ARKANSAS IN AUTUMN '07 - Mini Bash Sign Up

[GypsyRR]

Don't forget to bring something that you don't need anymore, but someone else might need...... You unnerstand? BRING SOMETHING!

If it's too big to bring on the bike. Ship it to the motel. This has worked in the past and adds an extra dimension of entertainment at the dinner.

Over and out.

I've been traveling and have been away from the board for a while, so thank you for reminding everyone, Boxer.

It's going to be a great time and I really look forward to meeting everyone. My role will end when we all get there, because my job will be done. I'm hoping you experienced "Bashees" will sort of lead the way with everything else, since there will be several first time attendees in Ozark, like myself.

Too many plans can bog tings down, so I've left a lot just open ended purposefully. The only things planned are:

1. Saturday evening @ 7:00 at the restaurant at the motel - dinner and prizes

2. Sunday morning, CycleRob will be doing a tech session. He can give more details on that.

...... and everything else will just fall into place and happen.

Looking forward to meeting everyone. Ride safely.

[CycleRob]

Fall into place it will. I'll have to find the way to enter GypsyRR's ride routes into my Zumo450 so we won't get lost or so I have the ability to lead. Leading a group isn't one of my favorite things for 3 good reasons:
1--I'm too slow (Ha!)
2--I'm too fast (Hey . . . . . where ARE they?)
3--I missed too many turns. (whoops!)



The Tech Session is an 18,000 mile service on a non-ABS R1150R, possibly without the 3 oil changes - - - although my truck can transport everything needed for that if desired. With a small group observing and interacting with the valve adjustment, TB synch, critical nuts-n-bolts tightening, belt tensioning and DOT4 purge-n-replace, it will take at least 4 hours, so plan accordingly. There's always unscheduled additions possible, like changing the FI hose clamps or installing metal QD's, topping off the rear preload oil, or relocating the canister to under the fuel tank. I will have the small parts & tools needed if time permits. We'll even have a big boxfan and a 12V inverter to power it if AC power isn't available within my 50' extension.
The tech session in my NJ shop years ago took about 6 hours but we had Pizzas and high individual participation with the fine details.

Even though I am looking at a 12 hour trip home afterward, I am not concerned with rushing the service job. I can leave well after noon, sleep a few hours in a rest area 400 miles away and get home near sunrise. I've already have done exactly that on one of my several 740 mile Pennsylvania to Georgia move trips.

[mcooperstein]

On my hands and knees begging...one last time!!! Anybody got extra room for little old me? Would really like to go to this bash, but it's too far to drive.

Mark

[GypsyRR]

It's not too far to drive, Mark. Rent a trailer and c'mon. Life is short, and getting shorter all the time actually. If you want to come to Ozark, then just come. Forget the distance. It's just miles and time, and time is going to pass whether or not you are on a bike or in a car or sitting behind a desk. So - either pass the time doing what you enjoy or.......... not. Work and sleep are so over rated.

Well, that's how I try to live anyway. It works out most of the time..... as long as I'm in control of my life.

Just come on. Everything will work out and everything will be fine and all will have a good time.

If it doesn't work out for you this time, I'll plan another one next year if I'm still around.

[mcooperstein]

well, I'll try. And, I apologize for sounding like a whiney baby. I should be taken out back and wipped! Right now, I'm waiting on the wife to get back from Nicarauga. I've not heard from her in a couple days and am worried. She's in some forelorn village doing medicine. The last time she went I got her a GPS phone, which she was too busy to ever use, so I'm not surprised that I havent heard from her this time around. She'll be back next Monday. I'll talk to her about the possibility of Arkansas. One question though, I'm worried that I wont have a place to stay. Do you think there are still rooms available?

Mark

[GypsyRR]

As of yesterday there was still a double room available (same price as a single). After that one goes, the non-smoking rooms are all taken. If someone doesn't mind a smoking room, Joan could do some switching probably, if we need another room.

Good luck.

[RBrider]

If McC makes it to Ozark, I'm sure he can share a room with someone. Motels always have extra cots, if needed.

Just plan how many miles a day you can/want to ride in a day, and plan accordingly.

You can do it.

RB

[Boxer]

Mark....AndyFromPoland might show up! But you already know that. I'd go just to meet Andy!

[wncbmw]

CycleRob said:

Leading a group isn't one of my favorite things for 3 good reasons:
1--I'm too slow (Ha!)
2--I'm too fast (Hey . . . . . where ARE they?)
3--I missed too many turns. (whoops!)

As a survivor of the CycleRob Gravel Road Adventure Ride at the Ohio Bash, beware: you might end up riding gravel roads!

Hopefully the new GPS will at least show the gravel roads as well as my map did! (I told you so!)

[CycleRob]

I remember that. Gravel roads are not even on my top 20 roads list. It was all about the shortest distance and there was no indication of gravel roads. They were at the very beginning of the return trip and only a mile-or-2. I believe your Lo-fuel lite just went on and my stupid GPS said the nearest fuel was that-a-way and showed no fuel station at Vann's location. Reading your ancient paper map, you were sure the NEAREST gas station was the-other-way (it was) but felt lucky and trusted my judgment and my stupid GPS. So, we road away . . . . a few miles later the GPS "recalculated". Now the fuel station was like 30+ miles away. I got really nervous because we were out in the middle of nowhere. Very woodsy. Knowing an 1150R ridden easy in high gear could go almost/over 50 miles, I went fast enough, in steady speed cruise mode, so we could all stay in fuel efficient 6th gear (I was). Then it occurred to me Vann would be revving in 4th or 5th gear, wasting the precious remaining fuel. Long story short, we all eventually rode into the gas station under our own power, which turned out to be in town, almost right at the motel. It had'a-be about 40 miles on the Lo-fuel lite. I breathed easy again.

Turns out not EVERY gas station is in the Magellan's digital mapping system (for some flimsy subscription, payola or consent reasons).

BTW, in my dealings with Magellan to get replacement CD mapping software (CD damaged, software lost in a format) I was told it (RoadMate 300-NA) is no longer supported . . . . . and would I like to trade my old unit in on a newer unit. I said "No thanks". After I hung up the phone I thought of the correct response: "Why the F would I do THAT, when you don't even support my 4 year old unit?"
Go Garmin!

[Biff's R]

GS Handguards are on.

I am making my list of things to pack.

[NoRRmad]

I'm packed, waiting for the rain to let up. Probably Sunday.

[GypsyRR]

I'm thinking about packing.

I've never ridden in weather below 55, so I'm still working on getting some warm gear together, or else those 40 degree mornings will find me staying in bed under warm blankets!!

[NoRRmad]

We need a Groucho-wiggling-his-eyebrows emoticon.

[mad1150]

+1 on the "Groucho-ticon"

Speaking of 40 degree mornings, as of today, it looks like we might be lucky enough to almost hit 40 when we leave IL Thursday morning! Supposed to be sunny too.

At least we're heading the right direction this time, unlike our Sept. WI ride.

Gypsy, one word for you - Thinsulate!

[priapismic]

Gypsy, one word for you - Thinsulate!

Another word for you, Gypsy - think layers !

A good insulating wicking layer against your skin is your front line defense against cold (also against heat, but that shouldn't be an issue this time of year). Think capilene, CoolMax, MotoCoolStuff, etc. You can spend some serious $ at REI or for UnderArmour stuff (good selection at Academy), but I've found that the DriStar brand at Wal-Mart works just as well, and is far more affordable. Start with something like that as your base layer, then layer on thin, breathable fabrics on top of that. You don't want thick, bulky stuff, like sweaters, as it will restict your movement under your riding gear. As Madd1150 suggests, think thinsulate.

Don't forget your feet and hands. A couple of those heat packs sold at sporting goods or hunting supply stores will do wonders when stashed in your gloves or socks.

Good ridin', and I'll see y'all there ....

[priapismic]

I asked a good friend of mine, who is a life-long Arkansas resident and knows every inch, every tar snake, every crack in the surface of every road in Arkansas for some recommendations for places to stop and grab some lunch while out riding around the mountains. Here is his reply to me, word for word:

Of course, Mather Lodge is good & so is the new lodge atop Mt Magazine. The Country Store in Oark (intersection of Hwy 103 & Hwy 215) is very good. North of Jasper is Dogpatch & a newly renovated place called the Hub http://www.hubinfo.com/ & I found the Ribeye to be very good. The Crossbow & Granny's are good country cafes in Huntsville. If you get over to Leslie on US65 be sure to stop at the bakery. There is a roadside burger shack on Hwy 21 in Ozone which is OK. The scenery at the Cliff House is forth a visit but I am not a fan of the place.

Close to Ozark is the little town of Altus. Just south of US64 on Main Street at the town square/park is several cafes worth visiting. My favorite is Kelts, a 200 year old Irish pub brought over here lock, stock & leprecon. (Draft Ginness) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARA-oev7bt0

A little more upscale from that is http://www.wiederkehrwines.com/ which is very good food.

Check out http://www.arkansas.com/ for more ideas. I hope I have been able to help.

I'll summarize this list and bring it to Ozark, along with a bunch of Arkansas state highway maps that I ordered up from the AR Highway Dept., with some good roads highlighted.

[mad1150]

Advice on Heatpacks:

As pria says, get the ones sold at Sporting Goods stores (including Wal-Mart). My wife has has found the cheap ones sold at gas stations to be nearly useless.

Also, that was great advice on layers pria.

For 45 and under, I wear blue-jeans, a t-shirt, one thin sweatshirt, and then my Tourmaster jacket and pants w/Thinsulate liners. (The Tourmaster stuff has a rain/wind liner inside) Some may want long-underwear, everyone is different, but all that does is make me sweat.

Heavy socks and my Alpine Stars - Water Proof riding boots

A pair of Thinsulate lined Gortex outdoor gloves. (maybe next year I'll get some good Winter gloves!)

A balaclava & neck warmer too!

[OU812]

I ordered a BMW heated vest on Monday. Just hope it shows before Thursday.

[Biff's R]

Did my windshield test today, and prefer the sport to the touring. Look in the buy/sell section if you are interested in a touring shield.

I have quit using the liner that came with my FG Kilimanjaro jacket, and have been using one of my LL Bean Fleece pullovers. Better around the neck, and more versatile off of the bike. Make sure your jeans do not hang out of the bottom of your riding pants. It is amazing how much water the jeans can wick up under your overpants.