The Official Rocket Across America IV Thread

[billz]

Your pics

Hey Lonnie, I just rolled through your pics but I don't see much of blackie or of your tank protector. You mind putting a few up to get some thoughts rolling?

Back to your pics, they remind me of great people, a good time, and much warmer weather!

 

[Lonzol]

Hey Bill,
I haven't been doing a whole lot to Blackie since you guys saw her at ES., have added a bellypan and some tribal graphics though.

I did the artwork in black (believe it or not) vinyl, doesn't show up much in normal light but it might help me keep from getting ran over at night when lights hit it:

NO FLASH

WITH FLASH

The verdict is still out for me on the Tribal graphics, kind of Blingy! I usually try to make my bikes just look very black at first glance, then the closer you look the more you see. Still not sure, if it ends up growing on me I might have it clearcoated over like the factory tribals? Before you say anything Bill I know the gas cap ring is still chrome (ugh)! I'm working on it!

As for the tank protectors, I'll put some pics in my album. I've already gotten a well deserved "hand slap" for those on this site, (didn't read all the rules, my bad) better not rock the boat if you know what I mean.

Lonnie

 

[xhdskip]

Ok, now that we have a date setup...
Dare I ask ??? WHERE ?
I know the tail of the dragon somewhere, but where.
It'd certainly be better if one of the locals could give us an informed , unbiased opinion on where we could ALL stay.
As long as theres food, showers and a place to meet and greet, I'm good with it. Lon, you was there, any preferences?
Think we need to get a commited list going yet?
Brian?

 

[TxRIIIRider]

I'm sure hoping to make New Ulm this year also.. Every year there's something in the way.. but I don't expect any medical emergencies this year.

Thanks to everyone for nailing down a date this early, I know its hard to plan that far out but it sure helps those of us that have to schedule leave for the year in advance. I am putting down May 6 thru 18 for my vacation pick as the New Ulm Tx. BMOA event will be May 15 - 17, the weekend after RAA IV.

I'll be there whever there ends up being, I'll let you guys hammer that out since I was such a pain in the ass about the date!

Thanks again, Lonnie

 

[RatBoy]

How about staging out of Cherokee, NC?

Good lodging options... close proximity to the forest for riding (NC-441 north to Gatlinburg) or South to NC-28

4 miles to Ravensford, NC to pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway.
61 miles to Deal's Gap for those wanting to ride the Dragon.


Here's their propaganda page...
Cherokee North Carolina Chamber of Commerce - Cherokee NC - Smoky Mountain Vacation

 

[HeR3tic]

Thanks to everyone for nailing down a date...

A eastern most Tennessee or KY jelly would be a fair,for some, for an initial rendezvous. Although, I can imagine the numerous stops desired by the many being factored in; with several rendezvous opportunities for add-ins along the way. And culminating somewhere in early May. Glad we got to that point as well.

 

[Rocket727]

Ok, now that we have a date setup...
Dare I ask ??? WHERE ?
.
It'd certainly be better if one of the locals could give us an informed , unbiased opinion on where we could ALL stay.
As long as theres food, showers and a place to meet and greet, I'm good with it. Lon, you was there, any preferences?
Brian?

I live in NC and have ridden the Dragon as well as other parts of the Smokies. On pages 2-4 of this thread, I made comments about the riding. I haven't stayed at the Geneva Riverside in Lake Lure/ Chimney Rock but the town is a neat place (see my previous comments) and seems well priced. Lots of bikes.

I also mentioned Little Switzerland on the Parkway, but not much there, even though I like it.

My recommendation (at this point, subject to a little more research about the hotel) would be Chimney Rock/Lake Lure. Good riding to and on the Parkway and better roads/scenery than the Dragon.

Also, not far from Interstates coming from different directions.

 

[Lonzol]

Skip,

We stayed at a cabin place in the middle of nowhere, Fontana Village, couldn't reccomend it for RAAIV as not much to do at night. I said I wasn't going to get into it on where, I'm just so glad to have the date settled. Rocket 727 lives close and knows the area as well as anyone here, and if we go farther east from the Dragon as he suggests, everyone coming from the west could ride the Dragon on the way in and out if they wanted to. That Maggie place Flip suggested looks to be very close to the Blueridge and only about 70 miles from the Dragon. I must admit the roads 727 suggests look great on the map. Heck all the roads look great in that area. Hell, just tell me where to show up in the next couple of months and I'm there!

Lonnie

 

[boogerdave]

How about staging out of Cherokee, NC?

Good lodging options... close proximity to the forest for riding (NC-441 north to Gatlinburg) or South to NC-28

4 miles to Ravensford, NC to pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway.
61 miles to Deal's Gap for those wanting to ride the Dragon.


Here's their propaganda page...
Cherokee North Carolina Chamber of Commerce - Cherokee NC - Smoky Mountain Vacation

Personally . . I really like the area around Cherokee. If it matters . . . it's got my vote. Then again . . . I'm no travel agent

 

[wildrooster]

my vote goes for chimney rock any where in the area is fine. Now the one thing that we all must think about is the number of people and rooms that we will need from experiences organizing rides I have had better luck either getting one hotel or 2 that are side by side an area like Cherokee or Maggie valley would allow this, for those that would like a drink cherokee is dry. There is allot to consider