Here we go again! Dragon gets more press

[RVB1019]

It's that time of year. the extra patrols will be starting.

Clicky clicky (http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20080527/NEWS/476408347/1151/NEWS/Tenn_police_approach_motorcycle_route_differently)

Be careful out there!

[eljeffe]

Hopefully the Blount County Sheriff's approach will become the norm over the Tennessee Highway Patrol's approach. Sounds like the Sheriff's plan balances safety with a minimum impact to tourism dollars.

[Lonewuff]

A bunch of the HD group I run with just got back from the Dragon and said they did not see one LEO the entire three days they were running up and down the tail. Stepped up enforcement?

[DaveDragon]

During STC there were LEO's all over the Dragon most days, sitting in position to shoot Radar/LIDAR down stretches where we tend to roll the throttle a bit:rolleyes: .

Conversely, there were virtually no patrols on the Cherohala!

[tnk12lt]

concerning the skyway...apparently we need to be careful there too

http://www.easttnriders.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23879

[rando]

I believe I'll just ride the local roads and leave the tickets for you guys.... : )

last time I was out there, I decided I probably wouldn't go back unless it's the middle of the week and I am in the area. too much other good riding that feels less risky to me.

Randy

[MikeERideWNC]

A bunch of the HD group I run with just got back from the Dragon and said they did not see one LEO the entire three days they were running up and down the tail. Stepped up enforcement?

Impossible!
There is always a Grayish/tannish looking unmarked Crown Vic LTD with several antennas.
Very easy to miss.

Saturday there was three Deputies and two THP and there was still a sportbike that slammed into the side of an SUV.
Why?

Always ride the other roads.
Ride to the Gap store then turn.
It is a waste of time, gas, money, patience that you will never get back.

[wjhanna]

A bunch of the HD group I run with just got back from the Dragon and said they did not see one LEO the entire three days they were running up and down the tail. Stepped up enforcement?

Just got back from the Dragon and didn't see one LEO!

[gbob]

Rode the Dragon 6/2 down and back and saw 1 LEO down by the lake reading a news paper ,did not even look up,I guess LT's do not make much noise and the corner photo people seemed to have to scramble for a shot when we went by.
Its a Public road not a race track ,how cool is it to cause an accident with John Q. Public just so could show off hauling ass .Go to a race track where all involved know the risks . And the paramedics will be right there .Don't get me wrong I like a little speeding now and then just not ready to die for it . I used to ride Mulholland HWY CA and have seen enough white sheet covered bodies .
Bob G
99LT

[rando]

The LEO probably had his radar on and if it's like the ones the locals have, the lower the speed, the lower the sound it makes. Faster is more shrill, so if you didn't set off the shrill sound, he kept reading.

Randy

[joegottberg]

Well, I met the Sherriff about 5 miles from the NC border on the Dragon Mid May. Well actually one of his deputies.

Rounded a corner and he's shooting me.

Nice Guy, had a good talk and wrote me a warning for 60 in a 30 :eek:

I know I was going too fast, but, was definitely under control. He wanted more awareness of the road and slow it down to stay safe.

I think I said "Thank You" a million times.

100% agree there are better (and less patrolled) roads.

[DaveDragon]

http://lh5.ggpht.com/davedragondave/SApwEXoVHWI/AAAAAAAAEVg/2tzH4gqk3D4/CIMG0710_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800 (http://lh3.ggpht.com/davedragondave/SApv83oVHVI/AAAAAAAAEVY/2bQfbW1fHsk/CIMG0710%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800)

At Deal's Gap we found the three LEO's that have been patrolling the Gap all week.

They were all at the Crossroads of Time writing up the wreck between the damn 18 Wheeler and a truck pulling a boat.


http://lh3.ggpht.com/davedragondave/SApwU3oVHYI/AAAAAAAAEVw/njlWduV7jmQ/CIMG0712_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800 (http://lh5.ggpht.com/davedragondave/SApwNXoVHXI/AAAAAAAAEVo/6Pis3bOEE5Q/CIMG0712%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800)

So with them at this end we headed into Deal's Gap.

[REWDOC]

Hopefully the Blount County Sheriff's approach will become the norm over the Tennessee Highway Patrol's approach. Sounds like the Sheriff's plan balances safety with a minimum impact to tourism dollars.

The only problem is that most of the Dragon is in TN. Memorial Day weekend I rode north of Asheville and Boone, NC up to "The Snake", US 421. It's a great road, more scenic, but not as long as the Dragon. NC HWP were everywhere giving tickets, right and left.