I'm planning on the Gathering of the Clans

[suecanada]

Hi, Rob and Aïda, John and NC Steve.....I do plan to try to attend the Gathering. Three of us will be riding down from Hillsboro, NH where I am going to Micatech sidecase factory and lending them my new twin F650GS (800cc) so they can figure out how to make bags for it before the competition does and before the new 800 and 650 GS arrive in the USA in say best guess Sept or July respectively. My riding buddy David is riding the 1000 in 24 hours Minuteman rally out of Northampton Mass. and we meet him in Hillsboro after that. Then we ride a day with nhmaf!!!! And eat real southern BBQ!

Anyway, after Micatech is done and we wave sadly to nhmaf, we head towards the Blue Ridge which is really pretty far away and try to divide up the Wed, Thurs and Friday riding towards Ferguson NC. It never seems that Willville camp is in the right place for a night's stopover so one day I will have to make a point of stopping there!

So with 3 of us (all on non-airheads!) there will be a consensus taken as we approach Ferguson to make sure that is what we all want to do.....we will most likely be late Friday afternoon arriving. Are you guys sure we don't have to like "phone ahead"?

I will have my new T-shirt and R65 hat too! I can see a great picture in the offing! Would be super to see you too Aïda if you can see yourself clear to coming to the Gathering instead of the other. This year I may not make it to Cary NC to visit my friend.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I've yet to find a kitty-sitter, but I am making plans.  I have a motel room reserved in Johnson City, TN for Thursday night.  I have a good friend there, and we will hang out that evening, and I will have a leisurely 3 hour ride to the camp site on Friday.  I plan to leave early Sunday morning so I can take back roads to Lexington, KY, I hope.
Google Map of my route.

From the High Country M/C Camp website:

16th "GATHERING OF THE CLANS" June 13-15
It is once again time for the clans of the motorcycle kingdom to converge at High Country Motorcycle Campground for a weekend of festivity, frivolity, and fantastic roads. Download Map from this [above] website or locate on Rand McNally and follow directions from the website. Please note that just before the last turn is Michelle's Market BP Station--the last place to buy gas, ice, and beverages. $35 per adult; kids are charged according to temperament and size. Friday and Saturday evening meals are provided. Door prizes, probable entertainment, tech sessions, and roads for any style of riding. Please check your tires before you leave home.

INFO: Charlie Smith bmwcharlie@embarqmail.com (use Gathering on subject line) 25485 Keller Rd. Abingdon, VA 24211 or Call Brent at 336-973-3911

 
And from the BMWMOA:

NC June 13 - 14, 2008
16th Gathering of the Clans
Airheads Beemer Club #214
It is once again time for the clans of the motorcycle kingdom to converge at High Country Motorcycle Camp for a weekend of festivity, frivolity and fantastic roads. Getting there is part of the adventure. Those who are computer savvy may look up highcountrymotorcylecamp.com, or go to bmwairheads.org for maps and other information. Folks who still like the old ways can find Ferguson, NC in their Rand McNally to get an idea of where they are headed. The first turn to the rally site is nine miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway OR seven miles north of North Wilksboro, NC following US 421. The turn will be well marked with BRIGHT BMW roundel signs. All other turns to the campground are similarly marked. Just before the last turn is a country gas station, the last place to buy gas, ice, beverages to melt the ice, and maybe that item you forgot to bring. $35 per adult, kids are charged according to temperament and size. Fri. and Sat. evening meals are provided. Wonderful shady camping along a mountain stream. Door prizes, maybe some entertainment, tech sessions and roads for any style of riding. PLEASE, check your tires before you leave home. Info: Charlie Smith, bmwcharlie@embarqmail.com (use Gathering in the Subject line) 25485 Keller Rd., Abingdon, VA 24211

[msbuck]

I think we've decided to do the Gathering.  We were wanting to get back to the basics - including airhead stuff and this one fits the bill.  It's not a free rally, but it's much closer and with gas prices the way they are - that makes a difference, even on the bikes!  We haven't been to Turkey Toms in a LOOOONG time - Hmmm...can you still call it that?  I guess officially it's High Country.

Sue, hope the consensus turns out to be attending the Gathering!  I really want to see your new F650GS!  We're still hearing that we should see them in July.  Of course, we're not getting a low version first...  I was sold on the F800 before I saw it and now I'm sold on the F650, but I must see it in person!

And Rob - get that Kitty-sitter!  We'll be leaving 2 kitties at home.  At least they have each other to keep themselves occupied.    I'd love to see your new etrex as well.  

Can't wait to meet up with everyone!  We'll have quite the R65 gathering!  

[NC Steve]

Yep, I'm still planning to go too, although I won't be a part of "quite the R65 gathering!" since I sold Ol' Blue earlier this week.
But, actually, a Guzzi's an airhead too, so I should be okay, right? :-?

And Sue will be on her F bike, so if we get ostracized by the Hardcore Airheads maybe we can just hang out together...

[suecanada]

I am pretty sure that we WILL be there Friday. It is in our plans to be there anyway barring whatever. Yup, no airheads in our group for the rally. We have a Kawasaki, Oilhead and my new twin F. BTW, Aida I ordered the 790 mm lower seat. That does OK for me with my built-up boots on and heel lifts. The 764?mm lowering kit is the way to go for you and get someone to redo the centrestand...BMW won't even provide one for the lowered frame version....stinky eh? And there you are needing to lube that chain!  The 71 hp is plenty! The hand lever adjustments could adjust more for my small hands. Bike suspension designed for that svelte german lady at 85 kg!! That's 187 lbs.!! Just a tad heavier than you and I eh???
Also, I just came back from my 1000 first service. I didn't want to muck with the bike but the chain came too tight from factory. Things to watch for. No one's perfect. It's a great bike for sure. Not sure it is 7 times better than LRB though for the money. Can't really work on it so it's liable to cost a fortune at 96.00/hr. labour charges. Canbus electrical system.
This is going to be sooooo good with all of us together!!!  Yeah, Rob...and I don't look any younger!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

 Yeah, Rob...and I don't look any younger!

Geeze...I'll NEVER live that one down, will I???  

[Ed Miller]

I don't know Sue, how young do you have to look if you're still out doing stuff?  

Young is as it does.

[Semper Gumby]

OOOgh.  I'm flying till late on Friday but open on the weekend.  Perhaps I'll make this one.  Who has got the Flag?  Is it time to exchange cell phone numbers? (404-791-0704)  PaLeazze camp together so I can find youse guys!   8-)  

Whowee its going to be a 5 hour slab ride to HCCG early Saturday AM...Place was tough to google but I think I think I got it.

[NC Steve]

Question: it sounds like this Charlie Smith dude can be called or emailed for info only.
The $35 per adult, though, is that money to be prepaid somehow, or just pay at the gate?

Don't want to ass-u-me the wrong thing and get stuck somewhere...

[suecanada]

Don't even think about it Rob..it was wrong of me to embarrass you even in jest.  Sorry buddy!

Not a word about any prepaid or registration that I can find so we're just showing up with the $35.00 in hand. Boy, don't forget your forum shirts and hats...looks like we will need them!!  

[Semper Gumby]

OK I'll e-mail the guy.  Perhaps I get  a discount showing up on Saturday (perhaps not...)

E-mail is away....Standing by>>>>>>

[msbuck]

Yeah guys, this is not an easy place to find if you've never been there...not exactly on the well traveled road, really off the beaten path.  It says there will be BMW signs up to lead you in - just pay attention and look for them, you'll probably need then to find your way.  Last time I was there it was at the end of a long dirt road.  I think the road has been paved since then, but not sure about that.  

Hey, maybe I'll have time to work up a flag - Justin, do you have files with the R65.org logo?  If so I'd like to get them and then I can work up a small flag.  I don't have a Tshirt or cap to wear    But I do have a patch to put on my jacket!  I'll be on my R65 and I'll be looking for others.  I wouldn't necessarily count on cell phones working there, either...

I think we'll be there on Friday, haven't finalized our travel plans just yet.  We usually just show up at rallies and 'pay at the door' so to speak.  

[Semper Gumby]

OK here is his reply:

>Bill,
>The $35 is the fee, includes camping, your evening meal, and as a bonus you are welcome at >happy hour (aka Barley Therapy) gratis. Scoot on up from Atlanta, be glad to see you there.
>Ride SAFE,
>Charlie

Sounds like $35 at the door, come as you are!!    I'm pretty confident about my GPS routing above.  It's about the right distance in on the right roads.  Like they say there will be signs...  Whooyeah after 5+ hours on the road I will be ready for some Barley Therapy  [smiley=beer.gif]

TTFN,

[NC Steve]

Thanks for getting that clarified, Bill, and look forward to meeting you in a couple of weeks.

I live only about 60 miles from this place and, as I've said before, if anyone traveling distances needs a place to lay over on the way in, just holler. I'm hoping to work 1/2 day on Friday, then ride on up that afternoon, and company on the trip is most welcome.  8-)

[not-so-fast-ed]

Hope to see you up there Friday afternoon,  If I don't get too lost.... :-/
Ed