My contact was Darryl "Killboy" Cannon, a Dragon regular. It took a series of calls, informants, and text messages to finally speak to someone who knew the mystery man personally. Now I know what a CIA operative's life is like. In short, if Chambers dropped me, so be it. We were just out to have fun, and at-the-limit driving belongs on a racetrack. I've seen the consequences of ego and foolishness. And while I despise my advancing age-I'm 44-I welcome the bits of maturity that have come with it. When I'm on a road like this, I religiously stay in my lane and slow heavily for oncoming traffic. Now, before you call our driving reckless, a few important details: This section of 129 has no connecting roads, and during our early drive, it was empty of other cars or bikes. "I used to know every inch of this road, but it's been a while and these tires are old junk." We climbed into the cars, barreling east past the overlook that serves as the Dragon's unofficial start.įor the next nine miles, I barely kept up. "I'm not sure I'll have much for you," he hedged. Chambers showed up in a red Corvette Z06, lowered and riding on fat tires. We know when they're there."Īt 6:30 the next morning, we met on the western side of 129, where the road nestles the lakes that were formed when the Little Tennessee River was dammed in 1919. "Hell, I went to high school with most of them. "Not if you know the right time to go," he said. "Isn't that road ruined by tourists?" I asked. But he pressed, mentioning the Dragon, which only cemented my perception. So when Chambers offered to lead us on a tour of the area, I demurred, assuming he'd be a roadblock. Behind him, I could see a Ferrari 360 Spider holding his blonde companion and a squirrel-sized dog.įorgive me, but those signs don't add up to my kind of guy. His mouth, framed by perfect white teeth, never rested, bragging of speed exploits and a collection of modified cars. The region holds plenty of lesser-known but equally challenging routes.īut then, at a gas station, Matt Chambers walked over to talk about the Corvette test car I was driving. For that reason, when three friends and I spent a weekend driving in the area last spring, the Dragon wasn't even on the agenda. Some say 129 has been ruined by notoriety, a traffic jam of wannabes and police out to nab drivers who come to the area just to blitz through the hills. Once a footpath carved by Cherokee Indians, the nine-mile section of 129 that heads west from the North Carolina border boasts some 300 corners, most of which are perfectly cambered for speed. In the southeastern U.S., Route 129 is a beacon. The Brits head to Wales, and mainland Europe has too many two-lane meccas to count. In Japan, enthusiasts flock to the passes around Mount Fuji. The sheer 37 deaths occurred between 20.Every great driving road has its disciples, the fortunate locals who pray at a blacktop temple. Anyways, be cautious, as there have been some fatalities recorded on the Dragon. The time needed will depend on how you drive as well as the overall traffic. So you can complete a one-way trip in about 30 minutes. The speed limit on the road is 30 miles per hour (48 kph). How long does it take to ride the Tail of the Dragon However, the cold season has one advantage-good visibility on the curves since the trees are leafless. During winter, the weather on the road can be harsh and unpredictable with occasional heavy snowfalls, blizzards, and icy conditions. Best time to drive Tail of the DragonĮven though the Dragon's Tail Road could remain open throughout the year, the best time to use the road is from April to October due to safe road conditions and mild mountain temperatures. Some of the sharpest curves of the road have their own names: Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, Hog Pen Bend, Shade Tree Corner, Sunset Corner, Gravity Cavity, Mud Corner, Beginner's End, and Brake or Bust Bend. The twisting ride runs from the North Carolina/Tennessee border (Tapoco Road, Robbinsville, NC) and finishes in front of Chilhowee Lake, TN. The drive is also called Tapoco Road in NC and Calderwood Highway in TN. Route 129 in Blount County, Tennessee, and Swain County, North Carolina. The Tail of the Dragon is located at Deals Gap and is a part of U.S.
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