U.S. 129 the tail of the dragon overrated?

We've all heard it before, the dragon is the best road to ride in the United States. I was a bit skeptical at first. I mean the best road in the whole country. But it had enough good things going for it to check it out.

For starters there are over 300 curves in 11 miles, for any twisty loving rider that's a good enough reason to take a road trip. Its near the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee, right by the Smokey Mountain National Forest and runs right into the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. So there is plenty to see and do if your willing to travel a few hours. The roads in the area are well kept, have beautiful scenery, and a little bit of everything from tight turns to long sweepers to some straights. But the dragon is the real reason for the trip and its all tight technical turns, my favorite kind.

So two of my friends and I borrowed a trailer and threw their KTM's in and my SV650. We decided to rent a cabin in Pigeon Forge Tennessee and would ride to our destination. This proved to be the perfect location, it allowed us to ride through the Smokey Mountain National Forest and be close to all the cheesy tourist destinations of the area. Its about a 1 to 2 hour ride to the dragon from Pigeon forge depending upon route, speed, and traffic. I recommend a good map or GPS unit if you plan on designing your own routes. We almost ended up on a off road trail until a local told us otherwise. On your ride to the dragon you think to your self, can this road actually be any better than what I have just ridden? You get plenty of turns in, see gorgeous mountains, wildlife, foliage, pass some of the most creative tourist attractions and get to eat great BBQ. to top it off.

The answer to that question, is yes. As you get closer you start seeing more and more motorcycles of all types and styles. Your palms start to sweat, heart beat increases, and an instant grin comes over your face as you see the us129 sign. There are no signs saying when the dragon begins or ends but you can tell. The pavement is smooth, with nice tight turns and elevation changes. There are around 4 to 5 companies taking photos of you as you ride. The slower riders will generally pull over and let you by as well as the cars. There is a sense of camaraderie that I have never seen before among so many riders that have never met. People warn you of cops up ahead and dangers in the road. After you go down it the first time you'll just want to keep going back and forth as many times as you can. It will make the roads near your hometown seem boring after your chicken strips are worn off and shoes scuffed from leaning in the corners. You will either leave a better rider or with a broken bike. With that waring be careful this is a public road and not a race track. I would not recommend that a new rider tries to take on this road or someone who hates tight turns. This is a road for those who love to lean, and is well worth the trip. The dragon is far from being overrated.