By Flame on Friday, September 06, 2002 - 10:08 am:

The other day I was on vacation in the North Georgia Mountains near Helen. If you want to try some real twisties that is the place to go. Try route 129 in North Carolina. Bikers that know call it the Dragon, and it lives up to its reputation. 318 turns in 11 miles with no side roads. I took it in a Mitsubishi Eclipse. Take care though the Dragon can bite. 7 brothers since June. 

By Roadmazter on Saturday, September 07, 2002 - 02:36 am:

Flame, you are right. That is one of the areas of the country that I really like to ride with my bikes. I plan to test the peg clearance on my FJR when it arrives, hopefully this month! You are also right about it biting back. One of the salesmen from the local bike shop just dumped a XX there. They even have shirts at Deals Gap for those unlucky folks. It is also a great place to meet bike enthusiast from all over the world that come to ride the Dragon. That whole area of the country is a bikers dream. Hope you get a chance to ride it on your bike soon. 

By Boggs on Saturday, September 07, 2002 - 05:00 am:

That's where I'm headed the end of this month (2 weeks from tomorrow). Trying to conserve my tires til I get there. I've got some roads picked out already (129 TN to GA, 60, 348, 180, Wolf Pen Gap in GA, 64 & some Blue Ridge Parkway in NC). Sure would appreciate any other roads that you considered a 'must-ride'.  

By Motorman on Saturday, September 07, 2002 - 05:29 am:

Went to T.W.O weekend before last, 1453 miles in four days. Great roads and friendly people. Went with a buddy on a ST1100 and one on a GTR 1000 kawisaki. I got to take alot of pictures waiting for them to catch up! 

By Roadmazter on Saturday, September 07, 2002 - 12:12 pm:

Boggs, 129 meets another road at Deals Gap. I think it is 28 but I could be wrong. It goes back into N. Carolina to Fontana Dam and sort of meanders back to Cherokee thru Bryson. That road is interesting riding also. In Cherokee you can take 441 west to Newfound Gap and a side road to Klingman's Dome. This is the highest point in Tenn. and there is a lookout at the top that has a great view when it is clear. This is another interesting ride. The Foothills Parkway at the bottom of the Dragon is a nice ride back towards Maryville but they haven't been keeping up the landscaping the last couple of times I was up there like they used to. There was a nice Yamaha shop in Alcoa, which is next to Marysville, if you need assistance. The old Venture club held their Venture Out in Fontana and this bike shop helped out a lot and was very nice when assistance was needed. Hope you have a ball and ride safe. 

By 20valves on Saturday, September 07, 2002 - 04:20 pm:

Check this out, here's a little map of the place. 

By Anniesfjr on Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 03:50 am:

Roadmatzer - Where are you from? Salesman at my local dealer just went down in the Gap 3 weeks ago also... Just curious. 

By Anniesfjr on Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 04:00 am:

Roadmatzer - Where are you from? Salesman at my local dealer just went down in the Gap 3 weeks ago also... Just curious. 

By Roadmazter on Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 12:42 pm:

I live in Daytona Beach, well actually South Daytona. I see you live in Ormond. Guess we are sort of neighbors. I probably have passed you at Walkers. Small world. I am also a ride captain for Jim's ride club that rides out most Saturdays. I own the 99 silver Venture and am ususlly with my wife.
Was it your friends that were looking at you bike there a short while after you received it? If it was, it is really a small world as I was looking it over also. Perhaps after all the bikes are delivered we will have enough folks to get a local group up for some rides.
Are you the person the folks on Beach Street started making the risers for? If so, how do you like them? I thought they looked nice and went with the bike. After I get my bike, hopefully during the next couple of weeks, I might look at purchasing a pair.
Ride safe. 

By Boggs on Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 02:18 pm:

Thanks Roadmazter, I'll add 28 to my list. I've read about Klingman's dome, but thought I'd heard that was a dirt road up to there, can you confirm that? Also had considered the Foothills parkway, but may check that out - so many roads, so little time. Really appreciate the heads up about the Yamaha shop in Alcoa, hopefully don't need it, but may drop in anyway.

20valves - Great map of the Dragon, I'll print that one off. You'll have to let me know when you're in the neighborhood. I understand you like NW AR and R1derbike (if he's around) might get a kick out of seeing two FJRs at the same place and time. 

By Roadmazter on Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 05:45 pm:

Road to Klingman's Dome was paved when I was there several times in the past. Don't think it would change. That road was the first time I got to ride in the clouds. Always wanted to do that since I saw Snowy River. If you are going to camp, I can recommend the KOA in Big Cove just out of Cherokee. I've stayed there several times and it has been great. You can also rent a small one or two room cabin there. They have some nice evening bus tours out of there that my wife and I liked also. It gave me a chance to sit back and relax. If you plan to stay around Fontana Dam, there is a resort there, look for a small place on 28 down the mountain from there named Tooties. They always had a good catfish dinner on Friday nights and had free Bluegrass and Gospel music. We had a great time with the folks dancing and listening to the music and the food was reasonable and good. 

By Anniesfjr on Monday, September 09, 2002 - 03:33 am:

Roadmatzer - Yes we are the ones from Walkers. The first ones to get the risers. Walker now carries them in stock.

By the way - Matt who totaled his bike is my son ! I am just glad I bought him a Phoenix jacket 3 hours before he left on that trip. Believe it or not, Matt is an excellent rider - I know, I am a MSF instructor and have traveled with him a lot.

I am heading for the Dragon and other great roads in 2 days - I am so looking forwar to the FJR on those turns.

Maybe see you on Ridgewood!

Annie 

By Anniesfjr on Monday, September 09, 2002 - 03:44 am:

Boggs:

If you like opening it up on a dancing road then you need to try the Cherohala Skyway. From the south end of the Dragon (129/28) Take 129 south to Robbinsville. Just north of Robbinsville you will see a sign for the Cherohala. It takes about 10 or so miles to get to the sweepers. From then on it is about 50 miles of fun. Just a good scenic ride - no commercial vehicles. Little traffic - great turns. It goes to 5000 + feet altitude. At the west end of the Cherohala is Tellico Plains. There is a good cafe, Tellihala Cafe, that is definetly work a meal.

Depending on where you are staying or headed from there - depends on working your way back. I like to ride the Cherahala back!

Another favorite little known road is Wayah Road. You pick it up on 19. Again take 129 south from the Dragon (Gap)and go left on 19. A few miles down the road you will see a sign for Nantahal High School, road is 1442 or Wayah. Go right and then go straight over the mountain. You will pass Nantahala lake which is at the top of the mountain and worth the trip. The best part of the road is past the lake at the southern end. You end up on 64 by Franklin.

I am going to be there the 10-17 so maybe we'll pass on the way!

Annie 

By Anniesfjr on Monday, September 09, 2002 - 03:46 am:

Roadmatzer - Yes we are the ones from Walkers. The first ones to get the risers. Walker now carries them in stock. They are definetely worth it.

By the way - Matt who totaled his bike is my son ! I am just glad I bought him a Phoenix jacket 3 hours before he left on that trip. Believe it or not, Matt is an excellent rider - I know, I am a MSF instructor and have traveled with him a lot.

I am heading for the Dragon and other great roads in 2 days - I am so looking forwar to the FJR on those turns.

Maybe see you on Ridgewood!

Annie 

By Anniesfjr on Monday, September 09, 2002 - 03:48 am:

Sorry everyone - someday I will get the hang of not posting twice I think I may have just figured it out

Annie 

By Boggs on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 02:27 am:

Roadmazter, thanks for setting me straight on the road the Klingman's, must've read it or remembered it wrong about being a dirt road. Not camping this time (roughing it in a condo), but I'll take away that bit about Tooties.

Anniesfjr, I've heard a bit about the Cherohala Skyway and it sounds like one of the good ones. I'm using MS Street & Maps to plan my ride but unfortunately it does not show Cherohala or even Hwy 143 west of Robbinsville. As near as I can make out, it calls it Pine Rodge Road which branches off a road marked as 1127. Pine Rodge eventually meets up with Hwy 165 in TN, so I'm guessing that's it. Sounds like you'll be there before and after me, so probably won't hook up, but hope you have a great ride. 

By 20valves on Tuesday, September 10, 2002 - 04:38 am:

That Cherahola area is a must ride area. I did it last spring and would love to go back. As a matter of fact, my buddies from over there invited me back but I can't make it this year as the damn job keeps getting in the way of all my fun.

Boggs/R1derbike:

I am planning a little solo shred over to Arkansas later this month. Shall I warn you before I come over?

Oh yeah, here's a photo of our eclectic little group in NC, Georgia or wherever that Cherahola place is.



 

By R1derbike on Wednesday, September 11, 2002 - 02:27 am:

What the hell is that hermaphroditic, duck-billed platypus of a BMW called? ;-}

Yes, do warn Boggs and myself when you are to arrive...we'll have a local cafe warm-up the milque-toast and have your polident pre-mixed and shaken, not stirred, per your instructions! A fresh box of Depends will await your arrival...just like home! ;-}

Outta here...Charles (viper)

'00 RWB R1 #34...'cuz there can only be THE ONE.
'85 ZX900 Ninja...the mutha' of all modern sportbikes.
'03 FJR 1300...'cuz ya' gotta keep HER happy.
Click on link below to see my R1, FJR, and Ninja.
http://www.picturetrail.com/r1derbike/823464 

By Roadmazter on Wednesday, September 11, 2002 - 03:28 am:

Boggs, 165 in Tenn is the Cherohala Trail and you can get to it at a cut off just north of Robbinsville off 129 or out of Robbinsville on 143 - great road! Lots of great roads in this area - pick one. 

By Liquidsilver on Thursday, September 12, 2002 - 03:57 pm:

Woo Hoo...

Wifey and I are planning to truck the FJR to this area next weekend!

Can anybody recommend a good, affordable place to lodge and park the truck while we ride around this area? We'd like to be in the center of the great roads, so we can home base at the same place every night... suggestions? Thanks! 

By 20valves on Thursday, September 12, 2002 - 05:46 pm:

R1derbike:

Ok, ok, just make sure you get the mint flavor Polident. And get the "large ball bag" Depends. 

By Boggs on Friday, September 13, 2002 - 04:35 am:

20valves, gonna be doing the Smokies the last full week of September, sounds like we probably won't cross paths this time, you gonna do the bikes & blues in Fayetteville this year?

R1derbike, my friend, what can I say?

Roadmazter, gonna do the Cherohala, with any luck, twice. Hope to be able to post some decent pics if the weather cooperates.

Liquidsilver, you really gonna trailer the FJR? My wife's taking the Tiburon, but I'm taking the bike. Which weekend are you going to be there? 09/14 or 09/21? We're staying in western TN and will be there beginning 09/21. 

By Amain on Friday, September 13, 2002 - 08:35 am:

Boggs, have you got a link for more info on the Bikes & Blues in Fayetteville? Sounds interesting. 

By 20valves on Friday, September 13, 2002 - 02:28 pm:

Boggs:

When is bikes and blues? 

By Boggs on Saturday, September 14, 2002 - 02:35 am:

Amain, 20valves, & all interested parties. The website is http://www.bikesbluesbbq.com/. The site says Oct 3-6 and hopes to see 12000+ bikes. Sounds pretty ambitious, but should be a great time even if it's only 5,000. Hope y'all can make it. 

By Boggs on Saturday, September 14, 2002 - 02:37 am:

Sorry guys, looks like I screwed up the link, you'll have to type it in yourself on the address line. 

By Charlie on Saturday, September 14, 2002 - 11:13 pm:

I just "did the Dragon" this past Monday, starting from the Tennessee end. Had the road to myself, as it was early in the day. Very challenging, would be easy to have a 'get off' if you push too hard. A couple of the corners are real 'sneaky', with elevation and camber changes....could see the skid marks where the Dragon had 'bitten' other riders. Watch out for gravel in the corners kicked up by the four-wheelers cutting the apexes.

NC28 from Deals Gap is a better ride than continuing on US 129 (or so I was told), and followed NC 28 myself, crossing over Fontana Dam.
There is a bit of construction as you near US19/US74, but nothing 'nasty'. A few roadside tables if you want to stop for a break.

FootHills Parkway was pretty tame by comparison, but has paved pull-off/viewing areas like the Blue Ridge. It is about 16 miles long.

If you are ever in the area East of Asheville, along I40, check out NC9, from Black Mountain to Bat Cave. Semi's are severely warned to avoid. Pavement is in excellent shape, about 11 or 12 miles long, not as severe as the Dragon, but fun.

US64 in and out of Highlands, NC is also 'interesting'. Coming from the North, just short of Highlands is Bridal Veil Falls.

Charlie 

By Liquidsilver on Monday, September 16, 2002 - 05:06 am:

Boggs,

We're gonna be there from the 20th to the 22nd... this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

And yes, I'm going to throw the bike on the truck for the dead-headed interstate trip from St. Louis. That way, I havent tired out my wife's backside before we get to the enjoyable part of the trip.

I am still hoping someone will suggest a good base of operation for us while we're there. 

By Graytaz on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 05:16 am:

The Dragon can be treacherous in the rain. I was doing two wheel slides through there a couple years back after it started raining. The transports really lay down a layer of oil. The Cherohala gets my two thumbs up. It's not as exhilerating an adrenalin rush as the Dragon but can be run a lot more comfortably by the average rider without hanging it too far over the edge. If you're in the Asheville, NC area, try out 151 up to the Blue Ridge Parkway if you like challenging twisties that won't have had transports messing it up (they can't make the curves like on the Dragon). Keep your eyes open for gravel on the road thrown up by cages cutting the apexes on the switchbacks although the road is generally pretty clean when I've run it. Highly entertaining imho. 

By Amain on Tuesday, October 15, 2002 - 07:08 am:

And watch for helicopters. When I was down there, they were using choppers to look for knee-draggers and ne'er-do-wells on the curvy stuff.
Dang! Can't a guy have fun anymore?! 

By Graytaz on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 - 12:24 am:

I was there again in mid-April on a rental ST1100 out of Nashville. They air-lifted out a couple of kids that didn't know their limitations or enough to wear protective gear. I also saw a Ducati that lost a chunk of fairing and a Triumph ST rider that had cleaned the entire right side of his bike of any gear. They were rigging some sort of sling where the rider could rest his foot for the ride out. It can get just a little crazy there.