SMJ Rally at the Gap!

[r1-er]

Don't know any of you-uns, but I'd ride down...

[ridefordtp]

I was planning on going down in may anyways. I'am game for the first week in may. I vote for phillips in Robbinsville. i have stayed ther the past two time down there.

[Countyline]

I'm in.

[sv650_pimpin]

........ just posting up a time when everyone will be there.... doesn't work. There will ALWAYS be conflicting schedules....

Someone needs to take point....

#1 set an exact time and date
#2 reserve a place that will fit 15-20 people
#3 Start a thread.....and start taking pre-payment for the week
#4 If you show up for less days....you pay the same basic amount

In the end.... it will only cost around $75 a week per person.

#1 set an exact time and date: Date: May 3rd - 9th, 2010. Time: All day. enings

#2 reserve a place that will fit 15-20 people:

I am thinking ( I may be wrong ) that most likely some people will not want to sleep in the same room/condo with a complete stranger. So I am leaving accommodations up to the individual. Now maybe if we can come up with something that we all can get together in the evenings and tear it up. Like at the fire pit at the hotel, or somewhere else.

#3,#4, - IF everyone is willing to split a condo, campground with cabins and WE ALL STAY THERE. Then we might have something going.

Just FYI: I never done this before. I thought it was a good idea, and I am willing to be the moderator of it all. But if there is anyone else who would like to make serious input OR be in charge of everything (fine by me) please say so.

Dude we've been doing this for a good long while now and you know what......it never works out like we plan it to work out.

We all meet up and some people stay here and some people stay there and nobody ever sees the rest of the people. Sure we all pass here and there and wonder "Are they with our group?" but very few actually get together.

The biggest one we had was like 3 or 4 years ago and about 15 of us really got together and had a great time. The past few weren't as good though because we couldn't get very many people to commit.

I'll go on record as saying that if we go up the first week of May I'm in for sure.

Keep these folks in mind too.....nice ride between there and the Gap www.settlersmountain.com

Honestly, if no one shows up, I am. And if I see a guy on a SM, i'm gonna stop him, say hi, and ask if they are on SMJ. Everyone should do the same.

T-shirts: I am going to come up with a design. Input is welcome. Shirts will be pre-pay.

[rsvfrrider]

Last year I went during the SV Rally and stayed at Fontana Village. Plenty of options for shared rooms/cabins or solo accommodations AND plenty of communal hanging out spots... firepit, etc. I REALLY wish I could be there but my dang wedding seems to conflict. My fiancee' is pretty cool but I can't get her to flex on this one so I am relegated to a July Dragon trip. Fontana Village also is right next to a gas station with reasonable fuel prices AND it lets you/forces you to run Hellbender as a "warm up" en route to the Tail.

[muxherdlr]

Fontana Villiage is the spot! Probably 10min away from Gap Store. Has cabins,rec room, pool, and privacy...Plus enough room for most of SMJ members. Great for base camp. Alot of riding can begin from there,that doesnt include the Gap!

[sv650_pimpin]

Last year I went during the SV Rally and stayed at Fontana Village. Plenty of options for shared rooms/cabins or solo accommodations AND plenty of communal hanging out spots... firepit, etc. I REALLY wish I could be there but my dang wedding seems to conflict. My fiancee' is pretty cool but I can't get her to flex on this one so I am relegated to a July Dragon trip. Fontana Village also is right next to a gas station with reasonable fuel prices AND it lets you/forces you to run Hellbender as a "warm up" en route to the Tail.

Fontana Village is cool. I wnet to Fontana Dam

[rsvfrrider]

No bad roads around there.

[Thomash]

Pumpkin center is OK. But if it rains they don't have TV. There is a campground just down the road. Marysville is not too far from there either. Not much to do in R'ville.

I prefer SanRan over Philips.

[arctic954]

+1 with Fontana Village..... great place --- very scenic --- good fire pits, and TONS of lodging.

Last year, every weekend --- they'd open up the rec room, crack a keg, and have bands play out in the yard..

[4DAIVI PAI2K5]

+1 with Fontana Village..... great place --- very scenic --- good fire pits, and TONS of lodging.

Last year, every weekend --- they'd open up the rec room, crack a keg, and have bands play out in the yard..

i like that sounds of that...

[SUMORYDR]

Fontana Villiage is the spot! Probably 10min away from Gap Store. Has cabins,rec room, pool, and privacy...Plus enough room for most of SMJ members. Great for base camp. Alot of riding can begin from there,that doesnt include the Gap!

Uuuum actually it's officially 7 minutes from the store to the Lodge (if you do it right).

Year before last a bunch of us took off and shot that way and were totally shocked at how fast we made it back!!! That road (28) is super fast and very fun!!! Well, except for the little 90 degree bridge turn....

CBRDOG rules!!!!!!!

[sv650_pimpin]

Does everyone want me to look in the Fontana Village and see if we can get a group discount on cabins?

[SUMORYDR]

.....I'll stop by to see ya'll if you'll be there anytime around May 1st.

A bunch of us Florida tards are coming up from the 1st thru he 7th (staying in Bryson City at www.settlersmountain.com for cheeeeeeeeeeeap).

It's a nice little 30 minte ride to the Gap but the cabins are so cheap dude you can't beat it.

6 cabins and 50 acres of land to play on. Oh yeah Bryson City has some kick ass rinding too....the road to nowhere kicks ass!!!!!!!

[muxherdlr]

Uuuum actually it's officially 7 minutes from the store to the Lodge (if you do it right).

Year before last a bunch of us took off and shot that way and were totally shocked at how fast we made it back!!! That road (28) is super fast and very fun!!! Well, except for the little 90 degree bridge turn....

CBRDOG rules!!!!!!!

Ive made that ride from the store to Fontana Villiage with Matt and Cinda....Yes, CBRdog is fast!...

Hate they sold off all thier bikes...

[SUMORYDR]

Oh shit if you know Matt and Cinda then you are good in my book brother!!!

Were you there for the wedding (and after wedding ride thru the Gap)?

[muxherdlr]

No, I didnt meet them until last spring at the SMJ Rally. They are good people! I was supposed to hook up with them at a cart track in Ohio,but unfortunatly they sold out of their bikes. I have some pics of all of us at the turn around spot...Ill post tomorrow, Im at work and dont have access to my pics.

[docdrop]

If you don't have a preference about where your bikes are stored, I've LOVED staying at the phillips in Robbinsville. Its a mom and pop joint with decent rooms at a great rate and they have a fire pit to stand around at night. Lots of rooms for lots of bikes.

At the busa bash at the end of april we usually take over the place with 100+ busas. It usually a great time.

+1 for the Phillips, Mrs Reba will take care of you. We have a blast at the Busa Bash. I brought the SM out last fall to the bash, rode it more than the Busa. I will be at the bash/Gap from April 21-25th for the Spring Busa Bash, Im down for that week to meet up since I will be up there with both bikes again .

[muxherdlr]

Couple of pics from last years SMJ Rally at the Gap...

[phorine]

I live over in Gatlinburg and I don't have a SM together yet, but I should have one by April. I'm planning on picking up a drz e model to outfit my newly purchased street legal frame...

I would be up for meeting some peeps and doing some riding. I may just ride over from the house, since I can get to the gap in 48 miles (if parsons branch is open). Or I might be persueded to stay with you guys, depending on what is going on and how much it costs.

Also, if anyone is interested in a slight road trip, I do know a killer road on the other end of the park that makes the gap look like a freeway. I've not ridden it on a sm, but dual sports rip it up. The curvy part is only probably 6-7 miles long, and the pavement is not quite as nice as the gap (still nice), but it is quiet (no leo, hardly any traffic), and it is hands down tighter and curvier. IF you are adverturesome, when you hit the end, you can ride gravel/dirt for a few miles, and then pick up the road that me and the bro call the "dirty gap". It's around 12 miles of super curvy, gap style, hardpack dirt with a little gravel here and there. Again, I haven't ridden it on a sm, but on a klr 650, it is at least as fun as the gap, with no traffic, no leo, and slower speeds, cause you are sliding around almost every curve.

Pete

[SUMORYDR]

A few years ago...

I've got a bunch more but they are all stacked in with other random Gap pictures.

[fstbusa]

Uuuum actually it's officially 7 minutes from the store to the Lodge (if you do it right).

Year before last a bunch of us took off and shot that way and were totally shocked at how fast we made it back!!! That road (28) is super fast and very fun!!! Well, except for the little 90 degree bridge turn....

CBRDOG rules!!!!!!!

I've seen so many people fly off that corner going to CROT from fontana on that baby..... its very deceiving.

[SUMORYDR]

Yeah decreasing radius and all....VERY exciting when you hit it right though!!!!

[chimmy]

i like the sounds of this. i was there at the same time as the smj rally. but i was on the daytona so i stuck with my sportbike friends. my concern would be transport. as my 4 cylnder s10 has no ac, power windows, air, cd player, or cruise. i dont think i want to take the 12 hr trip. maybe i could meet someone near pittsburgh/ohio/WV that is going.

[muxherdlr]

I live over in Gatlinburg and I don't have a SM together yet, but I should have one by April. I'm planning on picking up a drz e model to outfit my newly purchased street legal frame...

I would be up for meeting some peeps and doing some riding. I may just ride over from the house, since I can get to the gap in 48 miles (if parsons branch is open). Or I might be persueded to stay with you guys, depending on what is going on and how much it costs.

Also, if anyone is interested in a slight road trip, I do know a killer road on the other end of the park that makes the gap look like a freeway. I've not ridden it on a sm, but dual sports rip it up. The curvy part is only probably 6-7 miles long, and the pavement is not quite as nice as the gap (still nice), but it is quiet (no leo, hardly any traffic), and it is hands down tighter and curvier. IF you are adverturesome, when you hit the end, you can ride gravel/dirt for a few miles, and then pick up the road that me and the bro call the "dirty gap". It's around 12 miles of super curvy, gap style, hardpack dirt with a little gravel here and there. Again, I haven't ridden it on a sm, but on a klr 650, it is at least as fun as the gap, with no traffic, no leo, and slower speeds, cause you are sliding around almost every curve.

Pete

I dont want to give out route numbers.Trying to keep that road on the D/L,but I have been on the road you speak...The locals from the Asheville area call that stretch of road "The Secret Gap"...Yes, it is awesome! The gravel at the top can be a suprise!

[phorine]

I'm on board. I'll take people to the secret gap, but you gotta ride from gatlinburg to the start of the good stuff blindfolded...

[rig chaser]

Looking for information concerning R.V. Hookups local or at Fontana. Help a SMJ brother out.

[sv650_pimpin]

Looking for information concerning R.V. Hookups local or at Fontana. Help a SMJ brother out.

give me a few days. ill look into it for you

[rig chaser]

give me a few days. ill look into it for you

Thank you sir. Hope to have a large Texas crew going that way in May.

How far is this campground from the fontanna resort?? http://www.fontanavillage.com/rooms/camp/

35.00 bucks a night split between several people sounds like a hell of a deal to me.

Anyone familiar with the location of RV camping as it relates to this map of Fontana?
http://www.fontanavillage.com/accomm...llagerooms.pdf

[INSTIGATOR]

Does NC moto laws require turn signals?

[muxherdlr]

Does NC moto laws require turn signals?

If you are out of state,popo wont mess with you much. Besides most of the Gap is in Tennessee and thier laws are very lax.

[goingtoscotland]

that bridge turn on 28 coming from the gap back toward stecoah that is marked 10mph? i love that turn...

went up a couple months ago. stayed at the iron horse resort. really nice and fair pricing. http://www.ironhorsenc.com/. it's in stecoah about 25 minutes from the gap.

i'm definitely down for this trip if i have the cash and time off when it's getting close.

[rexxxsi89]

yeah guys i really want to do this, i am trying to get parts for my bike asap so it will A) be back to roadworthy B) be better looking and physical than before.

i will drive my POS pathfinder downthere with trailer with DRZ and posibly some other junkie if they so choose to join haha. or if they have a nicer towing vehicle i can bring trailer and split gas money haha.

[Orangeshirtdude]

April may be a bit wet.

[davidmacq]

So is there snow on the mountain now? haha

What about Cades Cove campground? Appears to be just a few miles from the Gap. I have a wagon I can sleep in...camping out sounds good.

[Thomash]

The Cherohala Skyway has snow on it.

I'm good for the first weekend in May. Also April. We need to decide where: Philips? Fontana?

SanRan is an option in R'ville.

Some of these places fill up early for weekends between Memorial Day and Labor day

I just need to know where to put my deposit at.

[used2Bfast]

We've got about 5" on the ground right now, down lower here in Robbinsville(2200'). I'd guess about a foot up higher on the Chero Skyway. As the crow flies, I'm about 7-8 miles each direction inbetween the Dragon and the Skyway.

This morning in the front yard.




Stecoah Gap view looking east.

[GofastR]

I say we fawk with the cops, HARD!

Everybody paint their bike black (You can do water base and it'll wash right off), and wear black...



Are you surrrreee it was me, officer?

[rexxxsi89]

I say we fawk with the cops, HARD!

Everybody paint their bike black (You can do water base and it'll wash right off), and wear black...



Are you surrrreee it was me, officer?

idont care what we do as long as i can ride the gap with some other "tards"

just have some goodtimes, camp i guess haha, eat food and so on is fine by me.

[chimmy]

how is progress going on this? anyone coming from up north i could tag along with (not mooch

[4DAIVI PAI2K5]

i plan on going, ill have the triumph with me to tho and group of sport bike friends so ill be on both

[exit90a]

I can't get any time off that week but I will try to come down on my days off like I did last year. Best way to get everyone together each day is to have a set time/place for breakfast before hand. Then bounce ideas for the day around while you eat and roll out. It would be great if everyone stayed at the same place but that rarely happens for whatever reason.

[fstbusa]

I can't get any time off that week but I will try to come down on my days off like I did last year. Best way to get everyone together each day is to have a set time/place for breakfast before hand. Then bounce ideas for the day around while you eat and roll out. It would be great if everyone stayed at the same place but that rarely happens for whatever reason.

just meet at the gap/crot store resturant the first day you're gonna ride and once everyone meets once and figures out where everyone is staying then everyday after that will be cake!

[exit90a]

just meet at the gap/crot store resturant the first day you're gonna ride and once everyone meets once and figures out where everyone is staying then everyday after that will be cake!

When you have a week long event planned, some will make it for the whole week and others will show up randomly for a couple of days throughout the week. The problem with setting up a meeting point/time for the first day only is that all those who wander in later in the week can't find anyone else. Trust me, I've been lost and found many times. If everyone can come to an agreement on a daily meeting time/place it will make finding each other much easier. Last year we had one run through the gap with 10 or 15 junkies in line, nice quick pace, and it was great. What sucks is when you have groups of 2 or 3 all spread out looking for one another the whole time.

[fstbusa]

well if you get 10 people the first day, hopefully people will filter in as the week goes on.

What helps with our busa bash (we have 100+ sometimes) is we all stay at the same few places. We like the phillips and the microtel in robbinsville. That way everyone (or atleast larger groups) are right nearby and we can get groups together in the morning to ride.

[used2Bfast]

well if you get 10 people the first day, hopefully people will filter in as the week goes on.

What helps with our busa bash (we have 100+ sometimes) is we all stay at the same few places. We like the phillips and the microtel in robbinsville. That way everyone (or atleast larger groups) are right nearby and we can get groups together in the morning to ride.

I've seen you guys there. Complete with pop-up tents, etc. Lots of peeps and such always gathered on the back side.

[grumpy400]

subscribed

[rexxxsi89]

how is progress going on this? anyone coming from up north i could tag along with (not mooch

im coming from NH if we can get a date set. im trying to figure out what to do about my transportation though. I have a 95 pathfinder that runs good but being that its that old you neevr know whats going to happen. had someone say i could use their brand new tundra if i filled the tank but i dont know if he would let me use it for week haha.

for my pathfinder i have an enclosed trailor that i can easily place 2 bikes in maybe even 3 haha. just really have to figure it out.

i would like to know whats going on with the planning. so i can spend my money wisely haha. parts for my drz or get and keep saving for an rc51 so i can have a street bike as well as a tard

[fstbusa]

I've seen you guys there. Complete with pop-up tents, etc. Lots of peeps and such always gathered on the back side.

yeah we pretty much take over the phillips during that week. Its a great time. If you are there again this time of year, stop over. We usually have a huge grill going and a nearly endless beer supply.

We had a decent group last year.... not as many as a couple years ago.

[used2Bfast]

yeah we pretty much take over the phillips during that week. Its a great time. If you are there again this time of year, stop over. We usually have a huge grill going and a nearly endless beer supply.

We had a decent group last year.... not as many as a couple years ago.

Holly cow. What turn out. Was that last yr?

Appreciate the invite. I live 4.5 miles(only about a mile as the crow flies) from the Phillips motel, so I might just stop by and say hi.