Today was the biggest challenge yet on the Motorcycle TransAm. Riders faced the legendary Tail of the Dragon, a road that tests even the most modern of motorcycles. Now imagine tackling it on a machine that’s over 100 years old. Every single rider who took on the challenge DID IT, and what an accomplishment that is.
The Tail of the Dragon is 318 turns packed into just 11 miles. Think about riding that on a single cylinder, or with no transmission, or even with a sidecar. It sounds crazy, but these guys made it happen. The skill and focus shown today was nothing short of incredible. Riders rolled in buzzing with excitement, all saying the same thing, what an awesome ride it was.
As the road opened into more rolling mountains on the way to Columbia, the riders found their rhythm again and pushed to the finish line. Waiting for them was an incredible welcome at Columbia Motor Alley, where Mike Wolfe greeted the group and invited everyone to check out the amazing antique bikes on display. The riders got the VIP treatment, parking right in front of the building, hanging out, and enjoying an incredible taco bar put together by Journey Biker Church. They had everything you could imagine for tacos, and the crew and riders loved every bite.
After 300 miles and one of the toughest roads of the run, the day wasn’t over yet. The parking lot turned into a workshop as motors were rebuilt and motor mounts welded back together. The determination and grit this group shows night after night is inspiring. Crews wait for their riders to come in, then everyone works side by side to make sure the bikes are ready for another full day tomorrow.
The Dragon has been conquered, but the journey continues.
Photos by: Olivier Touron, Ed Harriger
I got paid my wage and milage to ride it. Business travels.
Wondering about TMER stop location in Branson Mo..could you help me out..