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]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Mr. Oak @ Apr 18th 2008 1:34PM
One of my fantasy drives. Can't wait until my son is old enough to do this with me.
Matt @ Apr 18th 2008 1:42PM
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 @ Apr 18th 2008 5:11PM
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 @ Apr 18th 2008 1:36PM
I fear that the Dragon is going to be a victim of its own success.
Zane @ Apr 18th 2008 1:42PM
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.
pmiddle5 @ Apr 18th 2008 1:43PM
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)
Jason McCutcheon @ Apr 18th 2008 1:43PM
Wow, that sucks. This is the weekend For the Annual S2000 Wake the Dragon Event.
Benfolio @ Apr 18th 2008 1:46PM
Goin' down, down, down, in a burning ring of fire.
John Johnson @ Apr 18th 2008 1:47PM
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 :(.
John R @ Apr 18th 2008 2:38PM
there are semis on that road?! thats ridiculous...
John Johnson @ Apr 18th 2008 2:46PM
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 @ Apr 18th 2008 5:08PM
Here's a good video of a semi on that road.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6haNzNzWG-0
Todd @ Apr 18th 2008 2:00PM
How long do you think it will be before that whole 11 mile stretch is littered with speed bumps?
Seoultrain @ Apr 18th 2008 4:44PM
You see speed bumps, I see miniature jumps :)
Apu @ Apr 18th 2008 2:12PM
I wish he died. I like reading empty condolences on the internet.
purecoda @ Apr 18th 2008 2:19PM
I don't know how else to respond - you're an idiot.
Luis @ Apr 18th 2008 2:42PM
In the world of idiots, you have to be right up at the top...
zamafir @ Apr 18th 2008 2:22PM
10 acers, oh noze.
mcp @ Apr 18th 2008 2:26PM
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
2004m3driver @ Apr 18th 2008 2:30PM
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.