If you are signed up for this years TexasMac in either the Scenic or Relaxed ride groups would you please respond to me either in this thread or a PM letting me know if you would like to be in a Lead/Controlled Ride group. I try to provide skilled Lead/Sweep teams for any attendee who is new to the event, area or just was to be lead around in a safe/controlled manor. I'm just having a problem getting enough volunteers to cover our group sizes.
Please let me know your need in this area so that I don't freak out not having Lead/Sweep teams if you don't need one.
PS
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
I will ride sweep in a relaxed group, but if a sweep is not needed, I have no problem riding in a un lead group.
Just laying this out, if there are ppl that don't care where they're going from one minute to the next, I can lead a un structured safe ride, but I "Do not Plan" my routes, I ride till something comes along to make me change routes, which is why I'm hesitant to lead a group that wants route structure. Safe I can do.
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
Sorry I'm not making it this year, BR. I swept for Keith's group last year. After a few TMac's and several other trips to the area I feel comfortable knowing my way around. Next year I'll offer to lead or sweep a scenic or relaxed group if you need the help.
BR,
Having been to only one T-mac (2008) I've had two days experience of being lead in a group. I really liked having an experienced and area-familiar leader. I've little experience with unlead group riding. But I'm flexable. I plan to arrive Mon. eve so I'll have a couple of days to get familiar. And Monk and I will see if we can get along. Two days to pratice, who knows, I could lead a scenic group.
I'll do whatever I can to help you out. Either freeing you from responsibility of finding a leader for me, or actually leading and undemanding group if I have the confidence.
Terry
[image: View Post]MaxSwell, on 06 May 2012 - 08:16 PM, said:
BR,
Having been to only one T-mac (2008) I've had two days experience of being lead in a group. I really liked having an experienced and area-familiar leader. I've little experience with unlead group riding. But I'm flexable. I plan to arrive Mon. eve so I'll have a couple of days to get familiar. And Monk and I will see if we can get along. Two days to pratice, who knows, I could lead a scenic group.
I'll do whatever I can to help you out. Either freeing you from responsibility of finding a leader for me, or actually leading and undemanding group if I have the confidence.
Terry Glad to hear you're coming in on Mon evening.
The disadvantage of being a newby to the area(me), is I haven't got a clue. Key roads, points of interest and places to eat are things that I'm a bit vague on. I just don't want to get back home after the event and think "Awe shit! I missed that" Any help from the veterans would be appreciated!
[image: View Post]dabirk23, on 07 May 2012 - 09:53 PM, said:
The disadvantage of being a newby to the area(me), is I haven't got a clue. Key roads, points of interest and places to eat are things that I'm a bit vague on. I just don't want to get back home after the event and think "Awe shit! I missed that" Any help from the veterans would be appreciated!
No Worries whatsoever...You'll have a Great Time, and be "Well Taken Care Of" by the "T-Mac Veterans".....This is a Fantastic Event with Fantastic People..... :fing02:
[image: View Post]dabirk23, on 07 May 2012 - 09:53 PM, said:
The disadvantage of being a newby to the area(me), is I haven't got a clue. Key roads, points of interest and places to eat are things that I'm a bit vague on. I just don't want to get back home after the event and think "Awe shit! I missed that" Any help from the veterans would be appreciated!
First timers or people like you who don't know the area are exactly why we try to provide Lead/Sweep Teams for this event.
There main purpose is to provide a SAFE tour of some of the best roads and sights the area has to offer.
Seeing the smiles on faces after showing our out of town guests some secret stashes of "paved porno" gives me a smile. From the looks of the weather it's going to be typical May. Bring your rainsuit and your swimsuit. LOTS of great cool off spots with "facilities" in case you need to make more room in the leathers if you know what I mean........
I used to stop at Horse Cove Campsite on Lake Santeetlah and jump in that cool mountain water for a few minutes and feel like a million dollars, totally recharged and alert.
That's worth a million bucks in itself. Bring plenty of Monkey Butt Powder!!
[image: View Post]dabirk23, on 07 May 2012 - 09:53 PM, said:
The disadvantage of being a newby to the area(me), is I haven't got a clue. Key roads, points of interest and places to eat are things that I'm a bit vague on. I just don't want to get back home after the event and think "Awe shit! I missed that" Any help from the veterans would be appreciated!
Unless there is 10 of you, its going to happen! Your going to see pictures and go "Awe Shit! I missed that" That is what is going to bring you back the next year. Don't worry about not seeing everything, that is not possible in one short weekend, but since its your first time in the area I would suggest riding in the Scenic or Relaxed group the first day so you can warmed up and actually enjoy the scenery. Looks like there are a few leads that are going to do the Dragon and Cherahola Skyway, go get the Tshirt and move on to all the other glorious roads in the area.
[image: View Post]Coastie, on 09 May 2012 - 08:42 PM, said:
[image: View Post]dabirk23, on 07 May 2012 - 09:53 PM, said:
The disadvantage of being a newby to the area(me), is I haven't got a clue. Key roads, points of interest and places to eat are things that I'm a bit vague on. I just don't want to get back home after the event and think "Awe shit! I missed that" Any help from the veterans would be appreciated!
Unless there is 10 of you, its going to happen! Your going to see pictures and go "Awe Shit! I missed that" That is what is going to bring you back the next year. Don't worry about not seeing everything, that is not possible in one short weekend, but since its your first time in the area I would suggest riding in the Scenic or Relaxed group the first day so you can warmed up and actually enjoy the scenery. Looks like there are a few leads that are going to do the Dragon and Cherahola Skyway, go get the Tshirt and move on to all the other glorious roads in the area.
Well said. The one thing about having these great roads is that everyone knows where they are. There are a few that I keep in my secret file that always make me smile and are usually deserted.
[image: View Post]dabirk23, on 10 May 2012 - 05:12 AM, said:
One more question. Is this an ATGATT event? My leather pants are uncomfortably warm when the temp is above 70 degrees.
Yes sir. Last year Cap'n Ape showed up in his draggin jeans, figuring we're a bunch of old pharts on VFRs. He shortly admitted his mistake.
Any of you Georgia guys ever ride Big Creek/Doublehead Gap off of 52 into Blue Ridge? One of my favorite DESERTED roads in N. Ga. I've been screwing with Google Maps putting together some Scenic/Relaxed loops. I am guessing that as long as the loop is under 300 miles, it's good eh?
[image: View Post]dabirk23, on 10 May 2012 - 05:12 AM, said:
One more question. Is this an ATGATT event? My leather pants are uncomfortably warm when the temp is above 70 degrees.
The temps are calling for 65 to 70º highs.......... It's up to you.............. No lectures !
[image: View Post]Headhunter, on 10 May 2012 - 09:30 AM, said:
Any of you Georgia guys ever ride Big Creek/Doublehead Gap off of 52 into Blue Ridge? One of my favorite DESERTED roads in N. Ga. I've been screwing with Google Maps putting together some Scenic/Relaxed loops. I am guessing that as long as the loop is under 300 miles, it's good eh?
I will be riding near that road on Sun/Tuesday (coming from Suches) so I will include that road as I head towards Rome!
[image: View Post]Headhunter, on 10 May 2012 - 09:30 AM, said:
I am guessing that as long as the loop is under 300 miles, it's good eh?
Actually No!
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]Dutchy, on 10 May 2012 - 11:55 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Headhunter, on 10 May 2012 - 09:30 AM, said:
Any of you Georgia guys ever ride Big Creek/Doublehead Gap off of 52 into Blue Ridge? One of my favorite DESERTED roads in N. Ga. I've been screwing with Google Maps putting together some Scenic/Relaxed loops. I am guessing that as long as the loop is under 300 miles, it's good eh?
I will be riding near that road on Sun/Tuesday (coming from Suches) so I will include that road as I head towards Rome!
It's easy to miss on the right hand side of the road as you approach it on Hwy 52.
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 10 May 2012 - 01:15 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Headhunter, on 10 May 2012 - 09:30 AM, said:
I am guessing that as long as the loop is under 300 miles, it's good eh?
Actually No!
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
A little feedback for any first timers to the Franklin/Deals Gap area...... Today was really my first ride of the year. Although I rode for about 3 hours back home on straight, flat, boring roads the week before I got here - riding in this area isn't the same. NOWHERE NEAR!
Today Grond and I did about 220 miles. We rode from Franklin on 28 over to Deals Gap - ran the Dragon once each way - then reversed the route back to Franklin.
I've ridden down here annually for about 5 or 6 years, and am fairly comfortable with the area. However, I'm far from the skill level of the fast riders from our assorted crew - and the miles we did today are about right for just "waking up from winter". I will sleep well in a few minutes when I shut down! The mental focus isn't what you're used to if you ride anywhere other than here - and that will get you in trouble if you lose the focus. There were more curves leaving Franklin - than I have on a 20 mile stretch of Toronto area roads.
All it takes is one brainfart and down you go. I saw a "Crash" today at the Dragon - a rider was coming into the Dragon Store parking lot - and lost it coming in. Passenger went flying off - motor revved up like crazy - then down he went. He lost focus.
If you are new to the area, or just waking up from a long winters riding hiatus - keep your rides short, and focused. I'm sure some may think I'm preaching - but I'd rather throw this out there to those that'll listen, than not mention it from firsthand experience. It is pretty much certain that we will have some "incidents" among a group as large as ours - so lets do what we can to minimize the potential for damage. Keep your ride short "beginners" and enjoy the weekend!!
[image: View Post]Headhunter, on 12 May 2012 - 04:21 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 10 May 2012 - 11:55 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Headhunter, on 10 May 2012 - 09:30 AM, said:
Any of you Georgia guys ever ride Big Creek/Doublehead Gap off of 52 into Blue Ridge? One of my favorite DESERTED roads in N. Ga. I've been screwing with Google Maps putting together some Scenic/Relaxed loops. I am guessing that as long as the loop is under 300 miles, it's good eh?
I will be riding near that road on Sun/Tuesday (coming from Suches) so I will include that road as I head towards Rome!
It's easy to miss on the right hand side of the road as you approach it on Hwy 52.
Cheers! Got a special waypoint in my garmin for the junction. :tour:
I will approach it from the south via a loop past Helen I think....
[image: View Post]KanadianKen, on 12 May 2012 - 11:03 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Baileyrock, on 10 May 2012 - 01:15 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Headhunter, on 10 May 2012 - 09:30 AM, said:
I am guessing that as long as the loop is under 300 miles, it's good eh?
Actually No!
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
A little feedback for any first timers to the Franklin/Deals Gap area...... Today was really my first ride of the year. Although I rode for about 3 hours back home on straight, flat, boring roads the week before I got here - riding in this area isn't the same. NOWHERE NEAR!
Today Grond and I did about 220 miles. We rode from Franklin on 28 over to Deals Gap - ran the Dragon once each way - then reversed the route back to Franklin.
I've ridden down here annually for about 5 or 6 years, and am fairly comfortable with the area. However, I'm far from the skill level of the fast riders from our assorted crew - and the miles we did today are about right for just "waking up from winter". I will sleep well in a few minutes when I shut down! The mental focus isn't what you're used to if you ride anywhere other than here - and that will get you in trouble if you lose the focus. There were more curves leaving Franklin - than I have on a 20 mile stretch of Toronto area roads.
All it takes is one brainfart and down you go. I saw a "Crash" today at the Dragon - a rider was coming into the Dragon Store parking lot - and lost it coming in. Passenger went flying off - motor revved up like crazy - then down he went. He lost focus.
If you are new to the area, or just waking up from a long winters riding hiatus - keep your rides short, and focused. I'm sure some may think I'm preaching - but I'd rather throw this out there to those that'll listen, than not mention it from firsthand experience. It is pretty much certain that we will have some "incidents" among a group as large as ours - so lets do what we can to minimize the potential for damage. Keep your ride short "beginners" and enjoy the weekend!!
Thanks Ken, So True.. You could be used to 3-400 miles rides in whatever part of the country, but you will be Dog Tired after just 150 miles of the none-stop twisties in this area! Theres few chances to rest while on the bike and fatigue sets in quick. Fatigue is a Killer, causing poor decisions, slow reaction times and mistakes. Take your time always when coming to the NC/TN/GA triangle please, your life may depend on it! We're Not trying to be Buzz kills here, we just want everyone to make it Home Safely after a great Tmac.
If it's your first time in these mountains, you will dream about it until you can come back again. Miles upon miles of glass smooth pavement with everything from the banked turns of the Gap to the "how fast can you go" straightaways........
All of this adds up to SEG (Shit Eating Grin) Syndrome. It sets in after your first 15 miles or so and gets worse at night after you have a few beers. It eases off during sleep but occasionally you'll wake up with a bit of it. Your 2nd day riding will do nothing but cause MASSIVE inflamation of this sydrome.
It will pass once you get home but the flashbacks come on without warning....
[image: View Post]Headhunter, on 12 May 2012 - 04:21 PM, said:
[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 10 May 2012 - 11:55 AM, said:
[image: View Post]Headhunter, on 10 May 2012 - 09:30 AM, said:
Any of you Georgia guys ever ride Big Creek/Doublehead Gap off of 52 into Blue Ridge? One of my favorite DESERTED roads in N. Ga. I've been screwing with Google Maps putting together some Scenic/Relaxed loops. I am guessing that as long as the loop is under 300 miles, it's good eh?
I will be riding near that road on Sun/Tuesday (coming from Suches) so I will include that road as I head towards Rome!
It's easy to miss on the right hand side of the road as you approach it on Hwy 52.
W
Ha! I found out why it is a deserted road.....Got to double head which conjured up all sorts of images in my head....Not for long cos there are plenty turns....What happened next is a classic case of two countries divided by a common language...;-)You say tomato and all that...I see a sign that reads pavement ends. I look to the right and think hmm there is no pavement... Then look ahead to realise that you use the word side walk and pavement means tarmac.....And yes it had rained just before.....Thanks for the adventure!!!! (And i mean that..)
[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 14 May 2012 - 09:12 PM, said:
Every second of it. You only get one lap, better make it a good one...
Thought you'd like to know, I went rain riding today and actually liked it, after a mile or so it didn't make any differance since the chain was already wet..... :tour:
A little rain just adds to the adventure. A lot of rain just makes you glad to get back. I've spent at least one day in the rain every time I've been in the area.
[image: View Post]Dutchy, on 14 May 2012 - 09:02 PM, said:
I see a sign that reads pavement ends. I look to the right and think hmm there is no pavement... Then look ahead to realise that you use the word side walk and pavement means tarmac.....And yes it had rained just before.....Thanks for the adventure!!!! (And i mean that..)
Oh yes... I've had THAT expression on my face before... and done that in places where they didn't bother with the pavement ends signage. Think of it this way... you at least have a few memories to take home with you.
And Sweeper? Rain doesn't bother me. Snow. Sleet. Hail (and Aussie I mean REAL hail, not those tiny sandgrains that you insist on calling hail). Torrentially thick rain. Pea soup fog. Those bother me. Riding in the rain just means that you are riding!
I recognize exactly where You were Dutchy by Your Pic....."been there-done that" too... :tongue: .....I shoulda' brought us back from Lynchburg over Weaver Ridge, we coulda' ridden 14 miles of "Pavement Ends"..... :laughing6-hehe:
[image: View Post]skuuter, on 16 May 2012 - 03:25 PM, said:
I recognize exactly where You were Dutchy by Your Pic....."been there-done that" too... :tongue: .....I shoulda' brought us back from Lynchburg over Weaver Ridge, we coulda' ridden 14 miles of "Pavement Ends"..... :laughing6-hehe:
Dutchy, judging by that plate right there, you and I are going to get along great. :) How'd you like that ride to the Dam from Robbinsville? Friggin Racetrack. Some of the best sweepers plus the cool breeze off the water on your left....
BailyRock, I'll be two up with the Mrs. and more than willing to lead or sweep a group in the Scenic pace. My route will be LONGER vs. shorter. I'm wanting to run Blood Mountain, Richard Russel, Wolfpen Gap loop with Cherohala and Dragon to 28. I'm looking at skipping the Highlands/Warwoman road leg and also picking up some other highway miles to trim some time off the normal loop to make this all possible at less spirited pace. I plan on doing Highlands loop turning north east and running 215 and 276 + some BRP Sunday to show Carri some waterfalls.
[image: View Post]billyjackjimbob, on 16 May 2012 - 08:42 PM, said:
BailyRock, I'll be two up with the Mrs. and more than willing to lead or sweep a group in the Scenic pace. My route will be LONGER vs. shorter. I'm wanting to run Blood Mountain, Richard Russel, Wolfpen Gap loop with Cherohala and Dragon to 28. I'm looking at skipping the Highlands/Warwoman road leg and also picking up some other highway miles to trim some time off the normal loop to make this all possible at less spirited pace. I plan on doing Highlands loop turning north east and running 215 and 276 + some BRP Sunday to show Carri some waterfalls.
Good call on that route: I'll be two up as well.
End of thread · 55 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 24 May 2012