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/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> The Cafe >> Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1404261194 Message started by Dave on 07/01/14 at 17:33:13 |
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Title: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/01/14 at 17:33:13 4E5C4E5C51424D404B030 wrote:
Hey.....I am up for it. The Dragon is about a 5 hour drive for me, and I am starting to believe I should go a couple of time a year! Dave |
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Title: Re: WE WON! Dragon Photo Post by MMRanch on 07/01/14 at 22:50:25 I've got a parade this friday. after that we're just talking about one day there and back the next day ! :-?. My S-40 is up to it but if your bring the ST then I'm taking the HD. Have two man tent and suggest we stay at the Dragon proper. :) Anybody else want to go ? |
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Title: Re: WE WON! Dragon Photo Post by Oldfeller on 07/02/14 at 04:31:36 If you can give me enough lead time to schedule vacation, I will go the third for a Dragon lodge hotel room with AC/shower/beds. In other words, pick a set of dates. |
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Title: Re: WE WON! Dragon Photo Post by MMRanch on 07/02/14 at 12:18:13 OldFeller can you get off work "Just any time" with a weeks notice ? I've got VBS (Get to be Daniel this year) 21-25 and then got a orphanage visit with the CMA on 26 July (cook-out and bike rodeo) . Any other time I'm good for a two day adventure ! ;) |
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Title: Re: WE WON! Dragon Photo Post by Oldfeller on 07/02/14 at 13:03:27 I've got to plan a short vacation with my wife whenever she figures out where she wants to go to and when that is going to be. I have to give at least two weeks notice on any vacation that I take. You guys figure out what you are doing and plug some dates into it. |
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Title: Re: WE WON! Dragon Photo Post by MMRanch on 07/02/14 at 21:57:52 Dave Plug us a date in ! :-? and congratulations ! , again !, I'll see about the pictures from Lynchburg rally this Friday at the parade thingiee . :) For those who don't know "Dave's bike got top honors (Trophy) in his category at the Lynchburg rally. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride Summer Session No. 2..Planning Thr Post by Dave on 07/03/14 at 05:05:42 I have split the Dragon Run....Summer Session 2 off from the photo thread......so we can do some planning. I am away from my office this week and will return July 7th, I know I have a wedding to attend the second week of July. A local lady down in the Dragon area claims the weather starts to dry up in the area in late July. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by ToesNose on 07/05/14 at 04:30:51 "Dave's bike got top honors (Trophy) in his category at the Lynchburg rally." Grats Dave! See what winning the Dragon photo has led to ;D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by LANCER on 07/05/14 at 05:52:16 I've been talking with my oldest daughter the past few days as her and her husband have been working on a cabin they recently purchased in the mountains where we ride. She had told me it was close to Maryville before which is really good, but it turns out that it is located just off the Foothills Parkway which is even better. That puts it within about 15-20 min of the Dragon. I like that. ;) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/05/14 at 14:54:29 Any chance you could borrow it for a week while they are off in "normal land"? ;) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by LANCER on 07/06/14 at 02:57:27 14373F3D3E37373E295B0 wrote:
That is my intent. ;) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/06/14 at 06:13:05 I call first dibs on a bed ..... shameless, ain't I --- but quick, I am quick, yessiree |
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Title: Re: 2015 Gathering.....Where & When? Post by Oldfeller on 07/13/14 at 15:13:05 I am committed to take my wife on vacation on July 30 through August 3, next week beyond that School starts back up for both of us the very next week. The rest of August and September would have to dodge Football weekends and other major school events, for which the calender hasn't been blocked off yet. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/14/14 at 09:10:25 OK...changed this to a STICKY so that it doesn't drop back a few pages if we don't post anything for a day or two. For me....this can be a "weekend only" thing, or it could be extended into a weekday, and I am flexible even up to the last minute if weather becomes an issue and we wanted to change a Friday arrival to Saturday and stay until Monday instead of a Sunday. Sunday afternoons and Mondays offer the least amount of "crowds" and travelers. Friday afternoon and evenings I believe there is a lot of traffic including campers, RV's and cars hauling boats and kayaks as US129 is about the only way to get to the Nantahala Forest and Outdoor center for those folks coming from up north. As in the past, the Dragon is most often ridden on the way in or out of camp.....and we actually do the most riding on other roads. Evening and mornings are spent watching the show......lots of strange things come and go at the Dragon Inn. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/14/14 at 11:16:16 Hot Dog ! Just let me know when and save me a place for a sleeping bag ! Mabby we should leave your daughter some dishes or coffee cups , pots or pans ... or something to say thanks ? :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/18/14 at 06:35:00 Folks, don't wait on me -- on this second trip I will be a responder, not a primary planner. One of you guys lay out a set of proposed dates and let's see what can fly. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/23/14 at 07:56:32 OK...I have a couple of really intense weeks here at work. I could go any weekend starting August 15th and beyond. If we stayed on a Friday/Saturday nights....I could leave Thursday evening and camp overnight in my trailer - and be at the Dragon for an all day ride on Friday. The weather for August and September looks to be just a bit drier than the July period that we usually ride. Anybody ready to pick a date? |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/23/14 at 08:28:47 So we talking about a Friday arrival and a Sunday departure. I'll check my wife's calendar . ;) The dragon has a lot going on during the weekends , (its allways a SHOW) ;D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/23/14 at 08:40:33 Yep, I was planning on making the drive down on Thursday night - so I can ride all day on Friday. I can just sleep in my trailer anywhere, and use the Dragon Inn public restroom to shave and/or shower. If the weather gets iffy - there is no reason we could not change the weekend as I don't think they have any big penalties for changing weekends for folks that are tent camping. Yep, the Dragon Inn is a circus - but once in a while it is fun to go to the Circus and see the "Clowns". On Friday, August 22nd is the 9th "Fiddies" race - evidently they set up a small track and race 50cc motorcycles around the parking lot. If we went that weekend.....it looks like it would be tough to get in and out of the camping area while the race is going on. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/23/14 at 12:48:22 We might be enjoying the show so much we might not want to get out of the parking lot ? ;D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/23/14 at 13:00:30 687A687A77646B666D250 wrote:
Well, it might work out fine. I looked at the 'Fiddies" website, and the race is actually on Saturday, August 23rd at 8:00 PM. We would already have our camp set up, and we could most likely get our bikes parked somewhere. It might just be a fun thing to watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euriwtkZBFo Anybody want to start planning the weekend for August 22, 23 & 24th? Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/24/14 at 04:29:18 Well the long range weather forecast looks great for the 22nd weekend, looks good for the 29th weekend too. It really doesn't make any difference to me which weekend....as long as the weather is good. It would be nice to have the flexibility to check the weather forecast on Wednesday night....and then either "go or no go" on Thursday night in case the weekend turns out to be a mostly wet one. Occasional rain showers I can deal with - all day rains and I would rather stay home and go the following weekend. Let's see what MM has to say.....or anyone else that would be interested in going is welcome to come. http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/cruso-nc/28716/month/2096614?monyr=8/01/2014 Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/24/14 at 13:35:38 Well :-? The weekend of the 22nd is the State Rally of CMA for TN. We are meeting at Montgomery Bell State Park (Ya'll come), its $11.oo / night and includes showers and such. So The weekend of the 29th works best for me at the Dragon campground. I'll bring a 7'x7' two man tent (same one I brought befor). Its a nice tent but I cant stand-up in it , it does have doors on both end and storage area on both ends. I'd like to get a stand-up-in-it tent , but haven't done it yet. I think the wife might do some of these rides with me if there was room for a cot in the tent ? ::) I've got it penciled-in on the calendar :) Is everybody else missing out ? ::) Local CMA group |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/24/14 at 19:47:47 I am bringing my bike down on a trailer.....so packing an extra cot in the car for the Wifey' would be really easy. I have my rear wheel repaired, and tonight I just mounted my new skinnier tires that are the correct width for the rims. Tomorrow I will go for a ride and see if it handles better? Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/24/14 at 21:16:29 Odds are REALLY SLIM of my wife ridding for more than One Hour at a time, and even slimmer of her going on a Dragon run . :P She'll most likely go visit her mom while I take a "Three-Day-Cruise" If our son was gone for the weekend , she might do something like a Natchez Trace ride with a campground overnighter . But dinner wouldn't be on the campfire ! it would have to part of the plan going in --- somewhere that really sounded good. ;) Dave , One time I put a narrow tire on the rear of my Yamaha RD250 , It didn't work out too good. It drifted on the corners too much , was a little scarry best I remember ! :-[ So be really careful with it , at least at first. I went from a 150/80Dunlap to a 140/90 Commander II on the back of the harley and you've seen how much it drifts when it's bent-over --But -- I think it worked out to be a better match to the front 100/90Commander II , (and it's taller too). :) . It also seems the Michelin Commander II tire is "Big" for its size tire. The 140/90 Commander II and 100/90 is the same combo I'm running on the S-40. Speedometer is off about 7 or 8 % on the low side of ground speed now. OldFeller If you'd rather get a room instead of cot in a tent thats OK. 8-) It doesn't madder to much to me. The weather might be cool enough to use a heater instead of an AC. (higher elevation + late August) ? Think I'll bring a real jacket just in case! :-? Sounds like I'm bring the S-40 out for a ride ! :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/25/14 at 08:15:45 It was always my intent that this 2nd summer adventure was going to be a Dragon Inn event.....in the camping area...right in the middle of the circus. The camping part would allow us to cancel without any penalties, and postpone the trip a week or two if the weather was crappy. I don't mind changing the tent for a room - but I was hoping to stay at the "Inn". We can ride the Dragon in/out of the area on our way to/from all the other rides, and watch the show along the way. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/25/14 at 08:54:19 This sounds really kinda petty, but after trying to book a room with the Dragon Lodge today their comments dug up all those memories of all those years of the screwing around me and Lancer took over the room costs for this and that .... Heck it is petty --- the place has been sold twice since we started staying there but the screw-overs for weekend room charges for their various rules stuff have never really changed any at all. When you check out, they slap it to you. Last time they clipped Lancer for over $60 and I vowed I'd never stay there again it made me so mad. Camping at the Dragon Lodge .... |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/25/14 at 10:55:52 OldFeller Bring a cot to sleep on ... ;) , so ya don't have to sleep on the ground, and I'll bring ya a tent all to yourself or Dave would probably let y borrow his trailer ? :D You don't even have to walk to the shower room . There is a parking area at the shower house on top the hill behind the campground. Seems like some company would make a "Cot - Tent" combo thingie ? Store your gear under the cot and have a roof over your head all in a neat / carryable type package. :P I never liked dealing with those reservations anyway ! |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/25/14 at 14:56:42 Thanks MM, As always, you are a very nice person (see, I told your wife that too). The Dragon circus doesn't hold the appeal for me it once did, and my zipping isn't as zippy as it used to be either. That particular area is hard on old achy bones and good Lord knows I have a few of those. You guys have fun and maybe we can go do a little exploring in some odd directions next year in the late spring or early summer. ===================== PS, on a whimsy I gave Big Zuk a call on his cell phone -- the cell number goes to somebody else now. Called his house phone -- he has the answering machine turned on to answer on the first ring, so I left him a few calls to see if he wanted to talk to any of us. No reply as of yet. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/25/14 at 20:44:28 There was a time in my life when my bones (and most other parts) hurt in a big way most of the time. Now I can "Not do" those things that brings the suffering on. I know it can wear on a person and change one's personality in a way thats not good for the heart or soul. So If your bones are hurting then don't push-em ! Remember how this 2nd ride got started ... we're going to collect Dave's "PERTY BIKE OF THE WEEK AWARD" , and sneak a Dragon ride in while we're there. So show-up for a Day ride then go home ... We'll only follow ya if you promise to make dinner ! ;D Heck ! If you make dinner ain't no telling who might show up ?? :P |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/26/14 at 13:30:31 Oldfellor.....Sorry you decided you don't want to come to the Dragon Inn after all. We are going to have fun. This 2nd event always was going to be an event at the Dragon. Going back to some of the early posts: MM Ranch said: So ... Dave. How about we all (Who can) meet you at the at the Dragon to claim the prize ? Huh And of course get a Dragon run or two in ! Wink Dave responded: Hey.....I am up for it. The Dragon is about a 5 hour drive for me, and I am starting to believe I should go a couple of time a year! Oldfellor responded: If you can give me enough lead time to schedule vacation, I will go the third for a Dragon lodge hotel room with AC/shower/beds. In other words, pick a set of dates. And so it went for a while. MM and I got a lot of wet weather riding in on the trip to the Blue Ridge Campground, and I am ready for some dry weather riding. I would really not want to commit to a hotel room that I can't cancel if the weather is bad - if it is raining I am going to delay the trip a week...or just go home and come back another day. Anyone that wants to come ride the Dragon with arrival on the evening of August 28, ride the 29 & 30, and go home on the 31 is welcome to come. You can bring any kind of bike. Even if you want to go on August 23rd....and watch the 50cc races in the parking lot....I could be talked into going. Oldfellor: If you want to schedule a weekend for MM and I to go riding with you, pick a place and some dates......we both can get weekends off pretty easily. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/26/14 at 16:24:27 Retirement Life is Good ! ;) I wish it on all-of-ya'll. I have a few things I have/want to do ; but most of them are flexible and not very strenuous. :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by ALfromN.H. FSO on 07/26/14 at 18:02:56 I was really trying to figure out a way for me to get to this one but it doesn't look good. I'd have to take a week off work and then drive 18 hours each way for a weekend get together. I'm not saying it wouldn't be a good time but it's a lot of time and money for a long weekend. Maybe next year I'll be able to make it work. AL |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/26/14 at 18:23:08 Al: We are looking for a place to go in the summer of 2015.....got any good riding areas up there for us? Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by ALfromN.H. FSO on 07/27/14 at 04:44:28 yeah we have some good mountain roads. Also some nice rides along the coast but there is usually a lot of traffic. From where I live, I can be at the ocean (along the Maine coast) in about 25 minutes or the mountains in about an hour. I've never been riding up north in Maine but I would assume there is some nice riding up there with a lot less traffic. Probably less traffic in Vermont too which is about 1-1/2 hours from here. I'll can do some research. AL |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/27/14 at 11:56:26 As I told you, I was feeling petty that day. My joints were hurting good too .... so it made me both peevish and petty. A bad combination of the moronic P's, to be sure. "No need to be doing both on the same day", I thought, so I took my drugs, indulged the petty a little bit until the joint pain eased off, then I could drop the peevish part, then a couple of days of not thinking about the Dragon Lodge at all eased off on the petty as well. HOWEVER, it did give me a perspective to understand Big Zuk a little bit better, as his pain was 5x what I have to deal with and I don't think his ever completely went away, really. So, being all un-pained, un-peevish and not feeling particularly petty I too can go camp out at the Dragon Lodge. I do agree with Al though, all the hours of driving is a bit much for just a quick 2 day trip, so I may come up a couple of days earlier and make the trip a little longer on the front end of it. ================== OK, MM Think of a bed roll across the back of my bike behind the sissy bar, and me rolling along from place to place with you. We need to show up at the Dragon on a Friday (which one, btw?) to meet up with Dave. This gives us some before days to do a little exploring in. So, what all else do you want to go explore in the before segment? You want to do a one day explore or a two day explore? =========================== Al, you used to take a day and stop in the Virginia mountains because there was something up there that was worth you repeatedly stopping up there. You did it like 3 times that I can remember. What was it? Mebbe MM and/or I could meet you up there in Virginia at that something that you know is good and then we could detour a bit and check out West Virginia some on the way down to the Dragon. This might cut your long weekend trip down to size some. We could check out the Boone ski resort areas as well. MM knows the "explore" format, we might jest camp out in a hotel room some if weather or achy joints say so. Or not if the weather is good. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/27/14 at 12:30:54 Oldfellor: That is great.....I was feeling bad that you were not going to come along. Since MM has an event on the 23rd, we are going for the arrival on the evening of the 28th, riding on the following days. I am hauling my bike in the enclosed trailer, and will most likely set up my bed inside as long as I can get the trailer somewhere near the campground. Since I am bringing a car - I can haul an extra bedroll mattress pad, etc. if you need one, and I can bring a tent as well. If you are riding on your bike - let me do the heavy hauling in the car. What happens if the weather turns out really crappy - can you move a vacation request a week farther back with short notice - or are you locked in? If you are locked in and the weather forecast is grim.....the Honda will most likely be making a debut at the Dragon. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/27/14 at 12:41:36 Picking up Dave's "Perty Bike of the Week" award ? (any excuse is better than none ! ;) Friday the 29th of Aug is a good date CMA Tn. State Meeting is Aug. 22nd -24th. The weeks early in Aug are OK (I think :-?) I was planning on bringing a tent and sleeping bag. I was picturing a tent with a cot in the middle of it with OldFeller snoring away . But come to think of it .... The tent floor is 7'x7',head space is about 4' so .... a cot ought to fit going sideways ??? (if so we could split a tent.) As in I'll bring tent and sleeping bag , and you (OldFeller) bring a cot and sleeping bag. ??? I'm going to set one of the tents up and try a cot in it now ... get back with ya latter . ;) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/27/14 at 15:32:51 August 28th is a Thursday, ... so Dave is saying we show up at the Dragon campground on Thursday August the 28th. Yes, I can do that. MM, if you want to go exploring anywhere in advance of the 28th you got to say so now so I can put in for the extra days, then you gotta say were we are going exploring. Al, if you want us to explore up in Virginia so you can meet up with us, you gotta say so fairly soon. Waiting a couple of days means we will have likely planned to go exploring somewhere else. You see, we can go explore in Virginia (meet Al for a bit) and roll through West Virginia and then pick up Dave in Lexington Kentucky on the way down to the Dragon for the 28th if we can just get our act together for jest a little bit ..... Think "sleeping bag on your bike" and "flexible" and all that sorta happy thought stuff. For whatever it is worth (not very much when 30 days out) but the weather forecast is for clear weather in the Dragon area. http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/deep-gap-nc/28618/august-weather/2258361?monyr=8/1/2014 |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/28/14 at 09:47:17 ...... and, since there is a great big silence coming in on the early explore item, I think I will mebbe go to to NOWHERE and camp at the end of it and fish and muck about in the general area doing some little biddy piddly something until the guys arrive. (yeah, it's a real place the Dragoneers all know about) Let's see, where is that old folded up ratty looking bucket list hidden in my wallet -- it sez I still have to go parachute, do a zip line and some white water rafting ..... this may be a chance to check one or two off the list. (I will be out of pocket most of the rest of this week except at night -- Momma's vacation trip starts tomorrow) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/28/14 at 10:21:54 My arrival will be sometime Thursday.....depends on how busy things are. If I haul all my gear to work so I don't have to go home and can leave from the office I can arrive early. And as the day gets closer....maybe I can leave Wednesday night after my Council Meeting and get a few hours drive in and arrive early Thursday.....just not sure. I do know for a fact that I can't drive the entire 5 hours after the Council meeting.....last year I tried and I made it to Jellico before I just gave out.........after being up for 21 hours. If I work till 5 I won't arrive until 10.....not sure how they work the late night camper arrivals. If I can sneak out at noon I will arrive around 5 PM......and once again is it somewhat weather dependent as there is no hurry to get there if it is rainy. I betcha if I show up late and park in their parking lot and sleep in the back of the trailer Thursday night.....they aren't gonna bother me until morning. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/28/14 at 21:34:23 Guys Well ... the Cot in the tent try-out showed the tents I have are about a foot to small for a cot . So Do either of you fellers have a tent bigger than 7 x 7 foot ? I'll probably have to teach my class (pending on me finding a replacement) till 12:30 or so ; then a 5 hour drive to dragon central. So I should be there a little before dark on friday the 29th. Should have enough time to set up a tent and go find dinner. :) I'm a little confused about when your getting there OldFeller ? :-? From what I understand :P Dave is sneaking in a day early so he can be "Re-acquainted with all the curves before I get there. (am I getting set-up for a whooping ???) :-/. I'll bring the S-40 and mabby it won't be too bad ! ::) . Now it sound like OldFeller is slipping in a day early too ! :-? I'm glad we got a month to iron out the details . :) and If we're having fresh FISH for dinner Friday ... Do I need to bring some aluminum foil and spices to cook in ? ... ;D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/29/14 at 06:12:40 We have a tent that can hold two cots and still has some room to move around in. I also have a small single size mattress that may even be more comfortable for Oldfellor than a cot would be. No...I am not setting you up for a Whooping, and I pretty much just expect to watch your tail light again as I follow you around. I am sure looking forward to riding in some dry weather. Several times while were were riding in the rain and fog I felt like I was in the survival mode. My helmet fogged up, my front tire was throwing a rooster tail up into my face and throwing water up into both my shoes, and my back tire was throwing water onto my back. A Cafe' bike just isn't the best bike for riding in the rain. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/29/14 at 06:38:57 I am sneaking in two days early but don't worry about me, I can find lots of things to do up in the mountains. MM has a class he has to teach, so he won't be in until Friday. Dave doesn't need to kill himself at work and then try to kill himself to come on Thursday, he can sleep at home that night and come on in on Friday in a civilized fashion. We will meet at the Dragon on Friday August 29th. This gives me time to kill a bucket list item or two ..... always easy to get a check mark on an item since most of them live up in the mountains. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/29/14 at 07:42:35 [split] [splithere] (http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1406642031)[splithere_end] I moved the comment about next years ride into the 2015 event thread. Anyone that has a suggestion on where next years event could/should be is welcome to chime in. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/29/14 at 09:11:25 Yes, this is the real thread for the mountain trip, so post your interest here. Yes, it is the every other year (late summer) FREE Mountain Trip. Yup, I am going and it's paid for -- you just gotta feed yourself and put gas in your bike. Being lazy, and knowing what I like (and what is consistently good) I have reserved Cabin #4 at Blue Ridge Campground on August 27th and 28th for my dawdle in ride. http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/ http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/images/Cruso-Map.jpg No car, no trailer just my bike w/sleeping bag on the sissy bar. Spend all day Wednesday proper getting up into the mountains, taking little neat roads all the way. Stop a lot, shake out the legs as needed. Sleep in Cabin #4, a guaranteed good snooze (and a good dinner and a civilized non-drunk campfire too). Thursday the 28th is for EXPLORE and fiddle about the area. Since I will be there, I will go visit my skin up on Cruso Road way up near the Parkway and I then am going down the other side to go scoot my fat old butt down Sliding Rock. http://www.alleneasler.com/slidingrock.jpg ..... and stop and look at Looking Glass falls. And since i will be in a wet bathing suit anyway, who knows what I might go do. You can swim in that pool a bit if you go over the handrail ..... wouldn't get too close to the fall because of that circular undertow that all falls have. This one has enough flow and height to make a nasty suction action. http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/looking_glass75_raw.jpg On Friday, I will proceed north to the Hwy 32 cut off, except this time I am going to go straight the frick up that humongous 55o steep arsed hill that has scared us all off so far ..... (can't be worse than Zuk's driveway, that was about 60o steep) I will then explore the butt load of rafting places along the Little River on my way up to the Dragon by riding Hwy 32 at least once and I will wind up on that little forbidden ranger road that hits the Dragon itself about midway down. Always wanted to go down that particular road .... but you need to do it from the Cove side as it is a one way only single lane road and you have to get permission from the rangers to do it (they will know if it is washed out, etc). Then I will show up all relaxed and happy and sleep that night (Friday the 29th and Saturday the 30th) at the Dragon campground on Dave's single mattress if he brings it, or on a bag and air mattress if he doesn't as the case may be. It will be a very good mountain trip. Yes, this is the real thread for the trip, post your interest here. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/29/14 at 22:00:24 Dang ! ;) OldFeller :P Reading your agenda is making me drool :P :P That 55 deg. hill ain't gravel is it ? :-[ You might ough to wait till you have back-up for it , ya think ? Dave and I drove the water fall road but didn't stop except to find a biger gap in the "CAR" line. You know if you don't bring a witness then you have to take lots of pictures --- or it never happened --- . ::) ... or so I hear ? You staying Saturday night too :-? ? Right ? Dave You bringing your larger tent ? I put a LARGER trunk on the S-40 today. I'll try to get a picture posted tomorrow (It was late and dark when I finished). No - its still not as Large as the one OldRider had. Its the top section of the set I bought for the Sportster. So : the way is stands now ! I'm bring a 7X7' tent and sleeping bag , and a real jacket w/overalls (just in case). :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/30/14 at 04:33:54 I looked this morning, and my tent is 7x10. Between my trailer, and the tents...there should be plenty of room. Sure wish something would come up and they would cancel the Council Meeting on that Wednesday evening - but I will have the report on the road repair projects and there is no way I can skip out of the meeting that night....Dagummit! MM. When you come over on Friday.....we could meet you somewhere along the way and escort you in! Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/30/14 at 05:09:58 Your point about backup is valid, especially going down that fire road going through the center of the Dragon. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/30/14 at 05:30:33 193A3230333A3A3324560 wrote:
I used to go riding in a 2,000 acre ATV park alone. I would just wait at the entrance to the tough trails, and ask if I could tag along with a group. They never seemed to mind as I had no trouble keeping up, and they were often amused by my trials motorcycle. You might try this approach, and wait at the beginning of the road and see if anyone would let you ride with them. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/30/14 at 13:45:50 Dave wrote : MM. When you come over on Friday.....we could meet you somewhere along the way and escort you in! Dave How about "Tellico Plains" ? |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/30/14 at 15:09:38 As you know, in the mountains whatever happens never happened ...... |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/31/14 at 06:45:19 oh joy oh joy, We are at Old Salem. When you go vacationing with your wife you do things that your wife wants to do. ;D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 07/31/14 at 06:51:18 Getting a bit "Giddy" Oldfellor? You and MM know the place better than I do - but if we meet MM at Tellico Plains and it is time to eat....this place looked pretty good place to hook up. http://www.tellico-plains.com/tellico-kats.html Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 07/31/14 at 07:22:13 I am easy, just pick a day and a time. Since I am busy wrecking my knees on this trip I think I'll be bringing my motorcycle on a trailer anyway. Did you know that every building in Old Salem is now a gift shop? Upstairs and down and in the basement too ...... tall, non-standard stairs. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 07/31/14 at 19:58:20 OldFeller Eat hardy in Old Salem , and I hope you " Survive " , and have a good time ! :P We all know how important it is to keep the Boss happy ! ;D ;D ;D How about the restaurant Dave suggested ??? -- Looks fine to me , that appetizer / sandwich looking thing looked like a good start. :P |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/01/14 at 04:56:33 The weather forecast is starting to appear a bit gloomy for that weekend, hopefully that will change as the month plays out. If the weather turns ugly - I will bring the Honda as it is a much better wet-weather ride. http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/tellico-plains-tn/37385/august-weather/2125066 For the meeting place on Friday, MM needs to set an approximate ETA for us. I will have arrived at the Dragon on Thursday and set up camp, and will be riding on Thursday, and on Friday I will ride around and ultimately meet with MM in Tellico Plains. Not sure if Oldfellor will be meeting me at the Dragon and riding out to Tellico Plains...or if he will meet us by car. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/01/14 at 06:49:40 If Dave's plans to show up at the dragon on Thursday are firm then I will ditch the second night (Thursday) at Blue Ridge campground and meet you up at the Dragon. Weather is always a concern on these trips ..... |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/01/14 at 06:57:31 Dave , Now , you know the path between Tellico plains and the Dragon is also known as " The Cherohala Skyway ". Our first day of school is next friday . I'll try to find someone to fill-in for me the 29th , so I can have a ETA of (+-17:00 hrs). If I can't get out of class it will be ETA of (+- 20:00 hrs). I'll know in a week or two . The first week will be border-line " Mass-Confusion " , so it may be the second week befor I find a replacement. ;) The other way for me to get to Dragon Central is by way of 64 Hwy. That's where River Road (Tn. side), and Bridal Falls (NC. side) is. Just off 64 Hwy on the NC. side is where the GIANT Ten Commandments are on the side of the hill (Fields of the Woods) , they have a restaurant/Gift shop that is a cut above Burger-World and a notch below Cracker-Barrel . Come to think of it ... the southern route is a bit warmer than the Skyway route. :-? How-a-bout we wait till the long range weather forecast becomes the Short range weather forecast. If its a hot sweaty day the Skyway for sure. I'm trying to figure a way to get out earlier than Friday :-/. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/01/14 at 08:38:50 MM....You got me confused....I thought you were retired, foot loose and fancy free? You, Lancer, Big Zuk and I ate at the Ten Commandments place the first year I went on a Dragon trip.....the food was fine and I have no problem eating there again if we take that route. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/01/14 at 13:31:37 Semi Retired that is : I'm teaching a Guitar class at the Enrichment Fellowship Home School weekly meeting. I enjoy playing those "Old Time Gospel songs" and enjoy getting the young folks to sing and play them with me. The catcher is : we meet at a "Church of Christ" building. They don't sing with music. At the end of each semester we have a "presentation day show" I'm thinking this time to have some of them picking the singing parts. I'll have to see what kinda of class I get this time ... sometimes they learn quick and sometimes not ! ::) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by ALfromN.H. FSO on 08/01/14 at 14:56:04 447F7265747863657E767B64170 wrote:
I was there that day too. nice ride and a really nice place. AL http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/08/01/bikepics-2686905-800.jpg |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/01/14 at 19:30:42 767B757521170 wrote:
I was there that day too. nice ride and a really nice place. AL http://p1.bikepics.com/2014/08/01/bikepics-2686905-800.jpg[/quote] Al....Sorry I left you out. I was trying to remember if it was you, Oldfellor or BigZuk that was there.....I for sure remembered Lancer and MM were there.....that was my first year and I was just learning who everyone was. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/01/14 at 21:34:42 My first year "Kelly" was there, that was the second year for the Dragon runs. Kelly seemed to know everybody , Toymaker was there and seem to know where to go and the best way to get there. OldFeller was the cool headed leader of the pack around camp , till he got the handlebars in his hands then he would disappear up the road somewhere only to reappear to make sure us newbies didn't get lost. Al has always had the neediest looking bike and totally blew-away my preconceived idea of New Englanders. There was a school teacher from the NC coast (I think) well he had white-wall tires and every kinda gismo on his bike that would fit, including a beaded seat ! this is becoming a very long paragraph ... :-[ BigZuk seemed to just lean back against his back rest and his bike ran like a slot car does. I remember Lancer just kept up without looking like he was even trying hard just like Serenity and Midnight rider was doing. And I was afraid to lean my bike over for fear of it sliding out from under me and having a really hard time staying in my lane ! :P seems like there was another guy or two ??? :-/ |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by ALfromN.H. FSO on 08/02/14 at 04:42:43 485A485A57444B464D050 wrote:
Don't forget Verslagen and Kent. I think Lancer was on his daughters BMW. And the guy that came with his wife on the pillion. He had that huge modified gas tank. Toymaker brought his friend the next year that was riding a gigantic Triumph Rocket 3. Too bad Kelly sold his bike. He was a funny SOB AL |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/02/14 at 16:32:05 The truth is there were so many good trips they tend to blend together like when you go past 2 years back -- details like to hop from trip to trip as the memory fades. By golly we have been everywhere up there and it was all VERY VERY GOOD and it was all worth a repeat, by golly. And the neat thing is we always keep finding neat new stuff to visit and even more new neat roads. =========================== Cherohala is a very good fast 55mph curvy road and MM is right, it runs right up at the crest of the mountains and it is "misty cool" to ride it in places. You are running the crest right up in the clouds after all ...... I actually ran it at full speed from one end to another with only two leg breaks, lunch, ice cream and a small nap before I started back up the Cherohala looking for the group who had never come down on the far side at all. Toymaker had stopped the group to put on and take off and put on his rain togs because of the mist and there were several other delay type stops, which was fine since nobody was bleeding when I found you all. Mist was strong enough for me to recommend you have a bike cloth on your handle bars to use to wipe your visor off. And your glasses if you wear them ..... |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/02/14 at 20:40:54 Al Your right ! There was the guy with the big gas tank. Also the guy who brought some Venison tenderloin wrapped in bacon. I think that still stands as the best meat I've ever eatt ! ;) I'm unclear about which one had the wife. And OldFeller your right about the years running together. It seem like my brother Kent came two years but I can't remember which two it was. ::) But I do remember his surprise when he couldn't make his 90Hp bike pull away from the little 30Hp Savages. And what a great time it was sitting around the campfire with strangers and swapping stories and such . 8-) Renews my Innards just thinking about it ! :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/03/14 at 05:15:25 The guy with the big white gas tank had the young wife. He was also the one who had no front brake pads left on his bike at all (had been riding like that a while). |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by ALfromN.H. FSO on 08/03/14 at 05:26:16 55767E7C7F76767F681A0 wrote:
I think he's also the one that brought the venison steaks wrapped in bacon AL |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/03/14 at 16:14:14 Couple of thunderstorms predicted so far, not too bad since on any given instant we are far far away from home base while the rain is happening. Tents will be needed though -- getting thunderdumped upon at night un-protected by canvas walls and roof would suck exceedingly exceedingly much. Forecast also says "trailer up the bike -- you will get rained upon at some point on the return leg of the trip" http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/robbinsville-nc/28771/august-weather/12174_pc |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/05/14 at 15:38:28 Kent left me a message this morning after I told him we're doing a Dragon run the last weekend of the month. He's riding a Triumph now , and is itching to get in on a ride. So Quote: "Count me in and let me know how much my part of the room is". I can do one of two things : 1. Call him back and tell him we're tenting . 2. Call and set a room up. Then call Kent back . If four of us got a two person room , ??? You bring a cot anyway ? We're talking about Friday the 29th check in and Sunday check-out. (two nights). I'd be reserving the room this time. I suspect Dave's OK either way . :) Three cylinder (I think 1994 model ?) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/05/14 at 15:45:22 I believe Oldfellor called about a room a couple weeks back, and they didn't really have one....but promised him one based on potential cancellations....or something like that. I really don't care where we sleep....I just wanted the flexibility to not show up if the weather was crappy. When you commit to a room - you can't just postpone the trip a week without it costing a bunch. I got wet enough on the first trip this year, and I don't want to repeat it. A few times I was in the "survival mode", as my helmet was fogging up, my smoke visor was the wrong thing to have in the fog and rain, and my bike throws all kinds of water at me when I ride in the wet. The weather forecast keeps improving....before you know it they will have it upgraded to "sunny" for the entire trip! Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/05/14 at 19:01:37 I'm good either way. If MM can get a us all a 3 man room I'll kill the Blue Ridge for Weds Thurs, or if he can't I will do whatever is appropriate according to what he can get. Dragon cancellations happen .... yes they do. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/05/14 at 20:43:25 I was talking about the 29th and 30th , friday and saturday , nothing else ... If the Dragon Inn is full ... its on to price line and the surrounding area if thats OK with you two .? :-? |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/05/14 at 21:28:41 Good for me & the chimpanzee "any which way you can" -- you jest roll the deal to suit you, Kent and Dave. I will be in the Mountains starting Wednesday and will have a cabin (with a spare bed going begging) for Weds & Thurs night until such time you guys make some other arrangements such that I should drop a night. YEEEEHAW !!!! (gotta miss 'ol Lancer and Toymaker jest a little bit) :D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/05/14 at 21:55:58 I can get a motel north of the Dragon in Maryville for +- $80.oo / $20.00 each per night . ??? Two double beds. Me and Kent can split one or I can push him out into the floor if he forgets who he's bunking with. That leaves Dave or OldFeller bring a cot - best I can figure ! ::) How does that sound to you fellers ... OldFeller this if for 29th and 30th OldFeller are you already on call waiting for a cancellation at the Dragon Inn ? Let me know before I call the Dragon lodge in the morning . Maryville Inn has 5 rooms left as of now. :) Princess Motel Maryville At your hotel Outdoor pool Total number of rooms - 33 24-hour front desk Number of floors - 2 Smoke-free property Coffee/tea in lobby Free breakfast Beach/pool umbrellas Tours/ticket assistance Free Wi-Fi Laundry facilities Garden :P |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/06/14 at 03:42:46 This Dragon Trip is going to be relocated to Maryville? That is more than an hour away from the Dragon! Go ahead and make whatever hotel reservations you need to be comfy and make the trip work for you. I most likely will just drive down on Wednesday night and sleep in my trailer somewhere on the drive down, then ride on, in and around the Dragon Thursday.......and stay in the Dragon Campground Thursday night. I can then hook up with you guys on Friday/Saturday wherever you end up. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by ALfromN.H. FSO on 08/06/14 at 04:05:57 You guys check into the Dragon Pit Inn? Not too far from the dragon on the other end. http://www.dragonpittinnandbbq.com/wp/ AL |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/06/14 at 04:10:52 2C212F2F7B4D0 wrote:
Al: I remember we all ate there 3 years ago on the trip. If they have lodging available....that would be a good place. Probably get to smell smoked pork all night! Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/06/14 at 07:07:45 Master Yoda is gonna take your light saber away fer a month again fer not doing a thorough enough scrounge. Alcoa and Maryville are both inside the same map blot, but Alcoa is nearer to the airport and Alcoa has all the cheap fleabag hotels. You found a fleabag, but it was a $80 flea bag. (Yoda frowns) >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( Meditate on the light gray side of the force a bit (scrounge deeper/better) and you can find a few good side jewels inside the muck at the bottom of the Alcoa airport pig pen. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g30116-d104645-Reviews-Days_Inn_Alcoa_Knoxville_Airport-Alcoa_Tennessee.html And this $38 jewel would cost us the same money as camping out at the Dragon once we split it 3 ways. $13 each :D I take it that brother Kent hasn't changed his opinion about camping out one iota over the years, now has he? Youse guys jest do what you need to do, I will read about it and do accordingly. You still got the Dragon BBQ & Hotel yet to check out, and that little town down the hill from the Dragon (only 30 minutes away). ;D For me, since the weather is coming up better & better the temptation is to leave the trailer at home and just ride up. That way I don't have to sweat where to leave the durn car and trailer (and the loading and unloading). I will carry a rolled bag and air mattress on the bike (and a thin mil painter's drop cloth and some rope). That way I can always default to the end of Nowhere if I have to (or to the Dragon campground as the case may be). I will be a FLEXIBLE old lumberjack, that I will be .... Dragon http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/robbinsville-nc/28771/august-weather/12174_pc Maryville/Alcoa http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/alcoa-tn/37701/august-weather/2125149 |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/06/14 at 09:14:25 1F3C3436353C3C3522500 wrote:
Did I spell "Oldfeller" wrong again? |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/06/14 at 10:57:49 Things sure do get complicated some times ! :-/ so OldFeller : you on the waiting list at Dragon Central or not ? :-? |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/06/14 at 11:37:37 Nope, I have no "reserved, hold me an open slot if it pops open" anywhere for Friday or Saturday. I have exited the Friday Saturday planning business more or less. (except for the free Yoda lessons, that is). I am now in the "give away a free bed on Wednesday or Thursday night" business. For example, Dave could bust himself getting rolling on Wednesday afternoon or Thursday and he could get into NC early, set up his camp or sleep in his trailer, etc. etc. In which case I'd kill the Blue Ridge Cabin #4 for that day and join him, just to keep him company. Or, if it seemed good to him, he could join me at Cabin #4 and sleep on a bed on Weds or Thurs. He could also bring him a bathing suit and he could go Sliding Rock sliding with me .... wheeeee !! Makes no never mind to me either way .... I am an easy old lumberjack and I can/will roll right along with whatever happens. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/07/14 at 04:27:10 It is extremely doubtful that I will get much past Jellico, TN on Wednesday night. I learned my lesson on the first trip this year, and the exact same scenario is playing out. I have a City Council meeting on that Wednesday night, an I doubt that I will be able to get on the road before 9 PM. On the last trip I was not able to get out of the meeting until around 10 PM, and I figured I could drive a until midnight - which put me in Lexington. I started looking for a place to pull over and sleep in my trailer - but it seems that there are no highway rest areas ounce you pass Lexington. I kept driving and driving, and finally about 2 AM I made it to the rest area at Jellico. Going 21 hours without sleep doesn't make it all that easy to get to sleep once you finally stop. This trip I am more likely to stop a little sooner and not drive past midnight. So......I expect to arrive at the Dragon around 10 AM on Thursday morning. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/07/14 at 08:17:49 Not being all industrious (and used to working nights) it may take me until 9:00-10:00 to wake up and begin to get on up Fontana Dam Road to the Dragon, so you may beat me there by a bit on Thursday, August 28th. Since MM isn't bringing his tent (brother Kent is going to stay in a hotel or he won't go) do you have a tent big enough for two people that you can bring? If not, I can fall back on my plastic drop cloth and rope should it have the audacity try to rain upon my head. See, flexible Labor Day weekend trip planning. ;D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/07/14 at 08:25:29 Yes, I have a 7x10 tent that I will bring. I plan to sleep in my trailer as it is better insulated than a tent, and easier to open the door (no tent zipper) when I have to visit the comfort station overnight. If they don't let the trailer into the camping area - I know I can pull it to the far end of the gravel parking lot where it is pretty peaceful. Cell phone reception is mucho de crappo at the Dragon Lodge, so if we are going to meet up Thurs/Friday we should make some plans as the day gets closer. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/07/14 at 08:50:37 Keep a straight face and tell them the enclosed trailer is medically required as you have a mist injector that you must run at night in an enclosed area or you can't breathe right. I'll vouch for you .... ;D If you are still bringing that single mattress I can drop my rolled up stuff down to a pillow and a couple of blankets which will be much easier to carry. Predicted low of 59o says we will need to sleep in some clothes and we will need a blanket or two. BRRRRRisk temperatures in the early AM. Long sleeve shirts, layered clothes for morning riding comfort as the days will get up to 85-7o with bright sun. Peel them layers off as needed, add them back on as the sun goes down. So, I think we got all the planning that a moving situation can support. On Thursday, August 28th you arrive at the Dragon with your trailer around 10:00 am. I arrive about an hour later and I can see your trailer and bike. We meet up, no cell phone is required. We will likely get our pick on tent spots as we are way early for the Labor Day weekend. Main issue may become getting all parked in by all the rest of the cars and trailers as the main crowd arrives as the weekend progresses. It will be a real zoo on a Labor Day weekend ..... MM and Kent will then be completely free to do whatever it takes for their situation, which centers more around Kent than MM. ;) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/07/14 at 09:28:23 7A5951535059595047350 wrote:
Well.....I hope so! :o I am sleeping in my trailer for sure......alone! Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/07/14 at 14:42:42 Dave, earlier that day I will be a squirming and sliding down Sliding Rock with a whole bunch of teenage girls and soccer moms -- they consider me safe so you can too. Although I may do a "grab at my arm & chest" fake heart attack going down the slide followed by a face down floater (with some mild thrashing & twitching) just to see if anyone would actually wade out to save me. Mebbe slip ol' soccer mom a little tongue while she is doing mouth to mouth on me, you can never tell about them involuntary reflexes while you are unconscious, you know ..... [smiley=evil.gif] But if you are afear'd, jest you put you a latch on the inside of your trailer door and trust to your little Ruger to keep all them drunken rowdy Dragon campfire girls away while you is helpless asleep. Me, I'll keep me a nasty jagged fist sized rock near at hand .... :D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/08/14 at 21:01:05 Well guys :) All is well about Kent and needing a room with a bed ! He says he has acquired a Jungle hammock complete with netting and rain cover. So we're still on for the Dragon campground just like we planned in the first place. 8-) Says he remembers a couple of trees at the back of the campground area . I'm bringing a piece of rope just to make sure the trees are close enough together ! ;) One fly in the ointment is Kent has a New (to him) Triumph so we might have to take it easy and not temp him into running it too fast. ;D I believe its the three cylinder model. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/09/14 at 02:47:39 Order of ride should then be Dave in Front, Oldfeller, MM and then Kent. Kent may surprise us as the Triumph speed triples get good marks for handling. However, what is Dragon dangerous is the Speed Triples can easily pull a second gear wheelie ..... lots of power lots & of low speed gearing. They can also pull a stoppie (good brakes, lighter weight bike). Neither are good safety characteristics up on the Dragon. Just tell him the truth, Dave is somewhat dangerous to follow in the curves as he has a "very specialized Dragon bike" and he likes to ride it fast and I am always pushing at my limits out on a road like Cherohala Skyway. ====================== Dragon http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/robbinsville-nc/28771/august-weather/12174_pc |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/09/14 at 04:24:27 I am not much of a leader...I like chasing taillights. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/09/14 at 08:53:04 MM can't lead, he has to take third so he can protect Kent from the rest of us. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/09/14 at 17:14:08 Oh - No :-X That means .... OldFeller :-X has to lead !!!! There won't be a safe place on the Whole Dragon ???? :-[ My Sister-in-Law (Kent's wifeee) is going to so made at me if Kent gets skin't up any .... :-/ OldFeller your just going to have to promise to be nice ? ::) ::) ::) ::) and keep us out of trouble (best ya can). mabby we should find the corner the troopers normally hide in and take the parking space over so we can just watch ? :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/09/14 at 20:29:54 Dave will go first on the curvy roads and he will do his normal excellent job. If you can see me beginning to struggle some (kiss the yellow) then he is getting in the groove and is getting to going pretty good. Then you slow down and protect Kent. Very simple, very neat. It will work good on Fontana Dam Road or Hwy32 or the Dragon. Built in curvy road protection ...... It will break down when we go off adventuring, when the GPS man will need to lead to keep up with the turns to get there. Kent takes second place then so he can follow you as you don't speed for much when you are navigating. Kent will only see me in the distance 2 up from him, or gone, or suddenly appearing right up behind him, depending on if I am playing around with him or not. Kent has done this before like 3 times, so this is not new to him. His new bike is plenty capable, he just needs to learn to ride it. And he will. ================ You put me in front and Dave second, then I go too fast and Dave keeps up anyway .... All you see is Dave loafing along and you try to keep up with Dave .... Kent gets pulled in over his head because you though Dave was loafing and you made assumptions. You know better than to trust me in front of you with nobody in front of me -- WFO (if we are in NC that is) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/09/14 at 21:34:39 I kept the Sportster up with Dave most of the time. Except that time I smelt some roses coming down from the over look last time. Then when I realized Dave was out of sight or :-/ off the edge :-X I mentally marked the spot and took off to catch-up with him. Well , after about 20 curves --- there he was :D . three or four turns up ahead. I don't think I was ever more glad to see him :). It amazes me how he get his bike to make those corners. Earlier we had traded bikes for a little stretch and then gladly traded back at the next pull-off. But he has different tires now so we'll see ? :-? I just remembered what model Triumph Kent has , it the : Triumph Sprint 900 (1994 model) http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/triu/triumph_sprint_900%2092.htm |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/10/14 at 15:33:00 I ain't worried about killing you or Dave --- Kent is 5 years since the last time he went out with us anywhere and believe it or not we have gotten a little faster/better in the last 6 trips. Last time we stayed at Dragon lodge (3 years ago ???) I was following Zuk in and we passed 8 items on one (1) leg from the overlook down to the lodge. (my personal best to date) Kent ain't seen us ripping through lines of traffic or passing trucks. You said it, we go skin the boy up and it's your arse that's grass wid yer wimmen folk. And what the heck are you doing scenting them roses and then trying to locate them visually when you are supposed to be riding a motorcycle ???? Mebbe we should be worried about you ?? ::) Ooooh --- look at that nasty looking torn up dirt embankment. It has a broken tree stump sticking out of it with a piece of jacket cloth caught on the broken shards from the last idiot that got visually fixated on it and ran right up onj it. Let's see, what color was that jacket ..... dark blue with stri <BAM> |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/10/14 at 16:31:03 I have actually changed the oil in my bike and checked my air filter in prep for the trip. Air filter is fine -- good for another couple/three years at least .... Tires are fine, pressure is good from the spring check still -- no little leaks. I'm good to go. YEEEEEHAW !!! We are two weeks out from the start of my trip (I start a day early). Two week out forecast (pretty accurate) still says weather is OK. Dragon http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/robbinsville-nc/28771/august-weather/12174_pc |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/11/14 at 07:03:22 Dave you've gotten a lot quicker about getting around those corners. OldFeller You didn't see him this last time out. If ya take your eye off him for a minute , then ya have to hunt-em-up to see him again. It may be ridding the ST-1100 for a while then getting on a lighter bike thing. I know what happens when I do the switch from a 500 lb machine to a 350 lb 'er. The back tire tends to loose traction on stops and turns. ::) And "It feels like I'm riding a toy ! ;) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/11/14 at 09:23:23 He's all used to it now --- so he'll go faster and faster in the turns until something says "slow down". Might be his rear tire slipping out too much, who knows? Think about it, over the last two years everything he has done to it was to make it a better & better Dragon bike. If he is no longer afraid to twist the throttle open, then I won't be able to keep up with him either. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/11/14 at 10:21:29 Oooh! I am afraid.....Very Afraid! If I fall over, I owe it to my wife to give up riding. She wants me to grow old with her. MM was telling me about the back of his bike slipping around.....I have not been there and don't wanna' ever be there. I don't speed up over the speed limits on the straight sections....just try to Boogie through the turns. I try not to ride faster than my Guardian Angel can Fly! Seriously, the only time I rode faster than MM the last trip was when we were on 32, and he was smelling the flowers and let me get a long way ahead of him. He can get that Sportster to hustle around the turns on the Dragon....the only thing slowing him down is the stuff scraping when he leans it way over. :o Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/11/14 at 10:38:47 I am very glad you guys caught Hwy 32 with all the ground cover in bloom. It was strikingly beautiful the first time I rode it with Zuk, there were blossoms coming right over the edge of the road and yes, on an inside turn you could get your face right down into them if you cared to. Beautimus Mountain Stuff, to be sure .... ..... and none of us have taken a picture yet !!! Get whacked by a few big Monarch butterflies that day by any chance ??? |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/11/14 at 10:48:50 7C5F5755565F5F5641330 wrote:
Yep....I got a picture when I stopped to let MM catch up! |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/11/14 at 15:10:39 With all the beauty and wonderful things that we see on every trip, for the life of me I don't know why more people don't go. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/11/14 at 15:55:03 I remember that road: seems like it goes on forever , riding in the shade and curves , it was a really nice place to put a road ! Makes me smile just at the thought of it . 8-) I got this one is why Dave had to "Wait-up" ;D ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/11/14 at 16:05:03 OldFeller Dave and I found a "LooP" you just got-a ride ! You remember the road going up to the parkway from the campground ? Well , we went up that way and got on the parkway , but , it was like riding through a thick cloud so we got off at the next exit. That when the fun started ! :) by the time we got to the next town it was time for Gas allready (and a rest-up and unwind) . |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/11/14 at 18:55:52 Get up in them clouds and you can get culmliothelioma from breathing in all that cloud stuff ..... We aren't going to be close to there --- but I will be carrying a small one gallon gas can on this trip to try to bridge those unexpected miles. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/12/14 at 03:48:19 Oldfeller: You can take that road when you are at the Blue Ridge Campground. I believe the road back down was "125"......back me up on that one MM. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/12/14 at 08:04:23 Well ? I don't remember the # , It seems like it was the first chance to get down out of the clouds . I'm short on time now , but can look it up latter ! :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/12/14 at 08:52:42 Wednesday is reserved for Soccer Mom and the girls over at Sliding Rock. ..... or for me to recover from the 6 hour ride in, you takes your pick according to the knees at the time. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/12/14 at 10:51:36 Hay ! Its about a 6 hr ride for me too . :-? I have found some-one to fill in for me Friday the 29th, so I can leave before noon. I should have a ETA of about 1600hrs. If its a hot day the skyway ought to be nice and cool ! 8-) Things are looking GOOD ! :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/12/14 at 13:40:57 So far the weather forecast improves a little bit each day. I just got a new tail light for the Savage Cafe'.....the old one has crapped out from too much water getting inside it while MM was dragging me through 3 states in the clouds and rain I will get this one sealed up to make it weather tight.....and get it mounted ASAP. I also just ordered new tires for the Ninja and should be able to get them mounted this weekend. If the weather looks like it will be kind wet.........I might bring the Ninja 250! I will get some miles on it firs to make sure it is reliable....so far it is a blast to ride. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/12/14 at 20:58:22 Does the Ninja have "Fenders" ? ::) Will we be able to keep-up with ya ? ;D Why not ? If it works for ya ! :) I've looked at those Chinese 250's and though :-? , looks like fun ! :) Its more fun to ride a slow bike fast ,, than a fast bike slow ! ;) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/13/14 at 02:26:33 Dragon http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/robbinsville-nc/28771/august-weather/12174_pc School is back in session. After two days I am back to taking double doses of knee meds and dreading them ugly football games (stand up for 8 hours kills me for days now). Plan has devolved back to using the bike trailer again and trying to conserve the knees .... |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/13/14 at 03:18:59 Zuk's kid was similar in size to Dave and he kept up with Zuk and me just fine on a bone stock Ninja 250. Dave will have to keep the little engine revv'd up good but he can make the same hp as a Savage, he's just down a bit on response torque coming out of a turn. He'll do just fine. Who knows, this trip we may run a little slower instead of a little faster .... we are all up in our 60's now you know. I'll carry a 1 gallon gas can since I am the only one limited to ~85 miles between fill ups. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/13/14 at 05:11:33 I will bring the Savage Cafe' if the weather forecast is promising, as it remains my bike of choice for dry weather riding. However the Ninja has big fenders, a comfy seat and lots of bodywork to help keep me dry if the weather is wet. My Cafe' bike throws water everywhere and it really is not a great bike to ride in the rain. I sit more upright on the Ninja than the Cafe' bike - which was a bit of a surprise to me. The new Ninja tires come today and those are definitely a necessity...the current tires have 9,700 miles on them and are 12 years old....and they were crappy OEM Dunlop K630 tires that nobody likes even when they they were new. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/14/14 at 07:50:38 That little Ninja sounds kinda 8-) , Maby you should just ride it instead of chopping it into something else ? :-? I'd kinda like to have something like an old Honda 360 twin scrambler to ride sometimes or a Honda XL650R type bike .?. This time I plan to bring the S-40 , with its wide seat and floorboards . :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/14/14 at 09:13:39 130113010C1F101D165E0 wrote:
What I plan on for the Ninja will not change how it rides or handles, just how it looks. (And it will double the dollars I have in it!). I put the new tires on it last night....it rides so much better now. The future weather forecast looks really good right now....we will wait and see which bike I bring. Might be fun to bring the Ninja and let you ride it.....they are pretty cheap to buy and more fun than you would expect. That little motor sure does become a screamer from 8,000 to 10,000 rpm! Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/15/14 at 03:17:35 Oh Crap! I looked at the long term weather forecast this morning, and it has been revised to a horribly wet forecast for our weekend. Hope they made (are making) a huge mistake in their forecast. :( |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/15/14 at 04:45:53 Well now, that doesn't look very good. I checked surrounding areas and the forecast is consistent, so those are some major systems coming through with some high winds associated with them. Normal thunderstorms get you wet, STRONG thunderstorms can flat-assed blind you with the deluge & wash/blow your butt right off the road. Tents don't always stay watertight during a strong thunderstorm. Winds in a strong thunderstorm can do bad things to thin nylon tents ..... Good news is the Dragon Lodge will likely be getting a cancellation or two on a room right about now. Bad news is that I don''t want to spend the extra days up there in weather like that -- I am cancelling my room at Blue Ridge Campground for Wednesday & Thursday while I still can do it for free (2 weeks out). You guys call the shot on the main weekend trip. Dragon http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/robbinsville-nc/28771/august-weather/12174_pc |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/15/14 at 07:31:35 Well.....at this point I am not committed to anything. The planned weekend appears crappy....maybe it will improve before we actually have to make the call to cancel the group gathering. The weekend of the 22,23,24 now looks great, and I could drive down on the Friday and spend the night in the campground, ride around Saturday and watch the 50cc Carnival on Saturday night, and come home Sunday. That would not necessarily preclude me coming down again the next weekend. This could well be a solo trip however...as MM is busy that weekend and Oldfeller most likely is booked to work. I guess at this point....we wait and see and adapt our plans around he 25th/26th. I can't get away the weekend of September 5th Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/15/14 at 09:33:54 Well, I have cancelled my vacation at work since it was rained out on the days I was taking off at work. (Weds-Friday) Feel free to go up the weekend previous while the weather is really nice. ..... so it goes ..... |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/15/14 at 10:39:56 Well it sure is a shame that after 9 pages of planning and discussing....the weekend may end up cancelled. I am just gonna have to see what the weather allows, and what MM and Kent plan on doing. There is still 2 weeks for the weather to decide to cooperate and get sunny. ;) The Saturday/Sunday/Monday weather looks to be better, and at the end of the month I don't have any meetings....so it doesn't make any difference if I take off on Thurs/Frid....or Mon/Tues. I do have a meeting Tuesday night that I should be home for - but I could miss that one if the weather turns out really great. They have meetings every 2 weeks and I could go to the 2nd one in September. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/15/14 at 20:52:27 Guys The weather people can't get the weather right 2 days out much less 2 WEEKS out ! ::) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/16/14 at 14:18:36 Allright My plan is to wait till tuesday the 26th - then check the weather forecast. If the weather still don't look good I'll call kent and suggest we meet Saturday instead of Friday ! ;) Actually when your retired the weekend never ends ! I can meet on a Monday and not know it from a Saturday ... except for the crowd ! ::) I'm not sure about Kent's schule . http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/robbinsville-nc/28771/august-weather/12174_pc There is hardly a cloud in the forecast for the whole weekend ??? The weather is Perfect !!! :-? :-? :-? :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/16/14 at 16:54:58 Well...Sorry I panicked everyone...but just a day ago the forecast become horrible. I agree.....we just need to be flexible and see what happens. The bad thing is Oldfeller has to lock in his vacation two weeks ahead! That sure makes it hard for him. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/16/14 at 21:30:34 Yea , not all retirement jobs are the best things ! :( Makes me realize just how Blessed I am. I still have things I have to do , but I get to make my own schedule . :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/18/14 at 04:59:30 Well the weather forecast has changed again.....the storms are back. We are just going to have to wait and see. I rode the Ninja on a fairly long ride Saturday morning. It has tie downs on the seat that I could use to attach a pack, and the magnetic tank bag I have fits well. It would be pretty good in the wet as it does have functional fenders. On Sunday I rode the Cafe' Savage.....I like it better as the ride is smoother, more power, and it seems to handle just as well. We got about 10 days to find out what the weather is really going to do. We don't work on Labor Day.....so I could actually extend the stay over Sunday night and into Monday if the weather proves to be better. Oldfeller.....are you out completely....even a day or two on the weekend? Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/18/14 at 09:08:58 Guys, I won't plan anything until after this upcoming weekend's football game. My knees are still reeling from the start of school (hundreds of unlocks as kids leave their keys inside their other pants, gym locker, etc. Lots of flights of stairs, etc.) I generally take several days just to recover my hip from standing up all day at a football game, so we will have to see about mobility, pain level and weather. Right now, if I was guessing, I'd think odds are good that weather isn't going to be totally wonderful and the joints will tend to be bad. :P |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/19/14 at 10:25:23 Well Guys ! "These are the GOOD old days" I hate to miss a one of them ! That being said ---- If there is a 75% chance of Rain I'll be inclined to believe the Good Lord has something else for me to do and is making it hard to do the stuff on my agenda so I'll do his agenda ! (Does that make any sense) :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/19/14 at 10:37:37 Yes it does. I can remember looking at a 4 foot deep whirlpool swirling in a Black & Decker parking lot -- swirling around a drain while I called a bunch of moms to cancel an Awana canoe camping trip -- the good Lord made that one pretty clear to me. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/19/14 at 11:54:04 Hey! I got a bit of practice riding the Ninjette in the rain last night! I rode over to a friends house to pick up a manual, and the weather was spotty showers.....and I "spotted" one! I was on the interstate and the bike didn't throw any water on my back, on my shoes, or up my nose! It didn't last long - but it was pretty hard for a few minutes. About a week more....and we can make the go/no-go decision. As I have mentioned....I can stay over to Monday if the weather is more promising....maybe even Tuesday if I stay in town Thursday and/or Friday and work those days. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/22/14 at 05:25:44 OK....so I try not too watch the forecast too much......just a 2 or 3 times each day! ::) The weather forecast is looking incredibly good. I hope it stays that way. 8-) Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/25/14 at 09:40:37 Unless the weather folks changer their minds again....the weekend is looking pretty good. Might have to dodge and afternoon thunder storm on occasion. http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/robbinsville-nc/28771/august-weather/12174_pc Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/25/14 at 11:18:24 Dave You know Kent will be bring his 99HP Triumph. :-? and We have a "slight" possibility of rain :-/ so You thinking about bring a bike with fenders ? :D I'm thinking about bring the bike that Kent ain't seen yet (883) unless your bring your (you named that contraption yet ? ) S-40. I suppect :-? the "Little Bike" might be a touch quicker around the corners , but not much if any ??? :P . What ever happened to the thing that motivated this trip anyway ? You remember the "BIKE OF THE WEEK" thingiee :-? Did they give ya a "T-shirt" or anything ? Any excuse for a ride is better than none , Not that I need an excuse or anything ! :) Kent's a really easy-going type but gets a little like OldFeller with a pair of HandleBars in his hands. Last time we rode the Dragon he was on a Honda V-65 and I was on my First S-40. and we were evenly matched. He'd pull away in the straits and I'd brake in the corners to keep from running him over, but with me in front I couldn't seem to get away from him very long becouse the corners wern't close enough together. It was fun ! 8-). But we're going to be safer this time ... ::) :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/25/14 at 11:42:32 MM: If I did bring the Ninjette.......there would be less worry about the weather as it does have fenders, I can store my rain gear by myself, and I could care less if it gets wet or dirty. It would also be fun to spend a long weekend riding it, as the seat is more comfortable then the seat on the Cafe'. (I do have an appointment set up with Kent Upholstery in Indianapolis to build a nice leather seat for the Cafe' bike next month). I am also going to mount a cigarette lighter plug on the bike tonight so I can power up my phone to navigate with. So....for the moment lets plan on me bringing the Ninjette. I did get my poster and have it mounted and hanging on the wall at the office. I need to update that thread and Thank everyone who voted again. The real reason for this trip is that I am not getting enough riding done in the summer......and I fully intend to go on 2-3 weekend trips in the coming summers. I can't take off full weeks in the construction season - but I can take long weekends pretty easy. Are we still planning on meeting in Telico Plains on Friday? Is Oldfeller coming for any of the weekend? Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/25/14 at 11:42:42 Yup, Kent will be safer because I won't be there to kill him accidentally .... ;) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/25/14 at 12:09:24 1F3C3436353C3C3522500 wrote:
We will miss you. I guess I don't need to bring the mattress for the tent, or the restrictor plate for your intake.....or the banana for your tailpipe! ;D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/25/14 at 20:50:15 Dave wrote: We will miss you. I guess I don't need to bring the mattress for the tent, or the restrictor plate for your intake.....or the banana for your tailpipe! ;D That's right OldFeller , we're going to miss having you around , sure enough ! You still got my cell phone # (I'll check for missed calls when I can ) if you can make it for a day run. If we meet in Tellico Plains Friday then we might be in your neighbor Saturday; if you know a place to meet let us know :-? . Dave can always put the Banana in his storage space just-in-case you can get away ! ;) :) Dave I'll ask Kent about meeting at Tellico Plains. He's living in southern NC now , so it might be better to meet him South of the Dragon somewhere ??? Its to late to call him now , I hope I remember it earlier tomorrow. :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/26/14 at 03:46:23 I just looked at the Website for the Dragon Lodge, and they have a Wounded Warrior event on Saturday. Good thing I am getting there late Wednesday night and can get our camping spot....might be a crowded weekend. http://dealsgap.com/images/ads/dragon-run-2014.jpg Last night I balanced the new tires on the Cafe' bike....made it ride much smoother, and I installed a lighter socket on the Ninja so I can plug in my phone or GPS. I really hate to leave the Savage Cafe' bike at home - but I am leaning towards bringing the Ninjette. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by old_rider on 08/26/14 at 11:51:02 I don't think you will regret it Dave.... the little ninja is surprising in its handling and cornering... and you get to shift a couple times on occasion! Though mostly I believe I was in 2nd and 3rd gear with my 300... which has a larger sprocket on the front. Wear knee pads and lean and throw out the knee! LOL..... (I don't mean to physically old man throw out yer knee, just lay it down a keep in the curve). ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/26/14 at 18:02:22 5251594F5459584F3D0 wrote:
Yep....throw out a knee....a hip....my back! :-/ I have not yet figured out which bike handles better. The Ninja is definitely a bit more refined than the Cafe'. It is smoother and the engine doesn't tick and rumble down the road. I kinda miss not hearing a little "woof" when I shut the Ninja off.......I always feel like the Savage is just saying to me......"Your welcome". ;) MMRanch. I am bringing a tent and 2 cots, plus I will have my mattress in my trailer. You just bring your personal items and bedding. I will try and remember to bring chairs. Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/26/14 at 21:57:13 Yea Dave , Bring the Ninja ! :) You'll probably be the quicker of the three of us , and that's Ok 8-). MMRanch. I am bringing a tent and 2 cots, plus I will have my mattress in my trailer. You just bring your personal items and bedding. I will try and remember to bring chairs. Dave So , we're going to use ... Your Tent ... ? And Cots ... all I need to bring is my sleeping bag and pack-pack ... ?? ... Sounds like the easiest trip yet ! ::) I'll spring for a campsite and a bag of Ice :). Kent wants to try-out his "Jungle-Hammock" between two trees. I'll bring my "Tent Cover Tarp" just in case of rain (prepare for it and it won't happen) . You got enough chairs ? And I found a replacement for School Friday so I can leave 9-10:00 Hrs. Kent is good with meeting in Tellico Plains , so all we need is a time and place. The time - I should be getting there about 14:00 Hrs. and Kent is closer so I suspect he'll be OK with that time frame too , so how does that fit you timming ? Place -- what was that place you suggested a few pages back ? :-? Looks like a "FUN" weekend at the Dragon ! ;D :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by old_rider on 08/26/14 at 22:00:18 300B0611000C17110A020F10630 wrote:
Yep....throw out a knee....a hip....my back! :-/ I have not yet figured out which bike handles better. The Ninja is definitely a bit more refined than the Cafe'. It is smoother and the engine doesn't tick and rumble down the road. I kinda miss not hearing a little "woof" when I shut the Ninja off.......I always feel like the Savage is just saying to me......"Your welcome". ;) MMRanch. I am bringing a tent and 2 cots, plus I will have my mattress in my trailer. You just bring your personal items and bedding. I will try and remember to bring chairs. Dave [/quote] old_rider<<< is seriously thinking of sneaking away for a couple of days.... I wonder if she would miss me? ::) ::) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/26/14 at 22:55:25 Old Rider Put one of those bikes on a trailer and "COME-ON", I can always bring a tent and you can have my place in the one Dave is bring ! ;) Or if Dave's is big enough you can have the cot and I'll take my "Pad + Sleeping Bag". :) and leave mine on the bike ! 8-) . Its going to be trip to be remembered !!! |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by old_rider on 08/26/14 at 23:14:34 Only about 10 hours for me.... and I have a two person tent and a pad. Trying to talk her into letting me go....lol... that could prove interesting. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/27/14 at 03:33:41 The place I thought we could meet is this place. http://www.tellico-plains.com/tellico-kats.html Tellico Kats Deli Delicatessen & General Store 1829 Cherohala Skyway Tellico Plains TN 37385 Telephone: 423-253-3411 Website: tellicokats.com eMail: tellicokats@gmail.com Load that address into your Garmin.....14:00 is when you expect to arrive? I have your cell phone number...mine is 859-468-3458. old-rider: Come on up! We never did get in more than a single ride together last year. MMRanch and I are determined to find Wayah Road this time! You better get crackin'....you are going to have to leave sometime Thursday if you want to ride over to Tellico Plains on Friday morning to meet MM and Kent. old_rider: Watch this.....and see if you can make it happen. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFvujknrBuE[/media] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFvujknrBuE Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/27/14 at 07:52:02 Old Rider This works every time for me : ;) Say, I'm going to go ride the Dragon - You want-a-go ? (really hopeful like ::)). When she says "not this time" act really disapointed ) :'( , some times she actually goes 8-) and that's the icing on the cake ! Then she says : "When will ya be back ? " http://www.thedragonrun2014.blogspot.com/p/schedule-of-event.html :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/27/14 at 08:27:27 OK...I am about to unplug the computer and throw it in the car for the trip. I have a foundation project to inspect on the way home, have to stop and buy a bag of dog food (for the dog....not for the Dragon), then go home and pack everything up and head off to my 7:00 PM meeting. As soon as they are done with me.....I am on the road south. Not sure how well I will be able to connect to the internet when I arrive.....I suppose once I check in they can provide me a WiFi connection. Once I am out riding you can reach me by phone (859-468-3458) if I am in an area with cell reception. Over the weekend I will update this thread with photos and commentary if the internet connection allows. Let the Games Begin! ;D Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/28/14 at 08:33:43 Fellers I'm leaving Friday Morning and Kent will too. If anybody else is going to be there let me know by this evening and I'll bring a tent / otherwise I'll plan on using 1/2 of Dave's. The Games are ON ! ;) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Oldfeller on 08/28/14 at 08:48:07 Y'all have fun, and that means RIDE like you stole it .... 3 is exactly the right number for a motorcycle trip .... and 3 like minded means you can't help but have some fun. Ride to some place to go DO something, zip line or white water or something. Glad the weather turned out good for you, rain will be small on this trip I trust. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/28/14 at 09:12:19 I arrived about 1AM and crashed in my trailer. This morning I set up camp, took a shower and packed up bike for the day......and rode the Dragon. Right now I am at the Dragon Pitt BBQ having lunch. I am going to ride the Blue Ridge over to the Waynesville area and maybe ride 215. So far we are the only tent in the campground, |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by old_rider on 08/28/14 at 09:42:11 Well, the "talk" did not go as planned...LOL.. she explained to me about the monetary mountain we had built up going to vegas. (Its more like a mole hill, but not in her eyes). "But Honey, the guys..." didn't cut it this time :) She has just been assigned as an AM (assistant manager) so she will be working full time...... so she can only plan a once a year one week get-a-way for herself. We had to move her sister in with us ( I knew it was coming ) so someone will be here with my wife if I decide to take off on occasion. I just have to be "frugal" on my trips now. .....sigh.... take lots of pics so I can pretend I was there too... :'( |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/28/14 at 15:30:57 Ok, I learned a bit today. It was the Foothills Parkway I headed for after lunch. I took it over to 321 and went to Townsend on then on to 73 and 441 to Clingman's Dome. The I rode back and rode around Cade's Cove. I saw a Black Bear while on that loop. I was tempted to take the one way gravel road that exits onto the Dragon......old feller wanted to ride it.......but it looks to be about 10 miles long on the map, and I just didn't need that dirty deed! The Ninjette is doing fine and I got 77.3 mpg on today's ride. It corners we'll - but I sure do miss the torque when riding the Dragon. On my Cafe' Savage I can let the rpm's drop through the corner and then roll on the throttle out of the corner and get my speed back in a hurry.....the Ninjette wants me to downshift once or twice to get the rpm's waaaaay up to around 8,000 if you want to hustle out of the corner! I met 2 young men today that rode their 250 Ninja's down here from Canada. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by old_rider on 08/28/14 at 16:04:53 Dave, that road is called Parsons Creek or somesuch... Old Fellor would have had a hard time...it has tons of ruts and deep pot holes you don't see on the downslopes (45 degrees at times, or steeper) that are anywhere from 1 to 3 feet deep and a couple of feet across. I was on my WR250X super moto and it was great with the 11" of fork travel, but my buddy on his 800 about flew off a couple of times, and ditched it at least 4 times (and he is a crazy bastard, with killer skills). The road is actually just a "fire trail", but two years ago they actually finished putting concrete acrossed the creeks (there are about 4 or 5 crossings), and those are slimmed up with moss and slippery as heck. I don't think that it would be impossible for the savage, but that ninja would not be a good candidate...your trials bike would be better for it. Did you see this sign?? http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b471/Orphistle/Deals%20Gap/ParsonsRd6DealsGap05sep10017b.jpg |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/29/14 at 10:08:01 I started riding this morning at 7:30 and rode 28 through Fontana Dam and then on to Robbinsville. From there I rode through a bit of Joyce Kilmer where I saw my first poisonous snake, a dead copperhead on the road. The riding was slow as road crews were spreading fresh tar and chip paving and there was lots of loose gravel. Then I rode the Cherohola Skyway to Tellico Plains.......150 miles before lunch! I just got to Kats Deli and I am waiting for MM and his brother Kent to arrive. Cell phone access is really hit and miss. And with no cell or internet access at the campground I have to provide updates whoever I can find access. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 08/31/14 at 16:20:26 I Just got home an hour ago. There was a storm in front of me about 30 miles north of Chattanooga :-? , so I ducked into the next Wal-Mart for an hour. ;) . All worked out well, by time I got back on the road it was SunShine again ! :D Stories to follow later ! Dinner awaits Now . :) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 08/31/14 at 17:12:08 I got home around 5:30, and unloaded the car, set up the tent to dry, etc. We had a great time. The weather was perfect on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we only had one brief shower while on the way back to the Deals Gap for the bike show....we missed it! I was the only camper on Wednesday and Thursday....other campers showed up Friday afternoon. Here is the campground, tent and Ninjette! http://i58.tinypic.com/s3ouud.jpg The roads were really not very crowded this weekend and we rode almost everywhere without getting stuck behind a camper or slow car. On the was back from Tellico Plains on Friday to meet MMRanch and his brother Kent we ran almost the entire Cherohola Skyway non-stop. There was a ST1300 Honda, some Adventure Tourer and Harley Bagger in front of us that knew how to Boogie....and I have never seen a Harley lean over so far without throwing sparks - this fellow know how to ride that big bike. Most of the runs on the Dragon I had to pass very few times and only once or twice did I get passed. There was a fellow on a full sized Honda Gold Wing 1800 with bags and trunks that rode at "Warp Factor 9", and a one armed young man on an Aprilla Motard that was sliding around the corners and I could not keep up with him. Cherohola Skyway view (Sorry about the lint on the lens....I keep my crappy camera in my jacket pocket and it has a broken lens cover). http://i60.tinypic.com/dng9qr.jpg MMRanch, Kent and I were good riding partners and put on a lot of miles. We did find Wayah Road this time and it was a very nice ride in a valley. We did Happy Valley, Route 28, and several trips in and out on the Dragon. I rode MM's Sportster and wrestled it on the Dragon for the first half.....then we began to understand each other and the second half we started to dance well together. My little Ninjette was a lot of fun and proved to be a very fun bike....the only time I noticed it was a bit down on power was up over 4,000 feet while climbing steep grades. It cornered well and never lacked to provide a fun time. The only scary part for me was just after we got onto Happy Valley MM was leading, I was 2nd and Kent was following. We were going about 45mph and a big bee flew right into my path and smacked me right in the throat....and gave me a sting. I am allergic to bee stings.....and I quickly pulled over and started pulling off clothes as I did not know for sure if the bee bounced off or went down my shirt.....I didn't want to take a chance on getting more than a single sting. The sting ended up being a pretty minor one and I just got a red itchy bump.....it is 36 hours later and I still have a bump on my neck. I am not deathly allergic to bee stings...but I swell far more than a normal person. It was a great weekend, and I plan on doing it again next year and taking the Cafe' Savage for the bike show. MM, Kent and I did the Wounded Warrior Benefit Ride....MM and Kent are both Veterans and it was an honor for me to ride with them! :) Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 09/01/14 at 13:22:22 we didn't totally miss the bike show. ;) We visited with this guy for a while and then rode the dragon with him, All three of us taking turns ridding directly behind him to watch how this thing cornered . I was first to follow and when he first left out of the parking lot and hit the first couple of turns it was really plain to see he had way to much tire-shine on to be making quick turns. The tail-light is a modified hand grenade w/LED's ;D ! |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 09/03/14 at 05:20:30 Here is another photo of that Harley - it is up for Photo of the Week on the US129 photo site. You can vote if you like. http://us129photos.com/ |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 09/16/14 at 04:34:07 I pulled this thread out of "sticky status"....and it will fade away into history. It was great weekend, and hopefully we can get more folks to go next year. I wonder if a few more folks will come now that we know there is a bike show and Wounded Warrior Charity event and group ride on this weekend? The weather may be a bit less wet this time of year than it is for the June trip that we have transferred over to the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground in the recent years. I am up for a couple of trips a year - as it is only a 5 hour drive for me and I can leave on a Wednesday night and have Thursday, Friday and Saturday for full-day riding. By only taking 2 days off work I can sneak a couple of those in each summer! I will start a 2015 Planning Thread sometime next summer.......we already have a sticky established for the 2015 Gathering, and it is a work in progress with no current date or location established. http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1403801603 Dave |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 09/16/14 at 21:30:09 :) GOOD JOB DAVE ! ;) |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 09/17/14 at 04:06:56 MM.....I bought some Silicone tent spray and waterproofed the tent....sorry about the leak! I also found out the cots will fit sideways in the tent, and it makes the door easier to get in and out....Who knew?! :-/ |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by MMRanch on 09/19/14 at 21:44:52 Dave , After staying in your tent and being able to stand-up in it ... I bought another tent , one I can stand in. ;) Also its a 8X10 floor (the last one was 7X7). I put it up in the back yard to try the cots / fit . It big enough for 3 cots with 2 feet to spare , and it s no bigger package than the 7X7's I'd been using. I'll try it out for real at the Iron Mountain rally in Oct. Mabee I should go-a-head and get some waterproofing now --- What kind did you try ? :-? |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by Dave on 09/20/14 at 05:13:41 The waterproofing was a silicone spray I got at thingy's Sporting goods, right where the tents are sold. I would expect any place that sells tents would have it.....I can't remember the brand name...it was a real common name like Turtle Wax or something similar. It says to spray a first coat, then apply a second one 4 hours later. It will take 2 cans to do your tent. |
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Title: Re: Dragon Ride No. 2......Planning Thread Post by pgambr on 09/23/14 at 03:27:18 Nik Wax is pretty good, but not great. I use it for my shoes & boots. They make it for all kinds of applications and materials. Try looking at a discount camping website like sierratradingpost.com for much better pricing. |
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