I'm going to the Schwantz School in Birmingham May 4 and 5. Since I'm gonna be out that way anyway, I'm supposed to meet a friend from Macon, GA in Atlanta on May 1. We were going to go try to ride the Deal's Gap area on Sat. May 2. What I'm thinking is, I could take a few extra days off and get to the area around 4/28 or 4/29 if anyone wants to meet up and ride for a couple days. I don't mind travelling to meet people, as I'm going to be trucking my bike out there. Also don't mind sharing rooms or springing for rooms.
Any reccomendations on where to stay or base my trip out of? Where should I ride? Got some recc's on roads from JM earlier, too.
I stayed here http://www.huntslodge.com/ (http://www.huntslodge.com/) when I was down in Sept. The camping cabins are great, then $45 per night with power, heat and AC. We were splitting 2 ways, a couple of the cabins can take 3. The owners are riders. Jack and Lori were great hosts.
Pick a road, any road, all sorts of great riding. Gotta do The Dragon just cuz it's there, but there are many other my-t-fine roads in the region.
My suggestion if you can schedule it is try to time your arrival to hit The Dragon Tues / Weds, morning is best. Way less traffic and they start setting up the radar traps right around lunch. And the TN fella's will write you, no warnings. NC is rumored to be more understanding. My buddy and I tested a KY trooper and he was great [thumbsup] read we got a warning!
This trip was on my punch list for-freakin-ever, and finally vacation, money and a riding partner all came into alignment. Two of us extended our Moto GP trip to go down and ride.
ENJOY!
If you want to spend any time in N. GA, I have heard good things about T.W.O.: http://www.twowheelsonly.com/ (http://www.twowheelsonly.com/). North Georgia has some great riding on the way up to Deal's Gap if you want to stay off the slabs.
TWO is good, and right in the middle of some great riding. It's primarily a camping resort. If I'm not working the weekend you're up, it may be feasible to come join you on that Saturday.
JM
Man I would love to. Last day of class for me is the 28th. I don't know if I could get a week-long trip past the missus though :P
Quote from: needtorque on February 18, 2009, 06:09:50 PM
Man I would love to. Last day of class for me is the 28th. I don't know if I could get a week-long trip past the missus though :P
Well here's your out: It's not a week! I have to head to Birmingham on May 3 (which is also the day there's an AMA SBK race at Barber). Therefore, you'd only have to slip 3 or 4 days by the missus [evil]. Or just come part of the time.
Dammit, swampduc. I'm gonna be in New Orleans that first weekend in May. I was gonna see if you wanted to get together for a beer or 5.
Quote from: Obsessed? on February 18, 2009, 07:24:45 PM
Dammit, swampduc. I'm gonna be in New Orleans that first weekend in May. I was gonna see if you wanted to get together for a beer or 5.
Shit. Going to Jazzfest? Highly reccomend it. Remind me when it gets closer; I'll give you some restaurants and bars to check out.
Quote from: swampduc on February 18, 2009, 07:43:13 PM
Going to Jazzfest?
Not specifically. My mom is having "a big birthday" and she wanted to take the whole family someplace fun. I've been there a couple of times before, but really never seen anything BUT the Quarter.
I'll be at Deal's Gap Resort that weekend. there's 4 of us. Arriving Wednesday April 29th. we have an apartment, and can squeeze in one more - if you'd like to join us! We have the apartment until Sunday morning.
The riding there is great!! All the roads are fantastic.
JM - hope to see you down there!!
Awesome! I'll do everything I can to keep that date open!
JM
Everyone keeps talking about this "Dragon" thing like there's something special about it
[laugh]
Dragons are mythical pyromaniacs.
JM
and if you're not watching, they bite. At least the one at Deal's Gap bites.
JM - hopefully the weather will hold out and we'll get to ride together. Hmmmm! Deal's Gap with someone who knows where they're going.... that's different!!! [laugh]
I'll have to see what i can work out with the misses and with work.. Although I live in TX now, I've logged more seat time at Deal's Gap than probably anyone who doesn't live within an hour or two ride from the store.
I never fully did an intro on here when i signed up, just in the local section for dallas...
... But I grew up at the Gap.. literally. My dad is the one that started marketing it to motorcycles and is actually the one who named it "the dragon"
Damn man! Cool story. That like makes you royalty or a direct descendant or something. [thumbsup]
If you learned to ride the Appalachians you got just about as good a schooling as you can get.
Do ya miss us? Hell, all a Texas ain't so bad is it. ;D
LA
Hate that I'm gonna miss it guys!
JM show them war woman if you can.
Oh and post up in MROC to see if any of the Charlotte or Raleigh area people can join.
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll97/metalmelitia03/mine002.jpg?t=1235099746)
Well I am ready for a ride to the dragon.
Well, guess I'll check on reservations tomorrow - looks like I'll try to stay at Deal's Gap Moto Resort since there will be other DMF'ers there (assuming there's availability). Will head out to Atlanta on Saturday and Birmingham on Sunday.
Quote from: LA on February 19, 2009, 06:12:56 PM
Damn man! Cool story. That like makes you royalty or a direct descendant or something. [thumbsup]
If you learned to ride the Appalachians you got just about as good a schooling as you can get.
Do ya miss us? Hell, all a Texas ain't so bad is it. ;D
LA
HA... every ride I go on here in TX... I want to shoot myself as soon as I get home... the only pleasure I get here on my bike is at trackdays...
Quote from: swampduc on February 19, 2009, 07:39:38 PM
Well, guess I'll check on reservations tomorrow - looks like I'll try to stay at Deal's Gap Moto Resort since there will be other DMF'ers there (assuming there's availability). Will head out to Atlanta on Saturday and Birmingham on Sunday.
If you're planning on being there during the week it shouldnt be a problem. weekends... maybe another story. When you get there tell Ben that Damien says hi and thanks again for use of his bike when i was there in October...
This was on his bike about 20 minutes after sitting on a cbr1k for the first time.
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/damien311/rep3.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/damien311/rep4.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/damien311/rep5-2-1.jpg)
Photos courtesy of Zeefoto.com
Quote from: swampduc on February 19, 2009, 07:39:38 PM
Well, guess I'll check on reservations tomorrow - looks like I'll try to stay at Deal's Gap Moto Resort since there will be other DMF'ers there (assuming there's availability). Will head out to Atlanta on Saturday and Birmingham on Sunday.
Update: Definitely making it there on the evening of 4/29, probably late as I'll be leaving from New Orleans that AM. I have reservations for a motel room at Deal's Gap Moto Resort for the nights of 4/30 and 5/1. They were full for the night of 4/29, so if anyone has room for me to crash, I'd appreciate it, or I could just stay somewhere near Atlanta or something and come out early on 4/30. Also, they say the motel rooms can sleep 3-4 and I'm by myself, so if anyone needs a bed for 4/30 or 5/1, it's there.
Oh and my skills don't exactly compare to DLSGAP there ^^^^^ - we don't have turns where I live ;D
Quote from: swampduc on February 20, 2009, 12:27:58 PM
Oh and my skills don't exactly compare to DLSGAP there ^^^^^ - we don't have turns where I live ;D
I don't claim to have skills... I just hold my own and I've ridden ALOT in that area.
Just have a good head on your shoulders and don't try to keep up with anyone faster. And stay on your side of the road... lol
Quote from: DLSGAP on February 20, 2009, 01:40:37 PM
I don't claim to have skills... I just hold my own and I've ridden ALOT in that area.
Just have a good head on your shoulders and don't try to keep up with anyone faster. And stay on your side of the road... lol
and look out for ANYONE crossing the yellow line.
Quote from: lauramonster on February 20, 2009, 03:15:55 PM
and look out for ANYONE crossing the yellow line.
I wouldn't know what you're talking about.. No one does that there ever...
I can neither confirm or deny what may have been about to happen in this photo
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/damien311/stalkingprey.jpg)
Don't follow the Repsol.
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on February 23, 2009, 08:14:36 AM
Don't follow the Repsol.
JM
HA... As quoted on some parts at the tree of shame.. same bike... different rider ;)
Quote from: lauramonster on February 20, 2009, 03:15:55 PM
and look out for ANYONE crossing the yellow line.
Yup. A regular was hit a year or two ago by another bike, cruiser I believe that crossed the line. I've got an animated GIF courtesy of Zeephoto of a sportbike crossing the like and sideswiping an SUV. ALL types of vehicles are found on the wrong side. Ride with enough of a skill buffer to play dodge-car/bike/SUV
Quote from: DLSGAP on February 23, 2009, 08:45:07 AM
HA... As quoted on some parts at the tree of shame.. same bike... different rider ;)
Yup. I'll assume the part was referring to following Ben's Repsol & just goes to further the "ride your own ride" bit ~
JM
Yeah it was in reference to Ben's repsol... well, one of them actually.. he has two... he was gracious enough to let me borrow one (as seen on photos) while i was in the area visiting family in october and was forced to cage it up there.
Side note.... even though it has a little more body roll than the GTI, the VW Tiguan was a blast up there
Well, I'm resurrecting the thread because the trip's getting close! ;D
Again, anyone who wants to join, I've got room in my room at Deal's Gap Moto Resort for 4/30 and 5/1.
Can't wait to [moto]
Quote from: swampduc on April 21, 2009, 07:59:57 PM
Well, I'm resurrecting the thread because the trip's getting close! ;D
Again, anyone who wants to join, I've got room in my room at Deal's Gap Moto Resort for 4/30 and 5/1.
Can't wait to [moto]
Damn, I'm actually in Charlotte on 4/30 and 5/1. Maybe I'll take a day off and figure out some way to get up there before I leave on 5/2 to go home.
Quote from: JBubble on April 21, 2009, 08:01:39 PM
Damn, I'm actually in Charlotte on 4/30 and 5/1. Maybe I'll take a day off and figure out some way to get up there before I leave on 5/2 to go home.
Hell yeah, come on out!
Quote from: swampduc on April 21, 2009, 08:07:56 PM
Hell yeah, come on out!
Yeah, gotta find a ride. No transportation while I'm here unfortunately. I'll see if I can work something out though!
Man I want to. If I pass all my finals wifey might let me come out and play. (last final is the 29th) If not I will be in the doghouse for a very loooooooooooong time.
Quote from: JBubble on April 21, 2009, 08:08:58 PM
Yeah, gotta find a ride. No transportation while I'm here unfortunately. I'll see if I can work something out though!
If I can find a trailer to borrow or buy (cheap), I could bring 2 bikes. I'll look into it (need a trailer anyway - I want to take both bikes to DITR)
A bunch of friends of mine and I spent this past weekend at the Cherohala Motorcycle Resort and Motorcycle Campground (http://www.cycleresort.com (http://www.cycleresort.com)) in Telico Plains Tn. It's a very small "town" with good places to get breakfast and a motorcycle outfitters shop downtown and the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway (http://www.cherohala.com/index.html (http://www.cherohala.com/index.html)), a BEAUTIFUL road that takes you 50 miles from 650 foot ele. at Telico Plains to up almost to 6000 foot elev. over to Robbinsville to Hwy 129 to the Dragon. ALL the roads in the area are FANTASTIC. Yes, all caps fantastic. This is one of the most scenic, beautiful areas on the planet, bar none.
We don't even ride the Dragon - no need - ALL the roads are great! The Dragon gets just stupid on the weekends. If you are going to ride it I suggest mid week.
I didn't see one cop the entire weekend other than a black and white local in town. [leo] [thumbsup]
http://www.cherohala.com/index.html (http://www.cherohala.com/index.html)
LA
Yea, the Cherohala is a nice ride. There's really tons of roads surround the Deal's Gap and Cherohala area that are a blast. I've got a couple right in my backyard. The Gap on weekends does have plenty of presence, it's a good time to make sure you're legal & carrying you insurance card.
JM
:oYOU FOOLS! :o
Shut yer dirty traps! >:(
I don't move there until this summer! Let me ride it for a while, THEN broadcast to everyone how stellar the Cherohala is.
Some friends and I are trying to plan a trip out there. I'll see if I can push for that time frame.
Quote from: Obsessed? on April 22, 2009, 01:46:38 PM
:oYOU FOOLS! :o
Shut yer dirty traps! >:(
I don't move there until this summer! Let me ride it for a while, THEN broadcast to everyone how stellar the Cherohala is.
don't worry, I'll try to leave the road like I found it (i.e., no red paint, gouge marks, etc. ;D)
Quote from: LA on April 22, 2009, 08:52:00 AM
A bunch of friends of mine and I spent this past weekend at the Cherohala Motorcycle Resort and Motorcycle Campground (http://www.cycleresort.com (http://www.cycleresort.com)) in Telico Plains Tn. It's a very small "town" with good places to get breakfast and a motorcycle outfitters shop downtown and the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway (http://www.cherohala.com/index.html (http://www.cherohala.com/index.html)), a BEAUTIFUL road that takes you 50 miles from 650 foot ele. at Telico Plains to up almost to 6000 foot elev. over to Robbinsville to Hwy 129 to the Dragon. ALL the roads in the area are FANTASTIC. Yes, all caps fantastic. This is one of the most scenic, beautiful areas on the planet, bar none.
http://www.cherohala.com/index.html (http://www.cherohala.com/index.html)
LA
Thanks. I just printed out a bunch of maps.
Quote from: Obsessed? on April 22, 2009, 01:46:38 PM
:oYOU FOOLS! :o
Shut yer dirty traps! >:(
I don't move there until this summer! Let me ride it for a while, THEN broadcast to everyone how stellar the Cherohala is.
Yea, I have lived and biked all over the nation and from a point of regional pride I guess I used to tell everybody how wonderful the S.E. US is and in particular the Southern Appalachians. I finally wised up and when asked I might say something like "you would hate it, I really don't think you would be able to abide the ignorance, it's just terrible." ;D
We really don't have to leave home where I'm from. I live a mile off Hwy 28 which passes from N.W. SC into N.E. Ga. by the "War Woman" and into western NC to Highlands within just a few miles. 28 finally runs right into 129 - the Dragon. The Blue Ridge Parkway is just a short ride. This is moto Nirvana. [bow_down] [bow_down]
There are a bunch of us rednecks around here, and we may be dumb as dirt, but by God I do love the place.
Ain't that right JourneyMan?
LA
With the addition of my son over the winter... I wont be able to make it up there til mid September
Well, congrats on the baby!
Maybe another time.
Quote from: LA on April 23, 2009, 11:30:17 AM
Yea, I have lived and biked all over the nation and from a point of regional pride I guess I used to tell everybody how wonderful the S.E. US is and in particular the Southern Appalachians. I finally wised up and when asked I might say something like "you would hate it, I really don't think you would be able to abide the ignorance, it's just terrible." ;D
We really don't have to leave home where I'm from. I live a mile off Hwy 28 which passes from N.W. SC into N.E. Ga. by the "War Woman" and into western NC to Highlands within just a few miles. 28 finally runs right into 129 - the Dragon. The Blue Ridge Parkway is just a short ride. This is moto Nirvana. [bow_down] [bow_down]
There are a bunch of us rednecks around here, and we may be dumb as dirt, but by God I do love the place.
Ain't that right JourneyMan?
LA
I'm completely jealous of you living in such a great riding area. I have toured most of the great motorcycle roads in North America on my monster, so I didn't have high expectations on my first trip down to the Deal's Gap area 3 summers ago. I have to say, I was awed by the beauty of the region and it has become one of my favourite riding places, ranking right up there with Utah and Colorado, for me.
FWIW, I usually stay in Gatlinburg on account of a life long love affair with fudge.
Hey sorry, I don't mean to sound boastful, but very thankful. Everybody thinks that where they are from is the best, but most of the year this area is a veritable garden of Eden with a race track running though it.
Come see us. [thumbsup]
LA
Quote from: LA on April 26, 2009, 12:19:32 PM
Hey sorry, I don't mean to sound boastful, but very thankful. Everybody thinks that where they are from is the best, but most of the year this area is a veritable garden of Eden with a race track running though it.
Come see us. [thumbsup]
LA
i'll be there in 5 days ;D
bikes loaded:
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo271/laura_tracy/March2009014.jpg)
canopy & ramp loaded:
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo271/laura_tracy/March2009012.jpg)
4 for Wednesday:
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo271/laura_tracy/March2009013.jpg)
we'll be there Wednesday 04/29!!!
Quote from: LA on April 23, 2009, 11:30:17 AM
There are a bunch of us rednecks around here, and we may be dumb as dirt, but by God I do love the place.
Ain't that right JourneyMan?
LA
That is right, good roads right in our backyards and we do love it. I can spend about 10 miles on US19, hit the Blue Ridge Parkway & the Great Smokies parkway almost to Gatlinburg TN and then hit ANOTHER parkway to Townsend, TN then hop on TN321 for a few miles and hit the Foothills Parkway over to Chilhowee Lake that US129 runs along just north of Deal's Gap. Long ride, but oh so nice.
JM
hmmmm I know someone who will be bringing a bit of a surprise [moto]
Quote from: El Matador on April 27, 2009, 08:32:56 AM
hmmmm I know someone who will be bringing a bit of a surprise [moto]
Prob not. Can't seem to find a trailer at a reasonable price on 1 day's notice :'(
[laugh]
Oh well, I can only ride 1 bike at a time.
Looks like unless the wheels fall off I'll be able to ride out Saturday morning and join whoever is around for some day-ride action ~
It's gonna be a busy weekend on the gap it looks like. Minis on the Dragon will be there this weekend and the Audi's are gonna be there too. There may even be a few old school bikes out as well. [thumbsup]
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on April 28, 2009, 05:33:08 AM
Looks like unless the wheels fall off I'll be able to ride out Saturday morning and join whoever is around for some day-ride action ~
It's gonna be a busy weekend on the gap it looks like. Minis on the Dragon will be there this weekend and the Audi's are gonna be there too. There may even be a few old school bikes out as well. [thumbsup]
JM
there will be 4 of us coming down the BRP starting fromn linville falls sat morn going to robbinsville.
how far out are you?
I'm 45ish minutes from the BRP & 276 interchange, about the same from the BRP & 215 interchange. I'm only 10 minutes from the BRP & 23/74 interchange and about 15 minutes from the BRP & US19 interchange. If you find Lake Junaluska on a map, I'm right in the vicinity, right near where US19 splits from 23/74.
JM
it looks like we will be around 2 hrs from asheville, and maybe another 2-3 hrs from 23/74. assuming an 8am start time, that will put us there around 1pm. plus i'm sure with it being a sat there will be traffic that slows us down too.
it looks like we might be a little later than you want to get out. :'(
if you are out and see a triumph, an st2, and 2 monsters headed south/west then that'll be us. [thumbsup]
I was planning on heading out earlier depending on what's going on at Deal's Gap that morning. However, I'm fairly certain it's a bit less than 2 hours, even at the 45mph limit from Asheville to 23/74 nonstop.
I'm 30 minutes from Asheville using the interstate.
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on April 28, 2009, 09:43:54 AM
I was planning on heading out earlier depending on what's going on at Deal's Gap that morning. However, I'm fairly certain it's a bit less than 2 hours, even at the 45mph limit from Asheville to 23/74 nonstop.
I'm 30 minutes from Asheville using the interstate.
JM
really? it looked a bit further than 2 hrs, but i'll defer to your local knowledge.
and of course we will be travelling at the posted limit. we're not hooligans or anything ya know. the radar detector is only to remind me to travel slowly.
so would you like to meet up and ride the rest of the way over with us? i'll warn you now that i need to make it to the other end of the parkway, so i'll be following it all thew way even though it's well out of the way. i don't know if the other 3 are going to follow me or not.
I'll probably head on over to Deal's Gap on the morning so I can be there for a day ride with the folks that area there. However, if you've following the parkway to the end, and want more Parkway, you can pick up the Great Smokies Parkway and the end fo the BRP in Cherokee, NC. It's labelled 441 IIRC. Heads toward Gatlinburg, TN. You can hang a left just before you get to Gatlinburg and continue through the park to a little town called Townsend, TN. 312 is the road that passes through Townsend, then you can pick up the Foothills Parkway just outside Townsend and follow it to US129 a few miles north of Deal's Gap and come in that way if you want to REALLY ride the parkway ~
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on April 29, 2009, 05:14:20 AM
I'll probably head on over to Deal's Gap on the morning so I can be there for a day ride with the folks that area there. However, if you've following the parkway to the end, and want more Parkway, you can pick up the Great Smokies Parkway and the end fo the BRP in Cherokee, NC. It's labelled 441 IIRC. Heads toward Gatlinburg, TN. You can hang a left just before you get to Gatlinburg and continue through the park to a little town called Townsend, TN. 312 is the road that passes through Townsend, then you can pick up the Foothills Parkway just outside Townsend and follow it to US129 a few miles north of Deal's Gap and come in that way if you want to REALLY ride the parkway ~
JM
i'll be sending the rest of the party this tidbit. right now we are planning to head south on 441 to 19...
is this route (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=robbinsville,+nc&daddr=35.709165,-83.686295+to:US-441+%26+Blue+Ridge+Pkwy,+NC+28719&hl=en&geocode=&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=11&via=1&sll=35.663433,-83.480301&sspn=0.291764,0.615234&ie=UTF8&ll=35.425427,-83.583984&spn=0.292632,0.615234&t=h&z=11) what you are describing above?
Very close, but instead of following 441/71 into Gatlinburg, you make a left and stay in the park at a place called Sugarlands.
I attempted to modify & show here
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=robbinsville,+nc&daddr=35.666362,-83.677368+to:Little+River+Rd%2FTN-73+to:US-441+%26+Blue+Ridge+Pkwy,+NC+28719&geocode=%3B%3BFVxUIAIdDsAE-w%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=35.692716,-83.670673&sspn=0.103168,0.153122&ie=UTF8&ll=35.671103,-83.800449&spn=0.103196,0.153122&t=h&z=13 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=robbinsville,+nc&daddr=35.666362,-83.677368+to:Little+River+Rd%2FTN-73+to:US-441+%26+Blue+Ridge+Pkwy,+NC+28719&geocode=%3B%3BFVxUIAIdDsAE-w%3B&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=13&via=1,2&sll=35.692716,-83.670673&sspn=0.103168,0.153122&ie=UTF8&ll=35.671103,-83.800449&spn=0.103196,0.153122&t=h&z=13)
DANGER ......DANGER Will Robinson! May I remind anyone thinking of taking 441 from Gatlinburg over New Found Gap to Cherokee that the park rangers who are charged with enforcing the law in the park have abso(make the beast with two backsing)lutely NO SENSE OF HUMOR - none whatsoever. Assssss me how I know. I will NEVER again take that route on a motorcycle. No NEVER EVER EVER NEVER.
You've been warned. [leo] [bang] [leo] [bang] :'( :'(
LA
I'm aware of that, I've made a hefty contribution to the park service. ALL of the BRP is like that in my experience as well ~
JM
I'll be there sunday - tuesday.
Quote from: zore on April 29, 2009, 01:02:08 PM
I'll be there sunday - tuesday.
where are you staying?
we're at 2 wheel inn sat to weds
I'm staying in townsend. I'll be on the orange monster if i can get the flat slides to stop leaking.
Quote from: zore on April 30, 2009, 04:24:48 AM
I'm staying in townsend. I'll be on the orange monster if i can get the flat slides to stop leaking.
duct tape! ;D
i'll be on a grey triumph sprint with a black scorpion helmet.
I don't think i'll have the pirate flag mounted though.
Quote from: the_Journeyman on April 29, 2009, 12:10:27 PM
I'm aware of that, I've made a hefty contribution to the park service. ALL of the BRP is like that in my experience as well ~
JM
Yes, I think I remember talking to you about that at DFS this past fall - It didn't dawn on me to whom I had been talking until after I got home and made the connection.
I'm still waiting on my federal court appearance. :'(
LA
Quite possible, I wound up with a $1000 fine ~
JM
Quote from: the_Journeyman on April 30, 2009, 08:40:15 AM
Quite possible, I wound up with a $1000 fine ~
JM
for speeding? :o
Not just speeding, it was fallout from totalling a GSXR600 at, um, way beyond the legal limits. Most of the time a simple 5-10 over results in a "collateral fine" instead of a true ticket and doesn't carry points ~
JM
ya'll sure do got some twisty roads down here...
heading out to franklin via 28
ohh, MAKE IT STOP RAINING!
Left the Gap yesterday, but Laura and her party are still out there.
I had an absolute blast! Hope you enjoyed 28, Knight, the hellbender's were incredible! [thumbsup]
JM and LA, ya'll are lucky to live in a place like that. If there were enough people out there to support what I do, I'd be making plans to move right now.
Saturday the rain was incredible. My boots are still wet. 28 is a great road. It's fun to ride starting at Deal's Gap and heading all the way into GA. Yes, we have some twisty roads for sure. NC151, which dead ends at the BRP is amazing too. It's like a mini-Deals Gap ~
JM
so i got pirelli's on the sprint and adjusted the rear suspension. i say make the beast with two backs your coffee in the morning, give me a run at the roads around here to wake me up :D
it's great now. the rear end isn't sliding and bouncing, i am actually confident in the bike in tight turns now (though i would rather have the monster or the XR for the dragon) after i got a run at the road when it was finally dry i was amazed. i'm really upset about my leathers not showing up before i left now. i just can't bring myself to really push it in jeans and strap on shin/knee guards. i'm also dangerously close to touching a knee down. the knee guards might go on the outside of the jeans tomorrow. don't want to ruin a pair of jeans that are actually long ewnough for me. [laugh]
i'll try to get some pics up a bit later tonight. it's now time to grill and drink.
Quote from: swampduc on May 03, 2009, 04:43:45 PM
Left the Gap yesterday, but Laura and her party are still out there.
I had an absolute blast! Hope you enjoyed 28, Knight, the hellbender's were incredible! [thumbsup]
JM and LA, ya'll are lucky to live in a place like that. If there were enough people out there to support what I do, I'd be making plans to move right now.
28 was great. we finally did the really good sections.
sorry we didn't get to meet up.
we reserved rooms at the resort for may 8 - 11 of next year though [thumbsup]
Yaargh!
I want to know how the 996 did!?!?!?!!??!
Quote from: KnightofNi on May 04, 2009, 05:53:31 PM
28 was great. we finally did the really good sections.
sorry we didn't get to meet up.
we reserved rooms at the resort for may 8 - 11 of next year though [thumbsup]
Sounds good, maybe I'll be free that weekend and can make a run out and camp for a night or something. I'll
not wipe down or clean Molly in any fashion before the ride as this may increase the chances of rain. We got rained on last year too [laugh] By this time next year, I may be on the SS with my fiancée (bride by then) in tow on the M750 as well [thumbsup] Had the rain not been a total washout, I was going to ride & hang around to catch up with the group you came in with before I headed back east.
JM
Quote from: KnightofNi on May 04, 2009, 05:53:31 PM
we reserved rooms at the resort for may 8 - 11 of next year though [thumbsup]
I'm thinking I'll try to make this a yearly thing as well.
Sounds like we were due North of y'all this past weekend.
See http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=19905.45 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=19905.45)
Rain, rain, F***ing rain!!!!!!
We had a great time when the sky dried up, but left early. cabin fever is no fun down there.
The minis were great. Supposedly 300 showed up for the weekend. We counted 75 in one group.
Nice meeting you shivy. Hopefully, we'll meet again down there. We're working on how to hit Barber and Deal's Gap in a week.
Quote from: lauramonster on May 07, 2009, 06:11:24 AM
Rain, rain, F***ing rain!!!!!!
No kidding. This week as been nothing but storms. Tornado sighted yesterday, flash floods, power outages... It's been a rough week.
JM
Quote from: lauramonster on May 07, 2009, 06:11:24 AM
Rain, rain, F***ing rain!!!!!!
We had a great time when the sky dried up, but left early. cabin fever is no fun down there.
The minis were great. Supposedly 300 showed up for the weekend. We counted 75 in one group.
Nice meeting you shivy. Hopefully, we'll meet again down there. We're working on how to hit Barber and Deal's Gap in a week.
Yeah, rain stayed with me in north GA, then at Barber. Did the track in the wet on Monday, but then it was mostly dry Tuesday [thumbsup]
Hope ya'll had a good trip back, Laura - was great meeting you too.
Is the weather like that every year at that time, JM?
We normally get some rain in spring, but it's been several years since we've had this much rain, and as continuous as it's been. It's also usually not constant like it has been this year. Normally, we get a day or two of rain and it stops for a few days. The other usually pattern is morning showers or evening thunder storms instead of all-day rain.
JM
Quote from: lauramonster on May 07, 2009, 06:11:24 AM
Rain, rain, F***ing rain!!!!!!
We had a great time when the sky dried up, but left early. cabin fever is no fun down there.
The minis were great. Supposedly 300 showed up for the weekend. We counted 75 in one group.
Nice meeting you shivy. Hopefully, we'll meet again down there. We're working on how to hit Barber and Deal's Gap in a week.
tues was supposed to be a dry day. we woke up to a downpour. i nearly lost it. but that's why rain gear was invented, we sucked it up and roadea anyways (some of us MUCH slower than others)
the roads did dry out and i pushed the sprint all the way to the edges of the stradas. remind me not to do that again on public roads please.
seriously, one of the tridents on the left side is now completely missing. :o
on another note, even loaded up with all my crap the "tight" turns by me felt simple. the bike feels much more like a sportbike than it did when i got there.
Looks like JM made the front page of Killboy in the rain.
Quote from: JBubble on May 07, 2009, 08:09:45 AM
Looks like JM made the front page of Killboy in the rain.
Really!?!?!? I'll hafta check that out, can't get to his front page at work though :-(
JM
JBub posted it over in TOSAT yesterday afternoon. [thumbsup]
You should go find it.
Dooh! You can't see picts at work either. [bang]
Quote from: the_Journeyman on May 07, 2009, 08:52:24 AM
Really!?!?!? I'll hafta check that out, can't get to his front page at work though :-(
JM
JM, can you see this?
(http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs009.snc1/4179_547163193483_7202497_32721752_4892069_n.jpg)
^^^^ Nice, JM.
If anyone wants to go back, I'm trying to organize a trip mid september to meet up with my dad.. For those that don't know, he's the one that initially started marketing the area to motorcycles and is the one who named it "The Dragon"....
How much fun would it be to swap stories from back in the day with the two of us... I basically grew up riding all around there so i can be a decent tour guide if needed....
Quote from: JBubble on May 07, 2009, 09:30:22 AM
JM, can you see this?
(http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs009.snc1/4179_547163193483_7202497_32721752_4892069_n.jpg)
Nope, it's blocked too :-\
I'll hafta look when I get home [thumbsup]
JM
I got there saturday and left yesterday and only got 2 days of riding. I only recall seeing 2 monsters floating around, but I could be wrong.
I was there Saturday by 10AM and headed on by lunch time ~
JM
Quote from: JBubble on May 07, 2009, 08:09:45 AM
Looks like JM made the front page of Killboy in the rain.
i was wondering who that was, cause he wasn't with us, lol.
Quote from: zore on May 07, 2009, 10:23:48 AM
I got there saturday and left yesterday and only got 2 days of riding. I only recall seeing 2 monsters floating around, but I could be wrong.
do you have the orange 900?
there was one at the resort with jersey plates.
we only had 2 monsters out of 7 bikes (poor showing on our part) one was a dark 620 with quat d ex-box and the other was a blackw/white stripe s2r1000 with 65 on the seat cowl.
Quote from: the_Journeyman on May 07, 2009, 10:29:27 AM
I was there Saturday by 10AM and headed on by lunch time ~
JM
we were just pulling into town around then.
did i mention that cherokee SUCKS?
I'll agree. I dodge it if I can. No way to with the parkway, you have to go right through the worst of it ~
JM
I saw a tricolor stop at Deals Gap store. Otherwise, there was a blcak with white stripe staying overnight on Wed, but it was gone on Thursday when I walked up to say hello.
JM - thanks for saying hi. I still can't believe you rode in all that mess, but you made the front page of killboy!!!
Congrats!!!
We're going to check the average rainfall before we make plans for next year.
JM - we were thinking of trailering down close to the dragon but still on a major highway. Staying overnight, dropping the SUV & trailer, riding to Barber for a couple of days, then riding back to Deal's Gap and then when we leave we ride over & pick up the SUV & trailer and staying overnight. then load up & ride back the next day. Any suggestions for a motel that would let us park a SUV & trailer for the week? It's el primo location would be just off the interstate about an hour or so north of the dragon.
SHIVY - where's the pic of us???? post it up, dude!!! Apparently windsor has shots of the tops of our heads, his feet, side of my face etc. ...must have been alcohol related.....
Quote from: lauramonster on May 07, 2009, 10:44:05 AM
JM - thanks for saying hi. I still can't believe you rode in all that mess, but you made the front page of killboy!!!
Congrats!!!
One of those little things that makes a person ;D
JM - we were thinking of trailering down close to the dragon but still on a major highway. Staying overnight, dropping the SUV & trailer, riding to Barber for a couple of days, then riding back to Deal's Gap and then when we leave we ride over & pick up the SUV & trailer and staying overnight. then load up & ride back the next day. Any suggestions for a motel that would let us park a SUV & trailer for the week? It's el primo location would be just off the interstate about an hour or so north of the dragon.
[/quote]
There should be a ton of options in the Knoxville, BUT I'll have to check the local forum and see what areas are safe for an unattended vehicle. If I wasn't 2ish hours east, my driveway/yard would be an option, but if I'm thinking about it right, that would make it even LONGER to get to Barber. I'll ask on the local forum, there's got to be a few local places that would be ok with that setup.
JM
JM -
we were thinking a campground would do. site with no hookup would be cheap enough, and there'd be lots of people to see if anyone starts messing with it. We can find campgrounds easy enough. just thought you (or anyone on the board) might have a better suggestion.
laura
picture!
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=0HH600ZO040129&po=129 (http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=0HH600ZO040129&po=129)
i need to work on my line and body position
Wow! Didn't recognize you with the hard bags on the bike!!! You go guy!!
rainy day:
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo271/laura_tracy/DealsGap2009016.jpg)
it's frickin' cold at the top!!!
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo271/laura_tracy/DealsGap2009025.jpg)
aren't they the cutest?? (at least someone was running the dragon)
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo271/laura_tracy/DealsGap2009030.jpg)
can't 'ya hear it?
http://s383.photobucket.com/albums/oo271/laura_tracy/?action=view¤t=DealsGap2009018.flv (http://s383.photobucket.com/albums/oo271/laura_tracy/?action=view¤t=DealsGap2009018.flv)
Quote from: KnightofNi on May 07, 2009, 10:32:44 AM
i was wondering who that was, cause he wasn't with us, lol.
do you have the orange 900?
there was one at the resort with jersey plates.
we only had 2 monsters out of 7 bikes (poor showing on our part) one was a dark 620 with quat d ex-box and the other was a blackw/white stripe s2r1000 with 65 on the seat cowl.
That was me :D
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1182/1424059930_3cfe256ee8.jpg)
i like that color. it looked great in the setting sunlight.
next year we are staying at the gap resort. 2 wheel inn was nice, but there just wasn't as much random comraderie.
plus you had to ride 20 miles to get to the dragon. it was a fun 20 miles, but it was still 20 miles.
I ride 45 miles to get to the gap from where we stay, but this is my view every sun set. Just my 2 cents, but the gap is madness with all the squids and cops. There are alot of roads in that area.
(http://www.rc30.us/images/gap08/g816.jpg)
Damn you Zore! ;) :P
For reminding me why I love WNC.
It's too flat here in WNY. >:(
i liked hanging out at the gap just so i could see the squids and to sit around the fire at night.
my personal fave rd in the area is 28 followed closely by wayah rd (i think that's how it's spelled)
Quote from: DesmoDiva on May 07, 2009, 06:33:14 PM
Damn you Zore! ;) :P
For reminding me why I love WNC.
It's too flat here in WNY. >:(
it's flat here in PA too. the roads near me are nothing like down there. plus the people are nicer.
Quote from: KnightofNi on May 07, 2009, 07:48:46 PM
i liked hanging out at the gap just so i could see the squids and to sit around the fire at night.
my personal fave rd in the area is 28 followed closely by wayah rd (i think that's how it's spelled)
Nice pic of the Sprint, those things seem to handle well [thumbsup]
Wayah Rd is great, I dented my tank with my knee on Wayah one day. I hit some pea-gravel from a recent patch job and took a significant slide. I saved it with some SM-style riding but slammed my knee into the lower part of my tank. Not very noticeable, but still there. 28 has some great sections. It's very nice to ride starting in northern GA and ride all the way to Deal's Gap ~
Sitting around the fire is great fun, if you're there at the right times, mason jars often come out :D
Here's where my shots from Saturday start from Killboy. It's weird, I can see stuff on Photoreflect, but I can't pull up Killboy's site since it's a blog.
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00WL050000&po=0 (http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK00WL050000&po=0)
JM
That's a great set of picts.
Did I ever send you a copy of the photos of you and C on Molly from when B and I were down??
You sent me a link to some IIRC [thumbsup]
JM
Dohh.... [bang]
I was suppose to send you actual pictures.
I'll have to find them.
nice pics JM, but where is the lean and the hanging off? [laugh]
i love the fact that you can see the rain hitting the road.
it was almost biblical.
It was a downpour of biblical proportions for sure [laugh]
I normally ride a bit more aggressive in the rain, but I has having some serious issues with traction. Getting much throttle pushed me way wide, the front wiggled a couple times and I lost count on how many times the rear got a little crazy ~
JM
Quote from: KnightofNi on May 07, 2009, 07:48:46 PM
my personal fave rd in the area is 28
I too love Hellbender...........what a great ride [thumbsup]