May 25-26, 2024 - Back of the Dragon Gathering

[Tophat Wade]

Hello all...
I'm Mad Mike, and I sincerely apologize for not participating on this forum before now (as I was only utilizing social media in the past).

I've been hosting and leading rides through the Appalachian Mountains and other places for years nows... and thought I would open it up to ALL of those who ride Big Dogs.

I always host my ride in May on Memorial Day Weekend; and to keep it fun/fresh, we rotate the ride event year to year between Tail of the Dragon, Back of the Dragon, The Snake, Dragon Slayer, other 'Freeman rides' throughout the Appalachian Mountains, and one year we did the Eye of the Dragon in Kentucky. We are mostly a bunch of old Military Veterans who love to get together and ride our Big Dogs through the Mountains. We also do the Bike Weeks in Sturgis (Black Hills) and Laconia (White Mountains) on alternating years (this year 2024, we'll be in Sturgis). We have done Daytona, to include Key West, in the past; but we mostly prefer twisty roads through the mountains.

This year, Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-26, 2024, I am hosting rides on the Back of the Dragon, The Snake, the Widow Maker, and maybe the Dragon Slayer located in South Western Virginia. I negotiate with local hotels to get a reduced "group rate" for participants.

I have attached some pictures of our past events for review to give you some perspective.
With all that being said, would anyone here be interested in joining in the fun and shenanigans? If so, I will make my next event this May 2024 an official "Big Dog Gathering."

What are your thoughts?
(Pics attached)

 

[knothead]

Thanks for the invite and welcome to the forum from West Tennessee. I know my wife (Stephanie)has spoke with you on Facebook and she has showed me pics of y'alls rides. We will see what we can work out ..Thanks again for the invite

 

[mastiffdave]

Welcome Mike, sounds like you and us have missed out on some good times together. I’m betting you got some takers from this group and Thanks for standing up and having a gathering. You will be blessed by these guys as they are the top of line and standup fellers. I won’t be able to attend as other plans this year.
STURGIS The group ride is always Tuesday at 10 am at Saloon #10 in deadwood.
September , the biggest and best gathering is in Arkansas at my farm . You are invited as well and usually coincides with Bikes Blues and BBQ.
We will be back in the smokies this fall as well as a bunch of us go in October for a week or so. Maybe we can all join up than as well.

 

[liferider]

May 6-10 we are making a run through Louisiana starting in North La going through south La. 2 nights in New Orleans, then Natchez Mississippi and back to Shreveport. Would love to have yall. Look at the thread we have all the hotel info

 

[Mickmorris]

Welcome to the Dog Pound. I might be interested in participating in this ride & get together. I definitely fit the bill of a old veteran who loves riding his BigDog motorcycles. I had made reservations for Tail of the Dragon for a weekend in May but my understanding is they will be resurfacing the roadway at that time in 2024. So I canceled those reservations and booked a weekend in Leesburg Florida in April. But I am thinking I can still get away for Memorial Day weekend for some riding in the mountains. Please let us know your itinerary and lodging options. Thanks for dropping in!

 

[pknowles]

If you

Welcome to the Dog Pound. I might be interested in participating in this ride & get together. I definitely fit the bill of a old veteran who loves riding his BigDog motorcycles. I had made reservations for Tail of the Dragon for a weekend in May but my understanding is they will be resurfacing the roadway at that time in 2024. So I canceled those reservations and booked a weekend in Leesburg Florida in April. But I am thinking I can still get away for Memorial Day weekend for some riding in the mountains. Please let us know your itinerary and lodging options. Thanks for dropping in!

View attachment 121535

If you have never did the back of the dragon you are in for a treat.
It's highway 16 between Taswell and Marion, Va. Look it up on google earth.

 

[Mr. Wright]

Looks like an awesome opportunity Wade. I know many on here have been wanting to do that ride.
Also go back up to the top, click on forums. First line in introductions. Do an intro and tell everyone a little more about you, and what you do. I know many along the East coast that would like to know you.

 

[Chong]

Welcome from Michigan !

 

[Rottweiler]

Welcome from Pa. Sounds like a good time.

 

[Minuteman]

This sounds very interesting and fits well with some that really want to see more of this area.
And welcome to the forum from North Central Mass.

 

[Mickmorris]

This sounds very interesting and fits well with some that really want to see more of this area.
And welcome to the forum from North Central Mass.

Happy New Year Ted! Coming down for BikeWeek?

 

[BakieBake]

This sounds very interesting and fits well with some that really want to see more of this area.
And welcome to the forum from North Central Mass.

U could do that blue ridge mountain ride down again ted!!

 

[Tophat Wade]

If you

If you have never did the back of the dragon you are in for a treat.
It's highway 16 between Taswell and Marion, Va. Look it up on google earth.

In my opinion, Back of the Dragon is the 2nd BEST road to ride in America (only surpassed by Iron Mountain Road in the Black Hills)

 

[Mickmorris]

In my opinion, Back of the Dragon is the 2nd BEST road to ride in America (only surpassed by Iron Mountain Road in the Black Hills)

I think our friend Paul (pknowles) agrees with this statement. Be very interested in booking a spot on this get together & ride.

 

[Mastiff Rider64]

Welcome from South Carolina, I have seen your post on FB and have always wanted to join your rides but working in maintenance I usually have to work holiday weekends, I'll check my schedule for this years ride and hopefully I can make it.

 

[Mickeetwo]

In my opinion, Back of the Dragon is the 2nd BEST road to ride in America (only surpassed by Iron Mountain Road in the Black Hills)

I agree 100 %

 

[Tophat Wade]

Welcome to the Dog Pound. I might be interested in participating in this ride & get together. I definitely fit the bill of a old veteran who loves riding his BigDog motorcycles. I had made reservations for Tail of the Dragon for a weekend in May but my understanding is they will be resurfacing the roadway at that time in 2024. So I canceled those reservations and booked a weekend in Leesburg Florida in April. But I am thinking I can still get away for Memorial Day weekend for some riding in the mountains. Please let us know your itinerary and lodging options. Thanks for dropping in!

View attachment 121535

Love the Big Dog line up!

 

[bikeone]

Welcome from Bavaria.

 

[Mickmorris]

Ya got to get one of these.

 

[Tophat Wade]

Welcome from Bavaria.

Guten Tag!
Vas Ist Los... Mein Bruder!
(the wife and I use to love vacationing in and around Munich, Augsburg, Salzburg, and Berchtesgaden... Octoberfest, Volksfest, Christmas Markets, etc.)