The Tail of the Dragon, Gatlinburg and the back roads of TN.

Our symbolic destination for this trip was a stretch of road called the Tail of the Dragon. The Dragon has 318 curves on an 11 mile road going up and down a mountain.

Before we headed to the Dragon we stayed in Gatlinburg TN. Gatlinburg is on the north edge of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is very touristy and family oriented. We ate at Calhouns BBQ. It was so good that we ate there again the next night up in Knoxville. Get the baby back ribs and pulled pork.

If you look hard enough you can find some adult fun too. Like at the Shamrock Pub (above). These guys were very good and know a lot of country songs on request. Including "Smoky and the Bandit?" Yes even that, as per Chad's request.

As if 318 curves weren't enough for an interesting ride, it started to pour on the way to the Dragon.

Chad why are you going under the trees in a lighting storm? Chad?...oh...oh no!!!

At the south end of the Dragon is Deals Gap. That's where you will find the Tree of Shame (above). The Dragon can be a hazardous ride if you're not careful. Anyone who dumps their bike has to bring a part that broke off to the Tree of Shame. It's interesting but I won't say funny. That's because there is evidence of some very serious accidents on this tree. So let the tree serve as a warning to other riders to be careful!

From there it was through the back roads of Tennessee up to Knoxville and back home.

Click on any picture on this blog to enlarge it and find directions to anywhere I ride on the left side of the page under Yahoo Maps.