To the Editor:

Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort on US129, about a mile south of the TN/NC border, marks the south end of a stretch of scenic, narrow, twisty highway that is claimed to have 318 curves in 11 miles. Appropriately, the stretch is called "the Dragon." The Two Wheels Only Motorcycle Resort in Suches, at the end of GA180 (also known as Wolf Pen Gap Road, or, simply, "the Wolf"), marks the south end of a stretch of scenic, narrow, twisty highway that is claimed to be the "crookedest" road in Georgia. Each of these sections of winding road acts as a magnet for motorcyclists, most of whom are mature, responsible, law-abiding citizens, but a few of whom are immature, irresponsible, reckless riders who ignore speed limits, double yellow lines, caution signs, etc., and who invoke the scorn of not only the local citizenry, but also the rest of us motorcyclists who are tarred with the same brush. Indeed, my wife and I (we are both retired certified Motorcycle Safety Instructors), partly in fear of "guilt by association" and partly in fear of being run over because we observe the speed limit, no longer ride our motorcycles on the Wolf on weekends, nor on the Dragon at any time. Attempts by the law to enforce the speed limits have not been especially successful in the past, but that may soon change because there is a "new Sheriff in town." Actually, he's a new TN Highway Patrol captain who, according to a variety of motorcycle web sites, blogs, and internet forums, has pledged to put a stop to "race track driving" on the Dragon. Rumor has it that anyone caught going more than 50mph (the speed limit is 30mph) will be charged with reckless driving, will be jailed, and their vehicle will be impounded. Apparently, the plan calls for unmarked police cars, unmarked police motorcycles, and a joint effort between THP and the County; and reportedly, they are dedicated to "work until the problem is solved." Heads up GSP and Union County; if it works on the Dragon, it should work on the Wolf.

Cordially, Chuck Esposito

Suches, Ga.