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Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2009 5:19 am Posts: 246 Location: Grayson, Ga.
pods_52 wrote:
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/ has anyone ridden it, is it worth making a 1,500 km trek to ride it?? thanks
388 curves in 11 miles.... A LOT of my friends and their friends ride it. My Car club even goes. They say it's a hoot, just becareful. You will see the tree of shame, with bike parts all over it and hanging from it. A lot of people didn't make it.
Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 7:53 am Posts: 1009 Location: Melbourne, AUS
It's only worth the 1,500km trek to ride it, if you've got the experience, fitness, confidence and correct bike to handle it. If your intending to take the 650F you'll be working your ass off the whole time trying to move the weight around.
However......if your intention is to just cruise it and take it easy with that extra burst here and there, then i'd say it's worth every single mile it takes to get there.
Joined: Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:16 pm Posts: 32 Location: Virginia
I just got back from the Dragon bout 2 weeks ago 6th trip down. It is sensory overload between concentrating on the curves and having to watch your mirrors for guys coming up behind you. All this and hoping that nobody crosses the double yellow before the next blind corner. Having said that, it is a must do but truly the road to savor is Rte 28 out of the Dragon and heading back towards Bryson.
Joined: Sat Jun 06, 2009 12:16 pm Posts: 95 Location: Northern Ontario, Canada
Thanks for the advice, I checked someone's utube clip, looks like the "photographer" rides in front with a video camera facing backwards, giving a good recording of someone's ride on the Dragon. After watching it I realized my risk would be people passing or approaching vehicles crossing into your lane. I definitely will be a cruiser. Saw the route 28 link (hellbender) with photos of switchbacks etc. can only say WOW.
Joined: Wed Aug 19, 2009 11:44 am Posts: 699 Location: NW 'burbs of Chicagoland
pods_52 wrote:
Thanks for the advice, I checked someone's utube clip, looks like the "photographer" rides in front with a video camera facing backwards, giving a good recording of someone's ride on the Dragon. After watching it I realized my risk would be people passing or approaching vehicles crossing into your lane. I definitely will be a cruiser. Saw the route 28 link (hellbender) with photos of switchbacks etc. can only say WOW.
It's a GOOD WOW!!!!
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Joined: Mon Oct 26, 2009 5:19 am Posts: 246 Location: Grayson, Ga.
I am gonna wait a bit, cause I wanna get more riding experience first, but I will cruise it one day. I have no intrest in draggin knees, I just wanna enjoy the ride
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Joined: Sat Jun 06, 2009 12:16 pm Posts: 95 Location: Northern Ontario, Canada
Think I'll get one more summer of riding in, and maybe find as many roads with corners, do some practicing then head down there next fall. Dragon, Rte. 28, Devil's triangle.
Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 7:53 am Posts: 1009 Location: Melbourne, AUS
pods_52 wrote:
Think I'll get one more summer of riding in, and maybe find as many roads with corners, do some practicing then head down there next fall. Dragon, Rte. 28, Devil's triangle.
Good thinking there pods. There's no shame in giving it up for more practice and experience. Doing it is one thing, but knowing what your doing and living to ride it again just says it all.
Although I'd give my left testicle :OUCH: to ride that tail, I know I am nowhere skilled enough to handle it. After watching the vids people have done I'd pay the $2000+ airfare just for the chance to ride it for a day. I'd probably prefer to ride something a bit more purpose built though like a GSXR600. Not saying the 650F can't handle it, but I know it will be double the work trying to flick it around. You'd want to be fit.
Joined: Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:16 pm Posts: 32 Location: Virginia
sorry got to pipe in on this one....
The turns are so tight that its like one hairpin after another. The better mount would be a dirt bike with 17" (motard). Lower gearing, shorter turn radius, and better leverage. I have seen a ton of thumpers flat out embarrass hardcore stuff. But if you want to see my hero Youtube "Goldwing + Dragon"....this guy is unbelievable...
Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2009 3:45 am Posts: 79 Location: London, ON, Canada
pods_52 wrote:
http://www.tailofthedragon.com/ has anyone ridden it, is it worth making a 1,500 km trek to ride it?? thanks
I made the trip down there in April having had my motorcycle license a total of 3 weeks beforehand. I certainly couldn't keep up with the guys I was there with but it's a blast if you're careful and don't try and compete with the people behind and in front of you.
Some of the sport bike riders I encountered have some serious skills (as shown in the attached pic), but most people are laid back on the roads. I highly recommend it, as (at least my part) of Ontario is laid out like a checker board with few twisties to be had[url=http://img29.imageshack.us/my.php?image=85198250.jpg]
Joined: Sun Nov 23, 2008 11:36 pm Posts: 22 Location: New Jersey, USA
yup, just ride it at your own pace and you're okay. Don't try to keep up with locals.. I mean those riders who lives around the dragon. These mates tame the dragon already.
Enjoy the ride and be safe.
Roy
Last edited by RoyP on Sat Nov 21, 2009 8:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
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