XS Southeast 2015 discussion

[GLoweVA]

Planning my route

Since work precludes me from attend the EAST rally this spring, I've been dreaming even more about the SE rally this fall.
Last year, I took a little advice from Phil and detoured off my super-slab ride there and enjoyed a few hours in the twisties before arriving about 6pm.
This year I think I might take an extra day and ride down the Blue Ridge all the way from the VA/NC line.

"It's not so much about the destination as it is about the journey getting there!"

[Radioguylogs]

Keeping in mind that your wife is coming, the trailer is probably a fine idea.

Actually Louann encouraged me to go, and I twisted her arm to come with me, but she will be at home taking care of the dogs. She hardly ever rides with me anymore because her back gives her so much trouble, despite the backrest.

[jetmechmarty]

Event has been created on FB. I think you can click on GOING if you have a FB account. It may help us get a count.

XS Southeast 2015

[jetmechmarty]

Keeping in mind that your wife is coming, the trailer is probably a fine idea. There will be plenty of riding at the rally and she won't want to miss out on that. Also, there are folks coming from Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario every year. We should be able to arrange a rendezvous for anyone looking for one. Several of them are not active or not members of this forum.

[Radioguylogs]

Thanks!

I appreciate the encouragement from Greg and Phil!

[MaximPhil]

Hey Ian:

My wife (surprisingly) and I decided this trip was bucket list item for me, so I'm going down from Detroit.

I was apprehensive about the long ride as well, so I am going to trailer it down.

I wish I could offer a trailer space, but my cheap Harbor Freight / homemade trailer can only accommodate one bike.

Hi Mike,
If you want to ride down. Do some practice days to build up your distance. If you leave on Thursday afternoon you can break it into more manageable day rides. Then decide if you need to leave on Sunday afternoon to break up the return. Know your limits and do what suits you best but as Greg has said the ride there and back is part of the adventure.
Hope to see you there
Phil

[MaximPhil]

Hi Marty,
The food stops are always a highlight of your rallies
I can get Wendy's any time....but don't
Phil

[jetmechmarty]

I'm sitting in the Carolina Barbecue in Cashiers right now. We may be putting this place back on the Saturday ride schedule. Wendy's is walking distance if you prefer. This place is still very good.

[BA80]

It's only 550 miles for you Mike. 1 day.

The ride to and from is a big part of the adventure IMHO.

It's 850 miles for me (nearly 2 days) and I've done it 3 times. Enjoyed every minute.

[Radioguylogs]

Hey Ian:

My wife (surprisingly) and I decided this trip was bucket list item for me, so I'm going down from Detroit.

I was apprehensive about the long ride as well, so I am going to trailer it down.

I wish I could offer a trailer space, but my cheap Harbor Freight / homemade trailer can only accommodate one bike.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Ian,
To add to above from Marty. If your arse is not up to 14 hours in the saddle break it up into manageable days. From Ontario I leave after work on Thursday and get as far as I can, usually Pittsburgh. Motel Then an early start Friday to ensure I arrive between 4 pm and 6 pm to check in and have a beer before dinner. While I have done the 16 hours straight home on Monday it leaves me (an old guy) tired the next day so I break up the return now too.
I hope you can join us as this is an outstanding event with great roads and fantastic company.
Phil

[jetmechmarty]

So, I already have my heart set on attending the U.P. rally up-here in Michigan. But, I'd also like to look into attending this rally to meet the gang. I'm curious what it's going to cost me to attend? Never rode this far before, so the experience will be new to me. Any advice?

As far as meeting the gang XS Southeast has surpassed XS East for numbers. Both are good rallies and well organized. XS Southeast has the advantage of The Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge. I just stayed there last weekend and shared a creekside room for two nights. My total bill was $145 and included two breakfasts, a fried chicken dinner, and a prime rib dinner. There aren't many rooms left, so camping or a bed in the bunkhouse will make it less expensive. Bring your SO and double everything. Don't delay if you want a bed. The IH amenities can not be beat for a motorcycle rally. Plan three nights as we ride on Sunday and tell more lies on Sunday night.

If you two lane it, your ride from MI is a little over 14 hours due south, an easy trip for an XS11. We have others that come from OH and MI every year. If you do this, we can arrange for you to be escorted both ways. You know what to do with the bike.

Our numbers are now well over 50 people. Last year, 22 XS1100's were in the mix, including several Bob Jones customs. I'm sure there will be more this year judging by the responses to date. I believe this event is worthy of your vacation time. There are a few of us dedicating our time to make it so.

To continue answering your question, our lunch stops are around $10 or a little less. You'll need 450 miles of gasoline at the rally @ $3 or so. Your ride to and fro is 1400 miles, so bring it on fresh rubber. You can take it from there. All in all, it's a pretty cheap vacation.

[IanDMacDonald]

So, I already have my heart set on attending the U.P. rally up-here in Michigan. But, I'd also like to look into attending this rally to meet the gang. I'm curious what it's going to cost me to attend? Never rode this far before, so the experience will be new to me. Any advice?

[jetmechmarty]

Wow Slim Pickens??? Didnt know he was still living...,

He's still dead, and it still is, at the Iron Horse. I think there are still several beds in the bunkhouse.

[madmax-im]

Wow Slim Pickens??? Didnt know he was still living...,