Demon Drives: Want to find a great road? plus video

[mtdive]

I collect highways. I like a drive that demands my full attention — where the road plunges, twists, turns and dips — like The Corkscrew at Laguna Seca. Even better, I'd like a stack of Corkscrews, laid end to end.

I want blind corners, off-camber turns, sudden surface changes, diabolical hairpins, unnerving switchbacks, decreasing-radius bends, a tempting straight that suddenly ends with an unforgiving hard right or left....

We can't all drive racecars in competition, so my definition includes public highways with challenging corners that could be carved out and placed squarely on a racetrack.

You can find roads like these, if you know where to look.

Even better, follow a biker.

Motorcycle enthusiasts are locked in a very personal relationship with snakelike asphalt and dipsy-doodle curves. They know where to find the best roads.

One of the best I know is a diabolical 11-mile stretch of tightly wound twisties on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, skirting the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It's called Route 129, but it's better known as "The Tail of the Dragon."

Eleven miles doesn't sound like much, but there are 318 (yeah, you read that right), very demanding curves crammed into that relatively short stretch of road.

Here's the bad news: There's precious little road shoulder. In fact, the road sides drop off precipitously most of the way, or you've got hundreds of unforgiving trees or the occasional strategically placed stone wall. There's no forgiveness on the Dragon's Tail, and virtually no margin for error.

Bikers love the Dragon, but it's great fun in a maneuverable car, like a 2007 Porsche Boxster S.

How fast you go is up to you. Most of this road is marked with yellow caution diamonds, but the sport bikers are doubling, even tripling the limits in many places. There's almost nowhere for a lurking cop to hide, but if you miss a turn and snag a tree, it might take a few minutes for rescuers to locate you.

That happens here a lot.

The road is lined with sad little homemade markers designating former crash sites, but if you're trying to read some unfortunate's name and the date of his demise, you're likely to miss the next turn. Just concentrate, and not only will you survive, you'll have a ball.

Some people like to start The Dragon at Deal's Gap, North Carolina, then head due northwest into Tennessee through Crud Corner, which opens suddenly and heads deceptively into Cooper Straight, unnerves you with The Dips in just a little over a mile, and nearly forces you into The Wall before you're left-right-left-ing at Sunset Corner. Survive those and you'll be battling a mile of zigzags, appropriately called The Chicanes.

Be prepared to get airborne at The Mini Hump, and just as you recover your composure, you'll be flying high again at The (real) Hump, a.k.a. The Gravity Cavity. If you're a well-traveled biker, the narrow, unforgiving Dalton Gap Bridge will remind you of The Isle of Man TT.

It's only been 3.1 miles and you're carving up the Dalton Esses in preparation for sneaky Parsons Curve and the aptly named Swift Corner. By now, you've covered just 4 miles of The Dragon, and you've probably turned 75 times. Tension? You bet.

The corner names are intriguing. How about Busa Bash? Someone on a Suzuki Hayabusa must have come a cropper there. You don't want to know how Kill-Boy Shadetree Corner got its name.

Carousel Corner comes up next, at 4.9 miles. It's much tighter than the notorious Elkhart Lake turn of the same name. Brake or Bust Bend is self-explanatory. If it fools you going in, you won't make it out. It's not a bad idea to run the route a few times before you really try to tackle these turns.

Bob Bondurant tells his students, "You can go into a corner hot, or you can exit hot, but you can't do both." That ought to be your mantra here. The overhanging canopy of big trees means you can come safely around a dry curve, only to slide across a wet spot, hence a name like Mud Corner. Just past the halfway point is Copperhead Corner, but don't relax yet. You've got to cope with Little Whip, Guard Rail Cliff and Hog Pen Bend.

I've named many of the big turns. The short links and lengths connecting them will keep you constantly occupied. This is not a comfy run for two-up on a bike. In a car, your passenger had better have eaten lightly. Here's why: Triple Apex Corner comes right after Ron's Run, and both will demand your attention. Cat Tail Straight gives you a quick breather if you don't flatfoot it, but why slow down now?

Peering through the dense trees, you might catch a glimpse of Calderwood Dam. The Tail of the Dragon Overlook (8.8 miles) is a tempting stop, but most road warriors will press on through the Pearly Gates, dive into The Whip, and leave something for Rocket Corner before blasting down Revenuer's Straight. The famous Robert Mitchum film, Thunder Road, was filmed here in 1958. So was Two-Lane Blacktop in 1971. It's easy to see why.

Novices slow for the Beginner's End (10.7 miles), but the real Dragon finish line is just over Tabcat Bridge. Take a quick break, then run the route backward to Deal's Gap.

Great roads make great drives. And if you haven't twisted the Dragon's Tail, what are you waiting for?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gwq8b76v ... 2XSvEzdxlo

[ArizonaG35]

Nice write up! I'd like to try Deals Gap sometime. This guy didn't have such a good experience on it though... I saw this video a while back and then recognized the road on your post... DON'T try and overtake on this road! Happy driving! Enjoy the video, hope he made it out okay!Dave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whVXD3ex9DA

[goneracin]

The tail of the dragon rules. Great write up!

[Sentientbydesign]

Uh, ever heard of initial D?

I would stick to that instead of suggesting to NICO members and up and coming members to put their life on the line as most of us aren't skilled enough to pull our selves out of ****.

I have a friend that's wrecked one AE86 and two miata trying to pull stunts through twists and turns like you mention.

The AE went over a cliff, one miata got wrapped around a tree and the most recent one has severe body damage (though still driveable).

This guy has been in multiple drift events and clinics

Does that say anything to you?

[BrandAidDesignG35]

Here's one from atlantic canada, my fav to date

[BrandAidDesignG35]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...latedhere sorry

[SVTCOBRA]

The SVT Cobra club does the tail of the dragon each year. I've got to do it one year!

[toddnos]

Uh, ever heard of initial D?

I would stick to that instead of suggesting to NICO members and up and coming members to put their life on the line as most of us aren't skilled enough to pull our selves out of ****.

I have a friend that's wrecked one AE86 and two miata trying to pull stunts through twists and turns like you mention.

The AE went over a cliff, one miata got wrapped around a tree and the most recent one has severe body damage (though still driveable).

This guy has been in multiple drift events and clinics

Does that say anything to you?

lol...i collect highways...bwaaaaaahhaaaaa.

[mtdive]

I'm not suggesting a member or upcoming member risk there life, just live it. every driver needs to know their abilities. What I am suggesting is for the person looking for something different. that might never make it to a road event, to checkout a location where the video games you play come to life. every year there are club/ sanctioned events held where the average driver can come and enjoy the roads that are not found in their city life. Plus the company of other car enthusist. deals gap./dragons tail has a speed limit of 30 miles and hour. By maintaining this limit no driver should ever have a problem. it is only those who think their god's gift to driving, that end up off a cliff or wrapped around a tree. For those one or two imbiciles out there, there are thousands that make this trip and many others just like it, that end up going home with nothing but great memories and a plan for next years vacation. If you are dumb enough to outdrive your own abilities and get killed... Darwinism. If you outdrive yourself and harm another you need to be incarcerated or worse. As for video games, there's a reset button. Nuf' said.

[Sentientbydesign]

Hahaha. If only life had a reset button. OH and a memory card to, so I could replay from a saved point!!!

I think that "track" sounds great in an Evo or an STI. Not sure I'd be comfortable in my G.

[goneracin]

I would need some cheat codes for my game-to make life easier!

[smockers83]

Uh, ever heard of initial D?

I would stick to that instead of suggesting to NICO members and up and coming members to put their life on the line as most of us aren't skilled enough to pull our selves out of ****.

I have a friend that's wrecked one AE86 and two miata trying to pull stunts through twists and turns like you mention.

The AE went over a cliff, one miata got wrapped around a tree and the most recent one has severe body damage (though still driveable).

This guy has been in multiple drift events and clinics

Does that say anything to you?

Well, on roads like that, you don't try and pull stunts like drifting around it or someting. You just drive. That's why your friend has wrecked 3 cars. He isn't suggesting to go out there and pull stunts, he's suggesting going out and driving. There is a difference.

[toddnos]

I'm not suggesting a member or upcoming member risk there life, just live it. every driver needs to know their abilities. What I am suggesting is for the person looking for something different. that might never make it to a road event, to checkout a location where the video games you play come to life. every year there are club/ sanctioned events held where the average driver can come and enjoy the roads that are not found in their city life. Plus the company of other car enthusist. deals gap./dragons tail has a speed limit of 30 miles and hour. By maintaining this limit no driver should ever have a problem. it is only those who think their god's gift to driving, that end up off a cliff or wrapped around a tree. For those one or two imbiciles out there, there are thousands that make this trip and many others just like it, that end up going home with nothing but great memories and a plan for next years vacation. If you are dumb enough to outdrive your own abilities and get killed... Darwinism. If you outdrive yourself and harm another you need to be incarcerated or worse. As for video games, there's a reset button. Nuf' said.

dude you cant even spell infiniti right..nuff said...lol

[mtdive]

What are you talking about. In the post that you quoted the word infiniti wasn't even used. so im not sure what fumes you've been huffing but you might want to think about laying off before there's no cells left.

[G_whizz]

Just curious to know why some of you are crapping on another Member who decided to contribute to the forum by posting something that others may be interested in.

I'm pretty sure he's not seriously advocating driving it like a frick'n racetrack.

[smockers83]

Just curious to know why some of you are crapping on another Member who decided to contribute to the forum by posting something that others may be interested in.

I'm pretty sure he's not seriously advocating driving it like a frick'n racetrack.

No kidding. This is something I'm interested in. Here in southeastern Michigan we don't have these kinds of roads, so now when I make a trip to that area, I know I can go out and have some fun in the G. If you are sensible and responsible about what you're doing, you should come out perfectly fine.

[c_my_g-ride]

there is a nice canyon run over here in orange county

[Sentientbydesign]

Please re-read the OP. It doesn't sound like a casual drive through the twisties. The emphasis on the names and the memorials on the road side just scream death trap.

Don't get me wrong, I love pushing it to the limit too, but encouraging people to drive through a twisty road that many of died on just for a rush doesn't sound like it benefits the safety and well-being of our members.

How is this any different than me telling everyone that there is a great industrial area in Ontario, CA where you can street race and not get caught?

[smockers83]

Would the turns be any different if they were given numbers? Those are precisely the names I want to hear when I want to go on a casual drive.

The memorials on the side of the road just serve as somber reminders to remain responsible about what you're doing. If you are irresponsibly driving anywhere, stuff happens.

[BrandAidDesignG35]

What is everyone soo anal about here... I'm an ENTHUSIAST, if you're not, don't even bother looking at a "demon drives" thread, or your obviously looking to stir up the pot...

Be thankful for your own safety and health, but just let us young bucks at least enjoy our forum too... I'm getting sick of these debates

[Sentientbydesign]

I'm younger than all of you *shakes head*

[JimW]

So, to subtly change the topic back to 'nice roads' . . .



This thread got me a little excited about potential roads in my area. I looked online and at the bookstore, and ended up picking up a book called Scenic Drives Texas. While most of them were, sadly, nowhere near Dallas where I live, I do travel the whole state for work, and will have the chance to check them out eventually. I'll be sure to post some reviews of the routes when I cruise them.

Everyone else should put up their favorite routes/roads, ESPECIALLY if you live in Tejas.

Jim W

[SVTCOBRA]

Would the turns be any different if they were given numbers? Those are precisely the names I want to hear when I want to go on a casual drive.

The memorials on the side of the road just serve as somber reminders to remain responsible about what you're doing. If you are irresponsibly driving anywhere, stuff happens.

I re-read the initial post. (didn't read it thru the first time, but since there was some bashing goin on....)

Great write up!!!

There are several curvy roads around here I like to experience!!

I have been on a SVT Cobra cruise up thru the NC mountains before and there were some parts similiar to what you described.

Was fun it the cobra, and would equally be as fun in my G!!!Actually, I will be heading to the NC mountains in a couple of months and let you know.

I read thru some of the other posts, until I got a black eye, so if somebody else already posted this.....sorry...

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

You can also go to youtube and probably put in tail dragon and a car name and get a ride. I put in cobra and there were alot of vids of the cobra replica club going thru.

[JimW]

Found a great website for nice roads across the US, as long as you don't mind mooching off a biker site and seeing adds for "biker dating websites" (Lol! On a first date, do you wear one of those shirts that says "If you can read this, the b$%^ fell off."). Seriously, check it out and take a Saturday cruise when the weather is nice:

http://www.motorcycleroads.us

Jim W

[smockers83]

According to that website, I live 1/4 mile away from one of the better roads in MI. Not that I haven't driven it, its fun, but I didn't think it was that good...could use more twisties, but it has some sweet elevation changes. But a lot of roads in MI are more of the scenic type along the coasts.

[Jager]

few roads in virgina to check out.

first the blueridge parkway, it is fairly easy to drive but parts around the peaks of otter gets very twisty.

221 from lynchburg to big island is a series of massive looping turns down and around a few mountains that empties out onto a very flat extremely high speed section of highway (60mph to boot)

the road is fun to drive, but not dangerous in the sense of speed because there is really no time to pick up enough speed to lose control unless the driver has zero sense of geforces

wintergreen virginia has some seriuosly twisy roads dowwn that mountain as well. We take a little 1.6ltr miata out to run the roads for fun. well worth the exhileration without breaking laws.

[goneracin]

+1 on Jager's post. Hey neighbor!

Rt 220 through West Virgina is pretty twisty and a fun drive.

[Omegamerc]

This write up seems exactly off a car magazine(might have been driver, or automobile) I read about a three to four months ago about the best US interstates to drive on, it had a whole section on this particular road, if you did rip it off a publication give credit, no?

Plus from what I understood in the article, this place is riddled with law enforcement because they know it attracts enthusiasts, like every other good road out in the US.

[SVTCOBRA]

This write up seems exactly off a car magazine(might have been driver, or automobile) I read about a three to four months ago about the best US interstates to drive on, it had a whole section on this particular road, if you did rip it off a publication give credit, no?

Plus from what I understood in the article, this place is riddled with law enforcement because they know it attracts enthusiasts, like every other good road out in the US.

Good catch!!! Was copied from Edmunds

http://www.edmunds.com/insidel...d=219

[mtdive]

I never posted the articale as my own, and never took credit as my own. i got the article from a biker friend of mine that every year goes to the dragon's tail for a club rally. i enjoyed the article and figured that other would like a good read. i've just learned that if you post a link ppl might read it or might never give it a second glance, but when its posted in a write-up form ppl take a closer look and pay attention. By posting the article it has done what was meant to do and that was make forum member look around their area and find drives that are out of the ordinary and fun.