Deals Gap 2015

[TheIglu]

You guys do know it's a pretty nice ride down/back right?? Just sayin'

Yeah, but then I'm on a big heavy loaded adv/touring bike. I did that two weeks ago.


I'm really excited to have the SV back down there

[Half Squid]

Should we have a Pre-Gap meet? Steaks and beer???

Anyone's significant other interested in dog sitting? I'm still in search of someone that doesn't want a small fortune to watch her. Or should I bring Sammy? She is an excellent dog and I'll pay whatever the Security cost is myself.

Are we driving straight thru leaving late Friday (Usual Plan) or leave early Friday, crash at a Motel Friday night, grab dinner, beer/rest to complete the ride Sat Morning without pushing ourselves over the long haul?

The Idea for Chris and I is ok with me. I am 35 minutes roughly from Shrewsbury, 15 from Mass Pike. Which ever is better to meet/Depart is fine with me. I am directly inbetween rt146 & Rt 122 close to the center of Northbridge.

Better MPG is always the better choice! This way the trip doesn't get more expensive putting my truck in the shop. with 190K on her I would need to drop some $$ prior to taking it down and feeling confident to make it that far without issues. I have taken my vehicle down there many times, time for a break!

The way I have done it along with everyone else was splitting the costs between which ever vehicle you ride down in. Keep track/share costs as you go, and evenly split things up at the end. I'll even chip in extra to help as we are using your maintenance costs and racking up your mileage.

Fresh fluids done/Pads check, Oil change this weekend, new tires to be mounted by Wheelers down there.

I have pitbull front and rear stand, Rear has both spool clips and flat paddle for under swing arm that's quickly reversible. Pin style triple tree front stand. I have a wide assortment of tools. But not a nice organized case. I can bring what I need to do basic stuff and especially swapping my wheels. A small case of cleaing/lube/brake fluid/oil for my needs. I have no problem sharing use of my tools.

[bbhzx10]

Stay a night in Blowing Rock

[Half Squid]

Brian, just pack up & head down to meet us. You know you want to.

[bbhzx10]

I do. I really do....

[lopycam]

Am I going crazy or is the house listing/website link removed from this thread? I want to look up some deets........ I will most likely need to work a day or so while down there "remotely" if I can pull this off.



I got it! Thanks!

[TheIglu]

Big trailer is all set other than swapping one tail light.

[Half Squid]

No responses, so I am wondering where everything stands with getting down there. At this point my truck is not available. I did not get it to the shop, and it's definitely in need of a Tune up, and No idea what else, if anything? I'll deal with that expense after vacation.

Chris, You and I riding together? You Ok taking your truck and Trailer? Need any help getting the trailer ready?
I have a Transportable wheel chock the helps for stability, it can be screwed down or just used and strapped in place with the bike. Either way it helps! I'll be buying new Straps to tie the bike down.

Or? What other options are on the table?

Nate, when will you know your status? I vote that your going...

I am going to see about looking into the route down and see what construction I can find out about that we could possibly avoid.
I still have my normal route I have used for years. It's been great almost every time.

Clayton, do you have the actual address? I am pretty sure it's the road we were pulled over next to by the unmarked CRV right after Topco Lodge.

I have Friday off and plan to get my new tires put on, and wrap up packing clothing.

I almost think sticking together for the journey could be a good idea in case anyone has issues.
I have a CB I can bring but would require 10-15 minutes to run the antenna wire. I have it wired to plug into a 12V outlet, haven't used it in two years, I'll test it out and check. With everyone having phones might not have the need for it.

[Carbonzx10]

I have no problem with that, trailer should be done this weekend.

[TheIglu]

We'll find a way for transportation for everyone. No issues there. If we have to take 3 vehicles, so be it. Still super cheap vacation.

I'll get the address and send it over tomorrow. Yeah, it's the road where we got pulled over, confirmed it with the lady on the phone.

Phones should work fine for communication. We can get a Google Hangout going, will make it easy.

If Nate doesn't go, I'll stop by and pick Matt up.

If Nate goes, it'll be REAL tight to do it in two vehicles considering our trailer options. Hell, it'll be tight in two without Nate. Gear, bikes and people add up. There isn't much space left for gear once a bike is in the back of a 6' bed. For me and Nate last year, it was almost too tight with the Wee in the bed of the truck and our gear. I'm considering taking the larger trailer down just to be able to have the bed just for gear.


If you guys want to try for two vehicles, i'm up for it, but it'll be tight. And my truck will be slow as shit through the mountains.

[ilikenapalm]

Maybe take three regardless and rotate drivers?

[TheIglu]

We always trade off driving anyways. I'm not so good with driving 16 hours solo after being up and at work for a full day.

Though I've done it.....

[ilikenapalm]

More thinking along the lines of... even if we end up with just 5 people going and taking 3 cars, rotate drivers at rest stops or whatever.

[Half Squid]

Well my truck broke down today. Better now than on the trip. Depending on what's wrong & if it's repaired in time, it may be available & could haul the larger trailer with ease...



If there's only 5 of us than we should only take 2 vehicles.

But Nate has to go. So he's our 6th man. Make it happen!

[TheIglu]

With 5, we'll take 2 vehicles. No issue there.

[Half Squid]

WTH,


So after taking the bike for a ride I have been dealing with trying to bleed my clutch line after fresh Dot4. Well It has not been successful, then the bleeder screw snapped off the top of the reservoir bolt. SO a temp res bolt from my former SV is in place which does not have a bleeder valve. Any suggestion's how to bleed this successfully?

2 New Bleeder valves ordered 2nd day air, as well as 2 spark plug boots as I noticed one was not staying put of the plug (NE ROADS!!!!!!)

Hopefully I can this sorted out before we leave. I want to get down there and ride......

[TheIglu]

I hear ya Mike. Went up to Laconia for the weekend with my Dad and a friend of his. Radar detector flickering on and off over every bump. Turns out the power relay fuse holder crumbled from the road bumps. Stupid New England roads!

[TheIglu]

Clocks tickin, boys.


We'll be tearing up the good roads this time next week.


Gunna be hot being the south and summer and all. Bring your swimmin trunks and a towel. Also, some type of foot protection you can swim/wade in. I've used Teva's in the past with success. Going full nerdy white guy with water shoes this year.

[mycirus]

I hate you guys.

[TheIglu]

Shoulda retired two years ago!

[mycirus]

15 months and 15 more days. Ill be back. Pencil me in for 2017.

[Half Squid]

IF any of you have AAA, go and get State maps, a couple of each if you can. NC,SC, TN, GA are definite maps needed, VA, WVA, and AL might not hurt to have, but I don't think we have ever ventured that far. There's just no need!


What do we have to contribute as for individuals as far as tools. There is no need for everyone to bring stuff.

Should we have a list?
I'm almost thinking I will just bring my Bike tool bag and keep it in the bike, plus a few minimal tools that I use frequently.

Other than that I could bring my Pit Bull rear universal stand.
My Pit Bull Front stand is a pin style for support under the triple tree. May not mate up with all of the bikes?

I have plugs and plug tools for small leaks.
Pressure gauge
5 Gallon Gas can - Everyone should probably have your own to refuel at night.
Everyone should bring their own fluids in case you need to top off anything. We can always buy what we need at Wheelers.

I might go ahead and buy a nice organized tool case this week. I need it anyways!

There's always Wheelers if we run into problems! He usually lets you use tools onsite. That could have changed?

From what I recall things in the past that we have needed: (Due to get off's)
Duct tape
Electrical Tape
Zip Ties
Fuses
Spare mirrors
spare foot pegs
Spare brake lever assembly
Spare shift lever
Spare brake/clutch lever
Oil Filter/Oil
Brake Fluid
Blinker Fluid
Ballz, Please don't leave your Ballz at home....

[TheIglu]

My front pin stand has all the pins for most every bike. I'll bring it, you can leave your front stand at home.

Duct tape? You mean SV paint repair?

I'll bring a 5 gallon gas can like usual for me and Nate to use. 3 gas cans should be more than enough for 6 of us.

[Half Squid]

Yes Duct tape for the SV! It has to match you bike color!

Truck is back.. $$$ Ouch

Bike is good, besides having the new tires put on Friday Morning. Clutch is ok with the temp SV clutch bolt I used! I'll bring the new bleeders with me, but not messing with it unless I have issues again.

GPS is installed and has Power!, 12V outlet has power!
V1 is down and out, so I am without a Radar, Need to get the upgrade when I get back.

I'm Ready for this trip!!

[lopycam]

Dont forget the shake siphon........ I have a motard and I always need fuel........

I will be the minimalist of the group. I have a tank bag if someone wants to borrow it. It won't work on a dirtbike fyi.