I just wanted to comment on the trip I just returned from in North Carolina. This riding was spectacular. Truthfully, the best riding I have done in 20 years of riding. The motorcycling Mecca, as my North Carolinian (Austin transplant) friend describes it. We thought we had it good in Austin with the hill country out our back door. But, this takes it to a whole new level.

We stayed in Blowing Rock, and got up each morning to ride west on the Blue Ridge Parkway and/or Hwy 321 (321 was our preferred route). We took one long day to ride to Deal's Gap in western NC. Word's really cant describe it. Take a look sometime at a map and the roads, you'll get the picture.

The roads are clean, smooth, unbelievably scenic, and free of traffic. No police, excluding the one nice one that pulled us over west of Asheville for illegal passing (oh well. When you’re having fun you cant let others spoil it). It is turn after turn through hills, trees and tunnels. There are tight turns, wide turns, 90s, 180’s inclining and declining turns, but (unlike some we have in the hill country) none jump up and slap you with a decreasing radius or off camber gotcha.

I rode with two good friends. One on an Aprillia Falco, one on a Speed triple, and me on my ST. The triple appeared to be the best suited for this kind of riding. Mine was probably the least suited. But, I tightened up the suspension and felt like I was able to push it to previously unexplored limits.

As we all know, Deal's Gap is hyped on a global level. Two of us (who had not been there) were skeptical. Pulling into the tourist trap of a restaurant/motorcycle resort/souvenir store we became even more skeptical, but it absolutely lives up to the hype. This is an amazing stretch of road, which will either have you much more in tune with your bike's ability or sobbing with a wrecked one. Deal’s gap appears to be intentionally constructed for the sole purpose of motorcycling enjoyment. There are cars, but they too are out there for the love of driving.

Honestly guys and gals, if you like two wheeling it, put NC on your short list. you will not be disappointed.

Nice report.

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Great write up.

Do it again in October or early May and it will be like a new ride. Amazing how much the area changes with the seasons. But it is a must do.

The Texas Hill country and Big Bend are also must do rides, and equally awesome. Must be nice to have them at your back door.

I live 45 minutes from Blowing Rock. There are roads as good as Deals Gap only a short ride from the Boone area.

If you are ever back over this way let me know! I could show you around a little.

[ This message was edited by: speedydave on 2006-09-07 11:39 ]

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we're starting to think about our April ride (already). It's been Big Bend for many years. Venturing into Mexico last year [big bend], we took it to a whole different level. We are thinking about either going all the way down to the coast in Mexico or possibly Arkansas next year.

hmm, decisions, decisions!!

I'm about 3-1/2 hours from Deal's Gap and have been taking trips through there since the mid 70's. It was just another stretch of road with a lot of curves back then but now everybody else has discovered it, for better or worse. It will definitely kick your arse if you're not careful which is unfortunately the case for the idiots who use it as their own personal race track. It's no wonder the LAW has cracked down on speeders through the Gap. Great road as are most of the roads in the area.

dc

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North Carolina does indeed have some very fine roads. Many
of them are about as good as "The Dragon", just not as
famous, or should I say infamous.

Every weekend during the summer, the dragon is clogged
with everything from guys on big slow cruisers to ricky
racers, while some truly fine roads nearby are almost
deserted. I hope "THE Dragon" remains as popular, and the
other roads stay undiscovered.

Quote:

On 2007-01-16 19:45, ducstr wrote: North Carolina does indeed have some very fine roads. Many of them are about as good as "The Dragon", just not as famous, or should I say infamous. Every weekend during the summer, the dragon is clogged with everything from guys on big slow cruisers to ricky racers, while some truly fine roads nearby are almost deserted. I hope "THE Dragon" remains as popular, and the other roads stay undiscovered.

Agreed!!

NC has soime of the best roads this side of the Mississippi!... Yes indeed the Dragon is a fine excersion but the surrounding States have thousands of miles of great roads!!

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Nice write up -- I've been thinking of heading to either North Georgia, Suches area this fall or heading to the Asheville-Boone area in NC. Your comments might be the tie-breaker!

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Quote:

On 2007-01-17 15:35, Monkey1 wrote: Nice write up -- I've been thinking of heading to either North Georgia, Suches area this fall or heading to the Asheville-Boone area in NC. Your comments might be the tie-breaker!

Actually.. Suches and the Asheville area are only a (really great) days ride from each other... Nice "neighborhood" for riding... You can't go wrong...