Author Topic: The F.A.R.T. Rally  (Read 2803 times)

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Blue Ridge Wheeltor

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on: August 31, 2009, 03:10:44 am
Uncle Ernie's recent trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway reminded me of an event a few years back.
The Uralistas have a number of rallies every year. For some reason they seem to be named after bodily functions. The SPITS rally (spring in the south) is held in May in Abbeville, SC. The BURP (Blue ridge rally on the Parkway, or something like that) is in July. Then there in the CRAP in central NC, the TURD somewhere out west etc. The last one of the year is in Swannanoa, NC , the first week in October. The Fall Annual Rally Tour (FART).
The first rally i went to was the SPITS in 2007. It was a long ride down and it rained all weekend. Being a rather frugal person, I purchased a bivvy tent. The damn thing was only inches bigger than the sleeping bag in length and height. It was damp and chilly all weekend, and i realized I wasn't made out for camping.
The FART, I could commute to, as it was about an hour away. It is held in October because of the leaves changing and it's a big thrill for those living in other areas. What they don't take into account is the weather in NC in October is unpredictable.
There was talk of taking a ride up Mt. Mitchell saturday. That morning I checked the weather and it was -8 degrees on the mountain, so I left for the campground before noon. Everyone was gone except a few sreagglers. The fools actually took on the mountain.
I stayed around and kept the fire going, and when they all came back they decided to go to the german restraunt in Black Mountain. I don't like German food, so I offered to stay and mind the fire.
They took longer than I expected, and it was dark when I left for home. The Parkway is very dark at night. Pitch black, and critters everywhere.
Uncle Ernie mentioned earlier in his "100 mile loop" report that the tunnels are dark, in the day. Imagine them at night.
I had to go thru a series of tunnels, and the night was very foggy. I had to follow the yellow line in the road, or I'd be off the edge. Most of the tunnels are straight, but there is one that has a curve in it. That one also had ice at the end and the bike spun sideways before it caught solid ground and straightened out.
One final tunnel and I'd be done with them. As I was heading thru the last one in a flash I came across 2 shining eyes, about waist high, and then a thud. Not a big crash, but a thud. "Wowzaa" I said. (Well, actually, i didn't know that word back then so it was probably more along the lines of "Oh crap") As i pulled through I turned the bike around and shined the headlights to the tunnel. What I hit was waist high. It was too low for a deer. There are coyote, bear, and some say cougar up there, but it happened too quick to see. As i waited to see if it would come out, and debated to see if what was in there was ok, I realized it wasn't too smart waiting there and left. When I got home and thawed out I went out to the garage to check on the bike. Some dirt was rubbed off the tub, but no fur or blood. Since then I hesitate to travel that road at night.
REA #25
2008 Royal Enfield Deluxe (Blue)
2006 Ural Patrol
1978 BMW R 100s--SOLD--
1977 HD XLCR
1971 Triumph Bonneville


UncleErnie

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Reply #1 on: August 31, 2009, 03:25:12 am
How do you type so much on this program?  Do you do it in Word and paste it?

Anyway, I've been to that rally at the KOA.  Let me know if you go.
Run what ya brung


Cabo Cruz

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Reply #2 on: August 31, 2009, 03:39:15 am
Br. Blue, I think you hit a gremlin that was looking to jump into your chair!
Long live the Bullets and those who ride them!

Keep the shiny side up, the boots on the pegs and best REgards,

Papa Juan

REA:    Member No. 119
BIKE:   2004 Royal Enfield Sixty-5
NAME: Perla


UncleErnie

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Reply #3 on: August 31, 2009, 01:39:46 pm
This moring I brought a snack and water so i could read the whole thing without passing out.   I was on the edge of my chair the whole time, and the denoument left me breathless!   No wonder you're so busy with parties and various social events!
Run what ya brung


Blue Ridge Wheeltor

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Reply #4 on: August 31, 2009, 01:48:52 pm
This moring I brought a snack and water so i could read the whole thing without passing out.   I was on the edge of my chair the whole time, and the denoument left me breathless!   No wonder you're so busy with parties and various social events!

Yes, i noticed you are a little slow challenged in your reading skills. Did you ever finish that Dick and jane book? I won't ruin the ending for you, but puff and spot are okay.
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2008 Royal Enfield Deluxe (Blue)
2006 Ural Patrol
1978 BMW R 100s--SOLD--
1977 HD XLCR
1971 Triumph Bonneville


Blue Ridge Wheeltor

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Reply #5 on: August 31, 2009, 01:50:41 pm
Will you be going to the bike night at Sonic tuesday? if so which bike will you take?
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2008 Royal Enfield Deluxe (Blue)
2006 Ural Patrol
1978 BMW R 100s--SOLD--
1977 HD XLCR
1971 Triumph Bonneville


UncleErnie

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Reply #6 on: August 31, 2009, 03:34:34 pm
Don't know yet.  have to get back with a couple of people.
To be honest- I really don't like tht town.  If I have someone to hold my hand, it's alittle more tolerable.  I does have a nice toy store, though.   OK- and a decent-sounding Guzzi dealership.   
I'll call again right now.
Run what ya brung


Blue Ridge Wheeltor

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Reply #7 on: August 31, 2009, 04:10:51 pm
Don't like that town? Hendersonville is twice the town Weinerville is, and 100 times the town Assville is. It's not the tree hugging, liberal socialist, nose ring,  birkinstock wearing, old pony tailed hippie enclave that assville is. ;D
Berkley East.
It'll probably rain anyways.
REA #25
2008 Royal Enfield Deluxe (Blue)
2006 Ural Patrol
1978 BMW R 100s--SOLD--
1977 HD XLCR
1971 Triumph Bonneville