Q: Would you take a Z on a trip?

casey.strader · 07-05-2010, 09:31 PM

Just a suggestion for those of you wanting to hit the "Tail of the Dragon"...there are a LOT of bikes that hit that area at high speeds, semi-trucks that still pass through (and have to take multiple attempts at the turns), and most importantly the 5-0 in that area are pretty bad.

Try hitting up highway 28...the hellbender...it's just south of the National park and I have found it's even more fun than the Dragon for a couple of reasons:
1) Hardly ever any cops
2) Much less traffic than the Dragon
3) instead of the hairpin turns (usually with semis parked in them), its more continuous "S" turns back-to-back-to-back-to-back, etc...

I have found that this is great for fun, spirited driving. Also google the "Waterfall Byway." This area is a nice drive that could be either relaxing or spirited and has many places you can pull off, swim in some watering holes/springs, and take some pretty dramatic photos.

The "Cherohala Skyway" is also a nice ride. its pretty high up and is one lane each way, next to no cops, and some nice long winding roads on the sides of the mountains with some great scenic overlooks. The 'Foothills PKWY" also runs off of this and is a good time (and a fun way to get from the skyway/dragon back to the north side of the park.

Not to bash on the dragon too much, I just don’t care for tickets and the Dragon is a cop magnet and is overrated IMHO. I was on a sportbike at the time of my last trip (we go every other year from Dayton, Ohio to Gatlinburg, TN) and ride the mountains and twisties surrounding...there are many other fun roads out there without the high visibility of the Dragon.

In any event, there is definitely some great areas to drive around there...enjoy!!

Matt · 07-05-2010, 09:37 PM

I did about 400 miles round trip this weekend, and surprisingly, there was very little bug/dirt acculmulation. When I stopped for gas, I just did a quick wipedown on the front bumper with quik detailer and hit the road again.

PapoZalsa · 07-05-2010, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by casey.strader

Just a suggestion for those of you wanting to hit the "Tail of the Dragon"...there are a LOT of bikes that hit that area at high speeds, semi-trucks that still pass through (and have to take multiple attempts at the turns), and most importantly the 5-0 in that area are pretty bad.

Wasn't aware they completely open the Tail of the Dragon...

07-05-2010, 09:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
Matt A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Augusta, GA Age: 43 Posts: 1,680 Drives: 2010 Avalanche LT Rep Power: 20	I did about 400 miles round trip this weekend, and surprisingly, there was very little bug/dirt acculmulation. When I stopped for gas, I just did a quick wipedown on the front bumper with quik detailer and hit the road again. __________________ "Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified.

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07-05-2010, 09:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
casey.strader Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 23 Drives: 40th Z (M6)+ Mazda 6 Rep Power: 17	Just a suggestion for those of you wanting to hit the "Tail of the Dragon"...there are a LOT of bikes that hit that area at high speeds, semi-trucks that still pass through (and have to take multiple attempts at the turns), and most importantly the 5-0 in that area are pretty bad. Try hitting up highway 28...the hellbender...it's just south of the National park and I have found it's even more fun than the Dragon for a couple of reasons: 1) Hardly ever any cops 2) Much less traffic than the Dragon 3) instead of the hairpin turns (usually with semis parked in them), its more continuous "S" turns back-to-back-to-back-to-back, etc... I have found that this is great for fun, spirited driving. Also google the "Waterfall Byway." This area is a nice drive that could be either relaxing or spirited and has many places you can pull off, swim in some watering holes/springs, and take some pretty dramatic photos. The "Cherohala Skyway" is also a nice ride. its pretty high up and is one lane each way, next to no cops, and some nice long winding roads on the sides of the mountains with some great scenic overlooks. The 'Foothills PKWY" also runs off of this and is a good time (and a fun way to get from the skyway/dragon back to the north side of the park. Not to bash on the dragon too much, I just don’t care for tickets and the Dragon is a cop magnet and is overrated IMHO. I was on a sportbike at the time of my last trip (we go every other year from Dayton, Ohio to Gatlinburg, TN) and ride the mountains and twisties surrounding...there are many other fun roads out there without the high visibility of the Dragon. In any event, there is definitely some great areas to drive around there...enjoy!!