Road Trip Day 1
Written by rick on May 4, 2008 – 10:55 pm -On Saturday, May 10th, our 4,000 mile, 11 state adventure begins under sunny skies and warm temperatures. Our destination for day one is Ashville, N.C. but first we need to make a little detour.
Five hours later as we arrive on the outskirts of Knoxville, we head south on the infamous St. Rt. 129, towards the “Tail of the Dragon”.
A beautiful Saturday afternoon on the Dragon is no place for children, this road is packed with old men on Harley’s, and youngsters with nothing but power between their legs. This riders haven requires constant focus, and exposes real riders from posers. In fact, a tree at Deals Gap stands as a memorial for those, that for one reason or another, lost their focus.
My son Jonathan, had an absolute blast! When the ride was complete he was grinning ear to ear, although I thought he needed a change of underwear the first time his pegs dragged the asphalt! Later, he told me it was the most fun he has ever had on his bike.
Soon it was time to head east towards Ashville, next stop; Myrtle Beach!
Tags: , Deals Gap, road trip, Tail of the dragon
Posted in Out Of State Rides |
May 12th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Ah the Dragon. How I miss her. I used to take annual trips there from Chicago, but now the 600 mile trip has turned into 1800 from here in Phoenix.
I’m not a morning person, but whenever I traveled to Deals Gap I get there late, go to sleep early and hit the road at sunrise. The mist in the air from the Smokies make the ride magical. Last time I was there I managed to squeeze in 14 runs in a day. I can’t get enough of that road. Miles of smiles.
Glad to hear all is well.
May 12th, 2008 at 5:07 am
The more you ride this road the more fun it would be. Knowing the layout and the camber of the curves would be such a benefit. We road it twice, and certainly would have loved to have more time to have another go at her. 14 times, you must have been worn out when that day ended!
May 12th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Very nice. I am dying to ride the Dragon. Planning to go in the fall on a weekday hoping that makes it less crowded.
The bikes looks well packed, Rick!
Keep on having fun and thanks for the report!
May 12th, 2008 at 7:14 am
I haven’t done The Dragon yet. It’s on my list of “to do’s”.
Have fun, ride safe.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:47 am
Hey guys, when you ride her bring your A game!
May 12th, 2008 at 9:15 am
A girl in my HOG Chapter and her husband just did the dragon last year and said it was awesome. Like Dean, it’s on my “to do” list. I’m years away from doing something like what you’re doing as my boys are almost 7 and 4, and my daughter’s 10. I don’t know if any of them will ride when they grow up, but if they do, I’d love to take the kind of trip you’re on with them.
Have fun and Ride Safe.
May 12th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Thanks Joker. It is awesome to see his face as he experiences something for the first time as a rider.
May 13th, 2008 at 8:03 am
I’m looking forward to following your trip. So far it looks like a great time. And I’m jealous that you live so close to some of the best roads. For years I keep saying that one day I’ll have to move out of the flat but this year I’m actually going to do something about it (I hope).
Enjoy the roads and be safe!
Anna