Cruising through the southern
United States
the other day I noticed an increasing number of motorcycles on the road. Other than
being extra cautious around them, I thought no more of it. One group of bikers,
in a rush for some reason, risked passing me and the obnoxious slow driver ahead
before I managed to get past that goofball, as well.
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| Photo Credit: Clutch and Chrome Magazine |
Following them I saw signs
announcing motorcycle friendly motels and taverns, a Harley Davidson dealership,
as well as dozens of two wheeled vehicles coming the other direction. And lots of signs touted dragon silhouettes. After no small
amount of time a traffic sign indicated a high accident area for the next
eleven miles.
Without undue worry I found my
awareness heightening as the turns twisted tighter, became more frequent. As my
single lane gained altitude I noticed professional photographers stationed
along the way. That’s when it hit me (nothing literal, thank heaven).
I was driving the Tail of the Dragon!
Otherwise known as US Route 129, this stretch bordering the states of Tennessee
and North Carolina is a destination known to draw both motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts.
In fact these eleven miles are considered to be one of the greatest challenges
a biker can face (hence the photographers, who will sell an image of your excited face back to you via website).
And I saw that fact when one
motorcyclist became my biggest hazard. Just when she zoomed out of sight I would round
another hairpin curve to find her just yards ahead, way too close for comfort. Imagine
my relief when another from her group lagged behind the rest and urged her onto
a designated pull-off point.
Many miles later my partner
had the presence of mind to send a text message asking a close friend if he
ever took this drive. Phoenix
said he had not, but planned to next year (yes, our motorcycle enthusiast buddy
is nicknamed after the mythical bird). I grabbed the smart phone and bragged
about driving it ahead of him. His teasing response failed to deflate me (much).
“Cars don’t count.”
The heck they don’t. So maybe
I wasn’t in a Corvette or Porsche, I zigged and zagged through all 318 curves
without white knuckling the wheel once.
So phooey on you, Phoenix. I call this a
win.
Are you a driving enthusiast
like me? Would you challenge the dragon?
I've never heard of this stretch of road. Sounds like you should have bragging rights.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my dear! I can hardly wait to show my father some video we took. He passed down his love of driving. ~grin~ Be well!
DeleteI have not heard of this and would be too chicken to drive it. I only drive around town and have my mom or hubby drive on highways.
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly not alone, my dear. Be well!
DeleteI want one. A dragon. I always did. I want a dragon. Okay? Hugs.
ReplyDeleteMe, too! Hugs back, my dear.
DeleteI'd love to drive it, but ride it? I think not!
ReplyDeleteClick to read the Amble Bay Newsletter!
Thanks for the smile, my dear. Be well!
DeleteYep...the Tail of the Dragon...been on part of it. Wicked curving road where some drivers, cars or motorcycles go wild. Been many yrs., need to grab my camera and try it again.
ReplyDeleteBe warned, my dear, that it can be rough on the body according to my partner. I was too busy having fun driving. ~grin~ Would love to see your pictures, though!
Deletehaha, I love curves and corners in cars too. Good job, slaying the dragon!
ReplyDeleteThank you! ~grin~ Hope you can drive it someday, though you have plenty of exciting local routes, the way it sounds. Drive safe!
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