Took on The Dragon @ Deals Gap and Lost
#21
01-01-2007, 08:18 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
RE: Took on The Dragon @ Deals Gap and Lost
Some of the worst offenders riding the dragon are the local sportbikers who view the dragon as their personal racetrack and intend to show everyone exactly how good a rider they are. The dude with the yellow wing can ride but he will make some very unsafe passes. I remember our forst ride through and I was crapping bullets because I had no idea what to expect and here comes some squids blasting past in a curve throwing sparks off their power ranger suit knees. Maybe more leo presence is what is needed.since most folks ride it for the experience well within the speed limit.
Bubba
Bubba
#22
01-01-2007, 08:31 PM
Road Captain
#23
01-01-2007, 08:33 PM
Road Captain
#24
01-02-2007, 12:26 AM
Road Master
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Front Royal, Virginia
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RE: Took on The Dragon @ Deals Gap and Lost
ORIGINAL: Madav8tr
Deal's Gap is no more dangerous than the road in front of your house. The roadway itsself isn't the problem, the moron's who frequent the place at times are the real problem. I have been there over 50 times and whether I was riding my sportbike, my supermoto, or my cruiser I have yet to have a bad time. I also disagree with the notion of the weekend being the best time to go. The weekends are absolutely filled with wannabe racers and squids and they cause alot of trouble up there. Trouble with the police and the other riders. Nothing like a no skilled dumbass trying to drag his knee in a corner while in the opposite lane. I have seen that more than a few times and have even gotten into a couple of altercations with idiots over actions like that. I will probably make 4 or 5 trips up there this coming year on my Harley, a few more on supermoto hooligan bike, but I promise you it will not be on the weekend. I would rather take my chances with a fairly rare big truck as opposed to the squids or the speed racers in thier Miata's.
Fact is Deals Gap is a dangerous place for novice or expert. Best to avoid it altogether or go on weekends when plenty of people are there to warn of idiot truckers
Gary
#25
01-02-2007, 02:08 AM
RE: Took on The Dragon @ Deals Gap and Lost
We did the Dragon and Cherohola skyway during the weekend of the honda hoot. We passed a tractor trailer but were off the road when he got to us. Luckily a guy on a crotch rocket was in front of him warning riders so we pulled off and let him pass. Thank god you guys weren't hurt.
#26
01-02-2007, 08:52 AM
RE: Took on The Dragon @ Deals Gap and Lost
The Gap is a very dangerous road and the only ones that think different are the ones that haven't been stung, yet. All in good time my friend, all in good time.
#27
01-02-2007, 10:16 AM
RE: Took on The Dragon @ Deals Gap and Lost
Damn bro, glad you all made it. I was down the dragon last summer. Rode it early in the mornin and again mid day. mornin was quiet but miday was insane.
probably the scariest was after dark when the rice burners came out. wed night local road race.
hope ya all got your rides back up and running....
probably the scariest was after dark when the rice burners came out. wed night local road race.
hope ya all got your rides back up and running....
#28
01-02-2007, 11:28 AM
RE: Took on The Dragon @ Deals Gap and Lost
Been there and done that. It's a I rode it, bought a t-shirt, look at me now, kinda place. Biggest problem I had, was trying not to get run over from behind. The crotch rocket guy's were passing me on the left and right. The Cherohala Skyway is a much nicer ride. Here's a couple of links for those of you who are interested:
http://www.dealsgap.com/
http://www.cherohala.com/
http://www.dealsgap.com/
http://www.cherohala.com/
#29
01-02-2007, 11:34 AM
RE: Took on The Dragon @ Deals Gap and Lost
Have rode the Dragon several times always during the week to avoid "other" traffic. How about trying Hyw 28 south to HighLands,NC. Just as good but less advertised. We may not have to worry about Hyw 129 the Dragon much longer anyway if the Fed's get Interstate I-3 pushed through from I-20 to Knoxville, it makes you wonder why that small stretch of Hyw 28 from US19 north towards the gap is 4 laned.
#30
01-03-2007, 10:22 AM
RE: Took on The Dragon @ Deals Gap and Lost
I've driven US 129 in a car and I have to say it is very dangerous. I was driving from Nashville to NC and wanted to take a scenic route. There were idiots in cars passing me left and right on this narrow twisting barely 2 lane road. I guess the people in this area grow up running moonshine. There are too many people on the road on bikes and in cars that think they are driving in the Daytona 500. Its just a matter of time before these IDIOTS find out they don't have the skill. By the way I would not ride my EG on US 129.