Shots from Deals Gap available here!
7-16-03
Interesting Reading - Thanks Rokitt650
Spectacular (video)
7-15-03
Semis
We see them every single weekend, and especially on weekdays. The NC and TN departments of transportation have addressed the semi situation with useless "suggestion" signs which will deter MAYBE 5% of the tractor trailers. We have got to start looking out for ourselves. Please try to escort any semis you happen to get in front of. If you hear one coming and you are near the beginning of the Dragon, try to get out in front of it. If you are on a sportbike, it is possible to get around them at certain places, but it's very risky. Sometimes waving them over from behind will get them to let you pass, it depends on the driver. If you do get in front of a semi, try to stay about 1-2 turns in front of him. Motioning for people to pull off the road seems to work best. I tend to ride along near the center line to make sure I get the attention of oncoming traffic. If you're in a car, turn your hazard lights on and same thing...stay about 2 turns ahead and motion for people to pull off the opposite side of the road. They will give you funny looks, but they usually slow down and it sinks in about the time they see the truck. Watch your revs/temperature. You'll be moving along at parade speed, so don't leave it stuck in first gear.
Here, Deepak demonstrates:
He's a little close, but you get the idea. You will be a hero for many people, and may save a life along the way.
We took some pictures last weekend. Here are a few highlights...
Beautiful couples...I like to see the passenger geared up though. =)
The lengths we go to get these angles...
Which is the real threat to safety?
The ever-popular "We Love Killboy.com" salute
Dragon's Angels!
Weekend after next is Miata weekend. We plan to shoot some from overhead angles, so this is your two week notice Miata people: Clean out your cars. You don't want old Burger King sacks cluttering up your shots. ;-) Also any well-endowed women may want to cover up a bit...unless you want on the front page.
You guys should also probably keep any radar detectors on full alert...I've got a feeling the next TNHP fund raiser will involve hidden radar guns. If you get a solid signal and it looks like no one is around, make like a tree and leaf.
Any biker with an internet account is probably going to steer clear of the Gap that weekend, but there will be a few, and we can all get along. I personally enjoy riding with anyone who is enjoying the road, but with cars it can get congested pretty easily with the difficulty in passing. Keep in mind that a sportbike and a small car can conceivably share the same lane, while traveling the same direction, as long as both parties understand what is going on. Jonny Law would never approve of course, but you can just hit your right turn signal and ease over against the white line, conveniently letting the other vehicle by *IN A SAFE PASSING SECTION*. This works both ways bikers. Swallow your pride, and let a faster vehicle by to enjoy the road. It will be safer for both of you. And let's try not to get too braggy about being able to "keep up with" <insert sporty vehicle>. This is the kind of talk that drives people to "defend" against passing, and we all know it's not the vehicle, it's the driver/rider. ;)
I shouldn't have to mention the dropping wheels/kicking up gravel thing, the Miata folks are pretty good about that. In fact, a few corners have large rocks located just off the shoulder in the apex that may damage your drivetrain.
Otherwise the road is in great condition, the new asphault is curing in and grippy, and I imagine most everyone will return home with great memories.
7-13-03