M, to add to my previous post, a good look at GOOG maps would have shown you some kick azz roads in the 'Boone' area...well, actually a bit north of/and west of Boone:
county 1306 north of Boone, 194 from Vilas to Valle Crucis to Banner Elk, etc.
Watauga County - Google Maps
I disagree with ViperFreak; I ride my close by section of the BRPkway weekly, on one of my scoots or, the Vette: it's the 'highest' portion, the most curves, very empty, and one can run as hard as one dares, with only an occasional Parkway cop.
Also, my guess is you came west from 'BurbVille area, and had you run up I-77 to Mt Airy area, than cut NW from Bottom to Sparta, then SW down through the Jeffersons, it is all the road(s) one can handle.
Beyond that area, there are dozens of kick azz 2 lanes in the far western counties, which I realize is too far a day drive...but, there was/is some good stuff even before/northeast of Boone.
Deal's Gap/The Dragon is hugely overrated imo, and no fun on a weekend, other than watching and bs'ing with fellow sled riders.
Veronica & I drove a dozen roads in the West that made Deal's Gap look like what it is: too many off camber, tight turns in too short of a stretch, but that's just my 50Cts.
GOOG maps is your friend; NAV is not.
GL, mD
PS: next time you are headed 'west' in NC, drop a post or PM or email or dime, and I can give you info until you are tired of hearing it. ;>)