. Please address any future comments to me as a message. There is no need to post here anymore. Thanks.

If you're taking a corner at such a speed that you have to leave your lane, potentially putting other people at risk, then you are riding outside your skill zone. I suggest looking into local MSF or other safety courses, so you can learn the basics without endangering others.

Hi John! Always a pleasure to hear from you. Here is the exact address of the Tail of the Dragon:17555 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771 It is a 3 hour 40 minute ride for you. Fun trip!!

Thanks Richard!!!!

Sorry to hear that. However, you might point out that this had absolutely nothing to do with anything concerning riding on the Tail. It was, as you pointed out elsewhere, a case of a rider "getting fixated or curves hypnotized in Minnesota". Again, sorry to hear of that

Wow I am so sorry. This was on the Tail? Horrible!!

@@RykerRydes It happened in Minnesota. We think Art got fixated or curve hypnotized. Staring at some object. You see some crazy, weird, fun and sad stuff, riding with a group over the years. I'm glad I wasn't riding that weekend!

I slayed that dragon!! It was awesome!

THANK YOU for this comment!!! Finally someone who understands. Thank you for posting!!!

Ugh. Definitely plan ahead. No cell service either!!

@@RykerRydes lol right

Ugh I am sorry.

Please see my reply to Sudogj.

It's interesting, but when you are riding the Tail, you really do feel the need to push yourself, as a rider and and push the bike...BUT in a safe manner. Riding the yellow lines, is NOT recommended. I do not condone dangerous riding at all. I am sorry if the video comes across that way.

There is nothing about that statement that makes sense. When you go too fast through a curve, you go off the outside of the curve into a wall or off the cliff or into a retaining barrier, not into the curve. Due to simple inertia of the bike, it is not possible to go into the curve.. So subsequently you do not cause others to wreck or die or fly off into squirrel heaven. If you go too fast through a right hand curve, then yes, you could drift across the double yellow and cause an accident, but that is not what is happening here. Every single time the double yellow was crossed was in a left hand curve with plenty of sight distance and absolutely no oncoming traffic. Ride safe and enjoy.

Agreed, this is NOT okay. Many people have died on this road this way!

@@oph5pr1n6 Actually, that is a common misperception, but not true. Did quite a bit of research concerning this and found that only two motorcycle deaths, in the last 20 years, are credited as a head on crash, only one of which was attributed to crossing the yellow line, realizing there have been hundreds of thousands of riders during this same period. The vast majority of motorcycle deaths were a result of motorcycles running off the road in a turn. And here we are usually referring to sport bikes laying it over at 4-5 times the speed limit and not being able to negotiate the turn. Every one who rides this road is hyper alert for other riders, cars, road conditions, etc. When I would cut the corners, it was because I considered it safe to do so for me and those around me. I had line of sight on the entire road ahead. At no time would I cross over the yellow if a car, bike or small squirrel was coming the opposite way. I am an unusually safe rider who has not had an accident in over 50 years of riding on four continents: from highway cruising in the US to cafe street racing in the south of Spain to sport riding in the hills and mountains of the Philippines. I appreciate that this type of riding at the Tail is not for everyone, but for those of us who do, it is an exhilarating challenge and a fun way to ride. I would hope every one has a chance to "Tame the Dragon". Have fun.

@@rykerparkingonly7441 Only one death in 20 years, so taking the risk is worth it, right? Wrong! The low number of deaths is probably due to better riders/drivers avoiding those who are across the line coming at them. It is obvious you don't have the skills you think you do when you cross the yellow lines as often as in this video. Unfortunately, Beth was following him across the line also.

It's interesting, but when you are riding the Tail, you really do feel the need to push yourself, as a rider and and push the bike...BUT in a safe manner. Riding the yellow lines, is NOT recommended. I do not condone dangerous riding at all. I am sorry if the video comes across that way.

@@RykerRydes I actually heard the cops don't mind you speeding but they are very quick to give you a ticket if you cross the yellow line. My husband and I were there in early October to do the tail but his clutch cable broke so we have to plan another trip to do it. I have already done it in my car and I loved it......Scared the crap out of the hubby!! LOL

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing. What riders coming the other way? There are no riders coming the other way. There are no drivers coming the other way. How can you not see that? In no case was there anyone or anything or even a little squirrel (whom I would not hurt) coming the other way. Please point out if you see otherwise. That is why I and many others are able to do this at the Tail. We are hyper aware of the road conditions and where other riders and drivers are. "greg1867"...It is scary the way you put yourself and others in so much immediate danger as shown in your mountain biking videos. You could easily maim or kill each other. Where is the outrage? I have been trying to be considerate as to my replies, but, enough with the back seat drivers who have never ridden the Tail and/or who have no idea what is involved in sport performance riding. This video is not about people doing their holier than thou comments about how they would ride the Tail if they had a motorcycle/sport car and were at the Tail.

Please see my reply to Sudogj.

It's interesting, but when you are riding the Tail, you really do feel the need to push yourself, as a rider and and push the bike...BUT in a safe manner. Riding the yellow lines, is NOT recommended. I do not condone dangerous riding at all. I am sorry if the video comes across that way.

"If he's crossing the double yellow line then he's riding above his skill level and needs to slow down!" That is absolutely not true. Try a riding school such as: www.edbargy.net/ or learningcurves.info/ to learn how to sport ride.

@@JohnJohnson-jaxjlj Save your breath John, it takes experience to know where you're coming from. I know and understand exactly. Beth you have absolutely nothing to apologize for about your vid.