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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> The Cafe >> 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1292661121 Message started by Oldfeller on 12/18/10 at 00:32:01 |
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Title: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 12/18/10 at 00:32:01 We are starting up a new sticky for the 2011-2012 Dragon Runs and cutting the past 2 years worth of old runs loose to make room for the new stuff. So lets talk some about this upcoming year's run. Starting fresh means exactly that, so what do you guys want for location and timing for this year's run? Mind you, Verslagen is making noises about driving in from California for this year's run, so this one may be a bigger run than in years past. So dates and places are up in the air and need to be refitted to the crew that is coming -- speak up guys, what do you want for this year's new and improved Dragon run? Speaky speaky, don't be squeaky |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Paladin. on 12/18/10 at 02:10:54 If I am capable of making it, I will be at the 16th BIENNIAL WORLDWIDE GEEIA-MDA-EI ASSOCIATION REUNION (http://geeia.org/Forum/viewtopic.php?id=7191), on JUNE 14, 15, 16, 2011, at the Treasure Bay Casino and Hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi. Keesler Air Force Base, in Biloxi, was where the Technical School that we went through. This is a fixed date. Plan on riding, about 3,900 miles round trip. Since it only adds 500 miles, I am planning my cousin in Colorado Springs on the way back. A side trip through the Tail of the Dragon only adds 600 miles more, so while not? So I am planning the Tail on Saturday, June 18. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 12/18/10 at 11:39:11 I for one am thinking that the June 27-July 2 dates were good...prior to 7/4 and still early enough for many to make. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 12/19/10 at 05:44:04 447875447F697D717B7562100 wrote:
+1 Kel |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 12/19/10 at 07:34:10 Yeeehaaaa I think I'll do both !!! Might even get to the Mt.Mitchel this timIe . The camping is about the same in the whole area, so thats a wash. It is nice to set-up camp and not carry the tent around the whole time. 8-) OldFeller Thinking of squeaky , what the fix for belt squeak ? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 12/19/10 at 15:30:13 I'm in! I'm retired so most any time will work for this geezer. If there is interest, I might even plan a tune up ride around my back yard in the spring. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 12/19/10 at 16:10:44 7A464B7A4157434F454B5C2E0 wrote:
7/4 is monday, so that means everyone will be there that's going to be there for the 4th and some will arrive friday, some will come in thursday to stake out their spots early. I suggest the weekend before or Paladin's weekend. Might be a good idea to call and see what's up with reservations to see what's going to be hot. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 12/19/10 at 17:40:02 I plan to be there again. I'm open to the date or location, but the weekend before july 4th will have too many rolling roadblocks (full dress hardly's, goldwings). Also end of June-first of July is hot, early cooler days might be nice? Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 12/19/10 at 19:48:09 end of june is about the time were there last year.... just give me the dates and I will be there... I am open for any thing Except that Bear that was heard roaring in the woods after I drank all that beer. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 12/20/10 at 06:40:50 BIGZUK WE GONE-A-TRY THE SUZUKI RIDE THAT GOT RAINED OUT LAST YEAR ? BEST I REMEMBER THAT WAS EARLY SPRING. I'M RETIRED TOO. SO ALMOST ANY DATE IS OK.! AND LOVE TO RIDE ENOUGH TO DO ALL THE RIDES I CAN GET IN ON. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 12/20/10 at 16:57:58 0B190B19140708050E460 wrote:
The Suzuki Owners Club ride is in N. Ga. this year. You can, and I will check their website for the info and list it here. Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 12/20/10 at 17:25:16 Mike, my bad it's not N. Ga. it is N. Al Suzuki Owners Club of North America Chapter #: 222 - Lake Guntersville Region, AL RallyFest 2011 - Lake Guntersville, AL Southern USA Spring Rally 2011 - Alabama Event Starts on Wednesday 6/1/2011 at 8:00:00 AM (-6:00) Central Time Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 12/21/10 at 07:36:49 7F545A4748563D0 wrote:
Possible for me to make it.... just about a 3hour ride from my front door |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 12/21/10 at 08:57:24 Thanks BigZuk North Al. is even better ..... It's just a couple hours south , about 2 hrs. I'll hope to see ya there. Pray for DRY weather ! That makes THREE already for 2011 already. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 12/24/10 at 06:14:54 My time is all mine now boys and girls so I am looking at catching as many of the assorted times/places as I can do. Baring any migraine episodes that can shut down a day in short order, I want to see some pavement out front of me. I was thinking of maybe getting a room or rooms at a central location that will be available for folks who come in and out and may have trouble finding rooms for rent. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 12/24/10 at 07:37:38 I have commitments thru June 25...nothing sooner than that...after that......yeehaw |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/03/11 at 05:47:49 http://www.printfree.com/Calendar_files/Yearly/Small/2011CalendarSmall.gif Here is the calender for the event, we are currently talking the very last week of June touching the first two days of July. Now let's verify the where to meet. Is it still the Dragon proper, everyone staying on the grounds or sharing a room as in years past? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 01/03/11 at 15:26:43 works for me...I might even be willing to tent it if I can find a tentmate! heheheheh Kell, you booked up yet? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 01/03/11 at 21:35:08 122E2312293F2B272D2334460 wrote:
I'll be next door (tent) to Kell again. Don't know yet if Yamahkid will be with me or not? Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/03/11 at 23:20:49 I'm good for a Tent , no word yet about that brother of mine so I'm not sure about the other side of the Tent ? Will be great to see ya'll again , I did a few rides with a "Full Dresser Group" in fall of 2010...The lack of excitement and rule of not passing the Road Captain was hard to deal with. Better that nothing but nothing Savage about them at all. The Dragon Proper is OK ,,,, but so is any of the others. Breakfast at the club-house is mighty handy ! 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 01/04/11 at 08:49:37 0F333E0F3422363A303E295B0 wrote:
ToyMaker.... I'll be Glad to tent with ya... Just have to watch out for the Bears that snore. I feel a road trip in the Making I am going to do the 25th thru the 2nd Gonna Have to Pack the Camp Stove and some food HMMMM maby I can get the Big Cooler on the Bike ;) Dates and Location are good with me ::) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/04/11 at 11:25:25 We will get closer to it before we start worrying about who sleeps with whom (I am still liking a real bed to sleep in and am trusting that comfort will overcome money for at least 3 of us -- one small apartment's worth). Lancer, are you tenting or sleeping in a bed? ======================= You know, Google is pretty darn amazing with their ad stuff. I type in the post entry box and the Google ads at the top of the page show me Suzuki Savage parts sellers for 650 Savage parts. I look at the Dragon thread proper for what responses we give to each other and the Google ads at the top shift to Hotels and Campgrounds around the Dragon area. Google is "reading" the current topic and altering the ads to hit whatever we are discussing. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 01/04/11 at 16:48:42 I usually camp. If there are trees handy, hanging in the hammock is preferred to sleeping on the ground. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/04/11 at 17:17:32 We got trees, we got a burbling brook, we got a fire pit, we got a charcoal grill, we got a toilet, we got showers. (with hot water even) When the rest of the 3 required decadents declare themselves, we will have a TV and a proper civilized bathroom with towels etc. And should the decadent count increase up to 4 to 6, well then we will have a small kitchen and a refrigerator to keep the beer cold. But right now the decadent count is only sitting at one, so please plan accordingly. :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by mick on 01/04/11 at 17:31:03 Where did I read that "the dragon" is a total of 11 miles ? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 01/04/11 at 18:23:26 71757F7768747970757179651C0 wrote:
Tail of the dragon.com Killboy.com will let ya see some pretty good shots of the dragon 318 curves in 11 miles |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Tonydtiger1971 on 01/04/11 at 18:26:25 6E7C6E7C71626D606B230 wrote:
Leave me 2 trees for a hammock :), make that 4 trees for 2 hammocks, I think my daughter wants to come too. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/04/11 at 18:30:29 I'll be staying in the luxury suite where the air conditioner is located. Dates to be determined but I should be there for the duration. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/04/11 at 18:59:05 Decadent Count (need 3 minimum) $28 a person a night for 3 bed small room Oldfeller (calls for bed or bottom bunk, jest ain't climbing anywhere) ALfromN.H. (1 open bed) OK, if we are gonna have a daughter along we will have to remain mostly civilized then. We can fake it fer 3-4 days, I think. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 01/04/11 at 20:05:30 If I make it, Obama willing and the creek don't rise, I'll need a bed. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/05/11 at 05:28:51 Decadent Count (need 3 minimum) $28 a person a night for 3 bed small room Oldfeller (calls for bed or bottom bunk, jest ain't climbing anywhere) ALfromN.H. Verslagen We are now working to fill an apartment with 4-6 people. Apartments generally wind up costing a variable amount (calc'd daily) mainly because over the course of the week it isn't fully manned all the time. You need at least 4 people to make it work out at all, or you'd be better off to move to a 3 bed standard room when you get below 4 people. However, the difference saved by filling up the apartment is not all that much anyway and last year I don't think we even used the kitchen to cook anything. People slept on the futons rather than climbing to the upper bunks, so we still slept 4 in the apartment at a cost of $25 a head when there were 4 present. Lancer still hasn't dialed in but I betcha he's a decadent when he does. Verslagen, which bike are you borrowing? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/05/11 at 16:25:44 Im staying in the luxury penthouse suite plenty of beds, private bath, kitchen and liv rm |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/05/11 at 16:31:08 OK, we are talking apartment again at $25 and a bit a night. Oldfeller (calls for bed or bottom bunk, jest ain't climbing anywhere) ALfromN.H. Verslagen Lancer (2 empty futons/beds) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 01/06/11 at 02:21:44 I think I'll change my mind and tag the last two beds. I talked with Triumph Phil and he wants in again this year. So We got the last two beds. (Kell.......it ain't noffin personal) Plus with my old man bladder.....the bathroom up close seems like a better idea. MAn I hate gettin' old |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 01/06/11 at 05:13:38 6C505D6C57415559535D4A380 wrote:
It is ok I know those Snoring Bears are SCARY :o The Creek dosen't help eather....... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 01/06/11 at 05:25:17 Hubby wants to go back to Shenandoah, but we are still contemplating. Will keep you posted if I can talk him into a Dragon trip. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/06/11 at 08:21:34 First Apartment Oldfeller (calls for bed or bottom bunk, jest ain't climbing anywhere) ALfromN.H. Verslagen Lancer Toymaker RocketPhil First apartment is tentatively full now -- working on second room now |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by drharveys on 01/06/11 at 17:37:13 What's the date again? If possible, I'll go. Of course, I have to make sure it coordinates with Air Force Reserve and family commitments. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/06/11 at 20:00:55 2F2C2D202238410 wrote:
Piglet, I stopped there on the way to the 2009 dragon ride. Spent 2 nights camping in Front Royal so i could ride a whole day on Skyline drive. I'm thinking about doing that again this year if time permits. That was a great day of riding. AL http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009/06/30/bikepics-1713481-800.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/07/11 at 07:53:22 http://www.printfree.com/Calendar_files/Yearly/Small/2011CalendarSmall.gif DATES: June 26th through July 2 (not everyone stays the whole time) Location is the Deals Gap Complex, some camping by the brook, some staying in apartments and rooms. We ride all over 5 counties as we go out on excursions, etc. http://www.dealsgap.com/ |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by youzguyz on 01/07/11 at 08:09:04 I'm getting old and need to get this off my bucket list. Might make it this year. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 01/07/11 at 12:59:04 222F212175430 wrote:
Piglet, I stopped there on the way to the 2009 dragon ride. Spent 2 nights camping in Front Royal so i could ride a whole day on Skyline drive. I'm thinking about doing that again this year if time permits. That was a great day of riding. AL http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009/06/30/bikepics-1713481-800.jpg[/quote] Oh AL, now I really wanna go back!! Nice pic, I'm jealous. We were in the Jeep in '06. No bikes. Would be an awesome bike ride. If anyone would like to take a trip to Shenandoah/Skyline Drive neighborhood, let me know! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/08/11 at 22:01:22 What Date frame are we looking at ? Al ... is it like a BlueRidge Parkway ride ? 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/09/11 at 04:40:53 16041604091A1518135B0 wrote:
Mike, Skyline drive runs for 100 miles starting in Front Royal Va. and running south to Waynesboro. The entire lenth of Skyline Drive is located in Shenendoah National Park. At the southern end of Skyline Drive is the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I would take the BRP all the way to the dragon from there but at 35 mph it would take me a week. So to answer your question, it is alot like a BRP ride. Riding along the ridgetops with beautiful views on both sides. I think I'm talking myself into stopping there again this summer. The following picture is of Mary's Rock Tunnel. The tunnel, 670 feet long with onlt 13' clearance , was bored through the solid granite of Marys Rock in 1932. Mary's Rock has its fair share of legends of how the rock was named. One story claims that Francis Thornton wed Mary Savage and brought her up the mountain to show her the lands they would own together. I thought that Mary's last name being Savage was quite appropriate. http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009/06/30/bikepics-1713478-800.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/09/11 at 06:26:31 The Blue Ridge Parkway is neat when it is completely empty -- but it never is. We spent time last year stuck behind two bicyclists in spandex who were humping it up close to the speed limit (and backing up traffic for miles, but they didn't care one whit about that). They wuz being echo friendly. ;) Cherocola Skyway is my kind of slow road -- normal speed limits on most of it. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by drharveys on 01/09/11 at 17:02:04 04272F2D2E27272E394B0 wrote:
Actually you were stuck behind a car driver who didn't know how to lean on the horn and pass the bicycles. ::) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by mick on 01/09/11 at 17:02:42 687E646B7664686B110 wrote:
it's only 11 miles, even if you take it very slow you should be done in half an hour ,then you can go home . |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by bill67 on 01/09/11 at 17:54:34 They just showed that on tv, travel channel and show a motorcycle wreck about 15 minutes ago. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 01/09/11 at 18:42:00 must be icy, website says 32° at the moment. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/09/11 at 20:26:39 OldFellow I remember it being a Dump Trucks , one right after-the-other. Also remember Hwy 80 to the gas station, and then the road that turned into a gravel supprize . That little ride to the BBQ place that ToyMaker stumbled up-on was perty neet. I doin't care about Touring the Biltmore but we could ride by it this year. WoW My throdle hand is itching allready ! 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 01/10/11 at 07:41:39 No riding in "Carolina" right now! Woke up to this...... http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/6302/002acu.jpg (http://img840.imageshack.us/i/002acu.jpg/) Guess starting the new Tom Clancy thriller, a cup of hot chocolate and maybe a nap are on the menu today. Perhaps a vision of the "Dragon" will come in a dream..... http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/2305/img7275wz.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/img7275wz.jpg/) I saw that segment about the wreck on the "When Vacations Strike Back" last night. A miracle they both were not taking a dirt nap after that. :o |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/13/11 at 21:51:43 Lancer What are chances of Meeting , that "ONE CYLINDER MONSTER , !!! REX !!! " this year ? 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/14/11 at 03:35:26 REX will be there |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/14/11 at 08:17:00 Yeah, I remember them dump trucks -- big line of them going in both directions on that section as I remember. But the bicycles stick in my memory as they were actually pretty close to keeping up with the speed limit and they arrogantly road 2 abreast on purpose (stopping any easy passing by the line of cars they had backed up). Arrogant tree huggers ......... Yup, parallel bicycles and double Hurleys tend to be what I remember from that particular run, that and a sporty blue Camero driven hard by two teen aged boys. And the lawnmower tossing grass in my face, and the road that ended suddenly ..... and them 8 durn beautiful 180 degree full switchbacks on that one steep arsed mountain face we went up to get to the top where the pavement suddenly ended (and that narsty little dirt road on the way back down the other side). That was a good run, you know. Best ever. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/14/11 at 14:35:21 They get better and better ! Yea I rember those bicycles , and how they thought nobody should go faster than they were. They might have been doing the speed limit, but I'm usually feel ticket proof at up to eight or nine mph. over. I think that brother of mine who went last year wants to go again but wants a bed instead of a tent. Said it took two weeks to get over two or three nights on the ground , So I'm in for two beds . Am I right about the rooms sleeping three ? 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/14/11 at 15:25:21 Yup, rooms have 3 beds. Like this: http://www.dealsgap.com/images/motel/standard-rooms/IMG_1387.jpg http://www.dealsgap.com/images/motel/standard-rooms/IMG_1388.jpg http://www.dealsgap.com/images/motel/standard-rooms/IMG_1393.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/14/11 at 18:19:24 First Apartment Oldfeller (calls for bed or bottom bunk, jest ain't climbing anywhere) ALfromN.H. Verslagen Lancer Toymaker RocketPhil First apartment is tentatively full now Second Apartment is now filling (might as well plan big, it might save a buck or two) MMRanch MMRanch's brother (empty upper bunk) (empty upper bunk) (empty futon) (empty futon) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/15/11 at 00:41:56 OldFeller Thanks for putting this together. So the Dragons lare has two rooms that sleep 6 ? Nice pictures Al , Your right in time buddy ! . 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 01/15/11 at 05:17:37 Hey Mike, yep the Dragon has two rooms that hold six. T |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 01/15/11 at 05:45:06 Mike you and Kent are going to abandon Bigzuk and my self out there in Bear land for a nice cumfy bed..... :-[ |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 01/15/11 at 08:13:18 If I was a bit younger, I'd be sharin' "BearWorld" with you, but my old bones just won't let me. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/16/11 at 07:33:13 Kel Sorry about that ! I'd be just as good in a tent, but that brother makes his living with his back , (and a lot of know-how) , I'd have to deal with sister-in-law if he's not working . 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/16/11 at 07:52:52 [quote author=4F41481714131710240 link=1292661121/45#59 date=1295099106]Mike you and Kent are going to abandon Bigzuk and my self out there in Bear land for a nice cumfy bed..... :-[/quote] Kel, for just a few more buck per night you can have one of those big comfy beds as well as a tv, shower, fridge, coffee, and air conditioner. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/17/11 at 07:44:01 Kel and BigZuk I just had an Idea !!! I'll find out what days I'll need a room , and spend the rest in the camping zone .... unless it compacates things too much with the other room mates. The sound of the brook running all night , and the peace of the campground was kinda like living on a "No Outlet Road", I like it. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 01/18/11 at 12:42:46 Hey, ya'll! Just checked in about the Dragon run. I'm putting the dates on my calendar. I would plan to arrive on Wednesday afternoon and spend four nights, departing Sunday morning. If I camp it's $12 a night. But if I could get a roof, a bed, and a shower for around $20 each night, I'd probably opt for that. Hope to see a bunch of ya'll at Deals Gap! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/18/11 at 17:56:00 First Apartment Oldfeller (calls for bed or bottom bunk, jest ain't climbing anywhere) ALfromN.H. Verslagen Lancer Toymaker RocketPhil First apartment is tentatively full now Second Apartment is now filling (might as well plan big, it might save a buck or two) MMRanch MMRanch's brother Serenity3743 (empty futon) (empty upper bunk) (empty upper bunk) Serenity, if you guys can fill your apartment then a full apartment will cost like $25 a night, a 3 person room will cost $28 (and that is 2010 prices and it doesn't include them nicky little room taxes and fees that hotels always charge you, but they did not go up from 2009 prices last year so mebbe they won't go up again this year). |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/21/11 at 18:12:53 I just got done watching this video, dreaming of a time in the future when all this snow is gonna melt. I can still remember this ride like it was yesterday. I just wish I had the video camera running on the way back when we came up on the momma and baby bear crossing the road. Anyway, here's the video I took following kel on the dragon. http://vimeo.com/13852052 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 01/21/11 at 19:09:14 Great video, Al. Thanks for sharing! Kel is pretty smooooth. Can't wait to get back over there and have a go at it on the Savage. I was thinking about what was comparable in New Hampshire to the Dragon. Hurricane Mtn. Road from Conway over to Chatham and 113 up Evan's Notch to Gilead are the closest in my memory. Of course the Kankamaugus is similar to the Cherohala. That area was my backyard for five years. Plenty 'o fun! Of course I'm sure digging my new neighborhood here in NC. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/22/11 at 03:10:31 Thanks Driller, Kel was taking it easy that day. i remember the previous year he was hauling azz. Hurricane Mtn. rd. is very cool but I don't think it compares to the dragon very well. And although the scenery on the Kankamaugus is great, it usually has way too much traffic to really enjoy it. But I run all those roads every summer. Alot of good riding in Maine too. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 01/25/11 at 14:58:17 Hay Al... I think that was the morning we got on the Cherohola... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/03/11 at 20:17:51 Al , I sure enjoyed that Video. I was watching it and found myself tilting back and forth with the curves ... and sometime setting the next one up befor it came into view !!! 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 02/08/11 at 17:18:31 http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo2/mwshelton/DragonSmartsMeter1.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MulletViper on 02/10/11 at 17:34:11 I'm somewhat new around these parts and don't know anyone, but it sounds like one heck of a good time. Me and the wifey need a vacation so we'll be taking up one of those camping spots. Anyone know if there's any good fishing spots nearby? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/11/11 at 10:32:58 Camping spots are easy, just pick the space you want and set it on up. They come by once a day to remind you to go pay for the day, that's about all the organization that comes into camping. What is your wife riding, or is she going to ride with you? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/11/11 at 12:09:58 Mulletviper There are a lot of "Really Neet" places to ride in the Dragon area . Your sure to love it. Check out Cade's Cove 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by mg66 on 02/11/11 at 13:07:37 He's a helmet cam video I took riding The Dragon in June 2010 on the other Suzy 650 ;) Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/user/wwwbghius#p/u/2/NuQjG0Pv1Tg Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/user/wwwbghius#p/u/3/U07MMbV4-iA Maybe this June the SO will get to do a couple of runs on her Savage :) We are going there for a few days in mid June. Pity. Could have met a few of y'all there also. The Dragon is really great ride but a tad tight and too well policed for my liking. I prefer the Cherohala, nice sweepers and not so many popos. Just got to be careful of a couple of decreasing radius corners which can unstick the unwary. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MulletViper on 02/11/11 at 13:59:42 We've been looking for a bike for her for a while and haven't found anything that suits her yet. (nothing within our price range I mean ;)) Hopefully we can get one before the trip, but if not she'll be luggin it with me. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/11/11 at 21:38:15 I was riding to the library today to return some books (it was sunny and almost 50 degrees out) and I caught myself saying "I gotta fix that before the Dragon" about a small hesitation on hard roll on. Yep, gotta fix that. Gotta fix me a lot of small things, things that got tweeked during the last 2 runs and didn't get fixed as there wasn't any hard riding to be had around the home town with its traffic and low speed limits to show them. March April May June Dragon time is a racing towards us .... What do you have to fix on your bike for dragon time? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 02/12/11 at 09:16:36 Install My .50 Cal saddle Bags Cam Chain / Guides and tinsioner Spark Plug Head Bolts Adjust Valves Modify Luggage rack to hold Larger beer cooler I feel a road trip in the Making............ 8-) I like the Cherohola too..... Just could not keep up with that guy on the grandmaw bike with the Car tire on it ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/13/11 at 00:38:02 Looks like I'll be making my third year on the CAR tire, that thing just woin't wear out ! Not that I'm complaining about it. This next 5 day forcast is "High 50's and 60's" Yeeea Haaa !!! I'm checking out what next on the scavenger hunt . 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/18/11 at 14:19:52 I've a question .... How many of you have noticed how durn completely poky slow everything is now? I was celebrating spring a bit and was struck by this fact. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 02/18/11 at 15:20:38 Since you're upset with the way your day is going... here's something on that subject... The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500s: They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in a pot & then once a day it was taken & sold to the tannery.......if you had to do this to survive you were "Piss Poor" But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn't even afford to buy a pot...........they "didnt have a pot to piss in" and were the lowest of the low. Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June. However, since they were starting to smell . .. . brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married. Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the Bath water!" Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the roof. Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs." There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence. The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying, "Dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entrance-way. Hence: a thresh hold. (Getting quite an education, aren't you?) In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme: Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old. Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat. Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous. Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust. Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a wake. England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, saved by the bell or was considered a dead ringer... And that's the truth...Now, whoever said History was boring ! ! ! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by bill67 on 02/18/11 at 16:32:18 I see times haven't changed much in the last 500 years. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 02/18/11 at 19:10:03 you sure haven't :o |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/18/11 at 19:17:51 Wow, quite a reply. I was thinking about slow traffic around town mostly. It was 73 degrees and partially sunny today and all the bikers were out -- celebrating spring a bit all us biker types were. Three guys on fast light bikes were tearing about mildly a bit, going 70-80 on a 55 mile an hour local curvy road making roaring wailing sounds for a 5-10 minute run to the next little town while staying in sight of each other. They pulled up to an intersection with a light (with a flow of opposing traffic or they would have run it of course) and flipped up their visors to take look at each other. Two of the guys did a triple take ... "Huh ???? WTF ???" Obviously insulted, they wheelied off and left me when the light turned green ... .... the inference being that old crip men should learn how to behave themselves and not insult proper crotch rockets. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by HalfPint on 02/21/11 at 12:15:02 23302726393432303B64550 wrote:
I got so engrossed I forgot what this thread was about by the time I finished reading.. Oh! That's right the dragon's tail... Maybe in another couple years before I consider that one.. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/07/11 at 21:03:45 Wow That history lesson was the kind they should teach in HighSchool , it might help cut the Drop-Out-Rate ! I'm still thinking of getting in Dragon Country about Tuesday and after a token donation of rubber to the Dragon proper , riding North for a day or two and taking the ParkWay back befor the weekend . Anybody else having simular thoughts ? Last year on one of the SkyWay rides I remember getting over 70 mpg enjoying the senery , even at todays prices that doin't hurt to bad. Local to town and back I only get 50-52. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/09/11 at 17:14:47 MM, I enjoyed that last ride a lot -- we never rode the same thing twice and we got to go places and do things. Jest going back to the Dragon and running that local area yet again .... we been there and done that what 3-4 times now? Can we think of something more interesting to do .... .... something FUN ? April May June ..... it's creeping up on us |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/09/11 at 20:09:52 I can't think of a better place to meet that the dragon . How about spending the night at the Dragon then going for a day ride after breakfast ? How about we all start checking the area for "what to see and where to go". Hopefully we can put together ------- "THE RIDE OF RIDES" ------ Campgrounding is OK with me but I know some of US need a little more. Ya'll remember that place at the foot of the BlueRidge that had both ? I'll bet there are more just like it all over that area. OK --- its on with the hunt ! 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 03/11/11 at 06:03:34 MM I am up for it... Maby meet at the Gap Sunday or Monday and the do the Travling thing and be back at the Gap friday or Saturday to see the reset of the Weekenders.. I know OF will Need to head Back East some time during that time..... What do you think |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/11/11 at 06:58:39 Sounds good so far -- a mountain road trip is in the making. MM has a good knowledge of the general area (as does Big Zuk) so we can trust them to plan out a trip that doesn't include too much Parkway -- way slow traffic on weekdays -- and too many excursions greater than 80 miles between the gas stations .... ;) some of us are empty at 90 miles you know |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 03/11/11 at 08:13:01 I got a Two Person Tent.... if any one wants to Bunk with me. I only got one sleeping bag tho...... ::) What about Eats.... I coulg bring the Camp stove and Lanturn and Propane Bottles for them. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 03/11/11 at 09:06:44 http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19880&id=100000568693113&l=780b77142b Here is a Link to the 2010 Ride Pics |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 03/11/11 at 10:50:53 Nice pics Kel. Thanks for sharing. Who is the rider in frame #18? The reason I ask is, I noticed his head light is square and wondered where it came from? Thanks and have fun this year at the Dragon.. :) kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 03/11/11 at 12:04:37 Kim He is MMRanch's Brother. He just lives about an Hour up the road from Me...... Looking forward to the trip.... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 03/11/11 at 14:01:45 Kel, any info on the head light on the bike he is riding? Again just curious as it is square. Reminds me of a car head light. I had hoped to make the trip to the Dragaon this year. However plans changed and as much as I had wanted to, I won't be making the trip. Your all so fortunate to be able to get together and ride the Dragon. Maybe some year I will make that trip. For now I will enjoy riding here and feel lucky that I am once again able to ride. Take care, hugs..:) kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 03/12/11 at 05:29:16 Kim: Not sure but i thin the bike is a 80's era bike that might explain the head light :-? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/13/11 at 22:38:10 Haven't looked at the pictures yet , but Brothe's bike is a V-65 honda. He had one back in the 80 and then sold it , but he must have liked it a lot couse in the early 2000's he bought another one. I've rode it and it's a fast machine ! Water cooled v-4 1100cc with a six speed shaft drive. He lives in "Them there Hills" and can drive it to its limits , but on a curvy that bike is "ALLMOST" a match for our Savages , or at least one with a car tire on it. But look out on the stright-a-ways , that thing does 130 with only a little effort , I'll find out what it geared to redline 6th gear at next time I talk to him. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/13/11 at 22:51:30 just looked at the pictures. BigZuk's bike looks to be at the edge of raking gravel out of the pavement in allmost every frame ! How does he do it ? 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/17/11 at 03:02:07 Lancer is down and broken up I jest can't get my head around it, Lancer was about the best rider among us, him Big Zuk and MMRanch always rode like they were on rails. My turn is next I guess -- you realize of the original first dragon run crew I am the last man standing. It t'ain't no honor, it is a crunch sentence jest waiting to happen. And it isn't like I haven't gone down in the mountains prior to that, just haven't done it on my Savage yet. wow |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 03/17/11 at 11:52:31 They say it happens to the best of us, and that its a matter of "when", not "if". We now know that to be fact, not fiction. Get well soon Lancer. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 03/17/11 at 15:05:23 Any info on Lancer????? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/18/11 at 05:45:45 http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1300288454 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by randyradio on 03/18/11 at 06:50:30 Wow That Lancer sure takes southern hospitality to super levels and he can rebuild your carb as well. It just don't get any better than that. This list is the best friendliest Lash-Up I've ever been on. Some other sites it seems that they're terrible places to tease the pygmies huh. Too much water on the ankles.... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/18/11 at 15:29:21 Lancer is a good dude to get to know. So are the rest of the guys who go Dragon riding, you should plan to drop by if you can. The companionship and the ride is well worth it. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by reondadomino on 03/25/11 at 22:09:51 There is a group of us going up to the Dragon at the end of April! http://smokymountainbikefest.com/ |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 03/26/11 at 16:33:25 Hi reondadomino, Sounds good to me! What part of Tn. are you in? I just moved back to Kodak Tn. (near Gatlinburg) Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 03/26/11 at 18:01:01 2C3E2C3E33202F2229610 wrote:
Mike, thanks I don't know maybe it's just great tires? No, the cords were showing on that rear tire :o Maybe it was careful riding to show a good example to my Son Jesse (Yamakid), No, he was on my 6 all day, even the panic stop with the bear and cub in my lane! That was his first and last ride on the dragon :( Must be just too dumb and careless to care what happens? I'm single again after 22 yrs, got new tires, and Jesse won't be watching my every move so look out this year 8-) Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 03/28/11 at 11:26:39 I sure hope I'm cleared to ride by then; may be restricted to slow cruise at first but better that then no ride at all. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 03/28/11 at 11:32:15 Did they spring out of the hospital yet? Or are you still getting therapy? 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/29/11 at 07:27:47 Hay Lancer Slow Cruse is OK , we might even see some stuf we missed befor ! Oldfeller can just wait on us at the next itersection. I'm not sure we could catch him anyway... One of my favorite parts was that ride down by the river where we found the BBQ place. Just as long as we don't have any Harleys and GoldWings pilling up behind us I woin't fret it. Did Rex get any disabling injurys ? :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 03/29/11 at 08:11:10 011301131E0D020F044C0 wrote:
That was a nice ride along the river and lunch at the little bbq place was cool except the part where the picnic table flipped over on us. Who would have thought that sitting three adults on one side of the table would make it flip over. :o AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 03/29/11 at 10:39:51 4D404E4E1A2C0 wrote:
That was a nice ride along the river and lunch at the little bbq place was cool except the part where the picnic table flipped over on us. Who would have thought that sitting three adults on one side of the table would make it flip over. :o AL[/quote] Adults? Al, are you sure about that? Oh, maybe your right, I was at the other table ;D That was a great day, I sure look forward to seeing all you "adults" ;) again this year! Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 03/29/11 at 11:13:45 5378766B647A110 wrote:
That was a nice ride along the river and lunch at the little bbq place was cool except the part where the picnic table flipped over on us. Who would have thought that sitting three adults on one side of the table would make it flip over. :o AL[/quote] Adults? Al, are you sure about that? Oh, maybe your right, I was at the other table ;D That was a great day, I sure look forward to seeing all you "adults" ;) again this year! Bigzuk [/quote] WE need to find that place we got lost at in 2009...... There were SIRENS in the river floatin :o :o :o |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/30/11 at 11:26:06 We wuz sitting at the table where the beer cooler wuz, that's where the adults DO sit most-times. Now, nobody has ever said it was a sedate non-rowdy adult group, nope not ever. Most folks really can't imagine the sorts of fun we get into on these trips -- mainly 'cause of THE MOUNTAIN TRIP ROOLS ..... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 03/30/11 at 12:38:36 BigZuk you got the same Cell Number? If not Message it to me |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 03/30/11 at 20:20:26 Kel, Yes, the cell is the same old number and area code. Also the same old email Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/31/11 at 23:47:00 April May June ..... oops -- we are in April now so it is really just May June It is a creeping up on you all quiet like ..... Big Zuk, have you and MMRanch figured out all the cool and neat places we are gonna go and do since you two live up there all the time and know about all them cool and neat places? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 04/01/11 at 01:51:47 Ok gents...here is my question. Who is "taking care of" the reservations on the "room with a view" this year? I won't be joining the group until wednesday this year so it ain't me. Plus...anyone hear from Darrell lately? Toymaker |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/01/11 at 02:58:50 Hotel Room Roll Call (state the day you are arriving) Toymaker (Wednesday June 29th) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/01/11 at 09:34:22 Hotel Room Roll Call (state the day you are arriving) Toymaker (Wednesday June 29th)[/quote] LANCER (as early as freaking possible...I'll pay for extra days if necessary) .... this boy NEEDS to get mountain time ...does not matter if it is slow/med/or fast; just need to be there ....I feel driven to be there *** Verslagen: dude, are you coming out this year ? If so are you staing with me and riding one of my new bikes ? I promised you a new bike to ride and I have them so just say the word iffin you wanna ;D I plan on driving my truck up with the bikes in the back since my back will be very new from the healing process and may be quite limited on time/milage allowed on the road. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 04/01/11 at 09:54:31 07242C2E2D24242D3A480 wrote:
Kel30734 Two Person tent if any one needs a spot. No Hotel (School Schedual... I am going to Have to do a Friday, Saturday, Sunday Possably Monday) July 1st thru the 3rd/4th. Darrell has deleted his Face book profile... do not know what has happend. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 04/01/11 at 11:28:41 78757A7771662623140 wrote:
My plans are still flexible and iffn Obamma and Jerry leave me anything this year. So if the river don't rise and hell don't freeze over... I'll be coming. I need a week of watching trees go by. So if you need a driver, and someone to load them canyon carvers... I might be comin' your way. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 04/01/11 at 21:33:42 Right now I'm planning on the full week in my tent. Yamakid won't be with me this year. He has his bike for sale. As I still have many more $ in it than he has, I may keep it myself. Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/02/11 at 04:18:04 Sounds like plans for rooms will start out with 3 guys in a small room with Lancer, Verslagen and me staying "as early as possible". Lancer and Verslagen will refine their game plan as we get closer in to it. We are assuming a Monday/Tuesday as being "as early as possible" but we will learn the real truth as the plans jell a little better. Wednesday Toymaker (and Rocket Phil ??) will show up, which means rolling over to an apartment or taking out a second small room, depending on what folks want and who else is actually coming. Current cost differential between apartment and room hardly makes it worth moving all your stuff from A to B, especially if the apartment is not totally full. I have to deal with seniority on vacation times and with the time span we picked this year I will likely have some other folks requesting the same vacation time span. So when Lancer and Verslagen spit on their plans I'll press for the vacation days early and then we will see how them dice roll. I am currently low man on the seniority, so we will see (might have to get sick or something). ;) Al, which bike are you bringing ??? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/02/11 at 05:40:58 Okay it looks like I'll be rolling in on Wed. and will require a nice soft comfy bed. I'll be bringing the savage. It might be a bobber by then but we'll see what I can get done before the trip. I think most of my spare time will be spent riding as soon as the weather gets better. We got 10" of wet heavy snow yesterday and it looks like I won't have any power at my house until at least tuesday. A power pole came down and wrecked my deck. It just missed the gas grill. If it had fallen in the opposite direction, my new C50 would have been crushed. And I haven't had a chance to get insurance on it yet. Anyway, I'll be there on Wed. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 04/04/11 at 01:54:45 Date for me IS the 29th. Just booked flights in and out of St. Lucia. Arrive back on 6/25. That will give me a couple of days to get things ready. Mountain time...yeehaw T Will talk with Rocket Phil today. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/06/11 at 04:44:11 564552534C4147454E11200 wrote:
My plans are still flexible and iffn Obamma and Jerry leave me anything this year. So if the river don't rise and hell don't freeze over... I'll be coming. I need a week of watching trees go by. So if you need a driver, and someone to load them canyon carvers... I might be comin' your way.[/quote] Well, here is hoping that all goes well and you get here for some riding and that my back is fully functional as well. One thing for sure is that I DO NOT WANT TO TRY THIS TRICK AGAIN ....EVER ! A broken back hurts and takes a long time to heal. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/06/11 at 06:35:54 Roll Call I need a room for a July 1 and 2 (days brother with back problems will be with us). Friday and Saturday night. The first of the week .... Monday night through Thursday nite (Monday needs to be DRY for the ride there) .... anybody want to split a tent ? It has a seven by seven foot floor in it and doors on both ends . The doors can be "wide open or half open and half dry storage. :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 04/07/11 at 15:23:18 Just finished talking to Rocket Phil...he won't be coming. Seems he has a new girlfriend and wants to spend time/money with her....go figure. I however will be there on Wednesday. T |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/08/11 at 20:18:21 Let's see, We got Big Zuk and MMRanch firm on Monday with a tent a piece with spare room in each. We got Al and Toymaker rolling in on Wednesday to take 1 small 3 man room. We got Verslagen and Lancer coming up as soon as they can get the truck loaded up and get there (fine details not yet known). I am pending on applying for and getting vacation approval (got me one known conflict and another potential conflict which would inflict the "seniority on vacation" rules). I may go ahead and just apply blind for Weds-Friday since I am running out of time to "be applying early" and that seems to be the most mountain populated period confirmed so far. MMRanch, I will be pulling out Friday AM so your brother in law can have whatever bed I vacate. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/10/11 at 19:48:56 Thanks OFeller Can I have a piece of the room too ..... for Friday and Saturday Nights ? How do ya think this will work out .... if we switch to an appartment for the weekend will we have plenty ? Should I just call and make sure they keep a room for at least two open for Friday and Sat. ? So who all is staying friday and saturday night ? We better call it in soon ! :-? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Jimmer on 04/11/11 at 05:31:18 I really wanted to ride the Dragon this year, but not to be. My riding partner is deploying to the Mideast the beginning of May. My promise to ride this ride with him will have to wait,until he returns. Keep him and his buddies in your thoughts,we will appreciate it. Evidently our leader does not think these people,putting it on the line, are important. Why pay them? Don't politicians amaze you. Did not mean to hijack the Dragon trip, everyone have a safe and a great ride. We hope to do the ride soon. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/11/11 at 06:18:23 716371636E7D727F743C0 wrote:
:( Durned if I know how this is all gonna work out -- my bosses have finally realized that too many people are asking off at the same time and have come up with their "solution" -- a sign up calender that will be given to each person in order of seniority so they can pick from the available spaces and sign up for all the vacation they plan to take for the rest of the year. According to them, only one person can be off at a time as we are short on manning right now. Looks like it will be at least a week before I even get to see the stupid calendar and since the week in question was what caused the calender come to being I bet I don't get that time span off. There is one bypass method, which is to pay someone to work your assigned days and shifts and that is expensive and you have to find somebody that works there who is willing to do it. :P We have never seen the Gap Lodge filled up during the week so that is a good thing. Somebody will take an early room and that can hold 3. Weekends get tighter and the apartments are generally booked in advance for the weekends, so I would base your plans on a single room as soon as the first roomers show up, with additional rooms added on if needed. Right now you don't have enough rooming people yet to fill up a weekend apartment, not until Lancer and Verslagen declare their final plans anyway. Certainly you don't want to commit to one for the weekdays as you have a scatter shot arrival pattern so far. (and you can lose your ass on an apartment if it isn't filled up pretty much) And to all them fine folks who stiffed MMRanch last year on that last mountain trip, saying they were coming repeatedly and then simply not showing up, well there is a special hot tub in perdition for folks like you, filled up to the lip with boiling tar .... >:( I think it's tar ..... smells sorta rank though, all dark brown and bubbly ..... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/12/11 at 10:04:19 OK I'm going for a regular room for the Friday and Saturday night the 1st and 2nd. and we can fly by the seat of our pants from there. ALfromNH , Toymaker , are ya'll doing a room for the weekdays and what if we switched to the appartment for the weekend ? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/12/11 at 10:17:20 I'll be getting there Wed and will be leaving Sun morning. Thats 4 nights. So as long as I have a bed, I don't care if it's in a room or apartment. Whatever we have enough people for. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 04/12/11 at 16:17:22 That is my plan too. T |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/13/11 at 07:37:47 Al and Toymaker are showing up Wednesday and are getting a room. MMRanch's brother in law is needing a bed, so he could be the third on the last couple of days. Something else will change, it always does -- but pending that you have one room rented on Wednesday that can meet all the bed needs that we have firmly as stated by the group so far. One of you Wednesday guys can call ahead and reserve a room for Wednesday, that minimizes your risk as you know the two of you will be there and you will likely pick up a third a few days later. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/13/11 at 08:10:00 ALfromNH and Toymaker Ya'll are on your own for Wensday and Thursday. I'll call right now to reserve a apartment for Friday and Saturday. I'll need two spaces of the 5 and am OK with squezing some sleeping bag room . 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/15/11 at 20:36:15 Buk Zuk You tell YamaKid we need him along to keep you on the safe side ! I thought It was GREAT having the next gereration of riders allready showing up. I've got a 14 yr.old I hope to bring in a few years. Let him know at least some of us will miss him if he doin't show. I've invited my wife to join in the fun but she's a bit on the soft side for "all day rides". That old wiskey run road ???? We have got to start workiing on a map of "PLACES TO GO AND THINGS TO SEE". One of the places I'd like to go is the cades cove road (it just looks inviting) and I doin't care about going into the builtmore but a ride by would be nice (mabby a top of the hill break looking down into it.) and for sure """"MT MITCHELL"""' even if I have to bring an extra gallon of gas in my back-box. or better yet come up hy 80 from marrion with a full tank to start with. Anybody else have a point of interest to put on the map ? 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 04/15/11 at 21:53:06 OK, I'm coming if hell don't freeze over. Planning on arriving sunday, meeting up with lancer and flying out saturday. What we do inbetween... only the mountain knows. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/16/11 at 06:08:16 Is it true that mountains are like elephants ? that they never forget ? hmmmm. there is an advantage to being stealthy. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/16/11 at 17:09:30 Hay Guys The apartments gone ! I've got a room reserved for friday and saturday (1st+2nd). one set of bunks and one queen. I'll split the queen with brother and whoever needs the bunks can help pay the rent I hope to get there Wensday afternoon and campground a few days . |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/17/11 at 08:51:11 :o ;D 8-) ::) :D ;) Early crew (Lancer and Verslagen and MMRanch and Big Zuk) would we mebbe be willing to roll around some and then show up at the Gap Lodge on Wednesday? Spending a whole week at the Dragon might get sorta same-same .... ?? We found neat places to stay and neat things to do while rolling from place to place, it was always different and new and fun. I know Big Zuk and MMRanch live up there and know LOTS of neat little nookie sorts of places to go roll by and visit. The only fixed spot needed would be a firm meeting place for the first night which sounds kinda like ?Monday? night from what folks are saying now. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/18/11 at 03:37:59 66454D4F4C45454C5B290 wrote:
I don't care where I stay when it comes to lay my head down at night as long as it is comfy, has a/c and will handle me needs. This year I may need to be in a stable location for my physical needs. Just not sure yet how good I'm gonna be when it comes to physical form. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/18/11 at 03:42:37 Whups, AC ..... None of the neat little places have AC, only the nicer places like Deal's Gap Lodge. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/18/11 at 08:29:59 Just not sure yet how good I'm gonna be when it comes to physical form Odds are the only Ladies we'll see will be on the road anyway ? I was just looking at the area map , There is a northern return from TellicoPlains back to Deals Gap. I'd like to make the round from Dragon Central , Skyway to TellicoPlains , 360 north , 72 east , 129 north of Deals gap , get some groceries and "Beverages" on the last leg and cook some meat on the grill when we get back. I'll buy charcol this time. Can I get a second on any of that ? :-? Mike . I'm thinking nice easy , gentle , pleasure cruse ! You know "Just a little more that Harley Speed". ;D OFeller what day are you staying till ? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/19/11 at 10:21:49 They still haven't shown me the sign up calender, but I have word from an earlier reviewer that the days I wanted are gone already. I would have to pull out Friday morning early in any case since I will be riding the bike up and back. If I can buy/bribe the days off, I will be up to the first night meeting place by dark on the meeting day. I don't think we can firm that day up until Lancer and Verslagen can spit on their arrival day. My "fighting to get off zone" is Monday evening through Friday AM. I will likely be so unsettled as to being able to get off that I'll be begging tent room from somebody for the days I actually am able to wrangle. Plus, if we are gonna go all pokey slow on this trip, then I may ride the purple people eater as it has bigger saddle bags and it would keep me from killing some more hurleys as it can't go around corners as fast as a Savage can. Plus the 350 mile tank range means I won't be crying "stop for gas" all the time. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by bill67 on 04/19/11 at 10:29:25 What kind of bike is the purple people eater? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/19/11 at 13:17:38 350 mile range makes me drooooooooool !! My Srortster has a 4.5 gal that makes it 250 mile. I'll bring the Savage , but I might hide a quart of gas in the saddle bag. They both get 50 to 55 mpg. most of the time. I should have extra tent room Wensday and Thursday , My plans mirror AL and ToyMaker to the most part. Those NC. roads sure are FUN to ride ! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/19/11 at 18:37:22 "It's a one-eyed, one horned flying purple people eater" http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Moq6mXsUEPc/Srj6yVF0lJI/AAAAAAAAAkw/jihW9FCKryA/s400/purple_people_eater.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/19/11 at 20:05:53 OldFeller Your not bring that thing into our tent ! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/20/11 at 12:16:04 Ok, I'll leave ol' purple ugly at home then. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000112.JPG |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/20/11 at 19:50:27 Is that one like Jessie had last year ? 750 ? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/21/11 at 02:06:47 XV 535, Jesse's was a 250 so mine was twice as narsty Key word here is WAS -- sold it jest this afternoon so you dasn't have to be concerned over any big purple bugs getting inside your tent at night. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/21/11 at 21:03:00 535 and it looks light ! You didn't have to sell it on count of it beennn ugly it didn't look halve as bad as its first picture. So I guess you'll be bring the Silver Streek |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 04/22/11 at 09:28:00 Just got my class sched for summer semester...... May 17 thru July 20th M,Tu,W,TH I might skip the thursday Class So I will be rolling in friday morning and Heading back sunday after noon...... I will Have tent space for one extra person. SOOOO wanted to do a whole week. ARGHHHHH >:( |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/22/11 at 20:50:49 Hi Kel You want to try the Mount Mitchell thing Friday or Saturday ? I believe starting at Marrion then going up Hy 80 (nice road) will take us onto the parkway right north of Michell entrance. I was contaplating fireing one of the grills Thrusday night ! The way I understand it Kent will be there for Friday also , not sure what time of day yet. Might have to fire the grill again friday evening ! 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 04/23/11 at 05:04:18 I am up for any thing..... I could stop by Kent's and roust him outta bed about day-light 30 on that friday...... ;D ;D ;D I am sure his lovely wife would like that. ;) Ya know.... coast down the drive way the let the Beast Back fire like a Cannon..... Wait maby that will get a .40 Cal whizzing my way... better just call first Lookinf forward to seeing all of you guys .... I am feeling road trip fever Kel |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/23/11 at 08:33:18 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOya You would defently have a .40 pointed in your direction but it would be nice to see ya'll fairly early Friday morning ! Has anybody else got a day trip on their mind ? ON the Road Less Traveled there is that picture of Parsons Branch (only 8 miles) that looks invitining. Friday will be day three , Im sure the Savage will need a bath by then . If anybody's afraid of Water I can take her to the creeek Thursday instead ... 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/24/11 at 11:59:18 Here is your list required 2 month out from Dragon Time timely reminder to do a full maintenance on your bike and to brush up on your cornering skills, etc ..... ;) now girls, don't forget to clean off my tool ..... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcQW_u2AZM8[/media] |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 04/24/11 at 13:13:52 nice alignment demo after halfway thru. my tools are dirty, no pit crew like that. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/25/11 at 01:35:47 I thought it was funny, what people think you gotta do jest to run down the dragon for a wee little bit. Us NC hillbillies, we check our brake pads to make sure we have some and our tires to make sure we have some -- then we go have us some fun. Verslagen, have you and Lancer jelled your plans some more to have an actual arrival day way up thar where the air is thinner and the sky is bluer? Gots me a plan you see, we hire part timers pretty often and they "work here" so they can work my days and they are always hunting more hours as they are kept to below benefits-levels on purpose. I will get each new part-timer to sign a "Work Exchange Form" saying he will work a couple of my days. After they sign the form, they can quit the next day for all I care, I am not responsible for the days any more. I may even seek out a guy I know who is quitting anyway and get him to sign for some days -- that would be a hoot on them <hee hee> The fat old man on the Grandma sickle will be there, hookie or crookie ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 04/25/11 at 12:10:24 1F3C3436353C3C3522500 wrote:
YOU ARE PURE EVEIL>>>>> frog... Love it Any one want to go to class for me.... it is easy...... stuff Math with letters and such and American History :) :) :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/25/11 at 13:08:04 I'll be calling in the next couple of days to reserve a room for Wed night June 29 - Sat night July 2. Who's in? Also, on a side note, does anyone have an idea for a t-shirt? I might be willing to print a few. I'd like some input on the design though. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 04/25/11 at 14:25:04 I'm in...wed-Sun T Just tell me what I owe you, Al |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/25/11 at 16:44:31 This is where we need Lancer and Verslagen to go ahead and spit on their final plans -- so the rest of us can plan accordingly. Monday I hit the trail for the mountains, arriving Monday evening. Al, if Lancer and Verslagen get a room early in the week I'll be staying with them. If not, I'll tent with somebody Monday night and join you and Toymaker in a room on Wednesday. In any case, I am out and gone home Friday morning after breakfast as I have to work Saturday. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/25/11 at 19:54:09 I woin't be there till Wensday . and comming home Sunday after breadfast Allready have a room for 4 reserved for Friday and Saturday only have 2 in it so far. Who all is staying the weekend ? Al ToyMaker M & M Ranch Kent Verslangen Lancer Kel BigZuk ? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 04/26/11 at 06:44:15 Al ToyMaker M & M Ranch Kent Verslangen Lancer Kel- Tent Fri/ Sat BigZuk Mike the Parsons Branch ride sounds Good Should I bring Hamburger Meat for a Friday night Cook out? I am going to bring Al 5LB of grits..... :P :P :P Yumm Yumm I am trying to talk my Cousin who rides a VTX1800 and My Brother -inlaw Who rides a Duccti in to making the trip too. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 04/26/11 at 17:51:20 594B594B46555A575C140 wrote:
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/27/11 at 13:59:25 6A4941434049494057250 wrote:
VERSLAGEN AND I WILL BE THERE FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/27/11 at 17:02:34 We are at T minus 70 days and counting on the 5th Appalachian Mountain run ..... I will plan on Monday through Friday morning, staying in the same room as Lancer and Verslagen. I guess that pretty much takes care of the early crew. 59545B5650470702350 wrote:
VERSLAGEN AND I WILL BE THERE FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY [/quote] |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 04/27/11 at 21:42:38 Flight plans made, lookout here I come. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/27/11 at 22:18:47 yeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaa !!!!!! I can hardley wait ! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/28/11 at 05:52:32 Reservation made. Check in Wed june 29 - Check out Sun AM July 2. As far as I know it's just me and Toymaker in the room. Therefore that leaves one empty bed for all four nights. Whoever speaks up 1st gets it. The air conditioner will be cranked. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 04/28/11 at 17:15:43 Been laying low on this since I won't know until closer to the time of the ride if I will be able to go. Got a family business situation brewing that may keep me from coming. Hoping to actually meet some of you. Keeping my fingers crossed. :-X |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/28/11 at 17:56:46 Driller, if you do show up with little or no notice, make sure you bring a tent just in case there isn't a bed available. There's always room in the campground. On a side note. Nobody has come up with any kind of t-shirt design yet. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/29/11 at 03:13:51 687B6C6D727F797B702F1E0 wrote:
That's making my back feel better already Its a good thing I have a private physical therapist coming in next week to help me during this last critical phase of the healing process. Her specialized program is designed for men like me who NEED a particular type of care and rehab. With her help I should be ready for the ride in fine shape. I was fortunate to be able to get her booked at this time to help me. I am having to fly her in from Sacramento, CA and pay expenses while here of course. But from what I know of her skills it should be well worth the cost. A couple of weeks of her therapy program should put me about a month ahead of the curve. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/30/11 at 10:50:46 Let's do a historical honor run, and you simply wear the oldest trip tee shirt that your wife hasn't ruined yet by washing it .... ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/04/11 at 06:35:07 Early crew -- (Lancer, Verslagen, Oldfeller) showing up Monday, 6/27 with an avowed purpose to do go some interesting things before Wednesday. Interesting things -- fun things -- Verslagen has never seen the touristy side of the East Coast Mountain region -- he's never walked over the Mile High bridge or walked to the very crumbly edge of that ugly nasty overhanging drop off cliff .... Yup, I still have me some residual fear of very high places that requires overcoming periodically and this is the VERY BEST "overcoming" spot on the east coast, lemme tell ya !! :D What else is worth doing for a West Coaster while he's up there in the High Country? There is a shite pot of stuff up there that you took your kids to back when they were growing up, but which items have I forgotten about that are sooooo good that you simply gotta go again jest to watch the expression on his face? Verslagen is a calm one who doesn't express a lot -- I want something either make him grin & laugh out loud or shiver in his shoes and back off from the edge of it when the wind suddenly blows hard and he realizes there ain't no guard rail t'wixt him and forever .... (or when a big ol' gust of wind comes up hard under the mile high bridge and you feel it rise 5-10 ft up under your feet and start to shake side to side like a dog shaking water out of his fur) You know -- the good stuff that you make a bucket list out of Need some help here folks -- what's your personal bests? My wife was always partial to when you were deep deep inside one of the caves and they cut all the lights out jest to show you what dark really really is like ..... which always pisses the bats off and they start flying around you. She still remembers that one .... climbed me like a tree she did. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 05/04/11 at 07:22:39 I remember the wind and view from Mt.Mitchell from when I was about 9, also the road going up Black Mountain as being full of curves (could have been the way my parents were driving? ). I might have to come earlier in the week to partake in the swinging bridge thing. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 05/04/11 at 13:27:01 You are talking about some of the places I haunt regularly. If I'm not wrassling with the tar baby that is a family business in need of emergency care, I will be happy to show you a few "good 'uns" in the area. ;) The Parson's Branch road is tempting, but methinks getting into Cade's Cove that time of year could be really slow with all the touristas clogging the road up. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/04/11 at 18:26:24 Driller, MMRanch, what we need are some of the VERY BEST things to do, preferably in an organized fashion where we don't backtrack any more than we have to. And none of that joking around stuff, a pushing and shoving on each other while out there on that there teetery little cable foot bridge strung way up in the air between them two mountain peaks ..... 55 days and counting ...... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 05/04/11 at 20:07:43 http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/NC/NC_index.htm#region2 OldFeller come to find out the Hy 80 is bigger than we have tried !. For my part we can make it one of our paths. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/05/11 at 17:27:54 It is perty durn far away, on the far side of Ashville and is what over 80-90 miles long through the heart of the eastern section of Pisgah National Forest? (no gas stations) I was thinking we'd mostly stay on this civilized side of Ashville, mostly. With lots of ready bathrooms and drink breaks in BurgerKings & Greasy Mac's and whatnot in all them ready little towns and such. And gasoline, don't forget each time we stop to piss we gotta gas up all over again. And we gotta always be mindful of the cell phone, EMS and Triple AAA service availability for any Hurley riders we catch up with .... Not that we couldn't go elsewhere, but we gotta take Lancer's back and my left hip joint into consideration with these here extra extra longish trip plans. And about them 10,000 stair steps to get up to the top of Mt. Mitchell --- sorry 'bout that but these here old creaky folks ain't up to it. ;D Playing a sedate round of HillBilly Golf at Pidgeon Forge is more our speed, I think. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 05/05/11 at 21:02:32 Hillbilly Golf it is then ! Find us a place to play , and count me in. OOOOOOYeaaaaaa. ;D I was looking at the other places around Dragon neighborohood today , there is lots to see and do ! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 05/06/11 at 07:31:14 Are we going to the Creek..... I am bringing my trunks |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/06/11 at 07:55:21 Is that the creek with the sireens? I'll bring my binoculars. ;) AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/06/11 at 10:25:41 Heck, if we are going to the sireen springs I'm gonna bring a fishing pole. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 05/06/11 at 10:29:12 587B7371727B7B7265170 wrote:
How about a net for live capture? ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 05/06/11 at 20:05:21 There might be one of those rivers with Sireens along the Trail called "Full day of twisties" http://www.motorcycleroads.com/routes/SouthEast/NC/NC_index.htm#region2 Just for the record : I only like Sireens becouse they Sing so Perty ! :o |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 05/07/11 at 06:00:43 0F1D0F1D10030C010A420 wrote:
I was thinking about the creek MMranch found that Darrel almost ran outta gas.... Rode with the choke pulled most of the day..... I think I can rember how to find it. I just Hope Pete does not get turned in to a toad agin |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 05/07/11 at 06:10:09 I'm not worried about Pete ! I'm worried about OldFeller and You getting turned into Toads ! Ya know One of Ya'll is allready half converted . ;D I'm not sure I could find that place where Darrell put oil in his gas on first try , but do remember its not that far from Dragon Central .... I kinda miss Darrell , First time I'd ever seen WhiteWall on a Savage and he was kinda nice kinda feller. come to think on it ---- thats the only time I seen WhiteWalls on a Savage. :-/ |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by thumperclone on 05/08/11 at 22:56:22 its sunday mothers day just b4 mid nite my wifey says go so im goin any west coast riders headin east? im comin from the west slope of colorado can go down to I 10 OR..??>? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 05/08/11 at 23:11:11 415D405845504756595A5B50350 wrote:
yes but i'll be 40,000 feet over you. You must of treated her real good today. ::) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/09/11 at 17:28:17 Pulled the bike up on the lift to get her ready for Dragon time. Oil and filter change (metal found on the magnet was slightly less than in years past, my engine must like the ZDDP booster as the miles were a lot more this year and a lot harder miles to boot). Stage 2 cam has settled in finally, I was technically within spec on both intake and exhaust valves, but I took them both back down to .003" anyway as the intakes were up at .004" and the exhausts were closer to .005". I consider the Stage 2 cam to be reliable now as it has quit the rapid increase on the valve clearance nonsense and is acting more like a normal routine maintenance set up now. Changed out the polyfill on the air filter, once again on a 2" thick matting air born dirt is only making it into the first 1/2" of the oil impregnated filter thickness after a fully year and a half of use. Technically, I should have put it back in and ran it another year but I wanted to play with it some more. I noted that in the heavy air flow areas the oil was getting thin and the dirt was going in deeper as the trap oil wasn't as plentiful. I theorize the oil is very slowly evaporated by the air flow as gear oil is volatile just like gas or kerosene (just a whole lot slower to evaporate as the molecules are much longer and heavier). This time I attempted to improve on the heavy gear oil as an oil impregnation by using a liquid carrier light grease as a matrix builder. White lithium spray grease by Snap-on from Autozone was tried and as far as the loose spray in application went the idea worked as intended. The white lithium sprayed on and penetrated like the Mazola frying pan oil did, but the evaporation process was totally different. The lithium grease is cut with kerosene to make it mobile and when the carrier (propane from the smell of it) quickly evaporated the matting was a soggy mess with the kerosene. This kerosene separated from the lithium white grease it was cutting and the kerosene dripped out for like 2 days which was totally gross to watch as the white mess was oozing clear stuff jest like road rash does and muffler burns do after the outer bubble of skin bursts and comes off -- yeck. (flash back to scraped up legs, muffler burns & such from years past) When the kerosene finally evaporated, the lithium grease was sort of stiff and hard so I added some 90-180 gear oil to the white impregnated matting and it was assimilated by lithium grease matrix jest like the Borg would do -- they became one. Now NONE of the heavy gear oil came dripping back out of the matrix after several days of observation. The white grease became oil tinted uniformly throughout the entire mass, so the heavy oil has osmosed into the grease/soap binder. The matting is now quite soft and flexible now and when you touch it the yellowish grease that comes off on your finger is quite sticky and soft and thick. The end result looks usable, but the process was slow and somewhat of a pain in the ass. Next time I'll try chain lube. PJ1 would likely do this same sort of thing but would likely only take overnight to dry. ;D ;D ;D This weeks work was to tear the new rear tire off the bike, it had a slow leak that apparently was air simply going right through the cheap chinese inner tube material (no leak bubbles were able to be detected in the tube when held under soapy clear water. No pinch marks, no folds, no scuffs -- just would lose about 10 psi in a months time). 3 new inner tubes are on the way, so I have me some time to figure out how to rig up my cheap, trunk mounted front wheel grabbing bike hauler thing-a-ma-jig. ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by thumperclone on 05/17/11 at 20:26:17 okay guys gimme the dates ASAP !!! b4 she changes her mind!!!again.. looks like im back on again... drivin my tacoma with thumperclone on the back rack... swing down to ne georgia than C fla and back home.. campin in the shell of my pu.. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 05/17/11 at 20:36:00 26 thru the 2 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/17/11 at 20:48:58 The Early Group Lancer, Verslagen, Oldfeller Showing up Monday June 27th in the early afternoon from all over the place, staying in a hotel room at the Dragon (Lancer is holding the reservation) and are planning on cutting out Friday. Bringing 1 truck and 1 car and a bunch of bikes. The Midweek Group Toymaker, AlfromNewHampshire, Somebody's Brother Showing up Wednesday during the day, staying in a hotel room, staying through Sunday. I forget who is holding the midweek reservation for that group but they said they were not able to get an apartment if memory serves because the apartments were already gone. The Tent Group MMRanch, Bigzuk, Now I know I forgot a whole bunch of people, so you jest ring on in here on which grouping you are coming with and where you think you are staying jest so we know exactly how over-extended these little 3 man rooms really are .... hey, when it says the 3 man room can sleep 4, that means somebody is sharing the queen sized bed with another guy -- :P Jedi Science strikes again !!! A new Technical Innovation for the top bunk bed Throw the durn mattress on the floor and stop all that silly climbing nonsense !!! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by thumperclone on 05/17/11 at 21:06:05 okay im comin sleepin in my topper need directions from ashville or ,clayton ga or.cherokee... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 05/19/11 at 15:12:30 Well, they are ready for you to arrive at Deal's Gap.... http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/5150/010jn.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/16/010jn.jpg/) Three of us went over yesterday afternoon. Arriving late in the day, there were very few people on the road and we had a great uncluttered run down to the bridge and back. The pinstripe/patch sewing guy was looking Yellow Bob over and remarked "Isn't there a group of folks that ride these thumpers that comes here?". I told him you would descend upon the Dragon the end of June, so get ready! We stayed at a campground down near Murphy that night and had an excellent ride home today over 64 into Highlands. Just right at 514 miles door to door. Dayum, I'm liking this bike. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by EJID on 05/19/11 at 15:19:55 5462797C7C7562100 wrote:
What sort of name are you guys creating for yourselves? :-? Apparently your reputation preceeds you! ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/19/11 at 15:56:55 hmmmmm ..... We may have a small rep at Deal's Gap Campground for using plastic pop bottles as "how to properly start a wood fired grill up". We refuse to buy the $10 a bag charcoal briquettes from the store. We may have a small rep for drinking a lot of beer (that we bring with us) and getting a wee bit boisterous around the big fire pit. Fer some unknown reason BMW riders up there are plumb afraid of Al's white pickup truck, and fer shure the Beemer boys have learned to lock their hard bags for fear of midnight deposits. Hurley riders shake in their boots whenever they think hear a string of thumpers coming up behind them. They immediately go over to the side of the road (iffen they knows what's good for them, anyway). Nobody tries to follow us when we go out in groups of 3 or more. People keep getting upset and blessing out Big Zuk for what Oldfeller does to them (can't tell one fat old man on a silver thumper from another -- they all look the same) ;D ;D ;D Really, I think it's all Toymaker's fault -- he keeps telling everybody he's Evil .... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/19/11 at 16:39:03 Driller, did you happen to notice toymakers contribution to the tree of shame? http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2010/06/28/bikepics-2008376-800.jpg The broken floorboard in the center of the picture. It says "toymaker gets bit 6/26/2010" Don't need anyone adding to tree this year. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 05/19/11 at 17:06:29 Al, I did look the "tree" over but was overwhelmed by the collection and did not pick that one out. No, we do not want to add to the collection.....especially crutches like the ones that were dangling over my head. :o |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 05/19/11 at 18:54:03 0D2E2624272E2E2730420 wrote:
O.F. Ya gotta get your poop in a group with the details! It was one a them Goldwing roll'n roadblocks, My bike ain't called ol yeller cause it's silver, And who you calling fat? I resemble that remark! Other than that you got it all correct ;D Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 05/20/11 at 05:42:52 Don't forget the beer truck :D Tent Group Ariving Late Thursday night or Early Friday morning. I have Class till 8:40 thursday night and just about 3 hours from there so I might just head out from the college...... I will be coming in from the The Calhoun/ Dalton area http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2009/11/28/bikepics-1840872-800.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/20/11 at 15:16:13 Like I said, can't tell the difference between them. That one was you and Yamakid, I wuz innocent on that one. :-? Not so innocent on the beemer guys, either of them. Nor the pair of Hurleys, not so innocent at all on that pair of bulky grindies. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 05/21/11 at 07:56:06 it looks like I will have the back brace off the week before the ride so hopefully I can ride some, but may be limited. Will know more 21 Jun when I see the doc I have 2 new stock S40's ready to go Rex is still sitting and waiting for attention in finding the electrical demon that has plagued him, and since the crash I have done virtually no bike stuff. The energy levels are very short and shallow. I am considering taking him to the local dealer and let them sort it out since I am no good with electrical problem solving. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 05/21/11 at 12:15:24 I'll NOT be adding any iron to the tree this year. And if'n you think I'll be a slow poke...well...maybe I will...maybe not...we'll have to see. I might just hang around the "Lair" and look at them thar ladies... BigZuk...I'll save you a seat...:) Toymaker :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 05/21/11 at 18:51:06 516D60516A7C68646E6077050 wrote:
Toymaker, thanks, the way my lovelife is going I might be better off setting there looking at the ladies. And it's hard to get fussed at about double yeller line passes at the parking lot. Bigzuk Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/22/11 at 05:33:01 If that's all you got fussed at about, then ya got off purty durn easy !!! De Ugly Frogg did much worse than that, much much worse .... :-/ So did Lancer and MMRanch .... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Yonuh Adisi FSO on 05/22/11 at 09:50:27 Is anyone making Dragon Shirts this year? If so I would like one. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/22/11 at 13:07:28 AHA!! He asked !!! You know the Dragon Run T shirt rule, don't you? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 05/22/11 at 13:24:30 wear one or more? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/22/11 at 13:32:41 He who asks, does ..... Al got caught by the rule last time, so it's Yonhu's turn this year. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/22/11 at 13:39:56 I asked if anyone was gonna come up with a design and i would do the shirts but that was about a month ago and nobody came up with anything. I don't really have time to do it now. Pretty busy between work and getting my daughters house ready for her to move in. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 05/22/11 at 13:47:39 I agree!....Yonuh's turn!!!!!! :) ;) :D :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/22/11 at 13:56:46 Now that's settled, what brand of cheap bulk beer are we bringing this year? I will be coming up in a car so I can bring a case and a cooler and some ice. Remember, wee little mini-fridges in the 3 man rooms, no nice big Frigidair to play stuff a rack with whole cases this year as we have done in years past. No kitchen either -- campfire cookin' if we is doing anything cookin'ish (bring pots & pans and stuff like that if you is cookin') |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 05/23/11 at 04:56:39 I will be bringing Hamburger for friday. Beer up to you guys... I will not be getting there till friday morning or Thursday night. Kel |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/23/11 at 05:54:41 6769603F3C3B3F380C0 wrote:
Don't worry Kel, I'll have a cold Sam Adams in the cooler waiting for you. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 05/23/11 at 06:27:15 5D505E5E0A3C0 wrote:
Don't worry Kel, I'll have a cold Sam Adams in the cooler waiting for you. AL[/quote] Alrighty then.... Quality beats Quantity any day.... :D :D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/23/11 at 08:13:55 No it don't --- when you run out of Al's good beer and haven't got a case or two of cheap to switch to, well then heck fire -- you is simply out of beer !!! Which brand of normal cheap beer do we all prefer? Verslagen, Lancer -- which soft drink do you prefer? We should bring up some pop too for those times too early in the day, etc. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 05/23/11 at 09:04:03 It is a well known fact, free beer tastes best. Also well known, after the 1st beer, any will do. Any sugar-free beverage will do. As long as we're on beverages... Any of you try Almond Milk? I've found when I'm down and out, a glass of choclate almond milk to really pick me up. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 05/23/11 at 09:11:05 53405756494442404B14250 wrote:
Almond milk with Kahula and Vodka is a Refreshing Pick ME up.... Real Milk gives my Tummy problems. I am a Bush Drinker at home. I can get a 12 pack in my cooler along with the hamburger meat |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Yonuh Adisi FSO on 05/23/11 at 09:13:12 Guys, I can't do the dragon shirts. I don't have the time or money to do it. I wish I did though. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/23/11 at 11:10:53 7D4B4A514C65404D574D240 wrote:
If you have any ideas for a design, I'll make em if I can get started pretty soon. I'm not much of an artist and can only steal other peoples designs from the net. IF I get a design to work with, and IF I have time to do some shirts, who wants them and what size? (Yonuh Adisi, you get a free one for your design just like last year). I'll be waiting to hear. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Yonuh Adisi FSO on 05/23/11 at 19:52:24 7479777723150 wrote:
If you have any ideas for a design, I'll make em if I can get started pretty soon. I'm not much of an artist and can only steal other peoples designs from the net. IF I get a design to work with, and IF I have time to do some shirts, who wants them and what size? (Yonuh Adisi, you get a free one for your design just like last year). I'll be waiting to hear. AL[/quote] I'll see what I can come up with. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 05/25/11 at 10:24:16 597A7270737A7A7364160 wrote:
A long time ago I was one of the mid-week motel group. But things have changed a lot since then. If I do make it, it will most likely be Wednesday afternoon and I'll probably be tent camping. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 05/25/11 at 10:26:23 4E434D4D192F0 wrote:
If you have any ideas for a design, I'll make em if I can get started pretty soon. I'm not much of an artist and can only steal other peoples designs from the net. IF I get a design to work with, and IF I have time to do some shirts, who wants them and what size? (Yonuh Adisi, you get a free one for your design just like last year). I'll be waiting to hear. AL[/quote] If I get to go, I will want a shirt, size L. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 05/27/11 at 02:44:22 Al You did a Great Job on the shirts last year. I'll give $20 for a Black shirt with the Savage Motor and the a Dragon with the Year (2011). $25. if need be. I'm not much of an artist and can't help much. Maby a Savage Motor Iron on and then add it to one of the giftshop shirts ? I'll bring a few shirts from years gone past just in case we doin't get one this year.... Think I still have the one ToyMaker did !!!!. ;D ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/28/11 at 06:23:05 I'll be loading up the bike and heading south exactly one month from today. Time is running short to get all the little things done before the trip. I'm working on my "to do" list. I can't wait. Still waiting for t-shirt designs. If anyone has one, send it soon. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 05/29/11 at 14:16:54 here is a suggeston for shirts.... there is a T-shirt man across the street from the hotel.... lets just get them their |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/29/11 at 15:04:20 79777E2122252126120 wrote:
OK AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 05/29/11 at 21:30:16 Thumpers Rule and a picture of Dragon ? Good Idea Kel :P |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 06/01/11 at 04:20:56 T minus 26 days and we are counting down ..... :D I flipped the calender to June jest this morning !! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 06/01/11 at 17:41:46 I see the neurosurgeon on the 21st....hopefully I'll be cleared to ride either way, I will be there with Verslagen again this year Yeehaw ! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 06/01/11 at 17:49:11 When's the campfire and cookout? (I still gotta find a hiding place in the bushes....) ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 06/03/11 at 04:52:43 It looks like I'm gonna make it!! Got vacation approved at work and got $ approved at home :D I plan to arrive Wednesday afternoon and stay until Sunday. I'm prepared to camp, but if anyone vacates a motel room bed I'd like to have dibs on it. Looking forward to meeting some more people face-to-face. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/03/11 at 05:12:33 25332433383F222F65616265560 wrote:
I don't think anyone has claimed bed #3 in the room with Toymaker and myself. I may be wrong. If someone has dibs on bed #3 on the wed - sun, speak up. It would be nice for you if you don't have to carry camping gear with you. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 06/03/11 at 10:18:45 4548464612240 wrote:
I don't think anyone has claimed bed #3 in the room with Toymaker and myself. I may be wrong. If someone has dibs on bed #3 on the wed - sun, speak up. It would be nice for you if you don't have to carry camping gear with you. AL[/quote] Yep, Al, you're right about that!! So put me down if nobody speaks up!! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 06/04/11 at 03:37:08 Gots me a serious complication ... work schedule for Dragon week has been posted. The people I had lined up to work my days of vacation have been one by one asked by the supervisor "as a personal favor" to the supervisor to work different positions and hours on my planned vacation days instead of working for me. He said that he did it because of the needs of the department as he covers the vacation time for the more senior people who are supposed to be off. >:( There is no doubt he's screwing with me to some degree, but he is all legal by the rules of the place where I work. He is supposed to schedule vacation according to seniority and he is working around the people who are supposed to be off and he is scheduling extra work days for the people who are supposed to be here. So, not only am I supposed to work the week of June 26-July 2 I am working 2 extra days according to the current released schedule. And all the people who could possibly work for me are loaded up with extra days as well. Looks like I won't be up at the Dragon this year .... >:( |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 06/04/11 at 03:56:03 Oldfeller, so sorry to hear this. I know how much you and the rest look forward to meeting and riding the Dragaon each year. Did you tell your boss, supervisor what this time off really meant to you? Did you tell him , once a year I get together with my Buds. They travel from all over the map for us to be together this one time of year. Yes I realize some don't give a sh*t. Most don't even care. Just an idea and thought maybe if they knew that it was the one time of year you really look forward to, it just might help. Again so sad as well that it seems you won't be meeting the guys at the Dragon this year. If it makes you feel any better, I won't be there either.. :-* kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 06/04/11 at 04:54:13 Sorry to hear that news. I was looking forward to meeting you. I will know Tuesday what my situation will be. Keeping my fingers crossed. :P |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 06/04/11 at 05:39:40 I was pushing to get the time off and I surely got pushed back some .... it is sad but times are tight and employers can get pushy with their people if they choose to, they have the upper hand right now. Try go finding a replacement job .... (no thanks, I'll keep the crappy one I have for the time being) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 06/04/11 at 07:37:16 Jobs are important. some liquids can harmful to paint. moral is very important. a rubber bulb of liquid can be squirted discreetly. I used to have a manager that would mess with me. I found another job. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 06/04/11 at 09:00:39 3F2C3B3A25282E2C2778490 wrote:
oooohhh, you're bad ........ 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 06/04/11 at 22:39:52 OldFeller How about a second trip like we did last year ? That was fun for me and I hope it was all-the-way=around. Thats when we found that nutty little ride up "the residendental" neighborhood. Maby make it up to mount mitchell this time ? Any of you other fellers in the nieghborhood like to join in ? :-? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 06/05/11 at 04:58:15 796B796B66757A777C340 wrote:
Hmmmmmm ..... a 2nd ride ....... 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 06/05/11 at 05:26:47 I'm up for it if you guys are ... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 06/05/11 at 11:18:44 1E3D3537343D3D3423510 wrote:
do you have dates yet for your new vacation time ? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 06/05/11 at 13:38:40 Oldfeller, I'm very sad to hear you might miss the Dragon trip. But I have something to talk with you about. I will PM you. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 06/06/11 at 01:29:21 I don't have any planned dates at this time -- I told my uberboss privately that it does no good to plan a vacation in advance as it only gets taken away from you as it gets closer. He understands he has a problem in his department as I was not the only new person left dangling AFTER having announced vacation plans over six months in advance. I suspect that the crunch will be off later on in the summer as the oldtimers will have taken their vacation up already. Somebody propose a date that does something good for them for some other reason and I'll see if I can get off. Something later on, towards some cooler weather -- with some avowed purpose that is worth doing anyway. ================================= Serentity, yanking that sucker out and plugging a new one in and running off immediately up to the Dragon kinda sounds like a formula for some potential serious stuck out-on-the-road issues. I never saw a swap out that didn't have some issues that cropped up in the first few weeks that didn't require some covers off work. But then I always buy me some broken stuff cheap .... it jest could be me and my "customised" luck. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 06/06/11 at 05:17:15 Oldfeller, I'm hoping to get the engine swap done and ride to and from work a couple weeks to work the kinks out. For those who can't make sense out of what Oldfeller and I are saying: I was out riding around just for fun on Saturday and my transmission died, just in time for the Dragon trip. This being the second engine in my bike, a couple years ago I had given Oldfeller the old engine to re-build and tinker with, and now I'm maybe gonna put that original engine back in my Savage. If we can work out a deal. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 06/06/11 at 19:02:24 thinking about that late summer ride last year .... BigZuk is that little Suzuki car still serving you well ? I've though "thats , a cool little ride" from the first time I seen it ! :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 06/07/11 at 02:12:24 School's almost out...then a week in the islands then Dragon land....whoohoo |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 06/07/11 at 03:36:15 Yea maan, de islans be good fo yo to relax after dem kids all year, And the Dragon will be good to "get your motor runn'n". just don't ride at island slow speeds 8-) Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 06/08/11 at 20:44:01 just wait on the rest of us at the next cross-roads . 20 days and counting 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/10/11 at 15:40:06 I Can't Wait!!! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/12/11 at 03:48:22 Tail of the Dragon Here's the deals gap calendar. Notice the last week of the month is "savage/s40" week. https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?showTitle=0&showPrint=0&showTabs=0&showCalendars=0&height=500&wkst=1&bgcolor=%23cccccc&src=jamie@dealsgap.com&color=%23A32929&ctz=America/New_York&gsessionid=OK |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 06/13/11 at 10:01:58 5C515F5F0B3D0 wrote:
I sent them an E-mail two or three months ago asking them to put us on their calander..... ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/13/11 at 13:10:56 7E70792625222621150 wrote:
I sent them an E-mail two or three months ago asking them to put us on their calander..... ;D [/quote] darn, you think of everything. :D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 06/13/11 at 13:55:20 5B5658580C3A0 wrote:
I sent them an E-mail two or three months ago asking them to put us on their calander..... ;D [/quote] darn, you think of everything. :D[/quote] Dam, now the hurley's are gonna know we'll be there. They'll be lookin fer some SOB toad and he ain't a comin. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 06/13/11 at 21:08:31 Just wanted to let the hurleys Know to STAY OUTTA THA WAY.... >:( But there will be the old guy on the Yeller Granmaw bike giving the glodwingers a hard time I feel a road trip in the AIR |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 06/14/11 at 04:58:32 I'm still planning on being there. Had some bike trouble and got it fixed. Looking forward to meeting some new people and seeing some from last year. I hate that Oldfeller won't be there. I missed him by about a half a day last year 'cause he had to go to work, and work is messing him up this year too. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 06/14/11 at 18:38:23 evil ;D They'll be clusters of evil eyed Hurley people a looking for a fat gray headed old man on a silver savage .... How many of them are they gonna find? More'n one I suspect !!! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 06/14/11 at 19:57:48 I doin't know about silver .... but there will be at least 1 Yellow grandpaw's bike with a car tire on the rear waiting for them Dressers to pull over or move on ! ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 06/17/11 at 20:05:49 11 DAYS ! ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 06/18/11 at 21:21:07 10 Days !! Leaving for BoyScout camp tommorrow . Going to be "Out for a Week" I'll check back in next Saturday evening . |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 06/19/11 at 08:01:17 Sadly, the alignment of the planets will keep me away next week. :( I will be spending saddle time on a lawn mower cleaning up some property so we can sell it. I did get a chance to run the Dragon last month. It was great to ride there on "Yellow Bob". These bikes were made for roads like that! http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7683/img2637o.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/135/img2637o.jpg/) I promise we did not use up all the goodness of the road while there. Ya'll have fun! Maybe I can make it for the second edition later in the year. Cheers! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/20/11 at 15:41:39 Well a week from today I'll be camping in Virginia. My plan looks like this. Mon 2/27- Leave early in the AM with bike loaded in the back of the truck, get a campsite somewhere in Front Royal Va. Tues 2/28- Ride for the day on Skyline drive in Shenedoah National Park, camp one more night at the same site. Wed 2/29- Load the bike and finish the ride to Deals Gap, sign in to my room, drink beer until bedtime. Thur,Fri,Sat 6/30-7/2- Ride Ride Ride Sun,Mon 7/3-7/4- Drive home If anyone wants to ride with me on Tuesday on Skyline Drive, get back to me. I'll be starting at the northern entrance to Shenendoah National Park on tueday morning. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 06/21/11 at 04:59:12 Well, here's my plan. Load bike with gear on Thursday evening 23June. Ride to work Friday 24June, depart at noon and don't go back. Ride to Nashville and spend Friday night with my daughter. Saturday, ride on to Mason, TN (near Memphis), visit with my aunt and cousins for a few days. On Tuesday, ride back to Nashville to spend the night with my daughter. On Wednesday, ride from Nashville to Deals Gap, drink beer with Al. 8-) I hope I still have a motel room to share with you guys, 'cause I'm not bringing a tent! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/21/11 at 05:37:23 7C6A7D6A61667B763C383B3C0F0 wrote:
Well, oldfeller isn't gonna be there. So there will be an empty bed for wed and thurs night. I don't know if anyone claimed the 3rd bed in with toymaker and myself. I will have an air matress and sleeping bag we can throw on the floor if we have to. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 06/21/11 at 06:55:52 Hey Al, take a video while you are riding in Shenanhoah for me, pleeeeeeezzee, pretty pleeeeeeeeeeezzeee. :-* I am so envious. I WILL make that ride some day. Wishing you guys tons of nice weather, lots of safe miles, and loads of fun! (Oh and drink a coldie for me too!) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 06/21/11 at 08:08:29 636E606034020 wrote:
Well, oldfeller isn't gonna be there. So there will be an empty bed for wed and thurs night. I don't know if anyone claimed the 3rd bed in with toymaker and myself. I will have an air matress and sleeping bag we can throw on the floor if we have to. AL[/quote] Yep somehow we'll shoe horn you in. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 06/21/11 at 13:05:24 "Shoehorn" ???!!! That's sounds painful!!! :D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 06/21/11 at 13:36:40 5A4C5B4C47405D501A1E1D1A290 wrote:
I was thinking more along the lines of "Kinky!" ;D But you know me.... ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 06/22/11 at 05:07:24 0C0F0E03011B620 wrote:
I was thinking more along the lines of "Kinky!" ;D But you know me.... ;) [/quote] You bad bad girl!! ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/22/11 at 10:35:56 292A2B26243E470 wrote:
You realize that it's gonna be all guys there, right? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 06/22/11 at 11:48:25 616C626236000 wrote:
You realize that it's gonna be all guys there, right?[/quote] We'll have to chase the piglet's out of the bushes. 8-) Hey, I'm flying this weekend aren't I? yeeha http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-scared-smileys-366.gif |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/22/11 at 16:27:31 Looks like a little entertainment on saturday. 4th of July Celebration - Saturday, July 2, 2011 Hours: All Day Who will be here: » DJ in the Grill from 11am - 2pm » Live music outside under the pavillion from 2pm - 6pm: The Sharkadelics » Food Vendors in the parking lot 11am - ???: Colvin's Catering |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 06/22/11 at 19:56:45 Guys I hate to say this but, I'll not be doing the dragon on my savage this year :( The bikes 5 year old battery just got a dead cell and the headlight cut out @ start has crapped out too. With all I got going on now I just don't have the money to fix it on time. I do plan on coming to deals gap to see you guys in my Geo Metro convertible (hay it's a Suzuki too). I'll be camping there or nearby with my new Gal-Pal Wed. - Fri. and may follow along one day. Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 06/23/11 at 17:56:22 Wishing all of you a great trip. Good times and many hrs of riding.. I'll be there in spirit... :) kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 06/24/11 at 08:29:10 Leavin' in 30 minutes! WOOHOO! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 06/24/11 at 23:04:24 Getting picked up at 2am. I should take a nap, but can't. [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 06/26/11 at 03:49:22 Well Patsy and I returned from our Island adventure. For those of you who want a nice vacation spot, might I suggest St. Lucia. Great people, good prices and excellent weather. We were going to ride scooters around the Island one day, but the mrs. began feeling a little under. Prolly all the good food........ We stayed at Coconut Bay Resort and Spa....excellent place and very good rates. $268 a night per couple...all-inclusive. So, now that the vacation is over....I am ready to RIDE. See you guys on Wednesday. Yeehaw! T |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/26/11 at 04:37:02 Okay, Tommorrow at this time I'll be on the road heading south. I plan to leave my house at around 6:30. That'll put me in Front Royal, Va. shortly before supper time. I'll spend two night camping there with a day of riding(tuesday) on Skyline Drive. Then on Wed morning, continue south to deals gap. Should arrive there early afternoon. Then let the partying begin. Going out to load the bike into the back of the truck in a little while. Can't wait. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by thumperclone on 06/26/11 at 19:45:31 you all have a good time!!! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 06/26/11 at 21:08:36 Anybody got a "Ride Agenda" for ; Wensday-Saturday ? I'll print off a few ideas just in case . :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/27/11 at 02:34:10 2E3C2E3C31222D202B630 wrote:
I'm up for just about anything. I'm all packed and the truck is loaded. I'll be heading out in about a half hour. See you guys on Wed. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kel30734 on 06/27/11 at 09:03:51 Well It is offical..... Work / Home has trumped my Ride for the Year I will not be able to make it for this weekedn..... ARRRRRRRGGGHHHHH Sorry guys Kel |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 06/27/11 at 09:20:08 WEll that sucks....cause my FI unit just gave up the ghost and I can't come either!!!!! Well Dandy! T |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 06/28/11 at 04:26:37 :-? I'll bite ..... What is an FI unit? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 06/28/11 at 07:06:58 Wow I can leave when it quits raining , rest of the week looks great on radar. Should be about noon or so ! I hope ! Kel and ToyMaker I'll make an extra lap for ya :( What's a FI unit ? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker FSO on 06/28/11 at 07:15:19 Fuel Injection unit.... Plus I just gave my Savage to my boy....just a few days ago and it is in VA! :o |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by joscswny on 07/02/11 at 10:29:20 I, too, am stuck at work but Saturdays are slow. So I’ve read this Dragon thing from front to back. This sounds like a tradition about to grow up. In my gang we have a couple of traditions for summer, some going back on thirty years and a fourth generation of players is beginning to participate. So I’ll hoist a few PBR’s to you guys and a safe but wild ride. Some at J&J’s, some at Dante’s and some at Home but none at Franks ‘cause he don’ do PBR drafts. Maybe BabyHog will join me this evening; we’ll just be drinking in different places together. And . . . I wanna come next year. How do I wrangle an invite? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/02/11 at 11:10:36 Say when you are coming .... make sure you can actually get off on those days. We'll talk more about that this time around as shooting too close to the 4th of July can get us room to rent problems and get me and others some vacation problems (mine were work side issues, some have family side issues in the same time frame). =============================== Those of you who went, when you get back remember to fill us in on your trip. Babyhog must know everything that you did or she will cry in grievous disappointment. (whether you really did it or not is a different matter and is totally up to you) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker FSO on 07/02/11 at 16:22:13 I am wondering if we can maybe make a 2nd run....in early August???? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/02/11 at 16:47:08 Labor Day is September the 5th -- want to avoid a week before and after Labor Day or you will get all roomitus'd and seniority vacation crunched again. When do you go back to school? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker FSO on 07/02/11 at 20:02:00 18th of August... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/03/11 at 02:06:04 What are you proposing then? Aug 8th through Aug 13? Or what? What sort of trip are you proposing? Going where, doing what? ============================= Anyone got a ride report on the current ride? Verslagen is alive and posting, but he could do that from anywhere with cell phone service since he has him a fancy phone. Lancer isn't gonna say much (never does). Al hasn't had time to get back home and get unpacked yet -- but he will have pics and video to share if there is any to be had. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/03/11 at 20:14:26 I just got home (5 hour ride Dragon to House) OldFeller there was some guy saw on the Dragon calander that we would be there. Well he was looking for the "Short White Guy on the Grandmaw's bike" he also had one of those water-cooled Harleys ! The good part was he couldn't remember what color you bike was (did remember it was "LIGHT" colored. Not sure what he had in mind ? The first trip there was a two state trooper (one bike , one car. ) the car showed up behind us on the northend then followed allmost to the gas station on the north end , like he was daring us to do 42 in the 40 on the long stretch at the bottom. We made perty good time after we passed them and by time that trooper cought up with us (and maby the only reason) we had come up behind some full-dresser types , and they were riding 1 mph under the limit. So I for one said "Thank Goodness for Baggers". Al took some vidio. and I'll fill in more detail later , its late and I haven't seen my wife since Tuesday so you know what I'm up too !!!! 8-) ;) ::) :-* :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 07/03/11 at 20:28:16 786A786A67747B767D350 wrote:
ducking? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/04/11 at 02:13:51 Sounds like one of our past customers did him a Hurley "upgrade" and wuz lookin' him a rematch ..... A Vrod would do a Savage right smartly in any kind of straight section, but there aren't very many straight sections up at the Dragon. Most likely he'd turn loose those them hundred plus Vrod HP and exit right off the side of the mountain (taking me with him with my luck). |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/04/11 at 05:54:39 MADE IT!! I got home at 1:53 AM monday. Total of 19 1/2 hours from leaving the parking lot at deals gap to my driveway. That was pretty good. Now, about the dragon..... The weather was great. Beer was great. Roads were great. People were great. (not neccessarily in that order) That covers it. I will add some details later(with video & photo). I have to unload the truck and get some laundry started. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/05/11 at 06:45:42 Serenity We finally found the rain , Saturday we did ("The Full Day of Twisitys") ride. Well the rain allmost cought us at the south/west corrner of the ride , somewhere around Cashiers. We took 64 over to 276 north , it was twistieeee. There was a slew of trafffic going south on 276. It was allmost like we had missed the party and were meeting the folks going home. Come to find out 276 is the road comming off the souther end of the parkway. Once we passed the parkway the other side was a bumppy rollercoaster. There is a motorcycle only campground on the north side, that where I meet Lancer and OldFeller for the second ride last year. My ride to town is leaving , got to go. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/05/11 at 09:36:29 MMRanch, My apologies to you and your brother for not sticking around sunday morning to say goodbye but I wanted to get an early start. Had a great time though. Videos will be up when I get a chance to edit and upload. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/05/11 at 10:24:35 Well, I made it home at 7PM Saturday, just following my nose and heading away from the sun. The week was great fun, really just 6 of us members and a couple of crashers: MMRanch's brother Kent, and Bigzuk's galpal Becky. My little bike is just purring along even after 1500 miles for the week. All you girls and boys who are "dragon-curious", make plans to come next year. Or there is shaping up to be some kind of gathering later this year, though sounds like somewhere besides the Dragon. It's really great to put names with faces and shoot the sh!t with new and old friends. I highly recommend the therapeutic benefit of Savage Week at Deals Gap! ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 07/05/11 at 11:21:17 Yes, it was a great time. Nice to meet up with everyone and see bigzuk's new 4 wheel mod'd zuk. ;D And special thanks to lancer for lending wheels to me. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 07/05/11 at 11:34:12 Picture on 7/1 start on page 19 or no. 792 http://www.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=1WPV003I060791&po=791&pc=1674 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/05/11 at 11:56:47 Thanks, Versy. For the rest of you, I'm number 796 through 799. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/05/11 at 12:18:44 here we are also http://www.129pix.net/jps/store.jsp?act=showgroup&clid=3001&gid=1495&eid=152&page=17 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 07/05/11 at 15:36:44 Here's another one from earlier in the week the first photo starts on 139 http://www.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=1WPV003G070140&po=140&pc=1388 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 07/06/11 at 08:35:45 706374756A6761636837060 wrote:
Thanks Versy, It was great to see you and the other Wild Savages. Here is the 4 wheel Suzuki with the extra storage unit that tamed the Dragon ;D http://www.129pix.net/jps/store.jsp?act=preview&iid=30021309554405949&clid=3001&gid=1474&eid=151&page=11 #487 & up. And here is the Suzuki 2 seater w/o the extra storage unit. http://www.129pix.net/jps/store.jsp?act=preview&iid=30041309398007013&clid=3001&gid=1468&eid=150&page=5 Same speeds, & drive with or w/o. And to answer Becky's question, NO I can't turn the "storage unit" over! 8-) Thanks to all for letting me tag along. Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 07/07/11 at 06:14:06 Love the pics! Ok, now the stories.... tell me the good stuff! ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 07/07/11 at 07:08:29 484B4A47455F260 wrote:
reminded me a lot of the campfire sceene in the movie blazin saddles. otherwise... nothing happened ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 07/07/11 at 07:51:14 2D3E2928373A3C3E356A5B0 wrote:
reminded me a lot of the campfire sceene in the movie blazin saddles. otherwise... nothing happened ;)[/quote] This might be sacrilegious to say but I hate that movie. Guess I'll have to ask hubby what you mean.. ;) And hey, at least it didn't remind you of Deliverance! ;D Guess I'll have to come find out for myself next year... 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by papi_ocho on 07/07/11 at 12:15:33 Who's this guy? He looks happy as sin to be on the tail! http://www.photoreflect.com/web/bin/prpv.dll?photo?s=0&i=1WPV003G070150&p= |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by EJID on 07/07/11 at 12:38:26 I agree ;D I think that's BIGZUK Wondering what he salvaged that big honking crashbar from? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 07/07/11 at 13:50:10 Mmranch |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Southpaw on 07/07/11 at 14:00:59 "Who's this guy? He looks happy as sin to be on the tail!" That, my friends, is MMRanch. Let's just say, he's been there before! If you look closely, his bike has a car tire on the back, comfy floorboards and runs like a striped ape! If I were there. I'd be smiling too! ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/08/11 at 08:03:47 The Ryca boys have been challenged to show up and teach us all about how well a Ryca handles. Who here is a betting man? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/08/11 at 08:16:49 0D0E0F02001A630 wrote:
reminded me a lot of the campfire sceene in the movie blazin saddles. otherwise... nothing happened ;)[/quote] This might be sacrilegious to say but I hate that movie. Guess I'll have to ask hubby what you mean.. ;) And hey, at least it didn't remind you of Deliverance! ;D Guess I'll have to come find out for myself next year... 8-)[/quote] Baby, I believe the reference is to the scene where everyone is sitting around the campfire after eating a supper of beans, "expressing" themselves by way of intestinal vocalizations. :D "The stories" you are asking about are protected by the rule of confidentiality. ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 07/08/11 at 08:43:02 392F382F24233E33797D7E794A0 wrote:
reminded me a lot of the campfire sceene in the movie blazin saddles. otherwise... nothing happened ;)[/quote] This might be sacrilegious to say but I hate that movie. Guess I'll have to ask hubby what you mean.. ;) And hey, at least it didn't remind you of Deliverance! ;D Guess I'll have to come find out for myself next year... 8-)[/quote] Baby, I believe the reference is to the scene where everyone is sitting around the campfire after eating a supper of beans, "expressing" themselves by way of intestinal vocalizations. :D "The stories" you are asking about are protected by the rule of confidentiality. ;)[/quote] Yea, yea, yea... I guess I'm just nosy. You boys can have your fun and I'll just imagine the worst. ;D Oh, I did ask hubby about a campfire scene. Of course, he didn't explain it as "gently" as you did. :D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/08/11 at 10:17:26 You do need to ride on down next year. It's a great time. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/08/11 at 20:43:45 Hi Papi ocho and EFID Yeep thats me ! If you've ever been flat tracking you know what I'm smilling about. If you never flat-tracked on pavement then ya'll need to make the next Dragon meet ! Not only drifting around the curves but as soon as your bike comes out of one there is another and another without a break in the middle. Its GREAT !!! There is allways at least one Dragon run when we know the Troopers are not there , and the Tires get warmed up . Ain't nothing else like it. Baby Hog We built a fire in the pit one night and a couple army guys built it the next. We Cooked out at least three time : Corn on the cob + in the shuck , BBQ Chicken Breast , Boneless Pork Chops , and Pork Steaks and of course Baked Beans , Some of the Best AppleSauce I've ever had , Potato Salad , excuse me I have to go to the Kitchen ..... :P |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 07/08/11 at 22:00:01 here's another set... http://www.129pix.net/jps/store.jsp?t=0&clid=3001&eid=148&gid=1451&act=preview&iid=30041309223793098 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/09/11 at 11:09:46 Here's a thought for next time ..... We will be bringing our own crop of Ryca's with us to play with -- sorta like bringing your own fish to put into the barrel right before you begin shooting. None of them have been to the Dragon on the newly assembled (admittedly ill suspended and uncomfortably seated) but very neat looking bikes. They will all be green as grass and butt sore and limping before the end of the first day .... ;D All we gotta do is go around to all the V Rod boys and tell them what the Ryca guys had to say about their ugly sickles .... ;D ;D ;D Then when they are all locked up in their death struggle we can pass the lot of them one at a time jest to rub salt in their wounds. ============================= Southpaw, you'd better come and edumacate these Ryca boys a bit about what the Dragon is really like to a first timer ..... ..... pass out some area road maps, etc. for when they get left behind. Such stuff is hard for a young feller to accept, unless they done been warned by a sympathetic voice. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/09/11 at 19:06:56 Ok I'll ask ..... whats a "Ryca" and will I like them ? When we going back ? and how many Ryca's do we get ? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/10/11 at 14:07:43 We can have as many as show up just as many times as we want to, just pass them one at a time please or it will get all crowded and confusing .... Get up with Toymaker on the return trip -- he's the one with the school deadlines. He's never come back on his time span .... As far as Ryca's go --- they ain't got them running good yet, been taking polls on how to jet them. ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 07/11/11 at 13:20:38 617361737E6D626F642C0 wrote:
I love cooking corn in the shuck, and all that stuff sounds great (I'll skip the baked beans though..) I love the riding, of course, but to make a trip like that, I'd have to know that I was gonna enjoy the company too. And as little as I am, I gotta be fed (and "watered"), so it all sounds good to me. I'm gonna make it next year.... :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/11/11 at 13:28:27 Well Toymaker ....... If your not riding a Savage then I'm riding the Sportster and OldFeller will just have to runnoft and leave both of us!. :) Come on and I'll buy you a BBQ plate. What kinda date can you do? :P |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker FSO on 07/11/11 at 19:17:56 Looking at first week in August...but definately nothin' after the 17th....got to get ready for them scroolchildrens. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/11/11 at 22:18:37 HOT DOG Guys Looks like Me and ToyMaker are going out for BBQ the first part of August (if it's OK with the misses ). Hay ToyMaker does it matter what day(s) of the week it is ? Week days are better from my prespective , but it doesn't matter a lot. We did a ride called " a full day of twistes" off one of the Roads and Rides web sights. Well it was 4 of July week-end and the South-East corner of the ride has a BBQ place that Al from NH bought us lunch at. After lunch we took hwy 176 north and met a lot of traffic. Come to find out hwy 176 is the dump for the southern end of the parkway , its also one twistiee road ! Good road to head North on in the afternoon , not a good place to go south on late in the day. :) Anybody else interested ? BabyHog , get hubby to come with ya and come on. I'm thinking one night at the Dragon proper .... Full day of twisties .... second night at MotorCycle Only CampGround just north of southern end of Parkway ...... then a half-day ride up to Mt. Mitchel and down hwy 80 that OldFeller and Lancer found last year .... that takes us somewhere around Marion NC. in the middle of the afternoon .... ???? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/12/11 at 05:37:40 Need dates to ask off for -- you guys fine it on down to some Monday/Tuesday date to get started and I am good for the rest of that week through the following Friday AM (if they will let me take the time off that is). You do realize you are only talking 3 weeks out don't you? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/12/11 at 21:13:51 You do realize you are only talking 3 weeks out don't you? I'll be lucky to get a THREE day trip this time. I'm the cook for the family and they almost starved while I was gone in June for a week. So OldFeller your talking about ride to Dragon Monday and leave Friday AM. :-/ |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/13/11 at 05:58:19 I am trying to get you guys to spit on the 3 days you want to meet on during that week. How about Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday? That gives me a day to get up there and a day to get back |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/13/11 at 07:12:49 OldFeller Tuesday - Thursday sounds good to me , Ride all day , Cook-out for supper , then campfire and relaxing .... sounds like good therpy to me ! We can juggle "Which Week" , any Dry peroid is ok wiht me ... :D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/13/11 at 08:15:26 For Toymaker it has to be the first week of August -- he has to go back to have his string of pre-session teacher's meetings the very next week. So we are meeting on August the Second -- where? Deal's Gap Lodge? The 3 of us can stay in one small room at Deal's Gap for the first night, then roll elsewhere as needed. The little cabins at the biker only place at Crusoe are nice, and it has a good central location and is closer to restaurants than Deal's Gap Lodge is. Spend 2 nights there? I will go ahead and try to get vacation lined up -- early is better on that item as they are following their sign up calender religiously now. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/13/11 at 08:22:16 go for it buddy !! being a week day places to stay are no problem , and rates arn't either ... If we get enough to show-up we can get the big room . |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/13/11 at 13:30:57 Who else is talking about coming? Speak up, speak up, speak up -- it is time to reserve a room and we need to know who and how many. (or it will be time as soon as I confirm vacation at work) I figured I'd reserve and pay for the first night at Deals Gap Lodge just to tie it down good, then somebody else could handle paying for day two and day 3 and you are right, them little cabins were mostly empty the whole time we were there and everyplace up there is cheaper than Deals Gap Lodge. If it is as bleeding hot like it has been lately, we may want us an AC'd hotel room and a swimming pool each night (such stuff is available everywhere our wheels turn apart from right up at the Gap itself) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/13/11 at 13:40:31 As much as I would like to make it, I won't be able to do it. I've had MY vacation. Now the rest of the family has THEIR vacation coming up that week. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/14/11 at 04:25:11 Sorry you can't make it Serenity. , We'll miss ya ! I've go to get the Family out for a week befor the month is out so I can go. Its a good thing the cost of a three day MotorCycle cruse doin't cost much ! :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/14/11 at 05:39:34 This is true -- when you split the hotel multiple ways the entire day can cost less than $50 complete with meals. Gas is separate from that of course, it gets mixed into the Visa bill and becomes "anonymous gas charges". ;) Well, no Ryca boys have signed up yet -- I was a lookin' forward to getting my butt kicked on the straightaways by a KawaSportster and getting left in the curvies by a Ryca or two. Such is life, now it will be a good old poky slow cruise lookin' fer them obscure little black lines whut goes over the tops of mountains. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/14/11 at 18:37:33 Let's put together our "Points of Intrest" Two of mine are Mt.Mitchal and NC. Hwy 80 Lancer your retired ,,, you up for a little ride-a-bout ? :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/14/11 at 21:23:39 Are you packing a spare gas can on that Sporster for the tank disadvantaged amongst us? 120 miles "gasless" round trip to Mitchell and back, warn't it? Or are you planning to hit it from a different side this time? And ya got a spare set of knees and a left hip for climbing them 1,001 stairs going up to the top of Mount Mitchell? First no Rycas to mess wid and now he wants to go hiking 10 miles up to the surface of the moon again -- you can tell he's a Scoutmaster, can't you? Hup hup troopers, let's get up and get going !! At least he's consistent -- he still wants to go there ..... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/15/11 at 07:45:22 Why doint we take it from a diffeerent angle , and I'm not sure I'm up the the hike either !!! How about we go UP hwy 80 this time ? :-X |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/15/11 at 08:00:51 MY VACATION TIME IS APPROVED, we got us a trip. I have reserved and paid for one 3 man room at Deal's Gap for Monday, 8/1 with a 3:00-7:00 PM check in time. I did this because they said they are booked solid every other day that week and couldn't give us a room on Tuesday. I don't really like this idea, seems we could do better considering that we are headed to Mount Mitchell ..... What ya wanna bet the Dragon Hotel is half empty when we get up there? I loves them Dragon hotel folks ..... but they want your charge card number so they can get you committed to whatever they have to give you, you arrange your trip around them. Got to lay in plans to drive somewhere else to stay for the next 2 nights. Other than the cabin place, I guess we are winging it for hotel rooms each night. ============================= Check yer map for the distances and I'll see about packing a little gas can if I can find one small enough to go inside my left saddle bag. (got a 1 gallon jug that should swing the difference should I run totally out of gas) The road trip to get there up hwy 80 would be fine, hwy 80 is a good road for going to a lot of places. As far as hiking goes, I can always take a nap under a shady tree, or heck, I'll be packing me a book or two anyway. You've wanted to go there for a long time, so we can go there on this one. ================= If we have time to kill, I'd like to go tour the generator station at the bottom of Fontana dam. And mebbe we'd like to go look at that "pump it straight up to the top of the mountain at night then let it fall back during the day" strange looking big pipe rig what goes straight up a cliff to a lake that is sitting plumb on top of a unreachable mountain top (that might be a black line worth treading if we are allowed to roll there). ================== If you have problems meeting on Monday the first of August at the Dragon around 3:00 pm, then please say so and we will start looking for a room elsewhere on the days we need. There is an alternative plan listed next post -- if you like it better please say so .... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/16/11 at 08:11:32 Some extra thoughts --- mebbe even better thoughts Mount Mitchell is 50+ miles on the eastern side of Ashville fairly near to Marion NC on Hwy 80. It makes no sense for Toymaker (who lives pretty much near that side of Ashville) to ride all the way to the Dragon (4 hrs) then to turn around and ride all the way back to the Marion NC area (3 hours). There is a Super 8 Motel in Marion NC we could stay at for the first night (Monday night) for about the same price as the Dragon, with dual queen beds, a swimming pool and cable TV and a free breakfast on Tuesday am. Once again, the first night's on me -- so the cost of the hotel isn't really an issue. http://www.hotelplanner.com/Hotels/201755-Marion/Deal-Super-8-Motel-Marion-4281-Highway-221-South-28752 Mind you, I don't hate the Dragon hotel per se, but we've done done the Dragon hotel to death and I am trying to get the folks who are going knocking about on these little black line runs to start thinking outside the little Dragon box we done got ourselves into. (especially since you can't get a room on the day you want it at the Dragon hotel) This idea cuts 3-4 hours off my first day's travel time and cuts Toymaker's trip in down to about an hour and a bit total from his house. I don't know what it does to MMRanch's travel as I am unsure as to which way he is coming from. It also offers Toymaker the choice to sleep comfy in his own bed then a short ride up to meet us for a free breakfast on Tuesday morning and then we all strike off all fresh to trek up to see Mount Mitchell. What do you guys think? MMRanch and Oldfeller sleep all comfy Monday night on queen beds at Marion NC and meet Toymaker for breakfast early on Tuesday morning, then we roll and poke and hunt and figure out what's for Tuesday night on Tuesday afternoon from wherever we are? Who knows where we will be ..... ..... on some little black line on the Google map somewheres or another. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker FSO on 07/16/11 at 15:03:09 Hey guys...thanks for thinking of ole Toymaker. However, things have changed. This last heatwave cooked (no pun) the 21 year old AC units at my house and I am looking at major dollars to repair/replace. I may end up selling the Vulcan to help with the financing. So no dragon ride for me. Sorry for bailing but life is like that that. Cheers John |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/17/11 at 00:51:05 Toymaker, yew ain't a getting off that easy .... not when the trip was created and tailored jest for you and I had to go fight the vacation time wars for four solid days to just get off on the week when you said you could go. You WILL be with us in spirit even if your poor mortal corpus is a sitting in an un-ac'd house a showing his kawachunkie to a series of pimple faced teenagers who are hoping to buy it for $1,000 up front and $50 each month fer the next year (with a well used paintball gun thrown in to sweeten the deal iffen you'll jest give them your riding jacket, your helmet and yer chaps and purty please sign the title over to them now so they can get a license plate). Quit being so durn afraid of Mount Mitchell, they have a road up to it now with handicapped access and an elevator -- you didn't think I wasn't gonna check on that sort of stuff before committing to it did you? I'm the poor ol cripple one who falls over sometimes when he gets off his bike, not you. Come on, losing to a Sporster ain't so bad, I though Lancer done taught us that purty good on that first dragon trip. At least a Sportster will give you a good race as they ARE faster up on the top end than you are. :D (Mine is giving me static too, she says I'm gonna kill myself one of these days and she does not approve of the idea) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/17/11 at 01:38:47 Scratch the Marion hotel idea, it is stone out of the way for MMRanch and for Kel if he decides he wants to snooze in the spare Dragon bunk. Back to going directly to the Dragon on Monday August the 1st with a 3:00 PM check in time .... I'll email Kel and see if he wants to ride up for a day since he didn't get to go on the last trip. BigZuk might want to come too if he has had a chance to fix his bike that is. PM's sent to Kel and BigZuk Mount Mitchell, here we come -- you are still meat even from the 120 mile Dragon side (gots my gas can all figured out I do). |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/17/11 at 05:11:22 It would be nice to have at least one handfull of riders to keep company with. OldFeller we doin't have to stay at the Dragon proper on my account. What about the Robinsville motels ? Swimming pool , a tv that works , better rates , breakfast thrown in as part of the deal , all the dragon has to offer is the sound of Motorcycle engins early in the morning and a fire-pit at night. I'm just fine with winging it for a few days .... durning the week most motels have good rates and plenty of room. Or what about TelacoPlains on the Tn side of the skyway for a night ??? In June total round trip was a little short of 2000 miles and I loved every mile of it. !!! I'm OK with going on to Maron if that works out better for the rest of our folks . OldFeller we can go South into North GA. that whole area is GREAT riding. All we need is a starting point. ! :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/17/11 at 06:32:31 OK, let's pick a starting point. Once you chuck the Dragon Hotel and "get out of the Dragon box" the world is your oyster and we can start anywhere, including your driveway. Or Bigzuk's driveway. Or Kel's driveway. And we can go anywhere and find neat stuff. Your eyes open up and you actually start to look around some for the very first time ..... Everything is new and interesting if you ain't ever done it before. The words "Heck, I've never been there" take on new meaning. For example, Mount Mitchell was named after a dead guy who is buried up there on top of the mountain. "In the 1850s, controversy arose about which peak in the Black Mountain range was the highest. Thomas Clingman, a former student of Dr. Mitchell's, and a United States senator, set the elevation of the highest peak at 6,941 feet and insisted that Mitchell had measured another peak. In 1857, Dr. Mitchell returned to the Black Mountains to verify his measurements and to support his claim. While hiking across the mountain, he fell from a cliff above a 40-foot waterfall. Knocked unconscious by the fall, Dr. Mitchell drowned in the water below. In honor of his work, the highest peak in the Black Mountain range was given his name in 1858. Though originally buried in Asheville, Mitchell's body was reburied atop Mount Mitchell a year later." And there really is a motorcycle museum right off the Parkway that I have never been to. http://wheelsthroughtime.com/ And there really was an old fort in Old Fort, NC and it really has a "shoot the water up in the air geyser" near it. I've never seen that either. http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g49409-d143850-Reviews-Andrews_Geyser-Old_Fort_North_Carolina.html And that is just scratching the paint a bit as that is all inside 50 miles of that stupid hotel in Marion, NC. I had never opened my eyes up and looked before .... Them North Carolina mountains are jest plain LOUSY with neat new stuff to go look at and neat little roads to run down to get there. Hell, if we start to get bored we can go ride the road to nowhere ;) http://www.greatsmokies.com/roadnowhere.html |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/17/11 at 07:00:03 You guys ever heard of the Diamondback? http://www.diamondbacknc.com/ Its a great ride and you're gonna be right at it if you go up Highway 80. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/17/11 at 07:34:19 Midnight, you wanna to go exploring with us? I will be switched, the Diamondback is right next door to Mount Mitchell and Marion again -- see, I done told ya there was a whole world of neat shite to do once you get out of the Dragon box .... http://www.diamondbacknc.com/location.html Also, it has been 20+ years since I been to Pigeon Forge area -- they have done gone and built a world class aquarium up there that might be something to go see whilst going up there to see the motorcycle museum. ================== Hell, I'm weird I admit it -- I would intentionally go camping on the other side (or right under it if it was raining) of the tunnel to nowhere and think I was having a good time and I wuz plumb getting away with something rather than paying $12 to camp at the Dragon Hotel. http://www.greatsmokies.com/images/RoadNowhere.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/17/11 at 07:47:21 My Mom and Dad have a place on 80. After you go under the Parkway you go a mile and a half and their place is on the right. I was riding Highway 80 when I was 16 yrs old. I'm 56 now. I'm having a bad summer healthwise (I have Lupus) or I would have been at the Dragon. If I'm able I'll join you guys I will, I'll have Mom to fix lunch for us one day. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/17/11 at 08:18:04 How can you refuse an invite like that? Where would we meet up with you? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/17/11 at 08:35:08 I can stay wherever you guys are staying. If you want to explore the Mt Mitchell area there's a pretty little campground about a quarter mile from Mom and Dads. There's a couple of National Forest Campgrounds on 80 and several more private ones. I believe Little Switzerland has a motorcycle cabin especially for bikers if it hasnt been rented. It will sleep several people. There's a good size campground on the Parkway close to 80, I'm having a brain fart and cant remember the name of it. If you go down the Parkway there's some awesome riding around Grandfather Mtn. You could stay a week and not begin to cover that area. I had a great childhood spending my summers growing up there. I always had a trail bike. Back then you didnt have to have a drivers license or a vehicle license to ride the fire roads in the National Forest. There was a fire road that runs from 80 all the way down to Old Fort, over 30 miles one way. Can you imagine a 12 year old kid being able to ride 60 miles of dirt roads? There was some really tight switchbacks, I learned to flat track at a tender young age LOL. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/17/11 at 08:42:26 If you are climbing 80 and you're low on gas go on under the Parkway. A mile and a half on your left will be a country store with gas. The road to Mom and Dad's place is across the street at the country store. You can gas up there and turn around and go back to the Parkway and begin your climb to Mt Mitchell. OF if you need any info on the area feel free to call me at 336 945 4702. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/17/11 at 09:15:52 Ok, we gots a 3 man trip and building. Others can add in as they want to, camping is people flexible like no other system known to Man. BigZuk or Kel or whomever is already camper capable so they know what to expect. I will be packing a sleeping bag and a one man mini-tent although I am sure with MMRanch packing his Sporster we'll likely be staying in a folding Taj Mahal and eating like kings. Midnight knows his birth turf, so he'll pick us a good spot to stay and BY GOLLY MMRANCH WILL FINALLY GET TO GO TO MOUNT MITCHELL. MM, call Midnight and talk to him about it, you guys know all there is to know about what you want/need in a camp area. I done already called him like about 10 seconds after he finished typing his number .... Me, I tend to pull off the road under tunnels and by abandoned barns and stuff like that (I told you I was weird) so I'll let the marginally proper acting folks choose the camping locations. hmmmm ..... I wonder if there are any trolls under this particular bridge to nowhere? http://www.greatsmokies.com/images/RoadNowhere.jpg Trip is declared, camping style |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/17/11 at 09:26:13 Sometimes when you go hunting them odd camping spots -- you gets the troll .... But sometimes you get the sweet bouncy cuties instead !!! http://s3-media1.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/eSLXu7TLDpjh0jfFGT4Xng/l.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/17/11 at 11:40:02 Guys if we stay anywhere around Mt Mitchell pack a good warm waterproof jacket. It gets in the 50's, sometimes 40's at night. It rains about 20 minutes almost every day in the summer. I've seen it wind snow there in July. The Black Mountain Range got its name because it is surrounded by black clouds almost daily. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/17/11 at 16:36:28 Midnight, If we were meeting up on August 1st for an early lunch (11:00 AM) at exit 125 on I-40 (you would exit right on exit 125 and go right on Lenoir Rhyne Blvd SE) you would have to pick between a Quznos, a Bojangles, a Biscuitville and a Starbucks for a quick brunch. Or if you like to eat heavier for lunch, there is a Golden Coral or a Texas Road House. Pick which one you like best for an 11:00 lunch. If you like expensive yuppie pizza, they got a Magic Mushroom too, and a Tripps if you want to really impress somebody. Any of them would allow me to sit and wait peacefully when I show up a bit early -- I have this issue with always getting places early, so I carry a paperback book with me and can sip a drink and wait cheerfully for the clock to catch up. I sometimes take naps on stone walls up on the Cherohala, or I have stopped for a burger and a shake before going back up the Skyway to go find everybody. Being early is my besetting fault I guess. Now Toymaker and Serenity could stop by if they wanted to say "hi" and munch lunch with us. I think they both know where Hickory 321/I-40 is and if they had a better suggestion for a meeting spot I'd be all ears. You see, we will be meeting up like only 38-40 minutes from our final destination and only 15-20 minutes from their houses, so its not like Serenity or Toymaker couldn't meet up with us to go run the Diamondback and then scoot on back home Monday night all safe and sound having safely avoided anything that smelled like a Dragon run. Wouldn't have to even confess that they had been out for a ride, since technically anything less than 4-5 hours is a quick jaunt or little side trip -- not a real ride. They could just say the truth, "I'm going to lunch with the guys when they meet up down at I-40 to wish them good luck on their trip". Mind you, you won't be fooling anybody, but it gives "acceptable limits" to your domestic flak exposure that even a concerned wife could accept. Heck, bring them -- I like yer ladies and miss seeing them on occasion. If you are bringing the ladies, there is a Texas Road House or a TK Tripps which would make them feel all special. Or if they have a special spot they like better, we can arrange to meet there. ::) It's the google maps age -- we can find anything anywhere. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/17/11 at 22:05:25 Wow I'm glad you signed on Midnight , instead of wondering around for three days in the mountains we might accually find some cool places now ! Camping is fine or motel room either. One of the parts I like best is cooking out . but picknicking can end up in some really neat places. :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/18/11 at 05:25:04 OK Midnight, first night we are camping where you wuz born, so all you need to do is tell to MM where that is. Me and Serenity will be easy, we'll jest follow you. ;D Next night we will discuss once we are up there. Eventually we will need to shift over to the other side of Asheville. MM and I know of a nice motorcycle only place over next to Cruso on 276 with a right nice lounge area and some little cabins if you want them that are very sweet. Last time we slept 3 in one of the cabins as when split 3 ways it was just as cheap as each of us paying for camping and we didn't have to set up camp. This would be a good spot for hitting the Pigeon Forge and the motorcycle museum, and we have roamed as far as Cherohala/Dragon/East Tennessee from there. All plans are temporary anyway as we'll do what we want once we get up there and get into it. ========================== Is anyone bringing an inflation device of any kind? I ain't got one (lungs). Serenity's gonna meet us for lunch and ride with us for a bit. Somebody still has to pick which place we are a gonna eat at. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/18/11 at 08:12:45 I highly recommend the Wheels Through Time Museum. I went and saw it a couple years ago, when they were talking about moving out west. Apparently they decided to stay put. I don't remember how much the entry fee was, but I remember it was well worth the cost. Every motorcycle in the place is in running condition. And they often will take one out for a ride in the parking lot just to prove it. Your trip is shaping up to be one I might be able to do at least a day trip, possibly even an overnight. I'll stay in touch........ ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/18/11 at 08:15:06 Oh yeah. A good place to eat is Atlanta Bread just a mile south of I-40 at exit 125. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/18/11 at 09:47:53 OK, click on the inset map to open it up http://www.yelp.com/map/atlanta-bread-bakery-cafe-hickory Atlanta Bread is 2 blocks south (left) off of exit 125 and 1/2 block over on Catawba Valley Blvd SE. We will meet there on August 1st at 11:00 AM, much a light lunch and roll on over to the camping spot. Should be there around 1:00-2:00 PM at the latest. I have invited Motobudda to come up from Charlotte and show us a completed Ryca, he hasn't gotten back to me yet. He may have to work on Monday August 1st -- most folks do. I ditched the reservation at the Dragon Lodge -- gone gone gone I mock packed my bike today -- I look like a overloaded donkey with stuff across the front fender sideways and sideways over the back tail light. Thought -- life is so much simpler and lighter if you aren't camping. If Midnight can find us a room or apartment to split on that first night I know we can get a 3 man cabin at Cruso that is as cheap as paying them to let each of us camp once you split the cabin 3 ways. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/18/11 at 14:59:22 OldFeller My tent is a 7'x7' (two man) , If ya want to lighten your load you can plan on half of mine. Tent , Sleeping bag , and back-pack . I might have to leave early morning to meet for lunch , but its a "Can Do" thing. :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/18/11 at 16:08:17 :D Ok, I'll ditch my tent and ground cloth. Do you have an inflator of any kind? I was oggling a nice deep twin air mattress but I'd be loath to try to blow it up by lung power and I was wondering if you or Midnight or Serenity had an inflator. Its the sort of thing we need one of on this trip, but we each don't need to bring one. By the same token, if none of you have one I can buy one and bring it and we can all use it. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/18/11 at 16:33:50 14373F3D3E37373E295B0 wrote:
I got one from walmart. coleman i think. It's rechrgeable/cordless and seems to hold a charge for many inflations. Wasn't too expensive,around 30 bucks if i remember right. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 07/18/11 at 17:13:35 07242C2E2D24242D3A480 wrote:
If you got a long hose... you got a savage inflator ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/18/11 at 17:47:29 I don't think I'd want to smell exhaust gases seeping out of the air mattress all night long. Carbon monoxide ?? Colman makes a little one for $11 that uses 4 D cells and lasts about a week before going tits up according to the reviewers on Amazon. They also make a more rigorous 12 volt unit and several mechanical foot pumps. But does anyone going on this trip have any of the above? If nobody has one, I'll pick up a 12 volt unit that will inflate and deflate (suck it down nice and flat) which will save us some time and hassles when doing set up tear down. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 07/18/11 at 18:37:46 5B7870727178787166140 wrote:
wouldn't have to worry about bugs 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/18/11 at 21:31:32 Bugs are no problem, we'll hit them with gaseous Mungocide periodically. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/19/11 at 06:15:15 Go to google maps Once you get to the google maps start page then type in Campgrounds near Little Switzerland and click the little magnifying glass. Ain't that the most bodacious display of Googlism you have ever seen? Not only do you get each one plotted on the google map, you get descriptive blurbs and reviews on each of them in the side bar. You can click on each blurb and it expands to give more info. So, you think you like one from the description or reviews? Go to the map portion and switch to Satellite and zoom on in to it to see what the driving range actual layout really looks like from an obsolete spy satellite. Shopping for campgrounds, modern style :D gotta love them 'puters BTW, some timely info for our planning Wheels through Time motorcycle museum is open on Monday and on Thursday for the purposes of this trip. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/19/11 at 13:45:34 Now, I know you guys were really wanting to go sleep in your separate tents, but .... .... that mean old beatch Hard Economics has come a callin' and she's slappin' our jaws right smart like. $20 a tent, $15 extra per additional person in a tent --- it adds up right quick like. I'm talking about this here place, which gets the best/highest 4.5 star ratings and the most (49) reviews of any campground up there anywhere near Mt. Mitchell. http://www.linvillefalls.com/ Now I called the sweet little Granny that runs the place (and her name is Granny Hardcore and she ain't all that marshmallow sweet) but she makes some good sense when she talks it out with you. She has a camping cabin with a queen bed and two bunk beds, a dorm refrigerator, and a front porch. No sheets, no nuthin else but a bed, you bring a pillow and sheets or sleep in your bag if you want to. $60 basic 2 person occupancy plus $2 for heat/ac plus $5 for each additional person. They don't care how many you stuff in there, they have seen over 10 people in this cabin, laid on the floors and out on the porch. $5 each of them past the first two. A cabin would cost us $70 split 4 ways (assuming we have 4 staying the first night) 4 could actually sleep on the queen and the two bunk beds leaving lots of room on the floor for other people if more people decide to come since it is rooms, not tents. Or I could sleep alone in the queen bed and you could airmattress/sleeping bag on the floor and keep your reputation intact .... Anyway, camping in tents will cost us 2-3 tents plus however they count our extra people. This means a cabin costs on the order of $5 a head extra a head not to have to pack all your camping gear. ========================== Ditto for this place that we would move to that is on the other side of Asheville, except it is a lot cheaper (and it is as good or better a place and it is a lot cheaper to boot). http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/ Now, this is a known goooood place to stay and has a 24 hour ac'd lounge area with TV and games and free wifi computer hook up. I think it will be the better of the two places and it is cheaper to boot. $12 per single tent, $19 for double tent, $5 per extra person Cabin economics go like this, you get sheets with the cabin on the two single beds, no AC needed (cold at night) and the rate is for two and they didn't charge us extra for somebody sleeping on the floor last year. By the time we got here, we would likely be 3 not four as Serenity isn't going the whole enchalada with us. $45 a night for a cabin, sleeps 3 with one on the floor. Staying in a cabin works out to $15 a head at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Resort and $23 a head at Linville Falls Campground. In each case it is about $5 more expensive not to have to pack all your camping stuff. Staying in a cabin means you pack a pillow and a blanket (and mebbe an air mattress if you are an old softie like me and are afraid of the floor). Your bike doesn't look like a burro going off gold mining on the way up and back and you don't have to worry about the trouble of tear down and set up on a tent. Let's vote .... Oldfeller -- I prefer no junk and no hassles and I'll pay the extra $5 for each of you. Midnight -- Serenity -- MMRanch -- PLEASE RESPOND -- Roll call vote !!! :o :P Earl -- whut's that there twanging sound I hear off in the distance ..... durn, somebody's a playing a banjo off in the holler again?? :-? eek ::) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/19/11 at 15:56:04 Let's vote .... Oldfeller -- I prefer no junk and no hassles and I'll pay the extra $5 for each of you. Midnight -- Serenity -- MMRanch -- $15.oo sounds like a good rate to me ! Being as hot air rises and the windows are open . The low place in the cabin might be the best place . I'll pack a sleeping bag anyway. :D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/20/11 at 04:51:29 67756775786B6469622A0 wrote:
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/20/11 at 06:12:01 OK, sounds like we got a quorum reporting in and voting -- we stays in the Linville Falls cabin on Monday night and Tuesday night we roll over to the Blue Ridge Motorcycle place. Got me a check to write and stuff into the mail today then. 'Ol Granny Hardcore at Linville Falls is jest that, she only takes checks sent in the mail to hold a cabin -- said check gets cashed now and you don't get no take backs due to weather, etc. She's a tough old bird, I done told you that -- so's don't be pissing off the side of the porch late at night instead of head'n to the privy all proper like -- the old bird's gotta doublebarrel with rock salt in it that she uses fer incidentals like that. But she sleeps 4+ in AC comfort and that's what we need fer Monday night. Kerbam !!!! :o ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/20/11 at 11:25:17 >:( >:( Weather or not we can go, that's the question now ..... Mountain weather is unpredictable at best, so be prepared to be disappointed or overjoyed -- and to have it change on you periodically as we get closer in to the actual proposed go date. This is Linville Falls, Day #1 http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/linville-falls/28647/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 This is Canton/Cruso, Day #2 http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/canton/28716/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 As you can see, day 2 and later goes completely down the toilet as you shift further west into the teeth of the oncoming rain system. I have signaled to my bosses I may want to shift forward a week to start my vacation on August 8th but have gotten no feedback from them yea or nay at this point in time. Plus, until the forecasts roll out that far we got no knowledge about the weather that week. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/20/11 at 21:33:28 The second week of August I have a family vacation. Maby the wife will switch to first week and we can ride second week. What kinda track record do the forcasters have ???? How long befor it too late to change the room dates ? :-/ |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/21/11 at 04:56:06 Meteorologists are g**d*** liars! The muddafukkas said last Thursday there was a "30 percent" chance of rain. I rode to work (25 miles) and before I got there it was "30-percent"ing on me and kept on "30-percent"ing all day and I rode home in the "30 percent"ing that evening. >:( (My gut told me that morning they were wrong, but I wanted to ride anyway.) As far as changing the week, I'm pretty sure I won't be able to make it that second week in August. But, Oldfeller, this trip is for you, so you make the plans that work for you. ;) There's a 90 percent chance I can meet ya'll for lunch on Monday 1Aug. There's a 60% chance I can ride with ya'll to Mount Mitchell that day. And there's a 30% chance I can spend the night Monday night. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/21/11 at 05:08:40 Well, the forecasts for both places now say rain all week at both places for August 1-5, for example on Tuesday they are predicting more than an inch of rain in Canton, so it ain't no casual sprinkle, its gonna RAIN. Cabins, I'll hit the abort button on Linville Falls simply by not sending in the check and I will call both places to advise them of the cancellation. At the University where I work the football players will be in for the third week of August and the entire student body will come pouring in the fourth week -- by imperial edict there will be no vacation for anybody during these spans of time. =========================== Looking at September (and avoiding Labor Day on the 5th) we could aim at the 12th or the 19th, with the 19th being the very start of the leaf season up there. Once again, we can go for reservations with Blue Ridge Motorcycle being the most user friendly on the reservations thing. I won't send a check to Linville Falls for Granny Hardcore to just keep it if we guess wrong, so next trip I guess we go directly to Blue Ridge Motorcycle in Cruso as it is 1) centrally located to everything 2) user friendly on reservations 3) cheaper/better place to stay. You guys get back to me on which week in September you want to shoot for as we need to get reservations in soon for the early leaf season -- they do fill up during these leafy touristy times. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/21/11 at 11:50:57 OK The Aug trip is OFF. Sept. is a "Can Do" ... On Fridays (starting middle of Aug.) I have a class (Guitar) to teach at our Home School group, and there is no one else to fill in for me if I'm out. So I have to be back on Thrusday night. Any Monday-Thrusday I'm free !!! :) Mabby some of the other "Savages" can make a fall color ride. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/21/11 at 18:21:20 Ain't sure how much color you'll get the the last few weeks of August, some color on the maples and dogwoods I expect but it takes an early frost to kick off the full glorious display of hardwood colors that people want to go see. If you want to tell people about a color ride, we should bracket Sept 19th and Sept 26 as the two Mondays and let the folks who live up in the mountains tell us about leaf color that is coming on. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/21/11 at 21:25:46 any excuse to take a mountain ride is better than none ! ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/22/11 at 07:02:47 Update on the weather. This is Linville Falls, Day #1 http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/linville-falls/28647/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 This is Canton/Cruso, Day #2 http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/canton/28716/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/22/11 at 10:02:26 My wife is having is having complicated back and neck surgery. Just found out she will be getting out of the hospital Fri before the trip. Our daughters baby is due Aug 8. I cant leave with all that going on, there's just no way I can leave with all that going on. My wife is going to need a lot of help and my daughter cant help out in her condition. Its gotta be family first this time. I'm gonna take a trip sometime in Sep with my riding buddy Charles. You guys met him last year at the Dragon last year. We'll probably camp. All of you guys are welcome to ride with us. I'll keep you updated on our plans. We're kind of planning on running the Dragon and the Skyway one day, spending the night at the Dragon and then head towards Mt Mitchell. Probably about a 4 day trip. We'll camp at Mom and Dads place. ITS FREE. I'll keep you posted. OF if you have any questions about roads or plans feel free to call me. I hate to sit this one out guys but I'm gonna have to. Maybe we can hook up in Sep. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/22/11 at 10:25:35 Please accept my best wishes for your "wimmen-folk." And keep me posted about the trip with Charles. I may be ready to take another vacation by then! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/22/11 at 12:49:09 Will do buddy!!!!! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/22/11 at 15:52:24 Let us know about your plans in September as this trip looks like all the Canton/Cruso predictions are for "rained out" starting raining on Monday and raining straight on through Friday. http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/canton/28716/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/22/11 at 16:41:39 Also found out while ago wife cant drive for 6 weeks so my little narrow arse is grounded LOL. Looks like its gonna be the middle to the end of Sept. I'm retired so I can work with you guys any time you can get days off. We'll keep in touch. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/25/11 at 09:43:20 Well, I was kinda hoping for a rematch on the trip the week following, but rain is being predicted for Monday & Tuesday already. Aw shucks -- no motorcycle trip during the available time span for me this year. Plus -- and you will like this one -- them fine admin/managers at work scheduled me for 3 days of work right in the middle of the week that I had asked off on -- swore it was an accident of course. They are either 1) very loosely wired or 2) think everybody is stupid and will have to kiss their pinky ring repeatedly to get their vacation days. I personally understand what drives them -- they have a workforce that lays out continuously for any excuse at all and they must have a body on campus at all times. They have a few people that show up for work consistently, so they automatically fill critical slots with people they can rely on. The schedule crosses 2-3 different hands and not all of them have the vacation schedule (why, I do not know). They also know that motorcycle trips are well known for falling through for bad weather (about 4 people in the department ride, so they have experience with bike trips to the mountains). |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/27/11 at 12:39:23 Oldfeller if you're ever off a couple of days during the week and you wanna do some mountain riding you're welcome to come up here to Winston and ride with me. Youre only two or 3 hours away. You can spend the night here at the house. A lot of weekends I'm racing RC Cars with my son, but I'm sure we can work a time out. Guy (Serenity) has been on a local mountain ride with me, there's some great riding less than an hour from my house. Guy can tell you all about it. Hang on to my ph#. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/27/11 at 12:45:42 796F786F64637E73393D3E390A0 wrote:
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/28/11 at 04:47:39 0E2A272D2A242B37312A272631430 wrote:
[/quote] I know. We need to do another ride this fall. Do you still have your Savage? 'Cause you were gonna sell it one time..... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/28/11 at 05:52:16 I still have the Savage. Its for sale but I havent really advertised it. Jennifer will never ride again. This her second back and neck surgery. I'm gonna keep the little Ninja. I love that little bike.This year has been a washout. The Lupus is worse and now the doctors are experimenting. I stay sick a lot, dont know if its the doctors or the disease. Jennifer is being operated on right now. They moved her operation up a week. I'll have to stay housebound and take care of Jen a few weeks. She cant drive for 6 weeks. Grandbaby is due next week. Got a contractor out here working on the house. When it rains it pours is the understatement of the year as far as my life is concerned right now. Hopefully by the middle or end of Sept my dull boring life will get back on track LOL. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 07/28/11 at 07:01:05 Again I'm sending best wishes for Jennifer's surgery, and for the baby-soon-on-the-way. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 07/28/11 at 09:05:05 Midnightrider, I want to send hugs and best wishes for her as she goes the surgeries. You as well as your battling the Lupus and that isn't itself. Then congratulations to your daughter and family as well to you and the future Grandma.. A wonderful reason to celebrate when a new branch is added to the tree.. Hugs all around.. :) kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/28/11 at 20:36:09 Thanks, she was in surgery over 5 hrs. Put 2 new screws in 2 vertabrae and fused 2 more vertabrae together. Serenity knows Jennifer has a zoo here. Between running to the hospital and running home to take care of animals I'm pooped. They have her head and neck in a custom made brace. She cant pick up anything for a few weeks. Kim how on earth am I going to keep her from grabbing that new grandson when he gets here? :-/ |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 07/29/11 at 01:21:46 Midnightrider,, place that new grandchild in her lap, lay it on her belly, lay it beside her.. As long as she is able to touch and have it close that will be sufficent. At least when their newborns their not as squirmy as they are when a few weeks or months old.. Oh and don't forget to take pics.... Hugs to Mrs and you.. :) kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/30/11 at 10:38:55 Okay, Oldfeller was giving me crap about not posting any pics of this years get-together so I'll post all the pictures I took during the week. Unfortunately, that only includes 2 pictures. Sorry people but I was having too much fun to be stopping to take alot of pictures. The two pictures I took were of the same subject. At one point, MMRanch said he wished he knew what it felt like to ride b*tch, so BigZuk showed him. I did take some video but have been either too busy or too lazy (depends on who you ask) to get them edited and posted. I'll try to get on that. http://p1.bikepics.com/2011/07/30/bikepics-2248567-800.jpg http://p1.bikepics.com/2011/07/30/bikepics-2248568-800.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/30/11 at 10:56:42 Al youre looking good but for god sakes man you need to watch out who you hang around with LOL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by bill67 on 07/30/11 at 15:53:10 Thats not Al but that is a nice looking pregnant dog ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/30/11 at 16:00:25 41656862656B64787E6568697E0C0 wrote:
Thats not me. Thats BigZuk on front with MMRanch riding b*tch. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/30/11 at 17:02:11 I met you last year and I said to myself he's shaved or something is different. Now that I think about it that picture favors Bigzuk to a tee. Glad you cleared that up. MM is right where he is supposed to be LOL. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 07/30/11 at 19:06:53 hay thats the first time I've been on the back seat .... just had to find out what it felt like ! The keys were safetly tucked away in my pocket. Not that BigZuk drives WILD and FAST or anything like that ! ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 07/30/11 at 19:14:14 Mike I still love ya LOL! I hope this crazy situation at home gets better and we can do a fall ride. I want to personally guide you around Mt Mitchell. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 07/31/11 at 04:40:54 Youse guys need to pick you a week and lets try to ride again before the snow flies -- them West Coast Feemaales is gonna "out ride" us if we don't go again (and take a durn camera with us this time). So far them NorthWest mountains look like some poor old worn down foot hills to me compared to the Black Mountains or the Smokies. Where is that Piglet and her camera when you need her ???? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 08/01/11 at 06:16:22 Hey Oldfella, us west coasties are taking your challenge seriously.. Don't worry, our mountais are just as gorgeous as yours... Camera, and if hubby is able to go along, we shall have video as well... Extra bonus points for video.. This challenge is underway.. Old pics and video's don't count.. The pics need to be as of Aug and run thru let's say October of 2011.... Yeah, I like setting the stakes high.. Do you dare take our challenge now? ;) kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/01/11 at 06:52:37 The only bonus thing you can actually provide is a busted volcano and some coastal cliff roads -- none of your twisties can compare to the Dragon or the Diamondback and yer mountains REALLY ARE worn down foothills compared to the Black or Smoky ranges. How you can win? Simple, take a lot of pics of what you do -- Al or Babyhog will match you item for item with a pic of a superior/higher/twistier item. Like I said, you got a volcano -- we will kinda match that with a geyser since our geyser still works and your volcano is all busted right now. Who will judge? List-wide poll on the comparison thread after both sets of group rides for the year 2011 are over. Yeah, we get in 3 rides each year and you guys are jest a working on your very first one .... ;D ;D ;D ;D Do we get 10 bonus points for each slain Hurley we leave prostrate on the roadside behind us? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 08/01/11 at 07:36:55 This challenge should be retroactive back to june 2011 so it includes this years dragon run. I'm working on editing videos this week. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 08/01/11 at 12:10:58 Al, I am awaiting your video.. I love them.. Yet this challenge just opened up. I think it is best again, we leave it staring Aug 1 thru Oct 2011.. Then again if I am out voted, not much I can do, but click, click, and have hubby shoot some video.. Oldfella, watch out were gearing up.. Bikes, cameras, are ready.. Sunshine all week.. No rain keeping us from riding here.. ;D ;D kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/01/11 at 12:37:20 Well now, we are gonna have to cede their volcano to them as the winning peak as it is 880 feet taller now than it was when it blew its block off in 1980 and it is actually taller now than Mount Mitchell. Our weasel for that one might be height actually ridden to as they won't let tourists go up on the St. Helens lava dome area and that might make the Mitchell ride the highest ride as we can go on up to the grave site up on the peak area. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 08/01/11 at 15:22:37 I can diSTINKly remember someone said several volcanoes erupted around the campfire at Deals Gap. Have they suddenly become inactive? ::) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/01/11 at 16:18:42 Oh my goodness, ya done been playing with the gas igniter systems again. ::) Let me guess, your "hot lava flow" came from the habanero chili you had fer lunch .... :o :o :o |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 08/01/11 at 21:20:35 OOCH !!! That could hurt a body ! I'm looking foward to seeing some of the roads and rides from the other side of the country . Also looking forward to ridding the Diamond ride this fall. Just need a date and a permit slip from the misses ! :D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 08/01/11 at 22:09:51 Mike how long have you been married. You're the one that signs the permit slip. You sign on that line at the bottom right hand corner of a blank check. Works evry time er a unless you stop at an ATM on the way out of town and withdraw all the funds ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by John_D FSO on 08/02/11 at 15:45:05 5271797B787171786F1D0 wrote:
Not sure what the highway elevation is out your way, but I remember seeing signs up on the 504 road on the north side of St. Helens that said 3800 ft, and the ever-valuable Google Earth lists the parking lot at the end of the road at about 4100. Not bad when you start out at about 100 ft where ya leave the freeway. ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/02/11 at 16:34:36 Well, Mitchell will let you up to the tippy top area and that is at 6600 feet, so we will get to ride higher than the St. Helens crew. Now if they can post a picture of them roasting their dinner weenies over a lava flow, we'll give them the win anyways. (if we can't counter it with an ignited eruption pic from the campfire guys that is -- serious danger of a badly burned weenie either way don't cha know it?) ..... now which one of these guys is the weenie this time around? [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3obYhJ2x1wE[/media] |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 08/02/11 at 17:15:28 Oldfeller you are sick, thats why I like you ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 08/02/11 at 18:25:25 LOL Oldfella, your a nut.. Love josling with ya.. We shall have a great time and have some beautful pics to share as well... I can speak for myself, I will not have anything burned... ;D ;D kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/05/11 at 16:46:59 Your ride was very very pretty (especially Suzuki Princess, she was plumb cute) and that is one impressive busted up St. Helens volcano type mountain. I can't believe it is swelling up like a pimple to go again, having "swelled up" with underground magma like 880 feet up into the air during the past 30 years since it last vented itself. BURP !!! :o <splat> |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by John_D FSO on 08/06/11 at 07:08:57 As long as it blows out the same side again (north-ish) I'll be happy, seein' as how I live to the south! ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 08/21/11 at 06:58:18 I'd like to be in on something like a St.Hellen ride. From here it would involve at least a weeks ride. This Fall I'll settle for a Mt.Mitchell. OldFeller you suggesting a time frame yet ? Middle of the week ? I'll need to start doing up the honey-do to be sure I can come home at the end of the week. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 08/22/11 at 21:08:10 Midnightrider Permit slip She makes more that I do ! Not that I'm bragging or anything. So she controls most of the money and all the other " STUFF" ! That gives her final say in a lot of things. Thats not saying I doin't get my way most of the time ! Going on 16 years now ! ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/24/11 at 00:02:04 Are we at the point where Midnight is free from car driving lock down? And Serenity is up for a day trip .... How's about we aim at Sept 19-23 as an aiming point? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/28/11 at 12:47:23 bump |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 08/28/11 at 20:49:25 I'm suposed to take a bunch of Scouts to a Clay shooting in Nashville on the 24th ... I'll have to ride home on the 23rd. OldFeller what ya meen "Bump". :o |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/29/11 at 08:46:44 Goodness me, I meant to send the thread back up to the top ..... :-? whut did you think that I meant? We would have to split up Friday morning (23rd) anyway since it would take me all day Friday just to get home, what with all the leg and hip stops along the way. I'm gonna PM the boys to pay attention to the thread again ... ain't gonna bump the thread no more since the evil minded among us wanna assume stuff whut what ain't there again. :-/ Lancer would have shot you fer even think'n something like that. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 08/29/11 at 09:13:45 Its already stuck to the top! LOL (Well you mighta bumped it 3 slots higher) I wish I could make late September, but we got too much to do on our camp before winter, so there jest ain't no way... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 08/29/11 at 09:15:44 By the way, Lancer is still kicking, ain't he?? I bet he's just shacked up with some little hottie recuperating from his wreck, huh. ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/29/11 at 09:40:49 Babyhog, I wuz jest thinkin' about Lancer and this jumped into my head .... PM the boy and see if you can coax him into replying ..... ::) http://i804.photobucket.com/albums/yy328/vincent228/DSCF0330.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/29/11 at 09:57:25 Since we are closer in on this one we can judge the general weather patterns in the place we are going using these tools. And, as you can see the summer thunderstorms are easing off a bit as fall comes on. This is Linville Falls, Day #1 http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/linville-falls/28647/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 This is Canton/Cruso, Day #2 http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/canton/28716/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 08/29/11 at 10:00:35 Okay, I'm payin' attenshun. I need to check and see what my vacation time balance looks like. Might be up for an overnighter in the Mt. Mitchell area. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 08/29/11 at 10:49:28 Oldfeller I'm having trouble getting PM's out but I'm subscribed to the thread. Still having problems with mine and my wifes health situation but I'll be there if I can. My wife overdid it last week, Serenity knows all about it LOL. She's back to being an invilid for a few days. I'm laughing because she overdid with our new grandson. While I'm rambling Preacher Mike lives in Washington NC, one of the hardest area's the storm hit. I remembered this morning I had his ph# somewhere. I found it and talked to him this morning. He and his family are OK. He has missing shingles and now leaks to deal with. Had broken limbs in his yard but other than that he's got a lot to be thankful for. Now he's busy helping his neighbors out. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/29/11 at 12:16:16 Midnight, When you PM or talk to Preacher Mike again ask him if he wants to go. We will be staying inside in a cabin with 3 beds and tons of floor space on the first night. Second night we will be in 2 man cabins. Or vice versa depending on if we want to go see Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum as it is only open on Fri-Mon and we would have to hit it on Monday (the first day out) or not get there at all again on this trip. We are still early -- order of things depends on who is going after all. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 08/29/11 at 12:47:45 His power came back on this morning. He has internet service but right now its only dial up. He'll get full internet service restored soon I hope. If it isnt I'll call him. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 08/31/11 at 20:37:40 Well, got my vacation approved for week of the 19-23. One obstacle out of the way .... Weather is looking good so far ..... This is Linville Falls, Day #1 http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/linville-falls/28647/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 This is Canton/Cruso, Day #2 http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/canton/28716/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 I guess we need to decide if we are going to Wheels Through Time or not on Monday. Personally, never been but I could live without it if it makes the trip all "out of balance" for everyone else. But we need to call the shot as the cabin reservations all flow from that decision. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 08/31/11 at 22:00:39 WORKING ON MY PERMIT SLIP NOW ! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Driller on 09/02/11 at 18:48:18 I'm watching this. Hopefully I can get out and join you. Need to spoon a new rear tire on next week. Cheers! Mike |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/03/11 at 13:26:29 Roll Call Who is going ??? We need to get specific about whats and wheres and where we go first. Throw out that you are going and what you see us doing first. Wheels through Time is only open on Fridays-Mondays and somebody had better check to make durn sure it is open on Monday Sept 19th if we plan to go there. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 09/03/11 at 18:00:21 If it ain't raining. I plan to leave monday morning -+ 10 ish ,,, get to Wheel through time about 2:30 ish .... and be ready for a nice Walk-a-bout trough time ! Those Motel rates trough the week are a lot more agreable. Chompping at the bit and ready to take a ride.!!! :D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/03/11 at 21:37:07 Wheels Through Time is open Monday Sept 19th from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Meeting there at 2:30PM gives us 2.5 hours to go through the museum, which is likely more than enough time. Cost for the Museum is $12-$13 for each adult. Speak up folks, if you are coming. Next step is reservations and your name needs to be in the pot for that to work out well. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/04/11 at 05:56:53 From Wheels Through Time we can go north or south for a place to stay the night. Go south for 22 miles & stay at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground in a $45 cabin. The cabins have heaters and you will need them. We both know this place, so no explanation is necessary. South leads over to Dragon country and we know that area pretty well too. Go north for 44 miles and stay at Gatlinburg at a 2 star motel that cost $45 a night. 2 star hotel = run down fleabag, but it has a toilet and a shower in the room (no taking a walk in the chill to take a crap when you wake up in the night). Click on the link below to take a look at the fleabag hotel. NOTE THAT THE FLEABAG FEEDS YOU BREAKFAST FOR FREE. http://www.hotel-rates.com/hot/property?hotelId=220413&name=River+Edge+Motor+Lodge+Gatlinburg&address1=665+River+Rd&city=Gatlinburg&stateProvince=TN&country=US&postalCode=37738&hasMap=true&arrivalDate=09%2F19%2F2011&departureDate=09%2F20%2F2011&numberOfRooms=1&nAdults[]=2&nChildren[]=0&hrnQuoteKey=c49ab0bb-7d0a-4e14-981e-368cca0fc46e So, the cost is the exact same either way. Gatlinburg has a ton of stuff to do in it and we then could loop up into Tennessee and see some new "never before seen roads" then head back down to hit Little Switzerland on the far side of Ashboro to tee up the Diamondback and Mount Mitchell. This Tennessee loop excursion might take a day to do, who knows? If we wanna go that way I'll be looking at things to do up there inTennessee. It is a Wanderjar, a Walkabout, an Adventure ... Relax time spent away from the family. This would put us meeting up Wednesday with Serenity and whoever else just wanted to do Little Switzerland, Mount Mitchell and the Diamondback. We could meet at a decided upon spot on Wednesday for the shorter 1 day thing they were interested in doing, since they can either overnight or truck it on back home as the mood moves them since they live nearby. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 09/04/11 at 07:04:04 Hay OldFeller That sounds good so far ; I usually go for the Free breakfast too. That dip into Tennessee sounds good too. I was kinda picturing a "Exploring Adventure" walking more that 3 or 4 hundred yards gets me to remembering why I medically retired a couple years ago . If we go to the top of Mt.Mitchel , then thats far enough walk for me. Serenity you meeting up with us Wensday ? :o |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/04/11 at 09:28:30 Hotwire claims they can put us in a "Gatlinburg area hotel" for $29 a night, but they won't give us a name for the place until we book it (but they say it will be within 22 miles of city center). Price is certainly nice, but are we up for that much of a pig in the polk adventure? Here's the after action report ..... "And then the rats woke us both up -- they was a crunching on them ugly nasty 2" long cockroaches we had noted earlier . The entire herd of cockroaches wuz a running up the walls and the ceilings jest a chittering away and the rats where squealing & chasing them down and eating them alive (more grunting and guttural scrunchin' munchin' sounds). It wuz hideous, really it was. Oldfeller slept in the tub with it filled to the top with water jest to keep the sea of moving critters off him ... MMRanch rolled up in his sleeping bag and sealed his flaps jest trying to keep them off his face." :D Mebbe I should bring the bb machine gun, huh? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 09/04/11 at 19:36:21 uaaaa Why doin't we make "HotWire" promise at least two stars on the motel ? Here is a question I ponder ..... would a motel that wasn't at least a little good be dealing with Hotwire ? :-? You can bring the BB gun if I can bring my 6 mm air soft. Lazy afternoons rolling gravel with my 177 pellet is a plesant thing to do. But some people tend to get nervous at just the sight of a gun. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/05/11 at 02:58:23 Actually, Hotwire does tell you the 3-5 name brand hotels that support their $29 deal and they are all at least 2 stars -- reason they can't give a name for right now is that your "offer" for that day is applied against a rolling pool of hotels that happen to have a room open with the bed specs you put on it. When you book, the computer assigns you to the closest bed that is available. Using $29 Hot Wire thoughts -- first night we could stay in Maggie Valley Bryson City area (close -- nice after the long drive up), Tuesday we could stay in Pidgeon Forge Gatlinburg Dollywood area, Wednesday we could stay around the Little Switzerland area with whomever finally says they are gonna come. I am sensing we need to pick a path and go ahead and book though -- room prices are starting to go up for leaf season. Even down here the dogwoods are starting to color .... So far only one has responded to ROLL CALL, all have been emailed and only a few have indicated any interest. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/05/11 at 03:14:14 ROLL CALL We propose a Monday Sept 19 2:30 PM arrival at Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum ($12 admission) followed by a roll around the area and a Hotwire $29 split between 2 guys hotel stay in a local 2 star hotel. This area is to include a trip down the infamous ROAD TO NOWHERE and a video of you going into the Tunnel of No Return. If we want, the entire Dragon loop we used to ride is touching this area to the West so the next morning we could go Dragon our way up into Tennessee instead of going up tame old hwy 421. This would leave the Dragon fresh in our minds to be compared against the Diamondback for quality of twisties. Tuesday we will stay at a $29 Hotwire Gatlinburg/Dollywood area hotel and we will roam around Tennessee's Country Tinsel Town for a bit. What we do depends on what catches our fancy as there is TOO TOO much to do to even describe all the opportunities. The best Aquarium on the East Coast is only one example, the infamous Ripley's Believe it or Not is another. Wednesday we will loop around and down to Little Switzerland and do the Diamondback (a dragon wannabe) and go visit Mount Mitchell. We will meet up with Serenity and whomever else finally answers the ROLL CALL and we will roll for however long they have. We need a complete roster of people to book wherever we stay -- so answer the ROLL CALL !! Get up Thursday with all of the Black Mountains before us, having found a local road map we also might just find a wee little black line or two that goes over the top of something interesting looking. We will go ride up them durn rich people's extended state supported driveways that go up to all them impressive chalets you see hanging off the peaks of some of those tall tall mountains. Friday AM early, split up and trek on home, all tired and beat up in body but all happy in soul .... ========================== Roll call will close on this trip in a few days as we have to start booking Hotwire hotels if we want the cheap $29 rates (leaf time is approaching and the rates go up to over $100 a night soon). |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/05/11 at 03:50:38 Ok, MMRanch and I are going. The final roll call has been published on RSD & Cafe and if the slack laggards don't post their intentions then they are on their own for hotel rooms, etc. Hotwire is the method and pure fun is the purpose ..... :D Here is weather in Maggie Valley / Bryson City area: http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/maggie-valley/28751/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 And here is the weather in Pidgeon Forge / Gatlinburg area: http://www.accuweather.com/us/tn/gatlinburg/37738/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 And here is the weather in Little Switzerland / Black Mountains: http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/little-switzerland/28749/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 So far this trip is coming up SUNNY SKIES and moderate temperatures all the way !!! This is gonna be a relatively inexpensive trip, with the split hotel costs coming in at $15-$20 a person which is the cheapest indoor staying we have done so far, ever. Heck, most places charge that to let you pitch a tent now days. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/05/11 at 04:40:37 Lancer PM'd me -- he is out of state visiting his mother during our time frame. Sends his best wishes to all. Weather is holding all sunny and pretty -- time to book some rooms. Whoooooo!! Whoooooo!! That's the sound the paddle wheel river boat makes when it is raising the gangplank and undoing the ropes holding it to the dock .... You see the frantic cowboys beating their horses trying to catch the boat, but they are still coming down main street and you jest know they ain't gonna make it .... You can see the leaders of the pack judging the gap between the dock and the boat rail -- lookie there !! they are squaring up for a jump !!! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/05/11 at 05:42:00 Durn it! Even waiting these two days the hotel rates have jumped $20 a nite !!! Sorry boys, we'se a bookin' NOW before they go up another $20. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/05/11 at 06:51:41 Monday the 19th we are staying here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g49313-d94593-Reviews-Microtel_Inn_Suites_Maggie_Valley-Maggie_Valley_North_Carolina.html Tuesday the 20th we are staying here: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60842-d314333-r65106429-River_Edge_Motor_Lodge-Gatlinburg_Tennessee.html Wednesday the 21st we are staying here in the large camping cabin (mainly because this is the night the Midnights and the Serenitys and the Toymakers who mebbe showing up to join us and we need to have room for everybody who might actually manage to make it) http://www.linvillefalls.com/ Now, here is the trick -- I had to pre-pay for all these places so as far as sleeping goes THIS TRIP IS FREE FOR EVERYBODY THAT HAD THE GUMPTION TO SIGN UP FOR IT BEFORE NOW. :D yeaaaaa !! I love free stuff !! And, because I am a nice guy, the last night (Wednesday night Sept 21) at Linville Falls Camping Cabin is free to anybody that can drag themselves out of their house and ride for an hour and a half to get there. (yes, Toymaker -- both you and Serenity and Midnight live jest that close by and if you don't come it will be because you were jest too too slack to make it) There will be a wild party in the cabin Wednesday night -- y'all come on down and bring a six pack wid ya !!! FREE PARTY NIGHT, bunks for the first 3 and clean dry heated floor space for everybody else that can make it. http://www.linvillefalls.com/ I have reserved the place for the 22th in case we have any next day cripples who can't get up and ride the next day .... such pitiful next day hangdogs you never seen in yer whole life as some of these guys. Babyhog, you need to come take you some pictures of this one, its gonna be worse than the campfires up at the Dragon. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 09/05/11 at 09:12:13 0ldFeller I can't thank you enough for doing the room thinging. Im short on time now but am gona check out the roads in the motel areas soon. UNLESS we get us a guide that knows the area !!!! go-to-go family (Labor Day) trip in the works. :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/05/11 at 13:11:38 Here's your challenge -- figure how to get us from Gatlinburg to Linville Falls without running down I-40 any at all and also totally avoiding Ashville completely. Pick smaller, more vertical roads (nothing bigger than a highway) ...... you can do it by going over the mountain tops on them little black lines. Zoom in tight and Google will show you the way. ;D you might want to print this out and follow along the google map to catch my little goof ups before we go. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=linville+falls+campground+and+trailer+lodge,+linville+falls+nc&ie=UTF8&ll=35.973839,-81.943846&spn=0.007555,0.019419&z=14&iwloc=A&om=1&source=embed For example, you could take hwy 321/73 north from Gatlinburg until you tee right on hwy 32 which is a nice Savage road for about 15-20 miles until you cross the Tenn/NC border and it changes names to Mount Sterling rd which turns left on to Mountain Service Rd 288 which goes a whacky jerky long way before turning left and becoming also Harmon Den / Service 288 rd before crossing the river and going under I-40 and becoming Cold Springs rd which continues until it turns left on (or becomes) Falls Branch road then it hits Max Patch road where you turn left then take an immediate right on Littlecreek rd which eventually tees right on Meadow Forks rd then we take a left on Caldwell Mountain rd which changes names to Foxtown rd when it crosses hwy 209 (check mileage and gas) then changes again for no durn reason to Miller rd which tees right on Duckett rd which then turns right on to (or becomes) Biltmore Branch rd which does a lot of sharp left angle turns while keeping the same name but eventually goes straight and becomes Black Branch rd which tees left on to Big Pine rd. (Stop at the Big Pine Volunteer Fire Dept and let me rest my legs and take a leak) Continue north on Big Pine until Farmer Mountain vees off to the right which then becomes Mary Tweed rd which goes sorta south until it tees left on Paw Paw rd which goes a long way until it tees left on Little Pine rd which crosses the river and goes a way before it tees right on hwy 25 70 which leads to lunch in Marshal (business 70 is Main Street so keep going south on 70 or 25 after lunch is over) Buy gas Buy gas Tank up Buy gas Anyway, head south out of Marshal on any version of Main Street, 70, 25, or Ivy Hill (River?) rd and keep a sharp lookout for Jupiter rd to take off to the left which is the road you want which eventually crosses I-26 and then becomes Barnsville Hwy 197 then becomes North Fork rd 197 and becomes a really good Savage riding road which travels uninterrupted for 25 some odd miles through the Pisgah National forest with no cops (and only one Sporster to hunt) Wax on, Mr Meagi !! then 197 tees right on 19E which is civilized and goes a long way until you go past Mayland Community College and then past the Avery County Airport (Morisson Field) and take a vee right on Mullen Hill rd then a quick right on 3 Mile rd then a right on Linville Falls hwy 221 south, go under the Blue Ridge Parkway then turn right on Gurney Franklin rd and then turn right into the Linville Falls Trailer Park (you has arrived !!) This might not take all morning and afternoon to get there, but I suspect it will put a good dent in it. Meet the guys at the cabin, yak and eat dinner and go do something else, run the Diamondback mebbe? ;D they say if you give a Scoutmaster a map, a compass and good directions he will never get you lost. We shall see, now won't we? After all, neither google maps nor me EVER NEVER make a goof up, never !! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 09/05/11 at 20:21:13 4261696B686161687F0D0 wrote:
Oldfeller, That last road into Big Pine was mostly gravel with Mtn. grades the last I passed that way (been a couple years ago or more) Big Pine comes out to 25/70 just a few miles from my old home in Marshall NC. If you stay on 209 into Hot Springs you will have a great ride. I may be able to pick up you guys up at wheels of time and make the ride from there. I now live 3mi. from Smokey Mtn. Knifeworks so I can sleep at home that night then ride into NC. Bigzuk Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/06/11 at 00:52:02 'Zuk, this is the third try on that intricate pathway -- I did them in line/road view then checked them in Spy Satellite view and found that one of my roads wasn't really a road, it looked like a fire break (grass & short shrubs) so I scotched that pathway and found another that looked like it was paved. Dirt roads, yep, I bet some of them are dirt. But when you go straight over the tops of the terrain you gotta expect some of the roads are gonna be kinda hinky. It is all part of the big adventure. :) hee hee, them west coasters ain't into any real adventure fer very much, ain't got no fizz in their wickets. And now we are the Three Musketeers !!! I'll check in the hotels then we can go off for dinner and then smuggle 'Zuk in quietly while nobody's looking. Zuk, you will need to bring a bag and an air mattress as we supposedly only have 2 beds in the room in the hotels, but we have 3 beds in the cabin but you need your own pillow and blankets for the cabin as they don't provide any. I'm gonna pack a bed roll w/pillow and air mattress because if I don't I'll wind up needing it and if I do bring it then I won't. ;) Remember, we wind up at the Camping Cabin on Wednesday night. Campin' Cabin: If you like to camp, but don't like the ground... or the tent, this cozy cabin for you! Located along the woods edge, this cabin has one double bed and a set of bunk beds, perfect for a family of four! There is no plumbing, no stove, no dishes, no linens. You Bring The Gear just as if you were tent camping, without the tent. There is a private deck, picnic table, fire ring and barbeque grill just outside. It has a mini fridge, a microwave, a heater, power sockets I called and asked. Also called and verified the two motel room reservations for having 2 beds in them, non-smoking |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 09/06/11 at 09:17:37 Wish I could go, but it's not looking good due to 'financial embarassment.' Hope ya'll do have fun. The Wheels Through Time museum is a great place! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/06/11 at 10:40:28 Guys, this is exactly what Diamondback/Mt. Mitchell Wednesday was intended for -- quite a few of us on the list are suffering and got no ride this year for money reasons among other things coming up (like not getting vacation due to seniority). Serenity, if you can get enough gas into the scoot to make it up on Wednesday afternoon we can take care of you that night and gas you up to get you home on Thursday. That jest ain't enough reason for you not to be coming. I am remembered of Willam Paul Davis, deceased, a good man whose family I married into who spotted folks money when they needed it without expecting anything in return. I am remembered of Bobby Mathews, still living, who spent what money he had freely to help other people, including me. "Pay it forward" is something you do when you are able, and I am still working and I am able. For you not to come because of a few bucks simply isn't enough of a reason. If you want to come and are physically able, please come. I would still like to meet you. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 09/07/11 at 05:29:28 Okay, well, the money is just the most glaring reason, recently emphasized by my financial advisor (i.e. spouse). I'm also running a low balance on my vacation time at work. And I've made a couple of trips while the rest of the family has been home-, work-, and school-bound. Oldfeller and Midnight, when will you guys be coming through Hickory? Maybe we could meet up then................. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 09/07/11 at 08:38:31 Guy if I go my condition is going to have to get a lot better. Had to spend a night in the hospital 3 weeks ago. Lupus is kicking my a$$ right now. I might be able to ride up to Dad's place and hook up one day with the guys there, cant say for sure. Just have to live life one day at a time right now. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/07/11 at 10:30:45 Aim for Wednesday then, we will be up at the camping cabin Wednesday night and I believe there is cell service in the area so we can swap phone numbers through PMs. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 09/07/11 at 11:24:38 0B2820222128282136440 wrote:
10-4 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/11/11 at 02:17:45 One Week Out report: So far things still look good for the weather. Here is weather in Maggie Valley / Bryson City area: http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/maggie-valley/28751/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 And here is the weather in Pidgeon Forge / Gatlinburg area: http://www.accuweather.com/us/tn/gatlinburg/37738/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 And here is the weather in Little Switzerland / Black Mountains: http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/little-switzerland/28749/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 09/11/11 at 10:30:07 I'll call Dad and get the Mt Mitchell forecast the day before lift off. ;D http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/burnsville/28714/forecast-details.asp?fday=11 |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/11/11 at 13:14:27 OK, any you others out there who wanna go ahead and declare for the trip since the weather is coming up totally GOLDEN and beautiful and nice and fine? Can't get no finer riding weather ..... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 09/11/11 at 20:14:58 I might wear my leathers anyway this time. The trees ought to be showing off this time of year ! Just talked to that brother of mine , He's covered up in work and glad of it. Winters comming on and jobs get scarce the later in the year it gets. One last ride befor cool weather gets here. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/12/11 at 10:09:38 TIME TO CHECK YOUR FRONT BRAKE PADS, rear brake lever to marks, oil change/top up, air pressure front and rear. Check your battery water level and give her a good luck slow charge if you add any water. Get your ride right, because we will be HARD RIDING a lot of heavy braking twisting turning gut churning adventurous dangerous miles. ;) (unlike them west coasties who think a curvy road has turns DOT marked at 35 mph) LAST ROLL CALL Please respond by saying were you are meeting up with us and that you have PM'd me your cell phone number so we can call each other at the meet up spots. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 09/12/11 at 10:18:05 OF I PMed you my cell ph #. I've been having trouble sending PM's. If you dont get it let me know. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/12/11 at 10:40:15 No, got no pm from you, sent you mine though. Where are we meeting you? http://www.linvillefalls.com/ |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Midnightrider on 09/12/11 at 10:50:55 Mines 2122 Boogy Woogy Avenue. I recieved your #. If I make it I'll be on highway 80 1.5 miles on the other side of the parkway.I can hook up with you guys anywhere around 80. It dont look good. I went to my Doctor Fri and I've lost 22 lbs in 4 weeks. My blood pressure has dropped too low. She almost put me in the hospital. Told me not to drive until my blood pressure got back up. My blood pressure to is low 90's over low 60's this morning. I'm one of these people thet my blood pressure has to be 120 to even function. A lot can happen in a week, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. OF you can delete my ph # soon as you read this post. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 09/13/11 at 16:56:33 I plan to meet yall at Wheels in time @ Maggie Valley. When yall go to the motel I will head home to Kodak. I plan to meet back up when yall start out from Gatlinburg. Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/13/11 at 18:55:21 Got PM from Kel, he ain't gonna be able to make it. =================== Packing Light is Such a Joy --- all my clothes will fit inside my little saddebags along with a video and a still camera, should I actually feel like putting glorious fall colors on record to make everybody on the West Coast drool. I am gonna pack one additional soft case strapped to the front of my sissy bar, it shall include one cuddly blanket and my good pillow, wrapped securely around a 13" laptop. I will certainly use the pillow every night, and the blanket will come in handy on that last night in the camping cabin. This is a civilized fall weather trip, WiFi is available everywhere but the camping cabin (and I might bring my WiFi long eye to see if that isn't negotiable too). I'm bringing long johns, long sleeves and a riding coat and gloves as 73 for a high isn't very high and a low of 53 is downright chilly for early morning riding. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/18/11 at 01:59:05 I'll leave tomorrow AM at about 6:00-7:00 as I will be taking back roads and staying off the I-40 mess as much as possible. Likely stopping a lot too, legs and all. Not rushing .... I will be sitting at Wheels Through Time at 2:30 though, peaceably reading a paperback book and enjoying a very pretty Maggie Valley day. http://www.accuweather.com/us/nc/maggie-valley/28751/forecast-details.asp?fday=1 If stuff happens and you are running late -- we may have left the Wheels museum and gone to check in at the Microtel Suites right up the road from the Museum (on the left). We are in room 110 floor level near the lobby* *(Legally required information if the group ride happens to include a Hurley Divotson product which will break down at least once on the way up) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/19/11 at 16:14:28 http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00049.JPG I left at a quarter till 7:00 AM this morning and my Savage ran great, and there was only temporary traffic in front of me -- all of it dissipated at once when I used the Secret Magic Word for the trip (Wax ON !!) and was instantly magically displaced behind me. Average speed for the trip up was 60-65 mph, I never touched I-40 and ran up Hwy 74 alternate (the little fun old twisty original one that goes by Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, etc.) I still remember going up that road with my parents when I was a kid .... and some of the same old stuff is still there, too. I was eating lunch over a bubbling mountain brook at Chimney rock at 11:43 AM and deciding what to do with the extra couple of hours the magic word had created, so I went down the long looping round about stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that goes all the way up to Maggie Valley. Average speed Parkway was 50-60 with rubbernecking tourists instantly being teleported behind me (Wax ON !! Wax ... Wax ... Wax .... Wax On !!) http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000110.JPG Thought some about the guys who couldn't make it on the trip .... so I stopped at their overlook and took them a picture. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000610.JPG Weather was great, rode through some clouds up at the peak areas that fogged the road down to like 200 yds visibility but that is to be expected when you ride up 6630 feet above sea level. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00095.JPG Made it to Wheels Through Time Museum at 2:22 PM and waited for the guys to show up. Place was polluted with Hurley hogsickles inside and out. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00107.JPG Blue Ribbon winner BIGGEST HOG of the trip. He's just a bouncing baby boy, but he sure is a biggun, ain't he? http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00116.JPG Here is his Momma and his Daddy, a family that glides together stays together, that must work OK fer them Hurley folk as well. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00127.JPG There were some pretty neat miniature race cars on display as well as every sort of old cruddy motorcycle you could imagine -- it wuz a plum HUGE shrine to Hurleydom and it had at least a half dozen of every model of Hurley every made. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00169.JPG Here is the Hotel Room we stayed in -- right nice for $29 http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00153.JPG Our room came with its own plum tree growing right outside the window -- I plucked off all the ones within easy reach and ate them (they were very very good tasting) If you look sharp in the background of this particular picture, you can see MMRanch showing the other guys the proper form of the BOYSCOUT BACK SPLAT dive (I done told him the pool warn't deep enough to dive in, but he's jest a splashin' beaucoups of water, not divin' proper-like). Our $29 flea trap hotel is actually kinda nice, it has tv, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, sauna, indoor heated pool, outside cold pool and seems to be in pretty good shape (no cockroaches at all that I can see) Tomorrow the great adventure starts all over again ..... :) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 09/19/11 at 16:52:52 Maybe next year I'll dothe fall trip instead of the summer trip. Looks like you guys are having a great time, Keep it up. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 09/19/11 at 17:24:41 OF, I am not drooling, yet.. lol... Nice you finally got this ride together. Have a blast.. Keep the pics coming.. Hugs.. :) kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/19/11 at 22:22:50 Come on, Kim, you wouldn't drool unless I took pics of the greeter kitty at the place I ate lunch at, a cute little orange rag a muffin that came up to get him a head rub and borrow him some hamburger meat. The most beautimus thing I've seen so far was the clouds rolling over the top of Pisgah ridge and spilling down over the roadway like a waterfall of white mist. From a short distance out, it reminded me of shooting the curl inside a big wave of white water. Of course, I was riding at the time -- both hand on the handle bars and all that .... Cameras are not always handy nor are they able to catch all the beauty because the person running them can't make it do correctly. Look sharp in this picture and you will see the iridescent blue and purple hummingbird hovering over the outlook sign .... http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000110.JPG |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/20/11 at 18:40:51 Ok, we started the day with a free breakfast -- Fresh Cooked Belgian Waffles with butter jam and warm maple syrup. And coffee, lots of good hot coffee. And little danish. And little muffins. And bananas and apples. We then took the road maps out and hunted up some places to go and things to do. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000115.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00028.JPG Here are a couple of pics of the HEATED indoor jacuzzi and heated pool that allow guests to play in the water all year long. Not too shabby for $29.99 ain't it? http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000312.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000611.JPG We didn't leave until 10:10 AM because it was raining lightly during the night and we waited until the roads began to dry out before leaving. Of course it rained on us within 15 minutes of staring out, but just a sprinkle that was over inside 15 minutes as we got to rolling good. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000810.JPG First stop was Bryson City which contains the infamous Road To Nowhere. Here is pictorial proof we went to Nowhere and returned alive to tell about it. The mysterious third person (who chooses not to be named) who went to Nowhere with us and he held the camera for the group shot that he didn't want to be seen in for fear of his (something about not getting caught out lying to his significant other about where he was that day, or something like that) http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00128.JPG On the road to Nowhere the wildlife is not used to you being there. MMRanch scared two squirrels really badly -- and he rolled the third one under his rear tire which he says he didn't even feel. This pic is the guilty squirrel killer returning from disposing of his little victim .... Kim, you would have loved that little squirrel, he was a cute as a button -- you would have wanted to cuddle him and rub noses with him he was so durn cute. I wanted to take some pics of him for you but MMRanch wouldn't let me .... Then we went up Hwy 28 Fontana road to Fontana Dam and took some pics of the SECOND HIGHEST DAM IN THE UNITED STATES. The only one taller is Hoover Dam .... this little boy was built in just 2 years during WWII under A-1 FULL MILITARY TOP SECRET classification as it was the secret power source that powered the TOP SECRET Oak Ridge uranium separation plants for the atom bomb. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00186.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00194.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00216.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00177.JPG The visitors center was added in the 1950s after the TOP SECRET classification was dropped since folks realized 6 little towns had disappeared off the map and literally 10,000 people were relocated by the Army. The visitor's center had a top secret secondary purpose that is still pretty much a secret -- if you look at the telephoto pic carefully you can see the underside of the visitor's center has multiple windows (lighting lab space or offices) and you can still see some freight containers stacked on the bomb proof concrete pad that is hidden under the visitor's center. Also note the dual spaced out bomb resistant thick-assed concrete pads that shielded this underground warehouse space -- the "visitor's center" is really spaced out pretty far laterally and it is REALLY REALLY well constructed, don't cha think? We also noted that the parking lot for the visitor's center has spaces for 200 cars on that side and a secondary parking lot with about the same number of spaces on the other side of the road that has some sort of tunnel access point on it that doesn't even show up on the other side of the road at all. There is a bunch of stuff at Fontana Dam that is underground apparently -- and around 400 people worked there at one time while it was still webbed in military security during the height of the 50-60's cold war era. I also noted that the three huge articulated overflow water gates have no visible outlet associated with them .... where they go to or what they actually do on the way out is a mystery as well. But they were huge and the big valves were built out of stainless steel during war time, so whatever they did was pretty important to the guys who built them .... http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00194.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00144.JPG We then ripped up Hwy 28 to the Dragon, ripped up the dragon and stopped at the turn around point to take this scenic pic that we all remember. Then it rained on us a bit as we ripped on into Tennessee heading towards Gatlinburg and the $29.99 hotel for day #2. We ate dinner and met up with BigZuk in Pigeon Forge. Pizza was good and we got to spend some good company with BigZuk who we will meet up with tomorrow AM. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are totally tourist oriented, fun to ride through but we really didn't stop and do very much -- too tired !! |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 09/20/11 at 20:00:54 Hay Wait a minute ! I'm not the only "Anti animal right activist". I know for a fact that there were a uncountable amount of Hogs who lost there lunch today to a old fellow riding Granny's motorcycle. And there were at least two fresh kill possums in the road behind OldFeller today. Now, I can't say for sure who hit them first (limited sight distance) being I refuse to pass on a double yellow (unless the speed-limit isn't being met and its unquestionably clear). At one point today we came up behind 6 cars piled up behind a motorcycle , it was embarrassing ! A bike holding back cars --- it's just wrong ... anybody who has seen Grand-paw on Grandma's bike knows how that went. Fortunately most of them turned off before I had to start passing too. The biggest rain we had was crossing the Dragon . I think we went up to the rain instead of the rain coming down to us. I believe its the first time ever we crossed the Dragon at the legal speed limit. but even then the rear tire didn't allways follow the front in a safe manner. Wish everybody could have been there ! :o |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/23/11 at 05:35:19 MMRanch, anti-animal rights activist extraordinary Riding at the front of the pack with the rest of us as witnesses to all the little forest furry critters that were confused by the bright headlight and did the instinctual double back zig-zag right under his wheels .... I can testify that he never rode over anything on purpose and he always honked, braked and tried to evade if he saw them first. But he still scared hell out of 2 squirrels, smushed one totally and then managed to run over a chipmunk of all things. .... the braking part didn't help them any, BTW. This unusually high animal kill ratio has to do with where we rode, which were the smallest black lines we could find, and the cloud cover, which was immersion style. The animals were feeding on the shoulder of the road, saying "Nobody comes by here very much so we aren't used to traffic and here comes motorcycles racing around the turn leaned way over surprising me totally and I go do my little instinctual zig-zag thing." .... splat !! Plus, we are inside a cloud so nobody can see very far, neither biker nor critter. Now, I never rode over anything on purpose but cars, panel vans, mac trucks, sports cars, sports bikes, TONS of Hurleys and on Fontana Dam Road I finally rode over a Ducati !!! My very first Ducati !!! Living critters, not so much, but I will admit that you don't always see them if you do run over them because you are eyes forward and you are always running over pebbles and acorns all the time and you get used to them little sudden unexpected "bumps". And in my case there wasn't ever anybody right up close behind me to say what actually happened. ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/23/11 at 05:40:36 Cumulothelioma, a rare coughing disease that comes from breathing in cloud material deep down inside your lungs. Remember this, it comes into play later on in the story. Now, back to the tale of the trip .... where were we? Ah, Gatlinburg .... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/23/11 at 06:54:38 http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000313.JPG We stayed at the River Bend Lodge or some such name, at a HotWire price of $29 -- and this was the lesser of the hotels we stayed at for $29 on the trip and it wasn't bad at all by any means although it was the least good of the group we sampled. $29 HotWire hotels, I am not skeered of them any more and would use the service any time I went anywhere that I wasn't carrying my wife. (women expect more than a 2 star hotel going on a vacation -- remember that -- your motorcycle buddies don't care one little tiny bit as long as there is a bed in there) Speaking of beds, this place had the best durn sleeping bed you ever slept on -- MM wanted firmer (like the bed on the first night) but this one suited me jest fine. He's used to sleeping on the ground, Scoutmaster and all .... http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00029.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000116.JPG Parking was excellent as we stayed in room 107 and the view from our room was good too -- somebody had a chalet set up on the side of the mountain up over our heads that we could look at and admire. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00059.JPG Breakfast was donuts, toasted bagels and cereal (no fresh cooked Belgian waffles) but it did the trick for us. We had lots of company from little old ladies on vacation from Ohio and Wisconsin who wanted to know where we came from and why we were wearing leather at breakfast and all .... I watched them little old ladies eyeballing MM's butt sticking out of his chaps and got I a me good morning coffee chuckle out of it .... They wuz remembering stuff from their wicked checkered pasts and lusting after him, I do believe. ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/23/11 at 08:06:47 We then got some sun peeking through dry skies around 10:00AM (every morning in the mountains is kinda drizzly it seems like) and we then proceeded from Gatlinburg up through Pigeon Forge to up to the slightly higher elevation neighborhood where Bigzuk lives. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00077.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000612.JPG Now, I wish I had a pic that turned out better of his downhill neighbor who has a set of dual tire long skinny assed ramps going over from his steeply elevated back yard going over straight and flat into the attic level of his garage (where he parks his riding lawn up over over the rafters). :D Suchlike stuff gives you a grasp of what living on a steep mountain side is really like. Zuk met us at his garage level (? floor #1 level?) of his mountain clinging home. His driveway explains why he only will own a 4 wheel drive vehicle and I cannot imagine what it takes to get up the thing when it gets icy in the winter time. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00108.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00117.JPG This is MM explaining to Zuk what was wrong with his Sportster today -- brake light was fluttering on all the time because the master cylinder wouldn't push his lever far enough forward for the switch not to make. They rigged that up with a bungie cord so it worked better, then we went inside (up the elevator) to the second story deck (some of these pics were actually shot from the third story deck, but I forget which ones). http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00145.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF001312.JPG Now, Kim -- are you paying attention? Here is Zuk's current adopted child Sassy who is our entry for "cute" for the trip. Forget that we actually ran over more chipmunks, squirrels and other cute cuddly stuff than you guys ever even saw (wow a flower) -- this is our official entry for the cute classification. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00266.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00255.JPG That is Zuk's tiny but perfectly proportioned 6.25 pound Doberman Pincher who likes to bounce up to chest high up in front of you to get your attention, then bounce up into your lap when you sit down to get rubs and cuddles and climb up to your shoulders to lick your ears. Sweet, cute, yes -- but let me tell you, somebody drove by the front of the house in a delivery van and wammo -- she was a Doberman all the way, aggressively protecting the house. Let me tell you, if she went for your throat, she could definitely jump up high enough to get to it ..... pocket attack dog she was when she wanted to be. Zuk has chest high child proof doors set up contain his little beastie and he has mesh over the outside face of his decks to protect her, although when she wanted past the gates she simply bounced over them like bouncy bouncy Tigger would. If she actually wanted to get on top of the deck railings, it was easily inside her bounce zone too .... Well trained though, she would not get on a table surface, but would go for your shoulders with a quick bounce off at your waist to get a four legged boost to get up there. (I surmised that the bouncing in front of you thing mean we were supposed to catch her in mid-air, but I never did that as I didn't want to surprise her -- and she did just fine anyway on her own to get up on your shoulder to lick your face and ears) http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00275.JPG Zuk was feeling poorly, so we stayed a while and chatted and got him to help us plan out a good riding path up to Linville Falls that got maximum good ride time on some really really good roads (some of which don't have names on a map, and we couldn't even find them on a map anyway). Zuk got to feeling better so he relented on the ride, grabbed him some stuff and he led the way on up to Linville Falls ..... he couldn't resist the most excellent ride he had laid out !!! http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00304.JPG |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/23/11 at 09:19:36 We rode a lot of first class bike roads on the way to Linville Falls and Zuk led at a pace that made them truly challenging. Like I said, he rides better than I do, so I was struggling to keep up and MM was falling behind because he simply refuses to go double the posted speed limit and he is reluctant to pass large stuff on double yellow lines. I got the full benefit of the Zuk School of Late Braking and Hard Accelerating, something I always attend religiously whenever I go to the mountains. It makes you a better rider, really it does. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00312.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00336.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00324.JPG We didn't stop for much other than gasoline and piss stops and we rode a half dozen roads I couldn't name or find again if you put a gun to my head, but it was a total blast and we spent until dusk reaching Linville Falls having ridden through drizzly misty stuff (clouds actually, we ran hard through a bunch of silly clouds -- let's call them what they were). We got to Linville Falls Camp Ground and the guy there told us we'd better go get some dinner before everything closes at 8:30 PM, so we did. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00351.JPG This is the Hardrock Cafe, where we ate meatloaf special with 3 veggies and a pair of the best biscuits you ever ate for dinner. Best meal of the trip so far (and I was exhausted and hungry and ready for it, lemme tell you). They closed the place up around us but let us finish our dinner and talk a bit in peace, so we left them a nice tip, put our jackets on and went outside ..... http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00384.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00391.JPG ..... into the frick'n Twilight Zone !!! You missed out on the solid white background outside the cheerful windows of the dinner scene with Zuk and MM chatting third pic up -- them clouds we had been eating all afternoon crept back up after to haunt us as zombie clouds which wouldn't let us see our bikes in the parking lot and only let us see the faint glow of headlights and tailights of the occasional traffic on the road as it silently drifted past .... We had mebbe 3-5 miles to ride to get back to the campground and it was Surrealistic and Scary to say the least. I wiped my face plate 10 times in that 3-5 miles just to get the mist off so I could kinda see -- mostly. There was no sound, even the bike noises didn't go very far in the solid air. We missed the turn off to the camp ground even though we were in first gear and we were looking for it -- it was that cloudy and dark and murky. On the way up the driveway to the camp ground we got bushwacked by fallen limb on the road that wasn't there an hour or so ago when we left to go get dinner, and MM got attacked by a kamikaze zombie chipmunk that tried to bite his rear tire as we crept on up the driveway. :-/ Creepy stuff, let me tell you ... that little death squeal from the chipmunk just fit the ambiance of the night perfectly. The campground was deserted and it had occasional street lights and foot level path lights that glowed weakly in the fog as we bore left and kept left and crept on back to the very very back to find the Outpost Camping Cabin where we were staying. I was a waiting for the vampires and the zombies to shuffle out of the dark and come after us, but they never made it out until later on, when it was time to GO FIND THE BATHROOM on foot .... You can get lost on foot in a large campground area when looking for the head, you know. When the clouds fly so low they put a London fog to shame and you arrived by headlight power and there ain't no headlights any more .... Ask us, we can tell you all about it. Flashlights don't really help very much in suchlike conditions, and on the second trip out around 3:30 AM I didn't even have one of those. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/23/11 at 10:42:00 http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000613.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000314.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000117.JPG We had gotten pretty wet from all the fog riding all the previous afternoon, so we had spent some time in the cabin drying out clothes and such over the large oil/electric radiator heater, which actually did such a good job of warming the cabin up we had to cut it off around midnight. We didn't go to sleep until around 2ish from yakking and laughing -- too wound up from the ride up the mountain. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00079.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000812.JPG Got up around 10AM to the standard white sky drizzly mountain morning, so MM decided to try to do him some Hurley maintenance -- he had sprung his primary engine to transmission 3 wide CV chain some trying to keep up with the Savages and it was slapping his cases some. So he knelt in the wet gravel and went through the drill of adjusting his primary HiVo chain drive ..... it's a hurley, what did you expect ?? Anyhoo, we set out around 10:15 to go get some breakfast from the Hardrock Cafe, which was excellent once again. 2 eggs, bacon, hash browns or grits, toast or biscuits, bowl of gravy on the side. After eating breakfast we went down the Parkway and took the 266 exit and ran 266A (the Diamondback) all the way from start to finish. Reminded me of the Fontana Dam road, except this one was sliding off the mountain in places (3-4 levels of cracks and gaps where the roadbed was slipping). Made it interesting anyway. When we were done with the Diamondback we got a quick lesson in why YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THE TOURIST MAPS THEY GIVE YOU AT PLACES LIKE THIS ..... we took the correct turns to get on to 80 to go to Mt Mitchell and we found ourselves back at the Hardrock Cafe. These maps kinda route you around on back to themselves so you can stay there again that night once you find yourself out of daylight, confused and needing a place to stay. :D Smarter now for the experience, we consulted a NC Gov. roadmap, regrouped and headed out again for Mt. Mitchell. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/23/11 at 12:30:27 MM was a little bit pissed off by this time (he had really trusted that stupid tourist map that lied to us) and he was up in front at the time so he decided that he wanted to see if he could lose us some since he got his Hurley all tightened up and it wasn't slapping on the primary drive chain any more. We found this out later on when we were lined up taking a piss at the Mt. Mitchell downstairs bathroom after the ride up. "Did you guys have any problems keeping up with me?" "No, it was a good pace, fast enough to be interesting but slow enough so you could notice the scenery" "Oh" "Yeah, it was good, I had to downshift a few times but no, I was always just back of you." He 'fessed later that he had given it all he had to the point he was breaking his rear tire loose on the straight aways and he was skidding his front tire on the wet pavement on the turns. But it answered his real question -- his 600 pound 1,200 cc Hurley Sportster can eat our cake BAD on any dry pavement straight away where he can get out of second gear into 3rd to run 3rd on up, but below that the Savages rule up in them thar mountains .... .... and in the really curvy mountains, that's about where you stay in 2-3 gear all the time with 4th only on the straightaways. But he since won't do "double the posted speed limit" he loses most of that advantage to a respect for legal speed limits (and fear of a scraped up hide, too). And he has to fight hard to get that 600 lb motorcycle around a tight curve to the point he can lose tire traction way way way before we do. Effectively, his 600 pound 1,200 cc Sportster is a close performance match for a Savage until the curves get really tight, then he loses ground all the way. Which wasn't what he expected to happen at all, so now he plans to do a high performance engine rebuild on his old Savage this upcoming winter and then come springtime he might find a used Sporty adding some good dollar value to his checking account. =================================== Anyhow, we had finally made it to Mt. Mitchell. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00225.JPG Here is the peak of Mt. Mitchell, you can see the sorts of nasty strong winter winds that hit the peak during winter blizzards from the damage the trees take. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00218.JPG Neither Zuk or I wanted to walk the extra 600 vertical feet straight up to the tippy top to see the grave site (I had used all my pain drugs up and Zuk was not getting very much relief from his although he had quite a few left -- so I bummed one of his and took it and it worked just fine for me). http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF001313.JPG Sister peak that is 36 feet shorter than Mt. Mitchell. Still pretty tall and you can see the clouds going through it. While we were up there in the parking lot it actually snowed a few flakes on us while we were going through these clouds -- it was COLD up there to be sure, but I sure didn't expect to see an occasional fat snowflake blowing on by my face. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00204.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00109.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00118.JPG And, here is the proof shot of the intrepid Three Musketeers with Mt. Mitchell snow clouds moving along behind us .... http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00154.JPG We split up from the Mt. Mitchell parking lot with Bigzuk and MMRanch heading towards Tennessee and Oldfeller going the other way towards North Carolina. To prove that he really loves us, the Good Lord God kept us safe the whole trip and He kindly provided us with a last serving of pork chops delivered right up to the mountain top for us to eat on the way back down ..... :D http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00256.JPG Anyhow, we left the Mt. Mitchell parking lot at 4:15 PM and I rolled into my garage at at Fayetteville at 10:45 PM. I was one very tired but quite happy puppy. ;D ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/23/11 at 20:25:01 Friday Report Friday I got up at 11:00 AM feeling wrecked & wretched -- all drugs had worn off in the night and the middle of my feet were swollen and they flat ached from the pounding the foot pegs dealt out to them on the long haul back home. Left hip joint was shot bad, left leg was numb and tingly most of the day before calming down some in the afternoon. Back was talkin' to me too -- all I have to say is Zuk's painkillers were effective as I felt none of this on the way back home, so I am thankful for that too. It rained on and off all day long, so I feel I took the right path by cutting out on Thursday afternoon and getting back on home before the steady rain started. MM and Zuk, how did you do getting back to Zuk's on Thursday night? MM you didn't get rained out on Friday getting home, did you? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 09/24/11 at 08:36:43 Old feller, the pics of where you all rode as well as stayed are very nice. You guys did well for $29.99 per night. Wow that jazuzzi and pool looked inviting.. You guys were very lucky to have the time and weather to enjoy a great time. Sorry to hear your back, hip and foot gave you some problems on the last lag of the trip. I do hope your feeling better now. You did good to get in this ride in the time allowed. Again I will concede only that you win for "your area". We both have beautiful areas to ride and enjoy. It is great we both were able to enjoy some time with other riders and post the pics. Now time to start thinking of next year rides.. No the Dragon does not count. That is a ride you take every or just about every year. The next one has to be a place you have never ridden before.. You have plenty of time to think of it and plan for it.. lol... Oh and you were right, the only thing I would drool over is the critters... The 4 legged ones not the 2 legged ones.. ;D ;D ;D ;D Hugs and again thanks for sharing this with us.. Come out west someday and ride the trails with us..:) kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/25/11 at 00:39:42 OK guys, the cute little girl rode on the back of her Daddy's bike. So we cannot ever win for cute -- the little girl is unbeatable for that. (We is all Daddys and them cute little girls always win in our books) I for one will not take a cute little girl as a rider on the back of my bike on a serious ride up where the air is thin and the road is curvy .... (shudder) Sorry guys, we will always lose because I'm too durn chicken, the thought of doing that last trip with a little girl on the back of somebody's bike jest makes me shiver all cold down my spine. We can win for everything else, but because we cannot carry a little girl into constant mortal danger, we lose. Heck, the cumulothelioma would flat put them in the hospital along with the wind chill and drizzle and such like. Little girls are not built to take such type stuff ... they lack the snips, snails and puppy dog tails for it. Sugar and spice jest melts when the clouds hit it .... :P Hmmmmmmm .... Kinda sounds like a rigged contest to me ?? I mean, we'd have to take a granddaughter with us and we like them too much to ever go do that. (shudder) Can you even IMAGINE the amount of shite you would catch for even mentioning that idea? You'd never survive it. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 09/25/11 at 01:23:06 Old Feller, I was once a lil gal, I would have loved for my father to ride me on the back of his bike. To have those memories and had the chance to gain experience thru him, is something no text book or anyone could teach me. Lil Suzuki Princess is very loved and well taken care of. Her Dad makes sure she is dressed for the weather and has all the gear on as well. She is secured to him and as long as he stays on the bike, so does she. Yes something could happen to her on the bike, then again it could just as easily happen in a cage. What age then do you think a gal should start riding a bike? Why should it be any different for a boy than a gal? kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/25/11 at 01:43:35 Kim, First, I don't think you guys did anything wrong taking your little girl on a nice picnic ride in good weather. Yes, she will always pleasantly remember holding on to her Daddy and looking at all the pretty scenery. What you guys did was very pleasant and safe .... great memories. ================== In stark contrast, if she had been behind me, or Zuk or MM she would have been plumb terrified of what was going on with the engines screaming on downshifts, the grinding of the footpegs, slamming right-left-right on turns where the weeds by the roadside were tapping on her shoulder as she went by, winding up the engine while waiting behind a panel van looking for a section to pass him, grabbing on just as tight as she could while the air was blasting by in the occasional downhill straight sections where we were reaching for 100mph but not looking down to see if we got there ..... really not very pleasant memories for a little girl at all. Being bone little girl tired and still never stopping except to get gas and use the bathroom. The dead animals, the twilight zone ride, the cold, the wet, the mud flying off the tires, the bits of possum guts strung out over the license plate holder. Walking out in the foggy dark to go to the bathroom without a flashlight KNOWING that zombies like that sort of weather .... Our trip would have scarred a little girl for life. (our style little road trips have terrified grown men who didn't really grasp what they were getting into before they went -- ask Southpaw, he can tell you all about it ...) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 09/25/11 at 20:46:18 http://us.f1805.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?clean=0&fid=Inbox&mid=1_8719_AG8Pw0MAAIJ1TnyGBwSID3wnIbk&pid=2&tnef=&prefFilename=22-09-11_080.jpg&redirectURL=http%3A%2F%2Fus.mc1805.mail.yahoo.com%2Fmc%2FshowMessage%3Fcmd%3Ddownload.failure%26fid%3DInbox%26mid%3D1_8719_AG8Pw0MAAIJ1TnyGBwSID3wnIbk%26pid%3D2%26tnef%3D%26prefFilename%3D22-09-11_080.jpg If this works , I'll be supprised ! It should be our cutest member .... No not Zuke .... the little one in the jacket ! If anyone know how to get this picture to come up easier it woin't hurt my feelings any for ya to fix it. Or better yet I can forward the email to ya and you can post it. enjoy The Harley is in my shop waiting for the foot-pegs to get de-burred , and I'm thinking the primary chain has serious injurys. I'll get the cover off sometime and report back. The trip home was overcast and cool , over I 40 where the Custom-Roaderster shines (easying along at 80 and 85 mph , 4.5 gal tank , 55 mpg.). Only took a tank and a half to get home. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/26/11 at 07:10:37 Well, think about it -- for 4 days you did nothing but go from full-on hard acceleration in the lower gears to full-on engine deceleration in the same or a lower gear. You did this thousands and thousands of times .... I can't think of anything that would stress your primary engine to transmission HiVo chain any more than that. You beat your poor Hurley to death trying to keep up with them puny miserable little pittyful grandma sickles ... Your gear oil in that primary case needs to be changed, for sure. If you can get it to quit slapping, go ahead and sell it next spring -- the slapping issue is gonna come back and get right expensive 'cause them primary chains don't come cheap. Me, let me show you the only thing that my Savage desperately required when I returned home -- nothing mechanical mind you (other than a little adder of motor oil in the gearcase) but a desperate need according to my wife none the less !! (my wife mentioned it to me just as soon as she went out into the garage). Complete De-Possumification Pics that follow show the need in increasing order, so you can see the general filth and mentally separate it from the hard wormy possum guts and the dried thick possum yuck .... BEFORE http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000211.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000315.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000510.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000710.JPG The possum guts were a fair amount larger looking when they were still fresh, but they have dried out and shriveled up pretty much into hard wormy looking things in these pics -- still were pretty fragrant though which is why my wife insisted I go give my bike a bath if I was gonna leave it in the garage .... Me, I'd a thought they'd have washed off in all the rain and road spray, so I thought nothing of it until she took me to task over the "bad smell" out in the garage. (I also caught her sniffing & checking out my pants legs on the pants that I wore too -- she wanted to wash them again if they needed it. I think she washed all my trip clothes again, on GP. Turns out my shoes, they really did need it.) AFTER WASHING http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00097.JPG http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF001010.JPG ;D that wuz one heck of a trip, lemme tell ya .... dem durn possums, they pops like water balloons and sprays yuck all over the place when you hit them a going that durn fast !! And here is a set of cute possum, chipmunk, and squirrel pics, so we can get the proper amount of cute credit for what all we ran over while on the trip. http://www.opossumsocietyus.org/opossumphotos/opossum4.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3473562288_969dc6575f_o.jpg http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/004/cache/chipmunk_497_600x450.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by babyhog on 09/26/11 at 10:00:29 I just have to say that although she may not be as pretty as the Suzuki Princess, that little MinPin of Zuk's is totally adorable! Of course, I'm a bit biased as I have a male MinPin that I have had for 12+ years. He's my bestest buddy in the world. And OF - only cuz its a humongous pet peeve of mine, I must point out that the Miniature Pinscher is NOT a Miniature Doberman. Although they look similar, the MinPin was around many years BEFORE the Doberman. Actually, the Doberman was bred with the MinPin in mind, only on a larger scale. MinPin's were known for their fearlessness and loyalty. Awesome dogs. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/26/11 at 10:08:16 Actually, Zuk gave me the exact same lecture and even told me the breeds that were crossed to get the minpin -- I told him it looked like a minature dobie and when alerted it acted like a miniature dobie, so I would continue to think about it as a miniature dobie. But it was shocking/amazing to find the little girl instantly all the way up standing on my shoulder blades licking out my ear with its little stub tail jest a wagging .... she had hit first on my butt and had boosted herself on up the rest of the way with a quick scrabble. Climbed me like a tree she did. The Dobie-ism thing also served to remind myself to treat the little girl well, or it might jest jump up there with another purpose in mind and I'm not sure you would be fast enough to stop her from sinking those not so small fangs into your jugular .... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 09/27/11 at 05:25:18 Oldfeller, thanks for the great report on the trip! A vicarious vacation for me! ;) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by kimchris1 on 09/28/11 at 16:44:26 Oldfeller, pics from National Geographic don't count. ;) I am sure your wife wanted to scrub you down with tomato juice and probably should have.. ;D ;D Tell her to add vinegar to the wash, it cuts the odors and actually helps lifts the stains as well... Again your ride and report was great. Your an awesome reporter.. Kudos for that. I really enjoyed reading all about the adventure you guys had. It is nice that your all able to do that. Take care, hugs :) kim |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/29/11 at 05:33:15 National Geographic was the only one with a pre-flattened but totally bloodless semi-cute squirrel that I could find. The real flattened squirrels, balled up chipmunks and exploded possums aren't so cute looking (or smelling) .... Funny you should mention the skunk treatments, my pants are back in the washer again because they were "stinking up the closet" ..... I never smelled them, even when I wuz wearing them, but all women know that men have no sense of smell compared to a woman's -- and this is true thing I guess. Mebbe the skunk is in her mind -- since we never saw or ran over any skunks. Possum, skunk, same thing to some women -- evil smelling critter type thang that has clothes cooties all over it .... ::) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 09/29/11 at 19:54:13 MMR, Can you get this pic of Sassy on here? I would like to see it, but don't want to get set up with Yahoo just for that. Glad to see your Hardly get you home ok :) Thanks, Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/29/11 at 20:23:43 BigZuk, if you can attach it to a PM to me I can get it posted. MM has some access issues getting stuff up on the net. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Blvd1960 on 09/30/11 at 08:08:43 OF, TG here, new to the site. Can you give your thinking about windshields, I noticed you ride at good speeds but don't have one on your Savage. Thanks |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 09/30/11 at 13:19:31 I had a windshield on on my touring bike, but I sold it. This isn't touring .... we hunt down the nastiest roads on the East Coast and then run over whatever we find there on two wheels, 4 wheels (or 4 paws as the case may be). MMRanch has a windshield on his Sportster and he had on on his Savage at one point in time, BigZuk had a windshield on his Savage too -- ask them about it. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 10/03/11 at 08:34:16 I started with the " Memphis shield" stuff, and now have 3 of them all different sizes for different weather conditions. They switch SUPPER EASY , also the "no shield" option is just as easy. Look on ebay... sometimes the prices are just as easy as the shield are. My Savage set=up gets along with a 17" high shield just right, but standard shocks might get along with a 15" . ???? I'm 5'11" , 12" shocks and a Harley soft-tail seat(wide and comfey). 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by SuperSavage on 10/03/11 at 23:17:18 Anyone interested in Going to Americade in 2012, in Lake George, NY? There are some great mountain roads up in the Adirondacks, perfect for a squadron of Savages/s40s flying a series of sorties around the lake and up in the mountains. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Blvd1960 on 10/04/11 at 16:14:47 514351434E5D525F541C0 wrote:
OK, gonna check it out. Thanks, MM |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 10/08/11 at 13:16:48 Well guys I found out what the Harleys malfunction was. The drive sprocket for the primary chain had worked loose. At idle it was making a heack of a racket by time I got home. It seemed like as long as I kept the presure on the drive-line it was quiet. So I crused at 85 on the interstate as much as I could. I just put some "Med" locktight on it and torked it up to 110 lbs. (7/8" fine thread). After thinking about the noise part .... it been a little loose as long as I've had it. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 10/08/11 at 13:40:32 SuperSavage I just looked-up the " Americade" . It looks like a fun event. I'm not sure I could aford the motel rates. but I'm ready for a replacement for the Dragon every year , its a great place but we've been there and done that. I'm good with a camp ground to save $$$ and the time frame is about perfect. If we can fine a afordable place to stay , I'd like it. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 10/08/11 at 18:29:11 +1 on the summer Dragon run sorta getting to be like a "well done" burger to me. Smaller, more specific more adventurous runs with fewer people tend to be more fun anyway. Riding in a line with a "line Captain" and having lots of rools to follow would give me the pip, I think. MMRanch can't even do it any more -- he gets throttleitus and rips up the line and says "got a call, gotta go !!" and whumppppp he's over the horizon. And that's on his Hurley too. Plus, they would all be slow fat Hurlies with pork chops a hanging off on every side, and I ride a certified "bad to the bone" pork chop eating Savage. Me, I'd wait until they were deep deep in the double yellow line curlies and rip them off by the 2-3 at a lick plus whatever panel vans and cars were interspersed into the traffic. :) ..... the look of absolute shock & terror on shotgun momma's face is too too precious as they get passed to the inside when they are "cranked over all the way" and going "as fast as you can possibly go" and are waggling all fat in the turns from all the G forces being generated by nearly a ton of Hurley power. Wuuppppp !!! Timing, week after Labor day is jest about perfect for temperature and leaf drop. We actually were a week or so too deep into leaf season this year as we had leaves on the road (which for us Rumpelstiltskin types is a bad thing as we go around corners way to fast and when you hit a leaf you slip over 3-4 inches on that tire instantly). |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 10/09/11 at 06:46:02 If anyone has any rides planned for late feb. or early mar. let me know. I'm thinking about maybe taking a week off around then and wouldn't mind going someplace where I can ride(obviously way south). AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 10/10/11 at 20:21:01 OldFeller your right , I can't stay behind a "ride captain" unless its one I'm doing good to keep-up with. I got some of the local CMA members to draging pegs on a trip to "Fall Creek Falls" state park (TN). Well the ride captain was poking along I was #3 in line. So on the straits I'd drop back and catch-em on the turns. The riders behind tried to do the same . Most of the time I could hear Floorboard scrapping and brakes a squeeling behind me. Well it was OK execpt if there were two curves in a roll I'd end up braking in the second one due to rider #2 By the end of the ride about half of em were Smilling :) and the rest looked kinda like >:( . The ride captain was on 2002 Sportster 1200 and had no excuse :-/ , but I felt like ;D at the bunch of em. Nothing personal agains em but I need a funner bunch of riders ... So I'll be looking for a neet place for us to ride next year. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 10/11/11 at 11:02:57 It sure is nice to ride without pain again. I need to spend more time riding...being broken really eats up the riding season. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 10/11/11 at 11:14:13 Lancer, are you gonna be up for a small group ride sorta on the lines of what you, me and MM did last year? We need to try to get BigZuk to come out and play again, I needs my yearly Mountain Rider refresher course, I do. We've upgraded from jest killing us some Hurleys to smacking us some fast moving road critters, so be prepared for that little change up in theme. Life can be tough when you is going out hunting squirrels and possums wid a motorcycle. We also go "anywhere" and we like to change up the scenery every day. |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 10/11/11 at 14:52:21 what time frame ya lookin at ? Im in Sacramento getting ready to get hitched again. yep Will be home about mid Nov |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 10/11/11 at 16:19:14 Well Congraulations Lancer and the soon to be Miss' Please tell me she's a rider ! Mine still shows no-intent .... not even on the Suzzie 125 "N" modle, cuite little street bike. Its almost a bicycle w/a/motor. The Heavy Cruser makes her smile long as the trip isn't over a hour at a time. I'm going to have to change my name to something unsavorie if I take another trip this year. A day ride would be truble free so ya'll make your way west toward TN. so I can meet-up for lunch kinda thing. My Savage still has "Piston Slap" up past 3000 when I make it pull. Plan is to put a new piston in this winter, and do something about that oil leak in the head area. Whats her name Lancer ? |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 10/12/11 at 12:21:36 Sounds like a life changing event there Lancer -- congrats on finding a female better half. Are you gonna stay in SC or move on up north? Me, I believe in marriage, can't imagine not being that way. =========== Trip, next spring or next fall, small sized -- meet somewhere with some good roads and go do 'em. No more than 4 people, most likely -- and one of those will have a last minute issue and not be able to come (you know the drill, it isn't like it hasn't always happened that way each time we try to do these things). Must admit, the Hotwire thing has opened up a whole lot of territory we have never considered before. Also, it seems you get better hotel rates ($29) at the very large tourist spots (lots of underutilized competing hotels in the area). Case in point -- you can stay at Gatlinburg (2 people in a room) with beds, bathroom, TV, pool, breakfast and all for LESS MONEY than splitting a cabin at that MC place we stayed at. About half as much $$, as a matter of fact. Or, we could swing further north into the Ski Slopes of the East Coast zone which supposedly has some good roads up there that we haven't ever ridden. This would be around Banner Elk and Boone general area. BigZuk, MM, when does spring time finally get to warming up good in the mountains ?? I mean 50s at night and at least 75 in the days? I googled the question and got lead to the month of May with early May being a bit colder and middle May getting up pretty much in the ball park. Late May sound good to any of you guys? The main Dragon run will likely take place anyway -- lots of people still like that Dragon breakfast too much to give it up. The alternative is a fall trip the week after Labor Day ... |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 10/12/11 at 12:44:36 I'm thinking that I could do 2 trips down south next year. So maybe I'll do the spring(may) ride and then the fall ride. Although I do like the dragon group that was there this year. I liked the dragon group EVERY year that I've gone but this year we seemed to do alot more riding than in previous years. I'm up for almost anything so keep me(everyone) posted. AL |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 10/27/11 at 10:21:41 MM has already admitted he can't stand playing "follow the leader" very much unless the leader is making a pretty good pace. He has been affected by our little road trips to some degree. Me, I just passed 2 consecutive 16 wheelers (32 wheels end to end) in a 45 mph turn zone with traffic coming both ways. Have any of the rest of you Dragon boys noted any other lasting effects from our little jaunts? ::) |
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Title: Re: 2011 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 10/28/11 at 18:57:00 o-YEA OldFeller your a bad influnce on anybodys habbits but a good influnce on riding ability. Mabby you've seen one to many epesoides of "Dukes of Hassard" ... You ain't originally from Kentucky are ya ? Al by time spring gets here I'm sure I'll be praying for perty weather and itching for a ride. I even had the thought about seeing the country from your neighborohood. That brings up the question .... How understanding are the Troopers in your area about the OldFeller types ? ;D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/23/12 at 02:03:55 It is 2012, and the world is supposed to end at Christmas time this year. Do we still have one more group ride in us? This would be ride #6, or #7 if you counted all of them -- or Dragon Ride #5 if you just counted the ones were the group stayed at the Dragon Lodge. Last year we took a format of one relatively more normal Dragon Lodge ride, followed by an expert ride where only the absolute crazy people went. I stayed away from the normal people group (which I have been doing for the last 2 summers by either coming early and leaving early, etc). This has been intentional as I found out that oil and water don't mix very well, and I find myself putting normal riders at risk unnecessarily. Even the very good normal riders. I admit, I have become partially crazy and only see opportunity when I see traffic stacked up in front. The risks I will take shock me, looking back at them. On this last trip, we were running down wildlife as a fairly common occurrence, slipping our tires in turns and riding crazy in the rain with Fall leaves on the road fer crying out loud. As a ride, it was the best one ever because we went on a path that covered EVERY ONE of the A+ roads in Tennessee and NC. There was no base camp, we rolled from town to town to town as we went to A+ roads to A+ roads. It was a constant rush of a ride. I learned something during the trip -- I am getting too old. My body simply can't cash the checks my mind can write. My Savage riding friends are getting old too (although BigZuk can still wax my butt at will -- He is still the best rider of the lot of us). BigZuk and I were both on our pain pills during the end of the ride and I will state for the record he has far more powerful meds that he takes than I do. His pain is greater .... (his meds made my trip back home quite nice, BTW as I ran out of mine and he shared some with me) What does this mean for Dragon Run 2012? I propose a more standard Dragon run for those who want to ride with a better degree of safety. If any of the crazy people come, it will be BigZuk and/or MMRanch on his newly hopped up Savage and they can play leader of the pack. MMRanch is sociable, and he is always up for a road trip, plus he can be rational as he has this philosophy of never going over twice the posted speed limit and he is afraid of cops to a degree I don't seem to have in me any more. He is much much safer to be around. What would be a nice trip path? We have been everywhere except the Boone ski resort areas and I really don't think the roads are gonna be a great improvement over what we have already ridden. Thoughts? What would you like to see as a group ride this summer? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/23/12 at 13:31:58 I think I'll be able to go at any time. I just need a few weeks notice to plan the time off at work. It would work better for me if we have a base camp because of needing a place to leave the truck. I don't mind staying at the dragon but I'm up for anything. Looking forward to hitting the road. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/23/12 at 13:32:41 I like using the Dragon-otel as a base. It is easy to work from; cheap when sharing sleeping space; has food, kitchens, gas, laundry and plenty of other helpful bikers if needed. Gathering around the fire in the evening for adult beverages and meat while planning out the next days ride with whoever wants to go on the same type of ride is nice too. It is practical. I'm certainly open to other areas though if anyone has recent direct experience with another place. I do prefer a base camp though, so I don't have to haul stuff around every day when riding. Just a few thoughts of the top. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/23/12 at 22:11:05 Sounds like the preference so far is for a standard Dragon week event. Let's see, the "standard week" is the week before the week of the 4th of July, so that would be Sunday June 24th through Sunday July 1st. Last time the group got whammied out of the 4-6 person rooms completely because we booked late. So if we want a 4-6 person room, we had better start churning the fine details like arrival dates and starting to count down the people on a room. How many days total this time? Want to go early in the week before, or wait later on in the week (closer to the 4th)? We have done this enough for you guys to have some preferences, I think, so lay it on out the way you want to see it happen. Which Days? speaky speaky --- don't be squeaky !! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/24/12 at 03:27:22 I think it works best for me if I arrive on a Wed. mid-day,then leave on Sun am. That gives me a day of riding in Shenendoah National Park on the way down there. I enjoy Skyline Drive, so I'll probably do it again this year. I can change these plans at any time, so keep the ideas coming. I can do the large apartment or the smaller room, doesn't matter to me. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 01/24/12 at 05:09:26 I like "launching" from Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. From there we can design our own rides to any number of places. As for time, the tradition seems to be the week before Independence Day. I'm probably good for Wednesday until Saturday or Sunday. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/24/12 at 12:05:19 That's two ringing in for Wednesday, June 27 arrival time, depart time Saturday/Sunday, June 30th or July 1st. Anybody else? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 01/24/12 at 13:40:55 no can do this year |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/24/12 at 15:15:04 243720213E3335373C63520 wrote:
Bummer dude ! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/25/12 at 12:54:51 MM and Lancer, you gonna declare for the trip? If you do, that's one big end room full enough for a deposit. And since it is just the same old repeat criminals who know what they are doing, I will feel safe enough to come myself. If I haven't killed you in 6 years, your odds of surviving are "good enough" fer me. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/25/12 at 14:37:44 7B5850525158585146340 wrote:
If I didn't feel safe, I wouldn't have gone back year after year. And if I don't feel like keeping up with you maniacs, I'll just fall back and see you back at the base camp. But it hasn't been a problem for me yet. I didn't think I was gonna get much riding in the year that my baffle blew out. My bike was kinda loud and shooting little pieces of metal at anyone riding behind me. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/25/12 at 15:37:57 597A7270737A7A7364160 wrote:
DECLARED |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 01/25/12 at 15:47:12 Can I come too...I mean after last years no-event for me...I really do need a ride...and yes, I'm bringin' the Kawachukie! silly rabbit, you don't even need to ask -- tricks are always for toymakers |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/25/12 at 17:19:07 Let's see ..... AlfromNH Serenity Oldfeller Lancer Toymaker MMRanch? BigZuk? That is one large end room slam full already. I will get in contact with the Dragon lodge folks and ring us down for Weds night -- through Saturday night. Other than riding around the area, anybody got any "wanna go" places or mebbe a "wanna do" thing or two? Within a normal big sweep day, we go out past Asheville and back with no real trouble. Dollywood, Gatlinburg, the Knife place -- all are easy do in a full day. Never went as far as Boone before though... ;) Let's hear some suggestions for the triperoonies Heck, if you are nice MM might show you his favorite squirrel hunting road on the way to No Where. We'll already be going on my favorite possum road anyway, it is Fontana Dam road and it's a doozie for getting you a big 'ol rat tailed road bump or mebbe even a lacksadasical Ducati or two. ;D ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/25/12 at 21:24:00 14373F3D3E37373E295B0 wrote:
We went to Boone before...spent the night there in a campground. Also spent the night in a motorcycle campground too. Little tiny cabin. We bunked together at that place. Had a nice pond. Parked the truck out by the road. We were running black lines for 3 days straight that year. At least it seemed like 3 days. Or maybe just 2; but it sure was fun. Book the room for Monday to Monday; I'm coming early and staying late. Yee-Haa |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/25/12 at 21:42:24 Lancer, if you want to go Monday to Monday you need to put the reservation into your name as you will get there first. I won't be there that early as I can't take more than about 2-3 days of hard riding before my body starts to quit on me. Or, if you want to go do the serious black lining before the rest of the less crazy folks get there, I'll come on Monday with you and leave on Friday. Either way is good, just needs to be spelled out. ============== I still think there needs to be a little separation of "intensity" or you won't get anybody normal to come for the main Dragon section. I think Serenity, Rocket Phil, and whoever the Dragon newbies might be need to have some days that they feel comfortable with. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/26/12 at 04:30:36 4B6860626168686176040 wrote:
Okie dokie dude...I'll call and make the res. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/26/12 at 07:13:25 Reservations for large room made for Monday June 25, checkin at 3 pm, through Monday morning July 1, with checkout at 11 am. This was the last large room for these dates so we just did get in on time. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/26/12 at 08:23:39 That's great Lancer, now when do you plan to go do the heavy duty black lining? Early or late? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/26/12 at 09:14:05 47646C6E6D64646D7A080 wrote:
Keep in mind that I've ridden very little since the accident last year. I was wearing a body brace still when I road the mountains...VERY CAREFULLY. I anticipate I will be back on a learning curve when first arriving unless I can get up in the area and practice some. I figure I'll be in the 1/2 - 3/4 range at the get go. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/26/12 at 10:23:02 YeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaa ;D I'm good with a room or tent . I can leave here Wensday morning and leave Dragon area Sunday morning. Anybody else interested in spliting a room ... pair of bunks and one full. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/26/12 at 16:07:52 enthusiastic, ain't he |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/26/12 at 16:30:28 657765777A69666B60280 wrote:
Mike, how about Kent? He always seems to have a good time. Kel hasn't spoken up yet either. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/26/12 at 17:58:44 Neither has BigZuk PM yer buds and remind them to roll call. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 01/26/12 at 19:14:37 Yep, any and all days I can get someone to ride with. Any roads any time. Oh, tent for me. Just tell me when and where. This weekend too soon? Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/26/12 at 20:21:16 Zuk, you are the Master of Roads hither and yon up in that general area. Between you and Lancer and a topgraphical map we are expecting some EXCELLENT road trips up places that ain't got no names and mebbe back down the backsides of them same mountains if the road goes thru that is. (some of our best rides have been like that --- visit the rich people up on the crest line of the mountain and ride the dirt road down the back side of the mountain down to where the 'po folks live) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/26/12 at 22:10:14 I like the rich folks pavement better that the poor mans gravel but it sure was FUN ! That River Road has stuck in my memory as good times. Both of them : 1 the one ToyMaker took us too 2 the one that was gravel and beat Lancer up last year it seemed to go on forever ! That remines me I'm bring "EXTRA GAS" on the Day Rides this time. ;) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/27/12 at 09:45:03 Well, for early planning we got it sussed about as good as you can do this far out. We have a date span of Monday June 25, checkin at 3 pm, through Monday morning July 1 with one large end room reserved by Lancer. We have intent shown by enough people to fill that room up, some arriving at different times. The various boyo's have pm'd me about what their poor old bodies can do and what their nerves can handle, so this trip will be us going around to interesting places at no more that 9 over the posted speed limit, or thereabouts. Nothing wide open "rip up them two hurleys and leave them dragging on their undersides" on this here little trip. No playing dodge the cars oncoming, no playing "pass them in the tunnel". No killing the little roadside animals because they can't get out of the way fast enough. Now all the casual readers discount all this stuff as fluff & nonsense -- but then again, some others were there as witnesses. And all of us will be there again, now won't we? .... jest older and feebler, with joints that tell us NO !! all the time now. We are too old to get that durn feisty any more. Remember that. ;D hee hee |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Savage_Rob on 01/27/12 at 09:53:58 I've never been though I hope to someday. I hope somebody takes some good pics or maybe even some video. In any case, y'all enjoy the scenery and the camaraderie. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/27/12 at 10:11:04 Sad thing is that unless there is an east coast west coast best trip contest like there was last year, nobody generally bothers to take any detailed type pictures at all. Busy riding .... Last year we tried the pic thing, but got skunked out on the cute meter and simply never could recover from the skunking by rippin' or roaring nor anything else that we did. Not even by going out at 3:30 AM in zombie weather without a flash light .... ;) Rob, get up with Verslagen and see how he makes it over about every 2-3rd year to ride the ride. He uses an jet to do it ... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Savage_Rob on 01/27/12 at 10:33:29 I'm leaning toward trying to maybe make it to a Talimena trip one fall soon. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/27/12 at 13:50:18 4072657274764C417C71130 wrote:
Dallas isn't but a measly 1000 miles. You can get to my place in a GOOOOD day. :D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/27/12 at 16:21:37 1,000 miles/85 mph = 12 hours with four brief pit stops Sheesh -- be merciful, give the man a couple of days each way. Time to sleep, time to eat, some occasional time to separate his underwear from his fundament. Rob, you need to team up with somebody that has a truck, put the bikes in the back and take turns driving. That way you can bop it on through straight and still be in riding shape when you get here. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 01/27/12 at 20:11:51 Come on Rob; be a man; DO IT ! 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by thumperclone on 01/28/12 at 09:44:46 ride suggestion ruby falls nc up by grandfather mountain theres on on 7 devils road (105) grandfather trout farm also theres a fish farm there on the hwy LARGE hybryd trout the have gear for rent or you can order what you want..they even smoke if you want.. when filet theyre like salmon yummy question becomes, can you hook us up with your grandfather for some sure fire trout fishing? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Savage_Rob on 01/28/12 at 13:53:45 7D707F7274632326110 wrote:
LOL! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/28/12 at 14:44:43 14263126202218152825470 wrote:
LOL![/quote] I do the 1,100 mile trip (each way) every year. I love road trips. :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/28/12 at 18:37:23 Wow Al That's a lot of miles ,,, Mines only 300 or so ! Heck -- Let's All go this year and dominate the place ! Rob I live in southern middle TN. (Lynchburg) 3 hours east of Memphis. You can camp in our spare room on the way there and make a two day ride out of it ! Offer goes to anyone else heading east early that week. Might even build a fire in the fire pit and throw something on the grill !!!! :D SouthPaw I've got a new Guitar in the house You ain't never played befor !!! :o |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/29/12 at 00:54:46 OK, Rob -- the ball buster ride is down to ~800 miles on the first day, stay with MM, then an easy 300 miles to make it to the Dragon hotel, then another rest/sleep before riding. It wouldn't be a bed of roses to do, but it would work out if you really wanted to come. If you can spot a ride buddy and a bike carrying truck, as Al and Lancer can tell you that is the very best way to come. Riding in the truck is much much easier on the old body. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/29/12 at 09:25:55 Amusing list for us to make -- list your bike repairs that were required due to Dragon-itus. I'll start. I had a worn out inner tube (tire was OK, both rim strip and tube had worn through on a rust lump) two years ago. I had to "depossumify" my bike upon returning last year (wife said it smelled bad sitting in the garage). |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 01/29/12 at 10:50:03 After my road slide 2 years ago, I had several repairs done...all cosmetic...but there were lots of new parts. List is too long...I am eager to ride the dragon again...for REVENGE! T :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/29/12 at 12:29:30 For me? The only mods I did for the dragon was to add a camera mount for the videos. I might add some kind of cup holder to carry a bottle of water. Last year I had one wedged in behind the windshield and it fell out while riding. I think kent was following me and had to dodge it. Maybe some new pegs too. I did the verslavy over the winter so that shouldn't be a problem. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 01/29/12 at 12:42:26 536F6253687E6A666C6275070 wrote:
Lets not add any new decorations to the tree of shame okay? Toymaker gets bit 6/26/2010 http://p1.bikepics.com/2012/01/29/bikepics-2339651-800.jpg http://p1.bikepics.com/2012/01/29/bikepics-2339653-800.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Savage_Rob on 01/29/12 at 14:53:16 Honestly, my misgivings are both from the financial aspect and the likelihood that I will be able to take the time off. At this point, while I won't say it's impossible, I don't think it's very likely. MMRanch, I very sincerely appreciate the offer and if I am able to manage the trip, I will likely take you up on it. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/29/12 at 19:52:41 Come on over anytime I'd like to have somebody to ride over there with . SouthPaw ain't it about time you tried it again ? It was that "TALL" bag making you top heavy last time I think. I probley woin't keep up with OldFeller this year either .... Just doin't slow-down for the coners will be fun enough !!!!! Kinda hair-raising going into them but sure is fun comming out. :D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 01/30/12 at 02:29:53 I might not be able to keep up with him either, I'm getting too old and creaky to try to go that fast "jest fer the fun of it". The aftermath on the body isn't that much fun any more. :-/ Geriatrics club meeting, Dragon Lodge, last week of June ..... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 01/30/12 at 05:55:50 Geriatrics club meeting, Dragon Lodge, last week of June ..... You guys thought I was so fast around the twisty roads around here, now your finding the truth....at my age I'm just in a hurry to find the next pee stop ::) Now yall can understand my thought on turning my Savage into a trike so getting on and off won"t hurt so much ;D Count me in for this club meeting. Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 01/30/12 at 19:29:09 Al it will be to soon for Kent to make a commitment. He works for the public as jobs come up. Do ya'll think he's old enough? I'll tell em he can come along. .... If he can keep up with the old - fellers . ;D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/01/12 at 19:50:32 Tell him it's easy to keep up with them -- they make a beeline to the next bathroom. Luuuuuv them pit stops, they do .... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 02/04/12 at 04:34:00 Hey all, Just heard from Kel...he sold his savage...so I don't think he'll be coming. T |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/07/12 at 21:07:51 OK, reading several active threads in different places and putting them together ---- Motobudda is about ready to debuit his RYCA and we might talk him into coming to the Dragon if we try a little bit. Lancer is trying to fix REX (electrical grimlins) MMRanch is putting his cammed big piston bike back together FUN on the Dragon this summer |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 02/08/12 at 04:00:31 YEEEEEEEE HAWWWWWW |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/11/12 at 19:54:08 What if ???? We gona use Dragon central as a base camp ? If each of us planed a "Day-Ride" , What are chances of two of us planning the same ride ? We've always had good rides in the past , and some of the best have been "Wonder where this goes?"---Like that hwy.80 thing was that a neat supprise or what ! Also that road that turned gravel and went on along beside the river (for-ever) , if we end up on some of them (I'd rather have pavement) but those are OK too ! Anybody else thought along those lines yet ? :D Anybody ever been to "CowCampRidge" around "SaltSpringsMountain" ? :-? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/12/12 at 15:24:42 This is the same crew that has already been on them unexpected dirt road jaunts before, eaten them high flying lawnmower grass discharge flows and ridden over the little surprised forest friends in their squeaking splatting little multiples. We knows what we is signing up fer. Everybody else has read about it fer years now, so it isn't a surprise to anybody. Only requirement is everybody MUST PACK a real NC & Tennessee road map in their saddle bags in case of separation anxiety (so you can make it back to the Gap Hotel at night). I get anxious sometimes, when I wait for an hour and nobody makes it to the logical next gas station stop at the end of the Skyway --- I have ridden back up the road over 1/4 way expecting to see some parked bikes by an overview type outside turn with all the people missing "gone off down the hill" a lookin'. I do get anxious sometimes ..... Lancer knows what I mean -- he had to come back once "trying to find everybody" only to find " one bike sideways on the grass" with strange bystanders stopped and gathered around it with his people laying out on the grass (the visual puckered him up pretty good I suspect). We wuz all napping, waiting fer the epoxy to come back with Toymaker. Toymaker's been there, Lancer's been there, BigZuk and MM and Oldfeller have observed and band-aided and epoxied up the various splits and cracks as needed so we have been there. We all tend to make it through well enough despite blown tires and all sorts of stuff. ============== We has all been there and done that -- the Dragon trip is still too much fun to resist. Given a whole week to work with, I think we can get into all sorts of trouble jest going at it one day at a time all civilized like. I do see one real mebbe possible sort of problem for Bigzuk -- he still looks a lot like me. ;D .... honest Officer, my bike is painted yellow and always has been. I dunno who that old silver granny biker wuz, honest. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 02/14/12 at 18:13:27 Oldfeller, I gots me a brand new GPS up on the handlebars now to go with them Tn/NC maps! And only real slow Honda goldwing riders are color blind when them Suki Savages flash by between them and them double yeller lines :) Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/14/12 at 21:15:57 Does this mean you get to regale us at dinner about exactly what max speed we actually reached doing down the long down hill sweeper into Dead Man's Holler? "Ain't no freekin' way I was going over 70mph down that downhill sweeper turn !!!" Kel, upon gettin' his groove speed cherry busted 2 years ago by BigZuk's equipment .... :D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 02/15/12 at 05:27:43 Does this new fangled thing give us a second by second tracking feature to see what we were doing when, as we hurtle down...around...down shift...up...back...brake...throttle up and shift again ?? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/15/12 at 09:01:17 Lancer Do you mean like : "Leave a record of the JET trail" ? If its that complacated I'll glad BigZuk is opperating it ! How about it BigZuk : " How fancy is it ? " :-? Hay !!! That thing could help us get out of "CowCampRidge" alive !!! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 02/16/12 at 03:45:20 67756775786B6469622A0 wrote:
The old tried and true way is to get a big ball of string, tie it to a tree and let it roll out as we go. Then we can find our way home. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/16/12 at 06:57:23 I thought the goal was to get so lost you found yourself noticing the young sirens skinny dipping over there on the rocky creek bank .... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/16/12 at 08:36:45 OldFeller Those Sirens will turn you into a toad, and justleey so (ain't no telling what you be thinking)! But if you put together a day-ride with a SIRENS stop along the way I'll put you in a box so you doin't get lost and try to keep you from getting squeezed to hard . ;D But by the same token we have to partake of any Babtistisms we just have to come accross ! ;) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/16/12 at 08:58:55 Yeah !!! Baptise me, baby !!! http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/8355613/Crazy+Frog+frog.jpg It will be so hot we'll all line up for the chunky dunk'n jest to get cooled off good. Plus, there isn't any biblical restriction to the number of times you can get baptized, likely we all need rededication at least once every new century. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 02/16/12 at 19:52:12 7B76797472652520170 wrote:
No, it just gives max speed. But the kool button is when we don't know how the heck to get back to Deals Gap or whatever basecamp, Jill will show us the way! 8-) 8-) Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 02/17/12 at 02:00:58 Who the heck is Jill?...does this mean we done got wimin comin' on this here trip? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 02/17/12 at 09:22:21 Jill is the sexy voice on the GPS Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/17/12 at 22:08:17 Well just keep Jill wiped off good and we'll overlook the whole thing ! But you'll have to be Jill's sole operator after this ! ;D sorry couldn't help it ! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 02/18/12 at 03:44:44 I know I won't be fondling Jill...oh...I mean handling...err...touching her "buttons." :> |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 02/18/12 at 08:12:28 063A37063D2B3F33393720520 wrote:
But will you be WANTING to ? Hmmm ? ? ? ::) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/18/12 at 16:36:03 Don't want to be seeing no little lit screens shining softly off under the covers in the bunk room -- don't want to hear any soft female voices saying ... "left.. now left again ... ... now right .... now right again ... ... now speed up and go around in tight circles until you reach my destination" |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Savage_Rob on 02/18/12 at 22:17:33 61424A484B42424B5C2E0 wrote:
LOL! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/18/12 at 22:45:15 Rob, the bike riding is fun and the people make it funner .... find you a pick up truck and a trip buddy and make plans to come. Splitting the gas and the driving two ways makes it real easy to do and not all that expensive. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Savage_Rob on 02/18/12 at 23:19:41 It's more a matter of time... between work and family I manage to have some difficulty finding much available time. I'm not complaining though. I am thankful I have a decent job and nothing is more important to me than family. In all honesty, if I were to make it, I think I'd ride there. I've ridden almost exclusively solo (occasionally with one or two friends, but that's about it) and would really enjoy the trip itself. I haven't ruled anything out yet but at this point it's not likely. I think it's more likely I might make the FSSNOC ThumperCafe in October. I read it's slated for Northern Louisiana but I didn't see anything more specific than that yet. I haven't managed to make one of those yet either. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 02/20/12 at 11:23:00 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K16YnmJN0fc&feature=player_embedded |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/21/12 at 06:01:36 Looking at the vidios of those 18 wheelers on the Dragon ... Thinking how fast we have came around some of those "BLIND" corners , gives me cold chills ! We really need to be more carefull . Normally I drive with-in my visionally Stopping distance. But I tend to forget about "Normal" in the excitement .... I guess one could say "SPELL-BOUND" by the Dragon ! :P |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 02/21/12 at 07:54:49 Trucks are no longer allowed on the NC side of the line on the Dragon, and the folks who live there are working on making the TN side the same. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/21/12 at 19:57:10 I'll quit having that nighmare !!! I hope !!!! Still going faster than visual stopping distance ain't smart , I'll try to remember more often. Day rides , Anybody have any "Want to go" places I've never been to Cow-Camp-Ridge (TN. east of Dragon 30+- Miles) , and not sure its a good place to go either . :-? Catchey name cought my eye ! ::) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/21/12 at 22:38:15 Well, there is something there all right .... http://www.isc.ac.uk/cgi-bin/stations?stacode=CCRT Now why the heck do the Brits of all people list a seismograph station in the middle of the Tennessee mountains? That's sorta odd to me. This little tidbit of data leads you to this one on a subsequent search .... http://www.wesjones.com/death.htm Well, hells bells -- they are monitoring a huge controversial strip mine to make sure the big ammonium nitride mountain top removing type detonations have really stopped for "permanent". ;D ;D ;D ;D We can go ride around a big flat denuded dirt spot where a forest and a mountain range used to be .... .... or get gloriously lost trying to find it .... ;) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/22/12 at 07:50:50 Just remember! Its not the desationation , Its the TRIP The little black twistie map lines in that area are the real draw ! ;) Thank goodness for Jill ::) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/22/12 at 08:48:56 Johnson City’s Southern Dozen Came accross this on Crusier post here in Cafe: AnyOne rode all 12 ? could make a full week fitting all 12 of em end ! :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/24/12 at 08:19:35 Introducing Bill Young, our age group, rides a Honda 550 straight 4 that he has refurbed from various sources. He has planned to come Dragoning with us 2 years ago but wasn't able to make it due to circumstances cropping up. Bill is of a type to fit in just fine with the group. His 550 makes more hp that we do, so he should have no trouble keeping up equipment-wise. His problem may be handling more than raw power, as has been the problem with the Sportsters and BMWs in years past. Bill tools it around pretty good, but it is a vintage straight four with vintage Honda handling. I will encourage Bill to log on and chat some on the thread as we need to start an occasional roll call up as we are 3-4 months out. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/24/12 at 20:25:14 Come-on-Bill You may not be the only Honda to show ! I have a brother thats in love with his V-65 and has been for a long time , it does keep-up on the straits but not the twisties. No there ain't nothing wrong with it . Be advised I tore-up my sportster trying to keep-up with these guys last summer ! Not that they are a illresponable bunch but Harleys are no match for SAVAGES . |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/25/12 at 23:29:24 That was a declared nasty black line ride of some consequence, with experts only attending. It was a tough mother of a ride, it was. Beat my poor old body badly, it did. This Dragon is a lighter duty ride, with civilians coming and all. You me and a few others may get way out ahead and let rip a little but I doubt we'll be killing the bikes or the bikers all that much generally. By the same token, we will post the standard "bike maintenance alerts" the month prior to the ride to get folks to sort out their bald tires and worn out brake pads (which we have seen in years past on civilian rides). |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 02/26/12 at 16:31:06 1C0E1C0E03101F1219510 wrote:
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/26/12 at 18:34:12 Aaaaaaaaa Yea Zuk that would be the same ride alright ! Seems like them Harleys doin't like going from 2000 to 4000 up and down , repeattly. The Drive sprocket on the primary worked loose to the point of wearing out the teeth on the crankshaft. There ain't no taper to tighten up on . By time I got it fixed , I was ready to get rid of it. I traded it off last Saturday ! Well : my first experence with a Harley my be my last ! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 02/26/12 at 21:01:33 Wow, sorry to hear that. My bad I didn't mean to kill your hog :o Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 02/27/12 at 10:51:46 hee hee ;D He did it on the road to Mt. Mitchell -- remember when he tried to lose us? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 02/28/12 at 07:15:57 Zuk Your a Hog KILLER , and OldFeller your just plain Sadistict ! But ya'll all ready knew that ,,, ;D. Yea , Wifes car has been showing some signs of high millage , so I went ahead and got another car , so she woin't be Car-Less while I patch the ole one . Meanwhile I'll get 40+ MPG on rainny days. My truck only get 20-22 . |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Tonydtiger1971 on 03/03/12 at 10:01:41 What kind of car tire was that? I'll be needing a back tire soon and thinking about this option. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/03/12 at 20:48:39 Tony I've had a B.F.Goodrich "Radial T/A" on the rear of mine for the last 22 thousand miles and its 2/3 wore-out. It was going along just fine at (35#air) , Last summer I droped it down to (24#air) so it could "Grip" the Dragon better. That was a big mistake : as long as it was blowed up good and hard it couldn't flex the corners and work the cords. As soon as I lowered the air presure and put some "REAL" stress on it the cords began to seperate. I'm still riding on it but above 75 mph it now has a out-of-blance feel to it. So keep them car tires on motorcycles blowed up good and everthing will be "GREAT" ! Last summer I did pass one of them 100Hp crotch rockets that didn't want to be passed . and made the one in front of it run for all he was worth and still cought him on every trun ! That Raidial TA is a great tire Mine is a 155/80-15 ...... it will fix you speedometer error for ya too ! It comes in 155/60-15 also . ;) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/16/12 at 11:05:57 First Maintenance Warning We are about 3 months out -- look at your tires and decide if they are going to make it to the trip (and back again). Front brake pads need an oggle about now too -- looking now gives you time to order the parts and for them to arrive and you to do the change outs without being in a big time bind. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Tonydtiger1971 on 03/16/12 at 21:44:28 Savage won't dry rot and separation. The Yammy might make the trip as long as you'll wait at the top for me and it to get there. :) Got the road name "Sparky" on the dragon last year from the floorboards dragging every curve and I thought we were going pretty slow. The others agreed, we were going pretty slow. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/18/12 at 14:46:35 Just ask the trip leader for that trip where the meet up spot is going to be -- we always string out on the longer runs if someone fast is leading. Somebody slow leading, not so much a string out problem. We ain't lost anybody yet ..... =============================== We are talking about the excessive fast wear that takes place on the tires and brake pads. We have had 1-2 rear tires give out on the trip so far and at least one set of totally bald front brake pads. Nobody has brought dry rotted tires yet. =============================== Sparky floor boards, huh? You and Toymaker can swap sparky stories if you want, remember my sparky stories are a little harsher than that and involve large hurleys going to the right and to the left sideways after speeding up after I passed them. You have to get Lancer or MMRanch to tell you my sparky stories anyway, I never saw them personally because I wuz gone around the next turn by the time they completely harikari'd themselves. I can tell you some Toymaker sparky stories from when I followed him in Al's white pick up truck --- :o |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 03/19/12 at 03:49:25 "We are talking about the excessive fast wear that takes place on the tires and brake pads." Yep, everything is stressed when riding harder and pushing the bikes beyond the easy cruise of day to day riding; unless you live in the mountains of course and that is your daily ride. Tires, brakes, bearings, controls, cables...everything needs to be in prime condition and serviced. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/19/12 at 21:26:59 I just checked on a new BFGoodrich radial TA. over a hundred,thirty bucks !#@%$^%& it! Anybody getting over 15,000 miles on their favorite tire ? I might go with a route 66 this year , I'm thinking of being normal this time 140/90 About time to start looking ! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by gerald.hughes on 03/20/12 at 20:51:25 I just turned 13,000 on the Metzler 880s on my Flea Flicker, and they still look new. I guess that I could take a picture, but really, they hardly show any wear. Amazing tire, and they handle well. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Tonydtiger1971 on 03/21/12 at 18:39:18 190B190B06151A171C540 wrote:
I've heard the Michelin Commander II get twice as many miles as the regular motorcycle tire. They run around $160.00 for the rear. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/22/12 at 15:03:00 Well I got about 7000 out of the last Dunlap 404 I had so that means 14000, for a $160.oo It sure seem like if a car tire can go 80,000 , then bike tires should go at least 20,000. so Its either the 880 or the R-66 ...... ???????? I'm thinking 880 , is there more that one kind of 880 or 880s or anything else ? I want to be sure and get the long-lasting one ! And thanks for the help ! :P |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by SuperSavage on 03/22/12 at 22:05:14 I've got 880's on my Vulcan, great tire. I'm on the fence as well when my IRC's wear out at the end of this season. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Tonydtiger1971 on 03/23/12 at 04:48:31 Those Michelin tires are motorcycle tires supposed to get close to 30k per tire. That would be worth the money. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/25/12 at 05:55:56 All this is just too much to think about ! :-? The all three have their merits. Think I go see my local "Lynchburg Choppers" guy and see what he has in stock , If he doin't have any of the three , I'll draw a pick out of a hat or something . :-/ The more I learn the least I know I know. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/28/12 at 05:45:25 Tony Thanks for the tip I checked out the Micheliin Comander II . and ordered one ! The company braggs : Last almost twice as long as 880 , and 880 last a longgggggg time. I've ordered Tire for bike , hay bailer parts , strawberry plants and a few hunny-due parts .... bet they all get here at the same time ! probley the same time my wife will plan a "little spring get-a-way". :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 03/28/12 at 07:45:01 120012000D1E111C175F0 wrote:
I had a very nice spring get-a-way yesterday with my wife ... ;) ::) 8-) Happy wife Happy husband YEEEEEEEP :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/28/12 at 21:26:02 Hay Lancer Where she take ya ? or do we want to know ? ::) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 03/29/12 at 04:08:38 4E5C4E5C51424D404B030 wrote:
I took her on a Magical Mystery Tour 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Tonydtiger1971 on 03/29/12 at 15:53:28 [quote author=535E515C5A4D0D083F0 link=1292661121/615#623 date=1332945901] [quote author=120012000D1E111C175F0 link=1292661121/615#622 date=1332938725]Tony Thanks for the tip I checked out the Micheliin Comander II . and ordered one ! The company braggs : Last almost twice as long as 880 , and 880 last a longgggggg time. Let us know how the tire turns out too. Keep us all posted. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/29/12 at 19:13:15 Well Tony If all goes well : I'll be riding it to the DRAGON this year (Last week of June) Come on along , you can ride next in line and watch how much it driffs. I'm putting a new muffle on this year , one with "Real" baffles ! Quote:
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/30/12 at 10:28:43 Fair warning, Sunday is April the first. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 03/30/12 at 13:29:24 I've got my time off scheduled for the last week in June (25 - 29), duly approved by my boss at work and my boss at home!!! Lookin' forward to the annual "Savage Nation Get-Together (Mid-Atlantic/Blue Ridge Mountains Chapter)." |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 03/30/12 at 14:55:20 332532252E29343973777473400 wrote:
Uh, lets not forget the northest. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by BuckRYCA on 03/30/12 at 18:56:08 This thread is 43 pages long! Is there an executive summary somewhere? I just want to know what your basic ride plans are. Buck, we threw away the previous 117 pages of thread and we limit it to the year before and the year current as it gets too unwieldy otherwise. June 25th -- June 29th Base camp is at Dragon Lodge at Tail of the Dragon, we ride every there in NC and Tennessee (hundreds and hundreds of miles a day) including little bitty black lines that go up to the tops of tall mountains down to Dollywood and Gatlinburg areas for the knife shops, etc. We sometimes even go to Nowhere, but that particular dark somber trip is prone to having squirrels & chipmunks trying to attack MMRanch's tires to stop us from achieving the Tunnel of Nothingness. So far, we haven't ever gone on through the tunnel, but that might change after this year. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by SuperSavage on 03/30/12 at 21:09:41 AlfromNH, have you ever been to Americade or Laconia bike weeks? They seem like a hoot and perfect locations for June. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 03/30/12 at 21:25:11 Well Buck I'll get there Tuesday or Wensday and stay the week. I.ve had the thought "What if everybody brings a day plan, ride"? ... Seven folks show up we have a entire week full of riding. I want to do the SkyWay at least once , and do one of the parkway loops at least once. OldFeller took us on the road to "NoWhere" last year (Really the name of it) ... We took one little ride last year with out looking at the map and ended-up back at the place we had breakfast in time for lunch ! Kinda like eating at the "OutBack" , "No Worries , Just Right" , to my way of thinking. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 03/31/12 at 02:54:15 4762656363746E6C793F3D3C3C0D0 wrote:
I usually ride up to Laconia at least once each year during bikeweek. The problem is that it seems to rain during bikeweek every year. Not a big deal for me as I'm only about 20 miles from there. Never been to Americade but it looks like a good time. I usually use the week of laconia as a final test run before I load the bike to head to Deals Gap. The weekend following bikeweek is usually the Blessing of the bikes in Colebrook NH. Thats always a good camping weekend with a really good amount of bikes showing up. Heres a picture of the bikes getting ready to be blessed. http://www.allroutes.to/1999blessingofthebikes/4/images/MVC-011S.JPG Heres a picture of the main drag at The Weirs in Laconia http://iwblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/laconia.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 03/31/12 at 16:20:29 Buck, We make plans on when we are gonna show up and then we go riding every day. Lancer has a 6 man room at the Dragon Lodge starting Monday June 25th running through Friday June 29th. Last year MM and I ran EVERY road worth riding in NC and Tennessee all inside a 3 day span of time -- but it was body harsh and gruelling to do it that fast & hard so we will likely slow down and ride every road worth riding and a whole lot of little black lines in between just taking an extra day or two to do it. We will likely hit every motorcycle museum, knife outlet, etc that exists between Tennessee and the NC main cities of Ashboro and Boone. We roam like a herd of wolves, looking fer some big fat slow Hurleys to devour ..... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/02/12 at 11:47:39 ROLL CALL We got a one weekday span of time lined out and reserved at the Dragon Lodge, starting Monday June 25th through Friday June 29th. We already heard that MMRanch is likely to show up in the Wednesday time frame. Who else is gonna show up and WHEN are you planning on landing at the Lodge? Real reason for this roll call is it it time for me to turn in my vacation forms and we are a little vague right now on the arrival dates. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/02/12 at 14:25:50 I'm in on wednesday afternoon - out on sunday morning at sunrise. Still not sure which bike I'm taking but I'll be there. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/02/12 at 16:25:57 Ok, that's 1 for Monday, June 25 2 for Wednesday June 27th |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/03/12 at 03:17:27 So Lancer has the big room until friday morning? Did anyone make arraingments for the rest of us for friday and saturday nights? Should I call to see whats still available? Just curious. I can always set up a tent but would rather have an air conditioned room. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/03/12 at 12:43:20 Earlier, we tried to get consensus on when folks were coming in -- Lancer reserved according to that consensus. We are polling now to see what the "closer in to reality" consensus is. I need to reserve my vacation time and I unfortunately know my back and legs are not likely good for 5 solid days of hard riding. Yes, Al you should reserve some sort of room unless you are going to fall back into tenting. Lancer could try to shift the room reservation over on Friday, but I think he is intending to come in on Monday and leave on Friday so he reserved the room for what he would be there to be responsible for it. Al, you could get up with Lancer, you may be able to contact the Dragon Lodge and take over the room for the next 2 days if you can get him to contact them as well (and you guys can work it all out with the Lodge). Toymaker and I did this several times over our years at the lodge, the Dragon Lodge is helpful but they want somebody's charge card number to stand good for the room as THEY CHARGE YOUR CARD AT LEAST A FULL DAYS RENT FOR NOT SHOWING UP, AND THEY CHARGE IT FOR DAMAGE TO THE ROOM AND FOR MISSING TOWELS, ETC. All of the mountain bike places are like that, the camp cabin we got last year wanted a physical check for one day's rent to arrive a month in advance that they flat told you they would cash it now and keep the money irregardless -- it was their way to sort out all the lookieloos. Or a good way to get them some fun money .... they live all year off of what they make during the summer you know. And that way if it rains you out, they still "rent the room". |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/03/12 at 16:32:38 Al Please Count me in on the room Friday and Saturday night. Lancer Please count me in on the room for Wenday , Thursday night. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/03/12 at 19:11:40 786A786A67747B767D350 wrote:
Okay I'll call tomorrow to see if there are any rooms still available. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/04/12 at 06:17:15 Okay, should I get a smaller room for friday and saturday nights? I may be able to extend the apartment through the weekend, but will we need that much room? I'll wait to hear from whoever is interested, then I'll call tomorrow to make the reservation. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 04/04/12 at 07:36:38 2C212F2F7B4D0 wrote:
Uh, lets not forget the northest.[/quote] Hey, Al. I wasn't forgetting you. But you ARE coming to the Mid-Atlantic/Blue Ridge Mountains locale - albeit FROM the Northeast! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 04/04/12 at 07:40:31 4548464612240 wrote:
I'm planning on arriving Wednesday and departing on Saturday. However, I might actually arrive earlier (Tuesday or even Monday) depending on the Honey-Doo list at home. Depends somewhat on what the cost split of the room is also. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/04/12 at 15:15:52 0C010E0305125257600 wrote:
Do I really need to reserve another room? looks like Lancer has one from monday to monday |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/04/12 at 15:44:48 I'd check with Lancer that he really has the room Monday to Monday instead of Monday to Friday. Lancer PM'd to come by and respond, we need to know the answer so Al can do what he needs to do if he needs to do it. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/06/12 at 07:03:08 Al You mean the folks at the Gap have Lancer schuled for Monday to Monday ? If so I'll leave the Tent at the House ! :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/06/12 at 07:35:40 1F0D1F0D00131C111A520 wrote:
Not really sure Mike. Just going by what Lancer posted back on 1/26/2012. Still waiting for Lancer (or anyone else) to confirm before I reserve another room for the weekend. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by BuckRYCA on 04/06/12 at 15:23:08 Hey, Al from N.H., will you be riding down there or towing? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/06/12 at 16:34:16 Buck, He puts his bike in the back of his white pickup truck. You need to PM him right quick like about getting a lift if that is what you are thinking about. Lancer, you need to do a head count on your room. I sense a possible "overbook situation" coming. when is an important question, as some are coming Monday and some are coming Wednesday Lancer Oldfeller Bill Young (Oldfeller's friend) AlfromH.H. Serenity MMRanch BigZuk BuckRyca Toymaker I know I am forgetting somebody/somebodies but the room is already over capacity even with using the futons and all four bunk beds. You need to roll call your room so folks will know that they need to book an additional double room. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/06/12 at 17:18:52 If someone still needs a room, they still had some vacancies when I called on wednesday. Buck, oldfeller has it right. I usually put the bike in the back of my S10. This year I'm leaving early tuesday morning to arrive at deals gap on wednesday afternoon. Oldfeller, didn't toymaker say he was coming this year? AL yup, he sure did -- I was sure I forgot at least one somebody, maybe more |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/06/12 at 20:17:05 I can bring the tent "Just-in-Case". I'll find out if Kent is going to make it this year . This year I'll be sure to bring an Axe for making kindling and some sort of starter fluid. ;) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/06/12 at 21:39:38 You mean this year we aren't going to drink lotsa beer and piss lighter fluid to get the fire started? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/07/12 at 16:13:23 Yes boys, it is Monday to Monday, Jun 25 to Jul 2; check in/check out. Oldfeller has been keeping track of the person/room/night. I hope so anyway. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/07/12 at 21:17:07 Monday to Monday By order of Arrival Monday Lancer truck (bottom bunk) Monday Oldfeller biking (bottom bunk) Monday Bill Young (Oldfeller's friend) biking (futon/top bunk) Monday MMRanch biking (futon/top bunk) Monday BigZuk biking biking (futon/top bunk) Wednesday AlfromN.H. truck (futon/top bunk) ?? Serenity biking (floor -- air mattress) ?? BuckRyca ?? (floor -- air mattress) ?? Toymaker biking (floor -- air mattress) We have ?? question marks ?? because folks haven't checked in to say what they are planning on doing and when they are arriving. Needless to say, folks plans move around some right up until the day of arrival, so no list is totally fixed in all the details. Showing up a day earlier would get you somewhat better accommodations, obviously. Cancellations will cause everybody to move up a slot, and we always have a few at the last minute every year. Also, there might be enough people coming to rent an extra 3 man room and sleep 3 in it (2 beds and a futon). |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/07/12 at 21:46:04 Here are the new prices and such from the new owners of the Dragon Lodge. http://www.dealsgap.com/motel.htm |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 04/09/12 at 04:58:10 Oldfeller, I had thought I returned your PM but I'm not sure it went? If not, yes that would be fine for the two of you. I'll bring the air mattress, & tent. If there is floor room for mattress great, if not, I'll use it with the tent. I'm easy, "I just want to ride" 8-) Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/09/12 at 09:03:58 Zuk, The apartment is big, lots of floor space. If someone rents a standard room there will be tons of free space and beds. I'll propose the idea we discussed and see if it flies anywhere. You see, Bill Young and I will be infesting the mountains starting late Saturday June 23rd as Bill was raised around Asheville as a kid and has him a 60 year old man's wish to go search out his roots -- and 60 year old roots can be lost in new laid down subdivisions, etc and can be somewhat tough to locate sometimes. Especially when you left as a pre-teen and weren't driving and didn't necessarily know where things were in the first place. I figure that within 2 days of puttering about we can search out all that he can recognize, anyway. Some of us will wander about some fer no good reason, you know. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/10/12 at 21:45:10 I just found out Kent has to go get a job instead of playing in the mountains with a Dragon. That's according to his Wife and his Banker. That just means there is a extra bed open at big room ! Speak-up Quick , if ya want it. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/11/12 at 12:10:01 updated due to folks thinking about coming in earlier and Al getting a smaller room starting Wednesday Monday to Monday By order of Arrival Monday Lancer truck (bottom bunk) Monday Oldfeller biking (bottom bunk) Monday Bill Young (Oldfeller's friend) biking (futon/top bunk) Monday MMRanch biking (futon/top bunk) Monday BigZuk biking (futon/top bunk) Monday Serenity biking (futon/top bunk) Wednesday AlfromN.H. truck (floor -- air mattress) Wednesday BuckRyca (? coming with Al ?) (floor -- air mattress) ?? Toymaker biking (floor -- air mattress) We have ?? question marks ?? because folks haven't checked in to say what they are planning on doing and when they are arriving. Needless to say, folks plans move around some right up until the day of arrival, so no list is totally fixed in all the details. Showing up a day earlier would get you somewhat better accommodations, obviously. Cancellations will cause everybody to move up a slot, and we always have a few at the last minute every year. Also, there might be enough people coming to rent an extra 3 man room and sleep 3 in it (2 bunk beds and a queen bed). .... and iffen I wuz Al and BuckRyca and Toymaker, I'd call up and reserve me a 3 man room rather than sleep on the floor .... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/12/12 at 06:40:42 I just reserved a room for Wed,thurs,fri,& sat nights. If someone wants to join me, thats great. If not, I'll enjoy the quiet room(no snoring). Either way. Let me know. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by BuckRYCA on 04/12/12 at 06:45:41 Going to put myself on the Maybe list. Too much going on to commit. If I do show, I'll let you know, so I can be at the right place/right time. As for rooming, I'll get a room by myself (I snore) or tent. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 04/12/12 at 07:06:34 2A2729297D4B0 wrote:
Hey, Al! I may be arriving on Monday, but if my bed is relegated to a pallet on the floor in the big room, I would like very much to reserve a bed in yours for the remainder of the week. I hope we don't have to do any mechanicking this year!!! Hope you have a safe trip down from NH!! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/12/12 at 07:36:10 This is looking to be a big one !! We now have beds enough for everybody thanks to Al and Lancer's booking generosity !! If BuckRyca shows up and books yet another room we will have a total of 4 unused beds. If Buck doesn't show up, we will still have 2 unused beds, so if you are planning to come -- say so !! Monday to Monday By order of Arrival Monday Lancer truck (bottom bunk) Monday Oldfeller biking (bottom bunk) Monday Bill Young (Oldfeller's friend) biking (futon/bunk) Monday MMRanch biking (futon/bunk) Monday BigZuk biking (futon/bunk) Monday Serenity biking (futon/bunk) if a top bunk position bothers you, jest do what I do -- take the mattress off the bunk bed and lay it on the floor, sleep on it and then put it back in the morning. Only 4 inches to fall iffen you do it that way !! (not to mention those midnight bathroom trips are Sooooo much easier to do) Wednesday AlfromN.H. truck (Queen size bed) Wednesday Serenity biking (bunk bed) ?? Toymaker biking (bunk bed) ?? Buck Ryca (private room, tent or bunk bed) We have ?? question marks ?? because some folks haven't checked in to say what they are planning on doing and when they are arriving. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/12/12 at 08:28:19 605741496A6F6161220 wrote:
I don't care if you snore. I can sleep with earplugs if someone is snoring loudly. I'm used to camping with my brother and he snores like crazy. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/12/12 at 08:28:56 Now it is time to start making the West Coasters drool -- what do you want to go do this time? Me, I want to go get a couple of 3" Muskrat pocket knifes from the SMOKY MOUNTAIN KNIFE STORE (world's biggest knife store) http://www.smkw.com/large/knife/RR904.jpg They have knives of EVERY sort fancy to inexpensive, this one is $9 but they have $90 fancy brand names and they actually have a few damascus steel bladed knives for less than $20 as well. http://www.smkw.com/webapp/eCommerce/products/Muskrat/Rough+Rider%26%23153%3B+Muskrat+with+Yellow+Composition+Handle/RR904.html |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by verslagen1 on 04/12/12 at 09:16:22 OK, I'm droolin' You can make me a gift of a damascus skean dhu or boot knife anytime 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by ALfromN.H. on 04/12/12 at 09:17:38 1330383A393030392E5C0 wrote:
We went there last year. really cool place. I look forward to going back. And to clarify, I'm arriving on wed afternoon and leaving sun morning. Same schedule as the last two years. If I miss a couple rides early in the week, then I'll just make them up on the weekend after all you crazy people go home. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/12/12 at 13:22:20 Speaking up for them crazy people, we will be there to help you unload your bike when you arrive. You can't fool us, we know you will have been up at Shiloh and running around in them beautiful Virginia mountains for at least one day on your way down. Now, think for a moment about poor Bill Young -- you see I will have been behaving like a normal person for two full days (Saturday and Sunday) letting him have the lead as he searches the Asheville area for his old homesteads and old schools and such .... He will think his cute little Honda 550 is quite the thing as we motor around Asheville and the suburbs. I will "valiantly struggle to keep up" and I will keep my grin on and my hand totally quiet until we meet up with the other guys. Heck, I will take lots of pictures of the places we go and stuff like that to keep myself occupied. I will even let big fat juicy Hurleys pass us because we are going soooo slooooow over in the right hand lane .... ;D ;D ;D Then we will meet up with the guys. You know, the guys -- BigZuk, Oldfeller, MMRanch, Lancer, Serenity and Bill Young, novice newbie Dragoneer. By then I will be all relaxed and ready to romp .... Do you think Bill will carry back some interesting memories from this trip? He is riding the precursor to the 600cc Honda repli-racers, you know, light, fast, agile. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/12/12 at 13:44:08 OK, more West Coast drool time .... The worlds best knife store has exotic blade materials too. This is a $12.99 titanium bladed knife. Not TiN coated, mind you, titanium blade material. http://www.smkw.com/small/knife/CT315.jpg and for those who like Damascus steel, $12.99 buys you this Damascus beauty. http://www.smkw.com/small/knife/MR268.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/12/12 at 16:43:20 This year, we go to Nowhere -- and we don't stop at the mouth of the tunnel either. They say if you go inside there is a small white light at the end of the tunnel, and if you just keep on going it will get closer and brighter and brighter until it all opens up and you can see the ........ :) (Hey, ya actually gotta go on the trip to know fer shure) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/13/12 at 05:24:38 There is an old knife maker here in Branson, Mo. who makes some mighty fine blades, some of which are Damascus steel. He can pull back and slam the point into a 55 gal. steel drum and then use a small sledge to hammer it down the side of the drum a couple extra inches with nary a nick on the blade anywhere. Then he clamps it in a vice with the blade up, then takes the sledge and wacks the side of the blade...the sledge just bounced back, the blade not broken or bent. I put an 8" blade on lay-a-way for myself for Christmas :D It will take me that long to pay for it, but it is a "once in a lifetime blade" to own...and it will last a lifetime+. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 04/14/12 at 21:35:56 Awww Ain't nothing women like better than a Man who has a favorite kitchen knife and knows how to use it ! ;D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/15/12 at 15:52:09 Lancer, when do you think you will hit the Dragon Lodge on Monday? Main thing is that we don't need to show up before you do, I doubt they would let us have the keys to the room without you. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/15/12 at 17:29:58 [quote author=64474F4D4E47474E592B0 link=1292661121/675#675 date=1334530329] Lancer, when do you think you will hit the Dragon Lodge on Monday? Main thing is that we don't need to show up before you do, I doubt they would let us have the keys to the room without you. I should be there by early afternoon; 12-1 timeframe. They require full payment at time of check-in so if you get there early and want to swipe your card FOR THE CAUSE then bless you my brother. I can leave word that you are authorized to take possession if I'm not there yet. I will prepare a room-rate per day chart based on number of folks per night so there is no confusion of who owes what for the time each is there and post it on the door. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 04/15/12 at 21:37:58 When we get closer in you can give us an o'clock estimation of when you will arrive and we will get there about half an hour either way of that time (depends on the Hurley traffic, you know how slow they can be) Rationally, you need to not give those folks money for the entire week -- that is illegal in NC BTW. They can ask for and keep 1 days worth funds to guarantee the room to be there for you on the day you arrive. I'd ask the guys to settle up day by day and pay the clowns day by day, after the first day, simply telling them that the crowd in the room will be different numbers of folks on different days so you can't predict what you will owe them until the day (and the people) arrives. They might come back at you for single person rate for the entire time, but once again, that is legally quite dubious in NC. Things will get more dicey on Wednesday and later, as you will slowly lose people as the week wears on. For example, when my body quits on me I may lay in another day to recuperate, but will then likely begin the limp home at that point in time. At some point in time towards the latter weekend you will likely want to roll the remaining people into the 3 man room as the 6 man apartment loses all economic advantage when the manning goes below 4. If the rate of new people showing up doesn't equal the folks leaving, your occupancy rate will drop. ================================ Hey, if the new owners really do have a stick up their butts and aren't good to deal with any more, there is always the motorcycle place across the river bridge with the little cabins (Cuso, NC wasn't it?). Some of us like the Dragon Lodge because it suits us OK as a base camp, but then again the majority of us have done the "roving about" thing as well and realize there are other options that would work just as well or better. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/15/12 at 22:12:04 yep Cash daily for the room campers If the new owners cannot work with us then we can move to greener pastures |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Toymaker on 04/22/12 at 04:54:24 Hi Guys Just letting you know I won't be riding the Dragon anytime soon. Due to a situation beyond my control, I had to sell the bikes...all gone...nada in the garage...makes me sad but life goes on. I'll stop by from time to time but ...well you know how things go. Keep the rubber side down. T |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/22/12 at 05:34:26 596568596274606C66687F0D0 wrote:
Dude, I am so sorry to hear that. I can bring a spare bike for you to ride if that would help you make the ride. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Bigzuk on 04/22/12 at 10:51:56 457974457E687C707A7463110 wrote:
Toymaker, I hate to hear that, you will be missed! I was looking forward to seeing you this year. Hope everything is OK on the home front buddy? Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 04/23/12 at 12:43:24 4C707D4C77617579737D6A180 wrote:
T, I hate that you had to sell the bikes. Why don't you let Lancer lend you a bike? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 04/23/12 at 19:29:42 506C61506B7D69656F6176040 wrote:
Toydude, I'll come and pick you up and take you home if you can get away for the week or even a part of it. If you needed to leave early you could ride one of the bikes back home and I could pick it up later when I leave. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 05/02/12 at 06:39:39 ToyMaker Once a Biker-AllWays a biker I suppect you'll get another bike ... But doin't put it off or you'll be too OLD to ride it !!!! ;D I took mine apart again , all that NEW compression had found its way around the HeadGasket (solid copper). It seem there is a limit to what can and can't be done in compression terms. Well I took some of the "Aggression" out of the cam and the engine quit complaining about "Too Much Compression and Too Big Explosion", now its just a mild Egg shape opening and closing on the intake ... I took out most of the overlap between exaust closing and intake opening too. A lack of power never was an issue anyway. It still has power to slip the clutch allmost any time . So my Savage seems to be , Dragon Ready ! The Comander II tire drifts a lot more than the Car tire did but its a controlled feeling thing , Kinda feels GOOD when the rear starts comming around and drifts out of line with the front !!! :) :) :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/02/12 at 16:07:52 Yup, I'm a remembering that last trip with leaves, acorns, squirrels, chipmunks, possums, fog, clouds, rain and FAST FAST FAST riding. Lancer is bringing him a hundred mile an hour tweeked street sleeper and him and I are going hurley hunting street sleeper style. MM, you and Hirshito Honda both out there a hand grinding your own cam profiles to suit the need of the hour. You keep good company, anyway. ;D ;D ;D You know it is only a month and a bit away .... Time to finish up your bike maintenance and last minute mods !!! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 05/02/12 at 20:12:39 You mean "Everybody doin't grind their own cams when the earge hits em ? I've had a few Honda cycles , liked everyone of em. :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/05/12 at 16:55:57 Hey, some upbeat news. I got my full week of vacation approved -- I will be up in them thar hills starting on Saturday June 23th .... meet up with the guys on Monday the 25th around noonish. Then we will go do until my doer breaks down on me !!! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by serenity3743 on 05/07/12 at 13:11:43 Yeeeeeee Haaaawwwww! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by youzguyz on 05/10/12 at 08:55:05 I am REALLY considering making the run this year. Just not sure about it. I don't do "camping". From what I can see, there is still going to be at least a futon to sleep on somewhere? I wonder how long it will take my old bones to ride my worn out Thumper that far.. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 05/10/12 at 10:10:49 6E78626D70626E6D170 wrote:
I guess 3 |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/10/12 at 11:39:52 We will have a place for you, if you commit to making the trip now. Toymaker dropped out, so his bed is available. Remember, when we get in closer -- bed space kinda gets up in the air with the new last minute arrivals. Right now we have space available .... but this will change as folks ring in and out during the week before trip time. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by youzguyz on 05/11/12 at 05:42:45 Lancer, that's 3 days you figure it will take me to make the ride, or 3 places to sleep open? OF: I will commit. Subject to change due to health, both bikes disintegrating, or if the wife bites me or if the dog leaves me.. No.. those last 2 would just give me more cause to make the trip. Plus I don't have a dog and I can hide the wife's teeth. I will be testing my endurance for all day riding between now and then to give me an idea of how much I can put up with. Now.. anything in particular I would need to know (seeing how it is this is my first outing with this group)? What brand of blue mud do I need to rub in my navel? Make darn sure I bring what? Make extra darn sure I don't bring what else? Yeah.. and I will go back and read this thread when I have the time. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by MMRanch on 05/11/12 at 08:03:27 Youzguyz I rode from Dallas to SanAntion once . Best I remember it took most of the day! Look up Lynchburg TN. on your map. Once you get to Memphis You can pick-up Hwy 64 (senic route) east , that will take you all the way to Hwy 129 and Dragon central. What day you think you might be comming through midle TN. ? :) The Hwy 129 in Lynchburg is State and the Hwy 129 in Dragon central is Federal. They are both fun roads, ours is a lot more layed back though . |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by youzguyz on 05/11/12 at 08:29:44 MMRanch, I just started fiddling with the route. I start by drawing a straight line between points A and B, then figure what roads will get me there without using the super slab too much. Right now, I am going south of Tennessee. http://tinyurl.com/7lk5cen Subject to change on a whim. Route suggestions always welcome, especially if you have "been there, done that". |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/11/12 at 11:05:58 As you plot your route and get a guess on your arrival day, post it in big print so I will see it (I am getting frickn' old and blind and deaf) and then I will re-roster the beds with your name in the mix. According to what we know now (and it will all will change at least some during the next month) possibly the best landing time is Wednesday to share a bunk bed in Al's room. If you plan to show up earlier, pack a air mattress and a sleeping bag. This sounds rough than it is, but $20 at WalMart will get an air bed that makes it as good or better than the futon rig ups. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/11/12 at 11:22:03 This is looking to be a big one !! We now have beds enough for everybody thanks to Al and Lancer's booking generosity !! If BuckRyca shows up and books yet another room we will have a total of 4 unused beds. If Buck doesn't show up, we will still have 2 unused beds, so if you are planning to come -- say so !! Monday to Monday By order of Arrival Monday Lancer truck (bottom bunk) Monday Oldfeller truck (bottom bunk) out on Saturday morning Monday Bill Young truck (futon/bunk) out on Wednesday morning Monday MMRanch biking (futon/bunk) Monday BigZuk biking (futon/bunk) Monday Serenity biking (futon/bunk) out on Saturday Monday Youzguyz biking (floor) if a top bunk position bothers you, jest do what I do -- take the mattress off the bunk bed and lay it on the floor, sleep on it and then put it back in the morning. Only 4 inches to fall iffen you do it that way !! (not to mention those midnight bathroom trips are Sooooo much easier to do) Wednesday AlfromN.H. truck (Queen size bed) Wednesday Serenity biking (bunk bed) ?? Buck Ryca (private room, tent or bunk bed) We have ?? question marks ?? because some folks haven't checked in to say what they are planning on doing and when they are arriving. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by youzguyz on 05/11/12 at 11:55:38 5C7F7775767F7F7661130 wrote:
MY INITIAL INTENT IS TO LAND ON MONDAY LATE Leaving Saturday 06/23. My map is lettered showing where I tend to stop for the night on my trip. I don't know yet if that is too aggressive or not. I'll be taking some long day trips to see how I feel about that. If I have to sleep on the deck.. eh.. so be it. I ain't gonna pack no air mattress or sleeping bag unless I have room. Push comes to shove, I can buy an air mattress somewhere on Monday.. and give it to someone before I leave. Or some kind soul who has one laying around and is trucking in anyway could let me rent theirs. Like ya said.. way too early for definites. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/11/12 at 13:38:57 Lancer, since you are the only one trucking in on Monday, can you pack a spare sleeping bag and an air mattress (if you already own such things, that is). Also, did the elusive Toymaker ever get up with you about the offer of the loaner Savage? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by jimbobbert on 05/12/12 at 22:43:27 Would love to go, but i have one question- is there a way to edit the original post to reflect the current "set-in-stone" dates for the run? I expect to be back in the states by a least june or middle of june. Only problem is getting the savage done, otherwise i'll be making an appearance on my Ducati :o Rob |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by Oldfeller on 05/13/12 at 05:57:32 We love Ducati's !!! How is your second gear? Forget first & third -- you'll never see it. Wham Wham Wham Wham (throttle on, throttle off) Ducati's cook at the Dragon !!!! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by LANCER on 05/13/12 at 06:43:08 5C7F7775767F7F7661130 wrote:
No contact with the Toyman May have a sleeping bag but will need to check storage...doubtful on the air mattress but will look |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip Post by youzguyz on 05/14/12 at 10:11:10 29242B2620377772450 wrote:
No contact with the Toyman May have a sleeping back but will need to check storage...doubtful on the air mattress but will look[/quote] Lancer, I appreciate you checking on that for me. If "no go", no sweat. I'll make do and/or buy what I need from the locals. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/14/12 at 12:00:43 Youzguz, We got you covered even if you have to sleep on the floor. You need to commit to the trip though or else somebody else will swoop up your spot. And, if you wanted to land on Wednesday we have a bunk/futon you can sleep on. Bill Young and I will be trucking up in a rented truck, so I can bring the kitchen sink now if I want to. I will bring a bedroll and an air mattress to cover somebody for Mon-Tues. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/14/12 at 12:12:14 ROLL CALL Being a Month out ....... let's update and refine with new knowledge Please supply your planned exit day if you know it already This is looking to be a big one !! We now have beds enough for everybody thanks to Lancer's booking generosity !! If BuckRyca shows up and books yet another room we will have a total of 2 unused beds, so if you are planning to come -- say so !! Monday to Monday By order of Arrival Monday Lancer truck (bottom bunk) Monday Oldfeller truck (bottom bunk) Monday Bill Young truck (futon/bunk) out on Wednesday Al takes the bed when he arrives on Wednesday Monday MMRanch biking (futon/bunk) Monday BigZuk biking (futon/bunk) Monday Serenity biking (futon/bunk) out on Saturday Monday Youzguyz biking (floor, Oldfeller air mattress and bag) if a top bunk position bothers you, jest do what I do -- take the mattress off the bunk bed and lay it on the floor, sleep on it and then put it back in the morning. Only 4 inches to fall iffen you do it that way !! (not to mention those midnight bathroom trips are Sooooo much easier to do) ?? Buck Ryca (private room, tent or bunk bed) We have ?? question marks ?? because some folks haven't checked in to say what they are planning on doing and when they are arriving. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by youzguyz on 05/14/12 at 12:14:28 5B7870727178787166140 wrote:
OF, I am as committed as I can be without signing in blood and saying I will make the trip no matter the weather, no matter my health and even if both bikes disintegrate between now and then. (thought I said that already. Maybe it was my other topic posting that cast doubt. I changed the wording there.). Well, in any case, you will be the ABSOLUTE FIRST to know if I can't make it. I appreciate ya volunteering an air mattress and bed roll, if needed for me or some other soul. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/14/12 at 12:29:20 ROLL CALL On Wednesday we got 2 spare beds now !!! Being a Month out ....... let's update and refine with new knowledge Please supply your planned exit day if you know it already, it is nice to know this for room balancing the later arrivals This is looking to be a big one !! We now have beds enough for everybody thanks to Al's and Lancer's booking generosity !! So if you are planning to come -- say so !! Monday to Monday By order of Arrival Apartment starts Monday Monday Lancer truck (bottom bunk) Monday Oldfeller truck (bottom bunk) out on Saturday morning Monday Bill Young truck (futon/bunk) out on Wednesday morning Monday MMRanch biking (futon/bunk) Monday BigZuk biking (futon/bunk) Monday Serenity biking (futon/bunk) out on Saturday Mon. Tues. Youzguyz biking (floor, Oldfeller air mattress and bag) Room starts Wednesday Wednesday AlfromNH truck (queen bed) Wednesday Youzguyz biking (bunk) Wednesday we have two open futon/bunks, one in apt. one in room if a top bunk position bothers you, jest do what I do -- take the mattress off the bunk bed and lay it on the floor, sleep on it and then put it back in the morning. Only 4 inches to fall iffen you do it that way !! (not to mention those midnight bathroom trips are Sooooo much easier to do) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/14/12 at 14:12:25 I'll keep the extra room. If someone needs to use one of the beds in there, that'll be okay. If not, I'll use the room alone. Oh no !!! People do prefer beds to air mattresses you know -- plus you got to have somebody to snore for you or you will get all lonely and neglected. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/15/12 at 10:44:29 Al, BuckRyca is trying to get up with you. He can get a PM even if he apparently can't send one. This PM situation sucks, really it does. Some can get, some can send, some can't do anything. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/15/12 at 13:47:39 I can't send pm's either. I don't know how well two bikes will fit in my truck. Wasn't planning on a passenger. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 05/16/12 at 09:49:03 I just looked and found out that I am only about 5 hours from the Dragon, and even though this is the busiest time of the year for me at work - I would love to come down for a few days. Working most of the day on Wednesday the 27th and arriving late in the day would work best for me. I would probably only stay for Thursday and Friday....unless it is just so much fun that I can't resist staying longer. I have a trailer and can stay in it.......or I can bring a cot and share a room.....whatever is available. This would certainly be affected by the weather for me, as I really don't like riding in the rain. Any space available for me on those 2 days? Even just a parking space and an occasional use of a shower is all I need. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 05/16/12 at 10:41:15 Do you stuff the bike inside the trailer or pull a bike trailer behind this one ? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 05/16/12 at 11:06:20 7E737C7177602025120 wrote:
I stuff the bike....and sometimes myself into the trailer. I bought it for overnite trips with my trials bike...but the LS650 fits into it as well. On the trip to New York to pick up the LS650 I slept in the trailer 2 nights in a row. I got about 28 mpg on the trip! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/16/12 at 17:28:28 ROLL CALL On Wednesday on we got 1 spare bed now !!! Being a Month out ....... let's update and refine with new knowledge Please supply your planned exit day if you know it already, it is nice to know this for room balancing the later arrivals This is looking to be a big one !! We now have beds enough for everybody thanks to Al's and Lancer's booking generosity !! So if you are planning to come -- say so !! Monday to Monday By order of Arrival Apartment starts Monday Monday Lancer truck (bottom bunk) Monday Oldfeller truck (bottom bunk) out on Saturday morning Monday Bill Young truck (futon/bunk) out on Wednesday morning Monday MMRanch biking (futon/bunk) Monday BigZuk biking (futon/bunk) Monday Serenity biking (futon/bunk) out on Saturday Mon. Tues. Youzguyz biking (floor, Oldfeller air mattress and bag) Room starts Wednesday Wednesday AlfromNH truck (queen bed) out on Sunday Wednesday Youzguyz biking (bunk) Wednesday Dave car/tailer (bunk) Wednesday we have one open futon/bunk in apt. if a top bunk position bothers you, jest do what I do -- take the mattress off the bunk bed and lay it on the floor, sleep on it and then put it back in the morning. Only 4 inches to fall iffen you do it that way !! (not to mention those midnight bathroom trips are Sooooo much easier to do) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/16/12 at 18:54:45 I should be rolling in around lunchtime or shortly after on Wed., And leaving early Sun. morning. Getting close, I'm getting excited about it. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by BuckRYCA on 05/17/12 at 09:08:04 Hi, guys, Here's an update on my status for this trip. I am trying to work it with my other commitments. If I come it will likely be for Wednesday through Friday. I will be riding the bike from Connecticut (that's about 1000 miles). A lot depends on how my June 10-13 ride to the Laconia, NH bike meet goes (with me and the bike). If that ride goes well, and I get the necessary OKs I would like to head south to the Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, DragonTail, and GAR highway across N PA. If I show, I will happily share a room if there's space. Otherwise I'll get a room of my own. What's the name/location of the motel you guys are booking? Thanks! If you were committing, we have a bed free starting Wednesday in the Apartment. Otherwise, here is the hotel contact info (and you will quickly learn why we try to share out the rooms ....) http://www.dealsgap.com/motel.htm |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 05/18/12 at 23:20:39 I hope to leave Monday morning and be in "Dragon country" befor dark. I might have to put a factory headgasket on befor then , the copper one is not working out too good ! I just retorked it and haven't got to take a (day) ride on it to check out the results yet. :) I'll stay till my but gets tired ! but I have a Harley Fat-boy seat on it , if only harley motors were worth a flip ! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 05/19/12 at 08:27:49 425042505D4E414C470F0 wrote:
Is the copper gasket not maintaining a good seal ? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/19/12 at 09:35:22 Ok, I put air in my tires and changed my oil ..... I am good to go. Got to stuff some clothes in a plastic bag, that's all. My travel mate has decided we need a truck --- he's cautious and his bike is a 30 year old Honda 550. So, I will arrive in AC comfort, well rested and mebbe a little bit bored. Get to watch the scenery for once, I guess. I will bring a sleeping bag and a couple of air mattresses (nice canvas style air mattresses with the standard old air mattress guarantee which is fill up two, then switch out when the first one goes flat on you) I plan to stay the week, Bill plans to truck back to Fayetteville on Wednesday. If folks are done with the sleeping bag and mattresses they can ride back to Fayetteville with Bill. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by bill67 on 05/19/12 at 15:49:19 You changed oil?So you finally went to Klotz,way to go. OF responds: Bill is the endless hopeful optimist --- it was T6. This week I changed the oil in all my vehicles (it was oil change week !!!) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Bigzuk on 05/20/12 at 12:26:05 Fellow Dragon killers, I plan on getting there Monday(Oldfeller, we riding in together?) and stay all week. At the most I could use floor space for the air mattress & sleep'n bag. If need be I will set up the small tent & give the floor space to someone else. Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/20/12 at 13:42:51 Zuk, read the roll call below -- you got a bed dude, no bags, no tents, no hassels. Just let us know how many days you are planning to stay so we can plan in for a late in the week arriver (if any more of them plan show up that is). As for riding in together, I'll PM you -- can you get and send PMs? ============= ROLL CALL On Wednesday on we got 1 spare bed now !!! Being a Month out ....... let's update and refine with new knowledge Please supply your planned exit day if you know it already, it is nice to know this for room balancing the later arrivals This is looking to be a big one !! We now have beds enough for everybody thanks to Al's and Lancer's booking generosity !! So if you are planning to come -- say so !! Monday to Monday By order of Arrival Apartment starts Monday Monday Lancer truck (bottom bunk) Monday Oldfeller biking (bottom bunk) out on Saturday morning Monday Bill Young biking (futon/bunk) out on Wednesday morning Monday MMRanch biking (futon/bunk) Monday BigZuk biking (futon/bunk) Monday Serenity biking (futon/bunk) out on Saturday Mon. Tues. Youzguyz biking (floor, Oldfeller will bring air bed) Room starts Wednesday Wednesday AlfromNH truck (queen bed) out on Sunday Wednesday Youzguyz biking (bunk) Wednesday Dave car/tailer (bunk) Wednesday we have one open futon/bunk in apt. if a top bunk position bothers you, jest do what I do -- take the mattress off the bunk bed and lay it on the floor, sleep on it and then put it back in the morning. Only 4 inches to fall iffen you do it that way !! (not to mention those midnight bathroom trips are Sooooo much easier to do) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Bigzuk on 05/21/12 at 17:17:24 Oldfeller, Thanks, I plan to do the full week. Just tried to return your PM don't know if it worked. 3ok. Bigzuk OF replies: Nope, you got no outbound PM. I will PM you my cell phone number and you can give me a call. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 05/21/12 at 17:43:32 Cost per night per person for the Bunk Room The room is $132/night so: 6 people: $22 per person per night 5 people: $26 4 people: $33 3 people: $44 2 people: $66 I have to pay in advance when I check in and get the keys so if any of you wish to pay in advance it will be appreciated. It makes life easier. It looks like we will have a full house most of the week so just figure $22/night for advance payment. If there are nights when the number is less then we can make adjustments for it on a daily basis. Are ya'll good with that ? This room is reserved from Monday afternoon (6-25) checkin to Monday morning (7-2) checkout. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 05/22/12 at 03:13:44 Rates on the small room are as follows. Wed. thru Sun. 2 people = $32.00/night 3 people = $25.00/night AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/22/12 at 07:35:08 Guys, if the Dragon Lodge is insisting on complete payment up front then Lancer and Al are squaring up to take it in the neck towards the end of the week when manning drops. Especially on that Saturday Sunday, most everybody will be gone and Lancer will be stuck staying by himself in a $132 room he's already paid for. This is what we used to do ..... but the new owner's policy change makes this impossible because you have already paid him for the entire week up front. Cost per night per person for the Bunk Room The room is $132/night so: 6 people: $22 per person per night 5 people: $26 4 people: $33 3 people: $44 WE USED TO SHIFT INTO A 3 MAN ROOM AT THIS POINT OR IF WE HAD AN 2 people: $66 ADDITIONAL ROOM WE COMBINED TO KEEP THE MAIN ROOM COUNT UP I have to pay in advance when I check in and get the keys so if any of you wish to pay in advance it will be appreciated. I plan to hand Lancer $166 when he gets in, that covers me and Bill Young for our entire stay counting the planned drop to 5 people. And if the room rate goes up even higher, I'll give him some more .... This new policy change also limits us to what happens if a back goes bad or a bike breaks and the folks leave early -- somebody takes it in the neck for the bed. With these new Dragon Lodge policies, Al or Lancer (or both) are going to be $$$ out of pocket before this trip is over. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/22/12 at 08:19:26 Next year, if we cannot arrange to keep the Dragon Lodge bunk equipped Apartment manned full up at $22 a night we might consider the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Cabins at Cruso instead. If you stick to the week days, the cabins are still "pay as you go" (weekend cabins require a full 2 day booking). http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDOp7laKMaE[/media] Splitting a $45 2 bed cabin 2 ways is $22.50 a night (we stuck 3 in it with an air bed on the floor for $15 a night effective cost) Cabins and beds were nice, the lounge area was superior to the Dragon Lodge and the scenery about the place was superior too. Lancer fell in love with the 3D topographical road map up on the wall in the lounge (and we rode every little black line that went straight up & over a mountain top) What experience has taught us is that we wander around in excess of 200 miles per day no matter where we stay. And if the Dragon Lodge is becoming more of a pain in the butt to deal with each year, well heck, next year we can plan to stay someplace else. =============== EVERYBODY GIVE UP YOUR ANTICIPATED DEPARTURE DAY !!! Once we plot the exit days I would suggest Lancer rebook the Dragon Lodge accordingly, ending the apartment earlier and dropping back into a room. I for example cannot see staying past Saturday morning, as I may need 2 full days to limp home as I am planning on staying until my body is totally shot. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/22/12 at 09:13:44 Roll call for your departure day !!! Apartment starts Monday Monday Lancer truck (bottom bunk) Monday Oldfeller biking (bottom bunk) out on Saturday morning Monday Bill Young biking (futon/bunk) out on Wednesday morning Monday MMRanch biking (futon/bunk) Monday BigZuk biking (futon/bunk) Monday Serenity biking (futon/bunk) out on Saturday morning Mon. Tues. Youzguyz biking (floor, Oldfeller will bring air bed) out on Friday morning Room starts Wednesday Wednesday AlfromNH truck (queen bed) out on Sunday morning (room ends after Saturday night) Wednesday Youzguyz biking (bunk) out on Friday morning Wednesday Dave car/tailer (bunk) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/22/12 at 12:00:07 Bigzuk, yes we will ride in with you -- still have not gotten a phone number to call you and the list PMs apparently aren't working worth a flip. Check your PMs and try to send me your phone number by PM and email. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Bigzuk on 05/23/12 at 06:42:47 Oldfeller, I'll call you tonight to talk details. Sorry I been out of town helping a "Mate from down under" restore a '35 Packard. I think I got Mikes phone, if so I'll call him also. Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by youzguyz on 05/24/12 at 08:02:39 HEY OLDFELLER Man.. I really hate to shout.. Departure Day is tentative for FRIDAY. I was hoping to hear what MM Ranch was going to do first to see if I might ride with him into the sunset. Who knows what MM is gonna do -- he doesn't know himself until he does it !!! Could change to Thursday if I determine it takes 4 days to get there. ( I still haven't had time for a long distance butt check ) Could change to Saturday if my wife can get a ride to the Dr on the 1st. BUT FOR THE PURPOSES OF ROOM JUGGLING, PRICING, PONDERING.. make it Friday. I got no problem with a prepay. I presume I need to pay Lancer and Al. PMs .. don't trust 'em. So, all interested parties please use my email to send interesting info like who to pay, how to pay, how much to pay, also send me your phone numbers (might as well start gathering that info now).. I will reply to your emails with my contact, phone, etc info. oh.. I have to put my email address here.. . OMG.. Just created a throwaway account: thumperhamish@gmail.com You will get my real email address when I reply. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/24/12 at 10:32:24 Youzguyz, You are golden whenever you show up -- except for the floor sleeping arrangements which have changed because I am biking in now instead of trucking in so I won't be trucking you in a bed roll and air mattress for you. Don't worry, we will still take care of you. I am going to go by Walmart and pick up a $12 twin sized vinyl air bed (which comes in a shoe box sized box all folded up nice and neat) which will fit over my rear brake light bungied to the sissy bar. You can use the washed bike blow off device at the lodge to fill the fat little sucker up and sleep on it tucked up inside some of the extra blankets they provide at the lodge. Fold you one up to make you a fluffy pillow, you could. Last year they had a few spare pillows, so you might actually get to sleep "normal syle" on a twin bed with a pillow just like the rest of us. Might be so appealing it makes a top bunk guy jealous .... ================= ================= Now, if Lancer was smart he would cancel the big apartment on Saturday and collapse everybody into a new 3 man room. . This would like save him like $100 in "in the neck costs". :D But then again, some people are rich and don't have to sweat the $$$ so much. Dude, you need to call the Lodge now and make the change before the lock in period starts. Roll into Lancer's new 3 man room starts Saturday PM Lancer BigZuk & MMRanch I betcha these two take off back to Tennessee about now anyways as they are only a couple of hours away from BigZuk's house. If so, Lancer moves to Al's room with Al and Dave. Al's room lasts one more night (Saturday) Al Dave |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by youzguyz on 05/25/12 at 05:00:27 45666E6C6F66666F780A0 wrote:
OldFeller. Do NOT do that!!! Unless you are going to buy it ANYWAY. I haven't even looked around the house to see what I got or tried to see what will fit on the bike and how it will fit. And if WallyWorld has something that dinky and cheap, I can go buy my own before I leave and probably make it work.. and give it to you when I leave! If you had already had it and be truckin.. that's one thing. You not having it and having to pack it.. just not right. Criminy.. I could probably buy one of those cheap floaty air thingies used in a pool and get by for a night or two. I'll let you know.. and I do appreciate the thought. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 05/25/12 at 12:29:20 So do I understand rightly that there will NOT be an apartment room, only motel-type rooms? If so, I think I will bring my tent and sleeping bag and camp under the stars. 'Cause I can see the 3-person rooms getting fairly crowded with snoring bodies! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 05/25/12 at 12:39:50 766077606B6C717C36323136050 wrote:
NO NO, there will be an apartment and you are on the list for the apartment room from Mon. to Sat. morning Apartment starts Monday Monday Lancer truck (bottom bunk) Monday Oldfeller biking (bottom bunk) out on Saturday morning Monday Bill Young biking (futon/bunk) out on Wednesday morning Monday MMRanch biking (futon/bunk) Monday BigZuk biking (futon/bunk) Monday Serenity biking (futon/bunk) out on Saturday morning Mon. Tues. Youzguyz biking (floor, Oldfeller will bring air bed) out on Friday morning |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 05/25/12 at 13:24:51 Okay. I'll calm down now. I am perfectly willing to pay Verslagen in advance. Will mail check next week. Versy, I'm pretty sure I have your address from previous correspondence. If not, I'll TRY to PM you. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/25/12 at 16:48:29 Don't say a word ..... I told Bill over a year ago I was a headed his way slow but sure and then when I got there he and I would sit on the porch and talk to each other in Billish. Serenity is gonna sit with us and keep us company. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/26/12 at 11:35:01 Got RYCA hisself on the horn over at RSD "RYCA hurts to ride over 100 miles" thread. http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1337965207/37#37 Come on over and encourage him to make a showing up at Dragon Week, it would be nice to actually see one of the things rolling on a decent piece of road. Boy, it would sure get some drooly looks parked outside the Dragon Cafe. And Lancer could film him kick'n my butt on the Dragon ..... :D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 05/26/12 at 20:47:16 Lancer Sorry for the delay. Had to take the "Family" vacation this past week . OK Will you put me in for Monday through Friday nights ? 5 nights $22 (+ or - ) a bit. I'll bring a sleeping bag and if we get tight for space I can do with a spot of floor space if it will save us some $$$$ as as group ? If we need to switch to a smaller room , I'm still Ok with floor space for the $ of Tent space (Doin't even have to bring a tent) ! I'm also OK with bring a Tent if going to a smaller room works out better. Up untill time I leave the house Monday morning I'm flexable ! I plan to get there in plenty of time to light the grill Monday night a slap a piece of meat on it ( maby a baked tater too.) Anybody else want the coals while there hot its ok ! We stayed in "Sky Valley,Ga" last week, just south of Cashiers. That hole area is full of neet roads with 55mph speed limits.!! :) RYCA The factory seat hurt me too .... I went to a Two piece Harley seat that bolts together in the midle to become one. I think its off a SoftTail ... its as wide as I am and "Just So Fine to Sit on !". 300 miles a day is no problem anymore. (I still think Harley Motors are a great disign but poorly made)! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/27/12 at 01:52:50 MM, forget about bringing your sleeping bag -- everybody has a bed with one to spare through Saturday AM when most of us are leaving. Lancer has cancelled the apartment after Friday night, he plans to collapse in with Al & Dave for Saturday night (providing Dave stays, he was saying something about riding back out with you). We still need to get up with BigZuk, communications with him are very much list only right now as he can't send a PM. I am planning to come by his place on Sunday and ride in with him, but I need his address and cannot get up with him. No RYCA this year, the only one making noises doesn't have access to a trailer to bring it up. Hey, to the RYCA guys, I am just "an old man in a Barcalounger" who can only make noise about riding motorcycles. :D We really should plan this fall to take a RYCA person black lining with us .... (we will have to carry a spare gas supply again, they are even more miles limited than I am) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 05/27/12 at 08:25:39 Well .... Maby Saturday night (if Dave stays) , I could get a piece of floor space and leave out Sunday Morning ? :) Anybody working on "Day Rides" yet ? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/27/12 at 20:39:41 Nope, feel free to plan a few. You can go back up Mt. Mitchell and Mt. Pisgah -- getting snowed on in the summer time is always a real head trip to me. Whenever we go out by way of Bryson I want to ride through the nowhere tunnel all the way to the bloody end of the road (I suspect there is some sort of primo rough camping area back there that only the bike guys know about .... and bikes are OK to go back there, it sez so in the brochures). Has BigZuk made any attempt to get up with you? He cannot PM out but he can get them, so send him your phone number so he can call you. He is out of town right now helping a guy restore an old car. If you can, get his planned exit day from him -- make sure he knows about the apt ending on Friday night and the fall back into Al's room. Then you can PM me and give me his address and phone number and we'll get our communications done that way. Saturday I am heading back if I am in any sort of riding shape at all. Saturday will be 8 days on the bike for me, which is longer than I have ever stayed out before. I'm bringing some bike tie-downs in case I wind up needing them, and that cheap $12 Walmart air bed in case I wind up needing that. What is that get ready thing good Boy Scouts are supposed to do? Be Prepared ;D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 05/28/12 at 05:24:43 With thought toward next year I was looking at The Blue Ridge M/C Campground mentioned again by O/F. We spent a few nights at this place a few years ago and it is a very nice place to stay, with the added advantage of having 1 & 2 man cabins or camping area which makes it easier for making reservations individually. BLUE RIDGE MOTORCYCLE CAMPGROUND We start accepting Cabin Bookings March 1st for the season. The cabins were designed, built, and furnished for the comfort of two people while traveling by motorcycle. Eight of our cabins have two twin-size beds that make it quite convenient for a couple of guys to share a cabin. The other cabins are furnished with one queen bed. Cabin rental includes sheets, pillows, blankets, and bath towels so there is no need to pack all of that camping gear on your bike while touring the beautiful mountains. The current nightly rate is $45.00 U.S. per cabin. Weekends are 2-night minimum for (Fri/Sat) or (Sat/Sun). Due to the popularity of our cabins, we suggest that you call to book your dates. Our phone number is (828)235-8350. Check-in time is 2:00 p.m. and check-out time is Noon. (** http://blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/# ) The cabins have windows, lights and electric heat. Some of the cabins open onto the bank of the Pigeon River while the others have a view of the clear trout pond. The bathhouse is centrally located with separate showers and private dressing areas. Laundry facilities are also located between the separate bathhouses for men and women. Cancellation Policy At the time of booking, a valid VISA/MC will be charged a minimum of one night cabin rental. BRMC Bookings are subject to a $25.00 U.S. fee for any Cancellation/Change made eleven (11) days or more before the check-in date. There are no refunds within the ten days prior to the check-in date. There are no refunds for early departures. CABIN PRICING & INFO We start accepting Cabin Bookings March 1st Cabins are $45.00 U.S. per night for 1-2 people. Weekends are 2-night minimum. (fri/Sat) or (Sat/Sun) Check-in time: 2:00 p.m. Check-out time: Noon CANCELLATION POLICY At the time of booking, a valid VISA/MC will be charged a minimum of one night cabin rental. BRMC Bookings are subject to a $25.00 U.S. fee for any Cancellation/Change made eleven (11) days or more before the check-in date booked. There are no refunds within the ten days prior to the check-in date or for early departures. http://https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MXlZhTt4QVI/SgUDLhi80ZI/AAAAAAAAAe8/Hgflviguh8k/s640/scan0007.jpg http://https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1iQU85xGGI/ScMtFwTY-zI/AAAAAAAAAbo/GBHz8Gr-Ook/s512/brmc_pic40.jpg http://https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iHU0EnPvDNc/SgUDAHMK8BI/AAAAAAAAAek/QvMH3UgJIZw/s512/scan0001.jpg http://https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rwqn4jxiIso/ScMqVDt--0I/AAAAAAAAAY8/e7c5PWZ-bz8/s512/brmc_pic19.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 05/28/12 at 08:51:01 Plus (and you won't appreciate this fully until you go black-lining with us) it has a 3-D topographical road map up on the wall in the lounge. When you are planning for adventure, this sort of map is the absolute cat's meow .... Yeah, I think we've done the Dragon Lodge to death ... time to move on next year. and ... if you put an $11 walmart air bed on the floor you can sleep 3 in each cabin at only $15 a person. As you can see, it is centrally located to a lot of the big sweep paths we already take (actually more so than the Dragon Lodge). http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/images/Cruso-Map.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 05/30/12 at 10:00:31 I'm so confused.......Who am I supposed to send payment to for the room? And I DO like the idea for next year: the Blue Ridge campground, sleep 3 for $15 each per night, can't sleep on the ground anywhere that cheap! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 05/30/12 at 10:54:19 3F293E29222538357F7B787F4C0 wrote:
You are scheduled for the big room and that is under my reservation so send the payment to me via Paypal to savage.s40@gmail.com |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 05/30/12 at 20:42:18 Do I hear a Frog snickering ? or is that my imagaination ??? That BlueRidgeCampGround is at the end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I camped there once and the little creek and the Clubhouse make it nice. I put an original type head gasket on yesterday , and rode about 200 miles today without issue. I checked 4 of the local bike shops hopeing to find a new(er) S-40 for a spare but there anin't none . Only averaging 48 mpg and still plowing black smoke when I twist the throdle. " I want 60 mpg " So If I'm getting the highest idle speed with the mixture screw 1/4 turn from bottomed out then what do I need to change ? How many sizes down in what (which) Jet ???? Only expert , sciencetiffic , no joke , really will work ansures please .!!!! :-? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 05/31/12 at 05:46:33 011301131E0D020F044C0 wrote:
Pilot screw just 1/4 turn out ? Getting black smoke on startup and idle or farther up the throttle range ? or both ? Either way, at just 1/4 turn out and getting max rpm then do to t he next smaller pilot jet. That should get you into the 1.5 turns out range with the pilot screw. Is this a stock carb ? What are your needle and main jet set at ? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 05/31/12 at 22:34:41 Lancer Thanks for the Advice , Changing the cam is whats going on . It seem the blance between the jet sizes and cam lift is a delicate thing ! That High dome piston thrown into the mix has change things also. Also I've noticed a slight vibration that wasn't there befor , piston weight ? Anway ... tinkering with it (search for perfection) is part of the fun of having one ! I've order one each of the next two sizes smaller pilot and also the next smaller main jet. Comming off an idle it blows black smoke while barking the motor. I suppect the smaller space the mixture has to compress to is the main reason for the "rich" behavor but I'm only :-?guessing . :-? Stock carb. (yes) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 06/01/12 at 05:00:04 514351434E5D525F541C0 wrote:
Barking ? ? LOL Are you feeding it Iams or just a store brand ? ;D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/01/12 at 09:53:43 ;D 10% store brand Shell !~ new jets should come it today ! ;) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/01/12 at 11:35:14 3 weeks out -- time to do your pre-trip oil change and check your tire air pressure again to make sure your tires are holding on to that air good. Check / adjust your belt ..... Tighten your axle nut and your adustment nuts, your main motor mounting long bolts, etc. Make sure you have a carry quart of the oil you use to pack in your saddle bags. Get a large aluminium water bottle to carry on your bike for an emergency gas supply. If everybody carries a quart of spare gas we can keep the least gas efficient person running to the gas station when he goes all dead on us. Some of our big loops (like the Skyway and the Mt. Mitchell loop) are over 90 miles with no gas stations and we do have folks needing to use the little bottles from time to time. So far, no RYCAs are coming this year, but if they did they would require the emergency sips on many of the normal loop routes we take. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/01/12 at 11:43:04 4360686A696060697E0C0 wrote:
I did my oil change on wednesday. Bike's ready to go unless I decide to change the front brake pads. Putting things together for the trip down (tent, cooler, camping gear, beer, beer, beer). I think I'm forgetting something...oh yea, beer. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by youzguyz on 06/04/12 at 02:01:42 OLDFELLER Due to changing fortunes and circumstances, it is highly unlikely that I will be able to attend. Even though still possible, not nearly enough so to be included in you plans and calculations. If I do make it, I will fend for myself in the "a place to sleep" category but happily contribute to the other festivities. If not.. maybe next year. I thanks you all for your efforts, and I apologize for an inconvenience. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 06/04/12 at 05:47:27 LANCER, check your personal messages. I PM'd you regarding your address. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/04/12 at 10:05:39 I'm shopping for a bike to ride here at the last minute ! Another S-40 low milage in stock configuration. Waiting for a ebay sale to close now ? Wish me luck ! :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 06/04/12 at 13:51:28 Good luck, Mike! Hope you get a ride-able bike at a great deal! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/05/12 at 09:11:12 Thanks serenity I have found a 05 with 10k miles for 18Hundred but doin't want that many miles on one. I'm thinking , get a stock one and keep it stock and if more HP and room (carrying the wife and her lugage) is need get a Triump Speedmaster or America 865 as a second bike. I'm waiting to hear back from a guy with a 2005 <4kmiles for 21Hundred (This afternoon/evening) if that one doin't pan out Tommorrow #2 choice is an 09 modle with <200 miles for 35Hundred. #3 choice is an 09 modle with <4k miles for 35Hundred. #4 new 2011 for 4495.oo Only (Less than) !!! "Three weeks" ,,, :o |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/05/12 at 16:41:59 http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/canton-nc/28716/daily-weather-forecast/344623?day=25 Weather looks pretty durn good so far ..... No showers until Friday PM |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 06/06/12 at 11:55:50 46544654594A4548430B0 wrote:
Lotsa good options. I'd get the 2011 and dress it up with "25th Anniversary Edition" stickers! ;) I'm lookin forward to the trip. How many Mikes are gonna be there this year? Five out of 7 of us were Mikes last year! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 06/06/12 at 15:39:04 504250424F5C535E551D0 wrote:
Or perhaps ... 2009 2k mi black $2800 Runs good "Has bags ... Will travel" |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/06/12 at 21:51:28 Just got home with a Newer bike... got the 05 with 10k miles for 1650.00 its midnight ,,, I'll check it out tommorrow ! Goodnight. :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 06/07/12 at 12:59:51 435143515C4F404D460E0 wrote:
Way to go!! I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Can't wait to see it! BTW, To any of the guys who are trailering or otherwise NOT biking to get to the gathering, Can anybody find a decent guitar to bring with you? I CAN lug my guitar, but it's bulky. Just might be fun to have one to strum around the campfire in the evenings. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/07/12 at 13:10:12 Al and Lancer are the only ones trucking ..... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/07/12 at 15:30:14 2B3D2A3D36312C216B6F6C6B580 wrote:
Way to go!! I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Can't wait to see it! BTW, To any of the guys who are trailering or otherwise NOT biking to get to the gathering, Can anybody find a decent guitar to bring with you? I CAN lug my guitar, but it's bulky. Just might be fun to have one to strum around the campfire in the evenings.[/quote] No guitar here, sorry. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 06/07/12 at 16:06:29 726473646F68757832363532010 wrote:
Way to go!! I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Can't wait to see it! BTW, To any of the guys who are trailering or otherwise NOT biking to get to the gathering, Can anybody find a decent guitar to bring with you? I CAN lug my guitar, but it's bulky. Just might be fun to have one to strum around the campfire in the evenings.[/quote] I may be able to get one; my son should still have his first one. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/07/12 at 21:28:23 I've got a Guitar ... 6 of them .... One of them is a Martin travel guitar (back-packer). It looks kinda funny "I've had people say "WHATS THAT ! "" . I kinda like to strum and pick a little too. I understand people get HURT when I sing so I keep that part to a minumum ! ;D Southpaw can sing and play good enough to draw a crowd . I'll see if I can get it tied on somehow. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 06/08/12 at 05:24:53 Thanks, Lancer and MM. I've seen and played one of the back-packer guitars, I think it was a Martin also. You guys work out what to bring and I'm sure we'll be happy with whatever turns up. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/08/12 at 21:06:28 Well Lancer mine is a "Classic" style , so bring your too and we'll have a "Picker and a Strummer". :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Bigzuk on 06/09/12 at 08:12:23 Lancer, Money sent by PayPal this AM for my part of the room cost. Thank you for sticking your neck in the money noose for all of us! I will have cash on hand on Monday to cover any cost this payment may not cover. Now I got to get in the garage and install the new front tire! Wow me on the Dragon with tires with tread....I'm look'n forward to a great ride :-) Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 06/09/12 at 13:30:36 Well.....in preparation for the trip I went out and actually rode my bike for about 150 miles today. I needed some fiberglass sound packing for a SuperTrapp muffler - so I picked a motorcycle shop in Maysville, Kentucky and it is about 60 miles away if I take the easy route. I rode back roads and want past the tornado damaged area in Peach Grove, Kentucky and then down to the Ohio River and out Route 8. I have to say......I can ride my trials bike for 3 hours without getting nearly as tired! On the trials bike I move around and change positions and.....sometimes fall down. On this Savage thing I just sit there and wait for the bumps and potholes to throw me up out of the seat! I guess I got some more practicing to do before I come down and "Tame the Dragon"! Also.....I sold my Kawasaki Super Sherpa to a woman that lives in Ashville, NC, and I am hauling the bike down and she will come over and pick it up. Not sure on the timing, if I will meet her somewhere on the way down, or if she will come over while we are there. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 06/11/12 at 05:25:48 Dave, Looking forward to meeting you. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 06/11/12 at 05:43:16 233522353E39242963676463500 wrote:
I am also looking forward to meeting everyone and adding names and faces to the group. I have never put many miles on street bikes - this will be a new experience for me. I have a trials bike and spend a lot of time in the woods alone - riding with a group is not something I have ever done. See you all in a few weeks. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/11/12 at 07:34:10 Must bring things .... Experience has taught us Dragon old timers a few things that we didn't bring and that we wound up missing a lot. Bring a full face shield helmet (them rain drops, bugs and butterflies hurt when they smack you in the face). Bring a small riding towel (hand towel) to keep in your bags for rain drops, butterflies and bugs. It can wipe sweat and get the oily stuff off your hands too. Sunburn when riding 6-8 hours a day is a certainty -- bring sunblock and one long sleeve shirt. Bring whatever you use for jock itch and athletes foot -- you may need it. Brief rain showers are just part of the mountain experience -- you find that you dry out pretty quick from the riding wind and we won't stop for you to put on a rainsuit. Bring an aluminium water bottle full of gasoline to keep in your saddle bag. You might not need it on a given day's ride, but somebody will. Some of our loops are over 110 miles and some of our bikes crap out at 90 miles. Them little bottles of gas save hours and hours of delay time for the entire group as you can quickly dump one in and make up the difference. Don't bring more than 2 changes of clothes -- we run a load of clothes about every other evening and everybody's stuff can go in tonight's load for free. Bring an extra map -- you first map wears out gets torn up gets blown away by the mountain breeze over the edge to nowhere. Bring more pain meds than you could possibly need -- you will need them on the trip home. Don't bring anything bigger than a $20 bill -- ma & pop country stores can't make change for a $100 bill. Charge cards work just about everywhere, except the smaller ma & pop country stores. Bring a small camera if you want to -- we don't stop for a lot of photo ops. Bring your cell phone charger. Your cell phone won't last a week if you leave it on all the time. Cell phones only work in the bigger mountain towns -- ditto for wifi. Unless the Dragon lodge has upgraded tremendously, they lack both. TELL YOUR WIFE NOW ABOUT THE CELL PHONE/WIFI LACK OF RECEPTION SO SHE WON'T GO TOTALLY APESHIT WHEN SHE CAN'T GET UP WITH YOU. Your wife spends the entire time worrying about you, so please stop and call her every time we go down the mountain to get something to eat. Guys who are trucking in .... please bring some clothes washing detergent and softener sheets with you please. They want to rape you for the stuff at the Dragon Lodge and you will want your clothes washed too ..... What did I forget ????? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 06/11/12 at 10:05:48 YIKES! I just researched the route I will need to take to get to the Dragon.......and the official directions that the resort has posted shows that I will be driving on "The Dragon" to arrive. I will be in a Pontiac Vibe towing an enclosed trailer with 2 motorcycles in it! (I sold my Kawasaki to a woman that lives in Ashville and she is going to pick it up on Wednesday when I arrive). Does anyone have a route to suggest that will keep me from becoming a "slow moving road block" on the Dragon? I don't mind taking a route that is a little longer - if it keeps me from making enemies of the people I am going to be riding with. I don't want people recognizing my car/trailer in the parking lot and taking out their revenge for the delay or close call I may have caused. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/11/12 at 11:35:23 Don't sweat it, half of them came that way dragging a trailer or a truck, so don't worry about it -- you got your bona fides riding in the back .... just wave them around in a good turn and slow down so they can make it by safely. They are going around you anyway, you know -- they LIKE a good rolling steeple chase barricade to jump over. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/11/12 at 12:37:43 40636B696A63636A7D0F0 wrote:
Also, there are lots of places to pull over to let the bikes pass. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 06/12/12 at 05:17:20 3A3739396D5B0 wrote:
Also, there are lots of places to pull over to let the bikes pass.[/quote] I might attach a big mirror on the back of the trailer. That way the bikers can watch themselves until I can get to the next pull off. The only part that worries me is that we have a lot of birds that fly into our windows at home as the reflection of the trees in the glass fools them.....I hope the same doesn't happen to my trailer/mirror with the riders. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 06/13/12 at 05:25:05 09222C313E204B0 wrote:
Got it; thanks I have received advance payment for the room from Bigzuk, Dave & Serenity so far. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/14/12 at 11:12:08 Check again, I sent you money for me and Bill Young. (Paypal shows it as completed as of June 14th) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 06/14/12 at 17:50:10 71525A585B52525B4C3E0 wrote:
I got it right after the last post |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/14/12 at 19:31:03 Haw whooooooo !!!! One week out -- beginning to get a little pumped up now !!! (I can tell I am getting a little bit excited, I am snickering and going "rrrrriiiiibit .... rrrrriiiiibit" sporadically fer no durn reason whatsoever) Time to start carefully packing them saddle bags. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Bigzuk on 06/18/12 at 19:11:39 I installed the new Pirelli Route 66 front tire today to match the nearly new rear one. Oil and filter change tomorrow and pack the bags and I'm ready to ride!!!!!!! MMRanch, PM me if you can, mine are not getting out. I need to know if you will be staying at my house Sunday night so we can ride down to the Dragon together? Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/19/12 at 11:24:32 I am very carefully reviewing my week's worth of stuff, leaving off everything that won't ride on the bike while staying out of the way of my swinging a leg over the seat. Leaving the movie camera at home, still bringing the telephoto lens still camera. No wifi up there at Dragon Lodge, no laptop needed. Note: if we were staying at the new place over the burbling brook, we'd have wifi available at the lounge and gameroom area. I'm gonna call these guys and talk them into putting in a pool table. http://https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rwqn4jxiIso/ScMqVDt--0I/AAAAAAAAAY8/e7c5PWZ-bz8/s512/brmc_pic19.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/20/12 at 10:24:55 Okay, I did an oil and filter change on the truck. Bike is ready to go. Now I just have to pick up a few things at the store and I'm outta here. Well on monday morning I'll be outta here(I might leave here on sunday morning, depending on the weather). I'll see you guys on Wed. afternoon. AL |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/20/12 at 10:57:33 I've got one (1) day trip planed out to Helen,GA. (160+- miles) round trip with lots of little squilley lines in it :o ! (4 to 5 hours driving time) Should give us a little walking around time befor the turn-a-round (not same way back). I'd like to do one to Mt.Mitchell if ya'll are game for it !!! :) Its CooL in more ways than One ! ::) Looks like I'll be there Monday afternoon. :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 06/20/12 at 11:22:39 I adjusted my valves last night - they make a bit less noise now. The next few days I am working on my trailer.....trying to shoehorn 2 bikes in an enclosed trailer that is onlly 45 inches wide! It is going to be a tight fit. I sold my Kawasaki Super Sherpa to a woman that lives in Ashville, and she is coming over on Wednesday afternoon to pick it up. I am planning on arriving about 2:00 and she is meeting me at 3:30. That gives me 1-1/2 hours to try and wiggle her bike out of the trailer! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/20/12 at 14:55:25 Hay Dave I'll Help Watch-Ya-Do-It if Anybody else will or Not ! Sounds like it might be a show ! ;D ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Bigzuk on 06/20/12 at 18:16:06 Fellow Dragon killers, I got a ride spotted called "Joe Brown Loop" 151 miles 4hrs. it starts on 129 @ Robbinsville, runs on hwys. 143, 165, 68, 123/294, to Murphy NC, 129 back to Robbinsville. Looks twisty! 2nd ride, "Great Smoky Mountains loop" 141 miles 5hrs. 129 to Topton 19 to Bryson City NC, Cherokee NC, 441 across Smokey Mnt. Nat. Park towards Gatlinburg, Little River Rd.73 to Townsend, foothills parkway to North end of Dragon. If yall want to go back to Hot Springs NC and Dogget Mtn. like I took Oldfeller and MMRanch I know some great back roads to get there too. Bigzuk |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/20/12 at 21:56:31 Zuk I've got two; One : Hwy 28 South to Highlands , 106 over toward Dillard ,Ga. ,441 up to Blossomtown and Aquone , topton and back to the civilized world. (154 miles) of twisties and such. :o Two (159 miles) Down to Helen Ga. 19/74 and 17/75 down then 348 , 129 , 76/2 , 66 , and 141 back . Young Harris,Blairsville,Brasstown,Peachtree,Marble. Should make for a relaxing day. 8-) Are we overlapping much ??? Seems we are thinking about the same Millage wise ! :) Just looked at yours; South/West and North/East Mine are South , and South/East Seem we have ; North/West , West , left .... Which one you want ? Hope I'm looking at the map rite-side-up :-? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 06/21/12 at 05:22:03 If I can find some room....should I bring any firewood? Do we have a place for a campfire? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/21/12 at 05:30:55 Firewood is provided by the Dragon Lodge, no need to bring it or any woodcutting tools. (these new people had better have fire wood -- we'll all be pissed if they don't) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 06/21/12 at 09:03:16 I will bring just one Swedish Candle for the fire.....I think you will enjoy it. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/21/12 at 12:11:49 ANNOUNCEMENT OF IMPORTANCE We are having a surprise visitor come see us up at the Dragon, somebody we have been wanting to see for some years now ..... they is finally gonna make them a Dragon appearance. Let the wild assed guessin' begin. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by verslagen1 on 06/21/12 at 12:26:00 Bill ;D ;D ;D :-? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/21/12 at 12:58:56 LMAO, Bill (that's a good one ....) No, not Bill -- he'd have to buy him a new battery first and then he'd get his special red stuff all dirty on the way down and he won't ever never do that. Bill's bike sez: ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ticky ...... ;) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by bess227 on 06/21/12 at 13:34:23 644F415C534D260 wrote:
Zuk, ANYTHING around Robbinsville is twisty......and beautiful. Some pretty water up in them parts too. Fontana (a deep one) and Santeetlah (spelling?) You guys be safe. I would love to be able to come for just a day or two but can't work it out this time Safe ridin. Scott |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/21/12 at 17:32:05 ANNOUNCEMENT OF SOME IMPORTANCE We are having a surprise visitor come see us up at the Dragon, somebody we have been wanting to see up there for some years now ..... they is finally gonna make them a Dragon appearance. Let the wild assed guessin' begin. Verslagen guessed Bill was finally coming to whup up on us (wrong, jest plumb wrong, fer so many many reasons) Who has the next guess? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by verslagen1 on 06/21/12 at 17:37:50 couldn't resist ;D seen hints of somebody on a RC-1 |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by bill67 on 06/21/12 at 17:38:08 When you guys get good at the dragon you will have to come to Wisconsin and try snake road. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/21/12 at 18:16:56 Could it be ????????????????? Is your wife comming to check up on you this year OldFeller ? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D My real Guess is: Baby Hog & Hubby ? :-? How about we start a list of who we would like to see meet at the Dragon? I'd like: Southpaw to make the trip again. Toymaker to drop back in. Triump Phill to bring that monster back. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/21/12 at 18:57:41 Babyhog was a good guess, wish it were so. Ditto for Southpaw to make the trip again. Toymaker to drop back in. Triump Phill to bring that monster back. But no, no banana so far ..... ....... need a hint? [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf7nz35coSw&feature=related[/media] |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 06/21/12 at 19:59:28 6340484A494040495E2C0 wrote:
My wife said it must be a vampire. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/21/12 at 22:11:57 Nope, not a vampire. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YFc3K3OzSY&feature=endscreen&NR=1[/media] |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 06/22/12 at 04:02:07 It must be THE JOHN |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 06/22/12 at 06:08:26 I've got my oil changed, gonna clean up the old girl this weekend. Start packing tomorrow and I'll have everything I need by the time I leave. Still planning to arrive Monday afternoon/evening, and I'm supposed to have a bunk or a futon in the big room. As far as rides, I'm a good follower so I'll do any ride the Savage ahead of me is doing. 8-) Have we got a guitar (or two) that's gonna make the trip? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/22/12 at 08:40:14 Serenity, looking forward to meeting you !!! Lancer, when did John ever set his thumb ---- oh, bad clue, my bad. Sorry, lemme try again. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Kbyte51MY[/media] |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/22/12 at 08:53:09 So Somebody from Transavallana Who play or talks like a fiddle .... or plays a fiddle !!! And has a burning thumb. And of course has or had a Savage/S40 ?????? Who could it bee ::) We need a fiddle player with Great KNOCKERS !!!! :o |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/22/12 at 09:56:14 And your last clues are (since I have to get ready for work now, I'll get off work, sleep a bit and then Bill Young and I will take off at dawn to go chase down his Asheville roots), your very last clues are ..... All of you know this guy, but only a very few of you have actually met him. (he is kinda famous after a fashion) More of you attended his funeral than had ever actually seen him. No, he isn't alive but he is coming to the Dragon for the entire week. He will be coming up on Monday AM and so he will be there before most of you get in. He is one of Lancer's relations who has never personally posted on the list himself. And yeah, Lancer had to dig him out of his hole to get him in the truck .... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/22/12 at 11:16:19 Lancer You DOG You, how could you dig up a kin-folk . :-X :-X :-X Auuuuuuuuuuuuug REX ain't dead yet is he ? :-? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/22/12 at 13:11:12 http://members.aon.at/frankenstein/images/boyle1.jpg No, he's just been kinda quiet recently ...... He DOES get all fired up occasionally, but he apparently doesn't like it very much and so he always blows himself out & quits the scene. http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l556/singleladad/youngfrank.gif?t=1301444023 This time we are gonna put jumper cables on him, shoot a shot of ethyl ether down his throat and see if we can get him to poot fire for us. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 06/22/12 at 17:48:29 REX is alive ... as of today anyway. He has been just a weeeeee bit persnickaty the past couple of years ! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/22/12 at 22:03:58 Good-Old-REX He's a hansom feller , and comes from good stock (best I can tell). I was looking for a replacement bike not that long ago and just couldn't find any better stock than the herd REX is from. Hope he keep feeling well ! :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/22/12 at 22:38:53 http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/canton-nc/28716/daily-weather-forecast/344623 Look at this beautiful weather and drool, all you pea green folks who jest wish you could go ...... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 06/23/12 at 04:06:20 Ready to go Ready to go Ready to go :D Well, I still have to pack up but I am ready to get there and play in the mountains ... yyyyyeeeeeeeehhhhhhaaaaaaaaaawwwwwww !!!!! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 06/24/12 at 06:45:15 R E X http://www1.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe/l=en_US/p/Organizer/s_c=0/s_ev20=bellsouth_migrated_acct/s_se=FDR/s_pt=PSP,REP,MMB,CAL,PRE/s_cmpg=bellsouth_migrated_acct#state=%7B%22pl%22%3A%7B%22uc%22%3A2%2C%22aid%22%3A%22717358016%22%2C%22pid%22%3A289750791016%2C%22pidx%22%3A88%2C%22vp%22%3A%22s%22%2C%22sb%22%3A5%7D%2C%22ovm%22%3A%7B%22v%22%3A%22s%22%7D%7D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 06/24/12 at 10:54:20 My truck is loaded and ready to go. Still need to throw in some last minute things in the morning. I guess I'll be camping out in virginia monday and tuesday night (gonna find somewhere to ride tuesday). Then arrive at Deals gap on wed afternoon. http://p1.bikepics.com/2012/06/24/bikepics-2419721-800.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 06/24/12 at 15:56:43 Well I am loading up the trailer today......It is a tight fit! I have never had 2 bikes in this tiny trailer before. I had to take off turn signals from the rear of the Kawasaki, both fuel tanks, the mirrors on both bikes, and the headlight surround on the Kawasaki to provide enough clearance. I will get them all situated tonight - but I will wait until Wednesday morning when I leave to snug the tie downs all the way. I sure hope I don't absent mindedly leave some of the parts behind. The last part of my trip is on the "Dragon".....I may be one of those moving obstacles! http://i47.tinypic.com/aziadl.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Uno-Lung on 06/25/12 at 06:38:56 I wonder if you should have had this guy along for the ride. Time will tell. Oh, that's right -- this isn't the harly forum. Wishing you riders a safe and fun trip. Pics and updates, people. http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fchameaudacier.free.fr%2Fmoto2.html Signed, Green Eyed Monster |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/29/12 at 17:34:18 Alive, down from high thin air. Rex lived, for one full excursion then he cracked his carb mount support. He was king of all he surveyed when he was running though. Nobody got hurt, only one warning ticket was doled out by Tennessee Sherif's dept. Pavement was hot, tires wore 2x more than expected. Brakes overheated, rotors turned blue on several bikes. 4 are still at the Dragon, they will come home Saturday. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by rfw2003 on 06/29/12 at 18:36:59 Just got finished reading through all of this, sounds like alot of fun. Maybe one of these years I'll get a chance to take the trip as well. Only way I'd be able to afford to do it though is riding all the way up there. The truck uses way to much fuel to load the bike up and bring it out. R.F. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/30/12 at 13:24:38 Here is a pic of Rex. Rex ran like a top until the machined top carb mount developed a stress crack and broke. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00065.JPG =============== Here is a pic of Lancer next to his really cherry looking new burgundy & white. Big Zuk's head is in the front of the shot, he was looking good on the trip and was the one to follow for best lines and best speeds in the turns. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF000712.JPG ============== Here is what 104o day temperatures do to bike rear tires -- they simply rub the soft rubber compounds off and jest evaporate the tread depth. http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF00196.JPG Rotors turned blue and the riders wilt and dehydrate. This tire had half of its thread depth when I arrived at the Dragon and I left a day early because of the heat and total lack of traction (I was spinning the tire when heeled over exiting a sharp turn). Rode the final part of the trip home starting EARLY Saturday (early 2:00 AM dark and cool) to nurse the tire home as it got better traction when cold and I think it wore a good bit less on the cool night pavement. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 06/30/12 at 16:16:12 OldFeller We missed ya Friday night , lost ya at the knife works place somewhere ! We went to CrackerBarrel and took the long way back to the Dragons Head. It all get over too fast ! :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 06/30/12 at 20:26:08 I saw from the parking lot that even Serenity was in there with us all there at the same time, but the place is soooo durn big with so many floors and nooks and crannies crammed full of people that I went around the place twice and never saw anyone. So not needing any more $1.62 each pocket knives I left to hit the road on home. Stayed with the niece on Friday night and left from there at 2:00AM so that I did most of the long ride home in the cool of the dark. Saw 4 deer, 1 fox and 3 possums all shining in my high beams. Them ugly ol' possums are jest plain stupid, one of them made my wheels go bump again by running in front of me instead of running away from me. Got most of him off in the next town with a spray hose at a big all night convenience store (I have learned that fully dried possum guts are really tough to get off your bike if you wait until you get home). Tire never did show any cords but it did get right slick acting when the concrete road pavement got all hot around noonish. Tar roads weren't that bad. To avoid running down I-40 as much as possible in the afternoon heat I took Jones Creek Rd 339 from Sevierville and then flipped over to Hwy 32 which has just been paved. Some right beautimus fresh flat pavement with the mountain laurel growing right up to the edge of the pavement -- think 32 miles of Dragon type curves with no tilted embankments and no cops and only two cars seen the whole time. Second-third gear work, mostly. Still has 2 miles of unpaved at the end of it though, so you can see why the road is like it is -- they have graded and gravelled the old goat path into a road bed to prep it for paving so I think the rest of it will be paved soon. There are a ton of similar roads once you get away from the main areas, rural farm roads and logging roads that have been taken over by the state and paved. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ZAR on 06/30/12 at 21:31:55 496A6260636A6A6374060 wrote:
Sounds like everyone had a high old time! Hopefully one of these days I'll be able to run down from northern Kentucky and meet up with the gang. By the way Oldfeller,your route home sounds a lot like the roads around home...except we're more rolling than hilly! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/01/12 at 05:13:43 Finished sharpening my new crop of $1.65 each "don't cry when you lose one" pocket knives -- these are cute little rip offs of the old Gerber lock back design I do believe. Nice little pocket knives in a 6 for $9.99 plastic pack off the center table. Fine fine belt sander followed by edge hone on a stone, I was done with the whole lot in an hour and a bit. Nice little knives for the price, blade steel seems a bit soft (easy to sharpen means easy to dull) but all Chinese pocket knives feel that way to me. ======================= Something that we talked about on the trip was a change in week date -- current week was picked to suit Toymaker's summer school teacher type needs and we don't have a Toymaker around any more. Some mentioned first week of June as first time it gets warm enough for short sleeves up in the mountains. Last week of May, first week of June would avoid that tire killing people wilting heat completely and roll us back towards jacket or long sleeve riding weather. It would also roll us back away from the crush of people wherever we went as that is "too early" for the main vacation season peak crowds. Tires would last longer too. ===================== The Dragon Lodge has become a little more and more difficult to deal with each year and I think them actively picking Lancer's pocket for $79 when we rolled back into the single room was the last straw -- I say screw staying there in the future. Plus I hate having to dodge the cops all the time every time you go up hill -- Tennessee's attitude towards bikers around the Dragon really does suck. There are two other formats we have used on Blackline trips that seem to work out OK. One is to base camp at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Cabins at two beds fer $45 (or 3 fer $15 each with one on an air mattress). This greatly simplifies reservations and planning as DURING THE WEEK no reservations are needed (nor are any enforced by pocket picking). Food is a very short ride up the road at a real town, or it can be gotten at the kitchen if you sign up for the meal ahead of time. Having stayed at both, we will miss having a personal bathroom and the big fridge. An ice chest full of beer will have to suffice. It will do though if we must have a base camp. The alternative is to have no base camp, to Hotwire.com a $29.99 hotel room at place A, ride around it some then proceed to place B and the next $29.99 hotel room. When blacklining in a small group this is a good format as the local cops don't get to recognize you as you aren't around there very long. Rooms are nice, generally have a fridge & TV and have a free breakfast. Next, speed limits. North Carolina has a 55 mph default that plays anywhere it isn't posted otherwise. Tennessee seems to like a 45 mph default or else they just post it (or something less) everywhere. And they like to give warnings and threaten $176 tickets then send their buddy just a little bit down the road to nail you for 1 mph above the posted limit. They gets their chuckles out of it (and a large part of their budget revenue most likely). NC cops have better things to do .... Riding speed became an issue on this trip for the first time, as did staying together as a group as we busted up a ride with two having to go back to look for the one that wasn't ready to leave from a rest break on time and got separated/lost. We had one new one that wasn't able to even reach the speed limit reliably (went home early because he was getting "too beat up trying to keep up with the group") and we had Dave as a new one who was always able to run in #2 or #3 position and had no issues keeping up whatsoever. Age/back/legs/fatigue was an issue too, as the younger feeling wanted to ride for 6 hours at a shot and the older feeling wanted to stop and take a walk around break every hour. ==================== Lastly, I got caught by the fuzz this time for going at a normal curve speed on the dragon (50 mph) and given a no cost no insurance notified warning ticket as a courtesy service of the Sheriff's Dept. (which I told the man "I appreciate that, Officer" because I did appreciate it) Part of my permanent Tennessee sentence was to be permanently magically transformed from rasty green frog to wimpy sissybitch, which lasted until I got firmly back into North Carolina territory again and far far away from them narsty Tennessee Sheriff and Highway Patrol execution teams. And while I was being humiliated by the Police, two gold wing pairs came up all grinning like fools, stopped along side and the wimmen took pictures of me getting my ticket. Seems they liked that a whole lot because I had just passed them upstream in the corners a little bit roughly. And then sitting over at the next overlook there was this 7 man row of grinning Savagers who all wanted to see my ticket, and MM who cried out a bit in disappointment that it was jest a warning ticket and what lies did I tell that policeman to get out of the $176 fine I so richly deserved? And then I had to ride like a wimpy little sissybitch all the rest of the morning since we were headed deep into Tennessee territory and I had been promised a Tennessee necktie party for going only ONE (1) mph over the 45 mph limit anywhere in that state forever as my 20 over the limit warning ticket stays on their computers forever. :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ZAR on 07/01/12 at 07:10:28 Please don't quote long posts in their entirety, it makes things all ugly & unweldy for folks to try to read -- just refer to "upthread" or if you do have to quote something please cut out all the unnecessary verbage. One thing you did not mention Oldfeller.....maybe it was not an issue for the group. That is the Tenn. law enforcements penchant for confiscating you "spending money" under their questionable drug/organized crime laws. I've known of several guys from the Louisville area going on bike vacations into Tenn. that had anything over $500 taken away because the cops "knew that much money has to be for drug buying"! One guy lost $2500 he was taking to buy a bike down below Nashville. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/01/12 at 07:35:48 Zuk, MM -- is this true? They bust you then take all your loose pocket money? If so, that sux big time. However, if you do some "careless and reckless" speeds (40 over the limit) NC will sometimes throw you in jail and confiscate your bike. Especially if any drinking is involved .... ::) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 07/01/12 at 07:59:45 I got back yesterday to a very welcoming wife.....they had a big thunderstorm in northern KY on Friday night and she had been without electricity for nearly 24 hours. No cell phone access in the area around the lodge made it impossible for her to reach me. The good news is that the electricity came on 1/2 hour before I arrived home.....so I did not have to break out the generator. On the way home I got to witness a 15 mile traffic jam in the southbound traffic where the Interstate is down to 1 lane because of a landslide....I believe it was just south of Knoxville....but I am not sure. On Wednesday when I drove down it was smooth sailing through this area.....but the Saturday traffic proved to be too much for the area and it looked really horrendous. Those poor travelers were caught in an outside temperature of 103-106 on the blacktop highway as indicated by the thermometer in my car. I had a great time and really enjoyed the good group of people that welcomed me into the pack. All were very helpful and friendly - on one ride I thought that it was amazing that a group of friends were out on a ride together......and there were more than 6 states represented by the license plates. The roads and scenery were all perfectly designed for a bike like the Savage. I am new to riding on the on the road and my bike survived the weekend - but the ticking noise that concerned me shortly after I bought the bike has become a far more pronouced knock.....and it is time to take the bike apart and see what is causing it. Thankfully the bike never really threatened to cut my riding short and ran great - with only a few people looking on in disgust to see where all the racket was coming from. The rattling is most pronounced at idle and low speed - so the trips through the parking lot were the ones that got the most attention. Thanks to all my new friends for sharing the weekend with me.....It was great! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 07/01/12 at 08:02:40 I believe it true ... Big Brother ... does what ever he wants ! and They call for back-up real quick if ya doin't like it. Then the real #$%^ hits the fan !!! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/01/12 at 08:06:27 Yeah, my honey bear was glad to see me too. Nothing like leaving them for a week to go hang your ass "out on the line" to make them appreciate you coming back in all safe and sound. My chair was taken over by the dog though, he didn't appreciate getting tossed back on the floor and being demoted to "dog" status again. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/01/12 at 11:23:47 Well, my return trip thru ohio didn't work out. When I left deals gap, I went to find phone service and called my cousin in ohio, only to find that they are in maine this week. So I just headed home instead. It was an uneventful ride home. I left deals at 7:45am sat - arrived home at 3:15am sun. Thats 19.5 hours for aprox 1050 miles. No tickets (or warnings). I hope everyone made it home safely. I only took a few pictures that I will upload later. No video evidence available. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 07/02/12 at 06:17:49 http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3B98%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E639%3E697%3EWSNRCG%3D3578896%3B45339nu0mrj http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3B%3C%3B%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E639%3E697%3EWSNRCG%3D357888%3B5%3B9339nu0mrj http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3B%3C9%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E639%3E697%3EWSNRCG%3D3578896557339nu0mrj http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3B98%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E639%3E697%3EWSNRCG%3D35788975%3C%3A339nu0mrj http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3B9%3A%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E639%3E697%3EWSNRCG%3D357888%3C9%3A9339nu0mrj http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3B%3C3%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E639%3E697%3EWSNRCG%3D3578893892339nu0mrj |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 07/02/12 at 09:10:59 Well, I'm kinda late checking in, but my return trip went as expected EXCEPT for the HEAT. Wow, Friday and Saturday were unbelievable! Fortunately I learned a long time ago to stay hydrated and lathered up with sunscreen! I have to say I'm looking forward to next year. I'd be in favor of finding another base camp such as Blue Ridge Motorcycle resort or even the National Forest campground (Cheoah) that I found at Santeelah Lake, only about 10 miles south of Deals Gap, more convenient to Robbinsville for supplies (other than alcohol), and with a lake for swimmin' in. I enjoyed my vacation "muchly" thanks to the Savage Pack! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 07/02/12 at 12:48:13 Hey, did you guys notice the photo & letter from "Digger" in the cafe at the Dragon ? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 07/02/12 at 13:53:19 I didn't see it. Why are ya jest now pointin' it out? :-? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 07/03/12 at 09:11:22 697F687F74736E63292D2E291A0 wrote:
I did not notice it until the last day when everyone else had left. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 07/03/12 at 10:08:19 Hey MMRanch......I think your bike is leaking something! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 07/03/12 at 16:20:14 615A5740515D46405B535E41320 wrote:
It was very hot ... it drank a lot of liquid ... could not hold it any longer :)) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 07/03/12 at 20:42:32 It did consume a lot of liquids !!! I don't think mine was the fuel millage champ this year. Seems like everytime I put in 1.3 gal. somebody else was putting in 1.1 gal. I enjoyed burning every drop of it though ! :) I'm trying to post a couple of pictures but doin't do it offten enough to remember how with out going to photobucket. :-? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/05/12 at 08:20:08 MM, Mysterious fixed the picture post bar that is right under where you type in your posts. Just browse over to your picture and click on it. Example: I put the gun pic on my desktop and browsed to it with the little bar right below where I am typing in this post. It works, but for my main informational posts where you stick pic stuff inside the text so it pertains to what is written about it, that requires the old pic posting techniques and outside hosting. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 07/05/12 at 09:17:23 How about this Bird ! Perty good trick OldFeller :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 07/05/12 at 11:07:44 Does the Bird DO anything or is he just an artistic conglomeration? Looks like his "quills" could be for generating electricity when the wind blows 'em? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/05/12 at 15:48:15 Here's a pic of my bike with one of the bigger bikes at the dragon last week. http://p1.bikepics.com/2012/07/05/bikepics-2424781-800.jpg |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Southpaw on 07/05/12 at 18:01:08 That was somewhere just west of Topton wasn't it? Its been so long I barely remember. I like what you did to your paint job Al! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 07/05/12 at 20:44:18 SouthPaw I wish you could have been there too. , We didn't get so wild this year ... well except for a few times .... . BigZuk , brought Jill his trusty guide along so no mater how we tried ,, we couldn't get lost. She lead us on some adventuresom roads and most of them had 55mph speed limits , but , we still ran up behind a lot of folks running 40 on them. We had two guitars and a banjo this year , You would have loved it. We didn't get near enough time to play them. But what little we did was fun. Senerity knows how to play perty good. You come next year and I'll bring a My travel Martin. :) Here's where we had lunch one day. Kinda like getting refreshed in more ways than one ! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 07/05/12 at 21:11:11 Senerity I though the "Bird" could have been some sort of antana for a top secrect bird watchers group or something ... or better yet !!!!! That would be a "GREAT' scavenger hunt item !!! ;D ;D ;D :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/06/12 at 09:08:22 If .... If we were to do a short Sat (ride in) -Sun-Mon-Tuesday (ride home) exploration trip up to do the Boone area (say all the mountains between Boone on the north and Mt. Mitchell on the south) in the two weeks AFTER Labor Day (cooler but still warm in the days weather) .... If the format was Hotwire.com cheapie rooms with say 2-3 people in the room .... We have never been in this area, so we don't know if the roads are worthy of a main Dragon style trip. Who would be up for such a thing? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 07/06/12 at 20:14:06 Uaaaaa Let me ask the boss about that one ???? Closer to Labor Day.... I suppect it will be OK . Go hunt-up some of thoes 55mph black lines . So pencil me in. 85% ;) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/06/12 at 22:15:32 I'm thinking week or two PAST Labor day, just to get rid of the Labor day crowds and yet still be way too early for leaf season -- still fully warm during the days but not killing hot like it has been. Just find out if she is good for it as a general sort of idea, I still have to swap the tires on both ends of my bike and do me a valve adjustment (this gives me enough piddle time to do all that with no strain). Start thinking about where you want to go that is in the area -- you got Grandfather mountain, Mt. Mitchell, every ski resort (all 5-6 of them) in the world, Boone NC (got to eat at the Daniel Boone Inn if we go there). You know, places to go, things to do. Check out the roads for when them Dragon boys get all bored doing the same things time after time. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 07/07/12 at 05:04:49 I am seriously interested but will have to hold until I know how this fits into other requirements. I'm penciled in for minor surgery to fix a hernia but don't have a hard date yet. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/07/12 at 08:50:40 Talk to us about your schedule, these dates were plucked out of the air just to get away from the killing heat. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 07/08/12 at 20:40:50 I'm penciled in for minor surgery to fix a hernia Ua That will get ya right in the saddle ! :-[ You gona be able to ride after that ? :-? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 07/08/12 at 20:44:44 I know ... nothing to do with the subject matter ... how about this one |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/09/12 at 09:16:33 Anybody notice how hard it is when you come back from the Dragon to ride at a normal city speed limit pace? Neighborhood street turns that you do every day want to become "corner cut sweepers" and you start sizing up cars for passing just as soon as you come up on them? How your bike wants to be cut loose to RUN, now that it knows what running really is? How it wants to goes into Dragon mode when nobody else is around and the road suddenly gets curvy? Jest how long does it take for you to return to normal --- and is that normal state exactly like it used to be (or is it slightly different now)? :D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 07/09/12 at 18:05:26 7350585A595050594E3C0 wrote:
We exist in the mode; it's just a matter of opportunity. 8-) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 07/10/12 at 09:57:40 Lancer, good luck with your hernia operation. And stop straining so much on the pot! ;D And I'm up for at least a day ride (maybe an overnight) if some folks come up to the Boone area, which is just an hour from where I live in Hickory. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/10/12 at 11:57:13 Serenity, you have ridden up around the ski lodges before (ya musta have, it is in your neighborhood after all). Is it worth the ride? Googling the roads from satellite view they seem sorta "fully developed" if you know what I mean. Kinda like somebody's ritzy residential area if you get what I mean. Give us the scoop, poop ;D http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/Screenshot-Google_Maps_-_Mozilla_Firefox.jpeg |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 07/11/12 at 05:37:47 "Around the ski lodges" themselves, it IS very developed. But there are other opportunities for rides. The Blue Ridge Parkway is easy access from Blowing Rock, just south of Boone. Grandfather Mountain is a nice ride (for a fee). And I know a little place called Table Rock Mountain, gravel roads part of the way, 30 - 45 minute hike to the summit, but worth the trip to see the scenery from the top. Let me think about some others...... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by arteacher on 07/11/12 at 05:41:40 575A55585E49090C3B0 wrote:
Been there ,done that, piece of cake. Just don't lift anything heavier than ten pounds for as long as your doctor tells you (I think my restriction was until I got the staples out.) I missed two days of work, the Thursday of the surgery, and the Friday. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 07/11/12 at 06:14:04 757E7E777B74756F6E1A0 wrote:
Been there ,done that, piece of cake. Just don't lift anything heavier than ten pounds for as long as your doctor tells you (I think my restriction was until I got the staples out.) I missed two days of work, the Thursday of the surgery, and the Friday. [/quote] In the initial meeting with the nurse she said is was a pretty quick and easy fix, outpatient type so go home the same day, with about 6 weeks of being careful after that. I just need a date now so I can figure what I can do when. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/17/12 at 13:54:15 http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/394744_10151026627356358_997504112_n.jpg A short note from Brad of Deals Gap Resort We are sad to report that the resort mascot Brady has passed away in her sleep last night. Yesterday she had a great day of playing in the creek, her favorite past time, and peacefully went in her sleep. This season she was living with Tommy at his doggy retirement farm for fear she would be hit by a bike. Our many gratitudes to Tommy and his wife Marry for the wonderful love and care of Brady. Feel free to post up your hotdog begging stories as we say our final farewell to Brady, we will miss you. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 07/17/12 at 14:12:29 This was my first year at the Dragon resort.... I didn't see Brady. I would have thought they would of had a pet Dragon. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ALfromN.H. on 07/17/12 at 14:46:47 0D363B2C3D312A2C373F322D5E0 wrote:
yeah she was in the doggy retirement home when we were there. I noticed her absence. Unfortunately oldfeller prolly killed her with all the bacon grease he fed her a couple years ago. Poor doggy was way overweight and the guests would always feed her. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/17/12 at 16:41:53 Durn, I killed MM's Sporster, I killed Dave's brand new white bike, I killed my own rear tire, I killed umpteen hurleys and wings and other things, now you accuse me of killing the dog? Wow, I cooked the three pounds of bacon and saved the grease in the big pan in case anybody wanted a fried egg instead of scrambled. I did burn that big pan of toast. But it was MM that poured all the bacon grease on the two plate fulls of burnt toast and gave each of the two freeloading dogs their own personal sopping heaping plate full of doggie bacon heaven. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 07/18/12 at 05:18:52 If we had used that bacon grease in my crankcase instead of feeding it to the dog......maybe they both would still be alive! ;D In about 3 weeks I expect that my bike will be rising from the ashes like a Pheonix. The puller for the alternator rotor should be here on Friday, and by Monday I should be ordering parts. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 07/19/12 at 09:35:01 Yeeeea but she died HAPPY. Thats all any of us can hope for ! Ya'll know how it goes : Harleys are born to die G Wings are born to die Dogs are born to die We are born to die Savages are born to RUN ! Dave did ya find out what the noise was ? After see how well the GPS thing on the handlebars worked , I put one on mine ! OldFeller your going to like this : My Maggy has a built in "Black Line" feacture. Least use of Intestates , Least use of Hwys, Shortest Route. And if that wasn't enough !!! There is a way to "Esclude" part of the Route if it doin't suite ya ! But when you Butt gets tired there is also a "Fastest Route" option. The Shortest Route option has show me roads in my own neighborhood I didn't know of. Like it so much ; I even bought another one for the car ! :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 07/19/12 at 10:58:22 534153414C5F505D561E0 wrote:
MMRanch........ Most Savages are born to run......mine is having to be "reborn". I got my bike mostly pulled apart last weekend...the rest of the engine will be this weekend. The puller for the alternator just arrived this morning and I can split the cases now. I believe the left crank bearing is loose for some reason. If I pull on the end of the crank on that side I can get a clunking noise. :o |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 07/20/12 at 22:06:30 Dave, here is Suzuki's pissed off customer hot line You are gonna need it ..... So ... those of you with leaky gas caps might want to contact Suzuki directly. I did have an extended warranty on my bike but you never know, they might just replace your tank & cap for free too. BTW, when I had to sign the warranty paperwork, I saw the price of the gas tank - $544 !!!! Holy moley - I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it!!! Here's the website: http://www.suzukicycles.com/ From the website: "Should you have a situation that you believe requires American Suzuki's immediate assistance you may call Customer Service at 714-572-1490. Customer service representatives are available from 8:30AM to 5 PM PST." and I spoke to Cecil. BTW, DON'T tell him I sent you - LOL!! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 08/01/12 at 21:28:20 Well Lancer I found out why the carb. screw did not kill the engine .... The fuel level was way too high ! After the adjustment the S-40 is getting almost 60 mpg now. It feels like it running to lean. So I'll be going up a size in the primary jet ... but the mpg may stay up there anyway. ? Anyway thanks for looking at it. Dave how you comming along ? or is that another post ? Mike :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 08/02/12 at 05:43:30 56445644495A5558531B0 wrote:
I got an email yesterday from Ron Ayers.....the parts should be arriving in the mail today. I have been cleaning things up and getting ready for the parts to come. Last night I took the starter apart and painted it black - so it matches the engine cases. I made a 1-13/16" normal socket into a deep socket by cutting it apart and welding an extension in it.....so I can tighten down the flywheel nut. I need to make a holder to secure the flywheel while the nut is torqued. I also ordered some Loctite 243 - which is the medium strength with more tolerance to oil. Things will start going back together this weekend! |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 08/02/12 at 09:55:05 Wow Dave Welding sockets back together ... You must be right handy in the shop ! You remember the old style oil filter wrench ? They grabed the circomerence of the filter with a band. Both ends of the band being fastened to a handle about an inch apart .... well I remember seeing one made to use a piece of size 50 chain so the operator could hook any link and it seems like there was a vice-grip type handle ??? Wish I had of bought it , but at the time I must have been pinching penies. We still do contra on tuesdays (1900 to 2100hrs.). Every-other week is live band night. Next tuesday is live night if ya'll can make it sometime. Nothing like a short road trip ! :) Inviation is open to anybody who knows what "Contra" is. Hint: Bring your Guitar , Bandjo or Fiddle if ya got one ! Zuke I got a pound of those alumium rods you were talking about. They work just like advertised. Its hard to tell a repair has been made becouse it looks so good ! I can start building things out of Alumium instead of steel now (not sure how strong it is yet). Anybody every try platting steel with that stuff ? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 08/06/12 at 10:09:27 OK, time to start planning the post Labor Day trip if we are a gonna do one. Yell out if you are interested. Let's not try to base out of Boone area because there isn't really very much up there to do. Fairly civilized looking, actually. Cruso area would be better road-wise. Why Cruso? More central position for the trips towards Mt. Mitchell or Boone area and it would still allow Cherohala Skyway and assorted other known good trips in the other direction. Plus, sharing a cabin with 3 folks at $15 a head sorta appeals to me price-wise, plus the good lounge area, etc. Plus, we always meet some genuinely interesting people there, not crotch rocket BS'ers like we do at the Dragon. http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/images/Cruso-Map.jpg Below is the link to the general weather patterns for Cruso, NC 28716 where the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground place is located. Place is here http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com Weather to expect is here http://www.usa.com/28716-nc-weather.htm September 8 through Sept 11 is still plenty 75 ish warm enough during the day but gets 50 ish at night, so the bad heat is done but the fall isn't fully here yet. We are talking two long sleeve shirts and carry a coat & gloves with you sort of weather. Rain has fallen off from the summer peaks down towards the October low rain period. No leaves on the road yet, hopefully no hickory nuts or acorns either. Can't make any promises about them tire dodging critters though, we seem to see a lot more of them on the Fall trips. Plus, I think the smaller shorter Fall trips are simply more fun. Have been so in years past anyway. Lancer, did you ever hear about your surgery? If we need to plan around it you need to tell us something. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 08/06/12 at 11:48:44 Lancer, did you ever hear about your surgery? If we need to plan around it you need to tell us something. I have an appointment tomorrow morning and should get a surgery date then. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 08/07/12 at 17:14:34 Will see the surgeon on the 16th and cut the next week likely. I won't be riding at all until October. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 08/07/12 at 19:04:27 Mebbe next year or year after then, whenever you can come back up from the central states. Oh well, best laid plans and all of that ..... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 08/08/12 at 09:46:47 Mountains, I need mountains .... got new tire with nubbies on it .... .... need mountains !!! (not picky, find something you want to do) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 08/08/12 at 23:06:55 OldFeller why doin't ya come over to the other Hwy 129 for a day ? I can put ya up for a couple nights and show ya the neighborhood. Take hwy 30West out of telicoPlains and you'll have those tits wore off befor ya know it ! Just plot ya a course for Lynchburg TN. we could go take the tour and see how they make JackDaniels while ya here. Ya gota be kinda carefull about which ridding tales ya repeat in front of the Wife and Son (they think I'm a safe driver ;)). TN. State 129 runs from Lynchburg(Hwy 55/50) to Interstate 65 + (US 431) about 40 miles and is not quite as full of curves as US129 but is by no-means strait (100-150 curves). There is also the Natches-Trace parkway in the area, goes from Nashville TN to Natches Missippi at the gulf. Its kinda like the blueridge but not a curvey. I've only got one spare bedroom but the local motel is nice and priced in the $50.oo range but I've got a fire pit and 100 acres to camp on. The rock house in the picture has two cots and AC.,small couch and vidio games also. :) some of the back yard |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 08/14/12 at 08:47:38 It is tempting, but I am personna non grata in Tennessee, remember? I done been formally warned that that nasty ol' BIG TICKET is waiting for me when I come back, plus then they get to take all my pocket money that I was going to use to buy guns and drugs with. The likelihood of me adhering to 45mph speed limits for that many miles inside your state is a very very poor bet. Another poor bet is me being around your wife and kids and still being able to keep all them little trip secrets from them -- wimmen have their ways of getting it out of you, generally by asking innocent questions not directed at the point of interest directly. Innocent questions, like, "Were you there when Mike's Harley died last year?" "Did you enjoy the scenery on your last trip?" "Where all did you folks go visit while you were down in North Carolina?" I may plan a little trip just for myself, and just go do some simple things instead of a whopping big ol' huge trip. Wife rang in on my plans "Take me on a trip to Charleston instead", sez she. So, to Charleston we go, driving her car because it has the best stereo and she can plug in her Ipod into the USB port in the dash ..... :) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 08/27/12 at 23:53:31 [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r-1t6D5E6U[/media] Let's go ride with these French guys ..... they look like they are having fun just getting to the mountains. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by ToesNose on 08/31/12 at 04:58:45 Those guys are crazy! :o Insane how they just motored through the traffic circles, once they hit the mountains those roads looked like alot of fun though ;) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by LANCER on 09/01/12 at 10:01:22 I enjoyed watching the ride but those guys will pay the price for their careless riding someday. You can only cheat death or severe damage for so long. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 09/01/12 at 10:16:09 OldFeller you need to get you one of those bikes !!! Ya anin't gona be happly till ya do ! Better hurry befor they are OUTLAWED. If I drove like that ... The state would pull my Drivers Licenes and throw me in a hole somewhere the first day ! ;D I think I need a "VIDIO GAME" where I can safely drive like that !!! It looks like FUN>>> :D |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by verslagen1 on 09/01/12 at 10:42:21 supermoto is the way to go... http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=supermoto&mid=2267E3C68089983245AF2267E3C68089983245AF&view=detail&FORM=VIRE1 |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 09/01/12 at 11:22:29 Tell the truth, you wished you were that young and reckless again, didn't you? And you thought back to certain little excursions from years past with a wistful fondness. ================ Youth is wasted on the young .... ;) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 09/01/12 at 11:25:15 405240525F4C434E450D0 wrote:
Seat height is 32 inches, ain't no way possible with my stubby old crip legs. You will note that I did check ..... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Dave on 09/05/12 at 07:13:03 I watched a bit of that video......but as much fun as it looks.....I just tended to get angry at those boys. They are the kind of fools that give motorcycle riders a bad reputation. I really get offended by anyone that treats me as an obstacle on the road....instead of treating me as an equal. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 09/05/12 at 15:13:58 Dave, there were several "serious crotch rocket" guys on that video who shared your opinion. One was really pissed that he was getting treated like a speed bump and he REALLY didn't like it when the guy carrying the camera wheelied on past him too .... Supermotos are upper end top speed limited compared to these other bikes -- if there had been any decent amount of straight away on that road the story would have been quite different. Also, did you note all the big black streaks of rubber those motos were putting down as they braked into a turn? That amount of black rub off laydown might equal a new tire a week if they run like that all the time. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 09/05/12 at 15:24:11 Theoretically Speaking ....... There are spring rides ..... weather is warming up finally but the jackets & gloves still get used. There are midsummer rides ..... HOT is the reality word here. Sweat and ride, sweat and ride. There are fall rides ...... leaves and acorns and kamakazi chipmunks & squirrels & possums Which sort of ride shall next year's main ride be? (hint, if you do a spring ride -- you still have enough riding year left to recover and go on a fall ride too, plus a different set of people are interested in a leaf season ride than a late spring ride) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 09/05/12 at 15:30:50 [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHC5t5HY9iM&feature=relmfu[/media] The supermoto guys get stopped ...... :-? (MMRanch will want to know what they told the cop to keep from getting THE BIG TICKET) |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 09/07/12 at 22:41:02 I didn't see where the law pulled anybody over ??? But Staying on the right side of the road is part of the challange . And being polite about is the right thing to do. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 09/08/12 at 03:43:26 0E2D2527242D2D2433410 wrote:
Here is the long term weather patterns again -- we is looking for some better weather again, Goldilocks (not too hot, not too cold, jest right). http://www.usa.com/28716-nc-weather.htm May something is the earliest for decent temperatures (still cool, but not THAT cold) with June getting warm to hot again. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 09/11/12 at 21:56:22 I'd like a cross-country ride befor I get to old to do it. Anybody else had simullar thoughts ? :-? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 09/12/12 at 04:03:35 Some of the group is still working, enough days off to "go long" and come back may not be in the cards for some of us. Some of us truck in -- what do you do with the vehicles? Still, I have never seen New Orleans or the Gulf side of Florida ..... |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by serenity3743 on 09/12/12 at 12:49:56 I have said one of my "bucket list" items is to traverse Route 66 from Chicago to LA. I'm not retired but I am a State employee with a reasonable amount of leave time. |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 09/13/12 at 11:46:16 What roads would you do on the return loop? |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by MMRanch on 09/13/12 at 20:15:42 The wife and I have talked about route 66 befor. Some of it runs with other Hwys now .... maby we shouldn't put it off too long ! One should not let there Bucket get too full. I'm retired but still have Cows, Chores, BoyScout, Church , Contra , Giving Guitar lessons, and a Wife. I have to "Arange" to have some time off, but can almost any time with a little bit of notice. :) Pikes Peak Grand Canyon Natchus Trace end to end El Capatan Mountain Texas West Coast Hwy Serges Bike Rally Amish Country NE US. The list goes on and on ! :P |
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Title: Re: 2012 Tail of the Dragon Trip (6/25-7/1) Post by Oldfeller on 09/20/12 at 15:17:06 Oh well, fall trip 2012 never pulled itself together so we are about done trip-wise for 2012. I'll post a blank sticky for Dragon Run 2013 and we will see what year 2013 brings (assuming the Aztecs weren't right and there is a 2013 that is). Speaking of bucket lists, what should you do before the end of the world comes this holiday season? |
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