Topic: Hoosier Fall Ride: Sept 25th-200 miles + RT Martinsville: Looking good!

[MCRider]

My "build buddy" Bruce gave me a book of "Motorcycling Across indiana" with many routes laid out. I'm going to take one and build or subtract to it. Basically, its 192 miles, plus how far it takes you to get to martinsville, for me about 50 miles one way. There are several places you can short cut it and head home early. I intend to do the whole route.  

OK, so here's the deal. This is less an organized ride than a notice that I will be someplace, intend to go someplace else, and you're welcome to join in. If I don't put it in print it will never happen.

On Sept 25 I WILL be at SE corner of Hwy 37 and #252. Silver FJR. I don't know how much room there is on the apron there so I may be at the first cut out East of 67 on 252. You get in the left turn lane on 67, and turn onto 252E you'll hit me. At 8:30AM. Kickstands up 8:45. East to Morgantown, S on 135 to Bean  Blossom, left on unnumbered road into the sticks to Salt Lick Creek Road south to 46 and first rest stop/gas stop. This will bypass Nashville which may be crowded with leaf peepers. Maybe 50 miles so far, good place to turn home if need be.

Pick up 135S again thru Story and FreeTown, West on 58 to Norman Springs, Heltonville (Catch 446N to home here if need be) to Bedford and second major stop. Grab 37N for home if need be. About 100 miles so far from start. Next is Top 10 Road #450S about 25miles long, be ready to grin. 450 terms at 50W, go 6 miles to 231N, relax to 58E, to 45N (there is a 10 miles stretch we can take or bypass, excellent roads, depend on weather, fatigue, etc); to43N to Spencer, jog W to 231, N to 67N to Martinsville, 200mi or 215 if i take the final twisty leg.. Pick your poison to get home. That last 100 mile stretch doesn't have much by way of big places to pull over, but we'll find something. I like to regroup about every 50 miles or so, Tylenol, water, etc.

I follow the PACE, you are responsible for the person behind you. Nothing fancy.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/flashback/122_0911_the_pace_nick_ienatsch/index.html

[MCRider]

Bump: We're still on. Re read the post for details. The full route is a long ride, about 200 miles in a loop, beginning and ending in Martinsville. Plus your roundtrip to Martinsville. Mines about 100 miles roundtrip. I don't care if I'm out 10 hours. I also don't care if there is an adventure, problem, etc. I'll bring some basic tools and a tow rope. Bring your own stuff, rain suit, camera, cell phone, GPS, tools maps whatever you need.

Many of the roads are twisty. In my prime I would really book thru here, especially had I been riding them every weekend as I had in years past. Now, I haven't been down there in 2 years, so we will be very respectful and enjoy the ride and the scenery. I've known some people personally who paid the price on Hwy 135 and others and I never want to be in a group that has that happen.

There are many places to stop and head towards an interstate and go home. I'll stop and point out these opportunities.

No pressure, no need to contact me. Well I guess it would be good to have an idea of who's heading down. I'm going regardless unless its like 80% chance of rain. Right now, the long range weather report is looking good. Hope I'm not alone, but I'm looking forward to #450 alone or with some of you.

See the end of this thread for more details.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=70497.msg860269#msg860269

[MCRider]

Weather looking good, like maybe ideal! Don't want to jinx it. Rain today and tomorrow, mostly sunny Sat w/ highs in mid-70s. Dress for an early and late chill.

Tips on riding in a group. I will tap my brakes before a turn even if I'm not using them just to alert followers. Then engine braking. If the brake light comes on and stays on its a serious brake.
I will stop every major turn to regroup, usually every 4 to 8 miles, so don't be concerned if we get spread out. But I'm not expecting to run fast.

The rain will clear some turns and muddy up others. More of the former, less of the latter. Late season riding means there will be canopy (trees hanging overhead) and long shadows, so ride accordingly. First 2/3 will have lots of woods IIRC, last 1/3 will be more open range.

Drink water and be mindful of fatigue. Bring some power bars. I'll poll the group but I would rather snack at stops than eat a big lunch. I will be stopping at 3 or 4 points where one may head back north cutting the ride short if they need to.

Refer to the link in prior post for route, nothings changed. Looking forward to it with or without additional participants.

PS: If we're bunched up, less than 5 bike lengths please ride staggered in the lane, left, right. Leader always starts in the center or left of lane.

More than 8 bike lengths, single file OK

[CBJoe]

Hey Ron,

Got anything in mind for the lunch stop? 

Still looking like we're going to be able to come. I'll know for sure tomorrow afternoon.

Later, Joe

[IndyFour]

I'm planning to come.  Had a little scare with my bike's charging system last weekend, but it appears to be fine now after some tinkering.  A new ignition system caused a hiccup all the sudden, but I think all is well now (still will be bringing along my multimeter just in case  ).   Doing some maintenance today/tonight (plugs, oil, etc.) that was about due anyway.  Looking forward to a great ride.  You are right....the weather looks great!

CBJoe:  Glad to hear you will (possibly) be going.  Raef (Mark) from Selma had mentioned meeting up on his way down to Martinsville on the other thread.  If you want to join up and ride down, let me know....he'll probably be cruising around our side of town to get there I would imagine.  Or if you want to just meet up down there that's cool too.

Haven't seen Raef post up here.  Wonder if he knows about this thread?

[MCRider]

Hey Ron,

Got anything in mind for the lunch stop?  

Still looking like we're going to be able to come. I'll know for sure tomorrow afternoon.

Later, Joe

Personally I'm not planning a lunch stop, just snacks in the tank bag. BUT I'm wide open to anything anyone wants to do. If I'm the only one that shows up, its apples and power bars.

If its an early lunch, there is the "58th Cafe" which is just west of Freetown on Highway 58. I just called them and they are still in business. I was there a few years ago, its out in the boonies. It was decorated with 50s motorcycle memorabilia. I bet the Harley guys keep them in business. It would be about 100 miles or more for you into the tour.

58th Cafe
8720 W. State Road 58, Norman
812-995-8010


For anyone wanting to shorten the route, the next go home turn off would be about 20 miles past the cafe. Head North thru Monroe reservoir, real pretty, into Bloomington then choose your own route home.

Other than that, its pot luck along the way. Next big stop would be Bedford. I'm sure fast food abounds. And if anyone sees a mom and pop they want to experiment, just turn off. Once your out of the mirrors for a few minutes, we'll turn around.

There was a time in my life when me AND my wife, on her own bike, rode this route or something like it, every single Sunday for months on end. Of course that's when the SOHC Phaedus project had been abandoned and collecting dust.  Now I can't wait to get it finished and haunt the old places again.

[MCRider]

Chris: I just sent him a PM with the link.
Ron

[Raef]

I just got PM thanks for the heads up. I am planning on heading down, I got to look up that meeting point, as of right now I am planning on leaving the muncie area around 7 am that is assuming I can be at the point in  1 1/2 hours. I think the wife's cousin will be joining me, he rides a hopped up Busa, but I told him he could come anyway

Mark

[Raef]

I have put 400 miles on this bike in the last month, it seems to be running great, but I am only getting 34MPG I need gas every 110 miles

[MCRider]

I have put 400 miles on this bike in the last month, it seems to be running great, but I am only getting 34MPG I need gas every 110 miles

Gas stops won't be a problem. And always remember if someone (you) pulls over, we stop and regroup. Do what you have to do.

Keep that Busa rider under control. 

[Raef]

I have to talk to the guy coming with me and see what route he wants to take to the meeting point. it seems we can take hwy 3 to 252 and ride right to the point, but google shows the route taking almost 3 hours compaired to 2 hours on the interstate.

either way I plan on getting there.

mark

[IndyFour]

I have put 400 miles on this bike in the last month, it seems to be running great, but I am only getting 34MPG I need gas every 110 miles

I'm right there with ya.  I get 36 mpg no matter what I do.  

[Raef]

it's had some motor and exhaust work done and the air box is open. I have 120 jets in it, and have been told "that's to much", but I burnt a piston with the 100's in it. As long as it runs like it is now I'll live with the mileage.

Mark

[Damfino]

It's looking looking good for me too. I'm in Chicago right now and should be home tonight. My only concern is my clutch may need adjustment and I've never done it before. May have to do it tomorrow. Doesn't take long I presume, I know I'll need a phillips head and slotted screwdriver, does anyone know what size wrench I'll need? Looking forward to the ride. 

[MCRider]

It's looking looking good for me too. I'm in Chicago right now and should be home tonight. My only concern is my clutch may need adjustment and I've never done it before. May have to do it tomorrow. Doesn't take long I presume, I know I'll need a phillips head and slotted screwdriver, does anyone know what size wrench I'll need? Looking forward to the ride. 

Hey that's great! If everyone shows, it'll be a nice group! (If not, I'll take pictures and you can eat your hearts out)

Takes a phillips to get the chrome cover off. The flat blade screwdriver needs to be of the thick blade variety. A thin or narrow blade will chew up the adjuster, though you can still get the job done. The wrench size would be for a 8mm nut, so should be a 12, but could be a 13 or 14 if its been replaced. Easy job. Loosen the clutch cable first, at the grip and at the engine. Set the engine adjuster. Then take out the slack with the cable adjuster down by the engine. And fine tune it with the handlebar adjuster.

Its very much a personal thing to get the feel you want without slipping. But follow the manual till you're comfortable.

If its rideable as is, bring your tools and we'll do it on the side of the road the way real men do it.   

[Damfino]

Thanks Ron! We'll see how it goes...

[CBJoe]

Its a GO for me.  Probably head towards Martinsville around 7:45am.

Chris... Did you want to meet up here on the east side?  You could meet me at my place even.

51 N Arlington Ave.

My phone is 317-727-5382.  or PM me. 

[IndyFour]

Its a GO for me.  Probably head towards Martinsville around 7:45am.

Chris... Did you want to meet up here on the east side?  You could meet me at my place even.

51 N Arlington Ave.

My phone is 317-727-5382.  or PM me. 

Excellent!  Sending you a PM now.

See you in the a.m. Ron. 

[MCRider]

Sounds like its coming together. Hope this isn't a buzzkill, I shouldv'e mentioned it first. Hope everyone is a helmet wearer and other good gear as well.

Remember if the traffic is to heavy for me to actually park at the SE corner of 37 and 252, I'll be east on 252. Silver bike.

I've PMd everyone with my cell, but kickstnds are up at 8:45. have a good ride everyone.

[CBJoe]

Hey Ron,

All gear all the time for me and Rose.....Riding jackets, boots, helmets, etc...

See you tomorrow morning.

Joe

[MCRider]

Hey Ron,

All gear all the time for me and Rose.....Riding jackets, boots, helmets, etc...

See you tomorrow morning.

Joe

Good to know.
My cell is (see PM)  Hope you don't need it.
Ron

[Raef]

Thanks got the PM. we have decided to ride down 3  to 252  to the meeting point we will be leaving the Muncie Area around 6 am unless something happens we will be there. I'll also print the map just in case we are running late
 

My cell
765-749-0527 of course it won't do any good to call if we are riding;)

[CBJoe]

Just got back    Trip was awesome!

Thanks for putting this together Ron. 

It was a pleasure meeting you all.  We should do this again sometime.

Joe

[Damfino]

Just got back    Trip was awesome!

Thanks for putting this together Ron. 

It was a pleasure meeting you all.  We should do this again sometime.

Joe

++++1 Good time was had by all, will hopefully post some pics later tonight. I think for now it's nappy time!  Great meeting everybody, definitely a 'do again'. Thanks again Ron!! 

[IndyFour]

Ditto  .  Had a great time.  The weather couldn't have been any better and the route was perfect.  Those are some pretty great roads down that way.  I thought for sure that I'd be whooped by the end of that much riding, but besides a slightly sore neck (which is better after a short nap), I feel pretty damn good. 

Thanks again for inviting us along, Ron...and for planning a great ride!  Nice seeing you all and hope to ride again soon.

Chris