16N to Tazewell, VA. Sat. Oct 07, 2007 Anybody here?

[LordSmoke]

Was riding up 16N to Tazewell yesterday when overtaken by a bunch of folks on, I think, a Bandit, a Triumph Tiger, a Blue DL650, some other bikes, and an older, white BMW bringing up the rear. Riders all kitted out in textile andf mesh touring gear.

Was it anyone here?

I moved over to let them pass, then fell in behind on my light blue metallic 06 Strom. I tried to hang with 'em in the twisties, but I have never been on that road and could never tell if a turn would become a sweeper or a blind swichback. Mostly it was the latter, and that turned a big portion of the ride, for me, into slow parking lot practice. By the time I made it through, the group was already off their bikes with helmets in hand at some general store. We crossed paths again as I was heading back from Tazewell, and they were coming the other way. Beautiful day.

Well, folks. It was a great day to ride yesterday, and thanks to the advice here at ST.N, I had a great ride.

[sprint_st]

Was riding up 16N to Tazewell yesterday when overtaken by a bunch of folks on, I think, a Bandit, a Triumph Tiger, a Blue DL650, some other bikes, and an older, white BMW bringing up the rear. Riders all kitted out in textile andf mesh touring gear.

Was it anyone here?

Wasn't me, but you showed excellent judgment.  I love that stretch of road.  The first time I ran it, I was with a great bunch of guys but with 20-20 hindsight I can say we ran way too fast.  We started the day off on US58 which is also another potentially lethal road in the same general area.  Absolutely fantastic roads, BUT with the potential of shoe horning you and your ride into separate projectiles in a big hurry if you don't treat them with respect.

[LordSmoke]

Wasn't me, but you showed excellent judgment.  I love that stretch of road.  The first time I ran it, I was with a great bunch of guys but with 20-20 hindsight I can say we ran way too fast.  We started the day off on US58 which is also another potentially lethal road in the same general area.  Absolutely fantastic roads, BUT with the potential of shoe horning you and your ride into separate projectiles in a big hurry if you don't treat them with respect.

Thanks.

To borrow a concept from a former football coach:

When you ride really hard through the twisties on a public road a lot of things can happen - most of them are bad.

Lane-hogging oncoming traffic, rocks, sand and gravel, animals, immovable roadside obstructions, and unexpected flying lessons off the side of a mountain are just a few of the things I generally try to avoid.

[farmer fred]

I was headed north on 16 from Marion to Tazewell between 8am and 9am, alone on a blue FZ1.  Took 61 East to I-77.  61 was fabulous too.

[LordSmoke]

I was rolling through about lunchtime or a little later.

[garry]

Data Point: the north end of 16 between I-79 and 50 is worthy as well. Not 15 MPH switchbacks like the Marion/Tazewell section, but endless 25 and 30 MPH corners. Pavement is patched and a bit bumpy in spots south of 47, but is excellent north of 47. Just rode it yesterday...