Bandits at Deals Gap - not

[Cargo7]

I went through several hundred photos posted on killboy.com - who seem to be the stewards for US129 - Deals Gap section. I didn't notice a single shot of a Suzuki Bandit...

I wouldn't mind hearing some first hand comments about rider's experiences at Deals Gap and if it worth planning a trip down.

Cheers!

[PeteSC]

A trip from BC?   Yeah, it would be worth it, but realize  Deals Gap is just one great road in this region that you need to check out.
 Deals Gap is about 5 hours from me, and I used to run up there 3 times or so a year.    I haven't been there this year at all.
  It's a unique set of twisty stuff you won't find anywhere else.
 It's also too crowded and dangerous on weekends.  Too many squids, too much traffic. and they have increased law enforcement at times.
  It's still worth going, preferably on a weekday.
  There are enough GREAT roads to keep you busy in the SE US for weeks.   Deals Gap is just one of them.

[Red01]

My problems with going to Deal's Gap are:

1) I just can't bear to truck or trailer my bike anywhere.
2) I couldn't just slab it the 3000+ miles each way.
3) I don't have enough vacation to ride there and back and explore all the roads I'd want to explore.
4) While I haven't ridden DG, I have ridden sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, so I'm familiar with the scenery of the area. I've come to the conclusion I can have just as much fun right here in the Pacific Northwest - and IMHO, the PNW scenery is better.

Maybe I'll go when I'm retired, so I don't have to worry about vacation time... and maybe by then, I'll have already explored all the great roads in the Destination Highways BC and Destination Highways Washington books.  

[cb400bill]

I was down there in September.  Killboy got my picture riding my Bandit.

http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prsm.dll?eventorder?photo=04RK005D0D0006&start=0&album=0&adjust=-1

I had a great time.  700 mile ride from MI to Deals Gap in 1 day.  2 days of riding the Dragon, Cherohala, and other great area roads.

I can't wait to get back.

Edit 1: While there I saw 3 or 4 other Bandits.  2 or 3 on the Cherohala and a couple riding 2 up through the Dragon.

Edit 2: We were there on the weekend.  Yes it was busy but I never felt crowded out or unsafely passed.  And I never saw any police in the popular riding areas.  Not one.

[PeteSC]

A 3000 mile trip there is pretty 'epic', but, if you have the time, you could do some real serious riding on the way, also.
  If you could commit 3 weeks or more, man you could ride the Rockies, Ozarks, and the Smokies!

  Like anything else with a big reputation, a lot depends on how much value you put on being able to say you've been there, but there is great riding in the area....you don't really have time to look at the scenery much when you're riding, anyway.

  The cops at Deals Gap are kind of on and off.   They tend to be around after there's been some deaths, or on major holiday weekends.

[Cargo7]

Thanks for the replies - It's a long way alright, but I'm glad to hear that you can see the odd Bandito down there too.

My friends and I have stuck to BC, Alberta and Washington so far - Both Destination Highways books are great in that respect. Having said that I would like to get down to the Southern States sometime and I can't think of a better way than on the back of fine bike.

[IcyChaos]

7 buddies and I went to the dragon a few months back. One of my friends has my previous Bandit 400 and rode it there with us.

It was the best road I have ever ridden. Amazing twisty's and Pristine pavement.

Saw a few cops there since there was a death 2 days before we arrived, the same weekend they broke the 11 miles Dragon record and came in at around 9 minutes.

[solman]

I was there with my Bandit this last Summer.  I had a great time riding the Dragon on my Bandit.  I managed to get a few shots of me on the Dragon.  As far as cops, on Friday afternoon as I was leaving, the cops were heading up the hill.  I left just at the right time. Also if anybody is interested, I made a powerpoint presentation on my Bandit and the trip to Deals Gap.  It includes a map and some other interesting photos of some of the turns and dangers.  If anybody wants a copy, just send me an email.

[Dexter]

I got to ride the Dragon on my bandit last june and had a blast... cant wait to do it again, but for my money the Cherahola skyway was the bomb for the big bandit, got to run it with a guy on a ducati and we damn near raped that road...if you get the chance, go ride them both, will never forget that ride.. plan on going again this summer!

[solman]

I chased a friend of mine on his CB1100f on the Skyway.  I was definitely a blast to do.

[Silverstreak]

New Conti-Road Attacks, new brakes, I'm ready and going to the gap on Apr 26.

[doublenaughtspy]

If you are going to make the trip, this set of books is VERY informative.  The first two are probably best for your trip, but the third would be a good companion if you're headed back to Toronto. Man, I wish I taking a 3000 mile M/C trip!  Ride safe!
www.milestonepress.com/html/moto.html

[Dexter]

I am headed back for Deals gap june 19th  should be there for a few days... if anyone is going to be in the area drop me a line.. will be there with a buddy on an R6... and I have the new Metzlers on .. ready for the twisties!!  see ya!!

[texasbandit]

  I've done the Dragon twice on my '97 B12, once in the rain, both times mid-week.  I saw no police, but one dead wild boar in the middle of the road on a curve.  Loaded down with two weeks worth of camping gear I did not push very hard on the Dragon, an SV would probably be a lot more fun.  Now about fun, for the Bandit (even loaded down) the Cheroholla was a blast, moderate sweepers, few tight corners, and plenty of overlooks filled up with bikes.  Although on both of my visits I did not see another Bandit, only GSXRs.  All things considered, I'll be back!

[IcyChaos]

I am headed back for Deals gap june 19th  should be there for a few days... if anyone is going to be in the area drop me a line.. will be there with a buddy on an R6... and I have the new Metzlers on .. ready for the twisties!!  see ya!!

Ahh dang, I think I'll just miss ya.. Im going that weekend 15-18 Thursday-Sunday.