2009 BMWOA Rally 7/16-19/07 Johnson City, Tenn

[MJB]

Thanks for all your tips....

BTW-1: I would also suggest skipping the Skyline Drive it's 35MPH and will take 3+ hours to get to Waynesville. Take Rt340 to Waynesville (Gas Up) and then get on the Blue Ridge it's a nicer road to spend your time on. Watch your Gas, their is no gas on the BRP. I have a list somewhere which exits have gas, if I find it I'll post it. I've spent a lot of time in that area.

As the Skyline Drive is only 35mph, I think I will skip it and take your recommendations Harry.

MJB, If you get here early let me know. There should be some small rallies or activities going on. I can show you some great naturific camping spots.

Mark

Not sure if I will be out realy, but if I am I will let you know

Thanks

[mogu83]

Just bringing this back up. As this gets closer maybe some one that lives in East Tn. (hint-hint) could scout out a place where we could meet and exchange pleasantries, or whatever. Maybe Friday night for dinner or something like that. Meeting people at the rally site usually doesn't work out too well, everyone looks the same -- old guy,gray hair, slightly over weight and on a Beemer. BTW: That's describes Don not me, my hair is white.

[deilenberger]

As Harry said - be nice to get together.. but.. Harry, Friday night is the club's dinner. Mebbe Thursday? Weds I have an Ambassador's dinner (fancy dress even..)

[celticus]

Just bringing this back up. As this gets closer maybe some one that lives in East Tn. (hint-hint) could scout out a place where we could meet and exchange pleasantries, or whatever. Maybe Friday night for dinner or something like that. Meeting people at the rally site usually doesn't work out too well,

Maybe it would be better to go for a ride together. Or split up for small groups of riders. Large groups seem to be more planning and waiting than riding to me. I've seen the rides mapped out in The May BMW ON and there are MANY more that have not been mentioned.

Mark

[mogu83]

I figured dinner because we all have to eat and usually that's a good draw to get people to meet together. I guess a lot of people are starting to fill their rally calenders with things they want to do, so I figured we could trash this around and see what fits.
One thing we could all schedule is to find out where Don is giving a seminar and all go there and harass him.

[celticus]

I've got an old Airhead thong I plan on wearing to Don's seminar.


Mark

[deilenberger]

One thing we could all schedule is to find out where Don is giving a seminar and all go there and harass him.

Actually - the MOA didn't ask me this year (The RA did.. so the week after you'll know where to find me..)

I will (and Harry, you will also) be helping at registration on Friday afternoon, so there will be two R12R owners there.

As a suggestion for a group meal - how about a late breakfast? I could do that on Friday I think.. or probably Thursday or even Saturday. No one has captured my breakfast time yet.. That could be followed by a ride if anyone is interested.

[08_r1200r]

Anyone heading up from Charlotte, NC area?

[Bheckel169]

I'm going up on Friday morning from the Lake Lure, NC area if someone is coming through on 74 from the East or 26 from the South.
Bruce

[MJB]

Wondering...

How much time should I allow to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway?
From the top; around Front Royal to Fancy Gap.
I think it's about 330 miles.....

Should I allow 1 or 2 days?
I would start out around 8:00am from Fancy Gap and ride until around 6:00pm

I would then head out from Fancy Gap to Johnson City the next day; Thursday.
I think is about 160 miles from Fancy Gap to the rally.
Arrive on Thursday at the rally around 12:00pm, or will that be too late???

[deilenberger]

I'd give it two days. There are LOTS of lookouts that are worth pulling into and taking some photos.. and the speed limit is 45MPH, and somewhat enforced. You could do it in one day - it wouldn't be a lot of fun IMHO. I'll be giving it two days on the way down.

[mogu83]

MJB,
I'm planning to leave the Mabry Mill area on the BRP where RT58 crosses on Thursday AM and head West on RT58 to back roads and into Johnson City from the Northeast. I was going to suggest you come along but then you would miss the North Carolina part of the BRP which is quite different than the Virginia part. If you do decide to use the Willville Campground post it and I'll stop by Wednesday night. Really - really watch the speed on the BRP, they will give you 50MPH but that's it. Rumor is, that after they pile on all the different violations (Speeding/failure to observe traffic signs/reckless) it will cost $1K (US) and seeing that your from Canada they may keep you till they see the money. Good news is that you can be totally entertained at 50MPH if you ride in fifth gear and stay off the brakes in the turns. Also the park police are down to minimal staff and they aren't getting overtime (their not very happy) you won't see many.

Also a note of caution on the BRP the road has a nice rhythm to it and you can be fooled easily by a unexpected sour note (read really sharp turn), especially if your riding it all day and not familiar with it. You'll also see a bunch of deer and turkeys and maybe a bear or two. I don't ride the BRP in the early morning or evening. They mustn't allow hunting along the Parkway because the animals sure aren't afraid of people.

[celticus]

While you are on the BRP and you ask yourself if the maintainance workers that you fly by call ahead to the enforcement type people know that the answer is or is sometimes yes.
I know I want to speed every time I am there. Also radar detectors are illegal in Va.

Mark

[MJB]

MJB,
I'm planning to leave the Mabry Mill area on the BRP where RT58 crosses on Thursday AM and head West on RT58 to back roads and into Johnson City from the Northeast. I was going to suggest you come along but then you would miss the North Carolina part of the BRP which is quite different than the Virginia part. If you do decide to use the Willville Campground post it and I'll stop by Wednesday night. Really - really watch the speed on the BRP, they will give you 50MPH but that's it. Rumor is, that after they pile on all the different violations (Speeding/failure to observe traffic signs/reckless) it will cost $1K (US) and seeing that your from Canada they may keep you till they see the money. Good news is that you can be totally entertained at 50MPH if you ride in fifth gear and stay off the brakes in the turns. Also the park police are down to minimal staff and they aren't getting overtime (their not very happy) you won't see many.

Also a note of caution on the BRP the road has a nice rhythm to it and you can be fooled easily by a unexpected sour note (read really sharp turn), especially if your riding it all day and not familiar with it. You'll also see a bunch of deer and turkeys and maybe a bear or two. I don't ride the BRP in the early morning or evening. They mustn't allow hunting along the Parkway because the animals sure aren't afraid of people.

Thanks for the tips.
I will email you to let you know of my final plans

[MJB]

While you are on the BRP and you ask yourself if the maintainance workers that you fly by call ahead to the enforcement type people know that the answer is or is sometimes yes.
I know I want to speed every time I am there. Also radar detectors are illegal in Va.

Mark

Thanks for the info...
It almost makes one NOT want to venture onto the BRP with all the possible fines.
Kind of takes the fun out of the ride......always riding on high alert...

[mogu83]

Don't worry about it. The BRP especially the Southern part is something not to be missed if your in the area. Most of the time you'll be hard pressed (I'll speak for most of us) maintaining 50MPH. The problem comes when your riding with other guys and a pissing contest starts or in my case, riding alone and you become bored and start to challenge yourself in the turns. Seeing as it's your first time down you'll most likely be taking your time so you can take in the great views (if your smart). Also if you get caught behind a slow vehicle there are passing zones, passing on the double is frowned upon (severely) and risky business on the BRP.
Don't forget that if you have to make time, or the Blue Ridge gets fogged in, RT81 is just a few miles to the West, it's flat,straight and not scenic but good road surface (think Canada RT401) and you can make time, also it's usually below the fog/clouds that sometimes roll across the ridge.

[sjbmw]

Wondering...

How much time should I allow to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway?
From the top; around Front Royal to Fancy Gap.
I think it's about 330 miles.....

Should I allow 1 or 2 days?
I would start out around 8:00am from Fancy Gap and ride until around 6:00pm

I would then head out from Fancy Gap to Johnson City the next day; Thursday.
I think is about 160 miles from Fancy Gap to the rally.
Arrive on Thursday at the rally around 12:00pm, or will that be too late???

Remember, Front Royal is the start of the Skyline Drive, and that speed limit is 35 mph.
The Blue Ridge starts 105 miles south of that, in Waynesboro, at the park exit.
YOU WILL GET PULLED OVER on the Skyline for over 35mph, book it.
I have gotten nailed twice in 3 trips.

[MJB]

Remember, Front Royal is the start of the Skyline Drive, and that speed limit is 35 mph.
The Blue Ridge starts 105 miles south of that, in Waynesboro, at the park exit.
YOU WILL GET PULLED OVER on the Skyline for over 35mph, book it.
I have gotten nailed twice in 3 trips.[/quote]


Ok, I'll plan to start the BRP at Waynesbro and take the Tuesday and Wednesday, July 15 and 16, to get to Fancy Gap

Then on the Thursday, which is the start of the rally, I'll ride from Fancy Gap to Johnson City which is about 160 miles

[celticus]

I didn't say you shouldn't ride the BRP but knowing some rules and probabilities is a good thing. The BRP is a lovely ride. I haven't been into Va. on it. Most of my fun has been in N.C.
I just take care whenever I'm driving anything anywhere in Va. And avoid it whenever possible.

Mark

[tommylikesbeer]

I'll be there along with Celticus and the MOB, just not around him when he wears the Airhead thong. Tommy