I rode the Tail for the first time about a month ago when I came down from Ottawa for the eclipse (on my bike, not with the ST). Thankfully we had clear skies in Sweetwater and the whole eclipse experience was amazing. The tail was pretty great, but it was very busy and almost impossible to get a good run without catching up to someone going slow or holding up someone behind me.
I had more fun on The Snake (highway 421) between Bristol and Mountain City. The turns on the snake weren't quite as densely packed, but there was a lot less traffic and the eastern half was brand new asphalt. Some fairly long straight sections to test your judgement on braking points entering the twisty bits too. I recommend it if you ever find yourself in that area of Tennessee.
I had more fun on The Snake (highway 421) between Bristol and Mountain City. The turns on the snake weren't quite as densely packed, but there was a lot less traffic and the eastern half was brand new asphalt. Some fairly long straight sections to test your judgement on braking points entering the twisty bits too. I recommend it if you ever find yourself in that area of Tennessee.