So next week I will be traveling through the Smokey Mountains with my family and ALL of my in-laws. That may or may not be why I have not only my SV 650 on the trailer but also my brother’s CBR 929 already loaded on the trailer.
Now don’t get me wrong, I love my in-laws just as much as the next person, but everyone needs their away time. It just so happens that not far from Gatlinburg, TN there is a world renowned road for anyone who likes some twisties. The road is a U.S. route and is traveled by many. It’s nicknamed The Dragon’s Tail, or more commonly Deal’s Gap.
The picture is correct… 318 curves within an 11 mile stretch of U.S. Route 129. Most of these turns are blind and cutbacks. Twisty enthusiasts of all kinds flock here and they all stop at the Deal’s Gap Resort. It’s a shop that has a diner, motel, repairs, even a Tree of Shame.
The tree of shame is where you hang a part of your vehicle if you crash on your trip through the gap. Needless to say this road has seen more than it’s fair share of wrecks. I myself have been up and down Deal’s Gap once before and can’t wait to go back with my own bike this time. While my brother will be riding along side of me I will still keep in my mind that my good friend, Rob Kubicki, won’t be there in flesh, but I’m sure he’ll be there pushing me to take the experience to the next level.
Along with the resort there are a group of people who have made a career out of photographing the scenery and all the visitors on their way through. Killboy.com is by far one of the best photographers there and they get some amazing shots.
Of course there is always a certain level of shenanigans that goes on with a place like this too. Such as the group of people who raced pocket bikes down the gap.
I almost wonder if Professor Penurious has ever thought about taking the Rad-E-O-Cycle down and running the Dragon’s Tail.
Brian Farno
Application Engineer
BrianFarno@EXAIR.com