Another trip to the Dragon's Tail

On Sunday, 11/08/09, I rode the 'Tail again. When we left Knoxville, it was cold. I had on two layers of thermal underware, my Sliders and my new FirstGear Rainier jacket. I was a little cool riding to the Cracker Barrel in Alcoa, but wasn't miserable. We met some of my nephew's crotch rocket riding friends for breakfast. It was a little warmer after breakfast so I switched from my full mittens to my Lobster claw mittens.

As we approached the 'Tail, I decided to try and keep up with one of the riders not on a crotch rocket. I figured I could corner as well as he could and that using his local knowledge of the road I wouldn't get in over my head in the corners. I had a few "white knuckle" moments, but made it to Deal's gap. I had a really good time.and actually drug the side of my boots on several corners.

We ate lunch at Deal's Gap and then headed down to Robbinsville. We turned around at Robbinsville and headed back to Knoxville via the 'Tail. Another fun trip through the curves.

The GB500 didn't miss a lick. Check out the attached picture.

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Permalink Reply by Gary on November 21, 2009 at 4:38pm: Glad you had a great time. I too rode the dragon for the first time this year and highly reccommend the Dragon to anyone. There are a lot of great roads in that area to ride.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nathan Monk on November 21, 2009 at 5:43pm: Sounds like a great ride! Planning on doing this in April, maybe March. Don't you love the sound of floorboards scrapping and sparking?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Anita on November 21, 2009 at 7:27pm: Sounds like you had a great time as I did on my maiden voyage through the twisties. On my first experience my floor boards drug through the very first deep turn and freaked me out needless to say. After that I was ok until the deep turn with the photographer and then I was kinda freaked out again. Now I can actually say I love the Dragon except for the idiots that try to pass you on the yellow line. I guess I have about 12 trips under my belt as myself and a group of riders make this trip an annual event in July.

If anyone would be interested in riding with us just let me know because you are all welcome to join us. Every year we ride the dragon and also venture out into many back roads and just look for new routes.

Our plans for July 2010 will be to leave on June 30 and return home on July 5.

I highly suggest the dragon to all riders who have not experienced it. Those who have rode the dragon I suggest the SNAKE (US 421 South ); ▶ Reply to This