The Summer Deals Gap Ride is complete...what a fun time!

[Big-X]

Well we made it home, totally beat and I've taken a small nap so now time to post.

The ride started from Epiphisis on Wednesday when he left Ohio! He and his friend arrived at my work at 6 pm Thursday and we headed toward my house. A few miles from home sign of the weekend became obvious...it started raining for the first time in a month.....errrgghhh. We sat at the gas station for 30-45 minutes due to the severe lightning. We finally made it home, went for dinner and hit the bed.

We hit the road on time and the first of the day was uneventful except for trying to find Catoma (we were an hour behind and we had to find him...he found us..lol).

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/unionturf/VTX/DSC01424.jpg

Then the rain started and boy did it rain and rain, thunder and serious lightning. We enjoyed a hour or so at the franklin NC KFC and finally headed out for Robbinsville.

We rode highway 28 and it was not fun. Very narrow and twisty road with alot of debris from the storm (leaves and limbs...and a tree) across the road. By the time we arrived at Robbinsville it was 6pm and we decided to not ride the Dragon till Saturday morning.

A meeting of the minds at the Two Wheel Inn:

http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/data/645/medium/Summer_Ride_009.jpg

So we started washing our bikes and when Green Ghost pulled his in this was spotted...a very large nain thru GG's rear tire. He ended up pulling it out, no leak and ride on it the remainder of the weekend:

http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/data/645/medium/Summer_Ride_012.jpg

Saturday we rode the Dragon in the morning and the headed to the Parkway....

My wife and I...

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/unionturf/VTX/DSC01435.jpg

Catoma, me, Poolmaster, and Epiphisis:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/unionturf/VTX/DSC01444.jpg

So off to the Parkway. We had a great ride till we got within 100' of the Parkway and it started raining. We made it to a rest area just past the Parkway and waited for 30-40 minutes waiting on the lightning to go away and finally decided to not take the Parkway there and we would ride the 4-lane road to Asheville and get on the Parkway there....we avoided a severe store by doing that.

We arrived on the Parkway and took our rain gear off again. We rode a few good miles and it started looking bad again. Thanks to the GPS I was able to look and see the road ahead and it clear we were going right into the storm ahead so we stopped and put our rain gear on again...I'm glad we did.

It started raining a few miles later and it rain HARD for who know how long. we rode for a while on the Parkway in a total down pour and finally pulled over. We stood there for a while longer, the rain let up and we continued on toward little Switzerland in the rain.

Most of us had soaked feet and we headed to Wal Mart for some fancy new shoes. We got some nice $7.50 Wal Mart shoes, headed to our hotels to dry off and for dinner.

We had dinner at the restaurant at the Switzerland Inn...my prime rib was one of the best I ever had...VERY GOOD!! Here are a few from dinner:

In the bar waiting on our table:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/unionturf/VTX/DSC01454.jpg

Dinner:

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/unionturf/VTX/DSC01457.jpg

Desert....yum...

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/unionturf/VTX/DSC01458.jpg

After that we were all tired and after some chatting we headed to bed.

This morning we meet up again and then headed out towards our homes. My wife and I took a very good route past and rode over to Lake Lure for lunch and then home. We arrived with 677 miles for this trip and the bike was perfect.

we were not able to take as many photos as we would have liked to this time due to all the rain, I'm shopping for a different camera for the next ride...I think this might work:

http://www.stancom.trident.org/under.jpg

I think I also found some better goggles for the next ride....

http://spln.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/p2424164reg.jpg

Anyway what a great time in spite of the rain...what a great group of people to ride with, we both had a ball!

[Bubba1962]

Wow, what a bummer the rain and all. But no one got hurt, so that's a BIG plus. Maybe next year? Thanks for the pics you were able to share, and the write up, looks like fun, even with the rain. You know, half the fun is the company, right?

Bubba

[Betty Boop]

Hey Ray...thats a great idea for the camera..lol..:) ;)...Even thou the weather didn't cooperate fully, I heard nearly everyone say they totally enjoyed themselves...I know Billy and I did...it was awesome meeting everyone who was not there last time..and of course seeing everyone who was there again...:) I managed to get about 65 pics..although none of them are of us as drowned rats...I posted about 20 http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=645 in my gallery..Epi got all the good shots of us WET.. I am sure he'll be posting the Ugly Betty pics and others Soon..lol..:)
http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/data/645/medium/Summer_Ride_028.jpg (http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=4883&size=big&cat=645)

[Goldsmith]

Glad yall had a great time. Sorry I missed all the rain. Remember all that crap I carried with me the last time?.....I always carry extra shoes on an over nighter. Hate soggy shoes. Glad everyone is home safe.

[Goldsmith]

You know, I think we need to change the name of the site and get jackets that have this on it. OK' OK' here , think about this.


THE STORM RIDERS CAFE

Pretty much always rains on our rides all the time anyway! I dont know, just think about it.:D

[Betty Boop]

rolf...yeah Goldsmith...we were trying to decide on which one of brought the rain....I think it was GG...he always says we're gonna get wet...yep..thats it ...it's GG :) ;)

[epiphysis]

I brought the rain all the way from Ohio!! it always rains when I go away, especially if there's been a drought!!!! it even rained after I got to Atlanta and they're in a drought! missed you Goldsmith!!!!!!!!!

[Goldsmith]

Same here Epi.

[Ghost 26]

I case any of you were wondering, it also rained the entire time I was on the Dragon on Sunday. Not before, and not much after, but between Deal's Gap and the lake, plenty of rain. That drought should be just a little less severe after this weekend.

Sorry I missed all of you, but just couldn't get away Friday. Did manage to ride the Tail, and the Skyway (165 and 143). Pics later after I sleep - about 450 miles today so heading off to bed.

G26 (Dragonslayer - in the rain)

[Big-X]

Really sorry we missed you too....in the rain would really suck. Was anyone taking photos? If so I will be looking for your photos also.

[Big-X]

LMAO....this photo right here sums up this weekend...lol Great photo BB.

http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/data/645/medium/Summer_Ride_032.jpg

And a BIG THANKS YOU to Green Ghost and his wife Brenda for making these very nice shirts for the ride!!!

http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/data/500/medium/DSC04037.JPG

[Betty Boop]

Ray..you know I had to get him as soon as he stepped off the bike to get his expression..lol...He loved it and did a super job this weekend..especially considering he's never driven on a curvy road...much less a mountain twisty..he definately got the advanced course in NC Mountain Riding and How to ride in the Rain....lol..BB :)

[sunmonk1]

Hello all...new to this forum, but have been on VTXOA for a while and was at the dragon this weekend with that group...sorry we missed you all.

From the looks of the pics, you guys had a great weekend...

Maybe next time you have a group ride, I'll tag along if you don't mind another X-rider with you.

[Steve H.]

Those pics are great! Thanks for posting them I really enjoyed them and what was that desert? Makes me hungry!

[Betty Boop]

Hello all...new to this forum, but have been on VTXOA for a while and was at the dragon this weekend with that group...sorry we missed you all.

From the looks of the pics, you guys had a great weekend...

Maybe next time you have a group ride, I'll tag along if you don't mind another X-rider with you.

Hey sunmonk...sorry we missed you guys....and you'd be welcome anytime !! Everyone here's great...you'll enjoy this forum too !! BB :)

[sunmonk1]

Thanks Betty Boop...I am looking forward to getting to know you all as this looks like a great group of people.

[poolmaster79]

In spite of the rain, my wife and I had a great time. Lots of good fellowship with some great people.
Once we split off from the group, we ran into a little rain for about 15 minutes outside of Waynesville, but once we got over the parkway, it was totally dry through Brevard and into Greenville.
Great pics everybody and excellent time. I can't wait to do it again.
What about this weekend????:choppersm

[Betty Boop]

In spite of the rain, my wife and I had a great time. Lots of good fellowship with some great people.
Once we split off from the group, we ran into a little rain for about 15 minutes outside of Waynesville, but once we got over the parkway, it was totally dry through Brevard and into Greenville.
Great pics everybody and excellent time. I can't wait to do it again.
What about this weekend????:choppersm
Hey Poolmaster..did you find your pics in my gallery...?? A couple good ones of you and the wife...It was great meeting you both !! Have a great week...oh, and I think the up coming weekend is promised to our daughter..lol...or else....lol..:)

[poolmaster79]

Hey Poolmaster..did you find your pics in my gallery...?? A couple good ones of you and the wife...It was great meeting you both !! Have a great week...oh, and I think the up coming weekend is promised to our daughter..lol...or else....lol..:)
I saw them BB. Great pictures and good memories.
I'm definitely riding somewhere this weekend because my next three after that are booked solid.
Isn't about time to start planning a fall ride...lol... Maybe bike week at Myrtle Beach in October.

[Betty Boop]

Billy and I will definately be in MB...but I don't think the other guys like the rally thing....so we'll see you there...BB :)

[Ghost 26]

Here are a few of the pictures I took on my ride through the area on Sunday. First off, let me say that though I have heard plenty about the Smoky Mountains, I'd never really them. Cloudy/foggy/rainy that it was, I was amazed at the views I saw. Much different than what I am used to in the Rocky Mountains.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j10/wkcrandalljr/RWsmokeymts.jpg

OK, that being said, we (a Harley buddy of mine and I) left Augusta Sat morning and worked our way up to Robbinsville by late afternoon. No power-cruise there. We thought about riding the Tail that evening but decided to just make a power-cruise day out of Sunday (morons...). We stayed at the Micro-tel in Robbinsville. Great place complete with MC parking spaces and wash rags. We had dinner at the Brushy Mountain Smokehouse. Good ribs there, but then again, I am from Wyoming and don't know squat about ribs.

Sunday dawned cloudy, and I could hear the clouds daring us to ride. They knew we would - if nothing else we still had to get back to Augusta. Anyway, we had breakfast and headed out. Instead of heading straight to Deal's Gap, we went north on 142 to 28 and "warmed up" on the Mini Dragon. We stopped and took in the scenery and posed for cheesy pictures...

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j10/wkcrandalljr/RWmeandbike.jpg

There we were, 2 miles from Deal's Gap, feeling good about the day and our bikes, and then it rained. Not all at once. Nope, it teased us. A drop here, another there. As we arrived at Deal's Gap, the rain got a bit heavier. As we walked to the store, even heavier. We had a decision to make - tough, wet bikers chatting outside, or dry squids inside chatting. As we decided the rain made the decision for us, and we ended up wet squids. Lots of neat stuff in there.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j10/wkcrandalljr/RWrainatdealsgap.jpg

This is some of the heaviest rain I have seen in the 4 months I have been here in the southeast, though at the time I was thinking "Drought my a$$."

I finally broke down and bought some raingear so that the rain would let up enough for us to ride, and it did. Light rain falling and me looking like an orange construction barrel, we were on our way. It was a good ride. Wet and slow, but no problems and not much traffic. Only 4 LEOs on the road.

By the time we passed the lake at the other end the rain stopped, so naturally we stopped at the Pit Stop for lunch - inside. We had good food and spent good money and continued on the ride. We decided to head down around the Cherohala Skyway. Another great ride.

As we pass the last gas station we were likely to see for 50 miles or so, we see that it's been about 90 miles since we filled up that morning. Should be enough gas, lets go. 4 miles later my buddy sees a sign for Bald River Falls, somewhere up a forest service paved path. We decide that we can always backtrack and get gas in Tellico Plains and head up to the falls - again in the rain. About 1 mile from the falls is some sort of LEO/Gestapo checkpoint. No problems for us, but several people in cuffs. Sucks to be them...

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j10/wkcrandalljr/RWbaldfallsroadblock.jpg

The falls were cool. Very picturesque...

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j10/wkcrandalljr/RWbaldriverfalls.jpg

After the falls we decided to tempt fate (no problems in the end) and just continued on the ride. I would like to have taken the ride on a clearer day, more for the view than the riding conditions, which weren't too bad. I also didn't realize that the Smoky Mountains got as high as they do. We hit at least 5377' according to signs along the road. As with any ride, we stopped a few more times for pictures.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j10/wkcrandalljr/RWbikesatrest.jpg

The scenery is beautiful in that area. I took many pictures, but will refrain from the modern equivalant of vacation slide shows. Just say I was impressed.

We finally decided to head back to Augusta about 5:30 that afternoon and got home about 11:30. Not too bad considering the on and off rain. Great ride and hope to actually ride with some of you next time.

G26 :choppersm

[poolmaster79]

Billy and I will definately be in MB...but I don't think the other guys like the rally thing....so we'll see you there...BB :)
BB, where ya stayin in MB?

[Goldsmith]

Ghost, looks like you had a great time. Wet, but great.

[mscales]

Sounds like a good time. I am waiting for more pics. All I got to do was go on a nice 140 mile ride on some very cool and fast twisties with a couple other guys so my weekend was not a waste.

[Betty Boop]

Sounds like a good time. I am waiting for more pics. All I got to do was go on a nice 140 mile ride on some very cool and fast twisties with a couple other guys so my weekend was not a waste.


Hey Mike..sounds like you had a good ride also...cool and no rain..;)..anyway...there are some pics in my gallery...GG has some too..I guess he'll post some later...as well as Epi..although..I am not looking forward to seeing Epi's..lol..He pulled that dang camera out everytime we ( I ) was soaked to the bone....and put it right in my face...surprised it didn't get water logged..lol...he said he was gonna post the ugly betty pics..:( ...lol...mean ass...lol...just kidding..He's a super terrific..awesome guy...and I am really glad he rode all that way just to meet and ride with us !!! But I'll still give him he!! if he post those pics..:p :spank: and I know he will...;) BB


Here's one of my favorites...

Epi..me..Big X and Billy
http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/data/645/medium/Summer_Ride_034.jpg (http://www.vtxcafe.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=4882&size=big&cat=645)

[epiphysis]

hey guys, just arrived at my son's place in Oxford, Oh.......did 500+ miles today.....went very well......only problem was about 50 miles south of Lexington, Ky there was an accident which stopped traffic for about a half an hour.....a very nice lady gave me a bottle of cold water cause I looked hot!! (I wonder what she meant by that....just kidding she was very old!!)....did have to stop for gas and to rest my butt and legs....but other than that, I did just fine!! and so did the cruise control....used it often........ took 8 1/2 hours.....gonna have some dinner with the son tonite then off to Ashtabula tomorrow......I did score some points with the wife...today's my anniversary......you know we've had four wonderful years...been married 29! I sent her a dozen purple roses!! that's her favorite color.......that's why I use purple.....so darn used to it....everything has it in our house..just about!!!! I will post some great pics ,especially of my buddy Betty Boop in a few days.........:cheers:

[Betty Boop]

Hey Epi...sounds like you had a long day..glad it went well...sleep well tonight..you deserve it...Be safe...and you can leave off the Ugly Betty pics...lol..BB :)

[Goldsmith]

Epi, you sure are getting some miles in my friend. Ride safe!

[epiphysis]

Epi, you sure are getting some miles in my friend. Ride safe!

so far around 2000 miles since last wed!! I spoke to Don tonite....he made it home the other day uneventfully.....had a great time with all of us and sends his regards.....thinking of joining this forum...what should we call him?

[sunmonk1]

so far around 2000 miles since last wed!!

That's some hard core touring for sure...I don't think that I could handle that kind of mileage...I notice in your pics that you have the ultimate x seats...how comfortable are they during that kind of extended mileage? I've got the mean city seat mod on mine but I don't think its comfortable enough for that much distance.

[Goldsmith]

so far around 2000 miles since last wed!! I spoke to Don tonite....he made it home the other day uneventfully.....had a great time with all of us and sends his regards.....thinking of joining this forum...what should we call him?


I know. Wishe's He Had A VTX! LOL:patriot:

[poolmaster79]

I know. Wishe's He Had A VTX! LOL:patriot:

:icon_lol:
LMAO!!!
:icon_peac

[Betty Boop]

Hey Epi...give Don our best and if he wants I can send him a few of the pics of him...As for what to call him...lol...XridersAmigo....lol...well it really doesn't matter..he's a great guy and I am sure we'd all love to have him join us...the more the merrier !! :) BB

[epiphysis]

2322.3 miles total.....including around 300 today, 500 monday and a couple hundred sunday, all solo......gotta tell you it was fun.....I didn't mind the ride at all.......what I did was stop about every 90-120 miles.......either for gas or at a rest stop to stretch and empty my bladder.........my legs hurt worse than my rear......I have the Ultimate Big Boy with the riders back rest....I added a sheepskin to aid me in having less pain...it did help....not sure anything would have been perfect.....but I did move around as much as possible while riding...used my highway pegs a lot....and my cruise control which helped me to not stay in one position all the time....I think that anyone who rides for several hours at a time is going to be hurting.....afterall it's for fun, not to rush ....you can make up for the 5 minute stop by going a little faster, not that I did!!.......after all those twisties and rain and both together, going over 80 for a while seemed like nothing!!!!

so when's the next ride?

[poolmaster79]

Wow Epi, You really racked up some miles there. Next ride I guess is Myrtle Beach Bike Week in October. I'm most likely going. I know BB and Billy are in too.

[epiphysis]

October may be tough cause my boat comes out of the water, but let me know when!

[Betty Boop]

Hey guys...I added some more pics to the album...the one on photoreflect..the pics from the Dragon by Killboy and 129 photo's...can't find any of us on Zee foto yet.....please don't delete any of my pics...thanks...lol..:) BB

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/ViewAlbum.aspx?a=423979

[Smokey27]

WOW! I really envy you folks. Such as nice group & the fellowship..... maybe I'll move south.

[poolmaster79]

Come on down man.

[Smokey27]

Come on down man.
I was going to move to Datona Beach,Fla. but maybe I'll only go halfway.

[poolmaster79]

I was going to move to Datona Beach,Fla. but maybe I'll only go halfway.
Daytona is too far from the mountains and too close to hurricanes.

[cruzerken]

Riding the dragon in bad weather not only is a bummer but that can probably be one of the most dangerous roads in the country when it`s wet. I grew up about an hour from there so many weekends were spent trying to master those 318 turns. The biggest problem that I find there now is trying not to become a fairing ornament on a crotch rocket. I once owned a gsxr 750 and I know how it feels to drag my kneepucks but it seems that it keeps getting more and more dangerous every year. I will always make my yearly return to the Dragon, I love that road. Be very careful and enjoy...Ken

[Green Ghost]

Not very good, But here's some more of the Dragon Ride. GG :D

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/th_DSC01595.jpg (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/DSC01595.jpg)
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/th_DSC01592.jpg (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/DSC01592.jpg)
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/th_DSC01588.jpg (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/DSC01588.jpg)
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/th_DSC01587.jpg (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/DSC01587.jpg)
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/th_DSC01606.jpg (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/DSC01606.jpg)
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/th_DSC01607.jpg (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/DSC01607.jpg)
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/th_DSC01608.jpg (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/DSC01608.jpg)
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/th_DSC01603.jpg (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc156/wdhundley/DSC01603.jpg)

[Betty Boop]

Thanks For Posting The Pics...we Had A Great Time !!!!!!! ;):)