[BMWCSRegistry] RE: Dragon Tales

[Paul Schiemer]

THP and Blount County have been running a crack down operation on that
section of Hwy. 129 known as the "Tail of the Dragon" (actually called
'Deal's Gap').
Generally speaking; they have 10 to 14 units stationed at intervals along
the 11 mile stretch of road, giving tickets to anyone and everyone for the
slightest infraction.
It's 'nuisance enforcement' meant to drive (no pun) enthusiasts away from
the area. Mainly aimed at motorcycles it seems
Speed limit is 30 mph.

What's interesting about it is that the roadway is actually NOT under the
jurisdiction of THP or Blount County- so most of the tickets are worthless.
Obviously, they don't care- it's not about the legality of the operation,
it's about annoying people!

I am not saying they are doing this for no good reason (except, there has to
be a better way). They had a bad weekend not long ago, three cyclists died
in the same weekend.
Of course, for the 11 months prior to that terrible weekend, there were zero
deaths on the "Gap".
I guess it was bad timing- a photo essay in "Motorcycling" appeared around
the same time as the bad weekend- it depicting images of the many crashes
and slides that occur there on any given weekend. All of that ended up on
the Governor's desk- and then money was quickly appropriated to fund the
traffic enforcement operation.

It's an interesting bit of roadway- very technical, and with a good surface
(not too much scree in corners). Lots of blind turns, and dozens of
switchbacks that keep you on your toes.

There are BETTER roads than the "Gap", and nearby too.
Western NC, Eastern TN, North GA- great roads, and many of them very lightly
traveled.
If you want to do the "Gap" just to say you did- then go on a weekday. It
seems there are no cops, no cars, and only a few motorcycles up there during
the week.

The Cherohala Skyway is most excellent. Runs between Telllico Springs, TN
and Robbinsville, NC. Absolutely wonderful road (and the "Gap" is just on
the other side of the river, north of the Skyway.)

Remember y'all, govern your actions accordingly, and results may vary.
It's all about rhythm, not speed. Smooth is better.

[ I'm sorry but I can't remember exactly where you are Richard- but I could
give you a short list of great roads nearby, most certainly.]