Wreck on the Dragon

[MAC]

https://bikernation.biz/blogs/news/fatal-accident-on-the-dragon-goes-unnoticed-for-over-24-hours

http://www.thedailytimes.com/news/one-dies-one-injured-on-the-dragon/article_38c1662c-de7d-5356-99ee-2217179d6df9.html#.WAV9rPJqwGo.facebook

[Sasquatch Jim]

 I clicked on both but didn't get the story.

[Triple Jim]

Yeah, on that road it would be wise to tell someone back at the motel that you're going to do a lap, and if you're not back in an hour, please come look for you.  I used to do that when mountain biking alone, letting my wife know what trail I was going to be on.  There were places I rode where a person could go over a dropoff, break a leg or otherwise become incapacitated, and not be found for a long time.

[ITSec]

When traveling, I carry a SPOT satellite tracker. Even if I can't hit the emergency button, if it stays in one place too long there are people who will call me, and then call EMS/local sheriff if I don't respond. The GPS coordinates and a well-being check complete the circle...

[webmost]

Yeah, on that road it would be wise to tell someone back at the motel that you're going to do a lap, and if you're not back in an hour, please come look for you.  I used to do that when mountain biking alone, letting my wife know what trail I was going to be on.  There were places I rode where a person could go over a dropoff, break a leg or otherwise become incapacitated, and not be found for a long time.

Aw, don't worry about it. There's always a coyote will find you.

How in hell did that guy on the road hear him hollering way down there? That's a miracle.

[Cam3512]

Precisely why I avoided that stretch of road on my trip down there.

[old as dirt 2]

I live here in East Tn about 65 miles from the end of the dragon and ride it at least 10 times a year.
The problem with folks having issues is those that come from out of state are not familiar with mountain riding and panic most of the time, and or they get target fixation. A lot of riders think its a race track as well.
It is a great TECHNICAL road that can be very fun to ride. staying with in a moderation of the speed limit and knowing your personal and bike limits  you can have a nice ride.
Also folks who come to the smokies to ride don't keep their bikes in top shape. I see a lot of out of state tags and look at their tires and they are shot and into the wear bars. Well if they don't care about tires what else do they skimp on? Brakes? proper suspension settings? ect. ect.

[Tom]

 :1:

[Triple Jim]

Well said, Old as Dirt 2. 

[leafman60]

That's a wonderful stretch of roadway but it's become a zoo in recent years.

I had heard last year that the authorities had placed speed cameras along The Dragon but that must not be true.

Maybe the tourism draw of it keeps it open.

[John A]

I carry a whistle in my motorcycle jacket in case I find myself over the edge with no cellphone service . A guy can blow a whistle longer and louder than he can yell. Especially if ribs are broken

[Aaron D.]

Old as Dirt-that should be required reading before setting out on ALL mountain roads all over the world.

The truly great mountain roads are NO place to play racer. Never mind if you run yourself off a cliff, the innocent careful rider coming the other way deserves a reasonable expectation that you will not negligently kill him.

[ScepticalScotty]

Actually Old makes another point too I reckon. After for riding for 2.5 days across the flatlands (mostly) of France when we hit the Pass de la Casa in the Pyrenees we were "out of the groove" of riding in the hills, and had to take it pretty easy. After a few hours in the mountains we were on it a bit more, but apart from short stretches we were mostly enjoying the wonderful roads at moderate pace....not being idiots.