NCR MV Rally Ride Plan

[ponch]

Originally Posted by glwilson

It wasn't the dealer after all... so to them I have to apologize...

Let's just say it was "operator-error"... LOL!!

A piece of tie-down strapping got caught-up in the belt. So... everytime the wheel went around it made a clicking sound -- very loud.

Also it caused some slack in the belt... giving the impression there was a primary drive problem.

As it turns out; it was an easy fix and no damage. They inspected the bike and belt; then readjusted it and off I went... with what little pride I had left.

My dear friends here from our NCR group rode over the dealer and waited for them to fix the bike so we could ride Tuesday. I felt really bad about them waiting for me; but they insisted. A great group of people.

Ultimately we got to ride on starting at around noon on Tuesday so the day wasn't entirely shot.

I however am still taking the "heat" for what I did....

It could have happened to any of us.

[blowndodge]

Bullsh*t Ponch! If I was Greg I'd hide me face in shame!!!

[biscuitsngravy]

Many of the Prairie Thunder Nomads headed north for home today. We had a minor setback when Gibby's back case almost fell off onto the highway. Traffic was so bad that it was difficult to stop and help him out. He did get help from the crew and quickly got back on the road. We're all in our hotel tonight, resting up for the next day on the road.

MustangDonna and I will head NW from Columbus IN in the morning. We are not fond of interstate highways in our old age and now we are going to try and keep to country roads whenever we can for the rest of our trip home. We get much closer to our beautiful country and the people who live there. But we will miss our Kawanow friends.

BTW. The Kawanow member who gave me a new crashbar after I missed a corner on the dragon, crashed his bike the very next day on the same road. Someone gave him a new windscreen. Pretty neat, huh?

[glwilson]

The MV Rally will go down in history as one of the most interesting events I have ever attended.

All in all... it was a really great rally. The riding in that area is second to none -- period.

If you are not on top of your riding-game, it would be in your best interest to take it easy on the roads around there; because they (the roads) will "bite-you"... and bite-you bad -- and quickly.

Having just returned home a few hours ago, I will have to take some time to digest all that went on, and some of the intense riding we experienced -- mostly all great -- but one 5-hour experience was nothing more than shear terror. I will post more about it later; but know that we are making "patches" for those that were on the the ride... simply because they survived.).

I know that Bluekaw1600, Rayski, Stretch, Kevin, and myself are all home and safe from the trip. We will wait to hear from Gibby, Dmac, James, and BiscuitsNgravy when they arrive home. (Ride safe!)

[ponch]

Originally Posted by glwilson

The MV Rally will go down in history as one of the most interesting events I have ever attended.

All in all... it was a really great rally. The riding in that area is second to none -- period.

If you are not on top of your riding-game, it would be in your best interest to take it easy on the roads around there; because they (the roads) will "bite-you"... and bite-you bad -- and quickly.

Having just returned home a few hours ago, I will have to take some time to digest all that went on, and some of the intense riding we experienced -- mostly all great -- but one 5-hour experience was nothing more than shear terror. I will post more about it later; but know that we are making "patches" for those that were on the the ride... simply because they survived.).

I know that Bluekaw1600, Rayski, Stretch, Kevin, and myself are all home and safe from the trip. We will wait to hear from Gibby, Dmac, James, and BiscuitsNgravy when they arrive home. (Ride safe!)

Can't wait to hear about the terror. Did you or anyone take videos?

[stretch]

As Greg stated I made it home safe and I know James did too. I want to thank all the North Central group for the great times. The trip was a memorable one for sure.

[glwilson]

Got a text from Dmac... they are headed north now after a little tour they took in Tennessee. Sounds like weather interfered some with their trip... still facing weather "challenges" on their way home.

Gibby took off this morning from our house at around 5:30AM... he has a 5+ hour ride before he lands there. We are shipping his trunk home to him this week.

Haven't heard from Dave yet. Not sure what his plans were other than he was going to take his time getting home.

[biscuitsngravy]

Still taking our time. Waiting out the WX right now.

Looking at my bike yesterday, I found that both bags are cracked and the front forks are slightly twisted. Thank goodness I have insurance although I have griped about it often. Don't know yet how this is going to work out.

The WX seems to be clearing. We've got about 5 hours to go.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by BiscuitsNGravy aka Dave Mills

Still taking our time. Waiting out the WX right now.

Looking at my bike yesterday, I found that both bags are cracked and the front forks are slightly twisted. Thank goodness I have insurance although I have griped about it often. Don't know yet how this is going to work out.

The WX seems to be clearing. We've got about 5 hours to go.

This has not been a good year for many on this forum regarding bike accidents. The good thing is the bike can be repaired; and that you have insurance to cover it.

Ride safe Dave and give us a heads-up when you return home. ;)

[james424]

NCR, this is James from MV trip, thanks again for being such a great group to ride with, I truly had one of the best times of my life last week, despite Wednesday afternoon. As miserable as those 5 hours were, I can say it is confirmation of the saying "that what does not kill you only makes you stronger". I believe I am a better rider now than I was Wednesday morning. I look forward to riding with you again in the future.

[glwilson]

James... when you returned after Wednesday's ride... opened your visor and screamed... that just about said it all!!! ;)

Gibby left a message. He made it home safe today after a 1 1/2 hour weather delay in Madison, WI. I guess that storm was pretty intense also for him.

Now we are down to Dmac and Dave to make it home.

[glwilson]

No videos Ponch. I thought of buying a camera for the trip but didn't get around to it. In hindsight... that was a dumb move. However you can go online and find videos of these roads. They are just consistent curves in both directions with varying pitches up and down and from side to side.

Your Beamer would have loved these roads. These roads are better suited for sport-bikes than larger cruisers/tourers -- however one can still have a blast on them.

If I lived down there I would definitely have a sport-bike as a second bike.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by glwilson

No videos Ponch. I thought of buying a camera for the trip but didn't get around to it. In hindsight... that was a dumb move. However you can go online and find videos of these roads. They are just consistent curves in both directions with varying pitches up and down and from side to side.

Your Beamer would have loved these roads. These roads are better suited for sport-bikes than larger cruisers/tourers -- however one can still have a blast on them.

If I lived down there I would definitely have a sport-bike as a second bike.

You need to go to Cali. Crazy roads out there. Actually, the west in general has a lot of crazy roads. Some I wouldn't look around when I was driving as I got a little vertigo looking down...one pass was just under 11000 feet. I'll try some of it with the bike soon enough.

[glwilson]

Yeah... the elevation isn't as high in MV region as out west. I am not sure how much more twisted a road can get though and still be passable.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Yeah... the elevation isn't as high in MV region as out west. I am not sure how much more twisted a road can get though and still be passable.

There are switchbacks climbing and descending altitude without guardrails that will challenge, but the most fun was some of the roads with redwood trees on either side. You don't want to make a mistake there. Saw lots of Harleys on this trip and more BMWs that I have seen in the last 10 years, but HDs were the most popular bike out there. I think I only saw a couple Nomads.