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2018 Meet up schedule

4K views 36 replies 7 participants last post by  nurtaeff 
#1 ·
The dates are fast approaching. A little over a month left! I figured I'd start a new thread for scheduling. My girlfriend and I will be getting down there Thursday night (20th) with my dad and mother coming down Friday evening. I know we have a planned meet on Friday at 10 am at the museum. The rally is NOT this weekend. It is sep. 8-9. No big deal was just gonna let everyone know. I just got back from a trip to western NC and put about 32 hours on the bike so I am pretty familiar with the rides and roads around there. I know some others on here are pretty familiar with the rides as well. I figured Saturday we could hit the tail and the skyway, that would be a pretty good ride that I enjoyed quite a bit. 441 through the Smokies is a really good road we might do Friday. Just wanted to post up and see what you guys were wanting to do Friday and Saturday.
 
#4 ·
Sounds good. I know I can ride for 10+ hours a day and others don't like to ride that long, that's why I was just gonna try to get some input on what people are comfortable doing and ride time. A meeting Thursday night sounds like a great idea.
 
#7 ·
Chief, I think he said that the Maggie valley rally is on 8-9. It hasn’t been cancelled it’s just different date than our meeting.

Me, wife and our friends are leaving on 20th as well. Sometime afternoon to make to Waynesville not too late. Would be good to get together that Thursday night and make a plan for Friday. If we’re going to do a 250-mile ride we better plan several stops, my wife wants to ride her bike, but she is not that hard core. If we want to ride as a group we should consider our “noob” riders abilities. That applies to the Tail. I want to ride the Tail myself, but not sure about my wife and friends cause they may not enjoy it that much if they will have to ride beyond their skills. I’m just trying to make sure everybody is safe and have fun. Again, having a meeting would be great. Maybe even another one on Friday morning before we go.

Just a thought.
 
#9 ·
I agree with considering the new riders not used to taking long trips. We certainly don’t want to overwhelm anyone and don’t want anyone to feel left out or that they have to ride at the back of the pack. I suggest we take it day by day and meet each evening for suggestions, feedback, etc. Just my .02 cents worth. We’re planning to be there Thursday afternoon and get settled in and greet everyone as they arrive. We’re getting more excited week by week. Can’t wait to see everyone there.


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#10 ·
we'll sit all together at the table Thursday night and make a plan for Friday. We can ride all day if we want, just gotta plan stops, meals, gas, places to see.

Blue Ridge is a long road, I'm pretty sure there are routes suitable for different levels of skill, comfort, etc. Our goal is to find a good balance and not to leave anyone behind.

I got a feeling that it's going to be awesome!
 
#13 · (Edited)
I agree guys, I want to make sure everyone has a good time and doesn't feel uncomfortable on any of the rides. I think that the smokies and the skyway has better views than the Parkway, the Parkway may also be quite busy on a Friday or Saturday. May I also suggest if we have some people wanting to do different rides, we can split up into 2 groups or more. There are tons of options when it comes to routes. The route that I think hits the most high points is the one that hits Fontana dam and lake as well as the dragon and the skyway. Its highways 19->28->129->360->28->74. Really excited about the trip, gonna be the first long one on my new bike! Can't wait to meet everyone as well.
 
#15 ·
I vote for better views! Thanks for researching it! But I prefer if we stay as one group since it’s our first ever meeting. Plus, our group is not that big to split... just my .02


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#20 ·
I think that’s a good point nurtaeff. I was going to suggest Thursday night that after the tour of wheels through time on Friday, those who feel confident enough to ride the dragons tail should go as the word is the weekends are the worst time to ride it. Those who aren’t that confident would be less intimidated maybe riding it together on Friday and do individual rides on Saturday. Just a thought, but I’m up for doing what the majority wants to do and we keep it as simple as possible. Maybe those who’ve ridden the dragons tail like GArider could give their input.


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#24 ·
KP sorry just finding this thread. I have a lot of input. First if anyone wants to do the tail it is actually better when busy it keeps the speed down and there are a lot of police out there to keep the speeders down and the crazy riders. Even in my video you can see the number of times we had slowed down for vehicles and slower bikes. There are many pull offs. The only real reason this road is technical is the speed you push it into the turns and the number of turns there are. If you go at your speed and meet at the end there shouldn't be any issues for anyone that can ride. There are a few side roads but this is a one ride from deals gap to the overlook pull off. If the end meet up is made everyone should be good if someone that is a better rider should be the sweeper and if you take it back folks could switch positions. There is really no cell coverage so communicating by phone is not an option so helmet communication or CB is the only way. Unless you decide to assume to that the group or part of the group will use the pull offs to rest or catch a breather before continuing. On my very first ride I use the pull off with a few in our group and the best rider out front and he had to turn around and come back to see if we were ok.
I have said this before and it was great advice " don't try to keep up with your riding buddies".
Anyway looks like Friday 21st is Maggie wheels through time museum and Saturday will be the ride to wherever. I too liked the Cherohala Skwy is very nice ride. There are many nice roads in that area check out the motorcycleroads.com site.
Anyway I hope to make it but I won't be able to make it both days so I need to pick a day and meet up with everyone.
 
#25 ·
Anyway I hope to make it but I won't be able to make it both days so I need to pick a day and meet up with everyone.

Thanks for the input GArider! If you have to pick a day I suggest you pick Friday. I think that will be the most eventful and exciting day. Just my .02



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#21 ·
.Really like that idea Oscar. The dragon is going to be very busy on a Saturday! I do not think the dragon is very difficult if your smart and are not trying to break any speed records. The thing that messes people up is there are sport bikes zipping through there and your instinct is to drive faster. They will pass you and ride beside you so you got to be on your toes. Some great views from the dragon but it really isn't bad if you take your time.
 
#23 ·
I here ya my friend! Everyone’s input is important and we’re all adults and our inaugural event. We can plan out the days activities and we’re going to have a blast! I think it’d be fun to find out where the good restaurants are and enjoy dinner together, just a thought.


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#29 ·
Either way there is fun to be had by all. Regardless of riding ability or how fast or slow a rider is the group should stay with the least experienced rider so everyone has the group/team riding experience. Besides it looks good when you have a good group in formation.
 
#27 ·
Yes GARider, thanks for the input. That’s just what we were looking for. I’ve never ridden the tail and that’s where it helps to get input from someone that has. I’m in agreement with nurtaeff, Friday would probably be the best day to come on by. Thanks again for your input.


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#30 ·
KP - YAW. This is a fun road and I have had the opportunity to ride there many times, it is one of the perks of living close to it. The first time I was nervously cautious and prayed for cops around every turn so I had a reason to keep it in check.
Anyway I would like to meet Friday but I won't be able to and Saturday is best.
 
#31 ·
This sounds like it is going to be a BLAST!...however, myself will be leaving on Saturday...promise to SWMBO. So I can have dinner with her.


T
 
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