I met this group when I was leaving today. 2 of about 10 in the group were on my side of the road. RIP

From Staff Reports
Originally published: September 01. 2009 3:27PM

A man from Milwaukee, Wis., was killed shortly before 1 p.m. today on The Dragon, approximately one mile south of the overlook going toward North Carolina.

The Dragon is an 11.1-mile stretch of U.S. 129 (Calderwood Highway) that runs from the Tab Cat Creek bridge in Tennessee to just over the North Carolina Line at Deal’s Gap. That dangerous short section of roadway has 318 curves and is a motorcycle ride world class destination.

The man was riding a white Honda Gold Wing motorcycle with a group of family and friends from Milwaukee and one man from Florida.


The name of the man has not yet been announced pending notification of family.
Tennessee Highway Patrol officers are doing the report on the accident.

 

Bless his family.

The Dragon is a great road, and like the article said a World Class MC destination. but sadly folks that have no idea how to ride such constant curves and switchbacks come down here year after year and ride a road that is way above some of thems ability. The Dragon is not a road for a novice rider trying to push it and in the worse cases this is what happens.

 

Well, that's a way to ruin a trip I guess! SAD.

 

Sorry to hear that another rider looses his life..

Responsibilities at home out weight the need to do that ride.

 

Vey very true my friend.

Dying is an easy part, it is hard for those who loves him. RIP.

 

I would like to see why he crashed. was he going to fast? was the bike too big for his capabilities.

I dont think that road is too much for a novice rider.. just somebody with poor judgement.

 

More details? Mechanical failure? what caused the crash?

 

i totally disagree. i have seen it too often. it is no place for inexperience.

don't know this rider's experience or abilities. i just got word of it don't know the details. i'll get them later.

prayers to his friends and family.

 

Meaning they were riding on the wrong side of the road in a corner?

 

Very sad, I seen a wreck there one of the two times I have been. If your a decent rider and don't do anything stupid you will be fine. Assuming some A**cheek in a Vette wearing a Members Only jacket, bald head, driving gloves and aviator sundlasses does not swerve into your lane. Believe me the Dragon is nothing compared to the trip I got back from 3 weeks ago. I rode a Street Glide through the Alps (Austria, Italy and Switzerland) and it was amazing and scary at the same time, I had 2 near death experiances there. There is nothing like coming up to a blind corner on a road that is wide enough for one car and a tour bus comes barreling around the corner to your suprise. Also it is on the side of a mountain about 5000ft. up with no guardrail or anything to stop you from falling to your death. It was fun though.