Posted in the topic
The Mighty Python in the forum
Ride Stories
October 12, 2011 2:59 AM PDT
For years and years I've wondered why people flock to
The Tail Of The Dragon (US129) when an even better place to ride (IMHO) is US58 between Mouth of Wilson and Demascus, Virginia. Then I realized myself and a few others have been keeping the 318 hairpin curves in 31 miles a secret. But now that Bearclaw Holler has opened in Konnarock (Damascus) I might as well spill the beans.
The Mighty Python (Link to Google map) is everything its name suggests. It crosses Whitetop Mountain and Mount Rogers, the highest mountain in the state of Virginia and the second highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. And yes, it can and will bite. Most riders won't be tempted to exceed the posted 15MPH safe speed in its many corners and blind curves. And unless you've ridden a lot of crooked roads you may find 15MPH to be faster than you want to go.
The Mighty Python begins (or ends) at Bearclaw Holler Biker Rest Stop where the
camping is free unless you want to rent the travel trailer and with 140 acres you'll find lots of private places to camp.
Besides US58, there are hundreds of miles of great riding roads that include but are not limited to miles and miles of trails accessable only via dirt bikes or dual sport bikes.
The local streams are stocked with trout, wildlife including bears, mountain lions, deer and wild poneys are commonplace and horse rentals are available if you call them in advance. There's also a motorcycle shop and general store at the rest stop.
Like I said, I've been riding US58 for years but this was my first visit to
Bearclaw Holler Biker Rest Stop and I was amazed at how the owners and staff (all family) made me feel right at home.