Motorcyclist killed on stretch of ‘the Dragon’

[R Sky Rox]

'Just saw this headline, Motorcyclist killed on stretch of ‘the Dragon’. He wasn't even speeding. Let's all take it easy out there!

[spunkie]

I just forwarded this to our son. he rides the Dragon each year on his Harley.

Shirley

[R Sky Rox]

Considering how many motocycles drive the Dragon each year, I'm sure this was just a freak accident but it's so sad, and a little scary.

[flipper52170]

Being that I used to ride the Dragon regularly on sport bikes...and for 1 summer spent 4 day weekends there every other weekend...I've seen alot happen there, and many crashes, deaths, and such.

It really doesn't take much to have something happen there. There are some that are just simply not the wisest, many that are just rude or impatient to others, and other times just "who knows" what causes things.

It is a great stretch of road though, and that entire area I've always termed as "God's Country"...

I'm still looking to put together the ability to make this trip next month. I'm sure hoping to pull it off somehow...but if not, I surely wish all a fun and safe trip.

[SolsticeWolf]

According to Tail of the Dragon.com, this happened at the turn known as Guard Rail Cliff. It's a particularly tricky curve. The arrows indicate marks where two separate motorcycle accidents have occured there.



Here's the write-up about the turn at TOTD.com:

TOTD.com - Guard Rail Cliff


LEOs have already promised increased patrols of the Dragon and laws WILL be enforced.

[SolsticeWolf]

Originally Posted by flipper52170

I'm still looking to put together the ability to make this trip next month. I'm sure hoping to pull it off somehow...but if not, I surely wish all a fun and safe trip.

Flipper, you can still get in on the Solstice/Sky event discount. However if you want in on the two planned meals, you've got till the 28th to get your stuff to Appygirl. We'd love to have you though.

[Midnight Sky]

That's one of the reasons I choose not to go to the Dragon.

Its way too dangerous. There are crashes there ALL THE TIME. Either from motorcycles thinking their invincible, or cars thinking they can keep up with the bikes, or 18-wheelers going through there and scooping up cars as they use up both lanes to go around the switchbacks.

In my opinion, the trip isn't worth the effort.

[R Sky Rox]

Thanks for the website link, Solstice Wolf. According to their "News" link, the accident wasn't really on the Dragon. Here's what they posted.

Two motorcycle fatalities in area on Saturday June 23. Neither was on the Dragon. A VRod rider was killed in a head-on collision with a car on US129 near TN336. He was passing other bikes in a no passing zone and met his fate at the crest of a hill. The Daily Times of Maryville got the location right, but the much larger Knoxville News report the death as occurring on the Tail of the Dragon even though it was some 14 miles distant. Do you believe everything you hear and read in the news? Also let it be known that there are more motorcycle deaths on other roads in Blount County than on the Dragon. None on the Dragon so far in 2007.The second death occurred on the Cherohala just on the North Carolina side. This sportbike rider was new in the seat and fixated on a low side by the rider in front of him. He went off the road and struck a tree. We reiterate that the Cherohala is more dangerous that the Dragon. Please slow down wherever you ride.

[SkyMan 08]

Originally Posted by Midnight Sky

That's one of the reasons I choose not to go to the Dragon.

Its way too dangerous. There are crashes there ALL THE TIME. Either from motorcycles thinking their invincible, or cars thinking they can keep up with the bikes, or 18-wheelers going through there and scooping up cars as they use up both lanes to go around the switchbacks.

In my opinion, the trip isn't worth the effort.

I have driven the dragon's tail now 5 times, and not one time have I seen anyone doing anything really crazy. I even took my 82 El Camino across there today. It was fun and A bunch more work than driving the Sky, You just be careful and stay alert to what is happening around you and you will be OK. Besides the LEOs are really patrolling now and keeping the speeds down, you never know when one will be around the next turn so that keeps most people from speeding...It is worth the trip!!!

[Appygirl]

Midnight Sky- trust me- it's worth the trip. You are always going to hear the bad things that happen. It is a very busy area in the summer and on weekends, but that is when LEO's increase the patrol, so it's not so bad. Weekdays are actually more fun with less traffic, but I would have to agree with everyone else that the Cherohala is by far a more dangerous road. It has very wide sweeping curves that look out over landscape which cause major fixation and ability to go over edge if not careful. Speeds are higher through there as well- not to mention deer that like to run out on the road. But anywhere you go in life can be a threat. You just have to be alert, drive defensively, and keep your head about you. It's God's country in the Smokies, and that's why the Native American's worship and live there for many hundreds of years. I get that each time when I hit the road in that area.

Appygirl

[R Sky Rox]

Thank you for that post, Appygirl. The Blue Ridge Parkway was breathtaking, even at 35 -40 mph. I'm looking forward to all the twisties, and your reminder of the heritage of the Smokies will make it a richer experience. I'm not worried, but looking forward to having a great time with some great folks.--and seeing some beautiful cars.

P.S. It might get a little crazy at the bar that night, though.

[SolsticeWolf]

Originally Posted by It's my turn

Thanks for the website link, Solstice Wolf. According to their "News" link, the accident wasn't really on the Dragon. Here's what they posted.

Two motorcycle fatalities in area on Saturday June 23. Neither was on the Dragon. A VRod rider was killed in a head-on collision with a car on US129 near TN336. He was passing other bikes in a no passing zone and met his fate at the crest of a hill. The Daily Times of Maryville got the location right, but the much larger Knoxville News report the death as occurring on the Tail of the Dragon even though it was some 14 miles distant. Do you believe everything you hear and read in the news? Also let it be known that there are more motorcycle deaths on other roads in Blount County than on the Dragon. None on the Dragon so far in 2007.The second death occurred on the Cherohala just on the North Carolina side. This sportbike rider was new in the seat and fixated on a low side by the rider in front of him. He went off the road and struck a tree. We reiterate that the Cherohala is more dangerous that the Dragon. Please slow down wherever you ride.

That entry in their archive was the wreck last month that brought about the already increased LEO presence. It was incorrectly attributed to the Dragon by the Knoxville news.

This entry on the Front page of TOTD.com identifies the death that is the subject of this thread as being at Guard Rail Cliff. When I whent to retieve it, I found something else. Two Florida Riders Were Killed FRIDAY when Honda Trike Crossed The Centerline and Went Head-On With An SUV Towing A Boat!!!!!!

Originally Posted by TOTD.com

BULLETIN:
Friday July 13, 2007 - Two Florida riders were the second and third fatalities on the Dragon in 2007. According to witnesses the three-wheel Honda crossed the centerline and struck a vehicle towing a boat. The trike was northbound near mile 1.5 near The Wall. US129 was closed for several hours after the 5:30 PM accident while the scene was cleared. Another bike following the trike was also involved, but the rider refused treatment.




Thursday July 12, 2007 - A Michigan rider, Kevin James Hoyt (40), became the first fatality on the Dragon in 2007. The accident was one of many at the tricky Guard Rail Cliff corner at mile 7.2. Troopers measured the fall at 80 feet below the road. The State of Tennessee has allocated funds to assist Blount County Sheriff in patrolling the Dragon according to a BCSO spokesperson. Riders can expect daily patrols with increased activities during the weekends. This is not meant to be a harsh crack-down, but is an effort to slow riders down in order to reduce accidents. Be warned that excessive speeds and other violations will be enforced.

This hits 2 Safety Points!

1) Do Not Cross The Double-Yellow In A Blind Curve!!!!

2) Watch the Other Guy and Stay Alert!!