Author Topic: 2016 Eastern Spring Fling (Rated MA for dirtiness) (Read 72709 times)

R Doug · « **Reply #100 on:** March 07, 2016, 12:48:35 PM »

UPDATE on Lodging!

March 13th is quickly approaching which is the day our block of rooms expire and the rate lock is lifted.

So far, there are 9 rooms booked with 16 total guests. This count excludes any campers.

Skee · « **Reply #101 on:** March 09, 2016, 08:28:06 PM »

+1 room - reservation made

R Doug · « **Reply #102 on:** March 09, 2016, 08:36:40 PM »

Cablebandit · « **Reply #103 on:** March 12, 2016, 06:31:15 PM »

R Doug · « **Reply #104 on:** March 12, 2016, 07:47:58 PM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on March 12, 2016, 06:31:15 PM

In

+1?

And by +1, I mean cookies, not Beth.

R Doug · « **Reply #105 on:** March 13, 2016, 10:48:45 AM »

11 rooms booked with 20 people in those rooms + those camping.

Spring is almost here!

mr.awesome · « **Reply #106 on:** March 13, 2016, 11:24:07 AM »

As much as i wanted to bring the KLX down for this, I'm not going to be able to make it. Mrs. Awesome and myself will be spending a non moto week in the Ashville area that week.

You guy's have a great time! looking forward to the ride reports

lloydo · « **Reply #107 on:** March 13, 2016, 12:31:13 PM »

Paul and I are in. Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Lloyd

jimmy · « **Reply #108 on:** March 14, 2016, 02:28:10 PM »

Used the telephone today to get booked in at the group rate.

Lori and Karen sounded like really nice folks.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #109 on:** March 14, 2016, 06:21:31 PM »

Quote from: jimmy on March 14, 2016, 02:28:10 PM

Used the telephone today to get booked in at the group rate.

Lori and Karen sounded like really nice folks.

They probably knew they were dealing with a Canadian.

R Doug · « **Reply #110 on:** March 14, 2016, 07:26:24 PM »

Mr. Jimmy, I'm glad you are coming and able to get the group rate. See you soon!

maddjack · « **Reply #111 on:** March 19, 2016, 10:17:17 AM »

Looks like a good group, even with that....rainmaker there

, unfortunately or maybe for you guys luckily , I probably won't make this one. I am spending a lot on my 14 day June ride thru the west, so available money is tight.Maybe, but doubtful at this point. Hope we have a summer or late summer meet.I miss you all.

maddjack · « **Reply #112 on:** March 19, 2016, 10:19:09 AM »

Quote from: jimmy on March 14, 2016, 02:28:10 PM

Used the telephone today to get booked in at the group rate.

Lori and Karen sounded like really nice folks.

Telephone??, you Canadians are getting civilization up there, next you may even get TV.

chornbe · « **Reply #113 on:** March 19, 2016, 10:49:55 AM »

Quote from: maddjack on March 19, 2016, 10:19:09 AM

Quote from: jimmy on March 14, 2016, 02:28:10 PM
Used the telephone today to get booked in at the group rate.

Lori and Karen sounded like really nice folks.
Telephone??, you Canadians are getting civilization up there, next you may even get TV.

They'll FINALLY get to see all the US tv that's recorded in Vancouver! YAY FOR PROGRESS!

R Doug · « **Reply #114 on:** April 11, 2016, 09:55:59 AM »

T minus 1 month until this weekend meet!

FYI... MotoAmerica will be at VIR that weekend. I was thinking about making my way to VIR first thing Sunday morning to see that day's races.

http://www.motoamerica.com/virginia-international-raceway

But, it's a longer ride than I thought.

https://goo.gl/maps/TyszfgS4iDy

Virginian · « **Reply #115 on:** April 11, 2016, 10:54:23 AM »

Unfortunately I can't make this one. Putting our house on the market and I have to have it painted by the end of the week. Have fun and take lots of pictures.

Eric

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #116 on:** April 11, 2016, 11:26:04 AM »

Quote from: Virginian on April 11, 2016, 10:54:23 AM

Unfortunately I can't make this one. Putting our house on the market and I have to have it painted by the end of the week. Have fun and take lots of pictures.

Eric

I can take your bike on the route and it will be just like you were there. We can do pics and videos and everything. I'll wear my dark shield so nobody will know it isn't you. You can tell people what a great adventure it was having to pick the bike up time and time again.

R Doug · « **Reply #117 on:** April 11, 2016, 01:25:00 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on April 11, 2016, 11:26:04 AM

Quote from: Virginian on April 11, 2016, 10:54:23 AM
Unfortunately I can't make this one. Putting our house on the market and I have to have it painted by the end of the week. Have fun and take lots of pictures.

Eric

I can take your bike on the route and it will be just like you were there. We can do pics and videos and everything. I'll wear my dark shield so nobody will know it isn't you. You can tell people what a great adventure it was having to pick the bike up time and time again.

Virginian · « **Reply #118 on:** April 11, 2016, 03:41:02 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on April 11, 2016, 11:26:04 AM

Quote from: Virginian on April 11, 2016, 10:54:23 AM
Unfortunately I can't make this one. Putting our house on the market and I have to have it painted by the end of the week. Have fun and take lots of pictures.

Eric

I can take your bike on the route and it will be just like you were there. We can do pics and videos and everything. I'll wear my dark shield so nobody will know it isn't you. You can tell people what a great adventure it was having to pick the bike up time and time again.

Ahahaha! Do I get a happy ending outta this deal?

Eric

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #119 on:** April 11, 2016, 04:30:43 PM »

Quote from: Virginian on April 11, 2016, 03:41:02 PM

Quote from: Vulcanbill on April 11, 2016, 11:26:04 AM
Quote from: Virginian on April 11, 2016, 10:54:23 AM
Unfortunately I can't make this one. Putting our house on the market and I have to have it painted by the end of the week. Have fun and take lots of pictures.

Eric

I can take your bike on the route and it will be just like you were there. We can do pics and videos and everything. I'll wear my dark shield so nobody will know it isn't you. You can tell people what a great adventure it was having to pick the bike up time and time again.
Ahahaha! Do I get a happy ending outta this deal?

Eric

You know that anxiety and paranoia surrounding that first scratch or blemish? Totally eradicated!!! No guilt, no stress, no muss, no fuss. Here it is. You're welcome.
That's a happy ending, fer shur.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #120 on:** April 13, 2016, 10:22:33 AM »

Reservations made for the campground. We will be assigned a site (which I'm not fond of) when we arrive which will probably be around noon on Friday.

R Doug · « **Reply #121 on:** April 13, 2016, 10:57:06 AM »

Are you bringing the dirty bikes to go riding with us on Saturday or are you sticking to a paved loop?

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #122 on:** April 13, 2016, 11:20:13 AM »

Quote from: R Doug on April 13, 2016, 10:57:06 AM

Are you bringing the dirty bikes to go riding with us on Saturday or are you sticking to a paved loop?

The whole point if the dirty bikes is the dirt. We'll ride sweep (probably not by choice)

R Doug · « **Reply #123 on:** April 13, 2016, 11:35:00 AM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on April 13, 2016, 11:20:13 AM

Quote from: R Doug on April 13, 2016, 10:57:06 AM
Are you bringing the dirty bikes to go riding with us on Saturday or are you sticking to a paved loop?

The whole point if the dirty bikes is the dirt.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #124 on:** April 14, 2016, 11:15:38 AM »

How far are the water crossings and the hairy rocky bits from the resort? Anyone know? Might have a chance to pre ride Friday.

R Doug · « **Reply #125 on:** April 14, 2016, 12:20:36 PM »

They're not that difficult. Here's how to find them.

https://goo.gl/maps/h7o4Mf21wKv

I believe the second crossing is here(ish)

https://goo.gl/maps/bfDX5fwkWMH2

I used to think I'd never do it on my 990 Adventure and eventually worked up the basic skills to cross this section even on the 990. I'm taking the GS this time.

(I'm so teeing up for drop now, aren't' I?)

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #126 on:** April 14, 2016, 12:26:17 PM »

Sweet. Thanks. Been watching some videos. Not too worried about it but Kim has no ego whatsoever so if we go out there and its too hard for her, she'll happily sit by the camper and read for the day, and make bacon wrapped hot dogs. This way, we'll know in advance.

R Doug · « **Reply #127 on:** April 14, 2016, 12:28:18 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on April 14, 2016, 12:26:17 PM

Sweet. Thanks. Been watching some videos. Not too worried about it but Kim has no ego whatsoever so if we go out there and its too hard for her, she'll happily sit by the camper and read for the day, and make bacon wrapped hot dogs. This way, we'll know in advance.

I'm saving that section for last because one could easily turn around and head back to camp while the others continue the loop road and make their way back for the day.

If you take the loop road clockwise, the crossings are near the end making the back-tracking a little longer.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #128 on:** April 14, 2016, 12:58:27 PM »

Yeah, we'll prolly head up to Blackwater first thing and go investigate water flow etc.

Friday, you should collect emails / numbers of ride participants so we can share info via a reply to all (if there's any signal out there). That way I'll be able to report any Friday findings that could be relevant to the group like downed trees, high water etc. If no signal, just come to the campground and sit by the fire and get an in person review.

R Doug · « **Reply #129 on:** April 14, 2016, 01:46:14 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on April 14, 2016, 12:58:27 PM

Yeah, we'll prolly head up to Blackwater first thing and go investigate water flow etc.

Friday, you should collect emails / numbers of ride participants so we can share info via a reply to all (if there's any signal out there). That way I'll be able to report any Friday findings that could be relevant to the group like downed trees, high water etc. If no signal, just come to the campground and sit by the fire and get an in person review.

I'll be sure to bring my PC with Basecamp and get the 411 from you Friday night. Luckily, Garry and I (and perhaps a few others) know the area well enough that we know where we can detour and modify on the fly.

smoker · « **Reply #130 on:** April 21, 2016, 05:21:37 AM »

Well so much for that.
I'm out.
Mrs. Smoker starts a new job next week and can't get time off.
Also I'm bike-less at the moment.

Have fun y'all.

R Doug · « **Reply #131 on:** April 21, 2016, 05:38:37 AM »

Bummed you can't make it. Congrats on the new job. And, what's this about being bike-less?

smoker · « **Reply #132 on:** April 21, 2016, 05:49:40 AM »

Quote from: R Doug on April 21, 2016, 05:38:37 AM

Bummed you can't make it. Congrats on the new job. And, what's this about being bike-less?

The Concours finally sold, and prices are way too high this time of year, so I'm going to wait a few months to purchase.
I have a few friends that would lend me a bike to get my fix if I need until I find what I'm looking for.

JReazor · « **Reply #133 on:** April 22, 2016, 12:17:27 PM »

I'm in!

I haven't been around the forum much lately but I NEED a couple days on the bike and this trip is coming up at just the right time. I'm looking forward to seeing you guys again.

R Doug · « **Reply #134 on:** April 26, 2016, 12:03:28 PM »

It'll be good seeing you again, James.

I started working on my route up for Friday and decided this will be a via point stop.

https://goo.gl/maps/zp7rP3cSvt92

kendenton · « **Reply #135 on:** May 01, 2016, 04:58:16 PM »

Any advice on decent riding in this general area? I normally meet up with the northern contingent farther south, say around Winchester or Harrisonburg, and ride the usual WV goodness prior to the Friday arrival. Thinking of mixing it up this year if there's anything worthwhile in the area circled. I know SLK50 had suggested some good roads to me a few years back - PA326?

Thoughts?

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chornbe · « **Reply #136 on:** May 01, 2016, 05:12:11 PM »

Like you, Ken, I usually just beeline to Frederick and/or Winchester, then do the typicals from there. I wouldn't mind hearing about something new, but long-term forecasts are looking like shit weather so far.

R Doug · « **Reply #137 on:** May 01, 2016, 05:35:33 PM »

Ken,

Rt. 26 in PA

Rt. 9 out of Berkeley Springs

US Rt. 50

Rt. 46 between Bloomington and Elk Garden.

Rt. 42/38 is good west of Elk Garden. It was a little rough the last time I was on it (6 years ago).

There's a neat overlook of Saddle (something? "back" maybe?) Mountain at Skyline (intersection of 50 and 42)

Skee · « **Reply #138 on:** May 01, 2016, 05:54:25 PM »

Not a new suggestion - I think you mave have been on this before - 144 The National Highway from PA 26 to Cumberland.

It's fun to ride the sweepers that parallel the Interstate while going faster than the cars on the 4-lane.

garry · « **Reply #139 on:** May 01, 2016, 06:39:54 PM »

My 530 is still in pieces, so I'll be doing a straight up street ride on the 1190 with Chris on the Speed Triple. Just not enough time to put the 530 back together and have some confidence it'll stay in one piece for 600 miles/3 days.

That said, I plan on heading south for the Saturday loop: 33, CR-21, 250, 39, 600, more 250, 219, etc. Should be about a 325 mile loop of twisty goodness.

garry · « **Reply #140 on:** May 01, 2016, 06:51:16 PM »

Ken, the following route is just about 200 miles.

Take route 30 from McConnellsburg to jct 915 (30 is fun over the mountains)
915 south to Breezewood Rd
Right (north) on Breezewood Rd to jct Oak Grove Rd
Left on Oak Grove. Bear right where it becomes West Mattie Rd. Follow to jct 26 (outstanding).
26 south to jct 484
484 east to jct 655
655 south into Hancock, then 522 south to Berkeley Springs
9 south to jct 29
29 south to 50
50 west to Mt Storm/jct 42
42 south to bottom of hill, turn around and go back up, then 93 to Davis.
32 south to Canaan Valley

Do not be tempted to just take 655 south out of McConnellsburg unless the weather sucks. West Mattie / PA26 are great roads.

Also note that route 30 east of McConnellsburg (i.e. Chambersburg) is a soul-sucking experience and is to be avoided. There is some nice stuff north of 30. More traffic, bigger roads south of 30.

Skee · « **Reply #141 on:** May 01, 2016, 07:32:12 PM »

522 is a good ride. Can be a fair amount of traffic at popular times.

I take 655 which parallels 522 just to the west. It lives up to its name of Pleasant Ridge Rd. Nothing dramatic, just plain pleasant.

Wasn't on it last year, but it had been in good condition prior years.

R Doug · « **Reply #142 on:** May 02, 2016, 01:08:49 PM »

Quick head count... Who's planning on the joining me for the WV fire road tour?

I'm talking about the route mentioned in the first page of this thread.

https://goo.gl/maps/DY7gKtndYQC2

If anyone would like a GPX file of the fire-road route, IM me your email address and I'll send it your way.

My plan in leading this ride is to have a quick pre-ride meeting basically saying, "I'll be riding at a pace which is needed in order to get the in the miles planned. If you feel uncomfortable with the pace on gravel, there will be plenty of bail out points. We're saving the two more technical sections (bash plates HIGHLY recommended) for the end. That way, if you're comfortable with the dirt road sections but don't want to take on deep ruts, holes, big rocks, and few moderate water crossings, you can bail out before these last two sections which are located close to the resort."

The last time I led a ride like this, more than half were uncomfortable going more than 15-25 MPH on the well-groomed dirt roads when I was trying to set a 35-45 MPH pace. So, the ride was greatly shortened to keep the group together. My plan this year is to provide a heads up that if you're not feeling comfortable w/ the pace, it's OK. And, don't be upset if the rest of us move on w/o you.

This isn't a competition, there are no points for going the fastest or the slowest. But, selfishly, I've been looking forward to completing this loop for a long time and I'd really like to complete it. Believe me, I'm not that great off the paved stuff. I don't believe we'll be doing anything most of you can't do.

Vulcanbill · « **Reply #143 on:** May 02, 2016, 01:11:38 PM »

I'm in x2. Not sure if the pace will throw us off but the plan is to hang for as long as we can.

kendenton · « **Reply #144 on:** May 02, 2016, 01:14:13 PM »

Quote from: R Doug on May 02, 2016, 01:08:49 PM

The last time I led a ride like this, more than half were uncomfortable going more than 15-25 MPH on the well-groomed dirt roads when I was trying to set a 35-45 MPH pace. So, the ride was greatly shortened to keep the group together. My plan this year is to provide a heads up that if you're not feeling comfortable w/ the pace, it's OK. And, don't be upset if the rest of us move on w/o you.

I have no idea what you are referring to

R Doug · « **Reply #145 on:** May 02, 2016, 01:26:28 PM »

Quote from: Vulcanbill on May 02, 2016, 01:11:38 PM

I'm in x2. Not sure if the pace will throw us off but the plan is to hang for as long as we can.

I think you'll be fine. This is a good video of one of the more challenging sections of our loop. It's not that bad (though it looks more intimidating in person).


! No longer available

Go to the 4:30 mark of this video to see the pace I'm talking about off the paved stuff.


! No longer available

BTW, go to the 7:55 mark to see why we generally swerve around the pot holes on Canaan Loop Road and Douglas Road. Some of them are big enough to eat a full size bike.

You'll see the guy up front nearly go down when going through one.

Quote from: kendenton on May 02, 2016, 01:14:13 PM

I have no idea what you are referring to

And we had a blast that day! It was a hoot riding with folks who had never been on fire roads before and to see a new part of riding through a fresh pair of eyes.

kendenton · « **Reply #146 on:** May 02, 2016, 01:29:05 PM »

Quote from: R Doug on May 02, 2016, 01:26:28 PM

And we had a blast that day! It was a hoot riding with folks who had never been on fire roads before and to see a new part of riding through a fresh pair of eyes.

Oh I agree - it was a great ride, and good to be out of one's comfort zone somewhat.

R Doug · « **Reply #147 on:** May 02, 2016, 01:45:31 PM »

It appears PR13 also eats Triumph bags for lunch too.

Start at the 1:19 mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tf2VPPZEGM

Slides · « **Reply #148 on:** May 02, 2016, 02:43:28 PM »

Shil and I are both in for the Fire Road Tour. I haven't added a bash plate yet so the latter stages will be a judgment call but this will be a great opportunity to test the new ride!

R Doug · « **Reply #149 on:** May 02, 2016, 03:16:46 PM »

That sounds good, Slides. I can't wait to see yours and Shil's new rides!

If we have multiple riders with the GPX file and a GPS, we can always reassess the group and break up, if needed. I really love this area of WV, especially the fire roads in this area. There are some very beautiful and unique sights on this ride.