You two are sooo blessed. I'm sure you worked hard to get to where you are to be able to do that do that but to be able to travel together in such a way warms my heart and finds me envious. My wife hates bikes and has never ridden with me. I am also a pilot and flew for 30 years and had my own airplane and she never flew in that even once. I love her don't get me wrong I just really really love to watch you guys and live vicariously through you.
...with a speed limit no faster than 45mph, it can get boring if caught in traffic behind cagers, but yeah the BRP provides spectacular vistas on its overlooks. We stayed at Peaks of Otter for a couple of nights and explored the area. One
I live near Asheville, I get to ride these roads often. You're absolutely right, the BRP is incredibly scenic! The Dragon is an entirely different animal! (See what I did there?😅) I love riding each of them, but I ride completely different on each of them. Stay well folks!
I am a retired _re-entry rider,_ and this video is a great inspiration! _Especially since I live 4 hours from Deals Gap and 90 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway._ Love to see people riding responsibly.
Thanks for calling it Deals Gap!! I first rode it in 1976 on my brand new Yamaha XT500C. Rode from Wilmington, NC (about 425 miles) to camp there at the Esso station & motel ( now the TOTG Resort). Back then it was a 55mph speed limit! And little to no traffic, but occasional semi's!! My every summer ride was Wilmington NC to Asheville to Deals Gap to Cherokee up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Front Royal VA, camping the whole way. On a 500cc SINGLE cylinder 4-stroke Enduro (trail bike). Ride whatcha got!!! Now I've got a 2014 Tiger 800XC, a 1999 Tiger 885i (118,000 miles motor never rebuilt) and A 1995 Yamaha XT600E.
I like the dragon but prefer the Cherohala skyway, blu ridge parkway, moonshiner 28, but there are a lot of great roads in that area and near Asheville
Tazewell ? holly crap, there's a name you don't here every day , LOL , My mother in law was born there , hate's the place , only been back once in past 50 years ...
I took it from Tazewell to Marion in September on my 2018 Goldwing Tour and I was amazed at how well paved the road was. It reminded me of riding my Yamaha FJ1100 through southwest Virginia back during grad school when we used to scrape our pegs....I long time ago.
When I lived in Maryville during grad school, I used to go ride the Dragon during the rain. It was almost always deserted and you could get a good mental “map” of the road as you were scootin along. There are so many good raids in this area. Been here 27 years and Never get tired of our roads and sights.
We make pilgrimage every year from Ontario Canada to ride the Tail of the Dragon. Its great but there's better all through those mountains. On our way home we ride the Blue Ridge Parkway from beginning to end going north. We can't get enough of those views !!
Yes, there's so many great roads - each one different and unique in their own way and that can satisfy just about everyone's riding style. That's what's so fun about the area. If you get on a road that doesn't do it for you, then you can just take a left or right turn and try out another one.
Wow, that's a great video. That's a fantastic video of you's driving. The bike's trailer is so pretty. There's a lot of camping trailers in the factory. I'm glad to be a friend of your great channel. Happy New Year. Always stay healthy. 👍👍👍🤝🤝🤝🤙🤙👌
I gotta say that you guys reply to all of the comments that inspiring, I would love to live your life but just watching your experiences is enough for me, maybe someday
My wife and I were glad to finally meet both you at the Killboy store. we love your adventures been following your adventures for a long time safe travels
Wife and I rode the Tail of the Dragon during the summer of 2020. We ride a 2007 Goldwing Trike (RoadSmith). Great time, roads are well maintained and landscape was just beautiful. I’m 62 wife is 61. We finished the 11 miles in about 26 minutes. At 62, testosterone down, wisdom is up! Ride at your level and keep your eyes on the road, it changes quick without much forgiveness. While we we there a couple of young bikers did not fare so well. They were shooting for a much better time I’m sure. They were ok, bikes not so much. I believe they may have had tree of shame contributions. I have heard that a few years back a rider ran the tail in 9 minutes on a two wheel goldwing. Way over my skill level. Nice video, thanks for sharing.
Good info I will check out the camp ground and the tank bag Been going to TN since i was 10, my mother grew up in TN. I discovered the dragon in 1997 since then I have done it well over 250 times i quit counting at 250. I got tried of dragging my floor boards. So i added a FJR to the stable that bike is a blast on hills and curve's. we go to the southeast every Sept. and do all the cool roads in TN, GA, NC, and VA. We call it the Million Curve Ride. The only curves we have in our area are the on and off ramps of the expressways only hill is up my driveway. I will retire this year and moving west of Knoxville so i can ride the cool roads of the Southeast all the time.
Made me homesick, lived there most of my life, moved to Alabama gulf coast in 2012, love it down here but get back up there few times a year. Good to see videos in my old stomping grounds, thanks, enjoyed it.
As for your BushTech trailer, I have a 1991 model that I still pull every season behind my trike now. Love the room that thing has when the wife wants to take the house along on a trip.
I am a couple of hours from the Tail of the Dragon. Get down there a couple of times a year and love the road and the area. Great roads in every direction you go. As a motorcyclist I feel like I live in some of the best riding in the country.
Great looking road. Thanks for the video. If you ever get the chance, come ride the roads in the South Island of New Zealand. You will be amazed. Happy riding.
Well that was sure awesome! So glad you both got to experience The Tail Of The Dragon. I have ridden 2 up with my Husband on that road. We love to camp at the Iron Horse motorcycle lodge in Stecoah Creek. We cannot wait to go back up there. So beautiful! Enjoy, and ride safe! 😊
Thanks Karen. We did not stay at the Iron Horse, but have heard great things about it. Just another reason to go back so we can experience it and ride some more great roads.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife Yes......It is a great place! I love their biker breakfast! Also I admire you and your Husband’s riding skills. I see you park in the gravel. I would have been down in seconds flat. 😂😂😂😂
The Dragon is ok.. but the roads around that area are well worth the price of admission. Jamie and I like to hang out at the bottom, and watch everyone on busy days. If you like bikes, it is a cool place to hang out with like minded people. Great videos keep up the good work.
Thanks! You're not the only person who recommends the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge. We didn't stay there, but will have to go back someday. The whole area is just to beautiful to not do multiple trips.
Great video again. That is a great road. That whole area is awesome. You can ride everyday for a week seeing new and great roads. While the Dragon has no comparison in the USA, I know you experience other roads that are also unique in there own way. Getting no notice for your new post. Glad I checked in. TH-cam is messing with a lot of folks lately.
Any twisty road is a joy on a motorcycle! We are blessed with many great roads here in Australia, not least of which is the Bonang Road which is signposted as 105km or about 65 miles of twisties on - now sealed - logging tracks.
Hey Rich & Chris. I've had a magnetic tank bag for years. It can and will scratch if you're not carefull with it. Set it on holding the flaps and slowly lower them down to the tank and take it off lifting the flaps and you'll avoid dragging the magnets across the tank surface. Great video as always. Enjoy the journey.
11:02 over time, keep an eye out on the bag. Those magnets are so powerful, with the constant taking the bag off the tank, eventually the magnets tear through the fabric. That's what happened to my magnetic tank bag, after 8 years of use. The magnet ended up putting a small nick on my tank.
I ride the Dragon at least once a year, twice in 2020. I ride it on my own and with my wife, two up. We’ve ridden the Blue Ridge Parkway and other great roads all around that region. It’s some of my favorite stuff to do in the world.
Stayed down there for a week Memorial weekend 2020 then back at labor day....made bunches of trips across and all the other roads around there...Had a great time...HAD A BLAST!!!!Y'all be safe n your travels
I lived in Atlanta and the dragon was a day ride for me, in the winter I took my sports car up there and rode the dragon late at night was other sports cars we will put our highbeams on and our rearview mirrors up to light it up. We took pride in not crossing the yellow line too. They’re no leaves on the trees in winter so we can see through the turns for cars coming the other way. But in the summer it was motorcycles all the way! I rode a Harley Davidson dresser so not much pigs were scraping for me but I seen quite a bit of others. I also stayed at motorcycle campgrounds in the nearby area many times. 😎
Absolutely love the dragon!! My hubs and have ridden a few times!! Me riding on bike with him Plus other roads in the smokies!! Breathtaking!! My happy place riding there!! You guys did great!! Love your videos!! Be safe!!
I live in Georgia approximately 2-1/2-hours south of of Robbinsville/Graham County, NC and Deals Gap. I've ridden the Dragon at least 18X over the last fifteen years. I've experienced "The Dragon" evolve for the good and bad. You are correct, it seems car clubs are driving The Dragon extensively more than ever. Many of the car drivers have none to limited experience driving a car on this road. I was three car lengths behind a Subaru "rally" car riding through a tight curve, the rally car lost controlled went head first into the embankment, bounced back onto the road, flipped three or four times and landed wheels down in the middle of the road in a spray of dirt, gravel and fona. Another experience, I was riding The Dragon coming from TN toward Deal's Gap. Just a few hours before I meet a group of riders from Miami during breakfast in Robbinsville that had just bought 5 brand new H'D's and had just trailered their new H-D's from Miami to ride The Dragon. They had explained they had never ridden The Dragon and obviously in south Florida or anywhere on Florida, there aren't any roads to ride to prepare you for riding The Dragon. They had no experience riding mountain twisties. As I was riding south , traffic become heavy and speed slowed to 10-mph. We road up and through an uphill positive cambered "s" curve and there laying in the middle of the road was one of the men from the Miami group! The TN HWP had arrived and were directing traffic through one-lane of the "s" curve. We road on to Deal's Gap. At Deal's Gap , we learned a crotch rocket rider was screaming through the "s" curve, went over center line and hit the Miami rider head-on! The Miami rider had to be helicoptered to an ER in Knoxville, TN. Here's a situation were an irresponsible crouch rocket rider allowed his ego to get the better of him and exceeded his skill-set and put an innocent rider in the ER. Both bikes were totaled. I never learned what happened to the crouch rocket rider. Riding The Dragon is a numbers game. Sooner or later you are going to lose that challange. I continue to ride and visit Deal's Gap. I no longer ride The Dragon. I'm on the short list of that numbers game. I ride the Cherohala and Moonshiners-28. Frankly the Cherohala and Moonshiner-28 are better rides than The Dragon. Try the Foothills Parkway and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway. A long time friend of mine that lived in Robbinsville use to tell me an average of 6 to 8-riders died every year on The Dragon. I've seen medevac helicopters take riders off The Dragon three times in the last to years. Ride The Dragon at your own risk, do not exceed your skill set. Be a mature, responsible rider/driver while on The Dragon.
My feelings exactly. It was once a good ride and the most pleasant way to get to FortLoudon or Maryville. I now avoid it. You can be the best and safest rider in the world but someone crossing the line or a corvette spinning out of control doesn't care who you are. I have 100 other roads in the area that are just as fun, a better speed limit, fewer radar patrols and much better statistics.
If you guys haven't tried it yet, you need to check out 'The Back of the Dragon' in the western panhandle of Virginia. It runs 32 miles from Marion to Tazewell, up and over three mountains with 1500 feet in elevation changes, and 438 curves. You can camp at the Hungry Mother Campground which is right at the southern entrance to the BOTD in Marion.
I use the Dragon and Cherohala every spring to retune the skills after a lazy winter of not riding much. Plus I do the moonshiner and a few other fun roads.
You want to ride the dragon during a week day in the middle of the week (Tuesday through Thursdays). This will keep the weekend warriors away as well. You also want to make sure you keep your bike RPM up as you don't want to be caught in an ascending hairpin in a gear thats too low and makes you stall out. Saw a couple go over on a Harley Ultra Glide and the bike rolled over them.
Ridden the Dragon many times but once I rode down and back without seeing another person. One of the best rides ever. As others have mentioned - come for the Dragon but stay for all the other fantastic roads.
Loved this video for lots of reasons. I want to ride TTD and I’m contemplating a Bushtec Bunkhouse for my cross country trip in June 2022. We did the BRP...hundreds of miles of sweeping STurns...but watch out for tourists making left turns in front of you into scenic pull offs especially in elevated corners. Stay safe!
Thanks Dana! We absolutely love our Bushtec trailer and the guys at the factory are amazing - never had that kind of service before - they're so accommodating and passionate about their product.
Love that map! I live near Asheville, I get to ride all these roads all the time! The Dragon is awesome for sure, I will only ride during the week though. It's no where near as scary as you are lead to believe before you ride it. As you noticed with the map, you could spend a month in the area and still not ride all these amazing roads. Two Wheels of Suches in N. Georgia, Blue Ridge Motorcycle campground, Ironhorse motorcycle lodge and campground, and so many other campgrounds that cater to motorcycles all in riding distance of the area. Like I said, you could spend a month here and never get bored! Great video! Subscribed!!!
I have that same tank bag on my Indian Springfield and absolutely love it. I’m always careful placing it on the tank to keep the magnets from snapping down hard. It’s the perfect size for snacks and electronics. I’ve also carried a DSLR with a 55-300 zoom in it. Nelson-Rigg rocks!
Sound advice doing it in the a.m.!...I did it back in '07 on my Fatboy after picking up my Bushtec trailer from the factory. It was quite the maiden voyage doing the 'Dragon' pulling a trailer!
Just a sixty year old Harley rider from South Jersey Magpie sent me your link will be watching all your videos be safe out hope to see you on the road.
Been there and ridden it twice now.... I agree it is a great ride but I found so many others that are much more scenic and so much fun to ride in that area. Such an awesome area to ride! Unfortunately I rode it twice when there were so many people around. Enjoyed the video! Ride Safe!
I’m still bing watching your channel! Started with oldest first & had to see how old this one was. Gas $1.76 a gallon & now only 1 year later almost $5.00 Gosh we need to sell our stuff & downsize to a tent & bike! Which is what we are gonna do as soon as I retire. 1-3 yrs? Love y’all & your life style. I hate sleeping on the ground but do love a hammock & we are looking into the roll-a-home motorcycle camper. Have you thought of a pull set up camper? My husband like the tent still & we pull a trailer like you but use 1 bike. I am on the bitch seat. Love it but really think I’d like the roll-a-home?? Keep having fun & shines side up!
I love every single of your episodes! Just got my wife a Ryker, she just didnt loved the bikes like I do. But now we have been getting more out there! Soon to hit longer rides!
I’ve been fortunate enough to have ridden the ToD on a cruiser (Honda VTX), sport touring (BMW R1100RT) and in a C7 Corvette. Each provided a different experience. Done many other routes in the area. Enjoyed the video. Stay safe!
I have bin there several times from Pennsylvania there are so many good rides their one with water falls that you can drive under in spring . Stayed at blue ridge mc campground the lady that runs it is the best and her late husband was a great friend makes the best sausage and gravey truly a great place
Those magnets irrespective of the padding still will end up scratching the tank. It's due to the dust particles and the tank bag slightly shifting due to bumps and wind. I ended up getting my tank buffed and polished to get the swirling removed. Then i put a 3m transparent film on the entire tank. Now i am worry free.
Just subscribed! You two are awesome! So cool to see you traveling, each on their own machine. I'm the solo rider right now but working on the wife to join me two up or get her cycle license. Years ago she'd hop on the back but now she's more hesitant. We're close to retirement and planning to move to TN within the next couple of years. I own 2 Honda Interceptors. A classic, well restored 1984 VF 700 F in Red, White and Blue and a 2013 VFR 1200 F in black. I plan to be hitting those roads not too far into the future. Great ride! Ride safe and take care from Maryland!
My wife and I ride. But we ride the same bike not separate bikes. But I love having her with me. We watch your videos often and they are entertaining and educational. We just watched the one where you sold your house and then how you packed for your adventure. Good stuff. My only suggestion is to get some dedicated sound recording equipment and good mikes. The only issue we have had is hearing you talk from time to time.
I live just 115 miles from the Dragon. I have ridden it many times and still love to ride it. However, if you go on the weekends the road is dangerous. Kids on rockets and sports cars act like they have a clock to beat going either way. In the past few years the speed limit has been dropped to 30 mph and during peak times a state trooper sits over 3 miles. Many people have crashed ( as noted by the tree of shame) and many have died. I'm so glad that you enjoyed our great state. And if you ever come back this way let me know I'd love to meet you and maybe have you for supper.
You were in my neck of the woods! I live over the border in the North Georgia mountains. I ride the Cherohala every chance I get :-) Amongst other roads in the tri-state area. Have ridden the dragon a couple times, just too busy for me.
Thanks guys that was awesome the dragon looks like it would be fun ever was there in person but watched Jim old guy on a bike do the dragon both ways and Jerry from ride like a pro and have heard some scary stories about the ride but like any other road you have to pay attention and don't ride over your ability thanks for sharing and takein
You are spot on - don't ride over your ability. The Dragon has lots of paved turnoffs so you can pullover if someone behind you wants to go faster, so there's never a reason to ride faster than you feel comfortable with.
I love the Dragon and Cherohala skyway. You guys hit it at a great time it looked like. When I was on it we stopped a few times to help others get the bike back up on the road. And it was pretty busy. Even for a Sunday in April. Of course I went there with my friends since my wife is not a fan of the curves on the back of my bike but I took her back to do the Cherohala and Blue Ridge Parkway. Nice video as always!
As a Canadian visitor to Deals Gap I’m grateful to say I’ve ridden it well over 500 times during the past fifteen years. It’s well worth the effort to make the pilgrimage, meet the people and explore the surrounding vistas. That said, the Dragon itself is more show than go and the local constabulary has a job to do. You’d be well advised to talk to the local “slayers” (if you can find them) and before you ride hard, listen harder.
I drove the dragon several years ago in October with snow. It’s a different kind of beauty. Ended up in staying completely alone in a hotel along the road. What a freaking awesome experience I had
Went to college Knoxville. Done the Dragon many times with its 318 curves in 11 miles. Last rides were on a ST1300. Yes, watch for the others and local Sheriffs. Cherohala has great sweeping turns. On Cherohala followed an old guy on a 650 Burgman 2 up and could hardly get by him. Stopped at overlook and my entire riding group bowed down to him! Love the area for riding. Yes!
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I want to say I really appreciate the way that you both respect and show love 💘 towards each other.
Thanks Vernon we appreciate the kind words.
You two are sooo blessed. I'm sure you worked hard to get to where you are to be able to do that do that but to be able to travel together in such a way warms my heart and finds me envious. My wife hates bikes and has never ridden with me. I am also a pilot and flew for 30 years and had my own airplane and she never flew in that even once. I love her don't get me wrong I just really really love to watch you guys and live vicariously through you.
Thank you so much!
20 years ago I told my wife to scatter my ashes on the Cherola. She can’t wait!
Oh, that's not nice!!! 😍 But I like the idea of the scattering of ashes on a good road.
I needed a chuckle this morning.. thank you.
Haha
The Dragon receives all the hype but the Blue Ridge Parkway is a much more scenic ride.
There are a lot of roads in that area. too much for this one video. we ride other over the next weeks.
Never done the Dragon, But have been on the Blue Ridge...One beautiful stretch of highway ✔️
...with a speed limit no faster than 45mph, it can get boring if caught in traffic behind cagers, but yeah the BRP provides spectacular vistas on its overlooks. We stayed at Peaks of Otter for a couple of nights and explored the area.
One
I live near Asheville, I get to ride these roads often. You're absolutely right, the BRP is incredibly scenic! The Dragon is an entirely different animal! (See what I did there?😅) I love riding each of them, but I ride completely different on each of them. Stay well folks!
Shhhh
I rode the tail 3 years ago with a group of 7 when I was 72 and plan to ride again Oct. 2021. Love your videos.
Thanks. Cheers.
That’s inspiring. Ride safe and ride often. Peace.
I am a retired _re-entry rider,_ and this video is a great inspiration! _Especially since I live 4 hours from Deals Gap and 90 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway._ Love to see people riding responsibly.
Thanks for calling it Deals Gap!!
I first rode it in 1976 on my brand new Yamaha XT500C.
Rode from Wilmington, NC (about 425 miles) to camp there at the Esso station & motel ( now the TOTG Resort).
Back then it was a 55mph speed limit!
And little to no traffic, but occasional semi's!!
My every summer ride was Wilmington NC to Asheville to Deals Gap to Cherokee up the Blue Ridge Parkway to Front Royal VA, camping the whole way.
On a 500cc SINGLE cylinder 4-stroke Enduro (trail bike).
Ride whatcha got!!!
Now I've got a 2014 Tiger 800XC, a 1999 Tiger 885i (118,000 miles motor never rebuilt) and
A 1995 Yamaha XT600E.
I like the dragon but prefer the Cherohala skyway, blu ridge parkway, moonshiner 28, but there are a lot of great roads in that area and near Asheville
i like the rattler
You are right but I hate going anywhere near Asheville the roads and the road signs are terrible
I am older the reason I rode it was for the views. It was beautiful. I like the Cherahala much better.
@@brianparker866 I agree Cherohala is a fantastic ride with great lookouts
Ditto!
It’s a must do but I prefer The Back of the Dragon from Marion to Tazewell. Over 30 miles and less traffic.
How about the Devils Highway in Arizona? About 90 miles and several thousand feet elevation change and and almost zero traffic.
Tazewell ? holly crap, there's a name you don't here every day , LOL , My mother in law was born there , hate's the place , only been back once in past 50 years ...
I took it from Tazewell to Marion in September on my 2018 Goldwing Tour and I was amazed at how well paved the road was. It reminded me of riding my Yamaha FJ1100 through southwest Virginia back during grad school when we used to scrape our pegs....I long time ago.
@@tomjones2121 who is Holly?
@@jimanders9971 typo , Holy , jeez , I think a smart person would have figured it out , but thanks for the spell check
When I lived in Maryville during grad school, I used to go ride the Dragon during the rain. It was almost always deserted and you could get a good mental “map” of the road as you were scootin along. There are so many good raids in this area. Been here 27 years and Never get tired of our roads and sights.
We make pilgrimage every year from Ontario Canada to ride the Tail of the Dragon. Its great but there's better all through those mountains. On our way home we ride the Blue Ridge Parkway from beginning to end going north. We can't get enough of those views !!
Yes, there's so many great roads - each one different and unique in their own way and that can satisfy just about everyone's riding style. That's what's so fun about the area. If you get on a road that doesn't do it for you, then you can just take a left or right turn and try out another one.
Thanks guys. Great job. We look forward to every video.
Awesome! Thank you!
Wow, that's a great video.
That's a fantastic video of you's driving.
The bike's trailer is so pretty.
There's a lot of camping trailers in the factory.
I'm glad to be a friend of your great channel.
Happy New Year.
Always stay healthy.
👍👍👍🤝🤝🤝🤙🤙👌
I gotta say that you guys reply to all of the comments that inspiring, I would love to live your life but just watching your experiences is enough for me, maybe someday
Thanks Steve we love this community.
My wife and I were glad to finally meet both you at the
Killboy store. we love your adventures been following your adventures for a long time safe travels
Awesome. It was great to meet you guys.
great video! We here at VikingBags really appreciate your content! Keep up the good work!
Wife and I rode the Tail of the Dragon during the summer of 2020. We ride a 2007 Goldwing Trike (RoadSmith). Great time, roads are well maintained and landscape was just beautiful. I’m 62 wife is 61. We finished the 11 miles in about 26 minutes. At 62, testosterone down, wisdom is up! Ride at your level and keep your eyes on the road, it changes quick without much forgiveness. While we we there a couple of young bikers did not fare so well. They were shooting for a much better time I’m sure. They were ok, bikes not so much. I believe they may have had tree of shame contributions. I have heard that a few years back a rider ran the tail in 9 minutes on a two wheel goldwing. Way over my skill level. Nice video, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for taking us on the ride take care
Glad you enjoyed
Good info I will check out the camp ground and the tank bag
Been going to TN since i was 10, my mother grew up in TN. I discovered the dragon in 1997 since then I have done it well over 250 times i quit counting at 250. I got tried of dragging my floor boards. So i added a FJR to the stable that bike is a blast on hills and curve's. we go to the southeast every Sept. and do all the cool roads in TN, GA, NC, and VA. We call it the Million Curve Ride. The only curves we have in our area are the on and off ramps of the expressways only hill is up my driveway. I will retire this year and moving west of Knoxville so i can ride the cool roads of the Southeast all the time.
Made me homesick, lived there most of my life, moved to Alabama gulf coast in 2012, love it down here but get back up there few times a year. Good to see videos in my old stomping grounds, thanks, enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed that- great sights, fabulous choice of music, good information. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
As for your BushTech trailer, I have a 1991 model that I still pull every season behind my trike now. Love the room that thing has when the wife wants to take the house along on a trip.
Those Bushtec are awesome trailers.
I am a couple of hours from the Tail of the Dragon. Get down there a couple of times a year and love the road and the area. Great roads in every direction you go. As a motorcyclist I feel like I live in some of the best riding in the country.
Yes i would agree. the roads are great
Thumbs Up on your video and wishing you all a good Sunday.
Thank you! You too!
@@TwoWheelsBigLife
You are welcome and I just subbed your channel now. Check out mine if you like and Peace.
Can’t get over how AMAZING the scenery was. I’m planning on visiting the tail of the dragon this year and this video got me hyped up!
Awesome!! There are lots of roads out there.
Great video, loved the Dragon shots and great soundtrack to go with it. Felt i was there with you.
Thank you very much!
You guys are so genuine and truly have the adventure spirit, good on ya.
Great looking road. Thanks for the video. If you ever get the chance, come ride the roads in the South Island of New Zealand. You will be amazed. Happy riding.
Loved this video, You and your wife seem like happy and amazing people. Hope to see you two out on the road some time.
You must try the Back Of The Dragon ride .
Well that was sure awesome! So glad you both got to experience The Tail Of The Dragon. I have ridden 2 up with my Husband on that road. We love to camp at the Iron Horse motorcycle lodge in Stecoah Creek. We cannot wait to go back up there. So beautiful! Enjoy, and ride safe! 😊
Thanks Karen. We did not stay at the Iron Horse, but have heard great things about it. Just another reason to go back so we can experience it and ride some more great roads.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife Yes......It is a great place! I love their biker breakfast! Also I admire you and your Husband’s riding skills. I see you park in the gravel. I would have been down in seconds flat. 😂😂😂😂
I'm envious, the relationship of mate's, husband wife who share interests, a rare pleasure indeed.
She a keeper. I call Chris my Unicorn 🦄 there isn’t another one like her❤️❤️
Great video thanks for the campground and the patch guy and the tip about the time to ride 👍 more like this
The Dragon is ok.. but the roads around that area are well worth the price of admission. Jamie and I like to hang out at the bottom, and watch everyone on busy days. If you like bikes, it is a cool place to hang out with like minded people. Great videos keep up the good work.
Nice Campground! Beautiful country there! I really enjoyed the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge I campout at in that area. Stay safe my friend!
Thanks! You're not the only person who recommends the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge. We didn't stay there, but will have to go back someday. The whole area is just to beautiful to not do multiple trips.
Great video again. That is a great road. That whole area is awesome. You can ride everyday for a week seeing new and great roads. While the Dragon has no comparison in the USA, I know you experience other roads that are also unique in there own way. Getting no notice for your new post. Glad I checked in. TH-cam is messing with a lot of folks lately.
Thanks so much for checking in! I love how every road has it's own unique flavor and riding style.
Willa, you obviously have not ridden in California.
Awesome guys, recently found your channel and subbed! Looks like you are having a great time!
Thanks and yes we are
Any twisty road is a joy on a motorcycle! We are blessed with many great roads here in Australia, not least of which is the Bonang Road which is signposted as 105km or about 65 miles of twisties on - now sealed - logging tracks.
Hey Rich & Chris. I've had a magnetic tank bag for years. It can and will scratch if you're not carefull with it. Set it on holding the flaps and slowly lower them down to the tank and take it off lifting the flaps and you'll avoid dragging the magnets across the tank surface. Great video as always. Enjoy the journey.
I love your videos... they just keep getting better..
Thanks Dale.
11:02 over time, keep an eye out on the bag. Those magnets are so powerful, with the constant taking the bag off the tank, eventually the magnets tear through the fabric. That's what happened to my magnetic tank bag, after 8 years of use. The magnet ended up putting a small nick on my tank.
Yes i'm always catching that thing open.
I was thinking about that as I watched it.
I ride the Dragon at least once a year, twice in 2020. I ride it on my own and with my wife, two up. We’ve ridden the Blue Ridge Parkway and other great roads all around that region. It’s some of my favorite stuff to do in the world.
It's definitely an awesome place to spend some time and explore.
Stayed down there for a week Memorial weekend 2020 then back at labor day....made bunches of trips across and all the other roads around there...Had a great time...HAD A BLAST!!!!Y'all be safe n your travels
What a fun, relaxing video, thanks guys 👍🏻
This is the first time I've seen your vlog in 4k. Wow! Went full screen on my 27 inch PC. Loved it. Oh, loved the vlog content as well!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I lived in Atlanta and the dragon was a day ride for me, in the winter I took my sports car up there and rode the dragon late at night was other sports cars we will put our highbeams on and our rearview mirrors up to light it up. We took pride in not crossing the yellow line too. They’re no leaves on the trees in winter so we can see through the turns for cars coming the other way. But in the summer it was motorcycles all the way! I rode a Harley Davidson dresser so not much pigs were scraping for me but I seen quite a bit of others. I also stayed at motorcycle campgrounds in the nearby area many times. 😎
Been there numerous times. Various vehicles including motorcycles. Great run. Thank you for sharing.
Love the "twisties" for sure! Another week closer to Spring. Cheers from Kelowna, British Columbia.
Hello there!
Early morning rides and no weekends good advice .now go find the back of the dragon in VA. Rt 16 it's a little better with mountains.
Thanks for the tips!
Absolutely love the dragon!! My hubs and have ridden a few times!! Me riding on bike with him
Plus other roads in the smokies!! Breathtaking!! My happy place riding there!! You guys did great!! Love your videos!! Be safe!!
Love you guys, I do a few weeks on bike trips in the summer. It's allways an adventure!
That's the fun of it - I'm sure you have lots of plans for the summer of 2021. Ride safe!
I live in Georgia approximately 2-1/2-hours south of of Robbinsville/Graham County, NC and Deals Gap. I've ridden the Dragon at least 18X over the last fifteen years. I've experienced "The Dragon" evolve for the good and bad. You are correct, it seems car clubs are driving The Dragon extensively more than ever. Many of the car drivers have none to limited experience driving a car on this road. I was three car lengths behind a Subaru "rally" car riding through a tight curve, the rally car lost controlled went head first into the embankment, bounced back onto the road, flipped three or four times and landed wheels down in the middle of the road in a spray of dirt, gravel and fona. Another experience, I was riding The Dragon coming from TN toward Deal's Gap. Just a few hours before I meet a group of riders from Miami during breakfast in Robbinsville that had just bought 5 brand new H'D's and had just trailered their new H-D's from Miami to ride The Dragon. They had explained they had never ridden The Dragon and obviously in south Florida or anywhere on Florida, there aren't any roads to ride to prepare you for riding The Dragon. They had no experience riding mountain twisties. As I was riding south , traffic become heavy and speed slowed to 10-mph. We road up and through an uphill positive cambered "s" curve and there laying in the middle of the road was one of the men from the Miami group! The TN HWP had arrived and were directing traffic through one-lane of the "s" curve. We road on to Deal's Gap. At Deal's Gap , we learned a crotch rocket rider was screaming through the "s" curve, went over center line and hit the Miami rider head-on! The Miami rider had to be helicoptered to an ER in Knoxville, TN. Here's a situation were an irresponsible crouch rocket rider allowed his ego to get the better of him and exceeded his skill-set and put an innocent rider in the ER. Both bikes were totaled. I never learned what happened to the crouch rocket rider. Riding The Dragon is a numbers game. Sooner or later you are going to lose that challange. I continue to ride and visit Deal's Gap. I no longer ride The Dragon. I'm on the short list of that numbers game. I ride the Cherohala and Moonshiners-28. Frankly the Cherohala and Moonshiner-28 are better rides than The Dragon. Try the Foothills Parkway and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway. A long time friend of mine that lived in Robbinsville use to tell me an average of 6 to 8-riders died every year on The Dragon. I've seen medevac helicopters take riders off The Dragon three times in the last to years. Ride The Dragon at your own risk, do not exceed your skill set. Be a mature, responsible rider/driver while on The Dragon.
Well said. Thanks
My feelings exactly. It was once a good ride and the most pleasant way to get to FortLoudon or Maryville. I now avoid it.
You can be the best and safest rider in the world but someone crossing the line or a corvette spinning out of control doesn't care who you are.
I have 100 other roads in the area that are just as fun, a better speed limit, fewer radar patrols and much better statistics.
Choppin Broccoli !! Haha !! You sure do have a good attitude for travel, I always enjoy your adventures
🤔🤣🤣
Thanks for the ride and great video thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it
Great footage of the the ride. Really enjoyed it.
Glad you enjoyed it
If you guys haven't tried it yet, you need to check out 'The Back of the Dragon' in the western panhandle of Virginia. It runs 32 miles from Marion to Tazewell, up and over three mountains with 1500 feet in elevation changes, and 438 curves. You can camp at the Hungry Mother Campground which is right at the southern entrance to the BOTD in Marion.
Thanks. We need to get to that one for sure
I use the Dragon and Cherohala every spring to retune the skills after a lazy winter of not riding much. Plus I do the moonshiner and a few other fun roads.
All of the roads are awesome over there. That would shake the cobwebs out for sure.
I love your travel video’s guys and also your attitude towards your new life! God’s speed!
Thank You very much
You want to ride the dragon during a week day in the middle of the week (Tuesday through Thursdays). This will keep the weekend warriors away as well. You also want to make sure you keep your bike RPM up as you don't want to be caught in an ascending hairpin in a gear thats too low and makes you stall out. Saw a couple go over on a Harley Ultra Glide and the bike rolled over them.
Ridden the Dragon many times but once I rode down and back without seeing another person. One of the best rides ever. As others have mentioned - come for the Dragon but stay for all the other fantastic roads.
Loved this video for lots of reasons. I want to ride TTD and I’m contemplating a Bushtec Bunkhouse for my cross country trip in June 2022. We did the BRP...hundreds of miles of sweeping STurns...but watch out for tourists making left turns in front of you into scenic pull offs especially in elevated corners. Stay safe!
Thanks Dana! We absolutely love our Bushtec trailer and the guys at the factory are amazing - never had that kind of service before - they're so accommodating and passionate about their product.
Did you get the bunkhouse? Thinking of a roll-a-home.
Love that map! I live near Asheville, I get to ride all these roads all the time! The Dragon is awesome for sure, I will only ride during the week though. It's no where near as scary as you are lead to believe before you ride it. As you noticed with the map, you could spend a month in the area and still not ride all these amazing roads. Two Wheels of Suches in N. Georgia, Blue Ridge Motorcycle campground, Ironhorse motorcycle lodge and campground, and so many other campgrounds that cater to motorcycles all in riding distance of the area. Like I said, you could spend a month here and never get bored! Great video! Subscribed!!!
so true. you can spend forever there and not get bored
I have that same tank bag on my Indian Springfield and absolutely love it. I’m always careful placing it on the tank to keep the magnets from snapping down hard. It’s the perfect size for snacks and electronics. I’ve also carried a DSLR with a 55-300 zoom in it. Nelson-Rigg rocks!
Sound advice doing it in the a.m.!...I did it back in '07 on my Fatboy after picking up my Bushtec trailer from the factory. It was quite the maiden voyage doing the 'Dragon' pulling a trailer!
Thanks Cheers
Just a sixty year old Harley rider from South Jersey Magpie sent me your link will be watching all your videos be safe out hope to see you on the road.
The Tail of the Dragon is one of my favorite rides particularly in the Spring when I got lackadaisical in turns at high speeds over the Winter.
Been there and ridden it twice now.... I agree it is a great ride but I found so many others that are much more scenic and so much fun to ride in that area. Such an awesome area to ride! Unfortunately I rode it twice when there were so many people around. Enjoyed the video! Ride Safe!
Thanks for sharing!
If you liked the dragon you need to try the Devil’s Triangle just north of Oak Ridge TN. 44 miles of awesomeness!
A great video. Now I want a Bushtec trailer and a breakfast burrito..!
I’m still bing watching your channel! Started with oldest first & had to see how old this one was. Gas $1.76 a gallon & now only 1 year later almost $5.00
Gosh we need to sell our stuff & downsize to a tent & bike! Which is what we are gonna do as soon as I retire. 1-3 yrs?
Love y’all & your life style. I hate sleeping on the ground but do love a hammock & we are looking into the roll-a-home motorcycle camper. Have you thought of a pull set up camper? My husband like the tent still & we pull a trailer like you but use 1 bike. I am on the bitch seat.
Love it but really think I’d like the roll-a-home??
Keep having fun & shines side up!
I love every single of your episodes! Just got my wife a Ryker, she just didnt loved the bikes like I do. But now we have been getting more out there! Soon to hit longer rides!
Great to hear!
I’ve been fortunate enough to have ridden the ToD on a cruiser (Honda VTX), sport touring (BMW R1100RT) and in a C7 Corvette. Each provided a different experience. Done many other routes in the area. Enjoyed the video. Stay safe!
Kool be safe,love ur channel, thanks 👌👍😄
That blue trailer would look great on my blue Challenger!!
I have bin there several times from Pennsylvania there are so many good rides their one with water falls that you can drive under in spring . Stayed at blue ridge mc campground the lady that runs it is the best and her late husband was a great friend makes the best sausage and gravey truly a great place
Yes we stayed there also. should have that out next week. Great place
Riding , camping and Cast iron skillet. Your my kind of people.
Great - good to meet you!
Those magnets irrespective of the padding still will end up scratching the tank. It's due to the dust particles and the tank bag slightly shifting due to bumps and wind. I ended up getting my tank buffed and polished to get the swirling removed. Then i put a 3m transparent film on the entire tank. Now i am worry free.
Yes i agree Mine has small scratches also.
Its a fun ride just enjoy, be safe have fun
We go up to the dragon, the cherohola and the Blueridge as often as possible, glad yall enjoyed it
I went down it 6 yrs ago in a semi by accident never heard of it before. I know now. Enjoy the ride and take care everyone
oops, I wouldn't do that again. 🤣🤔
Any place this hyped is bound to be overhyped. But it's definitely a destination and I'm glad I got to ride it.
✅
It's not overrated but there are more roads out there that as good if not better
No shit, Smith River in Oregon when the log trucks are rolling is a come to Jesus road.
Just subscribed! You two are awesome! So cool to see you traveling, each on their own machine. I'm the solo rider right now but working on the wife to join me two up or get her cycle license. Years ago she'd hop on the back but now she's more hesitant. We're close to retirement and planning to move to TN within the next couple of years. I own 2 Honda Interceptors. A classic, well restored 1984 VF 700 F in Red, White and Blue and a 2013 VFR 1200 F in black. I plan to be hitting those roads not too far into the future. Great ride! Ride safe and take care from Maryland!
My wife and I ride. But we ride the same bike not separate bikes. But I love having her with me. We watch your videos often and they are entertaining and educational. We just watched the one where you sold your house and then how you packed for your adventure. Good stuff. My only suggestion is to get some dedicated sound recording equipment and good mikes. The only issue we have had is hearing you talk from time to time.
well the tank bag looks the biz and that ride looked brilliant well done to you both
Thanks 👍
I live just 115 miles from the Dragon. I have ridden it many times and still love to ride it. However, if you go on the weekends the road is dangerous. Kids on rockets and sports cars act like they have a clock to beat going either way. In the past few years the speed limit has been dropped to 30 mph and during peak times a state trooper sits over 3 miles. Many people have crashed ( as noted by the tree of shame) and many have died. I'm so glad that you enjoyed our great state. And if you ever come back this way let me know I'd love to meet you and maybe have you for supper.
Yes we went on a Tuesday I think.
@@TwoWheelsBigLife Chris I noticed that Rich and you son both wear the same back patch. What kind of patch is it ?
Done that often in Europe, where we live. Always nice company and motorcycle friendly. Hope you enjoyed it.
The best!
I love watching your videos. You guys are awesome!! Best of luck to you! Keep on riding!
Great video! Well done. My brother & I rode it this past May. Plan to be there in May 2022 again.
You were in my neck of the woods! I live over the border in the North Georgia mountains. I ride the Cherohala every chance I get :-) Amongst other roads in the tri-state area. Have ridden the dragon a couple times, just too busy for me.
Yes we hear very busy. We missed most of the crazies
What a terrific video. Thanks
We have done it several times, but in a car. Beautiful. Welcome to TN. Blessings
Thanks guys that was awesome the dragon looks like it would be fun ever was there in person but watched Jim old guy on a bike do the dragon both ways and Jerry from ride like a pro and have heard some scary stories about the ride but like any other road you have to pay attention and don't ride over your ability thanks for sharing and takein
You are spot on - don't ride over your ability. The Dragon has lots of paved turnoffs so you can pullover if someone behind you wants to go faster, so there's never a reason to ride faster than you feel comfortable with.
First Class video. Jim
Thanks Jim
Love the ride and the area hope to make it back Great Video
Thanks 👍
I love the Dragon and Cherohala skyway. You guys hit it at a great time it looked like. When I was on it we stopped a few times to help others get the bike back up on the road. And it was pretty busy. Even for a Sunday in April. Of course I went there with my friends since my wife is not a fan of the curves on the back of my bike but I took her back to do the Cherohala and Blue Ridge Parkway. Nice video as always!
As a Canadian visitor to Deals Gap I’m grateful to say I’ve ridden it well over 500 times during the past fifteen years. It’s well worth the effort to make the pilgrimage, meet the people and explore the surrounding vistas. That said, the Dragon itself is more show than go and the local constabulary has a job to do. You’d be well advised to talk to the local “slayers” (if you can find them) and before you ride hard, listen harder.
I drove the dragon several years ago in October with snow. It’s a different kind of beauty. Ended up in staying completely alone in a hotel along the road. What a freaking awesome experience I had
Went to college Knoxville. Done the Dragon many times with its 318 curves in 11 miles. Last rides were on a ST1300. Yes, watch for the others and local Sheriffs. Cherohala has great sweeping turns. On Cherohala followed an old guy on a 650 Burgman 2 up and could hardly get by him. Stopped at overlook and my entire riding group bowed down to him! Love the area for riding. Yes!
never been to taild of the dragon! So really enjoyed the video! Thanks for the great content!
Our pleasure!