And I have to say it was worth the trip. Total of 900 miles in 2.5 days. The Tail of the Dragon was amazing, though too heavily patrolled for real fun. Riding around the area and the Cherohala Skyway was by far better. The skyway is nothing but high speed, sweeping, smooth turns. While less technical than the dragon, it gives a larger margin for error that actually allows you to enjoy riding fast more. I'd be happy to post pics, but my camera didn't make it home with me. I left a pocket unzipped and it fell out somewhere between Knoxville and Louisville.
Lessons learned:
1) Don't speed at all on the Dragon over the weekend. Yes, I have a souvenir from the local authorities.
2) Wear bug repellant while camping. Something ate most of my left shoulder while sleeping. It itches BAD.
3) A monster does make a decent sport tourer as long as you pack light. Everything can fit in one backpacking stuff sack on the back seat (tent, sleeping bag, one change of clothes, toiletries)
4) In fact, forget about camping altogether. There is a great Marriot about 30 minutes out in Alcoa. Second night's sleep was much better.
5) Park on the side of the skyway for a while and just watch the bikes go by. Full lean, knee down, bike after bike after bike. I could have spent the entire weekend just watching everyone else if I weren't able to ride.
6) Be ready to be jealous of the guy with the Rizoma kitted HyperMotard. He had just about every part I have ever wanted (clutch cover, pressure plate, belt covers, mirrors). One big pretty Rizoma catalog in person. The funny thing was his license plate which read LEANME. Funny of course, because he had some of the biggest chicken strips in the whole parking lot. I am giving him the benefit of the doubt and assuming he may have just picked the bike up and was still fealing it out. Beautiful none the less.
5) And finally, when riding through rural Tennesee and Kentucky on a Ducati, be ready to answer the mutlple questions about your bike. How fast, How much, you must be rich, you must be uncomfortable, you can't be serious about riding that far, etc... I got them all at least once. Sometimes several times. In one stop.
All in all, I would happily go again. Tommorow in fact, if I didn't have to go to work instead.
Lucky dog!
Sounds like a great trip.
Finally going to get my turn in September, we're going down to Indy. One other riding bud and I are taking off the week after to go down and ride The Dragon and every other dang road we can find!
Thanks for the tips. We plan to hit it mid week, and based on your an d other posts we'll do the hardcore "playing" elsewhere!
Rogue and I rode the dragon in July with the_Journeyman and his financee. We had a blast.
Only saw two [leo], but it was mid week in the morning.
Don't forget to check out Killboy (http://www.killboy.com/destiny.html) and/or Zee Foto (http://www.zeefoto.com/) for pictures of your feat.
I really enjoyed the Skyway as well. Hellbender (NC 28) is also good with less LEO presence.
Sucks about the camera...and the ticket. Don't sweat it, between Killboy and the others (moonshinephoto.com is one as well) there will be plenty.
Killboy, ZeePhoto, Moonshine, and US129 are the regulars, Killboy and Zeephoto being the more regular of the regulars with the most presence.
It's a blast, and Deal's Gap is completely surrounded by good riding. The Fontana, Robbinsville, Maryville areas are all good basecamp areas as well. Lots of LEO presence on the weekends on Deal's Gap. The Cherohala sees as many accidents it seems due to a couple decreasing radius turns tossed in to see if the rider is paying attention.
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on August 25, 2008, 07:05:14 AM
Killboy, ZeePhoto, Moonshine, and US129 are the regulars, Killboy and Zeephoto being the more regular of the regulars with the most presence.
It's a blast, and Deal's Gap is completely surrounded by good riding. The Fontana, Robbinsville, Maryville areas are all good basecamp areas as well. Lots of LEO presence on the weekends on Deal's Gap. The Cherohala sees as many accidents it seems due to a couple decreasing radius turns tossed in to see if the rider is paying attention.
JM
I can easily see how people crash on all of those roads. Plenty of people riding far harder than I would feel comfortable. The one quick point about decreasing radius turns, most seemed to have a SLO painted just before their entrance. You can't trust road markings completely, but just paying attention I was never caught off guard. As always, you have to stay on top of things. If you have never ridden a set of roads like this you could easily get in over your head. Fortunately, I have had several years of riding in southern Missouri and Arkansas to fall back on. Highway 7 south out of Harrison AR - just as much fun, few LEOs.
I was up there over the weekend too, for the women's sportbike rally. proof:
(http://media.share.ovi.com/m1/large/0347/c226373fe88744c7ab74dd4dcc3759a4.jpg)
The local riding community is really helpful and good about trying to prevent visitor crashes - sweeping gravel out of turns, painting warnings before difficult corners. It was my third or fourth time up to that area, and it's better every time.
Quote from: DW on August 24, 2008, 06:22:59 PM
And I have to say it was worth the trip.
Sounds like a great trip [thumbsup]
Too bad about your camera & Performance Award :P
Thanks for the great write-up ;D
I usually visit during the local riders "End of Season Bash" and "Beginning of Season Bash." Those are great fun. I live 1.5-2 hours out, but usually ride up & have my fiancée drive chase in one of the cages with the camping gear. So much fun ~
JM
Quote from: scienceiscool on August 25, 2008, 10:52:13 AM
I was up there over the weekend too, for the women's sportbike rally. proof:
(http://media.share.ovi.com/m1/large/0347/c226373fe88744c7ab74dd4dcc3759a4.jpg)
The local riding community is really helpful and good about trying to prevent visitor crashes - sweeping gravel out of turns, painting warnings before difficult corners. It was my third or fourth time up to that area, and it's better every time.
Where's the proof I don't see women! ;D
Quote from: GotDuc on August 25, 2008, 11:08:05 AM
Where's the proof I don't see women! ;D
You can take my word for it if she doesn't post more pics. I pulled in to Deals Gap Sat morning and the place was full of women on fast bikes. Truly an impressive sight. There were several Monsters in the parking lot as well. Women decked out head to toe in A-Stars, Dainese, Sidi, etc. Tons of pink and purple GSXRs. Killboy has a link to the website for the group. Passed a couple of groups of them riding together. Looked like a very fast group ride.
women:
(http://allisongphotography.smugmug.com/photos/358304036_FRJBK-M.jpg)
monster women:
(http://media.share.ovi.com/m1/large/0347/e27d0cc3d48144e5b3a9a74c1dca1031.jpg)
Quote from: DW on August 24, 2008, 06:22:59 PM
6) Be ready to be jealous of the guy with the Rizoma kitted HyperMotard. He had just about every part I have ever wanted (clutch cover, pressure plate, belt covers, mirrors). One big pretty Rizoma catalog in person.
I'd wager that might by the PJsParts shop bike. They are based down in that area, and I thin' they picked up a Hyper not so long ago
Yup, PJ's Parts picked up a Hypermotard ~
JM
I live down on the southern end of Hwy 28 in SC. I'm still waiting for my Federal court apperence in Bryson City from my last foray into that part of the mountain - Newfoundland Gap to be exact. It ain't gonna be pretty. The reason I have to go to court is they didn't think a $500 dollar ticket and a night in jail was enough. :'( :'( I've never seen adults so mad in my life - Several cop cars, a lot of foot stompin, and jumpin up and down - pretty amazing. One of even mentioned they were considering getting a helicopter out after me. Gray haired Hooligans seem to piss em off the worst. They made a real big deal of my age. Glad they didn't find the joint in my backpack. ;D They'd have had my [bacon] [bacon] [bacon] for sure.
Time before that I was up there and did the Gap on Mon. and it was like a privite driveway and no LEO's.
LA
Quote from: LA on August 26, 2008, 09:08:41 AM
I live down on the southern end of Hwy 28 in SC. I'm still waiting for my Federal court apperence in Bryson City from my last foray into that part of the mountain - Newfoundland Gap to be exact. It ain't gonna be pretty. The reason I have to go to court is they didn't think a $500 dollar ticket and a night in jail was enough. :'( :'( I've never seen adults so mad in my life - Several cop cars, a lot of foot stompin, and jumpin up and down - pretty amazing. One of even mentioned they were considering getting a helicopter out after me. Gray haired Hooligans seem to piss em off the worst. They made a real big deal of my age. Glad they didn't find the joint in my backpack. ;D They'd have had my [bacon] [bacon] [bacon] for sure.
Time before that I was up there and did the Gap on Mon. and it was like a privite driveway and no LEO's.
LA
So, you gonna tell us what you did? [coffee]
I was riding the bike as fast as it would go from before Gatlinburg almost to Cherokee over Newfound Gap. I slowed down through town. Apparently they were after me for a long time and I didn't know it. I don't know why, but I just slowed to something like 45 mph for a few min. and then saw the blue lights and stopped immediately. The whole thing is sorta a long story. They held me for a couple hours and it got pretty ugly. The first guy drew his gun and kept asking about my weapons. There was a "special agent" who was driving one of those 425 HP Hemis who screamed over and over for them not to even talk to me, but take me straight to jail.They were really pissed. If I could have dug a hole and crawled into it I would have. I was amazed when they let me go.
I've sorta been taking a little easier lately. ;D
LA
Sounds like my experience on the BRP. $1000 fine.
JM
Dragon gap fun, crowded with all kinds weekends. Hit the road during the week for far less LEO presence, not to mention hardly anyone else either.
Been goin for years now the last 2 weeks of April. Great weather (when not raining) minimum crowds. Late September, early October probably good to go as well. Like to trailer ther and bring a dual sport bike....lots of offroading available.
(http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii13/CenterlineF4/Ducati%20Monster%20S4RS/IMG_1134.jpg)
Quote from: LA on August 27, 2008, 11:47:24 AM
I was riding the bike as fast as it would go from before Gatlinburg almost to Cherokee over Newfound Gap. I slowed down through town. Apparently they were after me for a long time and I didn't know it. I don't know why, but I just slowed to something like 45 mph for a few min. and then saw the blue lights and stopped immediately. The whole thing is sorta a long story. They held me for a couple hours and it got pretty ugly. The first guy drew his gun and kept asking about my weapons. There was a "special agent" who was driving one of those 425 HP Hemis who screamed over and over for them not to even talk to me, but take me straight to jail.They were really pissed. If I could have dug a hole and crawled into it I would have. I was amazed when they let me go.
"Special Agent" =
(http://www.grudge-match.com/Images/justice.gif)
Can you send a lawyer to represent you?
Quote from: LA on August 27, 2008, 11:47:24 AM
I was riding the bike as fast as it would go from before Gatlinburg almost to Cherokee over Newfound Gap. I slowed down through town. Apparently they were after me for a long time and I didn't know it. I don't know why, but I just slowed to something like 45 mph for a few min. and then saw the blue lights and stopped immediately. The whole thing is sorta a long story. They held me for a couple hours and it got pretty ugly. The first guy drew his gun and kept asking about my weapons. There was a "special agent" who was driving one of those 425 HP Hemis who screamed over and over for them not to even talk to me, but take me straight to jail.They were really pissed. If I could have dug a hole and crawled into it I would have. I was amazed when they let me go.
I've sorta been taking a little easier lately. ;D
LA
sounds like deputy dog got a bit annoyed at you for waking him from his sleep... funny how people get annoyed at people when they make them "DO THEIR JOB AND WORK FOR A LIVING!!!"
Quote from: LA on August 27, 2008, 11:47:24 AM
I was riding the bike as fast as it would go from before Gatlinburg almost to Cherokee over Newfound Gap. I slowed down through town. Apparently they were after me for a long time and I didn't know it. I don't know why, but I just slowed to something like 45 mph for a few min. and then saw the blue lights and stopped immediately. The whole thing is sorta a long story. They held me for a couple hours and it got pretty ugly. The first guy drew his gun and kept asking about my weapons. There was a "special agent" who was driving one of those 425 HP Hemis who screamed over and over for them not to even talk to me, but take me straight to jail.They were really pissed. If I could have dug a hole and crawled into it I would have. I was amazed when they let me go.
I've sorta been taking a little easier lately. ;D
LA
Damned grey haired hooligans ;D Good luck in court.
Quote from: DW on August 25, 2008, 10:11:12 AM
I can easily see how people crash on all of those roads. Plenty of people riding far harder than I would feel comfortable. The one quick point about decreasing radius turns, most seemed to have a SLO painted just before their entrance. You can't trust road markings completely, but just paying attention I was never caught off guard. As always, you have to stay on top of things. If you have never ridden a set of roads like this you could easily get in over your head. Fortunately, I have had several years of riding in southern Missouri and Arkansas to fall back on. Highway 7 south out of Harrison AR - just as much fun, few LEOs.
I'm from central Arkansas and have been on Hwy 7 many times, great road!
LA so how'd it turn out for you?
Quote from: scienceiscool on August 25, 2008, 11:56:11 AM
monster women:
(http://media.share.ovi.com/m1/large/0347/e27d0cc3d48144e5b3a9a74c1dca1031.jpg)
That's awesome! [thumbsup]
+1 [thumbsup]. Makes me happy whenever I see female riders. Especially on Ducs! Especially, ESPECIALLY on Monsters! [thumbsup] [thumbsup] (not just b/c I'm a guy, either ;D)
Quote from: yoreese on January 21, 2009, 05:09:23 PM
I'm from central Arkansas and have been on Hwy 7 many times, great road!
Yeah, I miss those roads. I miss them badly enough that the monster is going up on the auction block shortly for something with longer legs and a decent passenger seat. My wife and I intend to head back that way sometime this summer together. We actually dated mostly on the back of my Katana on highway 7 and the surrounding area. We would ride until it got too hot, spend the afternoon lounging around the Buffalo river through the afternoon, and ride home in the evening. Pruit access, Jasper, lost valley, exploring caves. Great times for an outdoors person.
I also intend to take her to Deals Gap. Without a doubt, she would enjoy it.
Quote from: sbrguy on August 27, 2008, 02:38:38 PMsounds like deputy dog got a bit annoyed at you for waking him from his sleep... funny how people get annoyed at people when they make them "DO THEIR JOB AND WORK FOR A LIVING!!!"
Who believe (probably rightly) that someone put their lives at risk as well as many others (probably wrongly).
There are speed limits for a reason, some are cash generators, some are for idiots who can't control their vehicles.
Just because someone going ridiculously fast was on a bike doesn't make it ok. Everyone speeds but this kind of story is EXACTLY the reason why enforcement is so out of control on the dragon.
btw. not saying that the OP couldn't handle the bike.
I'm planning a trip to the Dragon in the Spring, and these stories are great preparation mentally, physically, and financially! [moto] [thumbsup]