Can a new rider handle Tail of the Dragon?
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- čas přidán 14. 02. 2021
- Here is a POV video of our ride of the Tail of the Dragon in Oct. 2020. At this time, Lo had only had her license and riding for 4 months. We purposely chose October as the season was close to the end and traffic would be minimal. It's a beautiful ride and if you respect it, you too can have a great time. We used GoPro Hero 9s, and at that time they did not support 3.5mm mic adaptors. I was not happy so that is why you can't hear anything we say. The update has now been sent out so they will but that didn't help us here.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
Thank you very much for this video. It was very enjoyable to watch. With no clowns yapping about HOW TO RIDE! Awesome scenery with the fall colors. Looked like a nice cool day out enjoying a peaceful relaxing ride. Well done. And Lo did great. 😊
Nice ride you 2 had.
Ride it to say you did.
Always stay on your side of the centre line.
Get a sticker and T shirt, then discover the remainder of the area.
I can't believe what I'm seeing - someone actually riding sensible, I'm may be dreaming !
LEO Motor Officer, riding 40 plus years. Great ride, keep it in your skill set.
Fantastic video. Love those colors and not too busy. Prayers Flying for safe travels
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed and safe riding to you as well!
She did great especially considering she only riding for a short time. Looked like she was gaping you in those bends.
Just a suggestion: In most of your turns you were basically off throttle. Not the best way to control the bike. Im not sure what gear you were in, but I suggest grabbing a lower gear and taking those turns with some steady throttle on. You will see a much better and stable line control. Nice vid tho.
Beat me to it
Good tips! Thanx
Learning proper “trail braking” made twisty curves a lot more fun and safe than rolling off the throttle method.
Way to go, can come in hot and not worry about it.
I ride a cruiser, I didn’t buy it for speed it’s fun. It’s always amazing is see how fast you can go when you get hit by a car. Take your time but don’t ride scared.
Especially when a car hits a transport on the big highways.
Funny thing is everytime I was at the Dragon it was the cruisers and Harley that crash.
@@human1513 Sure, sure, it was.... *roll eyes* Every type of bike has crashed on this trail of road. Has zero to do with the type of bike, and everything to do with the skill of the person riding it.
@@NanaRides Ya, I have been there 4 times over the years and by coincidence and timing I guess I always saw Harleys and big touring bikes crash in the 1st couple of miles. Not the bikes' fault.
It is a challenge with the steep banking on many curves I found as I never experience this any where else.
It is a new kind of road for most people I think.
Enjoy the ride, nothing wrong with being cautious.....
October looks like a beautiful time to visit!
I rode the TOTD 2 weeks ago for the first time (and 2nd time). My wife and rented a cabin in Robbinsville for a week and brought the bikes. We’re newer riders (she’s ridden for just over a year, and myself nearly 5 years), and took our time riding it. We went during the week and in the morning. We planned to pull off if anyone came up behind us. A group of 4 Vettes was the only thing that passed us, and we knew they were coming before we got on. The 2nd time no one passed us. It was a bucket list ride, but so was the Cherohala Skyway, and we rode it twice. If we go back, we’ll ride some others. I’ve ridden The Devil’s Whip and a few other good roads near you…I like to ride 226A. Drove it once and that one gives the Dragon some competition.
Very well done by both riders and a sensational road!
Very safe driving too ....
Very nice. Been trying to find a video like this of a Harley Breakout CVO Pro street, couldn't tell until you stopped at the end if that's what she had with the fat rear tire. She did great.
the easy answer is YES. That said I would not recommend the dragon to new riders for a couple of reasons. First is that most likely a new rider will not be familiar with the nuances of riding on a road like this. second is that for some it is hard to leave your ego at home. Men Mostly I will admit. Third is that you will have all sorts of bikes, mostly sport bikes, passing you sometimes close by and quickly which can spook anyone not familiar with this happening. But with all that said if you ride YOUR OWN RIDE, and stay within your lane and move over to the right so that other faster bikes can get through more quickly then it should be fine. It is a very technical rode to ride but it is an amazing road along with others like the skyway. And never ride beyond YOUR 80 %. Ive taken trips to the dragon nearly every year for the last 18 years and still love it as much today as day one. Going back in September again for a week. Cant wait
People need to ride within there comfort zone and skill level, and they can handle this road.
Not sure which one of you is the new rider, but she handles that bike quite well. A little hot into a couple of the corners, but overall, I think she did very well. Nice easy riding, and it looked fun too. I have a Harley and a Hayabusa. They're both quite fun in their own rights, but the Hayabusa will get you into trouble real quick if you don't respect it. You guys keep enjoying the ride and sharing your adventures. I like watching videos like this.
Two different animals, respect them both
Nice smooth ride down the dragon!
sounds like you are coasting around those corners with no throttle control??? Maybe drop a gear so that you have power to your rear wheel.
Agreed very low RPM, he could drop a gear or two
Man, it's been colder and wet longer than normal. So much want to get bike out,,,thought about getting helmet and setting hairdryer on high cool and running Bluetooth speakers loud listening to this in the wind lol.
Excellent common sense riding video.
I enjoy more this video than those real fast bike going 100
Nice bike love the handle bars I said to a old friend of but has since past away we made agreement we get a harley when we retire
She did find. You need to have a talk about a little more room on the center line for her safety. We both know why.
A very valid point, appreciate the feedback and all the more reason why we went at the very end of the season versus while it was busy! Ride safe!
Hey man, do you authorize me to use your
video in one of my editions? I leave the name
and link in the description. Thank you for your
attention
Lugging the engine around the curves. Grab a lower gear and keep some throttle, drag the rear brake a little if you need to.
To answer the question...yes, especially at that speed😋
Nice riding.Road it like a pro.I grew up there used to love to ride and enjoy those beautiful curves.I took my 2005 Soft Tail Custom Deuce up there last year.Was dragging my floor boards on most of the curves.But my bike sit a bit lower than stock bikes.As long as you respect the roads and ride right it's always a great adventure up there.I sure miss being up in those beautiful mountains thanks for sharing.Spring and fall is in my opinion the best time for riding there.Safe travels Ride safe ride right.Peace.
What happened at that 18min mark that threw her?
@@jkmotorcyclegloryroads532 She let her bike take her to were she was looking enstead of looking thru the corner.The bike will go were you are looking Yes she almost ran off the road because she wasn't looking ahead of the curve.And seemed she was a bit spooked by it.You should have some experience riding there before trying g those roads
But that just my opinion.iv been riding for 40 plus years yet even I learn new things every day
But she did pretty good considering her lack of experience.
Yes, she did do a nice job. I was a new rider when I did it as well, but my better half was ahead of me and knew the speeds to maintain, which kept me from entering too fast. Like you, he’s got 40+ years riding, and I didn’t have as much. I def recognize that “spooked” behavior afterward. We just both noticed something happened with her left hand right before the curve; like it slipped off the clutch or something at the moment before she pulled over. ??? She recovered nicely, but I bet your stomach jumped when you watched from behind. I know it scared me when she slipped. She’s a nice rider! Safe riding! 👍
@@jkmotorcyclegloryroads532 we were all rookies ar some point but the more we ride the better we get.There some utube videos called Ride like a pro.Hes a fantastic teacher he teaches a lot of different thing that help make any rider a safer and more convenient rider as well.Its a class worth watching or contacting hime to get real proper riding skills.Even having 40 plus yrs riding under my belt I still learn something new every time I go riding.
Yes, I’m a serious learner too👍👍👍 I follow Palladino as well as numerous others. Living in Tenn and Learning to ride these twisties has been one of the best educations I could have; I’m a better rider due to that, than I was when I first rode the Tail, but I take never assume I’ve got it all figured out!
Plus, Riding with a really excellent, experienced rider is the most fortunate thing I could have ever done. When he gives me a suggestion, I turn loose of any ego and listen.
Again, safe riding to y’all 👍
I would like to have seen the speedometer.
I would be very dizzy after all those bends and corners
That road is so fun at speed on a sport bike early morning middle of the week best time to go
Might really depend on how new rider is before attempting the tail?
What month was this?
That's the easy part of the tail, the NC section is meaner The Twin Horseshoe dams are a good place to stop and take in the view!
tail of dragon is the same as other roads,,,,,its all about speed. If you control your speed to reasonable levels and dont ride over your head or mix with idiots who dont, you will have a great ride. Same as other roads
are you guys leading a parade ?
Looks fun… I hope I do as well when I ride it for the first time next month
How did it go?
@@ziegaubrey1643 It was an awesome trip overall. We did the tail once each direction which was enough. It is a bit more of a technical ride than I prefer but was glad for the experience.
We also did the Back which was a good ride and not crowded. 5 days, 1500 miles great memories
@@johnkeogh961 awesome! What do you ride?
Yep, just follow the signs….
Well the speed limit is 30mph. No reason that a new rider can't enjoy.
A sensible speed for a novice rider. No use bring something beyond her skill level. Be safe.
What are you riding ???
In my 35 years of riding, NEVER waited for a Toyota Camry to pass.... that shouldn't be her first bike.
Agree, I am not sure why people chose these kind of bikes, especially as a first bike!
What bike are you on? And that’s a big boy bike for such a little gal..!
The bike in this video is a 2001 Softail Deuce. It was my dads bike that I inherited and wanted it to take it on this memorable ride for personal reasons, I have a Road Glide also that I plan to show more videos on.
I agree but I’m impressed with how she picked up a bigger bike and didn’t look back! Thanks for watching!
@@swanmotorides7675 what bike is she on my ol lady likes it lol
nice
Is she riding a breakout??
Being the lead can be daunting. You have to do all the work, and don't want to screw it up for yourself, let alone your buddies.
But trying to ride their pace. It's like being in a large group text message 😬
I was getting sick and tire of watching pizza deliverers , kamikazes and wannabe Rossi’s crashing in the dragon until I found this .
It is a winding road… what is the big deal?
The curves are amazing on motorcycles
I hope that was sarcasm because if you really need to ask that ten your missing out on one of the best reasons to ride.
Good lord this is slow haha
More power to ya
I did I loved it
Anyone can ride the dragon at the right speed and at the right time of year.
I'm not saying do triple digits, but that's like 40 isnt that a bit too slow? Not trying to be an ass... NC 700x owner, maybe that's because you're on cruisers and they can't lean that much?
Well I mean the speed limit is 30 but there are also plenty of corners that you can do 15 mph on just riding comfortably. I hit the Dragon often on my MT09 and ride quick but you have to realize they are just having a nice cruise.
Going from crotch rockets to cruiser.....yes the leaning angle is different, but gets the job done
Changing the muscle memory from crotch rockets to cruiser is no easy, respect the hog
Whew…that’s slow..can’t even stay out of your own way…
If you couldn't ride the dragon you shouldn't be riding it's just a road.
I was just about to type this exact sentence. There is nothing difficult about the dragon unless trying to speed down it.
The Dragon itself is fine. Its when it is crowded that its tricky... Lots of cruiser guys that can't maintain their lane, coming over the double yellow, and some of the sportbike riders as well...
If you ride at a speed you can handle, look where you want to go, turn in late and hit the apex, you will do just fine.
Agreed, and this is why we went in late October, so the crowds were much smaller. I would probably say the sport bikes and sport cars are more commonly crossing the line, seems like they can be out to prove something. Thanks for the input!!
How about just do the speed limit and everyone is happy.
@@Roadglide911 Dude, you would be surprised at how many cruisers can't maintain their lane, at the speed limit. Little less money spent on chaps and wallet chains and the rest of their "uniforms", and more spent on riding lessons, would do them some good.
Pls check ✔your bike 🏍. Make so much noise that can not bear. From India 🇮🇳 menon.
Come on get off the phone other people use the road for illegal racing. You wouldn't want it that the wrong race won
Not trying to be a basher or anything, but you could BOTH use a lesson in counter steering, especially when your negligent enough to have two or three close calls, and that didn't scare you into slowing down and taking things at a pace, that you can CONTROL. You should be riding with slight pressure on your rear brake, throttling and counter steering through those curves, leaning and swaying ARE NOT the way to ride roads like that, that's how you wreck. Best of luck in your future rides, and do yourself a favor and take some lessons that teach you how to counter steer, it will probably SAVE YOUR LIFE, sometime in the future.
Using the term counter steering is just more confusing and not needed. They need to just steer the bike more in the direction they want to go.
@@Kahuna_550 Counter steering isn't "A TERM" it's a technique, that will very likely SAVE YOUR LIFE, in a time when split seconds count. AT SPEED, you don't have time to LEAN & STEER, trying to avoid something. The only thing will will work correctly, and quickly enough to save your life is counter steering. Maybe YOU should look it up. Then you would be smart enough not to tell me "it's a term that's not needed"
@@dharleyfan1 It's a pedantic argument but the only reason to use the word counter steering is if you want to know the physics of how a two wheel vehicle operates. You can't practice counter steering, it be like saying lean forward to counteract gravity to run faster.
Little kids instinctively know how to ride a bike without ever knowing the word it's an intuitive thing.
All the things you've mentioned would be perfectly acceptable by just saying steer where you want to go, bringing up the counter steering inevitably confuses most people.
@@Kahuna_550 You obviously have no idea what counter steering is. You also MOST CERTAINLY CAN practice it all the time if you want to. If you really knew anything about physics, you would know about inertia and momentum. When you are traveling at higher speeds, a motorcycle handles differently then it does at slow speeds. When you're running 60 miles and hour and you want to quickly turn left. You push on the left handlebar, and the bike will lean left, and turn left. If you want to turn right, quickly, you push on the right handlebar, and the bike will lean right and turn right. That is why it's called Counter Steering. If your running at a higher speed, and a car crosses the center line and comes right at you, if you try to lean and steer right, you won't have enough time to get out of the way. If you panic and push the left handlebar, trying to STEER, the bike to the right, you will go left directly in to the on coming car. before you try to argue anymore, Just get on a motorcycle and TRY it for yourself. Then you will understand WHAT IT ACTUALLY IS.
@@dharleyfan1 I fully understand but what you're describing is ultimately just the physics of a how a two wheel vehicle operates with certain input given at speed.
In the end you're simply just steering the bike. You can only practice steering the bike, with or without understanding what the term is you can still learn and steer the bike just how you're describing.
Not even that fast. Classic Target fixation. Always look where you want to go.
She wants to lead because you are crawling the route for God's sake ride or go home
The tail of the dragon is overrated. It’s not that difficult even for a novice rider. Now if you’re on a crotch rocket trying to terrorize traffic and pay LEO salaries it would require some skill.
Being they keep lowering the speed limit to where it's rapidly becoming a revenue generator... Well, there's that.
It is overrated, but the fool crossing the center line of the blind corner coming at you ups it's rating
My God, this is so slow 🐌 😴 .
New rider
Being safe
Why are you crying?
Harleys are for sitting on in parking lots and hauling on trucks.
These Harley riders just get in the way. Stick to the bars please.
Sorry go to track day. You are aware the speed limit is 30mph??
🤡
I knew one of the crotch rocket riders would complain. There's speed limits posted for a reason. Also, read the description, new rider. And in the fall. Yes the roads are clear, but it only takes a few leafs on the road in a turn to make you drop the bike. Not every road is a race track. You guy are why I won't ride it.
😂😂 got to be a rocket rider. People like you are why there is a thing between cruiser bike guys and rocket guys.
Just shut the fuck up and ride your ride...quit worrying about other little dick
The speed limit is 30 mph MR.Suicidal!
Douche