Riders in the Virginia Hampton Roads / Tidewater/ NE North Carolina region

556ALPHA · Tue 12, Jul 2016, 19:14:05

I recently purchased a 1997 Tourer and have communicated with a few members on the forum trying to find a good shop for the Valkyrie. I see very few Valkyrie's out on the road, actually I do not remember the last one. I wanted to see if anyone in the Northeast NC or Virginia Area had an interest in a single day group ride or gathering of some sort? Maybe a wrench session..I have communicated with BigBF who is out on a mobile maintenance tour and in the process of trying to arrange a date if it is worth his time.

If you are interested please provide any locations or areas that you would recommend for a meet/ride.

In addition a time/date that works best for you.

Mapper · Wed 13, Jul 2016, 04:24:14

I have most weekends off and would be happy to meet/ride on just about an Saturday or Sunday morning. I'm out on the Norfolk side of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.

I haven't ridden many places in this area yet, so I'm up for whatever.

The emperor has no clothes · Wed 13, Jul 2016, 06:23:52

Quote from: Mapper on Wed 13, Jul 2016, 04:24:14
I have most weekends off and would be happy to meet/ride on just about an Saturday or Sunday morning. I'm out on the Norfolk side of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.

I haven't ridden many places in this area yet, so I'm up for whatever.

Dude, where you been hiding ? It's good to see you back on here.

Mapper · Wed 13, Jul 2016, 06:55:12

Quote from: meathead on Wed 13, Jul 2016, 06:23:52
Dude, where you been hiding ? It's good to see you back on here.

I'm on a ship... we had workups, then a 7 month deployment, now the shipyards. While I was gone, I sure missed this forum and missed riding. I poked in from time to time but connectivity was really bad while I was gone and I was working a lot.

The emperor has no clothes · Wed 13, Jul 2016, 07:03:33

Quote from: Mapper on Wed 13, Jul 2016, 06:55:12
Quote from: meathead on Wed 13, Jul 2016, 06:23:52
Dude, where you been hiding ? It's good to see you back on here.

I'm on a ship... we had workups, then a 7 month deployment, now the shipyards. While I was gone, I sure missed this forum and missed riding. I poked in from time to time but connectivity was really bad while I was gone and I was working a lot.

Ah yes, I vaguely remember them days

Good to have you back.

Mapper · Wed 13, Jul 2016, 07:32:34

Thanks meathead!

Great to be back! It's looking like I'm done with deployments and will get to stay in the area for the next 3-4 years at least.

The emperor has no clothes · Wed 13, Jul 2016, 07:42:36

Good for you

I've only done a WestPac tour. And that was when I was 21 and single. I'm sure it's a lot harder being married with kids.

dave011182 · Wed 13, Jul 2016, 08:23:58

I'll be following this for dates and times. I've always got something going on with 2 kids 6 and 10 years old, and a long list for projects around the house. But I can make it out as long as I know when at least a few days ahead.

You're right 556ALPHA, we just don't see the Valk on the road much around here. Maybe a couple times a year at best.

Mapper · Wed 13, Jul 2016, 19:04:02

I ride my Valk every chance I get... which is most work days.

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Wed 13, Jul 2016, 23:58:23

Yorktown Checking in here...Howdy folks! Any interest in checking out the Wednesday night Bike night at Quaker Steak and Lube in Newport News? I know my 99 Green and Silver would love some Flat 6 company!

dave011182 · Thu 14, Jul 2016, 11:36:43

Quote from: Mapper on Wed 13, Jul 2016, 19:04:02
I ride my Valk every chance I get... which is most work days.

I'm not saying they're not out there. How often do you see someone else going down the road riding one? I ride to work frequently myself, try to get in at least once a week all year long.

Quote from: Valk_Ridin_Soldier on Wed 13, Jul 2016, 23:58:23
Yorktown Checking in here...Howdy folks! Any interest in checking out the Wednesday night Bike night at Quaker Steak and Lube in Newport News? I know my 99 Green and Silver would love some Flat 6 company!

I'd love to, but in the middle of the week with average traffic that's an hour each way for me. With work and kids there isn't enough time in the day to get in all the ride time I want

.

Mapper · Thu 14, Jul 2016, 18:30:46

You're right on both points, Dave. I've only seen one other Valk, and we both had huge grins when we saw each other... and Newport News on a Wednesday night would be a pain... actually I can see the HRBT traffic from my front porch at Willoughby Spit.

Valk_ridin_soldier, I'll probably meet you there for WED bike night, but probably when the summer traffic has died down.

I talked with TJ earlier and to throw a date out there, we were thinking 30AUG to meet up. Will that work for anyone else here?

dave011182 · Thu 14, Jul 2016, 21:52:00

I checked my calendar, 30 August I will be out of town

. We're taking the kids camping in Myrtle Beach

for the week before they start school again for the year.

556ALPHA · Fri 15, Jul 2016, 18:41:22

Mapper, was the date we were considering July 30th, the Saturday after next? I spoke to Dave this afternoon and he thinks an early Saturday AM ride is good.

How does Sat July 30th at 7-730 am work? We can figure out a location after we get a date.

dave011182 · Sat 16, Jul 2016, 15:18:38

The morning of Saturday July 30 works for me

. Suggestions for a meetup location, and ride area???

There's plenty of back-roads through the Pungo area of VB and Chesapeake around Fentress air field, but I still get myself turned around out there sometimes

.

Mapper · Sun 17, Jul 2016, 17:11:25

That morning works for me!

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Sun 17, Jul 2016, 22:16:09

Quote from: dave011182 on Thu 14, Jul 2016, 11:36:43

I'd love to, but in the middle of the week with average traffic that's an hour each way for me. With work and kids there isn't enough time in the day to get in all the ride time I want .

Hey, is that bar at the northern end of the Spit still open...Whilloby inn or whatever?

Mapper · Mon 18, Jul 2016, 10:59:14

Willoughby Inn is open and under new management. I've been told that it's pretty good.

BIG COUNTRY 23321 · Wed 20, Jul 2016, 10:27:55

Hey there Fellow Hampton Roadians !!!!

I am in !!!!! I know some very good routes and I am out by Chesapeake square mall.... I do go to Bike nights sometimes at Quaker steak on wednesday and also do hot dog night out in suffolk on tuesdays at tidewater motorcycles. Lets get this party started !!!!

556ALPHA · Sun 24, Jul 2016, 22:22:51

Does anyone have a location/time that they want to try out? We were looking at meeting around 7:30 this coming Saturday, the 30th. If you plan on meeting up please respond.

Valk_Ridin_Soldier · Mon 25, Jul 2016, 12:41:06

Quote from: 556ALPHA on Sun 24, Jul 2016, 22:22:51
Does anyone have a location/time that they want to try out? We were looking at meeting around 7:30 this coming Saturday, the 30th. If you plan on meeting up please respond.

I'm gonna have to catch the next one...made a weekend date in Asheville, NC. with my bride.

dave011182 · Mon 25, Jul 2016, 18:59:47

For those who will be able to make it out Saturday morning where will you be coming from?

Maybe we can come up with a central location to meet.

I have a full set of new brakes going on one night this week, and some fluids to change, but I'll be ready unless something major comes up.

556ALPHA · Mon 25, Jul 2016, 20:19:49

I was thinking maybe the VDOT park and ride lot just off 64 at the Indina River exit. It is 1/4 mile off of 64 at the intersection of Indian River and Reon. About 715-730 am?

dave011182 · Wed 27, Jul 2016, 19:02:56

Quote from: 556ALPHA on Mon 25, Jul 2016, 20:19:49
I was thinking maybe the VDOT park and ride lot just off 64 at the Indina River exit. It is 1/4 mile off of 64 at the intersection of Indian River and Reon. About 715-730 am?

Sounds like a good central location, that will be early for me on a Saturday but doable. Thats about the time I normally leave for work during the week.

I'll be working on my brakes tonight, I knew they were getting low, but did not think they are this bad. These are the rear pads, still have to collapse the caliper pistons and reassemble with the new ones. Then on to the front, and oil change tomorrow. I might be riding a dirty Valk Saturday

, but at least she'll be in good running order.

Mapper · Wed 27, Jul 2016, 21:25:43

I've got to replace a screw on my kickstand. Thanks to 556Alpha, I was able to get a temporary fix in the meantime.

I'm really looking forward to meeting up on Saturday!

dave011182 · Thu 28, Jul 2016, 08:56:49

Brakes are done all the way around

. All calipers were pulled off, apart, cleaned, and reassembled due to pistons felt stiff while collapsing

. Brakes and clutch bled and flushed. Coolant changed earlier this week, and my oil filter is out for delivery today. Only fluid not getting changed is the final drive due to low miles since last service and expensive amsoil in it.

It was a late night, but she got a bath too. It's really hard keeping the brake fluid off everything with the master cylinders up on the handlebars. It was needed anyway

.

BIG COUNTRY 23321 · Fri 29, Jul 2016, 17:12:21

Hey everyone.... I have been sending emails to 556ALPHA about our ride tomorrow ( 7/30/16). We are looking to meet up at the VDOT transfer station on Indian River Road at Reon Drive at 730am. I suggested a beautiful ride going 64 east to old route 17 south down the intercoastal waterway, pick up new route 17 and ride into North Carolina. After we get into NC we take the Route 158 Dismal Swamp Bypass over to Sunbury NC then stay on Route 158 and go to Tarheel NC. After that we get on Route 13 North and head back toward Suffolk Va then pick up route 10 and head out to Smithfield Va. From Smithfield we can go towards the JRB on the backroads towards battery park and rescue then back down route 17 to pick up 664 back to 64 west back to the meeting spot. Its about 3 - 4 hours and we can shorten it if anyone wishes. We will be racing the storms that come in later in the afternoon. I have been watching the weather and storms supposed to move in around 2. Also I do like to ride and enjoy the view and wind therapy without having to speed or any hot dogging or anything like that. Let me know who is in and all... Thanks my friends

vanavyman · Fri 29, Jul 2016, 18:21:22

We are going to try and make it. Ride sounds nice.
Dan & Trish

556ALPHA · Fri 29, Jul 2016, 18:39:15

Sounds good.

dave011182 · Fri 29, Jul 2016, 20:34:04

Quote from: BIG COUNTRY 23321 on Fri 29, Jul 2016, 17:12:21
Hey everyone.... I have been sending emails to 556ALPHA about our ride tomorrow ( 7/30/16). We are looking to meet up at the VDOT transfer station on Indian River Road at Reon Drive at 730am. I suggested a beautiful ride going 64 east to old route 17 south down the intercoastal waterway, pick up new route 17 and ride into North Carolina. After we get into NC we take the Route 158 Dismal Swamp Bypass over to Sunbury NC then stay on Route 158 and go to Tarheel NC. After that we get on Route 13 North and head back toward Suffolk Va then pick up route 10 and head out to Smithfield Va. From Smithfield we can go towards the JRB on the backroads towards battery park and rescue then back down route 17 to pick up 664 back to 64 west back to the meeting spot. Its about 3 - 4 hours and we can shorten it if anyone wishes. We will be racing the storms that come in later in the afternoon. I have been watching the weather and storms supposed to move in around 2. Also I do like to ride and enjoy the view and wind therapy without having to speed or any hot dogging or anything like that. Let me know who is in and all... Thanks my friends

This sounds like a nice ride to me, I haven't been on a ride like this in years. Probably nothing this long either. I prefer the back roads over the interstate, not a fan of cruising at 70 and feeling like I'm being pushed to go faster by the vehicles behind me. Don't get me wrong I like some speed and so does the Valk , but I like to enjoy the ride too.

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Fri 29, Jul 2016, 20:55:14

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,87928.0.html

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,88461.0.html

We always have a nice turn-out of Valkyrie's on " Meet In The Middle " . Make reservations and come join the Northern group or make a ride out of it and ride south then north with the Southern group..... All info on the links above ^ .

vanavyman · Fri 29, Jul 2016, 21:18:53

Trish and I have booked rooms for both nights. Looking forward to this ride. We missed it last year. Will ride down with the Northern group and then try and find a real nice ride back home on the Snake (little out of the way and then up I81 to RT58 in Abingdon and ride that back to the Suffolk, VA area. Love the 30 miles of RT58 closest to I81. One of the better roads in VA.

Dan & Trish

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Fri 29, Jul 2016, 21:22:07

Quote from: Dan - Suffolk, VA on Fri 29, Jul 2016, 21:18:53
Trish and I have booked rooms for both nights. Looking forward to this ride. We missed it last year. Will ride down with the Northern group and then try and find a real nice ride back home on the Snake (little out of the way and then up I81 to RT58 in Abingdon and ride that back to the Suffolk, VA area. Love the 30 miles of RT58 closest to I81. One of the better roads in VA.

Dan & Trish

That's the way we will be heading back on Sunday down 58 to The Snake .

BIG COUNTRY 23321 · Sun 31, Jul 2016, 08:37:48

Hey there Joe. I will be heading down with the north group and will probably ride up with Dan & Trish since we live a few miles from each other. Yesterday we had such a fantastic journey with the Hampton Roads group meeting up. There were 5 of us total but there were more out there that could not make the trip. Winding through the back roads of Virginia and North Carolina was a great 4 hours of wind therapy that was much needed for everyone. I am glad we had such a perfect morning and had such a safe ride. Trish took some pictures of the group and I hope she posts them. We will do this again in a few weeks and hopefully we will have more Valks than the H.O.G group that we passed in Smithfield. Any suggestions on a route that involves a stop for lunch this time would be great. The Five and Dime route with a ride on the colonial parkway with a stop at the Yorktown Pub is a great ride. We can also ride towards pungo and make a right at the stoplight and head to Knotts Island and catch the currituck Ferry then head towards Hertford or Edenton NC. Coinjock Marina has some great food also. I know the Good food places. They dont call me BIG COUNTRY for nothing. Ride safe my friends

556ALPHA · Sun 31, Jul 2016, 13:37:45

Thanks for putting the route together Country, nice ride through the rural roads. I have not been off work on a Labor Day weekend in 22 years, and now that Darlington races on that weekend I miss that too. Going to Charlotte in October but the BRP will be full of people watching the trees and not the road then, never doing that again on a weekend. May try to fit a bike trip in at some point in the Smokies before winter now that the bike seems to be on track.

dave011182 · Sun 31, Jul 2016, 13:42:37

Thank you to 556Alpha and Big Country for getting this ride organized

. I really enjoyed the ride, and meeting some fellow Valk riders. It was nice to get out and have some time to enjoy myself and ride

before my wife went out of town this morning, leaving alone with the kids for the week.

Next time I will have to remember to bring sunblock so I can reapply when we stop, my arms got toasted yesterday morning.

BIG COUNTRY 23321 · Sun 31, Jul 2016, 14:50:35

Dave, I had plenty of Sunscreen in my Saddlebags. You should have asked. I would have let you use it. Glad you all enjoyed the ride...... Now just waiting on pictures from Dan & Trish !!!!!!

dave011182 · Sun 31, Jul 2016, 15:13:05

Quote from: BIG COUNTRY 23321 on Sun 31, Jul 2016, 14:50:35
Dave, I had plenty of Sunscreen in my Saddlebags. You should have asked. I would have let you use it. Glad you all enjoyed the ride...... Now just waiting on pictures from Dan & Trish !!!!!!

Thanks, I saw you had some when we made the first stop

. I put some on just before leaving the house, and didn't give it another thought until I was feeling it a couple hours after I got home. I'm really bad about not using sunblock anyway

. I'm just glad I at least remembered to put some on to start with.
Looking forward to seeing the pics too.

Mapper · Sun 31, Jul 2016, 20:26:03

It was great meeting up with you guys! The second half of the route was the best I think! I'm glad you all waited up for me, I was sitting on I-64 a mile or so behind a bad accident nervously watching the time tic away. I left the house with an extra 15 minutes to spare and ended up 30 minutes late. Thanks again for waiting, it was a great time!

I hope we do something like this again!

vanavyman · Wed 10, Aug 2016, 17:04:37

Nice ride and thanks to Big Country for leading us around a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to our next ride. We have been pretty busy the last few weeks working on taking parts off one Valkyrie (3rd Valkyrie bought for this reason) and making Trish's new Trike look better. Then we will put the 2000 Valkyrie Tour on Consignment at Turner's Honda. We will be gone about half the weekends between now and the end of October for rides and family events. Hopefully we can all get together for another ride. We are open the weekend of 10 September. We like the idea of the 5 and dime and lunch at York town pub but any ride is nice.
Is anyone going to the Meet - in - the - Middle ride over Labor day weekend. We are planning to go and Big Country said he was going to ride up with us. If anyone else wants to go send me a PM and we can get together on the plans. Trish really did not get any good pictures on this ride so she will make a point of getting some on the next ride. Need to share some of the nice pictures of this area with the other board members.

Dan & Trish

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Riders in the Virginia Hampton Roads / Tidewater/ NE North Carolina region