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World's Longest Yard Sale 127, A real Circus.

Started by Rams, Thu 11, Aug 2016, 07:17:45

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Rams

Anyone ever ride 127 during the World's Longest Yard Sale?

QuoteThe world-famous 127 Yard Sale has kicked off officially this weekend and runs until Sunday, August 7. All the way down U.S. Corridor 127 from Addison, Michigan to Gadsden, AL
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/worlds-longest-yard-sale-officially-underway-off-highway-127/289137278

I have this opportunity frequently.   I live very near this road in Kentucky.   BTW, I'm not much of a yard sale person.   Nothing against it, just not my thing to do.    

But, twice during this last week I had the need (not desire) to drive/ride 127.   The first drive was in my truck pulling my RV/Toy Hauler.    These were trips I do not care to repeat.    For some reason, other drivers seem to think Porsche braking is installed on my Dodge.    :roll:   The second opportunity was on my Valkyrie, it does stop better but, it's not nearly as visible which leads to some interesting opportunities to meet others in less than desirable circumstances.    :o

I gotta admit, I didn't enjoy either opportunity.    127 is a wonderful curvy, twisty, hilly road to ride or drive in stretches (actually quite a few stretches here in Kentucky) and I'd normally look forward to such a ride but, not during this week.   Normally, the most dangerous surprises one needs to be concerned about is wild life entering your path as you rocket through the curves and hills.    It turns into a "watch yer six", "look out for U Turners" and for God's Sake, don't tail gate cause you never know when that little ole lady is gonna see that item she just can't live without and slam on the brakes.    I shouldn't pick on "little ole ladies" for this because, they come in all shapes, sizes and age groups at the 127 Yard Sale.

It's worse than riding in traffic in any city I've ever ridden in because the "lookers"/yard saler's are not watching the road or the traffic, they are looking for deals.    You may ride 5 miles and not see a yard sale and then find 20 yard sales with 500 vehicles all trying to get in there to see what they've got in one place.

It's a real circus.    I thought testing my skills on the Tail of the Dragon was challenging and raised my heart rate.   The Dragon was interesting and fun but no where nearly as dangerous as 127 during the World's Longest Yard Sale.    The road is fun but, its also very dangerous strictly due to the human factors.    If you're a Yard Sale person, I'd highly recommend the experience, if not, stay off this road.   If forced to drive or ride it, wear clean underwear, your mama was right.   ;)
VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.

Pete

I would describe it as a mobile parking lot or the worlds largest parking lot.
At other times 127 is a fun, interesting ride.

Rams

Quote from: Pete on Thu 11, Aug 2016, 08:31:47
I would describe it as a mobile parking lot or the worlds largest parking lot.
At other times 127 is a fun, interesting ride.

Yep, mobile parking lot is pretty accurate. 

Yep, 127 is a fun road to ride.   :cooldude:   
VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.

RDAbull

I ride 127 in Ohio quite a bit.  It is like most of the roads in western Ohio, flat,  straight & generally boring.  But, I do have quite a few friend up north that I like to go see.  At least up here it is not too bad during the sale, plenty of shoulder to park on for the 4-wheelers. 
2015 GoldWing Trike
1999 Valkyrie Interstate Trike, gone but not forgotten

Rams

#4
Quote from: RDAbull on Thu 11, Aug 2016, 14:43:47
I ride 127 in Ohio quite a bit.  It is like most of the roads in western Ohio, flat,  straight & generally boring.  But, I do have quite a few friend up north that I like to go see.  At least up here it is not too bad during the sale, plenty of shoulder to park on for the 4-wheelers.  

Haven't ridden 127 in Ohio so can't speak to that.   There are some boring stretches in KY also but, a lot of 127 is fun to ride in KY also.   With the exception of Yard Sale Week.   It's not the road that's the problem, it's the idiots who are pulling out or in to places not meant to be parking areas, folks walking out in front of vehicles like there is a cross walk and a light protecting them when no such thing exists and those folks who are driving by (obviously not looking at the road or traffic and suddenly slamming on the brakes and/or whipping a U Turn right in front of you that cause the issues.  

I'm really not intending to bitch about it, I knew/know there will be challenges during this week but, if one can avoid that road, that week, I highly advise one to do so.    

Then again, if one enjoys the trials and tribulations of yard sales, go for it.   :cooldude:
VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.

Mr Whiskey

Yep, not much better here in Tn. We run our northern portion & your southern portion fairly regular (Jamestown to Jamestown)
but you gotta have nerves of steel (a death wish) to run it during the yard sale :cooldude:
Same circus, different clowns :2funny: :2funny:
Peace, Whiskey.

Rams

Quote from: Mr Whiskey on Thu 11, Aug 2016, 15:52:20
but you gotta have nerves of steel (a death wish) to run it during the yard sale :cooldude:
Same circus, different clowns :2funny: :2funny:[/size]

I have no doubt your clowns are just as silly as mine.   Ride safely.   :cooldude:
VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.