"Slaying the Dragon"

[billr]

Well, more like toying with it...
Made the 2nd annual Bill's Dragon Run on Monday. For some reason I put on my "ironbutt" pants and do these as day trips. 500 mile circuit.
I hit the Cherohala Skyway about 0930. 50 miles later, turn left at Robbinsvile, NC and head into the Tail of the Dragon...
Busy today (Labor Day holiday in the States). Rarely could get over 30-35 mph.
The whole gamut of bikes...cruisers, dressers, motards, ADV tourers, and of course, the sport bikes...
There were 2 crashes while I was there, about an hour apart. 1st was a Harley rider. I came up on that one, didn't see it happen. He's gonna have a BIG headache and black eye (most likely facial fractures) No bones sticking out...sent to the ED to get checked out...should be OK.
2nd happened right in front of me. I'd been following a couple of Honda VTX's. We were stuck behind a minivan and didn't get over 25mph. Van pulled off, the lead VTX picked up some speed and planted his left hand foot board into the asphalt on an off camber turn. Slid right off into the ditch. Ego damaged, "Crashbars" actually did their job (other than holding highway pegs) Bent the left side a bit, we "nudged" (kicked) it back into place and he was good to go. Turns out they were a couple on vacation, 1st time to ride this road...not a good thing to do...going fast on unfamiliar roads.
I made 3 successful passes, no slips, runs or errors (well, once when I looked down at the road and started wide...CORRECTION )
A few pictures for your enjoyment...
Example action pic from last year...I forgot to load the camera that day.
Bill R at the Dragon, October 2009
The guys website is actually "Killboy.com".



My Favorite sign, just no safe place to pull off and get an "on the road" shot.



The entry to the Cherohala







Highest point on the Cherohala



Northern end of the Dragon





Chick, chick, chick... :08:


and my knees, an intact bike, my pride...but I am "chicken" to push the Skorp to its limits on the street...they're way beyond my comfort zone.
I love these bikes...
Bill R

[iceman]

Looks like a great ride !!

Thanks for the photos.They look nice !!

[Old Dog]

Nice one Bill. Hardcore!!

[OSPRNG]

[DAVID THOMPSON]

when you get up my way try OHIO 555 (triple nickle)
it starts about 3 miles west of the new us rt50 bridge at belpre ohio
it goes north to the zanesvill area
and it will put a bind in your a** if you cook it to hard
look up triple nickle on the internet

the rt125 works it nice the saxon tour and 660 traveller have enough speed and power to get you in DEEP doo doo
if you try cooking this road on the hot side
some areas are bad about gravel in corners the cars drag it onto the road
by droping the right front wheel off the pavement when they dont do a cornor correctly
dave
warning speed and power will get you in DEEP doo doo very quickly on this road
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/oh555.html

[edec]

You are very lucky to be close to that road to enjoy!
Thanks for posting, Ed

[comanche91]

Damn, that's right up the road from N. Alabama. Got to try this, looks like the Blueridge Parkway on steroids. Thanks Bill.

[basser23]

Beautiful!!!
I've talked for years about heading down there from D.C.,but something has always gotten in the way...I will next year....
Oh those tires look like my old ones,wide chicken strips...,I too am uncomfortable on the street at extreme lean angles even though
I know the Skorp can handle it....guess I'm just gettin' old......Ha!!
Chip

[billr]

when you get up my way try OHIO 555 (triple nickle)
it starts about 3 miles west of the new us rt50 bridge at belpre ohio
it goes north to the zanesvill area
and it will put a bind in your a** if you cook it to hard...
look up triple nickle on the internet
dave
warning speed and power will get you in DEEP doo doo very quickly on this road
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/oh555.html

I think I did read something about that area. Gonna go check it out. 'Nother "Road Trip"
So, so true about the speed and power getting you in a bind. I've learned that "slow-cooking" is a lot better tasting than "high power microwaving" a road any day.
Go easy, learn the road, then turn up the wick a bit...
Bill R
PS: Just finished reading several ride reports...Hwy 555 is on the "gotta do" list. Close enough that it won't break the bank for a visit...
B

[DAVID THOMPSON]

always wind up the wick with care
we have some roads up my way that will leave the imprint of your licence plate in your face shield

indian creek road going east out of BLUE WV will do you in.. one slip up and your in the creek or face first in to a
stone moutain side

nice rides and camping in the area
but do be careful it takes a while to haul you to the horse pittle from this area
dave
google maps search indian creek road, BLUE WV