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Spring Tune-up Appalachian Riding Tour (START) - Blowing Rock, NC


Indy Dave

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$$ sent for Friday dinner for myself and wife.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

 

LeBill

 

 

And we looking forward to meeting you both as well!! :beer:

 

whos20coming20to20dinner20collage20420april20920d.jpg

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Tick & Toc in Atomic . . . We're getting down to the wire on our meal deadline when we have to turn in our BBQ Buffet Dinner Numbers. Once the numbers are set with the hotel, we're unable to make additions! Don't be on the outside looking in, If you've not already, please take care of this now and join us for dinner Friday night at the hotel. How much more convenient can it get? :beer::eat: $21 quid covers your meal,tax and tip!

 

201820meal20annoncement20rev2055.jpg

Edited by Indy Dave
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We have stretched this START a little further this year. Starting out Sunday the 15th from the Panhandle of Florida to arrive in Blowing Rock on Thursday. Now THAT'S a long weekend.

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Did I mention the Prize Selection for Friday's Dinner? :eat::old: BUT ON HOLD THERE, KEN and DAVE! What's the contest this Spring, you ask? :dontknow:Be patient Grasshopper, all good things in due time. :lurk: :lurk:Remember, first you must join us for dinner. And let's be honest here - isn't dining with Kinsley and Indy Dave prize enough?!? :ohboy: :ohboy: :computer:

 

2018%20START%20Blowing%20rock%20prizes.jpg

Edited by Indy Dave
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ROOMS are available at the Inn! While we have filled all of the available Standard and Suite rooms, there are 4 Deluxe rooms available. Deluxe King Rooms feature upgraded amenities including fireplace, sunroom with hill views, plus oversized bathrooms that have air massage hydrotherapy tubs. $95 weeknights; $130 Fri and Sat.

 

Meadowbrook Inn

711 Main Street

Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Phone: 828-295-4300

Edited by Indy Dave
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I did a 256 miles birthday ride today to check out how a long ride felt. Mechanically and strength wise my shoulder is good. I still have a muscle that alternates cramps and spasms. My physical therapist showed me how to lessen it while riding. Mileage wise It's only about 50-60 miles more to the START. So I think I will be riding instead of driving :clap:

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Lone_RT_rider
Great news Alan.

Happy Birthday!

 

It is great news! I still hope your careful and recognize your limits. Now call Shannon and convince her that she needs to escort you down that mountain. :)

 

Shawn

 

 

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And the Mercury is rising :clap::bike:

 

*crossing fingers it holds another week!*

 

 

I think you got this, Shawn! What's a little rain among friends?

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Lone_RT_rider
And the Mercury is rising :clap::bike:

 

*crossing fingers it holds another week!*

 

 

I think you got this, Shawn! What's a little rain among friends?

 

Rain doesn't scare me! (ask Mitch...and Big-T). When it starts crystallizing...... that's when get a little freaked out.

 

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ADMINISTRIVA

 

1. When you check in at the hotel - please record BOTH your present bike odometer (not trip) reading and the year of your bike. :read:

 

2. You'll need to send at least one or more (hint hint) picture(s) of any of: you, your group, your bike and scenery or any such combo from your Blowing Rock trip or ride, along with a specialty marked Box Top to: startfarting@gmail.com. Doing so will enter you into the Blowing Rock Bonanza Not To Be Missed Dinner Quiz Competitionâ„¢ © fine print: Email your pictures BEFORE the meal :beer::whistle::old:

 

3) The bar opens at 5:30 and the meal is at 6:30 on Friday (April20th).

 

4) Today (Thursday) is your last chance to get in on Friday's meal deal.

 

5) Just a friendly reminder. Up this way, its not been much of a Spring. Shaking down the bike yesterday for a couple hundred miles revealed dirty roads, large pot holes and plenty of dirt/ gravel here and there. I don't know what the roads are like where you are from or what roads you'll be taking to START, but just a reminder that the road surface may have changed since you rode it last and there may be a few more ...challenges..... on the roadway to be on the lookout for! :wave:

 

Kinsley :bike: and I :ohboy: are very much looking forward to seeing you all next week! :clap::Yes::wave::lurk:

 

 

2018%20START%20Blowing%20rock%20attending%20rev%20April%2012.jpg

 

 

whos20coming20to20dinner20collage20420april2012B.jpg

 

Edited by Indy Dave
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I think that the events have always started on Friday, and more and more ewe started showing on Thursday to have Friday just to ride. Opening up that day en masse inspired more people to come from farther away.

 

I know that when Shawn and I were running the BRR events, I started getting there on Wednesday to give me a full day to ride and do what I wanted before host duties began to occupy my mind.

 

And so, it just keeps moving back. Pretty soon, these will be like UN rallies

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Rain doesn't scare me! (ask Mitch...and Big-T). When it starts crystallizing...... that's when get a little freaked out.

 

Understood. Thurs, Fri and Sunday are lookin' good up your way! Keepin' my fingers crossed for you and Burt and that Terry Of Perry's weather dance (while singing) doesn't reach that far North:

Day, me say day-o

 

Daylight come and me wan' go home

Day, me say day, me say day, me say day

Daylight come and me wan' go home

 

Work all night on a drink of rum

Daylight come and me wan' go home

Stack banana 'til de mornin' come

Daylight come and me wan' go home

Etc . .

 

As you can imagine - his dancing WITH singing has quite an impact. Word by the campfire is that when he sings and dances, the only way to stop him is for the skies to open up. :whistle::dopeslap:

 

If the weather up your way doesn't hold . . .. well . . . you know who to blame! :rofl::spittake:

 

whos20coming20to20dinner20collage20420april201220final.jpg

Edited by Indy Dave
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Stephen! I'm sorry to hear, but understand all to well. We all do, and we all know the push-pull battles that inevitably occur as these events draw Oh So Close. The battles have sidelined the best of us, and I think one of the things that makes these gatherings so great is the shared unspoken knowledge that everyone there eked out a victory just by being there.

 

I''ll know Monday if I can refund your dinner. Hope you can join us this Fall.

Edited by Indy Dave
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John Ranalletta

Unfortunately, Ruth and I are out. Front tire issues persist and not enough time to solve. Donate our meals as you wish.

 

Thanks and sorry.

 

John

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i'd rather be on this ride, but I need to prepare my rotator cuff surgery the week following.

 

Hence myself and my friend Jimmy will not be making it. Donate our meals as you wish.

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Steve - I've been where you're going and understand. Best of luck with the surgery, we'll hope to see you on the other side at FART.

 

John - I'd been following your wheel thread and hoped you had it sorted. I was looking forward to seeing you and Rush and that bike you've brought back to life. I guess it's easier to do that by driving a few miles or doing a shake down ride with you instead of going 500 mile to meet at Blowing Rock.

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Unfortunately, Ruth and I are out. Front tire issues persist and not enough time to solve. Donate our meals as you wish.

 

Thanks and sorry.

 

John

 

Sorry to hear this John. Perhaps in the Fall?

 

Shannon

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So you know how I said IN early on? Well it's finally official!

 

Rob and I will be there sometime Thursday (I got the ok for 2 days off from the new gig!)

 

Love you all and looking forward to getting my hugs in person😘

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So you know how I said IN early on? Well it's finally official!

 

Rob and I will be there sometime Thursday (I got the ok for 2 days off from the new gig!)

 

Love you all and looking forward to getting my hugs in person😘

 

Give my hug to Dave. :wave:

 

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Lone_RT_rider

 

Rain doesn't scare me! (ask Mitch...and Big-T). When it starts crystallizing...... that's when get a little freaked out.

 

Understood. Thurs, Fri and Sunday are lookin' good up your way! Keepin' my fingers crossed for you and Burt and that Terry Of Perry's weather dance (while singing) doesn't reach that far North

 

You must have stopped crossing your fingers.

 

20180415_162153-X5.jpg

 

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Rain doesn't scare me! (ask Mitch...and Big-T). When it starts crystallizing...... that's when get a little freaked out.

 

Understood. Thurs, Fri and Sunday are lookin' good up your way! Keepin' my fingers crossed for you and Burt and that Terry Of Perry's weather dance (while singing) doesn't reach that far North

 

You must have stopped crossing your fingers.

 

20180415_162153-X5.jpg

 

You better get your trailer ready. :(

 

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Rain doesn't scare me! (ask Mitch...and Big-T). When it starts crystallizing...... that's when get a little freaked out.

 

Understood. Thurs, Fri and Sunday are lookin' good up your way! Keepin' my fingers crossed for you and Burt and that Terry Of Perry's weather dance (while singing) doesn't reach that far North

 

You must have stopped crossing your fingers.

 

20180415_162153-X5.jpg

 

 

Oh ya, the first day of spring in Wisconsin.

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Rain doesn't scare me! (ask Mitch...and Big-T). When it starts crystallizing...... that's when get a little freaked out.

 

Understood. Thurs, Fri and Sunday are lookin' good up your way! Keepin' my fingers crossed for you and Burt and that Terry Of Perry's weather dance (while singing) doesn't reach that far North

 

You must have stopped crossing your fingers.

 

20180415_162153-X5.jpg

 

 

Seems just like yesterday . . .

 

Has the Permafrost melted up your way, Shawn?? Time to un-mount the front uni-ski from you bike?

 

I'm not sure what your talking about? I got 100 miles in last Sunday. Have Gerbing, will travel. :D

 

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With Tasker, John and Ruth out, I'm the only Hoosier left that's not been affected by the recent epidemic. :stir: The best of us may be staying at home, but I do my best to represent :ohboy:.

 

As of 8:51pm - This is US:

 

2018%20START%20Blowing%20rock%20attending%20rev%20April%2015%20B.jpg

 

 

whos20coming20to20dinner20collage20420april2015.jpg

 

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20180415_162153-X5.jpg

 

It looks the same here, and it's supposed to snow more tomorrow. I'm afraid I'm out. I thought about renting a trailer, but I'll wait for FART. I just cancelled my room reservation.

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Lone_RT_rider

 

 

Seems just like yesterday . . .

 

Has the Permafrost melted up your way, Shawn?? Time to un-mount the front uni-ski from you bike?

 

I'm not sure what your talking about? I got 100 miles in last Sunday. Have Gerbing, will travel. :D

 

You can't trust the middle of April for weather North of Kentucky. I hope this works out. I don't have a trailer anymore and putting the bike in the back of my truck with the cold and ice is just as problematic as trying to ride down the icy driveway.

 

This just sucks.....

 

I'll be on pins and needles until Wednesday.

 

Our ten day forecast:

https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USWI0455:1:US

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Seems just like yesterday . . .

 

Has the Permafrost melted up your way, Shawn?? Time to un-mount the front uni-ski from you bike?

 

I'm not sure what your talking about? I got 100 miles in last Sunday. Have Gerbing, will travel. :D

 

You can't trust the middle of April for weather North of Kentucky. I hope this works out. I don't have a trailer anymore and putting the bike in the back of my truck with the cold and ice is just as problematic as trying to ride down the icy driveway.

 

This just sucks.....

 

I'll be on pins and needles until Wednesday.

 

Our ten day forecast:

https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USWI0455:1:US

 

Maybe you can borrow a trailer at work?

 

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Well the motel has a generous 48 hour cancellation policy

So I will make my decision on Tuesday

Not sure I am interested in 30+ Riding Temps

😋

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Joe Frickin' Friday
I'll be on pins and needles until Wednesday.

 

Our ten day forecast:

https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/USWI0455:1:US

 

Don't know what weather.com is reporting, but Weather Underground seems promising for your neck of the woods:

 

germantown-L.jpg

 

A little chilly, but you've got a 'Stich and Gerbings. If you're shoving off at lunch on Thursday, the roads should be fine according to this. :Cool:

 

Mine is slightly more dicey. I was planning to leave from work in the early afternoon, but depending on morning conditions, I might drive to work and then drive home before departure...

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Lone_RT_rider
Mine is slightly more dicey. I was planning to leave from work in the early afternoon, but depending on morning conditions, I might drive to work and then drive home before departure...

 

The temps for travel are not my problem on Thursday. I am seriously concerned about being able to get the bike down the driveway because of ice build up. We had 1.5" of sleet and rain that hit before the 7 inches of snow. I have snowblowed the driveway twice in the past 24 hours and barely put a dent in the sleet/ice layer. I might have to make a path with an ice spud the way I used to in the spring in Michigan. One problem though, after 11 years in SC I don't believe I still have one.

 

Hey Matt Sturgis....... Didn't we move BRR to the last weekend in April for some reason?..... I can't quite remember what it was.

 

SMH....

 

 

 

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I seem to think there was some kind of condition that necessitated it...

 

It used to make the water solid if I remember right.

 

At this point, I'll be glad to get South of NYC before the freezer closes on Wednesday...

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Hey Matt Sturgis....... Didn't we move BRR to the last weekend in April for some reason?..... I can't quite remember what it was.

 

SMH....

 

 

 

That is always the plan, last weekend in April for START and last weekend of September for FART.

The hotel was booked for that weekend (a knitting convention) and the room rates went up considerably starting May 1st.

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Lone_RT_rider
That is always the plan, last weekend in April for START and last weekend of September for FART.

The hotel was booked for that weekend (a knitting convention) and the room rates went up considerably starting May 1st.

 

Yep, a little bird had told me room rates were a consideration. As a past planner I absolutely understand that being a factor in planning. As a rider that greatly appreciates all the work that goes into each event, I also know it's difficult to make everyone happy all the time, nay impossible.

 

As a relocated rider that only has the opportunity for one motorcycle trip this year due to family planning issues, the possible loss of this trip due to weather just sucks rocks.

 

:(

 

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That is always the plan, last weekend in April for START and last weekend of September for FART.

The hotel was booked for that weekend (a knitting convention) and the room rates went up considerably starting May 1st.

 

Yep, a little bird had told me room rates were a consideration. As a past planner I absolutely understand that being a factor in planning. As a rider that greatly appreciates all the work that goes into each event, I also know it's difficult to make everyone happy all the time, nay impossible.

 

As a relocated rider that only has the opportunity for one motorcycle trip this year due to family planning issues, the possible loss of this trip due to weather just sucks rocks.

 

:(

 

What he said

 

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Just to be clear, Ken and I are just as frustrated as many of you are about the weather. We're going to brush up on our 'impacting' the weather skills. :spittake:

 

Most of this goes without saying, but since it's come up in discussion, here's some insight into this weeks START planning.

 

Kinsley and I** invest quite a bit of effort into these events, as have all of the previous and current hosts of the varied events on BMWST. There are, of course, trade offs involved in every decision and we consider these completely. In this case, there were a couple of significant factors that were involved in moving the START weekend up a week. The hotel had a large group of quilters on our 'normal' weekend and if we pushed START off to a week later than normal, we were hit by significant room rate increases. As our group grows, it's becoming more and more challenging to find lodging that can accommodate our group size - so it's not as easy as one would think to 'just pick another hotel'. It goes without saying that no matter the arrangements - with a group as varied and large as ours - there are always some who would have preferred different arrangements. We understand this, it's part of the dynamics of large groups. But we do try our hardest to hit 'the sweet spot' when making arrangements that will satisfy the vast majority of the group. And in this case, we felt the best we could do in this circumstance was move the weekend up.

 

We can't control the weather, and as I write this I'm watching small white flakes falling outside my window. This IS NOT normal for Indiana or many other areas of the nation. Be that as it may, I take what comes and will be heading out tomorrow as planned. Hopefully on two wheels. If the snow gets a foothold, then I'll go dig out the trailer. I do still have my fingers crossed for my WI and MI friends.

 

As always, we are interested in your feedback in how to make these events better, so please continue to seek out Ken and me with your input. We strive to put together a great weekend for every START & FART, and your feedback helps make that possible.

 

We look forward to seeing all of you and we will raise a collective glass on Friday to all who had to stay home.

 

** Kinsley has a considerable amount of time in routes.

Edited by Indy Dave
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ADMINISTRIVA:

There is some good news this Monday Morning!

 

We were able to reduce our dinner numbers this morning and have been able to refund the 7 meals that canceled over the weekend! :clap: :clap:

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Joe Frickin' Friday
Hey Matt Sturgis....... Didn't we move BRR to the last weekend in April for some reason?..... I can't quite remember what it was.

 

Later is better, but of course there are no guarantees. I recall El Paseo in Blairsville, GA, April 22-24, 2005. On the Saturday evening we had heavy rain, and then a ridiculous cold front roared through during the night. When we got up on Sunday morning, nobody could leave because they couldn't get their key in their ignition and couldn't open their sidecases:

 

2005-04-25-L.jpg

 

2005-04-26-XL.jpg

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You can please some of the people all of the time. :thumbsup:You can please all of the people some of the time. :thumbsup: You can not please all the people all of the time. :dopeslap:

 

A big THANK YOU for herding cats! :clap: :clap: :clap:

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Just to be clear, Ken and I are just as frustrated as many of you are about the weather. We're going to brush up on our 'impacting' the weather skills. :spittake:

 

Most of this goes without saying, but since it's come up in discussion, here's some insight into this weeks START planning.

 

Kinsley and I** invest quite a bit of effort into these events, as have all of the previous and current hosts of the varied events on BMWST. There are, of course, trade offs involved in every decision and we consider these completely. In this case, there were a couple of significant factors that were involved in moving the START weekend up a week. The hotel had a large group of quilters on our 'normal' weekend and if we pushed START off to a week later than normal, we were hit by significant room rate increases. As our group grows, it's becoming more and more challenging to find lodging that can accommodate our group size - so it's not as easy as one would think to 'just pick another hotel'. It goes without saying that no matter the arrangements - with a group as varied and large as ours - there are always some who would have preferred different arrangements. We understand this, it's part of the dynamics of large groups. But we do try our hardest to hit 'the sweet spot' when making arrangements that will satisfy the vast majority of the group. And in this case, we felt the best we could do in this circumstance was move the weekend up.

 

We can't control the weather, and as I write this I'm watching small white flakes falling outside my window. This IS NOT normal for Indiana or many other areas of the nation. Be that as it may, I take what comes and will be heading out tomorrow as planned. Hopefully on two wheels. If the snow gets a foothold, then I'll go dig out the trailer. I do still have my fingers crossed for my WI and MI friends.

 

As always, we are interested in your feedback in how to make these events better, so please continue to seek out Ken and me with your input. We strive to put together a great weekend for every START & FART, and your feedback helps make that possible.

 

We look forward to seeing all of you and we will raise a collective glass on Friday to all who had to stay home.

 

** Kinsley has a considerable amount of time in routes.

 

The very simple fact of this matter is that it doesn't matter when events are planned. As someone who has spent the better part of a career planning large-scale events, including many events for this board, e.g. UnRally in CO, RidingSmart weekends, etc., no one can predict the weather, especially in the mountains. I've ridden in the mountains when the radar was completely green and yellow and didn't see a drop of rain. I've also been there when the forecast was for sun and 80s but at higher elevations, snow was falling. I've ridden in the mountains in late February when it was in the 70s. During the very first El Paseo in Cherokee, NC, many of us either didn't make it at all or were detoured due to a freak snowstorm. I rode the last 100 miles at night in a driving sleet/snow storm and was ultimately told by a park ranger that I would not be able to cross the mountain from Gatlinburg to Cherokee because the road across was closed due to 13" of snow at the top. I stayed in Gatlinburg that night and rode the long way around to Cherokee the next morning. It is what it is. No amount of planning can dictate a weather outcome. Dave and Ken are correct when they say that a lot of work goes into these events and they should be thanked. If anyone seriously believes that their efforts would produce different results, I'm sure they would gladly surrender the START/FART baton. Oh, and BTW, I've also sat at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the first weekend of qualifications in mid-May and watched it snow horizontally across the front stretch. No one ran that day. Ain't Spring dandy? ;-)

 

 

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