Deal's Gap advise?

[Ironheadziggy76]

A buddy of mine wants to head down to Deal's Gap and ride the Dragon week after next. I was wondering if you all had any advice on other things to do after we ride the Dragon, or maybe a good place or two to eat. We are going to try to stay away from the busier Gatlinburg area and stick to the more rural areas, maybe go the the motorcycle museum in Maggie Valley. I have heard they are going to move it out west later this summer if they haven't already started.

We are going to go during the week so we can stay out of the way of the fast folks on sport bikes and in sports cars.:eek:

[motomac]

Hit Cherahola Skyway, 28, and stay to your schedule of weekdays. Before 10:00 AM if you can. Even during the week the rockets are out there later in the day, but most I've ridden with are very savvy about passing you. They will wait for a good zone to get around you and not buzz by you in your lane. Keep an eye on your mirrors and you should be good to go.

[Millsaps2]

I suggest you check out http://www.ironhorsenc.com/index.html

I camped the past 2 nights at the Ironhorse for $15 per night. They also have cabins and a bunkhouse. They serve breakfast and dinner. It is located on NC28 about 10 miles from the Dragon and about 10 miles from Robbinsville. NC28 to Highlands, Cherohala Skyway, Wayah Road (Wayah Road, known by the locals as "Thunder Road" is 27 miles of fun beginning at US19/74 at the Nantahala River Put-In and ending at Old Murphy Road near Franklin) are much better roads than the Dragon and without the LAW.

[ucwinters]

I'll ring in the 3rd time for the Cherahola Skyway - actually enjoy it more than Deal's Gap. More sweepers and more scenery to look at, less worry about being taken out by an oncoming m/c going wide on a turn (although it's happened to others on the Skyway).

Ed W.

[Mellow]

Honest advise... skip the dragon and ride the other parts of the area.. hey, you did ask. For me, the dragon is a bunch of hype and many show up to just try and prove something to themselves.. how fast can I do it...

It's also more strictly patrolled now and will be in the future..

North Georgia has some incredible roads, also the lake Lure area of NC is cool..

+1 on Cherahola Skyway..

Just my honest opinion. If you do the gap, do it between 7-8am.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Thanks for the advise guys, it sounds like the Skyway is the road to ride. I'll try to convince my buddy of this. He only has a couple of uh,ahem, (cough, cough) sick days to take that week and he really wants to ride the Dragon. Maybe we will have enough time to do both, it's only about a six hour ride over.

Joe, I have to agree about north GA. A buddy of mine lives in Roswell and I spent one weekend riding that part of the state. Absolutely beautiful!

[Bug Dr.]

I rode over there last August (ride report: http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47393) and agree with Mellow, the Dragon is a little overrated IMO. Yes, I can now say that I did it FWIW.

What they call the Little Dragon SE of Deals Gap is a much better road. I stayed in a cabin at Telico Plains Motorcycle Lodge and wish I'd camped there in retrospect. Hwy 315 south of Tellico Plains is a good road as well.

Many great places to ride and I didn't spend near enough time there.
Mike

[narcop482]

After I discovered the Suches, Georgia area (TWO Campground), I no longer need to go any further north get my tires round again. The Dragon is fun but too many full leather racing suits there for me. Wolf Pen Gap and the other great riding loops around Suches, Georgia are awesome. Check out Helen, Georgia also. Cool little town.

Have fun and be safe.......................

[Flashdog]

I've gone to the Dragon at least twice a year for the past decade. It never gets old, they repaved it about 3 or 4 years ago from the Dam all the way up. It is still the most exiting and technical road I've ever been on. The problem are the crowds trying to slay the dragon and end up licking their wounds while hanging what parts they could salvage from their totaled bikes from the Tree of Shame. Get an early start to the day and avoid weekends. If you enjoy hanging around and looking at every imaginable bike made in the last scream around corners in the mountains, you came to the right place. Don't get that close and avoid taking a lap, it really is that good when it's not crowded. I'd head south after that to the Suches area and enjoy some amazing roads down there.

[ZZRrocket]

Stay at the Kickstand Lodge in Stecoah NC on Rt28. It's about 23 miles or so from where 129 and 28 intersect. I know the owner Mo. She a very nice lady and has great rates for tent camping and a clean bath house. She cooks for her guest each night. And all she asks for is a donation for the meal. It's all you can eat and I've never had a bad meal ever at the Kickstand Lodge. I've been staying there each May for a week since 2005. Tell her Jay from Indiana suggested her place to you. Happy camping! http://kickstandlodge.com/

[CoachA]

I've been up to that area two times in the last year and would say that the Skyway a better ride but do the Dragon at least once so you can say you have done it. There are tons of great roads down near Helen, GA and all over the area that are less congested than the Dragon. We did it last fall on November 1 and it was packed with sport bikes and with Crossfires at a convention...not fun. Check the web site for the Dragon before you go and see what is going on in the area before you head out.

[SCoffman1]

While the Dragon is over-rated...it's still one of those things that you need to do at least once. Just because it's the Dragon and it is a good technical ride that can be fun. Don't try and keep up with the sport bike riders and ride your own ride. I have done it a number of times and still enjoy it, but it's not the "end all" of rides. If you don't do it, you will never know. Plus, it doesn't take that long and you are just up the road from the east entrance to the Cherohala.

Probably one of the best roads up in that area is Highway 28 from Franklin to Hwy 19 (The Great Smokey Mountain Expwy). It is an incredible road that you shouldn't miss. NC1001 (Ellijay Rd) is another great road. It runs from 107 to 64 north of Highlands. Of course you have to do the Cherohala. When you get to Tellico Plains, there are a couple of good restaurants on the west end along the river. Then turn around and do it the other way. It's a different road going east.

If you are going to take a little time off the bike, go to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and do a white water raft trip down the Nantahala. They also have a nice restaurant by the river and a decent outdoor store for camping and hiking gear. If you are going to stay in a hotel, check out Fontana Village.

Steve

[ZZRrocket]

While the Dragon is over-rated...it's still one of those things that you need to do at least once. Just because it's the Dragon and it is a good technical ride that can be fun. Don't try and keep up with the sport bike riders and ride your own ride. I have done it a number of times and still enjoy it, but it's not the "end all" of rides. If you don't do it, you will never know. Plus, it doesn't take that long and you are just up the road from the east entrance to the Cherohala.

Probably one of the best roads up in that area is Highway 28 from Franklin to Hwy 19 (The Great Smokey Mountain Expwy). It is an incredible road that you shouldn't miss. NC1001 (Ellijay Rd) is another great road. It runs from 107 to 64 north of Highlands. Of course you have to do the Cherohala. When you get to Tellico Plains, there are a couple of good restaurants on the west end along the river. Then turn around and do it the other way. It's a different road going east.

If you are going to take a little time off the bike, go to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and do a white water raft trip down the Nantahala. They also have a nice restaurant by the river and a decent outdoor store for camping and hiking gear. If you are going to stay in a hotel, check out Fontana Village.

Steve

Steve is right about riding your own ride on the dragon. Especially if your on a cruiser style bike. Cruisers are much heavier than sport bikes. Also another good rule to follow since the entire road is double yellow line, is when you see a faster rider coming up on you. Just move over into the right hand third of the lane and let the faster rider pass. He's happy and your happy he's not riding your rear wheel. You would be amazed at how many cruisers, Harley's etc. I have come up on that don't appear to have any clue about the road's unwritten educate. To say the least most of the people in cars on the dragon are clueless and from out of town. Ride safe and have fun.

Here's a pic of me from my May trip this year slowing down to about 50:D or 55:D through one of the many curves.:eek: Good times!


http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=0QAK00HB041198&po=1198

[Dstrickland]

I agree about one thing with all the blather about Deals Gap. North Georgia has some roads that are every bit as challenging if not more so. There is a road out of Suches, Ga. back to Dallonegah that will flat wear you out. It's a hoot.

[moodygne]

A buddy of mine wants to head down to Deal's Gap and ride the Dragon week after next. I was wondering if you all had any advice on other things to do after we ride the Dragon, or maybe a good place or two to eat. We are going to try to stay away from the busier Gatlinburg area and stick to the more rural areas, maybe go the the motorcycle museum in Maggie Valley. I have heard they are going to move it out west later this summer if they haven't already started.

We are going to go during the week so we can stay out of the way of the fast folks on sport bikes and in sports cars.:eek:


Dude Relax, There is so much to do in that area you will go back two or three times a year. I do, and its 450 to 500 miles from home for me. every time I leave I think next time I am going to do this or that.As far as the Gap, go anytime you won't be in anyones road. I will see you at the chill out, and I know you are going to love it.I usually stay at Maggie Valley, the museum is great. I don't think they will move, they told us that the county wanted them to pay tax, they (museum) is tax exempt.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Gary, as usual I forgot something. Like a ride report from this trip. :o This trip was really nothing to write about. The guy who my friend and I went with was in a huge hurry everywhere he went and a serious tight wad! :p We stayed at a motel that was an absolute dump. It was so bad, I slept in my clothes on top of my rain gear, and would not walk barefooted to and from the shower (forgot my shower shoes and camera). I had to clean the shower before I could make myself step in it. And I've stepped in some nasty stuff in my time! :lol

The only good part of the trip was actually riding the Dragon and eating at a good mexican place.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming trip to the Chill Out so I can actually kick back and enjoy some good riding too! P^

[moodygne]

I am on the road now. I am in a motel in Staunton Va.. Tomorow I am headed down Blue Ridge. I am going to stay in Maggie valley for a day or two, just to check out Hunts Campground.Like I said just looking for an excuse to take a ride down the parkway.Boy was it cold in the mountains.

[Ironheadziggy76]

You be safe out there! See ya in a couple of weeks. P^

[Superdave]

I'll ring in the 3rd time for the Cherahola Skyway - actually enjoy it more than Deal's Gap. More sweepers and more scenery to look at, less worry about being taken out by an oncoming m/c going wide on a turn (although it's happened to others on the Skyway).

Ed W.

I agree 100%.

Cherahola Skyway.....
The river running along side (okay... Cheoah River Run)
The waterfalls
The high peaks
And the fall colors

The Dragon's Tail....
Trees on both sides
The Stone walls
The Wooded cliffs (reminded me of Pachinko)
The Full Pucker mode
The "Tree of Shame"

Take a look at this map.
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps/outlets.jpg

[denny]

Although not quite as nice as the Cherohala, the foothills Parkway is another worthwhile road. I've been on it a few times and it always had very little traffic.