Looks like a challenge. How did you hear about it?

 

@roadpig rode it a while back and told us about it. We like the area. I didn't realize it was "The Snake" at the time. But the loop up to Bristol and back down to Blowing Rock is a good run. Some of those switch backs are border line 1st gear turns.

 

@Spooks How many miles was your loop there and back on both roads…..?

 

It was 140. 3.5 hours roughly. We went into Elizabethton TN and grabbed a bite to eat, so it was longer than the 3.5 hr drive time.

 

Living near Hwy 321 in Dallas, NC, we ride The Snake quite a bit. What was said about how good it is, is true. We enjoy it more than going to Tail of the Dragon. And it's no where near as crowded. There are plenty of great roads around it too. This will be a good ride to make when Shark Week is in Asheville, NC next year. There will be others that are damn near as good too. Some of us "locals" will make sure to get some routes set up for download. Glad you enjoyed it!

Nick

 

Is this what you speak of

The Snake 421

 

Yep, looks like it.

 

Looks like a helluve nice road to ride.

 

One of the times I rode the Snake they were mowing the shoulder. A pickup with a giant blower followed them to make sure the road stayed cleared. I was impressed.

The whole area is beautiful. I stayed a Roan Mountain State Park, Grayson Highlands State Park, and a VRBO in Blowing Rock the last 3 trips out that way.

A lot of mountain riding out of Roan Mountain with the BRP from little Switzerland to Boone.

From Grayson Highlands

From Blowing Rock

Basing out of 3 different locations allowed for some overlap, "The Snake" and different areas.

 

Yes, that is The Snake. When we ride it from my area, we ride up Hwy 321 to Boone and then 421 to Mountain City, TN. Then turn right on Hwy 91 and ride up to Damascus, VA. Very nice little ride up. Once in Damascus, if you want to visit the area, you can go visit The Creeper Trail. I haven't been but I have a friend who owns a place near the end of it and he says it's always busy in the summer. Leaving Damascus, take 133 south to Shady Valley. On the way there you will pass thru a state park and Backbone Rock, which is a vertical rock about 100'+ straight up, but only about 25' wide where the road is cut thru it. It used to be the path for the railroad to go thru years ago. Really cool place to stop, take pictures, hike, and climb if so inclined. After leaving there, meander south to Shady Valley and stop at the store and check it out. Then decide if you want to go left onto The Snake, right towards Bristol, or straight thru more valleys. No matter which way you go, you're going to enjoy the ride. The website mentioned is a great resource for planning a ride in that area.

Nick

 

We had virtually zero traffic on a Weds. It was great. We took old 421 north until it met up with 421, just south of Trade, good ride.

 

Super envious and I need to get out that way. I’m gonna make every effort possible for Shark Week next year……

 

Is SW actually in/near Asheville in '25?

 

Pigeon Forge I recall... But now changed to Ashville.

 

The Snake is a blast! I'm doing a "snake" themed Iron Butt ride in August that will include that. The basic 1000/24 hours but with riding a bunch of snake routes along the way. The Rattler, Diamondback, and so on.

 

@twowheeladdict the powers to be moved Shark Week from Pigeon Forge to Asheville making the announcement last week

 

Thanks Bob. Better location for experiencing the best roads with less crowds.

 

Apparently they changed the location from Pigeon Forge to Ashville, nothing at all has been posted on here that I've seen, but I was told it was noted on the FB site.

Figures.

My thoughts exactly.

Funny how this site and our members are treated like red headed step-children when it comes to Shark Week, even though 90% of the event participation comes from people who frequent this site……. You’d think at least one of the SW Gods would or could have the courtesy to provide consistent updates on this site, but I guess that’s asking too much……. Whatever I guess, but definitely leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

 

I've had that taste ever since the clique pulled the event (and themselves) away from this site. Initially, I thought that they were so integral to this site that they'd really be missed ..... I was wrong. There's only one of them that I miss. To add insult to injury we have several who still retain their moderator titles, even though they only show their faces on this site about as often as Santa comes to town.

 

Division is not good for any group.

 

RGNR 2025 UPDATE
Hotel arrangements for the 2025 RGNR have been wrapped up. The contract has been signed, sealed and delivered!
We are looking forward to seeing everyone in Ashville at the Crown Plaza Hotel of Ashville on July 29, 30 & 31, 2025.
Mark your calendar and keep and eye out for future communications from Kim, Tina and Regina. They will keep you up to date and will share the necessary information.
In the mean time.... We will see you in Utah. Change your oil, check your tires complete the required maintenance. If you don't feel like doing that, you can go buy a new bike!

Hope this helps for those not on FB. They have not released information on when we can register for rooms. I will try to keep y'all informed as I get info. But I'm not on FB 24/7 like a lot are.

Nick

 

Might want to make a new thread about RGNR. nobody interested will find it in this thread.