I am a native Floridian, but I have roots in Tennessee, Virginia and NC. The Dragon's Tail is like a "do it once to claim it" road. There are so many mountain roads in these states that have way less traffic but are just as fun to ride.

Also uphill handling is totally different from downhill handling. It gets real technical real fast if you get cocky. I think that's what gets a lot of people.

I have heard that the biggest danger is tractor trailers that Unknowingly followed their GPS onto this road coming from the opposite direction you are traveling. They have to take many of the blind corners using both lanes, blocking both lanes.

Hello! Thanks for the great video! In my country, i'm trying to avoid popular roads. Too many inexperienced riders, with big self-confidence taking too many risks, riding above their limit. Helen immediately reminded me of Germany. 😊 Take care!

I rode it with my wife on a Wednesday morning around 11:00. Perfect timing. I was able to just cruise along. No squids, no hot rodders. It was sublime.

Having been on the Dragon about half a dozen times, I always tell first timers, "ride it mid-week and on your first pass, take your time". The more you ride it, the faster you can go. Now days, I just pass on the Dragon. Like you said, just too many dumba$$es.Loved the quick low angle shot. Seldom see shots like that. Great video.

If you get back down this way, I have a couple roads in my opinion blow the dragon out of the water. Not as many curves, but the scenery and overall feel, and the fact that no one hardly knows about it, make it way better! Appreciate the video man!!! This is my back yard!

That looked like a slow day. Most of the videos I see are of folks ripping around those turns at ridiculous speeds, passing, crossing lanes and wrecking. It was nice to see the scenery for a change. I used to think all those trees were just crash-landing targets for crotch rockets. I did notice a lot of older dudes and lots of cruisers, which I hadn't seen before. My ride choice is a Kawasaki Eliminator, and I like riding and looking around, oh and being in control too. I'm glad I'm not one to have that need for speed; not my thing and I wouldn't risk my bike doing anything stupid. I've seen dudes doing wheelies on the str8 parts and think, would they drive their car on two wheels? Thanks for the safe tour!

As one who has ridden The Tail of the Dragon many times it has now become a race course on many days. I support each person doing their own ride but many people ride at extremely high rate of speeds which puts everyone in danger.

Your videos and editing/narration style is very good, Joe. I feel like you may get more views and subscribers if you had a better camera. Helluva lifestyle, so i'm still watching... regardless.

Good video Joe; nice to see you back at your best; keep the videos coming👍👍👍

While I have yet to ride the TotD it's one of only a few I haven't ridden. The Snake (Hwy 421) is my "home track" and I get up to the Back of the Dragon semi often. The Dragon Slayer is also a decent ride and all 3 of these have much less traffic.

The Dragon is a ton of fun! Just stay vigilant, stay in your lane, and you'll be fine. Avoid listening to music or earplugs while on it so you are more likely to hear fast traffic approaching from ahead or behind. Keep an eye on your mirrors as well of course and let faster traffic by to avoid having them pass you dangerously, but if they do go for a pass you can just slow down and hug the right side of the road, you'll be fine. And if you are attempting to pass someone that won't get off onto a pull off, ALWAYS check your mirrors and make sure someone isn't trying to pass you at the same time.

Great Vid Joe. Good camera work too!

Fantastic editing and presentation it's relaxing to watch your videos.

Awesome video and awesome content can’t wait for the next video Thank’s Joe

Great video Joe. Rode the Dragon back in the mid-'90s, lots of traffic, bikes and sport cars. Wasn't really that much fun dodging all the line-crossers. Eat more chicken amigo!

Great vid.. I rode it and I'm glad I did... but once was enough for me... We have crazy twisties in NoCal so we get our share, but we have the ocean and/or redwoods so happy happy. One and done for me!

Right on Joe! I’ll definitely take some time to check it out. I’ve been up that way a ton of times but never rode the dragon. As always keep up the good work and above all Stay Free brother!

I've done the Dragon a few times and always rode it early in the morning when there was little to no traffic. It is a fun road though a bit overrated. I have done a few cross-country trips over the yeaars and there are so many other roads that a far more challenging and fun to ride. But I think anybody who rides, should try the Dragon just to say they "Rode the Dragon'.

Cherohalan Skyway was pretty fun. And great free camping on Lake Santeetlah!

Great video Joe. I'm still living in the past of you visiting my place. lol Be safe my friend. I will be watching.

VA-16 looks nice and windey too and less cops/traffic, I hope I get to see you in Laconia bro! On your way to bike week I recommend rt 108 to 107 all the way into Laconia, enjoy the journey brother!!

I cried inside, knowing that you were gonna have to pull that duffel off the back of your bike every time you needed to fuel up

Great video of a beautiful ride. Be safe out there.

I rode it on a new R7 at the start of the season.. Rained the whole weekend with few dry patches so took it easy but best part was NO ONE WAS there. Enjoyed the bottom section on the Blue ridge parkway just as much... Recommend that for sure!

Hey Buddy ,Hope this finds you well, Really enjoyed the Vietnam Vlog.The Dragon is alot like Hocking Hills in Southern ,Ohio. I've ridden it many times and Hocking has the same type of problems as the Dragon.

This area is one of my favorites in the country. I have been going at least once a year for the last 6 years for Miatas at the Gap. The Tail is definitely no place for anyone to test their skills. This year when we went we didn't even drive the Tail because there are so many amazing roads to drive in the area. The best I've found is Highway 276 between Waynesville NC and Brevard NC. It goes through the Pisgah National Forest, passes Looking Glass Falls, and is a truly amazing ride. The Skyway is fantastic as well. The Tail is just too popular as you said and way too many wannabe racers "testing their skills" for me 🙂

2023 I visited North Carolina and one reason was to ride the Dragon. It was so much fun. I drove it several times. It was in the week. North Carolina have so much roads for motorcycling. I met also kindly people. After TT Isle of Mans visit the Dragon was a must. Not so fast as the Moutain Course ride, but narrow curves. The HD made sccccrrrr in some curves. So we were also at tte Outerbanks. Deals Gap remind me at the Breitscheid Meeting Point at the Green Hell, Nurburgring. Motorcycles, Cars and the sound of these... Wow wow and wow.

Helen: there are free parking areas near city hall...that is behind Wendys/Huddle House, over the side bridge and three blocks south. If you're just stopping for frugal dinner, Huddle House works for $10. 2 roads out of Helen North and West are gorgeous and very twisty with resonable 45 and 55 speed limits. 129 Deals Gap: ehhh. I used to call it the road to Maryville but it is now choked on weekends. Speed limit is very, very low. TSP write $200 tickets for days after anyone gets killed. If you're going to ride it at the speed limit as we all should, then it is a relatively boring ride. About 1 mile of beautiful scenery out of 11. Cherohala: and Joyce Kilmer is the best for scenery out of Robbinsville. Camping: Indian Boundary Campground (overflow lot on the lake) is $10 for tent sites. Bathroom building and piped water. Located right on the Skyway. Citico forest right behind Indian Boundary is FREE and the sites have portalets. No piped water. Joyce Kilmer: has several free or low priced campsites on the lake. River Road beyond Bald Creek Falls has lots of $8 or $10 wood sites. Fontana Lake to Franklin is beautiful riding, as is Hiawassee GA on Lake Chatugue. Free TVA dispersed campsites exist on the lake. I understand the track bike/sport bike draw for Deals Gap, but scenic cruisers, dual sports and standard rider have much better choices....unless you're in Robbinsville and just have to get to Vanore or Maryville.

I agree with Radxcor83; it's a fun road to challenge yourself, but only if you can ride or drive it when traffic is light. But there are many other roads nearby that are just as much fun. I haven't ridden motorcycles since 1987, and rode the Dragon when it wasn't even called that. But I have been on it many, many times during the last decade in a Miata, and it's not difficult to go from Tabcat Bridge to COT in ten minutes while staying completely within your own lane with a properly set up car. I've watched a video of a guy on a fully loaded Gold Wing do it in less than ten minutes while staying in his lane, a totally amazing ride. There is an even better road (VA16) between Marion and Tazewell, VA called "Back of the Dragon", it's over 30 miles long without a single driveway or side road, and is just as crooked as TOD.

Another awesome video Joe (as always)! Whereabouts are you in NY state? I grew upstate NY and only live 10 mins from the NY/CT border but on the CT side. I would love to meet up if you're still close by in the area (even if just for coffee or whatever). I used to live down in Richmond, VA for a few years but never made it to the Tail of the Dragon while I was down closer to there. Definitely plan on going down and checking it out in the near future! You're absolutely right about people being dumb when it comes to driving on the roads down there. Anyways, I always enjoy your videos - thanks again! Stay safe out there brother and keep her on two wheels! 🏍

I would encourage those who come up here to visit the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest near Robinsville, off 129. It's the last large stand of virgin forest east of the Mississippi. Short easy hike from the parking lot. You'll see what these forests looked like before loggers came in. HUGE hardwoods and a rain forest floor make for great photos. BTW: Please remember that folks like I live here and actually need this road to do real stuff like get from NC to TN and back for work. Many days of the year it has become a nightmare.

Ridden it 3X, never had an issue. Saw a lot of "Heros" ridding like idiots and forgetting other people were on the road as well. The Back of the Dragon is way better and often overlooked. Been down the Snake and up over the Skyway. That area has some of the most beautiful riding I've ever been on.

The Tail is ok on a weekday. Weekends, it’s impossible. I actually like the Rattler and the Devils Triangle better. Any case, any number of the roads in the area can elevate the pucker factor especially with dump trucks and lumber trucks on your butt. Those guys can fly down those roads. The crash guy, too far over on the inside. He should have started more to the left. He couldn’t correct his line and lost it. Probably a low side spill. Thanks for posting. Ride Safe Joe.

Nice video you said it nice area lots of great roads to ride.have visited Helena quaint little burg. I stayed at deals gap on last visit jusy right reasonable rates comfortable. Good comrades. Just go have good time.😊

yup there are to many idiots like “maxwrist” & “antprilia” that think that place is a racetrack, good vid my man 👍

I wrote the tale of the dragon slow my first time to get to know the layout of the road. Once I came out to Tennessee I turned around on my 2015 street glide and tore it up. I didn’t find it all that scary if you have good skills and been riding for many many years, you’ll be good to go one thing I didn’t notice as motorcycle cops a cop would shoot radar and the other to go after you

Rider magazine started the downfall of Deals Gap back before the internet was a thing. Still, it's gotten to where every twisty had to be named (so some jack wagon can sell tee shirts and stickers). Sigh First rode it in 1975 on a 1971 AT1 Yamaha. 125cc single cylinder 2 stroke Enduro with ELECTRIC STARTER. It would do about 70 mph wide open. Rode it from Wilmington NC to Asheville to Deals Gap in 1975 (the year before I-26 was completed). About 425 miles each way, but I rode the Blue Ridge Parkway up to Mt Mitchell on the way back, so it turned out to be just over 1100 miles with some wandering along the way. Sleeping bag, pup tent & camping stuff on the back. The route was old US74 through Rutherfordton, Lake Lure & Fairview since the current US74 4 lane wasn't built yet. Quite the adventure for a just turned 18 yr old. The next year I couldn't wait for a used one as they had just released the XT500C, so I bought a brand new one (only new motorcycle I've owned in 53 years of riding) and rode the same route. Now I'm on a 2015 Super Tenere XTZ12EFR. 67 and still riding, 200 miles last night to get back home. You don't get too old to ride, You get old because you don't ride!! Keep putting out the videos, I like'em!!

Been there done that got the t shirt swimming trunks and key chain oh and a sticker on my oil tank. Was there six days. By time I left I was glad to see long straight stretches of road . You can't go up to get a slurpy without taking seventy five turns. And forget getting anything after 8:00 o'clock . They roll up the side walk and lock the doors. We were in a DRY county. You could possess it but you couldn't buy it. Now I will say iron horse motorcycle camp ground was , absolutely the best campground I have ever been to . Without a doubt. It is in Stacoha. I would like to do it on a better handling bike than the heritage, but it did fine. Just think it would be much more fun on an adventure/sport. 312 turns in 11 miles . Thanks for the memories. Be careful and watch out for state patrolman. They had a bus set up with a judge and a balif. So they could charge prosecute and fine or sentence you right there on the side of the road. And I am not shitting you. I got pulled over and had a 1961 approved q ball helmet but gave me a warning.

I did these exact rides this past weekend for the first time. I stayed in a great Moto campground in Tellico Plains for $12. The ride to Helen, GA from Cherohala was great.

Joe, I used to ride the stretch of Highway 129 long before it became so commercialized and became the Tail of The Dragon. Talking late 70’s and early 80’s. It was fun then before so many inexperienced idiots started riding it. I avoid it unless I want to ride through Fontana on my way to the Nantahala or Cherohala. Oh by the way, the air horn will work as a bear scare tactic in most cases. Proven by me in Alaska. If it doesn’t work, it makes a good bomb to throw as you run like the wind. Lol

I live about 30 miles from your campsite, some good rules for the dragon only ride it during the week, if your bike has highway pegs take them off, if anything comes up behind you wave them around when it's safe to do so, there are local guys that have made 10,000 laps on that road they can safely go a lot faster, the front bench at the store is the locals bench, stay away after dark that's when the local killkids come out in cars, it's way more fun in the winter when nobody's around..

I don’t know, I loved riding the Dragon, thought it’s reputation is well deserved. It had a great road surface and the curve radii are really varied. Fun elevation changes but not going up up up then down down down. First couple times (early 2000s) had the road pretty much to myself, left me with a pretty strong ecstatic memory. The last time I turned into one of those dumbasses that nearly kill themselves and others. Chasing that memory of sublime flow, I got too impatient stuck behind traffic… did some stupid things and narrowly avoided a head on. Big wake up call about what I call Dragon Fever. Had a nice 1000 mile ride home the next day to think about it, my foolishness changed my perspective on sport touring…

on the main strip in Hellen youll see a line of bike parked at a bar that is free bike parking only

If you’re riding around there, I like the foothills Parkway much better for the type of bike guy ride. It all depends on your age and what you ride. But it is a good experience stop and get a T-shirt. Also stay off it on the weekends. Foothills Parkway there’s so many beautiful roads around there all over the Smokies.

The only thing special about the dragon is its publicist an the traffic it causes. It makes sense for flat landers to be there, but if you live in these mountains like I do, the ride to the grocery store is just like that without all the crazy traffic. Not usually 11 miles in a row without a passing zone, but I am lost as to how that is a good thing. I'll take a road with a passing zone every few miles over that any day.

Good advice 😊

I say the reason is showboating for the camera. Those photo stations can distract and people wanting to get some cool shot of them leaned over end up losing it. Seen it happen many times. They also have a photo tent set up on the cherohala skyway, have seen crashes there too. Lots of other good roads all over the area that arent so crowded and patrolled. Too many people in the east now, wasnt so bad when we zoomed all those roads 15-20 years ago. I dont even like to travel much in the east anymore. Roads clogged, road rage incidents, revenue collection agents out the ass. They can have it. Enjoyed the video Joe

I injoyed it. Thank you

I just rode the dragon two weeks ago,I was more impressed with the ride to it . By far the hwy 1 on the pacific beats the dragon. However I checked it off my list.

first off my hat's off to you for riding the dragon loaded up. I rode it loaded up some but no where near as packed as you are. second I was going to say that I much much prefer the skyway over the dragon. 3rd I went down those same forest roads you are on when i was in that area last year.

Hi joe. I thought the tail of the dragon was a bit overrated so many roads in the US that have more twisties and less people. if ya want the king of twisties. A day in the alps, pyrenees, dolomites, or the island of Corsica… a typical day will have 500 hairpins with seven summits and seven valleys, & less than 200mi.

GREAT ART WORK ON THE DRAGON.

They have race car rental and many don't understand what them lines mean, my second time, along with the race cars were pickup trucks, it was like they were out there just to ruin everybody's day, they absolutely weren't going to pull over Here, we have Brown Ridge, 12.5 miles, over hundred curves, fun curves, road well maintained, but people live on the road and they also know how to drive it and they know the importance of staying on correct side of the road....... occasionally there is an idiot, and occasionally a truck. A good thing is there is a road nearby that the thrill seekers in cars can go to, the curves allow for faster driving and better vision thru curves.....but yes there are idiots there too, don't understand the lines...... even when they can see vehicle coming they still cross over.....that unless it's a log truck(use to be coal trucks but don't see them anymore)

The crash was right at the photo op location. That had a good bit to do with it I would say.

Killer ride rode in may had a blast

That whole eastern Tennessee and North Carolina line area for many miles are great riding roads..

What's going on Joe Cool looking good..... great video... I live in eastern north Carolina along the coast I wish you& Scotty would come this way sometime I've been riding over 30 years I live close to a little town called Bath north Carolina the home of the famous pirate Black Beard also close to where Foundation power boats were made it's on the pamlico river if you ever come this way give me a message my man...take care

Joe great vid! Hey on that chicken-be careful bc it is possible to starve to death eating chicken or rabbit alone. They are too lean. Body needs fats like from steaks or Wendys or McD its 100pct usda. Just no bread or fries. Keep the vids coming.

I want to check this road out, but I drive a S2000 so I doubt I can enjoy the road without somebody behind bullying me to race or totalling my car when somebody jumps the double yellows. I will probably go but need to take days off work to do it midweek. Seems like a trip that goes through the Blue Ridge Parkway might offer more relaxed sights and driving for a convertible.

Good sounding bike your riding

What would be cool is a mini 20 minute video documentary about riders from other countries EG Down Under Australia that wants to travel to the USA for a 6 monthish adventure ride around the USA and Canada starting probably in LA . The bike would most probably be transported to the USA or maybe buying a bike in the USA the bike would be probably a BMW 1250 gs Adventure or a Triumph 1200 Adventure almost all riding bitumen and good dirt roads . What would the route be ❓❓❓

Is there a reason you don’t carry bear spray? When I’m camping I always wear earplugs to sleep so the sounds of the forest rarely bother me, only when I feel something brush up against my hammock do I get concerned

Overrated? Overhyped? never been so I wouldn't know. 2722 Miles to far away to bother. If for some other reason I ever happen to be in the area it might be worth a detour. In the mean time almost all roads here have lots of curves and spectacular scenery. So many I still have to ride.

I was on the Dragon in 2017 following a Harley when the Harley guy’s phone fell to the road and he tried to grab it. It did not go well for him. I stopped and picked up his phone. He climbed out of a ditch and I gave him his phone. Joe, you need to buy a bear canister.

Bucket list for me . 🇨🇦

I haven't ridden TOD, but it seems like a tight, technical road. I HAVE ridden the ACH hundreds and hundreds of times and, over its 40+ mile length, the ACH has technical sections, high speed sections (including one long straight past Newcomb's ranch on the way up on which I've done about 138) and sections that will kill you if you lose concentration. You TOD fans need to come out west.

Dragon veteran, used to be a good ride. Sport cars have ruined it for motorcycles.

Tellico Plains used to be my home for awhile, one year exactly.. Cherohala Parkway is my favorite road so far, the Tail is stupidly overrated and overcrowded.....by the way I love the new logo..i need on on my two bikes

We used to ride that road before it became so popular. We started around 83-90. Now it’s too dam crowded to have any safe fun on it. There are many other roads in that area just as challenging with not nearly as much traffic.

Schweinfiletring , is Indiana's Nurburgring x10(170m vs17mi)riding Tuesdayand Wednesday

Seems that quite a few believe they are the next pro racer and are trying to prove it on the dragon. I wish they would grow up and just enjoy the ride.

It doesn't have anything on the old highway 40 In Mexico!! Around there I actually prefer highway 28, lots of beautiful riding in the Appalachian area though.

Forget the Dragon. There are plenty of helmet free, motorcycle friendly states to ride in. Also, neither North Carolina or Tennessee (the location of The Dragon) are Constitutional Carry states.

i went down the tail in may and on the last day some dumbass left a streak of oil in the middle of the lane going through the whole dragon

i have ridden it many times on my bagger and will again this summer but I ride like i have a brain which a lot do not.... You can follow several youtubers here that think they are ready for the isle of man when in fact they shouldnt even be playing on an arcade bike much less a real one... He has caused a lot of carnage but I wont mention his name.... I live in Roanoke VA and there are tons of great rides around here and oh VIR for those that want to prove their worth on a sports bike...

After riding the Mae Hong Son Loop I wouldn't even bother wasting my time there...11 miles 😂😂😂

Richard Russell pky. , moonshiner 28, Cherohala Skyway all great roads

🤘

I rode it in May/2023 - it's overrated by far. It's a good substitute for a track day but there's really only 3 curves (that I can count) that you won't find on most other roads. I thought most of the people parked at Deals Gap were a bunch of posers from larger cities that went there for bragging rights.

Welcome to NY!!! Give me a call. Scotty has my number. Cool video. Keep up the good work!

Many good roads in southeast KY

Joe, are you making your way to Laconia?

Are you coming through upstate NY?

🤘😎🤘

It was obvious...... "Too much Speed... and not enough decent sense... Duh!!!" Ted Schempp, Nashville. Hey... anybody out here familiar with the old "BMW Motto??" Here it is: "Safe........ Sane...... and Silent Motorcycling....." (Or "Zero to Dead in 4.5 seconds....!! Duh!!). Ted Schempp, Nashville

There are too many riders on the dragon that ride beyond their abilities. The really good riders don't have respect for the slower riders and kinda ruins the experience for others. Any time you ride the dragon expect the unexpected around every turn. I've found better rides near Robbinsville and Tellico Plains TN.

Back of the Dragon Rt 16 from Tazwell to Marion Virginia is a much better road. 32 miles of twisties. The scenery is much better, and not to mention way less traffic.

I'm from north jersey . Me and a friend road down .Skyline drive to blue ridge parkway. All the way down the dragon was great but I agree completely bucket ride check box. Cherahola Skyline I believe was a great ride down there. So many epic rides there.

7:50 Possible Factors Speed Inexperienced Youthful Exuberance Miscalculated Turn Road Debris Worn Tires Drugs/Alcohol Stupidity Last but surely least, Bad Luck. Ride on... 😎

I did the dragon on a 1999 Yamaha Royal Star Boulevard. If that aint a test of your skill nothing is.

Waaaayyy overrated. I live a little over an hour from the dragon. It’s ok but there are a lot better rides in the area. Great video!👍🇺🇸

yes man

pescadero creek rd ...off of skyline drive in california. had the pleasure of staying right off this road for several months. probably the best motorcycling road that i have ridden. tail of the dragon? not bad but definitely not living up to the hype.

Cool millipede!

318 sorry. One of many benefits of living in the great state of Tennessee!

Joe how many snakes you run across in Georgia?

Foothills parkway is a good ride off 129 and not near as crazy

We just rode the dragon this past weekend. Then we rode foothills parkway and tbh the parkway was a far better ride with better scenery. Keep in mind I'm a Harley rider.