Riding the Dragon in NC late in Oct. to try out my new '08 Ducati HM1100S. Which members here live in the general area? I'll be there for about a week, so it's possible for a little meet n' greet for coffee, grub, drinks, whatever.
 
Cheers,
 
Kevin

Kevin have fun and be safe man. We had a trip planned to ride the Dragon earlier this summer but that was before a drunk driver ruined my whole summer of riding.
 
Peace,  
Olie

Thanks, Olie. Sorry to hear about the DUI idiot, but at least he/she didn't ruin your life (or that of your family's). I just hope some idiot doesn't try to ruin me when I ride one of America's best and also most dangerous roads.

I've been there and ridden it, but I can't say it was the best riding in the area.  I would get out on Cherohala or the Blue Ridge for lots more enjoyable miles than you can get on The Dragon.  Too many idiots, too much police presence, and too many large vehicles on that road to really enjoy the ride at any speed.  I also love Skyline Drive if that's part of your general itinerary.  
 
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't go there and not ride it, but The Dragon isn't my #1 riding attraction in the area.  Wherever you go, though, have a great ride!
 
For anyone that is local, are falling leaves and deer an issue for riding in late Oct?
 
-bob

Where is this place? Is it in N.C.? Let me know what part of the state and I will fill you in on who lives in the area as best I can.
 
Chuck

TN/NC border area due south of Knoxville.

They guy that does all the Dragon vids told us that the surrounding roads are as good or better. I'll be there about a week, avoiding the weekend and the attendant tourist traffic and five-o they attract.

Well Kevin, if you are in Western North Carolina, then you will be in my neck of the woods.  I'm in the Asheville area.  Check it out on a map and drop me an email.

I enjoyed the twists and turns on the older routes in the Mosel area in Germany a lot, even in a family car. Beautiful scenery too - even our 7 year old enjoyed the views.

I used to live in upstate SC, Greenville to be exact, and had a place near Caeser's head. 276 between Ceaser's head and pumpkintown, or whatever it is at that point, is always seeing crazy bike traffic, so i would assume it's pretty fun. If you are in Dave's neck of the woods, though, Asheville is a good place for good times and good music.
Off the topic, Dave- do you know a bass player around those parts name Eliot? good friend of mine, just checking.
Austin

No, I don't think so.  Do you know who he plays with?

He has a band called Free Planet Radio that i think he's mostly working with now, but he played with Paul Winter for years.. won a couple Grammy's with him. He was my teacher up until I moved to NYC. FPR is definitely a band worth checking out.

I haven't seen the name around town, but then I don't actually get in to town all that often.
 
I just looked at their website.  I have heard of the percussionist; I think Jon, the guitar player in my band, knows him (Jon plays with a lot of the jazz players in town).  And it looks like your friend in still playing gigs with Paul Winter from time to time.  I'm listening to the mp3's now; I love this stuff!  Thanks!

Wish I could bring myself and my Fireblade to North Carolina from the UK..sounds like a great time...damn!!!

Hi Kevin,  
 
I wish I lived nearby. I have been up & down the Dragon several times and found her a panic. I was on a BMW R1100RT which is heavy for a sport bike, but was a thrill to wrestle down the road. I did not feel a desire to run her fast as the road is a blast at any speed. Total concentration, giggles & grins all the way. It should be a blast on a Duck.
 
Safe journey!