DEALS GAP - APRIL 7-9th TRIP 2006!

[SUM650]

Hey guy's and girls. It's that time of the year again almost. Time to slay the dragon. Last April we had more than 20 of us to go. Eveyone had a great time as you can imagine. This year let's do it bigger and better. Let's start organizing where were going to stay and when were going to go in April. I think the last two weekends in April are just about out of the question. There are 2 big car groups coming the last weekend of April and the weekend before that the deal's gap motorcycle resort and campground is already sold out. So that leaves either the weekend of April 7th - 9th or 14th - 16th. I am voting for April 14th - 16th weekend. If you are interested in going the time is now to speak up or get left behind. I know that some of us have there own campers, so a place to stay is of no concern for them, right Donnie. I will probably stay at the deals gap motorcycle resort and campground. So spread the word and pass this info on to all of your buddies. Let's try to have some plans in action by the end of next week if we could. So who's planning to go? Here's are a couple of pic's that I took last year.

[easye]

Since i have never been I would love to go. Are there any CCS races going on that weekend?

[SUM650]

Are there any CCS races going on that weekend?

There is a ccs race at carolina on the weekend of the 15th I believe. I hate carolina so I won't go to race that weekend.

[donny]

For Becky and I both to go we are leaning towards the 7-9 weekend. But if everyone goes the next week, i will probably be up for that. We will have to plan a trip early May then so Becky can ride with us.

[busabru]

i would like to go. I have never been either but would love to check it out. I would have to know the definate dates soon so that i could try and get off work.

[Kat_Mac]

Count me in too, Barry. I'm looking forward to it.

[crash]

Well I don't think it is going to happen for me. Looks loke my boss has agrred to let me go, so I will have to be in OKC on the 2nd. I will stay on the forum and try to meet you guys at Jennings on occasion.

[SUM650]

Looks loke my boss has agrred to let me go,

Your boss sucks Steve. I was hoping you were going to make one last pass on the dragon before you left.

[Kat_Mac]

Ditto. Steve, mi casa is tu casa. Come visit often.

[Keith_crash]

Count me in. I got a new truck so whoever has a trailer and wants to split gas let me know.

[Mike]

I'm in, of course. Might even just ride up there instead of truckin' it. Anyone interested?

Count me in. I got a new truck so whoever has a trailer and wants to split gas let me know.

Dude, you're alive!

[Keith_crash]

yeah was in a class for 5 weeks and had to get caught up with everything before I could get back to the norm.

[Kat_Mac]

Rachel? Kristin? Nikki? Becky? Any other females riding with?


And have we set a date yet?

[SUM650]

The date is the weekend of April 7th - 9th. The following weekend is Easter, and to many people are spending time with there family's then.

[SUM650]

Come on people lets get moving. I ready to go now! Has anyone made hotel plans yet?


http://www.tailofthedragon.com/

http://www.dealsgap.com/

[Kat_Mac]

Not yet. If we are definitely going the weekend of April 7th - 9th, I'll book something by this weekend.

[Mike]

FWIW, here are the pics from last year:

http://dkf2.com/albums/2005%20and%20older/2005%2004%2015-17%20Gap/index2.html

http://dkf2.com/albums/2005%20and%20older/2005%2004%2015-17%20Gap%20-%20Todd's%20contribution/index.html


...needless to say, I'll be doing much shooting this time around

[SUM650]

Mike those are some great shots, however the second link doesn't work for me.

[Mike]

Mike those are some great shots, however the second link doesn't work for me.

Thanks, I figured I'd refresh everyone's memory. This trip's pics will be even better.

The link breaks at the ' (seems that the forum software doesn't like 's), so to get it to work, you have to copy and paste it manually. You could also get there by navigating from the other link.

[SUM650]

Hello Everyone, I am locked loaded and ready to go. I am booked at the Deals Gap Hotel and Campground. It's the same place that I stayed at last year. Right now they have 8 rooms left. So if you are contemplating about going, now is the time to make some plans. The rooms have 3 beds and you can get another 3 air mattresses in there if you like. If this isn't good enough for you then they have 2 apartments available as well. Again the dates are April 7th - 9th weekend. Don't forget if you like camping out you can pitch a tent on the campgrounds there as well. Check out the link below.

www.dealsgap.com/motel.htm

[mccutch2u]

i need to go and see my friend sheriff pearson

[Kat_Mac]

Where do we stand on this?

Who is planning to go?

[SUM650]

For those who don't mind. Please add you name to the list if you are planning to make the trip to deals gap on the weekend of April 7th - 9th. If you and your bike need a lift, now is the time to speak up. If you want to go in on the hotel with someone, now is the time to speakup. Remember there are 3 beds in the deals ground hotel. Hotel reservations should be made ASAP if you haven't done so already.

Mike K. - FJR 1300
Barry - ?
Nikki - 636
Alan C. - 750
June - R1
Chris M. - R1
Mark(Barry's brother) CBR 1000
Evan ?
Kat - FZ6
James M. - gixxer 1000
Donny
Becky
Larry
Ray
Liz
Rachel (Larry's sister)?
Melissa - FZ6
Dave (Nash) - CBR 1000

[DragonFZ6]

I am going to say count me in. I do need to see if anyone has trailer space and I would prefer to room with someone. I will prolly be taking the turns slow, but I heard it was great last year.


I am in.

[busabru]

i still have to try to see if i can get off work!

[Nash]

I think I'll be going as long as the weather permits. I'll to talk to Scott and Matt P. and see if I can get them to go.

[donny]

These are the people we know are going
Donny
Becky
Larry
Ray
Liz
Rachel (Larry's sister)?
Dogs

[SUM650]

For those who don't mind. Please add you name to the list if you are planning to make the trip to deals gap on the weekend of April 7th - 9th. If you and your bike need a lift, now is the time to speak up. If you want to go in on the hotel with someone, now is the time to speakup. Remember there are 3 beds in the deals ground hotel. Hotel reservations should be made ASAP if you haven't done so already.

Mike K. - FJR 1300
Barry - ?
Nikki - 636
Alan C. - 750
June - R1
Chris M. - R1
Mark(Barry's brother) CBR 1000
Evan ?
Kat - FZ6
James M. - gixxer 1000
Donny
Becky
Larry
Ray
Liz
Rachel (Larry's sister)?
Melissa - FZ6
Dave (Nash) - CBR 1000

[SUM650]

i still have to try to see if i can get off work!


_________________
-James

Get off the fence James and tell your boss that you need some R&R time.

[DragonFZ6]

So, I need some info about this. I have never been. What all is involved? I am def not as brave as Mike, I need to trailer my baby, lol. I am pretty sure I want to stay in a hotel, if you have extra room, let me know. I will pay for gas so my bike can be trailered, too.

[Mike]

These are the people we know are going
Donny
Becky
Larry
Ray
Liz
Rachel (Larry's sister)?
Dogs

Where have you been man? I've seen and heard from you... once? in the last 2.5 months? Damn... :crap:

[burns]

My ass will be working. But if anyone is with be taking pictures if you happen to see any rapids why in the mountains take a photo for me. I have been dieing to run some whitewater!

[Kat_Mac]

Barry, I'm a slacker. I should have done this a week ago. The room has been booked!

[SUM650]

Since Randy is a corner junkie now I know that he's going to make this trip. I'm just waiting for him to put his name in the pot any day now. Of coure he wont say something like his boss won't let him have off or he didn't know about this trip far enough in advance. So lets get to signing up King. BTW you were talking about going to VIR, well heres your chance. VIR and deals gap have a lot in common. Blind corners, elevation changes, and super tight turns.

[SUM650]

I've had a lot of good questions to come up from some people who haven't been to deals gap before. So this is sort of a Q & A post. Some of you deals gap vets. please add to this.

What will we be doing up there? Riding, riding, riding. We will be riding from sun rise until sun set. We usually cover several hundred miles on that Saturday at a very brisk pace. So now is the time to start getting into shape.

Does this mean that this is a sort of wild riding track day type thing? Absolutely not! The track day was last Sunday. So leave your ego's at home. This is a get away and a chance to ride in a very beautiful mountainous part of the country. Not to scare anyone but these are some extremely dangerous roads. In most cases if you make a mistake this could be your last one, because you can run right off the side of a mountain or into a mountain. Bikers get killed up there every year, and even more will die this year.

How much riding experience do you think I need? Well I can't say how many years would be a good number. The reason is because you see people all the time that say I'm been riding for 5 or 10 years plus that only ride there bikes 4 or 5 times in a summer. Then on the other hand you have people like Steve at KWS who maybe have only been riding for 3 years, but he rides so much that he practically sleeps with his bike. That was just an example, Steve was probably born riding a Yamaha. But you get my drift. Anyway, deals gap is a road for the EXPERIENCED rider PERIOD. There are a lot of things that are going on besides the super tight 318 curves in 11 miles. There's the wannabe racers that will pass you in a corner and then cut you off, a super huge RV will be coming down the mountain taking up both lanes, people will be racing up and down the mountain possibly coming into your lane, wild boar will run out on the Cherola skyway right in front of you. These are just a few of the things that can and do happen while riding in that area.

Did I mention the PoPo? I know that quite a few of us have donated to the BLOUNT county police dept. (hint) Don't ask the police if they all get blunted since they are in Blount county. You may involuntarily spend a little time in there 4'X8 physicality’s..

What type of pace will we be riding at? Brisk is the word that comes to mind. Not super fast or slow but brisk. Everyone should ride in a manner to be able to control there bike in any situation. Riding very slow will be just as dangerous as riding to fast. Have you ever seen that granny on the freeway that was going 45mph and he was actually going so slow that he could cause a major wreck. Well this is sort of the same situation here. Like the freeway you should be able to keep up with the pace of the traffic.

[Nash]

Great info, Barry!

[mccutch2u]

who the hell would ask a cop for a blount..............................they deserve to be locked up.......................though if you want to find dollywood i can bet sheriff pearson will tell you how to get there

[Scotty2]

CRAP!!! I just got pulled for weekends in April, and since the Airshow is the weekend of the trip I'll be sitting on the flightline instead of riding the mountains. :wall:

[Kat_Mac]

deals gap is a road for the EXPERIENCED rider PERIOD.

Now, you post this? I've already booked my room!

[Kat_Mac]

I keep hearing of another weekend. What weekend? Someone talk to me!

[SUM650]

I keep hearing of another weekend. What weekend? Someone talk to me!

I know that Jason, Doug and a few more military guys have talked about going the following weekend of April 15th and 16th, which is Easter weekend. Weather this is concrete or not I do not know. The airshow is on the weekend that we are going , so some of the air force folks cannot leave town that weekend.

Holiday weekends at deals gap usually means lots of bikers, which in turn means a lot more accidents, which translates into a more cops patroling all of the areas. Jason grew up not to far from the deals gap area, so he knows a ton of roads that are off the beaten path. Dave is from beautiful eastern TN as well. Hopefully he will lead us on on some of the hwys that are not so well ridden to.

[Kat_Mac]

Hopefully he will lead us on on some of the hwys that are not so well ridden to.

Barry, does this mean you're attending both or April 15-16?

[Nash]

CRAP!!! I just got pulled for weekends in April, and since the Airshow is the weekend of the trip I'll be sitting on the flightline instead of riding the mountains. :wall:

Scott, you can tell us the truth why you can't go, we'll understand. Honestly, we will! :smile

[Kat_Mac]

Before I post the below on myspace. Anyone have any suggestions or modifications?

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/3870/dragon8pb.png

[SUM650]

Barry, does this mean you're attending both or April 15-16?

The thoughts had crossed my mind, but then I visualized what it was like to be broke after divorce. Working 2 jobs renting an apartment off of lower dorchester road. The closest thing that I could afford to a motorcycle would be the scooter that I ride back and forth to my second job. Ass holes like Chris would ride by me as close as they could and rev there engines just to scare me. So no, I think I'm just going to go the weekend of April 7th - 9th. Actually Nikki isn't that bad she would let me have one bike, I think. Just kidding, I have a multiple places that I need to be that weekend, one is with family in VA the other is the CCS is finally having there awards celebration for last years winners at Carolina Motorsport Park on April 15th.

[Kat_Mac]

The closest thing that I could afford to a motorcycle would be the scooter that I ride back and forth to my second job. Ass holes like Chris would ride by me as close as they could and rev there engines just to scare me.

I just had a visual. Hhahahahahaa...

Somebody please get Barry on a scooter with full leathers!
Can I get an AMEN?

[Scotty2]

CRAP!!! I just got pulled for weekends in April, and since the Airshow is the weekend of the trip I'll be sitting on the flightline instead of riding the mountains. :wall:

Scott, you can tell us the truth why you can't go, we'll understand. Honestly, we will! :smile

I wish that was the reason, but I am working that month. Disrto doesn't have enough NCO's so all distro Tech's are pulling one month each.

[Kat_Mac]

What will we be doing up there? Riding, riding, riding. We will be riding from sun rise until sun set.

I want to ride one day and be a tourist the next. While you guys ride, I think I might do some local exploring like gem hunting, white water rapids, or horseback riding. I know. I know. Don't give me a hard time already, huh?

[burns]

I want to ride one day and be a tourist the next. While you guys ride, I think I might do some local exploring like gem hunting, white water rapids, or horseback riding. I know. I know. Don't give me a hard time already, huh?

That is a lot of fun!!!!!!!!!!
I am a whitewater junkie myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Count me in on that one day. I will leave the bike at home and while your out riding I will be hiking. :wtg:

[Nash]

I want to ride one day and be a tourist the next. While you guys ride, I think I might do some local exploring like gem hunting, white water rapids, or horseback riding. I know. I know. Don't give me a hard time already, huh?

That is a lot of fun!!!!!!!!!!
I am a whitewater junkie myself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Count me in on that one day. I will leave the bike at home and while your out riding I will be hiking. :wtg:

queersayswhat?

[burns]

I love to ride!! But I love running whitewater more. Wheather it is in a kayak or a wraft. It is such a rush. Dropping in on a water fall. Nothing compares to that shit.

plus one day I hope to hike all 2,260 mile of the A.T.

[killerB]

i think i can make this i'll let you guys know by thursday.

how far of a drive is it?

[Mike]

i think i can make this i'll let you guys know by thursday.

how far of a drive is it?

If I remember correctly, about six hours. Cool thing is that the last two or so hours of the drive there aren't monotonous.

[dumwinnie]

may have to blow this trip off if i'm going to make jennings....

[SUM650]

As long as you were planning to go the second weekend. Only then is that excuseable sir. :hand:

[kristin]

Rachel? Kristin? Nikki? Becky? Any other females riding with?


And have we set a date yet?

I'll try my best to go. If I do go, can I bring some friends? I've been trying to get my guys/girls to do a track day but they don't have leathers. So I guess if I can take them to DG they can see that it is fun and give a track day a shot.

EDIT: 100th post........now i'm CHICKEN STRIP??? :evillaugh: =D>

[SUM650]

Of course you can bring your friends. We look forward to meeting you.

[Ray]

Ok Barry you talked me into signing up on the forum and DAMN....First thread that catches my eye....The Dragon....

You know I want to go, I am going to be on the Base that weekend.

Now I need to work on getting a bike that I can blister the Dragon on again....If you find another great deal like the one you have in your garage let me know.....

[Kat_Mac]

Is this still the current list for Deal's Gap. It's only a couple of weeks away.

April 7th-9th
Mike K. - FJR 1300
Barry - ?
Nikki - 636
Alan C. - 750
June - R1
Chris M. - R1
Mark(Barry's brother) CBR 1000
Evan ?
Kat - FZ6
James M. - gixxer 1000
Donny
Becky
Larry
Ray
Liz
Rachel (Larry's sister)?
Melissa - Fz6??
Dave (Nash) - CBR 1000
Kristin and friends

The other weekend:
??

[iamnsxtc]

Barry add Sandi and I to the list. We will not be on the bike :crap:
I have to go to Clinton, TN on Sat so we'll meet you guys up there on Sat morning as early as we can, hang for the day. The ride through to Maryville then Clinton for the night.
What time are you guys leaving Charleston?

[killerB]

sorry i cant make it this time, cant get the time off work. if there is a trip latter in the year i'll make it.

sorry birth day will be to drunk to ride!

[todd]

man you guys are making me jealous....wish I could make it. Last year was the shizzznit...even though I laid it down.

[SUM650]

Hey Todd my brother Mark was in town this past weekend and he asked if you were going to be there.

[SUM650]

Hey everybody I hope your pumped and ready to hit the dragon. Well I just wanted to remind you that if you haven't done any service to your bike, now is the time. You really need to go over you bike from front to back. Change the oil, clean, lube and adjust the chain, make sure you have fresh brakes, check and tighten all bolts, and please don't forget that you absolutely must have fresh tires. If your tires are very worn, you probably won't make it through the weekend. Don't wait until Friday, get started today.

[donny]

ok when is everyone leaving on friday? Who is staying till Monday and who is all going?
Donny
Becky
Larry
Ray
Liz

We want to make sure that we all meet up and ride ride ride

[ally_cat]

i'm in, this is allison for those that dont know. We are leaving thursday afternoon and coming back sunday night i think.

[SUM650]

I am planning leave Friday afternoon around 1:00 pm or so. John and I are going to leave together. If there is anyone else that would like to meet up with us to head out let me know.

[burns]

Safe journey to all of you!!! :smilebig:

[ally_cat]

i am so excited, can't wait.

[Kat_Mac]

We're riding in the back together, right, Allison?

[ally_cat]

yep, definitely not pushing it. when are you leaving out? and where are you staying? i think i asked you on myspace the same questions but you can answer on either site i will get it.

[Kat_Mac]

We're staying at that motel at the bottom of the dragon. We're leaving here around noon on Friday. You have my cell. I'll call/text you when we get there.

[ally_cat]

yea were staying in the one that has a garage attatched to the room for the bikes. ok sounds great i will talk at ya then. drive safe and c u soon

[jason 41]

ya'll have fun and be safe, I'll be at jennings GP doing a track day, gotta get faster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :wtg:

[todd]

Hey Berry tell your Brother I said WAZZZUP and sorry I cant make it this time. Dont tell him Ive been thinking about getting the new R-1 vs the 1000RR....It would break his heart...US two being the only 1000RR riders last year.

ya'll have fun and be safe, I'll be at jennings GP doing a track day, gotta get faster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :wtg:
Hey jason i... i might roll with ya.

[Kat_Mac]

Ok....Yea.....Um....So....I'm not going to be able to make this one. Cross me off the list. A friend called this morning.

Friend: Would you mind helping with my makeup for my wedding?
Me: Sure! I'd love to!
Friend: Ok, I'll see you this Saturday.
Me: You mean next Saturday, right?
Friend: No, I mean this Saturday.
Me: Shit! Of course you meant this Saturday. I'll see you then.

Pardon my error, guys. Ride hard. Ride safe. ... ... without me.

[jason 41]

Randy if you want to go call us at the shop were trying to get the new R-1s ready for barber. It will be a last minute decision as allways

[Mike]

Since Kat isn't going, and will most likely get a refund for her hotel room, does anyone have extra room in a truck/trailer and/or a place I can crash? If not, I'll just ride up and sleep in a tent, but I figured I'd ask...

[Kat_Mac]

Forgive me, Miguel. If you wanna stay here with me, you can be my date to a frilly, perfumed, flowery wedding.

go to the gap lol

[burns]

:lol:

[SUM650]

Well ladies and gents. The dragon calls and I must obey her command. It looks like there is a 80% chance of rain on Sat. which is not good. Not problem, that means I'll have to go to Gatlinburg to play. I can't wait to do the Nascar Karts. I'll have to show Alan and some of the guy's how to drive these things.

[SUM650]

Just got back from da gap and it was awsome as usual. Wrecks, of course but no one from Charleston. Saturday sucked but Sunday was a blast. I gave that little sv hell on the Skyway. We will fill your guys in the wrecks and tickets tomorrow.

[Kat_Mac]

Welcome back, Barry. I'm going to try to get up there next weekend.

[Mike]

Got back to the house aroun 11:05PM, stiff as hell and exhausted from shivering through most of the ride back. Lesson learned.

It was a good time of course, despite the rain on Saturday, and the apparently poor turnout (saw a few of ya'll from chuck, but not nearly as many as I expected).

Took some pics, mostly of Donnie, Becky, Larry, Ray and Liz. I'll have the gallery up sometime this evening, hopefully.

[CameraTrick]

Ouch! You drove back in this weather? Too cold for my blood, but I guess you were not expecting it either.

damn mike sorry to hear that.

[SUM650]

saw a few of ya'll from chuck, but not nearly as many as I expected

Yea It would have been nice to hook up on Sunday to ride together. Well on Sunday John, June, Allison, Nikki, Alan, Myself, and 6 others joined us for ride through the dragon and the whole Cherolaha skyway ride. It was a beautiful ride. It was fun and pretty uneventful except when Paul from Madison, WI got a ticket from doing a standup wheelie right in front of the bike cop that everyone saw except him. Well he made the day complete by doing a standup and totaling his 06 CBR 1000 on wheelie hell hill, which is right at the dragon hotel / campground. I hope Mike got some pics. I also heard the guy with the fast v-rod crashed as well. I knew his was coming. You should have seen the way he was riding that think. It WAS definitely fast. James also told me that a guy on a busa side swiped a vette and dented the door in pretty good. I didn't see any of this stuff except the wheelie ticket. It all happened on Sunday afternoon after I left. There were a ton of people there on Sunday as you can imagine with the good weather. When I left on Sunday I was like the kid who had to go inside while all his friends got to stay outside a play. I had a hard time leaving knowing the weather was going to be even better up there today. I must go back soon.

[Nash]

Do you know how many crashes I've seen on that infamous hill at the end of the Dragon???? People will never learn.

[JMan]

saw a few of ya'll from chuck, but not nearly as many as I expected

Yea It would have been nice to hook up on Sunday to ride together. Well on Sunday John, June, Allison, Nikki, Alan, Myself, and 6 others joined us for ride through the dragon and the whole Cherolaha skyway ride. It was a beautiful ride. It was fun and pretty uneventful except when Paul from Madison, WI got a ticket from doing a standup wheelie right in front of the bike cop that everyone saw except him. Well he made the day complete by doing a standup and totaling his 06 CBR 1000 on wheelie hell hill, which is right at the dragon hotel / campground. I hope Mike got some pics. I also heard the guy with the fast v-rod crashed as well. I knew his was coming. You should have seen the way he was riding that think. It WAS definitely fast. James also told me that a guy on a busa side swiped a vette and dented the door in pretty good. I didn't see any of this stuff except the wheelie ticket. It all happened on Sunday afternoon after I left. There were a ton of people there on Sunday as you can imagine with the good weather. When I left on Sunday I was like the kid who had to go inside while all his friends got to stay outside a play. I had a hard time leaving knowing the weather was going to be even better up there today. I must go back soon.No doubt Barry!! Plans for a huge Gap slaying must be in the works for this summer. Sounds like ya'll had a good time even though the weather tried to put a hamper on it. Hate myself and some of the other Air Forcers couldn't make it. We had a really good air show with the Blue Angels and several aerobatic demonstrations. Had a tornado land pretty close to us, but it waited until the air show was over. LOL. Lady Dragon, you are disatisfied with the amount of your Charleston vistitors? Well soon, you will see our large group once again!!

[Mike]

The gallery is getting uploaded as we speak.

A couple of pics to tide you over:

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7330/donnie2yk.jpg

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8965/donnie21zi.jpg

[Mike]

OK, here's the gallery. As usual, the gallery pics are tiny compared to the originals, yadda yadda.

The TOP10 pics are full size (you have to click the middle bottom of each slide to see the full image).

http://cornerjunkies.com/albums/2006%2004%2008.10%20Deals%20Gap/index.html

...a couple of direct links:

http://cornerjunkies.com/albums/2006%2004%2008.10%20Deals%20Gap/TOP10/2006%2004%2009%20-%2015.57.14%20Gap-3.jpg

http://cornerjunkies.com/albums/2006%2004%2008.10%20Deals%20Gap/TOP10/2006%2004%2009%20-%2013.22.16%20Gap.jpg

[donny]

Hey Mike as usual, your pictures are amazing, thanks so much for spending the weekend with us! We had a blast. We still can't believe that you rode home Sunday night. You are the man! Ray and Liz say hi! Sorry the pictures of you did not come out so well, maybe next time I can take better pictures.