2012 FCR Ride Report - Finally

[Skinhead]

We had been looking forward to this ride for weeks, Binkie, Jane, DOYOUSEEWHATHAPPENSLARRY, the fun governor, and Myself left MoTown at the ungodly hour of 0630 to avoid the Detroit rush hour traffic.  Got on I-75 at exit 67, that's just south of the BIG BEAVER exit, exit 69.  I know, you can't make this stuff up.

I'm leading, and at exit 51, I look in my mirror and notice Binkie is way back and DOYOUSEEWHATHAPPENSLARRY is no where in sight.  I try to raise him on the CB, no go.  The Binkster and I pull over and I get DOYOUSEEWHATHAPPENSLARRY on the cell phone.  His Goldwing lost power and died, thinks it's the alternator, he's on the left shoulder and rush hour traffic is just starting to build right in Downtown Detroit.  DOYOUSEEWHATHAPPENSLARRY says he will call AAA and we should keep going, there's nothing we could do for him anyway.  Long story short, he had a spare alternator at home, the dealer swapped it and got him on the road by 1400.  Too late to meet up with us, but they were able to meet us in Robbinsville on Friday, so it all worked out.

Binkie, the fun governor, and Myself continued on to Slade, Ky our bivouac site.  The rain started just south of Toledo and kept us moist all the way to Dayton.  At times I didn't know whether to keep riding or stop and build an ark, we kept going and the weather turned sunny as we crossed into KY.  Stayed at the Lil Abner Motel, just down the road from the Natural Bridge state park and lodge, which is where we had dinner and a hike up to the Natural Bridge afterward.





The Fun Governor, Binkie, and the 'fridge


The FG at the Natural Bridge Lodge


The Natural Bridge







After a few pops and a nights sleep, we rode up through NADA tunnel and Daniel Boone National Forest, taking a nice leisurely route to Robbinsville.  Unfortunately we were unable to hook up with SmokinJoe and his group, so we rode 129 into the motel.

NADA Tunnel (these are from a previous trip, didn't get a pic this time)




Devils Canyon Overlook









Got to the Motel around 1700, thoroughly enjoyed the trip down, met up with the usual suspects upon arrival, unpacked and secured a beverage.  The FG didn't attend the evening activities, so much fun was had by all.

Vandals struck during the night




Rally point for the FCR







After the ride, back to the motel for the evening festivities, again the Fun Governor wasn't in attendance so Mucho Funo was had by all.











A Giggles sandwich




Skinhead's turn






Jane, Binkie, DOYOUSEEWHATHAPPENSLARRY, and Giggles




Jane and Cousin Cletus


Sunday morning everyone was heading home, we headed out of Robbinsville for Cherokee, and the BRP, the FG has never been so we took it to just outside of Asheville and got off on rt 151, very twisty. 



We bivouacked at Jenny Whiley resort state park just out side of Van Lear, KY.  Got a cabin there that sleeps 8 for $125 a night.  I highly recommend it if you need to stay in the area, nice park too.





Monday we loaded up and headed for The Hocking Hills in Ohio.  I had been through the area, but never stopped and looked around.  Don't make that mistake, it is a really cool place, waterfalls (dry at the time), cliffs, and caves that you wouldn't believe is in Ohio.









These pictures were taken at Old Mans cave, I guess an old hermit lived there before this became a park and they built all the pathways and bridges.  It is a super cool place, reminded me of something out of the Lord of the Rings.











Bivouacked in Athens, Oh Monday night, road home to Motown the next day in our rain gear, but never hit any rain, it was right behind us though.

Well, got our reservation in for next year, it was great to see everyone again and looking forward to next year.  Hopefully Don and Tracey will be able to stick around next year.  The FG owes Don a hug.

[hubcapsc]

-Mike

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Great ride report with nice pictures    Again I'll say " Thank You " to the folks like y'all who put the miles in to come join us on The Fall Color Ride.

[Skinhead]

Thank you for putting it together.  Believe me this ride was just what we needed.  I'm just glad the weather cooperated. Where's the June (hillbilly) ride next year?

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Thank you for putting it together.  Believe me this ride was just what we needed.  I'm just glad the weather cooperated. Where's the June (hillbilly) ride next year?

Don ( Highbinder ) and I are still working on that 

[GiG]

"DOYOUSEEWHATHAPPENSLARRY" - "That's a name no one would self-apply where I come from..."





You see what happens, Larry?!

[hubcapsc]

Gig, that link's no good. I think the "k" on the 47th line needs to be uppercase...

-Mike

[Crazyhorse]

Great report Joe, it was good seeing you guys again.

[Gary]

Great report and photos, thanks for taking the time to post and share. 

[fon1961]

Great report, great to see you guys 

[eric in md]

great report .. good see you all again 

[GiG]

Man, that sucks about the vandals, looks like they only got you and Binkie, but left SEEWHATHAPPENSLARRY's bike alone nat...


They got my bike, too, Saturday morning, in broad daylight, can you believe it?!?  

Coulda been worse - At least they didn't pull the old flaming-dog-poop-in-a-bag trick on yuns...
Cop Lights Poop On Fire Gag

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Joe, Thanks for sharing 

[Spirited-6]

GOTTA LOVE IT !    Thanks !

[Reb]

Great report Joe. You gotta watch those damn Vandals at night...

Halloween pranks strike again, I guess TP is always better than stuffing straw in an exhaust pipe 

[Mr Whiskey]

Good to ride with ya again Brother!
Thanks for the pic's.
Peace, Whiskey.