Josh Posted May 24, 2008 Posted May 24, 2008 Docc, don't forget to wear a jacket of silver and black, the unofficial Spine Raid colors.
docc Posted May 24, 2008 Author Posted May 24, 2008 Hey, I learned quite a lot last year! I've even practiced looking in my mirrors once in a while.
motowfo Posted May 25, 2008 Posted May 25, 2008 I think I'm gonna be in trouble this year with the color coordination.....oops!!
JoeGuzzi Posted May 25, 2008 Posted May 25, 2008 No intention of crashing you guys party, but a few of us from work are coming together. We plan to leave at 9am on Friday morning from my house in Austell. Looks like 1 Ballabio, 1 1996 Cali I and a 2002 EV (SnowGoose, Mike LaB. old bike) we are holding out hope that Bill Watson will join us on his 1999 Bassa. We are going to Dahlonega take Hwy19 to US129 and follow that the rest of the way. We should meet you guys Friday afternoon at the Hotel. I for one am ready to meet some of you guys. I know Bill and Wayne but those are about the only faces that match names for me. Hoping for decent weather. Joe in Atlanta 1972 Eldorado 2004 Ballabio 2003 Buell Blast hers
docc Posted May 25, 2008 Author Posted May 25, 2008 All right, Joe: bringing an entourage! I think our route from the west is a little longer. Still, we should roll in before 5pm. Of course we lose an hour coming from here plus we'll be on "Guzzi time."
JoeGuzzi Posted May 25, 2008 Posted May 25, 2008 All right, Joe: bringing an entourage! I think our route from the west is a little longer. Still, we should roll in before 5pm. Of course we lose an hour coming from here plus we'll be on "Guzzi time." Not so muh an entourage. More like an escort. I believe that my drivers license will be much happier if I travel with two crusiers. Joe in Atlanta 1972 Eldorado 2004 ballabio 2003 Buell Blast hers
docc Posted May 26, 2008 Author Posted May 26, 2008 Yah . . .right up to the point we leave Vonore for the NC loop . . .
Josh Posted May 28, 2008 Posted May 28, 2008 Hey, I learned quite a lot last year! I've even practiced looking in my mirrors once in a while. Ah, you got a new stitch, NICE!!! Will we be dining at the Cracker Barrel Friday morning, or should I eat before hand?
docc Posted May 28, 2008 Author Posted May 28, 2008 Planning on leaving the Cracker Barrel 0900. I'm hoping to get there around 0730, have breakfast, laugh, plan and drink copious amounts of coffee. I rode the 'stich though some light rain yesterday for about fifty miles. My left pant leg had an embarrassing looking testament to my continence. I guess I should seal the zipper tapes and spray it with silicone water repellent. A wet crotch and stumbly idle made me a pretty unhappy camper last night.
Bill Hagan Posted May 28, 2008 Posted May 28, 2008 No intention of crashing you guys party, but a few of us from work are coming together. We plan to leave at 9am on Friday morning from my house in Austell. Looks like 1 Ballabio, 1 1996 Cali I and a 2002 EV (SnowGoose, Mike LaB. old bike) we are holding out hope that Bill Watson will join us on his 1999 Bassa. We are going to Dahlonega take Hwy19 to US129 and follow that the rest of the way. We should meet you guys Friday afternoon at the Hotel. I for one am ready to meet some of you guys. I know Bill and Wayne but those are about the only faces that match names for me. Hoping for decent weather. Joe in Atlanta 1972 Eldorado 2004 Ballabio 2003 Buell Blast hers Joe & all, Kathi and I will leave downtown Atlanta a bit later on Friday, and perhaps as late as noon. Eldercare duties, etc., and etc., make an earlier launch problematic and unlikely. Our route, too, means we probably won't see you all 'til we get to the Ritz in Vonore. We plan to head up to the state line somehow, then pick up N.C. 68 to SR 360 at Tellico Plains. If time permits want to check out Citico Road which appears to run along a major water course generally SE to NW in a half circle 'til it rejoins 360 at Tellico Beach. Has anyone here done this road? Uhm ... is it paved? I and my GPS (Gravel Preferred, Sir) have a talent for finding dirt and worse, even when I enable "avoid unpaved." I envision a 5 -6 p.m. (Eastern) arrival. Will have grappa and, if Kathi can be talked out of certain hair & hygiene accoutrements , an espresso machine! Naturally, I'll have something to "correct" the coffee, too. Looking forward to the company and the ride on Saturday, tho I expect to lose sight of all taillights within a mile or so; wait for us at major cross roads! Bill
JoeGuzzi Posted June 1, 2008 Posted June 1, 2008 Was good to see everyone and meet several new folks. Sorry I had to bail early but still enjoyed the weekend. See ya'll later. Joe in Atlanta 1972 Eldorado 2004 Ballabio 2003 Buell Blast hers
docc Posted June 2, 2008 Author Posted June 2, 2008 Whew! Back from the SSR (IV) and glad to have spent some time with these good folks! Day two gave us 300 miles what with (mis)using the GPS to find "pavement ends" and a bridge limited to "four persons only." Otherwise the weekend was spectacular. Even with returning through what meteorologists were calling a "descending pressure ridge." I'd call it cold rain with high winds and lightning. Thanks to Bill and his lovely wife for bringing unlimited wit, smiles as well as the espresso and grappa service. My respect to JoeGuzzi for riding the ONLY OTHER v11. Apparently, V11s have become collectors items which no one from anywhere in the southeast US would dare ride to the TN/NC mountains. Whereas, Norges and EVs as well as the Sport1100 seem capable of the event. Next year we're looking at the Tapoco Lodge near Deal's Gap.
Wayne Orwig Posted June 3, 2008 Posted June 3, 2008 I placed a few photos and a couple of videos on Photobucket. It was good to meet everyone and explore some great roads (including the gravel ) Photobucket
docc Posted June 3, 2008 Author Posted June 3, 2008 Just to be clear: I didn't take any body down gravel roads. Sure, there was some gravel on the roads, and there was that one section labeled "Pavement Ends." We might not have turned around if the next community on the map wasn't called "Shallow Ford." Wayne is an amazing rider to watch. At least for the three or four corners I could still keep him in sight. And it wasn't so much that he decided to split off and take the gravel descent off the mountain, it's that he got back to the hotel two-up so much sooner than we did. Thanks for the picture link and thanks very much for taking the time to come ride and otherwise hang out!
Josh Posted June 3, 2008 Posted June 3, 2008 Thanks to all that attended SSR 2008. I had a great time hanging out and riding those great roads with you. I'm already looking forward to the next one.
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