My dad was born at Fontana and we stay in the area several times a year. I'm very pleasantly surprised to see the troopers/police/sheriff making the recovery when they didn't have to, and with a group that you would expect to not exactly be friends. ATTABOYs all around!!!
Our local cops here are pretty good guys for the most part. With the morons they have to deal with on a daily basis, they're certainly nicer then I'd ever be.
The Highway Patrol are ALWAYS helpful across America. I had a blowout on driver's side front tire on Ford F150 at midnight in NewMexico. TWO separate squads cars stopped to "shine some light on everything." Amazing Officers.
-Never would have imagined an 'Indian' in buckskins and leathers that could not run through the forest like a deer, without a slip and trip. 'Last of the Mohicans' made it look easy ;}
Honorable job from the good people of Tennessee. I've been on that road and the last thing I want to do it hit the low side. Beautiful country and good people.
I moved just East of that area in 2012 and majority of the people are great and help everyone, that was how I was raised and want be . I help my neighbors and they help me. Nice to go in a store and someone talks to me like we have known each other for years. Great folks in Eastern Tennessee.
God bless all the folks that helped..rode this this last summer, great road as are many in the area but you have to pay attention and ride your own ride...
SO GLAD..in this divided ..and heated Country.. to see Roadracers and Harley Cruisers getting it DONE. Wtg to ALL in this HD rescue. Hope all are well.
@@richardvalitalo3670 Ummmmmm. No. See The HD pushrods>? No Fake INDIAN A.C. HEADS.. 4:06 look at front fender. sorry. It was "JUST" a statement. on Cruiser riders and Sportbike rider..Getting Sh%t done..Together!
Glad to see the rider wasn’t hurt...and the State Police showed up to offer assistance and and no one was shot, there were no protest ! Imagine that...wake up people ! Hopefully someone thank those officers properly. Maybe bought their lunch ! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸KAG🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@@hipsabad Watching the guy in leathers coordinating while one trooper had a rope attached to the front of his vehicle pulling and the other trooper blocking traffic. Too bad it wasn’t your bike in the gulch and the troopers just standing there laughing at your biking skills!
Nice job gents. Hate that had to happen but glad it turned out as well as it did. Hats off to our Men in blue and everyone that got this fella back on his feet.
When I first moved to Tellico plains five years ago a couple of guys fro Texas went off the Dragon. One guy died and his friend spent three weeks in the hospital in Knoxville. This guy go off pretty easy.
Couple years ago I rented a three-story house there and did not regret one moment of my visit. Certainly beautiful country I'm considering moving that way. Getting there I had a couple issues with phone service but I'm ready just disconnect with everything
@@jameshoberg1609 yea, there is no cell service where I live. Once you’re two miles South of Tellico Plains there isn’t. Any cell signal till you get close to Ducktown. There is land line service though.
@@kimhorton6109 I'm going to keep my eyes on some of the Realtors and Craigslist for one of the places I would probably prefer to be. One day at a time. Lookout Mountain got some cool stuff but it's not an inexpensive place.
2013 early season i watched a dude from texas catch a peg on the last turn and die there on the side of the road, we had to send a car up to the store to call for help. that road is no joke.
thank you all you did help this biker..... no matter what the current situation is. I still have faith in the police..... trust me a biker never wants to see his machine on a place like this forget about him or herself.... be safe riders and share the road to all...
If you want a good ride where you can look around and take in the scenery, "The Dragon" isn't the road for you. You have to have your eyes on the road 100% of the time. And even then, it's far too easy to misjudge an approach to a turn, and end up out of your lane and over the side. This guy was VERY lucky, he went off on a corner without a massive drop off. The road has had some (minor) improvements done to it over the past couple of years. Guardrails installed, shoulders widened and better warning signs for some of the blind curves. It is a bit safer for it. The number one rule on the Dragon is still to take it far slower than you think you need to.
The Dragon is a bucket list for many but unfortunately too many aren’t prepared and ride beyond the ability of their own skills or the bike. Ride your own ride and stay in your lane. I’ve been frustrated because I get behind slow moving harleys with new inexperienced riders but I will back off and let them make the ride.
@@mickbowen5521 It's a public road and used by many to commute back and forth. It's been this way for decades even before it was paved and became tourist destination for sports cars and motorcycles. Both states have purposed put up speed bumps throughout, make it a toll road and even to close it down but keep it open for the tourist dollars it generates and for everyday commuters going back and forth from their jobs. There are not many roads available in the area to cross the mtns if you look at it on the map.
That is awesome that Tennessee law enforcement would help out as well as bystanders. What a great state unlike California where everyone is moving to Tennessee.
Been riding since 1967...done the dragon 5 times...only problem I had was the crotch rockets flying and cutting big bikes off in the turns...skills is one thing...but common sense and curiosity is another..
I saw a couple of comments from the "Crotch Rocket Boys" about Harleys on the Dragon. The only problems I had were from the, "Crotch Rocket Boys" trying to "push" the other riders out in front of them. Again, there have been some slight improvements made to the road, one of which is there are more and better pull-offs than there were before. I took full advantage of them to pull off and allow the, "Crotch Rocket Boys" to pass.
Yeah ! Goes both ways, everyone is out to have fun and enjoy.. cruisers just let the sport bike guys pass you safely, sport bike guys pass cruiser safely and everything works out nicely. It’s when cruisers with attitude’s want to block Sportbike guys on purpose and that never works and just makes the inevitable overtake even more dangerous, stop doing that (your on a cruiser) let them pass safely and don’t be that d-khead.. just move over to the right no need to drop your speed and we will do the rest, then everyone is happy.
@@spaceexplorer6636 your right ...im a cruiser...and i do let them pass...but when they try to cut me off thats when it gets bad...3 miles up the road dumass had a wreck...jump up tried to blame the other biker...cruiser got pissed...cuuiser won...we don't go anymore because of the stupid shit and how dangerous the crochrockes make it...what you said gos both ways...
GREAT JOB !!! OUR TROOPERS AND POLICE IN NJ WOULD NEVER HELP US OUT LIKE THIS NEVER OURS FEEL THEY ARE ABOVE US !!!!!! GREAT TO SEE THIS !!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Such a bad place to park this beautiful bike! Thanks to the police and the citizens for helping with this recovery! I am quite sure all is very much appreciated!
As a smitten by The Smokies Canadian, over the years I’ve ridden The Dragon well over 500+ times. The PoPo helping? Now this is something I would have said just didn’t happen. Great to see though, great to see!
Greetings from a European rider. Did thr dragon two years ago. Highly overated as a challenge. Many roads surrounding are much mote challenging. Biggest challenge on the dragon is finding a time when its not clogged up with partime riders who just looking for the tshirt. As for everyone saying one should take appropriate care well isnt that the case on every ride on every road. Town, county, straight, twisty, all riding has the potential to bite back.
Yep. A buddy snapped his leg high siding while panic breaking because he thought he was to hot to make the left hand curve. The blind curves on a narrow road with oncoming traffic on the yellow line will scare the crap out of you!
... or if somebody ELSE isn't paying attention. Had folks meander into my lane more than once. One time was a semi-truck taking a wide turn. Exciting road for sure.
As a Tennessee cyclist we trained for Colorado in these mountains. I own a motorcycle too so I share something with these guys. I was up on Cherohala waiting for my group when a 300 lb + dude ask if he could photo my bike? I said sure but stand under this 5,000' sign, hold my bike and helmet while I take the picture. I'd have put my jersey on him but it wouldn't fit. We had a good time together before my guys showed up. If ya wanta test yourself they have a ride called The Cherohala Challenge it's 115 miles that goes over the Dragon and Cherohala back into Tellico in Tennessee July heat. About 96 degrees, I usually drink over a gallon of water. At 57 I could be most of these guys grandpa. It's fun for me, they think they're big and bad until an old guy passes em. They really are big and bad they just went out too hard for a climbing ride. I've never experienced anything in Colorado this tough. Thanks for letting an old man ramble.
If the would set up a bridle on the front forks one man could have guided it all the way up too. Not to take away from there kind efforts, but a professional should have been called. In my humble opinion.
He probably is first ride on the dragon, I have being going to the dragon for the last 10 years n may,June July and September, and it is very easy to go off the road if don't know the road and watch your speed ,glad nobody got hurt and people be safe over there!!@
@@-BUFFALOMan practice slow speed maneuvers, w/ patience :} there's nothing super special about controlling a heavy beast, it just takes time to get used to it given one practices proper techniques and proper bike setup
@@duroxkilo true, but only with a skilled rider. 95% of riders couldn’t make a proper u turn in 2 lanes. Full lock turns with proper balance is well beyond average rider ability on cruiser/tour bikes
@@janetyeoman1544 as always the skill or the rider is the key :}.. the initial comment (and many ppl have this assumption) refers to a motorcycle brand being 'unrideable' on twisty roads. in my view we're dealing w/ more inexperienced riders in the 'street bike' category. cruisers and especially the heavy ones are rarely purchased by new riders. ps: full lock turns is advanced riding, you're correct. but that's not really needed in every-day riding. not even in a 2 parking spaces u-turn :} unless the rear wheel is on the wide side. be safe, have fun
I’ve been to jail, so I understand the vital role police play in society 😂😂 there are some bat shit crazy people out there. Anyone who says defund the police, ask them who they would like their mother to call when she’s in trouble... wins every time.
The rider was fine, sadly the gentleman that took charge and was coordinating the recovery died in a motorcycle accident about 2 weeks after I took this video.
Most of the 311 corners are very sharp and with low pipes on a bike like that, in a sharp lean the pipes touch and lift the bike tires from the road. At a speed you can easily touch pegs and even paniers on other bikes. The rider should know his angles.
Yeah! It certainly wasn’t coming in hot and going wide the drop off was on the inside. Oversteered the curve and couldn’t correct ? Floor board digging in ? Maybe. Must be a total beginner imo, shifted into neutral at apex by mistake lost momentum ?
James try riding on the dragons tail for your first time and I'm sure you will understand how easy it is to do what was done here. And the posted speed limit is 30 miles per hour and try maintaining 30 miles per hour for 11 miles with 318 left and right hand turns all with elevation changes of one turn called gravity cavity as you approach this turn and then committed to negotiate the line you have chosen the pavement itself looks level into the next turn but it's actually the next two turns as gravity cavity gives you an optical illusion and you don't see that it dropped off into a hollow in a turn and then back up to the level you was on. Gravity cavity has taken seasoned professional Riders to novice Riders all by surprise and it's not only gravity cavity as this particular turn they feel like the same type of optical illusion where the Ryder visualize the road going straight into the next turn to the right and didn't see the long left hand sweeper and drove right into the hollow. if you want to see what it looks like from a GoPro mounted on a Yamaha R6 TH-cam Jared Barnes dragon slayer as this film is both real speed and slow motion to show you the angles of attack and how often you have to toss the bike from lean angle full left and lean angle full right in seconds to make each turn at speed ...and witness some of the very best ridding skills on a sport bike ...with flash shots of the tachometer showing up to 14,000 + rpm between shifting gears and he never backs off
@@mannyechaluce3814 yea right kid but first you need to put away your bmx and learn how to ride a mans bike like a good noob bike of an R6 with the skills of Jared Barnes the dragon slayer and here he is first lessons free th-cam.com/video/8rGbln3J4Sg/w-d-xo.html
There are roads in the area that are a lot more technical . The dragon is the most populated. A lot of riders want to go ride the dragon that have no business riding any road that has a curve in it. It takes max concentration on this road. You have to watch out for everyone else not just what you are doing. . I been coming to the area since 1997. I have rode the dragon well over 250 times We ride more of the other roads now in TN, NC, & VA. Every year you see more riders who should not be anywhere near a motorcycle. Just my .02
You got that right but forgot to mention all those locals in cages head deep in their smartphone. Met too many in blind corners. Coming across yahoos in sports cars thinking they can drive it like a closed circuit race track. Getting crazy out there.
How fo you know which way he was going? Looks like he came from the opposite side from the way the dirt is so therefor ebooks like he went on the wrong side
Not my first rodeo. If I was concerned about that I wouldn't be riding a motorcycle in the first place. Still safer than being there with the crowds imho.
@@MarcRitchie LOL, I am not talking about in general. I talking about solo at the tail. This is what could happen when riding solo @ Dragon tail. th-cam.com/video/P8JpIvywtyU/w-d-xo.html
@@nuffflavor No different than where I live in the Alleghenies where nearly every road is a dragon and my two wheel commutes often started and ended in the dark. I am aware of the risks. We each have our own line drawn between what's acceptable and what's not, but we alone choose that line based on our experience(s). Yours may differ. Cheers.
@@MarcRitchie Not differ. It is safety training. MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course) teaches that. It goes for *everything* not just... motorcycles. Trail hiking Rock Climbing Boating etc..... 2 or more incase emergency happens. You do not have too, but it is like having sex. Go bare back and pray, or use a condom. 😁 Peace.
@FINfinFINfinFINfin No, it was actually a female rider and the Trooper was very cool about thing. Sadly the motorcyclist that was handling the recovery was killed about 2 weeks after I filmed this in a motorcycle accident.
Interesting and rather clever way of doing it with triangular anchoring to tree. Must remember that. One thing however. I would never tie anything to a bull bar. And especially not up high. I always use the tow points underneath that are bolted to the chassis. Why? Well most are not that strong. We once had a large cattle truck bogged on our place. Neighbour came over with tractor and someone (not me) secured the tow line to the massive bullbar. That tractor just ripped it straight off that truck like shit off a shovel!
@Chuck Farley As they say you can provide advice but it is up to reader to use it or not. A good many people have ripped off bullbars by using them as tow points. A Road King being pulled up a slope like this is a heavy load. Most police vehicles are pretty solidly constructed because of their potential use. But the average bullbar isn't built like this. But as I said it's just my my opinion. You clearly have yours.
@Chuck Farley it's a 900 lb turd that has almost zero lean angle a rubber mounted engine/ trans that squirms around in a frame that was built to go slow and straight . Ride it to the bar like the rest of the posers stray off the kinks with it.
@@pinslayer4579 -'Million Dollar Bogan' rides his Road Kings Everywhere. Arctic Circle, Australian outback, hill climbs, Beach sand, Tasmanian bush trails... Everywhere ;}
I went to Tennessee to ride the dragon. It was a terrible experience. I counted 15 to 20 cops on the dragon from start to finish. I'll never go back. I have plenty of good roads in West Virginia.
Some riders think they are better than what they truly are. You can see here that he probably came out of the curve in the background to hot for his capability and straight lined it right over the edge. Its a good thing that the bike was ok and so was he.
Ma’am I’m so very sorry for your loss ! I’m a biker too and have been for over 25 years. Your husband will never be forgotten ! God bless you and your family 🙏🏻 ML&R !
Sorry for your loss. I've lost so many friends on the Dragon over the years. Also lost my brother n law 4 years ago on HWY 421 he had just came off the mountain when a girl pulled out killing him instantly. 😢 but anyway again sorry for the loss. It's never easy
Rider had good presence of mind to bail when he saw he was going off. There's been several who lay hurt halfway down the hill for hours before they were found. The Dragon rarely takes prisoners.
I have been across it a couple different years with my Wife on the back of my Road Glide Safely . You must respect it and Pay Attention ! And watch for other Bikes oncoming an Kamakazi’s from the rear . Ride Safely.
I am a local here and I used to ride this road at least 2 times a week years ago. My last ride up there was end of 2019. sold my R6 and said no more! It used to be like heaven on earth, now it is such a cluster f*** like you said.
@@BigEbikesports The time I was there it was memorial day weekend and I had just ridden down the Sky Line Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. It was total insanity on the Dragon. Did one run of it and split. Saw the aftermath of three bike wrecks, cops and tow trucks everywhere cleaning up messes and even had cars driving around like idiots. I pulled over at a turn out and watched for a while, you would have someone slow and there would be 25-30 bikes all stacked up behind them with everyone looking to pass. This was in either 2007 or 2008 so it's been FUBAR for a while.
Rode the Dragon twice.. It's definitely NOT a stretch for newbies.. I had nearly 50 years on two wheels before I got there and all I can say is - ya better be payin' attention.. Fail that just ONCE - and it could easily mean a trip to the ER...
These are how things are being taken cared of now, same as before, and anywhere in the world, the world are are full of humans ready to help. you just watch to much TV.
Neither big Harleys nor semis belong on the Dragon especially if the Harley is being driven by a flatlander where roads are straight and corners are 90 degrees. Then put a SO in the back up high and it's not a question of if but when.
Have had several memorable and pleasant trips on the dragon but there are many who do not have such a great experience. Very easy to get distracted and end up like this.
Too often a rider's belief in his ability exceeds his actual ability. I rode the Dragon several times. I have not remotely memorized the entire route. So as with any unfamiliar road I slow down, concentrate and expect vehicles to come into my lane.
I once saw a sport bike being towed up a steep ravine after barreling off Grizzly Peak Road in Berkeley. Tow truck driver dragged the bike over not one but several short and fairly small tree stumps. Bike was in way worse condition after the tow up. Not fun to observe.
It looks like the front brake was being accidently applied towards the top? If you watch the front spokes at the bottom the wheel is freely turning & at the top the wheel stops spinning & it's just plowing up. One of the guy's on the right pushing likely was unknowingly hitting the front brake & making it a lot harder? That place is a blast I live 45 minutes away!
@@hipsabad Pretty useless if you can't call a tow truck if you ask me. Maybe one wasn't available. Any truck with a winch would have got that bike straight out of there but I suppose you still would have wanted people to keep it upright.
I'm a Knoxville boy and ride a Harley. You have to be a knucklehead to take any Harley, except a Buell on the Dragon. This guy just proved me right. Too many great roads in East Tennessee than to waste your time doing 11 MPH.
Would have been sooomuch easier if they had rigged the lines properly. The front wheel was always going to try and bury itself in the dirt cos the tow line crossed the edge of the road at zero inches a.g.l. The line wanted to get its point of fixing to the bike to zero inches agl. Therefore the wheel and front fork would be 2ft below ground level. Needed to run the line around the tree on the opposite side of the road a long way above the ground. You can never find a sailor when you need one. They're good with ropes.
Great ride even on a cruiser. I rode it a couple years ago and was glad I didn’t add any parts to the tree. Great job everyone that helped. Surprised I didn’t see a jacka$$ try to fly around all that. There were plenty of them when I rode it.
Y’a gotta slow down, or any highway will bite you really bad. The dragon is a nice ride, but you gotta respect the highway, asphalt and gravel will really be hard to brush out of the skin. Y’all be safe out there. Got two or three days good riding, BE SAFE !!!
Dang I have never gotten that lucky on any bike I wrecked. They usually don't have any handle bars left or front fender and this guy's but looks like it has only minimal damage to it
My dad was born at Fontana and we stay in the area several times a year. I'm very pleasantly surprised to see the troopers/police/sheriff making the recovery when they didn't have to, and with a group that you would expect to not exactly be friends. ATTABOYs all around!!!
Cops are people too...
B katdenemo to vompar mo khu blae shibun
Our local cops here are pretty good guys for the most part. With the morons they have to deal with on a daily basis, they're certainly nicer then I'd ever be.
@@JF-lt5zcSOMETIMES...
Man seeing that breaks my heart, that is a beautiful Harley.. Seeing people come together to help is a really nice thing to see.
chrome air compressor !!!! 😂😂😂😂😂
That's not an HD! That is obviously an Indian motorcycle by Polaris.
The Highway Patrol are ALWAYS helpful across America. I had a blowout on driver's side front tire on Ford F150 at midnight in NewMexico. TWO separate squads cars stopped to "shine some light on everything." Amazing Officers.
For no serious injury to have occurred and to have the bike in mostly one piece is quite incredible. Good job!
Another cruiser bites the dust.
-Never would have imagined an 'Indian' in buckskins and leathers that could not run through the forest like a deer, without a slip and trip.
'Last of the Mohicans' made it look easy ;}
Why is the Hwy patrol acting like a tow service??
Honorable job from the good people of Tennessee. I've been on that road and the last thing I want to do it hit the low side. Beautiful country and good people.
I moved just East of that area in 2012 and majority of the people are great and help everyone, that was how I was raised and want be . I help my neighbors and they help me. Nice to go in a store and someone talks to me like we have known each other for years. Great folks in Eastern Tennessee.
God bless all the folks that helped..rode this this last summer, great road as are many in the area but you have to pay attention and ride your own ride...
If Homer Simpson rode a bike, it would have been a H-D.......and this is where he'd have headed to....
SO GLAD..in this divided ..and heated Country.. to see Roadracers and Harley Cruisers getting it DONE. Wtg to ALL in this HD rescue. Hope all are well.
It's an Indien not HD!
@@richardvalitalo3670 -Decked out in 'Buffalo Bob' leathers ;}
Indian! Darn small keyboards.
@@richardvalitalo3670 Ummmmmm. No. See The HD pushrods>? No Fake INDIAN A.C. HEADS.. 4:06 look at front fender. sorry. It was "JUST" a statement. on Cruiser riders and Sportbike rider..Getting Sh%t done..Together!
Whatever You are on. Stay safe and united. peace.
Awesome to see law enforcement acting as a member of the community vs it’s over seer! Thanks for sharing this wonderful community action!
The Bikers will still bad mouth the HP.
Glad to see the rider wasn’t hurt...and the State Police showed up to offer assistance and and no one was shot, there were no protest ! Imagine that...wake up people ! Hopefully someone thank those officers properly. Maybe bought their lunch ! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸KAG🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Lol, "bought their lunch" ffs. The
highway pirates take what they want. Wtf would anyone want to buy them lunch. Fckn boot lickers
@@illhaveanother4365 Considering they helped get the guys bike out from a gulch free of charge and if it was my bike, I would.
@@asmodeus1274 looked more like they stood around gaining weight watching the dude in leathers coordinate
@@hipsabad Watching the guy in leathers coordinating while one trooper had a rope attached to the front of his vehicle pulling and the other trooper blocking traffic. Too bad it wasn’t your bike in the gulch and the troopers just standing there laughing at your biking skills!
@@asmodeus1274 laughing at the unfortunate is part of their job description. Unlike you i've no need for 'troopers' in my life
Nice job gents. Hate that had to happen but glad it turned out as well as it did. Hats off to our Men in blue and everyone that got this fella back on his feet.
the road Racer.. in RR leathers..Was the HERO. Lets all get along. And Wave. peace..
When I first moved to Tellico plains five years ago a couple of guys fro Texas went off the Dragon. One guy died and his friend spent three weeks in the hospital in Knoxville. This guy go off pretty easy.
Couple years ago I rented a three-story house there and did not regret one moment of my visit. Certainly beautiful country I'm considering moving that way. Getting there I had a couple issues with phone service but I'm ready just disconnect with everything
@@jameshoberg1609 yea, there is no cell service where I live. Once you’re two miles South of Tellico Plains there isn’t. Any cell signal till you get close to Ducktown. There is land line service though.
@@kimhorton6109 I'm going to keep my eyes on some of the Realtors and Craigslist for one of the places I would probably prefer to be. One day at a time. Lookout Mountain got some cool stuff but it's not an inexpensive place.
2013 early season i watched a dude from texas catch a peg on the last turn and die there on the side of the road, we had to send a car up to the store to call for help. that road is no joke.
Nice bit of team work from those who stopped to help, well done.
Nice to see people come together no matter what they ride and help one another out... great job and glad nobody got hurt...
The Bikers will cuss out the HP once he leaves because some paint was scratched.
thank you all you did help this biker..... no matter what the current situation is. I still have faith in the police..... trust me a biker never wants to see his machine on a place like this forget about him or herself.... be safe riders and share the road to all...
If you want a good ride where you can look around and take in the scenery, "The Dragon" isn't the road for you. You have to have your eyes on the road 100% of the time. And even then, it's far too easy to misjudge an approach to a turn, and end up out of your lane and over the side. This guy was VERY lucky, he went off on a corner without a massive drop off. The road has had some (minor) improvements done to it over the past couple of years. Guardrails installed, shoulders widened and better warning signs for some of the blind curves. It is a bit safer for it. The number one rule on the Dragon is still to take it far slower than you think you need to.
Will faster riders just pass you without issue?
The Dragon is a bucket list for many but unfortunately too many aren’t prepared and ride beyond the ability of their own skills or the bike. Ride your own ride and stay in your lane. I’ve been frustrated because I get behind slow moving harleys with new inexperienced riders but I will back off and let them make the ride.
Harleys shouldn't be on the dragon. Hat's off to you laying back.
Maybe that old pig saved your life the Lord works in mysterious ways as far as the other MUTTS comment 1903 where were the other guys
@@mickbowen5521 sounds like you shouldn't own a bike with that kind of attitude.
@@ND-tu7ww Woohoo. Go Trump!
@@mickbowen5521 It's a public road and used by many to commute back and forth. It's been this way for decades even before it was paved and became tourist destination for sports cars and motorcycles. Both states have purposed put up speed bumps throughout, make it a toll road and even to close it down but keep it open for the tourist dollars it generates and for everyday commuters going back and forth from their jobs. There are not many roads available in the area to cross the mtns if you look at it on the map.
Beautiful bike. Must have been one hell of a ride down that hill!
Good use of the secondary cable to stabilize the winch cable.
That is awesome that Tennessee law enforcement would help out as well as bystanders. What a great state unlike California where everyone is moving to Tennessee.
Been riding since 1967...done the dragon 5 times...only problem I had was the crotch rockets flying and cutting big bikes off in the turns...skills is one thing...but common sense and curiosity is another..
I saw a couple of comments from the "Crotch Rocket Boys" about Harleys on the Dragon. The only problems I had were from the, "Crotch Rocket Boys" trying to "push" the other riders out in front of them. Again, there have been some slight improvements made to the road, one of which is there are more and better pull-offs than there were before. I took full advantage of them to pull off and allow the, "Crotch Rocket Boys" to pass.
Yeah ! Goes both ways, everyone is out to have fun and enjoy.. cruisers just let the sport bike guys pass you safely, sport bike guys pass cruiser safely and everything works out nicely. It’s when cruisers with attitude’s want to block Sportbike guys on purpose and that never works and just makes the inevitable overtake even more dangerous, stop doing that (your on a cruiser) let them pass safely and don’t be that d-khead.. just move over to the right no need to drop your speed and we will do the rest, then everyone is happy.
@@spaceexplorer6636 your right ...im a cruiser...and i do let them pass...but when they try to cut me off thats when it gets bad...3 miles up the road dumass had a wreck...jump up tried to blame the other biker...cruiser got pissed...cuuiser won...we don't go anymore because of the stupid shit and how dangerous the crochrockes make it...what you said gos both ways...
GREAT JOB !!! OUR TROOPERS AND POLICE IN NJ WOULD NEVER HELP US OUT LIKE THIS NEVER OURS FEEL THEY ARE ABOVE US !!!!!! GREAT TO SEE THIS !!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Such a bad place to park this beautiful bike! Thanks to the police and the citizens for helping with this recovery! I am quite sure all is very much appreciated!
As a smitten by The Smokies Canadian, over the years I’ve ridden The Dragon well over 500+ times. The PoPo helping? Now this is something I would have said just didn’t happen. Great to see though, great to see!
Greetings from a European rider. Did thr dragon two years ago. Highly overated as a challenge. Many roads surrounding are much mote challenging. Biggest challenge on the dragon is finding a time when its not clogged up with partime riders who just looking for the tshirt. As for everyone saying one should take appropriate care well isnt that the case on every ride on every road. Town, county, straight, twisty, all riding has the potential to bite back.
Really cool to see the state trooper helping to get the bike out.
That road will bite you in the ass in a second, If you don't watch what you're doing, OR You think You know it all!
Yep. A buddy snapped his leg high siding while panic breaking because he thought he was to hot to make the left hand curve. The blind curves on a narrow road with oncoming traffic on the yellow line will scare the crap out of you!
... or if somebody ELSE isn't paying attention. Had folks meander into my lane more than once. One time was a semi-truck taking a wide turn.
Exciting road for sure.
@@jimr5703 Yes, It will keep You on your toes and You better be paying attention , Cause if you don't IT WILL BITE YOU!
It's awesome to know that they are still good cop out there. May GOD bless you all.
The dragon is no joke. Man that bike must weigh two tons.
Yes indeed. Every time I go there someone has gone off. And yeah that bike was a lead sled lol
about 800 pounds. a little more with the gear
Two tons is more like a car.
As a Tennessee cyclist we trained for Colorado in these mountains. I own a motorcycle too so I share something with these guys. I was up on Cherohala waiting for my group when a 300 lb + dude ask if he could photo my bike? I said sure but stand under this 5,000' sign, hold my bike and helmet while I take the picture. I'd have put my jersey on him but it wouldn't fit. We had a good time together before my guys showed up. If ya wanta test yourself they have a ride called The Cherohala Challenge it's 115 miles that goes over the Dragon and Cherohala back into Tellico in Tennessee July heat. About 96 degrees, I usually drink over a gallon of water. At 57 I could be most of these guys grandpa. It's fun for me, they think they're big and bad until an old guy passes em. They really are big and bad they just went out too hard for a climbing ride. I've never experienced anything in Colorado this tough. Thanks for letting an old man ramble.
If The Dragon eats your bike, you bike now belongs to The Dragon. 👀
They didn't take it out of gear until they got it back to the roadway?
If the would set up a bridle on the front forks one man could have guided it all the way up too. Not to take away from there kind efforts, but a professional should have been called. In my humble opinion.
KUDOS to helping thy neighbor!!
🇺🇸✊🏼
He probably is first ride on the dragon, I have being going to the dragon for the last 10 years n may,June July and September, and it is very easy to go off the road if don't know the road and watch your speed ,glad nobody got hurt and people be safe over there!!@
Great teamwork !! Thanks to the law officials too. Just great ! Trinidad & Tobago.
Go home Harley you’re drunk,, thinking you can go around corners. 🤣
a big loaded one can do a u turn inside two parking spaces.. so that's that...
@@-BUFFALOMan practice slow speed maneuvers, w/ patience :}
there's nothing super special about controlling a heavy beast, it just takes time to get used to it given one practices proper techniques and proper bike setup
@@duroxkilo true, but only with a skilled rider. 95% of riders couldn’t make a proper u turn in 2 lanes. Full lock turns with proper balance is well beyond average rider ability on cruiser/tour bikes
@@janetyeoman1544 as always the skill or the rider is the key :}.. the initial comment (and many ppl have this assumption) refers to a motorcycle brand being 'unrideable' on twisty roads.
in my view we're dealing w/ more inexperienced riders in the 'street bike' category. cruisers and especially the heavy ones are rarely purchased by new riders.
ps: full lock turns is advanced riding, you're correct. but that's not really needed in every-day riding. not even in a 2 parking spaces u-turn :} unless the rear wheel is on the wide side.
be safe, have fun
and some people want to Defund the Police. Cops are our neighbors that live down the street. Community Effort all around.
I’ve been to jail, so I understand the vital role police play in society 😂😂
there are some bat shit crazy people out there.
Anyone who says defund the police, ask them who they would like their mother to call when she’s in trouble... wins every time.
those kids in Texas called !! and called !! AND THEY DIDN'T DO SHIT !!!-😢😢😢😢 FUCK THEM !!!
What is a "gulch"? Never heard that word before.
I hope the rider is ok, well done retrieving bike from the drop off into bush of road, bike on right hand side looked in good condition 🙏👍👍
The rider was fine, sadly the gentleman that took charge and was coordinating the recovery died in a motorcycle accident about 2 weeks after I took this video.
@@MULTIPLESHOTSFIRED I’m sorry to hear that
Most of the 311 corners are very sharp and with low pipes on a bike like that, in a sharp lean the pipes touch and lift the bike tires from the road. At a speed you can easily touch pegs and even paniers on other bikes. The rider should know his angles.
-Nah... just drag knee, while hangin' off on the the insides, in power drift and anything on two wheels can do the twist... and shout ;}
@@blogengeezer4507 ha ..i can't lean that low with knobbies. I hear the back of the dragon is just as fun
@@KLRmurdercycle back of dragon was pretty fun. Even a first gear right turn up hill. Way less traffic.
@@janetyeoman1544 👍someday. Whenever the borders aren't bonkers.
TN highway patrol hands down the best in the country
How the hell did he get off there? Bet he caught a floorboard bracket.
Yeah! It certainly wasn’t coming in hot and going wide the drop off was on the inside. Oversteered the curve and couldn’t correct ? Floor board digging in ? Maybe. Must be a total beginner imo, shifted into neutral at apex by mistake lost momentum ?
That's what teamwork looks like.
Military
Is that a Hardly?
Really how does a Harley fall off a road, mid age crisis with low riding skills.
OTOH, he could have gotten run off the road by some roadracer wanna be with no riding skills.
James try riding on the dragons tail for your first time and I'm sure you will understand how easy it is to do what was done here. And the posted speed limit is 30 miles per hour and try maintaining 30 miles per hour for 11 miles with 318 left and right hand turns all with elevation changes of one turn called gravity cavity as you approach this turn and then committed to negotiate the line you have chosen the pavement itself looks level into the next turn but it's actually the next two turns as gravity cavity gives you an optical illusion and you don't see that it dropped off into a hollow in a turn and then back up to the level you was on. Gravity cavity has taken seasoned professional Riders to novice Riders all by surprise and it's not only gravity cavity as this particular turn they feel like the same type of optical illusion where the Ryder visualize the road going straight into the next turn to the right and didn't see the long left hand sweeper and drove right into the hollow. if you want to see what it looks like from a GoPro mounted on a Yamaha R6 TH-cam Jared Barnes dragon slayer as this film is both real speed and slow motion to show you the angles of attack and how often you have to toss the bike from lean angle full left and lean angle full right in seconds to make each turn at speed ...and witness some of the very best ridding skills on a sport bike ...with flash shots of the tachometer showing up to 14,000 + rpm between shifting gears and he never backs off
@@donniebaker5984 so if you ride 10 miles an hour, you would be totally fine.
Im thinking a average of 45mph should be in most peoples ability scope.
@@mannyechaluce3814 yea right kid but first you need to put away your bmx and learn how to ride a mans bike like a good noob bike of an R6 with the skills of Jared Barnes the dragon slayer and here he is first lessons free
th-cam.com/video/8rGbln3J4Sg/w-d-xo.html
There are roads in the area that are a lot more technical . The dragon is the most populated. A lot of riders want to go ride the dragon that have no business riding any road that has a curve in it.
It takes max concentration on this road. You have to watch out for everyone else not just what you are doing. . I been coming to the area since 1997. I have rode the dragon well over 250 times We ride more of the other roads now in TN, NC, & VA. Every year you see more riders who should not be anywhere near a motorcycle.
Just my .02
You got that right but forgot to mention all those locals in cages head deep in their smartphone. Met too many in blind corners. Coming across yahoos in sports cars thinking they can drive it like a closed circuit race track. Getting crazy out there.
....but where is the rider?
Now would Harley cruisers help a sport bike like these guys did ?
I'm a HD rider n I'd help anybody on 2 wheels
Glad he did not go off the wrong section of road.
How fo you know which way he was going? Looks like he came from the opposite side from the way the dirt is so therefor ebooks like he went on the wrong side
Solo, late fall or late winter is when this road is actually fun.
Solo = bad idea dude.
No cell phone coverage in many areas of that route, so if you eat it... aint *no one* going to help ya.
Not my first rodeo. If I was concerned about that I wouldn't be riding a motorcycle in the first place. Still safer than being there with the crowds imho.
@@MarcRitchie LOL, I am not talking about in general. I talking about solo at the tail.
This is what could happen when riding solo @ Dragon tail.
th-cam.com/video/P8JpIvywtyU/w-d-xo.html
@@nuffflavor No different than where I live in the Alleghenies where nearly every road is a dragon and my two wheel commutes often started and ended in the dark. I am aware of the risks. We each have our own line drawn between what's acceptable and what's not, but we alone choose that line based on our experience(s). Yours may differ. Cheers.
@@MarcRitchie Not differ. It is safety training. MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course) teaches that. It goes for *everything* not just... motorcycles.
Trail hiking
Rock Climbing
Boating
etc..... 2 or more incase emergency happens.
You do not have too, but it is like having sex. Go bare back and pray, or use a condom. 😁
Peace.
Did the guy get a ticket(s)?
@FINfinFINfinFINfin No, it was actually a female rider and the Trooper was very cool about thing. Sadly the motorcyclist that was handling the recovery was killed about 2 weeks after I filmed this in a motorcycle accident.
I like how everyone worked together. Good job!
Interesting and rather clever way of doing it with triangular anchoring to tree. Must remember that. One thing however. I would never tie anything to a bull bar. And especially not up high. I always use the tow points underneath that are bolted to the chassis. Why? Well most are not that strong. We once had a large cattle truck bogged on our place. Neighbour came over with tractor and someone (not me) secured the tow line to the massive bullbar. That tractor just ripped it straight off that truck like shit off a shovel!
Bull Bar. Wasn't he the Hobbit Dude?
@Chuck Farley As they say you can provide advice but it is up to reader to use it or not. A good many people have ripped off bullbars by using them as tow points. A Road King being pulled up a slope like this is a heavy load. Most police vehicles are pretty solidly constructed because of their potential use. But the average bullbar isn't built like this. But as I said it's just my my opinion. You clearly have yours.
just to put this out there Harleys cant corner like your normal street bike. i am glad the rider was safe and the bike came out and was rideable..
@Chuck Farley it's a 900 lb turd that has almost zero lean angle a rubber mounted engine/ trans that squirms around in a frame that was built to go slow and straight . Ride it to the bar like the rest of the posers stray off the kinks with it.
@Chuck Farley 100%
@@pinslayer4579 -'Million Dollar Bogan' rides his Road Kings Everywhere.
Arctic Circle, Australian outback, hill climbs, Beach sand, Tasmanian bush trails... Everywhere ;}
You can lay that softail down around the corners if you know what you’re doing! Driver error...
@Chuck Farley so have I. I never rode over a hill in on one tho😆
did it start?
I went to Tennessee to ride the dragon. It was a terrible experience. I counted 15 to 20 cops on the dragon from start to finish. I'll never go back. I have plenty of good roads in West Virginia.
Shhhhhhhh, don't let the secret out. Everyone, he was joking. Nothing to see here. West Virginia is not a place for motorcycles.
Some riders think they are better than what they truly are. You can see here that he probably came out of the curve in the background to hot for his capability and straight lined it right over the edge. Its a good thing that the bike was ok and so was he.
The gentleman who is the one directing lost his life last Thursday on the dragon... that's was my bubba
I am so sorry to hear that- he did an amazing job that day and seemed like a incredibly nice person. I'm so sorry for your loss.
@@MULTIPLESHOTSFIRED it's okay. But I watched this video just to see him. It was good to see him helping a fellow biker out.
@@danijane100 Great guy, so sad to hear about him passing away.
Ma’am I’m so very sorry for your loss ! I’m a biker too and have been for over 25 years. Your husband will never be forgotten ! God bless you and your family 🙏🏻 ML&R !
Sorry for your loss. I've lost so many friends on the Dragon over the years. Also lost my brother n law 4 years ago on HWY 421 he had just came off the mountain when a girl pulled out killing him instantly. 😢 but anyway again sorry for the loss. It's never easy
DeFund WHAT? Hats off to y’all 🇺🇸
Got the T-shirt for that route.
If you are going there, do not try to be a hero.
Safety overrides anything else on that tail.
How they lose bike down the gully on a inside corner?
makes no sense ?
very nice bike.....how did it with no dead.....great job.
Rider had good presence of mind to bail when he saw he was going off. There's been several who lay hurt halfway down the hill for hours before they were found. The Dragon rarely takes prisoners.
I have been across it a couple different years with my Wife on the back of my Road Glide Safely . You must respect it and Pay Attention !
And watch for other Bikes oncoming an Kamakazi’s from the rear . Ride Safely.
Where was this at in Tn?
Deal's Gap, US Hwy 129 AKA Tail of the Dragon.
Behind the "at".
Harleys are piss poor on curves
@@captseamus Not for someone who knows how to ride.
Not many time do you see a ricky racers survive on a HD
Been to Tail of the Dragon once. Complete Cluster Fuck doesn't even begin to describing it.
I am a local here and I used to ride this road at least 2 times a week years ago. My last ride up there was end of 2019. sold my R6 and said no more! It used to be like heaven on earth, now it is such a cluster f*** like you said.
@@BigEbikesports The time I was there it was memorial day weekend and I had just ridden down the Sky Line Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. It was total insanity on the Dragon. Did one run of it and split. Saw the aftermath of three bike wrecks, cops and tow trucks everywhere cleaning up messes and even had cars driving around like idiots. I pulled over at a turn out and watched for a while, you would have someone slow and there would be 25-30 bikes all stacked up behind them with everyone looking to pass. This was in either 2007 or 2008 so it's been FUBAR for a while.
@@stuglenn1112 I feel your pain buddy, I bought a dirt bike and never looked back lol
Rode the Dragon twice.. It's definitely NOT a stretch for newbies.. I had nearly 50 years on two wheels before I got there and all I can say is - ya better be payin' attention.. Fail that just ONCE - and it could easily mean a trip to the ER...
Another guy who thought he could ride. LOL
Yeah ,and ALWAYS riding a “ certain type of bike “
Bike sure was Purdy though
@@rray3630 Yeah. Sport bikes never crash. Don't be a dick.
@@joshrandall5297 lol
@@kurkgarro2341 bwahahahaha!
i wanted to hear it start and for the owner to ride off. been on the tail and glad i did it.
I'm old enough to remember when this was how taken care of every time !!!!!!
wtf? Are you illiterate?
@@REDMAN298 i thought i was illiterate trying to understand Jame's comment. Lol
These are how things are being taken cared of now, same as before, and anywhere in the world, the world are are full of humans ready to help. you just watch to much TV.
Neither big Harleys nor semis belong on the Dragon especially if the Harley is being driven by a flatlander where roads are straight and corners are 90 degrees. Then put a SO in the back up high and it's not a question of if but when.
Have had several memorable and pleasant trips on the dragon but there are many who do not have such a great experience. Very easy to get distracted and end up like this.
Too often a rider's belief in his ability exceeds his actual ability.
I rode the Dragon several times. I have not remotely memorized the entire route. So as with any unfamiliar road I slow down, concentrate and expect vehicles to come into my lane.
I once saw a sport bike being towed up a steep ravine after barreling off Grizzly Peak Road in Berkeley. Tow truck driver dragged the bike over not one but several short and fairly small tree stumps. Bike was in way worse condition after the tow up. Not fun to observe.
It looks like the front brake was being accidently applied towards the top? If you watch the front spokes at the bottom the wheel is freely turning & at the top the wheel stops spinning & it's just plowing up. One of the guy's on the right pushing likely was unknowingly hitting the front brake & making it a lot harder? That place is a blast I live 45 minutes away!
Why didn't they call a tow truck?
cuz not quite all people are useless yet
@@hipsabad Pretty useless if you can't call a tow truck if you ask me. Maybe one wasn't available. Any truck with a winch would have got that bike straight out of there but I suppose you still would have wanted people to keep it upright.
I have rode this road several times. It is very easy to get in over your head. I hope the rider was ok.
Now that it's back on the road. Who gets the huge ticket that cop's going to wright? And the bill ($)?.
No citations issued.
Thankss
word of advice to the person standing next to the cable under stress.. ever seen one break?
towel or jacket over the line under tension lessens the whip force if it does snap . Old tow truck tip.
wow watching the two guys in the background crawl over each was funny as hell . THAT was steep !
I'm a Knoxville boy and ride a Harley. You have to be a knucklehead to take any Harley, except a Buell on the Dragon. This guy just proved me right.
Too many great roads in East Tennessee than to waste your time doing 11 MPH.
What happen to the poor devil that was riding it ?
Salute to the guy that tied the ropes!!!
Nice job for all involved including law enforcement.
What a beautiful bike, that had to have been heartbreaking.
Another one added to the parts tree. This road is not ment for the weak or road bikes period.
Would have been sooomuch easier if they had rigged the lines properly. The front wheel was always going to try and bury itself in the dirt cos the tow line crossed the edge of the road at zero inches a.g.l. The line wanted to get its point of fixing to the bike to zero inches agl. Therefore the wheel and front fork would be 2ft below ground level. Needed to run the line around the tree on the opposite side of the road a long way above the ground. You can never find a sailor when you need one. They're good with ropes.
Great ride even on a cruiser. I rode it a couple years ago and was glad I didn’t add any parts to the tree. Great job everyone that helped. Surprised I didn’t see a jacka$$ try to fly around all that. There were plenty of them when I rode it.
never let your ambition outrun your ability..especially on the Dragon
Good thing there were sport riders there to manage the entire rescue... Harley riders please take note.
Nice to see such great team work,, FROM EVERY ONE,!!!!!
Isn't a firefighter with that beard
One should never exhume a Harley!
It was resisting at the very end, as a good anchor should.
Y’a gotta slow down, or any highway will bite you really bad. The dragon is a nice ride, but you gotta respect the highway, asphalt and gravel will really be hard to brush out of the skin. Y’all be safe out there. Got two or three days good riding, BE SAFE !!!
Awesome to find help
Dang I have never gotten that lucky on any bike I wrecked. They usually don't have any handle bars left or front fender and this guy's but looks like it has only minimal damage to it
Looks like it was in gear the way the rear was dragging
Dang I was waiting on him to ride it off! Great job nonetheless boys!
Wonder if he hoisted his bike into the legendary tree of shame at the tail of the dragon 😂
It was a female rider..