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Birdy
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2011 - 08:42 am: | 
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It was raining pretty hard in Springfield when I got up so I think I'll pass...or go to the "Blessing of the Fleet" |
Thump4fun
| | Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2011 - 12:48 pm: |
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Look like at 7:08am this morning, the Blessing of the Bikes was postponed until next week. So we can try this again next Sunday, the 22nd.
Who's in? |
Birdy
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2011 - 05:49 am: |
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I'll try again. |
Racerhed
| | Posted on Monday, May 16, 2011 - 09:16 am: |
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The weekend was a kind of a wash for all of us... Or was it??
Saturday was salvaged to a degree. The rain moved out in the early afternoon and we had some very warm temps accompanied by bright sunshine and thick clouds. The guys that made it out (in the neighborhood of 60) were rewarded for their heartiness with the afternoon weather.
Sunday morning we managed to get 2 races complete before a torrential downpour created Lake Nelson on the front straight. When the track staff completed draining the water hazard mother nature had installed we resumed racing. Those who stayed were rewarded with a track that was damp in places and dry in others. The conditions provided for some really thrilling racing. We combined 7 races into 4. The 250, 600, 750, and 1000 GT races were combined as were the Twin Light and Heavyweights. The remaining Superbike race ran on it's own and was followed by the Endurance race which was essentially shortened to a 20 minute sprint.
Former drag racer Greg Massie raced the three sprints without ever dismounting his GSXR1000. He took advantage of the 5 minute break between the Sprints and the Endurance to refuel his bike then took the grid for the start of the Endurance!!!! He rode half the race, pitted and swapped with team mate Mike Farmer who rode a few laps so Gregg could rest. Greg got the mount back for the last two laps taking the checker for the Heavyweight team class..
During the trophy presentation the riders who stayed and raced all agreed while some might think them nuts for having done so, they had a blast, excellent close competition, and had graduated into a fraternity of hardcore racers who are undaunted by poor weather. A noteworthy exclamation point, Nobody tossed their bike!!!! |
Arctic9r
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 10:05 am: |
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I'M OUT FOR NEXT WEEKEND BIKER BLESSING TOO. GOTTA WORK. BLEH, F-IN RAIN NEEDS TO GO AWAY! |
Thump4fun
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 10:20 am: |
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Bummer Neil. But hey...it will probably rain this Sunday as well. Dayton is up to 50% chance now. DOH!!!
Hey Birdy - Given it doesn't rain again, do you know any good roads to take us on from Springfield to Dayton? I planned the route with some fun roads to start on in Columbus, but I don't know your area. Any ideas? |
Birdy
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 05:06 pm: |
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Not much here that's even a shadow of 555 but we could run down 68 to Indian Springs Road, I think that it name, anyway we go through Yellow Springs and THAT it a trip...bunch of old Hippys! Upper Belbrook's not to bad BUT you have to watch out for the police as they frown out to many hi-jenkes.
Mostly here it's just flat and strait roads. Southeast or Southwest are not to bad but a long ride to get to much. |
Thump4fun
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 07:56 pm: |
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Aw c'mon - we love Yellow Springs! The wife and I were planning on stopping there on the way back, but we can certainly ride through it on the way there...doesn't really change the riding time. 114 miles in about 2 hrs, 35 mins. Let us know where to meet you in Springfield around 334 & 4.
So, here's an updated map: http://goo.gl/y6J8m |
H2opatrol
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 01:41 pm: |
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Count me out too. Had to pay my pound of flesh to get off last Sunday, can't see it happening again |
Thump4fun
| | Posted on Friday, May 20, 2011 - 08:58 pm: |
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Looks like thunderstorms rolling in on Sunday afternoon, and with 85' the weather should make for a good ride.
But...other then Birdy out in Springfield, who we'd meet up with on the way, I haven't heard from anyone that's planning on going.
Anyone...Bueller...Bueller...???
If no one else is interested, the wife and I will just stick around Columbus. |
Mikef5000
| | Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 12:54 pm: |
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LAST MINUTE RIDE TOMORROW
I'm riding tomorrow, so I figured I'd throw out an invite to see if anyone else is interested. It's a last minute thing, but should be a good ride.
Leaving Southwest Columbus: Lowes Parking lot in Georgesville Square at 9:00am
(there is a Starbucks just on the other side of 270 if you want to hit it up first, but be ready to roll out of Lowes with a full tank and empty bladder at 9:00am)
Heading south approximately 3.5 hours (we'll stop for gas around the 100-120 mile mark), on the smallest roads I can find that still get us where we need to be.
Stopping for food at Hillbilly Hotdogs in Lesage, WV.
http://www.hillbillyhotdogs.com/
Then Zigzagging our way back north to Columbus, (tentatively 3.5 hours). Hoping to be back in Columbus around 5:00pm, but no promises.
Just taking gas and lunch stops, no other breaks, just riding!
This is weather permitting, but it looks alright as of now.
Call me if you're coming so I know to go find you! 477-9405 |
Thump4fun
| | Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 07:21 pm: |
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RIDE CANCELLED
Well, I gave it a shot, but looks like no one else is interested in riding to the Blessing of the Bikes tomorrow. To be honest, the destination didn't necessarily thrill me either, but it would have been a nice ride.
That's okay...the wife and I just got back from riding probably the funnest and curviest parts of it anyway. 
Hope the rest of you got some riding in on this beautiful day! For those that didn't ride today, hope you get out tomorrow...maybe even on Mike's ride! |
Mikef5000
| | Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 08:21 pm: |
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Change of start location for my ride! STARBUCKS on Stringtown rd just WEST of 71.
I've got a small group of Harley types coming, and possibly Dennis on his 1125r.
No need to call me anymore now that there is a dead set meeting point.
Kickstands up at 9am, so get there early!
(Message edited by Mikef5000 on May 21, 2011)
(Message edited by Mikef5000 on May 21, 2011) |
Jasbiz66
| | Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2011 - 10:36 pm: |
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Sorry guys been working 7 days a week....... Been riding to work though... |
Racerhed
| | Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 08:37 am: |
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Triple Nickle....
Ok folks I did my first ride on 555 yesterday. I have to say IMO it lived up to it's reputation as a twisty, road full of hills. That being said, I'm disappointed in how poor the surface is in below route 37. We picked it up in Chesterhill and road north to Zanesville. I was on my Ulysses following my friend Doug on his Tiger. Doug has been on the road many times and knows it well so when he began pulling away I didn't mind or fool myself into thinking I needed to try to keep up. What began to happen was that I began to become overwhelmed by loose gravel everywhere, the new route, and my rear end wallowing all over hell's half acre. I was so bad in fact that I pulled over to make sure my rear tire wasn't going down. That actually happened to me once on KY103 and it felt exactly the same. After confirming that my tire wasn't going down I jumped back on the road and decided to try a little harder to manage the rear end. A turn or two later I blew the infamous north bound left (yeah, you all know the one). I got the bike reeled in and kept her up, but decided right then and there I was going to take it very easy the rest of the way. A mile or so later I found Doug waiting on me. He was just getting ready to turn around to come and find me when I pulled up. I gave him a thumbs up and followed along.
After we crossed 37 I was completely delighted. I road surface was nice and smooth. The course offered some of the same turns and hills, but unfortunately more houses ergo more danger. I was able to stay on Doug's rear wheel though.
Maybe I had a moment. Maybe it was because it was my first time on 555, maybe I should have been on my 1125R, maybe I burned myself out on the way down. I don't know, but the section between Chesterhill and 37 wasn't as much fun for me as I hoped it would be. I'd like to offer this opinion too. If you're fast on the lesser sections of 555 then don't believe the hype you may have heard about Nelson Ledges. It is by far and away smoother than what I rode yesterday.
The route we took down: We started in Bolivar @ 212 and I77
212 east to Tabor Ridge Rd
Tabor Ridge Rd south to Rt 39
39 east to 250 north
250 north to county hwy 37
county hwy 37 to 800
800 south to 26
26 to Marietta
60, 339, 676, 792, 377 from Marietta to Chester hill
555 north to Zanesville
666 to Dresden
60 north out of Dresden to Warsaw.
Here is an awesome route out of Warsaw!!!!
County hwy 22 north, turn right onto county hwy 33 then right again onto county hwy 19. All of these roads were premium with a mix of sweepers and 90's, almost no blind entries and can be ridden at fairly good clip. Grass clippings and a couple road apples were the only obstacles we encountered.
60 north to Millersburg. There Doug and I parted ways as he was headed in a different direction and I continued 60 north into Ashland where I live.
368 miles. I hope you all have a good time today riding down to WV for hotdogs.!!! |
Thump4fun
| | Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 09:56 am: |
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Sounds like you had a good ride Jeff, although maybe not as enjoyable before 37 as after. :-) |
Thump4fun
| | Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2011 - 10:16 am: |
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Euro Bike Night
Just a reminder -- Grandview's Euro Bike Night started in April, along with Quaker Steak & Lube Bike Night. Everyone pretty much knows about Quaker S&L as "the" bike night, but don't forget about Euro Bike Night for those who like a more...well...shall we say, "refined" atmosphere? LOL!!
It's the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month (April through September) starting at 6pm, and it's a very Buell friendly crowd. Mike F. and myself are there pretty regularly (Mike brought it to the group's attention a couple years ago) and we've seen some of you show up on occasion as well. Maybe we'll see more Buells out there this year!
Here's some info:
Grandview Euro Bike Night's home is at the historic Bank Block (http://ghmchs.org/tour-pages/bank-block.html) in Grandview Heights, Ohio. Motorcycle and Scooter only parking will be reserved on the west side of Grandview Avenue.
"Euro Bike Night was conceived in 2007 by Michael Small (a Grandview Police Officer) and Stephen Newton (a Grandview Teacher) after many trips to the highly successful Quaker Steak bike night in the Polaris area of Columbus, Ohio. Each time we would attend we would typically find only a small sampling of European motorcycles such as our own as their event is dominated by Harleys and Japanese sport bikes. We decided to try and host our own event in Grandview Heights to feature Euro bikes as there seemed to be no similar event around. We exclude no one but the focus is certainly on European motorcycles and scooters. We chose the ever popular Grandview Avenue as our meeting place and the event was met with immediate success. We hope to continue to grow our event in popularity around the Central Ohio area and beyond. We hope you'll make us a regular stop each month and be sure to tell your friends about us."
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eurobikenight
Website: http://www.eurobikenight.com/ |
Dennis_c
| | Posted on Monday, May 23, 2011 - 07:58 pm: |
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loose gravel everywhere thats why I don't like 555. Went with mike5000 sunday good ride. Put 502 miles on the 1125R by the time I got home my a$$ felt like $h]t. Maybe no feel would be a better word. |
Wolfridgerider
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - 08:50 am: |
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Bueller coming to town looking for a place to land
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=142838&post=2053996#POST2053996 |
Racerhed
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - 09:39 am: |
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Might be an okay Saturday for a ride this weekend. 40% chance for SCATTERED t-storms looks promising. The week after is another MOTOSERIES trackday @ Nelson Ledges on Saturday and some good road racing on Sunday. |
Ohbuellman
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - 09:45 am: |
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@Dennis_c, Re your sore a$$ on the 1125R: I got me a saddle upgrade from Baldwin and 500 miles no longer makes me limp away from the R at the end of the day. Worth every penny IMHO. (www.motorbikesaddles.com) |
Dennis_c
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - 10:52 pm: |
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Ohbuellman
I would like to sit on your bike to see how it feels |
Loud_and_low
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 01:25 am: |
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Jeff,
Hopefully the weather hold out for the next track day. I was all set to come to the last one, but cold and rain and my first time on the nelsons course wasn't something I wanted to experience.
Any discount on the June 6th trackday? |
Racerhed
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 - 07:51 am: |
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Mark, I hope the weather holds out too. This rain with scattered sunny days is really starting to become a drag. We typically sell all the slots in June, July and August therefore do not offer discounts. We limit the number of riders/ bikes to keep from choking the track. Limiting the group sizes keeps the fun quotient at a high level. Can't wait to see some XB's represented!!!!! |
Birdy
| | Posted on Thursday, May 26, 2011 - 05:12 pm: |
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Looks like it might be a nice holiday weekend for once. This has been the wettest spring I can remember.
I plan the go out for a nice long ride on the XB now that I have the Road Pilots on. What a differnce they are over the Stradas. The Stradas felt like I was "Falling" in to a turn but the Pilots feel like the old Scorps did, track true and handle great. I'll see how much Chicken Stripe is left when I get done.
Bad thing is I have to run over the Indiana and it's a strait line road and flat as can be. PLUS I have to haul back a bunch of junk so the XB won't make that trip. I may have to take the car. |
Racerhed
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 - 08:46 pm: |
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All Quiet on the COBRA front, Y'all still recovering from the weekend? Had a couple good short rides between Friday and Sunday. I have a NOOB buddy that finally moved off his 200cc enduro and onto his 85 GPz900. |
Ohbuellman
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2011 - 10:29 am: |
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OK, I'll bite. I did a 600 mi ride and found an awesome road: SR-80 that spans KY and VA (map below). You ride through the only state park in America that spans two states (Breaks Interstate Park) which is apparently known as the Grand Canyon of the East (500 ft rock walls, river, etc.). Pic from overlook attached. This road takes about 2-hrs one way and you can get there or go using a variety of routes (I stopped in Bristol, TN for night) and came back next day. I lost count after 40+ switchbacks. I love the signs that say 10mph...and so does my R. :-)
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Nukeblue
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2011 - 09:52 am: |
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looks like a sweet ride, i'll put it down as a road to check out!
are we gonna get a cobra group together for the west va buell rally? |
Loud_and_low
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2011 - 03:49 pm: |
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That does look like a fun ride. Hope to get out long enough to try it.
Re: Cobra ride to the Rally. I'd be interested in checking this out also. Never been to one. When is it? |
Nukeblue
| | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2011 - 04:49 pm: |
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there is a thread at the top of storm fronts about it. aug 20,21. we head out that friday morn the 19th from columbus area. its a great time, camping, sweet roads & great people. we take sweet roads all the way down |
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