"The Dragon"

Saturday, a friend and I decided to check out the infamous Deals Gap. For the uninitiated, the gap boasts 318 curves in 11 miles and is nicknamed "The Dragon", and is in western North Carolina at the Tenn line. Riders from all over the country come to test their skills, or just see the sights. Believe me, there are some sights to see.

The first thing you see at the entrance to Deals Gap is a combination general store / motel / campground called "The Crossroads of Time".  Riders gather there before & after riding the gap. Saturday was interesting because of the mix of people. I have never seen so many people "styling and  profiling", posing, and just trying to impress each other. It was downright hilarious! Since it was lunch time we bought a baloney sandwich and sat down just to watch the show. One of my personal favorites was the body builder type who was wearing a one piece leather riding suit, which was unzipped & the top half peeled down below his waist. He looded like a peeled banana, although he definitely thought he was cool! He didn't have a "T" shirt on like most of the others. He was Mr. Au Natural. He talked loud enough that about everyone there (probably 50-60) could easily hear him. He was telling and re-telling about passing a local policeman on the  Parkway while going 150 mph! At least 3/4 of the people there on sportbikes were "posers" like him. There was even a 60ish gentleman with no leathers, riding a crotch rocket, who would take his pyrometer out & check this tire temps! I was enjoying this comedy so much I didn't want to leave to ride the Gap! Oh yea, another good one was the guy riding two up on a Pacific Coast who was claiming he dragged his passenger pegs! Have you ever looked closely at a PC & the clearance on the passenger pegs? Two up! NOT!

There are all makes, models, and styles of bikes. Goldwings, Harleys, Show Bikes, and of course Crotch Rockets.

The ride itself is great! I'm not a real aggressive rider, so I didn't drag any pegs myself. The ride is challenging & the scenery awesome, like most of the scenery in the Smokeys. Traffic was light, which surprised me, due to the holiday weekend. On the way up I was passed twice by sportbikes. On the ride back I was nearly whacked twice! The first time by a Black Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. I think it was a Buell. He passed a car just before getting to me & nearly hit me head on! The second was a Green Whoooooooooooooooooooooosh. He was on my side coming through a hairpin & also about got me head on! This is the down side of riding here. You can be an exceptionally good, safe rider & be whacked by one of these "posers".

My friend said the real riders show up early Sunday when the wannabees are still in bed.

I know a group ride is planned during the Hoot. I think Radioman is leading & he knows the ropes. I highly recommend it, but again, ride defensively! I've been there, done it, & now have the "T" shirt that says "At The Gap There Be Dragons" on the front & "Crossroads of Time At Deals Gap Home of  The Body Surfers". (The black & yellow match my Valk)

Tom  index home