Well, I know Terri and I aren't the only ones excited for the UN.

ONLY FOUR WEEKS TO GO!

WOO HOO

Yeaaaaah Buddy!!!

thank you Craig. I know it will be a high quality event and venue, as usual.

thanks in advance, again.

Tick tack tick tack time is going by too slow.

I guess that means I need to order some tars.........

Say what?

I guess it is getting time to load GPS routes on the GPS.
I wonder if I should come up with some new stuff, nah most of the time I can't remember where I was last week.

Tars:

I knew what he meant, kind of scary, right?

Like in hand me the tar iron.

Well Bud you are from "Southern" IL.!!!
I used to work at a tar and batree store.

Did you worsh cars there too?

Yup....

No, but I worked at a farm tire center and we put big tars on tracters.

Whew!!! Jury duty almost sank my battleship. All clear, ready for action!

You? Jury duty? No way they would ever let you on a jury

We'll, THEY DID! Twice, almost. Fortunately, they let those with prior commitments off, so I'm clear of the second jury.

OK, where are my maps and how do I get there?

Is it time to leave yet?

THREE LOOOOONG WEEKS UNTIL UN XVI STARTS OFFCIALLY!

Maybe I should start putting my motorcycle back together.....

Why on Earth do that now? There's still 2 and a half weeks to put that off!

Trying to avoid the last minute FedEx Overnight budget killers. I just went over my list of off season mods and maintenance items and I see a couple more things I can squeeze in before liftoff.

I have no idea what you are talking about.

I resemble that remark.....

Sophia is one bad b**ch.

Yeah, buddy! That's what I call getting ready!

Sometimes life gives you difficult choices.

We received a call today from a couple that we have known over 50 years, he was the best man in our wedding and we have visited each other several times each year for the last 5 decades. Like Nancy and I, they also got married in 1967.

They invited us to spend a couple of weeks with them at a resort in VT, an area in which they took their honeymoon 50 years ago.

The hard choice is that it would be the same week as the UN.

Being 70 years old, I understand that I don't have unlimited time to spend with those who have been such a large part of our lives. So with regret, I will not be at the UN.

It looks like the next chance to see my BMWST family will be at FART.

I apologize to T. M. Roe for not being able to scare the stuffing out of him by flying the chair while he is in it!!

You all have fun, ride well, make new friendships, renew old ones and have memories that will last a lifetime.

Bud, you will be missed.
I sure hope we get to see you at FART.
Looking forward to seeing you ride the sidecar.

No apology necessary.
Life long friends are the best.

Anyway, now Jake and I can have Fast Larry all to ourselves.

I shall forever refer to this Un as, "The Year of The(missing)Hack".

Hugs and kisses whenever you feel like it.

Bud - we will all miss you! I now in my 70's realize those friends of 50 years must be first priority. Enjoy your time with your friends and the BMWST friends/family will hope to see you at FART!

Thanks for all of the encouraging words, means a lot to me knowing that you all "get it".

Sorry to miss you Bud. I've had to bail from a good number of our events, but none with a reason as good as yours. I'm going to make this one though. That is, if anyone knows where that little doohickey rolled off to. I have to connect it to the thingy before I can get outta here.

Less than two weeks until liftoff. Does DR do Ducati?

It's been a few days, how's the Duc?

Hey Empty Beer Can

Take care and we will catch up next time.

L

All buttoned up and ready to roll. I wouldn't have bought this crazy thing if I didn't have Tommy on speed dial to give me the confidence to get after it and not narf it all up.

You should take it for a spin at the Un. A smile is guaranteed.

Enjoy the visit, Bud! Look forward to seeing you again this Fall.




Wow Jake! Glad you got her all buttoned up again. That gives me confidence. I'll be tearing mine back down a week from Friday night when we get back home - and if you can get that Italian Job back together in such short order, surly I can get mine back together in 24hrs. If not, there's always the trailer. Or maybe I can borrow Bud's rig . .

I've already had one overnight FedEx fee refunded . . .

Goodness! One week and a wake up! I guess I'd best get my bike back together, too.

I can't believe no one has put this up yet.
Final Countdown

Or this

Final Countdown again

LOL!

or Countdown

...beat you to it, Dave.

Looks like a little bike taxidermy.

That is a bike I've always wanted and wanted to ride. ST4S right? Should have bought David's all those years ago when he offered to sell it to me.

Have fun at the rally Jake and come see us sometime.

There is a term I haven't heard in a long time.

I just rolled Sophia out of the house after an off season filled with mods and maintenance.
Put in a load of fresh fuel and she lit right off.
What a motorcycle, the Ducati ST4!

Imagine an Un with both Jake and Tommy on these sultry Italians.

Better get busy and fill in your short-timers calendar.

My short timers calendar ran out in 1998

I need me one of those breakfast tacos reeaaal baad.

They're trying not to think about it, and afterward they'll be trying to forgive and forget. I imagine that they'll be cutting off the inside track should either one of us venture near in case we feel inclined to do "that" again for old time's sake. Come to think of it, with your entourage around, they might not remember that we were even there.

Lit up with anticipation

Well, my vertigo has subsided to the point I can once again crawl around and underneath my GSA. So, it's time to finish it off and GET THE TRAILER READY.

I know, I know ... WTF? I only have 550 miles to go.

Well, besides having quite a few boxes to bring and a few more to pick up along the way (T-Shirts), it just how we roll. Get over it.

New tars are on. Brake flush. Computer reset. New oil and filter. Modified shelf over gps. Gonna work on an upgrade to my Veskimo cooling system today. Then start getting stuff ready. Might leave this Tuesday am and go into West Virginia for a few days first.

I miss riding in West Virginia. Haven't been there in a few years now.

Yours won't be the only trailer.

Yeah, I figured you weren't going to pile 4 people on your bike.

I'm thinking strongly about doing the same. It would be nice to have the jeep up there for the week.

I am riding the bike in but have my wife driving the truck with the trailer on it. Instead of a motorcycle on the trailer, I will have two Yamaha Jet Skis with me. We are at the lake right?

It's going to be a long week at work next week......

Uh, not really. I don't think it's terribly far, though.

It appears that the marina is about 2 miles from the hotel.

It is close enough, Fontana is a great lake to go out on. There is very little traffic or development along the lake. Most of the shoreline is Smokey MT National Park. I figure this will give my wife something different for a day.

Sounds like a good plan. It'll also be one less day that you sneak up behind folks with your lights a-flashin'!

Bike serviced and test ridden. Sena Bluetooth headsets paired, GPS loaded with routes for the UnRally and to and from.
Time to start packing. Departure on Friday at the crack of dawn, or maybe before. It will be a interesting trip.
See all at the Un.

Time to get some TARS on my bike. I have to find a rear tire that can make 5K

As Paul used to suggest ... decrease the use of the right hand to get more life out of the rear tire. Or not!

One week and most will be arriving! It's almost time.

With a handle like LtlJohn, every calendar is a short timers calendar...

At least I fit in my rack and didn't bang my head on things unless I was attacked.

Those coming from the near gulf states may wish to keep an eye on this little bugger (since the outer bands are hitting my building this morning). Remember, it has been said that skin is waterproof.

Careful,I was once so short I broke my leg jumping off a dime.,

Short? Why I'm so short I can walk under a piss ant.

Leaving Saturday at dawn heading east from Tulsa through the
twistys of Arkansas into Tennessee.
Ya'll welcome to join me.

Gonna pair my phone,gps,bike,helmet again and see I can take/make phone calls again. This bluetooth tech is less than reliable....

Pretty much loaded and getting ready to test my cooling kit with upgraded pump and make sure the luggage is fastened properly. I usually take a 50 mile or so ride before a trip to test everything. I'll need to scrub the new tars a bit too. Then fill up the tank and park it. One more look over it and I'll be ready for 4am Tuesday launch!

Nothing like an early morning start on a bike trip. Dark, air is cool, traffic light. That first tank of gas goes so fast and you're 200 miles down the road. Later, when it's hot and you are in traffic cooking it is less great-but still great!

Larry

Somewhere south of Memphis and still rolling........

I hope all of you have a great time! Ride within yourself and don't do anything stupid. :-)

Strange highway pegs.

I washed the bike today. That can mean only one thing. I've completely run out of actual things to do to get ready for UN 2017.

Looks like it could be wet coming from the west.

OR that you are wanting it to rain during the event.

So, if I'm washing my bike today as well ... and it is already raining ... is that doubling-down?

I don't think though, Craig. If it rains it is Mike's fault since he washed his bike first. LOL
So now we can all wash our bikes worry free. LOL
Oh shucks, it is starting to rain again, I better wait till I get home from the UnRally.

it won't rain in my trailer.


is it time to leave yet?

Tropical Storm Cindy is supposed to dump 3-5" on Nashville by early Saturday morning. I'm just trying to speed it up and get it out of here.

Thanks 😂

Mike -
You can always ride up here and wash my bike. That will
a) give you something to do to get ready for the UN and
b) get you away from Tropical Storm Cindy!

just trying to be helpful....

Jim

I say "washed". To be fair, it's really about knocking the bug crud off the front end. I lose interest in about 3 minutes.

Yeah, that about sums it up for me, too. I call it detailing my bike when I spend more than 10 minutes on it.

Not sure where to put this, but here is probably as good as anywhere
I am bringing a NoMar tire changer. I probably have all the tools to do any tire change. But there is always that one bike that is different (think 422mm socket for a ducati)

I have all the sockets for caliper removal, should have all socket sizes for front axle and the Torx sockets for the newer models. If you have a need for a tire change, and think your bike might have something unique PM me let me know what it is and I will make sure to have the correct tool.

I have tire changer, air pump, impact wrench, replacement valve stems, and wheel weights.

Again if you think you need anything PM me and I most likely have it.

see you at the UN

New TARS on and I cleaned the rims, is that a bad thing for a GSA

That's awesome, randy! On behalf of everyone ... thanks!

My clean rims really pop when the bike is loaded on the trailer.

Alas ... I have a covered trailer ... no one gets to see my bike. But the good side is that no one gets to see I have a BMW on a trailer!

Mine's lighter.

Yes.

On another note Bob (endobobdds) popped by my place this morning, and he installed his new Sena 10S in his helmet, so we're good to go in that respect. My tars were new for START, so they're good to go (added air yesterday), and the tank's full. Ready to hit the road tomorrow - destination Boone, NC. We won't decide our route until later tonight, but we may just take a slow, lazy sojourn down Skyline Drive, and the BRP. Weather looks good, once we get through Friday and Saturday.

You guys have fun. I s'pose we'll see you guys Sunday.

I've been trying to get in an hour of seat time daily for the past week, frustrated by rain yesterday and today. Tomorrow's weather forecast looks a little better, and Monday-Friday next week are about as good as you can hope for in the southeast.

Last year, I offered my wife an opportunity to fly to Denver, then ride to Red Lodge. She declined, but this year she will have an opportunity for the full UnRally experience.

Bike is loaded, pulling out at 6 AM.
Should be at Fontana by Saturday evening.
Safe travels!

You know the drill: A clean GS is a dirty shame.

Bike, house, and all must do things completed - Mark and I both depart our respective homes at 6:00 AM (likely) in the rain and meet at our usual gas station/McDonalds in Front Royal, VA by 7:30. Looks like rain most of the day on our way to Boone, NC for the night and then back roads to Fontana Resort on Saturday.

Ghosts of UN's past.





Almost ten years ago

Good to see the anticipation and wishing you all a great week of riding.

Tyler and I are in Dillard, GA for the night.
Hot, but great weather so far.

We have liftoff. I'm bringing a couple of my Latino friends straight outta Miami - Mr. Padron and Mr. Casamigos. I hope you don't mind that they're not registered.

To paraphrase a meme: This picture is useless without names

We arrive tomorrow evening, have a cabin and a mini keggar of Norfolk's finest Black IPA. Bring a cup, I'll fill it.

I will help you unload!

Navy folks have front of line privileges...

The rains over, I am ready to leave now. Do I have to wait till tomorrow!

We are here!

VERY nice place!!!

Tyler and I made it. Very nice, where is everyone?

We'll be in sometime in the early afternoon. Gotta pick up T-shirts along the way. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Leaving tomorrow morning, 7:30AM, picking up Burt in Cincinnati; see you early birds tomorrow evening.

Weird, gonna be about 50F when I depart; who woulda thunk I'd need the Gerbings in late June?

Humpty-Dumpty is back together . . More or less.

Need to attach Tupperware and go for a test ride yet tonight.

Then dig out side cases and pack.

I guess I better put a route together too. Still hope to lift off tomorrow.

Ya'll leave the light on, OK?

Leaving Cincy Monday morning about 6:30 AM, Getting my list punched out. For a 4 or five day solo trip sure can travel light. My last 2 west coast swings I carried along full cold weather gear for two (and needed it a few times). Should arrive early afternoon if I keep up a good pace. Weather heading out of town looks to be superb-less so coming home.

I'm getting off I-75 at TN68 and taking the Cherohola Skyway to Fontana Dam. Should be a blast after slabbing for 4 hours or so.

Miraculous change in the weather forecast.



We are hitting the road Monday morning, as soon as daughter and her boyfriend leave to drive back to Delaware.

I'm leaving for a tune up ride in a few minutes.

Pulling out about 11AM this AM. Taking the ATL crew scenic route up: Blood Mountain, Wolf Pen Gap, Richard B Russell, Warwoman, then on to Fontana. Ride safe everyone.

Leaving West Lafayette at 5 dark thirty Monday. Riding buddy called this morning and wants accompany me. I have room at the hotel hope its OK to add last minute rider..

I hope it's okay too. My brother-in-law (former Marine, HD rider) informed me he's going on the trip with me. What's an old Air Force guy supposed to say.

Leaving around 0630 tomorrow and meeting up with him in Montgomery.

See y'all tomorrow!

On my way, bike and trailer in tow.

Hey, who's turn was it to watch Marty?!! I found him wandering around in Dahlonega. Goodness you people. (We ran into Selden too, but no one has to watch him.)



He sends along his greetings and best wishes to most of you. ;-)

It was my day and I messed up!

Hmmm. A vehicle towing a trailer with an RT passed us between Indy and Cincinnati this afternoon. Did you pass a couple of bikes with Minnesota plates? An orange Kawasaki Versys and a blue R1100RT?

Jake, I think I saw your bike at Suches TWO around 3 pm today.
Nice bike.

I did indeed!! Good looking bikes!

Hah! Tell that to my wife. After a gloomy, wet, humid week, it dawned clear and cool this morning, 63°. Considering this is end of June in the southeast, I'm amazed that the weather will be comparable to Red Lodge last year.

Bike is packed, tires and oil checked, and We plan to hit the road ~8:00, ride to Blairsville for breakfast at the Hole in the Wall, then on to Tellico Plains and the Cherohala Skyway.

Joel and I are about to leave. Tellico Grains for lunch and then across the skyway to the Un.