Off To See The Lizard

[Driller]

Over the years I have ridden different bikes out to Deals Gap. A notorious stretch of road that offers a stimulating ride. It has earned the name "The Tail of the Dragon"



Yesterday offered perfect weather for a solo jaunt out to the West so the PCX and I could play. It was said somewhere "it's about the journey, not the destination". The route chosen offered a package of some of the best riding I have done in a long time. The "Dragon" was the jolt of adrenaline in the middle, but coming and going was a feast of curves and beautiful scenery.

Beautiful cascades abound in the area......





Actually had some twit try to shoo me out from under the falls....messing up her photo.

Transylvania County has many waterfalls but no sign of Count Vlad.



Cutting across Wayah Rd from Franklin towards Robbinsville, this caught my eye.



"Tamale" jumped out at me and I circled back to try one. Muy delicioso!

Arriving at the beginning of "the Dragon"on highway 129 I parked amidst a sea of chrome.



A pic proving I really was there.



Traffic was light coming and going over the Gap. Some days it can be crowded and pretty harrowing with squids ripping past in dangerous places or parades of slow moving cruisers. On holidays and weekends it can be difficult to find a place to park at the store.
I have to say, this was one of the most satisfying runs. The PCX made it seem so easy!
One more look......



A long day was only half over and it was time to head home.
Highway 28 from The Gap down to Franklin was superb. So many beautiful curves, sweepers and scenery makes one wonder why all the fuss about this "Dragon".

Arriving home thirteen hours after leaving with 342 miles on the trip meter I was bushed! A rough estimate of time in the saddle gave a moving average of a bit over 35-mph.
Fill ups calculated out between 85-90 mpg which surprised me since the PCX was getting flogged most of the way. The little 125 certainly has heart!
Enjoy!
Driller

[snake]

Great pics, looks like a fun day in gorgeous scenery. Feeling jealous in my grey city.

[GeezyRider]

Thanks for sharing your pictures and narrative. You made my morning coffee even more enjoyable!

Don

[Driller]

Here is the "Vanity" photo. There are a couple of outfits that take pics of the bikes and autos that make the run through the "Gap".

[former50cc]

Looks like a super ride. Also, the riding picture above is fantastic. It almost makes me want to photoshop my own face inside your helmet.

[GeezyRider]

Good riding form! Nice flat wrist and your eyes are looking at where you want to go.

But I gotta ask, how did you get the handle "Driller"? Are you a dentist in real life?

Don

[WhiteNoise]

Awesome, just awesome! I hear so much about the dragon and All the other twisties there! Great photo's and what a beautiful day you had! Here I ride boring straight & level pot holed vehicle crowded roads I miss the south.
Driller, what is that stretch of white balls in photo #8 ....the thingy's up in the sky?

[Driller]

You guessed correctly, Don. Retired now. Some riding friends awarded me that "handle" several years ago when I lived in Maine.

Thanks, WN, those are warning markers on power lines for aircraft that might come through. That is one of the reservoirs on the Tennessee river. There is a dam just to the right.

[WhiteNoise]

Now ain't that something! I would have never guessed. If fact IF I told you what I thought it was, you/others would LOL
Thanks for that, I'm feeling smarter already and that sure is a Dam good idea! Were there Ever any accidents prior to hanging the markers (that you know of)?

[maddiedog]

Looks like a fun trip. It's been a couple of years since I rode the Dragon, this makes me want to go up and ride it again soon.