2022 VFRD Spring Memorial Ride 5/19-5/22

Its official...The Spring Memorial Ride will be May 19th to May 22nd.

Microtel  828-349-9000 (mention VFRD)

Franklin NC

Rooms: $70 weekday

             $100 Friday/Saturday

No fees, No food,  No shirts, but there's always plenty!

We mostly don't care what you ride or how unless you are out of control.

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How many folks usually show up? For some reason...I have no track events that weekend. 

2 hours ago, bmart

How many folks usually show up? For some reason...I have no track events that weekend. 

We've been running about twenty five spring and fall. It's a good group of folks who have been together for close to ten years. We get in some great riding and some great socializing. If you look at some of the Major Events threads, you'll see a lot of the same faces in the pics. We pick up a couple and lose a couple every year. Come join us.

Awesome.  I've wanted to join you all the last couple years and it just hasn't worked out.  I was hoping to do a ride to that region this year regardless, and right now that weekend is open for me.  Hopefully it will stay open so I can attend the 2022 ride with all you hooligans!  🙂

Although it is too far for my arthrisis ridden 73 yr old body, VFRD get togethers are the best in the world. I wish you all safe riding. Wish I could be there.. 

I spoke with BaileyRock, he sounds like he is interested in doing this with me.  I will be there!  Its been too long! I might drag my local riding buddy along too.  I would be nice to see the old gang back together for another great weekend of riding Appalachia. 

This is in my backyard.  I'll be there, just likely not until Friday evening.

Looking forward to seeing some of you and meeting others!

bmart, 1/10/2022 at 2:48 PM

How many folks usually show up? For some reason...I have no track events that weekend. 

This got solved the other day. I'm coaching for the Aprilia day at my favorite course on Monday. We'll see...

This is looking to be a great year! It will be cool to have a couple of 7th gens.

We will be hitting the smokies a bit earlier in the month.  Unfortunately we cant afford the fuel to make 2 trips.  Y'all have a great get together and ride.

33 minutes ago, gloryracing

We will be hitting the smokies a bit earlier in the month.  Unfortunately we cant afford the fuel to make 2 trips.  Y'all have a great get together and ride.

Hate that we will miss you guys but hope you have a great trip. I hope to be up before the ride to get some warmup and break-in miles. Gas prices be damned!

Its been few years since my last attendance. Im gonna try to make it this year!

9 hours ago, vtecal

Its been few years since my last attendance. Im gonna try to make it this year!

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Glad to hear you might make it. I noticed you also have the new Tiger 660. I picked mine up about a month ago. Loving it and can't wait to get it to the mountains. I also noticed that you no longer live in Alabama. Does that mean we have to stop calling you Al?

19 minutes ago, Sweeper

Glad to hear you might make it. I noticed you also have the new Tiger 660. I picked mine up about a month ago. Loving it and can't wait to get it to the mountains. I also noticed that you no longer live in Alabama. Does that mean we have to stop calling you Al?

Im loving the 660! My previous Triumph, the Explorer 1200, is a great bike and was an excellent long distance steed. I wanted something lighter and better handling-the 660  triple fit the bill.

As far as moving to Tennessee…VTECTN ain't gonna work   🤣

Sweeper, 3/18/2022 at 8:38 AM

Does that mean we have to stop calling you Al?

I'm told calling him Eric works well... lol

Just made my hotel reservation for Thu-Sun!  🙂

It must be just six weeks away as am starting to think about trailer bearings, spares and tools - it's 900 some-odd highway miles for this guy and worth suffering through every minute to ride those fantastic roads.  And yeah, the people aren't bad either  :biggrin: .

Shaping up to be a good one. Several new folks have spoken up and a good number of folks we haven't seen in a few years. Even if Ken doesn't show up with his flashlight, I think we'll have a good time.

I put in for the 17th-25th. No one else has requested any time off in all of May, so it should get approved. I told my immediate supervisor, if it didn’t get approved, don’t count on me to show up for those dates to work or return there as an employee after those dates, if they choose to deny me. The place sucks!

16 hours ago, ducnut

I put in for the 17th-25th. No one else has requested any time off in all of May, so it should get approved. I told my immediate supervisor, if it didn’t get approved, don’t count on me to show up for those dates to work or return there as an employee after those dates, if they choose to deny me. The place sucks!

DAMN, WAY TO COMMIT! Some of us take attendance pretty serious but this is new levels.😛

Reservation made for the 18th thru 23rd. I’m leaving the 17th, from ~700mi away, and have to come through ATL, so not counting to arrive the 17th. 
 

I’m bringing my Tiger 800XCx, as well, and have a buddy coming in from Norfolk who’ll ride that.

I can’t wait!

It's a month out! Shaping up to be a good year. I've seen a few new people, and a few more we haven't seen in a while, who have replied that they are attending. I think we have been about 25 for the last few years. I know a few of us regulars will be on other than VFR's this year so it will be interesting to see how many are left. A testament to the group that we all still show up after moving on from VFR's. Which reminds me, I need to collect mine and get it ready to sell. 

12 hours ago, Sweeper

It's a month out! Shaping up to be a good year. I've seen a few new people, and a few more we haven't seen in a while, who have replied that they are attending. I think we have been about 25 for the last few years. I know a few of us regulars will be on other than VFR's this year so it will be interesting to see how many are left. A testament to the group that we all still show up after moving on from VFR's. Which reminds me, I need to collect mine and get it ready to sell. 

Reservations made. Bringing the Triumph Tiger 660 and the VFR. The VFR is my emotional support motorcycle, never to be sold…😎

12 hours ago, vtecal

Reservations made. Bringing the Triumph Tiger 660 and the VFR. The VFR is my emotional support motorcycle, never to be sold…😎

I know that there will be three Tiger 660's at the ride. What are the odds of that? Might be a few more after the event!😀

Well, I’d be lined up for a Tiger 660, if they came with electronic cruise control. I’ve ridden most of Triumph’s lineup and I thoroughly enjoyed the Trident. I just need a more accommodating cockpit and passenger perch than that bike offers. 

ducnut, 4/22/2022 at 11:19 AM

Well, I’d be lined up for a Tiger 660, if they came with electronic cruise control. I’ve ridden most of Triumph’s lineup and I thoroughly enjoyed the Trident. I just need a more accommodating cockpit and passenger perch than that bike offers. 

I think that's the only complaint I've seen about the bike so far. I'm sure that, based on all of those reviews, someone is working on a unit for the bike right this minute. I personally never ride where I would use it. I prefer a throttle lock for quick use of two hands and that's about it.  

Alright, you bastages....you talked me into it.

1 hour ago, timmythecop

Alright, you bastages....you talked me into it.

Good for you Timmy; now I'm even more disappointed I can't make this great party.

13 hours ago, timmythecop

Alright, you bastages....you talked me into it.

*NOW* it's a party!  :laugh:

Is there any rough plan for routes/meals/etc? (I have some restrictions.) Weather permitting, I'll be there for some of the days and bringing a friend (on another Honda). Hotel is booked!

6 hours ago, bmart

Is there any rough plan for routes/meals/etc? (I have some restrictions.) Weather permitting, I'll be there for some of the days and bringing a friend (on another Honda). Hotel is booked!

And your OEM windscreen will be saving your neck.

bmart, 4/29/2022 at 8:57 AM

Is there any rough plan for routes/meals/etc? (I have some restrictions.) Weather permitting, I'll be there for some of the days and bringing a friend (on another Honda). Hotel is booked!

We all break up into small groups and walk or ride to meals. There is no plan other than we all show up for these days. As for the rides, if you talk to a few folks you will get an idea of a group to hang with. Most of the folks who've been coming know who's who and will be happy to offer advise.  The goal is for everybody to have fun. Pretty easy when we all are on motorcycles.

Sweeper, 5/1/2022 at 10:22 AM

The goal is for everybody to have fun.

And to get back to the hotel unscathed each day!  😉 

I haven't attended the spring ride for several years.  But if I remember correctly, just talking with various folks the night before will give you an idea who's going where, what roads they want to hit, about how many miles they're planning to ride (or number of hours out that day), and - most importantly - what kind of pace they're planning to run.  The groups tend to form around those parameters.  I think most groups back then were 4-6 people, maybe a few more with the more leisurely pace group.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.  Like I said, it's been a while since I did this ride.

[image: 20220502_140025.thumb.jpg.6279c731275e70188a74851082c4375f.jpg]Yall said May 1-9, right...

8 hours ago, timmythecop

[image: 20220502_140025.thumb.jpg.6279c731275e70188a74851082c4375f.jpg]Yall said May 1-9, right...

I see by the expression on your face they still offer this 'fantastic' free breakfast?  :tongue:

@V4 Rosso

Is this your long lost twin brother?

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7 hours ago, Dutchy

I see by the expression on your face they still offer this 'fantastic' free breakfast?  :tongue:

Good thing Huddle House is across the street!

12 hours ago, Dutchy

@V4 Rosso

Is this your long lost twin brother?

:ohmy: It's like looking in the mirror :biggrin:

TWO WEEKS! I'm so ready for this.

Another vote for safe riding for all.

And I'd like to add a request for lots of pictured of the festivities and frivolities so I can enjoy your great times vicariously. :wheel:

I'll likely run a little boring GoPro, which I am still unable to get YouTube to publish as I send it. lol

Planning to arrive on the 19th before lunch and head home Saturday in the afternoon of the 21st to swap bikes on the trailer for track day. 

Hotel reservation booked. See y'all on the 19th.

Bill Mersch, aka Mister Bill

Dutchy, 5/3/2022 at 9:05 AM

@V4 Rosso

Is this your long lost twin brother?

[image: image.thumb.png.22d016278dd458b3655dcd40f2febb62.png]

Be like Timmy  :tongue:

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Looking forward to seeing everyone and meeting some new people this weekend!

Anyone coming in on Wednesday?

Maybe. 

Shooting for the 17th. Coming from SWFL, so may end up being the 18th. 

I'll be in mid afternoon on Wednesday. I know that there will be a few people already there by then. I ended up adventure riding on my 660 today so now I have to clean it and the truck and trailer tomorrow.

I’m bringing my No-Mar setup, just in case someone has tire issues. Plus, 3 bikes. 😬

I'm planning to arrive by early evening on Thursday.  Looking forward to seeing a few old friends and making some new ones.  Oh, and riding.  A lot.  😉 

Wish I could join.   Safe riding to all.  Post pics!

I'll be in the area Wednesday afternoon.  

Any of you early birds interested in Thursday Morning let me know.  405-496-1484

Leaving tomorrow (Tuesday, 05/17) through KY and heading to WV. crossing at Louisa, KY. Then will be picking up Blue Ridge Parkway for 2 days. Arriving in Franklin motel on Thursday @ 5:00 PM. Riding Red, White, Blue VFR 800. I know it is way late, but if anyone wants to do BRP, call or text 859-466-2174.

Bill Mersch, aka MisterBill

So jealous, have fun and please share some pics!

Planning to get in a 1/2 day Wednesday. Have to roll home by Saturday to prep for track day Monday. 

Let me know if y'all will dip down to NGA Sunday. Out of town guests until then. 

Arriving Fr early afternoon.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.  Don't judge the ride (Gold Wing).  

I’ve made it.
 

Sounds like Microtel have been pretty busy, so later afternoon check-in. 

I've made it to town.  Grabbing an early dinner and heading to the Hampton (not staying at Microtel). 

Planning on being at Microtel about 830 am if anyone cares to take a leisurely ride in the morning.  I'm nursing a bit of a back injury, so may be more sightseeing this week and resting often. 

I count four!

We're in there!

Will load video/pics over the weekend. Had a fun time and it was nice to meet some folks. 

Pre carnage

Post carnage......or as we called it, .....  reflection.

details...

...........boom........skrsh......

Sounds like a bass drum followed by a cymbal. I don't think that I can learn anything from that! I hope that the rider is okay. 

Lions and tigers and...

Watching at the gap:

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Delicious burger topped with bbq. 

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Mid 90s in Marion. 74F at Mount Mitchell...and snow on the ground!

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Top of Mount Mitchell 360 video for folks who haven't been. The new observation deck is pretty sweet!

Super mellow ride on route 28 south from route 74. 

9 hours ago, bmart

Sounds like a bass drum followed by a cymbal. I don't think that I can learn anything from that! I hope that the rider is okay. 

riderS.....but all is well, nothing ibuprofen wont fix.

Last of the "more" boring videos. It was a very low key trip for us!

Route 30 N from the lake (one of my favs). 

Route 315 north, another favorite in the area. 

And lastly, the super secret squirrel road I love. 

21 hours ago, bmart

Last of the "more" boring videos. It was a very low key trip for us!

Route 30 N from the lake (one of my favs). 

[video: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/opFJI-fWqe4?feature=oembed]

Route 315 north, another favorite in the area. 

[video: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/4dwrS5e6fwU?feature=oembed]

And lastly, the super secret squirrel road I love. 

[video: https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/I7xYOZ5Yg7c?feature=oembed]

Nothing at all boring about these.  I can listen to GDC whine all day long . . .  What I really should do is play these whilst wrenching in the garage so I can hear it. 

Dude... where is the secret rodent route???!!??

Cogswell, 5/22/2022 at 4:34 PM

Nothing at all boring about these.  I can listen to GDC whine all day long

Thanks! The sound isn't as nice as it should be, as the GoPro is in a case, and out in the wind. 

Yokel, 5/22/2022 at 5:25 PM

Dude... where is the secret rodent route???!!??

I told all of you guys about it at the hotel...but if I have to tell you here  publicly, I'd have to...you know!

That lovely little road is actually much longer, but we already had a big day and it was HOT!

Where are the rally reports other than my boring ones? Who rode where? What did you guys eat? Crash details? Pics/video? What did you guys think of the hotel...and food options in Franklin?

38 minutes ago, bmart

Where are the rally reports other than my boring ones?

What? Speak up....Im still a little hard of hearing from that KLR.

41 minutes ago, bmart

Where are the rally reports other than my boring ones?

What? Speak up....Im still a little hard of hearing from that KLR.

Dimitri got the answer to his question on whether his front tyre was good for another day.

Dimitri got the answer to his question on whether his front tyre was good for another day.

He was a good patient though. He remained quite still whilst I picked his bike up.

As for a rally report......mistakes were made

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Looks as though VFRs attending may have been in the minority,  yes?  That says a lot for the forum.  

Despite a few mishaps - nothing terrible as far as I know - the weekend was great.  I think maybe about half the bikes were VFRs?  At least a third anyway.  One of the things I love about this forum is no one really cares what you ride, just that you ride.  😉 

Unfortunately, my weekend was cut short when I hit a 2' long 4x4 board at about 60 mph on Route 64 heading back to Franklin on Friday afternoon.  It was laying in the middle of the road and I just didn't see it in time.  Thankfully I was able to keep the bike upright and nurse it to the shoulder quickly.  The front wheel's rim is bent badly and the tire was popped.  The rear wheel's rim was slightly bent, too, but was holding air.  Scary moment for sure, so I'm very thankful I didn't crash.

I am also very, very thankful Seb's friend Travis offered to give me and my broken bike a lift home in his Sprinter van on Saturday.  Travis was leaving that day for a track day in Iowa on Sunday on his way home to Wisconsin, and offered to go out of his way to help me get home.  We pulled into my driveway around 6:30 pm Saturday evening.  To say I am grateful for Travis' kindness is a huge understatement.

So while my trip ended in a rather unfortunate manner, it was great to hang out in Franklin with everyone for a couple evenings.  I got to see a few old friends and make some new ones.  I hope everyone else made it home safe and sound!

16 hours ago, Cogswell

Looks as though VFRs attending may have been in the minority,  yes?  That says a lot for the forum.  

To be fair, those pics aren’t of the whole crowd. Some people came for the first couple days, some for the last couple days, some stayed elsewhere, my VFR was in my trailer, etc. For sure, this is a great group of people, who definitely know how to ride, and are knowledgeable trip leaders. The fact there were several who trekked down from Ontario says a lot. Despite me not riding much with the group, I really enjoyed the time I did. 

For those who’ve never been to the area, this is from an overlook on the Cherohala Parkway. This region of the USA is spectacular. 
 

Cogswell, 5/24/2022 at 6:47 PM

Looks as though VFRs attending may have been in the minority,  yes?  That says a lot for the forum.  

I think we had thirteen or so out of close to thirty bikes. it does say a lot about the friendships that have been made. The numbers are up again this year.

I just got home last night. Photo and video dump coming soon.

First pic I took for the weekend. This belongs to @ducnut and was absolutely beautiful! 

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Somebody brought rubber chickens.

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@MiniCarver took a "rooster" to the face.

The Green Jersey was awarded. Much was learned....I hope.

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Andy was working on his gear for The Distinguished Gentleman's ride.

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My best Dragon pics from Thursday. Looks just like all of my others except different bike.[image: KB1.JPG.04f49c3fcdf09b12b2dc4a9226644aa4.JPG][image: KB2.JPG.1415c27712003b526954a936b5846c17.JPG][image: Slayer2.JPG.3eb90b0d785fe18acd0e02824a4d1b7c.JPG][image: Slayer1.JPG.6ea8410e0698b14286fa2c0c46270547.JPG]

That's about all of the pics that I took during the four day weekend. The PostRide pics and video are still to come. I may start another thread for that to keep it clean in this one. If you made it, post up your pics and comments!

No time to post anything......using all my time looking for a quieter can for the KiLleR.

timmythecop, 6/1/2022 at 4:25 PM

No time to post anything......using all my time looking for a quieter can for the KiLleR.

[image: DSC_5018.thumb.jpg.bfb3668406ad20fe5bf4bac8e6cbed30.jpg]

https://muppix.net/purple-helmets-ramsey-isle-of-man-tynwald-day-2020/

😇

Whilst sharing e-bicucles and sharing e-scooters may be "the future",

I will stick to my dino juice drinking machine for the near future thqatnk you very much!

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7 hours ago, Dutchy

I will stick to my dino juice drinking machine for the near future thqatnk you very much!

Amen to that!

Too lazy to start another thread so I hope this is ok here. Every spring and fall we do the VFRpwr Tour. Five or six days of riding "all the best roads" prior to the weekend event. This spring, we did it the week after due to scheduling conflicts. I'm not a video guy so its just a bunch of short segments of the good stuff.

We started the week facing a full day of rain so we elected to take the BRP and just cruise to our destination. That was the plan. We ended up in thick fog and pouring rain. If you notice the white spots on the road, that is the rain drops. The fog inside the helmet doesn't show in the video. We had one rider go down when he dropped off the shoulder into wet grass after coming out of a turn. Minor damage to the bike and the rider got back on and rode 90 minutes to the hotel. He's son and daughter picked him up that night and we found out the next morning that he had six broken ribs and a punctured lung. He had surgery to plate the ribs and is recovering at home.

The rest of the trip went better. We did see a lot of wet roads and debris but only one afternoon of rain the rest of the week. I'm still working on editing video from The Snake and NC281. Too much good stuff to cut out there.

https://youtu.be/phCAUS85-z0

The Snake... If you hang to just past the nine minute mark, you will see me stuff TheNana in hairpin before she unleashes all the power of her 900 and retakes the spot. Fun times!

https://youtu.be/0XFPs-0mnKk

NC281...

https://youtu.be/BmT4EOcdsgo

One last run before loading up and heading home NC28..

https://youtu.be/d6hXZzpqyNQ

Thanks for the videos! So many great roads "nearby" to Charlotte. Is that what a typical ride looks like? We pretty rode alone every day. No one wanted to ride with us! 😢

5 hours ago, bmart

Thanks for the videos! So many great roads "nearby" to Charlotte. Is that what a typical ride looks like? We pretty rode alone every day. No one wanted to ride with us! 😢

You were gone before I even got a chance to talk to you guys. A lot of us only see each other at these events so there is a lot of chatter. I didn't do as good of a job including the newcomers as I should have. If the crowd is this big next year, we may have to make more groups. We kind of quit organizing anything a few years back because everybody sort of had a group. Join us in Little Switzerland for the FallRide. I'll make it a point to get to know you.

Sweeper, 6/7/2022 at 3:27 PM

You were gone before I even got a chance to talk to you guys. A lot of us only see each other at these events so there is a lot of chatter. I didn't do as good of a job including the newcomers as I should have. If the crowd is this big next year, we may have to make more groups. We kind of quit organizing anything a few years back because everybody sort of had a group. Join us in Little Switzerland for the FallRide. I'll make it a point to get to know you.

LOL, careful what you wish for Bsmart, not all us are house broken, or safe for mixed company.  Well, speaking for myself at least.

The Fall Ride is at an exceptionally good socializing location.  If you happen to show up, you will be roundly welcomed, probably.  (bring booze, I've found they like that) 

Thank you! Sadly, I'm a strong opponent of drinking and motorcycling. I get that folks like to enjoy it at an event like this, but I feel the same about track days. Seems like an unnecessary risk to add to people you care about... Sorry!

The riding PRECEDES the drinking.....

Fair enough,

some of us appear drunk while stone cold sober......   :laugh:

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