I'm planning on the Gathering of the Clans

[msbuck]

Yes, I must give credit to Melena and Justin.  The original files came from Melena for the patches.  Justin took her files and using Photoshop created the first "logo" I posted.  The files he sent me were too small to enlarge enough for the flag, so I took his design and went out to the internet and found some larger resolution bits, combined them with some of the files he sent and viola! the new flag.  

Couldn't have done it without them.  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

I'm using an iron on transfer to get this flag done - so it will be small.  I did some a couple of years ago and so far they are holding up well.  I'll have to check around and see if I can find a source for getting these made up a bit larger and more durable.  

ED - we plan on leaving bright and early Friday morning, so we hope to arrive early to mid afternoon on Friday.  Would like to find some shady spots if possible.  If I remember correctly, the only shade is down along the creek or maybe up the hill.  Not sure how much the place has changed since I was there last.  

[not-so-fast-ed]

Great Aida.  We'll try to pitch our tents in the same general area.  I'll probably get there in the 3 - 5PM time frame.  Leaving Atlanta around 9AM.  Haven't found anyone leaving here at that time frame, so will have to find it myself.  Was hoping to follow someone with GPS.
Took a 4 hour ride today and found out that my odometer has stopped working.  (Speedometer still indicates, but 10-20MPH high)  Going to have to set up fuel stops in advance instead of watching my mileage.  Longest trip so far for me.  Does everyone's butt usually go numb after a couple of hours??    
In case we have cell reception,  my number is 770 826 2534

Best,
Ed

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Ed, I just put your number in my cell phone.

I prefixed it with a @, so I can group all of the folks at the rally in one place in my directory.

My number is 317 372 6890


I have what I THINK to be the co-ordinates of the campground in my GPS...

[suecanada]

Ok, we have plans and a flag and boy am I ready! Tomorrow am at 10:.. I leave for NH and a visit with nhmaf!! We hope to get to the Gathering Friday sometime...at least early enough to set up the tents!! I will search for our flag..near the creek or maybe up a hill...we'll find ya someway or other. Look for a very red BMW motorcycle loaded with a big orange drybag..I know..not very coordinated...with a black R1100Rt and Blue Kawasaki in tow. I am hoping my butt lasts longer on this newer bike than the other F650GS! I was really in some pain and no amount of sheepie or buttbuffer seemed to help after 4 hours. I could feel things even after 2 hours. So far things are better...I need all the leg length I can get so no sheepie or buffer would be good.

[Bob_Roller]

Looks like the weather will be good for the gathering, clear sunny and temps in the upper 90's F.

Take plenty of sunscreen, and drink plenty of fluids, (you can have some beers too!!).

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Google Map according to the co-ordinates listed on the Map to High Country MC Camp.


I'm bettin' no cell coverage...

[not-so-fast-ed]

Charlie, at the camp, says cell reception is "spotty".....
Not encouraging.

 :-/

Went by the HD dealer yesterday on my 4 hour ride and test rode a Buell.
The "Camelback" type hydration pack they give out is neat!  I'll be wearing it on the trip.  If you get the chance, it's worth it to play on someone else's 21st century bike & compare it to our rides.  After wringing out two of their models, I really prefer mine.  The hydration pack was a nice bonus.  I'd gotten somewhat dehydrated in the 90 + degree (F) trip up to the mountains listening to my "Oldies" & enjoying the scenery.
My fault, of course.  But I was having too good a time on my first decent sized ride since I got back on two wheels.

[J_Hirst]

Hey Ed, I was tempted by the Buell promotion, was was expecting the hard sell.  Was the required test ride laid back?

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

If this heat wave keeps up, I may resort to using my camelback on this trip, again.  
I used it in my aborted attempt last year, and all I know is it made me stop to pee too much!
And now that I am wearing proper protective pants, that becomes a hassle when rushed.

I have considered a "Stadium Buddy" as sold at medical supply stores.  

[Semper Gumby]

Aida - Love the flag.  Ok up the hill by the creek - somebody save me a spot for the tent.

Ed - Sorry I can't ride up on Friday.  If this changes I will call you.

My cell 404-791-0704.  

Heat - Wear a pool sun shirt (spandex) under your mesh gear.  When you sweat it will evaporate better and keep you cool.  Stay away from too much salt/sugar in your drink.  Believe it or not plain old water is best (all though I usually fall for Gatoraid Rain at the gas stations.)  I usually munch on apples on the road.   8-)

Depending on when I get away I should be up by noon on Saturday.  I'll bring some scotch and maybe a cigar or two.

TTFN,

[not-so-fast-ed]

There was no real "Hard Sell", Jonathan.  Although the salesman tried to "arrange financing" when I told him that his bikes were interesting, but I think I'll stick to my "Old Technology" for a while longer.
 

Bill,  If you'd like to lighten your gear load I'm bringing a new Sierra Designs Sirius 3 person tent which will more than handle my few items.  It's gray, with a medium blue & gray Fly Sheet cover.

For identification, remember that I've added the Rifle fairing since you last saw the bike.

[Ed Miller]

Ed (and others), what are they adding that our old bikes don't have?  I expect acceleration that will make me poop myself, brakes that will make me slip off of it, and suspension so good I can ride over miles of rails the wrong way and it will feel like the interstate.  But I really have no idea what "they" are doing.  

My brother stopped by my work place yesterday and showed off his brand new Kawasaki Nomad...?  I remember he said it had a 1600cc motor, but he didn't know hp or zero to 60, which are both as interesting to me.  Ah, I found his first oil leak, something coming from the drive shaft area as best I could see.  No, I was not playing one of those cruel tricks that some people play on others with new bikes.  At least the oil was pretty clean.

Sigh.  Time to go wet sand some paint repairs I made on the Triumph, gotta get ready to start riding it for the summer!  If summer ever arrives, that is.  Rain, rain, rain.  La Nina.

Have fun at the gathering, sorry I'll miss you.

[NC Steve]

So Aida, you are fer sher gonna have the flag flyin' then, by mid-afternoon Friday?

I've got to work a half-day in Greensboro, but if I gas up & load up the night before, and blast home at 80, I hope to be on the road by 2-ish. Only about an hour away, so hopefully I can get up to High Country by 3:30 or so? Got to allow a stop for munchies & refreshing beverages before getting into the campground proper.  

I gave Jonathan my brand new blue hat to match his brand new Blue, but still have my 1st Edition R65 shirt,  so I should be good to go.
Looking forward to this one, bigtime...  8-)

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Is this the area you guys are talking about?




BTW, I have removed all of my Ron Paul paint from my motorcycle ...

Just look for the leg shields.

[NC Steve]

PS: your concerns over cellphone service are probably valid, at least within the campground itself. Generally, Verizon seems to do passibly well in these mountains, while AT&T, Sprint, etc. are pretty much dead. However, once you get to a slightly higher elevation, or to the nearest town, you can get service again. Usually. Kinda sorta. Wilkesboro isn't but maybe 7-8 miles away, and we'll be down there buying supplies and such anyway.

I've taken to traveling with a grocery/drugstore prepaid calling card, so I can at least use a pay phone to call the loved ones and let them know I've arrived okay. $5-10 can buy a lot piece of mind on the road sometime...