I am planning a solo trip to ride the Dragon this weekend 09-11-09 - 09-13-09, I plan to leave out on the 11th (my birthday) at approx 7am. I've done lots of research on the area but this will be my first solo trip and first time on the Dragon.

I'm looking for any tips on stuff like... what to do, where to visit, and must see's. I'm well aware to be carefull while riding so please no "slow down and wear your helmet" posts.

As far as gear goes, I'm lightly packed...clothes,rain gear, and tool kit. Of course my FF, jacket, and gloves for the trip. I will also bring along my camera so I can document the trip and should have lots of pics to post when I return on Sunday.

P.S. if anyone is in the area and wants to meet up to ride just let me know! like I said I'll be solo so having a guide would not be bad at all.

Thanks,
Chuck

 

I was up that way recently in the cage and bought a series of motorcycle tour books by Hawk Hagebak...Motorcyle Adventures 1, 2, and 3. Book one cover N. GA, W. NC, and S TN. Give directions for a lot of loop rides in this area. After driving around a bit and reading the different tours I think I'll keep the book for reference.

The books are available from Amazon. I bought mine at one of the lodges on the Blue Ridge Parkway gift shop and one book at the gift shop at the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.

I'm sure the folks at Deal's Gap can give you some ideas, too. It's hard to have a bad ride anywhere in that area.

Obviously there's Gatlinburg and Chatanooga TN and Highlands and Asheville NC within easy riding distance of Deal's Gap. Lot's of waterfalls, national and state parks, the Blue Ridge Parkway, etc. etc. etc.

Have a great trip.

 

Thanks,

 

make sure you stop at resort and pick-up tee shirt and stop at nothern end at over look,it was full when we where down. that close ride thru the smokies to gatlinburg

 

One of my favorite loops there is Dragon, Cherahola Skyway to Hwy 360, right on 360 to 411, 411 over to 72, 72 back to 129 and Foothills Parkway into Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. Lots of other good rides in that area.

 

Unless you just enjoy riding the slab, you might want to take U.S. 129 all the way up and get a good warm up for the Dragon once you get into the north Ga mountains.

 

The only way to fly.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, I dont plan to take the "Slab" if at all possible. My route is to go up 441 through Athens (Go Dawgs), then 75 through Helen and then weave my way into 129 for the rest of the trip. Not the fastest route but should be amazing scenery.

 

The Cherokee Bike Rally is this weekend. you will be right up the highway.
http://cherokeerally.com/

 

you've got it pretty well planned out, almost all the roads out there are worth riding. but yeah the dragon cherahola and then loop back up to pigeon forge and even back into cherokee from there is awesome.


uumm ride slow and wear your helmet j/k

by the way happy b-day