Barrycuda

:cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10::cool10: now rest....

Bad news Phil.... it is every 2 years

that's why I decided to leave a day earlier. hit rain about 10% of my ride, but that 10% was treacherous. be safe and stay warm..

likewise Annie. You Aussies are A-OK

I just returned from Vogel (yesterday) and my round trip took me 1,380 miles door to door. My first time at Vogel, but everyone made it seem as if it was 5th time. the weather was overall fantastic, cooler for some, great for me. Blairsville, Georgia is a small town in North Georgia that I always see on TV. Small town, great vibe, laid back folks, friendly, quaint, within 20 minutes of N.Carolina border. A town you see on the Lifetime channel Being my first time, took the scenic route after breaking off I-75 at Macon and around the Athens perimeter. the N.Georgia mountains at US 129 North was interesting. sort of a prequel to deals gap. Once there, I arrived ahead of those staying at Seasons Inn, while others were at the Vogel campgrounds. Soon after, Frank D, Stacey and Sharon, Kim from Virginia, carbon one and wife, GA wildKat and Micheal, Awesome Aussies and my self proclaimed guardians B2Mom and Dad arrive. We dine at this place called FATZ, where the food was in mountainous proportions, but SO good. We stayed outside the motel chatting getting to know one another and story swapping. The motel as a whole was decent however, some people had issues which seemed to be resolved quickly as can be. Next morning some of us meet for breakfast at THE HOLE IN THE WALL diner. Very small town, but cozy place. Head from there to catch the Vogel campground folks to go to Deals Gap, via a route through Cherohala skyway. My first real experience riding through mountains and the gradient incline and decline, where me and my clutch weren't sure what gear was the right one I eventually got into a groove and settled in. Then we arrive at deals gap for some food before we hit the Tail of the dragon. Here, I get a chance to chat a bit in detail with Jamie, Lewis, Yammer Dan and the seasons Inn crew. They were always willing to help give advice and tips. Since this was my first time on the dragon, I used their advice to "ride my ride" and stay to the right for crotch rockets zooming by. I also employed my Ride like a pro techniques of head and eyes looking. Well, Although the beginning was a bit nerve wracking, I did seem to settle in and take the bike to the lean limit by scraping pegs for the first time. I did not drop the bike or cross double yellow. As for my actual performance, you may have to ask B2MOM/Dad and Carbon One who were behind me. The fact I made it, did not crash or cross yellow line was an accomplishment. On the way TO the dragon, some of those roads were slightly nutty themselves. After we at the motel chose to eat at a salad/pizza buffet across the motel. More chatting and good nights. Friday was VOGEL!! Me and Kim ride down to register at 9 am and Lewis and Jamie were late blaming each other The event went well, although 99% of the day was a bit colder and damp. At the event I learned more about Yammer Dan, met Cowpuc and Cheryl, Jamie's wife, Dana and his wife, ectswJoe and his wife, Lewis' wife, Pastor Earl and his wife, Skid, Charles and others (my apologies for not mentioning you by name, I forgot as of this writing:confused07:). If you never met Cowpuc and Cheryl, they are ultra happy, infectious people. The food and catering were down right delicious. Lewis did a fantastic job hosting the event, although it seems commonplace for him to get distracted and go 59 different ways... BUT...he is EXTREMELY caring about his time and efforts for St. Jude's. Vogel state park is pretty amazing with cabins, a small beach, water etc. very pretty. After the closing ceremonies of Vogel, we all are asked by Cowpuc to SIGN HIS BIKE WITH A SHARPEE!!!! mainly over stickers, but his first gen body also had signatures on it. We dined again at Fatz' and I sat with Pastor Earl and his wife. We had good food and great conversations. I packed for the night as I left Saturday, trying to avoid the heavy storms predicted to hit Georgia ,so I had to forgo Dillard House. Hit the road at 530 am and returned to home about 230 pm... I had a WONDERFUL TIME and glad I was able to participate with St. Judes as well as meet some amazing people. This site and it's members are amazing !! Amazing such as the following: One member had a almost stripped bare rear tire, so we ALL pull over and call and find out where and how to get him a rear tire. Some of the group actually stayed and waited until it was solved before continuing on. the camaraderie was great, all working together. Another member took a spill and again, we all banned together to make sure they and the bike were OK, and again,some stayed while things were to be straightened out. One member had a bike that refused to start, due to a drained battery and we had to push/ kick start the bike a few times. The fact we all stayed as a group, and gave and gave tirelessly is what I admire and like the most about being a VR member here. I will always be a member, regardless if I ride a RSV, GW, or a unicycle. Where I am from up, it was not like this and people usually fended for themselves. I'd much rather have this family any day. The following is a personal thank you to the following who actually took the time to make me feel part of, made me comfortable and treated me like as if we were lifelong friends: Patti/Don : Words aren't enough as they always have their arms and hearts open to me. I admire such people and hope one day can pay it forward. they are the best! Jamie and his wife: from the first encounter at Fatz, he was huggin on me as if we just rode cross country together. Invites to his home with my wife and kids. He and his wife was unbelievable. Aussie Annie and Al: Great people, kind, warm, able to take and give friendly jabs. learned they also would do anything for you if need be. Going to miss them. Stacey and Sharon: Shared trial and tribulations of home life and for me actually learning others deal with some of what I am currently going through. thanks for the chats!! Kim from Virginia: great insight to modifications, equipment, riding and overall conversations. Carbon one/Larry and his wife: very easy going guy with no issues talking bikes, life, riding etc. He was involved in everything we did. Another great guy. his wife was also very engaging. Pastor Earl and his wife: again, great people and great conversations. Lewis: for inviting me to this event, organizing it, the catering and caring about what he does so much. next time be ON TIME !!!! He is definitely a guy who cares about people and his helping people. Yammer Dan; a unique individual. He is a good guy to chat with and shoot the sh*t, about. He seemed quiet, but once he chats, you learn a little something about the man. Cowpuc and Cheryl: for making great conversation, interviewing me about the 9/11 attacks (as if they worked for CNN) and for us signing your bike. made the mood very light and happier. Tricia (GA WildKat)/ Michael: Glad to finally have met you and for me to be part of this event with you both. and to anyone else I may have missed by name. Does not mean my feelings are anything less than appreciative, just those above were the ones I were surrounded with the most. Thanks for reading and have a safe day!! Barry

I really was bummed you could not go, but I understand with work and all.

Awesome Aussie Annie and awesome Al... Just returned home about 4 hours ago... What a ride back. You and Al kick American and Australian ass!!!

Great job with the pics Patti! Have to wear stripes next time, that shirt makes me look fatter than I already am.

I would strongly consider that option...

I have had the pleasure to be spending time with Annie and Al, they are wonderful folks. Engaging, fun, easy to ride with. A whole lot of Aussie Awesomeness.....

i am ready...

Mike, GREAT job trying to set this site solidified for next years IR. It seems to cover much of what everyone is looking for. What is the official word? is THIS the site for next year? whats the final vote?

I feel ya PhilH on not logging miles like many others. I have 2 small children and this year was the most I have ridden, 7k and counting, but that really is because of the venture. I already broke my goal of 5k per year. Just ride your awesome bike as much as you can. Before you know it the miles will start adding up!! Ride safe.

Paul, Can you send me a pic or 2 on your set up?

I use the 3 inch without any difficulties. I also have the 765 garmin

Happy birthday Bobby you crazy guy!!!!!

The new Vulcan voyagers had severe issues with heat on your right leg. They addressed it by putting a shield or tube that is supposed to redirect the heat away from riders leg. To what extent it is successful idk. The voyagers are liquid cooled, but I read somewhere not through the entire engine, just the fins. I test rode one. Ran fine, and nice handling. But that right leg was beyond HOT.

Now in the convertible, you can wave the big foam finger, no...not the middle one either...

If I am able to wave, I do, regardless of the outcome, however I am not wave happy. Sometimes I give ( and get) the nod, sometimes I get nothing because I may be not socially accepted by that rider, or he is preoccupied. I will beep the horn if I am waved at but cant wave back in the middle of shifting to in a turn or curve, or cranking my tunes!!! I wave to LEO, HD riders, 1%ers, etc. I will NOT wave to a Vespa.

BMW parts are expensive and shops far and few. Check that year for owner comp,aunts or sites regarding issues with that bike. My 2 cents is a care free easy to deal with bike is a kawasaki Vulcan. Liquid cooled, runs forever, very reliable. VERY reliable. Barry

Wow, that's not cool. As for the discounts, they must figure, we spend an awful lot of cash withOUT the discount and we still keep buying. They must figure, many of us do not know about the discount. Too bad for the nonsense IronMike.....

Buddy, You and Peg have no real excuses to continue with joining these events. We can even enlist you for the food and drink run... Better stay here. I know I can keep up with at least a Mazda....

welcome back !!!

Sounds like the 2 biggest culprits are those Harley owners and our friends across the Northern border. The craziest thing would have been to blame Canadian Harley riders !! :rotf:

I have to politely disagree with Bert2006 as well as Steamer. I bought mine with Barons lowering kit from P.O. the front is NOT lowered. The bike handles amazing and I am an all weather, all terrain rider. some people frown upon lowering it, but in all honesty, I handle the bike well. this includes passing the ride like a pro course ( without dropping bike) as well as on the fly u turns 2 up. now you can also get the butt butler modification which drops it .5 1 inch. Am I the guru of riding? Not even close, but I have no troubles, and I also have improved handling with the PSI at 40/40