Well, the whole being land locked thing might be a consideration, too.

I'm getting pumped up for the trip. Ordering a new rear tire this week and helping Chris prep the Speed Triple this weekend. I need a week off from the zoo. Can't wait.

I reckon I need to get a room...

Ya'll got t-shirts and BBQ?

The STO group is a little more laissez faire about these matters.  I'm not sure we've done shirts and group dinners much since the last event you attended in Sparta.

Rides and dinner have been more ad hoc and the real magic comes with the kicking of tires and enjoying tasty adult beverages (credit to Garry) in the evenings. 

I look forward to seeing you!

And for the record the host of that event actually greeted everyone with a tasty beverage on Friday night, and had so much that he had to take some home with him because people didn't drink at all! Hahaha

Who was this great host?  I'm looking through old pictures to find a shot of him.  Do you know this guy?    

I started to plot the route into Garmin's Basecamp and it shows less time to complete. 
While the route is less than 40% dirt roads, I have no idea what our pace will be on those sections. 

You have the Garmin GPX files available? Email if you want. I'm probably in for this ride if dry..

Dave

A phone mount!  a-ha!  I'm so behind the times!!!

hmmm

Looking forward to the ride .Had to make a call to confirm the room no email. Good to go new back tire mounted see you all Friday.

For those who have PM'd me asking for this and other who would like it, please find the attached GPX file of the planned Saturday twisties and dirt road tour.

If I can get my new tires spooned on Tuesday, I'll arrive in Sparta Thursday.   

Chris and I will be arriving in Sparta on Thursday as well. Short hop up the BRP from Maggie Valley. Just have to put the clothes in the luggage and I'm leaving in the morning. Chris is on his way down from NY as I type.

Well, one of us should post them, although I don't think this group really needs them. 

Well, one of us should post them, although I don't think this group really needs them.

You are right Skee.  Since the 2007 event (which was one of the best events I ever participated in) I have gone to something like six MSTA(HSTA) events every spring in Sparta plus run the area with COFSTA, Caroline Old Farts Sport Touring Association, riders mainly out of Charlotte.  Still, riding out of Sparta hasn't become boring.  Just don't need the GPS, LOL.

HSTA has multiple routes that go down to areas along the face of the Blue Ridge N. of Mt. Airey and up around Indian Valley.  They usually have 60 to 70 riders so they need more choices.  Doug's route looks excellent.  The COFSTRA run almost every week and have taken me to all kinds of twisties I never knew existed. Too many great roads and too little time.

New guy.  Should be along Friday afternoon.  Looking forward to meeting the group.

 


First round is on you!   

I'm still in, but it just became a $*&!@#)ING working vacation, at best. We'll see how the week progresses.

Hotel room booked.  I've got one other coming with me, arriving Friday evening.  See you guys then.

Leaving in about 20 minutes.  Just thought you wanted to know. See you Friday

Chris and I arrived just after 5pm with Smoker in tow. Bubbles sighting in the parking.

Enjoy and take lots of pics!

This place is full of Harley Guys (r) (tm) (c)

Ugh.

Eric, there a small chance that Irma will ruin our trip. 

Quote from: R Doug on September 07, 2017, 08:18:33 PM

Eric, there s small chance that Irma will ruin our trip. 

75 and sunny grasshopper..........75 and sunny   

I figured with "Rain" Doug attending, the weather would turn.  But, hey, I actually didn't show and ruin anyone's weather! 


In short, my bike is a 2013 with the original battery.  It cranked funny in the morning when I left (like it barely had enough juice) and did the same thing a few times through the day.  After a few odd cranks, I called around and found a place that had my battery in stock in the middle of my ride.  Upon arrival, the guy told me he went to charge and test the battery on his shelf and it would not hold a charge (that was nice of him).  Since I already had my battery pulled from my bike, he tested it.  It was fine.  Huh.  Could it be something else?  Could it?


When I started to reinstall my battery, I accidentally connect things to the wrong posts.  I got a quick spark and a horn beep when I touched the ground to the post.  Yes, the horn beeped with the key out of the ignition.  I immediately caught that I started to connect things to the wrong posts.  Things were sorted out, the battery was slid into its hole, I got on the bike, turned the key, all of the dash test thingie BMW does was done, and I cranked it.  The bike started right up!

Then, just as I was about to put the bike in gear, I heard (and felt) a pop from under my seat.  Next, I could smell hot electrics and a battery warning light flashing on my dash.  I shut off the bike and the rectifier was literally on fire.  We got it out quickly but the thing was SO hot it melted out of its factory bracket (metal clips connected to plastic) and it fell with the wires connected. 



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The good news is the two wiring harnesses going to and form the rectifier still look good.  I just hope the only electrical damage was the rectifier.   FINGERS CROSSED



Because I was only 2 hours away from home, I asked Sheri if she would connect the trailer and come get me.  I got home at 9:30 this evening.



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If the local BMW shop doesn't have a rectifier in stock, I'll get in my car and make a day of it driving to Sparta to see everyone tomorrow evening.  Other than the bike issues, I had a great day of riding!



I had so much fun today, I literally blistered the tires going down and back up Rt. 181.  Here's a snap of the front.



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I couldn't have asked for better weather.



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None in stock.  It would have to be ordered. 


Yikes.  This is what they said I'll need.


$1,300!?


https://parts.bmwmcjax.com/p/BMW_2013_R-1200-GS/Generator/69544389/12318356824.html?partner=googlebase_adwords&kwd=&origin=pla



But, I believe I only need this (regardless, they don't have any of it in stock)



https://parts.bmwmcjax.com/p/BMW_2013_R1200GS/Voltage-regulator/46939763/12318523367.html

Wow! That's terrible Doug. Let us know how it turns out. I'm in Kitty hawk and had a beautiful days ride. When I get time I'll post up my adventures in the Vespa thread. Good luck!
Eric

Yep Doug, that sucks.  (B M fecKing W)

Eric, love to share your adventure. 

I was able to catch up with everyone yesterday afternoon after a nice 300 mile drive. 


Two months in and I do love this car.  But, it's confirming my belief that a car can never be as fun as a motorcycle.  It's more comfortable and quicker (especially in the corners).  But, it's not more fun than riding.




A clear road and very squiggly lines on the GPS.   This is when the "Sports Touring" car is in its element. 


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Whew!!!!  when if first saw this i thought "Doug and another piece of german machinery broken down on the side of the road"   

Glad you got to enjoy the roads one way or another Doug.