PRB's 3rd Annual Fall Ride (Oct. 6-9th @ Greene's Motel, Boone, NC)

Alright folks, I have taken into consideration the few folks that voiced their opinions these last few days, and have also talked to some folks privately. The event will be October 6-9th 2016. That is a Thurs-Sun event. A couple had expressed interest at moving the event into September, but for two main reasons I chose these dates. 1. The leaves! Early to mid September is hit and miss on the gorgeous mountain leaves, these dates assure good views to be enjoyed by all. and 2. This weekend is Appalachian State University's bye week for their football season. The other weekend in mid Sept. was a home game. In theory traffic and hustle and bustle around Boone should be drastically better than a home game weekend. 

We will be returning Greene's Motel as before. It's no palace of luxury but the price is right and the location is pretty spot on. I want to make sure everyone can afford to attend, so as usual I intend to keep costs very low as much as I can. There is great coffee for cheap right next door at a gas station, and I think they have some in the lobby of the motel. There's no continental breakfast unfortunately. However Ihop and Waffle House are up the street and there is a mini fridge in every room if you'd like to being yogurt or some snacks etc... 

I will be opening this up to a small forum based out of Charlotte as well, very similar to VFRD. Our own 007 actually introduced me to the group. Great guys, I think the entire forum is about 50 people, and maybe 10-12 of us are actually active. ,Mainly BMW's, FJR's, Concours's, some Ducati's, and even a couple VFR's.

I have spoken with Miguel and and working to eventually get this ride its own page in the VFRD rides section. He is very busy with the site right now, so look for any updates here in the USA-South section.

Reservation information: Please call ASAP to book your room. let them know you are with VFRD. All rooms have 2 double (or full?) sized beds in them. Greene's is looking forward to having us back and they have willingly blocked off 15 rooms for VFRD until AUGUST 15TH 2016. The rate is 59$ for each night, with a minimum 2 night stay. The rate jumps back to 69$ a night if you don't reserve by the deadline above, or if you stay Friday or Saturday ONLY. There are other hotels in the area, but in the fall they tend to jack the rates way up, but feel free to make an alternate plan if Greene's doesn't work for you. Everyone is welcome regardless of hotel choice or motorcycle type/brand. 

T-Shirts: I will be using the same performance fabric shirt from last year, but in a new color and with a different design. I will update sometime this summer with ordering information, so stay tuned. 

Thanks for all the help and suggestions, look forward to a successful and safe riding season. If you have any questions please contact me, thank you!

-PRB

Riding and groups were so good last year just say the dates and I'll be there!  

I have only one problem - need more than four days for all the amazing roads in the area.  This work thing is cramping my riding time.

I'd be fine Carbon Copying last year (except for weather on Saturday).  Boone location is hard to beat.  Greene's Motel is fine.

What Mr. Power said.

Lets call it      Nobody Fall Ride.

I like the changing of the days to Thur-Sun. A lot more doable for me than the previous days. As for dates, the earlier the better just for the warmer Temps and less leaf peepers.  Hopefully this year we can actually ride with some of you. 

Randy I think that may be a winner. 

I'll make it work man. Just want to get together.  It keeps me sane...well sort of. 

I added Randy's suggestion as well to the poll haha!

Can I vote if I cannot make it? I'd like to back Randy's name. And it will be more likely no one will since I won't be there.  Maybe I can send some red duct tape. :)

PirateRiderBen, ‎4‎/‎26‎/‎2016 at 3:51 PM

 I will be attempting to return to Greene's Motel as before. It's no palace of luxury but the price is right and the location is pretty spot on. I want to make sure everyone can afford to attend, so as usual I intend to keep costs very low as much as I can.

Ben, it's noble to try and keep the cost down, but I gotta wave a flag on the Greene Motel.  That place is fukn AWFUL at any price.  You'll recall that the property was rezoned and up for sale last time we were there (maybe it's been bulldozed by now, good riddance) so there's zero incentive for the owner to maintain the place, provide decent service, etc.  If it is still there one year later (Fall, 2016), I can only imagine how crappy the rooms are, nothing working, sticky carpet, etc.  Not to mention the sketchy work-crew denizens who live there during the week.  I'd love to attend your fine event, but I'll be staying at the Fairfield across the street.   Just sayin'......

43 minutes ago, Trace

Ben, it's noble to try and keep the cost down, but I gotta wave a flag on the Greene Motel.  That place is fukn AWFUL at any price.  You'll recall that the property was rezoned and up for sale last time we were there (maybe it's been bulldozed by now, good riddance) so there's zero incentive for the owner to maintain the place, provide decent service, etc.  If it is still there one year later (Fall, 2016), I can only imagine how crappy the rooms are, nothing working, sticky carpet, etc.  Not to mention the sketchy work-crew denizens who live there during the week.  I'd love to attend your fine event, but I'll be staying at the Fairfield across the street.   Just sayin'......

Understandable Trace, everyone has different opinions and financial situations. The Greene's has been clean and suitable in my eyes for the 55-60$ a night price tag. The temp laborers who were staying there didn't really bother me much, but like I said everyone has their views/preferences. With Tmac costs doubling this year, finding affordable accommodations for the other rides during the year has increased in importance, at least to me. The Fairfield in Boone quoted me 152$ a night, which is out of my reach and others as well. Doesn't make much sense for me to plan a ride I couldn't attend haha! I will check with Greene's in the next month to block off rooms. The hotel has been for sale for a number of years, if it does indeed close down, I will certainly make the needed changes to the ride to try to include everyone that I can. I certainly hope you and the others from your neck of the woods can attend this fall, anyone is welcome regardless of where they would like to lodge. 

-PRB

P.S. If others echo this sentiment, I can certainly explore alternate options, but so far everything for the Sept-October timeline is ringing in between $115-150$ a night.

2 hours ago, PirateRiderBen

P.S. If others echo this sentiment, I can certainly explore alternate options, but so far everything for the Sept-October timeline is ringing in between $115-150$ a night.

Ben,

Thanks for the great reply, and I fully understand your aim of keeping it as cheap as possible.  Certainly, one problem is that during the "leaf peepers" time of year, the rates are bound to be higher or non-negotiable, thus the Buck-Fifty-Two at Fairfield.  On the other hand, 70+ guys sharing rooms can afford TMAC room rates plus that high-priced dinner on Saturday night, so are we as poor as we think?  

Anyway, I'll never get over that sticky fukn carpet, the screaming heater unit that had two temp settings (off and blowtorch), the 24" tv, the bathroom from the early 1950s, the broken lamp on the nightstand, the bed that saggggggged in the middle, the temp laborers with their giant trucks towing trailers with giant spools of cable or DitchWitch machines crushing our motorcycles........

..........the lobby with the collapsed ceiling directly over the front desk, dribbling some sort of water on the newly-arrived guest.  Am I forgetting anything?   Oh yeah...the outside trashcans that were never emptied despite BULGING with beer cans/boxes, and a pile of the same alongside the guilty can.  Ugh. 

Must have been first floor rooms. Mine was palatial on the second floor.

Not really, not really.[image: emoji1.png]

Drink more, it covers the funk.

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2 hours ago, Trace

Ben,

Thanks for the great reply, and I fully understand your aim of keeping it as cheap as possible.  Certainly, one problem is that during the "leaf peepers" time of year, the rates are bound to be higher or non-negotiable, thus the Buck-Fifty-Two at Fairfield.  On the other hand, 70+ guys sharing rooms can afford TMAC room rates plus that high-priced dinner on Saturday night, so are we as poor as we think?  

Anyway, I'll never get over that sticky fukn carpet, the screaming heater unit that had two temp settings (off and blowtorch), the 24" tv, the bathroom from the early 1950s, the broken lamp on the nightstand, the bed that saggggggged in the middle, the temp laborers with their giant trucks towing trailers with giant spools of cable or DitchWitch machines crushing our motorcycles........

..........the lobby with the collapsed ceiling directly over the front desk, dribbling some sort of water on the newly-arrived guest.  Am I forgetting anything?   Oh yeah...the outside trashcans that were never emptied despite BULGING with beer cans/boxes, and a pile of the same alongside the guilty can.  Ugh. 

Okay now that must have been after a long night of drinking! My bed definitely sagged on the sides, not the middle! Hahaha

Arent the the trash cans supposed to be bulging with beer cans?

2 hours ago, PirateRiderBen

Arent the the trash cans supposed to be bulging with beer cans?

LOL!!  And yes, whiskey bottles too...

[image: idaho 130.JPG]

What about staying more north near 16 and the Snake?

I see lots of cheap hotels up there.

I stayed in Boone for easy access to food, beer, coffee, and gas. I had considered mountain city, but there really isn't much happening up that way and we tend to be a late dinner bunch with a thirst for alcohol. 

fyi...Ellen and I stayed in Mountain city last year during our travels prior to Tmac.  Not a lot of good to say about the town or the available facilities.  Perhaps we just missed the hidden good stuff.

Doubtful Mark. Mtn City is a pretty tiny town with relatively little going on. I usually just top off the tank there and head up to the Snake. 

There is Tributary Restaurant, Panda Garden, and Mike's BBQ.  Not to mention Shady Valley Country Store and the restaurant across the street where Ben and I ate while the Country Store was closed.  Last I checked, I sleep in the motel room and enjoy the riding, company, and outdoors just the same.  If Matt brings the scotch with a keg, I think that will work nicely for the short week or so.  There is an ABC store in Mountain City.  I'm sure there is more.  The Snake reminds me of 28 minus the traffic, intersections, and driveways.  No better road.

What about Jefferson or Bryson City?

I have avoided areas like Bryson City, which is near Franklin, as Tmac covers that section of the state pretty well. Moving north allows for equally great roads, but different scenery. The location in Boone has considerably more options for food than even Franklin. Plus close to Walmart, auto parts stores, etc. Cracker Barrel, Applebees, Five Guys, Chili's, plus the dozen or so local places that are all within walking distance or a 5 min drive. I stayed at the Greene's Motel because they have 15+ rooms available and its 59$ a night. If everyone wants to pay 100-150$ a  night I will look for other accommodations. I know the 109$ a night was a issue for Tmac this year, as evidence by the 50% drop in attendance. 

Personally the rooms I have had the last two years have had functional TV and fridge and AC. Have not had bugs, smells, stains, or dirt in them. The water is hot and there's no mold etc. No it hasn't been remodeled lately and the paint on the outside of the building is old and flaking. The back parking lot area is perfect for a group of 20+ motorcyclists to drink and talk till 1am, something I am sure the Fairview (Or other large chain hotel) would be less than excited to see. (Maybe I am wrong but that's just an assumption). 

BUT, 59$ a night leaves me (and you) more money to spend on gas food and travel. split the room and you're only paying 30$ a night to crash there. Thats basically unbeatable. Smaller hotels in the area may have lower rates, but somewhere that has enough space to block off 15 rooms for our group for several months? Not likely. 

This is all my opinion though. If the group wants to go somewhere else, please let me know and I will do the leg work. However keep in mind we all here aren't as financially capable to spend several hundred dollars for a few nights at a hotel. When I started this two years ago I offered up some options for 120-150$ a night that were unanimously shot down for being to expensive for a motorcycle ride. 

I will explore alternate options but at this time, I am leaving our blocked off rooms at Greene's.

-PRB

Ben, I don't think you should waste another minute of your time worrying about this issue (that I generated).  Your decision-tree for staying at the Greene is spot-on, and you are correct that it will work just fine for nearly everybody.  The location and access to food, Lowe's, booze....cannot be beat.  Hell, I may even relent and stay there again (Ugh!).  And if not, me or anyone else who wants to spend more money can do so.  It's as simple as that.  Stick to your plan. 

I just hope the utility crews don't back their trucks/trailers over everyone's bikes........  :goofy:

I thought Greene's was fine. I've stayed in worse, like, blood in the bathroom worse. Sure, it ain't the four seasons, but it's not awful. I appreciate the cheap rates and the location. I'll go with the flow though. If you need any help, I'm there.

2 minutes ago, Trace

Ben, I don't think you should waste another minute of your time worrying about this issue (that I generated).  Your decision-tree for staying at the Greene is spot-on, and you are correct that it will work just fine for nearly everybody.  The location and access to food, Lowe's, booze....cannot be beat.  Hell, I may even relent and stay there again (Ugh!).  And if not, me or anyone else who wants to spend more money can do so.  It's as simple as that.  Stick to your plan. 

I just hope the utility crews don't back their trucks/trailers over everyone's bikes........  :goofy:

Troublemaker

2 minutes ago, zeer0

I've stayed in worse, like, blood in the bathroom worse.

I think there was blood in MY bathroom....but at least it was dried blood. 

Just now, Trace

I think there was blood in MY bathroom....but at least it was dried blood. 

See, not that bad!

5 minutes ago, Trace

Ben, I don't think you should waste another minute of your time worrying about this issue (that I generated).  Your decision-tree for staying at the Greene is spot-on, and you are correct that it will work just fine for nearly everybody.  The location and access to food, Lowe's, booze....cannot be beat.  Hell, I may even relent and stay there again (Ugh!).  And if not, me or anyone else who wants to spend more money can do so.  It's as simple as that.  Stick to your plan. 

I just hope the utility crews don't back their trucks/trailers over everyone's bikes........  :goofy:

I appreciate that Trace. I'll be at the Greene's Motel myself unless something better comes up in the 100$ or less range, which it probably won't. 

4 minutes ago, zeer0

See, not that bad!

LOL!

I just don't want it to rain!

Ben, Greene's is fine for the few beer-fueled hours spent unconscious approaching/on/partially off the bed.  

Most of the action is on the roads, bull$hitting at dinner, and then more bull$hitting in the parking lot afterwards.

Boone has a great central location and food options as well.  Quite satisfied to stay there again this year.

Elwood:
Wasn't lies, it was just... bullshit.

Ben has considered all the angles.  Greene's has the best balance of location, price, and tolerance for hooliganism.  Maybe Trace can convince the owners to make suitable repairs?

007, 5/31/2016 at 7:08 PM

What about Jefferson or Bryson City?

I organized a Fall Fail Ride a few years ago that centered from the Tri Cities area and Boone is hard to beat for short distance to multiple directions.

Bristol comes to mind but not much decent heading north from there that I could find.

Don't forget folks, AUGUST 15TH is the cut off date for the hotel rooms at the discounted rate!

007, 5/31/2016 at 6:46 PM

There is Tributary Restaurant, Panda Garden, and Mike's BBQ.  Not to mention Shady Valley Country Store and the restaurant across the street where Ben and I ate while the Country Store was closed.  Last I checked, I sleep in the motel room and enjoy the riding, company, and outdoors just the same.  If Matt brings the scotch with a keg, I think that will work nicely for the short week or so.  There is an ABC store in Mountain City.  I'm sure there is more.  The Snake reminds me of 28 minus the traffic, intersections, and driveways.  No better road.

The keg of scotch will attend.  You guys gave it a noble effort, but I believe that Johnnie got the best of you.....  Especially Aaron.......

[image: 20160529_195840.jpg]

13 minutes ago, whitelightning

The keg of scotch will attend.  You guys gave it a noble effort, but I believe that Johnnie got the best of you.....  Especially Aaron.......

[image: 20160529_195840.jpg]

I don't remember...

Same weekend as the  Vintage Race at Barber.

3 hours ago, AaronB

I don't remember...

HAHAHA, that was your answer anytime someone said "you remember last night when you...."

Aaron and myself's room is booked!

yeehaw!

Rode the new bike to the DMV today. No line!!!!! 

Computers were down.

So I need a tag, new tires, valve stems, brakes bled, and the rear shock shimmed. I may have to ride the silver bike since I've not had time to think about selling it.

15 minutes ago, Sweeper

Rode the new bike to the DMV today. No line!!!!! 

Computers were down.

So I need a tag, new tires, valve stems, brakes bled, and the rear shock shimmed. I may have to ride the silver bike since I've not had time to think about selling it.

Greene's has a covered breezeway.....

7 hours ago, Switchblade

Same weekend as the  Vintage Race at Barber.

David, where have you been and how are u doing?

Are you planning to do the Fall Ride?

BR

 - Vacation booked, check! 

 - Hotel booked, check!.  

 - Look on the forum to make sure the ride hasn't been canceled, check!

 - order a new set of Q3s during rebate period, check!

 - spend from now 'till Oct.06 with arms crossed, looking at watch and calendar and tapping foot.   :wink:

I think I should go to this, especially since I had to cancel riding in Tenn, Germany AND Iceland already this year. (its 6 hrs 45 mins from door to door) 

50 minutes ago, timmythecop

I think I should go to this, especially since I had to cancel riding in Tenn, Germany AND Iceland already this year. (its 6 hrs 45 mins from door to door) 

I'll make sure they have the flattest of flat black Parking spaces reserved for your arrival. 

-PRB

007, ‎6‎/‎6‎/‎2016 at 8:56 AM

Maybe Trace can convince the owners to make suitable repairs?

Bulldozer...........

1 hour ago, Trace

Bulldozer...........

Some rough weather there last week...I heard a major storm system hit Greene's and did almost a quarter million in improvements.  :goofy:

You're killing me guys. Hahahaha!!

timmythecop, 6/10/2016 at 5:41 PM

I think I should go to this, especially since I had to cancel riding in Tenn, Germany AND Iceland already this year. (its 6 hrs 45 mins from door to door) 

This is one where you pack sangria on the VFR and ride to the motel.   No one will notice you are wearing the same clothes every day or stink at Greene's, except maybe Trace.  I plan to distract him by parking the Duckling even closer to the Ducs this time.  Maybe, just maybe, they will let me ride with them on a stupid commuter bike.  It will look something like the pic below.

[image: IMG_9314.JPG]

Although fully aware of my fashion limitations, I was unaware that I stunk.

19 hours ago, 007

 Maybe, just maybe, they will let me ride with them on a stupid commuter bike. 

Ohooooooo....I do not recall the Ducati Caballeros making any disparaging remarks about your stupid commuter bike!  Well....maybe we said it stinks like TimmyTheCop, but nothing else.  :goofy:

Trace, we could always just move the meet to Gatlinburg...  I know how much you enjoyed your last trip there... Lol

2 hours ago, whitelightning

Trace, we could always just move the meet to Gatlinburg...  

Jeeeeeeeze.  I'm embarrassed that I thought Pigeon Forge/Gatlin would be a fun place to go, but I have to blame Norm.  He KNEW how fukd that place is, yet still went along with my very bad idea.   I'd rather stay at the awful Greene Motel for a month than EVER set foot in PF again.   Gawwwwd.....

Well I mean, we can extend the trip longer if you love Greene's that much. 

All you had to do was ask.

Just wanted to make sure everyone has made or is going to make their reservations soon. August 16th is the cut off!

I had to put a reminder on my phone for tomorrow. I've been meaning to call everyday but there's so much knowledge crammed into my brain that I can't seem to remember.

3 hours ago, PirateRiderBen

August 16th is the cut off!

That shitbox motel has the audacity to have a cut-off date? 

Spoke with the exuberant lady at Greene's and have booked our room. See you fine people in the month of pumpkin spice everything.

Booked.  See yall there!

I should be there. its only 2.5hrs from me.

Excellent!

Looks like I'm going to be attending this fine event!  Right now I'm looking for a cabin to rent for the week preceding the meet.  (The thought of staying in a similar motel to the old Franklin Inn for a week is giving me the willies........) 

Very excited to hit the awesome roads again!!

Ooooh! a PAIR o' Kanadianz!  That's exactly a 100% increase from last year!  Can the area/group take such an increase?!

Ken talked me into it.  Plan is to ride down.  Just gotta check with my wife and she is not in this country right now.

Glad you guys can make it! 

Ill be be adding tshirt information so .

This is shaping up to be quite an event. I can't wait to see all you fine, **cough** upstanding, **cough cough** folks again.

I doubt my VFR will make it. Found out today I'm going to need to re do the front brake calipers, and might as well do the rear too!

2 hours ago, PirateRiderBen

I doubt my VFR will make it. Found out today I'm going to need to re do the front brake calipers, and might as well do the rear too!

Talk to Matt. I hear he does great work.  :goofy:

That one won't go away anytime soon.......

timmythecop, 8/13/2016 at 2:39 AM

Ken talked me into it.  Plan is to ride down.  Just gotta check with my wife and she is not in this country right now.

She said it's fine, no need to ask her.....  Just plan it, put your foot down!  Tell her how it's going to be...  Let her know who wears the pants in that house!  She doesn't read the posts on here right.......?

20 hours ago, whitelightning

She said it's fine, no need to ask her.....  Just plan it, put your foot down!  Tell her how it's going to be...  Let her know who wears the pants in that house!  She doesn't read the posts on here right.......?

over to Facebook I go - a letter to MRs Decoppe is in order.........

That was most excellent Ken. 

What wife could refuse after a letter from Ken?  Its a done deal.

2 minutes ago, Sweeper

What wife could refuse after a letter from Ken?

All of them.....

The real question here is how many wives is Ken penning letters to???

I guess I don't have to worry since I'm not married!

Sweeper Talk to Matt. I hear he does great work.  :goofy:

Okay, I held my nose, called Greene's, and booked rooms for Norm and I. 

If you want to have some fun, look up this fine establishment on TripAdvisor:

“Terrible Motel. Go to Super 8 or Motel 6 if you need something cheap.”

“Worst place we have ever stayed at”

“Just nasty!”

“You can be cheap and still be good, they aren't”

soichiro, ‎8‎/‎1‎/‎2016 at 3:45 PM

I should be there. its only 2.5hrs from me.

I hate riding behind Doug.  Just when I think I'm doing pretty good by staying with him, he speeds up.  A lot!  :goofy:

Trace Okay, I held my nose, called Greene's, and booked rooms for Norm and I. 

 

If you want to have some fun, look up this fine establishment on TripAdvisor:

“Terrible Motel. Go to Super 8 or Motel 6 if you need something cheap.”

“Worst place we have ever stayed at”

“Just nasty!”

“You can be cheap and still be good, they aren't”

 

I'll make sure I book Cinderella's palace for you princesses for next yeah 

:goofy:

AaronB


Gonna have to change your screen name to stabber instead of sweeper Randy...damn man. Can't pass up anything? Lol


2012 Wee Strom

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Jk bud it's all about the riding. And the parking lot rocks!


2007 Honda VFR800 ABS RWB
2015 Kawasaki Vulcan S ABS
2012 Suzuki Wee Strom ABS

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But why's he gotta bring up old stuff, that was so 3 months ago......

55 minutes ago, PirateRiderBen

I'll make sure I book Cinderella's palace for you princesses for next yeah 

With any luck, the Greene will be bulldozed by next year. 

Hell, if we're REALLY lucky, it'll get bulldozed this September! 

2 hours ago, Trace

Okay, I held my nose, called Greene's, and booked rooms for Norm and I. 

If you want to have some fun, look up this fine establishment on TripAdvisor:

“Terrible Motel. Go to Super 8 or Motel 6 if you need something cheap.”

“Worst place we have ever stayed at”

“Just nasty!”

“You can be cheap and still be good, they aren't”

I'll arrive early and make sure they have removed the chalk outlines.

1 hour ago, zeer0

I'll arrive early and make sure they have removed the chalk outlines.

And see if they'll remove those giant utility trucks towing giant cable spools, driven by illegals who much care if they back over a bunch of motorcycles. 

3 hours ago, whitelightning

But why's he gotta bring up old stuff, that was so 3 months ago......

Sorry Matt, I have no life.  When you guys loft one up, I just have to swing. :wink:

Everyone please go check out the other thread under the PRB Fall Ride section in regards to Tshirts!

Well kinda bummed. Kimball will not be able to make this trip so I dont have anyone to ride over to Boone with. :(

I'd love to make it but I'll be just getting back from Turkey. Not sure about being able to get time off that quick.

TheGirl Well kinda bummed. Kimball will not be able to make this trip so I dont have anyone to ride over to Boone with. :(

 

 

 

 

16 minutes ago, Sweeper

I bet we can fix that.


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You going to come to Knoxville and pick me up? lol

1 hour ago, TheGirl

You going to come to Knoxville and pick me up? lol

I come right through there. If you have a place I can leave a truck and trailer, we can ride in together. Or, you can load up and trailer in with me. Or, maybe I'll just ride up and meet you.  So many good roads and so many options, how do you ever decide?

BTW..tell Mr. Blake to get off his rear so he can make the trip.

Creeper Van. 

Sweeper, 8/22/2016 at 4:40 PM

I come right through there. If you have a place I can leave a truck and trailer, we can ride in together. Or, you can load up and trailer in with me. Or, maybe I'll just ride up and meet you.  So many good roads and so many options, how do you ever decide?

BTW..tell Mr. Blake to get off his rear so he can make the trip.

He hates missing it believe me, but he will be in Maine with his mom.

Sweeper, 8/22/2016 at 4:40 PM

I come right through there. If you have a place I can leave a truck and trailer, we can ride in together. Or, you can load up and trailer in with me. Or, maybe I'll just ride up and meet you.  So many good roads and so many options, how do you ever decide?

BTW..tell Mr. Blake to get off his rear so he can make the trip.

Thats awesome, I will make sure it works out so I can make it.

Doesnt matter to me if you want to trailer or ride. Its a full days if we take the bikes because I have a bad habit of not taking the direct route. lol

Trace, 6/21/2016 at 5:25 PM

Jeeeeeeeze.  I'm embarrassed that I thought Pigeon Forge/Gatlin would be a fun place to go, but I have to blame Norm.  He KNEW how fukd that place is, yet still went along with my very bad idea.   I'd rather stay at the awful Greene Motel for a month than EVER set foot in PF again.   Gawwwwd.....

Sounds like you have way too much time on your hands, Trace.  I thought about PF once, and then remembered who is driving around there....

whitelightning, 8/15/2016 at 2:32 PM

That one won't go away anytime soon.......

I don't need any help wrecking bikes, thank you.

Trace, 8/16/2016 at 3:34 PM

Okay, I held my nose, called Greene's, and booked rooms for Norm and I. 

If you want to have some fun, look up this fine establishment on TripAdvisor:

“Terrible Motel. Go to Super 8 or Motel 6 if you need something cheap.”

“Worst place we have ever stayed at”

“Just nasty!”

“You can be cheap and still be good, they aren't”

If we weren't past the deadline, I would invite some of the PF locals to cheer you up.

PirateRiderBen, 8/16/2016 at 4:05 PM

I'll make sure I book Cinderella's palace for you princesses for next yeah 

:goofy:

That's a great idea!  Next year, Trace can just ride around Orlando and stay there! 

whitelightning, 8/16/2016 at 4:54 PM

But why's he gotta bring up old stuff, that was so 3 months ago......

Yeah, really.  What happened again?  Exactly.

Sweeper, 8/16/2016 at 8:37 PM

Sorry Matt, I have no life.  When you guys loft one up, I just have to swing. :wink:

Bring the 500, it only has one front brake caliper to start. 

TheGirl, 8/22/2016 at 3:00 PM

Well kinda bummed. Kimball will not be able to make this trip so I dont have anyone to ride over to Boone with. :(

I would tell you to ride in, but there is something about the conversion van in the back of Greene's Motel that has a certain ring to it.

Sweeper, 8/22/2016 at 4:40 PM

I come right through there. If you have a place I can leave a truck and trailer, we can ride in together. Or, you can load up and trailer in with me. Or, maybe I'll just ride up and meet you.  So many good roads and so many options, how do you ever decide?

BTW..tell Mr. Blake to get off his rear so he can make the trip.

Why is he going to Maine the week of a VFRD trip?

5 hours ago, 007

I would tell you to ride in, but there is something about the conversion van in the back of Greene's Motel that has a certain ring to it.

Now that's really funny, that there is!!  You know the name of that conversion van?  His daughter calls it "The Creeper".

Sweeper's Creeper.  LOL

I'm making plans to join the gang.  Greene's room booked, choke, cough.  Looking at options to rent a bike in Atlanta or North East of there and then ride up.  Otherwise its rent a van, load my VFR, and drive for 9-10 hrs, sigh.  Any help with local rental places will be appreciated.

7 minutes ago, navyhelodrvr

I'm making plans to join the gang.  Greene's room booked, choke, cough.  Looking at options to rent a bike in Atlanta or North East of there and then ride up.  Otherwise its rent a van, load my VFR, and drive for 9-10 hrs, sigh.  Any help with local rental places will be appreciated.

What are you looking to rent?

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Dinning alone at the fabulous Greene's Motel.

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Friday was a wash except for the Carver Crew. They rode in with the rain on Thursday at midnight and out with it Friday morning before ten. Hardcore.

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How you smuggle your fifth gen across the border. Still not sure about all these Canadians and where they really come from. They all drink Coors.

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This is a local thing. Nice marketing, I was so tempted.

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Our Saturday ride began in a light rain and ended in a light rain.

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Two years after the Bass Flop, coolant leak. Made it back to the motel at least.

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Imagine having a phone call at midnight on Saturday..."Honey, I'm coming in about an hour with ten of my riding buddies who need a place to spend the next three days."  

You meet the nicest people....

Made it home safely last night after a 13 hour drive... yes to Canada Randy!

A huge thanks to the whole Ealy family for organizing this event and hosting the last three days of it ! Your generosity and hospitality is much appreciated :)

Just having a snack while writing this and thought of Bob and Randy. Lol

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RDMcD Made it home safely last night after a 13 hour drive... yes to Canada Randy!
A huge thanks to the whole Ealy family for organizing this event and hosting the last three days of it ! Your generosity and hospitality is much appreciated :)
Just having a snack while writing this and thought of Bob and Randy. Lol
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First day after I installed my rear tire.... and its gone!

[image: 20161006_162251.jpg]Side trip to Casa de Carver.  A diamond in the rough.  [image: 20161007_180352.jpg]

Phenomenal burgers are made here... and they're gone.

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Mood lighting:  the best way to relax when a hurricane is raining on your friends.

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Here is Hurricane Matthew about to kick my tail riding back to my soaked friends. The things I do for VFRD members (but mostly Angeli).  Riding towards a hurricane is added to the list of things that sound sort of interesting, but really are quite stupid.  Well, at least on the VFR.  The 500 doesn't even need roads to chase a hurricane.  Heavy fog is now right below ice storm for road conditions to avoid.  I took my chances on the hairpins of NC80 down the mountain with wet leaves and tree branches everywhere over the Parkway with heavy fog and 23mph average speed for about 10 miles.  Why did I leave Maryville, TN?[image: 20161008_181615.jpg]

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2 beautiful days of riding following the hurricane.  A lifetime of memories.  Special thanks to all the VFRD members who continually go above and beyond to make these events worthwhile in spite of adversity. 

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Angeli and Archer Puppy passed out after a long week.  Is it time for vacation?

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2 minutes ago, Sweeper

Everyone enjoyed your nuts. Must have been the honey. Nice of you to share them. Glad you made it home with them.


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It was my pleasure, I think its the combination of sweet and salty that you enjoyed, and yes my nuts got a lot of miles on them this past week.

Dad and I are rolling laughing reading this!  :goofy:

4 minutes ago, PirateRiderBen

Dad and I are rolling laughing reading this!  :goofy:

After leaving your place I thought to myself, I should have left my nuts on your kitchen counter for your Dad to finish off.

I enjoyed Rick's nuts as well! Talk about a guy that shares everything! Kudos to Ealy family! Great people. My radiator was repairable, should have it back tomorrow.


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53 minutes ago, AaronB

I enjoyed Rick's nuts as well! Talk about a guy that shares everything! Kudos to Ealy family! Great people. My radiator was repairable, should have it back tomorrow.


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Happy to share.

Told you we could have fixed it!

19 hours ago, Sweeper

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How you smuggle your fifth gen across the border. Still not sure about all these Canadians and where they really come from. They all drink Coors.

Apparently, Canadians mount their rear tire backwards for the snow.  Who knew?

1 hour ago, AaronB

I enjoyed Rick's nuts as well! Talk about a guy that shares everything! Kudos to Ealy family! Great people. My radiator was repairable, should have it back tomorrow.


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Seb fixes radiators that need fixing.  I donated my last leaky one to the cause.