I'll be taking a road trip from Michigan to St. Petes, Florida next week. One thing I've heard about and finally have the chance to drive lies between here and there.

Deal's Gap, otherwise known as Tail of the Dragon.



I may also check out the Blue Ridge Parkway on the return leg of the journey. That looks to be a more scenic type of drive, rather than an ***-kicking monster that won't let you out of 2nd gear.

My girlfriend is my co-pilot. She likes to nap, but she won't be doing any sleeping during those 11 miles!

 

Hey Endor. That's a GREAT route to drive. That dragon tail graphic really isn't that far off in terms of accuracy (minus the scales, lol). Just don't be disappointed if traffic actually gets backed up in places (tourists stopping to take pictures, etc).

I really ought to get back up there before cold weather sets in…

 

Nice!

 

I've been traveling I-77 between Columbus and Charlotte for the past couple of months and must recommend the West Virginia Turnpike. The best stretch in heading south past the first toll booth or if heading North between the 2nd and 3rd toll booths. If you are looking to take highway home I highly recommend it.

 

here are some twisties ...

 

man that road looks awesome. Hope you have fun my friend and I hope you don't get stuck behind too many tourists

 

Um.. I seen this stretch of road if you will on SuperBikes on Speed.. and um..
BE CAREFUL!!!!!
They shown pictures of both bikes and cars being DESTORYED by this road. I dont wish to see a picture of a Rx-8 slapped against a tree in the near future. Also if your 8 is Silver.. um avoid this road at all cost. But if its another color and you are careful.. enjoy the hell out of this road looks like its killa fun if it doesnt kill you first.

(Sorry for the caps but I had to stress a few words hehe..)

 

Back in the 70's when I was my son's age I escaped from Ohio moving to Raleigh NC. The old West VA turnpike was a treat in a 914. As it went from 2 lane to 3 lane and eventually 4 lane, I found any excuse possible to make the trip back to Ohio.

Deal Gap is only one of many really nice roads to try. The catch is to really enjoy it takes a sunrise drive. By 9:00 AM there is too much traffic to really have fun.

Among the best piece of interstate I've ever been on is the eastboud route of I-40 coming out of Knoxville. It's hard to believe this is an Intestate. You get to climb a mountain at 65 MPH - kind of like turning Pikes Peak into an interstate.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is the best road east of the Rockies. Like Deals Gap it takes early morning to best enjoy it and you'll want to take on all 400 miles of it. It's worth a 2 week camping trip.

As good as those roads are, the best roads are in the Rockies and west. Bigger mountains, steeper roads, less traffic.

Living in Dallas the roads really suck. Baby butt smooth is good, but straight and flat.

 

hehehe she wants us to ride her.

 

No, here are some twisties...

 

I warn..

I have heard of SUPER increased cop-activity on this stretch of road. It appears, after so many years, the local law-enforcement has figured out whats going on up there. Just have a radar detector, as no cop would be able to get a 3-step laser on you up there.

 

Ok, I'm ignorant. What state is that in?

 

On the border of North Carolina & Tennessee.

 

Watch out for motorbikes.
Watch out for Miatas (they're like the plague on that road).
And above all, have a blast, its quite possibly the best drivign road in the country.

As for the parkway coming back, forget it. Ridiculous speed limits, and over-populated with slow-moving RVs and the like. Very frustrating for anyone with even the slightest bit of lead in their foot.

 

If your gonna be around the area on Sept 6th thru 10th check out the RX-8 Brotherhood of the Dragon 2006 event HERE

 

 

19/23 through sams gap in North Carolina and Eastern TN is lots of fun too.

 

Driven it as well. Enjoy, but a couple comments.

1) Weekends are packed! Not as much fun and more dangerous. On blind right-handers oncoming motorcyles cheat over near the centerline and lean deep. Had a helmet whizz past my mirror mere inches away. Puckered up, buttercup. Also, keep the car in your own lane, dont cut the corner or you could regret it.

2) Cops dont shoot radar. They are there to monitor the activities and pick up the pieces after incidents.

3) Drive thru on a weekday to get max enjoyment.

Have a safe trip.

 

You should also hit OH26 and WV16 on the way there. Very fun in the RX-8, and they take you in the right direction.

I describe the experience in my review here:

http://www.epinions.com/content_191917493892

Unfortunately I was only going between MI and VA, so no Deal's Gap for me. I'm jealous.

 

pics from last weekend on the dragon...

 

more...

 

Wow that looks like a fun trip! Definately check out the Blue Ridge parkway, and Route 8 near the VA & NC border. Route 8 near the parkway has some of the best canyon carving around this area, not really high speeds through most of it, but some very well laid out roads, nice camber, and can be quite technical. VA is full of fun roads like this. Have fun.

 

^i'll have to check that @ some point...^

 

The rangers use radar heavily on the BRP and they do not tolerate much in the way of "any" infractions. Be very wary on this road, most people are looking everywhere other than where they're going.

 

i seem to remember a sort of "brotherhood" event along this route. anyone seen that? anyone? anyone?

https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-brotherhood-dragon-110/

and it looks alot like the deals gap rally place too

https://www.rx8club.com/deals-gap-rotary-rally-111/

[/cheap plugs]

seriously just enjoy the scenery on BRP and try to keep an eye on the OTHER people driving. tickets and accidents are easy to come by along there