1st Annual VFRD Spring Memorial Ride

Hello to all!

This year we will be returning to the Microtel in Franklin NC for the 1st Spring Memorial Ride. (Formerly known as the Texasmac Memorial Ride)

The dates are May 18-21 2017.

Rates are as follows Thursday 75$, Friday and Saturday 85$, and Sunday 69$.

Please note that unlike previous years, the hotel will not be holding a set number of rooms. As of this week there were 41 available. In order to get the special rate please make sure you identify yourself as a VFRD member! THE CUT OFF IS APRIL 19th!

All I've worked out so far is the hotel. Please keep checking back as I do intend to set up an Eventbrite registration in order to allow folks to register and pay for shirts, food, and beer. 

Hope to see you all there!!

-PRB

I have not been to any of these events.  And it looks like some of the events have multiple names.  Regardless, I'm confused so will just stick to the dates, rather than the names of these events.  I was wondering if camping was also possible/advisable at any of these events?  I may try to make it out to a few meet ups this season.

Art

Texasmac or Tmac has been the traditional spring ride the last 13 years.

it was in honor of a forum member and friend of BaileyRock's who passed away after a bike crash years ago.

BaileyRock no longer is able to commit the time to plan this event and out of respect I have changed the name to the Spring Memorials Ride. 

We meet and stay at a hotel in Franklin so there isn't any camping on site. You certainly may choose accommodations that fit your style and budget and feel free to come have a beer with us at the hotel and meet up for rides!

-Ben

Sounds good, I hope i can attend!  :beer:

Yes.  I want to know more please.

Never mind.  Can't get used tot he way this new website works.

I'm in.

Will be booking the room today.

See y'all there.

And again, thanks Ben for keeping the tradition alive!

Do you have or need any t-shirt ideas?

artpongs, 2/17/2017 at 7:57 PM

I have not been to any of these events.  And it looks like some of the events have multiple names.  Regardless, I'm confused so will just stick to the dates, rather than the names of these events.  I was wondering if camping was also possible/advisable at any of these events?  I may try to make it out to a few meet ups this season.

Art

You are in the correct place, sir!  Hope to see you there.

I was already planning to be staying and riding with a group from another forum and basing out of Kickstand Lodge in Stecoah, NC. I'd sure enjoy meeting some of y'all, doing a little riding and getting a shirt.

Artpongs, if you're into camping, come up and join us. Great campground and the friendliest people ever. It's about 40 mins from Franklin on 28.

Sent from my LG-H900 using Tapatalk

Damnit !!!

There is an MSTA (motorcycle sport touring association) ride scheduled for that weekend.  The event is based out of the Hub motorcycle resort which is about 10 miles from our humble abode.  I did not get to attend the ride last year due to an out of town wedding that we had to attend.   I have been informed that I must attend the event this year. (they need someone that is good looking and to be the brunt of jokes)

I will continue to keep up with the progress of the Spring Memorial ride and participate vicariously through stories of all of the antics.   Hopefully  there will be another smokies event/ride that we can partake in the 'fun'! 

Room booked!  See yall there!

5 hours ago, oyama

Do you have or need any t-shirt ideas?

Yes Bálint, I'm doing the shirts this year, so any ideas you or anyone else have would be greatly appreciated. I'll be getting the sport fabric that we had prior to last year, but that's as far as I've got. 

5 hours ago, zeer0

Yes Bálint, I'm doing the shirts this year, so any ideas you or anyone else have would be greatly appreciated. I'll be getting the sport fabric that we had prior to last year, but that's as far as I've got. 

Thanks, let me see what my graphically skilled friends can do.

gloryracing, 2/20/2017 at 10:14 AM

they need someone that is good looking and to be the brunt of jokes

I'm sure your super mini tank bag adds to the look.

Room booked.

See y'all there.

SCguy, 2/20/2017 at 9:01 AM

I was already planning to be staying and riding with a group from another forum and basing out of Kickstand Lodge in Stecoah, NC. 

No adventure riding this this year dammit!

marriedman   No adventure riding this this year dammit!

Oh, come on. We could lead a procession of VFRs through the mud. I got to track down the video of you going all Charlie and Ewan.

[image: P112014b4_zpsukut85xh.jpg]

I mean, we stayed upright last time, right?

Clean bikes are over rated.

Sent from my LG-H900 using Tapatalk

oyama, 2017. 02. 20. at 5:05 PM

Thanks, let me see what my graphically skilled friends can do.

Would any of this work?

[image: IMG_7738.PNG]

[image: IMG_7739.PNG]

i think we should go with this:

[image: watermarked_big.jpg]

11 hours ago, timmythecop

Are you coming?

To the event, that is... :comp13:

Room booked and can't wait!

Arriving Saturday, see you all back at the Microtel Tuesday night.

20 hours ago, oyama

Would any of this work?

[image: IMG_7738.PNG]

[image: IMG_7739.PNG]

Is that Yellow Wolf out front on a Wing just passing a string of VFR's? 

It says Robbinsville, NC. ??

I do like the design. How about a VFR tach on the back? I love that one!

Booked room today. Trem and I will arrive Thursday. I'm going to Trem's place on Monday the 15th in Anderson GA and we'll do some riding before Thursday so perhaps we'll see some of yous early.

Waiting In Wild Anticipation.

Baileyrock, 3/3/2017 at 6:15 PM

Is that Yellow Wolf out front on a Wing just passing a string of VFR's? 

No, It is s 5th gen with fancy saddle bags. The t-shirt is based in this picture.

[image: img_8472 VFRD.jpg]

MaxSwell, 3/3/2017 at 10:06 PM

It says Robbinsville, NC. ??

I do like the design. How about a VFR tach on the back? I love that one!

I have shown my graphically skilled friend all past t-shirts. Apparently that city name stuck with her. Of course it can be changed.

Awesome guys! Look forward to seeing you there. Let's keep it rolling!

[image: 1b19a482032e32bef0ed964a4d25e47b.jpg]
Into the beast again! Front CCT. Anything else comes up, I'm riding the CB500.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You should be about done by now. Is there anything left to go wrong? ........forget I typed that. We shall will it to be all better after this.

12 hours ago, Sweeper

Into the beast again! Front CCT. Anything else comes up, I'm riding the CB500.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Time to bring it to NE TN for your BRP ride with your daughter, I have 2nd and 4th Gen you can ride while I play with yours....

SamW Time to bring it to NE TN for your BRP ride with your daughter, I have 2nd and 4th Gen you can ride while I play with yours....

Hello all, just to remind everyone the hotel cut off for the special pricing is the 19th!!

please make sure you register on event brite or you won't be guaranteed food, beer, or a shirt!

thanks again!

-Ben

zeer0, 4/15/2017 at 8:38 PM

You should be about done by now. Is there anything left to go wrong? ........forget I typed that. We shall will it to be all better after this.

I think he's just bored or he subscribed to my maintenance strategies.

Sweeper, ‎4‎/‎16‎/‎2017 at 11:16 AM

Thanks. Don't know when that will happen. Her schedule stays full with more important things. I'm pretty sure the beast needs a starter valve sync. The good news is that it's rideable for the moment.
I'm planning to meet a couple of Canadians on Sunday before the spring ride. Three days on the best roads. You should join us.


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Maybe we can meet you for day two and three of the ride, the previous weekend we will be at VIR watching the MotoAmerica races.  Possibly meet you somewhere on route on Day one, just see how it all plays out.

007 I think he's just bored or he subscribed to my maintenance strategies.

RDMcD, 4/15/2017 at 8:32 AM

Add another Canadian to the list!

This ride used to bring Knucks down in hordes. I miss many of my Near Northern Neighbors (N to the third power). RDguy where are you?

Damn new job is cramping my riding! Registered!

I tried to book a room yesterday after work. The guy said I had to call between 7 & 3 to talk to the person doing the VFR bookings. Tried calling before work & during my two breaks today. No one was answering the phone. Finally got through after work, 4:00 EDT and got put on hold for 15 minutes. I was then told that there are no rooms left, VFR or otherwise. GRRRR!

Guess I'll be making other plans. 

Tripadvisor is showing rooms available for May 18-May 21...

16 hours ago, dabirk23

I tried to book a room yesterday after work. The guy said I had to call between 7 & 3 to talk to the person doing the VFR bookings. Tried calling before work & during my two breaks today. No one was answering the phone. Finally got through after work, 4:00 EDT and got put on hold for 15 minutes. I was then told that there are no rooms left, VFR or otherwise. GRRRR!

Guess I'll be making other plans. 

I called yesterday around 3-4pm and spoke with someone AS I REALIZED I FORGOT TO RESEVE MY OWN ROOM! She gladly took my reservation and said they had about 6-8 rooms with queen beds left for those dates. 

I would storngly urge you to call again today. 

I hope to see you there!

-PRB

In other news folks, I have tried to take this ride and make it about local businesses as well as the great roads.

so with that being said, we will be getting kegs of beer again, but this time it will be Amber Ale from Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. which is based out of Franklin. 

We will also be catering a full meal for Saturday dinner from a locally owned BBQ restaurant. 

You wont want to miss out, so PLEASE REGISTER ON EVENTBRITE!

Thanks!

-PRB

22 hours ago, PirateRiderBen

I called yesterday around 3-4pm and spoke with someone AS I REALIZED I FORGOT TO RESEVE MY OWN ROOM! She gladly took my reservation and said they had about 6-8 rooms with queen beds left for those dates. 

I would storngly urge you to call again today. 

I hope to see you there!

-PRB

Called this morning. Was able to get a single room. Woohoo! I'll just have to bring my own refrigerator. :)

PirateRiderBen, 4/20/2017 at 9:13 AM

 AS I REALIZED I FORGOT TO RESEVE MY OWN ROOM!

-PRB

:goofy:

PirateRiderBen, 4/20/2017 at 8:13 AM

AS I REALIZED I FORGOT TO RESEVE MY OWN ROOM!

:excl:

The registration closes on May 5th so my printer has time for the shirts. If you can't swing it by then, let me know via P.M. and we can figure something out.  Just an F.Y.I.

Booked and registered!!!!!!

Ahhh! The one weekend I have a wedding this summer. I would have loved to attend otherwise. Any possibility of purchasing a shirt without attending the event?

Baileyrock I can't believe the Self Promotion here! 

:goofy:

I like it!!!!!!! Looks like a very nice 5th gen up there with Beetle Bags riding 2-up. :-)

If we go with that one, I might want extras.

Getting ready to flip the calendar page over to May and start crossing off days!

13 hours ago, VFRpwr

Getting ready to flip the calendar page over to May and start crossing off days!

Am I there yet?!

Eventbrite Registration ends at midnight tonight, May 5th, E.D.T. I'm putting in the t-shirt order Monday morning. Anyone that wants to register after tonight, p.m. me here or email me at zeer0rc46@gmail.com and we can work it out. Thanks, Jay

It was a great event thanks to Bob, Ben, Jason, and all of those who support them. Lots of regulars where missed this year and I hope to see you all return next year. You missed a great one. Pics to come.

1 minute ago, Sweeper

It was a great event thanks to Bob, Ben, Jason, and all of those who support them. Lots of regulars where missed this year and I hope to see you all return next year. You missed a great one. Pics to come.

I hope there'll be fall ride. A year without Viffers in the Smokies is like .... well, it's bad.

Great event! Good job Bob, Ben and Jason and anyone else that lent a hand. Made it home about 5;30 only rained on us about 1/2 of the ride home. Worth every minute of it. We had such great weather for the event who could complain. Oyama is home safe. Hoping everyone made it home safe and sound will see you next year!! 

I made it home safe after 3-4 hours of rain.

Phew!  Shut the truck off at 23:05. 

RDMcD and I made it back to Ontario without issue.

Tow rig is in the driveway and most of the biking gear is in the house.

Great event Ben, Bob and Jason.  Would drive another 950 miles (the day after) tomorrow to meet the peeps and ride the roads again!

[image: SpringRide2017_BackHome_2305.jpg]

Ride Icon needed!

I intended to ride today but threw in the towel, a moist one and packed it in. Got home at midnight. 

Another great time with great people!

2 hours ago, VFRpwr

Ride Icon needed!

And a picture thread!!! :-)

Chillin' at kebrider's house after a beautiful day of riding.  We left shortly after Curt and Rob and were the last two out of the parking lot.  After a grueling 200 yard ride to Sonic to top off our stomachs, we braved a few light sprinkles up the highway, but these cleared as we hit Sanderstown.  28 was a little damp south of the highway section so adjustments were made, but less so as we progressed.  The Dragon had very few damp spots and it turned out to be a picture perfect evening to destroy rubber.  Killboy probably has a few pics and I posted a shot from the Overlook on FB. 

Probably headed to the Dragon again today.  Why not?  I might try to steal The Girl's WR since there needs to be some taste of motard before I buy one, myself.  The first one is always free, right?

I only got to stop by briefly, but it was really cool to see so many VFR's. Far too long I was the only one around except whenever scguy & I get together. I wish I could have stayed longer and talked to more people about their bikes. They were all so well taken care of and tastefully modified to the owners. 

The best part was running into my old 6th gen! The owner after me sold it Sweeper. She didn't look as good as when I sold her, but now that she has an owner (Sweeper) I am betting she will get the attention she deserves. 

It was a fantastic experience meeting everyone for the first time! Since I live in Franklin I would like to know when anyone heads up this way for a ride. I am looking forward to the fall trip and to continuing to develop relationships. Thank you for allowing me and my 1200 to come along for the ride!! Cheers.

4 hours ago, marriedman

I only got to stop by briefly, but it was really cool to see so many VFR's. Far too long I was the only one around except whenever scguy & I get together. I wish I could have stayed longer and talked to more people about their bikes. They were all so well taken care of and tastefully modified to the owners. 

The best part was running into my old 6th gen! The owner after me sold it Sweeper. She didn't look as good as when I sold her, but now that she has an owner (Sweeper) I am betting she will get the attention she deserves. 

Demands, so far she demands attention. I have given her the nickname The Beast. It will all change soon. Thanks to Uncle Daddy, Burns, Kebrider, and everyone else who helped with the stuck idle screw issue she is really close now.

Did someone say "PICTURES" [image: 20170519_085903.thumb.jpg.c9975b252cb8776d4870be209c0b8f50.jpg][image: 20170519_091958.thumb.jpg.796b7134eb89080fa736375d7dd0e799.jpg]I will post more later. On a very slow Wi-Fi connection.

A huge huge HUGE thank you to all who came out and joined to make this event a total success. Beautiful weather, sexy bikes, and awesome people made it all worth it this year like every other year. I look forward to the next ride!

-Ben

VFRpwr, 5/21/2017 at 11:53 PM

Ride Icon needed!

I'll see what I can do about that. 

All I can say is what awesome friends I have. I always enjoy seeing everyone and always hate leaving. 

Ben, Jason and Bob, great job stepping up to the plate and carrying this tradition forward. Once again it was the perfect balance of riding, comradery and simply having a good time. 

[image: tmac 2.jpg]

12 hours ago, twitte

Ben, Jason and Bob, great job stepping up to the plate and carrying this tradition forward. Once again it was the perfect balance of riding, comradery and simply having a good time. 

This is exactly right, including "carrying this tradition forward".   A fine event that doesn't need anything else to make it better. 

Well done, PRB, Dad and Zeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeero.  

[image: IMG_3850.thumb.JPG.fed233538d26201aac4d14ef0b498fe3.JPG]

The end of a successful day.

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Lunch stop

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Rick was done near the end of day four. He rode three more.

[image: IMG_3857.thumb.JPG.ee6c4ca1a6337ce94b8c36d44cf312ee.JPG]

550HP twin turbo beer wagon.

[image: IMG_3859.thumb.JPG.a90b08931c12da0cf63fe2721f16172a.JPG]

Dragon sticker for the new bike... with supervision.

[image: IMG_3863.thumb.JPG.51f5d2f52a939b77db93a73687460a43.JPG]

Starter valve sync on The Beast. Thanks to Uncle Daddy for bringing the tools and all those who chipped in when MiniCarver was nowhere to be found.

[image: IMG_3867.thumb.JPG.9f8b29137b5db824d26e72c993835d7f.JPG]

It was a popular spot.

[image: IMG_3869.thumb.JPG.1bebb6c94a7d09c405e32be42613d495.JPG]

I was first out with my coffee to find this. Decided that I'm not faster than Trace's speeding bullet.

[image: IMG_3871.thumb.jpg.8d757abbc7354fc9806623f94fd81364.jpg]

Taking a dam break.

[image: IMG_3873.thumb.JPG.cbc337badb1ad5387174420069da31c0.JPG]

I found the sign humorous because everybody walks down the path to take a leak.

[image: IMG_3876.thumb.JPG.eb02b848f2e8fa152cd12688863dcda4.JPG]

Erik Buell has nothing on Curt's engineering skills.

[image: IMG_3882.thumb.JPG.52cf2454c58f4f760b33bfd83735c3d3.JPG]

Todd was the winner this year.

[image: IMG_3885.thumb.JPG.f5b2ba25e0f7dbd67e8085a60cc753fc.JPG]

Saturday night rain. They kept saying "you call this a hurricane?".[image: IMG_3886.thumb.JPG.795267732f15d58544aa6b2dd14f945d.JPG]

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Oyama is a hard dude. Suited up and pulled out for home in a downpour.

[image: IMG_3892.thumb.jpg.a713eaf3ff5ca49753a69581b378649e.jpg]

Seven days of riding, time for a little rest.

Thank you Ben, Bob, and Jason for making it happen.

But wait, there's one more...

[image: Danger.thumb.jpg.35c7ab545353624b6fcb6bb3c64789e5.jpg]

Glad I could bum around poaching rides with various groups.  What a great week with fantastic friends!  My new S21s still look virtually new, must have slowed down this week.  The final leg of the journey was I-40 from Knoxville to Winston last night to beat most of the rain.  If you haven't ridden through the mountains on a 60 degree night in a light fog / misting rain in the comfort of the VFR with Xcreen, heated grips, and ADVmonster LED headlights, you don't know what you are missing.  The only rain I had to ride all week, thankfully, with minimal traffic.

Sounds like a good time was had and no serious incidents...Woo hoo!  After we sent the rain up y'alls way on Saturday we had a good ride here in AR as well.

Hoping to be able to join the fun and lies next year.  (although we are thinking about sneaking up there later this year in June)

Thanx for posting pics and sharing stories of the antics!

zeer0, 5/23/2017 at 4:48 AM

I'll see what I can do about that. 

All I can say is what awesome friends I have. I always enjoy seeing everyone and always hate leaving. 

[image: SRicon.jpg.925ff4384053f019955e3030856f8cc1.jpg]

I doctored your shirt design to fit the square format. If you don't want it, it didn't cost a thing. ;-)

4 hours ago, Sweeper

[image: SRicon.jpg.925ff4384053f019955e3030856f8cc1.jpg]

I doctored your shirt design to fit the square format. If you don't want it, it didn't cost a thing. ;-)

That's what I was gonna do too. Looks great to me! Thanks!

gloryracing, 5/24/2017 at 10:40 AM

Sounds like a good time was had and no serious incidents...Woo hoo!  After we sent the rain up y'alls way on Saturday we had a good ride here in AR as well.

Hoping to be able to join the fun and lies next year.  (although we are thinking about sneaking up there later this year in June)

Thanx for posting pics and sharing stories of the antics!

Umm, or join in on the Fall Ride.  Let us know your plans either way.  I'm sure kebrider and I can join you in your search for awful roads in the area.  We still haven't found them yet, but keep looking every every ride.  I even made I40 interesting this year by adding fog and rain on an otherwise pitch black night. 

Did someone say more "PICTURES".[image: 20170519_110251.thumb.jpg.edb7d945e1e6f0289fd0ef76e497c3a3.jpg]Thanks to Zero, Misty, Ben, Bob and really FAST dude on the 1200 (sorry forgot your name) for letting an old guy tag along! Friday morning 1st  stop at end of Wayah Rd.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

[image: 20170517_190245.thumb.jpg.04e621f6ed25c9dd501365b44b479668.jpg]

Starting mileage (less 120 miles) Forgot to take picture when I left. [image: 59277c70d17c3_TaleoftheDragon-17002.thumb.JPG.cad334243abad5bfce527f88fc6e27aa.JPG]

Packed up and leaving home. [image: 20170517_190301.thumb.jpg.948e141f43e46c96d348eed8ed41c630.jpg]

Meet Oyama north of Jacksonville Fl. Headed to Dublin Ga. for the night before going into Franklin on Thursday. [image: 20170518_153947.thumb.jpg.2c21226e56816f920d617b20dd249066.jpg]

Me and Oyama at Dragon store on Thursday after leaving Dublin. [image: 20170518_154002.thumb.jpg.75bc4b9cca2c980198ee339bc6f8fae4.jpg]

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Obligatory pictures at end of Dragon of Fontana Dam. **Oyama was a Killboy feature after this run. Knee dragging and sparks flying Worth a look 5/18/17 page 19 I think. [image: 20170519_122523.thumb.jpg.a205378ea4c19613f59f43b9c7dc87c8.jpg]

Don't Know where I'm at Just tagging along With Zero and the gang on Friday. 

[image: 20170520_113125.thumb.jpg.768327ee2c606ebe88e3450c9cf628c3.jpg]

Road Saturday with Tom? and his son Beau we went west and south 281 and other roads I can't remember but just amazing corners and scenery. Great company. Stopped at a quirky little restaurant with a waitress who told us first off she has ADHD and might forget about us or talk too much but would get it right in the end. She was a delight and the angus burger was delicious. [image: 20170520_112724.thumb.jpg.8f528381ae63fe8d7ae98cb302d6178f.jpg]

More great scenery.[image: 20170520_112822.thumb.jpg.412eb054d3c2a7370c0059dceba8c15f.jpg][image: 20170520_112749.thumb.jpg.7d44801e6b5702ecb9e8b4ae24cc3774.jpg][image: 20170520_115633.thumb.jpg.6c62632e45556923423a9d517544e48f.jpg][image: 59278b3b9f8b2_HomesafefromTailoftheDragontrip-17002.thumb.JPG.6753b22caffc805e6a914b902bdf9d3e.JPG]

Home safe after 3 to 4 hours in the rain on and off. Oyama still had 80 more miles to go. [image: 59278bca7d6fd_HomesafefromTailoftheDragontrip-17004.thumb.JPG.1e893a3de901ab263360dec7c20907d2.JPG]

No place like home. Wife and dog there waiting on me. 

[image: 20170521_185222.thumb.jpg.b205c927ff234bff2ccc92fc66ef4c66.jpg]

478 miles back home. 1597 miles in 41/2 days. Unforgettable memories and friendships. Can't wait till next year to do it all over again. Thanks again Ben for keeping the tradition alive and well.  

3 hours ago, 007

Umm, or join in on the Fall Ride.  Let us know your plans either way.  I'm sure kebrider and I can join you in your search for awful roads in the area.  We still haven't found them yet, but keep looking every every ride.  I even made I40 interesting this year by adding fog and rain on an otherwise pitch black night. 

Ellen, the pillion, is having a minor surgery in June however she  will need to 'rest and recoup' for a  couple weeks.  She says she can rest just as good in the toyhauler as she can at home.  I am not so sure about that.  After the surgical procedure if she feels up to it we may head to the smokies.   She says while there I should invest a couple days on the bike searching for awful roads...who am I to disagree!

Precipitation and the like of any kind while riding motor scooters sucks!