Y'ALL BE CAREFUL!!!!!

"AP-TN DRAGON DEATHS
Three die in motorcycle wrecks on mountain highway

MARYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Three people have died in two days in motorcycle accidents on a dangerous stretch of highway called "the Dragon" that twists through the Smoky Mountains.

A couple from Florida were killed Friday when they took a curve on U.S. 129 too quickly and lost control, said Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Ernest Marion.

The pair were riding on a three-wheeled Honda motorcycle, which hit a car carrying a large boat on a trailer. Their identities were not released pending notification of family members.

The accident knocked the 5,000-pound boat off the trailer and the couple became trapped under it, authorities said. The road was closed for more than three hours as authorities removed the wreckage.

A Michigan man died Thursday on the same road after he lost control of his motorcycle and slid off an 80-foot cliff in the Smoky Mountain foothills, authorities say.

Kevin James Hoyt, 40, of Highland, Mich., braked too hard while taking a curve and his bike slid off the highway and over the cliff into some woods, Marion said.

Marion said speed was not a factor in the accident, and Hoyt was wearing a helmet."

 

 

They should have been driving Vettes. Then they would be home talking about how cool it was.

 

NO. Then they would have died in there Vettes. Because, when it's your time. It's your time no matter what you are drivivg.

 

Yup... Plus a vette is capable of taking out more vehicles than a bike.

 

Maybe the bike's number was up and the people just happened to be in the way?

 

Actually, I believe one can shorten his time here on earth. As a matter of fact, considering the bible frowns on it, that suggests one can indeed control the timetable.

Keep it on the track where it belongs...not on public highways.

 

My belief is: Your Name is in HIS book...DAY,DATE,&Time. No changing it...

So if you want to CRUISE with me, Have life insurance payed up and will made out.... O.K. get in-fasten your belt and HOLD ON!!!!

 

Dangerous stretch of road. I avoid it because of "the other guy."

 

Very .

 

I hope to do it this year. I'll definately be looking out though.

for the 3 dead and the survivors that were involved.

 

It's a fun road to travel, but can also be very dangerous.

 

I went on the trail last year and though the majority of the drivers that day maintained the proper speed and spacing there were some individuals on that road that day who had no regard for anyone else judging from the way they were driving. If you go on the Tail, maintain your speed and space you will have a wonderful time. If you are there to be stupid, you will pay the price. The speed limit is 30MPH so as long as you stay below, you will be ok.

 

Trail? The speed limit signs have always been 55 on the Gap unless they've been changed this year...

No matter your speed or vehicle you need to know your and your vehicles limits and drive within them.

 

The Tennessee side of the Dragon is 30mph and has been for a number of years now. I know this because I used to run my sport bike up there and I also kept up with the goings on via Killboys website.

I also got a ticket in 2004 for 50 in a 30.

 

I've never seen a 55mph sign posted on the Dragon.

 

I have seen it....and laugh each time I see it. It is hard to keep up that speed for any amount of time.

 

Friday July 13, 2007 - Two Florida riders were the second and third fatalities on the Dragon in 2007. According to witnesses the three-wheel Honda crossed the centerline and struck a vehicle towing a boat. The trike was northbound near mile 1.5 near The Wall. US129 was closed for several hours after the 5:30 PM accident while the scene was cleared. Another bike following the trike was also involved, but the rider refused treatment.

Thursday July 12, 2007 - A Michigan rider, Kevin James Hoyt (40), became the first fatality on the Dragon in 2007. The accident was one of many at the tricky Guard Rail Cliff corner at mile 7.2. Troopers measured the fall at 80 feet below the road.

The State of Tennessee has allocated funds to assist Blount County Sheriff in patrolling the Dragon according to a BCSO spokesperson. Riders can expect daily patrols with increased activities during the weekends. This is not meant to be a harsh crack-down, but is an effort to slow riders down in order to reduce accidents. Be warned that excessive speeds and other violations will be enforced.

 

I beg to differ on the 55MPH. You could not make the first curve at that speed. I would like to see someone do it at 55. It would be a short drive for sure.

 

I am taking in the Dragon and the Skyway for the 1st time this weekend with the 315s on the C4 and I get the idea this is not the place to test my car's limits. I'll be the grandpa in the purple Corvette you see this weekend...

Now the trip over to US129 could be a different story......