I’ve safely ridden the Dragon likely 70 times, each and every time there has been one or more bikes in the ditches, or worse. In the summer I’ve often seen an ambulance parked at the bottom, like a vulture, his time will come, just a matter of when. On this trip, Slickrick and I helped push a big ol Yamaha out of ditch, he was lucky as only his cases were broken or something underneath causing a stream of oil to pour out. Slickrick and I lead the way for our group, each Dragon virgins, and there were no problems. It is what you make of it. I doubt anyone who goes there, is surprised to find one curve after another but what does surprise them, is the brief straights where they pick up speed, then all too soon fade into a two or three stage curve, so hit the breaks “a no no” and slide out into the abyss. Anyone capable of riding a motorcycle can safely run the Dragon, just be cautious, and take it easy. Slickrick and I arrived at Deal’s Gap about 7 to 8 minutes ahead of the others,, but they were smart to take it at their own pace and level of experience. I drag the floorboards once in a while, fun and controlled but I’ve never had a close call caused by my error on the Dragon.
Ozoneman, if you get in our area and I’ll gladly ride there with you. But, to answer your question: from I-75 in Tn, pick up I-275 in Knoxville Tn, you’ll soon find Rt.129 South. Follow the signs. Rt 129 becomes the Dragon about 20 miles south of Maryville Tn.
Google Deal’s Gap or Tail of the Dragon and maps are everywhere.:bigsmiley17: