That time of year again folks, I'm looking for a few Quality Lead/Sweep team volunteers for our Scenic and Relaxed groups for this years TexasMac. The Lead/Sweep teams are an intrigle part of the events success and they help play a major role in the safety of it's participents. AS always I'm looking for a few leads who will Lead for their entire group keeping it's Safety as their main concern, fun will always follow with a properly lead group. Please PM me if you can help out with either position and thanks for helping out!
BR
PS I stopped providing L/S teams for our Intermediate groups as these riders are very skilled and usually know thw area well, if that doesn't cover you then you should be in a lower level group.
Experience needed? Training provided? I've been to T-mac once. Been on a couple of group rides. Willing to be sweep. No experience. What say you BR. How desperate?
I might be able to lead a moderate to quick group on Friday.
Nothing stupid fast, just a quick entertaining safe pace...
Minimal passing on the double yellow.
Franklin up 28 to DGMR. - Short break
US129 to Joyce Kilmer
Cherohala - Short break at the Exxon - Cherohala Market
68-60 to Suches,GA - Short Break at Dale's Store
Wolf Pen Gap
Late lunch a Jim's Smokin' Q - Best real smoked BBq in the mountains.
Head back towards Franklin.
This is about 250 miles and will take all day.
I would need to be home by 1700, but it is pretty easy to point people towards Franklin.
If I did this, I would want 8-10 fairly experienced riders. I could get my wife to ride sweep.
We will wait at stop signs if need be.
There won't be many stops for senic pictures.
If you have a Chatterbox, that is a bonus. We use channel 7.5.
We do run four video cameras.
I'll throw my helmet into the ring Bailey, I'll volunteer to take out a relaxed group on Friday, and actually I was planning pretty much the same route as Mike (gr8vfr). I'll have to re-think, maybe in reverse, or we could just head out a bit later to keep the packs separated. Sat I'm going to play.
[image: View Post]Rufrydrsc2, on 25 April 2012 - 08:11 AM, said:
I'll throw my helmet into the ring Bailey, I'll volunteer to take out a relaxed group on Friday, and actually I was planning pretty much the same route as Mike (gr8vfr). I'll have to re-think, maybe in reverse, or we could just head out a bit later to keep the packs separated. Sat I'm going to play.
I call dibs on sweeping for ya. Really enjoyed the ride last year - The pace was just where I wanted to be :fing02:
Kevin, If possible, can you give us a number of how many are registered in relaxed, and how many in scenic, that way we can get an idea of how many volunteers might be needed. I'll take a relaxed group out on Sat as well since we're short on volunteers.
Would gladly Lead a Group, like always, but due to my "Mom in Wheelchair/Dad Looking after Her", Saturday/Saturday Night is all we'll get to attend..... :sad:
[image: View Post]Rufrydrsc2, on 30 April 2012 - 09:58 AM, said:
Kevin, If possible, can you give us a number of how many are registered in relaxed, and how many in scenic, that way we can get an idea of how many volunteers might be needed. I'll take a relaxed group out on Sat as well since we're short on volunteers.
Here are our group size numbers as of today:
Scenic - 12 Relaxed - 22 Int. - 29
Based on those numbers I would like TWO Scenic Leads, I have one offer for Sat. (thanks Skuuter) and FOUR Leads for Relaxed and I have Two offers for a single day each (Thanks Ruf/Head)
I need MORE LEADS please to keep group sizes safe.
I could really use a few more Relaxed Leads and maybe one more Scenic Lead for the event! You can run whatever route you wish, just bring'em home safely.
I can lead a group one day np (the faster of the 2), Got a Garmin so if the route are available the better. Otherwise we'll make it work another way.
:tour:
Do like to ride in an int group as well as some point...
25 years riding, And by the Thursday will have 4 days of "Smokies" experience
We have plenty turns here, w/o the elevation though....
Thanks Dutchy, I may have to take you up on it as I'm having little luck coming up with a fraction of needed Leads for the Scenic & Relaxed groups! :huh:
OK... I plotted a route, which in short will be "From Franklin to the Dragon with a u-turn to do the Dragon again, then on to Robbinville for lunch. Then the Cher-skydrive with a u-turn back across Cher-sky to Robbinsville and back to Franklin" It'll take up most of the day and the U-turns are like riding a different road, but this way we'll stay on fun roads all the way without having to ride on the boring parts to get around areas.
I'll be riding the "Pace" at around 5 / 10 around the speed limit +/- (and or safety limit). Any time there's a route intersection that's questionable we'll be sure everyone is in sight of each other, or will leave a rider to show the way and ride slow until everyone is in sight. I'd like everyone to ride at a 2 sec interval, the aim is to have everyone in sight with at least one bike in front and behind.
Here's the route details:
28 - N
It's hard not to stress out over Ride Groups as it's one if not the most important part of the Safety of a TexasMac event!
But thanks to you guys stepping up it's looking much better now!!! :cheerleader:
As it stands now it looks like I have 3 Leads for Fridays Relaxed Groups and 2 Leads for Saturday.
I think only 1 lead for Scenic on Friday and 1 maybe 2 for Saturdays Scenic group.
I really appreciate you guys stepping up for the event again, you guys are awesome! :smile:
By Saturday last year, scenic group was barely a group. Most everyone wants to pick up the pace after the first day. I plan to ride for fun on Thursday with whoever I can find and then I'll be glad to "volunteer" for whatever you tell me to do.
BR - if worse comes to worse I will lead a relaxed group, scenic no I just dont have that much patience for that much slow, relaxed I can do but my relaxed pace is well not as relaxed as some would like.
I suck as a ride lead btw - I got us all lost a couple of times last year, and then lost a guy who missed a turn on blood mountain? Not sure how the hell he got lost on blood mountain - but I was counting headlights and well one of the headlights was a local who swapped with our lost guy? Get to the turn and where the hell is he? Felt awful about that.
I suck as a ride lead btw - I got us all lost a couple of times last year, and then lost a guy who missed a turn on blood mountain?
OK Your OUT! :laughing6-hehe:
J/K I too will lead a relaxed group if needed and i too have a really hard time riding at slower speeds. :ph34r:
How many two ups will we have? I didn't see any reference to that anywhere. I am assuming that these members will fall more into the scenic side?
I just can't wait to hear some old school V4 music. I've got some routes in mind that are off the beaten path but drop dead beautiful for our out of town friends.
[image: View Post]Headhunter, on 07 May 2012 - 08:49 PM, said:
How many two ups will we have? I didn't see any reference to that anywhere. I am assuming that these members will fall more into the scenic side?
I just can't wait to hear some old school V4 music. I've got some routes in mind that are off the beaten path but drop dead beautiful for our out of town friends.
I'm not sure how many two-up riders we have this year, but some ride well in Int. group w/o issues.
[image: View Post]HispanicSlammer, on 06 May 2012 - 08:31 PM, said:
BR - if worse comes to worse I will lead a relaxed group, scenic no I just dont have that much patience for that much slow, relaxed I can do but my relaxed pace is well not as relaxed as some would like.
I suck as a ride lead btw - I got us all lost a couple of times last year, and then lost a guy who missed a turn on blood mountain? Not sure how the hell he got lost on blood mountain - but I was counting headlights and well one of the headlights was a local who swapped with our lost guy? Get to the turn and where the hell is he? Felt awful about that.
I'll follow you again and I'm sure Ed will, too. That was a good ride in spite of a couple delays. People need to understand some groups will pass on the double yellow and most groups will pass bicyclists and should plan accordingly.
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 07 May 2012 - 08:11 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Switchblade, on 07 May 2012 - 10:05 AM, said:
If needed I will take group to Maggie Valley and to 209 to Hot Springs N.C. eat lunch there and back to Franklin.. .
How long is that route?
Under 200 BR.......a Really Good Ride for a Scenic Group....some gravel washes on 209 this time of year up on the mountain part, but no real biggie..... :fing02:
[image: View Post]007, on 07 May 2012 - 09:06 PM, said:
[image: View Post]HispanicSlammer, on 06 May 2012 - 08:31 PM, said:
BR - if worse comes to worse I will lead a relaxed group, scenic no I just dont have that much patience for that much slow, relaxed I can do but my relaxed pace is well not as relaxed as some would like.
I suck as a ride lead btw - I got us all lost a couple of times last year, and then lost a guy who missed a turn on blood mountain? Not sure how the hell he got lost on blood mountain - but I was counting headlights and well one of the headlights was a local who swapped with our lost guy? Get to the turn and where the hell is he? Felt awful about that.
I'll follow you again and I'm sure Ed will, too. That was a good ride in spite of a couple delays. People need to understand some groups will pass on the double yellow and most groups will pass bicyclists and should plan accordingly.
That's right!!!!! Whatever he said !!!. I'm with you 007!!
[image: View Post]wrestler, on 08 May 2012 - 08:01 PM, said:
[image: View Post]007, on 07 May 2012 - 09:06 PM, said:
[image: View Post]HispanicSlammer, on 06 May 2012 - 08:31 PM, said:
BR - if worse comes to worse I will lead a relaxed group, scenic no I just dont have that much patience for that much slow, relaxed I can do but my relaxed pace is well not as relaxed as some would like.
I suck as a ride lead btw - I got us all lost a couple of times last year, and then lost a guy who missed a turn on blood mountain? Not sure how the hell he got lost on blood mountain - but I was counting headlights and well one of the headlights was a local who swapped with our lost guy? Get to the turn and where the hell is he? Felt awful about that.
I'll follow you again and I'm sure Ed will, too. That was a good ride in spite of a couple delays. People need to understand some groups will pass on the double yellow and most groups will pass bicyclists and should plan accordingly.
That's right!!!!! Whatever he said !!!. I'm with you 007!!
Yeah HS, sometimes you find some really cool roads when your lost! :tongue:
[image: View Post]skuuter, on 08 May 2012 - 09:04 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 07 May 2012 - 08:11 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Switchblade, on 07 May 2012 - 10:05 AM, said:
If needed I will take group to Maggie Valley and to 209 to Hot Springs N.C. eat lunch there and back to Franklin.. .
How long is that route?
Under 200 BR.......a Really Good Ride for a Scenic Group....some gravel washes on 209 this time of year up on the mountain part, but no real biggie..... :fing02:
And its mostly 55 mph so you dont have worry about the police.
[image: View Post]Switchblade, on 09 May 2012 - 10:39 AM, said:
[image: View Post]skuuter, on 08 May 2012 - 09:04 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 07 May 2012 - 08:11 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Switchblade, on 07 May 2012 - 10:05 AM, said:
If needed I will take group to Maggie Valley and to 209 to Hot Springs N.C. eat lunch there and back to Franklin.. .
How long is that route?
Under 200 BR.......a Really Good Ride for a Scenic Group....some gravel washes on 209 this time of year up on the mountain part, but no real biggie..... :fing02:
And its mostly 55 mph so you dont have worry police.
Yep, I agree...makes a Nice Ride, and not ridiculously tiring to Folks not used to "All Day Continuous Twisties"..... :fing02:
If I do take a group it will probably be the standard gap stuff I know very well. Maybe the gap and cherehola route, relaxed maybe 70mph on the Cherehola tops - that speed had a couple of guys all over the back of me last year, slower on the gap. I have done the skyway at 100 plus before - I wont say with who but he is well known.
Friday Ken and I will be leading the HoneyBadger 200, but I have only received one application, so that group will be 4 mugs, 5 tops. And it will only be on Friday. The route is away from where we start and after that, we dont care.
[image: View Post]timmythecop, on 09 May 2012 - 04:21 PM, said:
Friday Ken and I will be leading the HoneyBadger 200, but I have only received one application, so that group will be 4 mugs, 5 tops. And it will only be on Friday. The route is away from where we start and after that, we dont care.
Where do I apply?
[image: View Post]timmythecop, on 09 May 2012 - 04:21 PM, said:
Friday Ken and I will be leading the HoneyBadger 200, but I have only received one application, so that group will be 4 mugs, 5 tops. And it will only be on Friday. The route is away from where we start and after that, we dont care.
You should run it on Sunday, that way I don't give a shit! :goofy:
[image: View Post]MaxSwell, on 09 May 2012 - 07:58 PM, said:
[image: View Post]timmythecop, on 09 May 2012 - 04:21 PM, said:
Friday Ken and I will be leading the HoneyBadger 200, but I have only received one application, so that group will be 4 mugs, 5 tops. And it will only be on Friday. The route is away from where we start and after that, we dont care.
Where do I apply?
Don't think you want to ride with that"lot"..........Unless you've removed your curbfeelers
[image: View Post]HispanicSlammer, on 09 May 2012 - 04:09 PM, said:
If I do take a group it will probably be the standard gap stuff I know very well. Maybe the gap and cherehola route, relaxed maybe 70mph on the Cherehola tops - that speed had a couple of guys all over the back of me last year, slower on the gap. I have done the skyway at 100 plus before - I wont say with who but he is well known.
Can't wait to hear that Leo Vince HS. The VFR1200 was MADE for the Cherohala Skyway. It begs you haul ass.
I'll definitely be taking it on the way back to Knoxville Sunday.
We've found over the last 8 years of running this event that most if not all Scenic & Relaxed riders do NOT want to ride a long loop, in fact we keep these ride group routes to less than 200 miles. Riders who are new to the area and it's endless twisties get Fatuged much faster than riding normal miles and the chance of Crashes increase 10 fold when Fatuge sets in!
So please, nothing longer than 150-200 mile loops for the Scenic & Relaxed Groups.
You can always add shorter add-on loops for anyone who might want to ride more after the Main Loop is over, but please do not plan a big loop. Thanks BR
[image: View Post]Monk, on 09 May 2012 - 09:48 PM, said:
[image: View Post]MaxSwell, on 09 May 2012 - 07:58 PM, said:
[image: View Post]timmythecop, on 09 May 2012 - 04:21 PM, said:
Friday Ken and I will be leading the HoneyBadger 200, but I have only received one application, so that group will be 4 mugs, 5 tops. And it will only be on Friday. The route is away from where we start and after that, we dont care.
Where do I apply?
Don't think you want to ride with that"lot"..........Unless you've removed your curbfeelers
Actually, I don't have feelers. I left them off after an early crash. But I do appreciate your advice; thanks for the warning. I'm counting on you to get me up to speed earlier in the week. If I'm not up for it, I can, hopefully, back-out. But I really want a HB200 tee shirt (we don't have badgers here in MN) and I want one of those mugs for my morning coffee.
[image: View Post]HispanicSlammer, on 09 May 2012 - 04:09 PM, said:
If I do take a group it will probably be the standard gap stuff I know very well. Maybe the gap and cherehola route, relaxed maybe 70mph on the Cherehola tops - that speed had a couple of guys all over the back of me last year, slower on the gap. I have done the skyway at 100 plus before - I wont say with who but he is well known.
Sounds good to me! Would be good to run that route during the week when traffic is better.
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 10 May 2012 - 01:21 PM, said:
BTW
We've found over the last 8 years of running this event that most if not all Scenic & Relaxed riders do NOT want to ride a long loop, in fact we keep these ride group routes to less than 200 miles. Riders who are new to the area and it's endless twisties get Fatuged much faster than riding normal miles and the chance of Crashes increase 10 fold when Fatuge sets in!
So please, nothing longer than 150-200 mile loops for the Scenic & Relaxed Groups.
You can always add shorter add-on loops for anyone who might want to ride more after the Main Loop is over, but please do not plan a big loop. Thanks BR
Who ever wrote this is really in tune with group riding!
:ph34r:
I strongly encourage people to do their gap/cherohola thing on thursday or friday to avoid traffic. (thurs for me) Friday or Sat head toward N.Ga/ Suches loop since it's more remote and less traffic
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 13 May 2012 - 08:17 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 10 May 2012 - 01:21 PM, said:
BTW
We've found over the last 8 years of running this event that most if not all Scenic & Relaxed riders do NOT want to ride a long loop, in fact we keep these ride group routes to less than 200 miles. Riders who are new to the area and it's endless twisties get Fatuged much faster than riding normal miles and the chance of Crashes increase 10 fold when Fatuge sets in!
So please, nothing longer than 150-200 mile loops for the Scenic & Relaxed Groups.
You can always add shorter add-on loops for anyone who might want to ride more after the Main Loop is over, but please do not plan a big loop. Thanks BR
Who ever wrote this is really in tune with group riding!
:ph34r:
:tongue:
Thats why I offered the ride to Hot Springs and hate for people to come and not ride.
[image: View Post]gradus, on 13 May 2012 - 09:24 PM, said:
I strongly encourage people to do their gap/cherohola thing on thursday or friday to avoid traffic. (thurs for me) Friday or Sat head toward N.Ga/ Suches loop since it's more remote and less traffic
Great advice. Friday is much better for the Skyway. You'll want two runs over it anyway.
That's why I was thinking to go from Franklin up 28 to the other end of the Dragon then u-turn the Dragon to Robbinsville do lunch(break) then the Cherohola with a u-turn back to Franklin thru Robbinsville(break if needed)then back to Franklin??????
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