The Tail of the Dragon was on my Biker Bucket List since 2005. On Monday, June 27, 2016, I finally build up the courage to slay the Dragon’s 318 curves in 11 miles on the 2016 Indian Roadmaster Motorcycle. 
I had a difficult time falling asleep the night before. I spent most of my time reading news articles on the internet and watching videos trying to prepare myself mentally because I do not like riding through the mountains on roads with twists and turns and the spontaneous reaction of my heart to switchback and hairpin turns and yellow warning signs changing speed limits and pictures of wild animals.
I wake up early ready to conquer my fear of the unknown and to ignore the rumors and myths about the Tail of the Dragon. I stop by the Tree of Shame refusing to leave any motorcycle parts behind with my signature claiming no gain with lots of pain.
I pick up a Dragon Tail Sword to strike before I get on the bike. 
The starting point of the Tail of the Dragon is at the Deal Gap Motorcycle Resort in Robbinsville, North Carolina and ends in Tennessee on U.S. Route 129.
I’m so glad I had my sister Porsche Taylor with me to provide positive words of encouragement to accomplish this intimidating goal since she knows I’m not a fan of twisty roads with blind spots.
If the Tail of the Dragon is on your biker bucket list, ride your ride and keep your eyes focused on the road.