I just got back from my second trip this year and think I may have found heaven. Us421 from Bristol Tn to Mountain City may just be the best road ever. Half way down 421 you can stop in Shady Valley its a little bike hang out like deals gap. Once in Shady Valley there are many options all which are top notch roads. We spent four days in the Bristol area and did not come close to hitting half the good stuff thats in the area. A few roads we hit were 421, 133, 58, 143, 19e, and some of the Blue Ridge parkway. IMO 421 puts the dragon to shame, the mountain stretches have smoother and more exciting curves with out the Police pull offs everyplace. This road is called the Dragon Slayer for a reason. and its closer to columbus then the dragon by over an hour. So if your looking for some good riding with out the tourist trap feel or thinking about a trip to the dragon this maybe someplace to look into. for additional info check out 421thesnake.com Roan Mountain Linville Falls Carvers Gap Roan Mountain On Backbone Rock Below Backbone Tunnel 33 Miles of switchbacks Shady Valley country store