Wish You Were Here, Sondance Tour! (name Changed- Formally Bent Skuuter, House...)

[Baileyrock]

First off, Rob wish you would have made it! I just changed the post name to "Wish you were here, Sondance tour"

This is an un-official ride report related to the "House In The Deep South " post.

I had hooked up with Shannon(1) at 7:15am off I-24(gag) for our, dare I say "ride"(2) to the start point in Tullahoma, TN.

I was feeling sick as we reach our destination, the Quik Mart the rides starting point . Must have been from the hour plus on a highway. My body was shocked by the straight line madness, but I was able to recover(6). At least for the moment! :warranty:

Other's gather and assembled prior to our 9:00am pegs up start time.

Some of the event participants before enough coffee!

After much coffee and a few more minutes we had a good crowd of riders itching to get started.

Skuuter had told me prior(I hoped he was joking) to the ride that I would have Sweeper duties, damn if it wasn't true! I was struggling with that thought as it was, but the major blow was yet to strike my racing mind. During the riders meeting I heard words I hoped I would never hear and hopefully never hear again! "This will be a Non-Passing ride !!! :blink: WTF, not only did the sick feeling return, but my brain started to shut down little by little and would continue to fall into a catatonic state for the remainder of the day!

I was a victim of the powers to be, but I tried to stuff my ragging thoughts as I fell into line at the back of a 9 bike train. Of course I had to first make the entire group wait as I had to get my hair looking good before putting on my helmet! :goofy:

We rolled out and were on the way. Things even seemed worse as my bike died as we pulled up to the last stop light before turning off hwy 55 and wouldn't even bump start. It did fire off with the started and the ride continued, thank God my ride didn't end right there!

Skuuter lead us on some very scenic roads, in fact I think the entire trip was a Scenic Route as we sure went slow enough to not miss a thing! :lol: Really, I suc going at a semi relaxed pace.

Throughout the day we picked up new leader after new leader as our "No Pass" ride allowed pick-up, cage or van to lead us through some really nice roads. I'm making a lot of fun here, but the reality of it is we had a semi large group with several new riders that we had not ridden with before. It was a safety thing that I have to respect that, David did a great job of taking care of the entire group, but that doesn't mean I can't have fun with it though! :salesman:

Our first stop was for lunch at Bee's in Chattanooga which has been in the same location and serving the same food for like 50 plus years. The food was great, the table was a round table set-up with the center of the table being a huge Lazy Suzanne type of top that they just kept full of slaw, beans, BBQ, chicken, rolls, cobbler, pork, etc., etc..

Here's the table set-up with House, Vecky5, 25th Anny aka Honley, Smee42, Mitzi, Skuuter, TN VFR Girl, Bent (and myself on camera)

Now the ride was pre-run the day before and Bent really enjoyed the chicken then and couldn't wait to get his hands on some more.

Shannon show her licked clean hand after feeding Jim yet another piece of chicken. :-)

After stuffing our faces and enjoying each others company, we headed back out to the bikes passing a huge line of people waiting to get in the place to eat! This was House's first attempt to buy the South as he treated us to lunch, thank you sir!

Bike at Bee's

Shannon(1) left us at that point to start her week long adventure, a BMW rally. We passed a large group of BMW riders and Shannon gave them an enthusiastic wave as she would be joining "her people" soon.(1)

The ride(2) continued on more great roads and a nice lady(3) in a pick-up lead the group up one of the nicer roads up the mtn into Swanee. When we reached the top Skuuter gave the circle motion with his hand which meant we spun around and ran down and back up that nice mtn road w/o out that nice ladies(3) help. Now were talking! :thumbsup:

After that we were treated to a nice overlook near the Univ. of the South just off the main road, very nice.

There was a pair of cruiser couples there also asking us about all the gear we were wearing, I told them "we fall down a lot and need it". We all had a laugh then posed of a shot before heading out.

I wasn't sure if we were going to get out of there as this worker from the NRC ( who looked like he go wat too close to his work) was saying you can't go this way "it's radioactive''. Turns out he was one of ours! :-)

From that point on people started splitting off as we reached different locations along our route back that was best for their needed destinations. I think Sunday's loop was around 160 miles and seemed to be a successful and enjoyable day for all(4).

The ride(2) was over, but the evening was not. House(Will) again tried to "Buy the South" as he generously offered to treat all of us to dinner at a nice seafood restaurant in Huntsville that evening. The tension started to ease (for me) as we got ready to take a ride down to Huntsville in Mitzi's convertible to meet the House and gang for dinner with the twist of a bottle top or two! :beer: Things got fuzzier for me from that point.

The bikes were put away and the top was put down as we headed to our dinner in Huntsville. Skuuter decided to show me some excitement with some amazing driving(5), we made it anyway! :unsure:

Not everyone could make the dinner, but Jim(Bent) and his wife Brenda, Will(House) his wife Roxanne & daughter, David (Skuuter) his wife Mitzi and I along with a old school friend of Wills(?) the fuzziness continues, sorry.

The food, company and drinks were enjoyed by all as we shared stories and tails throughout the evening. Again Will's in creditable generosity shined as he again treated everyone to the evening. :thumbsup:

Bonus report!!!

Mitzi & David shared their home with me Sunday night and I was treated to a new adventure the next morning. I was awakened(6) to the sound of warming engines, I couldn't make out the source so I walk out to see this heart warming site.

A frenzy of horse power was just oozing from a total of 100 combined cc's. "Are you ready to rumble" comes from my friend mouth(6), my eye's glazed as I said ok. I had to make the best of it and decided to become one with the beast in front of me.

Ruff & Ready Ruckus rider!

Off we went, touring the beautiful countryside of the area. After 20-30 min. I thought I recognized a road we turned onto, yes it was the Mountain. The assent began. I think my PCIII map or my tire pressures were off as the mighty Ruckus in front of me continued to pull away in the distance up the mtn. We made as high up as we dared and stopped for a little wager session based on the downward leg.

Skuuter wanted to show me what these things could do so I waited at the side of the road as he went up and them screamed past heading down.

Now with the tires properly warmed and wagers down, It was On baby!!! I mean WFO down hill racing, we tackled that mountain with no fear of loss or limb. I found my groove and felt my brain finally come back on line as I tracked, drafted then finally put a pass on my competitor in a tight downhill right hander. Thrusting my victorious hand into the air as I crossed the imaginary finish line at the bottom of the mountain, having crushed all who dared to take me on(6). I felt much better at this point as we pointed the tamed beast back to Skuuter's house.

It wasn't over yet, as we got ready to get back on the bikes it turns out Skuuters Triple has a tire going down on the rear so he had to dig into the depths a little deeper and here's what we got!

Mounted on the Aero 750, we rolled! We headed to Cracker Barrel for a decent meal before I headed back to Nashville, but no luck CB was packed so I suggested WH were we were treated to watching an hour long CF, trying to even get something to eat seemed like a real challenge to them. Done, I was feeling helpless at the moment as I couldn't figure out a good back road route home and I needed some rippen! David saved the day and escorted me safely to the edge of my home turf were I found my way to Pucketts and riding nirvana. I tore it up on my familiar twisties, but never exceeded the speed limit(7) on my way home! :goofy:

Had a good time with some great people, even enjoyed the ride(2). Lets do it again soon(6)!

(1) aka the traitor, Beemer rider.

(2) pain

(3) biatch

(4) I'm dying here!

(5) Nut job!

(6) not really

(7) of the Autobahn

[CrazyInNYC]

Glad to see fun was had by all.(6) Reading it had me in stitches.(5) :warranty:

[dude]

Great write up and story BR. I especially liked your response to the cruiser guys. :thumbsup:

[Bent]

Hey, that wasn't me at Bea's....I don't like chicken.... :warranty:

Nice write up and pictures. Surely, you didn't voice record this outing!!! :goofy:

[Guest]

Nice re-cap Kevin, very entertaining. (6) :P I can't believe (1) ditched you for the Beemeristi. :joystick:

[skuuter]

Too groggy now Bailey...........but, I will chime in later......for sure...........Enjoyed it all......... :thumbsup:

[Baileyrock]

Too groggy now Bailey...........but, I will chime in later......for sure...........Enjoyed it all......... :thumbsup:

Get some rest Skuuter, you did a great job with it all! :thumbsup:

You can trash me later! :warranty:

:goofy:

[skuuter]

Too groggy now Bailey...........but, I will chime in later......for sure...........Enjoyed it all......... :thumbsup:

Get some rest Skuuter, you did a great job with it all! :thumbsup:

You can trash me later! :warranty:

:goofy:

........................... :thumbsup:

[VFR4Lee]

Sounds like you guys are having too much fun. :warranty:

I mean, too bad there's so many miles between, or I'd be there. :goofy:

[Honley]

Hey guys I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of the ride. I had a great time and I look forward to many more. Skuuter was a great host and leader of the pack. As we were headed up the mtn. behind a truck I thought to myself what a shame we can't kick-it up this road. But to my surprise, when we got to the top ...ST turned us around and then we all got to enjoy the open road. Thankd Skuuter. House,if you read this thank you so much for lunch. I was sadden to have the day start off with the bad news on Sondance. I don't know him but I hope he recovers so we may all get together somewhere down the road. Once again Thanks Guys!!! a/k/a VFR25thanny New name to reflect both of my toys

[Baileyrock]

Hey guys I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of the ride. I had a great time and I look forward to many more. Skuuter was a great host and leader of the pack. As we were headed up the mtn. behind a truck I thought to myself what a shame we can't kick-it up this road. But to my surprise, when we got to the top ...ST turned us around and then we all got to enjoy the open road. Thankd Skuuter. House,if you read this thank you so much for lunch. I was sadden to have the day start off with the bad news on Sondance. I don't know him but I hope he recovers so we may all get together somewhere down the road. Once again Thanks Guys!!! a/k/a VFR25thanny New name to reflect both of my toys

Hey David, glad you could join us. Didn't know about the name change so I've added it to my post! :thumbsup:

[turtlecreek]

wish i could have made it. sounds like a good time (food and mc's...two of my favorite things) oh yeah, and great people!!

[Sweeper]

I was having a fine time until lunch. I thought that BR was entertaining me with his front wheel in the air or falling back out of sight. Then he tells me my bike stinks. The traffic did stink but I didn't smell my bike once . Thanks all of you for putting on the ride.

[Baileyrock]

I discovered that all VFR'd seem to stink at least most the the one's near the back of the field! :warranty:

Oh yeah, I just wanted you to tell me if the bottom of my bike looked good! :goofy:

:unsure:

[Baileyrock]

BTW, this Ride name is just what I came up with because none of you could come up with one!

I'm open to changes!!! :thumbsup:

[VFRiderGal]

BR (5), your ride report is freakin' hilarious (4)!

I think it should be mandatory that all future ride reports are reviewed and edited by you prior to posting in the future (6)!

Seriously, guys & BR (5) & gal (1), it's a bummer that I missed it.

[SEBSPEED]

lmao Kev, best ride report ever!! :lol:

Glad you guys had a great time(8)! :thumbsup:

(8) except for Kevin :goofy:

[Bent]

BTW, this Ride name is just what I came up with because none of you could come up with one!

I'm open to changes!!! :thumbsup:

Let's go with it and get the shirts with a logo and participants forum names in smaller letters. We had no imagination because we ate too much to think. :goofy:

[spud786]

Nice report Bailey,

Any clue as to why your bike had stall / start issues?

[skuuter]

Ah, now it's time for the skuuter non-photo, non-paragraphed, full of these (.............), "REAL" version of the ride. First of all: Baileyrock, I still have your clothes...next time you wanna' repack your bag with my Miller Chill beer, bring saddlebags, although I did appreciate you leaving me one in the fridge...................As everyone probably knows, we were supposed to have one more rider...Sondance (Rob). I still hate that this happened. He was really looking forward to it...hopefully he can participate in one in the future.Get well Buddy...................We all met at Quik Mart #3 in Tullahoma managed by a very beautiful lady with great taste in men (man)..............We held the usual safety meeting with BR being informed that he actually was the sweeper (I like older "mature" grown adults sweeping plus he kills his engine a lot on starts)... BR groan #1....Next I told the group about the "no-passing" unless really a clear shot rule...BR groan #2. This was actually implemented because my wife, others I haven't ridden with before were along and I'm really fussy about everyone arriving safe. (BR actually understands this, I'm just fun to bash). Everyone saddles up on time, while I watch the usual "BR, I can't get my hair right for the ride" pathetic display in my mirrors.....he should see what it looks like when he's asleep. Well, off we go. We leave a traffic light, slow up a little because the squid at the back has killed his engine (later will give the excuse that a valve has "finally tightened"). Through the backroads of Tullahoma, Estill Springs, Decherd, Penile Hill....(50-65 mph through the 30 mph speed zones) to a short little blast down 4-lane 64 ( I throttled to 110 up through the gears BR, what was YOUR problem...groan #43 by this time setting in). turned onto Hwy 41 for a run up the mountain (my favorite Monteagle climb...there are 7)...........the climb was severly impacted by the lady driving the truck(chewed the chrome off my handlebar chomping at the bit to pass her in my usual "passing spots"). After reaching the top Vecky5(Rob) (another reason to really like this guy) suggested let's go back down and do it again...ON OUR WAY...much better, (cleared my mirrors of all on-coming motorcycles for a little stretch...where were you BR... groan #56) still finally caught two cars, but backed us off and did the last few curves in spurts. On through Tracy City where I made my first pass of a truck and my first screw-up. Pulled out to pass, tucked back in, then remembered where a THP was the day before, let off and kinda' scrunched the rear folks....Sorry guys, realized what I did as I did it. On to a great downhill stretch of twisty mountain curves into Jasper(cleared my mirrors again for a short while...where were you BR...groan #61)...headed out over the Tennessee River through Haletown and Tiftonia. After Haletown we wound around the base of Lookout Mtn into the backside of old downtown Chattanooga. Several twists and turns on several old city streets and we arrive at Beas(excuse BR's "USUAL" spelling...it has four or more letters in it----gonna' be a problem area). It was at this point that I had to promise Honley(David) (at least with the new name this won't be embarrassing) that yes, we would take a "pee break" on the way back as he went trotting for the building. Really great food here if you want "plain-old-southern-been-doing-it-the-same-way-for-57-years-cooking". We knocked a dent in their kitchen stock. Super thanks for picking up the grocery tab Will (house)....way more than expected and you shouldn't have. I hope the waiter enjoys his new CBR from our tips. At this point TN VFR Girl (Shannon) was looking at maps to try to find how to meet up with her friend in Friendsville...Hwy 11 was chosen(hope all worked out perfect) and she left the group. We back-tracked the Chattanooga streets and 41 to Haletown turning left on 156 skirting the Tennessee River on our way to New Hope and South Pittsburg. Great set of switchbacks on the Cumberland Ridge climb as I cleared my mirrors again...BR...groan #93. We got stuck behind a car this time on a long straight shot...I signaled and we all passed(118 on the clock this time...BR...groan #112). When I say we "ALL" passed, seems this wasn't the case. BR, the hater of the "no-pass" rule missed it. Seems he had dozed off, dropped back, and was wobbling around in his "own little world". He caught up...BR...sigh #1 of the day. Over the "Big Blue Bridge" where house (Will) would turn off on 72 to re-meet his family after I pointed to the exit. We loved you waving at us Will, but you gotta' turn at some point(almost passed his point, but made it). Left onto 72 to the "correct" turn-off onto 156(I took us through an "interesting" neighborhood (nothing like Mr. Roger's) on our way to 156 the day before. Up a great set of twisties going up the mountain for another "mirror-clearing"...BR...groan #143. Nice "wavy" road for a while then boringly straightens out before Sewanee(another "more than four" BR moment). We ride behind a slow car for a while, during which time BR is digging in his bag for a sharp object with which to cut his wrists. Finally we arrive in Sewanee(woulda' went left, but had to go right to fulfill my "pee break promise")....sorry we were running(not the only thing running) 8 minutes late Honley.....you had jeans on. Denim dries a lot faster on the bike than leather. Note to Honley: never give the "VFRD sharks" any blood, it will haunt you in a post. After gas,peeing, and drinks(Honley was still drinking when everyone else was saddled up...go figure......nothing personal Honley, just that "VFRD shark thingie" again). We leave the Monteagle toilets to pursue better locations. Into Sewanee we go, turning into the University area itself. I turn onto the road to to Greens View. A very scenic view of actually about 5 counties to the horizon. Part of the road is gravel. Honley never owned a dirt bike and got a little nervous in the loose stuff.....man, that denim ain't never gonna' dry if you keep doin' that. We stayed here a few moments, while BR made friends with some "cruiser folks". I guess the day's pace had made him feel like they had a common bond by this point. We left the graveled area with Honley "settling the dust" as we went...jeans musta' weighed 40 lbs. by now. That wasn't rain on your shield BR. I turned again in town to circle the Memorial Cross(60 ft monument to past War dead) then on down the mountain for some more "mirror-clearing"...BR...groan #563. Through Cowan into Winchester where bent (Jim) and Smee42 (Randy) waved, turned left onto 64 for the haul back to Alabama(shoulda' stayed with us Will and took lessons bro', they had this left turn/ wave thing goin' on). Now it was just me, Mrs.skuuter, Baileyrock and Honley (Honley was instructed to follow us until I turned into my driveway, then proceed straight to Quik Mart. We turned onto the Winchester by-pass he went straight. I later remembered he could see a convenience store straight ahead(Curl's Corner). I guess the lure of possible toilets was just too much for him (sharks, man, sharks). We made it to Estill Springs into the "skuuterville" driveway. Not long afterwards, here came Honley by, waving, wearing new tan Dockers with blue denim jeans flapping off the back drying in the wind. Put some stars and stripes on thoise things and they'll look good on that R-W-B VFR bro'. Well this sums up the ride report. "Living with Baileyrock" thread will follow. It really was a great ride...the wife and I really enjoyed everyones great company. Great to get together with great friends, great motorcycles, great food, and great roads. See Ya', skuuter

[Baileyrock]

BTW, this Ride name is just what I came up with because none of you could come up with one!

I'm open to changes!!! :thumbsup:

Let's go with it and get the shirts with a logo and participants forum names in smaller letters. We had no imagination because we ate too much to think. :goofy:

Here's the pic for the front of the T-shirts! Call it Ruckus in the South Ride! :squid:

[Baileyrock]

Ah, now it's time for the skuuter non-photo, non-paragraphed, full of these (.............), "REAL" version of the ride. See Ya', skuuter

You got up at 3 am to write this? :squid:

:P

I can't spell, but I can make a paragraph or two! :lol:

Thanks for filling in all the holes in my review, I'm not detail oriented especially when sleeping! :squid:

If you guys help me out with the names I forgot from our dinner party I'll add them in! Jim's wife, Will's wife & daughter and Wills friend(that un-friendly HD rider) :goofy:

[skuuter]

I'm up for the name BR...... :thumbsup: ....besides when I get done with my seperate "Living With Baileyrock" thread, you'll be a household word. I plan on having it up early tonight....."A STAR IS BORN"............you can "THANK" me later, heh, heh, heh........................ :goofy:....the Huntsville night meal will be covered in the "new" thread..... :thumbsup:

[Bent]

Ah, now it's time for the skuuter non-photo, non-paragraphed, full of these (.............), "REAL" version of the ride. See Ya', skuuter

You got up at 3 am to write this? :squid:

:P

I can't spell, but I can make a paragraph or two! :lol:

Thanks for filling in all the holes in my review, I'm not detail oriented especially when sleeping! :goofy:

If you guys help me out with the names I forgot from our dinner party I'll add them in! Jim's wife, Will's wife & daughter and Wills friend(that un-friendly HD rider) :goofy:

Bent's wife = Brenda

Will's wife = Roxanne, can't remember his most cute daughter's name

Harley riders name = can't remember.

Sorry, I was too full of food to think more than that. :squid:

I'm hungry, let's go for a ride again..... :P

Bent

[Baileyrock]

Ah, now it's time for the skuuter non-photo, non-paragraphed, full of these (.............), "REAL" version of the ride. See Ya', skuuter

You got up at 3 am to write this? :squid:

:P

I can't spell, but I can make a paragraph or two! :lol:

Thanks for filling in all the holes in my review, I'm not detail oriented especially when sleeping! :goofy:

If you guys help me out with the names I forgot from our dinner party I'll add them in! Jim's wife, Will's wife & daughter and Wills friend(that un-friendly HD rider) :goofy:

Bent's wife = Brenda

Will's wife = Roxanne, can't remember his most cute daughter's name

Harley riders name = can't remember.

Sorry, I was too full of food to think more than that. :squid:

I'm hungry, let's go for a ride again..... :P

Bent

Thanks Bent, I added those names. Tell Brenda I should have remembered, but I did recognize her! :thumbsup: