Author Topic: Rally on the River (Read 6326 times)

MOKAN-BULLET · **on:** September 17, 2008, 09:24:03 am

I'm planning on heading to the Rally next weekend I have never riden more than just around town and my commute to work.

Any advive on what I should bring? I'm planning on camping

Mo-Kan

t120rbullet · **Reply #1 on:** September 17, 2008, 01:32:51 pm

There are places to eat relatively close so you don't need cooking stuff.
They will have food there Fri.& Sat. night.
Beer by the keg.
So at a minimum a tent and a sleeping bag.
If you're old a mattress pad either air or a therm-a- rest would be nice.
Or you could be like Mike and just roll up in a tarp and crawl under a trailer. Maybe wake up in the middle of the night with a raccoon"s tongue in your ear.
Some ear plugs in case the action around the fire pit last longer then you do.
A digital voice recorder so you can remember Skip's campground stories.
A digital camera to take pics of the 3 legged critters (and the 2 legged/wheeled ones).
Aside from that you ought to be all set for a good time.
See ya there,
CJ

baird4444 · **Reply #2 on:** September 17, 2008, 03:04:11 pm

CJ pretty much had it right cept for that raccoon tongue thing...
( I laughed so hard I spilled my coffee )
How far are you riding?? If you are not used to Highway miles you may want to keep a closer eye on your oil. Sometimes running constant higher rpm's
will cause more oil use. Don't freakout, it is usually being blown
out the breather not burned. Looking forward to meeting you...
- Mike and his blue tarp

t120rbullet · **Reply #3 on:** September 17, 2008, 04:35:28 pm

The tongue thing could be true but I don't think he'd tell us about it if it did happen.

I did 65emph all the way out there (800+ miles) and burned 1 qt of oil.
I slowed it down to 60emph on the way home and only used 1/2 qt.

I'm getting pumped, wish I was leaving today instead of next Wed.
I don't know why but I really enjoy these little RE rally's.

StL_Stadtroller · **Reply #4 on:** September 17, 2008, 05:05:41 pm

Right on.

With St. James, Cuba, and Rolla just a few miles away you can find pretty much any service you need, in regards to dining, hotels, Wal-Mart or whatever.

Tent, sleeping bag, sleep pad... change of clothes & underwear optional. Bug repellant... a strong one.
Rain gear, to ensure that it doesn't rain. If it rains next weekend and I find someone who didn't bring gear - I'm blaming it on you!

Ear plugs are handy not only for the campfire talk action.. but also any "action" going in nearby tents as well. Also for Enfielders who like to get up with the roosters in the AM and head off for breakfast.

and if you have room, a cooler for drinks.

I'm still debating wether to tent camp, or trailer the bike so I can have the use of my Westfalia...

bob bezin · **Reply #5 on:** September 17, 2008, 05:35:14 pm

how is the flooding situation are we looking at high water?

t120rbullet · **Reply #6 on:** September 17, 2008, 05:53:08 pm

Quote from: bob bezin on September 17, 2008, 05:35:14 pm

how is the flooding situation are we looking at high water?

I hope not, it's mostly high ground at the campground. The river is a mile or so away.
I don't think it will be anything like Wisconsin and Minnesota were for the rally there last June.
I took a different way back and still ran into a bunch of flooded towns and detours.

Leonard · **Reply #7 on:** September 17, 2008, 07:02:34 pm

These characters will give you all kinds of good advice for camping. For example t12rbullet, better know as Chris Janes, will burn his dirty clothes instead of packing them up. It leaves him room to smuggle cheap Missouri cigarettes into tax crazy Michagain.
I don't know how Mike, trailer queen baird4444, knows about oil useage but he is right on. I carried a quart with me in a laundry detergent bottle, those things have the neatest pour spouts on them, and used it all in 1000 miles. I also carried a spare inner tube, tire irons and a Crescent large enough to use on the rear wheel. The crescent can also be used to drive in tent stakes. Other things I never leave home without: rain gear, electrical tape, spare fuse, tire gauge, some steel wire,cell phone, credit card and motoring plan card.
Seriously, the towns are close enough together that you are never too far from a Casey's or Walmart. Relax. take your time, take frequent breaks, watch the oil, don't run out of gas and have fun. Sure wish I could be there, maybe next year. Feel free to email me off forum if you have any questions.
Leonard

Quote from: MOKAN-BULLET on September 17, 2008, 09:24:03 am

I'm planning on heading to the Rally next weekend I have never riden more than just around town and my commute to work.

Any advive on what I should bring? I'm planning on camping

Mo-Kan

t120rbullet · **Reply #8 on:** September 17, 2008, 07:54:21 pm

Quote from: Leonard on September 17, 2008, 07:02:34 pm

I don't know how Mike, trailer queen baird4444, knows about oil usage but he is right on.

Ouch, that one cut right to the bone!
Gonna miss that sense of humor this year, hope you heal up good enough make it next year.

REpozer · **Reply #9 on:** September 17, 2008, 08:45:55 pm

How many days ride to get there?

baird4444 · **Reply #10 on:** September 18, 2008, 07:28:57 am

Quote from: t120rbullet on September 17, 2008, 07:54:21 pm

Quote from: Leonard on September 17, 2008, 07:02:34 pm
I don't know how Mike, trailer queen baird4444, knows about oil usage but he is right on.

Ouch, that one cut right to the bone!
Gonna miss that sense of humor this year, hope you heal up good enough make it next year.

yea... that was a perty low blow. It must be the medication. ...
what can I say...
yes, I slept under a tarp rigged up cause I fergot the tent poles last year...
(no raccoon tongue involved, I swear)
yes, I trailered to get down there in 4 1/2 hours instead on 8. there is something about ST. Louis being in between home and the rally...
hmmm... BEER in 4 hours or BEER in 8 hours??
and yes, I've got almost 27,000 miles on mine. I wonder how many miles I'd have if I
didn't try to save some time getting to where I wanted to ride?
Leonard - you are buying the beer next time...
Chris - I'll let you off easy by just buying lunch...
- Mike

Leonard · **Reply #11 on:** September 19, 2008, 12:07:21 am

Yeah Mike, that was a low blow, I'm sorry. One only has to check your odometer and they will know that you do more riding than polishing.

t120rbullet · **Reply #12 on:** September 19, 2008, 01:58:17 am

Quote from: baird4444 on September 18, 2008, 07:28:57 am

Chris - I'll let you off easy by just buying lunch...
- Mike

What flavor MRE do ya want?

t120rbullet · **Reply #13 on:** September 19, 2008, 03:50:08 am

Well, I had almost talked myself into riding my new 01 classic out there. I put on a right shift kit/ K&N in the box, a 18 tooth sprocket and some new tires and it was running good. Had the carb almost dialed in.
I rode it to work yesterday and 2 blocks from home on the way back I heard a loud metallic CRACK and the motor started clanking. Never quit running and I made it home but it don't sound good. It's coming from the timing chest so since it was still running and the pushrods are still tight I think it's the oil pump drive shaft or the drive worm.
Guess the new motor's going in sooner instead of later. Meantime my garage is filling up with dead Enfields.
Such is life.
This has not been a good year for my motorcycles.
CJ

MOKAN-BULLET · **Reply #14 on:** September 19, 2008, 08:56:57 am

Thanks for the advice guys I’m riding about 250 miles form Kansas City I’m planing on it taking me about 7 hours. Does that sound about right?

Mo-Kan

baird4444 · **Reply #15 on:** September 19, 2008, 10:40:00 am

CJ- sorry to hear it. I guess 2 blocks from home is
a lot better than in the middle Illinois, surrounded by
cornfields with NO cell service...

t120rbullet · **Reply #16 on:** September 19, 2008, 02:04:37 pm

Quote from: baird4444 on September 19, 2008, 10:40:00 am

CJ- sorry to hear it. I guess 2 blocks from home is
a lot better than in the middle Illinois, surrounded by
cornfields with NO cell service...

Wouldn't be a problem to break down there. I got a Zippo.
I figure someone would see all that corn burning and call assistance.
And I'd call you with my 1 phone call.

Leonard · **Reply #17 on:** September 19, 2008, 05:02:59 pm

It took me a little longer than that last year but then I tend to stop more often than most.

Quote from: MOKAN-BULLET on September 19, 2008, 08:56:57 am

Thanks for the advice guys I’m riding about 250 miles form Kansas City I’m planing on it taking me about 7 hours. Does that sound about right?
Mo-Kan

Kevin Mahoney · **Reply #18 on:** September 22, 2008, 01:17:23 am

I am driving down with Rhett and maybe Tim from the shop. At this point I am inteneding to bring the very big bore Electra that we built, a UCE bike (factory test rat, looks like hell, but has the correct new engine in it.) and one of the fantastic new TVS 160cc EFI, dual disk brake bikes that we are starting to import.

t120rbullet · **Reply #19 on:** September 22, 2008, 02:14:44 am

Quote from: Royal Enfield 1 on September 22, 2008, 01:17:23 am

I am driving down with Rhett and maybe Tim from the shop. At this point I am inteneding to bring the very big bore Electra that we built, a UCE bike (factory test rat, looks like hell, but has the correct new engine in it.) and one of the fantastic new TVS 160cc EFI, dual disk brake bikes that we are starting to import.

You mean we could be some of the first to see and hear the UCE?
Now I really can't wait. Maybe I'll leave tomorrow to get in line for the test rides!
Feed Store, high noonish Sat.

Kevin Mahoney · **Reply #20 on:** September 22, 2008, 02:34:53 am

Before we talk test rides........are you driving that bike that you have to dress up like a pirate for?

Leonard · **Reply #21 on:** September 22, 2008, 03:57:15 am

damn, damn and double damn, someone take pictures please. Sorry I can't be there.

t120rbullet · **Reply #22 on:** September 22, 2008, 11:50:07 am

Quote from: Royal Enfield 1 on September 22, 2008, 02:34:53 am

Before we talk test rides........are you driving that bike that you have to dress up like a pirate for?

I don't have much of a choice. It's the HD, the Triumph or the Toyota.
I took the Triumph out for a 140 mile ride yesterday and it just amazes me how uncomfortable that thing is to ride. I went out with 2 Enfields and neither of them were whining.
Don't worry, I'm working on a plan so that I won't run out of rally ready Enfields in the years to come.
Who knows, maybe that UCE will ignite some inner flame in me or something.

t120rbullet · **Reply #23 on:** September 22, 2008, 11:53:48 am

Quote from: Leonard on September 22, 2008, 03:57:15 am

damn, damn and double damn, someone take pictures please. Sorry I can't be there.

I'm sorry you can't be there too.
The camera battery's are charging as I type.
Since Mike has dibs on your beer can I have dibs on your pork?

Kevin Mahoney · **Reply #24 on:** September 22, 2008, 04:20:04 pm

Along with a stable of Enfields I have a 76 Bonneville and a 2001 Bonneville. I love the older one, but I am also amazed after a bit of seat time how it rides like a lumber wagon. Didn't seem to be an issue when I was much younger, but I guess they a rode like that (if they were worth riding at all).

I'd rather you ride the Harley than not come at all. Just stop in St. James and change out of the pirate uniform before you scoot down the road. I should be able to save you from further embarrassment by lending you a proper bike.

t120rbullet · **Reply #25 on:** September 22, 2008, 07:19:01 pm

I don't remember the Trumps being so bad "back in the day".
Maybe it's just the years spent on the Enfields have spoiled me. I honestly think the bullet is one of the nicest rides I have ever had. Yesterday I was thinking to myself how much heaver in the twisty's the Trump felt over the Bullet. Both within a few pounds of each other. My hands don't go numb on the Bullet.

I am one of the HD riders that can't afford the outfit of official motorclothes.
So I'll wear my worst workshirt and my my worst bluejeans and I'll leave em there for any wannabees that want to dress like a hospital maintenance guy.

I appreciate the offer for the "test ride". I promise I won't thrash it.
Heck, it would be enough just to get a pic of me on an Enfield at a Enfield rally.
CJ

Leonard · **Reply #26 on:** September 22, 2008, 09:06:57 pm

If you think you can handle more than one of those monster pork steaks have at it. A favor please.....get a shot of Mike with his Rally on the River T-shirt.

Quote from: t120rbullet on September 22, 2008, 11:53:48 am

I'm sorry you can't be there too.
The camera battery's are charging as I type.
Since Mike has dibs on your beer can I have dibs on your pork?

t120rbullet · **Reply #27 on:** September 23, 2008, 03:01:09 am

Quote from: Leonard on September 22, 2008, 09:06:57 pm

If you think you can handle more than one of those monster pork steaks have at it. A favor please.....get a shot of Mike with his Rally on the River T-shirt.

It's all coming back to me now. I think 1 will be enough!

I'll try to catch Mike in action with the shirt on.
He shouldn't be too far from the beer keg at any given moment.

Leonard · **Reply #28 on:** September 23, 2008, 05:09:56 am

Lest people get the wrong idea about the Rally on the River, it isn't a real rowdy kind of rally. With a couple noteable exceptions things get pretty quiet around 10pm. Sure there is beer but no one gets out of hand. Mostly it is riding some great roads and getting a chance to be around like minded people.

t120rbullet · **Reply #29 on:** September 24, 2008, 03:25:13 am

Leonard is quite right there, most of these guys are old and start mumbling around 8:00, fall out of their chair at 9:00, by 10:00 they are sound asleep in their tents.

I'm leaving at 05:00 to head out there.
You guys that are going have a safe trip and you folks that are not going can enjoy my pics and tales of the trail when I get back.
CJ

MOKAN-BULLET · **Reply #30 on:** September 26, 2008, 11:11:33 am

And I was only coming for the topless young girls!

Made my final preparation's last night.. I should be ready to go heading out about 9 CST.

I'm bringing a pirate along so T120Bullet will have someone to play with while we talk about our Bullets.

Mo-Kan Bullet