Here is a link to SavageDml's Video from last Year
Much better than the "Snake"

http://vimeo.com/5499692

That video of The Snake is deceiving. Its a very crooked mtn rd with several hairpins. I've ridden The Dragon but the last time I was up there was in  2002. Hope that changes in 3 weeks. I spent my summers growing up at the foot of Mt Mitchell on highway 80. Thats where I learned to ride. Anyone ever ridden highway 80? Its one of the best roads in NC.

Looks good to me! Makes my runs through river country look like a 4 lane highway by comparison. I'm looking forward to the ride to get there almost as much as the destination! So much to see along the way and back. If I'm not ready for this by the time I get there it won't be for lack of opportunities to practice!  
Made the final modifications on my new bag and took it out for a test run.
Changing the oil tomorrow and putting the seat tilt modification back on, then off to find some twisties to get some practice in! Yessir, the time is getting close!

Oldfeller,

That part of 276 is a cool ride, done it a few times even in my high centered 4x4 not as much fun but a lot of wear & tear on the steering wheel

That road is like many of the ones here in Madison Co. You are correct, old logging roads that got paved. And thank the good Lord for them, they are so much fun, and I'm blessed to live in the middle of so many.

Bigzuk

I was out in the yard this morning trying to get a large broken branch off the tree that shades my deck.  When the branch finally let go, it fell on me of course (as I dove to get out of the way and plowed my hand and arm into the ground).

Dr. says my right shoulder was mildly dislocated and I have some brusing and a possible mild rotor cuff tear.  Arm is mobile and the pain is relatively mild. so he says I may be able to still go on the trip if a checkup Monday before the trip looks good.  

Me, I'm still planning to go.   You don't let little things get in the way of Dragon time.

Slate me for a bottom bunk and let's hope the shoulder joint recovers good during the 19 days remaining until Dragon time.   If not it might slow me down a tad (have to run at the back of the pack)  but I will still be there.

Cancer, dislocated shoulders, other type small stuff ...

What is your excuse gentle reader?  

Why aren't you going to be there on the 26th for the big party?

It's too far?  
Let's see - Verslagen made it from California last year, is it further than that?

It takes too long?  
Folks like Al have driven for 2 days before just to get here, then rode hard for 3 and drove back for 2 days.   He'll be back this year, too.

It's too dangerous?
Saturday and Sunday are being preserved as PG rated days with NO DANGEROUS RIDES PLANNED.   Surely you can deal with that?

I'll be pulling up the rear...plus my friend Phil with his Rocket 3 will be there too.  So OF...you'll be in good company

ALfromN.H.  FSO wrote on 06/04/10 at 18:42:54:


What's the old saying...If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes!  

I'm not sure where I'll fit in the pack, but if I'm holdin' ya back, just come on around. I'll find ya back! As I'm sure a few of them roadsters will find out, it's hard to look impressive from the ditch!