Brody
Well-known member
Some of you may get a chuckle from my recent adventures.................................(click on any picture for enlarged view)
I decided to take advantage of a week off by packing a tent and some camping/hiking guidebooks on the feejer and heading through the mountains for some twisties and some hiking.
Yamaha has named the 08 black color for the FJR, Raven, so that's the name that I gave to this bike.
Ravens like to eat bugs............................
Raven, packed for camping trip
Saturday
Head south on 219. Boring in spots, but it has its good parts too. As you get farther south, it gets darnright good. (If you like turns.
)
Then rt 50. Now those are some real WV twisties. Then a few smaller country roads, with a bit too much gravel on them to let loose but still very fun roads.
Finally to Audra State Park, the 1st night campground.
Found a site to pitch the tent close to the hot showers (but not too close).
Then I went exploring for a hiking trail. Lesson one. Always take the camera and the hiking poles along. (at least I had my gps with me and had spotted my campsite on it before starting out.)
When I found the trailhead for a nice loop, my camera and hiking poles were back, waaaaaayyyyy back, at the campground, so I went without them.
Darn fine 1st day. Good weather, good roads, good hike, good shower.
(3 self-inflating sleeping pads) Good-night.
Sunday
Break camp and pack up.
It's back to 219 south again. There are a lot of good WV twisties to enjoy.
Coming down Cheat Mt. I round a sharp turn and there are momma doe and Bambi right next to me,,,,,,,,between me and the cliff wall.
I figure they are gonna cross but no. 1st momma climbs the cliff and baby follows.
Not only are the roads good, there is very little traffic. Then up ahead, I see them. Cloggers,,,,,,,,,,,,,,damn.
A group of 20 or so V-twin clones of various makes, crawling through the turns. As I catch up to this group, the caboose guy, lets go with his throttle hand and waves hello backwards to me.
Then he motions for me to follow. Then he proceeds to point at every road-kill,rock and gravel patch.
My God!! What would I have done without him as a guide. :lol:
Finally, a passing zone. I pass this guy and a half dozen more then I am forced to ride in their midst.
The the leader finds a spot to pull off and signals left. Assumably to don rain-gear as it's starting to spit a bit.
The whole group pulls off except for Mr. Cabbose VTX 1800 Man.
I have just crested the climb and now was on the ridgetop were the land was flat and the road straight. I have no reason to be going but a triffle over the posted 55mph. (It's just that I also like to keep going 60 mph in the 20-35 mph curves too. :winksmiley: )
So VTX goes screaming by my on the straight. :dribble:
I give him a 10th of a mile and then slam down to third and crank it to 130.
I close the gap in seconds figuring I will pass him just before the twisty decent down the other side of the Mt. "let's see you keep up there, Caboose Man " :angry:
He pulled off the road before the downhill,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, <_<
The rain really never amounts to much. Just a few intermittent drops.
I get to the Pines Campground and set up close enough to the vault toilet building (but not too close).
The is thunder rumbling through the mt's but I doesn't seem to be imminent so I strap my rainjacket to my hiking pack and head out for the trail that climbs 2,000 vertcal to the top of the mt.
On my way up I pass a Big snake but he's digesting as doesn't want to move.
Don't bug me! I'm digesting!
At the top, the humidity is gone, the temp has dropped and the skies even cleared.
After returning to camp, I got out my weather radio to catch a forcast.
Did you know that when there are weather alerts, they don't give forcasts.
They just keep repeating the alerts and warnings. If you weren't worried about the weather you will be after listening to them repeat it enough.
I got out my map to see which county I was in. OK, I was just under a watch, not a warning.
The thunder returned. :ermm:
Monday
It's dry again by morning. Break camp and head on a long route through many fine roads.
I knew that I would not finish this whole rt and when afternoon waned, I decided to call it for the day.
Stopped for fuel and checked the guide book for campgrounds close by.
Linville Falls on the BRP. Sounds good.
Looks like I have enough time left for a little hike to the gorge below the falls and back.
Lesson 2. Always take gps. (I assummed this would be an easy to follow trail and didn't bother)oster_oops:
Lesson 3. Always make sure that your emergency lighter is in your hiking pack. (I carry one on bike and one in pack----but they happened to both get on bike )oster_oops:
The trail was a bit rough and steep in spots but nothing excessive.
Then down by the water's edge there had been a tree fall blocking the trail.
There was a maze of little trails filtering through the dense underbrush and there was no problem finding my way through the the base of the falls.
Linville Falls (a little too close to sunset)
But on my return,,,,,,,,,, I'm on the trail and nothing.
I double back, yes trail I go on,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nothing again.
3 times more I try to pick-up the trail.
Now I'm starting to think that this is not good, knowing the hour is getting late.
I decide my best chance is to bushwhack up to the ridge and pick up the trail there.
I was wearing a bathing suit and t shirt and hiking boots (with socks of course). My legs look a bit like I'd been in a fight with a cat, and lost, but I gained the climb out with daylight to spare.
I found a trail marked with ribbons. I think, "yet another close call works out fine."
See, it's marked!
The trail dead-ends and so does the daylight.
I know that my best choise is to hole-up til daylight.
I have water and energy bars. My biggest enemy is the temperature as I'm scantly dressed in sweat-soaked attire.
There is a thin layer of dryer leaves covering much of the forest floor.
I figure my best bet it to gather a very large leave pile and crawl under.
I used what little fading light as was left to gather my leaves. And then continued after with the aid of my keychain mini flash-light.
When I thought my pile was large enough I started to bury myself. Starting at the feet and working upwards.
Not enough yet. I start to range out from my nest gathering and stuffing leaves into my shirt, having tucked it in to the swimsuit a drawn the drawstring tight.
I soon realized that this was a good idea, not only to hold my gathered leaves but to insulate my body from cold, as well.
And so I spent the night, buried in leaves from my toes to my sternum and a t shirt stuffed with leaves. I pulled my arms in through my short sleeves and under my leafy shell.
I listened to the sounds of the night.
I had no way of knowing directions or time, though I had my guesses.
I hear howls...........coyotes? wolves? maybe just dogs........maybe people?
Then owls. maybe those first howls were owls too. I don't think sooooooo.
I can hear distant highway noises. But the sounds echo through the moutains. They sound like they are all around me.
Footsteps in the leaves. Lite footsteps. Nothing heavy,,,,yettttttt.
I've heard of black bear attacks is these parts.
Still, I try and dose. I'm staring up at the canopy of trees. Through the openings I see some stars.
At least it looks dry.
And the wind stays calm. I'm comfy (of sorts) . I try and dose. I figure I am forced to lie still on my back or I'll loose my coverage.
I know if I sleep on my back, I'll snore. My snooring will scare anthing away!!!!!!!
What actually happens is every time I dose, I snore and wake myself back up.
Then I catch a glimpse of a new light filtering through the leaves and trees.
The moon has risen. Now I could judge time and direction.
I listen for more clues from periodic highway noises. I get out my miniflashlight and check the map.
I think that I have an idea of how long its been since the moon came up but did not know when it rose.
Then I hear more noises. Very distant at first. beep-beep-beep-beep
BANG BANG.
Then after a bit I hear these noises again. Just a bit louder this time.
later,,,,,even louder. I think, "sounds like trash pick-up day along the Blue Ridge Pkwy"
I know back home the garbage men are out just a bit pre-dawn.
Maybe it's closer than I thought??
Not long after the mosaic floating in the treetops above me seems a bit different.
The moon is gaining altitude? No it's blocking out the stars now.
The birds have started to chirp
Dawn!
Tuesday
As soon as there is enough light, I dump my load of leaves. I thought that I'd be covered in dirt.
Hell, I don't look half bad. I pick up the trail and back track then continue and it intersects the main trail back.
(If I would have turned left instead of right last night I'd have slept in the tent.)
As I get back to the campground, the Ranger is out and about. He gives me a good morning greeting. "your out early today" he says.
I need a good shower. No showers here.
I pack up. I figure in my current condition, with no sleep, I'd do an easy cruise down the BRP.
Due to construction, I exit at Little Switzerland and take twisty 286A towards I 40 and Ashville and some breakfast.
I go to Topton for a good campground with showers. Set up camp, clean up and take a nap.
Later after a dinner run into Andrews, I get a hold of a friend in Charlotte to see if he's gonna have some riding time.
Early bedtime tonight. My, this tent is luxurious compared to a leave pile!
Even some fireflies have gotten between the tent and the rain fly and are giving me a little light show........
Wednesday
I am up early. This is Dragon Day. But 1st things first. 2 1/2 hour hike. (with gps, lighter,poles,camera,water,a whole days worth of light!!)
Then breakfast on the 40 mile ride to the Crossroads of Time.
I leave most of my gear at camp but keep the bags attached to the bike.
I was going to do an even dozen runs but after on the 10th run the only thing that saved me from a speeding ticket was they were busy giving one to another guy.
On my first run, I was being slow and careful. I saw the LEO's after they got me with the radar gun but I was only doing 35 so they didn't care.
So I decided, can't risk speeding, so will work on smooooooooothness.
Let me tell you, you get smooth and it makes you fast.........
Plus the LEO's left.
Each run got crazier,,,,,,,on the 10th, as I said, I called it.
Here's a little bit of run #7.
Click here to watch RavenTamesDragon
Headed over the Cherohala Skyway for dinner in Telico Plains.
The Cherohala Skyway just before sunset.
Going down the TN side I see a bunch of dark shapes along the roadside.
Wow, it's the wild pigs of the Cherohala!
At dinner I check in with Todd again. A Friday rendevous looks good.
Thursday
This has been a good campground and I'm tempted to stay another day.
I do my most grueling hike yet. 4 1/2 hour loop. A lot of steep climbing too.
I get back and break camp and head for Cruso and a motorcycle only campground there that I wanted to check out.
They have a little laundry room there. $2 for a load in the washer. $0.75 for a drying cycle (my jeans needed 2 cycles) $0.50 for the detergent.
grand total=$4.00 BTW,,,,I found a freshly washed and dried 5 dollar bill in the dryer.................$1 profit!
Friday
Met Todd for a 1/2 day ride and followed him back to Charlotte for a little visit.
We go over to a painter's to pick up the newly painted parts for his Rocket III.
A real bed tonight
Saturday
Todd likes green.
Here's his green Chevy pick-up
with a Corvette engine of course.
I help put the bike back together.
From this:
To this..........
Sunday
Travel day, Charlotte to home (670 miles) in 9 hours and 40 minutes with only 2 stops.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, what a trip.
I decided to take advantage of a week off by packing a tent and some camping/hiking guidebooks on the feejer and heading through the mountains for some twisties and some hiking.
Yamaha has named the 08 black color for the FJR, Raven, so that's the name that I gave to this bike.
Ravens like to eat bugs............................
Raven, packed for camping trip
Saturday
Head south on 219. Boring in spots, but it has its good parts too. As you get farther south, it gets darnright good. (If you like turns.
)Then rt 50. Now those are some real WV twisties. Then a few smaller country roads, with a bit too much gravel on them to let loose but still very fun roads.
Finally to Audra State Park, the 1st night campground.
Found a site to pitch the tent close to the hot showers (but not too close).
Then I went exploring for a hiking trail. Lesson one. Always take the camera and the hiking poles along. (at least I had my gps with me and had spotted my campsite on it before starting out.)
When I found the trailhead for a nice loop, my camera and hiking poles were back, waaaaaayyyyy back, at the campground, so I went without them.
Darn fine 1st day. Good weather, good roads, good hike, good shower.
(3 self-inflating sleeping pads) Good-night.
Sunday
Break camp and pack up.
It's back to 219 south again. There are a lot of good WV twisties to enjoy.
Coming down Cheat Mt. I round a sharp turn and there are momma doe and Bambi right next to me,,,,,,,,between me and the cliff wall.
I figure they are gonna cross but no. 1st momma climbs the cliff and baby follows.
Not only are the roads good, there is very little traffic. Then up ahead, I see them. Cloggers,,,,,,,,,,,,,,damn.
A group of 20 or so V-twin clones of various makes, crawling through the turns. As I catch up to this group, the caboose guy, lets go with his throttle hand and waves hello backwards to me.
Then he motions for me to follow. Then he proceeds to point at every road-kill,rock and gravel patch.
My God!! What would I have done without him as a guide. :lol:
Finally, a passing zone. I pass this guy and a half dozen more then I am forced to ride in their midst.
The the leader finds a spot to pull off and signals left. Assumably to don rain-gear as it's starting to spit a bit.
The whole group pulls off except for Mr. Cabbose VTX 1800 Man.
I have just crested the climb and now was on the ridgetop were the land was flat and the road straight. I have no reason to be going but a triffle over the posted 55mph. (It's just that I also like to keep going 60 mph in the 20-35 mph curves too. :winksmiley: )
So VTX goes screaming by my on the straight. :dribble:
I give him a 10th of a mile and then slam down to third and crank it to 130.
I close the gap in seconds figuring I will pass him just before the twisty decent down the other side of the Mt. "let's see you keep up there, Caboose Man " :angry:
He pulled off the road before the downhill,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, <_<
The rain really never amounts to much. Just a few intermittent drops.
I get to the Pines Campground and set up close enough to the vault toilet building (but not too close).
The is thunder rumbling through the mt's but I doesn't seem to be imminent so I strap my rainjacket to my hiking pack and head out for the trail that climbs 2,000 vertcal to the top of the mt.
On my way up I pass a Big snake but he's digesting as doesn't want to move.
Don't bug me! I'm digesting!
At the top, the humidity is gone, the temp has dropped and the skies even cleared.
After returning to camp, I got out my weather radio to catch a forcast.
Did you know that when there are weather alerts, they don't give forcasts.
They just keep repeating the alerts and warnings. If you weren't worried about the weather you will be after listening to them repeat it enough.
I got out my map to see which county I was in. OK, I was just under a watch, not a warning.
The thunder returned. :ermm:
Monday
It's dry again by morning. Break camp and head on a long route through many fine roads.
I knew that I would not finish this whole rt and when afternoon waned, I decided to call it for the day.
Stopped for fuel and checked the guide book for campgrounds close by.
Linville Falls on the BRP. Sounds good.
Looks like I have enough time left for a little hike to the gorge below the falls and back.
Lesson 2. Always take gps. (I assummed this would be an easy to follow trail and didn't bother)
oster_oops: Lesson 3. Always make sure that your emergency lighter is in your hiking pack. (I carry one on bike and one in pack----but they happened to both get on bike )
oster_oops: The trail was a bit rough and steep in spots but nothing excessive.
Then down by the water's edge there had been a tree fall blocking the trail.
There was a maze of little trails filtering through the dense underbrush and there was no problem finding my way through the the base of the falls.
Linville Falls (a little too close to sunset)
But on my return,,,,,,,,,, I'm on the trail and nothing.
I double back, yes trail I go on,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nothing again.
3 times more I try to pick-up the trail.
Now I'm starting to think that this is not good, knowing the hour is getting late.
I decide my best chance is to bushwhack up to the ridge and pick up the trail there.
I was wearing a bathing suit and t shirt and hiking boots (with socks of course). My legs look a bit like I'd been in a fight with a cat, and lost, but I gained the climb out with daylight to spare.
I found a trail marked with ribbons. I think, "yet another close call works out fine."
See, it's marked!
The trail dead-ends and so does the daylight.
I know that my best choise is to hole-up til daylight.
I have water and energy bars. My biggest enemy is the temperature as I'm scantly dressed in sweat-soaked attire.
There is a thin layer of dryer leaves covering much of the forest floor.
I figure my best bet it to gather a very large leave pile and crawl under.
I used what little fading light as was left to gather my leaves. And then continued after with the aid of my keychain mini flash-light.
When I thought my pile was large enough I started to bury myself. Starting at the feet and working upwards.
Not enough yet. I start to range out from my nest gathering and stuffing leaves into my shirt, having tucked it in to the swimsuit a drawn the drawstring tight.
I soon realized that this was a good idea, not only to hold my gathered leaves but to insulate my body from cold, as well.
And so I spent the night, buried in leaves from my toes to my sternum and a t shirt stuffed with leaves. I pulled my arms in through my short sleeves and under my leafy shell.
I listened to the sounds of the night.
I had no way of knowing directions or time, though I had my guesses.
I hear howls...........coyotes? wolves? maybe just dogs........maybe people?
Then owls. maybe those first howls were owls too. I don't think sooooooo.
I can hear distant highway noises. But the sounds echo through the moutains. They sound like they are all around me.
Footsteps in the leaves. Lite footsteps. Nothing heavy,,,,yettttttt.
I've heard of black bear attacks is these parts.
Still, I try and dose. I'm staring up at the canopy of trees. Through the openings I see some stars.
At least it looks dry.
And the wind stays calm. I'm comfy (of sorts) . I try and dose. I figure I am forced to lie still on my back or I'll loose my coverage.
I know if I sleep on my back, I'll snore. My snooring will scare anthing away!!!!!!!
What actually happens is every time I dose, I snore and wake myself back up.
Then I catch a glimpse of a new light filtering through the leaves and trees.
The moon has risen. Now I could judge time and direction.
I listen for more clues from periodic highway noises. I get out my miniflashlight and check the map.
I think that I have an idea of how long its been since the moon came up but did not know when it rose.
Then I hear more noises. Very distant at first. beep-beep-beep-beep
BANG BANG.
Then after a bit I hear these noises again. Just a bit louder this time.
later,,,,,even louder. I think, "sounds like trash pick-up day along the Blue Ridge Pkwy"
I know back home the garbage men are out just a bit pre-dawn.
Maybe it's closer than I thought??
Not long after the mosaic floating in the treetops above me seems a bit different.
The moon is gaining altitude? No it's blocking out the stars now.
The birds have started to chirp
Dawn!
Tuesday
As soon as there is enough light, I dump my load of leaves. I thought that I'd be covered in dirt.
Hell, I don't look half bad. I pick up the trail and back track then continue and it intersects the main trail back.
(If I would have turned left instead of right last night I'd have slept in the tent.)
As I get back to the campground, the Ranger is out and about. He gives me a good morning greeting. "your out early today" he says.
I need a good shower. No showers here.
I pack up. I figure in my current condition, with no sleep, I'd do an easy cruise down the BRP.
Due to construction, I exit at Little Switzerland and take twisty 286A towards I 40 and Ashville and some breakfast.
I go to Topton for a good campground with showers. Set up camp, clean up and take a nap.
Later after a dinner run into Andrews, I get a hold of a friend in Charlotte to see if he's gonna have some riding time.
Early bedtime tonight. My, this tent is luxurious compared to a leave pile!
Even some fireflies have gotten between the tent and the rain fly and are giving me a little light show........
Wednesday
I am up early. This is Dragon Day. But 1st things first. 2 1/2 hour hike. (with gps, lighter,poles,camera,water,a whole days worth of light!!)
Then breakfast on the 40 mile ride to the Crossroads of Time.
I leave most of my gear at camp but keep the bags attached to the bike.
I was going to do an even dozen runs but after on the 10th run the only thing that saved me from a speeding ticket was they were busy giving one to another guy.
On my first run, I was being slow and careful. I saw the LEO's after they got me with the radar gun but I was only doing 35 so they didn't care.
So I decided, can't risk speeding, so will work on smooooooooothness.
Let me tell you, you get smooth and it makes you fast.........
Plus the LEO's left.
Each run got crazier,,,,,,,on the 10th, as I said, I called it.
Here's a little bit of run #7.
Click here to watch RavenTamesDragon
Headed over the Cherohala Skyway for dinner in Telico Plains.
The Cherohala Skyway just before sunset.
Going down the TN side I see a bunch of dark shapes along the roadside.
Wow, it's the wild pigs of the Cherohala!
At dinner I check in with Todd again. A Friday rendevous looks good.
Thursday
This has been a good campground and I'm tempted to stay another day.
I do my most grueling hike yet. 4 1/2 hour loop. A lot of steep climbing too.
I get back and break camp and head for Cruso and a motorcycle only campground there that I wanted to check out.
They have a little laundry room there. $2 for a load in the washer. $0.75 for a drying cycle (my jeans needed 2 cycles) $0.50 for the detergent.
grand total=$4.00 BTW,,,,I found a freshly washed and dried 5 dollar bill in the dryer.................$1 profit!
Friday
Met Todd for a 1/2 day ride and followed him back to Charlotte for a little visit.
We go over to a painter's to pick up the newly painted parts for his Rocket III.
A real bed tonight
Saturday
Todd likes green.
Here's his green Chevy pick-up
with a Corvette engine of course.
I help put the bike back together.
From this:
To this..........
Sunday
Travel day, Charlotte to home (670 miles) in 9 hours and 40 minutes with only 2 stops.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, what a trip.
