Which way to go, Colorado or Tail of the Dragon?

Semis were banned in 2016

Wish that were the case back in the '90s. I remember many runs from the lookout back to the camp just wave off riders and let them know to wait for the Semi to pass before doing a lap.

Later,
Kent Larson from Minnesota
 
Definately need to head to Wyoming; see the Tetons, Yellowstone, and go over Beartooth pass once in your life;
 
Something that hasn't been mentioned yet, heat/humidity. You'll likely be more comfortable riding in CO than the SE this time of year, although its common for T-storms to pop up between about 2 and 4 in the afternoon.
 
I lived in Colorado for 9 years. It was the roads there both at the foot of the mountains and in the mountains that made want to get back on a bike, which i did. Can't tell you how much i miss riding in the Rockies! I've heard some people say they were disappointed in "the Dragon", I've never heard anyone say they were disappointed riding in Colorado.......but then i'm biased :)
 
Something that hasn't been mentioned yet, heat/humidity. You'll likely be more comfortable riding in CO than the SE this time of year, although its common for T-storms to pop up between about 2 and 4 in the afternoon.

+1, go to CO now and NC/GA in the fall.
 
Spent yesterday several hours in front of the computer, watching YouTube videos, starring in google maps... There is still enough time to change my mind (believe me, nothing unusual :D) but right now the "winner" is the Tail and other trails/roads. And the reason is: I found so many off-road trails in Colorado I would like to ride on but I'm pretty limited with the bike (NC), not much experience and being by myself. And I know myself, I would not stop and turn around when I should, and I'll bring myself into the trouble. So, I should rather wait a bit, find good bike with big clearance, make my friend go with me, and hit the trails w/o any hesitations. My NC will do great on curvy roads in TN, NC, KY, GA... Never rode in such a "environment" (don't forget, I'm from Iowa :D) and, as couple of you guys said, go where you never been before. ;)
So, the plan is to ride on the Tail, Cherohala, Blue Ridge (southern part, don't have time to ride whole parkway :()... and probably few more trails.

Thanks for the help.
But keep commenting, keep throwing more info... :D
 
+3 Go to the 16% humidity of Colorado. You will need a case of Monkey Butt powder in the southeast this time of year.
 
Something that hasn't been mentioned yet, heat/humidity. You'll likely be more comfortable riding in CO than the SE this time of year, although its common for T-storms to pop up between about 2 and 4 in the afternoon.
heat/humidity I'm kinda ok with that. But thunderstorms - I hate it!!! And pretty scared of them... :(
 
Hum... Can you please elaborate a bit? Is it SO bad now?

If you prefer heat/humidity over the chance of a little daily rain, then go to NC/GA. I rode in the rain/storms in NM/CO, no big deal but they weren't that bad the three days we were there, didn't even put my rain suit on. Just got a little wet and was dry in an hour or so.
 
If you prefer heat/humidity over the chance of a little daily rain, then go to NC/GA. I rode in the rain/storms in NM/CO, no big deal but they weren't that bad the three days we were there, didn't even put my rain suit on. Just got a little wet and was dry in an hour or so.

It's not the rain I'm afraid of. Got wet so many times.
It's the lightnings... :mad: You know, you're sitting on a pile of metal parts, sticking up your head... and, additionally, if you have GoPro on the top f your helmet...
 
My 2 cents... I've ridden the Dragon several times. It's not really scenic because it demands your full attention. And if you don't hit it mid-week you could find it over populated. Everybody wants to ride it. And you can get stuck behind a group of slow movers or cars which suck the fun out of it. As can the Po Po.

There are many roads in that area which are way more fun and less traveled. Like the ones Uncle Phil mentioned.
 
There are so many good roads in the area besides the Dragon that you can stay busy for weeks. Highway 28, Cherohala Skyway, Wayah Road, Up to Hot Springs. I could keep you busy just in the State of Tennessee for more days than you have. ;-) One of these days you'll have to come to the BRG for a 'sample'.

I have a friend who LIVES on Wayah Road. Much fun there. And there's also Wolf Pen Road, 60, on and on.
 
It's not the rain I'm afraid of. Got wet so many times.
It's the lightnings... :mad: You know, you're sitting on a pile of metal parts, sticking up your head... and, additionally, if you have GoPro on the top f your helmet...

Agreed. If it gets that bad, I just pull over.
 
My 2 cents... I've ridden the Dragon several times. It's not really scenic because it demands your full attention. And if you don't hit it mid-week you could find it over populated. Everybody wants to ride it. And you can get stuck behind a group of slow movers or cars which suck the fun out of it. As can the Po Po.

There are many roads in that area which are way more fun and less traveled. Like the ones Uncle Phil mentioned.

+1, My experience and thoughts exactly. The Cherohala is a different story though, can be a little busy but much longer and a really nice brisk ride.
 
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