Dragon Knowledge I thought I would provide some insight about the Dragon and surrounding areas. Things to do, tips, places to stay, and places to eat.
Dragon Riding Tips:
1) Speed is relative to skill! The Dragon IS NOT a place for testing either. Ride well with in your and your bike's limits. I am amazed at folks who think because they can do 100mph wheelies they can smoke the Dragon. They learn real fast your ignorance on the interstate will cost you at the Dragon. Hopefully only a bike and a lot of useless chrome and not your life. Leave your stunts at home!
2) There Cops up in those hills. Yes, the police patrol the Dragon. Deal with it.
3) Don't Target fixate. This, along with too much throttle, is cause of most accidents at the Dragon. You will hit what you focus on. When you get into a turn too hot and you will at some point feel like you are going too fast for the decreasing radius off camber 200 degree turn that you are already committed too, your bike can handle more than you think. Don't focus on the big rock on the outside of the turn. Instead focus through the turn and as far up the road as you can see. Your eyes should be following the yellow line. Keep leaning and keep the throttle steady. Worse case scenario is you will low side after bleeding off speed. Chances are, if you do what I said, you will make the turn and piss yourself.
4) Watch for cars (and bikes) cutting the corners. Crossing the yellow line. This is the other big issue at the Gap. Positioning your bike center to right of center in your lane will give you extra time and space. Assume someone is being an ass and cutting into your lane. This way you won't be surprised.
5) Pay attention to those around you. If some other rider is on your ass, go ahead and slide right to let the pisser by. That way when you brake check him because you see something unexpected you won't have him riding bitch on your newly trashed bike. If you happen to be on a cruiser or touring bike, be courteous to the sporting guys and slide right. We are all up there to enjoy our preferred rides. This helps with anxious riders.
6) Commercial trucks kick up gravel because they can't make the turns without running off the road on both sides. It is not uncommon to run up on these trucks.
7) Be patient! You can run the Dragon as much as you want. Just because you run up on slower traffic, doesn't mean you NEED to pass. Run the Dragon multiple times and maybe you will get a clean run in.
8) Be careful pulling off at the store, the overlook or anywhere on the Dragon. Traffic can be crazy on weekends, holidays and during great weather. Not everyone is looking out for you.
9) Preflight your bike! Tire pressure, brakes, loose fittings, bags, and passengers.
10) Enjoy the ride. It is just a road. Go a reasonable speed and the Dragon is not scary. Let your throttle hand write checks you and your bike can't cover and you will be in the trees or worse. More to come......
Everett Street Diner 126 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC This is a cozy little diner style restuarant in Bryson. The food is good as well is the service. Street side parking is limited. No worries though, the town is small and walking (if necessary) is easy.
Nantahala Outdoor Center 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC I grew up working here. Dish washer. Yep, I slung dishes when I was a teen. It is quite different in looks than when I worked there. You get a great view of the Nantahala River while you dine. The food is a local flavor that is hearty as well as tasty. Some of the dishes are a bit "earthy". Still get the cheese on fries, a burger, and a cold coke. Can be tricky to park and be careful entering the highway.
Bar B Que Wagon Highway 19 Bryson City I have to say that this is the best BBQ in Bryson. Southern Friendly. You can't get better folks to serve you a great meal. The tea is perfert Carolina sweet. Not like in Georgia where they put in 5lbs of sugar per gallon. Damn near chokes you. Anyway, it is consistantly good pork BBQ. Outside seating and biker friendly.
The Scoop Robbinsville, NC About the only place to eat in Robbinsville. Good food, good parking and good service. Located right in town.
Riverstone Grill 1641 Cherohala Skwy, Tellico Plains, TN The Sheepdog Racing crew has dined here on one occasion and found it to be a great atmosphere and good food. Sit outside right by the river and enjoy. It is at the end of the Skyway before you turn onto 360 to head back to the Dragon. Perfect spot to stretch out.
Fat Buddies Ribs & BBQhttp://www.fatbuddiesribsandbbq.com 311 Westgate Plaza, Franklin, NC The crew has frequented Fat Buddies in Franklin several times. Very biker friendly, plenty of parking and good BBQ. It is located behind Lowes. The service was good and entertaining at times. Fat Buddies is a chain but it is good.
