tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75511751238941980532024-03-18T23:28:11.162-04:00Kurt's Motorcycle AdventuresThis blog is to allow me to share my motorcycle adventures with my friends and family around the world!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-57551997435415191142017-10-09T16:30:00.000-04:002017-10-12T10:27:48.435-04:002017 Nottarally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The 2017 Nottarally took place between September 28 and October 1. As usual it was a great time. The weather was perfect (perhaps a little chilly Friday and Saturday night). Food was excellent and prepared by knowledgeable cooks and no one that I know of went hungry. It was a great weekend filled with a lot of good riding.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Honey Wagon arrives!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little minibike with a sidecar was all the rage at Nottarally!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The days were quite warm and sitting in the creek was a good way to cool off.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My campsite</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kermit Chair ride. No injuries this year!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love riding in Appalachia. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always like to stop and see Masonic Lodges when I am on the back roads. This one is near Greenville, TN.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> With this post I am caught up with posts for this year. I may have one more ride coming up before winter settles in. I won't know for two more weeks. You'll just have to wait and see.</span></div>
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Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-50031595089265446982017-10-03T16:38:00.001-04:002017-10-03T16:38:45.543-04:00Horizons Unlimited North CarolinaThe weekend of September 20-23 I spent attending the Horizons Unlimited Traveler's Meeting in Stecoah, NC. This meeting is very similar to the meeting in Virginia I described a few posts ago. It is sort of like a family reunion. To be honest, I see some of these people more than I see some of my family!<br />
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The event is held each year at the Iron Horse Motorcycle Resort. Did I say "resort"? Yes, I did! This venue is absolutely fantastic. Beautiful facilities.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional picture of my bike and tent. This time with a can of Chef Boyardee included!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what we do. Stand around and talk about motorcycles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More standing around talking about motorcycles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BMW GS sidecar. This will run you at least a couple of $$.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demonstration on how to ride with a service dog.</td></tr>
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There were a lot of presentations by several travelers. The presentations covered everything from travel photography to Round the World trips.<br />
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My next Horizons Unlimited event will probably be the HU meeting in Virginia next year. I can't wait to see my friends and fellow travelers!!<br />
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I have one more trip to post about and I will be caught up! I hope to have it up later this week.<br />
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Stay tuned!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge, 1755 Lower Stecoah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA35.389266 -83.67776499.434124 -124.9863589 61.344408 -42.3691709tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-76858958739229618472017-09-27T14:17:00.000-04:002017-09-27T14:17:14.080-04:00Weekend at Kickstand Lodge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The weekend of August 25 - 27, 2017 I spent at the Kickstand Lodge in Stecoah, NC. Kickstand Lodge (KSL) is a unique place. It is campground operated by riders for riders. It leans slightly toward the "American Iron" crowd, but all are welcomed heartily. Besides Mo, the owner, the best feature of KSL is its location. It is truly some of the best motorcycling in the United States. Some people save up to spend a week or two in the area and I am lucky to live eighty miles from this outpost. Nearby is the famed "Tail of the Dragon". A little secret here. We send tourists to the Dragon so we can have all the better roads to ourselves!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtWopYRWqWVyaG-mtaxVpJD4Kh3CRMZxseag8MhJOa2iocrgmAopS0zz-sWboLUUJ3lG9V3pSN7PBKyeUbceb2Ap0pmTVHw2IiHD8KzEctraZMdWrpP8K1Phqx4aZW4luF0MTjkT5zYc/s1600/P8250024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtWopYRWqWVyaG-mtaxVpJD4Kh3CRMZxseag8MhJOa2iocrgmAopS0zz-sWboLUUJ3lG9V3pSN7PBKyeUbceb2Ap0pmTVHw2IiHD8KzEctraZMdWrpP8K1Phqx4aZW4luF0MTjkT5zYc/s640/P8250024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highest Elevation on the Blue Ridge Parkway</td></tr>
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<br />On the way to KSL I rode the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Cherokee. It was a nice day and I was in no hurry. I passed by the Highest point on the Parkway. I've been here many times, but always have to stop for a photo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYWvVDGgbSuegu0XJSX0eLvYSKrK2L8tpoebGh6hFSyQU7pHMr-NsmfDlkKjFnzSY1xolcd2F-0MD7QF7Hnr4kgvUfMfs0WmlQwNS6LnfpUmc6fzSQp-SGrVqcoKT0lDI-87wVp-SPjg/s1600/P8250028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYWvVDGgbSuegu0XJSX0eLvYSKrK2L8tpoebGh6hFSyQU7pHMr-NsmfDlkKjFnzSY1xolcd2F-0MD7QF7Hnr4kgvUfMfs0WmlQwNS6LnfpUmc6fzSQp-SGrVqcoKT0lDI-87wVp-SPjg/s640/P8250028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brunhilde at Waterrock Knob</td></tr>
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<br />Here is Brunhilde (my bike's name) at Waterrock Knob. I have ridden this ol' girl to the Arctic Circle and the Yucatan in Mexico. She's been in 46 states.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWSvj_Sy6MqYHbki1RFBk3SPNU8wjBeFtW7YDSZUy4_NgBn8kwYK1eV2412lMX62e1gP6_eEQOymmjLWrO-fyc-37H1C1zvqCzozdJhHA7PJesLV07RZ-7nfcp1rUWjit4PL2zJ2t_Ug/s1600/P8260029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWSvj_Sy6MqYHbki1RFBk3SPNU8wjBeFtW7YDSZUy4_NgBn8kwYK1eV2412lMX62e1gP6_eEQOymmjLWrO-fyc-37H1C1zvqCzozdJhHA7PJesLV07RZ-7nfcp1rUWjit4PL2zJ2t_Ug/s640/P8260029.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deal's Gap before the circus begins</td></tr>
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<br />Saturday Morning I woke up early and rode over to Deal's Gap. It was early and the squids were not out yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPl0CYfokbNZHPYyK9xDqKbmKK0oCVHj8760Ezm8Tj-XXcBlW69jCE7yt90BwiTpE9OtjLuVbm-6r2zVUfIx5Jnvm70IkxK115IdeUk_XdFFy5tOdCNSGRWj1KqWLzk6oeHBPBpOj8c0/s1600/P8260031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPl0CYfokbNZHPYyK9xDqKbmKK0oCVHj8760Ezm8Tj-XXcBlW69jCE7yt90BwiTpE9OtjLuVbm-6r2zVUfIx5Jnvm70IkxK115IdeUk_XdFFy5tOdCNSGRWj1KqWLzk6oeHBPBpOj8c0/s640/P8260031.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch in Franklin</td></tr>
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Around noon I decided to stop for a gourmet lunch in Franklin. After lunch I thought I would make a leisurely ride back to KSL. Alas, it was not to be. I saw an interesting road to the left off of Highway 28 (the Moonshiner road). After about 5 miles the road became gravel. No big deal, but this gravel road went straight up to a ridge via hairpin curves and straight down via hairpin curves. Most of the hairpin curves were basically sand. Not a favorite road surface of mine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOxjcV-LGXkpnrhvpbFCU7Pf6rpepwY3sJqCDzQilLZwCiK09IuOUK5PCV4I_t9YdABwTnI-6_fV2Nwn1nDVL6moZ2kI4Lhw96TyrLBDWFQkSzEU4i7qUxe_EtDwxJRQ0x5nfhB9zSO8/s1600/P8260033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOxjcV-LGXkpnrhvpbFCU7Pf6rpepwY3sJqCDzQilLZwCiK09IuOUK5PCV4I_t9YdABwTnI-6_fV2Nwn1nDVL6moZ2kI4Lhw96TyrLBDWFQkSzEU4i7qUxe_EtDwxJRQ0x5nfhB9zSO8/s640/P8260033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in Western North Carolina.</td></tr>
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I made it back to KSL (obviously) and enjoyed an evening of Mo and Bobby's cooking and socializing with the other riders.<br />
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The Sunday morning ride home was uneventful. It usually is.<br />
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Next post will be up next week and it will cover the Horizons Unlimited North Carolina Traveler's Meeting. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com02097 NC Hwy28, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA35.3720529 -83.679309600000011-18.443702100000003 -166.2964971 89.1878079 -1.0621221000000105tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-9120448087559777532017-09-18T12:56:00.001-04:002017-09-19T09:50:46.126-04:00Horizons Unlimited - Appomattox, Virginia 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito10Kyqb8xLnqR-HrHeSAX4xGxp1Zx7fMif49yGU30f20orlS9l_8u9eS8RHhbcL8XpC3Iowq7VuvG_jqxpz1IDt11k0hhSvHdV9_zZMwVSdQbLGbS5E4AjyIRwoJRcajj6spPQTKkuY/s1600/Horizons+Unlimited+Virginia+2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="803" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEito10Kyqb8xLnqR-HrHeSAX4xGxp1Zx7fMif49yGU30f20orlS9l_8u9eS8RHhbcL8XpC3Iowq7VuvG_jqxpz1IDt11k0hhSvHdV9_zZMwVSdQbLGbS5E4AjyIRwoJRcajj6spPQTKkuY/s640/Horizons+Unlimited+Virginia+2017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">OK. I know I am not the best at keeping this blog thing current. To be honest I have not ridden much this year for some reason or another. I promise I will try and do better in the future. For this post I am going to have to go all the way back to April and try to catch up. That will be only three posts and I hope to have them all up by next week. The bikes have been a couple of "hangar queens" this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's start with the Horizons Unlimited Virginia meeting for 2017. The meeting was held April 27 til April 30. For those of you that don't know, Horizons Unlimited is and organization for us folks that like to cross borders on our bikes. No, I don't mean state lines... I mean borders. For example, Guatemala, Mexico, Turkey, Poland, etc. Around the fires you will hear conversations about the advantages of cross into Honduras at Corinto instead of Agua Caliente. You will not hear conversations on which bar in Fresno has the coldest Bud Light.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3qg1gC3o6-WZPraZ_R6lpRqRmoWr1HUzUKYgwnd6ytOyDp_TR6geryMhwPpoycDYoFI7gt5mZeSNUYvLjF2v17MPedNYzVjOLkJlxEq_Zc8yRiAIyWEbL8q6L23mtxlVm8TdbL9Ogw4/s1600/DSCF0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3qg1gC3o6-WZPraZ_R6lpRqRmoWr1HUzUKYgwnd6ytOyDp_TR6geryMhwPpoycDYoFI7gt5mZeSNUYvLjF2v17MPedNYzVjOLkJlxEq_Zc8yRiAIyWEbL8q6L23mtxlVm8TdbL9Ogw4/s640/DSCF0001.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The camping area with the bikes up front. The make and model of the bike is not important.<br />
What is important is that you ride, ride, ride. Something I have been guilty of not doing<br />
this year. By the way, that's my bike in the lower left corner with the read and green fuel bottles.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">There were the usual presentations by folks that had ridden around the world or from Prudhoe Bay to Tierra del Fuego. But what makes these events special are the people. After attending these meeting for a few years there get to be a core group and the meetings become something akin to a family reunion. We understand each other while many people don't.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXySFW4AXZIPz2s2ObpFqNBOzglOnqM4CJxDHEhUFJpaJi_Os0MvG-U6c4i2AU4ytoDJpjHOYDDr5CMzZLb1SG7e6FSapVuMT3a6pMVpKsaqAs1NtatwjQT2mvSFiuBVUOSQzWAu8nKTw/s1600/DSCF0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXySFW4AXZIPz2s2ObpFqNBOzglOnqM4CJxDHEhUFJpaJi_Os0MvG-U6c4i2AU4ytoDJpjHOYDDr5CMzZLb1SG7e6FSapVuMT3a6pMVpKsaqAs1NtatwjQT2mvSFiuBVUOSQzWAu8nKTw/s640/DSCF0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The venue where the presentations were given. This building also served as our mess hall.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">It was great meeting and the weather was the best it had been in the three years since the inauguration of the Virginia Traveller's Meeting. </span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFibUvtPmrWrkmz-1LbDRWQauXF5rmM5jAuN_WcTAmUELvP9mqmvFeuwiVPeMUkb_7Ow5tmOwTVDvveaNCq9b49DnKHuS1-krGW8yFS38eJNu-MWrJwvh3iQ6PjtLk9KEgNyODRsBmJaw/s1600/DSCF0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFibUvtPmrWrkmz-1LbDRWQauXF5rmM5jAuN_WcTAmUELvP9mqmvFeuwiVPeMUkb_7Ow5tmOwTVDvveaNCq9b49DnKHuS1-krGW8yFS38eJNu-MWrJwvh3iQ6PjtLk9KEgNyODRsBmJaw/s640/DSCF0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The camping area before the unwashed masses arrived.</td></tr>
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Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com01267 State Rte 723, Appomattox River, VA 24522, USA37.3900301 -78.640362637.3395726 -78.7210436 37.4404876 -78.5596816tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-45982935527358109272016-10-18T15:52:00.000-04:002016-10-18T15:52:20.710-04:00Horizons Unlimited North Carolina 2016Once again Horizons Unlimited held their annual Traveler's Meeting at the Iron Horse Motorcycle Resort in Stecoah, NC. Horizons Unlimited is a group of like minded individuals that share a love for long distance motorcycle touring. We get together once or twice a year (there is another meeting on the east coast near Appomattox, VA in the spring) and discuss all thing motorcycle. Most presentations at the meeting relate directly to a trip but some teach an aspect related to travel. This year I was most interested in the presentations on photography. We had a professional photographer show us photographic techniques including Smartphone photography and related apps. Hopefully this will improve my photography for future postings!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPr0dPH-2965WxaZPeXgSSTN5_3nDkDQcC9ay8ueLgQDT1BWMP0QctKPKjb0157s-5aYyaecwa19ld7rkpw3BdUhmJg-u6EI8lGiz7iAqPpPK4T8vwuC0xa6NFzrLQB741-sm0jYJibQ/s1600/IMG_20161006_144520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPr0dPH-2965WxaZPeXgSSTN5_3nDkDQcC9ay8ueLgQDT1BWMP0QctKPKjb0157s-5aYyaecwa19ld7rkpw3BdUhmJg-u6EI8lGiz7iAqPpPK4T8vwuC0xa6NFzrLQB741-sm0jYJibQ/s640/IMG_20161006_144520.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My campsite at the meeting</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX03CPOFtWRPUsQsQcncXZEiemSnirrPEfvAXXsW6Ir9Zgj3LaJnDgcKCM0gMN5IuNFhmaSrs6G1XH_pPTpUHAeY0ChTZXGnyBIPjpLqHgWGJLrTx0Z-zYfJbZFVpUjvSaa1gcU6yDWio/s1600/DSCF0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX03CPOFtWRPUsQsQcncXZEiemSnirrPEfvAXXsW6Ir9Zgj3LaJnDgcKCM0gMN5IuNFhmaSrs6G1XH_pPTpUHAeY0ChTZXGnyBIPjpLqHgWGJLrTx0Z-zYfJbZFVpUjvSaa1gcU6yDWio/s640/DSCF0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Horizons Unlimited tent city</td></tr>
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Of course, I had to first ride to get to Stecoah. Stecoah is about 80 mile from my home. I could ride there in about and hour and a half, but why should I? I live in a beautiful area for riding and decided to take the Blue Ridge Parkway. The BRP can be beautiful this time of year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTFAM29QKoRwkhNUKo2Yh3GWUaRLhVJcAY45M-L9huaLzwhxG0s0yW2ovkma5qIlxMlmFTIi401G1GpBGzsMX47VnBU8N8j0jTIw7rqx6Ib1b-tH-rgUsStPdDzRrlSZzYmfjr2UhyphenhyphenKw/s1600/PA050006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTFAM29QKoRwkhNUKo2Yh3GWUaRLhVJcAY45M-L9huaLzwhxG0s0yW2ovkma5qIlxMlmFTIi401G1GpBGzsMX47VnBU8N8j0jTIw7rqx6Ib1b-tH-rgUsStPdDzRrlSZzYmfjr2UhyphenhyphenKw/s640/PA050006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above the clouds on the Blue Ridge Parkway</td></tr>
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At the time I was not intending on continuing this blog, but several folks asked me to pick it up again. I am now retired and have more time to give to this blog. It does kind of seem funny to start or resume a blog about motorcycle travel in October. Oh well, so be it.<br />
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Soon I will be posting about the ADV Old School Fall rally held in Tellico Plains, TN. Stay tuned!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Stecoah, NC 28771, USA35.3698128 -83.6904483000000149.8477782999999981 -124.99904230000001 60.891847299999995 -42.381854300000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-80096482782842978242016-10-10T11:40:00.000-04:002016-10-10T11:40:10.012-04:00I'm Back!I have been asked by several people to revive this blog. I have kind of let it slide for more than a year. You can look forward (?) to new post in the coming week. It kind of sucks that I have decided to revive this in October, the end of the riding season. But, that's life. I have just returned from a Horizons Unlimited Traveler's Meeting and will post on that next week. I will be attending an ADV Old School Rally this weekend and will post on that shortly after the HU post. Stay tuned and let's see where this goes!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Asheville, NC, USA35.5950581 -82.55148689999998635.181594100000005 -83.196933899999991 36.0085221 -81.906039899999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-7643466668023276712015-10-12T16:23:00.001-04:002015-10-12T16:24:17.930-04:00ADV Girls Weekend 2015Due to my son, Niels, arriving from Japan I was only able to spend one evening at the 2nd Annual ADV Girls Weekend. This is a little get together mainly for women who habit the ADVRider.com site, but men are allowed to attend as "umbrella boys". The rally is held annually at Willville Motorcycle Camp in Meadows of Dan, VA just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.<br />
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As I said I just rode up and back for one evening so I don't have many photos.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Girls-Weekend-2015/i-W7XDG5p/0/XL/P7230003-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Girls-Weekend-2015/i-W7XDG5p/0/XL/P7230003-XL.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My camp site at Willville</td></tr>
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<br />Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Meadows of Dan, VA 24120, USA36.7377315 -80.395203400000014-36.771090999999991 114.37042159999999 90 84.839171599999986tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-41660666688206967332015-05-14T16:32:00.000-04:002015-05-14T16:32:10.548-04:00Weekend at Kickstand LodgeI spent last weekend at the Kickstand Lodge in Stecoah, NC. There isn't really much to tell about this trip. I spent most of the time just hanging out at the campground. I didn't even put a key in the motorcycle on Saturday. It's always good at Kickstand Lodge. It is sort of a guilty pleasure for me. Each time I go I meet new and interesting folks and this time was no exception.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Kickstand-Lodge-May-2015/i-HPHtwZK/0/L/P5080006-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Kickstand-Lodge-May-2015/i-HPHtwZK/0/L/P5080006-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My campsite at the Kickstand Lodge</td></tr>
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<br />Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Stecoah, NC 28771, USA35.3698128 -83.6904483000000149.8477782999999981 -124.99904230000001 60.891847299999995 -42.381854300000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-49042019834373193102015-04-28T16:28:00.001-04:002015-04-28T16:28:14.197-04:00ADV Old School Spring Rally 2015From April 23 to 26 I attended the ADV Old School Spring Rally. The ADV Old School group is a great bunch of guys that get together twice a year. It is a relatively small group and more a gathering of friends than "motorcycle rally". This year, as usual, we met at the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground in Cruso, NC. This is really close for me, about a 45 minute ride down the Blue Ridge Parkway.<br />
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Since this was the "Old School" rally I decided to ride my 1985 BMW R80RT. I really love this machine even thought the Frau is always wanting me to sell it. This year I got a cabin instead of tenting it and found that at my age I really enjoyed the added comfort. I still like tenting, though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Spring-Rally-20/i-jN9Km35/0/L/P4240002-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Spring-Rally-20/i-jN9Km35/0/L/P4240002-L.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 1985 BMW in front of my cabin</td></tr>
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The weather was predicted to be lousy. The forecast was for 80% chance of heavy rain all day Saturday. The forecast was wrong. The weather was beautiful! On Saturday I got a good ride in on the old airhead and had a great time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Spring-Rally-20/i-5ChLFzr/0/L/P4250004-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Spring-Rally-20/i-5ChLFzr/0/L/P4250004-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mount Pisgah</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Spring-Rally-20/i-jWSVBcP/0/L/P4250003-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Spring-Rally-20/i-jWSVBcP/0/L/P4250003-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What can I say?</td></tr>
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Of course, the best part of this rally is getting together with old friends and riding. This rally was no exception. Great friends, great bikes and great locations!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Spring-Rally-20/i-j5T3Bg5/0/L/P4250005-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Spring-Rally-20/i-j5T3Bg5/0/L/P4250005-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using my new selfie stick</td></tr>
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I have a couple of videos to add to this post. I hope you enjoy them!<br />
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Stay tuned as this is just the beginning of the season. I have many more motorcycle trips planned this year!<br />
Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campgrounds, Pisgah National Forest, 59 Motorcycle Drive, Canton, NC 28716, USA35.404653 -82.81076635.300678000000005 -82.9721275 35.508628 -82.6494045tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-52036804381824609872015-04-16T19:39:00.001-04:002015-04-16T19:39:36.555-04:00Horizon Unlimited Traveller's Meeting - VirginiaThe 2015 riding season has begun! My first trip of this year was to the Horizons Unlimited Traveller's Meeting near Appomattox, VA. The HU meetings are gatherings of like minded souls that like to travel internationally by motorcycle. A normal group of people we are not! The weekend was filled with several trip reports ranging from Mongolia (a favorite among us for some reason) to China to the Middle East. I did not present at this meeting but plan on presenting at the October meeting in Stecoah, NC.<br />
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We were just a few miles from the Appomattox Court House where General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant. This weekend was the 150th anniversary of the surrender. At times we could hear cannons in the night while laying in our tents. There were re-enactors on the site re-enacting the events of 150 years ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Horisons-Unlimited-Events/Horizons-Unlimited-Virginia-20/i-29HVFW7/0/L/DSCF0022-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Horisons-Unlimited-Events/Horizons-Unlimited-Virginia-20/i-29HVFW7/0/L/DSCF0022-L.jpg" height="169" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The camping area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Horisons-Unlimited-Events/Horizons-Unlimited-Virginia-20/i-XWjdFtv/0/L/DSCF0007-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Horisons-Unlimited-Events/Horizons-Unlimited-Virginia-20/i-XWjdFtv/0/L/DSCF0007-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A class on travel photography</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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It was a great weekend and I got to reunite with some old friends that I have not seen in years. One had ridden around the world on his motorcycle since I saw him last.<br />
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There will be more events and weekends coming up soon, so stay tuned and check back often!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Appomattox, VA 24522, USA37.3570894 -78.82529110000001537.3066034 -78.905972100000014 37.4075754 -78.744610100000017tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-23280184488397067722014-10-29T14:26:00.000-04:002014-10-29T14:26:15.213-04:00ADV Old School Fall RallyThe ADV Old School Fall Rally was held between October 16 and 10, 2014 in Tellico Plains, TN. The weather could not have been better! It was a great weekend to see old friends and ride the great roads of eastern Tennessee.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-SGTbTHv/1/L/PA180010-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-SGTbTHv/1/L/PA180010-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The banner welcoming us to the campground.</td></tr>
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The rally is held each year at the Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground. On Thursday night just a few of us showed up with the majority arriving Friday.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-6mhzWxz/1/L/PA180011-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-6mhzWxz/1/L/PA180011-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherohala Mountain Trails Campground</td></tr>
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On Friday I took a long ride through east Tennessee. I rode to Reliance, TN which is basically a gas station / post office. It's kind of a landmark for motorcyclist in the area.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-wvpkwrc/1/L/PA170003-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-wvpkwrc/1/L/PA170003-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reliance, TN</td></tr>
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The rest of the weekend was spent reminiscing about rides taken this past year and plans for next year. The Old School rallies are my favorite rallies of the year. They are small (generally less than 50 people) and more like a gathering of friends than a rally.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-kwwPqw8/1/L/PA180009-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-kwwPqw8/1/L/PA180009-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doin' what we do at these things</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-xPLN5XK/1/L/PA160002-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-xPLN5XK/1/L/PA160002-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My campsite</td></tr>
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On Sunday I packed up and rode home in beautiful weather. This will probably be my last event of the season. I already have some plans for next spring so stay tuned!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-3wc24vd/1/L/PA190015-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2014/i-3wc24vd/1/L/PA190015-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed for the ride home</td></tr>
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Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Tellico Plains, TN 37385, USA35.362855 -84.2940869999999935.311063000000004 -84.374767999999989 35.414647 -84.213405999999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-43588515426402410762014-10-06T16:11:00.000-04:002014-10-06T16:11:42.332-04:00ADV NottarallyThe annual ADV Nottarally was held October 2-5, 2014. I rode up on Friday October 3. Despite having organized camping, meals, rides, t-shirts, stickers, etc. this is not a rally. Hence the name "Nottarally" does not make sense to some. Those of us that are "initiates" understand the reasoning behind this name and we prefer to leave it esoteric.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Nottarally-2014/i-9sD2f2W/0/L/Packed%20for%20Nottarally-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Nottarally-2014/i-9sD2f2W/0/L/Packed%20for%20Nottarally-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed and ready to go.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I left on Friday and got to the site in Del Rio, TN before the rain began to fall. The rain was predicted, but it was supposed to be a couple of bands and then move out. Friday night a third band moved through to our surprise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Nottarally-2014/i-v8zrmb7/0/L/PA030002-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Nottarally-2014/i-v8zrmb7/0/L/PA030002-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set up and ready for the rain.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Thanks to a few volunteers we had a hearty breakfast and then most of us hit the road or trails to ride the day away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Nottarally-2014/i-wjQHB32/0/L/PA040008-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Nottarally-2014/i-wjQHB32/0/L/PA040008-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteers cooking up a high protein breakfast of bacon and eggs.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Nottarally-2014/i-QH8XJ9d/0/L/PA040005-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Nottarally-2014/i-QH8XJ9d/0/L/PA040005-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riders getting ready to get dirty</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I had a great campsite with a little stream running behind the tent. During the rain I just laid in my tent and read my Kindle. I really enjoy the sound of rain an a tent or the sound of a stream nearby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Nottarally-2014/i-D6hKFdf/0/L/PA040012-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Nottarally-2014/i-D6hKFdf/0/L/PA040012-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stream behind my tent</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As predicted the temperatures dropped on Saturday night and we woke up to a chilly Sunday morning. Some people broke camp fairly early and had to ride as far as Pennsylvania or even upstate New York. I'm not sure but I think someone mentioned that we had visitors from our neighbor to the north, Canada.<br />
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I arrived home before noon and took a well deserved shower and took a much needed nap. I don't know how many more weekends I will be able to get out this season. There is one more event I know of in two weeks, but it seems that fall has arrived early (and I am getting old).Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Del Rio, TN 37727, USA35.9206692 -83.02434249999998935.8949512 -83.064682999999988 35.9463872 -82.98400199999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-3295770944806887502014-09-23T16:02:00.001-04:002014-09-23T16:02:21.045-04:00Weekend in Cruso<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I spent September 19 - 21 at Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground in Cruso, NC. There was no real reason, I just needed to get away and get a little tent time. There is not really anything exciting to report about this trip but on Saturday I did have a great ride in the Smoky Mountains. Here are some photos from this past weekend.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Cruso-September-2014/i-7QFwNHp/0/L/GOPR0578-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Cruso-September-2014/i-7QFwNHp/0/L/GOPR0578-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balsam Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Smokies near Devil's Courthouse</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed up and ready to ride home on Sunday morning</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do hope to get out a couple more times this year before winter sets in. Check back often! </td></tr>
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Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Cruso, Pisgah National Forest, East Fork, NC 28716, USA35.417608000000008 -82.8106859999999769.8955735000000082 -124.11927999999997 60.939642500000005 -41.502091999999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-54048181078568431272014-09-09T10:30:00.000-04:002014-09-09T10:30:12.118-04:00Horizons Unlimited Eastern Traveler's Meeting 2014The <a href="http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/">Horizons Unlimited</a> Eastern Traveler's Meeting was held September 4 - 7 at the <a href="http://ironhorsenc.com/">Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge</a> in Stecoah, NC. This is an annual meeting of international motorcycle travelers. It consists of three days of presentation covering "how-to" and reports on trips taken. Some folks are there that have never done long distance motorcycle travel and others have been on the road for years. I gave my presentation on a 2008 trip I made to Alaska.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Horisons-Unlimited-Events/Horizons-Unlimited-2014/i-f6JZ8VT/0/L/P9050007-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Horisons-Unlimited-Events/Horizons-Unlimited-2014/i-f6JZ8VT/0/L/P9050007-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bike and tent at the Horizons Unlimited Traveler's Meeting</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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There was a little rain, but since most the events were held indoors we were not bothered. Iron Horse is a fantastic venue for such an event. The food is also great! The highlight of the culinary offerings is the prime rib on Saturday night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Horisons-Unlimited-Events/Horizons-Unlimited-2014/i-mdMG782/0/L/P9060003-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/Horisons-Unlimited-Events/Horizons-Unlimited-2014/i-mdMG782/0/L/P9060003-L.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The evening fire at Iron Horse.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prime Rib dinner at Iron Horse.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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It was a great week and it inspired me to reactivate this blog. I had suspended this blog due to political considerations while I was overseas. <br />
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Here are a few more photos from the week.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tent city</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of bikes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful setting in the Smoky Mountains</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I should have another posting in couple of weeks. Fall is approaching and that is some of the best motorcycling weather in my part of the country. Stay tune!<br />
Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Stecoah, NC 28771, USA35.3698128 -83.6904483000000149.8477782999999981 -124.99904230000001 60.891847299999995 -42.381854300000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-57353523734317998902013-07-25T12:28:00.001-04:002013-07-25T12:28:47.612-04:00Cruso - July 2013As some of you know I am preparing to spend six months in Europe and the planning and preparation for that trip has not left me much time to ride this year. Also we have had rain, rain, RAIN! This is the wettest summer on record and we are only about half way through!<br />
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I did get a chance to go camping at the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground in Cruso, NC this past weekend. Due to the weather there were very few campers and I almost had the campground all to myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My campsite at Cruso</td></tr>
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I managed to get a good ride in on Saturday, but it did rain for about an hour. Afterwards the sun came out and it began to "rain up".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mist rising from the Little Pigeon River</td></tr>
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This may be my last post of the year in my motorcycle travel blog. Be sure to check out my other <a href="http://travelingwithkurt.blogspot.com/">travel blog</a>. I will be driving to Texas and then to Philadelphia to board a freighter to Hamburg, Germany. In Europe we will travel to Berlin, Poland (?), Austria and Bavaria!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campgrounds, Pisgah National Forest, 59 Motorcycle Drive, Canton, NC 28716, USA35.404653 -82.8107669.8826185000000031 -124.11936 60.9266875 -41.502172tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-28623864241400481882013-06-13T08:46:00.000-04:002013-06-13T08:46:04.684-04:00Kickstand LodgeI know I am VERY late in posting this, but it really was not much of a ride. I rode to Kickstand Lodge in Stecoah, NC on Friday April 31 and returned home the next morning. As I was having breakfast Saturday morning a guy comes by with a Smarty Phone and shows me the weather radar. BIG storms were headed our way and I decided to pack up and ride for home. The weather would not get here until Sunday morning, but I did not feel like packing up and riding home in the rain.<br />
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Since I had all day I took the long way home over the Blue Ridge Parkway. When I woke up Sunday morning I found out I made the right decision. Heavy rain all day!<br />
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Because of the trip to Europe later this year I really don't have any further planned trips on the bike. Until I do...Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Stecoah, NC 28771, USA35.3698128 -83.6904483000000149.8477782999999981 -124.99904230000001 60.891847299999995 -42.381854300000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-29968886600615028832013-05-23T13:53:00.000-04:002013-05-24T15:47:42.262-04:00Rick's Rendezvous<h2>
<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2146328">Rick\'s Rendezvous</a></h2>
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EveryTrail - Find the <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/best/hiking-north-carolina">best Hiking in North Carolina</a><script src="http://www.everytrail.com/trip/widgetimpression?trip_id=2146328" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
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The weekend of May 17-19, 2013 was Rick's Rendezvous. This event was formerly called the Eastern Rendezvous but since Rick's death last year Silke and Hunter have taken on the task of keeping the Rendezvous going.<br />
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This year the Rendezvous was held near Hampton, TN and the weather proved to be a problem. There was rain and more rain, hence no photos from this trip. The cameras remained loaded on the bike and I never removed them from their cases. The food and the camaraderie were outstanding. The sun came out after the tent was packed and the ride home was uneventful.<br />
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This will be a short riding season for me because of my trip to Europe beginning in August, but stay tuned to see what else happens on two wheels this year!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com1Hampton, TN 37658, USA36.2861111 -82.17194440000002936.2733116 -82.192114400000023 36.2989106 -82.151774400000036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-15945500838286060122013-05-01T18:44:00.001-04:002013-05-01T18:44:28.605-04:00ADV Old School Spring FlingApril 26 - 28, 2013 was the ADV Old School Spring Fling held at the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground in Cruso, NC. Our weather pattern for the last few weeks had been perfect camping weather Monday through Thursday and then a cold front would come through bringing rain for the weekend. This week proved no different. Many folks came despite the rain and some even came from as far away as Canada! Those are some hardy boys up there! As I mentioned there was a lot of rain so I left my camera equipment in the bags for the most part. I did manage to get a few shots, however.<br />
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This was my first trip in my new tent and the tent held up well. Despite three inches of rain over the weekend it kept me dry! As you can see I also rode my airhead since this was an "Old School" rally. <br />
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One of our Canadian friends had starter troubles on the way down. He had a new starter Fed-Exed to the campground and installed it Saturday morning.<br />
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We kept an eye on the Pigeon River as it kept creeping up!<br />
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On Sunday I rode home in pouring rain. The bike was ridden hard and put up wet. No problem with the equipment and the bike ran like a dream. Hopefully the weather will get better next month!<br />
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<br />Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campgrounds, Pisgah National Forest, 59 Motorcycle Drive, Canton, NC 28716, USA35.404653 -82.8107669.8826185000000031 -124.11936 60.9266875 -41.502172tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-51671927208227733572013-02-25T17:42:00.001-05:002013-02-25T17:42:02.384-05:00International Motorcycle ShowOn Saturday, February 23, 2013 I traveled to Charlotte, NC to attend the 2013 International Motorcycle Show at the Charlotte Convention Center. I have been to this event before and there was really nothing new to see. The usual booths selling leather and jewelry to the Harley crowd and a smattering of new bikes from some of the manufacturers. I took the frau with me and she opted to read the German newspapers on her iPad in a local coffee shop while I browsed the show. All in all I spent roughly 45 minutes at the show.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moto GP Umbrella Girl</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kind of bike!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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After the show we went to the Light Factory and saw an exhibit of photographs dealing with social media. It was very interesting.<br />
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Afterwards we went to the Levine Museum of the New South and viewed different historical exhibits about Charlotte and the surrounding area.<br />
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The season should be picking up in the next month or so and there will be more posts. Come on spring!!!!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0501 South College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA35.222107 -80.8453306999999779.700072500000001 -122.15392469999998 60.7441415 -39.536736699999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-80950468415862878372013-01-13T16:43:00.001-05:002013-01-13T16:43:35.659-05:00Airhead Ride in January!<a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1980402">Airhead ride in January at EveryTrail</a><br><iframe src="http://www.everytrail.com/iframe2.php?trip_id=1980402&width=400&height=300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" width="400" height="300"></iframe><br><br>
We had some freakishly good warm weather this weekend and I took my R80RT out for a little 100 mile ride. The R80 was grateful as she has been a hangar queen for the last year. She was getting a bit jealous of the R12GS getting to spend time in Mexico and out west. She did protest just a little by having a coil wire come loose in the middle of Nowhere, NC. But, as always, she got me home!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com1Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.55401499999999335.1874927 -83.199462 36.014397699999996 -81.908567999999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-39002206997236649232012-10-27T11:41:00.000-04:002012-10-27T11:41:11.912-04:00ADV Old School Fall RallyI spent the weekend of October 19-21 in Tellico Plains, TN attending the ADV Old School Fall Rally. This is usually the last overnight camping trip of my season. For some reason most of my photos did not come out very well. This may be because I did not shoot that many at the campground. I was too busy catching up with old friends that I see only twice a year. Some of these folks I had not seen in a year because I was in Mexico during the Spring Rally.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2012/i-T97vPWx/0/M/DSCF0001-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kurtnugentphotography.com/Motorcycle-Travel/ADV-Events/ADV-Old-School-Fall-Rally-2012/i-T97vPWx/0/M/DSCF0001-M.jpg" /></a></div>
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On Saturday I did ride to my old home of Maryville and rode the Foothills Parkway. The fall colors were spectacular.<br />
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As I am writing this the weather is turning colder and I think, as I mentioned above, this will probably be my last camping trip of the year.<br />
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It has been a great riding season from Mexico, Texas, California, the Overland Expo and the entire southwest! Ther may be a few posts during the winter if I get in a few "maintenance rides". I don't really "winterize" my bikes and if I get a warm weekend in the winter I normally take the bikes out for a twenty mile jaunt just to keep the engine internals coated with oil.<br />
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So, check back ever so often to see what is up!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Tellico Plains, TN 37385, USA35.362855 -84.29408735.336957000000005 -84.333569000000011 35.388753 -84.254605tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-83900257431503404542012-09-23T18:47:00.001-04:002012-09-23T18:53:14.823-04:00Weekend at CrusoI spent this weekend at Cruso at the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground. On Saturday I rode to Sevierville, TN to go to the Smoky Mountain Knife Works to pick up a few things. It was a great weekend and the weather was perfect. Saturday night got down to 44F but I have very good camping equipment and I was quite toasty in my sleeping bag.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My campsite for the weekend</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pigeon River right behind my tent</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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This season is slowly coming to a close. The only other planned motorcycle trip I have for this year is the ADV Old School Rally in Tellico Plains, TN schedule for October 19. I have a little maintenance to do on my old airhead to get it ready. I noticed last Friday that the fork seals were leaking.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remind me again why I like living and riding here!</td></tr>
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<br />Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground, Pisgah National Forest, 59 Motorcycle Dr, Canton, NC 28716, USA35.404653 -82.81076635.391712500000004 -82.830507 35.4175935 -82.791025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-32164584403073387162012-09-12T15:31:00.001-04:002012-09-23T18:49:42.001-04:00Horizons Unlimited Traveller's Meeting 2012I spent the weekend of September 7 - 9 at Iron Horse Motorcylce Lodge in Stecoah, NC attending the 9th annual USA East Horizons Unlimited Traveller's Meeting. I did two presentations. One on my 2008 trip to the Arctic Circle in Alaska and the second on my recently concluded trip to Mexico and the American southwest. There many other presentation and a couple done by RTW (Round the World) riders. There was also some very interesting bikes and packing systems on display.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course it's a KLR!</td></tr>
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While some chose to stay in nearby hotels and other rented cabins the majority of us chose to camp in a tent city. The weather was warm on Friday, but a front with rain moved through leaving Saturday night cool at that just right sleeping temperature.<br />
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It was an excellent meeting with over 100 travelers. I saw some old friends, renewed some friendships and met a lot of new friends. Due to illness Grant and Susan Johnson were not able to attend. We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers and look forward to seeing them at next year's meeting!<br />
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<br />Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com1Stecoah, NC 28771, USA35.3698128 -83.690448335.3568648 -83.7101893 35.3827608 -83.6707073tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-20345934403529167652012-08-29T19:35:00.000-04:002012-08-29T20:36:38.313-04:00Kickstand LodgeThis past weekend, August 24 - 26, I took my airhead out for a weekend in the Nantahala National Forest. She had been feeling neglected since I had ridden my hexhead GS on the trip to Mexico and the American west. Friday afternoon I rode to Kickstand Lodge in Stecoah, NC and set up camp.<br />
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On Saturday I took one of those rides to nowhere in particular. You just ride and when you see a road you have never seen before you take it depending on the GPS to get you back to the campground.<br />
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We did have a strange rain event on Saturday evening. All of a sudden there was a torrential downpour that lasted about thirty minutes, but the sun continued to shine the whole time. It was the first time I ever worried about getting a sunburn and drowning at the same time!<br />
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Next week I am back in Stecoah at the Iron Horse Motorcycle Resort presenting at the Horizons Unlimited Traveler's Meeting. Check back to see how it went!Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Stecoah, NC 28771, USA35.3698128 -83.690448335.3568648 -83.7101893 35.3827608 -83.6707073tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7551175123894198053.post-57080318379347800902012-08-13T08:44:00.001-04:002012-08-13T08:48:06.812-04:0035th Dan'l Boone BMW Rally<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
August 9-13 found me at the 35th annual Dan'l Boone Rally sponsored by the Tarheel Travelers BMW club out of Charlotte, NC. This is a laid back little affair that I enjoy attending each year. The location is only two to three hours from my home depending on the route I take. The most direct way is ride the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Boone.</div>
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The first night I spent in my tent reading my Kindle (<i>The Mosquito Coast</i> by Paul Theroux) and listening to the rain. There was heavy rain that night, but the NOAA weather reports promised a better day on Friday. The NOAA weather report lied. Friday evening we were treated to another round of rain.</div>
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Friends arrived from Athens, GA and we had a good reunion. On Saturday I led them on a ride that included the original Mast General Store in Valley Cruces, NC, a ride down Highway 421 (the Snake) to Shady Valley, TN, through the shortest tunnel in the world to Damascus, VA, and then back to Boone.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The post office inside the Mast General Store, Valle Cruces, NC<br />
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I do not consider myself a "rally rat" by rallies are a good destination to keep up with old friends and meet new ones. I really don't have have any other rides planned for a while. My next "appointment" is the Horizons Unlimited Traveler's Meeting (USA East) in Stecoah, NC in September. There I will be presenting my trip to Mexico and the American West. </div>
Kurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14784086348517373895noreply@blogger.com0Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.55401535.394376699999995 -82.869872 35.8075137 -82.238158000000013