Dragon's Tail

[Lydia]

Re: Dragon's Tail

My Dad rode the tail of the dragon (and the rest of Deal's Gap) a few years ago, when he took a trip with friends on a friends motorcycle with my sister on the back. That was the first time he'd ridden in years. He said it was fun, but after a while it was just too many curves. It was all leaning and no chances to look around. (I think he also didn't care for it a whole lot because that was the first time he'd ridden in years, he was riding a cruiser, and he had a passenger) My sister, as a passenger, didn't care for it either. I guess in a car it might not be that bad. A really neat place to go is the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's got gorgeous scenery and a lot of curves, but also some straightways.

Rusty Bumper: On the map, it looks like a shortcut so sometimes dispatchers for trucking companies send the trucks down there without knowing what the road is like. Some companies that truck through that area have told their dispatchers to never send trucks through the tail of the dragon after complaints from people.

[Jimmy Buffit]

Re: Dragon's Tail

LOOK OUT CHAMP!!!

Well, that's not Champ (my Miata), but it is Sara McBride, a member of our local Miata Club.

Here's the link for everything you need to know about Deal's Gap: http://tailofthedragon.com/

[rusty bumper]

Re: Dragon's Tail

That road looks like its not to be messed with. How fast do they close it in inclimate weather. Must be treacherous as all get out in a sleet event?

Good question!

I wonder how poor truckers even wind up driving on it in the 1st place.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Dragon's Tail

That road looks like its not to be messed with. How fast do they close it in inclimate weather. Must be treacherous as all get out in a sleet event?

[msmarcus]

Re: Dragon's Tail

Our Mustang Club is cruising this road later this month. If you would like to see lots of photos of this road and the cars/bikes that cruise it, check out:

http://www.killboy.com/destiny.html

[Superior Shine]

Re: Dragon's Tail

LOOK OUT CHAMP!!!

[rusty bumper]

Re: Dragon's Tail

Thought I'd bump this up again.

Been want'n to get up there myself, but I just can't get away for now.

[Murr1525]

Based on those pics, I wouldnt drive anything I didnt want crushed by a truck, or run off the road...

[cydewaze]

I've heard of that road. Sound like fun, except knowing my luck I'd be trapped behind some slowpoke doing 25 the whole way.

[roushstage2]

I want to take my car out there now!

[Teak]

Does anybody know how to post a link for Google earth. If so, I can post a link for Deals Gap. Also, I found a hotel when looking for info Deals Gap which has small garage with every room for your motorcycle. Now if they had something like for car enthusiasts.

Eric

[atclew]

Just thought I'd post a pic of my folks going through Deal's Gap from a few years back on their 'Wing.

[Jimmy Buffit]

Champ!

[Superior Shine]

champ???

[Jimmy Buffit]

Originally posted by Jimmy Buffit
Deal's Gap/Tail of The Dragon is a mecca for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. Wife and I are planning several days there in mid-July with my Miata. I'll be sure to followup.

It is adjacent to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park... not a bad spot for a vacation!

Jim

Well, life happens... She decided (again) that a vacation includes a beach, so we enjoyed a week in Naple, FL (yes, it was hot, but I'm told that's what vacations are about...)

Now I'm contemplating a quick (solo) visit in early September, just to ride the
Dragon.

Oh, BTW, "Champ" will have a new Crate Motor by then... that sorta explains her reluctance to go along.

When this trip happens, I'll have pics and more...

Jim