Vfrd Fall Dragon Ride

VFRD Fall Dragon Ride - September 15 - 17th, 2006

HQ Location:

Microtel - Robbinsville, NC
111 Rodney Orr By-Pass
Robbinsville, NC 28771
(828) 479-6772

Based on the interest and comments from the other thread, I've gone ahead and blocked off 15 NS, Double Queen Bed, rooms for us. The hotel was booked solid for the weekend of the 8th, so I went with the 15th. There are a total of 17 NS, and 7 S rooms available in that configuration. I'm not sure what's available in other configs.

You'll need to contact Sue (M-F, 7-3) at the above number and make your reservations. Rooms are blocked under VFRD - Robert Brandenburg. If you get someone else make SURE you tell them you are with the VFRD group. Discounted room rate is $67.46 +tax, etc, so let's double up and fill the place. If you want something beyond the above config, let Sue know and I'm sure she can work it out. Cancellations - are allowed with a confirmed reservation up to 24 hours before check-in date.

I have a guarantee on the 15 rooms up to September 1st, anything beyond that is fair game. If we haven't filled all 15, I'll have to release them to the general public on that date. I think that's about it for now...

So make your plans, order/mount a fresh set of tires, and let's make this another great, safe ride! fing02.gif

I'm planning on riding up on Thursday, the 14th, but am hoping I can go up on Wednesday, the 13th, if my schedule permits.

Haven't really made any route plans to get there yet, but am thinking I might try a different way then I-75 through Atlanta.

If anyone wants to ride up with, let me know, and I could use a "roomie" whilst up there too!

Pretty sure I already have those days scheduled off from the job. I plan on being there. fing02.gif

Count me in along with a friend. He rides a Katana, but thats o.k. right?

Count me in too...I'll try to make this one.

I am in...probably ride up Sat morning early. Looking forward to it.

Anyone else from the ATL want to meet and ride up Sat?

rp

Murphy is actually the best place to stay.
One hour from Deal's Gap
One hour from Wolf Pen Gap
One hour over the mountain to Franklin.
Two hours from Franklin on 28 back to Deal's Gap.
One hour to Cherohala

Holiday Inn Express
Best Western
Days Inn
and a bunch of little hotels.

Many, Many excellent dining places.

I'm in. Just in time before I move to FL in October. Kentucky's a little shorter ride =)

seeing as i dont work weekends i guess i dont need to r/o for this..hahah! Ok, see you guys friday night. Be there all sat and sun! Probably bring a friend or two! all v-fours (2 vfrs, maybe one ST1300) Are we going to try to do this like last time...spirited groups and a umm, "relaxed/sight" seeing group?

Couple of things...

1. Yes, friends are welcome. I don't believe anyone would object to bringing friends. I'm curious if anyone is bringing a spouse, SO (significant other), or girlfriend?

2. gr8vfr - Thanks for the suggestion of Murphy, I'm really not that familiar with the area. I got the impression from the opinions on the other thread, that everyone was happy with Robbinsville, so I took the liberty of setting it up there for a minimum of fuss this time. But, Murphy sounds great, maybe we can do it there next time!

3. kwr8728 - It's still early yet, but I'd say depending on the amount of folks we get coming to this and the level of interest in riding in a group/s, I'm sure we could put something together. I'd think there might be some folks who'd prefer to just ride with their friends or people they know, etc, and that's cool too. Just depends on what everyone coming wants to do, y'know?

Once we get closer to the date, another poll might be in order to capture those who want to ride in a group and skill level. Hopefully there will be some attending who have the local knowledge and will volunteer to set up a few routes and perhaps lead some of these groups. I know a few of the roads out there and can probably put something together, but I'm no BR... and I wouldn't mind exploring some other areas I haven't been on yet.

Beyond the ad-hoc parking lot get together bs sessisons, I really like the idea of having some sort of function within this where we can all get together and have a chance to meet, put a face to a "screen name", and just to enjoy our shared hobby we all like so much... maybe I will call Sue back and see if there is some place around there that can accomodate, say a dinner or something where we could all meet? Even something as simple as having a cookout with burgers and dogs might do the trick. Anyone have any suggestions?

Sondance, Jun 30 2006, 09:00 AMCouple of things...

1.  Yes, friends are welcome.  I don't believe anyone would object to bringing friends.  I'm curious if anyone is bringing a spouse, SO (significant other), or girlfriend?

2.  gr8vfr - Thanks for the suggestion of Murphy, I'm really not that familiar with the area.  I got the impression from the opinions on the other thread, that everyone was happy with Robbinsville, so I took the liberty of setting it up there for a minimum of fuss this time.  But, Murphy sounds great, maybe we can do it there next time!

3.  kwr8728 -  It's still early yet, but I'd say depending on the amount of folks we get coming to this and the level of interest in riding in a group/s, I'm sure we could put something together.  I'd think there might be some folks who'd prefer to just ride with their friends or people they know, etc, and that's cool too.  Just depends on what everyone coming wants to do, y'know?

Once we get closer to the date, another poll might be in order to capture those who want to ride in a group and skill level.  Hopefully there will be some attending who have the local knowledge and will volunteer to set up a few routes and perhaps lead some of these groups.  I know a few of the roads out there and can probably put something together, but I'm no BR... and I wouldn't mind exploring some other areas I haven't been on yet.

Beyond the ad-hoc parking lot get together bs sessisons, I really like the idea of having some sort of function within this where we can all get together and have a chance to meet, put a face to a "screen name", and just to enjoy our shared hobby we all like so much...  maybe I will call Sue back and see if there is some place around there that can accomodate, say a dinner or something where we could all meet?  Even something as simple as having a cookout with burgers and dogs might do the trick.  Anyone have any suggestions?

They have a conference room we used for the TexasMac meet for "safety meetings."

I am going to try an make it depending on my financial/work situation at the time.

I like the cookout idea though, I wasn't terribly impressed with Robbinsville's food offerings and would much rather do a cookout at a close by park or something. If I can make it I will probably have my wife and a car with me, so I could take care of beer and supply hauling.

jeremy556, Jun 30 2006, 05:40 PMThey have a conference room we used for the TexasMac meet for "safety meetings."

I am going to try an make it depending on my financial/work situation at the time.

I like the cookout idea though, I wasn't terribly impressed with Robbinsville's food offerings and would much rather do a cookout at a close by park or something. If I can make it I will probably have my wife and a car with me, so I could take care of beer and supply hauling.

Nothing wrong with Robbinsville food. Just don't mind the mouse living in the condenments at McDonalds.

I might show up if you guys promise not to ride too fast!
Maybe I'll bring my grilfriend this time and let her smoke you guys! goofy.gif

baileyrock, Jun 30 2006, 03:03 PMI might show up if you guys promise not to ride too fast!
Maybe I'll bring my grilfriend this time and let her smoke you guys! goofy.gif

We'll wait for you at the turn offs like always laugh.gif

Hey Jeremy...if you want to stay a night at my place on the way up or the way back...i remember you not wanting to do the trip back way down south...im sure i can arrange something. And i dont think we have anything to worry about with bailey, we should alll be able to leave him. tongue.gif

kwr8728, Jun 30 2006, 05:55 PMHey Jeremy...if you want to stay a night at my place on the way up or the way back...i remember you not wanting to do the trip back way down south...im sure i can arrange something.  And i dont think we have anything to worry about with bailey, we should alll be able to leave him.  tongue.gif

Thanks for the offer, the length of trip wasn't the problem though, it was the excesses from the safety meeting the night before that was the problem unsure.gif

I should have my wife with me and a car, and if I can get a hitch and rent a trailer I will trailer the VFR up - no sense in wasting PPowers or M3s on the slab.

I just spent three days there with my Dad. Absolutely nuked the dragon. New personal best...

Bumpity.

Only 9 going so far - not necessarily a bad thing as having so many riders was a bit of a challenge at times on the TexasMac meet.

I may attend, but don't know yet. Will keep ya'll posted.

I'm interested. I have a hard time planning that far in advance, but it's only a 45min ride for me, so if nothing else, I can probably make at least one ride like I did with the TexasMac ride. As it gets closer, I'll try to plan for it.

I will definately be there, but will likely be staying in Townsend as I have a group of four, and usually try to get the same cabin each time. Will have to try to hook up with everyone.

I called this morning and reserved one of the VFRD rooms...spoke with Sue and got a confirmation number. I plan to be there by Thursday afternoon (14 Sep). It's a straight 9 hour slab ride down I-75 from Metro Detroit to the Knoxville area...so I don't know if I'll ride or trailer the VFR. If I rode I would rather take the 2-lane highways and back roads heading down there, but that could add an extra travel day...really depends on how much vacation time I have left by then. Hence the trailer option.

Reservation made. I'm there. Looking forward to first ride w/you guys. Since I haven't had the chance to meet any of you yet, .. hopefully the Charlotte group will get together again before the Fall ride.

Sam

It's still a little early yet, but I thought I'd throw this out there for you all to consider... when we start getting closer we can nail some things down.

Should we shoot for a time on Friday morning to meet at the hotel, for those that arrive early? Say meet around 9 am, with stands up at 9:30 or should we do something a bit later?

I'm proally going a backroads way up through GA, so I'm not sure if I'll make it all the way on Thurs, may end up staying around ATL and then booking up early to Robbinsville on Friday... but I'm flexible. I'd like to see who all else is coming up from FLA and GA, and maybe hooking up if possible... in any event, I'm planning on being up there around 9 am on Friday... I prefer the Deal's area, when there are less folks around, though I do enjoy visiting on the weekends to take in the "circus"...

Depending on my work schedule, the weather, and the amount of people in the area that weekend, I may stay the better part of Sunday and ride down to ATL to stay Sunday nite or just stay in Robbinsville... then again, I might just slab it back and be done with it...

I did talk with Sue this am and there are still several rooms. Make sure when you book you talk to Sue and tell her its the VFR group. Sounds like they are plenty of rooms for Thurs right now as well.

I also talked with her about a potential cook out scenario and she said we could do so out in the parking lot and mentioned a few other places as well. Once we start getting closer, if this is something the group would like to do, maybe we can work on the logistics of pulling that off...

Hmmmmm.................. dry.gif

I am so tempted to join you again guys smile.gif

Tempted...ha, you know you are coming, just admit it. Its the first step to getting down...uh, recovery!

kwr8728, Jul 17 2006, 03:46 PM
Tempted...ha, you know you are coming, just admit it. Its the first step to getting down...uh, recovery!

oh man, I admit it, yes I am addicted to it...

my name is Big Sur, and I am a Gap-oholic!

What do you think the weather will be like, temperature and Humidity wise? If its decent I may go and camp out.

matt_c, Jul 17 2006, 04:08 PM
What do you think the weather will be like, temperature and Humidity wise? If its decent I may go and camp out.

Low humidity. Daytime: lower 70's (sometimes still in 80's) Nighttime: 50's

Potential gap attendee here.. Just wanted to throw my name out there... Havent made plans yet,but I need to check work status, travel time/distance, etc etc... Will be in touch with more info on myself a bit closer to date...ie: within a few weeks from today...

Would be great to attend and meet all you guys.. If I do decide to slab or backroad it, I may be in touch Kevin (KWR) or Sondance...depending on route I will be taking....

comp13.gif

Priority now is trying to get a hold of an 8-spoker... got rejeced on an ebay auction at the last minute for some retarded reason....!@#!$# seller just said "It's already been shipped, sorry"... Whatever, and I have great credentials and ebay buyer status... haha... Anyways, ranting a bit... Maybe I am already getting Gap Jitters...hehe

Sondance, Aug 15 2006, 07:15 AM
J,

Last we spoke, Sue told me the conf room was available, I'll call her today and lock it down. I'll also talk with her about using them as our Communcations central.

Great job with the routes, thanks. You guys knock down where the groups will be riding and I like the start time.

For lunch, I noticed that the joint at Deal's Gap has the ability to handle groups... I would imagine that on Saturday they could be pretty busy though, but it's a thought... what about those places on the TN side of the Cherahola? Will we be over in that general direction at lunch time and can they handle a group?

A Saturday nite grill would be a great way for all of us to get together... Sue said we could cook out in the parking lot so that's an option I suppose, but we'd need someone to bring the grill in...

From the looks of the map, and guessing that the smokies ride will run clockwise on the map, Townsend would be the ideal lunch spot. There are a few small restaurants there. There is a newer strip mall that has a good pizza or grille type store in it. It would have room for the large group. It's been a while since I have eaten there. If I can remember the name of it i'll post it up. Maybe I'll just ride over there this weekend.

It looks like Docks Motel in Townsend will be the "old folks home" that weekend. Wife and I can't make it up until Sat. We'll keep up with the posts to see when and where everything is happening...but we're IN !!! There are several eating places in Townsend. The Pizza Hut there gives discounts if you're on a bike. If you come from Robbinsville to the Gap and ride in that direction you can take the Foothills Parkway to HWY 321 into Townsend...cookout sounds good too. See everybody then! fing02.gif

baileyrock, Aug 14 2006, 07:58 PM
Many Cell Phones do NOT work in this area period, so the best way and the way we did it was to have the Microtel as Meet HQ and us the Front Deck to handle messages between each other. The local number for the Microtel is 828-479-6772, what we tried to do was check for messages every time we left or returned the Microtel. We also left info on were we were meeting for dinner of breakfast so that people who might not have been able to ride with the group could find them later.
The Meeting Room should also be reserved at the Microtel for every evening of the event (if available) for the group to get together and BS, plus talk about routes for the next day etc.
The Safety Meetings! beer.gif

Guys,

Talked to Sue, we're golden on the meeting room for Thurs - Saturday. She's also ok with using the front desk as the Message center.

Status:

Riders: 1
Location: Microtel
Arrival: Friday Morning (11am-ish)

Will be in Thurdays PM @ Microtel.

Ok, thanks for the updates, look forward to meeting you all!

Here's the list...

Site Name, # Riders, Location, Arrival

• johnmark101, 4, Townsend, Thurs
• matt c, 2, Micro, Fri Nite
• VIPERon, 1, Micro, Thurs
• raptor2A, 1, ?, Sat Early
• tinyminds, 1, Micro, Fri late morning
• kwr8728, 3, ?, Fri Nite
• jeremy556, 1, ?, Thurs
• baileyrock, 2, Micro, Thurs Nite/Fri
• "HS", 1, Micro, Thurs nite/Fri
• solman244, 1, ?, Maybe
• stewbrew69, 1, Elsewhere, Fri
• hevnbound, 1, Micro, ?
• VolatileVFR, 1, ?, Maybe
• jev, 1, Nantahala, Fri Nite
• Ratpack, 2, ?, Sat
• speedracer2235, 1, ?, Maybe
• cozye, 1, Townsend, Thurs
• WERA910, 1, ?, Maybe
• Bent, 1, ?, Maybe
• dbs05, 1, Micro, Thurs PM
• AtlantaVFRider, 1, Elsewhere, ?
• billyjackjimbob, 1+, ?, ?
• JoeAsheville, 1, Elsewhere, Fri
• Ponrod, 1, ?, Maybe
• Phaedrusman, 1, ?, Maybe
• WhiteKnight, 1, ?, Maybe Sat
• Sondance, 1, Micro, Thurs
• skuuter, 2, Townsend, Sat

Damn.... that's right in the middle of my family vacation. As we've already dropped a bunch of cash on a package at Disney, do you guys think my wife will mind if I cut out to ride the tail with all of you guys? LOL

Have a GREAT time and ride safe!

Cornercarver, Micro, 1+(?) Friday (maybe Thursday)

Just updating my info. I will be arriving Friday afternoon and staying with JoeAsheville at the Two Wheel Inn. Won't get there in time to ride the Friday route, but may join for the Saturday route. I just have to get back on the road home by 4pm Saturday afternoon.

BTW what time is the Friday ride planned to start? if its before i planned to get there i suppose i'll have to get up a little earlier than planned =)

Ok, I have adjusted my schedule and will stay at microtel robbinsville on Sat night, add me to the list!!! My plans are camping at TN state park about 20 miles east of Knoxville on Thurs night. Staying downtown Knoxville on Friday night and going out on town, ride on TN side on Sat, tellico, Cherohala skyway and into robbinsville late sat afternoon/evening. Will do the ride on sunday with group, possibly sat if I could find out a later in the day meeting place. Then on monday will go BRP to asheville heading to VA. Tues turn around south thru SC, GA, and wed into perry Florida, thurs in destin, friday Al coastline...I ride solo so please email me asap if I can share a room on SAT night in robbinsville microtel, also let me know if interested in sharing place/roomie on friday nite, downtown knoxville, will hit some bars on friday, leave bike parked and taxi cab it, will probably have a slow trip/ride into area on sat , Thanks, DOUG Indpls IN
Silver 03 vfr800 with silver GIVI trunk, no sidebags, black vemar helmet, INdiana plates, see you there!! fing02.gif
AGAIN>>>>PM ASAP IF INTERESTED IN SHARING ROOM TO SAVE SOME $$$$$ THANKS **************

I'm sure I'll join the ride(s), but I live 30 minutes away, in west Knoxville, so I won't need to worry about the lodging issue. I'll watch the thread for updates so I know when/where to meet up with everyone...

Can't wait to meet y'all!!!

Okay. I finally firmed my plans up. Needed to wait until my son started school so I could figure out his schedule and rearrange mine. I'll be coming up Friday, staying through Sunday.
I'm open to sweeping some rides, but would prefer to avoid leading a slow group unless the need is dire...

I would ask all the TexasMac attendies that are also planning on attending this meet please offer up your leadership and experience to this ride. Jeremy is taking the ride side full-on and your help can make all the difference in another successful Meet! Sondance has got us all together, now lets work together to make it great and Safe for all! beer.gif
Thanks again to all the great members who helped me with the TexasMac ! fing02.gif

Friday 305 miles
I have updated the Smokey Mountains route from what was posted before. Because of the shape of the route, we can stop for lunch pretty close to Robbinsville to pickup anyone that couldn't make it out at 8:00am for the beginning of the ride. We still need a place to eat between Bryson City and Murphy.
Smokey Mountains Route Image

Saturday 311 miles
This will be similar to the loop at the TexasMac ride, but will go through 180 - Wolf pen Gap; careful on this road it is VERY technical. We will be stopping for lunch at Turners Corner or Two Wheels Only if Turner's is full.
North Georgia Route Image

Sunday 219 miles
This loop I got from Mad Maps and I have not personally been through any of this route, so if anyone has any tips or suggestions please let me know. We will need to find a place for lunch on this route as well.
Blue Ridge Parkway Image

Breakfast will be at the restaurant next to the Microtel (NOT Sweetwater BBQ). Be there, gassed up, and fed by 7:30am for morning briefing of the route, rules, and group formation. We will be leaving BY 8:00am whether you are there are not.

So, we still need to choose places to eat for lunch on Friday and Sunday, so please make some suggestions. We also need someone to bring a decent sized grill, can anyone do this?



Basic Rules

Ride your own ride!
Do not feel like you have to keep up, everyone will wait for you at the next turn. If you want to pass someone, flash your lights and wait for the rider ahead to signal you to pass in a safe area or at a stop.

Keep a safe following distance and watch the road, not the person in front of you(look through them) or you will follow them off the road if they go off.

Use good lines, stay away from the yellow line. Never cross a Yellow line except to pass! Go in wide and late apex to get a good view around the corner for decreasing radius turns and other hazards.

Ride the PACE. We will all be riding the pace, check Bailey Rock's post. Only real deviation from the article is hanging off in turns is fine.

Every group will have a leader and a sweeper. The group will not go on at the next turn off until the sweeper has caught up so you will not be left behind. If you have an issue and need to break off from the group, make sure you let your sweeper know what is going on.

Point out road hazards if you are able to do safely by pointing with a foot.

Be courteous when passing cars, don't cut them off and give a wave, remember there will be a bunch of your friends trying to pass them in the next few minutes also. Be careful when passing and don't just blindly follow the person in front of you into a pass.

Top off your gas tank and drink some water at EVERY gas stop. Even if you have � of a tank, fill it up.

Jeremy everytime I try to upload the map file I get a "your not authorized error", Map image works but not the gdb file? The links you posted that is?

How much is it to visit the National Park? I am a bit of a National Park HO and wouldnt mind doing the Parkway in the actual Park! Motorcycles get in cheap usually. Been to a lot of National Parks so far!

HispanicSlammer, Aug 16 2006, 03:07 PM Jeremy everytime I try to upload the map file I get a "your not authorized error", Map image works but not the gdb file? The links you posted that is?

How much is it to visit the National Park? I am a bit of a National Park HO and wouldnt mind doing the Parkway in the actual Park! Motorcycles get in cheap usually. Been to a lot of National Parks so far!

Yea, my stupid web host, had the same problem last time. I uploaded the files to the board, so you should be able to get them off the bottom of the post.

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/

Jeremy/Rob...barring any mishaps or family emergency, I still plan to trailer (borrowing a friend's) down from Detroit on Thurs, 14 Sep, arriving mid to late afternoon. I don't have a grill or access to one, but I'd be happy to front the cost of cookout supplies for the group (paper plates, flatware, napkins/paper towels, cups, condiments, etc)...I can get all that in bulk at my local Costco...maybe even chips/soft drinks if no one else commits to those items. So if you're still looking for volunteers for the cookout "committee," I'll sign up for the above. Just let me know. Ron

Jeremy,


What is the status of a cookout? Seems like a fair sized group. May need more than one grill. I could trailer and bring the Weber if need be. On a return stroll from the Sweetwater, Billyjackjimbob suggested the big parking across from the Microtel would serve as a good cookout location. Maybe Saturday evening.

Jeremy: Add me to the list as well as my son(Electrodynamic on the forum here) along with his 600 Honda so that he can experience the great roads up there. Will be arriving on Friday sometime.

Got a room at the Microtel.

Thanks

Marty you alive? Get to 1000 posts and get quiet like you owe us money. Glad you're gonna make it.

dbs05, Aug 16 2006, 06:19 PM
Marty you alive? Get to 1000 posts and get quiet like you owe us money. Glad you're gonna make it.

Brian:
Well, actually at the same time I reached 1000 posts, I made my first donation. beer.gif But then my Mom died after a series of strokes( she did make it to 84 though), then I recently got my first big Video job of putting 2- 110" screens and 1- 140" diagonal projector screens in a local restaurant/sports bar and now they want about 12 more in other locations. biggrin.gif So now I'm no longer unemployed thankfully and finally not working for someone else(a long time goal). YEAH. They are passing out my business cards at the restaurant like Monica gives Blow*#@s.

I most likely will not have time to get on the bike until the day I take off for the Meet. But I'm looking forward to bringing Nick up there to ride the Dragon. Should be a blast like the last time.

dbs05, Aug 16 2006, 06:04 PM

Jeremy,


What is the status of a cookout? Seems like a fair sized group. May need more than one grill. I could trailer and bring the Weber if need be. On a return stroll from the Sweetwater, Billyjackjimbob suggested the big parking across from the Microtel would serve as a good cookout location. Maybe Saturday evening.

It is starting to look like over 30 attendees so far and we are still about a month out, this idea may become unworkable at this size without facilities better than a parking lot and a weber grill or two. Let's see what develops over the next 2 weeks to see what is to become of the cookout idea.

Where is the FLAF? I am sure we will have quite a few people at this ride that haven't signed it yet.

Wow... we're pushing 40 riders not counting billyjackjimbob's group... Cool!

Unfortunately that rich bastige "Bent" had to cancel as he will be whisking away to the Land down under, presumeably to make even more $$$ biggrin.gif Sorry man, we'll miss ya, but have a safe trip my friend fing02.gif

Thanks for the updates guys, I had a rather crap day today, promise I'll get the poll for riding groups going tmw. We need to start taking a look at what kind of groups we're going to need for this as well as sweeps/leads.

Anyway, here's the updated list...

Site Name, # Riders, Location, Arrival

• johnmark101, 4, Townsend, Thurs
• matt c, 2, Micro, Fri Nite
• VIPERon, 1, Micro, Thurs
• raptor2A, 1, ?, Sat Early
• tinyminds, 1, Micro, Fri late morning
• kwr8728, 3, ?, Fri Nite
• jeremy556, 1, ?, Thurs
• baileyrock, 2, Micro, Thurs Nite/Fri
• "HS", 1, Micro, Thurs nite/Fri
• solman244, 1, Micro?, Fri
• stewbrew69, 1, Elsewhere, Fri
• hevnbound, 1, Micro, ?
• VolatileVFR, 1, ?, Maybe
• jev, 1, Nantahala, Fri Nite
• Ratpack, 1, Two Wheel Inn, Sat
• speedracer2235, 1, ?, Maybe
• cozye, 1, Townsend, Thurs
• WERA910, 1, ?, Maybe
• KnoxVFR, 1, Elsewhere, Fri
• dbs05, 1, Micro, Thurs PM
• AtlantaVFRider, 1, Elsewhere, ?
• billyjackjimbob, 1+, ?, ?
• JoeAsheville, 1, Two Wheel Inn, Fri
• Ponrod, 1, ?, Maybe
• Phaedrusman, 1, Micro, Maybe Thurs
• WhiteKnight, 1, ?, Maybe Sat
• Sondance, 1, Micro, Thurs
• skuuter, 2, Townsend, Sat
• cornercarver, 1+, Micro, Thurs/Fri
• DougFromIndy, 1, Micro, Sat Nite
• Hobie1dog 2, Micro Fri

Nite, Nite.

Wish I could be there to sweep again! Not enough vacation to take off next month.....but, I'm leaving at 0400 thursday morning heading to the motherland in NYC for a family reunion. Planning on a 950 mile day---so if any of youse guys see a silver vtec with hard bags and tank bag, with the sweet baritone of the staintunes wailing --on I-81 northbound-- give me a wave.... goofy.gif
Oh yea, I love my VTEC....
Erich

vtecal, Aug 16 2006, 09:17 PM
Wish I could be there to sweep again! Not enough vacation to take off next month.....but, I'm leaving at 0400 thursday morning heading to the motherland in NYC for a family reunion. Planning on a 950 mile day---so if any of youse guys see a silver vtec with hard bags and tank bag, with the sweet baritone of the staintunes wailing --on I-81 northbound-- give me a wave.... goofy.gif
Oh yea, I love my VTEC....
Erich

Erich,

Gonna miss you man! Have a safe trip my friend. musik20.gif

What is a .gdb file? What application can view the file?

WhiteKnight, Aug 17 2006, 02:22 AM What is a .gdb file? What application can view the file?

Garmin's MapSource. I can also expert to a few different file types.

vtecal, Aug 17 2006, 02:17 AM
Oh yea, I love my VTEC....

We love your VTEC too...

Im getting in on this late....again.... Id sure like to go, anyone need a roomie? ohmy.gif

Brian, Bill, You guys going?

gg2wheel4me, Sep 10 2006, 08:10 AM
Im getting in on this late....again.... Id sure like to go, anyone need a roomie? ohmy.gif

Brian, Bill, You guys going?

I still may have an open spot for Fri/Sat/Sun night. VolatileVFR (Michael) may get it first, if he can make the trip. Let's stay in touch as it gets closer. If nothing else, bring an air mattress!

solman244, Aug 8 2006, 11:38 AM
Well boys, better remember your ear plugs...

huh....what? blink.gif

gg2wheel4me, Sep 10 2006, 11:20 AM
huh....what? blink.gif

Probably reference to billyjackjimbob making a return with the "Redneck Express". Any update on the bike Kevin? Gonna be ready in time. Hate to miss hearing those cans?....at least they were at one time.

dbs05, Sep 10 2006, 12:03 PM
Probably reference to billyjackjimbob making a return with the "Redneck Express". Any update on the bike Kevin? Gonna be ready in time. Hate to miss hearing those cans?....at least they were at one time.

Exactly, I could have sworn I heard him on a recent trip up to Johnson City, TN. Out on 421... musik20.gif
Made the hair on the back of my hair stand up. I still have post traumatic shock from the echoes
on the Skyway during Texasmac.

dbs05, Sep 10 2006, 12:03 PM
Probably reference to billyjackjimbob making a return with the "Redneck Express". Any update on the bike Kevin? Gonna be ready in time. Hate to miss hearing those cans?....at least they were at one time.

Honda's replacing everything that was damaged or messed up on his bike. Its going to be close. Honda said they would try there best to get it finished before this weekend, but its dependant on parts timing more than anything. The fire guy from Honda didn't say much about what happened... basically just told them 'fix it'. Unfortunatly, even if he does get his bike in time, it will be all new pipes / cat / etc, and he won't have time to gutt them before this weekend. Hope for the best.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to make the ride. See this thread for an explanation. Sorry guys.

tinyminds, Sep 10 2006, 01:11 PM
Unfortunatly, even if he does get his bike in time, it will be all new pipes / cat / etc, and he won't have time to gutt them before this weekend. Hope for the best.

Thank God!!!!!!!!!!!! tongue.gif

If anyone still needs a room, Brad (VFRMonkey) isn't going to make it and has a suite reserved (single bed plus sleeper sofa).

jeremy556, Sep 10 2006, 05:14 PM
If anyone still needs a room, Brad (VFRMonkey) isn't going to make it and has a suite reserved (single bed plus sleeper sofa).

No Nonkey! sad.gif
Send Steaks! fing02.gif

baileyrock, Sep 11 2006, 12:04 AM
No Nonkey! sad.gif
Send Steaks! fing02.gif

Isn't it past your bedtime old man? tongue.gif

Sorry fellas, the restaurant business is like getting a FloBee haircut - you look like a rock star, yet it both sucks and blows at the same time. Muchos extinuating circumstances force the monkey onto my back for a while.

I know many of you will be challenged by a Monkey-free visit to the North Georgia mountains, but I feel that you will all perservere; best case scenerio is that I would be able to hook up with a group around Suches and play for a while, perhaps across 129 and up 60 to Tellico and back. Worst case scenario is that I would hide in the roadside brush, throw poop and practice my penmanship while grilling out and swilling beer with smokin' hot ladies.

At any rate, I feel as though I have let down my VFR community to a certain extent and vow to return as a leader; with larger muscles, a renewed sense of self and perhaps a new hairdo. Please do not hold my lack of involvment against me as a person; after all, I just spent 2 hours flirting as hard as I could with a group of drunk, homely, monkey-wrangler bisexual girls at Antigua in Suwanee trying to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Suwanee Monkey Ranch (I just learned it existed tonight).... details will follow...

vfrmonkey, Sep 11 2006, 05:52 AM
drunk, homely, monkey-wrangler bisexual girls at Antigua in Suwanee trying to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Suwanee Monkey Ranch (I just learned it existed tonight).... details will follow...

Details! Details!!!

Sorry to hear you're not gonna make it... but it appears I'm gonna be right there with you.... I was hoping to make it for a day or two, but I had an "FI" light on the way into work yesterday... then, on the way home, it dropped down to running on three cylinders... plus it needs a set of rear pads... and I'm saving my money to ride a track day at Barbers on Sunday on the YZF (you hearin' this B-rock? $200... Barbers... Sunday)

tinyminds, Sep 10 2006, 02:11 PM
Honda's replacing everything that was damaged or messed up on his bike. Its going to be close. Honda said they would try there best to get it finished before this weekend, but its dependant on parts timing more than anything. The fire guy from Honda didn't say much about what happened... basically just told them 'fix it'. Unfortunatly, even if he does get his bike in time, it will be all new pipes / cat / etc, and he won't have time to gutt them before this weekend. Hope for the best.

Thank god. Riding behind him for hours sucks. It may sound cool for a minute but I think I would rather ride in the trunk of Jeff Gordon's car for 500 miles. Maybe he will opt for some staintunes this time.

vfrmonkey, Sep 11 2006, 01:52 AM
Sorry fellas, the restaurant business is like getting a FloBee haircut - you look like a rock star, yet it both sucks and blows at the same time. Muchos extinuating circumstances force the monkey onto my back for a while.

I know many of you will be challenged by a Monkey-free visit to the North Georgia mountains, but I feel that you will all perservere; best case scenerio is that I would be able to hook up with a group around Suches and play for a while, perhaps across 129 and up 60 to Tellico and back. Worst case scenario is that I would hide in the roadside brush, throw poop and practice my penmanship while grilling out and swilling beer with smokin' hot ladies.

At any rate, I feel as though I have let down my VFR community to a certain extent and vow to return as a leader; with larger muscles, a renewed sense of self and perhaps a new hairdo. Please do not hold my lack of involvment against me as a person; after all, I just spent 2 hours flirting as hard as I could with a group of drunk, homely, monkey-wrangler bisexual girls at Antigua in Suwanee trying to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Suwanee Monkey Ranch (I just learned it existed tonight).... details will follow...

You pu$$y tongue.gif

Im new fill me in on what did he do to his bike that no one could stand?

baileyrock, Sep 9 2006, 05:12 PM
Can you do the Original Friday route(post 216) with my suggested changes(post 220) showing Mileage & Map? I would appreciate it if you have the time. Thanks. fing02.gif

BR,

By editing the route, it looks like we went from 305 or so to 339 and change.... not a real big jump... I'll update the turn by turns...

It would really help if someone could do a better map than what AAA provides...

Thanks.

Sondance, Sep 11 2006, 10:06 AM
BR,

By editing the route, it looks like we went from 305 or so to 339 and change.... not a real big jump... I'll update the turn by turns...

It would really help if someone could do a better map than what AAA provides...

Thanks.

I can do a detailed map but the problem is size, you just can't see the detail on a printed 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. I would just do the turn by turns in Word and we can use that (oh wait didn't you do that already?)

Rob can you call me tonight or later this afternoon and we can work up some better maps in Streets and Trips. I see a bunch of green lines that don't connect and then the blue shady part (is that the route?). I'm used to S&T where the green line is your route. I can do some really nice turn by turn stuff but that map doesn't give me all the roads I need.

phantomx, Sep 11 2006, 02:16 PM
I can do a detailed map but the problem is size, you just can't see the detail on a printed 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. I would just do the turn by turns in Word and we can use that (oh wait didn't you do that already?)

Rob can you call me tonight or later this afternoon and we can work up some better maps in Streets and Trips. I see a bunch of green lines that don't connect and then the blue shady part (is that the route?). I'm used to S&T where the green line is your route. I can do some really nice turn by turn stuff but that map doesn't give me all the roads I need.

Bill,

Yep, that's why these AAA maps aren't ideal, I can't scale them down far enough to show the roads.

The green lines are AAA's scenic roads or something, the faint grey/blue line is the actual route.... blink.gif

Here's the updated turn by turns for Friday... I'm seeing these roads in my sleep now, so I figure I can drive these routes with my eyes closed... so yeah I can call you later today and we'll go over them...

I can proally do them on my old garmin maps but those things are over 3 years old... hope Santa brings me one of those high dollar GPS's for Christmas...

Hey guys... I've taken a crack at making an updated Garmin MapSource data file (attached). I'm pretty sure I've got the same route as you, though I've got a few extra waypoints to make Garmin's routing happy. I'm working on similar files for the Sat and Sun rides as well. I'll upload them when done. I'll have them with me on my laptop and a USB drive too.



Another image of the route too:
[image: IPB Image]

-Laird

stewbrew69, Sep 10 2006, 02:20 PM
Unfortunately, I will not be able to make the ride. See this thread for an explanation. Sorry guys.

Hey man, I got some duct tape and some JB weld. beer.gif biggrin.gif

Im just glad your alright man, that looks nasty. Sorry about your bike, thats a real pitty, it was so purdy.

Im only gonna be able to make it on Sunday. But I wont be there till about noon, so I doubt I will see anybody there. You guys have fun and be safe.

I vote for lunch at the little cafe in Telico again Loved that place!

Garmin routes for Saturday (North Georgia) and Sunday (Blue Ridge Parkway), based on Jeremy's previously-published routes.

I put all the waypoints for each loop into its own category to make them easy to erase/reload into the GPS units. Thus the waypoint IDs like *WP501 ... category 5, waypoint 1 on the route. Anal, I know! smile.gif You might have to tell your GPS (or at least mapsource) to use longer waypoint names, if you haven't already.

Saturday:
Sunday:
Here are the auto-generated directions from Garmin's MapSource. They're overcomplicated and have imaginary zero-foot turns, but they'll work. One tab for each of the 3 maps.
Text directions (Excel Spreadsheet):

-Laird

Thanks for taking to time to make up the routes marasmus.

BTW for people bringing navigation / ipods/ etc, I will be bringing my laptop with me so anyone welcome to use it if they want during out stay. We have internet in the rooms. If anyone wants to email me any files / maps / etc i'll bring them with me too. My email address is guillenrj@hotmail.com .

Hey, when is this ride. I might like to come! goofy.gif

marasmus, Sep 11 2006, 06:38 PM

Here are the auto-generated directions from Garmin's MapSource. They're overcomplicated and have imaginary zero-foot turns, but they'll work. One tab for each of the 3 maps.
Text directions (Excel Spreadsheet):

-Laird

Thanks Laird. I just took a look at Friday's turn by turn in comparison to mine and it's very similar with the exception that I edited out all the fluff and wierd uturns... so that's cool.

Ok, so everyone should be set with maps/turn by turns in whatever format you need. Please make sure you make copies and/or get with some of these other folks that can get you a copy. I will attempt to bring some, but I make no guarantees... if someone else doesn't mind making copies and bringing them, that would be a plus...

Thanks gang.

Make it PLUS 1 from the Charlotte area. I am able to come at the last moment. I was scheduled to go to Germany for work, but it has been changed to a later date. I will be rooming with DBS05, another rider from the Charlotte area, and will arrive sometime Friday around lunch.

Can't wait...

If everything works out I will leave out friday around noon and be somewhere close by 7pm.
Map quest directions , the gap is 6-7 hours from my house...I hope to make it and meet some of you road warriors in person..LOL

Nailer45, Sep 11 2006, 10:00 PM
If everything works out I will leave out friday around noon and be somewhere close by 7pm.
Map quest directions , the gap is 6-7 hours from my house...I hope to make it and meet some of you road warriors in person..LOL

Good deal Nailer and Fifedog, we'll see you there. The meeting room at the Hotel is ours from Thurs nite on, so depending on when you get in you will proally catch folks there, in the parking lot, or in Tracey's room watching unspeakable acts of debauchery and from what he says, flexibility... beer.gif unsure.gif dry.gif sad.gif beer.gif ohmy.gif

Anyway, the front desk will have a map and start time... so if you're adventurous you might be able to catch up with us... or... maybe just go on a Quest for Beer... or at least locations that sell it...

See you there...

jstanwood, whiteknight, and myself will be riding down together. We expect to arrive at hotel at around 4:00-4:30pm on Friday. Cya all there.

Sondance, Sep 11 2006, 06:30 PM
. . . or in Tracey's room watching unspeakable acts of debauchery and from what he says, flexibility...

Bring snacks, I hear it's about 2 1/2 hrs long. . . assuming he's sharing the latest volume! laugh.gif

Viperon and I will be rolling in late Thursday, looking for Trace's room. beer.gif

Now I want to ask a stupid question. When I Google microtel in Robbinsville I get two results; one in town and one north of town? I assume, from the routes that have been posted that it's the one IN town. But assuming is dangerous. That's why I'm asking this aforementioned "stupid question." Ron took care of the reservations and he's undoubtedly on top of things but I'm just silly that way. tongue.gif

"Um, VFR meet? Could y'all speak southernese please?" goofy.gif