Roanoke? I'd go back!

[Hook#3287]

Just finally got the time to wash the bike I took to Roanoke.

Absolutely no bugs on it after 4 days of riding.

If I waited 4 days up here, I'd have to use a paint scraper to get em off.

What's up with that?

[Jess from VA]

I think the main reason is the good sense to have Inzane (wherever it is), no later than mid June.

There's a bunch of reasons to have it when they do, but that early, the bugs just haven't had the chance to fully flourish for the Summer yet.

During last week's murderous heat, the bugs got mean and aggressive and fully energized (and they love human sweat).   (the little pricks)

Boy was today's ride refreshingly not HOT.

Tomorrow's will be even better.

(I know when I get home from a ride, and don't just stagger off the bike nearly heat-stroked.)

[The emperor has no clothes]

I’m sad to admit I haven’t washed mine since I got back, and I’m going to be gone another 3 weeks  It has Texas bugs, it has Tennessee bugs, it has Oklahoma bugs. But you are right, I don’t think it has any Virginia bugs. Hell yeah i’d go back, that was some great riding. 

[Earl43P]

I rode mine home after the banquet (family issue caused that). Bugs galore, so many I had to clean my face shield at a gas stop. Still haven’t washed the bike but I did clean the windshield.

Enjoyed SW Va so much that the following week my brother and I did the Dragon ( his first time ), the Cherohala twice, the 32,  Rattler and Back of the Dragon by chance. Western Va, TN, NC (Robbinsville area), back to Va, then WV, some Pa, then home. 1500 Miles+ from Thursday to Monday.

[Hook#3287]

I rode mine home after the banquet (family issue caused that). Bugs galore, so many I had to clean my face shield at a gas stop. Still haven’t washed the bike but I did clean the windshield.

Enjoyed SW Va so much that the following week my brother and I did the Dragon ( his first time ), the Cherohala twice, the 32,  Rattler and Back of the Dragon by chance. Western Va, TN, NC (Robbinsville area), back to Va, then WV, some Pa, then home. 1500 Miles+ from Thursday to Monday.

that could have something to do with it, most of my riding there was well before dusk.

That sounds like a great ride

[3fan4life]

I rode mine home after the banquet (family issue caused that). Bugs galore, so many I had to clean my face shield at a gas stop. Still haven’t washed the bike but I did clean the windshield.

Enjoyed SW Va so much that the following week my brother and I did the Dragon ( his first time ), the Cherohala twice, the 32,  Rattler and Back of the Dragon by chance. Western Va, TN, NC (Robbinsville area), back to Va, then WV, some Pa, then home. 1500 Miles+ from Thursday to Monday.

That's some good riding! 

[vanavyman]

Yes that would be a really fun ride.  Like a greatest hits ride of some of the best roads of the Smoky Mountain area.  We try and get into those areas 4-5 times a year.  Looking forward to retiring in that area and ride them all the time.  

[3fan4life]

For me, the best part of having Roanoke as my backyard is how central it is to some really great riding.

It's easy to get into WV, NC and TN.

It doesn't hurt that that the roads taken to get there are pretty fun as well.

Last weekend A friend and I rode from Roanoke to Shady Valley, TN and back with a lunch stop at Shatley Springs, NC.

We left Roanoke by taking US221 up Bent Mtn to Floyd, VA continued on US 221 to Hillsville, VA and from there took US 58 to Damascus, VA (the ride from Independence, VA to Damascus, VA is a hidden gem if there ever was one). SR 130 from Damascus to Shady Valley, TN and US 421 (The Snake) from Shady Valley to Mountain City, TN.

Then some backroads whose numbers I don't remember from Mountain City to Shatley Springs, NC where we had an awesome meal.

Then US 21 back to Hillsville, VA and a couple of other back roads on the return to Roanoke.

This was a 380 mile day along some very enjoyable roads, this is a ride that I take once or twice a year just because I can.

For my friend who is just learning to ride this was his first time riding these roads.

He loved them and hung in there all day with no complaints, oh and I forgot to mention he did it all on a little Suzuki 250.      

[The emperor has no clothes]

For me, the best part of having Roanoke as my backyard is how central it is to some really great riding.

It's easy to get into WV, NC and TN.

It doesn't hurt that that the roads taken to get there are pretty fun as well.

Last weekend A friend and I rode from Roanoke to Shady Valley, TN and back with a lunch stop at Shatley Springs, NC.

We left Roanoke by taking US221 up Bent Mtn to Floyd, VA continued on US 221 to Hillsville, VA and from there took US 58 to Damascus, VA (the ride from Independence, VA to Damascus, VA is a hidden gem if there ever was one). SR 130 from Damascus to Shady Valley, TN and US 421 (The Snake) from Shady Valley to Mountain City, TN.

Then some backroads whose numbers I don't remember from Mountain City to Shatley Springs, NC where we had an awesome meal.

Then US 21 back to Hillsville, VA and a couple of other back roads on the return to Roanoke.

This was a 380 mile day along some very enjoyable roads, this is a ride that I take once or twice a year just because I can.

For my friend who is just learning to ride this was his first time riding these roads.

He loved them and hung in there all day with no complaints, oh and I forgot to mention he did it all on a little Suzuki 250.      

I always felt NorCal had the best motorcycle roads I had ridden. They fell to 2nd place after Roanoke. 

[RainMaker]

For me, the best part of having Roanoke as my backyard is how central it is to some really great riding.

It's easy to get into WV, NC and TN.

It doesn't hurt that that the roads taken to get there are pretty fun as well.

Last weekend A friend and I rode from Roanoke to Shady Valley, TN and back with a lunch stop at Shatley Springs, NC.

We left Roanoke by taking US221 up Bent Mtn to Floyd, VA continued on US 221 to Hillsville, VA and from there took US 58 to Damascus, VA (the ride from Independence, VA to Damascus, VA is a hidden gem if there ever was one). SR 130 from Damascus to Shady Valley, TN and US 421 (The Snake) from Shady Valley to Mountain City, TN.

Then some backroads whose numbers I don't remember from Mountain City to Shatley Springs, NC where we had an awesome meal.

Then US 21 back to Hillsville, VA and a couple of other back roads on the return to Roanoke.

This was a 380 mile day along some very enjoyable roads, this is a ride that I take once or twice a year just because I can.

For my friend who is just learning to ride this was his first time riding these roads.

He loved them and hung in there all day with no complaints, oh and I forgot to mention he did it all on a little Suzuki 250.      

I always felt NorCal had the best motorcycle roads I had ridden. They fell to 2nd place after Roanoke. 

I'd rate Tennessee 1st, Virginia as 2nd, North Carolina as 3rd.  So far.  Will have to come out to California to see the roads you like.  Texas would rate a bit lower in regards to exciting roads.

[The emperor has no clothes]

For me, the best part of having Roanoke as my backyard is how central it is to some really great riding.

It's easy to get into WV, NC and TN.

It doesn't hurt that that the roads taken to get there are pretty fun as well.

Last weekend A friend and I rode from Roanoke to Shady Valley, TN and back with a lunch stop at Shatley Springs, NC.

We left Roanoke by taking US221 up Bent Mtn to Floyd, VA continued on US 221 to Hillsville, VA and from there took US 58 to Damascus, VA (the ride from Independence, VA to Damascus, VA is a hidden gem if there ever was one). SR 130 from Damascus to Shady Valley, TN and US 421 (The Snake) from Shady Valley to Mountain City, TN.

Then some backroads whose numbers I don't remember from Mountain City to Shatley Springs, NC where we had an awesome meal.

Then US 21 back to Hillsville, VA and a couple of other back roads on the return to Roanoke.

This was a 380 mile day along some very enjoyable roads, this is a ride that I take once or twice a year just because I can.

For my friend who is just learning to ride this was his first time riding these roads.

He loved them and hung in there all day with no complaints, oh and I forgot to mention he did it all on a little Suzuki 250.      

I always felt NorCal had the best motorcycle roads I had ridden. They fell to 2nd place after Roanoke. 

I'd rate Tennessee 1st, Virginia as 2nd, North Carolina as 3rd.  So far.  Will have to come out to California to see the roads you like.  Texas would rate a bit lower in regards to exciting roads.

That would be awesome Mark. California has some great roads, especially Northern Cal. I didn't get to experience as much of Tennessee as I planned due to my alternator bearing problem. But what I did get in was great. 

[DDT (12)]

Really? Washing your bikes following InZane...? Is it that time of year already?!!!

DDT

[trout dude]

YES IT IS THANK YOU

[LUCKY13]

Huh, that is what I was thinking. It is TIME!

[HayHauler]

That would be awesome Mark. California has some great roads, especially Northern Cal. I didn't get to experience as much of Tennessee as I planned due to my alternator bearing problem. But what I did get in was great. 

Man, didnt hear about your alt problem.  Have a new one in the saddle bag. 
Nice to finally meet you by the way!

Hay
Jimmyt

[The emperor has no clothes]

That would be awesome Mark. California has some great roads, especially Northern Cal. I didn't get to experience as much of Tennessee as I planned due to my alternator bearing problem. But what I did get in was great. 

Man, didnt hear about your alt problem.  Have a new one in the saddle bag. 
Nice to finally meet you by the way!

Hay
Jimmyt

Same here 

[Hook#3287]

YES IT IS THANK YOU

But Ali has such nice patina.   You pay extra for that on old stuff.

[trout dude]

Hook you are not the one who turns BLACK when working on her  But we all know DDT and OLD ALI GIRL dose not mind at all   I'm just having a little fun poking the stick LOL And that will not stop me from working on our girl

[Hook#3287]

Hook you are not the one who turns BLACK when working on her  But we all know DDT and OLD ALI GIRL dose not mind at all   I'm just having a little fun poking the stick LOL And that will not stop me from working on our girl

Dennis, you're a good man and a better friend   Bruce is lucky to have you cover his back "Ali" wise and I know he'd be the first to say it.

[Rams]

Roanoke was a good choice but, I think I'd select a different hotel next time.   
I don't know any of the reasons that one was selected but, IMHO it was rather restricted.

Then again, what do I know, I didn't even stay there...... 

Rams

[Jess from VA]

Man I thought it was a great hotel (and the best ever).

A Sheraton for under a hundred (including a big, good free breakfast every morning, all you can eat).  And dear to my heart, unlimited, good hot coffee.

The place was clean, the rooms/beds were very nice, they had huge convention facilities, the service was top notch.  The shower always had hot water.  I needed to go shopping without the bike, and was given great service by a van driver.  All the employees were extremely polite and professional.

It was a bit tricky getting into and out of, but having the hotel away from the wandering public, and housing and business in it's own little spot was also great (and very secure).

The BS for drinking out front was BS, but no cops were called, and everyone lived.

I think the organizers deserve a great big thank you and well done.  

(The pool water was very cloudy and suspect, so I didn't swim in it, or drink any.)  

 

[vanavyman]

 

[DDT (12)]

I agree with Jess... Sprawling, therefore a lot of walking, but... Heck, no place is perfect, but this place served us well, I thought. I'd go there again...

DDT

[Willow]

...
(The pool water was very cloudy and suspect, so I didn't swim in it, or drink any.)  

That's good to know.  I didn't get a chance to but I won't piss in cloudy water.

My loving spouse and my friend, the president, deserve accolades for how hard they worked to get that free breakfast.  I thought it was a great hotel for InZane.

[The emperor has no clothes]

...
(The pool water was very cloudy and suspect, so I didn't swim in it, or drink any.)  

That's good to know.  I didn't get a chance to but I won't piss in cloudy water.

My loving spouse and my friend, the president, deserve accolades for how hard they worked to get that free breakfast.  I thought it was a great hotel for InZane.

it was and they did 

[hubcapsc]

My loving spouse and my friend, the president, deserve accolades for how hard they worked to get that free breakfast.

Yes!

-Mike

[Skinhead]

...
(The pool water was very cloudy and suspect, so I didn't swim in it, or drink any.)  

That's good to know.  I didn't get a chance to but I won't piss in cloudy water.

My loving spouse and my friend, the president, deserve accolades for how hard they worked to get that free breakfast.  I thought it was a great hotel for InZane.

From now on I will only swim in cloudy pools at inzane.  You guys did a great job on 18, my only complaint(s) about the hotel are that is was a lot of walking getting around the hotel, and now that I know Willow's policy regarding pools, the pool should have been cloudier for added insurance.

[Willow]

Looking back on the Roanoke experience one could easily be influenced to desire a return.  As they say, hindsight can be 2020.

[Skinhead]

Looking back on the Roanoke experience one could easily be influenced to desire a return.  As they say, hindsight can be 2020.

WHOA!  Look at Carl throwing those hints around!

[Jess from VA]

Looking back on the Roanoke experience one could easily be influenced to desire a return.  As they say, hindsight can be 2020.

My goodness.... a pun my word.   

[flsix]

Hummm. I'd do that again in two years.

[97BLKVALK]

I like that idea Carl! I see what you mean

There was a lot of walking due to the size of hotel.  I really wish it was easier to see all the Valks and other motorcycles in one area instead of all the way around the building.  I feel if they were all in one area there would be more interaction amonst all members and easier for the hotel to handle all the other guests for parking too.

Michael

[Gryphon Rider]

I like that idea Carl! I see what you mean

There was a lot of walking due to the size of hotel.  I really wish it was easier to see all the Valks and other motorcycles in one area instead of all the way around the building.  I feel if they were all in one area there would be more interaction amonst all members and easier for the hotel to handle all the other guests for parking too.

Michael

I liked the site layout at Frisco for that reason; the hotel was more of an L (or T) shape, with the inside of the L restricted to motorcycles and InZane vendors.

[hubcapsc]

I liked almost everything about Roanoke, and I'm real glad InZane is still a thing,
we're all lucky for that.

I'm all for hanging out in the evening near the bikes laughing loud
and talking and nobody getting yelled at for drinking a beer out there.

-Mike