Fall Appalachian Riding Tour (FART) Sparta, NC 2021

[Bernie]

36 minutes ago, wbw6cos said:

Spoiler alert:   we are 4 weeks and 4 days out, so let's get with the program.  

 

Looking forward to it!

Pushy little fellow, aren’t you? 
Waiting for results form the beta testers. 

[Bernie]

Oh great, finally page 4. The event is getting closer. 

[Bernie]

2021 FART Route Announcement

 

The Bumbling BackRoad Riders™ are pleased to present the routes for the 2021 Fall Appalachian Riding Tour (FART). 

  

We have 3 Loop and 6 routes with multiple return route choices, including a GS/ADV-bike route.

The return routes are labeled #A, B & C.

The mileage for the first part of each route and the Loop routes is the last number in the route name (254m = 254 miles). 

The mileage for the return route is the NEXT to Last number in the return route name (100/189m) 100 miles.

The total mileage for a route with a chosen return route is the last number in the name of the return route (#A, B & C). For example: (100/189m) 189 miles for the combination of the 2 routes.

 

Download Link for all the routes:  FART 21 Event Routes.

Or use the individual route links for each route.

 

The download link has the GPX file including all Waypoints, Tracks and Routes for FART 2021. The routes were created in Garmin BaseCamp using City Navigator North America NT 2022.20.

 

As always, recalculate the routes in your software and make sure the mileage remains close to the original distance, before loading to your GPS unit because my BaseCamp Preference settings and maps may be different from yours.

 

If you get an allergic reaction using BaseCamp, send me (Bernie) a PM and I will send you instructions on how to cure your ailment. LOL

Bernie 

 

Here's a rundown of the individual routes with their links:

Route #1: takes you NW to Abingdon, VA {88.5m} and has 3 different return routes incl The Snake (1A {100m} & 1B {167m}) or The Back of The Dragon (1C {261m}).

Route #2: goes E to Mt Airy, NC {48.5m} with 2 return choices 2A {52.7m} or 2B through Burkes Garden, VA & The Back of The Dragon (222m).

Route #3: is a SW route to Spruce Pine, NC {96m}. 3A {103m} returns to Sparta via Hickory Nut Gap and NC 88. 3B {174m} & 3C {190m} take you to Little Switzerland, Roan Mtn, George Gap & 88. 3C includes the Diamond Back (226 Alt).  

Route #4: is a SW route to Burnsville {142m}, it has 2 return routes (4A {145m} & 4B {175m}). Either route will keep you entertained.

Route #5: Is a Loop route going South {121m}.

Route #6: is a NE Loop going to Meadows of Dan & Floyd, VA {257m}.

Route #7: is a NE Loop going to Rocky Mount, VA {272m}.

Route #8: leads you N to Paint Bank, VA {154m} with 3 return routes (8A {142m}, 8B {155m} & 8C {222m}). 

Route #9: is a SW GS/ADV route {224m}, it is made up of 2 parts. 

For GS routes we recommend riding in a group, in case it turns nasty.

Also don’t forget, cell phone coverage could be spotty in the woods.

 

Please also use the tracks provided. “PM” Bernie for more details or questions

or use the GPS-BaseCamp Guide.

 

**PLEASE NOTE: Due to Covid concerns, be prepared for the possibility of lunch stops being closed, having reduced seating or open for take-out only. Call ahead to restaurants to confirm that they are open. It's a good idea to pack some vittles in case of unforeseen meal challenges. Make assumptions at your own risk! **

Please start each day or route with a FULL TANK of gas and be sure to monitor your fuel needs, keeping in mind that some gas stations may no longer be open.

 

Disclaimer: The attached routes and instructions are to be used at your own risk, and these instructions are simply general guidelines and may not be applicable to the user’s specific use and its incumbent upon users to do their own research to determine how to set up their units and to ensure their route and directions are suitable to their own needs. Keep in mind, things change over time - so as always - use common sense when following directions from an electronic device. 

  

Please feel free to post any questions you might have. 

Enjoy and have a save FART 2021!

 

The Bumbling BackRoad Riders™

 

 

[wbw6cos]

They look like fun routes.  

[RandyShields]

Routes look great.  Thanks. 

[Indy Dave]

4 minutes ago, wbw6cos said:

They look like fun routes.  

That's only because we don't release them sooner

[RandyShields]

Maybe we just need to get to p. 4 sooner.

[BamaJohn]

THANKS BERNIE!  

I'm in ST Augustine right now, looking for that elusive fountain.....

[Bernie]

7 hours ago, BamaJohn said:

THANKS BERNIE!  

I'm in ST Augustine right now, looking for that elusive fountain.....

I don’t know about the fountain, but I know of several good coffee places. 

[Lone_RT_rider]

16 hours ago, Indy Dave said:

That's only because we don't release them sooner

 

Bernie,

 

Just a quick thank you for the few lines of description you put for each route. It makes it a lot easier to hone in on what areas I want to ride, and it will definitely make it better for choosing a daily direction based on weather. Thank you for putting these together. I know it takes time and effort. :)

 

Shawn

[BamaJohn]

6 hours ago, Bernie said:

I don’t know about the fountain, but I know of several good coffee places. 

sounds good...I'll be in J'ville tomorrow, visiting an old buddy, then home....gotta put some miles on the bike before the new set for FART.   See ya before long...

[Boxflyer]

Here's something I posted on the BMWMOA Forum.

2016 R1200RT Accident Recap -- Helite Turtle2 Airbag Vest

 

I was favorably impressed with the acceptance and use of this type of vest at the START in Maggie Valley that I got one as soon as I returned home...

It is an impressive bit of kit!

 

Boxflyer

[Bernie]

23 minutes ago, Boxflyer said:

Here's something I posted on the BMWMOA Forum.

2016 R1200RT Accident Recap -- Helite Turtle2 Airbag Vest

 

I was favorably impressed with the acceptance and use of this type of vest at the START in Maggie Valley that I got one as soon as I returned home...

It is an impressive bit of kit!

 

Boxflyer

Wow, great write up and I am very happy to hear the vest did its job protecting you from any harm.

ATGATT is the only way to ride.

Also looking forward to check out your new RT at FART 21. 

[marcopolo]

Ditto. Great explanation of your incident, Brad. Glad you made it out unscathed. And, I’m glad you’re going to continue to ride, and we will see you in September.

[TSConver]

I got me a hitair vest as soon as I got back from start. Just got Susan one for her to wear. I think they are great pieces if equipment. 

[BamaJohn]

Glad you're still ok and decided that it wasn't your fault and will continue riding...see ya at FART!   

[Toter]

Bernie,

Thanks for the routes and individual explanations. This is so helpful. I realize the research, riding, and time involved in putting together these routes and tracks. It is much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you at FART.

Ed

[Indy Dave]

Dead End Dave Strikes Again!

 

So there I was. MINDING MY OWN BUSINESS, Trying to get out of the Hoosier today . . .

 

My routed country road was CLOSED...

 

 

No big deal, I'll just head up Hwy 9 and join up with my route later . . .Opps! Not so fast, Buddy!

 

 

So that puts on the SuperSlab... Which has the Westbound lanes closed, so only one lane of traffic heading East . . .

 

 

 

I jump off - no problem, I'll just bounce down to Hwy 40 . . 

 

 

 

 

 

This guy oulls out from behind me and speeds up so he can take the next right . . . OF course, once he passes me, he swings wide into my lane to make the turn

 

 

 

FINALLY    back on my route, and WTF . . .

 

 

Every road on my route has FRESH CHIP SEAL all over. fo 40 minutes or more . . .

 

 

AH HAH! I caught up with the team, and the JOKES ON THEM, because although they have closed the road, my route veers off just before that HAHAHA

 

 

 

 

 

Too good to be true . . .

 

 

 

 

 

Never been so happy to get to The Buckeye!

[Bernie]

Nice roads and route DeadEndDave. I don’t think I included any of those roads with the routes for FART 21! 
Have a safe and enjoyable ride. 

[RTinNC]

Late comer here but looks like I’m in.  Right now plan to arrive Wednesday 

[Indy Dave]

4 hours ago, RTinNC said:

Late comer here but looks like I’m in.  Right now plan to arrive Wednesday 

 

Plenty of time to join us in Sparta!

 

On 8/25/2021 at 12:00 PM, Bernie said:

Nice roads and route DeadEndDave. I don’t think I included any of those roads with the routes for FART 21! 
Have a safe and enjoyable ride. 

You never know where the road leads, unless you're on a Bernie Route.

 

I did find some company to keep me on the curvy and narrow.

 

 

 

 

[wbw6cos]

Wow, Ken has a familiar hydration tank.   Whoda thunk?

[Indy Dave]

You can tell ours apart. One of them has scraped the ground a few times.

[Indy Dave]

And only one of our bikes is being visited by a plague of praying mantises. That's the advantage of Clean Living.™

 

 

 

Of course, Mild mannered super k would say the praying mantis is praying for his sanity due Yours Truly being in tow (way back in the distance)

[Bernie]

I think the Mantis likes white bike better. 

[wbw6cos]

Fun trying to match Shift Cam power, eh?

[Indy Dave]

On 8/27/2021 at 11:36 AM, wbw6cos said:

Fun trying to match Shift Cam power, eh?

 

Ya know, after a couple of days now, I don't think Ken's "extra power"  is making much of a difference. I mean,  I can still make out Ken's bike in my mirrors (on the long straights).

[Dennis Andress]

1 hour ago, Indy Dave said:

 

Ya know, after a couple of day now, I don't think the "extra power"  is making much of a difference. I mean,  I can still make out Ken's bike in my mirrors (on the long straights).

 

Say what?

 

[wbw6cos]

Pssst, it's an RT thing.  Just sayin'

[Rougarou]

13 hours ago, Indy Dave said:

 

Ya know, after a couple of day now, I don't think Ken's "extra power"  is making much of a difference. I mean,  I can still make out Ken's bike in my mirrors (on the long straights).

 

Ouch!!!!

 

[TSConver]

Just got Susan a 2013 F700GS.  So we will be bringing that.  Not sure how many miles we will do but we will ride some just to get her more comfortable on it.  Gonna try to put a few under it before the event as well.

 

 

[taylor1]

Cool !  Did you get that from Tenn. ?

[TSConver]

Nope from Winston Salem area in nc.

[Lone_RT_rider]

This past weekend I got in a bit of a tune up ride on Sunday morning. I'm really looking forward to this years FART. :)

[Bernie]

I did something similar on Saturday and found a bunch of small hidden roads in N-FL. In the process I figured out i need a new battery, tires and a 6 k service.

[wbw6cos]

Tires are a given, Bernie!   Just sayin'

[Boxflyer]

I'm bringing my NoMar Tire changer and lift to FART in Sparta.

I have about 6 sets of new tires, but if you need some installed and balanced while in Sparta, better buy them and let me know.

There will also be Cam Timing and Valve check Tech Sessions. 

One each for the "Classic" WetHead as well as the ShiftCam WetHead.

 

Let me know if anyone wants anything special done to their bikes.

 

Brad 

[Indy Dave]

Had a good warm-spin as well, and Cami got new fluids on her return. She's ready to FART!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TSConver]

14 hours ago, Boxflyer said:

I'm bringing my NoMar Tire changer and lift to FART in Sparta.

I have about 6 sets of new tires, but if you need some installed and balanced while in Sparta, better buy them and let me know.

There will also be Cam Timing and Valve check Tech Sessions. 

One each for the "Classic" WetHead as well as the ShiftCam WetHead.

 

Let me know if anyone wants anything special done to their bikes.

 

Brad 

How about some love for us oil head and hex head machines, need to check my valve clearance.

[Indy Dave]

56 minutes ago, TSConver said:

How about some love for us oil head and hex head machines, need to check my valve clearance.

 

@TSConver > You have a Camhead.

[TSConver]

43 minutes ago, Indy Dave said:

 

@TSConver > You have a Camhead.

Well that too, I need to check mine.

[Indy Dave]

Currently, Boxflyer is planning on doing a tech session one day on the R1200WC engine, and another day on the R1250 engine. While I do not want to speak for him, I believe his focus has been on these two versions of R motors because they have been a bit lacking in tutorials, compared to the Oil-Hex-Cam head version of the engines. There are lots of step by step tutorials and youtube videos. If you have a MOA membership, then have a through database of Hex and Cam Head service tutorials. JVB Productions also have a video DVD.

 

Here's a google link to Camhead Valve Adjustment https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=bmw+camhead+valve+adjustment

 

I'll be posting the Sparta FART Schedule this evening.

 

 

 

[Indy Dave]

whos going to fart in Sparta 2021 pg 3 Sept 1 Rev3.jpg.phi3 week Updates

1) If you haven't already - it's time to check your gear, and more importantly, your bike!

2) We've had some additional rooms added to our block - currently these rooms are available:

• 2 x 2 double queen rooms
• 1 x 1 King room
• 2 x 1 queen rooms
• 1 x 2 double beds
• Fri & Sat Only 1 x 2 Double Beds

There's still plenty of time to take advantage of all that vacation time you've banked over the last year!

 

As of Sept 1:

 

 

 

 

[Indy Dave]

 

 

 

[Indy Dave]

Meal reminder - Reserve your spots by sending in your $16.99 per-person. If something comes up last minute and you can't attend, your money will be refunded if you cancel by Sept.17. If you cancel after that, we most likely can get you a refund, but no promises.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 2, 2021 by Indy Dave

[Indy Dave]

 

[TSConver]

Two for dinner, PP sent.

[MachineJoe]

same here

[Indy Dave]

Updated 12 noon:

 

 

 

@Chris K

[ERdok]

On 7/8/2021 at 10:39 AM, ERdok said:

In! Will be arriving Friday, departing Sunday.

Another room now available. Only 84 miles from my home, so I’ll be riding Friday, maybe Saturday, but not overnighting…