The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => Ride Reports and Event Reviews => Topic started by: msbuck on March 09, 2007, 07:44:34 PM

Title: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: msbuck on March 09, 2007, 07:44:34 PM
It's almost that time again!  We're headed out the 1st weekend in April to Willville.  We used to start shaking off the winter blues with a trip to Daytona, but now that the Bulow Campout is gone we just stay home to watch the races.  We don't seem to shake off the winterness untill Willville opens up.
 It's almost here!!  Yeah!!   ;D

Come on over to Meadows of Dan, VA at Hwy 58 and the Blue Ridge Parkway for opening weekend!  (https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smiley-town.de%2Fsmiley.php%3Fbild%3DVXJsYXViLzAwNy5naWY%3D&hash=40c7765772d850c80a50d8b4de119a6fd599cbf0)
http://www.willvillebikecamp.com/
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: NC Steve on March 09, 2007, 07:53:38 PM
Cool. 78 miles, due north.
I'm so there, I think... :-/
Got any good Willville stories you can share? :)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on March 09, 2007, 08:23:05 PM
I love your smilie tent, Aïda!

I just figured out why some of your posts come out with a lot of red X's...your external smilies are treated the same as photos (I think...) and you can only have one per post.  I think...
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: msbuck on March 09, 2007, 09:52:33 PM
Hmmm.  I just use the [*img][*/img] with the location to insert the smilies from SmileyHut.  They always show up on my computer...no red Xs here.  You have as many of those links as you want...as far as I know.  

Steve, I'll have to think about some Willville stories to post.  The local hangout there in Meadows of Dan is at The Poor Farmers Market.  They have a small deli with ice cream in the back of the store and all the motorcycles come in from Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Roanoke, etc.  They meet up there and go for a ride...usually the sportbike guys.  It's fun just to hangout at the store and watch the folks come and go, kick tires, and go riding!

Willville doesn't allow individual campfires, so he has one big one at night where everyone gathers to enjoy the evening and the company.  Let's you get to know all the other campers and hear lots of good campfire stories.  

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smileyhut.com%2Ffriends%2Fgroup.gif&hash=4af13a8c15cd184be245c2ad3d5700c95435d8f8)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on March 09, 2007, 11:06:13 PM
Meadows of Dan, VA (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=meadows+of+dan,+va&layer=&ie=UTF8&z=12&ll=36.728429,-80.403099&spn=0.131804,0.341263&om=1)

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smileyhut.com%2Ffriends%2Fgroup.gif&hash=4af13a8c15cd184be245c2ad3d5700c95435d8f8)

I got a red X on that one, too.  And it was the only one in the post!

I learned a long time ago, that what you, the poster sees, and the reader sees are not always the same.

When you pull up an image to paste into a posting, it is stored in your temporary memory, so even after you finalize (post) the message, and then reopen it to see what it looks like, others may still not be able to see it.  :(

Edit:
Well, I just learned something else, as well!  
I am at work, and we have filters installed (firewalls).  
When I first came to work here in Dec., the person training me showed me how trying to access some sites (like YouTube) will be blocked.
After I posted the message above the line, I still saw a red X.  So I opened a new IE browser, pasted the URL in there, and got the 'blocked' message screen.
The way we get around the firewall here, is to use Mozilla Firefox.  There I was able to see your happy group of friends!
So it would seem that Smileyhut is blocked, where as some of your other sources such as smiley-town.de is are able to get through.  :)
edit 2 (from Firefox)
Well, I guess I will have to use Firefox for this forum, from now on!  Now I have to go back and re-read all of Aïda's "naughty" postings! ;)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: SCJJR65 on March 10, 2007, 06:45:44 AM
I think several club members from our club in Greenville, SC will be there that weekend, Rob.  Look for folks wearing a grey T-shirt with the "Conebutt" logo on the back!   ;)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on March 10, 2007, 07:02:22 AM
I already have plans for that weekend, but if they fall through, I will consider it!
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: NC Steve on March 10, 2007, 10:00:49 AM
Aida, and John, April 1st is on a Sunday this year. Looking at Willville's site it appears they don't open until April 1, is that correct?
So, are you planning to go that weekend, like on Friday March 30th, or the following, Friday, April 6th, which is also Good Friday/Easter weekend, but the 1st full weekend in April? [smiley=huh.gif]
And, if I missed the "official" opening weekend, does Willville have other organized events thruout the summer, that any of you would be going to? Looks like a great place to be, and an easy ride from home.
Thanks for any more info. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: msbuck on March 10, 2007, 07:12:46 PM
We'll contact Will (the owner) and verify whether he's opening up for the weekend including March 30,31st.  That's when we were planning to go.  It's not a special event except that it's the first weekend he's open.

 He does have several special events during the year where he cooks up a pot of stew over the fire in a big ol' cast iron pot.   MMMM Good!  (https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smileyhut.com%2Feat_drink%2Fyummy.gif&hash=866cc6179a8e1e6c6b335a92e30fd5b11cbdb71f)  I think the first one is the beginning of May and I know the 2nd weekend in September also.  I'll be sure to post an annoucement when the time comes.  
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: msbuck on March 15, 2007, 08:46:00 AM
Just got word back from Will that he will be open the weekend of March 31-April 1st.  Graham and I will definitely be there.

John, I'll keep an eye out for those conebutts.

NCSteve, if you can't come for the weekend it's close enough to come up for a day ride at least.  Hope to see you there!

 [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]  Oh boy, Oh boy, Oh boy... I can't wait!!!
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: NC Steve on March 15, 2007, 02:01:47 PM
I'm there, at least for Saturday the 31st, unless the weather turns to crap. Even already bought a brand new, smaller tent if I'm able to stay !  ;)
My mother's birthday is Monday the 2nd, so I'm pretty sure we'll get sucked up into that for Sunday. But, if that changes, then let's make a weekend out of it, for sure. You and Graham going up Saturday the 31st, I take it: "Will" isn't open Friday night?

I was just emailing SC John anyway, and let him know too in case he misses this: I was trying to talk him into a Guzzi quest/road trip, but he ain't bitin', dammit... ::)

See y'all there!
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: SCJJR65 on March 15, 2007, 02:35:02 PM
Well, I "might" be able to make it up there, but I'll have to check to see if I'm scheduled for work-study duty at school that Friday or Saturday.  But I'd sure like to see this place!  My fellow club members who go up there each year for opening weekend tell me the place is a delightful destination, and the route to get there from SC is "one constant grin"!   ;)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: suecanada on March 16, 2007, 11:13:55 AM
Yeeeshh!  :'( :'(You all are off to Willville and I will either be freezing or watching the path out of the "Brrrm Closet" turn into a mud bath. We have had one great day so far (no riding though) but have lapsed back to minus temps. again. Not long now though and I'll be riding!!
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: SCJJR65 on March 16, 2007, 01:33:32 PM
Hang in there, Sue!  Spring's almost here!!  Sunny days are right around the bend!!   8-)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: Melena on March 16, 2007, 11:24:48 PM
Hmmm.  I'll be getting back from Hawaii that weekend.  Then I can start work on my bike.   It will finally be nice enough out to get the cover off the bike and get to it.  

Sue, I've been thinking of you up there in the frozen north.  This winter sure is ending up different than it started.  But you will be out there riding very soon.  Spring is just a few days away now.  

You guys have fun at Willville.  We want to hear your stories.  
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: msbuck on March 27, 2007, 06:08:42 PM
Starting to get the itch bad now!  Just a few more days ;D!  I guess I never answered about Friday night.  I think if anyone showed up on Friday he definitely would not turn them away.  He's a very friendly, accommodating fellow.  I was hoping to get away for Friday, but not sure we'll be able to do that.  We'll be there Saturday afternoon for sure.

Got to hit a couple of caches on the way in...yee haw!!!
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: NC Steve on March 27, 2007, 06:15:52 PM
Funny, I emailed "Will" yesterday about Friday night, but haven't heard anything back yet.
I also PM'd John in SC and haven't heard back from him either, the slacker!

Hoping to get there Saturday, at least for the day, and may try to stay overnight if the forecasted rain doesn't get us.
Sorry, I'm a wuss: if I get stuck in the rain it's one thing, but I'm not gonna knowingly ride out into it!  ::)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on March 27, 2007, 06:16:14 PM
Quote
Got to hit a couple of caches on the way in...yee haw!!!


(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Ftomfarr%2Fimage%2F64538605%2Fmedium.jpg&hash=c1bdc32ca1845781fddbcee47cfd370ea96a702d)

Easley, South Carolina ~ November 2005
I met John on the internet on www.R65.org, a forum for owners of R65 model BMW motorcycles.
I showed him what geocaching was about.
(John found it, BTW)
(and it was our own Ms. Joan that first turned me onto Geocaching way back in 2004!)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: msbuck on March 27, 2007, 06:28:05 PM
You need to give Will a couple of days to respond.  He only has dial up and doesn't check his email very often, maybe once a day at the most.  He is also a man of few words.  So don't expect a lot of details or chit chat - at least not through an email!  

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skylinechat.com%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Fumbrella.gif&hash=a6162321f0838e68aee0faeac284183e62eb3ca8) We'll be there come rain or shine, but we're the same as far as heading out in the rain, normally anyway.  But we'll be caging it as we're trailering the bikes up to leave them in a storage unit for the summer.  

Rob, I had read about Geocaching years ago, but never really followed up on it.  It was the link in your signature that really got me started.  I'll be hitting 100 finds this weekend (I hope!).  
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: NC Steve on April 02, 2007, 09:13:30 AM
Well, how was Willville??
My daughter wound up needing some medical tests on Friday & "nursing" over the weekend, so never made it.

Please, tell us the story... ;)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: SCJJR65 on April 02, 2007, 10:03:06 AM
Yeah, my daughter's 16th b-day took center stage, so I missed out as well.  Tell us poor slobs what we missed!  :P
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: msbuck on April 02, 2007, 08:11:57 PM
We just got home this evening around 6:00pm.  It was hard to leave the mountians.  Boy, did you guys miss a great weekend!!!  We headed out Saturday morning with bright sunshine, hit a couple of caches on the way in and arrive to a campground full of beautiful bikes to admire.  The weather was perfect for riding Squirrel spur road with the gang.  Since we were in the car we got our condo tent put up and after a great day of hitting the twisties we all gathered 'round the campfire for some cold ones,  [smiley=beerchug.gif] a tasty steak dinner Will supplied for the opening day celebration and then some great conversation.  The moon was out and was bright on the horizon.  We talked of roads riden and the great meals we had that day.  

Sunday morning we rose ready to ride again!  (https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skylinechat.com%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Fsmiley184.gif&hash=e61924cb0283ba508eb74e5e72f0af256f5fb489) A few of the folks had to pack up to head home, but there were plenty around to enjoy the trip up to Indian Valley.  What a wonderful ride through beautiful vallies, following the river and back out on the parkway for some more relaxed riding with fabulous views.  After a superb meal at the winery (https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skylinechat.com%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Fsmiley37.gif&hash=e120a419c10ab9659ee6b1d252d90f5dbe59bbd1) and wine for everyone, (https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skylinechat.com%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Fsmiley61.gif&hash=ce5747f0ba744201f283e3cb52247529e4fca5a3)  we all headed back to the campground for some more tire kicking and to enjoy the World Superbike race a local had taped for us.  

The traffic got pretty hectic Sunday after the Martinsville race so we stayed away from the local highways.  We were amazed when the Michelin truck arrived for Will's grand opening!!!  He had stocked up with some of the newest tires out for motorcycles and gave us all a sneak preview and even had a grand prize drawing for a set of free tires!!!     [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

This morning the sun was out to dry all the dew off the tents and it was time to head home.  But first a quick jaunt around "The Sampler" (a route designed by a friend of Willville) since home is only 3 hours away.  It's so hard to leave the mountains!! We had a wonderful weekend and wish you all had been there this 1st of April.   ;D
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: SCJJR65 on April 02, 2007, 08:41:06 PM
Sounds like you had an "absolutely fabulous" time up at Willville, Aida!  
Color me green with envy!! ;D   I intend to take Britta out "somewhere" on Wednesday, since I'm out of school on Spring Break this week.  I just haven't figured out exactly where yet!
I treated Britta to an oil and filter change today, so I'm gonna break in that oil and filter somewhere!


Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: msbuck on April 04, 2007, 12:25:17 PM
Quote
It's so hard to leave the mountains!! We had a wonderful weekend and wish you all had been there this 1st of April.   ;D

Well, guys I will now admit after letting this report settle in for a couple of days that this is not exactly how the weekend went.  I was a  day late with my report, but this was April Fools weekend afterall...  

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skylinechat.com%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Fsmiley235.gif&hash=4312fb13d412f613416218fd3f2ed7250ce7a086)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: NC Steve on April 11, 2007, 10:08:26 PM
Aida, when's the next "to do" up at Willville?
Do they do anything special for Memorial Day or July 4th, or is it just "business as usual" for the rest of the summer?
Still think we should plan ahead and try to get at least a few of us together there this summer...
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: msbuck on April 11, 2007, 10:47:12 PM
I think he has something going on in May, but I'm not sure of the dates.  We'll probably be back up there within a week or two.  I'll get the run down from Will and let you know.  It would be nice to set something up early enough so we could have a few R65 folks there!  
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: msbuck on April 19, 2007, 10:16:41 PM
We're headed back to Willville in the morning.  I'll check with Will for any upcoming events.  

Also, (ROB) I thought I'd let you know I am hiding a cache there with a FirstToFind prize worth a free night's camping...
(not sure when it will be published, but it is #GC129X8 at http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=4358fd81-bb58-4ee0-b7c1-c334a17df755)


(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skylinechat.com%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2Fhypnosis.gif&hash=3db377d5b4fea79eb33c018d01b4455d1f0ecd21)  come on down, Rob, you know you want to...

Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on April 20, 2007, 03:05:08 AM
GOOD FOR YOU, Aïda!!  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Nice prize, too!  You are clever and generous!  I need to get my first cache hidden...


I am going to try and come down to the Gathering of the Clans Airhead rally in June 15-17, High Country M/C Camp (http://www.highcountrymotorcyclecamp.com) near Ferguson, NC.
rally info here (http://www.bmwairheads.org)
Title: Re: Willville opens April 1st
Post by: NC Steve on April 21, 2007, 09:09:08 AM
Wow, Rob, you're a real plethora of info here lately! First it was the "Running of the Urals" in SC and at Willville, and now the Gathering of the Clans rally in Ferguson, NC, which isn't more than maybe 60 miles from me, near Boone.
 
Funny too, because I usually get up to Boone at least once a year, great lil' college town with lots to do, and had never even heard of High Country MC Camp, although the cutoff to get there is right along my way. I guess that's what not riding for 20 or 30 years does to a person..... ::)

Thanks again.