Tail of the Dragon in May 2013

[delta]

I'm planning a trip to the Dragon for a small group from NH. I will be the only one on a trike. I have done this trip 4 times on my other Ultras. Anyone have any experience on the HD Trike running the dragon? Seems to me if someone crowds my lane it will make for a long day.

 

[jkchipster]

delta, I live 10 minutes from the Dragon. I have ridden it many times. I enjoy it MUCH more during the week than on weekends. Always hold tight to the right side and NEVER cross the center line and you'll be fine. The crouch rockets can go around you at will. It's the crazy folks in small cars that's the problem. Enjoy your ride and don't forget to ride the Foot Hills Parkway it's the best 15 mile ride around.

 

[Lucky]

Sorry I am terrible at remembering names,but during the dragon ride at THE RALLY this year their was a guy on a antique Harley.I also don't remember what year model it was,but I was not far behind him and he did real good.I also think Mon. thru Thur. are the best days.RIDE SAFE

 

[delta]

Yep, I agree. Mid week is best; but we'll be in Maggie Valley on Sunday & Monday. Probably ride the hell out of the area on Monday. All the roads are great but my favorite is the Cherohala. I'm sure we have done Foot Hills Pkwy. Are tractor trailers still making their presence felt?

 

[jkchipster]

I don't know why they don't banned tractor trailers on that stretch of 129...but yea they are still there and can block both lanes on some of the sharper turns. Foothills Parkway is a 15 mile road that runs from 129 TN. side of the dragon near the lake to 321 near Wears Valley. Sort of a Blue Ridge Parkway feel and no commercial vehicles.

 

[427dave]

I was just on the dragon Oct 10th with a friend. We were both on trikes. Hang the right side and all will be good. We did not have anyone try and pass us. It could have been because it was Wednesday and the temperature was 40* Have fun....

 

[clivegap]

I rode it this past spring on my triglide. Went on a weekend which was a mistake. Stay right and enjoy. Moonshiner 28 is also a great ride.

 

[skuuter]

Ridden The Dragon many, many times on the Trike....Great Ride, No Real Issues...like the advice by Others...leave space between You and the centerline.....ThumbUp.......

...and yes, You can hang with Sport Bikes on The Dragon also unless it's being ridden by a really competent Rider.....

..."it can happen".....

 

[Lakeman]

Rode it twice this summer, would NOT ride it on the weekend. Good ride, as is the Foothills Parkway. I pulled over a number of times to let someone pass that was in a hurry. One was a Nissan GTR with the film crew behind him, that damn thing would fly'

 

[427dave]

Heading back this May with a group. Going to stay a couple of days in Cherokee then on to Magie Valley for a couple of days.

 

[catfan]

hey 427 dave you might want to check the roads before you go hey have had a lot of land slides and several roads are colsed they say some for several mouths