@cubsking99 avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2007 Yamaha Vino 125
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Ossessionato
@cubsking99 avatar
2007 Yamaha Vino 125
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UTC quote
George, you and Sandy know you're more than welcome to come, even if you don't ride, right? My parents will be coming, and they don't ride at all. I'm sure they'd love to have some others to hang out with that won't be on the ride...

Or, for that matter, you could come knowing that you can ride what you're able with no pressure to ride what you don't feel comfortable. I'm pretty sure that's what Capt. Gary will be doing, too...

Mark
OP
@scutrbrau avatar
UTC

The Beer Guy
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
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Location: Nelson County, VA
 
The Beer Guy
@scutrbrau avatar
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UTC quote
I just received this from Douthat. I assume everyone who has a reservation also got it.

We have completed the new furniture replacement at Douthat State Park. Please see the bedding in each of the cabins as some could not fit 2 sets of bunk beds in the room therefore only have 1 set.

Cabins 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24 & 25 have 1 queen bed.

Cabins 4, 5, 11, 17 & 19 have 1 queen bed and 1 twin bed.

Cabins 7, 8, 12, 14, 15 & 23 have 1 queen bed and 1 set of bunks.

Cabins 1, 26 thru 30 have 1 queen and 2 sets of bunks.

Creasey Lodge has 1 queen bed and the remaining 4 bedrooms have 2 sets of bunks in each.
@ponydrvr avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Honda CTX 700D
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Location: Louisville, KY
 
Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
Another BUMP.

I just spoke with the park service again and have updated the lodging list and accommodation capabilities.

Check the first page of this thread for more information.
@sanglant avatar
UTC

Member
'07 MP3 250; '04 Zuma 70cc, kitted, '84 CT 110
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Location: Anniston, AL
 
Member
@sanglant avatar
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Location: Anniston, AL
UTC quote
WLeuthold wrote:
Just a little "over-the-top" don't you think. I recommend riding more.
As long as no one was riding over their head or feeling pressured to ride at a pace they were uncomfortable with, you're dead on right. But, according the OP, that's exactly what was going on. The speed of the pace is irrelevant. What is relaxed for you may not be for the others. Even running at the speed limit is no guaranty for it being "sensible" for everyone, particularly in the mountains if they're used to flat lands.
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
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Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
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UTC quote
sanglant wrote:
WLeuthold wrote:
Just a little "over-the-top" don't you think. I recommend riding more.
As long as no one was riding over their head or feeling pressured to ride at a pace they were uncomfortable with, you're dead on right. But, according the OP, that's exactly what was going on. The speed of the pace is irrelevant. What is relaxed for you may not be for the others. Even running at the speed limit is no guaranty for it being "sensible" for everyone, particularly in the mountains if they're used to flat lands.
the lead rider is rarely over the speed limit while the tail end riders are almost always over. this is because of the sling shot effect of a group ride. this is why we request slower or less experienced riders to ride to the front as the lead rider can control the speed much better for them. riding to the rear because someone thinks its safer is a miss conception as those riders have to be always catching up looking out for others that might have missed a turn or have a mechanical breakdown.

on this particular ride I was the lead rider and we kept a steady pace most of it 5-8 under the posted limits. a few times on the big long straight stretches we did do the speed limit of 55 but those we VERY VERY few times of 5-10 miles out of 180 mile ride.
@cubsking99 avatar
UTC

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2007 Yamaha Vino 125
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@cubsking99 avatar
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UTC quote
old as dirt wrote:
on this particular ride I was the lead rider and we kept a steady pace most of it 5-8 under the posted limits. a few times on the big long straight stretches we did do the speed limit of 55 but those we VERY VERY few times of 5-10 miles out of 180 mile ride.
I remember that, because I specifically remember thinking, "Boy, we're going awful slow for an OAD-led ride..."

Froggie was not being pressured to keep up. We were riding at a pace that was easily within her comfort zone on a normal day. On that day, however, before the day even started, she warned us that she wasn't feeling good and that she and Capt. Gary were unlikely to ride with us the whole time. She wanted to give it a try and see how she felt, but quickly realized it just wasn't working out. Such is life.
@midnight_rider avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
09 GTS (sold) 2014 NC700XD
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
Pressure is not exactly what I felt on any of the Gathering rides. Actually it is not something I felt at all at the Gatherings! I think pressure is exactly the opposite of feeling of what I felt...
UTC

Member
2013 BV 350
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Location: Virginia
 
Member
2013 BV 350
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UTC quote
Anyone planning on tenting it for this event?
⬆️    About 1 month elapsed    ⬇️
OP
@scutrbrau avatar
UTC

The Beer Guy
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
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Location: Nelson County, VA
 
The Beer Guy
@scutrbrau avatar
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UTC quote
I figured I'd give this a bump by saying that January is a perfect time to be thinking about warmer temps and spring weather. I know May still seems like a long way off but it's really just around the corner. It's time for me to dust off my Virginia and West Virginia maps and get back to work on finding some gorgeous routes for the gathering. I put together a few several months ago but now I need to check them to make sure I haven't routed us onto dirt and gravel. We'll ride the area as we're able in the months leading up to the gathering to get familiar with it. If any of you are looking at maps and are curious about specific roads and areas, let me know. It's probably safe to assume that we'll be hitting all of the roads in red from map #1 of the America Rides Maps series.

As of Jan. 13th there are still 11 cabins available at the park, 5 of which are in the area where most of us are staying.
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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2007 GTS
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UTC quote
Scutrbrau wrote:
I figured I'd give this a bump by saying that January is a perfect time to be thinking about warmer temps and spring weather. I know May still seems like a long way off but it's really just around the corner. It's time for me to dust off my Virginia and West Virginia maps and get back to work on finding some gorgeous routes for the gathering. I put together a few several months ago but now I need to check them to make sure I haven't routed us onto dirt and gravel. We'll ride the area as we're able in the months leading up to the gathering to get familiar with it. If any of you are looking at maps and are curious about specific roads and areas, let me know. It's probably safe to assume that we'll be hitting all of the roads in red from map #1 of the America Rides Maps series.

As of Jan. 13th there are still 11 cabins available at the park, 5 of which are in the area where most of us are staying.
I'll be thinking of you this weekend when I am in warmer temps down at Rivera Maya for a week.
@tn_sooner avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2012 BV 350, 2013 BMW C650 GT, 2015 Indian Chieftain
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@tn_sooner avatar
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UTC quote
Well, crud...
Looks like I'm going to be out for the Spring Gathering. My nephew is graduating that week and I'll be in Colorado. Hate to miss it, but I'll be back in the fall.

Maybe I'll ride the Chieftain to Colorado to compensate for my losing a few days in the mountains...
⬆️    About 27 days elapsed    ⬇️
@motovista avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
GT 200
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@motovista avatar
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UTC quote
So I'm thinking about dinner.
Specifically what I am thinking about dinner is purchasing an entire Choice or Prime (depending on the cost at the time,) New York Loin, and let it age for at least a week in my refrigerator, then bring it up and cut and season steaks while the coals get ready. According to my calculations, an inch thick 8 oz steak will cost about $5 or so, and there will be about 20-22 of them, or more if the demand is there.
And i f someone wanted an entire lb. of meat, you would just double that. In addition, I might make a mushroom dish/sauce remniscent of the sauce on Steak Diane, that will take about twenty minutes to make. Others could chip in with ideas for sides or salads.
Any interest?
⚠️ Last edited by Motovista on UTC; edited 1 time
OP
@scutrbrau avatar
UTC

The Beer Guy
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
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The Beer Guy
@scutrbrau avatar
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UTC quote
Motovista wrote:
So I'm thinking about dinner.
Specifically what I am thinking about dinner is purchasing an entire Choice or Prime (depending on the cost at the time,) New York Loin, and let it age for at least a week in my refrigerator, then bring it up and cut and season steaks while the coals get ready. According to my calculations, an 8 oz steak will cost about $5 or so, and there will be about 20-22 of them.
And i f someone wanted an entire lb. of meat, you would just double that. In addition, I might make a mushroom dish/sauce remniscent of the sauce on Steak Diane, that will take about twenty minutes to make. Others could chip in with ideas for sides or salads.
Any interest?
I think that sounds like a fantastic idea.
@cubsking99 avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2007 Yamaha Vino 125
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@cubsking99 avatar
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UTC quote
I'm sure my parents would love that and will be in.

Unfortunately, beef doesn't agree with me, so I'll have to pass. It sounds like a great idea, though.
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
Motovista wrote:
So I'm thinking about dinner.
Specifically what I am thinking about dinner is purchasing an entire Choice or Prime (depending on the cost at the time,) New York Loin, and let it age for at least a week in my refrigerator, then bring it up and cut and season steaks while the coals get ready. According to my calculations, an inch thick 8 oz steak will cost about $5 or so, and there will be about 20-22 of them, or more if the demand is there.
And i f someone wanted an entire lb. of meat, you would just double that. In addition, I might make a mushroom dish/sauce remniscent of the sauce on Steak Diane, that will take about twenty minutes to make. Others could chip in with ideas for sides or salads.
Any interest?
I am down for 2 servings. no mushroom sauce for me though.
@ponydrvr avatar
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
Count me in for two servings too. Count me in for the mushroom sauce. It sounds great, my stomach got to rolling so I think I'm going to get a steak tonight.
@fuzzy avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
@fuzzy avatar
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UTC quote
Count me in for a serving.
@midnight_rider avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
09 GTS (sold) 2014 NC700XD
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UTC quote
I would love to join y'all for steak.
@nor avatar
UTC

Hooked
2010 MP3 250 (Sold); 2016 Piaggio BV 350
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Location: Lake Wylie, SC
 
Hooked
@nor avatar
2010 MP3 250 (Sold); 2016 Piaggio BV 350
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Location: Lake Wylie, SC
UTC quote
Motovista wrote:
So I'm thinking about dinner.
Specifically what I am thinking about dinner is purchasing an entire Choice or Prime (depending on the cost at the time,) New York Loin, and let it age for at least a week in my refrigerator, then bring it up and cut and season steaks while the coals get ready. According to my calculations, an inch thick 8 oz steak will cost about $5 or so, and there will be about 20-22 of them, or more if the demand is there.
And i f someone wanted an entire lb. of meat, you would just double that. In addition, I might make a mushroom dish/sauce remniscent of the sauce on Steak Diane, that will take about twenty minutes to make. Others could chip in with ideas for sides or salads.
Any interest?
This sounds great! Please include one for Kilovictor and one for myself.
@nor avatar
UTC

Hooked
2010 MP3 250 (Sold); 2016 Piaggio BV 350
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Location: Lake Wylie, SC
 
Hooked
@nor avatar
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Location: Lake Wylie, SC
UTC quote
Re: Well, crud...
TN_Sooner wrote:
Looks like I'm going to be out for the Spring Gathering. My nephew is graduating that week and I'll be in Colorado. Hate to miss it, but I'll be back in the fall.

Maybe I'll ride the Chieftain to Colorado to compensate for my losing a few days in the mountains...
Boo! I was hoping you would help with the Awards ceremony!
@tn_sooner avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2012 BV 350, 2013 BMW C650 GT, 2015 Indian Chieftain
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Location: Brentwood, TN
 
Ossessionato
@tn_sooner avatar
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UTC quote
Re: Well, crud...
Nor wrote:
TN_Sooner wrote:
Looks like I'm going to be out for the Spring Gathering. My nephew is graduating that week and I'll be in Colorado. Hate to miss it, but I'll be back in the fall.

Maybe I'll ride the Chieftain to Colorado to compensate for my losing a few days in the mountains...
Boo! I was hoping you would help with the Awards ceremony!
Crying or Very sad emoticon Crying or Very sad emoticon Crying or Very sad emoticon Crying or Very sad emoticon I'm very sad about this.
@midnight_rider avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
09 GTS (sold) 2014 NC700XD
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
I just put in leave, it feels good!
⬆️    About 1 month elapsed    ⬇️
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
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UTC quote
I just met with the surgeon to schedule hernia surgery number two. It will probably be early April, so plenty of time to recover and make the Spring Gathering.

The first one included a very painful recovery. He said that this one is worse. Great Crying or Very sad emoticon
@midnight_rider avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
That blows Bill, sorry to hear!
@wleuthold avatar
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UTC quote
Midnight Rider wrote:
That blows Bill, sorry to hear!
I'll be fine Adrian. Just whining a little.
OP
@scutrbrau avatar
UTC

The Beer Guy
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
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Location: Nelson County, VA
 
The Beer Guy
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UTC quote
Less than two months now!

I just booked a cabin so we can go over a couple of weeks from now to start scouting routes. I'll post about it when we've returned.
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
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Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
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UTC quote
Scutrbrau wrote:
Less than two months now!

I just booked a cabin so we can go over a couple of weeks from now to start scouting routes. I'll post about it when we've returned.
excellent, can't wait to see the routes and what nots.
OP
@scutrbrau avatar
UTC

The Beer Guy
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
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The Beer Guy
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UTC quote
NOTE: Both of these routes have changed since this was posted. I'm leaving them up for posterity sake.

Here are a couple:

Ride 1 - West Virginia

Ride 2 - part of BRP

Not sure about the second one. I guess it depends on if people feel like riding a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
⚠️ Last edited by Scutrbrau on UTC; edited 1 time
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
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Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
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UTC quote
Both of those look excellent.
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
well the guzzi is prepped and ready, new PR4's and fresh oil and filter , test ride was amazing with the new tires, so much better than the stock pirelli's that came on it. now to get the MP3 done.

the decision is which?
@strick avatar
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Ossessionato
2021 Ducati Multistrada 950S
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Location: Columbia, MD
 
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UTC quote
Not coming...
I'm not going to be able to make it this spring. I have cancelled my reservation. Cabin 4 is available now.

My son's Senior Prom is the same weekend. I just found out last week. The County decides to wait until March to tell parents the Prom and Graduation dates. Grrrr.

Have fun, take lots of pictures and have a drink for me.
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2006 Vespa GT (Rocket): 2007 Vespa GT (Vanessa): 2009 Yamaha Zuma 125: 2018 Yamaha Xmax (Big Ugly), 2023 Vespa GTS300 (Ghost)
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UTC quote
All is better for me to make it this year. I had another hernia repair surgery yesterday and this time they fixed both remaining hernias. So now I am fixed.

I can't wait to ride to see everyone again. Now the question, ride a scooter or the Honda to this NCX gathering.
OP
@scutrbrau avatar
UTC

The Beer Guy
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
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The Beer Guy
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UTC quote
That's good news, Bill. It'll be great to ride with you.

We're going over this weekend to Douthat to check out the roads. The weather is looking kind of sketchy so we're probably going to drive instead of ride. I'd prefer to be on two wheels but not when there's the possibility of snow.
@wleuthold avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
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UTC quote
Thank you Rick. Too bad about this weekend's weather. It is ALWAYS more fun on two wheels. But snow is to be avoided.

I will be off the scoots for at least a week. I hope it doesn't kill me.
@midnight_rider avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
09 GTS (sold) 2014 NC700XD
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UTC quote
Have fun Rick, please take some pictures so that I know what I will be looking forward to.

Bill: good to hear that you are all put back together!!
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Hooked
GTS 250ie, BMW C600 Sport
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Hooked
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UTC quote
Re: Not coming...
Strick wrote:
I'm not going to be able to make it this spring. I have cancelled my reservation. Cabin 4 is available now.

My son's Senior Prom is the same weekend. I just found out last week. The County decides to wait until March to tell parents the Prom and Graduation dates. Grrrr.

Have fun, take lots of pictures and have a drink for me.
Strick,

I bought a secondhand cloning machine if you'd like to make both events. lol

@midnight_rider avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
09 GTS (sold) 2014 NC700XD
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UTC quote
How was the reccy trip?
OP
@scutrbrau avatar
UTC

The Beer Guy
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
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The Beer Guy
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UTC quote
Midnight Rider wrote:
How was the reccy trip?
Heading home via the BRP now. Details soon.
@froggieposition avatar
UTC

Thunder Thief
2010 GTS 300 Super & 2015 Kawasaki Concours 1400 ABS
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Location: in the blue ridge mountains of Virginia... on the trail of the lonesome pine..."
 
Thunder Thief
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2010 GTS 300 Super & 2015 Kawasaki Concours 1400 ABS
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Location: in the blue ridge mountains of Virginia... on the trail of the lonesome pine..."
UTC quote
We shall update tomorrow in our findings. 10 hours of driving today and we are tired
OP
@scutrbrau avatar
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The Beer Guy
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Joined: UTC
Posts: 4744
Location: Nelson County, VA
 
The Beer Guy
@scutrbrau avatar
2010 GTS 300 Super and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 650 LT
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4744
Location: Nelson County, VA
UTC quote
Froggie and I just spent a couple of days at Douthat and checked out some of the roads we'll be riding. The weather was crap when we headed over so we took the cage. It turned out to be for the best. There had been snow in the mountains and there was a lot of salt and snow left on the roads. It would have made for some slow riding and a lot of pucker moments in the twisties if we were on our bikes or scooters.

First, the state park: Very pretty spot. Quiet and remote. No wifi and more than likely no cell service. The cabin we were in had no signal at all but the ones most of us will stay in next month are a bit higher up the slope so there's the possibility your phone will work but you definitely shouldn't count on it. At the park restaurant just down the road there's wifi so you can go there if you absolutely need to get online.

Most of the cabins we're staying in - #26 through 30 - are new construction. We didn't see the inside but they look quite nice from the outside. All of the others are the original log cabins built by the CCC in the '30s. They are rustic but comfortable. The only negative I can think of is that the ceilings are low so whoever ends up in the top bunk will have very little headroom. Draw straws or pick the smallest among you. A submariner would feel right at home there.

Check-in is fairly late (4 pm) but since most everyone is coming from a distance that shouldn't be a problem. Checkout is early (10 am), but since I assume we're all heading home on Sunday that shouldn't pose a problem either.

The restaurant will not be open for dinner on Thursday or breakfast on Friday. It will be open on Friday from 4 p.m to 8 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Now, the roads: It's gorgeous there. You could ride in any direction and hit fantastic mountain roads. The challenge in plotting out routes - and the reason we went over to have a first-hand look - is that a lot of the roads that look best on maps turn out to be gravel or dirt. There were several spots where we rode along for 5-6 miles only to find the road gradually narrowing and turning into a dirt track. I wanted to find that out now, not when I have a group of riders following me. So by driving about 400 miles through the area I was able to confirm that a lot of the roads were fantastic and that a few of them won't work for us. Now I can redo my routes with a bit more information.

The biggest issue we'll have is fuel. We traveled some pretty long distances between gas stations so I'll be sure to create routes with that in mind. I'll use the range of the Vespas as my measuring stick since at ~100 miles I assume they'll need to fill first. Unless you've got a range of 200+ miles you'll probably all want to fill up at the same time.

At some point prior to 5/19 I'll have the GPS routes available for anyone who wants them. I'll probably also put them in Google Maps and link them here for anyone who'd like to have a look in advance.
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