Highway 129 (from NC 28) on through Tenn. (The Dragon)

Robbinsville, North CarolinaApr 19, 20100 Comments

The "Tail of the Dragon" has 318 curves in 11 miles. I have counted AT LEAST 10 NC and Tenn. Troopers in this area on just one pass. Why? It is because there are an unbelievable amount of crashes on this road every year. Too many people are seriously injured. Trucks cannot negotiate the tight curves and wreck. Sports cars abound but, MOTORCYCLES RULE. Speeds can be and often are beyond excessive. Tickets have been issued for speeds in excess of 150 mph. The "Dragon" is word famous for its reputation and has maimed and killed.

As a motorcycle rider all I advise is to slow down and STAY ON YOUR SIDE OF THE YELLOW LINE! The same goes for the entire length of NC 28 heading South from US 129 to the S.C. State line (The same goes for the Cherohala Skyway and the Blue Ridge Park Way). These roads are both beautiful and fun to ride but can be very dangerous if you: Pass on a blind curve over the double yellow line; Can’t stay on your side of the road (or meet some else who can’t do the same); Exceed your skill level which is too easy to do on decreasing radius curves that down slope as well; Hit wet leaves, gravel, mud or ice while in a full lean

I live here just off NC 28 and love the entire road. I advise that you: Slow down; Look where you want to go; Wear FULL FACE PROTECTION AND GLOVES at the minimum (I have gone down on these roads myself and credit my PPE for saving my face, hands and life)! And, keep the shiny side up. Also, know that it may take up to an hour to get an ambulance to some of these areas. Some have crashed over the side and were not found for days! As an EMT, I can tell you that you will suffer for an extended time if you need evacuation in some of the areas.

My only complaint is that some of the LEOs seem to nitpick in order to discourage ANY use of this road. Know too that the LEOs also use helicopters as well as motorcycle patrol in both states. So is this a "Speed Trap"? I’d call it more like intermittent extremely aggressive enforcement, especially on weekends. Don’t be caught off guard here!

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