Deals Gap, (the dragon) has been a regular motorcyclist ride for many years, I first rode it in 97 and have been back many times in cars and bikes. It's a real blast, actuallly lots of good roads around there (cherohala skyway on the NC side is as good but much less publicised.
The original deals gap place (crossroads of time motel and gas station) is on the NC side just at the start junction 129 and 28. They sell shirts stickers etc. Have a tree there with bits and pieces of the multitudes of crashed bikes over the years.
Best time to run the gap is midweek or EARLY on weekend mornings this time of year, after 9 or 10 am place is packed.
www.killboy.com has a photog up there every weekend, you can log on to the site and day you were there and likely find one or two shots.
I was up there 3 weeks ago, approx 12 elises in our group. A real blast.
the road is US Hwy 129. It's free.
Chris