2019 VFRD Memorial Spring Ride

*****2019 VFRD MEMORIAL SPRING RIDE****
                             May 2-5, 
                 Microtel Inn Franklin NC
                        828-349-9000

        Rates M-Th $69, Fri-Sun $89 +tax
   Event cost -$55, beverage, shirt, dinner & fun included. VFRD Eventbrite page will be set up for you to sign up and pay. This year plan to contribute to the swag.  Any questions contact Bob Ealy or Benjamin Ealy.

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Hey everyone I’m getting this thing kicked off. Sorry for the delay in posting this, and huge thanks to Miguel for creating a thread for this years ride. The basics are covered above in that post. Here you’ll find the link to the Eventbrite page where you can register and pay the fee as well as choose to add extra dinner tickets and T-shirt’s for significant others, friends, and family. Dad and I are super excited to see everyone in May and we hope for beautiful weather and a week full of rubber down riding. Hurry and register as the cut off is April 1st! If there are any questions or concerns please reach out to me directly. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-vfrd-memorial-spring-ride-tickets-55192317708

-PRB

So far only 2 folks have registered! I know there’s many more who still need to. Please register as soon as possible! Thanks!

-PRB

I'd like to go, but will be in NC in June for a wedding; can't swing the trip twice.

I'll be there.

Igrok I'd like to go, but will be in NC in June for a wedding; can't swing the trip twice.

Hotel booked, Eventbright paid.

Registered and hotel booked.  Got a room with 2 beds at the Microtel.  PM me if you want to split lodging costs. 

Anybody seen these two?

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How about these two?

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What about these two? Trace and Norm have gone missing. I bet they have some stories to tell after missing a couple of events.

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Hmm. Never had any ability to do this when in CA.

But now in Raleigh, and need to see some decent roads before I go nuts. Haven't seen a turn since I moved here.

A few questions:

-Anybody riding out there from Raleigh/durham/CH or coming through here?

-Are there rides for small groups of experienced riders or are these "group rides" with many levels?

Brown81 Hmm. Never had any ability to do this when in CA.
But now in Raleigh, and need to see some decent roads before I go nuts. Haven't seen a turn since I moved here.
 
A few questions:
-Anybody riding out there from Raleigh/durham/CH or coming through here?
-Are there rides for small groups of experienced riders or are these "group rides" with many levels?
 

I don't see ticket options for the go kart track. What's up with that?

4 hours ago, Brown81

Hmm. Never had any ability to do this when in CA.

But now in Raleigh, and need to see some decent roads before I go nuts. Haven't seen a turn since I moved here.

A few questions:

-Anybody riding out there from Raleigh/durham/CH or coming through here?

-Are there rides for small groups of experienced riders or are these "group rides" with many levels?

Count me in. 

Hawkgirl and I are of course, in. I'll book our room this week and eventually get around to the eventbrite registration. As always, can't wait to see all you degenerates again. 

YoshiHNS I don't see ticket options for the go kart track. What's up with that?

Sweeper, 2/18/2019 at 6:44 PM

There aren’t usually organized rides. The groups are mostly five to seven. We all try to help new folks find a good group fit. It is a memorial ride so we always try to respect that. Come on and join us.


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Thank you. Just want to ride some twisties as much as possible.

I do respect what it is about and remember the original event and the reason for it. But had been off the forum for a few years.

YYZ, 2/18/2019 at 10:25 PM

Count me in. 

Nice. I'll keep in touch. And if you are ever riding in this area and have any routes you would like to share, please let me know.

SO many good roads over there to ride; my old stomping ground. Y'all have fun - I'll be waiting for pics

I am hosting an FZ1 event here at home that weekend.  Shame we can't be at two places at one time.  Well probably not as I couldn't afford the tire expense anyway.

Y'all behave, have fun and ride smart.

I'm in! I just finished my Eventbrite registration. I'll be there Friday and Saturday I won't be staying at the Microtel as the wife and dog are coming with me. We will be at a cabin close to Highlands that I have never stayed at before. What time should I be at the hotel in the morning to find a group to ride with? Is 28 from Highlands to Franklin best route to take to the hotel?  Looking forward to seeing everyone and some great riding.   

I would say 28 is the best route to go. Depending on the time, it may be crowded, but it’s the easiest way to go. As for time, I’d say 9 am would be a safe bet. 

zeer0, 3/2/2019 at 7:45 PM

I would say 28 is the best route to go. Depending on the time, it may be crowded, but it’s the easiest way to go. As for time, I’d say 9 am would be a safe bet. 

Thanks Zero, I missed last year can't wait to get there and ride some twisties.  Florida roads are so boring. 

Registered. Will be at Hotel Fri/Sat but in the area earlier - maybe doing pre-ride with Rob Power et al or if not just aimlessly riding which is never a bad thing :). Coming solo this year as i am back down a few weeks later for annual vacation riding with the wife ( have a bit more leave then she does ). 

Just registered.

FREE BEER!

The turbo beer wagon won't be back but the beer will still be there. Registration for the event gets you FREE BEER (post ride) everyday.

This concludes today's plug for the Spring Memorial Ride.

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Looks like a good crowd is gathering.

I'm in.

+1

P.S.

Where are the donkeys?

Registered, but beware, the girl I talked with knew absolutely nothing about this event. 

Registered. See you all there. However, I will not be arriving until Saturday, May 4 @ 5:00 PM. (just in time for dinner). I plan on leaving Tuesday, May 7). 

If anyone wants to share a room on these days, please call me. Text or phone call works best.

Thanks,

Bill Mersch, aka MisterBill

859-466-2174

I did send a personal message to Ben about the girl's lack of knowledge of this event.

7 hours ago, MisterBill

Registered, but beware, the girl I talked with knew absolutely nothing about this event. 

Sometimes the weekend shift are not up to speed.

On the subject of free beverages...maybe don't accept one from Timmy.

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Is anyone looking for a roommate from Thursday to Sat night? Please let me know. You can reach my cell at 270-282-3734

Nope, working that week.  Might ride over there.the weekend of the 17th as a loner if the weather forecast is dry.  I love the area and it's been too long.  BTW, it ALWAYS rains during TMAC.    

Well just because Bent's out doesn't mean that you can't come have a great time. Ben has kept the registration open until the 7th for all of you procrastinators.

Sorry to hear that you won't be coming Jim, its been a long time. It's still a great group, just a little older.

52 minutes ago, Sweeper

Well just because Bent's out doesn't mean that you can't come have a great time. Ben has kept the registration open until the 7th for all of you procrastinators.

Sorry to hear that you won't be coming Jim, its been a long time. It's still a great group, just a little older.

Thanks Sweeper.  You caused me to look at my calendar again and there are some things that just can't be moved.  I considered selling my VFR due to back issues that have been ongoing but I rode a little yesterday and I can deal with it now I think.  I might try to make it over there later in May or June.  I used to go alone a few times a year.  No doubt it's a great group.  It has for sure been too long.  I'm not older at all....maybe a little wiser and slower..... :wub:   :wheel:   

I feel your pain. I have been dealing with what I thought was a tailbone issue but now thinking hip bones. I hurt really bad after riding more than an hour or two. Sitting anywhere is a problem. I have cycling shorts to try and an air hawk seat if I have to.


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Try staying very hydrated (you will stop for breaks more often ; ), and that helps with joint pain for me.    

I go to my doctor next week for another back check up.  One thing they have drilled into me is to not have back surgery.  It is the last resort they say.  I've had a somewhat bulging disc (even last time we rode together) but other things are going on.  Building up core muscle has helped a lot in riding and everything else.  

I have a lot of skeletal pain from arthritis and lumbar disks and get great relief from coffee. It does require extra hydration which means more bathroom stops. But that's Life In The Old Lane. (sigh)

MaxSwell, 4/5/2019 at 10:03 PM

I have a lot of skeletal pain from arthritis and lumbar disks and get great relief from coffee. It does require extra hydration which means more bathroom stops. But that's Life In The Old Lane. (sigh)

How well I know Maxswell.  I rode 200 miles in the twisties yesterday.  Because the weather was perfect, everyone and their pet dog was out including in the middle of nowhere which is where I like to ride.  Because people were everywhere on the roads it was not fun, much more tiring dealing with people that like to speed up when I come up behind them (the definition of stupidity), I was worn out when I got home and am now, the next day.  It kills me how some Harley dudes speed up when I come up behind them, over-riding their abilities.  I just stayed behind one on a very twisty road and let him enjoy himself.  Could have passed but just let him "enjoy" his stupidity and obvious discomfort.  I'll never understand why people speed up when a motorcycle that can pass them anytime they want comes up behind them.  I just let them go until they get tired of over-driving their vehicle and skills, then pass.  A VFR in third gear will go pass anything on four wheels.    

Two more are registered, representing the Peachtree City contingent!

Hi guys,

Just got home from Clayton. I found the greatest little restaurant with a motorcycle theme! The Rusty Cycle. Food is wonderful and prices reasonable.

Thought y'all might like to check it out.

Blesk, 4/16/2019 at 1:22 PM

Hi guys

Just got home from Clayton. I found the greatest little restaurant with a motorcycle theme! The Rusty Cycle. Food is wonderful and prices reasonable.

Thought y'all might like to check it out.

Might want to ride Warwoman road out of Clayton then circle back for food.  the east end of it is fun.  

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Heading out in the morning![image: emoji322.png]


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Sweeper, 4/26/2019 at 5:16 PM

Heading out in the morning![image: emoji322.png]


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Wish I could make it that week.  IF I recall correctly, the smallish "Alabama Gang" used to ride to Franklin.  It's a little painful now...for me anyway.

Bent Wish I could make it that week.  IF I recall correctly, the smallish "Alabama Gang" used to ride to Franklin.  It's a little painful now...for me anyway.

Pussy

:tongue:

Dutchy Pussy

Wait. Trailering is wrong?  

Ooops.... I googled for a fitting image....   

searching "pussy trailer"... 

Not advised in an open office environment, I can say this much....  :goofy:  

I just realized I'd just be arriving normally. I wish I was there and wish everyone a safe and fun (in that order) rally. 

Thus is Life In The Old Lane (don't you know you've lost your mind)

Folks are starting to arrive here in AR for our ride.  Unfortunately so is the possible rainy weather.  Hope we all can get some good riding weather this week/weekend.

I would take you up on it, Sweeper, but work is badly in the way that week.  That really sucks but me not working is not a good picture.  I would go crazy...crazier that is.....

Just arrived in Highlands. I will see everyone in the morning. I hope the weather holds!

Hi everyone,

Cancelling this trip. Weather forecast is for Sat and Sunday rain and/or thunderstorms on way down. And I could not arrive till Saturday afternoon anyway. Good riding.

Bill Mersch

aka MisterBill

MisterBill Hi everyone,
 
Cancelling this trip. Weather forecast is for Sat and Sunday rain and/or thunderstorms on way down. And I could not arrive till Saturday afternoon anyway. Good riding.
 
Bill Mersch
aka MisterBill

Although much fancy expensive equipment is being used, it appears forecasters usually have no clue and are simply guessing.  "They" forecasted 70-90% chance of rain for Friday and Saturday.  We rode most of the day each day and not a drop of actual rain.   Hope yall got some good riding in as well.

Moral:  Don't miss a ride due to forecasts.  Show up and ride if possible and enjoy the company.

Another SpringRide has come and gone. If you missed it, you missed out. I didn't take as many pics this year but here are a few highlights.

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I dragged the CB500x along this year because CaptainApe( now MajorGrits) flew in from his new assignment in California. Andy decided to ride with us all week due to the rigors of flying coast to coast. There were seven of us on the PreRide this year. We met in Franklin on Saturday afternoon and enjoyed a meal at Fatz that evening. Sunday, we left for a long ride to Little Switzerland. It was a great day with no straight roads. Sunday evening, we enjoyed lies and beer by the fire pits followed by dinner with Kimball and some of his friends. Monday we started the day with The Diamondback and 80. It was in the upper forties so I put on my vest. About an hour into our ride, I noticed my phone wasn't on the holder. PANIC! After a few minutes of patting myself down, Bob said it was in my hand when I put my vest on. It was in my vest pocket. Now we had some catching up to do. After passing a couple of cars on 80, we found a really tight left hand that was preceded by a bad dip on the right shoulder. I missed the dip but had to check up hard for the turn. My next thought was how bad did I screw up Bob. I looked in the mirror to see him roll off the edge of the road and his bike launch him into the bank. It turned out that Bob had not seen the dip and it caused him to miss how tight the turn was. Only a few minor marks to the bike and Bob. I did not take a picture because I'm slipping. The sticker says "Crashing Sucks".

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Bob was getting a little sore from the off so I insisted that he and I head for the hotel and rest for the afternoon. The Oakpark Inn in Waynesville is a neat little place to stay.

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Bob was up and ready to go again after breakfast at Clydes.

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At our first stop of the morning, Andy and Greg decided to trade rides. It was very entertaining to watch Greg try and handle the 500 coming from his SuperSport. 

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We road North Georgia into Helen for the night. Greg was nice enough to share his adult beverage.

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We road north into Tellico and then to Robbinsville for lunch at The Hub. Not sure where Andy puts all the food but I'm jealous.

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The CB was like a little puppy all week. It just couldn't get enough of running with the big dogs.

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As is tradition, we had to have a group toast on arrival back in Franklin. When everyone stopped for gas (SuperSports are thirsty) I stopped and picked up two twelve packs in my side bags. We had an awesome time thanks to Rob Power.

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First thing the next morning, another tradition, buying tires. We visited RideWNC and Mike put new tires on Rob and Ricks bikes. [image: IMG_6380.thumb.JPG.384f1e4af938e248f38abddb4271791b.JPG]

A Garmin stop on Warwoman and 28. This should have been a sign.

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My buddy Steve joined us on his big Versys. This is how you make a VFR look small.[image: IMG_6387.thumb.JPG.e572142e75f5d88439641076b26da3fd.JPG]

So the Garmin thing came up again and we found ourselves on a gravel incline of about 45 degrees. When the lead bike can no longer move forward and starts sliding back down the hill, chaos ensues. We all looked for a way to stop and help Rob pick up his bike but couldn't find a way to get off. Then I hear Steve's bike fall and see him running head first as fast as he can towards me. He wasn't having any luck with catching his head but managed to miss me and fall behind me. He was fine. This is when I pulled out my phone to take a picture. I watched as Rick leaned his beautiful Beetle Bag against the bank to go and help. Aaron road his XR to the top spraying gravel down the hill. The fun wasn't over. We got the bikes turned down the hill but then couldn't stop. Both brakes locked just resulted in the bike sliding down the hill. It was an adventure. The only damage was a few scratches to Rob's freshly painted bike.

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Saturday's weather was a little iffy and I was tired so I stayed at the hotel and watched it rain.

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Saturday night we had the usual dinner and awards. This years green jersey was awarded to Rob after a really close call on story telling. Saved someone from being the first repeat winner.

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I had to include this pic to show how hard Andy worked the CB. These are Shinko 705 dualsport tires. He ran the front and back to the edge and they don't even appear to have been hot. The middle scuff is from me loading on the trailer.

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One last pic because I'm really proud that for once I wasn't too close to the double yellow.

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A big thanks to Bob and Ben for continuing to put this event on. Hope to see you all there next year or maybe at the FallRide.

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Looks like a good time was had.  We sure have enjoyed the roads and company when we were fortunate enough to participate.  Thanx for sharing.

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Farkas makes the highlights!

Thanks for the pics, Sweeper.  Looks like the annual ride is fading away.  I remember when TMAC used to fill up the Microtel in Robbinsville and the Franklin Motel entirely with 60 attendees before the motel was bulldozed.  

I guess VFR riders are fading away.  Honda doesn't even sell them in the U. S. except for what old units are left in stock...the few left.  Time marches on.  

I was hoping to run into a few VFRD peeps while I was down that way. I'm usually down there the first full week in May. We got in Friday 5/3 and stayed through the 12th, but didn't ride a bunch the first weekend. We rode from Townsend TN down to the crossroads, stopped at Tapoco Lodge for lunch when it started pouring so we just rode back. Sunday didn't get on the bikes at all. I brought my 86 840, first time I've had that bike down there and it still gets the job done. 🙂 I also brought a Ducati that I restored over the winter, and of course it broke after a couple days riding (oil cooler line leak). The Honda was bulletproof 🙂  

Thanks as well for the pics Sweeper, for those not on FFff book.

While I did not hang around I met Rice and friend at the hotel and spent a good day riding with them and again on Friday (ever so briefly on 129 GA).

Met Balint and friend at the overlook as well on Thurs(?).  It was really good to see some of the TMAC Crewe including Ben and Bob.

The Fall Ride bekons as I may be in the area early Oct.

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Limiter Thanks as well for the pics Sweeper, for those not on FFff book.
While I did not hang around I met Rice and friend at the hotel and spent a good day riding with them and again on Friday (ever so briefly on 129 GA).
Met Balint and friend at the overlook as well on Thurs(?).  It was really good to see some of the TMAC Crewe including Ben and Bob.
The Fall Ride bekons as I may be in the area early Oct.
 
 
 
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Anyone like riding in the rain, raise their hand.  I ALWAYS check the weather forecast before riding to Western NC.  If the forecast is rain, me no leave my place no matter what is going on over there.  Rain and aggressive motorcycle riding don't mix...or any kind of motorcycle riding for that matter.  Sorry it rained, yet again at the annual Spring ride.  

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1 hour ago, Bent

Anyone like riding in the rain, raise their hand.  I ALWAYS check the weather forecast before riding to Western NC.  If the forecast is rain, me no leave my place no matter what is going on over there.  Rain and aggressive motorcycle riding don't mix...or any kind of motorcycle riding for that matter.  Sorry it rained, yet again at the annual Spring ride.  

Ahhh, for those of us less fortunate in terms of geography and the Event dates compromises are made. I checked the 10 day before driving 14 hours to Robbinsville.  As Sun. Mon. and Tues. were to be dry in all forecasts and there were slightly higher chances of rain daily after that, I took the Three Day Guarantee and dodged around the weather for three more.

Wed. was beautiful in N.GA, Thurs was a one hour delay(pic).

Still Worth The Drive  

Did not attend last year due to the weather.

BTW, Dragons Rest Cabins in R'ville. Recommended.

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15 hours ago, Sweeper

I heard someone talking about you being in town. Sorry I missed you. My one visit to the gap was Wednesday afternoon on our way back to Franklin. It was a crummy run and I decided it was enough. Hope to see you in the fall.

Thanks Randy. I had hoped to spend some time at the hotel to kvetch but I lost some time chasing down a no-hot-start situation.

That pre Ride looked awesome except the trailriding. Could not find reference to it prior soooo.......