Author Topic: Meetup/ride in the curvy hills of Northeast Georgia on May 22 (Read 8862 times)

Fabricator · « **on:** April 27, 2010, 06:22:14 AM »

Howdy all!

On Saturday May 22nd, there will be a group ride heading out of my shop (2567 Athens Hwy. Gainesville GA 30507) at 10am. Plan on arriving at 8:30-9 (earlier if you choose as I will be there at 7am), as we can go over the map and get to know one another. We will be riding about a 90+ mile route through the mountains and the route will be posted in the next day or so. This is not a retirement tour or a race, and you can follow one of the "ride leaders" or do it on your own. The main points will places like Woody Gap, Wolfpen Gap, Neels Gap, Hogpen Gap, Jack's gap, and possibly a jaunt up Spur 180 (arguably the steepest paved road in the state) to the parking area at the top of Brasstown Bald (the highest point in GA). For those who have concerns about these old machines "making it", Trav-i and myself (along with many others) have ridden this route on old pedal bikes before. I have done it in 6hrs 4min on an old steel 12 speed pedal bike (I finished with an amateur race team)

I may have a "sag wagon" available, but I need to see how many folks we end up with before I decide.

During the ride, we will plan a couple rest/meal stops, and I will post the location on the trip map that is coming shortly. The end of the loop will bring us to my home for grilled food and brews... I will have garage space in case of a pop-up rain shower, and a floor to sleep on if anyone needs to spend the night. Those who need floor space will be able to shower if they choose as well

. There will be basic tools fluids and compressed air at both locations. I will plan the route so that the meal stop is to the North of the route, and we can link up with anyone else who may be coming from that direction. Please let me know if you are interested, as I will take a collection of $3 per person to cover food and drinks. We will likely grill italian and polish sausage, and such, and will gladly accommodate anyone with non-meat preferences. I like to cook, so it will be my pleasure.

All are welcome, and any type of bike is welcomed. This is intended to be a fun time to be had by all on two wheels. I suspect many of us will ride our SOHC's, and that was the initial idea, but I certainly don't mind what shows up. FWIW, If anyone has a CAN-Am Spyder, could they pull the sag wagon...

Post here if you are coming, and PM me if you wish. As mentioned above, there will be a map soon!

Cheers,
Chris, AKA "Fabricator"

Lastly: In the case that the weather is bad, I am making Sunday the 23'd the back up. Same time just the next day. We will decide by Thursday may 20th at noon what is going on. If the weather looks like more than a 60% chance of precipitation, I will reschedule.

JP · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2010, 10:00:03 PM »

I'm in.

Trav-i · « **Reply #2 on:** April 28, 2010, 09:49:42 AM »

Count me in too.

Bonafide · « **Reply #3 on:** May 03, 2010, 09:29:17 PM »

Thank Trav for the heads up on this thread ...

Guys, I usually work Saturdays - I'll know more by the middle of that week preceding. Will probably be on my Bonneville. I sold my 76' F1 and my wife's bike, the 72 K, smoked a whoooole bunch of wiring in the headlight. It actually makes me very sad just looking at it. And, my newly acquired 74' is parked awaiting a full redo.

Soooo ... Cant commit as of now, but I'll try to make it work.

Bluto · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2010, 05:41:43 AM »

I'll be there!

Bill

Fabricator · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2010, 06:12:24 PM »

Thanks Bill, I look forward to it. Are you going to be on your 550?

I tried a map/trip planner on the "open road journey" site. The link below is to the proposed route. I say proposed, because I want to do a pre ride and make sure the route is not too confusing, and intersections are marked with the correct road/route name. Here in GA things can get "localized" (We start on state route 129N, but it is actually called: Athens Hwy, then changes to EE Butler, then 11/13/60N/129 business/green street... All in 5.5 miles!)

http://www.openroadjourney.com/bigmap.asp?rid=3576

I will have actual mileage after the Pre-ride, but I will guestimate in the 75+mile range. The little "jog" off hwy 180 is the 3.3 mile jaunt up to Brasstown bald. That is a great place to stop for lunch, and possibly meet up with any folks coming from points north (supposing they want to do that). If enough folks are inclined, there is a nice walking path from the parking area to the observation deck of the Ranger station at the top of Brasstown. It is a 1/2 mile that will prevent "monkey butt". You can see three states from there when the weather cooperates. More details coming soon.

PS: Please post any beer requests as well! Expect to meet the "Three Philosophers"

Caught on edit... My original route was going to be 90+ miles, but the "backtracking" involved in getting in all 6 gaps did not seem worth the bragging rights. I would like to think adding the jaunt up to brasstown makes up for it...

Fabricator

Bluto · « **Reply #6 on:** May 06, 2010, 06:15:42 PM »

Hey Chris

yep.....I'll ride my ole 550. (Proof that old Honda's never die)

Man it sounds like you planned out a great ride. I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be glad to contribute cash...but let me know if I need to do anything else.

Be happy to help with whatever I can.

See ya then.

Bill

JP · « **Reply #7 on:** May 07, 2010, 05:53:42 AM »

Judging by what you fella's were drinking at Taco Mac, I'd have to say that I feel comfortable leaving all decisions pertaining to beer up to your capable taste buds! Great minds drink alike!

After getting my "sorta" girlfriend's Vespa running, and riding one of these things for the first time- I made a command decision that she will NOT be riding with us through the mountains. But Bill, now that I know someone will be there on a 550, maybe she could come and have someone to ride with.

I tease, I tease! I've had two of 'em myself. But really though, she has two Vespas, one is an '05 (which she hates) and the other is a 1964 Super Sport that she is in love with. But I gotta tell ya, that thing is a death trap! 12" wheels at 50mph made me more uncomfortable than a pit-bull sniffing at my goodies. It will pull a nice little wheelie, though.

Fabricator · « **Reply #8 on:** May 07, 2010, 09:26:01 AM »

I found out that the parking is $3 Cash at the top of Brasstown Bald. It is actually intended for folks that are walking the trail to the top, and they may let you skate if you are just there a few minutes, but I would be prepared nonetheless. You will all enjoy that 3 miles of steep turns!

Fabricator

Bluto · « **Reply #9 on:** May 07, 2010, 03:03:31 PM »

Quote from: JP on May 07, 2010, 05:53:42 AM

Judging by what you fella's were drinking at Taco Mac, I'd have to say that I feel comfortable leaving all decisions pertaining to beer up to your capable taste buds! Great minds drink alike!

After getting my "sorta" girlfriend's Vespa running, and riding one of these things for the first time- I made a command decision that she will NOT be riding with us through the mountains. But Bill, now that I know someone will be there on a 550, maybe she could come and have someone to ride with. I tease, I tease! I've had two of 'em myself. But really though, she has two Vespas, one is an '05 (which she hates) and the other is a 1964 Super Sport that she is in love with. But I gotta tell ya, that thing is a death trap! 12" wheels at 50mph made me more uncomfortable than a pit-bull sniffing at my goodies. It will pull a nice little wheelie, though.

OK then.....I'll try real hard to keep up with you big bad 750 boys....hell...I might hafta come out of 3rd gear once or twice....lol

AND after 25 years of marriage (yep....to the same woman)...I'll be happy to hang back with a babe on a Vespa......I tease...I tease

Sounds like a blast....see y'all then

Fabricator · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2010, 02:43:07 AM »

Just a few pics from Travis and I week before last. Here are a couple on "spur 180" headed up to the top of Brasstown Bald. This is about 1/2 way through the proposed route for the ride. The first picture is NOT with a "fisheye" lens either; the road actually curves that sharp. Looking forward to the 22nd!

Fabricator

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2010, 02:33:37 PM »

Fab., Sweetie and me (2 bikes) are wanting to come down for this 'Event' ! 'Prolly ( dare I say it!) trailer them down the boring 300 Interstate miles from Nashville.... we've both been up to B'town before, her on the 650 and me on the ole' 750 Automatic...!!
Any space at your house for a 2bike trailer ( stands-up if necessary ) and park our minivan ?

Fabricator · « **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2010, 09:42:45 AM »

Spanner,

Wanna be the Sag wagon?? Just kidding. We have plenty of room. I am assuming you would park your rig at our shop (where the ride starts), but if you wanted to leave directly from our place at the end of the ride, you could certainly park at the house earlier on Saturday AM. I will, however; leave the house at 7:30-7:45Am just to open the doors and do some cleaning, and you could follow me in. My home is -20 minutes from our machine shop. I hope you are able to make it, it is nice to put faces and names together.

Cheers,

Fabricator

Trav-i · « **Reply #13 on:** May 18, 2010, 10:56:06 AM »

Just figured I'd bump this back to the top of the heap. I talked with Fabricator today and so far there is a 30% chance of rain on Saturday. We're hoping that it will come later in the day giving us enough time to get the ride in. As said before we will try to keep everyone updated on the status of the ride.

JP · « **Reply #14 on:** May 18, 2010, 11:22:41 PM »

Fellas, fellas. So terribly sad and embarrassed to say- I got a DUI this past weekend. Just 3 drinks so not swerving or anything, but as I was coasting back down to normal speeds the cop clocked me at 102mph. Who knows how fast I was actually going since I don't run a speedo. Since I was doing this with an open faced helmet, t-shirt, and jeans- I have decided that I do not have enough self control to maintain reasonable levels of safety and I will be selling the bike and purchasing a CT-110. I will however, most likely be coming up for the cookout with my girlfriend. And I bet she wouldn't mind driving a proper sag wagon (don't think her subaru would haul a broke down bike. Let me know so we can work things out.

Anyone have a cheap ct 90 or 110?

Fabricator · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2010, 05:14:59 AM »

JP,

Sorry to hear about the trouble! Are you saying you have a proper "Sag" vehicle? I suspect we will be firing the grill around 5pm FWIW. I am "lawn furniture poor", and if you have a chair or two, it may be helpful. Hope to see you and your "acquaintance"

Saturday.

Regarding the weather: Current forecast looks fine. I suspect that even though there is a lingering 30% chance of precipitation, it is most likely that any moisture would be in the form of a passing evening "pop-up". Even then, I am optimistic, as there aren't many GA summer evenings where there isn't a 20-30% chance SOMEWHERE of sprinkles... Is everyone else still on board? Sound off for me here, or send a PM, as I will need a final tally for "beverage" and food by Friday mid-day.

Best regards,

Fabricator

Bonafide · « **Reply #16 on:** May 19, 2010, 10:11:02 AM »

Got the 72' put back together - thought everything was right and ready and took it for a test ride. Another wire let the smoke out. Must have a bad ground somewhere that only acts up when hitting bumps and such. Afraid I might have to pull the whole wiring harness to trace this one. UGLY!

Can't make the ride this time. I am for sure working this Saturday.

tigerbeat · « **Reply #17 on:** May 19, 2010, 01:07:06 PM »

Dammit. i'll be at work all day Saturday. You fellas have fun and ride safe.

Bluto · « **Reply #18 on:** May 19, 2010, 03:23:48 PM »

Chris,

I'm good to go. See ya Sat. mornin.

JP........Man....Bummer.

Bill

Fabricator · « **Reply #19 on:** May 20, 2010, 03:08:53 AM »

Bill,

Let me know if you are coming up I-85, or 985, and I will get you some good directions to the shop.

Spanner,

Have you decided where you are going to park your trailer? Also, do you need detailed directions to either location?

Best regards,

Chris

blake255 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 20, 2010, 07:11:34 PM »

I'm In! I don't think I've been this excited since my wife told me I could keep the stray dog.

Fabricator · « **Reply #21 on:** May 20, 2010, 07:21:31 PM »

Blake,

Thanks for the heads up earlier. I think you are traveling the farthest... You get extra beer

Speaking of "nourishment"....Pierogi's, sauteed onions, and grilled kielbasa are on the menu! Now if I can just get some Polish beer to go with all those morsels! Maybe some Czech Pilsner will have to do... Cheers!

Chris

Bluto · « **Reply #22 on:** May 20, 2010, 07:35:32 PM »

hi Chris,

I think I know right where you are. I'm just coming from Hoschton/Braselton...figure I'll go 60 and cut across on the road that runs by the soccer complex.......hang a right on.....129 (I think) and your a couple of miles down on the right.

Right?

Trav-i · « **Reply #23 on:** May 21, 2010, 05:54:04 AM »

Bill your right on with the directions. Turn right from Monroe on to 129 and go till you come to 323 (Gillsville HWY). Continue through the light and turn in the second dirveway on the left after the Barrett Rd sign. It will be a dirt parking lot, you will see it is a red brick building with a large black and white sign on it.

I look foward to meeting ya tomorrow.

Travis

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 21, 2010, 01:49:39 PM »

Fab., P.M.'d ya.

News:

Author Topic: Meetup/ride in the curvy hills of Northeast Georgia on May 22 (Read 8862 times)

tigerbeat