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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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Greetings! Just wanted to let everyone know that a group of four scooterists (including me) and one motorcyclist from the Greater Houston area will be riding about 1,600-miles round-trip, via Natchez Trace, to Tennessee for a chance to ride the Tail of the Dragon. The plan is to depart this Friday, Sept. 11th, and return to TX on the 18th, the following week. We will be staying at the Caney Creek Village in Tellico Plains, not far from the Cherohala Skyway. Any of you local area MP3-wheelers wanna show us around or possibly join us for the rides please let me know.

Looking forward to the rides and possibly meeting some of you, in person.
@bravotwofour avatar
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'09 Mp3-500 - Gone Now
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Awesome, I'm jeaolus! Have a great, safe, memorable trip and keep us all posted!
@fuzzy avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
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@fuzzy avatar
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I'd love to come up if it was on a weekend, but sounds like you will be there during the week and I can't get off right now. It has been three whole days since I was in Telico Plains enroute to the Cherohola so I am ready to go back.

You will have a much better time in the area on weekdays. Weekends can be crazy on the Dragon. Have a great time and take lots of pictures. Other great roads in the area include Hellbender 28 and Foothills Parkway. Telico Plains is only 70 miles from Two Wheels Only in Suches. Good ride down on Tn 68 and GA 60. May not be anyone there on a weekday to make lunch though.
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Addicted
MP3 500 (no - longer); 2008 Victory Vision (gone), 2012 Goldwing (gone), 2019 Wee-Strom (gone), 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
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Let me know what days you will be in Tennessee. I won't be able to get off work that week, but may be able to join you for dinner.
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
Glad to hear of your plans. You will love the trace. Fuzzy talked me into taking it on my journey home. You get to ride it both ways. If I was down there I'd probably go back with you guys. As it is I think I will leave for my TX trip next week. I'll probably try to hit Austin on Thur or Fri and watch my friend who plays the new younger coach on Friday Night Lights.

Fuzzy, I picked up a helmet cam and am getting another piece of equipment to take video on this trip. I'll try to post pics.
@fuzzy avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
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@fuzzy avatar
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jerryw wrote:
Fuzzy, I picked up a helmet cam and am getting another piece of equipment to take video on this trip. I'll try to post pics.
Sweet

Can't wait to see the pics. You need to loan it to someone riding behind you so some of the video is of you. You are an inspiration to me as a 57 year old I can have many years of riding ahead of me.
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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Gotta geaux!
Leaving for work in full gear now; officially departing 11:30am for TOD.
Weather now: pouring rain. But I've got rain gear. Let me see how this will work out.

See you guys in about a wk! TOD, Natchez Trace Pkwy, here I come!
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UTC quote
good luck on your ride, and on your ride if you could remember those who lost their lives 8 years ago today.
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Molto Verboso
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Made it to Clinton, MS
Yes, I am aware of this significant day today. I watched it live in '01 as it came on tv and it affected me profoundly for years after.

After 8 hrs (7 of which in driving rain) and 304 miles later, we got off the Natchez Trace and checked into Best Western in Clinton, MS. Riding all day in the rain is something new for me; but it turned out to be rather pleasurable since I have all the necessary gear and they all performed extremely well to keep me dry. I must say the the $3 Fog-Off is the best little money that I've ever spent. It kept the inside of the faceshied of my Arai Quantum II helmet completely fogless for the entire day!

A very educational day today riding in the rain; tomorrow could be close to 500 miles if we gonna make it to Tellico Plains in one day so I better sign off now. Breakfast is 7am at Shoney's. Snore emoticon
@fuzzy avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
. . 2008 Blue MP3 400. . di Peluria Orso .... 1993 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 ....... 2013 Honda NC700XD; 2017 Versys X300
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@fuzzy avatar
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UTC quote
When you are in Telico Plains you may want to check out Tellico Motorcycle Outfitters. One of the best stores I have been in for gear. Owner is a great guy. At T.W.O. last weekend multiple riders commented it was a place to stop. T.W.O. is 70 miles from Telico Plains with many closer shops, but Telico Motorcycle Outfitters is the one talked about as the place to go. I did on my ride and am glad I did. Bought a pair of wet weather summer gloves I had been looking for and they kept my hands dry without overheating riding the Cherohola in the rain. Came close to buying a pair of Olympia pants but he didn't have my size. May still order from him. His prices are competitive with others on the internet.

Be advised you may find something there you didn't know you have to have. Make sure he knows you are from out of state to save on taxes. Everything is at least 15% off list and shipping is free.

http://www.tellicomoto.com/
OP
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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Thanks!
Will definitely check out the Outfitter, thanks! Group activities have really prevented me from doing any socializing, but that's because we have not got much time left and have to make every day count. My apologies to the locals.

Yesterday and today, I have gone up and down TOD five times and Cherohala (/hay-la/) Skyway three times (once in the dark, SCARY). I must say,while TOD is still great, Cherohala Skyway is simply outta sight!

I also blew out my exhaust gasket (mechanic didn't replace it with a new one when changing the rear tire). Perhaps too much back pressure, too, from all that riding. Now 10,560 miles on the odo.

Leaving Tellico Plains this Thursday after one final run up and down TOD.

*ps The stock front Michelin GS's still track great after all those miles; and the new Diablo 160/60 is simply magnificent. Man, I gotta tell you all, the MP3's maybe built in Italy; but it was designed for twisty roads like these!!! You have all got to come down here to ride your MP3's! So jealous of the locals!
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
Sounds like a great trip. Keep us up to date. We are getting a vicarious thrill reading about it.
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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Thanks, jerryw!

There is more here for those of you who don't already know.
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UTC quote
sushiman007 wrote:
...Group activities have really prevented me from doing any socializing, but that's because we have not got much time left and have to make every day count. My apologies to the locals....Yesterday and today, I have gone up and down TOD five times and Cherohala (/hay-la/) Skyway three times (once in the dark, SCARY). I must say,while TOD is still great, Cherohala Skyway is simply outta sight...Leaving Tellico Plains this Thursday after one final run up and down TOD.
Sounds like one great time, love to see it / ride out there some day. Haven't seen Tennessee in years but I sure recall it as having some gorgeous areas. I think I'm still jealous of your trip!

About ten days ago I drove (a Grand Marquis land yacht, it was, after all, vacation...) the scenic byway through the Big Horn mountain range in Wyoming, up through Granite pass at 9033 feet, from Yellowstone to Devil's Tower... Now THAT was a freakin' twisty road, full of switchbacks, awesome scenery and stunning vistas. Numerous bikes heading through on their way back from Sturgis, clearly having a great time. I wonder how that road would compare to TOD, other than the very different flora? Anyone experience both? I think I would have a hard time focusing on the road and not constantly scoping the scenery (like I was doing in the car all the time...).

http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2053/

Have a safe ride home, post some pics.
OP
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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Tired, but glad to be back!
Informal ranking of rides (for the MP3):

First Place: Cherohala Skyway
Second Place: Tail of the Dragon, the entire 11-miles, 318 curves
Third Place: Natchez Trace

Honorable Mentions: 68/60 from TN to GA, turnaround and head back at "Two-Wheels Only" (where I got booed as soon as I pulled up). Also, Louisiana Historical Byway, from Tangipahoa via LA-10, ferry ride in St. Francisville, then LA-1 down to 190.

Rode 601 miles from Birmingham (AL) yesterday morning and made it home to Beaumont (TX) just before midnight.

Seven-day trip total miles=2,440 miles
Sustained rain total=7 hours
Number of runs up-and-down Tail of the Dragon=7 times (twice in rain and fog)
Number of trips over Cherohala Skyway=5 times (once in the night alone and twice in rain and fog)

Would do this trip again? Heck, yeah!

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
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Re: Tired, but glad to be back!
sushiman007 wrote:
Informal ranking of rides (for the MP3):

First Place: Cherohala Skyway
Second Place: Tail of the Dragon, the entire 11-miles, 318 curves
Third Place: Natchez Trace

Honorable Mentions: 68/60 from TN to GA, turnaround and head back at "Two-Wheels Only" (where I got booed as soon as I pulled up). Also, Louisiana Historical Byway, from Tangipahoa via LA-10, ferry ride in St. Francisville, then LA-1 down to 190.

Rode 601 miles from Birmingham (AL) yesterday morning and made it home to Beaumont (TX) just before midnight.

Seven-day trip total miles=2,440 miles
Sustained rain total=7 hours
Number of runs up-and-down Tail of the Dragon=7 times (twice in rain and fog)
Number of trips over Cherohala Skyway=5 times (once in the night alone and twice in rain and fog)

Would do this trip again? Heck, yeah!
Nice! Clearly a great time was had!
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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Well done, sushiman. I can go along with your rankings though I only rode the Dragon once and the Cherohala 3 times. I have workmen at my condo still messing around. I'll put up my TX ride when I'm sure when it will be. I plan to take in Leakley, TX, and the 3 sisters. Maybe we could meet somewhere.
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Wow,Congrats Sushiman,your my hero.

So who looks more wore-out? You or your MP3?
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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Yes, that was fun! MP3-made in Italy; but engineered 4 TOD!
Sorry, jerryw, Leakey will have to wait and I did all Three Sisters already (but you will have fun). Unfortunately, I am all outta vacation for the rest of the year. Wha? emoticon Crying or Very sad emoticon
Do be careful with the State Troopers, OK? One of them gave me a warning for 40 in a 30. He was a nice guy though, could've been hundreds of dollars just for that.
Scootover wrote:
So who looks more wore-out? You or your MP3?
For that, Scootoever, you will have to watch this little video.
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BLACK mp3 500
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Location: florence al
 
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UTC quote
you sure did pick a wet week to ride over here lol
should have stopped by florence for THE TRAIL OF TEARS on the 19th
OP
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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Videos that will make you lean!
Here are a few MP3 videos from my Tail of the Dragon vacation:

Videos shot on my Leica point-n-shoot camera (sorry about the shakes and loud wind noises, just turn the volume down ).

Videos shot with my buddy's flip mino HD camcorder : Enjoy!
@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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Location: South Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee
UTC quote
Great videos.

How did you mount the camera on your MP3?
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MP3 500ie
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UTC quote
Awesome vids!!!! Looks like you were leaning the MP3 pretty good, same question as Fuzzy about the cam mounting
OP
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Molto Verboso
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Molto Verboso
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Glad you liked them!
Remember picking up this multi-adjustable C-clamp camera mount at a photo supply place, maybe it was Calumet. Comes in really handy this little gadget!

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
⬆️    About 7 months elapsed    ⬇️
OP
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Molto Verboso
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UTC quote
I see a local British Columbia company has been awarded the contract to clean things up on The Dragon. Their offices are a just around the corner from me.

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