Greatest NAFO Recollection

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Loved the trip, getting there, being there, and getting home.

I was 30 feet behind the Skootmeister when he went dirt surfing coming off Independance Pass... seeing him sit up after the flip was a great relief. Figuring out we could wedge Skooter's windshield in between his rider/passenger seats till we found a hardware store to buy some screws was interesting... I was constantly wondering if it was going to fly off his bike and head back towards me... Watching the faces of people when we got to the hotel, and hearing Skooter wasn't quite dead yet was also an experience...

Go-kart racing was a blast, as were the bench racing and friendship at the hotel... but Rocky Mountain National Park, the East/West mountain passages early in the morning, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Million Dollar Highway, those were some amazing rides!

I was in the vicinity of this year's NAFO last year for EOM... and the roads there are different, but just as fun to travel down. Can't wait... should be another sticker for my saddlebags that will bring back very fond memories.

 
07-27-08NAFO238.jpg
 
In no particular order:

Riding through 11 states in 2 weeks to get to and from NAFO was my first long ride -- and NAFO was my first motorcycle rally ever. Great personal learning experience.

Almost getting fried in a lightening storm in Kansas, realizing I was not ready for an SS1000, and my ignition frying out in Enterprise, Nevada (resulting in 850 miles one day on a stock saddle) were highlights growth experiences.

In my first moments at my first registration for my first rally: watching a bald guy getting his head shaved, people drinking at a ready clip and great swag was nice. Meeting Tim was a highlight: he saved and brought my WFO6 T-shirt for me, and remembered I had back surgery and couldn't make it the year before. That was the moment I felt comfortable. Having a drink with FJRchik. Dinner with some Northwet riders and wives. Riding an impossible cantelevered highway in Colorado. Enjoying the people and their stories. And avoiding speeding tickets.

Memories. Priceless.

 
Meeting a bunch of crazy people with the same sickness as I have made that sickness seem not so out of place. Completing my first Iron Butt ride and doing it the state where I know almost all the roads made it even better.

 
Arriving at the hotel hot, tired and in need of a shower, and being met outside the front door by Toecutter with a luggage cart. By the time we were done checking in, our bags had been delivered to our room.

Tim manning the check-in desk at all hours. He was even there when I went to the gym before breakfast, with his glass of something nice. Asked me do some exercise on his behalf since he wasn't into that kind of thing. Knowing now what I didn't know then, maybe I should have done just that, or talked him into coming with me.

Very comfortable room with a duvet that was like sleeping in a cloud.

Awesome rides with unbelievable scenery.

Didn't Richard do something or other with a go-kart? He may have mentioned it once or twice.

Good times with good people.

 
getting to meet Tim

getting to meet all the great FJR kindred souls

having the chance to chase a damn yellow bumblebee(vandy) all over the country

getting to make fun of wheatie at dinner

getting the chance to show JB what a drunk southern country redneck is like

more than anything, just spending time with great people

sorry ari but i am glad i was really drunk during the speech :p

 
As I read through the new posts I'm reminded of Duff's post:

It's the people.

Don't miss the chance to meet the folks you don't know. Shake a hand, share a joke, just be family with the other kindred souls who have made the journey.

Plus, you'll make some new riding buddies and get ot enjoy some roads that are much different than those at home (wherever your home is).

Just DO IT!

 
I have so many good recollections of NAFO 2008. The first one that comes to mind was the first evening after check-in and people were wandering around the lawn near the parking lot getting to know each other, when someone walked up to me with a plastic bag full of ice and beer and offered me one. I don't know who it was but I do remember enjoying our chat (and the beer). :drinks:

 
How many west coasters are signing up?
Who cares?! I met the West Coasters in Golden. I want to meet the EOMers that have been showing up en force at their rally for years now. But that looks pretty hard at this point since less than a hand full are signed up.

Where are all the EOMers?!?!

 
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You guys from the left coast have some nice riding, but you are missing out on the absolute best roads in the country if you don't come ride the Smoky and Blueridge mountains. And we have better beer here too.... :p

 
You guys from the left coast have some nice riding, but you are missing out on the absolute best roads in the country if you don't come ride the Smoky and Blueridge mountains. And we have better beer here too.... :p
You are really trying to stir the pot aren't you Greg? :warning: :jerry:

 
You guys from the left coast have some nice riding, but you are missing out on the absolute best roads in the country if you don't come ride the Smoky and Blueridge mountains. And we have better beer here too.... :p
You are really trying to stir the pot beer kegger aren't you Greg? :warning: :jerry:
fixed... B)

 
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