Deals Gap/The Dragon

[lb2910]

I am thinking about doing a ride from the DC area down to Deals Gap. Seems like a nice ride and having done Skyline several times, I'm looking forward to the spring thaw so I can get back on the bike. My question is for you good folks that have done "The Dragon" before. I've read online that the locals (Highway Patrol and Sheriff) are worse than the Gestapo on this ride by targeting motorcycles and crossing the line to discourage riders. Can any of you offer any experiences regarding this ride? Sometimes the online comments are pretty inflated and I'd rather get opinions from folks here. Thanks!!!!

[Dave63]

The Dragon is a great place to ride, but like everything else, a few people are ruining it for everyone.

The local LEO's are only a problem if you create one. A few issues with local people over the years, but living in a tourist town once myslef, I see their point. Pouring transmission fluid on a few corners is taking it a little far though....

It's a good time, and you'll meet some really cool people. Nice, biker-friendly places to stay, and pretty cheap too, if you don't mind camping.

I'm thinking about making a return trip, but I'm one of those "Avoid the in-season crowd" type people.........

[Darien1965]

Great rides around there, friendly too.Was there last year and didn't make all the rides I wanted now I'll have to go back . Did see alot of police on the dragon.

[lb2910]

Thanks Dave and Darien. Thats what I figured. A few moron riders acting out and ruining it for the rest of us. Never fails!

I'm planning on riding down there from DC this spring/summer. I want to see how it compares to Skyline Drive which is a great ride and the locals and park police are very good at letting folks enjoy the ride as long as you dont act like a fool.

[Motorpsycho]

I check in with killboy.com occaisionally to keep up with the happenings at the Gap. I, too would like to make a trip there this summer, but like Dave, I tend to try and avoid the 'peak season' crowd anywhere I go. I don't particuraly enjoy having some squid fly past me while I'm cruising along in the curves. Happened to me once while I was crossing a steel bridge grate and I tried my best to try to catch that little ba$tard! Damned Honda Shadow wouldn't keep up! Lucky for him!! He had to be going nearly 110 when he passed me.

[Rock Slide]

Was there last September on a weekday. LEO's followed us up a couple miles until we pulled over at a scenic overlook and let them by. We had a smoke and continued on. It was a real fun ride. Didn't know we were actually on it until we got to Deals Gap. I remember thinking to myself "Man... If this back road is this twisty, I wonder what the Dragon is like." Heh... We were on it.

[3OliveMartini]

there are other rides that are just as nice and not as crowded..

any of the roads thru there are nice

[some1insc]

NC Twisties and SC Loop, Robbinsville to the Pisgah Inn
on the Blue Ridge Parkway
127 miles

[Jacket4256]

Originally Posted by 3OliveMartini

there are other rides that are just as nice and not as crowded..

any of the roads thru there are nice

yea but there is nothing like 129 promise you that, plus if you go on a weekday there is not anyone there only on the weekend is when its crowded. I think its a road that everyone should ride but newbs beware. you need to stay in your lane keep your eyes in your mirros and watch out for locals like me

but seriously if you do go send me a pm maybe we could meet up and go for a ride...

[XDixiecratX]

Originally Posted by Jacket4256

yea but there is nothing like 129 promise you that, plus if you go on a weekday there is not anyone there only on the weekend is when its crowded. I think its a road that everyone should ride but newbs beware. you need to stay in your lane keep your eyes in your mirros and watch out for locals like me

but seriously if you do go send me a pm maybe we could meet up and go for a ride...

Rode there last fall fun fun fun. For those of you that haven t ran it theres about 3 photograpy companys that take your pic as you go by so besure and get their web address as you can order your pics on line and there priced fair.