I’ve also picked up a few more camping items I want to try out.  No chair yet, still thinking about that one.  I’ll post a full camping report when I return.

GA Mountain Rally, May 3-5, Hiawassee, GA Www.bmwmoga.info
Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds 1311 Music Hall Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546  N34 57.919 W83 46.346

For those joining me Thursday for tourist ride to Hiawassee, I’m leaving Lake Wyle QT station (hwy 49 and Buster Boyd Bridge) at 9am. Picking up Hwy 11 near Gaffney, past Caesar Head SP and Toxaway SP before climbing north to Cashiers, NC, then west on US 64 to Highlands NC. I’m planning an afternoon stop at Bucks Coffee, downtown Highlands.  Then heading again west on US 64 before turning south to Hiawassee.

I just read about Aunt Sue’ Country Corner just before Caesars Head State Park, local tourist stop.  While riding by, if it looks interesting, we’ll add it to our many potty break\leg stretch breaks.

On the last ride I kept dragging my after market cruiser style forward pegs on my R120RT.  These pegs don’t fold back when they touch the road.  Not a problem in Charlotte, but in the mountains, little bit scary.  After one day of dragging I threw them away.  This will be first ride with my new Illium pegs. Expensive yes, but cheaper then a crash.

I also have the Www.ztechnik.com engine guard.

No, I’ve not found a comfortable seat.  Yes, I’ve tried most all of them.  I’m waiting for Dave Selvig’s seat report.  He’s now riding with a KonTours comfort seat.  Any updates Dave?

My phone\camera upload to FaceBook (Chris Skorlinski).  I’ll be posting pictures during the trip. 

See you in a week!

Chris Skor (Skorlinski)

I was very excited to be joining Dave Selvig and gang for another Spring Training Ride to Iron Horse Lodge.  Maybe it was meet-up at IHOP, maybe it was the 6 hour ride on twisty back roads to Iron Horse, or maybe 1st chance to use my ne camping gear.  I knew it would be a great few days hanging out with the guys riding the NC Appalachian mountains.

No trip blog would be complete without at least 50 pictures of my bike at various locations.  Here is one at the start of the trip, all loaded and ready to ride.

The left pannier has “bike stuff”, tools, Roc Straps, warm gloves, summer gloves, heated vest, tire patch kit, tinted shield.  While the right has my clothes and personal items like wash kit.

The blue bag on the back has my new REI Hoodoo 2 tent $120, North Face Dolomite 3S sleeping bag $120, and extra long, extra wide, extra thick pad.  I had a few extra goodies like extension cord and heating pad.  And yes, I’m glad I had the heating pad, it packs small and when the temp dropped to 35 degrees it kept me comfy warm all night.

The black bag on passenger seat was mostly empty. I used to as a backrest cruising down the highway. Thought I would get used to it on the bike as I’m planning on taking it with my on 3 week cross-country trip to the BMW rally in OR.  It worked out great.  Plenty of storage, nice lower back support.

I’ll write up another blog post listing camping “should have taken” later this week.

On Our Way

Taking back road, Dave let us to Blue Ridge Parway and Pisgah Inn for lunch.  This picture doesn’t do the views from Blue Ridge justice as the overcast softened the picture.

We were joined by fellow riders at the Inn for lunch.  Mr. Orange Vest is Dave Selvig, our leader for this adventure.

Off the Parkway we took Hwy 215 off the Parkway was a blast.  What you don’t see here is the steep elevation change.  These corners where in 1st or 2nd gear, engine braking all the way down for about 15 miles. Just when you think its over, down and around you go again.  I think it was one of my most favorite roads of the trip.

Ride to Iron Horse took us over popular roads like US 64 to Highlands, NC then Franklin picking up US 23.  Along the way I wanted to stop at local coffee shops for afternoon Latté, but riding with Dave, you don’t stop for Latté, actually, you don’t really stop.  Dave’s philosophy is don’t drink and you don’t need to stop and pee.  Got to say with me on the ride, Dave offered just enough water breaks, thanks Dave!

Speaking of water breaks, here are by one of 100s of waterfalls in the area.  This one goes over a little pull-off road.  I’m sure this is a popular place in the summer.  See all the Harley riders in the back, they had to cool over their engines after ride up the mountain.  That’s a lot of IRON to pull up hill for a small engine.  BMWs, never even blinked at the curves or elevation change.

Later that afternoon we arrived at Iron Horse Lodge where we signed in, paid for our breakfast and dinner, (lunch on your own while out riding), then setup camp.  They even have covered parking.  Yes, another my bike picture.

Yes, I paid extra $10 for electricity, like I said, forecast was for 30s at night and I’m not much on cold after spending 30 years in Wisconsin\Minnesota winters.  If you don’t like tenting, you can stay in the Bunk House or one of the many cabins.  Check out http://www.ironhorsenc.com/

If I turn around, here is the view from my campsite.  I listened to the water all night long, kinds of sings you to sleep.

That’s the lodge in the background, here is picture from inside the TV room, looking back at my tent.  Just out of view is a large flat screen TV, this week, showing coverage of the tragic Boston Marathon bombing. 

Up stairs in the Theatre Room, did I mention they have a Theatre Room, not some old couches and a TV, but an A-1 class act showing Dish Network, playing “bring your own” DVDs, or, as we did during a down poor, sharing tips on Garmin Basecamp.

Nighttime dinner was served, choice of meet and potatoes, I think it was bring your own Salad night, then hanging out at the fire watching stars come out.  In about 5 minutes of lighting that fire we had a nice crown sharing ride stories, bike maintenance tips, and occasionally a little politics would sneak in the conversation.

Friday turned out to be days of rest as down poor kept most, except our Mr. Dave, off the mountain roads.  When rain cleared a bit, Don and I took a walk up the valley and short this picture back at the lodge.  Don’s GS was itching to climb the gravel road and I was looking forward to capturing YouTube video of Don’s first spill on his new GS.  But for complicated reasons, neither happened.  Lets just say the road was so sleep, wet and rocky we lost our footing walking down.

Saturday was ride home day for Don and I.  I’d planned a 1 hour loop ride around Fontana Dam to Deals Gap, then back to Iron Horse, then over to Cherokee where we’d pick up the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  While only 45mph, for me the Parkway is an opportunity to work on my riding skills.  I know 95% of the corners can be taken at 45mph and oncoming traffic is mostly under control, no yahoos sliding over the double yellow.  Slow approach, look through curve, lean and roll on the throttle through curve, upright, engine brake as needed, repeat again, this time smoother.  Once in a while I would shift into lower gear, learning how the bike responds at higher RPMs.

I think Don was just bored riding at Chris’ sightseeing pace.  At my speed you can look around and enjoy the view.  We even stop to pee.

Our ride on the Blue Ridge was cut short.  Turns out couple on a Harley had a bad spill exiting one of the tunnels.  We counted 4 rescue vehicles. Hope they’ll be back up and riding again.  Next time we’ll ride a weekday and have parkway to ourselves. If your in the western NC mountain, Blue Ridge from Cherokee to I-77 needs to be on your “Gota Ride Once” list.

GA Mountain Rally, May 3-5

Looking to get out riding, then join us on GA Mountain Rally, May 3-5, Hiawassee, GA. 

Www.bmwmoga.info

The BMW Motorcycle Club of Georgia returns to the highly acclaimed Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds site in Hiawassee (N34 57.919 W83 46.346) over the weekend of Friday, May 3rd to Sunday May 5th, 2013.

I’ll be riding over Thursday then back on Saturday, Sunday is work day for me.

–Chris Skor

2013 April 18-20 STC Ride Iron Horse, Stecoah, NC

Dave Selvig leads on some great rides around Iron Horse Lodge.

2013 May 3-5, GA Mountain Rally, Hiawassee, GA

For great camping, music, food, mountain roads hard to beat GA Mountain Rally,

Www.bmwmoga.info

The BMW Motorcycle Club of Georgia returns to the highly acclaimed Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds site in Hiawassee (N34 57.919 W83 46.346) over the weekend of Friday, May 3rd to Sunday May 5th, 2013.

2013 June 20 Biltmore, Ashville, NC

BMW Rider Association Rally in Biltmore is right in our back yard.  Should be another great weekend of camping and riding, okay, maybe a little wine tasting.

Www.bmwra.org

http://www.exploreasheville.com/2013bmwra/

2013 July 18, BMWMOA, Salem, OR

Yup, going to ride again to Salem, OR for my 3rd BMW Rally.  I’ve heard temps should be under 100 this year.  For this trip I’m planning 3 weeks.  Leaving on Wed, July 10th, riding to Colorado, then Utah, then Oregon.  Still in the planning stage, I’m looking for best roads out west to ride.  Posted this thread on BMWMOA site.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?67439-Best-roads-from-Carolina-to-Denver-to-Oregon-and-back

2013 Aug 9-11 Carolina Boone Rally

August should be another great month for riding.  I’ll be attending our own rally in Boone again this year.  Always a blast to hang out with old and new friends.

http://www.carolinasbmwmoa.org/annual-boone-rally/

Camping Equipment

To get ready for these rides I’m updating my camping equipment.  I posted a “what to bring, what to leave” thread on the BMWMOA forum.  Got some great tips. check it out.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?67495-Camping-Gota-Have-Gota-Leave

I’ll update this blog as the year unfolds.

Chris Skor (Skorlinski)
“Not all who wander are lost”

Our planned start was for 9:00 am on Monday the 7^th. At 7:30 am, my home in Gaston County was in the middle of a fast moving thunderstorm. The storm was heading east and would soon arrive at Mark’s and then at Rich’s, some telephone calls and our departure time was delayed to 11:00 am. We met at a restaurant in Harrisburg and headed out on Rte 49 in a NE direction past Burlington and on to Roxboro. There we got onto Rte 158 toward our overnight in Chesapeake VA. The weather surrounding us was cold, cloudy and clammy. This required us to reconsider how far we wanted to go, a decision was made to spend the night in Franklin. A good decision as the rain started and daylight was fast disappearing. It was the first of a few very difficult rides, but we made it to a Comfort Inn and had dinner at the nearby Applebee’s. This is the epitome of American sameness that is all over the country.

Tuesday morning we were greeted with another dose of grey skies and damp air. Our destination that day was the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA. Rich was leading and missed a turn, he blamed the GPS, and as a result we saved a toll and took a tour of the car dealers in Portsmouth. This was followed by some nice back roads. For anyone interested in airplanes and history, this museum is a must see. The building houses many WW1 and WW2 aircraft as well as much other historical memorabilia. The main building has wings [ pun] dedicated to each of the wars. We walked to two other hangers; one is used to store and display early aircraft that are replicas of the originals. The purpose of building replicas is that many of these planes no longer exist or are very rare. All the construction work is done on site. The other hanger is called the Fighter Factory, there you can see planes in the process of being built or restored. While we were absorbing all we had seen, the heavy rain resumed so we bummed a ride back to the main building. Once we were there, we knew we weren’t getting on the bikes for a while. One of the docents took us on a private tour and spent about two hours, showing us around and explaining the importance and uniqueness of the displayed airplanes. We left there late afternoon and aimed the bikes toward Kitty Hawk. Once again rain, rain and more rain, heavy at times. We figured a late lunch break would let the rain pass, alas, we had lunch and it rained some more.

Onto the bikes, weather be dammed, we forged ahead; made it to Kitty Hawk and a Days Inn for the night. The next morning was a repeat of the past two days, wet, cold and overcast. Now keep in mind that when we left, the forecast was for a cloudy day Monday and then sun for the rest of the week, never trust a weatherman, where else can you be wrong half the time and still be considered a success. We rode to Kitty Hawk and spent time in the Wright Brothers museum and learned about the invention of flight. Their greatest insight was wing warping, without this invention, controlled flight was not possible. The ranger showed us how it worked using a replica 1903 Wright Flyer. From there we walked up to the monument and then visited the cabins where the brothers worked and lived.

We left the Wright Brothers at around 12:30 and had to make the 2:00pm Hatteras to Oracoke ferry, this was necessary because we had reservations on the 4:00 Hatteras to Cedar Island ferry. That was the last ferry of the day. The good news was that it was no longer raining, though the sky and air were still laden with moisture. The ride south on the Hatteras National Seashore was very interesting, ocean on the right, sound on the left, lots of sand dunes. The roadway at times was below sea level, I wondered why such an expensive road with its many bridges was built in such a desolate place. We made it just in time to board the 2:00 ferry to Oracoke; this was a 30 minute trip. On arrival we had adequate time to get to the 4:00 ferry so lunch was in order. Rich was leading and took us to a Post Office that he thought was a restaurant, we eventually did find a place to eat and then boarded the ferry for a 4:00pm departure the trip to the mainland was 2 1/2 hours. That meant we would arrive after sunset and have to ride to Morehead City, 35 miles away in the dark. The rain, mist and fog made for an interesting, sort of unfriendly ride. We found lodging at the Buccaneer Inn, had great Chinese food and hunkered down for the night.

The next morning started out cloudy but we knew that heading west would take us into sunshine and it did. Highway 41 took us through farm country and some beautiful scenery. At lunchtime, we could not find a place to eat, I was hoping for another Post Office.

Mark used his GPS and found what may be the best fried chicken place in the entire south; it was in the town of Hamlet on Hwy 74. It was a buffet restaurant, so we all ate too much. Continuing east we reached the point where we split up and all went home.

The bad weather in its way made the trip memorable, the museums, the roads and all the blather that went on at our meals made the trip stimulating and exhilarating.

The event planners did a great job arranging the event.  From multiple registration tent, the food vendor, t-shirts, to the stage with live band, they were ready to 200 or more bikers.  Unfortunately all the BMWers were in GA rally and all the Harely riders were in Cherokee.  Perhaps it was the late start (11:30am for 2 hour ride) or being advertised as a ride and not a “poker run”, but sadly, only a about 20 riders showed up.

There were a couple of sportbike riders

One CANAM Spider

And of course, a great looking blue BMW R1200RT.

We briefly road on I-77.  I had to keep throttle low waiting for Harley riders to thump-thump their way up to 70mph on the on ramp. The group ride followed clean and curve roads as it wrapped around Stone Mountain State Park.   Riding out of the mountains I gave the Harley riders plenty of space as they rode their brakes.  I guess engine braking is just not something those thumpers like to do, overheating brake more their style.

Only incident came when one Harely riders tried to park on hill at the first cigarette break and dropped his bike.  Not being a smoker, I would have preferred to ride.  Got to admire their skill, not everyone can ride through the mountains on a bike while smoking a cigarette.  Menthol is just not my idea of clean fresh mountain air.

I didn’t have time to check out Bobby’s recommendation and swing by “Brushy Mountain Road” or “Linneys Mill Road”, but these are on my “bucket list” of NC roads.

http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/nc_bmr.html

Keep Riding
Chris Skor (Skorlinski)

For longer trips I added a Bead-Rider for my bum and tail bag with removable backrest for my back. The “Grand Tourer” bag, made by Kuryakyn, is identical to the “Journey Bag” from MustangSeats.com.  I bought this brand new on eBay for about $75 with shipping.  Similar eBay listings http://tinyurl.com/763yw5g, goes for $160, but shop around if looking for a <$100 deal.

There is tons of storage in this bag.  It so stiff it works as a backrest even when empty.

The bag can even be mounted on the backrest as a tail bag.  The bag comes with lots of adjustable straps to secure the bag to most any bike.

Notice the bright white back panels of my side bags?  These highly reflective stick on panels are black during the day, but glow bright when hit by car lights.

To be seen from the front I added a HID headlight replacement light kit.  Wow, what a difference, those HID lights really light up the night. I installed both the Low and High beam HID kit.  If I had to do over, I would have just done the Low.  The delay in High beams cranking up makes them only practical when you find yourself late at night riding down some back road trying to get home and there are no cars around.

To help me find my way I bought a Garmin NUVI 1450 GPS off eBay for about $100.  This GPS has a 5″ display.

From Amazon I purchased  a RAM mount in which the GPS snaps right in.  Following master travelier Dave Selvig’s advice I covered any openings with black tape to keep out water during misty rides.

For riding in rain I purchased a waterproof case.  The case didn’t come with a RAM mount, but couple of screws later and I mounted a RAM mount to the back of the case.

The waterproof case has a clear flexible screen providing limited “touch” capability.  The GPS is easy to read and protected from afternoon Carolina showers.

Only thing left is to GAS and GO!

Enjoy the Ride!

Chris Skor (Skorlinski)

We continued on US-64 into Brevard, Lake Toxaway, Cashiers, and Highlands. The roads were perfect, very little traffic, crisp air, clean curvy roads.  I think Don could have ridden for 2 more hours, but by now I had to made a pit stop.  I’ve got to stop 1 hour after morning coffee or lunch diet coke.

From Highlands we headed north on NC 28 to Ellijay then picking up US-74 in Lauada.  I’m loving this NC-28. These are some great roads.  I would return here before the Dragon any day.  Waterfalls everywhere!  Rounding a tight right-hand I could almost reach out an touch the wet rock wall.  At one turn-out water flows over the road covering it in mist.  Next time I’m riding by on a hot day I’ll stop and stand under the cool water, today, we wanted to get to Iron Horse before dark.

Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge was perfect for this trip.  It is right in the middle of some great NC, SC, GA, TN roads.  They offer a wide variety of sleeping arrangements as well as a large dining call, theatre room, outdoor fire-pit and plenty of rocking chairs and swings to sit and listen to the creek flowing by.

Don and I stayed in the Bunkhouse.

It had 6 raised platforms with mattresses.  Perfect if you’re riding all day and just too tired to care about guy snoring next to you.

You can also tent camp.

Or stay in one of the many cabins.

When you check it they provide menus for dinner and breakfast during your stay. What a great way to start and end the day, belly full, but bring your own adult drink of choice, they’re in a dry county.

Bikes started to roll in all day Thursday. Mostly BMW with a small mixture of Yamaha and Honda.  This Yamaha really caught my eye, kick start and all.

There we even a few lady riders mixed in amongst the guys.

After hearty breakfast Friday morning, Don, Glenn, from Virginia Beach riding an LT and I headed out for a NC\GA loop.  First road was Cherahalla Skyway. Love this road!  Temp dropped as we climbed curve after curve.  From 73 down to 50 as we road into the clouds, then back down to 70s.  While I road most curves in 2nd gear at 5,000 rpm working on engine breaking, lean, then throttle roll through curves, Don was peg-to-peg all the way.  I could see his smile through the back of his helmet as he lost me after first few curves.

Ride took us to Tellico Plains, TN, down 68 stopping for lunch at Mexican dinner downtown Ducktown.  The chicken was cooked perfect in my enchilada.

After lunch plans was to ride to Suches, GA.  Rumor had it Hwy 60 into Suches was another great road just waiting for an afternoon ride.  But unfortunately the LT went down for a low-side on right-hander.  Nearest we could tell the center-stand caught and lifted the read just enough to loose traction.  Bike slid across the road into small muddy ditch.  Rider, wearing full protection slide with the bike as right side ground down.

We picked up the bike, put back on the mirror and waited for adrenaline levels to lower before heading back to the Lodge.  Glenn wanted us to continue down to Suches, but would hear a word.  If we start out together we finish together, you don’t leave fellow riding who just went down to make his way back home.  I lead the way with Don following behind just in case the LT started dropping parts.  A little slow for Glenn on his busted LT and Don on his RT, but after one rider down, we didn’t need another.

There are so many great roads minutes from Iron Horse, if Don and I wanted more riding, we could always head back out.  Priority was getting Glenn back, busted up LT and all.

Dinner was excellent as always at the Lodge, great food, great company, great riding stories, sky overhead full of stars.  Eat inside or out by the fire-pit.  Too bad I didn’t bring mixing for Smores.  Theatre room showing “Fastest Indian” for rest of us too tired from day riding, it time to dig out the ear plugs and head to the bunkhouse.  Next time I’ll upgrade to the cabin!

Saturday morning Don and I headed back to Charlotte in light rain by way of Ashville NC.  Just as we cleared the rain, we stopped at the new BMW shop, really nice place right near Biltmore Village.  The GS F800 caught my eye.  Maybe on this bike I could take on those gravel roads without pucker.

As clouds moved in lunch plans at WaySide in Biltmore Village would have to wait for another day.  Don headed east on I-40 back to Lake Norman and I took I-26 back home to Lake Wylie.

Thought I would share a few lessons learned during 3 days and 700 miles riding beautiful curvy roads of NC\GA\TN.

First, ride you own ride, not the ride of the guy in front.  When you get comfortable, push just a little bit more.  If you push to fast past your comfort zone, you’ll tense up and mistakes will happen.

Second, sh#t will happen, be it low side slide, mechanical breakdown, or brain fa#rt when parking your bike in netural on a down slope at an overlook and your R1200RT falls over.  When it does, slow down, breath, think, then plan next your next move.

Third, always ride with saddlebags, see above!

Thanks Mr. Dave Selvig for another great ride and for the spare parts for my R1200RT.

Chris Skor (Skorlinski)

April 19-21: 8th annual BMW Spring Training Camp located at the
Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge in Robbinsville NC.

April 20-22 Road Atlanta for http://www.m1powersports.com/big-kahuna-atlanta/

April 26-29th in Helen GA, for Helen Back ride presented by BMWSportTouring.

May 4-6 for 22nd Annual GA Mountain Rally http://www.bmwmoga.info

May 18th for Morton’s BMW Sping Fling Rally at Natural Bridge VA http://mortonsbmw.com/springfling_2012.html

June 5th-9th for Americade www.americade.com

July 14-15th for Roanoke Riders Workshop www.ridersworkshop.com with Jim Ford.

July 19-22 for BMWOA Rally in Sedalia MO.

–Chris Skor (Skorlinski)

It’s time for me to map out my summer itinerary and I’d appreciate your help/input. Once again I’ll travel on my trusty G650GS leaving midsummer on a north, northwest, southwest, east path. Here’s a map for starters.

Please help me stay OFF the highways and ON the byways/rookie-safe offroads.

• I will probably be speaking at a women’s rally in Gettysburg, PA on 6/22 (which will get our service personnel excited…gimme your address and I’ll send a postcard).
• From there I’ll go to Niagara Falls and cross into Canada, visiting one of my favorite cities, Toronto. ETA 6/24/12.
• I want to explore the Upper Peninsula and International Falls, then over to see friends in Winnipeg. ETA Winnipeg 7/1, which happens to be Canada Day.
• From there I’m torn between going through Saskatchewan to Alberta then down to Idaho and dipping down into the States to cross from Montana (which is what the map shows right now). Last year in Saskatchewan was pretty miserable. Just seconds after snapping this photo the fierce winds BLEW MY BIKE OVER.
• I’ll be house-sitting for a friend who’s riding her bike to Alaska from Idaho so I’ll be in the Twin Falls area 7/4-20 except when I go to Wyoming to rally with the other Conga riders July 12-14. I’ll do some nice dual sporting there in the Little Big Horn Basin with the locals!
• From Idaho I’ll head over to the AMA Women’s Rally in Carson City, NV, which is the furthest point shown on the map here. It’s 7/26-29.
• From Carson City I’ll probably speak and sell books at the Rally in the Gorge in Washington state 8/1-5 (thanks to club member Bill Kniegge for the intro to organizer Tom Mehren) and TRY to be back for our club rally the following week.

OK, please tell me what you think I should do along the way, and what the best roads/routes will be. THANKS!

August is a fantastic time of year to camp, take a break and tour the North Carolina High Country. Many Boone Rally attendees arrive before Friday’s (10th) official check in day. We’ll be there Thursday, August 9th for Early Check In.

Come back and visit this web site for updates and news announcements about the 2012 Annual Boone Rally – the best motorcycle riding found nowhere else.