| Author | Message | ||
     Hooliken |
So I get my ass out of bed around 0600. Make a pot of Java and log on here to see what is going on. Seems that Brent (Launchpad) and Steve (relic667) are going to be rolling to the meeting spot. So I load up the Uly with the required implements. GPS, Ipod, Camera, tools and some other crap and roll out at around 0700. It was kind of chilly in the AM today.  Head up to the Sheetz to check if any of my local hooligans are going to show. Get a text while I am there saying my bro Pat cannot make it. Wife has got him on lock down. While I am standing there having yet another cup of coffee something interesting rolls up. I have not been over 211 in quite some time and figured it being a Saturday it would be a squidfest so I ask them to follow me since they may luck upon some donors.  Some might not find that last bit amusing.....but I do..:redflip So I roll out of Sheetz heading for some twisties on the way to the meeting spot to scrub in my shiny new Road Attack. I saw something in the distance when I was at Sheetz but when I left it was RIGHT THERE larger than life.  Sorry I am no photog but this balloon was maybe 50ft over Rt29. Thought to myself that this day is starting out pretty damn good. So I continue on and cut from Banco to Etlan on one of the local specials. I arrive at the 211 Quickie Mart at around 0755, gas up, get a "liter of cola" and chill. Until about 0805 when Brent and Steve roll up. (thanks for not making me wait to long gentlemen) Introductions are made, everyone tops off and we decide to hit Rae's in S'Ville for some breakfast. Unfortunately Rae's did not open until 10 so we cruised across the street to the other Deli in S'Ville (cannot remember the name to save my hairy ass). But you could throw a Barry and hit one from the other. And had some damn fine breakfast biscuits. Then headed over the mountain. I wicked it up a little just to see how the Uly handled it but nothing that would get me thrown in da pokie. Uly was did just fine but the front end felt like shite. (more on that a little later). Going down the Luray side we passed a Ranger and my GPS said I was doing 60.5MPH. He did not even touch his brakes....so all is well. After dropping into Luray we took a variety of back roads through the country side. Only real "INCIDENT" all day involved me, of course. Coming around a not very tight left hander, and what appears in my lane but a lovely old lady in an Explorer. I could tell you her VIN number if you like. But no harm no foul, at least I had left myself enough room to get out of her way. And we continued on. Stopped at a little turn out right by the river (that had no trespassing and PRIVATE PROPERTY signs every few feet and snapped a couple of quick ones.  Everyone wanted to get close to the sexy ass ULY. I think Brent was kind of ashamed cause he did not take his helmet off. Here's a look of the view that the people that live right there have. This little road had the best view of the river we got all day.  We continued on our journey hitting a mix of pavement and gravel between this point and Waynesboro. Only had to turn around a couple of times since I had a waypoint issue once or twice. The gravel roads were not all that bad. I will give Steve a huge round of applause for just saying screw it and going with the flow. :clap Trust me there were a couple of roads that I really wanted to check out but I figured I had already put these guys threw enough of the dirty stuff. This Super Hawk ain't skeered.  Once we got to Waynesboro we tossed around some route ideas and decided on jumping on the BRPW down to 56. Only had to make a couple of passes on the pkwy (sorry I refuse to go 20 in a 45 because someone else chooses to). The fun section between Afton and 56 on the pkwy is getting pretty torn up...had to be really careful with line choice. Plus just like on 211 the front end of the Buell was handling like shite (more on that in a minute). 56 was an absolute blast and was the cleanest I have seen it in years. This section of this road just screams "RIDE A MOTARD ON ME......PLEASE." I had forgotten how hard a couple of the switchbacks on 151 were and "almost" overcooked a corner or two. But thanks to brakes and many miles no problem. I will tell you that everytime I f'd up and could sneak a glimpse in a mirror, it was full of R1150R. Then we followed a route Steve picked to take us to Crozet...more applause for you bro :clap Super fun road. Once we got to Crozet we hit one of my favorite places to chow.  The smoked brisket and pork at this place will rock your world. FO SHO. After lunch Brent and I swapped bikes for a stretch. He had expressed some interest in the Uly early in the day and after riding together all day I think we both felt comfortable handing each other the keys to our bikes. The R Beemer was like an old broken in pair of sneakers. Super comfortable and just made me feel all fuzzy. Only thing I found strange was how cramped the leg room was after coming off the Uly. So we continue on for a few miles behind "THE BRAKE CHECK QUEEN" driving a Subaru wagon (official car of the Lesbian Olympics). When we come upon my favorite place "DYKE" Virginia. Here's where the front set up on the Uly comes in. We had discussed it earlier in the day and as soon as Brent gets off of it he says.."Front end is a little flighty." So we swap back. Once getting back on the Uly it was VERY apparent that something was not right. Compared to Brents BMW the front end of my Buell feels like it is attached with two bricks. So I lead on some back roads back to Madison and to the Sheetz that I love so much. We hang out BS'n for awhile. Mainly to check out the hot little blond thing that went in the store...:lick Brent and I had discussed the front end and broke it down to the compression. If you know Buells then you know that they are very finicky about set up. I went out a quarter turn on the forks then did a quick 10 mile loop by my house. Brent you will be happy to know that this made a huge difference. Much more planted in corners and lost a lot of the "I wanna go this way..no...no..no...I wanna go this way." Steve and Brent it was most excellent meeting you guys today. Great weather and great roads (for the most part). Look forward to the next time we can hit the roads......but someone else can lead this time.  Everyone else that missed it.....:redflip You missed a great ride. I do not think I ever went over 70 or 75 and had a blast the entire time. I ended up doing about 250 miles. Just right if ya ask me. | ||
| Nutsosane |
Nice write up. I used to own a Uly and now ride a SuperHawk. My Pops owns an r1150r and I'll be in Luray Friday.  This is all a bit interesting. NUTS | ||
| Bearly |
Let me know when you are do one of those again. I'll go! (if I'm not working). It takes me about an hour to get down to 211 from Purcellville just west of Leesburg. | ||
| Bad_karma |
Ken Nice writeup. I have ridden some of those roads. Will try the others the next time I'm out west. Have you ridden the short stretch of 6 up Afton mountain to 250. It's short but sweet, only a mile or so but a nice piece to add to a saturday trip. Joe | ||
| Kuuud |
I just got back from 10 days working in C'ville. I hauled one o' the bikes along and spent the day riding south of Staunton and along the BRP. Route 56 is cool. I even stumbled into Uncle Charley's at around 4 pm. Must not have missed you by too much. I'll be back in C'ville after Homecoming and will prob have the Uly or 'Bolt along this time. Drop me a PM Bret | ||
| Dragstang |
if you like rt. 56, ride a little farther south and try rt. 60 down to buena vista. the turns are not as sharp, you can carry a little more speed. and buena vista is a very nice little town. from waynesboro up to the parkway to route 56 and then to greenville is my way home from work when i have a little extra time. love the ride. thanks for the post. take care. randy |
