...should be about 50 and sunny.

Any words of advice or pearls of wisdom from those who have done it?

 

Do NOT swerve to miss any wildlife. Do NOT cross the centerline. Be nice to some of the motorcyclists who are going to want to pass you no matter how fast you are going.

If you haven't done so already, read up on the website. It's a wealth of information!

http://tailofthedragon.com/tail-of-t.../how-to-drive/

Remember to check on killboy.com to see if he got any awesome photos of you!

http://www.killboy.com/

One of me back in July...

http://www.photoreflect.com/store/Or...5&po=35&pc=468

 

Hoping traffic will be light in January with few bikers. Fingers crossed. Definitely shall not cross the center line! Looking forward to see this Killrboy...didn't know about it!

 

Killboy USED to be the only photographer on the Dragon. He sits in a corner and snaps professional photos of the cars and bikes that drive the Dragon. He then has his business card at all the local stores. You can go search the site if you remember what day (and approx time) you were there. He is a professional photographer with professional gear. He sells digital images or full size prints.

In recent years there are now 2 or 3 other photographers who have got into the business as well.

On a 50 degree day you WILL have some bikes there. Probably mostly locals. Those guys ride the Dragon fast and hard, but know it like the back of their hand. The tourists are the ones that usually cause all the problems.

If there is ANY chance that you might get car sick, take a motion sickness pill PRIOR to your day, otherwise you will feel queasy all day long.

Just remember, in an emergency, it is better to hit some other car that may have crossed into your lane, than it is to swerve and go off the road down the side of the mountain! It doesn't happen often, but it's usually human nature to swerve... DON'T SWERVE on the Dragon, you WILL be rolling down the side of a mountain if you do!

Don't forget to stop and pay your respects at the Tree of Shame at Deal's Gap...

 

I think I'm going to take the tourists' speed for the maiden run. I'm going to Topton to discuss a body off restoration of my Pagoda at SilverStar. So, if we have time, we'll do it again on the flip side...it's only 1 hr out of the way.

I doubt I'll be taking nausea pills...that will make me sleepy! More likely to pack an extra 5 Hour Energy!

 

BTW, Nice Pic!

 

I did the Tail of Dragon November 13th. Had a blast. There is a resort at the end of it where the wife and I ate lunch (very nice place). There is two photography groups: US 129 and Killboy. So after running it check out both websites and you can find your pics (wait about a day). I plan on running it again in about a month. The speed limit is 35 and on most corners and 35 is pushing it to stay in your lane (313 corners in 11 miles which are extremely twisty). If you have a passenger with you I would recommend Dramamine for them if they have a tendency toward motion sickness. If you want to see my pic's, look under both sites on Nov 13th around 12-4:00 for a silver F type coupe.

 

What a BLAST! This was THE most perfect January day I could imagine. Temps in the 50's, Blue Skies and NO Traffic...and in NONE! Went 13 miles on the Tail and saw THREE CARS. Drove from Tn through to NC...just did one way because my traveling mate was car sick which was totally understandable and predictable as TXJagR suggested. Temperature variations were 15 degrees in 13 miles depending on elevation and sun/shade. I cannot wait to do it again!





Killboy was closed for the season, so no road shots. But I'm OK with that. I filmed the entire trip with my iPhone and will upload when I have upgraded my Vimeo acct.

Purpose of my trip was actually to visit SilverStar Restorations in Topton NC to discuss restoring my SL to it's original Moss Green Metallic. That was even more amazing. Saw various stages of progress on Gullwings, 190SL's, Cabriolets, 350's, and Pagoda's like mine!

I could not have asked for a better day!!

 

I am SO glad you enjoyed the Dragon! (Sorry about your passenger...)

The very first I did the Dragon I rode a Honda CBR1000RR from PA to the Dragon. I arrived just as it was getting dark, and my hotel was on the other side. Pitch Black after already being sore from 500 miles on a sportsbike, and I still had to make it over the Dragon in the dark.

Any time I drive through the area I try to take an extra day and spend it driving those beautiful roads!

Did you visit "The Tree of Shame" directly across the street from your second photo?

 

No, everything at that end was closed. Saw it, but decided to not jump the barricades.

On a cloudy day, likely no motion sickness. we were face into the sun the entire time. I took it much faster than i expected (although I never pushed it beyond my comfort) because of the lack of traffic.

 

just educated myself on the tail by way of a youtube search and google images....have no interest in taking my very expensive possessions on that road now (because of the potential for idiots that seem to be plentiful)

 

Plan on an off season day with good weather. I hate crowds and stupid drivers. Ironically, the only car I saw cross the center line today was a Tn State Trooper. I was apprehensive after seeing the videos, but not after today.

 

Stay away during the weekends. You can also check www.tailofthedragon.com and see all the planned group events taking place.

Is the road dangerous? Possibly... Can the risk be mitigated? Yes!
Most everyone that drives the road is friendly and pulls over for the "faster" crowd or sportsbikes. There have really been very few deaths on the road versus all the crazy videos you see posted. In the end, it's your decision, but there is simply no other road like it in the US.

Read this, it might make you feel a little bit better:

http://tailofthedragon.com/tail-of-t...-info/details/

 

nice! looking forward to the videos