Sometimes known for its old name is the Tail of the Dragon. A mystical place snaking through the hills of Tennessee. It is a road. Yep, just like the one you drive on everyday. But this road is different. Although the road is actually Highway 129 winding through eastern Tennessee - the Dragon is a small section of road merely eleven miles long.

But that does not come close to describing the Dragon. In that eleven miles are 318 switchback twists and turns. And that doesn't describe the road either.

I have ridden mountain roads in Colorado. Mountain twisting roads in the mountains of Peru and Chili - El Salvador, and Romania.

The Dragon is different.

Deals Gap

   At the extreme eastern end of the Dragon sits Deal's Gap. A history accompanies this place along with its memorabilia store, fueling station, motel, and '"Tree of Shame". Whereupon hangs remnants of riders, bikes, and bits and pieces of those who have 'gone down' on the Dragon. I am proud to say a piece of me hangs on the 'tree of Shame'.

Tail of the Dragon

   Ask any local if there is a Tail of the Dragon. Just depends who you talk to as to whether it really exists. Goes something like this! A carpet bagger (not my words) showed up and calls the Dragon - The Tail of the Dragon. Call it the Tail of the Dragon to the wrong person and you have a fight on your hands.

Dragon's End

Once a B&B catering to moto buffs, the Dragon's End sits on a hill just off one end of the Dragon. Jump on your bike and within a few minutes you enter the western end of the Dragon's twists.

You might want to ask what significance this little slice of heaven has on me.

Simply put - there are two people living here who I owe much. On my first trip to the Dragon, I had a two fold purpose for being there. One to ride the Dragon, but more importantly, to visit a friend I'd never met.

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