Who it's for
Street-legal 300cc thumpers and up. Heavier ADV bikes need more skill. This is not a beginner ride.
Currently Planning 2027
The Dragon's Loop
Adventure dual-sport ride circling Roanoke, Virginia — gravel, mountains, switchbacks, and creek crossings, tied together by paved scenic routes. The dirt counterpart to the pavement legends.
Counterpart in dirt and gravel to Tail of the Dragon and Back of the Dragon — and riding in the vicinity of the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route.
What it is
Circle Roanoke on state-route gravel.
Not a trail ride. A linked loop of public state routes through Virginia mountain country — dusty gravel, steep hills, switchbacks, and multiple creek crossings — tied together by paved scenic roads. Built for street-legal dual-sports and ADV bikes. It runs in the vicinity of the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR).
Areas on the loop
Near Mid-Atlantic BDR
In the vicinity of the Mid-Atlantic Backcountry Discovery Route.
ADV / Dual-Sport
Adventure motorcycle energy — not pavement touring.
State routes only
Public roads. Gravel and paved scenic stretches tying it together — no singletrack.
300cc+
Street-legal thumpers and up. Heavier ADV needs more skill.
Not beginner
Honest difficulty. Wet rocks, steep pitches, real water.
Terrain
What you'll ride.
Gravel challenge, paved scenic connectors tying the loop together. Bring the right tires.
Gravel
Paved scenic routes
Mountains
Steep hills
Switchbacks
Creek crossings
Status: dates, routes, and the full GPX are still being developed for 2027. The Qualifier track is available now.
Difficulty honesty
Know before you go.
This ride rewards skill. Read this twice.
Rt 611 / Greyledge Rd
Wet rocks and water. Expect the most technical footing on the loop here — pick lines carefully.
Rt 622 / Buffalo Rd
Near Buchanan — use as a bypass if you want to skip the nastier stretch and keep rolling.
Start here
Get the Qualifier GPX.
Join the list, grab the Dragon's Loop Qualifier track, and stay close as 2027 routes firm up. Sponsored by Dragon Adventure Motorcycle.
2027
Currently planning
Routes & full GPX in development
Routes & full GPX in development