Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
7/19/17

Greetings Riders,

If you missed the letter last week with my review of Elvis Presley's Graceland and Memphis, Click Here to Read and to view photos. If you have missed the previous newsletters of this trip, each letter will have a link to the previous letter that you can navigate to.

Well, the monsoons are now here in Arizona and they are starting out with a bang. High winds, trees down in the roads, flooding, etc. It is bringing out the whole play book already. As you probably saw from the horrible tragedy near Payson, these flash floods can be dangerous. Our thoughts and prayers go out to that family. Ride and drive safe.

Riding in North Carolina and Tennessee Day 1
"The Tail of the Dragon"

This week I am going to cover the first day of our 5 days of riding in Tennessee and North Carolina with a brief pass through Virginia and Kentucky.

I had arranged to rent 2 Harley-Davidson's, a Street Glide for Mrs. C. and a Road Glide for me from Bootlegger Harley-Davidson in Knoxville, TN. Since we couldn't have our own bikes, we were at least at home on the ones that we rented. I just want to say that the service and treatment that we got at Bootlegger HD from Steve Clowers was exceptional in every way. We got the complete southern hospitality treatment from the minute we walked in the door. Steve did his best to get us everything that we wanted on the bikes and to get us on the road as quickly as he could. We felt like family by the time that we left and Steve even followed us on Facebook as we road around Tennessee and North Carolina for the next 5 days. I would highly recommend Bootlegger if you are wanting to rent some bikes in the area.

Steve got us on the road with our bikes by about 10 AM on Wednesday and we were on our way to literally go where the nose of the bike was pointed. The first day we had a bit of a plan that we wanted to end up in Maggie Valley, NC at the Wheels Through Time museum to see our friends Dale Walksler and Trish, then spend the night there. That was officially the beginning and end of our plans for the next 5 days. We were going to let the adventure unfold on its own and we would be along for the ride. The good thing about riding in North Carolina/TN is that is hard to take a wrong turn because all of the roads are exceptional and you could literally ride that whole area for a month and still find roads to ride and scenery that will knock your socks off.

We wanted to be at Wheels Through Time by around 3:30 PM so we decided to take the long way and go ride the Tail of the Dragon from the North to Deals Gap for lunch, then swing back around to Maggie Valley. We had done the Tail of the Dragon the last time we were in the area and wanted to do it the opposite direction. Hwy. 129, aka the Tail of the Dragon, located on the Tennessee/North Carolina line, is billed as America's number one motorcycle and sports car road featuring 318 curves in 11 miles. It is beautiful scenery as you are going through the trees for pretty much the whole 11 miles, and fun to ride with all of the curves. But. . . in my opinion, the lore and proclamation of this being the number one road in America has gotten WAY ahead of itself.

It is very nice, and I would recommend anyone going there to experience the Dragon. But after riding many different roads throughout the United States and Canada, I would barely have 129 in my top 10. In fact, there are other roads right around it that I considered better. In the West I would take the Million Dollar Hwy in Colorado and the Coronado Trail in Arizona from Alpine to Morenci over it every time. And even the short ride up Mingus Mountain to Jerome is every bit as good. I'm guessing that part of what has created the mystique of this road is all of the fatalities that occur on it. When you see a sign that so brazenly claims this, you know there are some problems. We heard that there were 6 fatalities in just the last month on this 11 mile stretch. We just couldn't understand how that could happen. Yes, there are curves without guardrails, some drop offs, trees next to the road, etc. But there are many roads like that around there in particular.

I have ridden this road twice now and have not felt threatened in any way either time. But that is from the perspective of someone riding it normally. If you are making it an 11 mile run and pretending you are racing in the Isle of Man, then there is a pretty good chance that you could end up like all of those that have perished riding the Dragon. But if you ride it normally, keep your eye on the road and not try to finish the 11 miles in 3 minutes, chances are you will do fine.

After finishing the route and sitting down to eat at Deals Gap, I asked a couple of Sheriff that were there why the road was killing so many people. He said, "The road isn't killing the people, people are killing people". He went on to say that there were 2 ways to get injured on the road and they both relate to speed and carelessness. He said that sport bike riders use it as somewhat of a trials road to see how fast they can go through there, and will lose control, cross the centerline, hit a tree or slide off the edge of the road and down an embankment. This apparently happens a lot. And there are some steep drop offs along there that would not be a fun ride. Even Harley riders will find their way off the road trying to press the envelope of skill and function.

The other thing he told me to do was something that I had never heard of. He said to "stay next to the milk and away from the cheese". What did he mean by that? He was saying to stay next to the white line on the outside of the road and away from the double yellow in the middle. Apparently some of the fatalities are from either cars or motorcycles missing the corners by going too fast, crossing the middle yellow line and impacting head on with another rider or car. Once I processed that little nugget of advice, it made total sense and I remembered that the rest of the trip on all the roads I was on like that.

Once again, if you are in that area, I would definitely go experience Hwy. 129, "The Tail of the Dragon" and Deals Gap. It is pretty, enjoyable, fun to ride and definitely a world famous road. You will run into people from all over the world that have come there to ride it. I would certainly not shy away from it because of the reputation. Just ride it normally, keep your speeds under control and stay on your own side of the road at all times. Because not only are there motorcycles tearing through there, there can also be a lot of sports car clubs running through there on the weekends as well trying to make some time. So take the advice of the Sheriff that I met and "stay next to the milk, and away from the cheese". Probably not bad advice for any really twisty roads with blind curves. There is a nice little hotel, restaurant, gas station and gift shop on the South end where you can see the "Tree of Shame" with a bunch of bent up parts hanging from it.

I have included some photos to give you a glimpse of what it looks like and put you in the seat for a bit. I also put 2 videos in the Extras below of others on You Tube.
Click Here for Photos. A good glimpse of what you would see on the 129 Tail of the Dragon.
Click Here for Map.
Tail of the Dragon Web Site.

Next week I will give you my report on the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC that I think is a must see and bucket list item for any avid motorcycle enthusiast.

Have a good weekend and Ride Safe,
Barry
This Week

Saturday, July 22nd
Chandler Harley-Davidson Christmas in July Open House. Christmas in July: It’s never too early to celebrate, right?! Come out to Chandler Harley-Davidson on Saturday July 22nd for our Christmas in July Open House. We’ll have FREE lunch, cookies and beverages served all day, and an ugly sweater contest. You never know, the big man himself might stop by! Chandler Harley-Davidson is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6800.

Saturday, July 22nd
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Battle of the Sexes Bike Wash. Join Arrowhead Harley-Davidson on July 22nd for a Bikini Bike Wash from the Harley Girls AND a Muscle Motorcycle Wash from the Harley Men! *Live Music * Free Ice Cream *PLUS, a ladies luncheon at 11 a.m. For the gender who has the most bikes washed, we will plan a destination ride with free lunch and raffles on Saturday, July 29th. Ladies, bring a friend and attend our Ladies Luncheon at 11am. *Catered lunch. *Raffles *Prizes *PLUS, a free gift and shopping discount on licensed H-D products to all who attend. *Meet the Ladies of Harley and other women riders. Learn the tips and techniques every female rider should know including how to pick up a bike, customizing a bike that fits you, and get fitted for proper riding gear. No riding experience? Ride a real Harley-Davidson motorcycle through our Jumpstart Experience. No riding experience required. Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria, AZ.

Saturday, July 22nd
Desert Wind Harley-Davidson BOOM! Audio Workshop. On Saturday, July 22nd, stop by Desert Wind Harley- Davidson and learn how Harley-Davidson Boom! Audio products provide an enhanced motorcycling experience
and deliver the ultimate in sound performance. The Workshop starts at 10a.m. Please, RSVP at reception@desertwindhd.com for the Boom! Audio Workshop. Plus, Better Than Employee Pricing on used/in-stock motorcycles that day only. Hot Wing food truck will be here at 11:00. Come and hang out with us for some good wings and awesome tunes! Desert Wind Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404. www.desertwindhd.com

Sunday, July 23rd
Desert Wind Harley-Davidson presents Hawg Heaven. Join us on Sunday, July 23rd, Starting at 10a.m. HAWG Heaven on the patio at Desert Wind Harley-Davidson. Everyone is welcome to join us for Biker Church on every 4th Sunday of the month. Live Christian band, encouraging message, and bike blessings for your enjoyment. Big Papa Little Mama Comfort Food Will be serving up $1.00 tacos! Desert Wind Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404. www.desertwindhd.com
Next Week

Friday, July 28th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson Ink & Iron Car and Bike Show.
Presented by: Arrowhead Harley-Davidson and Top Rocker Tattoo, Friday, July 28th 2017 6pm – 9pm (registration begins at 5pm). Bike show categories: Best Vintage / Best Custom / Best Club Style / Best Softail / Best Bagger /Best Sportster (Plaques and gift cards for winner of each category).
Car show: All makes and models welcome. $300 tattoo to first place winner & $150 tattoo to runner-up.
*Bikini Bike Wash *Live Band *Free BBQ *Free Ice Cream * Raffles. Raffle proceeds benefit the Lupus Foundation of America. Blowout Specials on all pre-owned 2017 Motorcycles
After Hour Harley Markdowns:
$100 off all regular priced leather jackets
$25 off all regular priced boots
15% off all regular priced H-D helmets
Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Dr. in Peoria, AZ. 623-247-5542. www.arrowheadharley.com

Saturday, July 29th
Chandler Harley-Davidson Burgers, Babes and Blood. Burgers, Babes and Blood Blood Drive Event: Join Chandler Harley-Davidson and the American Red Cross on July 29th for our burgers, babes and blood drive event. American Red Cross will be here to host blood donations, we’ll be serving FREE burgers for lunch and we’ll have the Chandler Harley babes here for a free bikini bike wash! Chandler Harley-Davidson is located at 6895 W. Chandler Blvd. in Chandler, AZ. 480-496-6800. www.chandlerharley.com

Saturday, July 29th
Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley Davidson Hogs & Dogs. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is your home of the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty! Come by on Saturday, July 29th from 11am-2pm and take part in our FREE “Prepare to Tour Workshop!” We’ll cover all the recommended gear for traveling long distance! In addition, enjoy FREE food and live music during our monthly Hogs & Dogs customer appreciation party as well as a bikini bike wash. Be sure to stop in and talked to our friendly staff about Warranty Forever, Arizona’s exclusive Harley-Davidson Lifetime Powertrain Warranty! For as long as you own your motorcycle we’ve got you covered. Why would you ever want to purchase a Harley without a that? Check our website for all the details at www.buddystubbshd.com/warranty-forever. For more information about Buddy Stubbs H-D check them out online at buddystubbshd.com and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85022.

Saturday, July 29th
Desert Wind Harley-Davidson Used Bike Scratch and Dent Tent Event. All Day Event 9a.m. - 5p.m. Used Bike Scratch & Dent Tent Event.  Bring your trade-in, we take all makes and models. Over 30 Financial Lenders to choose from.  On ALL New 2017 Models, ZERO Cash Down. NO Payment for 90 Days!* thru July 31st. Call Sales at (480) 894-0404 for details and to schedule an appointment. www.desertwindhd.com *With Approved Credit. Desert Wind Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404.


Extras
 
Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to www.facebook.com/cycleridescom. Over 6500 LIKES! Take a look at all the new photos posted on the wall. If you are not on Facebook, you can still view the  page, but you will not be able to post. There will be a link there for you to sign up for Facebook if you are inclined. Click the LIKE button!

Here is a perspective from a sport bike on the Tail of the Dragon. Ends a little rough. Click Here to View.

Video of the Week
Here is what can happen if you don't pay attention while riding the Tail of the Dragon.  Click Here. Click on the Video of the Week graphic to view.
 
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Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
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