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8 | WheelsOfGrace.com | Issue 45 Taking on a winding road is one of the best parts of being a biker. You become one with your ride as you crank back the thro le and navigate the twists and turns. Grab your gear, fuel up your bike and get ready to head out on a great road trip. Anyone can hop behind the wheel of a car and drive around looking at scenery. Only a biker can understand the magic of leaning into the curves while the wind rushes over you. Take a Legendary Ride or Cruise Off the Beaten Path The almost mys cal sensa on of riding intensifies when you take on a stretch of winding road. One such road passes along the Great Smokey Mountain Na onal Park, and it's called Tail of the Dragon. Another op on runs through north central Ohio's Mohican State Park and Ohio's Amish Country. These are both great trips for bikers, because riding the Dragon's Tail gives an advanced rider some prime bragging rights, and the trip through Ohio lets bikers of any skill level enjoy the fun of riding through lots of twists and turns. Stunning Views at the Legendary Tail of the Dragon First up is the legendary Tail of the Dragon, which boasts a total of 318 curves in an 11 mile stretch of road. It follows the southwest border of the Great Smokey Mountain Na onal Park, and the scenery is as stunning as the curves. It's easy to navigate the pull-offs on a motorcycle, so take advantage of that. Take your camera and make a stop at the Calderwood Dam Overlook to take in the natural beauty and snap some keepsake photos. Sharing the Dragon's Tail Stretch of Road Expect to encounter some traffic on this popular stretch of road. It's important to maintain your focus, so you're able to avoid over-braking and ea ng asphalt. This is a popular path for bikes and cars, and you might also see some light truck traffic. It's common for drivers of oncoming vehicles to flash headlights as a courtesy warning that you're headed into slow traffic or other obstacles in the road. By Peter Kaye 2 Roads You Can't Miss! Road Trips in the U.S. for Bikers by Law Tigers Refreshments and Souvenirs Grab a bite to eat or a cool drink at Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort before heading down this winding road. This is a great opportunity to hang out with others who love riding. Take pictures of the scenery or the infamous Tree of Shame while you're there at the resort, and enjoy lunch at one of the picnic tables with friends. Enjoy the motorcycle statues and the view of bikes parked in front of the clubhouse and the split rail fence. Rev Your Engine and Get Ready to Take on The Tail of the Dragon Most advanced riders take this on as a downhill run for the sheer excitement of it. The downhill run starts at Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort in North Carolina. The road meanders its way downward through a gut- ngling series of hairpin curves and natural beauty, both of which take your breath away. The run ends at a spot known as Parkway, Tennessee. Know your skill level as a rider and set your pace accordingly when you take on the Tail of the Dragon. Winding Roads You Won't Want to Miss in Ohio If you want to go a bit off the beaten path, plan a ride on some of north central Ohio's most winding roads. This is a road trip you won't find detailed on many lists of popular winding roads for motorcycles, but it should be. It's great for riding in groups when the riders have different skill levels. The relaxed route doesn't give you the downhill road-racing sensa on of spots like the Tail of the Dragon. Instead, it delivers breathtaking views, places to stretch your legs, some great places to shop and really good food. Mohican State Park This road trip takes you right through north central Ohio's Mohican State Park, but the winding roads begin long before you arrive there. Get started by picking up the trail near the town of Mansfield, Ohio on Possum Run Road. Follow the winding Possum Run Road to the south un l you reach Bunker Hill Road. Take Bunker Hill to Mohican State Park, and go in at any of the entrances to cruise through one of Ohio's most beau ful old stand hardwood forests. Mohican is like a biker's paradise. Riding through Mohican on a motorcycle is kind of like riding a roller coaster. Almost every road in the park is hilly and full of twists and turns.