Western, NC road ride

[msheron]

I am contemplating a mid October road ride on a Saturday that would be an all day ride of various scenic areas in the mountains.

I am thinking of areas that have a combo of twisties and just a variety of riding for all to enjoy. I will scout out the best scenic areas to include Mt. Mitchell for those who have never seen it or driven to the top.

Maybe a morning meet for breakfast then a 1-2 pm late lunch then depart around 5 pm for all to go their separate ways.

If there is interest let me know and I will scout out the best round trip I can find which to include also Deals Gap or Tail Of The Dragon for those who have heard of it but never ridden it.

Feedback welcomed but really in the planning stages by virtue of interest alone.

[Stromin'Nroman]

I think I can make it.
The dragon is not a must for me, but I'm game for whatever you come up with.

[Bajatacoma]

I could probably make that.

276 is a pretty cool ride between 64 and the BRP; take the Parkway to Craggy Gardens to 197 and back onto the Parkway via whatever route you choose, etc. Lots of good riding through there.

I have no desire to ride the Dragon on a Saturday- too crowded.

[msheron]

I am up for suggestions. I have a route that will take us through 19W in Burnsville into Erwin, TN. on a twisty secondary road that has good scenery.

I will map out some routes and see what comes together. Funny you mention 276 because I would love to eat at Hawg Wild in Brevard for lunch hopefully if the times line up.

[msheron]

I am getting just as much interest in doing the Dragon from V-Stromer's on another site I post to. I am thinking when I finalize the ride route I will incorporate the the Dragon for those who want to do it and those who don't can take a break at the Tree of Shame!

[msheron]

I am thinking just up front the 19W from Yancey County into Erwin, TN to back over I-26 East through Sams' Gap to Weaverville over Hamburg Mtn. then pop up on the Parkway to go up to Mt. Mitchell then scoot over to the Dragon and back. The BRP to Mt. Mitchell to the Dragon is what does not flow so well. I will iron out a better route that goes from either Erwin, TN to the Dragon or from Hamburg Mtn. over to the Dragon then end up at Mt. Mitchell.

Anyway......................too early for a concrete ride plan and I have plenty of time to explore the route options.

[Stromin'Nroman]

I have absolute trust in you and your GPS.
As you know from the beginning of our last ride, my analog GPS needs recalibration.

BTW, I got my luggage and installed it, I even offered to pick up some groceries for my wife.

[YR1Ray]

I'd like to come along on your ride. I'm planning to go to the Barber Vintage Festival October 19-21; but if your ride is on another weekend I'll try to make.

[msheron]

I have absolute trust in you and your GPS.
As you know from the beginning of our last ride, my analog GPS needs recalibration.

BTW, I got my luggage and installed it, I even offered to pick up some groceries for my wife.

Must post pictures..................!

[msheron]

19W was great yesterday. I will definitely have to include that in the ride into Erwin, TN then shoot up 23 to Johnson City. I think then take 19E back into NC from Alleghany/Ashe counties back down to Hwy. 80 over to the BRP to go to Mt. Mitchell for a rest stop.

From there I am looking into some back roads to get to Hwy. 276 for some scenic riding.

As far as lunch goes I am thinking it may be best to find a nice place in Johnson City. There is a nice BBQ place there called the Firehouse. If I remember they converted a old fire station into a restaurant. Or they made it just look that way. Either way it would be a nice place to stop.

19W takes about 1 hr. due to some good twisties. Plus once we get onto I-26W/23N from where 19W dumps in there it would be another 30 minutes into JC. I am looking at a 9:30 am meet in Mars Hill at the park and ride or the gas station right by the interstate there.

We will see. But I believe we will do the Dragon another time.

Hope this is fine with you guys who are considering the ride.

[msheron]

Looking at some more routes for this anticipated ride next month. Will keep all of you posted to include a Mt. Mitchell stop!

[msheron]

Can I get a head count of those interested in a fall ride in October in the mountains of NC?

If no one plans on riding then I will not worry about routing anything. If there is interest (genuine) that is I will plan routes and good eateries (subject to personal taste) as well.

Let me know and I will continue to find the best routes.

[gatordead]

I live near the dragon and ride it about every weekend. Mid october sounds great count me in.

[msheron]

Great gator...............you, Norm, and myself from the V-Strom realm and I may have some co-workers that ride a variety of other bikes to join. This ride is not limited to only Stroms for those who read this and may have friends with other bikes.

I am just planning a fall ride that will get everyone out to enjoy the mountains and foilage................which I think may suck this year due to drought!

[gatordead]

Just post the day and meeting location. I 'll try to round up some east tennessee riders also.

[wts]

I'll be in the East TN area on vacation Oct 7th-13th give or take a day. I'll have my vee to ride anywhere, anyday.

[pikeb]

I'm interested if I'm not working.

[shaggybob]

I'm interested as well, it really all depends on work.

I rode the BRP last month and they were doing construction at Mt. Mitchell. Couldn't go all the way to the top but the visitor's center at the top was open. The traffic, or lack there of, should be good on the BRP in October.

Does anyone know if they have finished the work yet, I still haven't been to the very top?

[Stromin'Nroman]

I may be away on business.

If not, I'm in.

I'm trying to figure out a way to take my wife, dogs and bike in a rental motorhome if I go.

By the way, October can see HORRIFIC traffic on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Leaf-Lookers from Florida invade for what is referred to as Leaf Season. It may be subdued though, because of the drought.

Cheers,

Norm

[gatordead]

With the drought here in east TN the leaves are changing now....more like dying. The smart floridians left and moved to tennessee and NC.

[msheron]

Norm is right that October is the leaf looking season with little old people driving land yachts with phone books under their arses to see over the wheel and not paying a damn bit of attention to a damn thing in their way!

But I was going to avoid as much of the BRP as possible except for taking a quick jaunt up to Mt. Mitchell to see the elevation and temp. change that can be as much as a 20-30 degree difference from the bottom.

We will see. There could be a chance of a multi day trip or long weekend ride around NC if there is any interest which is now being tossed around.

We could incorporate the 19W into TN back to NC to go to the coast to circle back around up through SC into NC again if there is any interest to pre-empt just the western NC ride.

We will see.

[Ashveegas]

I'm interested, too. Depends on the weekend. Any thoughts yet as to when? Looks like the 13th is best for me.

[Stromin'Nroman]

Memo to Mr. Msheron,

I hate to be one of "those" people, but when you wrote "We will see", I believe you misspelled something.

In this forum the plural adverb for the individual is always spelled with two letter e's, ie: Wee will see.

Please keep this in mind on all future posts.

BTW, I think I might be headed up to Mt. Mitchell today; If I get off this damn forum and complete my current project.

[Ashveegas]

Were you by chance on "Future I-26" heading east (south by my compass) in the Woodfin area saturday?

[Macks]

I'd be interested in that ride also

[msheron]

Were you by chance on "Future I-26" heading east (south by my compass) in the Woodfin area saturday?

Nope................but that is near my area ( meaning home.....Weaverville). I was on the way to Charleston, SC for 8 days of relaxation.

[msheron]

Okay...............October 13th for the day ride along western, NC roadways and TN. I am looking at 19W again then we will look to go up 23 then double back into NC from TN to get on the BRP just long enough to get to Mt. Mitchell to go to the top where the parking lot is to just take in the elevation.

Lunch can be in TN if you guys like. Invite friends as well and this ride is not V-Strom only..............can be any bike.

Now this is also subject to fall through so you know due to my job. I am perpetually on call 7 days a week; 24 hours a day; 365 days a year!

And you thought your job sucked at times!:mrgreen: There is always someone with a suckier job at times.

But yes.....................Saturday, October 13th. We will meet at the Roses shopping center parking lot and head out for a good days ride hopefully to be uninterupted.

Let's say 9 a.m. and we can meet and greet then take a few pictures of the pre-ride group then head off by 9:30 a.m.

Let me get a head count of how many here may be able to meet for this ride.

The directions are take Highway 19/23 North to Weaverville and get off on exit 19B (< I think that is the right exit.) There are two at the same point but one you go under the overpass and the one you take you do not. At the top of the ramp go right then the first light make a left into the strip mall and we will be on the right.

Any questions please call me on my cell or e-mail me here or PM me. My cell is 828-273-6340 (leave a message if no answer).

See you there for a early fall ride!

[shaggybob]

Do you have the address for the shopping center? Just to make sure that is, but I think I mapped it pretty close.

It's a 3 to 4 hour trip for me just to the meeting point, so I'm thinking about heading out Friday after work. Is anyone else in the same situation? If so are you interested in splitting a room friday night? I smoke and snore, smoking can be done outside, but I haven't figured out how to sleep inside and snore outside.

[msheron]

Do you have the address for the shopping center? Just to make sure that is, but I think I mapped it pretty close.

It's a 3 to 4 hour trip for me just to the meeting point, so I'm thinking about heading out Friday after work. Is anyone else in the same situation? If so are you interested in splitting a room friday night? I smoke and snore, smoking can be done outside, but I haven't figured out how to sleep inside and snore outside.

Hmmmm, let me see and get back to you. Must be a GPS person???:mrgreen:

I am too so I know what you mean.

[msheron]

The address is:

165 Weaver Blvd.
Weaverville, NC 28787

[gatordead]

Do you need to take 19/23 or can you use I26? It supposed to be real nice weather about low 70's. If all goes well I'll make it.... will know for sure by Tues.

[Stromin'Nroman]

Met a guy at this Charity Ride over the weekend.
He was on a KLR, he had a Wee in his garage, I gave him my card, he's in Weaverville, he's probably up for the ride, if he contacts me before Saturday.

My son might be up for it too, he's picking up a used KLR on Tuesday.

Cheers,

Norm

[shaggybob]

Cool thanks for the address. Not really for the gps as I know the area pretty well but just so I can get a visual on the map.

[msheron]

Do you need to take 19/23 or can you use I26? It supposed to be real nice weather about low 70's. If all goes well I'll make it.... will know for sure by Tues.

Hwy. 19/23 North is the same as I-26 West. It is just us old timers still have a hard time calling it I-26 after so many years of it being known as 19/23 North:mrgreen:

Hope to see alot of folks there. Norm and I have ridden the 19W that I want to include again in this ride due to it being less traveled and very twisty and fun to ride.

From there we will go to the Firehouse BBQ if that is okay or where the masses want to go. Norm and I did the Firehouse last time so I am up for suggestions in the Johnson City, TN area for sure.

Okay................any questions please post here or call me.

[shaggybob]

Anyone else riding in on Friday night?

[gatordead]

I thought about riding in on friday..cuz its gonna be kinda cool sat. am. I got about 95 miles to get there. Any suggestions on good place to stay?

[shaggybob]

I just googled it and there are plenty of options. Seeing as I'm not really keen on leaving at 5:00 AM in 46 degree weather for a 4 hour ride to the ride, then it looks like I'll either be leaving friday or staying home.

I thought about riding in on friday..cuz its gonna be kinda cool sat. am. I got about 95 miles to get there. Any suggestions on good place to stay?

[msheron]

I thought about riding in on friday..cuz its gonna be kinda cool sat. am. I got about 95 miles to get there. Any suggestions on good place to stay?

There are several good options. There is a I believe Days Inn in the little town of Woodfin just off I-26 which is a few minutes away from the meet point if you wish.

I will get the actual name of the motel for you and the number and post here later this evening. I will be on a all day ride today and won't be back until later in the evening.

[msheron]

The actual address is 3 Reynolds Mountain Blvd. and the number is 828-645-9191

Hope this helps.

Deecided to go ahead and look it up for you.

[shaggybob]

I thought about riding in on friday..cuz its gonna be kinda cool sat. am. I got about 95 miles to get there. Any suggestions on good place to stay?

what time do you think you'll be heading out friday. I'm off at 4 here in chattanooga, thinking I could meet you up there and we could ride together.

[msheron]

Weather is going to be beautifullllllll! 68 for a high and sunnnnnny!

All the makings of a good ride! My arse is real sore right now.............just did almost 300 miles today on a gravel/FSR/asphalt riding day!

Weather was great and high 70's with a good breeze latter part of the day. I need a hot bath to soak the old bones however.

Hope you guys and any gals can make it to the ride this Saturday. I want to go up 19/23 then branch off to go toward Burnsville and take 19W into Erwin, TN area to Johnson City, TN for eats then up 23 to 421 I believe to get back into NC in what I think is Watauga through some back roads yet to be discovered (this is like a Lewis & Clark expedition folks:D) then down 194 to 19E to Hwy 80 to the BRP to go over to Mt. Mitchell for a short jaunt then take the BRP to 197 to drop into 19/23 again north of where we started.

We will see how it goes. I am bad at reading a map:confused: and usually just ride wherever.:mrgreen:

Any questions remember my cell 828-273-6340

[Ashveegas]

Hi gang... I'm in! Myself and probably my GF. Looking forward to it.

See ya'll Saturday.

[gatordead]

I won't be able to make it. Co-worker had a death in his family and I have to cover his weekend shift. Maybe I'll make the next one....Be careful and Be safe.

[msheron]

I won't be able to make it. Co-worker had a death in his family and I have to cover his weekend shift. Maybe I'll make the next one....Be careful and Be safe.

Sorry to hear that. God bless and hope the family finds peace in the death of a loved one.

Should be a great ride but cool in the am. That is okay because that is why we have textile jackets with zip out liners!

[shaggybob]

I keep going back and forth, I have somethings I really need to get done around the house but on the other hand I could ride, but when is that different from the dilema I face everyday.

I'll know by 5:00 PM Friday. I'm either going to be there and leave at 5:00 Friday, or I won't be there. Probably going to come down to flipping a coin, but I have packed just in case.

[Stromin'Nroman]

Mike,

I'm getting ready to leave in a couple hours, just wondering how many layers I should wear. I went up to the Parkway for the sunrise yesterday. Fourteen layers seemed adequate for that debacle.

I know that today I'll gradually shed some layers as the day progresses so I've rigged up a trailer to accomodate the overflow from the three Pelican cases on my bike.

There afternoon should be lovely, though. See you at Rose's.

[msheron]

I have my zip in liner that I put back in my jacket and I will wear my over pants for sure until the temp. raises up a little.:mrgreen:


Mike,

I'm getting ready to leave in a couple hours, just wondering how many layers I should wear. I went up to the Parkway for the sunrise yesterday. Fourteen layers seemed adequate for that debacle.

I know that today I'll gradually shed some layers as the day progresses so I've rigged up a trailer to accomodate the overflow from the three Pelican cases on my bike.

There afternoon should be lovely, though. See you at Rose's.

[Stromin'Nroman]

Mike,

Thanks for a great ride, it was a wonderful day, gold minivan Grand Marshalls notwithstanding.

Jim, Jonathan and Patty, It was great meeting you, hope you thaw out soon, looking forward to future rides.

I'm surprised nobody tried the fresh snacks from the special vending machine, like of which I'd never before seen.

Here are a few pictures:

[Ashveegas]

Hi Norman, Mike and Jim (if you're lurking out there...)!

What a great day for riding. It was good to meet other 'strommers and enjoy the beautiful scenery. And, once we got numb, the cold didn't feel so bad!

We look forward to another ride... sans peg scraping next time!

Jonathan

Mike: the dance you did with the edge of the pavement was truly a sight to behold! :-D

[msheron]

First I must apologize for the route that I thought we could do in a day that would take a day and a half!:confused:

Norm, sorry about the time getting back. That tan colored van we got behind at Watagua Lake after the stop at the vending machine my GPS stated an arrival time of 3:58 p.m. As we could never get around the van I kept looking at my GPS and the arrival time kept getting longer and longer.

The route was 321 South to get to 105 to go into Crossnore to 221 to Marion which was the route taken. I looked back and Norm you were gone. I never saw you stop or get off the road. I was in such a hurry to get you back to Asheville I did not look back too much.

I had what I believe was a Kawi Concours 1400 go by us like we were sitting still:mrgreen: That is why I want one so bad!

Anyway, Jim and I got to exit # 53 just two exits short of getting to MR at 4:40 p.m. In fact the tan van put us back 35 minutes! We could have gotten you to MR by 4:20 p.m. if not for the sight seeing which has to be expected during this time of year.

I hope your son was not too dissappointed. Once again, I apologize for the time but who would have known a tan van would go so much of our route that it would throw us so far back on time. I must also apologize as well, I thought 321 was 4 lanes!:confused:

I know now it is not.

Here are the few pictures I took and I would love to do some more of this route again and hope that the lake was worth riding along. The map seemed to show more lake than what we actually saw but even with that riding is better than working any day.

John, Patty, Jim, Norm.......................I had fun and yes that dance along the white line when we were going up through Madison County was just show casing my riding expertise of what not to do while riding. I may as well have been putting makeup on like a woman going down the road. Just joking Patty and all women that read this. Actually I learned a lesson not to play with your XM radio while riding up the road!:o

Here are my few pictures and yes that vending machine Norm was a first for me! I wonder though, the shelf life on the product must be alot less than a pack of crackers in most vending machines!

The meet at Roses parking lot:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce35b3127ccebdeb8e2321f400000026100AZNm7Jw4cM2 LA

New friends myself and Norm made from left to right.......Jim, John, and Patty:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce35b3127ccebdeb8e1ca0fb00000026100AZNm7Jw4cM2 LA

Norm, Jim, John, and Patty:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce35b3127ccebdeb8e0521d200000026100AZNm7Jw4cM2 LA

After lunch in Johnson City, TN at the Firehouse BBQ:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce35b3127ccebdeb8e0ea0e900000026100AZNm7Jw4cM2 LA

And another picture at the Firehouse:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7ce35b3127ccebdeb8e0d21da00000026100AZNm7Jw4cM2 LA

Sorry that there were no more pictures but next time we will take more.

Enjoyed guys and gals and look forward to another ride!

[Stromin'Nroman]

Mike,

No problem, he picked some stuff out, we're going back on wednesday to pick up parts he ordered for his Kawisaki Concourse.....er KLR.

Norm

[msheron]

Mike,

No problem, he picked some stuff out, we're going back on wednesday to pick up parts he ordered for his Kawisaki Concourse:shock:.....er KLR.

Norm

He will have to let me ride it then!:mrgreen:

[Stromin'Nroman]

He just let me ride it.

He was doing some fiddling with the carb and needed a test pilot.

I took it on a nearby gravel road and was approaced by a pit bull at full gallop. Per MSF instruction, I dropped a gear and slowed, then gunned it. Off pavement, not only is the dog's timing thrown off, but he's showered with gravel as well.

The bike is a blast, but the aftermarket pipe has got my ears ringing.