[BigDon]

My Bullet and I will be in Little Switzerland North Carolina on Friday and Saturday the 18th and 19th of September.

That's in several of you all's back yards isn't it?

How about we hook up to ride or for lunch/dinner somewhere in the area?

[UncleErnie]

OK- maybe Friday?   Are you sleeping in your truck, camping, staying in a motel?   Both 40 and the BRP go right through Asheville.  What's your ETA?  You want to take an all-day ride around here, or check into the motel in Little Switz?  Are you getting there by getting on 221 from 40?  (The BRP will take you forever).

[REpozer]

Some people have all the fun.

Don't forget to report back in so we can live vicariously .

Oh , and try to get a picture of some cool BBQ joint , if able.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Oh, Uncle Ernie, we should meet Don at Craggy Gardens.
Why don't you go up to the picnic area and get the lunch spread out on the table, and, um, I'll meet you there later.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1667685.html?storylink=MI_emailed

[BigDon]

OK- maybe Friday?   Are you sleeping in your truck, camping, staying in a motel?   Both 40 and the BRP go right through Asheville.  What's your ETA?  You want to take an all-day ride around here, or check into the motel in Little Switz?  Are you getting there by getting on 221 from 40?  (The BRP will take you forever).

Staying at the Mountian View Motel on hwy 226 in LS.

I should be there by before noon on Friday and can unload the bike and be ready to ride Friday afternoon and all day Saturday.

More than likely will do 40 and up 221 as you stated.

Would love to ride with you guys Friday afternoon or anypart or all of Saturday.

I will PM you my cell phone #.

[BigDon]

Oh, Uncle Ernie, we should meet Don at Craggy Gardens.
Why don't you go up to the picnic area and get the lunch spread out on the table, and, um, I'll meet you there later.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1667685.html?storylink=MI_emailed

Yes, and remember to bring plenty of jelly donuts for the potential visitors!

[BigDon]

Some people have all the fun.

Don't forget to report back in so we can live vicariously .

Oh , and try to get a picture of some cool BBQ joint , if able.

But we don't have moose Q. I need a trip to AK!

[UncleErnie]

I have no clue how to co-ordinate this.  Ideally, your trailer has 2 rails and you pick me up and we ride up to the land Of Little Swisses.  I watch you check in to your palatial digs and then we go for a ride.  hard to go wrong on 80, for instance.  Or- I could take you on a long loop;  80 to some road i can't remember the name of that starts in Old Fort and goes over a mountain, then South on 9, back up 74-A where I turn left and you turn right to the BRP back to The land of Little Swisses.  There's a gas station where we could stop and hug and promise to write through our tears. 

Or, I could take 70 out and get on the freeway a little then go up 221 to 226 and after a while start asking if anyone knows where the Mountain View Motel is, and hope you either got there by now or hope you haven't gotten tired of waiting and left already.

I think Bernie is going to Atlanta to meet you but you won't be there.  He's a head-strong guy. 

[BigDon]

No trailer just the back of my pick up.

I suggest this plan. I assume you plan to meet on Friday. So I will be at the Motel and ready to ride by 12:00 noon, I will not leave without you as you are riding to meet me and take me on your roads and I appreciate your efforts to do so.

The hotel is on NC Hwy 226 just south of the Parkway, the address is 5253 NC Hwy 226.

As you said take 221 north to 226 and take a left then run up 226 to just south of the Parkway and you will see the Motel ( palatial its not )

The long or short route I leave to you as you will need to have enough time to ride home. I will be happy with either.

But I will have to disappoint on one thing, there will more than likely be NO tearful goodbye, maybe a good riddance?

How does that work for you? By the way feel free to call me on my cell.

[UncleErnie]

Sorry, but I don't have a cell phone.  If things get bad, I'll set fire to the Musketball and send smoke signals.   I don't know how long it will take to get there, but I'll close my eyes and pull the trigger.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

How about heading west on the Parkway, and I'll head east and we'll meet somewhere?

[UncleErnie]

You mean him or me?   I'm guessing from his motel to Asheville will take about an hour and a half at 45-50mph.  That's an awful lot of specatular scenery- after a while the nerve ending just go numb. 
Can't remember if I mentioned a route, but I was thinking a day of twisties with him heading back on the BRP so he can relax and concentrate on being mad about pushing his bike too hard (stop me if I said this before);  80 down to 70, a little 40 I think to get into Old Fort, find that road I can never find and take it oever the mountain to 9, down to 74-A back up and he could take the Parkway back to his motel.

Bernie, you're more of an expert on these roads, so give us your ideas. 

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

226 to 70, w on 70, under 40,in old Fart, road becomes bat Cave Rd. Follow past gatewat Mtn and onto Old Fart Rd to 9. left on 9 then either on to Chimney Rock and/or onto 74 uo to 70 and get on Parkway at VA hospital. or from 9 to 64 past Dupont state forest/triple falls, to 226 up to Parkway/Mt Pisgah.??

[UncleErnie]

Actually, you can get on the Parkway from 74-A just before you run onto 240 to the left. 
So anyhoo- me and Don are putty in your craftsman's hands.  Tell us where to meet up and where to go.  Now I left you an opening there, and I want you to be kind for Don's sake. 

[REpozer]

Fellers,
There is such a thing as Map Quest.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Depends on whether Don wants to do the Parkway or back roads.

The advantage of the Parkway is the views and the unhurried pace. The leaves will be turning. The isadvantage is the temp might be 10 degrees cooler up there

The back roads will have scenery, but not the views for the most part.

Then there's always the gravel forest road, 15 miles of gravel up to the parkway.

And then there is Ceasars Head, just over the NC/SC line.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Fellers,
There is such a thing as Map Quest.

We don't need mapquest, Uncle Ernie has his GPS.

[Cabo Cruz]

Br. Poz, if I decide to join these three guys, we'll end up as: The Four Stooges

[REpozer]

Br. Poz, if I decide to join these three guys, we'll end up as: The Four Stooges

I have to admit ,it seems to be an exciting proposition.

[BigDon]

Depends on whether Don wants to do the Parkway or back roads.

The advantage of the Parkway is the views and the unhurried pace. The leaves will be turning. The isadvantage is the temp might be 10 degrees cooler up there

The back roads will have scenery, but not the views for the most part.

Then there's always the gravel forest road, 15 miles of gravel up to the parkway.

And then there is Ceasars Head, just over the NC/SC line.

Back roads are fine but I would perfer no gravel (I guess I am a wimp ) so either route is fine.

Are we meeting Friday or Saturday? Also I can be in LSwiss sooner than noon on Friday if necessary, maybe by two hours.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

I have to give this some thought. Riding with Uncle ornery can be a little scary.


Uncle Ernie riding:

http://www.jumpingpixels.com/vespa.html

[Cabo Cruz]

WOWZAA!!!

[UncleErnie]

I can not brag nor depricate- that is for others.  To quote a famous sailer, "I yam what I yam".

At any rate- as previously stated, I only have that Friday free.
If plans for Friday are amenable, I estimate I can get to this alleged motel in about 1 1/2 hours.  Maybe a tad less.  

I have a feeling Bernie would like to meet closer to the Asheville / Fairview / Lake Lure area.   I must say there are some astounding loops in that are, also.  If you like twisties, hairpins, and swithbacks mixed with a variety of view types like farm land, hills, and forest. that is.
Some folks like a more relaxed pace sort of gliding along on the parkway.  
We /you can also combine these elements.  I live to serve.

Oh- gravel pretty much only gets thrown up on turns where the trucks cut corners.  The most frequent dangers are wild turkeys, dogs, turtle, old Buicks, Volvos, and scooters.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

My concern would be to get everyone back to their residences before the darkness brings out the deer and the weather drops to uncomfortable levels.

While I know some great back roads, it seems like the gravel/leaves in the corners, along with the nascar wannabees might make the parkway a better choice.

[BigDon]

No trailer just the back of my pick up.

I suggest this plan. I assume you plan to meet on Friday. So I will be at the Motel and ready to ride by 12:00 noon, I will not leave without you as you are riding to meet me and take me on your roads and I appreciate your efforts to do so.

The hotel is on NC Hwy 226 just south of the Parkway, the address is 5253 NC Hwy 226.

As you said take 221 north to 226 and take a left then run up 226 to just south of the Parkway and you will see the Motel ( palatial its not )

The long or short route I leave to you as you will need to have enough time to ride home. I will be happy with either.

But I will have to disappoint on one thing, there will more than likely be NO tearful goodbye, maybe a good riddance?

How does that work for you? By the way feel free to call me on my cell.

OK then we stick with this, the only change is I will be endeavour to be there by 11:00AM.

(Gravel and such on the road does not bother me, gravel/dirt roads I shy away from.)

[UncleErnie]

Keeping in mind I've never been there, I shall endeavor to get there at that time.
Thjis is YOUR ride, so think about what style you want;  More tight stuff and a little more work, or Dreamlnd down the Parkway.  I'm showing up for 2 reasons;  To meet the legend with a capital L that is the Big "D", and to see another Enfield in actual use. 

[BigDon]

Keeping in mind I've never been there, I shall endeavor to get there at that time.
Thjis is YOUR ride, so think about what style you want;  More tight stuff and a little more work, or Dreamlnd down the Parkway.  I'm showing up for 2 reasons;  To meet the legend with a capital L that is the Big "D", and to see another Enfield in actual use. 

Twisties! 

[BigDon]

Unc said....

" I'm showing up for 2 reasons;  To meet the legend with a capital L that is the Big "D", and to see another Enfield in actual use." 

I say..."Boy are you going to be disappointed !"     Except for the other Enfield part.......

[UncleErnie]

It's the internet.  No witnesses (that live anyway).  I can write up our meeting right now and I'll be intimidated to the point of tears by your rugged good looks and massive musculature similar to a granite block.  Riding skills that left me brathless while trying in vain to keep up. As I looked your bike over for the first time, I whimpered at the sight of blue-tinged edges on what should have been chicken strips- until I realized there weren't any!    Any tasty tidbits you want included, just send a PM. 

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

I'll meet you guys on the road. I'll try to co ordinate everything with Uncle Festus (the last person in NC without a cellphone).

[UncleErnie]

Lor' hep me!  I'm trying to figure a route.  Don- you gots no e-mail?  Mine is cursethedarkness@charter.net   It's cheaper than phones.

Just put 200 miles on today;  50 too many.  But holy cow- what roads. (Being from GA, though- probably nothing you haven't already seen...) Why the heck are you staying way up in Little Switzerland. ?!  Anyway, I guess I'll call Wed or Thurs. 

Think about how long you want to be on the road, if you need to eat lunch or not, etc.  I'm thinking 2 1/2 hours with me, and about an hour and a half getting back on the Parkway.  If you need / want luch- maybe we can work 12 Bones in and you can take some pictures for Poser. 

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Don't you get your Meals on Wheels delivery on fridays too?

Where is 12 Bones? There is a BBQ place called Hog Wild at the base of 226, but not sure if you are going over that far.

[UncleErnie]

12 Bones is kind of between Riverside Dr and West Asheville.  Kind of industrial there.  It would be easy to get to if we came down along the river (251)- but I don't know...

My next door neighbors can acrept my MOW.  I notice since I've gone to one meal a day, my Musketball seems to be faster.
Anyway- I figure I'll go up 221 to 226 to gdt to his motel because it's a lot faster than going up the parkway.  I figure he can do that by himself on the way back so he won't have to wait for me to catch up.  You know they race along at 45mph!

Actually- he'll be on the Parkway way over an hour, and I'm afraid my bike couldn't stand that kind of pounding.

[Cabo Cruz]

Brs. BigDon, Blue and UncleErnie, it is with a heavy heart that I formally ask for a rain check... Jenny, our youngest daughter, is exhibiting her paintings this coming weekend... I sincerely hope I can join you the next time for what sounds like a great chance to meet some great people and go for a tremendous ride... very sorry, fellas... to compensate for my absence, I share with you the artist's work through the following link:

http://www.jenniferfriedmanart.com

[UncleErnie]

Looks like it's just me and BigD.  Bernie said he has to exhibit his etchings to his secretary that day.  Too much information...
I think Earl is going to come on his 441 Victor, though, too. 

Rev Cruz, I want your daughter to send some pictures to http://www.miyagallery.com/index2.php  via e-mail
in care of Jennifer.   We would like to get better pictures to discuss her work before inviting her up to display her work.  It's only consignment... but we do sell good work, and I'm really sick of some of the junk we've had for a while. 
Don't tell anyone I work in a gallery.

[Cabo Cruz]

"Rev Cruz, I want your daughter to send some pictures to http://www.miyagallery.com/index2.php  via e-mail
in care of Jennifer.   We would like to get better pictures to discuss her work before inviting her up to display her work.  It's only consignment... but we do sell good work, and I'm really sick of some of the junk we've had for a while. 
Don't tell anyone I work in a gallery."  UncleErnie

Br. Ernie, I will be delighted to relay your message to my Jennifer.  On her behalf, I thank you for the offer... and, fear not, your secret is totally safe with me! 

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Gallery??? I thought you worked in the Galley, in the correction facility, and they were letting you out for good behavior.

I won't tell anyone


I'll meet you guys on the road if it isn't predicting rain. maybe at Tracy's or between there and here. has anyone invited Fun2drum? he is in Marion, but may have to work, or prefer not to be seen with us.

[UncleErnie]

Yeah- he has his political career to think about now.  He probably won't even be seen on the motorcycle until after the election.  Too risky.

It's looking like rain, kids.  Ernie's a big WEENIE.

[BigDon]

The rain will be gone by Friday!

Ask me how I know.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Yeah- he has his political career to think about now.  He probably won't even be seen on the motorcycle until after the election.  Too risky.

It's looking like rain, kids.  Ernie's a big WEENIE.

Yeah, I guess Fun2drum could lose some votes by being seen with us.
I'm thinking of putting on the fairing and taking the Ural if it looks like rain.

[BigDon]

I am thinking positive thoughts!

I have not done near enough riding this year. So I am still planning to be there.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

I understand Uncle Ernie is wrapping his home monitoring ankle bracelet in aluminum foil, and he should be able to get away for a while.

[BigDon]

I thought he put the foil on his head under his helmet! You know to keep the "voices" away!

[BigDon]

Well one of you two pissed off the weather gods, .......I guess it could have been me.

If Friday is a washout what about Sunday?

You guys available?

[UncleErnie]

I won't speak for Bernie, but I'm married.

I put bubble wrap in my helmet. 
I bet you think I'm kidding...
If I wear my half-helmet instead of a full-face, I'll show you.
The aluminium foil goes in my gloves because I have magic power control issues.

he he he... don't worry.  I'll act normal.

[BigDon]

I am rethinking this whole thing!!!! 

[UncleErnie]

Well, the Mob is selling protection here.  Allegedly, if you don't pay, they shoot the hull of your boat.  Poor farmers are turning horse troughs into canoes.  Pretty soon, I'm going on the "French Diet" by raising mushrooms and frogs in my basement.   

Will your bike float if you put extra air in the tires?

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Weather underground is the best predictor of weather. They show rain every day through and including sunday.

[BigDon]

OK, I am stubborn but not stupid. We need to pull the plug on this one.

We will get together when things dry out!

[Laurence]

well - it was great fun while it lasted. thanks y'all. best of luck next time. The leaves should be turning soon up there and it should be glorious.

[BigDon]

well - it was great fun while it lasted. thanks y'all. best of luck next time. The leaves should be turning soon up there and it should be glorious.

I did turn into one of the better threads going.....would have been nice to cap it off with the actual ride.

But I will get us together sometime...even if it is next years British in the Blue Ridge Rally! 

[Cabo Cruz]

"well - it was great fun while it lasted. thanks y'all. best of luck next time. The leaves should be turning soon up there and it should be glorious."  Laurence

You're correct, Br. Laurence... great fun... a lot of seat time... and, best of all, no monkey butt  effect... 

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Speaking of monkey butts, Uncle Ernie has been awful quiet lately.

[UncleErnie]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CB1tBjcWug

[Cabo Cruz]

Very nice, Br. Ernie!!!

But just a word of warning: Nine minutes of seat time on The Throne could lead both internal and external hemorrhoids, brother!!!

[UncleErnie]

Well, Big D fretted so much about not having clean socks, he called to sday he went back to Atlanta.  Crest-fallen, I was forced to go for a bit of a ride by myself.  Each time I stopped to wipe the tears from my eyes, I figured I may as well take a picture.   







It gets awful lonesome up here in the mountains sometimes...

[UncleErnie]

I'm positive it will start raining real hard again first thing Sunday moring, though.














Well- pretty sure, anyway!     

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

I'm positive it will start raining real hard again first thing Sunday moring, though.


Gosh Uncle Ernie, your meds have you confused again? You must have drempt you took that ride, because those are the exact same pictures you posted on August 30th.














Well- pretty sure, anyway!     

[UncleErnie]

I knew you were going to say that.
I was trying to make Don feel bad.  Those pictures are what it looked like here for most of the afternoon here.  He said it was raining cats and cows in Atlanta.

They didn't really need me to work after all, so I just left. 
I notice I didn't pass you on any roads... Was in raining in Oldpeoplesville?

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Well, if you want to make Don feel bad, let me in on the plot so I can verify it.

Rained like crazy again today. They are predicting 50%+ rain for the next 6 days at least. The mushrooms on the lawn are drowning.

[UncleErnie]

The mountains really mess with the weather.  It was gorgeous here and then it started to get a littl overcast around 4ish.

So on those rare times when you do ride, what do you ride the most?  The Ural?

[Cabo Cruz]

There was public radio report this morning about the ALFAC duck leading a scooter only ride for ducks only!  The report also noted that there were two old guys -- in a BMW and a Ural rig -- who volunteered to run Sweep.  These two chair riders were heard commenting about all the smells and feathers coming from the pack!  Their comments could not be repeated in the G-rated, public radio report! 

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

It has been raining 24 hrs straight here. It has rained every day for a week, and is predicted for at least the next 5 days.
I live 10 miles east of the highest rainfall in NC (Pisgah Forest) and 35 miles SW of the lowest (Asheville).
No spring this year, no summer to speak of, now no fall. In about 2 weeks I'll be waking up to 40 degree temperatures and it won't warm up till noon. Frost on the Parkway. Global warming my arse.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

If I have to carry anything larger than a bottle of Pepsi, or it looks like rain, or there is crap on the roads from rain, I take the Ural or Jeep.
Since last july I only have 2000 mi on the RE. Since Sept. of '06 I have 20,000 on the Ural. The Ural is just easier to take, less pre flight.
But there are some days when I just take the cage. Less of a fight to hop in the jeep, soda in one hand, and listen to Rush.

[UncleErnie]

Those feathers aren't from Italian fowl riding Ducati scooters.  Bernie stuffs his windbreaker with live chickens to stay warm. 

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

That was the Ural towing Uncle Ernie's BMW. Those 1wd BMW's don't get much traction in the wet and the Russian Ural pulled the german BMW all over the place...just like 60+ years ago.

[UncleErnie]

You've been selling your meds at Casa de Contentment again, haven't you?

[The Garbone]

I was listening to the radio,  they said over 1ft of rain in Atlanta over the past few days... Guess the drought is over up there...

http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/latest/lat_701950.shtml?v=1635

Sometimes things just don't work out I guess....   

[Cabo Cruz]

Well, Br. Gary, I have been in the ATL Metro Area (Roswell) for 30 years and I have never seen the amounts of rain and floods of today!!!  It has indeed been a record setting day!!!

[UncleErnie]

The French Broad and Swannanoa rivers are running over the edges right now.  Our last flood hit fast.  This is happening rather slowly.  Very scary stuff.  The rain is just relentless.
Mr Cruz, are you and BigDon in any danger?  Are major roads flooded?  Is business going on as usual- or what?

[Cabo Cruz]

Br. Ernie, you keep an eye on those rising waters!!!  I called the BigDon and the Kruiser this morning and they're doing fine, as for me, the oldest Bullet rider in the ATL, ... I am, thanks to the Lord, doing fine, also!!!  I thank you for asking, brother and wish you Godspeed with your weather up them there hills!!! 

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

Uncle Ernie is prepared.

[Cabo Cruz]

Boy, I can see that he is prepared... with a rig like that, his RE forum moniker ought to be Popeye!!! 

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

He yam what he yam