Filed under: Etc., First Drive
Motorcycle crash on "The Dragon" causes wildfire
One of these days we're going to duct tape a hand-held camcorder to the front bumper of a car and take you all for a ride on The Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of US 129 in Tennessee that is easily one of the greatest driving roads in America. That is, if it's still there. On Wednesday a motorcycle crash started a wildfire that grew to consume 10 acres of the rocky terrain's flora. The motorcyclist, one of a countless number who have tank slapped their bike on the dragon's twisty pavement, walked away from the incident, but firefighters were reportedly still working on containing the blaze yesterday. Thanks for the tip, Zane![Source: Fox News]
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mr. Oak 1:34PM (4/18/2008)
One of my fantasy drives. Can't wait until my son is old enough to do this with me.
Reply
Matt 1:42PM (4/18/2008)
Unfortunately, he probably won't. The Dragon is but a mere shadow of its former self due to the idiots who drive it and the overzealous regulation and police patrol that has occurred as a result.
Taylor 5:11PM (4/18/2008)
As long as you're not in the back seat of a 12 passenger van, it's a fun ride. However, my first time, everyone around me was blowing chunks halfway through.
Dan from Delaware 1:36PM (4/18/2008)
I fear that the Dragon is going to be a victim of its own success.
Reply
Zane 1:42PM (4/18/2008)
TN and NC should have a rule that prevents newbies and poseurs from driving on that bit of tarmac. It really spoils the fun for the rest of us. I've had a couple of narrow escapes myself with some moron hurtling his car/bike down the wrong lane in a corner.
Reply
pmiddle5 1:43PM (4/18/2008)
Take it easy ya motorbike jerk! Glad to hear he is ok though =D. I'm scared to drive that road in my current car. Regular Subaru Forester. Brake fade! Need to upgrade to the xt(dreams)
Reply
Jason McCutcheon 1:43PM (4/18/2008)
Wow, that sucks. This is the weekend For the Annual S2000 Wake the Dragon Event.
Reply
Benfolio 1:46PM (4/18/2008)
Goin' down, down, down, in a burning ring of fire.
Reply
John Johnson 1:47PM (4/18/2008)
People always go out there and try to drive better than they can. I've been out there a lot, I live in NC. It's beautiful out there, but there are always idiots and the occasional semi to run you off the road. People will be stupid and if it's only their lives at risk, that's fine. But when you destroy an awesome driving route or put someone else at risk, that's going too far.
Number one rule that should be followed (and usually is by groups that go out) is safety. Check everything (brakes, tires, fluids, etc) before going out. And NEVER cross the double yellow.
Too bad about WTD :(.
Reply
John R 2:38PM (4/18/2008)
there are semis on that road?! thats ridiculous...
John Johnson 2:46PM (4/18/2008)
It really is - and you HAVE to pull off of the road for them to swing their fat asses around the turns that some cars have problems with.
Then some biker will always pass them on a blind curve. Banning trucks from that road would stop 50% of all accidents. Look for YouTube videos for semis at Deals Gap. It's retarded. A cop will ticket you for touching a tire to the yellow line, but trucks can get away with being in the left lane around a blind curve. A cop should follow them and cite them EVERY time they cross the line.
Taylor 5:08PM (4/18/2008)
Here's a good video of a semi on that road.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6haNzNzWG-0
Todd 2:00PM (4/18/2008)
How long do you think it will be before that whole 11 mile stretch is littered with speed bumps?
Reply
Seoultrain 4:44PM (4/18/2008)
You see speed bumps, I see miniature jumps :)
Apu 2:12PM (4/18/2008)
I wish he died. I like reading empty condolences on the internet.
Reply
purecoda 2:19PM (4/18/2008)
I don't know how else to respond - you're an idiot.
Luis 2:42PM (4/18/2008)
In the world of idiots, you have to be right up at the top...
zamafir 2:22PM (4/18/2008)
10 acers, oh noze.
Reply
mcp 2:26PM (4/18/2008)
Here's that video you want to take (ok, a few)...
http://www.veoh.com/channels/TTsouthEast2007
http://forums.audiworld.com/tt/msgs/1289450.phtml
Reply
2004m3driver 2:30PM (4/18/2008)
I am guessing he is the ghostrider and forgot to turn his burning wheels off as it flew into the forest. I am guessing his bike fell off the hill fast enough to hit a tree and burst into flames.
Reply