The Big Bend Bash 2/27-3/1/2009

[Mellow]

The
Big Bend Bash

When:
February 27 thru March 1, 2009

Where:
Ft Davis, TX (http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Ft+Davis+&state=TX)

Hotel:
Fort Davis Motor Inn (http://www.texbesthotels.com/fort_davis.htm)

Camping:
Davis Mtns State Park (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/davis_mountains/)

I haven't been back to Big Bend since 2007 so
I figured it was time to get back.

If you are planning on doing the Guadalupe Mtns Nat'l Park hike
on the 26th, we have group site reservations at the Pine Springs
Group Camp site #2 under "ST Owners" and my name for
the 25th and 26th.

The Pine Springs campground is dirt/gravel so get on in and keep
going 'til you see the group sites.

[Mr. Guy]

655 miles from home. Maybe. I should have my new tires from Santa by then.

Guy

[Black and Blue]

Is this a MotoCamper event or, your ST owners meet?

[Mellow]

Is this a MotoCamper event or, your ST owners meet?

I suppose it's both. I put it on both sites.

Anyone is welcome, one thing I like about the ST folks is they don't care who shows up.

[Mr. Guy]

At Talihena, they were as interested in my trips on my DR as I was in their trips on their STs. Great guys.

Guy

[Mellow]

Not to mention, a few of them may bring their dual sports if going to this area.

[Black and Blue]

That's great...since we here at MotoCampers are such a motley crew of varied machines.
We tend to ride whatever works to get to the campsite!
I like it!

[motomac]

I may just show up with this rig and set up in 37 again!!!

Uhhh, belay that we won't be camping in Big Bend, but I'll set that rig up at Ft Davis.

[Mr. Guy]

Have you seen Bluepoofs trips on her XT225. Yes, 225. We've got everything from 225s to Goldwings, thats amazing to me.

Guy

[Mellow]

Mac... wrong campground.. The Davis Mtns NP is near Fort Davis. Just near the McDonald Observatory. We'll be coming from the other side of the park.

[Black and Blue]

Have always wanted to check out the Guadalupe Mts and Big Bend.
Closest we have ever been was probably 20 years ago when we made a beeline from Washington State straight down to Carlsbad Caverns and saw nothing in between.

[Mellow]

I still want to hike to the top of Guadalupe, I tried one day but started after lunch instead of in the morning and my knees were killing me, w/MC boots on, when coming down. Had to stop about 3/4 of the way up.

[Mr. Guy]

I need to remember hiking shoes.

[motomac]

I still want to hike to the top of Guadalupe, I tried one day but started after lunch instead of in the morning and my knees were killing me, w/MC boots on, when coming down. Had to stop about 3/4 of the way up.
And then I met you there to do that hike and you decided not to do it 'cause it was so windy. But you did make it to the top of that rock at Big Bend!!! So did that little lady and the old fella!!! And who's the only one sittin'???LOL!!!

[Tx White Knight]

cool, looks like I will HAVE to leave on thursday for the 490 miles, 7:30 trip :D

[Mellow]

And then I met you there to do that hike and you decided not to do it 'cause it was so windy. But you did make it to the top of that rock at Big Bend!!! So did that little lady and the old fella!!! And who's the only one sittin'???LOL!!!

Mac, I don't remember what excuse I used for not hiking the GM.. but at the time, I'm sure that worked as good as any :D

I had to sit down on the rock in Chisos Basin, I was so light and lean that day the wind would blow me off if I wasn't careful.

[Mellow]

cool, looks like I will HAVE to leave on thursday for the 490 miles, 7:30 trip :D

I'll probably leave after work or around noon... not sure 'til it gets closer but I'll get there either way, might be setting up at night. :eek: :D

[motomac]

Oh man, we really have the wind blowin' now!!!

[Mellow]

Hey... I almost made it to the top of GM once...

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/58238336_BNgGE-L.jpg

[Trailace]

I will be a maybe at this time.

[BJFazio]

Haven't been to Big Bend in a few years, so this one will be on my calendar. Surely there's no snow down there in February, right Joe?

BTW: I'm in on the hike to the top of GM!!!!

[Mellow]

Maybe adding a day and a GM hike would be cool....

I've been there many times in Feb... it will be cold at night, but a good cold, LOL...

Only snowed once so the odds are with us.

[Trailace]

Would anyone be interested in a Dual Sport ride? If so let me know and maybe I can come up with something. :eek:

[Mellow]

Would anyone be interested in a Dual Sport ride? If so let me know and maybe I can come up with something. :eek:

LOL.. I don't think we have anyone on this site on Dual Sports.... Bueller!!!! Bueller!!!

[motomac]

Ahmmmm!!!

[GulfXray]

You're killing me! I love Big Bend country!

Don't think I am in good enough shape to climb GM, but sounds like fun...

How can I make this work....:think1:

[Mellow]

You can keep an eye out on the tents for us and prepare the splits just in case we need a leg immobilized.. LOL

[Mr. Guy]

Would anyone be interested in a Dual Sport ride? If so let me know and maybe I can come up with something. :eek:


As long as there isn't a War Loop Rd., I'm ok.

Guy

[Flingshot]

I told you when I signed up here I would be asking some dumb questions so here it goes.
Has anyone ever shipped a bike to another state? I know what your thinking, why not ride it?
Well coming from Colorado in February on a 400 cc thumper to an event like this doesn't sound like all that much fun and it would mean more time off work. I was also thinking about shipping it next year to a mc shop close to the start of the TAT so that I don't spend my time off slabbing it across the country in the wrong direction. Maybe that's part of the experience and I should just mount up and go. Thoughts??? As if I don't know what your going to say already. :)
Posted via Mobile Device

[motomac]

I've got the same problem living in Ohio and wanting to do Big Bend on my KLR. I would certatinly have to have a new set of off road tires stashed somewhere down there, cause it is over 1500 miles to BB from here. Good question, not sure I will do that, but in your case a valid point since a 400 is even less big-roadable than the 650. I don't like slabbing the KLR at all. The tail light is not very visible, the headlight is not very visible and the profile of the bike even with the bags on is not very big.

[Mellow]

Well, you could rent a pickup and put the bike in the back.

If it were me, I think I'd just ride it. Lots of small roads away from the highway between Colorado and Big Bend.. and... it is an ADVENTURE bike.

But, not everyone has that much time to take off family and work so all we really care is that you show up.

[Trailace]

If I take the 650 to BB I might just put it in the back of the truck and drive over. :eek:

[motomac]

If I take the 650 to BB I might just put it in the back of the truck and drive over. :eek:
Well swing on up here and pick mine up too!!!

[BJFazio]

Got any friends that drive 18-wheelers? Hook up with someone heading down to Texas & throw your bike in the back, and yourself in the front.

I told you when I signed up here I would be asking some dumb questions so here it goes.
Has anyone ever shipped a bike to another state? I know what your thinking, why not ride it?
Well coming from Colorado in February on a 400 cc thumper to an event like this doesn't sound like all that much fun and it would mean more time off work. I was also thinking about shipping it next year to a mc shop close to the start of the TAT so that I don't spend my time off slabbing it across the country in the wrong direction. Maybe that's part of the experience and I should just mount up and go. Thoughts??? As if I don't know what your going to say already. :)
Posted via Mobile Device

[Trailace]

Well swing on up here and pick mine up too!!!
If you pay for the gas I will.:D

[Mr. Guy]

I'm planning on riding mine down from home. I'm also planning on leaving Thurs. the 26th and overnighting somewhere on the way down and getting home on the 2nd. So there will be extra days off from work.

Guy

[Mellow]

Cool!!!

[Flingshot]

Well, you could rent a pickup and put the bike in the back.

If it were me, I think I'd just ride it. Lots of small roads away from the highway between Colorado and Big Bend.. and... it is an ADVENTURE bike.

But, not everyone has that much time to take off family and work so all we really care is that you show up.

I have spent some time on the street rod scene as well and I was always told "trailers are for boats".
I just keep thinking of when I took the family down to San Antonio and how it seemed like we got to Texas pretty quick and then we realized that we werent even half way there yet.
Who knows, maybe Ill have another larger bike by then but I cant quite make up my mind which one.
Im going to try to get there and Im pretty sure I am going to ride down.
Looking forward to meeting all of you!
Scott

[Mellow]

It will be good to see you there Scott.. It looks like we might be hitting Guadalupe Mtn NP first for a quick hike so if that's the case, it might be a stop-over point for you.

[motomac]

So are we really going to climb that mountain? When do we meet at Guadalupe?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Mellow]

Meet there evening of the 25th.. climb on the 26th .. head to Ft Davis on the 27th?

However, Ft Davis is just 150 miles from GM so .. we could meet on the 26th, climb on the 27th then head to Ft Davis.

[BJFazio]

Help me out here Mellow. Where is Guadalupe Mtn NP? I thought GM was in Big Bend. Whatever the case, that mountain is toast, unless you have to traverse narrow, winding mountain trails with no guard rails & 1000+ foot drop offs. My acriphobia wins every time.......LOL.

[Flingshot]

NOW HEAR THIS
Alright, I spoke to the wife last night and she cant wait to get rid of me so I will be able to get there. I am riding down from Denver to GP most likely with one stop over and then I want to ride with the gang to the meet.
It would be a shame to get all the way down there and not ride at least the Texas and New Mexico portion of Sam's "Shadow of the Rockies Trail" back home though. Any takers?
It might be a little too early to complete the Colorado portion but well worth a shot. I plan on completing both of the trails in '09 in four separate trips. That puts me off work for about 5 weeks. :eek: but this is better than work. :tent6:
It seems early to be thinking about this but I know time will fly by like it always does.
Before you know it my butt will be on fire and Ill be doin, this:D.

[Mellow]

Help me out here Mellow. Where is Guadalupe Mtn NP? I thought GM was in Big Bend. Whatever the case, that mountain is toast, unless you have to traverse narrow, winding mountain trails with no guard rails & 1000+ foot drop offs. My acriphobia wins every time.......LOL.

Guadalupe NP is on the northnern part of the left Arm of Texas.
http://www.nps.gov/gumo/

Big Bend is at the lowest part of that Arm.

Ft Davis is still 100+ miles from Big Bend but it's fun getting there from FD.

Guadalupe NP is the highest Peak in TX so ... you have to do it at least once..

The trail isn't bad. There was only one spot where you had a ledge that had a drop off and it was only 20 ft or so long... I only did 3/4 of it so I don't know what the entire trail is like. Most of it was normal walking trail type terrain but it does climb pretty fast so coming back down is the knee-killer.

[GulfXray]

Guadalupe NP is on the northnern part of the left Arm of Texas.
http://www.nps.gov/gumo/

Big Bend is at the lowest part of that Arm.

Ft Davis is still 100+ miles from Big Bend but it's fun getting there from FD.

Guadalupe NP is the highest Peak in TX so ... you have to do it at least once..

The trail isn't bad. There was only one spot where you had a ledge that had a drop off and it was only 20 ft or so long... I only did 3/4 of it so I don't know what the entire trail is like. Most of it was normal walking trail type terrain but it does climb pretty fast so coming back down is the knee-killer.

I have not been on the trail, but FWIW, this may give you an idea of the trail...
javascript:HandleLink('cpe_0_0','CPNEWWIN:NewWindo w^top=10,left=10,width=500,height=400,toolbar=1,lo cation=1,directories=0,status=1,menubar=1,scrollba rs=1,resizable=1@CP___PAGEID=320718,/gumo/planyourvisit/upload/Guadalupe%20Peak%20Hike.pdf');

I'm still rolling this one around in my head - that is beautiful down there and I would love to hike up GP and get a few pics...

Joe, I don't know if I would call that stretch of 118 south of Alpine to Study Butte fun ...;)

[Mellow]

Joe, I don't know if I would call that stretch of 118 south of Alpine to Study Butte fun ...;)

Point taken.. but at least there's no traffic to speak of..

[Flingshot]

Is this a MotoCamper event or, your ST owners meet?

STers, DSers, and BSers

Hey, 2 out of 3 aint bad.
Posted via Mobile Device

[motomac]

And maybe a couple of Wingers.

[Trailace]

NOW HEAR THIS
Alright, I spoke to the wife last night and she cant wait to get rid of me so I will be able to get there. I am riding down from Denver to GP most likely with one stop over and then I want to ride with the gang to the meet.
It would be a shame to get all the way down there and not ride at least the Texas and New Mexico portion of Sam's "Shadow of the Rockies Trail" back home though. Any takers?
It might be a little too early to complete the Colorado portion but well worth a shot. I plan on completing both of the trails in '09 in four separate trips. That puts me off work for about 5 weeks. :eek: but this is better than work. :tent6:
It seems early to be thinking about this but I know time will fly by like it always does.
Before you know it my butt will be on fire and Ill be doin, this:D.

Let's see what happen between now and then because I want to try and do the Texas and New Mexico portion of the SOR with you. Maybe you can do the west side of the TAT with us in September.

[Flingshot]

Let's see what happen between now and then because I want to try and do the Texas and New Mexico portion of the SOR with you. Maybe you can do the west side of the TAT with us in September.

I thought you'd never ask. Looking forward to chatting some more as we get closer.
Scott
Posted via Mobile Device

[Mellow]

And maybe a couple of Wingers.

So... STers, DSers, BSers and DQers... :eek: :D

[BJFazio]

So... STers, DSers, BSers and DQers... :eek: :D

Very cute, O Prodigal Son!!!! But, you must realize that one day you will return to the fold, and to the butterfinger blizzards. :)

[motomac]

Very cute, O Prodigal Son!!!! But, you must realize that one day you will return to the fold, and to the butterfinger blizzards. :)
And Peanut Buster Parfets, and Pecan whatevers!!!

[Mellow]

Very cute, O Prodigal Son!!!! But, you must realize that one day you will return to the fold, and to the butterfinger blizzards. :)

I don't know my friend.. Honda's pricing structure to get an ABS bike is going to make that pretty difficult..

I may be ST bound for a while. You never know though... Honda hasn't changed things in a while.

At the moment, the only bike I'd consider getting would be a 2nd one and would be a dual sport but since I don't have any experience on that type of bike/riding - other than following Rick down the wrong road - I'm not sure I'd like it..

Or worse, I'd love it... LOL

[bigTom]

Quote by Mellow
At the moment, the only bike I'd consider getting would be a 2nd one and would be a dual sport but since I don't have any experience on that type of bike/riding

2 things:
1. 85% of the roads in the US aren't paved.
2. No riding that you can't learn..

[Mellow]

2 things:
1. 85% of the roads in the US aren't paved.
2. No riding that you can't learn..

You see.. that's the kind of negativity I don't need.. LOL

[Trailace]

2 things:
1. 85% of the roads in the US aren't paved.

Where did you get this number from? Sometimes it hard to find dirt roads.

[bigTom]

When Eric Davidson rolled out the Ulyses, it was their press relief numbers.

However, I'll bet that stat holds here in AZ and in rural Washington. Arizona still has some state highway miles that are gravel.

[sandman]

And then I met you there to do that hike and you decided not to do it 'cause it was so windy. But you did make it to the top of that rock at Big Bend!!! So did that little lady and the old fella!!! And who's the only one sittin'???LOL!!!


Joe you ought to know there's nowhere to hide! LOL

[sandman]

Where did you get this number from? Sometimes it hard to find dirt roads.

Hmmm, try MISS or ALA, lots of mostly red dust over this here way!

[motomac]

If I'm not mistaken there are quite a few here in OH, and I know there are a few in AR and LA.

[Mr. Guy]

Don't let Rick fool ya, he's like a dirt road bloodhound. If there's a dirt road anywhere near, he'll sniff it out. Somehow the worse it is, the more likely he'll find it. :D

Right Chief! :eek:

Guy

[Trailace]

Only a little over 2 months away still not in 100% but working on it.

[Flingshot]

Only a little over 2 months away still not in 100% but working on it.

I hope you figure it out and I hope you can ride some of the SOR trail with me too but if not i guess Ill have to wait for TAT part Two.

[Trailace]

I hope you figure it out and I hope you can ride some of the SOR trail with me too but if not i guess Ill have to wait for TAT part Two.
I would like to do some of the SOR but I'm thinking there will still be snow to deal with. :cold1:
However I hope to come up with some date's for TAT II real soon.:think1:

[DAD]

This sounds GREAT! I been in the hospital so long with this damm cancer, I think I will be there. A friend and me have been planing a trip to big bend for a while and this sounds like the perfect time! See you all there!:)

[Black and Blue]

This sounds GREAT! I been in the hospital so long with this damm cancer, I think I will be there. A friend and me have been planing a trip to big bend for a while and this sounds like the perfect time! See you all there!:)

DAD
We hope the best for you and hope this upcoming trip is a good sign you're better:)

[DAD]

DAD
We hope the best for you and hope this upcoming trip is a good sign you're better:)
Thank you! it's been rough, been cutting into my riding/camping quite a bit! That is gonna change though!!!!!:tent8:

[Mellow]

This sounds GREAT! I been in the hospital so long with this damm cancer, I think I will be there. A friend and me have been planing a trip to big bend for a while and this sounds like the perfect time! See you all there!:)

Hang in there bud..

Rita's mass have pretty much disappeared. Still a surgery to go through and some follow up but it's proof there is a silver lining...

[Trailace]

This sounds GREAT! I been in the hospital so long with this damm cancer, I think I will be there. A friend and me have been planing a trip to big bend for a while and this sounds like the perfect time! See you all there!:)
Great news to here you will be there, can't wait to meet DAD.:D

My Dad has been fighting cancer for over 10 years and he keeps kicking it in the butt. Keep up the fight.

[DAD]

Great news to here you will be there, can't wait to meet DAD.:D

My Dad has been fighting cancer for over 10 years and he keeps kicking it in the butt. Keep up the fight.
Thanks again, can't wait to meet all of you! Question, how many do you expect and should I make reservations with the camp ground?:)

[Mellow]

I've never had a problem getting a site at the Davis Mtns SP. This isn't during spring break which would cause issues.

Just show up and find a spot, if you get there before us.

Otherwise, we typically get spots in the area of the 80, 83 and 62 campsite numbers.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4501_004d.pdf

[DAD]

I've never had a problem getting a site at the Davis Mtns SP. This isn't during spring break which would cause issues.

Just show up and find a spot, if you get there before us.

Otherwise, we typically get spots in the area of the 80, 83 and 62 campsite numbers.

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/pwdpubs/media/park_maps/pwd_mp_p4501_004d.pdf
Will do, We will most likely get there Wed or Thu. Thanks!:)

[womantriker]

Have heard a lot about this Big Bend trip from Mac....hope to make this one with him!
womantriker

[Flingshot]

Still a bit worried about the weather coming down from Colorado. I hope I can make it. I am looking forward to meeting all that are going.
Its been pretty mild so far but gosh darn it! Where's Al Gore when you need him? :mad:
Praying for dry roads, dont much care about the cold.
Flingsnow, uh I mean Flingshot:D

[Trailace]

Still a bit worried about the weather coming down from Colorado. I hope I can make it. I am looking forward to meeting all that are going.
Its been pretty mild so far but gosh darn it! Where's Al Gore when you need him? :mad:
Praying for dry roads, dont much care about the cold.
Flingsnow, uh I mean Flingshot:D
We will hope for the best for ya. Besides we need to talk TAT west. :D

[Trailace]

Maybe adding a day and a GM hike would be cool....

I've been there many times in Feb... it will be cold at night, but a good cold, LOL...

Only snowed once so the odds are with us.
So are we adding a day for a hike?:confused:

I might be out if I can not find someone to work for me.:(

[Mellow]

So are we adding a day for a hike?:confused:

I might be out if I can not find someone to work for me.:(

Yup.. that's what I'm thinking.. Hike on Thursday and head over to Davis Mtns on Friday.

I'm planning on heading to Guadalupe NP on Wednesday after work. Then, we've got all day Thursday to make it up and down the trail.

[sandman]

OK,

Y'all have got my interest up.

Put me down for a definite maybe.

[motomac]

Weather permitting, I'm gonna be there Wednesday. I'll be leaving from Ohio for this one, so it is not a defo I'll be able to make it.

[Mr. Guy]

I won't be able to get there till Thurs. night, so it looks like I'll miss the hike. But not the campfire. :)

Guy

[sandman]

I won't be able to get there till Thurs. night, so it looks like I'll miss the hike. But not the campfire. :)

Guy

We'll need that fire going, truth be told most of us old farts are gonna need something hot to stand next to after hiking "Texas' answer to Mt. Everest"

If I can shake loose I'll be there Wednesday for the hike.

[Mellow]

The two times I've been there it's been pretty windy so a fire might not be possible.. lots of dry scrub around there ... but, you never know, we could get lucky.

[Mr. Guy]

Maybe just a "campfire" in spirit. :p

Guy

[Mellow]

Maybe just a "campfire" in spirit. :p

Guy

I checked the website and because it's always windy and dry there no campfires are permitted. Just stove/grill fires. That's okay, we can huddle all the portable fuel stoves together :eek:...

[motomac]

Or do like Diggers1300 and I did at BB last time, put those logs in the charcoal grill. When the guards came, we turned the grill away from the road. It got down to 28 that night!!!

[Mellow]

Or do like Diggers1300 and I did at BB last time, put those logs in the charcoal grill. When the guards came, we turned the grill away from the road. It got down to 28 that night!!!

That will work.. Hopefully, Davis Mtns will allow campfires.. they didn't the last time we were there which was no fun...

But, yes... we can fill up that grill LOL

[George]

I can bring a dozen penny stoves. :D

I plan to be there for the hike.

[motomac]

I don't remember seeing any fire rings at Guadalupe! Of course I don't remember what I had for breakfast today!

[Mellow]

I don't remember seeing any fire rings at Guadalupe! Of course I don't remember what I had for breakfast today!

Fires aren't ever allowed there. I don't remember seeing the standing grills come to think of it...

[Mr. Guy]

I'm out. The unexpected trip to Ohio last week drained to much vacation time for me. Maybe next year.

Guy

[Gene McCall]

Guy, as Mac would say, "Vacation? Work? what are those? I don't use such words anymore!" I had wanted to try for the big bend but shoulder rehab has knocked me out of that. Speaking of Mac, "Where in the World is Mac?" Last I heard he was on his way to the Golden State, hope he didn't get frozen on the way!
Gene:usflag1:

[bigTom]

No, he made it! I had coffee with him on Wednesday, he was within 20miles of Kolliefornia!

[motomac]

I be back in Ocean Beach. Got rained on yesterday, but I didn't melt.

[Gene McCall]

I didn't expect you to, salt just clumps up, didn't you learn anything on the farm? Gene:cool:

[sandman]

Couldn't get enough time off for this one.

Mardi Gras week is kinda popular around this part of the world.

Another year...

[Mellow]

I'm out. The unexpected trip to Ohio last week drained to much vacation time for me. Maybe next year.

Guy

Guy, as Mac would say, "Vacation? Work? what are those? I don't use such words anymore!" I had wanted to try for the big bend but shoulder rehab has knocked me out of that. Speaking of Mac, "Where in the World is Mac?" Last I heard he was on his way to the Golden State, hope he didn't get frozen on the way!
Gene:usflag1:

Couldn't get enough time off for this one.

Mardi Gras week is kinda popular around this part of the world.

Another year...

Sorry you guys can't make it. Maybe next time.

[Mellow]

If you are planning on doing the Guadalupe Mtns Nat'l Park hike
on the 26th, we have group site reservations at the Pine Springs
Group Camp site #2 under "ST Owners" and my name for
the 25th and 26th.

The Pine Springs campground is dirt/gravel so get on in and keep
going 'til you see the group sites.

[motomac]

If you are planning on doing the Guadalupe Mtns Nat'l Park hike
on the 26th, we have group site reservations at the Pine Springs
Group Camp site #2 under "ST Owners" and my name for
the 25th and 26th.

The Pine Springs campground is dirt/gravel so get on in and keep
going 'til you see the group sites.
I hope I can get the trailer in there. If I remember, all the tent sites were "carry your stuff through a little wide spot between boulders, so people couldn't drive their cars into the site".

[Mellow]

I hope I can get the trailer in there. If I remember, all the tent sites were "carry your stuff through a little wide spot between boulders, so people couldn't drive their cars into the site".

The group sites might look better... for getting the bunkhouse in there.

[BJFazio]

Oops, my plans have changed a bit. One of my riding buddies from DeRidder has decided to go with me, and he is not a hiker; so we are leaving here on Wednesday, and will arrive in Ft. Davis on Thursday. Guadalupe mountain will have to remain unconquered for the time being. (Note to Motomac: I know you're thinking that I'm wimping out, so to set the record straight, I plan to hike up that mountain very soon, and do it in the dark with no flashlight!!!)

BTW: he is not a camper either, so will be getting a room in Ft. Davis. If anyone is not camping, and would like to share a room with him, please let me know.

Thanks,
BJF

[motomac]

I would never call you a wimp for not tryng the mountain, but to get a motel room on a motocamping trip............................................. Wi Naw. I may not make it up the mountain.

[Mellow]

BJ, stellapod over at STO is heading there from OK on Thursday and getting a room.. I posted to him about this thread so maybe they can split a room. See you Friday.

[BJFazio]

Mac........I'm still camping, it's my buddy that's motelling. Wouldn't miss your coffee & biscuits for anything. :) What in the world is a Wi Naw? Is that something you learned in Alaska? Like: HELP MOMMA, there's a bear on my tent!!!

Joe.........Thanks for your help. See you'll in Ft Davis.

[motomac]

Mac........I'm still camping, it's my buddy that's motelling. Wouldn't miss your coffee & biscuits for anything. :) What in the world is a Wi Naw? Is that something you learned in Alaska? Like: HELP MOMMA, there's a bear on my tent!!!

Joe.........Thanks for your help. See you'll in Ft Davis.
I realized that after Joe's post, but didn't appologize. I should have known better. The Wi Naw was wimp naw. I should have did Wi.. Naw.

You'll never be the same after a bear knocks on your tent.

[Mellow]

Wed-Thu-Fri near GMNP looking great!
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Carlsbad&state=TX&site=SJT&textField1=31.5981&textField2=-100.632&e=0

Wed thru Sun looking great in Ft Davis:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Fort+Davis&state=TX&site=MAF&textField1=30.59&textField2=-103.9&e=0

Looks like we got lucky... things can change pretty fast so yes, might want to pack some long underwear just in case but the forecast is in our favor for moderate temps as well as dry conditions...

Man... I can't wait, this is gonna be a long 2.5 days at work...

[Mellow]

Also, on Friday we'll check out the observatory with Jerry Martin. He is an ST Owner that will give us a behind-the-scenes tour. I think those of us hiking the day before will do this after lunch but if anyone gets there in the morning just ask for him and say you are with ST-Owners and MotoCampers.

[Chief]

Sounds like yall are gonna have a great trip. We will be camping in Florida.P^

[motomac]

Sounds like yall are gonna have a great trip. We will be camping in Florida.P^
Is that going to be the first big Wing/Aspen jaunt???!!!

[Chief]

We've pulled it from Houston to Austin twice now and it does great.
Still haven't decided which bike to take to Daytona but it will probably be the Wing since it seems happier pulling the BIG load.:)

[Trailace]

Looks like my wife will be joining me in GMNP for 3 days of hiking. This means no BB for Rick so if your not going to GMNP I will miss ya.

I was looking forward to meeting a few new faces but family always comes first. This will be our second camping trip together in a month and it sure is nice having her around. I'm still working on her to take up Dual Sport riding with me but that my take some doing.:D

[motomac]

Looks like my wife will be joining me in GMNP for 3 days of hiking. This means no BB for Rick so if your not going to GMNP I will miss ya.

I was looking forward to meeting a few new faces but family always comes first. This will be our second camping trip together in a month and it sure is nice having her around. I'm still working on her to take up Dual Sport riding with me but that my take some doing.:D
Looking forward to meeting Mrs. D.

[motomac]

Well 7 of us climbed the highest mountain in Texas. Rick and his wife, Mellow, Forest, George, Pete, and I made it to the top in about 3.5 hours and back down in 1.5 hours. My legs are still sore, but it was worth it. I'm sure pictures will be posted soon. A bunch of folks showed in Ft Davis for the BBB. Got a bit chilly (32) last night in the campgroud, lots of critters running in and out of camp sites. I'm in Abeline on the way to Ohio. Carole is flying out of DFW tomorrow.

[Gene McCall]

Well Mac, if I had been with you guys you would have had 8 going up, 7 + 1 bodybag coming down! I envy you guys, I love Texas, used to have many relatives out there but they have moved on to that great ranch in the sky! I may have come back to Texas to see if any are left.

We woke up to 3-4 inches of snow. Just west of Nashville some places had a foot, of snow I mean!:cool:

[motomac]

I'm in Jackson TN and there is at least 8-10 inches on the ground and lots of ice in the parking lots.

[Mellow]

I got back yesterday about 3:30... it was 21 in Ft Davis so a bit chilly especially for those of us that didn't bring our electric gear but I find I'm still good 'til below 20... LOL

Here (http://mellow.smugmug.com/gallery/7489513_4iYFR#483301987_YRJDC) are the climbing pics and Here (http://mellow.smugmug.com/gallery/7489716_47Qud#483314491_2prqS) are the camping pics. I didn't ride much as I think I have a bad front tire and didn't want to push it.

[Ironheadziggy76]

Great pics Joe, looks like you all had a great time. P^

[Blksilverado]

Joe it was nice to meet you and the other motocampers this last weekend... Sure was comfy sleeping in the hotel saturday night! Hope everyone had a safe trip home....

Tom

[Mellow]

Joe it was nice to meet you and the other motocampers this last weekend... Sure was comfy sleeping in the hotel saturday night! Hope everyone had a safe trip home....

Tom

Same to meet you too...

It actually didn't feel any colder to me yesterday at 21 w/no wind vs saturday at 35 with a slight wind.

I think I past you guys getting gas on I 20 on my way home.

[Trailace]

I had a great time at GMNP and sorry I did not make it over to Mt Davis.

[motomac]

I am finally back to Ohio. 14 degrees. I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow.

[Trailace]

Here are a few pics of the GPS track of our climb.
http://trailace.smugmug.com/photos/484083011_3DPS2-M.jpg

http://trailace.smugmug.com/photos/484085687_B4BoA-M.jpg

[motomac]

Well after looking through the pictures I took, most of them have been posted by someone else, but noone got pictures of my motel parking lot.

[Black and Blue]

Well after looking through the pictures I took, most of them have been posted by someone else, but noone got pictures of my motel parking lot.

Man oh man, that looks fun.:p

[George]

My Big Ben pics are embedded in my March trip album at:
http://webshots.com/user/georgecatt

[womantriker]

My Big Bend pics are at:

www.womantriker.smugmug.com

look for big bend gallery

Carole

[motomac]

My Big Bend pics are at:

www.womantriker.smugmug.com

look for big bend gallery

CaroleI still can't believe with all the cameras that were on that trip, noone got a picture of Carole driving that multi-million dollar telescope!!!

[womantriker]

I think Forest got plenty of pics...not sure where his are posted.

Carole

[poopyone]

My Big Bend pics are at:

www.womantriker.smugmug.com

look for big bend gallery

Carole

Some really great shots Carole really enjoyed it thanks

[George]

I still can't believe with all the cameras that were on that trip, noone got a picture of Carole driving that multi-million dollar telescope!!!

There are three in my album, Mac. Here's one:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1731&d=1238081122
1731

[motomac]

There are three in my album, Mac. Here's one:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1731&d=1238081122
1731
Thanks George. Scary to have that in her hands!!!