Official 5th Annual Winter Meet 1/6 - 1/8/2012

[Cablebandit]

Here’s the information regarding the 5th Annual STN Winter Meet.

When: January 6th – 8th,  2012

Where: Cacapon Resort State Park http://www.cacaponresort.com/




Make your reservations buy calling 1-800-CALL-WVA (225-5982) or 304-258-1022.

When you call to book your room be sure to tell them you are booking one of the rooms held under the block reserved by Elizabeth Clark, or mention the STN Winter Meet.  Rates are $67.00 for a Mountain View rooms overlooking the front parking lot.  The rooms are either queen/twin or two doubles.

This was actually the only weekend they had availability for this year so it's a little earlier than years past.  The lodge has a 48 hour cancellation policy so if it looks like the mother of all snowstorms is coming you can always bail-out when the time comes.

For those of you that have not been to Cacapon before, they have a restaurant on-site that isn’t half bad.  There is also a large “lodge like” room to just hang out, watch TV, tell lies, etc.

Remember, book early, book often.  


Hope to see all of you there.
Chris

[Sport-Touring]

[Cablebandit]

Attendee list:

Cablebandit
MrsCablebandit
Spanky
Smoker
SuperSlider
MrsUpright
Scratch33
SWRiverstone
Big Bird
the frenchman
tthompsr

[JamminJere]

Here we go again.....   Count me in!

Thanks for setting this up Bethie.

JJ

[Cablebandit]

 Bethie.

JJ

She's going to love seeing this.

[MrsCablebandit]

She's going to love seeing this.

No worries.  He's on the approved "Bethie" list.        Unfortunately, the GD list keeps growing.  

BTW...me thinks the 5th Annual Winter Meet warrants a commemorative t-shirt, so I'll work with my local vendor to see what they can come up with, graphics-wise.  

[Spanky]

Thanks to Mr. Gerbings, I am in.

And booked.

[Smoker]

In.

[HappyRiding]

Duh, IN!

[Cablebandit]

Are you a plus 1 Shane?

[Smoker]

Are you a plus 1 Shane?

Possibly. She's not allowed to drive down though. ;-)

[Joey Stalin]

This sounds like a cool idea, posting in the thread to remind me about it.

[Cablebandit]

Let her drive.  We can send the ladies to the spa while we ride.  

[HappyRiding]

Let her drive.  We can send the ladies to the spa while we ride.  

Or rather,

[Spanky]

The wrath of a redneck scorned is a mighty and terrible thing  .

[HappyRiding]

Reservation made.

[SuperSlider]

We're in, reservations made.

[Cablebandit]

Fresh blood.  

[Spanky]

I can't wait to throw snowballs at the hillbilly  

[MrsCablebandit]

Let her drive.  We can send the ladies to the spa while we ride.  

This sounds like it loosely translates to, "Pick whatever spa services you want, my dear."  Giddyup!!!  

I can't wait to throw snowballs at the hillbilly  

Careful, Spanky...crutches won't slow her down this year!

[Cablebandit]

Careful, Spanky...crutches won't slow her down this year!

We've already schemed on how to slow her down this year.  

[HappyRiding]

We've already schemed on how to slow her down this year.  

The West Virginia State Police already beat ya to it.


...and Spanky, hillbillies return fire.

Edit: Daggone it, my CCW permit expires today.

[Scratch33]

Ahhhhh WTH count me in.  

[AHD43]

Hey all,

I'm not gonna make it this year.  Scratch you can take my place.

Have a great time and I'll see ya in the spring.

M

[HappyRiding]

 Out.

I just can't make it happen this year. Have fun y'all.

[Cablebandit]

Drat!  

[JamminJere]

Drat!  

Double Drat!  

[MrsCablebandit]

Double Drat!  

Triple Drat!  

[Smoker]

Drat drat drat drat!!

[Spanky]

Will you come if I promise not to throw snowballs at the hillbilly?

[ConPilot1]

 
Or rather,

she freaking told you man.  

[HappyRiding]

Will you come if I promise not to throw snowballs at the hillbilly?

Awww, you know how I like a good snowball fight but I spent my chain/sprocket/travel fund on a guitar. I still love y'all best though.

[Spanky]

New target. Very nice of you to fill in for the hillbilly.

[Cablebandit]

 

[MrsCablebandit]

Do you want that list alphabetically or chronologically?  I'd suggest a top ten list, but rankings are subjective and there are too many parties involved to come to consensus.

 

[BigBen]

Gang, I am still on the fence on this one... due to distance (320 miles each way on the slab) , unpredictable weather and worst of all, a scheduling conflict with my dentist. I would really be sad if I missed my appointment...just love the sound of that dental drill.  Anyone traveling from NY, Northeast PA or Northern NJ?

[Spanky]

Do you want that list alphabetically or chronologically?  I'd suggest a top ten list, but rankings are subjective and there are too many parties involved to come to consensus.

 

Snap! She went alphabetical on you...

When all the snowballs meet their final destination, you look like a snow mcfrenchman. Originally, Sarah was the source of entertainment if we were snowed in, so thanks for volunteering.

[BigBen]

SEPA for me. Totally not making the call on riding vs. driving until the morning of departure. Totally dependent on weather.

Thanks Frenchman! I'll keep your strategy in mind, although I hate bring the auto to a bike event.

[Smoker]

although I hate bring the auto to a bike event.

Right. Because that's never happened at any previous meets.

[SuperSlider]

I'll ride if the weather is decent take the car if not.  Funny thing, my wife was under the impression until recently that this was a "car" event.

[Cablebandit]

I'll ride if the weather is decent take the car if not.  Funny thing, my wife was under the impression until recently that this was a "car" event.

 

Oh that's rich.

[MrsCablebandit]

I'm driving the official ST.N Winter Meet Support Vehicle; I'll bring the cookies (natch!) and I'll have room for hooch and ice.

Plus, I'm headed to the spa on Saturday!

[Spanky]

There's no way I'm riding in sub-30 temps if its raining,

Why? It's not like it will get any smaller.

nor am I even rolling the bike out of the garage if there's white fluffy stuff falling.

Sissy.

I will, however, come to WV to hang out, to drink, to eat, and to see all my buddies.  

Who are they?

[Spanky]

months without busting your chops and now you get sensitive

 

[MrsCablebandit]

months without busting your chops and now you get sensitive

 

Right?!?  I was going to suggest he ask Santa for a new sense of humor since his old one seemed to have expired, imploded, or otherwise disappeared.  

[Spanky]

I was thinking if this little bit of typing makes you cry, you may want to re-examine actually showing up in person  

I am bringing momma jokes and I am not afraid to use them.

[Spanky]

You are going to need some serious practice, just like yo momma since you told her your all grown up and you dont wanna do that any more.

When you were growing up your momma was so poor, when you needed circumcised instead of paying the doctor, she just kicked your brother in the chin.

[Mr.Black]

Fuck it. I'm out. I can't even take a god damned weekend without my ex fucking wife bitching about money and stupid shit that's none of her business. Now I'm being stalked on ST.N. I don't need this bullshit.
 

DO NOT CAVE. DO NOT HIDE!

[Apexlocator]

My office building is just down the road on 522 should anyone need a dentist.  That is if you trust a Ducati riding dentist!

Here’s the information regarding the 5th Annual STN Winter Meet.

When: January 6th – 8th,  2012

Where: Cacapon Resort State Park http://www.cacaponresort.com/




Make your reservations buy calling 1-800-CALL-WVA (225-5982) or 304-258-1022.

When you call to book your room be sure to tell them you are booking one of the rooms held under the block reserved by Elizabeth Clark, or mention the STN Winter Meet.  Rates are $67.00 for a Mountain View rooms overlooking the front parking lot.  The rooms are either queen/twin or two doubles.

This was actually the only weekend they had availability for this year so it's a little earlier than years past.  The lodge has a 48 hour cancellation policy so if it looks like the mother of all snowstorms is coming you can always bail-out when the time comes.

For those of you that have not been to Cacapon before, they have a restaurant on-site that isn’t half bad.  There is also a large “lodge like” room to just hang out, watch TV, tell lies, etc.

Remember, book early, book often.  


Hope to see all of you there.
Chris

[Cablebandit]

OK.  Here's the officially unofficial forecast for the Winter Meet at this point.*

*Subject to change

Berkeley Springs, WV

                       High                  Low                Precip

Friday:              32°                   26°                     0                     Increasing Clouds

Saturday:         32°                   30°                     2.1"                 Periods of Snow

Sunday:            41°                   26°                     0                     Warmer with Clouds and Sun


Lets see how the long range details change as we get closer.

[Cablebandit]

Hi Frank.  

Hopefully I won't break another tooth on this trip south.  

[JamminJere]

OK.  Here's the officially unofficial forecast for the Winter Meet at this point.*

*Subject to change

Berkeley Springs, WV

                       High                  Low                Precip

Friday:              32°                   26°                     0                     Increasing Clouds

Saturday:         32°                   30°                     2.1"                 Periods of Snow

Sunday:            41°                   26°                     0                     Warmer with Clouds and Sun



Lets see how the long range details change as we get closer.

Well.. That didn't take long...  The next day the forecast for Saturday has changed to high of 37F and sunny....

Wonder how many more times it will change before the event?  

JJ

[Smoker]

Who's leading the ride Saturday?

[Cablebandit]

You      


Thanks

[Smoker]

 

[Cablebandit]

And now the week-long yearly tradition of keeping at least a one foot wide strip of my driveway ice free begins.

[Cablebandit]

Of course, on the upside, looks like there will be no chance of having to leave a day early to avoid a blizzard this year.  Unlike the last two.  

[SWriverstone]

Hey everyone! I'm still here, and going to try to make it to the meet this weekend.   Just called the lodge, and they have "plenty" of rooms available (if anyone else is thinking of coming). The weather is looking great right now---at least for the Berkeley Springs area: sunny and 40s on Friday, partly sunny and 50s on Saturday, and in the 40s Sunday (with nightly lows above freezing). Of course I dunno how it's looking for folks farther north?

Since I'm coming from Morgantown, I'll decide Friday morning whether to ride or not. If I don't, I'll still drop by for dinner---we have to do some more work on our house near Martinsburg, so planned to head back that way anyway (and Jamie will probably drive back anyway).

So who's definitely coming? As usual, sounds like a few definites and lots of "maybes."   Maybe we should start a list? Chris, looks like you assigned Smoker to lead the ride Saturday...but I can do it too if the weather's good and I ride. I've been thinking it might be fun to change it up a bit and do a ride to the east into Virginia---I know lots of great roads around the Shenandoah Valley, plus Skyline Drive. (And the weather is likely to be warmer to the east.)

---
It's been a crazy fall and crazier holiday season for me and the family. As some of you know, I've been living alone in Morgantown since June and commuting back home on weekends to be with Jamie and baby Keira. By December it was time to reunite the family. After a desperate search for a place to rent big enough for all of us (including one lease that we demanded to get out of after 2 days because of chain smokers in the finished basement apartment beneath us---smoke was percolating up into our two floors above)...we finally forked out more $$$ to rent a big old house (all to ourselves) in Morgantown's South Park neighborhood. We moved about 3 days before Xmas, then drove to Richmond VA to spend time with my family, then drove to Buffalo NY for Jamie's family...and are just now finally back home and continuing to unpack.   Needless to say, I'm beat!

Meanwhile, I've been storing the Wee in the parking garage at work (nobody's cared since I parked it in a "dead" space between two columns off-limits to cars). Our house has a garage though---woohoo!   So I'll be moving the bike back home today. Haven't ridden since ESTN in Marietta...but hopefully I'll be able to this weekend!

Scott

[BigBird]

I'm trying to get up unough nerve to suggest it to my sweete but she and the dog haven't yet forgiven me for making them ride over in the dark last year at 27 degrees!!!  

sam of GAIL, Bandit & sam

[JamminJere]

............. Haven't ridden since ESTN in Marietta...but hopefully I'll be able to this weekend!

Scott

Either the ride over the mountain from Canaan Valley froze your brain, or there was an imposter posing as you at the camp out at Seneca Rocks this fall..    I Could have sworn it was you though....still wish I had picked up Jamie's roadkill chicken for dinner Friday night..  

JJ

[Mr.Black]

Enjoy boys and girls. Wish I could swing it.

[SWriverstone]

Either the ride over the mountain from Canaan Valley froze your brain, or there was an imposter posing as you at the camp out at Seneca Rocks this fall..    I Could have sworn it was you though....still wish I had picked up Jamie's roadkill chicken for dinner Friday night..  

JJ

  Geez, I totally forgot about that! Prolly because Marietta was the last QUALITY riding I did...though the camping and camaraderie were great at Seneca Rocks...I didn't ride much and spent a few hours searching for a $300 GoPro camera I lost.  

Scott

[MrsCablebandit]

   <--- that's me, at my desk, right now!

Dog sitter acquired!  Time to fire up the Kitchen Aid!!!  

[Smoker]

If you guys really want me to lead it's going to be all the usual suspects. I have a route in mind but it's mostly stuff we've all done before. I don't have the time to research another route.

Looking forward to the cookies Mrs. C!!!!

[ConPilot1]

Enjoy boys and girls. Wish I could swing it.

Yep. +1

everybody be safe, watch the ice!

[tthompsr]

I might be a last minute attendee, gotta wait till Thursday before I know for sure, Hopefully will see all you folks on Friday!

[Smoker]

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=214941809128841390030.0004b5a8c7f03d53b3c2c&msa=0&ll=39.185433,-78.873596&spn=1.211312,2.694397

Right around 350 miles, any suggestions, post up...

[Smoker]

Here's a shorter one..

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=214941809128841390030.0004b58dc5b3b24c5a54a&msa=0&ll=39.063982,-78.362732&spn=1.213403,2.694397

I'll load them both up and we can decide Friday night when everyone is there.

[Skee]

  <--- that's me, at my desk, right now!

No way can I possibly make it.  Drink a slushie for me.

[HappyRiding]

My office building is just down the road on 522 should anyone need a dentist.  That is if you trust a Ducati riding dentist!

How much for a new crown? I lost two dentists in one month. My old dentist retired and the new one died.

  Ducati... I prolly can't afford it. Ya know any dentists that ride KLRs?

Ya ought to ride up for supper one night and say howdy.

[JamminJere]

As much as I hate to concede to cablebandit for being the only member that has made every Winter Meet so far... (coz he sure won't let me forget it) I'm afraid this year I'm out for medical reasons..

You all have a great time... A safe trip, and have a few beers for me, and I'll see you at the next ride..

It's gonna be hard on me not being there with you guys....  

JJ

[Scratch33]

As much as I hate to concede to cablebandit for being the only member that has made every Winter Meet so far... (coz he sure won't let me forget it) I'm afraid this year I'm out for medical reasons..

You all have a great time... A safe trip, and have a few beers for me, and I'll see you at the next ride..

It's gonna be hard on me not being there with you guys....  

JJ

Well, shit.  Hope you get better.

[SuperSlider]

In anticipation of this weekends trip I googled Cacapon Lodge images and about halfway down the page of random pics I see a familiar face... I clicked on the pic and it was attached to Chris' Ramblings, weird. Oh and the weather's looking pretty good.

[mustang]

As much as I hate to concede to cablebandit for being the only member that has made every Winter Meet so far... (coz he sure won't let me forget it) I'm afraid this year I'm out for medical reasons..

You all have a great time... A safe trip, and have a few beers for me, and I'll see you at the next ride..

It's gonna be hard on me not being there with you guys....  

JJ

Get well JJ, see you in the spring!

[Skee]

As much as I hate to concede to cablebandit for being the only member that has made every Winter Meet so far... (coz he sure won't let me forget it) I'm afraid this year I'm out for medical reasons..

You all have a great time... A safe trip, and have a few beers for me, and I'll see you at the next ride..

It's gonna be hard on me not being there with you guys....  

JJ

Tough break Jer.  Hope you're on the mend.  Looking forward to seeing you at the Spring meet.

[Smoker]

You all have a great time... A safe trip, and have a few beers for me

JJ

Will do, get well soon Jer.

[SuperSlider]

Get well soon JJ!

[SWriverstone]

Sorry you won't make it Jerry---get well soon!

I'm definitely coming, and plan to be there tomorrow (Friday) evening. Can we pick a time for dinner? I'm not sure when I can sneak away from the office, but if we pick a dinnertime (like 7pm) I'll make a point of being there by then. Looking forward to it, and the weather is looking GREAT. Sunny and the 50s, and staying above freezing at night. PERFECT.  

And again, not trying to steal your thunder Smoker...but I'm fine with leading the Saturday ride too---I'm still thinking it would be fun to head east and southeast for a change. I haven't worked up a route but can quickly do it tomorrow night.

One possibility (just more options in addition to Smoker's) is to head east toward Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry, then work our way south down through the eastern Blue Ridge foothills (past Front Royal and through towns like Flint Hill and Sperryville and Luray).. It's not as wild and remote as past routes, (maybe a bit more traffic here and there)...but there are lots of cool historic towns, nice scenery, and still plenty of twisty roads. My point being if all everyone wants to do is ride twisties 'til you puke (LOL), then we shouldn't go that way...but if you're interested in a slightly more laid-back scenic ride with more opportunities to stop, it would be a good way to go (but don't worry---it would still be a lot better riding than your average poker run!).

Scott

[MrsCablebandit]

In a sudden and dramatic* turn of events, I may not be going this weekend.  The mystery and intrigue of the great Cacapon Lodge might continue to elude me.      










*not really

[tthompsr]

I'm in, just made my reservation, See you all tommorow!

[Smoker]

In a sudden and dramatic* turn of events, I may not be going this weekend.  The mystery and intrigue of the great Cacapon Lodge might continue to elude me.      

I hope you can work it out....

[Smoker]

I thought you were in charge of that.

[Cablebandit]

Same as always.....walk down the hall and eat.

[JamminJere]

Sorry you won't make it Jerry---get well soon!

I'm definitely coming, and plan to be there tomorrow (Friday) evening. Can we pick a time for dinner? I'm not sure when I can sneak away from the office, but if we pick a dinnertime (like 7pm) I'll make a point of being there by then. Looking forward to it, and the weather is looking GREAT. Sunny and the 50s, and staying above freezing at night. PERFECT.  

And again, not trying to steal your thunder Smoker...but I'm fine with leading the Saturday ride too---I'm still thinking it would be fun to head east and southeast for a change. I haven't worked up a route but can quickly do it tomorrow night.

One possibility (just more options in addition to Smoker's) is to head east toward Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry, then work our way south down through the eastern Blue Ridge foothills (past Front Royal and through towns like Flint Hill and Sperryville and Luray).. It's not as wild and remote as past routes, (maybe a bit more traffic here and there)...but there are lots of cool historic towns, nice scenery, and still plenty of twisty roads. My point being if all everyone wants to do is ride twisties 'til you puke (LOL), then we shouldn't go that way...but if you're interested in a slightly more laid-back scenic ride with more opportunities to stop, it would be a good way to go (but don't worry---it would still be a lot better riding than your average poker run!).

Scott

Scott...  It's winter..  The sun is low in the sky most of the day.. Heading out to the south, southeast, early in the morning on a sunny day with the possibility of some shield fogging, the sun in your eyes most of the morning on a group ride on strange roads to most...   What could go wrong??

Just sayin'....

JJ

[Smoker]

And again, not trying to steal your thunder Smoker...

If I had thunder, I'd give it to Cablebandit. He needs some.

You all can do what you want, pretty sure I'm doing one of the routes I have planned. If you want to follow, great. If not, super. My pace will most likely be quite spirited, so if you want to do a "smell the roses" ride, don't follow me.

[SWriverstone]

I'm up for whatever, and will probably decide Friday night. I doubt I'll be up for anything more than 200-250 miles, so might tag along a Smoker route and peel off early. Or if anyone feels like a shorter ride we could do our own thing.

I thought you had a point about heading east-southeast Jerry...but then I remembered that none of the roads I'd take actually go In one direction long enough to be a problem. :-) (Plus the sun doesn't even appear in the Shenandoah Valley til later in the morning.)

Scott

[Skee]

It's going to be a B-E-AU-tiful day for riding; looks to be nicest in last couple of weeks.  You guys sure know how to pick'em.  [Now I expect even better for ESTN.]  Sure wish I was going.  (And it is too late, unless I pull some kind of  Then Came Bronson type exit.)  Headed for a 9 o'clock meeting where we decide whether to work tomorrow, and I'm pretty sure that's going to happen.

[MrsCablebandit]

Cablebandit left about 20 minutes ago; I'm leaving around 2.  I baked cookies this morning.  Ride safe everyone...see y'all tonight or tomorrow!

[Scratch33]

Cablebandit left about 20 minutes ago; I'm leaving around 2.  I baked cookies this morning.  Ride safe everyone...see y'all tonight or tomorrow!

Bugging out within the hour.  Tam & Rue will be joining us sometime tomorrow -- they'll probably get there while we're all out riding.

[Mr.Black]

 

[ConPilot1]

WOW MAN I just got off the Connie and you guys could not have even asked for a better day to roll!

This has got to be one of the most beautiful January day's I can remember. I put my Gerbing liner on when I left the house
to warm up the bike, had to strip it off under my Darien before I got out of the shed.

It is just awesome out and I'm sick to my stomach that I can't make
this trip. This has got to be one of the best weather weekends EVAH for you guys for this trip.

Ride safe, Party hard, have fun guys.  

[SWriverstone]

Update from my end---I'm responding to 200 work-related emails, shipping critical packages, attending three meetings, running errands for the family, and digging out my riding gear from boxes in the basement ALL AT THE SAME TIME.  

But I'm hoping to be on the road by 4:30 latest and fly to Berkeley Springs on the slab...so I should be there by 7 or 7:30 latest---don't eat dinner without me!  

Scott

[ConPilot1]

I am sooo tempted to bail right now.
This fucking cubicle is sucking the life out of me right now. I should soooo be riding.

It's only 200+ some odd miles to Berkley Springs, slab it on 81 and it's a 5 hr trip with ample stops.

Check out this weather. 54° freaking degrees and the sun blazing with 10 mile visibility.
It just doesn't get much better than that for the dead of winter. Damn damn damn.



Kicking myself in the ass right now for not blowing off work today and making this run.
I I bailed home right now and settle the cat in for the weekend, I could be on the road by 5 and there by 9....
 

[JamminJere]

Update from my end---I'm responding to 200 work-related emails, shipping critical packages, attending three meetings, running errands for the family, and digging out my riding gear from boxes in the basement ALL AT THE SAME TIME.  

But I'm hoping to be on the road by 4:30 latest and fly to Berkeley Springs on the slab...so I should be there by 7 or 7:30 latest---don't eat dinner without me!  

Scott

Restaurant is open for Dinner from 5pm til 8pm.... Don't be late Scott... or its the Earth Dog Cafe for you...
Breakfast is 8am to 10:30

Maybe I'm just a prick... but I wouldn't wait that late to eat... LOL

Have fun guys!

JJ

[Skee]

I am sooo tempted to bail right now.
This fucking cubicle is sucking the life out of me right now. I should soooo be riding.


Kicking myself in the ass right now for not blowing off work today and making this run.

You & me both.  My wife has been taunting me all week - in a good natured way - cause I think she knows how I feel.  "O honey, you bought all that heated gear, and now you're not using it.  You should go this weekend and get some use out of it."

I am so thinkin...   ...no can do!

[SWriverstone]

Hey all---just a quick update to say I won't make it in time for dinner tonight---way too much to do before leaving. :-( But I'll see everyone in the lounge after dinner! :-)

Scott

[MrsCablebandit]

ConPilot...where are you?!?  

[Mr.Black]

ConPilot...where are you?!?  

Changing his ratty old tire in some dark parking lot somewhere.

[BigBen]

I wasted yet another perfectly good day at the dentist... have a good time guys. The temp went up as high as 63 degrees.

[Spanky]

Another great meet. Thanks everyone for putting this together. Great company and an awesome ride - thanks to Mother Nature and Smoker . It was good to see everyone again, can't wait for spring.

[Scratch33]

We're back.  Just finished hosing the salt off my GS.  Tam, Rue & I had a nice twisty FUGAWI from Berkely Springs to Shepherdstown (by way of a stop in Martinsburg and a brief chat with one of their finest).    In Shepherdstown we stopped for brunch at the Bavarian Inn -- quite a spread.

Anyway, it was great seeing and riding with everyone again.  Mebbe next year the weather will be just as good and I can do the entire route.

[SuperSlider]

Had a great time and enjoyed a leisurely ride home. Look forward to seeing/ riding with you guys again.

[SWriverstone]

Jamie, Keira and I are back in Morgantown. It was a COLD ride back---I had electrics on full-tilt, but didn't have enough on underneath. I'm only now feeling warm again (an hour after getting home).

Awesome meet, great riding, and great hanging with everyone! I'll post a few pics later this evening.

Scott

[Smoker]

What a spectacular weekend to be riding. I think we had the biggest group ever for the winter meet. It was great to see everyone, and I'm glad there was no major incidents on Saturdays ride.

Saturday morning we all met for breakfast at 8am sharp, in hopes of getting on the road by 9:00. We ended up shoving off at around 9:15, and I was hoping to do the long route I had planned which was 357 miles. It would be pushing it to get back by dark, but doable. As we left the park, I counted 7 bikes, me on my FJR, Cablebandit on his beautiful Concours, Spanky on his red/black Concours, yet another Concours ridden by Superslider, and one more Concours with Ttompsr piloting, then SWRiverstone on his V-strom, and last but not least Scratch33 on the stodgy BMW GS.

Pulling out of the park I had Cablebandit lead us the back way to Rt. 9 via Rock Gap Rd., then I took over the lead once on 9 west. We followed 9 to Paw Paw, where we took a goat path called Bethel Rd., then onto Spring Gap Rd., which wasn't any less goat-pathy. After turning left onto CR 3-3, Cablebandit informed me over the coms that we had lost some riders. He turned around to go back and look fearing the worst, and found Ttompsr with a rock in his rear tire, causing it to deflate. After about 20 mins the flat was fixed, and we were back in business.

After taking a right on Slainsville Pk, we found some better pavement, and when taking Jersey Mountain Rd, the road improved even more. We had a nice run down to Rt. 50, where we stopped for a bathroom/gas break.



We continued on 50 west through Romney toward Mt. Storm, and right around the 93 intersection we noticed some riders missing again, this time I went back to see what was going on, about a mile down the road I saw Scratch33 coming the other way, he told me that Ttompsr's plug had let loose, and was going to try to plug in again and then head back to the lodge. Scratch decided to head back with him as he was expecting some friends to join him later on in the day.

And then there were 5....


While we were waiting for all this to get sorted, I decided we didn't have enough time to do the whole 357 miles, so after conferring with Cablebandit, we decided to make a run up to Mt. Storm and head down 42 to Jordan Run Rd. Once we got to 28/55, it was about time for lunch, so we went the 5 miles up to Petersburg and got Subway sammiches. They had a sign on the glass that said "we're out of pizza sauce, meatballs, and probably some other stuff too", we got a kick out of that, because they were out of tomatoes as well.

After lunch we headed back down 28/55 to pick up Smoke Hole Rd, we had a nice run up the ridge, even with all the sliding around on the gravel. Once we got to 220, we had a decision to make whether to go north or south, my route had us going down to 33, but we were running out of daylight. SWRiverstone said 33 wasn't far down, so we went for it. Turned out to be a fantastic decision, because 33 east from 220 was AWESOME. The road surface was the best we had all day, almost no traffic, and great switchbacks up over the ridge. That was definitely the highlight of my day.

Turning left on to Whitmore Shop Rd got us pointed north again, from there it was Singers Glen Rd, Turleytown Rd, crossing over 259 we took Mountain Rd up to Rt 42. Riding through Columbia Furnace we picked up Wolf Gap Rd, which was a little confusing, I missed my first turn, had to turn around and go back (the only one of the day), and after missing another turn and ending up on Liberty Furnace Rd, I made the choice to continue to Cold Springs Rd, and take that back over to Wolf Gap. Cablebandit, Spanky and I waited for SWRiverstone and Superslider to catch up, and we didn't see them for a while, so I assumed they had taken Wolf Gap where I missed my turn. So I decided to keep going knowing that SWRiverstone knew where he was and could find his way back, and thinking we might catch them on Wolf Gap Rd. Well after a spirited ride up Wolf Gap and Trout Run Rd, we pulled over at a Shell to stretch and get something to drink.

And then there were 3......


Back onto Rt 55, Cablebandit, Spanky and myself raced the sunlight back to the lodge via Pfizer Rd, Back Mountain Rd, a short hop up 50 to Hayfield Rd, which took us up to Rt 522. Headed up 522 at about 68 mph, we came upon a tanker right as the road goes from a 4 lane divided to a 2 lane, so being the impatient person that I am, I jetted around the tanker only to see a state trooper sitting on the shoulder, BRAKE! BRAKE! BRAKE! Thankfully he either didn't see us or was too busy eating a donut to come after us. Whew!!

We returned to the lodge about 20 minutes after the sun went down with 313 miles on the day, and Cablebandit and I parked in our VIP spot


We found Mrs. Cablebandit and Mrs. Upright sitting in the lounge waiting for us. after about 10 nervous minutes SWRiverstone and Superslider pulled in the lot, and I breathed a sigh of relief that everyone was present and accounted for.

That evening netted many laughs over dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Cablebandit, Superslider and Mrs. Upright, Spanky, SWRiverstone and his wife Jamie and their cute little girl Kiera, Scratch33 and his 2 friends Tammy and Rue who rode in Saturday sometime, Ttompsr, SLK50 and his son Alex, the Frenchman and his lady Liz.

A big thank you to Mrs. Cablebandit for doing all the legwork on this one, I nomitate you to plan every event because it seems the weather is always fantastic when you to the planning.


And just remember everyone, what happens in West Virginia stays IN GOD'S MEMORY FOREVER...

[MrsCablebandit]

Cablebandit and I got home around 1:45 PM this afternoon.  We thoroughly enjoyed the weekend...thanks to everyone who helped make it such a fantastic time!!!

A big thank you to Mrs. Cablebandit for doing all the legwork on this one, I nomitate you to plan every event because it seems the weather is always fantastic when you to the planning.

Ah, it's just a phone call or two...but I was happy to do it!  And if me making arrangements is what it takes to play nice with Mother Nature, I'm A-OK with that!

 

FWIW, I wrote a blog post about the weekend.  http://pineappleponderings.blogspot.com/2012/01/felt-like-spring-winter-meet.html

Robert (tthompsr) - have you made it home yet?  How did your tire hold out?

As always, it was great to see and chat with everyone!  Stay tuned for details on a spring meet once I button up the details with the venue.  I can't wait to see everyone again!!!

[tthompsr]

Home! Took the roundabout way home thru Hagerstown then up to Gettysburg,No further issues with the tire plug. New Tires will probably be installed next weekend!
Thanks to Mr & Mrs Cablebandit for setting this up, it was a great weekend for riding and nothing beats West Virgina's roads (even the gravel covered ones) Looking  forward to the Spring meet now!
Also thanks to Smoker and Cablebandit for leading the way on Sat. (Sorry guys for holding you up twice)!

[Rincewind]

The twins even coordinated their shirts.

[Smoker]

The twins even coordinated their shirts.

[Cablebandit]

Since I got down to BS early on Friday I went on my own adventure.  I was only about 80% sure that Smoker would hit some dirt on Saturday.  So in honor of JamminJere's absence I made sure to hit some Friday afternoon.

While coming up 697 (I think) it got progressively worse until it turned to dirt.  Eventually the dirt led to a small partially ice covered stream crossing.  It wasn't too deep but the bottom was pretty sandy with some pieces of shale thrown in for good measure.  I had already planned to go across but figured I'd setup the iPod in case there was a colossal failure and I landed on my head.  No such luck.

This one's for you Jere:

[MrsCablebandit]

The couple that flips off together, stays together!  

[Mr.Black]

When did you have that stroke Mrs. McFlirty?

[Smoker]

When did you have that stroke Mrs. McFlirty?

Last night about 14 seconds into overtime...

[slayman]

Last night about 14 seconds into overtime...

That's just mean spirited.......

[tthompsr]

Last night about 14 seconds into overtime...
Uh Oh! Well No more cookies for you Shane!

[JamminJere]

Since I got down to BS early on Friday I went on my own adventure.  I was only about 80% sure that Smoker would hit some dirt on Saturday.  So in honor of JamminJere's absence I made sure to hit some Friday afternoon.

While coming up 697 (I think) it got progressively worse until it turned to dirt.  Eventually the dirt led to a small partially ice covered stream crossing.  It wasn't too deep but the bottom was pretty sandy with some pieces of shale thrown in for good measure.  I had already planned to go across but figured I'd setup the iPod in case there was a colossal failure and I landed on my head.  No such luck.

This one's for you Jere:

THANKS BROTHER!

JJ

[MrsCablebandit]

Last night about 14 seconds into overtime...

No kidding!    Cablebandit turned to me and said, "Well, that frees up our Sundays for the next couple of weeks!"

And Smoker only said that because he KNOWS he can get away with that with me, don't ya, buddy?!?  

[Smoker]

 

[R Doug]

Nice vid, thanks for editing out the boring parts.  


While you guys were in WV, I rode to a famous place to get Q on Saturday.  I even took some time to test out one of those fancy C-14s.  


(reposting image here in the case you missed my direct jab to you, Shane, Jerry, et. al.... in my little ride report)  

[Cablebandit]

Riding my hog puts the same shit-eating grin on my face.




That doesn't sound quite right.  

[Rincewind]

First glance it really looks like your in a high chair waiting for your sippie cup.   

[Mastros2]

Last night about 14 seconds into overtime...

Wow.  Damn.  

[Mastros2]

Excellent pics everyone.  Looks like another great winter meet.  Thanks for sharing!