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Ride Reports => MSTA Sanctioned Event Reports => Topic started by: touringman on January 07, 2016, 11:14:25 AM

Title: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on January 07, 2016, 11:14:25 AM
Hello everyone, I just talked to Jo McMahan this morning, and set up Fall Colors at the Quality Inn, Lewisburg for 2016. We will have the same meeting room, bike wash, etc. that we had last year. The room cost has gone up this year to $79.99, a $5 increase from last year. They've held on to the old $74.99 rate for the past several years, so I guess we're due for a small increase. They are ready to take reservations as of today at 304-645-7722, and I'd suggest you call prior to 3pm to make your reservation with Jo McMahan. I'm confident she'll handle your reservation without a screw up! THE DATES: This years Fall Colors official event will be from Friday, Sept. 30th to Sunday, Oct. 2nd. Of course I'll be arriving on Wed., and I expect quite a few early birds on Thursday the 29th.

Please give me some feedback on last years early bird dinner at Del Sol's. I have been very happy with them in previous years, but service last year wasn't up to par, especially at our table. Food and Friends is also an excellent restaurant, and they are right across the street from Del Sol. If the majority would like to try a new venue, we'll do that.

The FJR group enjoyed themselves last year, and they are coming back. They will be there the weekend before we are there, so there won't be an overlap this time. It really doesn't matter to me, as I thought everything went well last year. Please ask questions and express opinions, and I'll be happy to help when I can. Syd ;D
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on January 08, 2016, 12:19:26 PM
Looking forward to it. I think I can handle the $5 increase (split 2 ways) for a couple nights. That's still a great rate and they're good hosts.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on January 08, 2016, 10:12:42 PM
U can count Nate and I in for this. Hopefully no rain this year. Roads are great! People are interesting and of course the host is the best!
I'll have the CB 500 X Syd if U want to take her for a spin we can arrange that. Larry
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on February 11, 2016, 06:01:36 PM
We are all set up registration for Fall Colors Ride, thanks to Doug Pippin and Harry Hemstreet. Fall Colors will be from September the 30th through October the 2nd at the Quality Inn in beautiful Lewisburg, WV.We have plenty of rooms blocked for MSTA'ers, and we will be the only motorcycle group in town. There will probably be a large group of Early Birds showing up on Thursday the 29th again this year. This years Thursday night dinner will take place across the street from the Del Sol, which was last years site. The new restaurant is Food and Friends. It's a little upscale from the Del Sol, but there are good menu choices for every appetite and budget. The menu may also be accessed on the web site, and they do have a full compliment of alcoholic and other beverages. They will seat us together in a separate area, where it'll be a little easier to talk.

We will have the bike wash, rags, conference room, etc. that we've enjoyed previously. A refrigerator in your room will cost an extra $10, so please let them know you want one when you make your reservation. You may print a registration form, or register online on Doug's website, and the hotel information is there also. I suggest you call between 8am and 3pm to make your reservations with Jo McMahan, and she is sure to get your information straight. You're welcome to give me a call if there's something you aren't sure of. New members who would like to ride with an experienced rider should mention this to me before the rally, and conversely I would like to know among the rally vets who might have an extra place in their group for a newbie. Riding preferences and experience are important factors to know about. Such questions as how far, how fast, pottie breaks, starting the day with a full tank of gas, are very important. Please be proactive, and use or purchase a Garmin GPS capable of uploading routes, and preferably waterproof.

I will also bring my corn hole game back. I tried in vain last year to spark some interest, but was shocked that most had never even heard of the game. All of us younger (choke) college game attendees have been having a good time with it for years! Google it, you'll like it! It's a great way to pass time after dinner, or when the weather isn't so good. I look forward to seeing YOU at Fall Colors! Syd :D
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: banjobart on February 29, 2016, 10:29:30 PM
I have corn holing at my annual MSTA picnic, it is a big hit! I suppose during a riding event it may be less popular because most folks want BEER when they corn hole. Alcohol and mountain road riding do not mix.

(Just kidding around here).
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on March 01, 2016, 07:27:26 AM
You're right Bart, corn hole and beer do go very well together! We'd bring it out in the late afternoon-evening, hopefully after anyone has any visions of saddling up.  ;D
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on May 15, 2016, 11:15:31 AM
Looking forward to it. I think I can handle the $5 increase (split 2 ways) for a couple nights. That's still a great rate and they're good hosts.

Hoping for good weather and looking forward to making it my second FCR. And that's a darn good rate, and they are great hosts.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on August 01, 2016, 04:22:03 PM
I just booked my room two queens the rate is $89.99. I just reserved my room today using the code and they said that was the rate agreed to this year. Larry
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: DirtFlier on August 01, 2016, 05:20:54 PM
I also found the rate was $89.99 when I reserved a room last week. Oh well.... :)
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on August 01, 2016, 05:42:51 PM
I just booked my room two queens the rate is $89.99. I just reserved my room today using the code and they said that was the rate agreed to this year. Larry
I'm curious, did you call and speak with the contact given my Syd - namely Jo McMahan? Wondering because that's who Syd said to talk to. Hopefully it's not too late to get the good rate.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on August 01, 2016, 05:49:45 PM
I spoke with the manager who said the contract spelled out $89.99 per room with two Queens and I think he said $84.99 with a single.

He said $79.99 was last years rate and this years  negotiated rate is $89.99.

He said if it were to change and go down we would get the lower rate. No matter, Syd puts on a nice event and its a good area to ride.

Larry
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on August 02, 2016, 08:20:45 AM
Thanks War die, I'd ask for a little time to check this out. I suspect there has been a change in management since last year. I'll be on the phone with them this morning to try to figure things out. Jo McMahan sent a contract to me back in January with a price of $79.99 for the rooms. As has been our custom, this was agreed upon verbally, and neither party signed anything. Our word has been our bond. According to Wardie, Matt says he has a written contract at$89.99?? If so, I must be sleepwalking! I apologize for this, and I will get to the bottom of it. If Matt is being deceitful, this will be the last time I deal with them. We've moved before, and we can move again!!  Thanks for your patience, Syd
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on August 02, 2016, 11:15:26 AM
As usual, thanks Syd. Let us know how it pans out. As for me and my riding buddy, don't think an extra $5/night each is gonna kill us. Have to bring more whiskey and spend less on beer,  :P
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on August 02, 2016, 11:51:04 AM
I really appreciate your attitude! The five dollars is only a portion of the problem here. I have not trusted this particular individual since he came to work at the QI, and I trust him even less now. I left word for him to call me early this morning, and hadn't heard anything, so I called the hotel again, and he answered. When I told him my name, he acted like we had a poor connection, and hung up. I called right back, and the girl at the desk said he had "stepped out for a moment" I told her that was Bull, and please have him call me ASAP. My problem Rich, is that I try to be up front with everyone, and I refuse to try to work with someone who is deceitful!

I know its probably too late for this year, but I've found a suitable site in Summersville, WV. How many of you guys are familiar with Summersville?  It's a great location, also close to several restaurants an shopping.  Just something to think about! Syd :)
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on August 02, 2016, 12:30:30 PM
Thanks again Syd. I know what you mean about deceitful people. Like you said, unlikely can do anything this year, but for next. Suggestion - call local (or corporate) office of QI and tell them about this individual and what they are doing. I am sure corporate would like to know if they have an employee who is deceitful or dishonest - especially in a management position. 

Summersville - pretty sure I've been through that area either at a MPFB, last year's FCR or another trip Steve and I took to the general area back in June last year - when neither of us could make it to STAR. I always like a new place to ride - and if it's down in that area, I know it'll be good roads and way better than anything I can find in Michigan.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on August 02, 2016, 02:02:58 PM
Hotel rate - it is what it is, if they're jerking you around I cannot fault you for looking elsewhere. You say that Jo McMahon sent you a contract back in January with the $79.99, then that is what it should be. Why won't they honor that now? (Or did you mean a verbal contract?) But we'll be paying whatever rate they decide on.

Summersville WV - yep been through there many times, great area as far as roads go as the forest (with roads like 39/55, 150, 20, 15) is close by to the East and US60 is nearby, as is WV16. Places like Paintbank VA (VA311) will be further away and possibly out of reach on a day ride. Also not sure about dual sport riding, which I know is big for some attendees. It is also well located for those who might trailer there, right on US19 which is a pretty major road and connects to nearby I-79. And of course it would be a bit closer to home for some of us, but further for some others.

PS Haven't booked my room yet, will report back what I'm told when I book it later this week.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on August 02, 2016, 02:57:21 PM
Hotel rate - it is what it is, if they're jerking you around I cannot fault you for looking elsewhere. You say that Jo McMahon sent you a contract back in January with the $79.99, then that is what it should be. Why won't they honor that now? (Or did you mean a verbal contract?) But we'll be paying whatever rate they decide on.

Summersville WV - yep been through there many times, great area as far as roads go as the forest (with roads like 39/55, 150, 20, 15) is close by to the East and US60 is nearby, as is WV16. Places like Paintbank VA (VA311) will be further away and possibly out of reach on a day ride. Also not sure about dual sport riding, which I know is big for some attendees. It is also well located for those who might trailer there, right on US19 which is a pretty major road and connects to nearby I-79. And of course it would be a bit closer to home for some of us, but further for some others.

PS Haven't booked my room yet, will report back what I'm told when I book it later this week.
OK, let me know. You can ignore my email then I guess. :)
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on August 02, 2016, 09:38:03 PM
" I left word for him to call me early this morning, and hadn't heard anything, so I called the hotel again, and he answered. When I told him my name, he acted like we had a poor connection, and hung up. I called right back, and the girl at the desk said he had "stepped out for a moment" I told her that was Bull, and please have him call me ASAP. My problem Rich, is that I try to be up front with everyone, and I refuse to try to work with someone who is deceitful! "


Syd I agree with all its not breaking anyone. I spoke with that Matt guy when I called in he seemed very sure that he had a contract with you for $89.99. He said the $79.99 was last years rate and that was that. Unfortunately with the personnel changes and the verbal between you and someone who isn't there any longer I think were fortunate to even get the $89.99 rate. I checked later in the day asking about pricing and I think they said $129.99 a night wowee. So Syd you're still saving us a ton of money nightly even at $89.99

Don't sweet it but a venue change might be in order. I'm like you, I don't like to be taken advantage of either but I just wouldn't let it upset me or you and I wouldn't spend much time stewing over it. It's a terrific event and a great bunch of riders.   Larry

Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on August 03, 2016, 11:40:56 AM
Well, after much discussion yesterday and today, the new manager at the QI has graciously (Choke!!--Cough!!!) agreed to honor the price commitment his hotel made with us! The rate is $79.99, and the rates of those who have already registered will be adjusted accordingly. Part of me appreciates thefact that he folded, but I still mistrust him. I would not have had this problem if he'd been honest and straight forward to start with. Syd :D
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on August 03, 2016, 12:07:31 PM
Thanks again Syd for the good work. I know what you mean - the old adage "Fool me once shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me." would apply here.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on August 03, 2016, 01:34:46 PM
Just made my reservation, talked to Jo, rate confirmed $79.99+tax

We're planning to come Thursday, not sure we can commit to whatever group dinner is going on so we won't at this time.

And Thanks Syd for getting things cleared up.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on August 16, 2016, 11:44:15 AM
All good in the hood! Plenty of great areas to ride and visit. Looking forward to seeing Richard and hearing about all the fun he is having on the Beemer!
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on August 16, 2016, 01:01:35 PM
All good in the hood! Plenty of great areas to ride and visit. Looking forward to seeing Richard and hearing about all the fun he is having on the Beemer!
Well I do plan to be there, and the fun is continuing. After a nearly 1,000 mile ride back to MI from STAR (via OH and then the dealer for first service) I've managed to get it to 1,600 miles now - and also discovered how far a tank of gas will get me.  ;D
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on September 11, 2016, 10:45:11 AM
I just noticed on the main forum page under upcoming events there's no mention of Fall Colors. I'd appreciate it if it could be added. Thanks, Syd :)
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RIDEMYST on September 11, 2016, 02:27:16 PM
I have a photo gallery for your event, Syd. :) -JEP-


Sent by using these little bitty keys on my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on September 11, 2016, 03:15:33 PM
Thanks Jim, is that something you'll send to me, or that you'll post, or something you'llsend to me to post? ???
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RIDEMYST on September 11, 2016, 05:16:14 PM
Your event as all planned MSTA events have the upload links posted in the members only/photo upload section of this forum. -JEP-


Sent by using these little bitty keys on my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on September 11, 2016, 08:52:52 PM
Thanks Jim! :D
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on September 12, 2016, 11:59:01 AM
Syd,

This year I've ruled out yet another trip to "the Bridge". Looking for some cool places to visit and want to plan ahead can U or anyone suggest a couple rides?
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on September 13, 2016, 01:37:28 PM
Wardie,

You talking about rides from the FCR location in Lewisburg?  I personally love VA311 that goes through Paint Bank to the "Swinging Bridge" restaurant if that is the Bridge you're referring too. I know they had many routes setup for FCR in the past, I haven't looked at them recently.

The area around Snowshoe WV is nice, including the roads of Highlands Scenic Highway south of there. WV15 across the mountains near there to Webster Springs is another fun one. Pretty sure most of these are on one or more of the FCR routes. Seneca Rocks WV is another cool place, but may be a bit far for a day ride.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: normkern on September 14, 2016, 08:06:56 AM
Last year Doug Pippen included a couple of routes that went southwest from Lewisburg. If you haven't ridden one of them, you'll probably enjoy them.

Norm Kern
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on September 14, 2016, 08:46:31 AM
Sorry Wardle, I am on vacation with my wife right now. I'll make the route maps available the first of The week. Doug has tweaked some of them for us. I also plan to send Google maps to the WV Dept. Of Transportation for some feedback. Hopefully they can tell me if there are any road outages left over from the flooding around the Greenbrier.:-)
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on September 14, 2016, 02:16:43 PM
Sorry Wardle, I am on vacation with my wife right now. I'll make the route maps available the first of The week. Doug has tweaked some of them for us. I also plan to send Google maps to the WV Dept. Of Transportation for some feedback. Hopefully they can tell me if there are any road outages left over from the flooding around the Greenbrier.:-)
Syd,
If you have time and interest you might try looking for a WV DOT site that shows construction/closures. I've been using the Ohio one for some years when doing planned rides to make sure I'm not finding a surprise closure.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on September 14, 2016, 04:00:11 PM
The Bridge that I referred to is the New River Gorge seems like I end up there a lot :( LOL

Thanks to all for responses. I am starting to think maybe Seneca Rocks or the "other" bridge. Good point Steve..seemed everywhere I went this year there were closures. I picked up a sailboat on the North Carolina Coast a couple of weeks ago and man I -95 had it's share of closures and slow downs same for I-40.

My new GPS had cool traffic avoidance stuff that made looping around the slow downs and closures a breeze..
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on September 14, 2016, 07:39:13 PM
Larry, ahhh, that bridge. It is standard route for many at Mail Pouch, and I often go through there on other routes to the south, or even returning from FCR (US60 west to WV16 back to Ohio).

I strongly suggest you take the route that goes to Paint Bank and runs VA311, I forget what else is involved, but I've done that road many times and it is a blast. Much closer to Lewisburg, while Seneca Rocks could be an option to go through/visit on your way home if you have an extra day. Its near Elkins area.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on September 14, 2016, 09:06:36 PM
I'll check it out with u when I get there.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on September 19, 2016, 10:14:23 AM
I've had a couple of calls from folks who are having trouble finding the web site-registration information for Fall Colors. I take full responsibility for that, and you will find the web site (by Doug) and also the new Fall Colors 2016 routes (also by Doug) below. I hope this hasn't hindered anyone from signing up! You can still do it, or just wait until you arrive. Please call if you have questions. Thanks, Syd :D

2016 Fall Colors Routes (http://msta-se.com/fcr/routes/2016%20rtes.htm)
 
 Fall Colors Web Site (http://msta-se.com/fcr/)
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on September 19, 2016, 12:34:43 PM
Thanks for the link(s) Syd. Registered and now gotta download maps. See you in 10 days or so.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on September 19, 2016, 01:57:06 PM
I'm looking forward to it Rich! ;D
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on September 19, 2016, 04:04:25 PM
I'm looking forward to it Rich! ;D
Likewise.  8)

Rain, rain stay away.  :P
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: HawkGTRider on September 20, 2016, 08:11:33 AM
I'm looking forward to it Rich! ;D
Likewise.  8)

Rain, rain stay away.  :P
10 days out the weather can certainly change, but the forecast for Lewisburg looks good now although a touch on the cool side. Compliments of Accuweather:
Friday-cloudy with a high of 67 and a low Friday night of 42.
Saturday-more sun with a high of 69 and a low Saturday night of 50.
Sunday-some clouds and sun with a high of 67 and a low Sunday night of 50.

That actually sounds pretty good to me.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: touringman on September 20, 2016, 09:27:41 AM
AAAAHHHH! Now you guys have actually gone and said the "W" word ??? . I'm always cautious how I use that word out loud. That said, I to have been tracking ACCU Weather ;) . We'll see, but 50's and 60's works much better for me than 90 to 100! Syd
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: DirtFlier on September 20, 2016, 10:02:35 AM
Time to put away my vented gear. 
 :(
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: HawkGTRider on September 20, 2016, 11:14:43 AM
I've not been able to attend a FCR for a few years, but I remember leaving early one year when the forecast showed a strong possibility of white frozen stuff falling from the sky. It was pretty darned chilly when I left, but turned out to be a really pleasant day once I got 50-100 miles south of the site. Now located at a different site and a little earlier in the autumn season, I think that particular scenario is much less likely to happen.
I'm scheduled to work on Friday, but I'd sure like to buzz on up that way for the rest of the weekend. We'll see.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on September 20, 2016, 03:35:30 PM
I've not been able to attend a FCR for a few years, but I remember leaving early one year when the forecast showed a strong possibility of white frozen stuff falling from the sky. It was pretty darned chilly when I left, but turned out to be a really pleasant day once I got 50-100 miles south of the site. Now located at a different site and a little earlier in the autumn season, I think that particular scenario is much less likely to happen.
I'm scheduled to work on Friday, but I'd sure like to buzz on up that way for the rest of the weekend. We'll see.
Yes Geoffrey, I too have heard these tales of snow at FCR - but that was in the old location. The bigger issue now I think is the non-white precipitation, which cut my trip short last year. The plus was rode only half day in the rain back to NE Ohio, the minus was only rode in the event area for day and half. That time of year, weather is a crap shoot, but having said that, I rode 12 days before Christmas last year - way up here in Michigan. It was chilly, and a little wet, but no snow on the ground. See you in Lewisburg if you can make it.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on September 21, 2016, 06:34:58 AM
Last year all day on and off on Saturday it rained. Nate and I decided to ride the entire day rain or not and we made the New River Gorge Bridge and some other stops in route to a couple hundred mile adventure ride. I too am looking forward to cooler weather. I thought I'd never say that ever but the 90 degrees at 8pm on Saturday night at the Fly By was well.....hot.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: HawkGTRider on September 21, 2016, 08:22:08 AM
Last year all day on and off on Saturday it rained. Nate and I decided to ride the entire day rain or not and we made the New River Gorge Bridge and some other stops in route to a couple hundred mile adventure ride. I too am looking forward to cooler weather. I thought I'd never say that ever but the 90 degrees at 8pm on Saturday night at the Fly By was well.....hot.
I had a bit different agenda this year for my trip to the MPFB. I've been collecting National Park Service site stamps in my NPS passport, and I visited National Park Service sites much of the weekend. On the way up to Marietta Friday, I got an early start from home around 5:30 a.m. and went by the William Howard Taft Education Center and Home in Cincinnati, up to Dayton where I visited and collected the stamps for all five locations of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park, over by the Charles Young Buffalo Soldier National Monument in Wilberforce (near Xenia), then to near Chillcothe to the Mound City Group-Hopewell Culture National Historic Park, and finally arrived in Marietta.
Saturday I hit the slab around 6:00 a.m. to Mentor (east of Cleveland) to visit the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, headed south by several NPS sites associated with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and then to Canton to visit the First Ladies National Historic Site.
I had a commitment Sunday evening at church, so I needed to get home promptly. I hit the road around 6:15 a.m. from Marietta, and boogied down the big road to Beckley where I picked up SR16 (at last...a curvy road!). I stayed with that all the way to Marion, VA, and then slabbed it home. I got there in plenty of time to shower and such before heading to handbell practice at church.

I'd never been to any of these locations, so it was a treat to visit them on the weekend the NPS was celebrating their 100th anniversary.

To finally get to the point, Wardie is absolutely correct. The high temperatures that weekend made it tough going. That's why I left before daylight each day of the weekend, and I had 3-4 hours of riding in comfortable temperatures. Some areas were a bit foggy, and riding through that I actually got a little coolish wearing mesh gear.

I'm really looking forward to autumn riding this year.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on September 21, 2016, 04:03:03 PM
I've not been able to attend a FCR for a few years, but I remember leaving early one year when the forecast showed a strong possibility of white frozen stuff falling from the sky. It was pretty darned chilly when I left, but turned out to be a really pleasant day once I got 50-100 miles south of the site. Now located at a different site and a little earlier in the autumn season, I think that particular scenario is much less likely to happen.
I'm scheduled to work on Friday, but I'd sure like to buzz on up that way for the rest of the weekend. We'll see.
Sounds like one of the years at Snowshoe when it was ugly on Saturday and many went home. We stayed until Sunday, they had 4 inches of snow up on the mountain, the ski lodge was on the weather channel that morning as we were getting dressed to go to breakfast. They had used cinders on US219 heading north towards Elkins. It was a very cold and wet ride home. I think it was about 35 when we left that morning.

A few years later at Lewisburg I had frost on my bike that morning, and temps were again well below 40 when we left for home. This may also have been before it got moved up one week.
I can handle wet, I can even handle some cold. I cannot handle both together, especially when I have a nearly 400 mile ride home.

All that being said, weather will be fantastic so don't even worry about it. Summer ends now, need to treat it like a fall event, long pants not shorts, long sleeve shirts, warmer gloves, etc. Oh and that bottle of adult beverage to warm up on a cool night. Like Syd said we try not to talk about or jinx it. We all need to ask the man for a favor that weekend  ;)
Goeffrey.

Just buzz on up, its only about 300 miles :)
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on September 21, 2016, 04:11:00 PM
Last year all day on and off on Saturday it rained. Nate and I decided to ride the entire day rain or not and we made the New River Gorge Bridge and some other stops in route to a couple hundred mile adventure ride. I too am looking forward to cooler weather. I thought I'd never say that ever but the 90 degrees at 8pm on Saturday night at the Fly By was well.....hot.
One lesson I've learned attending events, if the weather is bad at the event site, get out of there for the day. At Snowshoe the year it snowed we didn't leave on Saturday, did sightseeing and such around Cass, GreenBank etc. Those who left and went for a ride got away from the system that sat on the mountain (not being at Snowshoe has alleviated some of that).

The second half of that is what direction do you go, and finding the area where the storm is likely to not be is tricky. Rich and I did that at FCR on Friday last year, mostly north towards Snowshoe, and hit about 40 minutes of rain (and got soaked) at the end. But on Friday night we decided that wasn't prudent for Saturday, then possibly an all day ride home in the rain. So we left Saturday morning, headed west on US60 about an hour or so in some light mist. After that we were mostly out of the rain and linked up with always fun WV16 near Gauley Bridge and had a good ride home (don't recall half day of rain like Rich said).

Geoffrey,
Wow that was some ride you did to hit those parks, didn't realize you went all the way to Cleveland area and back and through my backyard (Cuyahoga Valley NP). You ran a great stretch of WV/VA 16 from Beckley to Marion, including the Back Of The Dragon mountain passes by Hungry Mother State Park :)

Autumn riding is some of the best, our skills are their best from a full riding season, the temps are comfy, the leaves are changing or gone (making site lines better).
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: HawkGTRider on September 21, 2016, 08:16:50 PM
I'm scheduled to work on Friday, but I'd sure like to buzz on up that way for the rest of the weekend. We'll see.
I can handle wet, I can even handle some cold. I cannot handle both together, especially when I have a nearly 400 mile ride home.

Goeffrey.
Just buzz on up, its only about 300 miles :)
Heck yeah, I won't even have to get up early to cover that amount of mileage. That is, unless I decide to make it a dual sport ride. (NOT!)
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on September 22, 2016, 02:41:03 PM
I'm scheduled to work on Friday, but I'd sure like to buzz on up that way for the rest of the weekend. We'll see.
I can handle wet, I can even handle some cold. I cannot handle both together, especially when I have a nearly 400 mile ride home.

Goeffrey.
Just buzz on up, its only about 300 miles :)
Heck yeah, I won't even have to get up early to cover that amount of mileage. That is, unless I decide to make it a dual sport ride. (NOT!)
Take I-81 to Roanoke then come up VA 311 (Paint Bank). That only adds about 20 miles and some great twisties near the end of the day, before the last bit of slab on 64 ;)
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: HawkGTRider on September 22, 2016, 06:22:53 PM
I'm scheduled to work on Friday, but I'd sure like to buzz on up that way for the rest of the weekend. We'll see.
I can handle wet, I can even handle some cold. I cannot handle both together, especially when I have a nearly 400 mile ride home.

Goeffrey.
Just buzz on up, its only about 300 miles :)
Heck yeah, I won't even have to get up early to cover that amount of mileage. That is, unless I decide to make it a dual sport ride. (NOT!)
Take I-81 to Roanoke then come up VA 311 (Paint Bank). That only adds about 20 miles and some great twisties near the end of the day, before the last bit of slab on 64 ;)
That's one of the routes I've considered. I'm thinking about getting there in the most expedient manner on Saturday, doing some riding in the area on Sunday, and then coming home on Monday via a more meandering route.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on September 26, 2016, 04:56:06 PM
it's amazing how many people are on the Intelligent weather reports. They really can aid in staying out or away from severe weather. Good suggestions Steve. Looking forward to riding this Friday. I managed about 350 miles running down to Mid Ohio and moseying back the long way. Funny temps are in the low 70's now but when the sun goes down so do the temps!!
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on September 30, 2016, 12:24:06 AM
Had a partially rainy 375 mile mostly back road ride here. It poured later and we have some forecast rain Friday, but Saturday and Sunday look better.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: Patmo on September 30, 2016, 08:15:50 AM
Hope you guys have good weather, everyone stays safe, and all have a great time.
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: wardie on October 03, 2016, 07:26:44 PM
Patmo we killed it man.

Great ride down plenty of twists and tumbles :( on Friday on Rt. 60/16.

Saturday ride led by Steve Grabowski was awesome. Met some new friends did 220 or so curvy miles plenty of fun and a great dinner after.

Kudos to Steve Grabowski for having us along for the ride Saturday.

A true 1,000 mile weekend!
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: RichGrab on October 05, 2016, 10:05:43 AM
Hope you guys have good weather, everyone stays safe, and all have a great time.
Yeah Pat, when we gonna see you at FCR?? We missed you. It was a great time, lots of fun riding, Saturday's lunch stop was especially nice and tucked away in the forest of Douthat State Park. Friday's trip under the New River Gorge Bridge followed by lunch at the "Secret Sandwich Society" in Fayetteville also fun (second time I'd ridden that old road -wow twisty ain't the word for it). Sunday ride back to Ohio stupendous. All told, just short of 1600 mile from MI-OH-WV-VA-OH-MI. Lets do it again!!!!
Title: Re: Fall Colors 2016
Post by: stevegrab on October 05, 2016, 01:03:56 PM
Patmo we killed it man.

Great ride down plenty of twists and tumbles :( on Friday on Rt. 60/16.

Saturday ride led by Steve Grabowski was awesome. Met some new friends did 220 or so curvy miles plenty of fun and a great dinner after.

Kudos to Steve Grabowski for having us along for the ride Saturday.

A true 1,000 mile weekend!

Glad you enjoyed yourselves, the route masters laid out a good one (route 4 I think with 311 to Paint Bank) and my brother and I found a nice way to short cut it into a shorter ride that worked well for our group and the nice lunch stop. And the weather, was just perfect that day.