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Down The Road I Go...

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(day 4 continued)

We decided that we were cold and hungry, but there was no telling how much longer it would be before we'd reach anything resembling a town. Out came the Jetboil and some camp food for a mountain-top picnic.

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We decided to head back, but the cold was overpowering my ability to stay relaxed through the curves and elevation. I needed to head back down off the ridge, but there was no way I'd take 80 again. Instead, I opted for the scheduled detour back down to Marion.

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Which was just as bad as the ride up! 10 and 15 mph switchbacks, warning signs for trucks and RVs, and lots of blind turns. After a while I got tired of holding the clutch in, so I put it in neutral and coasted down feathering the brakes.

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The interstate was boring, but I was just glad to be back on (mentally) solid footing. I'd made a full circle out of the BRP 'event' and lost a half day or mileage.

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I motored east, heading for Greensboro.

My shadow grew longer...

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I was glad the setting sun was behind me and not straight in my eyes.

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As I neared my intended destination, I was just getting my second wind. I needed to make up for the mileage I'd lost earlier so I pressed on for Durham, NC.

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I made it there but got mixed up finding the hotel I'd selected - I hadn't loaded this section of the state into my GPS because I had no idea I'd be traveling this far east on the trip. I saw the glowing green and white calling me from a Starbucks sign and headed there to grab a cup o' joe and get my bearings.

I ended up at the Howard Johnsons, a very clean and friendly place just minutes from the Duke campus.

North & South Carolina
375 miles

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The pictures on the dragon are great, you need to get those for your scrapbook. A couple of pictures later there's a Goldwing in the same section scraping it's pegs. :eek2:
 
Texfire said:
The pictures on the dragon are great, you need to get those for your scrapbook. A couple of pictures later there's a Goldwing in the same section scraping it's pegs. :eek2:
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I'm actually quite embarrassed - I'm barely leaning at all. I was in first gear and going about 16 mph through there... :doh:
 
Squeaky said:
We'll have to wait and see what ZeeFoto and Killboy got of me out there,
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Nothing on ZeePhoto for 4/28 - yet. Maybe it will appear later.

Gilk51 said:
Looks like you on the first and second pages of Killboy - lookin' good! (also 2 on previous page)

first 8 on second page
last 2 on first page

(just click on "Continue" to see them)

:thumb:
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Total of 10 pictures on 2 pages - so you don't miss any.

sparkyphotog said:
Great report so far. I found your Dragon pics on Killboy, April 28 in the touring bikes section at the bottom of the page. They look awesome! You're gonna want to order some of those. :rider:
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Pay attention, Sparky! :nana:


Squeaky - don't forget the family pictures in NJ - I want to see if your sister has the family resemblence of you and Heath... :ponder:
 
Squeaky said:
I'm actually quite embarrassed - I'm barely leaning at all. I was in first gear and going about 16 mph through there... :doh:
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And it was also the first time you had ridden that road and were exiting a blind turn. What do you have to be embarrassed about?
 
Squeaky said:
I'm actually quite embarrassed - I'm barely leaning at all. I was in first gear and going about 16 mph through there... :doh:
Click to expand...

Now I know what's wrong, if you're paying that much attention to your speedo then no wonder you were going that slow!!! Eyes on the road girl!
 
Wow great pictures!! :clap:

I think your KillBoy pictures look great! Definitely get some. :thumb:

I'm jealous. What an awesome trip.

:popcorn:
 
DFW_Warrior said:
Now I know what's wrong, if you're paying that much attention to your speedo then no wonder you were going that slow!!! Eyes on the road girl!
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Well, I looked down to check it since I'd been passed by two bikes, five cars, and one flatbed truck :giveup:
 
Squeaky said:
I'm actually quite embarrassed - I'm barely leaning at all. I was in first gear and going about 16 mph through there... :doh:
Click to expand...

Kathy did the same as you on the Dragon when we went in '06. I was leading and having a blast just focusing on the road, and I looked for her in my mirrors she wasn't there. I called her on the radio she was about 1/2 to 3/4 mile behind me just taking her time. When we got to the overlook to turn around she came in probably a minute behind me. Going back to Deals Gap she was in front of me so I could video her since I videoed going up. The time difference between the 2 vids is only like 3 mins. I never got going faster than about 40 mph and saw 4th gear only in couple of spots very breifly. When we watched the video at home we marveled at the color on the trees( we were there in the fall) cause we never saw them when riding. She says that we go again later this year that she won't ride the Dragon again, but she will. You have to be careful the Dragon will bite you.
She did good and so did you. I am enjoying the report on your trip keep it up.
Marty
 
Your killboy pics are great! Squeaky & Wilbur on the Dragon. Wilbur sporting new jewelery (Dragon Sticker).:rider: :rider: :rider:
Marty
 
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I just get a blank map when I go to the SPOT page. It shows a note that there have been no new messages in the past 24 hours, but that's it. Is there something I'm supposed to click on?
 
Texas T said:
I just get a blank map when I go to the SPOT page. It shows a note that there have been no new messages in the past 24 hours, but that's it. Is there something I'm supposed to click on?
Click to expand...

It only gives info on the last 24 hours - she has been idle (except for the computer) for a bit longer than that.

Maybe she will go outside and press the "OK" button... :trust:
 
That was my assumption, but didn't know for sure. I just checked prices on ebay and one vendor has them for $140 right now. I don't think I'll need one until next Apr/May so I'll wait on a purchase and see if the price drops a little.
 
Day 5
Wednesday April 30

The original plan had me landing in New Jersey at my sister's place for the night, but that was many miles an states away from Durham, NC. I have to stick to interstates if I'm going to make it there before my nephews' bedtime.

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Spank, you ready to hold on tight? This is going to be a high speed day!

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Headed north up 85 and got my Virginia welcome sign on a cool, shaded shoulder.

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Stopped just shy of Richmond for a quick lunch and refueling.

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Made it to DC by early afternoon.

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I decided that if I was this close to national monuments, I might as well take the time to stop and get some proper pictures with my bike.

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After struggling with tourists on foot, in cars, and in caravans of busses I hit the highway to head north again. DC doesn't feel the need to put up signs, so I guess nobody is welcome here.

Now I had to fight my way towards Baltimore with mass commuters trying to make it home for the night.

I'd made it into Maryland but without a Welcome sign letting me know when it happened.

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Bridges

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And tunnels

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And bridges

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And then there was Delaware. Tiny state, big sign.

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Then more bridges.

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Welcome to New Jersey!

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It was the homestretch. I was in the state, all I needed to do was make it north to Hackettstown before it was pitch black.

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I was losing the race with the sun.

Off the interstate and northbound on 206, all I wanted was a hug when I arrived.

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I got more than a hug. I got to read him not one, but TWO bedtime stories!

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North Carolina, Virginia, DC, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey
516 miles

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Squeaky said:
Day 5
Wednesday April 30

stories!

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North Carolina, Virginia, DC, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey
516 miles

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Man I have never been so sosoooooooooooooooo so I can't even think of the words to describe how it has felt following you on this adventure.. It is a heavy load you carry to be responsible to all of us poooooor unfortunate people that cannot for whatever reasons do what you are doing.. Good Grief Girl..... I can't even think how to tell you how proud I am of you and I'm soooo new to this forum the first thing I did was click on this thread and now I can't wait to read the next installment... Thank You!! and that seems weak and not enough but that's what I got ... and again Thank You for :rider: including me in your trip..:rider:
 
Good going. Nice trip report and pics. Those bridges in Natchez across the Mississippi river looks familiar. :trust: September, 2007 and I was on the return leg of a trip. :rider:

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Great Ride report! Great pics! Glad you made it safe and you got in two stories.. you go girl!! :clap: :clap: :clap:
 
Squeaky said:
Day 5
Wednesday April 30
SNIP
I got more than a hug. I got to read him not one, but TWO bedtime stories!

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SNIP
Click to expand...

Dang girl. You're, like, the COOLEST aunt in the world! Not only did you read two bedtime stories, you SHOWED UP ON A MOTORCYCLE!!

I mean, does it get any cooler? I don't think so.

Looking forward to the rest of the trip report (your stay and your trip home). Ride safe...can't wait to hear about stuff you're NOT putting in this report at Java Joe's.
 
rowdyram said:
Dang girl. You're, like, the COOLEST aunt in the world! Not only did you read two bedtime stories, you SHOWED UP ON A MOTORCYCLE!!

I mean, does it get any cooler? I don't think so.
Click to expand...

And he was wearing his MX pajamas when I got there!

We had a talk today about the difference between a bicycle and a motorcycle. He likes it and is considering hopping on it with me, but his mother isn't excited about anything but picture taking while parked.

His brother thinks my key tastes yummy. :lol2:
 
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