Tail of the Dragon

[TXBikerGuy]

I actually got to do the Cherahala on Wed afternoon, then road over to Maggie Valley on Thursday, seeing some great sites every day, including a family of Bigfoots, right by the edge of the road just west of Maggie Valley.

Good thing I was using my gopro or I never would have caught them.
I circled back by and blew my horn and they took off. They were actually elks, but they did have big feet.

Huh. I was riding the GTL around that area last September and had multiple bear cross the road in front of me. I didn't know I should have been watching out for elk too. Nice capture with the GoPro.

[offroadfx4_imp]

So, my thoughts. I saw David's post from last week about being in Andrews NC and that one of his goals was to ride the Dragon. It's about 140 miles from my house, but I just haven't made it over there yet, so I thought this would be just the incentive I needed to go there, get the T-shirt, etc. I had planned first to ride over and back in one day. Then I got smarter and checked out a U-haul trailer (easier then loading onto my pick-up). My plan was still one day (Tues), but after riding the roads and enjoying his company, I decided to stay overnight and ride more on Wed.

On Tues, we did 74E to 129N, then did the Dragon both ways. Had lunch, then did 28S (Moonshiner) down to 143 back to Robinsville, and then back to Andrews on 129. Had just a little bit of drizzle on 143 and back to the hotel, but no real issues.

On Wed, we decide to head South of town. We did Junaluska Rd East to Aquone, then down 1310, which locals call "The Loafer". Then back to the hotel via 64W and 141N.

So, here's my "color commentary". First, this area is fantastic for riding! (and we only did a small fraction to the exploring we could have done with more time. Second, the Dragon is a "must-do" for a couple of reasons: getting the T-shirt; the professional photos; seeing all the bikes at Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort, etc. But.... honestly, the Dragon didn't live up to what I had expected. Lots of curves, but not a lot of elevation change. And, there's always that fear of some "knee-dragger on a crotch rocket" coming into your lane from the other direction. In fact, IMHO, the county road 1310 was much more exciting - sharper curves (15mph), lots of elevation drop, switchbacks, etc, and near zero traffic! Even roads like Hwy 64 (55-60 mph) offered spectacular views and scenery in the unpopulated sections.

Dont' get me wrong...the Dragon should definitely be on your "bucket list", but my "Chamber of Commerce" message is to explore much more of this area than just the Dragon. I know that I'll be back again!

I'll post some pics when I get time to upload.

I forgot about 1310/Wayha Rd this last trip, but I have ridden it before...great road....hard for me to find without GPS ;-)

Here is a screenshot of the more dramatic curves. The ride along the lake is nice!

Mscb1100, The A-man we'll have to ride that together next time I'm in that area!

[The A-man]

I'm up for that!

[Mscb1100_imp]

I'm up for that!

Mr Shelby didn’t think I was moving fast enough as we approached this double 90 degree 20 mph turn

[Cormanus]

You did it, Mscb1100!