The Dragon...

lois · 02-11-2007, 11:51 PM

Just found this on another site. It doesn't mean anything to me...but for you folks down that way...read the first quote.

DaytonaSportbikes.com :: View topic - Deals Gap Warning

ConqSoft · 02-11-2007, 11:54 PM

From: Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC

Quote:

BULLETIN: We have received numerous emails concerning the recent posting on the Internet by a supposed Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper warning of dire consequences on the Dragon this coming year for speeders. We do not post rumors on this site so we contacted Captain Ray Fletcher of the Knoxville Division Tennessee Highway Patrol. He confirmed as we had believed that some of the details in the post are completely false, such as the immediate arrest and impoundment of vehicles for speeding over 50 mph on the Dragon.

Captain Fletcher was not able to comment on whether or not the post was made by a Trooper, but some of the language, unusual statements and obvious errors as stated above make us believe the post was by someone other than who supposedly signed their name and position to it. Obviously a real Trooper would not jeopardize his job by signing such a post.

Captain Fletcher stated that the laws will be enforced on the Dragon as they are on all Tennessee roadways. Tail of the Dragon advises riders to obey the laws and they will have no trouble with the Tennessee Highway Patrol or Blount County Sheriff Deputies.

We will post relevant news as it occurs in the coming year. Watch for continuous updates.

lois · 02-11-2007, 11:57 PM

Ok, OK...I'm stupid

Jason-1999-XX · 02-11-2007, 11:59 PM

Good farking grief! They have nothing better to do. I've rode the dragon 20+ times. Bikers own that road (relatively speaking) Yeah, it's a state highway with occasional 18-wheeler traffic, but 80% of the traffic is us. They are going to chase away alot of moolah from Deals Gap if they start impounding bikes and locking folks up. Mabye Killboy will start a petition, or get some good photos of the pigs misbehaving.

Damn Lois, get me all worked up for nothing

flitemdic · 02-12-2007, 12:44 AM

Yeah, but do you believe what the HQ guy said? There are some things in his statement that make it kind of fishy, too. He couldn't comment on whether or not a trooper made the post. For all we know, he may well be sitting in Nashville going over whoever leaked the information with a big stick. He says they aren't going to impound vehicles, etc., but in fact, if they are cited for reckless, it seems to me they could have exactly what the post says as an outcome. Here in Texas, felony reckless CAN land you in jail, (and they have extended felony reckless to include wheelies.)

"How did you land here at Texas State Pen, Bubba?"
"I murdered my baby's Mama. How about you?"
"I pulled a wheelie on IH 35"
"C'mere princess."

Lots of money down the tubes for the locals if they chase the bikers off the Gap, though. It even made the top ten "out of state" rides in Ride Texas magazine this month- but I'll never go if what's written is even a remote, slim, maybe/mightbe sort of possibility.

ConqSoft · 02-12-2007, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flitemdic

I'll never go if what's written is even a remote, slim, maybe/mightbe sort of possibility.

Any time you exceed the speed limit by 20mph you *can* be taken to jail, so it is remotely possible.... The speed limit through there is 30mph.

I stay away from the Dragon anyway... Too many fools trying to prove something, and imposing on my safety. So, I really don't have a problem with them enforcing the laws and cutting down on some of that.

There are too many other good roads in the NC mountains to ride, far away from the idiots that the Dragon seems to attract.

MotorSWATCop · 02-12-2007, 1:04 AM

If you read the second link in the first thread, it tells of Trooper Cagle being struck by a ZX-6 who was fleeing. That tends to make me doubt that Cagle would be giving a warning to bikers. Also, the language in the "trooper warning" is suspect. I have no doubt that there will be presence at the start of the season; just like last year. It fell off quickly. I ride the Dragon during the week anyway. There are less knobs then.