The Tail of the Dragon, crossing Deals Gap at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, is considered by many as one of the world's best touring roads. Cyclists, sports car enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a scenic highway will enjoy this stretch of Highway 129. There are some 130 curves in 14 miles (this number varies depending on who is telling the story). The road is also desolate and can be an adventure in the winter. We've had to deal with everything from trees across the road to a tractor trailer stuck in one of the tight curves. It is not a road for the squeamish, but if you're looking for a little excitement don't miss this one.

To us the Dragon begins at Fugitive Bridge with a view of the Cheoah Dam where Harrison Ford jumped in The Fugitive and ends at the Tabcat Creek Bridge. The road climbs through The Slide, a steep series of "S" curves where one would not want to meet a tractor trailer. The road then levels and straightens until a series of curves approaching the Crossroads of Time, one of the main hangouts for cyclists. Next is Deals Gap and the Tennessee State Line. I'll leave the rest for you to describe after you ride it. Many just remember curve after curve after curve.

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