Someone posted this on a Harley forum... I can't see it from work. Mid-A people please post up your opinions.

http://backofthedragon.com/

Would this be worth doing a run to?

 

Blocked here, too. Sorry, Bill.

 

I'll check it when I get home... I hope it's a great road that's closer than the dragon...

 

VA 16, Tazewell to Marion, VA. Basically the old-school version of I-77.

 

We did that in 2005 or 2006 in the way to the Dragon...it's right off 81.

 

It was just a twisty road back then, kind of bad shape too.

 

Interesting and potentially exciting (for our general region) resolution per March 2011 Minutes of the Tazewell Co Board of Supervisors:

__________________________________________________ _______

BACK OF THE DRAGON

A resolution was adopted upon a motion of Supervisor Hymes seconded by Supervisor Anderson and adopted by a vote of 5 to 0, and with all members present voting in favor thereof and no one against the same, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors hereby adopts the following:

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF “BACK OF THE DRAGON”

WHEREAS, outdoor recreation has been recognized as a key component of Southwest Virginia’s economy; and the Back of the Dragon is one of Tazewell County’s newest outdoor recreation initiatives; and

WHEREAS, located along Route 16 between Frog Level in Tazewell County and Marion, in Smyth County, Virginia, the Back of the Dragon is 32 miles of “knee-dragging” excitement for motorcyclists and exhilarating adventure for sports car enthusiasts;

WHEREAS, a similar trail located in Deals Gap, North Carolina called the “Tail of the Dragon” which is only 11 miles has generated economic growth by creating lodging, restaurants and entrepreneurial opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the Back of the Dragon trail has potential to create entrepreneurial opportunities, create new jobs, and increase tourist visitation;

WHEREAS, in 1934, the General Assembly named portions of Route 16 as the “B. F. Buchanan” roadway and this designation shall not affect any other designations heretofore or hereafter applied to this highway or any portions thereof;

WHEREAS, Route 16 has the basic infrastructure needed for a great ride already in existence and has been unofficially dubbed as “Back of the Dragon” by many local motorcyclists because of the three “humps” of a dragon’s back (mountains)and the 15-mile per hour curves; and

WHEREAS, Route 16 has been promoted in magazines such as BMW, an international motorcycle periodical and has the potential to draw international visitors to the region; and

WHEREAS, the portion of the route to be named “Back of the Dragon” crosses jurisdictional boundaries into Smyth County and Smyth County has agreed to partner with Tazewell County to promote Back of the Dragon; and

WHEREAS, this roadway is already designated as a Virginia Byway (occurred in 2000) and is signed accordingly and has been verified with the Virginia Department of Transportation District staff and no further action is needed for the Byway designation; and

WHEREAS, Special events called Back of the Dragon Days are being planned. One of these events is being held in conjunction with Southwest Regional Recreation Authority and National Trail Days on June 4, 2011 at Historic Crab Orchard Museum to generate revenue;

WHEREAS, the Tazewell County Tourism Committee has been given authorization to utilize the official logo for “Back of the Dragon” which is in the process of being trademarked by a local entrepreneur; and

WHEREAS, the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors (Tazewell County) pledges its support to pay for the cost of the signage, pursuant to Virginia Code Section 33.1-12 (4) ; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of Tazewell County, Virginia hereby officially requests the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board to designate Route 16 as “Back of the Dragon” along the course as mentioned to enhance economic growth and tourism opportunities in Southwest Virginia.
__________________________________________________ ___

 

I'd drive it! From a reading of that Resolution, looks like that stretch is posted at a fairly low speed ...but since I don't drive like a bat outta hell much any more...I'd really enjoy a nice drive along there! I appreciate that I could be wrong, but judging solely from the video clips in Bill's website link on Back of the Dragon, it looks as though this road might drive a lot like the part of Route 28 first taken as we leave Fontana Village heading back towards Richmond, VA.

- Dave

 

i would be up for it. it's about a 6 hour drive from northern va. add 2 more hours and your at deals gap.

 

I think I've driven pass that area when I weent to Camp Dawson, WV, I also remeber passing thru Rt 50 W and MD 256 or something. It was one of the best exhelirating drive I ever had, about 2 hours of twisted roads wiht 55MPH speed limit. The road was connected to I81 passed Winchester HS exit.