XSive Rider's @ Iron Horse 2012

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Tod, Greg, and the others from out west,

Upon Marty's urgings, I editted and uploaded a video clip I made from the 2003 Ga. Rally, it's on YouTube, I posted it in the Facebook XS Southeast group, but I'll post the link here as well.

**Was OLD VIDEO YOUTUBE LINK** I went back to Youtube and went thru the verification process and am uploading it again, it should be available at this link:

http://youtu.be/AoJbv1QMFWo

It's 19 minutes long, a description is on the clip, but not sure if it will show that or just the clip. The 1st 3 minutes of the clip is just the ride from the Dam up to the entrance to the Gap run, you'll see the gas station and bikes on the right side as we pass by. It was late in the afternoon, so the sun is in our faces a bit. I had an old Super8 camcorder attached to a bracket on my handlebars(GodzillaCam), mounted behind my windscreen which actually allowed it to capture the engine sounds and such fairly well vs. just a bunch of wind noise. The YouTube conversion causes the audio to sound a bit funny, but it's still tolerable, along with the MUSIC soundtrack I put behind it as well. I had not been running the twisties for very long before attending this rally, and I was already a bit tired from several hours of riding before we got there, so my handling was not as smooth and precise as it could have been. Anyways, enough excuses, hope you enjoy it, and that it gives you an idea of the caliber of the roads in that area!

T.C.

Well SHIITE!!!!!!! I just tried the link, and it says it's been removed because it's too long....and this was after I clicked on a link they had for uploading videos longer than 15 minutes, had to put in my cell phone #, they sent me a text message with a 6 digit code # that I entered to verify that the account was under MY control to allow uploading the longer video, and then they removed it!!??

It's LATE...2 am, I'm going to bed, I'll try again tomorrow, will have to cut the clip in 2 parts to fit their criteria!!! Bastards!!

PSS, if it doesn't work, I don't know what's going on!? I'm going to bed!

[BA80]

The link worked fine TC. Thanks.

Looks a little flatter than we are used to. I hope the traffic isn't as heavy when we get there. Can't wait to meet and ride with y'all. Ivan said he might come along too if he doesn't have any classes or tests then that he needs to be there for.

Getting ready for the trip. I just ordered a new set of tires, got a new modular hemet last week. now I have to get out there and get my 2nd gear fixed. It started slipping a little when I'm HARD on it. I have a good set of gears I just gotta get them swapped out

[Brent]

Getting ready for the trip.

I just bought a BIG tent; a 3 room XL vacation lodge 11x20. Tod is planning to share it with me. There is room for 'some' more people. (advisory - snoring competition is scheduled to begin at 0100). I can haul tent on back seat of xs11, or fit it into top box on Buell, barely.

I rode HWY 129 "tail of the dragon" Sunday afternoon almost 2 weeks ago. It was good. I agree that early would be better (before the 2 up cruisers come out.) There are now many paved pull off places. Many photographers etc. Tree of shame still loaded with broken bike parts, most not good enough for a Rat Bike, some marked RIP. A link to Deals Gap shows many pictures, maps, curve names, and fatality sights. Seems like over a dozen MC fatalities in that 11 mile stretch. Speed limit has been lowered, but still fun enough around tight curves with out earning a big "performance award".

Hwy 28, the "Hell Bender", No professional photographers, No LEOs, little traffic, twisty and Still posted at 55. As much fun as I can stand, with no chance of a speeding ticket in the many tight curves. perhaps a ride report is in order.

[BA80]

I just bought a BIG tent; a 3 room XL vacation lodge 11x20. Tod is planning to share it with me. There is room for 'some' more people. (advisory - snoring competition is scheduled to begin at 0100). I can haul tent on back seat of xs11, or fit it into top box on Buell, barely.

I rode HWY 129 "tail of the dragon" Sunday afternoon almost 2 weeks ago. It was good. I agree that early would be better (before the 2 up cruisers come out.) There are now many paved pull off places. Many photographers etc. Tree of shame still loaded with broken bike parts, most not good enough for a Rat Bike, some marked RIP. A link to Deals Gap shows many pictures, maps, curve names, and fatality sights. Seems like over a dozen MC fatalities in that 11 mile stretch. Speed limit has been lowered, but still fun enough around tight curves with out earning a big "performance award".

Hwy 28, the "Hell Bender", No professional photographers, No LEOs, little traffic, twisty and Still posted at 55. As much fun as I can stand, with no chance of a speeding ticket in the many tight curves. perhaps a ride report is in order.

I HOPE you bought a bigger air mattress too Brent. I kinda felt sorry for you sleeping on that kiddie pool floatie last time.

[trbig]

Brent... Harry said he might go. I left you a message on your phone a while ago. I'm sure he'd be happy to chip in on the tent costs if there's room. I need to call the hotel and see if/how much they'll rent out a pillow and bedding for. I'll be bringing an air mattress.

I don't care what time tihe snoring competition starts. I've got ear plugs and don't care to be a judge..

[DeanR]

Hwy 28, the "Hell Bender", No professional photographers, No LEOs, little traffic, twisty and Still posted at 55. As much fun as I can stand, with no chance of a speeding ticket in the many tight curves.

That was about my favorite road when I was down there Brent. Wasn't interested in the dragon, totally skipped it as there are plenty of as good and safer choices.

[trbig]

I had not been running the twisties for very long before attending this rally

For someone who puts 25 miles a year on their bike, TC, you did just fine! lol.

[Brent]

space in tent

Brent... Harry said he might go. I left you a message on your phone a while ago. I'm sure he'd be happy to chip in on the tent costs if there's room. I need to call the hotel and see if/how much they'll rent out a pillow and bedding for. I'll be bringing an air mattress.

I don't care what time tihe snoring competition starts. I've got ear plugs and don't care to be a judge..

Tod,
Good you are bringing an air mattress. The bigger one I got is just like the old one, except for a child 8" taller. Tent is big enough for 3 queen size mattresses or 10 kiddie pool floats.

Plenty of room for Harry. I have extra child size surf rider float too.

[BA80]

Harry snores out the OTHER end. They had to repaint the room we were in in Winona. When we went back the next year we were put in that same room so as not to cause more damage.

Even the neighbors ran outside for a breath.

[JeffH]

Saturday Rally Route

Took a test ride yesterday to finalize the Saturday Fall XS Rally route and restaurant. Met up with Brent and Marty then headed to North Carolina.


Guess Brent thought that proposed route was a winner!


our planned Saturday lunch stop in Cashiers NC


Scrutinizing the Menu ...... and Marty knows his BBQ


Lunch plate should satisfy the hunger till Dinner.


Seal of Approval from Brent, need we say more!!!


Photo Op with 3 XS11's (bring yours and join us here on Sept 29)


well, Marty insisted on the pic. like me, my project bike is a bit ugly but got it running strong (unlike me).


Nice scenic part of the ride after some demanding technical stuff


putt-putt down the highway

I thought "every curve" was dangerous if you couldn't get around it



Expecting a Great Rally.... Ever seen a happier rider?? (great pants too)


We are looking forward to seeing you on Sept 28th at the Iron Horse.

Jeff

[jetmechmarty]

Those of you coming for the first time are in for a treat! I'm excited about it.

The barbecue joint is good. They can handle the whole lot of us, the atmosphere is perfect, the food is excellent, and it is very inexpensive. I think that plate of ribs is less than $7. The Carolina Smokehouse

We checked out some roads that most of us have never ridden. We have some serious technical stuff mixed with grand vistas! We'll ice it with a cruise on the BRP with photo ops.

Jeff's bike has some ugly on it, but it goes like stink! Check out the chicken wire headlight bucket and the missing paint. Under the ugly is a Traxxion Dynamics suspension and a perfectly tuned 1100E. Good luck trying to chase him down!

We're in for a great weekend! Don't forget to check out the tee shirt thread and the Facebook page.

[DeanR]

Good pics Jeff. Wish I could get down there with you guys.

[mlew]

I can hardly wait. I have new tires and brakes on the XS I'm ready to test out.

[yamahansolo]

So now there are two earls...

[Old Red]

I know one of them.... I guess I am the new Earl. Looking forward meeting everyone at Ironhorse.

Earl Haddock