Tail of the Dragon claims another life
clays
Member Posts: 1,926 ✭✭✭✭
I know there are several of you on here, like myself that are avid bike riders. Most are familiar if not by personal experience, certainly thru conversation about Hwy 129, 11 miles w/311 curves, (nicknamed "The Tail of the Dragon"), beginning in NC and passing in to Tn. It's reputation attracts riders from all over the world as it has a global reputation. Sport bike riders find it to be one of the most challenging roads anywhere. Living only 30 minutes from it, I ride there a couple times a year, but mostly focus on what I consider less challenging roads.
It is also well know as a High Crash area. Often times riders are not found for several days as they may go off the bluffs and be hidden from sight. Unfortunately this was the case again last Friday as a rider left the road in one of the curves. He was riding alone and was not seen by anyone. After no contact with him by family search parties began looking as he had been photographed riding there. His body was found yesterday in heavy bushes where he had left the road. This is the 5th death there this year.
Comments
Lost 7 this year, here. 3 just this past weekend.
Having rode the dragon I understand . Trouble is that many sport bikers lack the skills and experience to handle the dragon They push too hard and end up losing it a curve.
was that on the “Gallatin Gauntlet “ headed to Big Sky?
Mule
Yes sir, two male drivers died at scene, wife, passenger of one the bikes is in hosptial
From two to four times a month, somebody learns that getting a selfie while standing on gravel at the Grand Canyon is a life-ending lesson.
We have Back of the Dragon here in Virginia. Route 16 from Tazewell to Marion. Rode it once. Never again.
https://backofthedragon.com/our-story/
The Harley guys drop their bikes alot on that road also.
Mostly because they lack any real riding skills, and are there mostly for bragging rights. ( That was the case with my friends anyway ).
You really have to pay attention to what you are doing and be ready for anything.
I started on dirt bikes at age 14 .Progressed to some motor crossing over the years First street bike at 16 . By the time I rode the dragon, I had over 30 years on two wheels . I soon found out just how little I really knew ,lol.
One of rhe main reasons I didn't go near the edge. 40mph gusts gave me the heebie jeebies even when standing on solid ground behind a waist high wall.
Speaking of "claiming" another one, this story from yesterday. A black bear was scavenging the body of the victim.
https://www.wsmv.com/2024/09/25/scavenging-remains-deputy-shoots-bear-guarding-body-dragon/
So I have been riding bikes until about 8 years ago. Not being informed but what makes The Tail so difficult to navigate?
Last time that I went across 129 back in the '60s I was headed to Robinsville, North Carolina to get married. Guess you could say I'm a victim too! 😉
Hopefully June knows I'm just joking and won't come back tonight and get me in my sleep. 😁