The 2019 NT Gathering - May 16-19, 2019 - Cairo, WV
- Thread starter DirtFlier
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WVRider
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Well folks, this event is coming upon us quickly. Spoke to Kathy from the Park yesterday and they will be closing the block of rooms on the 17th. Only have a couple left. Then you are on your own. There is a campground at the bottom of the hill so if you want to do that be sure to check with the park. I did not ask for the place right below the lodge so the campground is on down the hills farther. Anxious to see everyone there.
WVRider
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Duane (WVrider) and I have decided to split the riding group into a Group A (fast) and Group B (slow). He'll lead the fast group and I'll lead the slow group. We'll still end-up at the same rest & lunch stops but doing this will make the group more manageable. And he has developed two routes - one for Friday and one for Saturday - and both are of reasonable distance & time.
Note, Fast will not be that "FAST". Speed limit to 5 under. Might get 5 over on long drawn out sections like the short jaunt up the interstate, though there are not many of them.
Come on Duane, I've been with you when you were a bit more that at the speed limit.
To me it's more of a safety and convenience thing so I shouldn't have used the words "fast" and "slow." :-(
Anyone who has ever led a group knows that when you get anymore than 5-6 riders, it's pretty darn difficult to see if the last person in line made that turn OK plus going through a town with stoplights is always an unknown. And pulling over to the side to wait for someone is a real hassle with more than 10 bikes because of the space required!
Last year, Deb & I were at the back of the line and I hardly ever saw Duane unless the entire line stopped or maybe on long straightaways. And Duane mentioned he never knew what was going on at the back when we were in the twisties because I was often two or more curves back.
Anyone who has ever led a group knows that when you get anymore than 5-6 riders, it's pretty darn difficult to see if the last person in line made that turn OK plus going through a town with stoplights is always an unknown. And pulling over to the side to wait for someone is a real hassle with more than 10 bikes because of the space required!
Last year, Deb & I were at the back of the line and I hardly ever saw Duane unless the entire line stopped or maybe on long straightaways. And Duane mentioned he never knew what was going on at the back when we were in the twisties because I was often two or more curves back.
Will any of the riders be using communicators? I plan to bring my Send 30k but I don't know if there will be anyone to talk with. While they can be annoying and they are pricy, communicators really change the group riding experience. In any case, I think it's great Duane and Tosh are planning on breaking into smaller groups. Should be much more manageable.
WVRider
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I use Cardo Scala Rider G9x and always have it.
WVRider
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not often, and I usually let everyone know its coming plus slow after to let all regroup. Like the mountain outside of Parsons a couple years ago. Gotta admit Barry, that was fun. 
I agree - Duane has always been good about slowing down after a fast section to let all the riders regroup for the next section.
Deb & I use Sena communicators but only to talk to each other, although she had used hers to talk to others on a long ride from IN a few years ago. For me, I either talk to her about upcoming road/traffic condition or I listen to FM radio when riding solo.
Deb & I use Sena communicators but only to talk to each other, although she had used hers to talk to others on a long ride from IN a few years ago. For me, I either talk to her about upcoming road/traffic condition or I listen to FM radio when riding solo.
Getting to be last minute here, but does anyone care to share a double room?
junglejim
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Well, I'm a confirmed "maybe". I'd like to ride down there, but I'm 100% weather dependent. Of all the years the "gathering" has been held I only made it there once. It was somewhere around Pigeon Forge or Sevierville TN. Sorry I can't commit, and good luck finding someone who will.
It is pretty early around here for long distance riding and I have a good two days to get there. My first day would land me somewhere around where you live. And if it works out we could ride the rest of the way together. I'm a good 7+ hours west of the Makinaw Bridge and you must be about 4+ hours south of that. I just won't know until the last minute. Riding along the Great Lakes in early spring weather is often a bad idea, so good weather is critical for me. A 12-hour road burn in cold damp weather just isn't any fun.
I'll be watching this thread for updates.
It is pretty early around here for long distance riding and I have a good two days to get there. My first day would land me somewhere around where you live. And if it works out we could ride the rest of the way together. I'm a good 7+ hours west of the Makinaw Bridge and you must be about 4+ hours south of that. I just won't know until the last minute. Riding along the Great Lakes in early spring weather is often a bad idea, so good weather is critical for me. A 12-hour road burn in cold damp weather just isn't any fun.
I'll be watching this thread for updates.
JungleJim, I read what you posted about driving your truck to lower Mi. then riding the rest of the way and the "no thanks", but if you or anybody else every need a place in the southeast area of Mi. mine place is open to most any fellow bikers. It's a safe place out in the country. You can leave your vehicle parked here and ride away or if need of repair, tools and the likes, I'm usually here! I'm 20 miles south of Port Huron, 6 miles from I-94.
Oh yeah, riding along with that Tiger...I might have to bring my interceptor. That awesome triple and a V-4, that could be fun!
Oh yeah, riding along with that Tiger...I might have to bring my interceptor. That awesome triple and a V-4, that could be fun!
junglejim
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You want me to make a COMMITMENT??????
You sound like my wife. - Ya, I know I need a little nudge once in a while.
I appreciate the encouragement, but it almost sounds like some folks are betting on my attendance on absence.
I hope you don't lose too much money.
WVRider
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Hi Jim, I'm waiting on a friend to give me a yes or no about coming. If they cannot make it I already have a room and would be glad to let you use the other half. Note I've been told I snore so I provide a pack of foam earplugs
I'll let you or others know if the other 1/2 of my room is available.DJ
WVRider
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Hi everyone,
Since the question came up on another post I thought I would point out some options here. If you are coming to the event and 1. are interested in a good route in, or 2. if you want to arrive early on Thursday and get in a local ride, or 3. if you want to do a ride on Sunday before taking off or tag along on one till you get to a takeoff point, shoot me an email.
( rvmba.duane@yahoo.com ). If you are coming in from the north or west and there are no early arrivals planned, I'd be glad to meet you and ride in with you. Mention in email.
We do not have an actual agenda so I'll throw out how we have done this in the past. We start these gatherings on Thursday (wherever event is held), this year at the Lodge at North Bend State Park. If early arrivals, we can take a short ride. We then get together that evening for dinner, meet and greet and discuss our plans for the next few days. We decide when to meet for breakfast and then prep for ride. Usually depart for ride around 10 a.m. We have left earlier like 9:30, if agreed upon at breakfast. In order to keep everyone comfortable, we will stop at a place with facilities approx. every hour. Friday and Saturday ride will include a stop for lunch at a great eating spot. I attempt to point out historic / scenic spots on each route and can discuss before ride if we want to stop or do a drive by. As noted in previous posts, Tosh and I plan to separate groups making it easier to stay together. We have always slowed after a fun section of road to allow regroup and we never make turns without making sure everyone is with us. If I missed anything hopefully Tosh will chime in.
DJ
Since the question came up on another post I thought I would point out some options here. If you are coming to the event and 1. are interested in a good route in, or 2. if you want to arrive early on Thursday and get in a local ride, or 3. if you want to do a ride on Sunday before taking off or tag along on one till you get to a takeoff point, shoot me an email.
( rvmba.duane@yahoo.com ). If you are coming in from the north or west and there are no early arrivals planned, I'd be glad to meet you and ride in with you. Mention in email.
We do not have an actual agenda so I'll throw out how we have done this in the past. We start these gatherings on Thursday (wherever event is held), this year at the Lodge at North Bend State Park. If early arrivals, we can take a short ride. We then get together that evening for dinner, meet and greet and discuss our plans for the next few days. We decide when to meet for breakfast and then prep for ride. Usually depart for ride around 10 a.m. We have left earlier like 9:30, if agreed upon at breakfast. In order to keep everyone comfortable, we will stop at a place with facilities approx. every hour. Friday and Saturday ride will include a stop for lunch at a great eating spot. I attempt to point out historic / scenic spots on each route and can discuss before ride if we want to stop or do a drive by. As noted in previous posts, Tosh and I plan to separate groups making it easier to stay together. We have always slowed after a fun section of road to allow regroup and we never make turns without making sure everyone is with us. If I missed anything hopefully Tosh will chime in.
DJ
Thanks Duane, if it works out snoring is not a problem, my wife has me used to the noise of a straight pipe Harley running around the room all night, ear plugs work great! And if it doesn't work out I'm planning on bringing my trusted camping gear!Hi Jim, I'm waiting on a friend to give me a yes or no about coming. If they cannot make it I already have a room and would be glad to let you use the other half. Note I've been told I snore so I provide a pack of foam earplugs
DJ