"The official "is it ESTN yet" thread!" or "PEE PEE DANCE!!!"

[servicerifle]

Ok, am I the only one that is so excited I can barely stay in my skin?  I'm not even done with THIS ride yet and I can't wait 'till ESTN next weekend! AAAARRRRGGGHHH!!!!  

So much for those naysayers that thought I'd be "ridden out" by the end of this trip!  

WOOT!

[02VFR]

No you are not the only one.  I can not wait to go.  I have two more days of work then I am done until next Tuesday.

and check out ther weather It doesn't get much better..

See Ya All soon......

Clicky

Clicky Clicky

 

[basco]

Cant wait either. Its probably the one and only vacation for me this year. Weather looks perfect that week. Low 70s and little or no chance of rain.

[R Doug]

Here Here!  I'm stoked and that weather forcast looks awesome.  Let's hope there's no changes to it.  

I'm looking forward to everything from the ride down, to seeing Deal's Gap for the first time, and even the ride home.  

Five days of me and my friends riding bikes, it's all good.

[SuperHans]

Yep, I can't wait myself. I don't know if I have enough time to do those last minute things to the bike before the trip.  I need to put my bar risers on, highway pegs, and hook up the sat. radio. Plus I have to do a couple of minor maint. items.

It's gonna be a marathon before I leave on Thursday.

[garry]

I always get anxious before a trip. Bike is basically ready but lots going on at home and work. I'll relax once I get a couple hours into it. Weather is looking good so no need to pack extra rain gear (my textile gear is fairly water resistant). I'm leaving Thursday afternoon.

[Corbeau]

Garry, now that you've mentionned the great forecast, I'm packing all my rain gear...  

Leaving Wed. mid-morning, for 350 km of twisties followed by 200 of slab, to Flyer's place.

[tonyfjr2006]

This will be my first year to ESTN, but I am stoked as well. It will be awesome to meet everyone.

We leave Friday around 3:30, 4pm from Huntersville NC.

[Flyer]

I've got four 10 hour shifts before liftoff.
Maps are all loaded in the chipset (thanks MCH, Sprint_ST et al.)
The bike's all set, but unpacked. (Truth be told, I can be packed and gone in 60 seconds if nobody's lookin').  
Yeah.
I'm ready!

[Huron52]

well for the past two weeks or more I have been working on my list and setting things out that I need to bring.  Maps? Isn't getting lost half the fun?
 Things are coming to together!

  I got Three 10 hour shifts to put in before "I'm out of here"


 

[MK96xj]

Did the valve adjustment last week. (1K over due )

This thread drives it home. No more thinking about it. Like Garry said the anxiety kicks in and it is almost time to step on stage.

See YOALL there

[UPNET]

Out the door at 6:00 am. Boring  I 40/ I 81 superslab for the first few hours...then off on to 421....Shady Valley etc. Can't wait to meet y'all. Especially some of those "legends"    

[Corbeau]

Am I a legend, in STN lore?  

Speaking of GPS, I haven't uploaded any maps to it because my computer is in the shop getting a new HD... I hope I can find a way to install Mapsource on another computer otherwise I'll have to navigate by basemap (on a GPS V, kinda old and vague) if I get lost.  

[basco]

Am I a legend, in STN lore?  

Yes you are a legend since you got us kicked out of ESTN05.  

[stefrrr]

Wow, I just looked at my sig line and saw that there are only THREE days left till I leave for ESTN!!!

Is anyone else like me - I feel a little sick about the prospect of a trip like this until I get on the road? I'm excited and all, but the thought of having everything ready, doing everything I need to between now and then, leaving on time, etc, just makes me feel a little queasy.

[R Doug]

Wow, I just looked at my sig line and saw that there are only THREE days left till I leave for ESTN!!!

Is anyone else like me - I feel a little sick about the prospect of a trip like this until I get on the road? I'm excited and all, but the thought of having everything ready, doing everything I need to between now and then, leaving on time, etc, just makes me feel a little queasy.

Yea, I always have a little anxiety for trips like this.  It's part excitement and part nervousness hoping nothing comes up or thinking I'll forget something, etc...

I start getting relaxed about 50 miles in.  Then, it's all good.

[cyjo]

There is a part of me that loves the planning aspect pouring over maps something constantly but now that it almost time to depart, I just want to go. Got on the bike yesterday checking out little things and my little test ride turned into a couple hour ride. Just dying to point the thing north and go!!! Thursday please come fast!!!!

[basco]

Is anyone else like me - I feel a little sick about the prospect of a trip like this until I get on the road? I'm excited and all, but the thought of having everything ready, doing everything I need to between now and then, leaving on time, etc, just makes me feel a little queasy.

Have a few drinks, the queasiness will go away.  

I found everything I need from the trips last year so I am good to go.

[Corbeau]

Yea, I always have a little anxiety for trips like this.  It's part excitement and part nervousness hoping nothing comes up or thinking I'll forget something, etc...

I start getting relaxed about 50 miles in.  Then, it's all good.

I start feeling relaxed about 50 yards from my driveway...  

But I remember before leaving for my first ever "big trip", the 04 Nat'l, when I didn't even know if I could ride 500 miles in a day: I couldn't sleep at all, I was like a kid on Christmas Eve!

OK, in 48 hours, I should be sampling the twisties of 507 (in Ontario)

[servicerifle]

Wow, I just looked at my sig line and saw that there are only THREE days left till I leave for ESTN!!!

Is anyone else like me - I feel a little sick about the prospect of a trip like this until I get on the road? I'm excited and all, but the thought of having everything ready, doing everything I need to between now and then, leaving on time, etc, just makes me feel a little queasy.

Obviously you're not alone.  While ESTN is in my "backyard" and I don't have any nervousness, I DID when I started my trip in April.  I had all sorts of concerns and felt a little like a minnow in an olympic swimming pool.  A day or two in, and I wasn't even conscious of the scale anymore.

[dgunther]

Yea, I always have a little anxiety for trips like this.  It's part excitement and part nervousness hoping nothing comes up or thinking I'll forget something, etc...

I start getting relaxed about 50 miles in.  Then, it's all good.

I don't get nervous about the trip, but my productivity at the office sure drops in the few days leading up to it  

[Against The Wind]

...maybe I should check the fluids, tire pressures and try to find that darn riding jacket of mine.......

[maddjack]

I am excited,bike is ready,I am slowly packing it with all the last details,counting days and hours till my early thursday departure (hope its warmer here than they say that morning ).I am always nervous till I am out of the driveway,then the worries melt away,and the song of the open road clears my head .

[SuperHans]

I can't say that I'm at all nervous, just really looking forward to the long weekend of riding with some really good people.

I've got a ton of stuff to do but I'm not really even worried if I get any of it done. It's mostly just stuff to make the ride just a little more enjoyable anyway. Hell, I've hardly even looked at a map, I figure I'll find my way somehow if my GPS craps out. I'll bring a map with just in case.

All I really need is my bike equiped with fresh fluids and some good tread on the tires. That and a couple of clean pairs of underwear and socks.

[bpg]

This will be my first year to ESTN, but I am stoked as well. It will be awesome to meet everyone.

We leave Friday around 3:30, 4pm from Huntersville NC.

Hey Tony - so are we slabbin' or taking the scenic route?  The former is about 1.5 hours from Huntersville; the latter is 2.5 hours (taking 115 from Statesville to Wilkesboro; 18 to BRP; then some back roads from BRP's Deep Gap area to Sparta)..

Thoughts/preferences/suggestions/accusations/etc.???
 

[rodm850g]

Guys,
We dont do long rides together, you know the usual Sunday morning breakfast ride...a trip to the coast...so for the better half this is getting into new  territory .
I thiink our longest ride together was back when we got the 04 ST ,it was the Lightning Nationals  up at VIR....I am looking forward to this ride as we ride well together...I must admit I am looking forward to the possiable antics from some of the STNers....and the area has some beautiful roads to ride...We'll be up round 1-2ish Friday and looking forward to it all !
Rodm850g

[sprint_st]

I don't get nervous about the trip, but my productivity at the office sure drops in the few days leading up to it  

You got that right, I've been worthless for almost a week now    

[02VFR]

You got that right, I've been worthless for almost a week now    

Todays is my last day at work until Tuesday the 22nd.  I am going to do the least amount possiable (not that's different than any other day)  

[R Doug]

Todays is my last day at work until Tuesday the 22nd.  I am going to do the least amount possiable (not that's different than any other day)  

 

Tomorrow is my last day until next Wednesday.  This is the first time I've been in the process of getting ready to leave for some vacation time with no major fires to be put out.  So far, I don't anticipate any late nights like I usually have to do before leaving the office.  For that, I am thankful.  

[cyjo]

Tomorrow is my last day too but not much going on at the moment anyway. Actually just ran out to get some last minute supplies.  

Crap, I still need beef jerky and beer...

[sprint_st]

Crap, I still need beef jerky and beer...

"beef jerky" wow, now I know what to put in those big blue boxes on the back of the bike  

[jed]

Still waiting for word from ATLTRIDUC on the bike.  COME ON TECHIE GUY!!!!!  I'm counting on going and will be damned irate if I don't get to make it.

[02VFR]

Todays is my last day at work until Tuesday the 22nd.  I am going to do the least amount possiable (not that's different than any other day)  

1.5 hours to go
 

[tonyfjr2006]

I am just about to change the oil and filter and do final inspection. WOOHOO! 2 days until I leave!

[Mr.Awesome]

New tires on, oil changed, chain lubed and adjusted. Packing as I type, well after I type. Leaving tomorrow after work. WoooooHooooo!!!! cant wait. Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and meeting some new ones.

[Corbeau]

You guys know I'm a freelance reporter. So I'm thinking of renaming Colorado Dancer to "Assignment". So when the big local daily calls me up later this week for a job interview, Helen can say "He can't make it, he's on Assignment"  

[SuperHans]

Just got the bar riser on. Only took an hour so I'm ahead of the game so far. Hope to get the highway pegs on but they have to come in tomorrow to get it done in time.

[Against The Wind]

You guys know I'm a freelance reporter. So I'm thinking of renaming Colorado Dancer to "Assignment". So when the big local daily calls me up later this week for a job interview, Helen can say "He can't make it, he's on Assignment"  

Hee hee!

[basco]

Less than 24 hours for me. Everythings ready, new tires, clothes somewhere in the house I thnk  , tent and camping gear somewhere in the garage  , chain lubed and .........(how do you adjust a chain on a Sprint ST?...reading manual...). Got some work to do but waiting for Mr. Awesome to get off work tomorrow, so I have time.

[tonyfjr2006]

Hey Tony - so are we slabbin' or taking the scenic route?  The former is about 1.5 hours from Huntersville; the latter is 2.5 hours (taking 115 from Statesville to Wilkesboro; 18 to BRP; then some back roads from BRP's Deep Gap area to Sparta)..

Thoughts/preferences/suggestions/accusations/etc.???
 

Sorry I sent PM . .

Yeah I am for scenic, as long as we are there for dinner!  

How many others are going up with us?

[Corbeau]

Leaving in a couple of hours -- the rain should have feathered to a drizzle by then. First 300 miles should be on wet pavement (and those are the best roads!), last 200 on dry slab.

[MK96xj]

Leaving in a couple of hours -- the rain should have feathered to a drizzle by then. First 300 miles should be on wet pavement (and those are the best roads!), last 200 on dry slab.

Corbeau,

You will more then make up for those road once you get here

Mike

[Corbeau]

I know. If it weren't for a nasty little detail known as "green card", I'd be there in a minute job hunting.

[bpg]

Sorry I sent PM . .

Yeah I am for scenic, as long as we are there for dinner!  

How many others are going up with us?

Hmm - guess that depends on what time dinner is on Friday...  Short of digging through the entire monster ESTN thread, is there a quick-stop page that has this kind of info? (I didn't see any itinerary on the first post of said giant thread)

[garry]

There is nothing official planned for Friday dinner. You're on your own...

[bpg]

There is nothing official planned for Friday dinner. You're on your own...

Gotcha..

OK Tony, here's my current plan for Friday evening:

Meet at the Shell gas station just east of I-77 (on Gilead Road, exit 23) at 4:30.  I'll try my best to be there even earlier, but I know that 4:30 is likely the latest I'd be.

ROUTE (2.5 hours/110 miles from Huntersville to Sparta on slab, then sweepwes, then flat-out twisties)  

- Head up I-77N
- @ Statesville, take I-40W for about 2 miles
- take 115 N to Wilkesboro, get on 18N
- take 18N to BRP
- take BRP to 21
- take 21N(W?) to Sparta

 My roommate will likely also be riding up at that time w/ us, anyone is welcome to join up, especially if you're in the Charlotte area!

[cyjo]

12 hours and counting down to departure time!!!

 

[tonyfjr2006]

Gotcha..

OK Tony, here's my current plan for Friday evening:

Meet at the Shell gas station just east of I-77 (on Gilead Road, exit 23) at 4:30.  I'll try my best to be there even earlier, but I know that 4:30 is likely the latest I'd be.

ROUTE (2.5 hours/110 miles from Huntersville to Sparta on twisties and sweepers):

- Head up I-77N
- @ Statesville, take I-40W for about 2 miles
- take 115 N to Wilkesboro, get on 18N
- take 18N to BRP
- take BRP to 21
- take 21N(W?) to Sparta

 My roommate will likely also be riding up at that time w/ us, anyone is welcome to join up, especially if you're in the Charlotte area!

Sounds like a plan!

FYI, weather forecast is a slight chance of afternoon showers for Friday. Right now that doesn't bother me, but should it get to be 60% - 70%, I may wait and ride up ( slab it ) Saturday morning.

I will buzz you Thursday evening.

[stefrrr]

12 hours and counting down to departure time!!!

 

10 hours and 31 minutes to departure time!

I should be pulling onto 75 at Gainesville at around 8:30. So if you see a blue VW Golf pulling a red sv650, wave.  

[CafeTBird]

OK Tony, here's my current plan for Friday evening:

Meet at the Shell gas station just east of I-77 (on Gilead Road, exit 23) at 4:30.  I'll try my best to be there even earlier, but I know that 4:30 is likely the latest I'd be.

ROUTE (2.5 hours/110 miles from Huntersville to Sparta on slab, then sweepwes, then flat-out twisties)  

- Head up I-77N
- @ Statesville, take I-40W for about 2 miles
- take 115 N to Wilkesboro, get on 18N
- take 18N to BRP
- take BRP to 21
- take 21N(W?) to Sparta

 My roommate will likely also be riding up at that time w/ us, anyone is welcome to join up, especially if you're in the Charlotte area!

BPG - can I suggest a little detour to Wilkes?  Take exit 45 off I-77, and ride Old Mountain Road all the way to Hiddenite.  From there, dog leg onto Sulpher Springs, then left onto Brushy Mountain.  That takes you to Wilkesboro where you can catch 18 to the BRP.  I might be able to break away early enough to join you on that route...

It's a great route - you won't regret it!  See you there....

[bpg]

Scot - like I pm'd, sounds good if we get a great start...  I've been on Brushy Mt and Sulphur Springs, but not Old Mountain.

It'd be great to have you and whoever else wants come along!

[SuperHans]

I'll be out the door this afternoon.  

[garry]

I guess my trip has started. Left the house at 6am with a fully loaded bike. Cutting out of work early (2pm) to begin the real journey to Sparta. Staying at a friend's condo in Snowshoe, WV tonight, then a twisty/ADV-style ride to Sparta on Friday. See ya'll in Sparta late Friday afternoon (6-ish?).

Now where's that pee-pee dance emoticon?  

[R Doug]

Now where's that pee-pee dance emoticon?  

Take your pick.  

     

[02VFR]

24 hours to departure time.....


 

[tonyfjr2006]

Branden,

WOOHOO! Hey, if I don't call you tonight, I am trying to wrap up for tomorrow's show with crap that should have been done last week. So what gas station are we meeting at again?

[bpg]

Good thing you asked - there's actually a BP gas station that's closer than the Shell station I mentioned previously.

So for those meeting from the Charlotte area, around 4:30 on Friday:

- From I-77, get off exit 23/Gilead Road.

- Head East on Gilead Road (if getting off I-77N, take a right on Gilead; if getting off I-77S, take a left)

- The BP station is about 1/4 mile on Gilead, right side.