We started of at Deal's Gap, the headquarters of the ride. Outside the gas station is the Tree of Shame, parts of bikes (and a Barbie Big Wheel) that were left along the road as bikes skidded out of control, or simply scraped so hard that parts fell off.
My stomach was in my throat as we started the ride down the mountain. That didn't last long though, as we began to relax into the ride. I have about 30 minutes of video that I won't post here, but suffice it to say we made it to the bottom unscathed - and wanting to go again and again.
After that exhilarating experience we headed toward Gatlinburg via the most beautiful back road imaginable. I'd driven this road on a visits years ago and thought even then, that it would make an amazing motorcycle ride.
I'd longed to stop and sit by the mountain stream that the road followed, but I didn't have time during previous trips.
This trip, though, was all about stopping and enjoying.
Gatlinburg was just a few miles away, and we got there in time to join about 50,000 of our friends in town for lunch.
No. I didn't drink the whole thing.
We meandered down the road and ended up back on the Moonshiner 28, which is a very nice road when it isn't raining.
We stopped to visit Fontana Dam.
At one time this was the highest dam in the U.S.
Then headed back to camp to relax and share the day with other bikers from around the globe and hear about their experiences on the Dragon.
Fun facts
High gas price: $3.07 in North CarolinaLow gas price: $4.07 in North Carolina (at the top of the Tail of the Dragon road)
Average gas price: $3.67
Today was: Sunny and Hot, but wonderful!
Miles day .5: 303
Miles day 1: 566
Miles day 2: 518
Miles day 3: 164
Miles day 4: 128
Miles day 5: 354
Miles day 6: 363
Miles day 7: 330
Miles day 8: 171
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