Yes this road is not straight, in fact just outside of Deals Gap there's another gas station. They have pins with "NC 28 Hellbender". It name is based in reality. Enjoy.
MobyNC 28 from Deals Gap to US 74 is really nice. A short hop up US 74 and NC 28 continues southeasterly and is spectacular.
A favorite day ride is to Deals Gap via the Foothills Parkway, then across NC 28 to Franklin, back to Deals Gap via Wayah Rd. and US 129. More curves than you can shake a stick at.