FROM VIRGINIA BEACH TO THE BACK OF THE DRAGON: MY FIRST MOTORCYCLE ROAD TRIP AND THE LESSONS I LEARNED
The Call of the Dragon:
In 2020, my friend Sri, residing in New Jersey, and I, based in Virginia Beach, shared a mutual love for travel and a yearning for a motorcycle adventure. We decided to meet up and ride to the Back of the Dragon, a legendary route renowned for its scenic beauty and thrilling curves. I was riding my beloved Yamaha FZ-09, equipped with heated grips, TechSpec tank grips, a Quad Lock mount, and Oxford heated grips for added comfort. Sri, on the other hand, was piloting his trusty Goldwing.
Preparing for the Journey:
Knowing this was my first long-distance motorcycle trip (400 miles, roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes by car), I meticulously planned my route and packed essentials like a spare gas can, tire repair kit, and a change of clothes in my tail bag. To combat potential fatigue, I planned to stop every 110-120 miles for gas and rest.
Riding Through Fall's Embrace:
The journey itself was a breathtaking experience, as I rode alongside majestic mountains and through picturesque valleys. The fall foliage was in full bloom, painting the landscape in vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red. Despite a minor setback of having to grab a quick egg sandwich from a Shell gas station instead of a sit-down dinner with Sri, I arrived at our hotel in Tazewell, VA, feeling invigorated and ready for the next day's adventure.
Conquering the Back of the Dragon:
The following day, we embarked on the Back of the Dragon, a 32-mile stretch of Route 16 from Marion to Tazewell, Virginia. With approximately 400 turns, it promised a thrilling yet manageable ride compared to its counterpart, the Tail of the Dragon. The weather was damp, so we maintained a moderate pace of 60 mph, enjoying the lush scenery and the camaraderie of shared music through our helmet communicators. We explored the charming town near the route, stopping at the Back of the Dragon Tavern for a post-ride meal.
The, “wait, I don’t have a shot, shot…”
Sri at the start of the ride.
seems appropriate a tail of the dragon shirt
The ride itself was a symphony of twists and turns, each bend revealing a new vista of natural beauty. We marveled at the dense foliage and the rugged terrain as we navigated the mountain roads. A brief stop at Hungry Mother State Park in Smyth County offered a chance to stretch our legs and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings. We then doubled back to the Back of the Dragon Tavern for a well-deserved feast, where I indulged in their famous Khaleesi burger and tater tots while Sri picked up a souvenir T-shirt.
At the tavern
On the route, pulled over to grab a quick shot
The route
Lessons Learned in the Rain:
The return trip tested our resilience as a relentless rain poured down. Thankfully, my three-season waterproof jacket and rain pants kept me relatively dry, though my feet suffered due to a lack of waterproof boots. The Pirelli Angel GT II tires on my FZ-09 proved their worth in the wet conditions, providing excellent grip and allowing me to confidently navigate the challenging weather.
Reflection and Future Adventures:
This inaugural motorcycle road trip solidified my love for two-wheeled adventures. I learned valuable lessons about preparation, pacing, and the importance of having the right gear for all weather conditions. The experience also highlighted the need for better physical fitness to combat fatigue during long rides. As I reflected on the journey, I knew this was just the beginning of many more exciting motorcycle adventures to come.
Coming Up: Conquering the Dragon's Tail: My Thrilling Ride Through Deals Gap
The Back of the Dragon was just a taste of the adventure that awaited me. My next article takes you to the heart of motorcycle lore: the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap. Discover the exhilarating twists and turns, the camaraderie of fellow riders, and the pure adrenaline rush that fueled my most anticipated motorcycle journey yet. Get ready to experience the legendary Tail of the Dragon through my eyes!
