So no decision yet, but I have decided that if I'm out there, it will be on my own bike. I know what crazy high speeds one can potentially hit on BRP, and I'd want to do that on a bike I've actually ridden before. And I don't want someone to have to worry about his/her bike or about another rider on his/her bike.

Gosh... if I go, I need to get a room, too. Umm, how far in advance do I have to decide so that all the rooms don't get booked? Or is that not a concern?

Actually it is more laziness and not wanting to get up early 2 days in a row. 100 miles in the Prius is only 2 gal. of gas.

I can't say when the Pisgah Inn would fill up but that time of year is popular with the motorcycle crowd and the wildflower peeps. Maybe you should book a room and cancel if you decide not to go.

Would you have to carry your bike to NY with you and would you have to pay to fly it up there too? Maybe it could be shipped back from Sylva, UPS and it would get to SD a few days after you get back.

I guess I'll try to make a decision soon, and if there's a chance I'm going, I'll go ahead and book a room. And figure out what to do about the bike.

It sure would be easier if we could find you a decent bike to ride. Plenty of time to figure that out.

At the worst, I'll just ship out my backup bike in advance. I've rode to the Baldy ski lift on it before, so I can manage the climbing and I feel confident on the descending. I've done a double metric on it before, so long rides on it isn't a problem.

Well, I just picked up my bike today from the shop...went with a new Centaur compact crankset and new 13-26 cassette. Hoping to make at least one day of this ride.

Im in again! I'll be at the campsite... much more student-budget friendly.

Nick, I'm sure someone will let you grab a shower at the Pisgah Inn. Glad you can make it.

A compact is nice anytime in the mountains. Last year on this ride we had max gears of 39/25, 39/27 and 34/26. All did fine.

What is this shower thing you speak of?

Is wildflower tourism significant? I know people like to see flowers, but I don't know anyone who travels specifically for that purpose.

fall leaf tourism is significant (Floridiots) so you can expect a decent increase for wildflowers.

Not really. May is more known for an increase in the number of motorcycles on the BRP. The rangers have really cracked down on the speed they travel though. I've seen them arrest the riders and impound the bikes. That's a good thing.

and, what would the park rangers do to those bicyclists who exceed the 45mph speed limit ya reckon?

Hopefully applaud. You succeeded on the fall trip didn't ya?

Yeah, we have had law enforcement working toward that end on the Tennessee side of the Tail of the Dragon, and it's made some folks quite unhappy.

I'm glad to see that. So they are unhappy that they are no longer allowed to race on a public road? Too bad. The speed limit is 35, stick to it or stay home.

bump.

just added an Attendee List to the first post...

hey all...planning to attend both days as well but have not booked myself a room at the Inn yet.

ok. i'll add you to the list. i wouldn't wait too long to get reservations tho...

Oh, there's a list?

I'm likely for May 17, subject to weather conditions.

Some people around here (even non-motorcyclists) argue that motorcycles should be free to speed through there. I guess the logic is the same as that supporting repeal of helmet laws--if bikers want to risk their lives riding like that, they should be free to do so.

The way I see it, the highway patrol is charged with maintaining safety on public roads. Unless the legislature specifically excludes a road from this mission, the patrol shouldn't pick and choose which roads it will enforce the laws on.

I made a list of attendee's in the first post of this thread.

It's the same argument we see with other things in this Country. People seem to think that individual rights trump those of society. For the common good is why our Constitution was established not the good of the individual. Someday perhaps we will mature as a Nation and see that.

I now return you to the previous program in progress.