Bandit Alley
RALLIES, RIDES & EVENTS => Events/Rides/Trips/Trackdays/Schools => Topic started by: LowRyter on December 12, 2005, 01:12:39 AM
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Depsite the cold last year, I am planning to go back. I had a great time camping.
21-23 April
http://www.barbermotorsports.com/
this time I might make it to the Dragon Monday after the races.
John red B12
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"I'm getting the band back together."
- Jake Blues
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Any idea what the ticket prices would be?? They're not posted on the website just yet.
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Any idea what the ticket prices would be?? They're not posted on the website just yet.
I think all the races, paddock, track ride & camping tickets were a little more than $100 - $150 total for Thrus- Sunday. The Musuem is another $5, $10 for the weekend. Only one shower tho.
They did run everyone out after the races on Sunday. I'm thinking about traliering to Knoxville to ride the Dragon for a couple of days. Then home from there.
I see that Marc from Atlanta from the Topica group is intersted. So are Jay, Dave & Craig from texas. We need to get Lloyd & Pete back in from last year. What about SV Larry?
John
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It was a bit chilly. :-) But that slashing rain, lightning and hail were worse!
This time around I'm bringing a fire ring and some wood. I hate camping without a fire and obsess about those pesky lanterns. Tickets are around $55 for the weekend, with camping and paddock access extra. I plan on getting there Friday, but won't be making the trip to Deals Gap. I hope the Bandit will be sold by that time and the DR's will be my only bikes.
I didn't make it to the museum last time, but I will try to hit it this time.
~lloyd
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great Lloyd. That makes about 6 and we haven't even gotten to Pete yet.
Wood's a great idea, should ensure we have a warm weekend. Sorry you didn't make it to Arkansas. You wouldn't been cold on that ride!
I hope Velvet Elvis is back.
You don't want to miss the museum.
John
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I visited the museum when it first opened and my favorites were the Honda NR750 oval piston bike, Norton Rotary, Benelli 6 cylinder bike and of course that mindblowing Britten. The board track racer exhibit was very nice and the salt flats car was neat. They rotate bikes in on a regular basis, so I'm looking forward to visiting again. See you there.
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I visited the museum when it first opened and my favorites were the Honda NR750 oval piston bike, Norton Rotary, Benelli 6 cylinder bike and of course that mindblowing Britten. The board track racer exhibit was very nice and the salt flats car was neat. They rotate bikes in on a regular basis, so I'm looking forward to visiting again. See you there.
The bike that gave me pause was Randy Cleek's Daytona Kawasaki. I went to high school with him. I didn't know he was a factory roadracer until after he'd died in an auto accident in Italy- he must've been in his early 20s around 1975 or so.
but there is just so much to see....
Barber must have every model of MV ever built. Howabout that v-8 Italian bike?
..and then there was the early 60s 1.5 liter Ferrari F-1 car!!! It was in the work area, no signs. When I asked, they said "it's John Surtees World Champion car." Surtees was the only man to be world champ on bikes and cars. Maybe Rossi can do it too?
John
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John... not having done this trip I was wondering if you could fill in some blanks. Would the majority be camping or staying in a motel. Where are the camping facilities compared to the track. What fees would be associated with it....meal provisions, bike security, any information would be appreciated. Sounds like a great trip. :thanks:
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John... not having done this trip I was wondering if you could fill in some blanks. Would the majority be camping or staying in a motel. Where are the camping facilities compared to the track. What fees would be associated with it....meal provisions, bike security, any information would be appreciated. Sounds like a great trip. :thanks:
last year we camped. Other than the weather it was great. The people were loads of fun at the camp site. I trailered my bike & had lots of camping & cooking gear. Pete brought even more stuff like an awning and more cooking stuff. All the trailers, bikes and tents are in the same area so security is a non-issue. 'Bama people are lots of fun; the Velvet Elvis guy goes there for the fishing..wow. What a blast.
The camping was pretty reasonable, I would imagine we paid around $100-$150 for all the races, paddock, and camping, perhaps less looking at Lloyd's post. There were port-a-potties at the camping area (also woods behind the you) and showers in the pits. The only real problem was the showers were only open early unless you buy a paddock (you will want one anyway to meet the riders), but the shower facilites are nice & indoors but over whelmed by the volume of people.
There are plently of motels. I would guess the ones off the interstate by the track are probably booked. There is also bikers camping area called "29 Dreams" about 15 miles from the track. And eastern Birmingham is maybe 10 miles away, I booked a room at the BestWestern there but cancelled the reservation once we decided to camp. Should be no trouble to get a room if camping ain't your style. Last year everyone camped.
John
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I just got off the telephone with Sergio and we are making tenative plans to drive over there in April. As you might know, Sergio is just coming off some surgery and is not able ready to ride. We were planning to take this trip long before his surgery but never got it done... now is our chance. We are looking for some company for the road trip and we will be getting a hotel room somewhere. We will hang out at the races and see the museum too. It would be great if we could get a couple of other guys in our vehicle and split costs. I'm thinking that Jay might want to come along with us and perhaps Craig too?
We would be leaving from Tyler...
Dave
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I just got off the telephone with Sergio and we are making tenative plans to drive over there in April. As you might know, Sergio is just coming off some surgery and is not able ready to ride. We were planning to take this trip long before his surgery but never got it done... now is our chance. We are looking for some company for the road trip and we will be getting a hotel room somewhere. We will hang out at the races and see the museum too. It would be great if we could get a couple of other guys in our vehicle and split costs. I'm thinking that Jay might want to come along with us and perhaps Craig too?
We would be leaving from Tyler...
Dave
look forward to seeing you and Sergio. I hope he's getting well.
Are you towing your bikes there?
I had a great time camping and will camp again. Was a lot of fun.
I did book a room at the Best Western Rime (?). It's about 10 miles from the track just south of the interstate. I never went there to get the room, but it looked nice on the internet.
http://www.bestwesternrime.com/
I think the motels at Leeds are already booked.
Can't wait to see you all.
john
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I was thinking along the same lines, Dave. I was just waiting to see how things begin to work out. I'm not 100% sure I'll be able to make it, but I'm going to try. What dates were you planning on leaving and returning?
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Sergio and I won't be taking the bikes. I don't think he can camp yet with his neck and all... I don't know. We would hang out in the camp ground area and then head back to the hotel for the evenings.
I think we would leave on the day before the races and come back immediately after. I think Sergio will come up this way and we will do a b-line down I-20 - its about 600 miles. One day to get there and the next day we would see the races. After the races are done, we will head back to Tyler.
What do you say Jay??
Dave
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what do you think of the motel?
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Check out this month's issue of "Motorcyclist" for lots of info about Barber.
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I wouldn't be too concerned about getting a hotel. You could stay at any hotel in Birmingham and be at Barber in 30 minutes or less. If camping's not your thing, look for locations in Irondale, Leeds, and Moody for the closest hotels. Or any hotel on Crestwood Blvd in Birmingham would be really close too. 29 Dreams is not too far away either and it's a bike resort, with showers and the whole 9 yards. It's on Hwy 25 about 15 miles south of Barber. If all of that fails, there are TONS of hotels on Hwy 280 S. in Birmingham that would be a 20 minute ride up I-459 from Barber. There is a Marriott, Sheraton, and others.
I'd love to meet up with some folks from the board at Barber! If you need any local connections, let me know and I'll try to hook you up. :beers:
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I'd love to meet up with some folks from the board at Barber! If you need any local connections, let me know and I'll try to hook you up. :beers:
more cowbell bass guy.
I'll probably be camping. Pulling the bike with camping gear in my Trooper. I had a great time camping. 'Bama folks is fun. I'd like to take a few more days off and hit Deal's Gap.
Looks like we got Dave & Sergio in the hotel & taking the cage. (I might pay shower fees)
Other Texans Jay & Craig are maybes. Marc & Lloyd from Ga are also maybes. I'm hoping some of those guys will camp like last year.
We havent heard from Pete, but I'm hopeful. C'mon Pete.
Stay in touch, not sure I've got your handle, but send me a private e-mail so we can get connected. So you know SV LArry? He's also in B'ham.
John
gonna have to get my tickets soon
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I just joined the board a couple of months ago. Just got my '02 B6s and now I'm looking for excuses to ride.
I haven't met SV Larry yet...maybe we can meet up at Barber.
I guess I'll get a weekend pass, but I think I'll sleep at home for this one.
Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you guys out. Sometimes it just helps to have someone on the ground locally.
Tom
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we need to regroup. confirm who's coming, who's camping, who's staying where..........
I am up for this deal
II'll check my e-mail list & get genned up.
John
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I may come and then again, I may not. Lot's of things in flux right now.
I've sold my bike hauler and the DR200. I have lot's of interest in the 750 and I'm questioning whether or not to sell it now that it is Spring. And I haven't found a replacement for the car yet. Searching for a 2000-2002 Cadillac STS with low miles. Now that would be a bike hauler! If that fails, then it will be a Crown Vic. I like big cars and I don't put enough miles on one to worry about gas mileage. The Caddy gets over 20 on the highway though. Regardless, a Barber weekend is always good. But not as good as a Road Atlanta weekend.
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camping Lloyd? or going for motel? I tihnk Dave & Sergio are somewhere in SE part of town.
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Camping...yes!
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Camping...yes!
\\great I had a ball camping last year despite the rain, hail & frost....thats my plan, then I'll get to Deal's gap unless my floats freeeze up again.
I'll get the same shitty UHaul
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I don't know if I'll be able to make this. It's not looking real promising, but don't completely count me out just yet.
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Here's the info, what, where, how much:
Barber Superbike races, Birmingham AL, 20 - 23 April
3 day Pass $55
Paddock Pass $10
Tent Camping (all 3 days) $50
Museum Pass $12
Parade lap on track $30 (ea. Sat / Sun)
We have a few interested: Dave & Sergio (from Tex) (motel), Jay & Craig (Tex), Lloyd & Mark (Ga), SV Larry & Bass Player Tom in Birmingham....no word from Pete.
I am putting together an e-mail list. Camping is loads of fun. I plan to trailer, camp & perhaps get to the Gap/Smokies a few days following week. Feel free to send private e-mail or on list.
John 98 Red B12
50k miles
Okla City
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Hi guys,
Larry and I don't know many of you, cept Dave T. and Pete, but we're planning on coming to Barber for the races.
So Dave, have you guys picked out a hotel yet? We don't really want to camp this time and haven't made reservations. Would be more fun to try to stay at the same place for the bench racing talk and BEER.
:beers:
Larry and Kit
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Hi guys,
Larry and I don't know many of you, cept Dave T. and Pete, but we're planning on coming to Barber for the races.
So Dave, have you guys picked out a hotel yet? We don't really want to camp this time and haven't made reservations. Would be more fun to try to stay at the same place for the bench racing talk and BEER.
:beers:
Larry and Kit
Hi Larry & Kit, hope to see you there. Will you be on Bandits? Looks like some of us are camping and some are staying in hotels.
If you'd like to send a private message, I'll work up an e-mail group and get some cell #s.
I'll be camping, looks like Lloyd & Rick will be too. Dave & Sergio have booked a motel in SE Birmingham..
anyone hear from Pete or SV Larry?
John
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Kit,
Jay, Sergio, Dirk and I will be staying at the place below. We will be arriving on Thursday and Leaving Sunday late Afternoon/early evening. Hope to see both you and Larry there!
Dave
The place where we're staying (http://www.baymontinns.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ1008&propId=1008&savedSearchQuery=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.baymontinns.com%2Flq%2FproxySearchRes.do%3FsearchCity%3DBirmingham%26searchState%3DAL%26availability.palsra_IND_M%3D%26availability.palsra_IND_D%3D%26availability.palsra_IND_Y%3D%26availability.palsra_OTD_M%3D%26availability.palsra_OTD_D%3D%26availability.palsra_OTD_Y%3D%26availability.palsra_NRM%3D1%26mapProvider%3DMapQuest%26searchType%3DGEO%26promocorp%3D%26x%3D22%26y%3D10)
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Kit,
Jay, Sergio, Dirk and I will be staying at the place below. We will be arriving on Thursday and Leaving Sunday late Afternoon/early evening. Hope to see both you and Larry there! Dave
That's a pretty good location with plenty of places on 280 to entertain and feed. Close enough to the track to get you right into the traffic at the gate quicker. :shock:
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Just made our reservations for the Baymont Inn. We will be driving over early Saturday morning. Anybody heard from Pete yet? will he be bringing the famous "meet us under the Suzuki sign"? Looking forward to seeing everybody there.
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Just made our reservations for the Baymont Inn. We will be driving over early Saturday morning. Anybody heard from Pete yet? will he be bringing the famous "meet us under the Suzuki sign"? Looking forward to seeing everybody there.
Pete camped last year, but hasn't answered this thread. Assume he's MIA on this one. If anyone has a line on him, would luv to hear form him.
For sure, it's not the same without him.
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Pete's been checking in once in a while down in Inner Sanctum (not sure if that section even shows for those of you without Admin or Moderator powers). He's been working a lot with his new job and han't had much of a chance to read any threads. Also, his mobile device he used to use to access the board while on the road has been lost/stolen, so that has put severe limits on his ability to keep in touch with the BBS.
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Pete's been checking in once in a while down in Inner Sanctum (not sure if that section even shows for those of you without Admin or Moderator powers). He's been working a lot with his new job and han't had much of a chance to read any threads. Also, his mobile device he used to use to access the board while on the road has been lost/stolen, so that has put severe limits on his ability to keep in touch with the BBS.
give Pete our best....let hik know that he'll be missed if he can't make it....of course it would be nice to meet you as well Red
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I decided to reserve a room at Baymont just in case the campers don't make it.
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I decided to reserve a room at Baymont just in case the campers don't make it.
Party on Garth!!!!! :beers: :beers: :beers: :beers:
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I decided to reserve a room at Baymont just in case the campers don't make it.
Party on Garth!!!!! :beers: :beers: :beers: :beers:
are you heading down with Dave & Sergio? That would make 5 in the hotel, a couple of campers & me.
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give Pete our best....let hik know that he'll be missed if he can't make it....of course it would be nice to meet you as well Red
Will do.
You can always come out here for a NW Tour . . . (http://forums.banditalley.net/viewtopic.php?t=5008) our group is small, but the roads are sweet!
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are you heading down with Dave & Sergio?
Yeah... we're all set to go. Looking forward to it.
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looks like the Baymont is Bandit Central
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What's the general feeling on paddock tickets? Are you guys gonna spring for one or not? If so, I'm gonna buy one in advance!
Tom
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We got em....
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Rick isn't going to make it, Lloyd is still on the fence. It looks like the hardcore group is at the Baymont with Garth & the party-ers.
john
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I'm off to Richmond Virginia tomorrow to visit me mum.
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getting packed..........see you at the Hotel.
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Terrebandit & I got back safely about 2 am.... will post some pics and goodies later. This is a MUST DO trip guys and gals - First class operation and local hero (Spies) kicks butt!!!
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No pics here???? Okay I'll post some.
Unfortunately I wasn't available for the barbers thing with a bunch of Bandit guys. Hopefully I will do this soon though. It was nice that a few of you saw us meeting up in the morning Friday. I appreciate it and maybe we can go riding someday if you all are local. I would've invited you guys, but you mentioned you were bikeless.
A Bunch of my friends have Ninja's and we got a zx6e get together around the AMA's. I represented the Bandit well by leading the pack and blowing them away with our huge engines.
Here's a few pictures of our whole weekend. We skipped Friday qualifying thing, and opted to ride all day. Because the weather was so nasty we decided to skip Mt. Cheha and goto Bessemer instead. Started out from HWY 25/29 Dreams breakfast and headed onto Loc 17 in Bessemer.
Here's the bandit in primo position w/ the E's
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race10.jpg)
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race11.jpg)
Here's me if some are curious.
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race9.jpg)
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Our spot at the races wasn't too bad this year. Last year we had a primo position due to one of our buds camping out / getting there early and saviung us spots. This year we showed up an hour or so before the races on Sat and Sunday, but it worked out great. I hear there was a record turnout this year.
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race8.jpg)
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race12.jpg)
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race13.jpg)
On my way to the padock I got a pic of the rear turn. Mostly took this pic because this is where my buddy went off on a track day into the gravel pit.
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race7.jpg)
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Went into the Paddock area on Sunday. On my way there I dropped both my passes, and had to backtrack. luckily I found my paddock pass, but still lost my ticket. from then On I had to try to avoid any ticket checkmarks / tram etc. BTW if you ride your bike to the races, you can get primo parking. Saturday we drove in to bring coolers full of beer and chairs etc. parked on the oposite end of where we wanted to go, so it was a long walk with chairs and coolers. Sunday I decided to ride, and I rode the outside circle all the way to close to our spot. was nice.
Anyhow, here's some paddock shots I got.
Here's Team Blue
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race3.jpg)
Team Red
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race4.jpg)
Team Green
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race1.jpg)
And ummm, the Fun Cancer.
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race5.jpg)
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/race6.jpg)
Thats about it for me. Anyone local Im always riding with a group of people, so you can get in touch w/ me...Im around the chelsea/Inverness Area.
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It sounds like some of you had a great time. Sorry to have missed it. I didn't even catch it on TV. The California race this weekend should be a good one and I will miss that one as well. Going to Banner Elk this weekend for twisties and trout.
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Yep a good time was had by all, but Matt Mladin! I'm guessing Tommy Hadin was thoroughly peeved too.
It was great to see Dave again, he is always a classy guy. Good to meet Sergio, John, and Hank too. Larry and I had fun, got to see some of the best racing ever, and I had a yummy sandwich from Jason's Deli!
:thanks: guys, lets try to make this an annual event, K?
Kit and Larry
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Had a great time and it was awesome to see Kit, Larry, and John again.
I had the honor of sitting with Kit and Larry on the final race day and we saw some awesome racing together. I also really enjoyed your company and the great conversation. You are super nice people!
Lets do that again! :banana: :banana:
Dave
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just got back.
had a great time meeting new Bandit folks, was lots of fun seeing Dave & his crew.
Took tons of pictures, met Mr. Barber, and the racing was fantastic.
I spent Monday afternoon & Tuesday morning riding the Deals Gap. I did about 300 miles on the Dragon (3 times), Cherohala Skwy, and loop around Hwy 28. Didnt get too wet, rain had stopped but the Dragon was all wet on the second trip. Didn't get passed (no traffic).
John Red B12
50k miles
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Lets do that again! :banana: :banana:
Dave
This was my second year and I'm going to make this a tradition. Next time bring your scooters.
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Next year we HAVE to meet up before we get to the track. I was too early Saturday apparently (I came by the hotel about 8:45). I spent 2 hours trying to get hold of you guys on Saturday...finally talked to LowRyter just before the 1st race Saturday afternoon, then couldn't find him after the race. I didn't really want to move because I was in a most excellent spot at the end of the back straight. But, I came looking for you guys before the Formula Extreme race.
I'm REALLY sorry I didn't get to meet up with you guys.
I have a bunch of pictures that I'll post shortly.
2 other comments:
1) Riding your bike to the race is the BEST way to go, as far as getting to park pretty much anywhere you like. However, you better bring a kickstand pad due to muddy fields.
2) IF you ride your bike, watch your speed within 20 miles of the track...there were State Troopers everywhere...brought them in from all over the state, and they were gettin' busy with the biking brothers. Hope no one got a ticket.
Tom
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No pics here???? Okay I'll post some.
Unfortunately I wasn't available for the barbers thing with a bunch of Bandit guys. Hopefully I will do this soon though. It was nice that a few of you saw us meeting up in the morning Friday. I appreciate it and maybe we can go riding someday if you all are local. I would've invited you guys, but you mentioned you were bikeless.
Hey Icy! I'm local too. Live in the Hoover area...send me an IM or email and let's do a ride sometime! I have some guys that I ride with occasionally, but it's never often enough.
Tom
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sweet, I'll get in touch with ya for a ride sometime. right now I have a trip to the gap planned in June, and im trying to fix all the minor things wrong with my bike before then. Usually I joy ride at least once/twice a week and commute all the time as well.
The Police really angered me this weekend by destroying any chance of having fun on 25, and killed 29 dreams buisness. They were clocking people on the interstate from a helicopter, and then pulling people over. it was rediculous. Had 1 guy from Canada come down, 2 drom Chicago, and one from texas, but couldn't show them how neat 25 was. Still had fun when we ditched that area and took all 10 of us bikes to Bessemer, unbelievable roads down there.
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Here's some Sweet Photo's from the Barbers 06 Races. I grabbed these from Joe Rockets website for your viewing pleasure. I wish we could've been this close.
Start of Championship round 2
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/RocketSBKStart.jpg)
Gotta love the knee Drags, this is Mladin
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/MladinRocket-1.jpg)
Mladin pops it up
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/MladinRocket.jpg)
Roger Hayden
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/RogerRocket.jpg)
Duhamel wheelie
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/DuhamelRocket.jpg)
My Favorite pic, Knee dragging the grass...Ben Spies
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/SpiesRocket.jpg)
Here's Ben Spies victory burnout.
(http://webpages.charter.net/pandemonium/TempPictures/BenVictoryRocket.jpg)
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The Police really angered me this weekend by destroying any chance of having fun on 25, and killed 29 dreams buisness. They were clocking people on the interstate from a helicopter, and then pulling people over. it was rediculous.
The LEO presence was FULLY saturated.... those guys were everywhere. LowRyter mentioned an article he saw in the local rag on Sunday morning describing the crackdown on bikes - shoot, I'll bet the NASCRAP crowd is worse by far. I didn't see the helo's - that's cheatin'!!
Local forecast is rain this weekend so I'll have my pics all sorted. Hard to improve on the professional shots though. I can't stress enough how wonderful Barber was - everyone that worked there or volunteered was really courteous and helpful. I didn't any brew-ha-ha's normally associated with crowds this size (event record BTW) and will definitely have to ride in the next time.
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The Police really angered me this weekend by destroying any chance of having fun on 25, and killed 29 dreams buisness. They were clocking people on the interstate from a helicopter, and then pulling people over. it was rediculous.
The LEO presence was FULLY saturated.... those guys were everywhere. LowRyter mentioned an article he saw in the local rag on Sunday morning describing the crackdown on bikes - shoot, I'll bet the NASCRAP crowd is worse by far. I didn't see the helo's - that's cheatin'!!
Local forecast is rain this weekend so I'll have my pics all sorted. Hard to improve on the professional shots though. I can't stress enough how wonderful Barber was - everyone that worked there or volunteered was really courteous and helpful. I didn't any brew-ha-ha's normally associated with crowds this size (event record BTW) and will definitely have to ride in the next time.
I was told by ByouBandit (max suzi handle) that the cops closed down the road to 29 dreams and made everyone on 2 wheels show license and registration.
I got about two dozen good shots, none as good as Joe Rockets. I'll send you a CD soon, give me your address in a private e-mail.
I'm told the NASCAR crowd is so lousy that some hotels will only lease to selected customers. The hotel people love the bike crowd, well behaved when compared to NASCAR. Funny, when you drive by, Talladeaga looks like a garbage dump after seeing Barber.
This was the best road race I ever seen (includes SCCA, IMSA, Trans Am, CART) (Laguna Seca, MidOhio, Hallett, temporary street).
I can't wait to go back next year. Let's bring Pete & Carig back with us.
John
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I can't wait to go back next year. Let's bring Pete & Carig back with us.
John
Sounds good to me! :grin: Glad y'all had a good time! I really wanted to go with y'all! I'll have to make more of an effort to go next year. Maybe, do like John did and head up to the Blue Ridge and Smokie mountains afterward. Speaking of which, what did you think of that area, John? Was it everything you heard it would be?
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The cops ALWAYS road block hwy 25 during the AMA's. I got a friend who said his brother and pal received 4 tickets between them both. Originally pulled over because their liscense plate was bent.
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I can't wait to go back next year. Let's bring Pete & Carig back with us.
John
Sounds good to me! :grin: Glad y'all had a good time! I really wanted to go with y'all! I'll have to make more of an effort to go next year. Maybe, do like John did and head up to the Blue Ridge and Smokie mountains afterward. Speaking of which, what did you think of that area, John? Was it everything you heard it would be?
Craig, When did you get a V-Strom?
I think Deal's Gap was even better than I imagined. It was a very cool place- I've never been to a motorcycle hang out like that. I really enjoyed riding the Dragon, I rode it 3 times. I would say it was similiar to that Black Canyon park road we did in Colorado, perhaps a little tighter if not quite as steep down hill. Because of limitied site lines, I never felt really pressured to hang it all out like we've done in Colorado & Arkansas. That was a good thing, because a few of those blind curves could really get tight or find yourself in some debris. I didnt think the Carolina Roads were maintained as well as Tenn. I think you have a little better vision going from Deals Gap to Tenn rather than the other way.
I think Cherlokoha Skwy was very similar to Ark, but perhaps a little longer stretch and more remote. Saw no cops anywhere accept on Hwy 72 on the way to the Dragon. Everyone was courteous. I was waved around by everyone except a NC DOT pickup. It was like everyone as so happy they got there. Sorta like motorcycle Disneyland, or heaven.
John
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The cops ALWAYS road block hwy 25 during the AMA's. I got a friend who said his brother and pal received 4 tickets between them both. Originally pulled over because their liscense plate was bent.
what a bunch of peckerheads.
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Craig, When did you get a V-Strom?
I think Deal's Gap was even better than I imagined. It was a very cool place- I've never been to a motorcycle hang out like that. I really enjoyed riding the Dragon, I rode it 3 times. I would say it was similiar to that Black Canyon park road we did in Colorado, perhaps a little tighter if not quite as steep down hill. Because of limitied site lines, I never felt really pressured to hang it all out like we've done in Colorado & Arkansas. That was a good thing, because a few of those blind curves could really get tight or find yourself in some debris. I didnt think the Carolina Roads were maintained as well as Tenn. I think you have a little better vision going from Deals Gap to Tenn rather than the other way.
I think Cherlokoha Skwy was very similar to Ark, but perhaps a little longer stretch and more remote. Saw no cops anywhere accept on Hwy 72 on the way to the Dragon. Everyone was courteous. I was waved around by everyone except a NC DOT pickup. It was like everyone as so happy they got there. Sorta like motorcycle Disneyland, or heaven.
John
I picked up the 'Strom about 6 weeks ago or so. I've been wanting one for some time now, although I wasn't seriously looking to buy yet, I just found an offer I couldn't refuse. Functionally, it slots in between the Bandit and the KLR even if there is quite a bit of functional overlap between the three. There are quite a few places that I just don't want to take the Bandit, but would like to have more bike than the KLR (especially if riding two-up!) and the V-Strom fits the bill nicely. Plus, it's probably the most touring oriented bike I own.
Glad you enjoyed the TN/NC mountains! Next time your out that way try to make it a little further to the east, especially the area a little northeast of Ashville. You won't be dissapointed!