Modern Vespa

Hey guys and gals,

Last year, Fuzzy, Georgiagirl, Old as Dirt and his wife, Bubbajon, Gomocs, Bdog, Jerryw, and myself(sorry if I left anyone out) all had a blast cruising around Chattanooga for Nightfall and hitting the Dragon and really tearing it up and turning heads! Nothing makes the superbikers go "Huh?" like 7-8 mp3s leaning by on sharp curves!!

So there's been mention of a Spring get together at/near the Dragon located(for those of you who don't know) near the TN/GA/NC line. We've had a couple of people mention getting some rental cabins nearby and really having a nice "home base" to ride out of.

Well, the weather will soon start warming up and the bikers will begin filling all reservations at any decent places, so this thread is to holler out if you'd like to consider going(this does NOT COMMIT you). I know jerryw said he might even consider riding from TEXAS again and this time we could put Bubbajon on him to make sure he doesn't lose us in the twisties .

So if you're at all interested in learning more or saying hi or giving advice on places to stay or anything...YELL! THIS IS A SIMPLE WAKEUP CALL!

Btw, if you've never heard or or seen the dragon, this site might give you an idea of why bikers/sports car enthusiast travel from all over the WORLD to go there(last year we met several German and other foreign bikers):

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

2/8 : added new post at end...for update

Last edited by luthorhuss on Mon Feb 08, 2010 9:01 am; edited 3 times in total

I'm in!

I'd love to be there.

Too much for too little, as my riding days this year are getting very booked up.

But I'd love to be there...

One day Jim . We'll have to introduce you to "shine". Man, I can't think of England without a tear in my eye for the ale of every variety served at near room temp...it's been nearly a decade since I had it and I still miss the stuff...wonderful.

OK, I've got the ale and you have the Dragon.

Hmm...

Conundrum!

you spelled this wrong

it s LEANING ///

Just tell me when and where.
Need to review some old threads.

- As I recall the cabins were near Hiawassee, GA. http://www.baldmountainpark.com/index.php

- Two Wheels Only in Suches, GA mostly camping but some rooms and one trailer. www.twowheelsonly.com

- Blue Ridge Motorcycle Resort in Western NC just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Camping including a bunch of small motorcycle cabins. www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com

Well I like the food/homey feel of two wheels, but I'm not sure how close it is to the other sites(can't remember). My second choice would be Hiawassee only because a lot of the folks that might come have never been to Helen which I think is a must see. Last time we went my only regret was that I had to leave it so early, that and the fact that the world was ending and the gas war was starting .

I'd love to be there but I'll probably travel west this year and to Vespa America in San Antonio. HOWEVER, I must say the trip last year was the MOST fun of anything I can think of and it does wonders for your riding experience. I came back a much better rider; friends commented on it and I felt it.

So all of you thinking about it chalk the trip up to rider education. You owe it to yourself and family to be the best rider you can be. This trip will push that along and bring joy to your heart. What else could you ask for?

I'm probably in (pending dates of course). Well, I'm in for everything but the 'shine. I did that once when I was a kid, and eeewww - it's nasty. I'll pass thanks. I'll bring some nice TN whiskey, or KY bourbon, or even some local North GA wine for those of us who don't like drinking paint thinner

Give me a nice warm cabin, with a fireplace, surrounded by friends after a long day of great riding, and a single malt scotch.

My uncle was a revenuer - he had only the best stashed in his fishing shed I still have one of the old large moonshine jugs... I loved teh tales he'd tell about it - I used to beg him to take me with because they got to use dynamite to blow them up (so he said)...

bring the jug just make sure it's full

I'll be in for a ride also. I like the idea of at least riding to Helen for the day.

I'm in, depending on date. Gets cold in the mountains, hope it's "late" spring....

If you guys don't mind a GTV joining in, I would love to go. I've been meaning to get up there for a while now.

the more the better.

Heck ya you can come...that's a beaut! Pretty sure we're all talking late spring/early summer here...you know, that great time when it's not cold and it's not sweaty helmet time

If you want some good fellowship in a great area to ride then come on and join us.

Last year in late June was definitely sweaty helmet time. I do recall giving my phase change cooling vest a good test on the trip.

Perhaps mid April to Mid May would be a good time. Depending on individual Holiday plans Memorial Day weekend would be an option.

Bottom line my vote is for the weekend we can have the biggest group.

Well, if you'll have me, being a former MP3-er, I'm planning a long solo camping/riding trip the last half of May. I'll be hitting the Blue Ridge Parkway and making my way south to the Dragon. Tentatively, I'm looking at being down that way on or around Friday 5/21 or Saturday 5/22.

If you wouldn't mind riding with a 2-wheeler, I'd be honored to ride with y'all.

The last weekend in May works for me - I'm riding down to St. Augustine the weekend before for a wedding - can't take off from work as I am taking three days the week before, but I can definitely come Friday night for Sat and Sun.

Sounds like a plan. I've been wanting to test ride a Mana.

We could say we are Canadian and take Monday off too for Victoria Day.

If you think you can handle it!

Only one way to find out.

This is true!

I'm getting excited already! Hope this will work out for everyone!

Hmmmm - been looking for a way to attach spare gas cans... ethanol, moonshine.... hmmmmm

On a side note - man I'm torn. I'd love to come back to that area - sorta homesick in a way. BUT - this promises to be a spectacular wildflower season here and I'm also contemplating a trip out further west, which would need to be before summer. Maybe even go to the Bay area to see my daughter - make a big loop.
TX -> Az -> Nevada (Death Valley) -> Salinas see daughter -> Sacramento to see an old friend -> Nevada (Tonopah & Silver Springs) -> UT (Bryce & Capitol Reef then Zion) -> AZ -> New Mexico -> TX
Now *that* would be a long haul!

BubbaJon, you would have to get one of the maps - that would be a bunch of colored up states!

sounds like its the weekend prior to memorial day which is perfect. There will be alot less traffic to deal with, the weather should be mild and fair. Now lets decide on a base area or meet spot say Sat morning.

would say the Deals gap resturant for coffe Sat morning 9am. then rides to wherever from there. sunday down to Helen for some bumming around

Just to be clear, do you mean the weekend before the Memorial Day weekend (5/22 - 5/23) or the weekend directly proceeding Memorial Day (5/29 - 5/30)?

I think we are looking at the weekend of the 22/23 - though I'm up for anything except the weekend before that. There are a lot of really large cabins on the Tail of the Dragon website - no one has to decide today or anything, but a couple of them are made to sleep large numbers of people (like 25) If anyone would like to look into sharing, that is waaaaay better in my world than leaving at 6:00 to make a 9:00am meeting .

Perfect! I've already started re-routing my GPS files! Really looking forward to meeting everyone.

memorial day is the 31st so memorial day weekend would be 29,30 and 31

so yes I propose the weeend prior to which would be 22 and 23. Some might consider adding the 21st and riding up that afternoon and spending the night there like Georgiagirl is proposing. I would be in for a large dorm type or sharing if I come by myself. Now f my wifes decides to ride along I am sure she would rather do a seperate room for just us.

Well, right now, I plan on leaving the Rocky Knob Recreation area up in VA and heading down to the Deal's Gap area on Friday, 5/21 - not sure yet what time I'll be there.

I'll have been riding/camping for a few days and may be pretty ripe, but I'm down to a group camp as well - if my odor doesn't offend anyone!

My trip so far is looking like nine days from Iowa City, IA and back. Is it May yet?

alot of the better camp areas have showers available. planning and the web are key to making your trip great. hope to see you in may

OK, so is the May 22/23 weekend it for sure? It's a long haul from Orygun and I'd hate like hell to miss it by a day or two...

LL75

come a week early as there is some good riding for at least a week around here and that's just the major stuff. nw if you want some little back roads plan on a year.

You might want to check out the Willville Motorcycle Campground at Meadows of Dan, VA, which is less than a mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The campground is pristine with great showers. You will not be disappointed. Check it out at www.willvillebikecamp.com

I'm reserving that weekend for the ride. Now if I can only convince my yet to be born grandson to not come to early .....

Last edited by kevink on Sat Jan 16, 2010 7:09 am; edited 2 times in total

+1 I stayed a night there last August.