GaThumper

A few pictures from today. This is The Lodge at Tellico. Cabins for rent and great BBQ. http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/jbmaynard/Yamaha%20Venture/IMG_0066.jpg Tim's Harley backed up by the two Ventures http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/jbmaynard/Yamaha%20Venture/IMG_0070.jpg Alan's 1st Gen checking out the new kid on the block http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/jbmaynard/Yamaha%20Venture/IMG_0072.jpg And here she is, my 2001 RSV http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/jbmaynard/Yamaha%20Venture/IMG_0073.jpg

Safe and sound and DRY in Georgia. Got in about 8:30, had a full day of riding, and by God's grace I remained dry ALL DAY LONG! I knew the route from Maysville KY through Lexington and on the the TN line looked pretty good, but based on the forecast I was planning on getting plenty wet going through TN and wouldn't have been surprised to see some really bad storms and have to take cover. I talked to Bob while I was gassing up in Paris KY and he was looking at the weather forecast on the computer and said I was headed for some rain. I went ahead and suited up for rain and headed for Lexington. Based on the forecast I decided to hit I-75 at Lexington and super slab it all the way to Sweetwater. I passed in the TN at and fueled up at Jellico and I was dry as expected, but from there to Sweetwater I was expecting anything. Still no rain, farther and farther south and no rain. OK maybe my windshield got washed once or twice, but the rain suit was completely unnecessary. About 10 miles north of Knoxville I hear a wierd noise and wondering what kind of alarms were going off on the bike, I realized I was hearing my cell phone ringing. I just keep on riding and then I hear it again, and again, and again. SO by now I figure something is going on, so I take off my right glove and very carefully unzip my rain suit and armor and get my cell phone out of my shirt pocket and look at missed calls. First was my wife, second was my sis-in-law, and two were 423 area codes that I didn't recognize. So I'm thinking something must be going on, maybe I'm driving into a tornado, or there was a family emergency, or one of my friends coming up from Georgia to Sweetwater had crashed, or... something was wrong. So I pocketed the cell phone and took the next exit to return some phone calls. Called my wife and she was just wondering if I was at Sweetwater yet. Called my sister in law and it was my brother, "Where are You?" I told him where I was and he said I had just threaded the needle! There were some strong cells passing through and I was riding in between the really bad weather and the bad weather. He couldn't believe I was still dry, and he said if I continued, there was a chance that I could slide on through to Sweetwater. Called the last number and it was the Lodge at Tellico. My two friends were there, with no cell service, and soaking wet! They were forced to pull over and said if they hadn't arrived when they did, they were about to just pull off the side of the road and hunker down! They apparantly road right into the mouth of a monster storm cell and said they were riding at 10 miles an hour when they spotted the Lodge at Tellico. The folks there let them pull the bikes under the porch and wait it out. They decided to go ahead and eat there instead of riding on up to Sweetwater as planned and I would keep on coming down 68 to Tellico Plains and meet them there. So I rode on down I-75 to the Sweetwater exit and continued down 68 to The Lodge at Tellico where I arrived still dry and ate some REALLY GOOD BBQ pork, fresh cut home fries, and very tasty corn fritters! mmmm mmmmm GOOD! We had a nice ride back down from Tellico and stopped a couple of times to stretch. At one stop we decided to put on the rain gear since it was sprinkling rain when we got ready to leave. Sprinkled on us for about 5 minutes and was not enough to need the rain suits then it quit. Next stop we took off the rain gear and rode on back home. Got our windshields washed just north of Blairsville, but didn't get wet at all. We parted ways at Turners corner, me headed on down 129 to Cleveland, and Alan and Tim headed down through Dahlonega to Cumming. I pulled in at the house with about 730 miles total for the two days. That's the most miles I've ever logged in two days. The Venture did great, no real problems with the bike at all, including the shock and the tire. She marked here territory all along the way, so I guess the shock still has some oil in it. The tire whined when cornering and was quiet when traveling in a straight line. I'll be getting her some new shoes soon. And I'm going to consult with a suspension expert friend of mine about the shock and probably order the Works shock pretty soon. I didn't take any pics Friday and just a few today due to the weather, but I'll post a few later. Thanks again to all of you! I had a great trip and look forward to seeing you on the Highways and the Byways. James

Good point! It just seemed wierd to me that one side was noticebly more worn than the other? I don't know that I've even noticed a m/c tire wearing that way. Nevertheless, she'll be getting new shoes soon, probably Avon Venom or Dunlop Elite. Heading out soon, just getting packed up now. I'll check in tonight.

Thanks! I love my GS too. It's the one bike that I don't think I will ever sell. I just ordered all the seals for the tach and cam tensioner and will be pulling the valve cover this month to check the valves and (hopefully) stop a little oil leak that it developed last year. I'll stay as dry as I can! Should be OK starting out in the morning from Maysville and on through Lexington, but it looks really iffy for Tenn and GA. Tomorrow I'll be sure and stop and put on the rain gear BEFORE my pants legs get wet. This evening I waited about 30 minutes too long to put on the Frogg Toggs. I kept hoping I would get out of the rain but it got worse instead of better. I'm REALLY glad I stopped whe I did though, by the time I got to the KY state line it was coming down pretty hard. Catch you Later! I'm off to check the clothes dryer and hit the sack. James

Will do! I hope to hit Lexington by 10:00 if I get up and get going by 8:30.

Just looked at the weather for tomorrow. Kentucky looks like it will be pretty dry, but Tennessee and Georgia may be pretty wet! I'm probably going to just go over to Lexington and hit I-75 and super-slab it back to Knoxville/Sweetwater. The guys are still planning to meet for some ribs in Sweetwater, so that's my plan, too. If the weather's bad we'll just hunker down somewhere and make a run for home when we get a chance. Catch you later! James

Here I am! I made my goal of reaching Maysville KY this evening, although it took riding the last hour and a half in the rain. The Frog Togs did great, but my Rockport boots are definately NOT waterproof! I'm drying out in the room now waiting on Pizza Hut to deliver my pizza and planning my ride for tomorrow. I'm hoping I can get south in the dry, but after today I'm pretty comfortable with the Venture. Took a little getting used to the big girl, but I'm a happy camper! I brought an XL bike cover with me and when I arrived I stretched it over the bike using the antenna and windshield for support and dried the bike a bit with a towel and then folded the antenna and covered her up for the night. Tornado warnings southeast of Lexington, but just a light rain here now. I looked the tire over and decided as long as I was aware of the wear pattern (center has decent tread, sides are more worn, one side worn worse than the other... alignment?) and was careful it should make it back home where I can use my normal tire shop. They give almost internet prices and charge only $45 for installation and balance of two tires with the wheels on the bike. They also have a no-mar tire changer, and are very careful with the wheels. It's a mom and pop shop too, so I really like sopporting them. Bike, ran good, didn't handle terribly considering the rear shock is bad, maybe there's still some oil in there? It's got the whine, but I can live with that knowing why it does it. Pizza's here, I'll going to eat and work on the route for tomorrow and check back in later! Thanks Again! to everyone for al the help, especially Don for checking the bike out for me. You guys are the best! James

I'll miss this meet due to the trip to Cleveland. I'm flying out of Atlanta tomorrow morning going to Cleveland Ohio to pick up my new to me 2001 RSV. I have a 550 Zumo. I've already pulled the bike mount off the dual sport, so I'll plan on using it instead of the suction mount. The only problem is I don't have that mount wired for power and I don't think I'll have time to rig it up for the trip. That's why I was thinking about using the suction mount. But the vision of it falling off going down the road is too much! The Zumo battery will go for a few hours and I can take it out of the mount and charge it wuth a USB cable. I've also got a 60csx that I'll carry with me as a backup. It runs on AA and I have LIthium batterys for it and the camera. I should be OK. Thanks! James

Is the RSV windshield flat enough to use the suction cup mount for my Zumo? Thanks! James

DUH, Hitting myself on the forhead with the heal of my head. That's a great idea. Thanks!

Thank You! I also just had some of my brain cells line up and had googled "yamaha venture saddlebag liners" and TLC Products was the first site returned on the search! I know the owner said he had saddlebag liners, but I'm not clear if he has the trunk liner or just the saddlebag liners. No idea where he got them, either. Making my list and checking it twice! James

Does anyone know where I can get the inside dimensions for the RSV bags? I'd like to figure out what size carry bag I might be able to take with me when I fly up to get my '01 tomorrow. I can always just carry a few things in a paper gift bag if need be, but if I knew the inner dimensions I could take something that will fit right in. I've got a few different choices here from lunch coolers (I know these would fit) to a KLR650 tail bag (17x11x6 I think). I was told a 16.5x14 laptop case will fit in the tour pack, so I'll have my laptop bag there with room for a few more items. I don't have the height available in the tour pack though, so if the tour pack dimensions are known that would be nice to.

Thanks Dennis! I used the Harley ride planner to re-create my route last night and created a gpx file. Today I'll bring the Zumo in and connect to my laptop and see if it will transfer it directly. I really like the map detail they have there. The only problem I had was it didn't seem like the "avoid highways" option worked. But it was really easy just to drop waypoints along the way and add locations key places. I like the tool and will use it again.

Thanks! That sounds like it will work for me too. You guys rock!

Starting to make a list and check it twice for the trip. I want to take my Zumo with me. I believe their is a 12v power outlet (cig. lighter style)on the RSV? (Left side under the speaker?) Is there a flat space on the windshield I can use my suction mount on or is it all too curved? If not, I can remove the clamp on handlebar type motorcycle mount from another bike, but I'd rather stick it on the windshield for the trip home if possible. I'm planning to take my laptop, too. What are the dimensions for the bags and tour pack? Wondering if a typical laptop carry bag will fit, or if I need to use a small laptop sleeve? Thanks, James

Interesting... http://www.tourbuddy.com/bikes.shtml a good post from pashnit... http://www.pashnit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4396&postcount=4 another tour tank... http://www.tourtank.com/ flatbed fuel cell for fjr1300... http://www.fjr1300.info/misc/tanji.html Acerbis makes two tanks for off road bikes that might be adapted to street use... http://www.acerbis.com/p150_tank/11250006.html

I've used MSR fuel bottles to carry extra fuel on my dual sport since it has only 2 gallons and a range of about 75-80 miles. I carry two of the large bottles and that gives me about 1/2 gallon of extra fuel, good for about 15-20 more miles. I've never had a problem with these bottles leaking and they are bounced around severly on a typical off road ride! I'm guessing you would want a lot more than 1/2 gallon extra? You could use lot's of the MSR bottles, or maybe get a different container. I know there are 5 gallon fuel containers that the jeep and FJ folks use. There's a really neet one that is almost flat for carrying on the roof rack. Maybe there is a 2-3 gallon equivilent? I like this "Geri" can, but it is probably too long to be useful on the bike. Dimensions are 3.25" x 34" x 13.5". I'll keep thinking about this. Are you thinking about something that will fit in the saddlebag? http://www.expeditionone.biz/Geri_intro.htm http://exp-one.com/prototypegallery/albums/userpics/10001/geri1.jpg

That sounds like a plan to me... Thank You! I'm going to try and get headed south early afternoon, we'll see how it goes. I may decide to go ahead and hit the interstate for the first leg Friday if I get started later in the afternoon. According to Google maps I can make it from Chardon to Maysville in 5 hours by interstate and 7 hours if I take backroads. I really want to make Maysville Friday evening. I would love to make it all the way to Lexington to make Saturdays ride a little shorter, but the extra mileage/time and preferring to stay in a smaller town makes me think that Maysville is a good target to shoot for! I don't know where in Lexington I would stay and would wonder about safety (of the bike, of course) overnight in the larger city. I would want to get a good recommendation before I tried to make it on to Lexington. Saturday I'm shooting to make it to Sweetwater by 1:00 or so and it looks like it will take 6 hours to get from Maysville KY to Sweetwater TN. I may have a couple of friends from Georgia using this as an excuse to ride up to Sweetwater and meet me for some BBQ at Bradley's Pit BBQ on 68/Lost Sea Pike just south of I-75. Join us there for some Q if you can or suggest a better BBQ joint if you know of one, we are planning to meet and eat in Sweetwater. Thanks for all the help! Now if you can put in a prayer for me to have a safe trip and good weather I'd appreciate it!

I rebuke that! but I do have a waterproof jacket and a good rain suit. I'll be prepared! Thanks, James

Thank You Bob! I'm going to carry a list of venturerider.org assistance contacts with me just in case. I'll be glad to have you there to back me up. I'll also be glad to give you a call Friday night, or you can call me. My cell number is in vr assistance. I hope my AT&T phone will work there! I'll have my laptop with me too, so I should be able to get wifi somewhere and check in here Friday night.

Thanks Dennis! Sorry I'll miss you, but I appreciate you pitching in. The route you suggested is what I currently have programmed into Google maps. It looks like a good one. I just hope the weather co-operates!

Thanks for the advice! I'm planning to stick with 27 and just take it easy. And based on what you said about Lenoir City, I've just modified my route to stay on 27 all the way to Spring City and then pick up 68 there to Sweetwater. Looks like a better route!

taken under advisement... I'll see how she's handling at that point!

Absoulutely agree, the Skyway is one of my favorites! I'll be camping at the Cherahola Motorcycle Resort along with 100 or more of my closest friends the weekend after! http://www.cycleresort.com/ Mark and Renee (the owners) are awesome and we have a great time there every year! Great place for a rally and the southeast gang from klrworld.com and klr650.net will be holding the TDT-IV, the fourth annual Tour de Tellico KLR rally. This is a dual sport ride with multiple rides each day for hard core dirt to all pavement. Not limited to KLRs, there will be a good many other small dual sports. Last year's line up, not all bikes were present! http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/jbmaynard/Tour%20de%20Tellico%20III/DSCN3377.jpg

Great advice! But, I get up to the Cherahola and 129 several times each year and I may pass this time since I'll be on the tail end of two days riding and nursing the blown shock. I all depends on how I feel and how the bike is handling. I'm not sure what to expect. We'll make the call when I meet my friends at Sweetwater. And, the ride from Tellico down 68 is a nice ride, too! Thanks, James