Trekker
04-28-2007, 10:36 PM
Hey Campers! Here is a link to my photo album from my Moto-Camping trip down the Blue Ridge parkway to Trenton Georgia.
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/davetrek219/album/576460762399676020
I left Rochester Wed. 4/18 at 8:30 am, and after a cold ride through NY & PA, I arrived in Staunton, Virginia by 6pm. I stayed at a KOA for $34 (Yow!) It was clean and nice and had everything a camper needs? including hottubs & Wi-Fi. I listened to the Sabres game online, posted on the forum, IM?d with my son Jamie, and enjoyed a small fire. The place was overrun with bunnies! Very tame bunnies, but I didn't turn my back on them.
Thursday morning I broke camp and headed south to Waynesboro, VA, to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 0. Gassed up right before entering the BRP, then motored south. Had the road to myself almost the entire way, except for deer, pheasant, a goat, & a cow! Had my Sirius radio on the bike and I had tunes & NHL Live to listen to while I putted along. In N. Carolina I ran into a low cloud that made visibility difficult. Light rain and fog made me slow to 20mph watching the yellow center line. Camping wasn?t going to happen that night because I would not make it as far as I had planned, so I pulled off the Parkway at Laurel Springs, NC (RT 18), and stayed overnight at a motel- Stations Inn for $64. This place is right off the Parkway and caters to Bikers, with nice rooms, a store, bar, restaurant, and they allow bikes to be parked under the upper level overhang. Two other bikers pulled off the Parkway with me headed for the same motel. One had a BMW adventure bike, the other a Triumph Tiger. Nice rides and really nice guys from S. Carolina. We all had cheeseburgers at the bar for dinner together.
Friday morning I needed to gas up before getting back on the BRP, so I was told of a small place 2 miles up Rt 18 where the owner should be open by 7 or 7:30 am. I found the place easily after a pleasant morning ride in the Carolina hinterlands. The store/gas station is a typical family run place with old pumps and lots of stuff inside. No pay at the pump here! I went inside to pay for the gas I pumped, and the owner was surprised I was there. He didn?t hear me pull in (the ST is a nice quiet bike), and he was talking to the local school kids waiting inside for the bus to arrive. We made some small talk, and twenty minutes later, after we discussed fishing and winter in New York, taxes and property values, and what-not, I finally made my way back the BRP. I wish I thought to take his picture as he was quite the character.
The weather had improved and I made my way south to the end of the BRP, and using an old GPS V, I finally found the start of the Cherohala Skyway. Another nice road without much traffic with some great views. In Tennessee I once again relied on my GPS to get me to the Interstate via a faster route, and it worked well. This was my first use with a GPS unit and I was learning as I went. I love the technology and it gave me a sense of security knowing I wouldn?t get too far off track and would eventually find my destination. After riding through the back roads of TN, I made it to Athens, then through the commerce section of town, to I-74. Well? once on that road it was time to stretch the ST?s legs. I was able to move along between 80 & 85 mph for a long way in the 70mph zones. This bike runs flawlessly. Finally pulled into Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia around 6pm. The road leading up was cool, with some nice tight switchbacks. I was to meet up with a friend I hadn?t met yet (online buddy), Biker George from Signal Mnt, TN. He had already stayed one night in the campsite and was out on a day ride with some of the ST-Owner guys. I rode around and found the other ST folk and introduced myself. It is really nice to put faces to online personalities. My site mate soon showed, and we were talking like old friends. Enjoyed some time around the group campfire, too.
Saturday was day-ride day, and ChipSTer led five of us all around Chattanooga. We rode to the top of Lookout Mnt, then around the reservoir, then down a really technical back road along some body of water I cannot recall the name of. Those that were better riders were having some fun, while those of us with less skill took our time and rode at our own pace. At one point I was having too much fun and was a little too hot on Geo?s tail, and I had to back off. Sorry Geo! We eventually made our way to Merv?s for some big cheeseburgers, where strangely enough even when the waitress wrote our order?s down she could get it right?. Twice! Anyway, the food was OK and we got back on our mounts for more riding. The plan was to ride up to the top of Suck Creek Road, turn around, then continue on to another area Chip wanted to show us. Here?s where I hurt my pride, and thankfully not the bike. In the process of turning around I managed to stall (while in 2nd, not 1st) and drop the 1100 with the front wheel two feet into the road! The bike was leaning down hill, and a gentleman in a pickup assisted me in getting upright and out of the way. No real damage done except to the tipover wing, and my pride. Oh well. The guys were great and only teased me a little! The next road was a doozy! To the top of Signal Mnt. We took what the guys lovingly called ?the W road?. This is one of those residential roads with REALLY tight switchbacks. Did I mention the tight switchbacks? They were TIGHT! With traffic! :eek: Vehicles coming down have to give right-of-way to vehicles coming up. I managed to NOT drop the bike going up this road, and once at the top we pulled into a small scenic overlook where Gordon ?Sandman? jokes, ?I guess we forgot to tell Trekker about the W road!?. My only question was? do we have to go back DOWN that road??? We didn?t, and the ride out of this expensive looking neighborhood was much easier than the ride in. An attempt to find the big Super Bike Dealer was made, but that wasn?t meant to be. This ride around and through Chattanooga presented everything? high class housing, great views, the projects, and what may have been a passed out drunk on the side of the road (we hope). Back to camp we flew, for more time around the campfire.
Sunday was the day most of us were headed home. Some had a one day ride, others like myself needed two. I shared breakfast with Geo (Biker George), & two other ST guys at the Waddle House, then back on the Interstate where we all peeled off for different destinations. Terry & Dan were head for Iowa, Geo to Signal Mnt., and myself back to the north coast. I Interstated north to Knoxville, where I made my way to I-81 north. In Virginia I exited to Rt 58 east and rode through some very nice country. This road is a keeper and I highly recommend it. There were some technical areas, and some very nice sections along a small creek. On this road right before it eventually intersects the BRP, is a fantastic motorcycle campground- Willville. Those that have stayed there know of this jewel, others MUST stay there. Will is a great host and the six other campers I shared the place with were really nice folks. Five BMW riders, one Harley guy, and myself enjoyed a cool evening around the fire.
Monday I was able to break camp early after eating my Po?Boy bisquit on the porch. Using my GPS again I traveled some more state roads to Roanoke, where I would get back on I-81. Pat & I are very much considering relocating to Roanoke in a few years and I always check it out when ever I get down that way. Once back on I-81 the bike was back up to higher velocities and I was really itching to get miles under my wheels. This would be my longest day in the saddle at 600 miles, and my butt was reminding me. I ran into the very worst weather of the entire trip 50 miles from home. A fast moving storm blew across the state and some very brisk winds threatened to push me into the ditch. I made my way to the next exit and sought shelter under an Exxon gas station roof. A younger rider on a Yamaha rocket had made it in before the major blast hit and was surprised to see me pull in with all that gear strapped on the bike. We chatted and he checked the online radar map with his phone browser, then 15 minutes later we both got moving north again. Once home I was warmly greeted by my wife (Pat) and my two Yorkies, King & Kong.
I would classify this trip as a complete success. I rode the most ever at a total of just over 2500 miles, met some very interesting people along the way, met some great members of the forum, and spent some alone time- just me and the bike on the road. I averaged about 47 mpg fully loaded down, even with moving along with exuberance on Interstates. I learned how to use the GPS unit, and that I need to take more pictures instead of just keep going. I also learned I need a new seat! My Travelcade was WAY better than the stock?. Yet I know a Russell Day Long is in my future. I totally enjoyed solo riding, much more than I imagined.
I camped using a Timberline 4-man tent, a Coleman one-burner stove, Mountain House meals, a coffee perker, Thermorest Pad, down sleeping pad... all stuffed into the saddle bags, a Givi top box & two water proof bags strapped on the seat. I liked having the 4-man tent for the room and doubt a smaller shelter would have saved that much space for me. I did take too much clothes and stuff. I didn't mess up what I was wearing too much and managed to keep the smell down! I need to review my list again to remove all the crap I didn't need. Like the large tool bag I hauled along... the Honda ran great and I have a HRCA card for breakdowns. I guess I don't really need a complete socket set & a multimeter, eh? Never did use the collaspable cooler either. What I could use is a folding stool or chair.
Now?.. where should I go next????
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/davetrek219/album/576460762399676020
I left Rochester Wed. 4/18 at 8:30 am, and after a cold ride through NY & PA, I arrived in Staunton, Virginia by 6pm. I stayed at a KOA for $34 (Yow!) It was clean and nice and had everything a camper needs? including hottubs & Wi-Fi. I listened to the Sabres game online, posted on the forum, IM?d with my son Jamie, and enjoyed a small fire. The place was overrun with bunnies! Very tame bunnies, but I didn't turn my back on them.
Thursday morning I broke camp and headed south to Waynesboro, VA, to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 0. Gassed up right before entering the BRP, then motored south. Had the road to myself almost the entire way, except for deer, pheasant, a goat, & a cow! Had my Sirius radio on the bike and I had tunes & NHL Live to listen to while I putted along. In N. Carolina I ran into a low cloud that made visibility difficult. Light rain and fog made me slow to 20mph watching the yellow center line. Camping wasn?t going to happen that night because I would not make it as far as I had planned, so I pulled off the Parkway at Laurel Springs, NC (RT 18), and stayed overnight at a motel- Stations Inn for $64. This place is right off the Parkway and caters to Bikers, with nice rooms, a store, bar, restaurant, and they allow bikes to be parked under the upper level overhang. Two other bikers pulled off the Parkway with me headed for the same motel. One had a BMW adventure bike, the other a Triumph Tiger. Nice rides and really nice guys from S. Carolina. We all had cheeseburgers at the bar for dinner together.
Friday morning I needed to gas up before getting back on the BRP, so I was told of a small place 2 miles up Rt 18 where the owner should be open by 7 or 7:30 am. I found the place easily after a pleasant morning ride in the Carolina hinterlands. The store/gas station is a typical family run place with old pumps and lots of stuff inside. No pay at the pump here! I went inside to pay for the gas I pumped, and the owner was surprised I was there. He didn?t hear me pull in (the ST is a nice quiet bike), and he was talking to the local school kids waiting inside for the bus to arrive. We made some small talk, and twenty minutes later, after we discussed fishing and winter in New York, taxes and property values, and what-not, I finally made my way back the BRP. I wish I thought to take his picture as he was quite the character.
The weather had improved and I made my way south to the end of the BRP, and using an old GPS V, I finally found the start of the Cherohala Skyway. Another nice road without much traffic with some great views. In Tennessee I once again relied on my GPS to get me to the Interstate via a faster route, and it worked well. This was my first use with a GPS unit and I was learning as I went. I love the technology and it gave me a sense of security knowing I wouldn?t get too far off track and would eventually find my destination. After riding through the back roads of TN, I made it to Athens, then through the commerce section of town, to I-74. Well? once on that road it was time to stretch the ST?s legs. I was able to move along between 80 & 85 mph for a long way in the 70mph zones. This bike runs flawlessly. Finally pulled into Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia around 6pm. The road leading up was cool, with some nice tight switchbacks. I was to meet up with a friend I hadn?t met yet (online buddy), Biker George from Signal Mnt, TN. He had already stayed one night in the campsite and was out on a day ride with some of the ST-Owner guys. I rode around and found the other ST folk and introduced myself. It is really nice to put faces to online personalities. My site mate soon showed, and we were talking like old friends. Enjoyed some time around the group campfire, too.
Saturday was day-ride day, and ChipSTer led five of us all around Chattanooga. We rode to the top of Lookout Mnt, then around the reservoir, then down a really technical back road along some body of water I cannot recall the name of. Those that were better riders were having some fun, while those of us with less skill took our time and rode at our own pace. At one point I was having too much fun and was a little too hot on Geo?s tail, and I had to back off. Sorry Geo! We eventually made our way to Merv?s for some big cheeseburgers, where strangely enough even when the waitress wrote our order?s down she could get it right?. Twice! Anyway, the food was OK and we got back on our mounts for more riding. The plan was to ride up to the top of Suck Creek Road, turn around, then continue on to another area Chip wanted to show us. Here?s where I hurt my pride, and thankfully not the bike. In the process of turning around I managed to stall (while in 2nd, not 1st) and drop the 1100 with the front wheel two feet into the road! The bike was leaning down hill, and a gentleman in a pickup assisted me in getting upright and out of the way. No real damage done except to the tipover wing, and my pride. Oh well. The guys were great and only teased me a little! The next road was a doozy! To the top of Signal Mnt. We took what the guys lovingly called ?the W road?. This is one of those residential roads with REALLY tight switchbacks. Did I mention the tight switchbacks? They were TIGHT! With traffic! :eek: Vehicles coming down have to give right-of-way to vehicles coming up. I managed to NOT drop the bike going up this road, and once at the top we pulled into a small scenic overlook where Gordon ?Sandman? jokes, ?I guess we forgot to tell Trekker about the W road!?. My only question was? do we have to go back DOWN that road??? We didn?t, and the ride out of this expensive looking neighborhood was much easier than the ride in. An attempt to find the big Super Bike Dealer was made, but that wasn?t meant to be. This ride around and through Chattanooga presented everything? high class housing, great views, the projects, and what may have been a passed out drunk on the side of the road (we hope). Back to camp we flew, for more time around the campfire.
Sunday was the day most of us were headed home. Some had a one day ride, others like myself needed two. I shared breakfast with Geo (Biker George), & two other ST guys at the Waddle House, then back on the Interstate where we all peeled off for different destinations. Terry & Dan were head for Iowa, Geo to Signal Mnt., and myself back to the north coast. I Interstated north to Knoxville, where I made my way to I-81 north. In Virginia I exited to Rt 58 east and rode through some very nice country. This road is a keeper and I highly recommend it. There were some technical areas, and some very nice sections along a small creek. On this road right before it eventually intersects the BRP, is a fantastic motorcycle campground- Willville. Those that have stayed there know of this jewel, others MUST stay there. Will is a great host and the six other campers I shared the place with were really nice folks. Five BMW riders, one Harley guy, and myself enjoyed a cool evening around the fire.
Monday I was able to break camp early after eating my Po?Boy bisquit on the porch. Using my GPS again I traveled some more state roads to Roanoke, where I would get back on I-81. Pat & I are very much considering relocating to Roanoke in a few years and I always check it out when ever I get down that way. Once back on I-81 the bike was back up to higher velocities and I was really itching to get miles under my wheels. This would be my longest day in the saddle at 600 miles, and my butt was reminding me. I ran into the very worst weather of the entire trip 50 miles from home. A fast moving storm blew across the state and some very brisk winds threatened to push me into the ditch. I made my way to the next exit and sought shelter under an Exxon gas station roof. A younger rider on a Yamaha rocket had made it in before the major blast hit and was surprised to see me pull in with all that gear strapped on the bike. We chatted and he checked the online radar map with his phone browser, then 15 minutes later we both got moving north again. Once home I was warmly greeted by my wife (Pat) and my two Yorkies, King & Kong.
I would classify this trip as a complete success. I rode the most ever at a total of just over 2500 miles, met some very interesting people along the way, met some great members of the forum, and spent some alone time- just me and the bike on the road. I averaged about 47 mpg fully loaded down, even with moving along with exuberance on Interstates. I learned how to use the GPS unit, and that I need to take more pictures instead of just keep going. I also learned I need a new seat! My Travelcade was WAY better than the stock?. Yet I know a Russell Day Long is in my future. I totally enjoyed solo riding, much more than I imagined.
I camped using a Timberline 4-man tent, a Coleman one-burner stove, Mountain House meals, a coffee perker, Thermorest Pad, down sleeping pad... all stuffed into the saddle bags, a Givi top box & two water proof bags strapped on the seat. I liked having the 4-man tent for the room and doubt a smaller shelter would have saved that much space for me. I did take too much clothes and stuff. I didn't mess up what I was wearing too much and managed to keep the smell down! I need to review my list again to remove all the crap I didn't need. Like the large tool bag I hauled along... the Honda ran great and I have a HRCA card for breakdowns. I guess I don't really need a complete socket set & a multimeter, eh? Never did use the collaspable cooler either. What I could use is a folding stool or chair.
Now?.. where should I go next????