I have gone to TOTD every other year since 2005. Actually pulled up there in 2017 and actually met Adam and Scooter. Learned of your channel and been following your channel ever since. Last year I went over to the Devils Triangle. About an hour north of TOTD, north of Oak Ridge TN. Awesome road if you ever head that way.
I quit counting after 250 times doing the dragon. The dragon is one of my favorites in the lower 48. I have found some roads that are just as good have less people on them. I think the best motorcycle roads are in the southeast. TN,NC,VA, & GA. Just get lost and you will find some great roads. I have rode in all the lower 48, Alaska, the Yukon, & BC and part of Mexico. the Southeast is the best roads. You go to the southeast to ride not to look at trees. You want beauty go out west!!!!
You are absolutely correct in my opinion. I have ridden US129, The Tail of the Dragon, many, many times, long before it ever had a name. The best time to ride the gap is early in the morning on a week day. I’m from southern East Tennessee and the (4) states you named are full of excellent roads and most with low traffic volume. The Devil’s Triangle, close by, is another great example.
@@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr Last time i was down this past may i took TN85 off 127 north of Crossville that road has some great switchbacks. I am building a house between Crossville and knoxville hope to be in early 2023 . looking forward to find more road and do some more adventure riding off road. Where i am from we only curves we have are the on/off ramps of the expressways. Riding in TN & the southeast since 97
@@mikec1254 …. TN85 is a nice ride all the way from Carthage to Livingston. The Devil’s Triangle near Oak Ridge is another great ride. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of great riding in East Tennessee.
Rode it the day after getting my first bagger (yeah, traded my street 750 while on vacation) with my lady. She was pissed at first but glad we did it. Stopped at the touristy stop on the NC side. Always keep your head on a swivel and keep the shiny side up.
I’ve ridden the Tail of the Dragon twice and completely agree with you about the danger - much more from oncoming riders / drivers going faster than their ability. There are lots of more scenic and overall better roads in the area. Cherohala skyway and Moonshiner 28 are the two I would ride again before the ToD.
Virginia, Shenandoah Valley - Skyline Drive. Over 100 miles mountain twisty road, actually in wild life, you will see bears, deers crossing roads. There is an entry fee. Suggest to get an annual National Park Pass, it's a Nationwide pass... You all ride safe ✌️
I've driven/ridden the Dragon many times because I don't live too far away. But the last time I was there, I drove the Dragon on a moonless night in a pouring rain. YIKES! I just took it slow and had no problems at all.
I am blessed to have such a beautiful area in my backyard..I live about 20 min from both Cherohala Skyway and The Tail of the Dragon and take drives up and down them several times a year..I've actually met a few celebrities over the years that was riding through... Norman Reedus & his wife Diane Kruger ..John Schneider....Brett Michaels
I use to ride the dragon back in the mid 90's on my FZR1000. Back then it was mostly sport bikes with a few Harleys here and there. I have seen a few bikes leave the road and end up in the woods. I almost went off the road myself doing a wheely up the road, set the wheel down a little late and went into the curve hot but I managed to keep the bike on the blacktop. Now I ride a HD Road Glide and rarely get it up over 70 MPH. Getting old sucks lol.
I live in another part of the state of Tennessee. I get over and ride the Tail of the Dragon 2 or 3 times per year. It is a blast! Yes, there are prettier roads, even some in that area. And, yes, there are other great roads to test your skills on too. But, there is surely something special about the Dragon.
Looks like a cool ride I live to fare away for a weekend trip, ill do it one day. I live in New Zealand, one of my favorite ride's in NZ is the Coromandal Loop outside of Auckland, almost a 1000 corners and fantastic scenery, if your ever over this side of the world, rent a bike and try it, its 260 k's long. My dream is to ride in the states, may happen some day hopefully not to fare away. O and love the video.
It’s the small sports cars and sport bikes over driving their ability is what makes the Tail so dangerous. Also if you go off the road it’s either a steep drop off or rock ledge you will find. I will never ride it on the weekend 😎😎
Hwy 4 in California from markleeville to Arnold has more turns, sharper turns, single lane turns and turns with no guardrails with 1000 plus feet drop offs. Views that are insane with lots of beautiful lakes to enjoy. I highly recommend this hwy but you better be an experienced rider, and if you are not PLEASE don't have a passenger.
LOL, i rode this on my 2003 superglide sport it was my first ride there, magnificent, but yes very nerve wracking to say the least, was it worth the trip there, oh Hell Yes.
@@MotorcycleDestinations well Adam, I'm in Tennessee now. Didn't hit the Dragon but did the Rattler 209 in NC, Moonshiner 28 & Cherohala Skyway again yesterday.
Here's a little known one for you if you happen to be in Austin, TX area. Sort of a mini version of the dragon, but will definitely pucker your butt if you haven't taken it slowly the first time. -- Lime creek road at Volente on Lake travis. Beware the reducing radius curves.
I've driven the TOTD twice in my Miata. Other than stupid truck drivers that completely block the road on the blind curves, the most danger is motorists "testing" their skill and machine. That is the reason that The Tree of Shane keeps bearing more fruit each year.
Thanks a lot for your frank warnings about this so-called "rite of passage" road. It's some idiot coming from the opposite direction and overshooting his lane that I would be concerned about. I'm heading to GSMNP in a few days; I'll leave the "Tail of Dragon" for others. So many other great roads to enjoy, and I can ignore so-called "rites of passage" when it comes to safely enjoying a motorcycle.
Host Caitlyn here, you sure can! When Chris and I rode it last year we were fully loaded up with our luggage, and we saw plenty of riders with a pillion. We even saw a man who rides it with his dog on the back! Just be careful to stay in your lane, and be prepared for cars or others motorcyclists to possibly have crossed over into yours on some of those blind turns. Have a great time!
It looks like another rider recommends this place too and added it as a listing to our website already! You should stop by and leave a review so other users know it is a must see when in the Dayton area. www.motorcycledestinations.com/listing/rip-rap-roadhouse/