Modern Vespa

I'm looking for anyone who might be interested in riding to the rally in Tenn. I plan on leaving on Wednesday morning, but I'm flexable about that. I'm also flexable about the route I take.

I have a GTS 250 and a GT 200, so I can easily make the distance in one day on either of them. I would like to meet up with a group riding to the rally.... maybe in Virginia or Ohio, or any point along the way. I can adjust my route as needed.

Kevin

Try this:

https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic26487

There is a group from Va leaving Wednesday.

Owen and Bonnie and maybe some others are headed down from Michigan. You may want to try to catch up with them. We are riding down the Blue Ridge Parkway but I dont think that is on your way.

The Michigan group will be overnighting in Mayview KY tuesday night.

Mayview KY should lock up its daughters if Rocketman is coming to town. See you at amerivespa.

Mayview KY is so small that Google maps could not find it.

Maysville, KY. We'll be staying at the Hampton Inn there and will be leaving for TN Wednesday morning! You are welcome to ride with us! As of now, we have 2 from our group that are bringing their scoots on a trailer, and we have 6 riders.

Ride safe Bonnie. I dunno if Owen heard that our Cannonball buddy Mike from San Jose crashed on the way. I am looking forward to seeing Owen and you and AmeriVespa. Or at Deal's Gap if you are doing the dragon on Thursday.

Hey Bobo,
VespaBrian and I are already in NC vacationing. We are not going to the AV but we are riding the BRPW this week. Why don't you give us you itinerary and maybe we can ride together on the BR.

Good for you Bonnie, that is one heck of a ride. Have you gotten better with the twisties? I know they are not your favorite, but you'll be coming up on them in large numbers here in the south.
Ride safe and Godspeed!
Cody

Hey,
Isn't Menhir coming down from Pittsburgh? I thought he had posted his route on the other discussion over in Rallies and Events. Check with his route. I think he ends up hitting the BRP around Roanoke. Try coming down Route 52, then hit the BRP around Mt. Airy/ Fancy Gap.

Actually, after 5800 miles under me, I have gotten very comfortable at the twisties. I've been doing lots of riding! Although, I'm not sure I'm up for the Tail yet. We shall see.

Good for you Bonnie, that is one heck of a ride. Have you gotten better with the twisties? I know they are not your favorite, but you'll be coming up on them in large numbers here in the south.
Ride safe and Godspeed!
Cody[/quote]

Actually, after 5800 miles under me, I have gotten very comfortable at the twisties. I've been doing lots of riding! Although, I'm not sure I'm up for the Tail yet. We shall see.[/quote]

That's great to hear! The Dragon is tough, but if you ride early in the am before too many of the crotch rockets get there you'll be fine. Also if they want to pass you, just move to the right but still stay on the road and either wave them on or put on your blinker and they'll pass. If you don't give some of them right of way some of the regulars can get pretty aggressive! But the Vespas shine on twisties with those small wheels, so there is a great chance that none of the big bikes will get near you.

The tail is fine as long as "YOU RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE"! By this I mean, go at your own pace. Do not try to keep up with others (you all stop and start about the same place) If a sport bike shows up in your rear view mirror get over to the Right and let them pass. There is a speed limit for a reason.

You will probably have to ride it a couple of times before you get comfortable with it.

Oh and if you are a praying woman, this helps too. Just make sure you pray the tractor trailers stay off while you ride it.

Valerie

Ah, you don't know me, but there isn't ANY problems with me riding my own ride. I'm not one to worry about what others behind me think! Can't tell you how many times I've been riding and praying. The whole Vespa experience is one big meditation! I'm hoping I feel the same way about it by the time my sore butt gets to TN!

Thanks Bobo. I didn't realize Mike was a cannonball buddy (although, I do recall thinking he looked familiar when I read the thread). I'll let Owen know. I'm sure Owen will be doing the Tail, as for me.., well, I'll see you when I see you!

I plan on crossing over from Union Wva 219 South and getting on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Roanoke. I don't know exactly when I would be getting there though since I'm taking my time on back roads.

If you come across a Black ET4 with a tired-looking rider in a red jacket (possibly yellow if it rains ) and a silver helmet...it's me. I wonder how many of us will actually cross paths...It's a long road.

A Heads-Up! According to my info, the Blue Ridge is closed for a decent stretch heading into Asheville. The posted alternative route is heavy on the interstates, so I'm following an alternate long, twisty route posted here...

http://americaridesmaps.com/Local_info_parkway_detours.htm

I chose Alternative #4 NC 80 West - The Best Ride on the West Side
(Detour #3 with the addition of NC 80)

It's another 20 miles, but there is almost no interstate travel and it looks like fun...hell, that's why I'm doing this.

I'm gonna so soooo tired when I pull into Deals Gap.

Sounds like you should be fine then, enjoy the ride. It is a fun one!