El Paseo Fall 2006: Athens Ride Tales, Pictures, Check-in and General BS Thread

[StretchMark]

El Paseo is going great so far. Just finished up the Saturday night BBQ dinner and now enjoying a nice parking lot bonfire!

 

Please share your pictures and stories here.

 

Thanks to everyone for coming and making it another great El Paseo.

Spring planning is officially underway. We hope to hold it in Dillsboro, NC in mid-April.

 

Back to the fire.......

[Kenny Haynes]

Thanks for doing a great job on it Mark and Christine. Always a pleasure seeing everyone.

[KMG_365]

Thanks for the update, Mark! I can't wait to see and read all about it!

[mrzoom]

Home, cool ride home , awsome rides at EP . Great to see everyone.

"ya'll ride safe now ya hear" From a gas station guy in Ga.

See ya'll in the spring.

[Marty Hill]

Home!

 

Great to see everyone again.

 

Found the sunglasses.

[David]

Nick and I just pulled in. Yet another beautiful day to ride--freezing to start, but sunny and clear.

 

Mark/Christine, you all did a great job and all of us appreciate all the work behind the scenes (from your volunteers, too).

 

Great to see everybody!

[jimwms]

Another wonderful event! Thanks to Mark and Christine for all the hard work in getting it together.

 

What a welcome!

 

Friday night in the parking lot:

 

David, Todd, and Kenny:

 

Itchybro went home early Saturday, saying he had a cold, but I think this may have contributed:

 

Kenny led a few of us to Signal Mountain at Chattanooga:

 

 

Kenny makes friends easily:

 

We spotted the perfect place for lunch in Dunlap:

 

The waitress seemed to really dig Stretchmark:

 

Oh my God! They killed Itchybro:

 

 

EP VIII was well-represented at Fall Creek Falls:

 

Pretty special seeing this on Steve's trailer:

 

 

It was great to see everyone. I'm already looking forward to spring!

[big-t]

Home again,Great time,Thanks to our Host/hostess

 

 

Mark and Christine at Fall Creek Falls swinging bridge

 

[Lone_RT_rider]

I'm home safe and sound. Once again another wonderful El Paeso. It was small enough that I felt like I had a chance to talk to most everyone, yet not to small to feel like nobody was there. I personally had a great time. Now...to get through "winter" so we can do it again.

 

Shawn

[StretchMark]

The waitress seemed to really dig Stretchmark:

But remeber Jim, she gave YOU the "Tater Logs"

 

Great pics! Keep 'em coming.

[Kinsley]

Joel Gross and I left the hotel around 8:30. I thought his 1200ST looked too clean to have been at an El Paseo, so I showed him a few GS roads. The bike looked just right when I peeled off to get home, but I'm not sure if joel was waiving goodbye or telling me I'm number one

 

Photos to come.

[BULLman]

The waitress seemed to really dig Stretchmark:

But remeber Jim, she gave YOU the "Tater Logs" /quote]

 

hmmmmmmm, Tat-ter Logs!

 

Guess I did miss a lot , but did my own Bike Weekend in NPR - the Cotee River Bike Fest promoting Jack Daniels.

 

Was able to see the Bucs win their first game of the season on TV [that was the highlight of the weekend]

 

Already looks like I missed a fun weekend

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Joe Frickin', home at 5:30 PM. Good weather all the way home, 'cept for a couple of patches of fog just south and north of Knoxville.

 

Once again, a great time. Thanks to Mark and Christine and whomever they deputized to help organize the whole event. Jake, thanks for the brewskies; I owe you.

[Slumgullion]

yep that's what you get when you agree to follow a gs rider a nasty dirty bike! Ken where did you find those roads! Thanks to Mark and Christine for a great job Big T for the Mason Jar 'water'. Thank God for gerbings and heated grips and yes Ken PAVED ROADS!.

[StretchMark]

Mitch,

Thanks for bringing the DuraFlames!

[Jacqueline]

Arrived home at 5:00 pm after a very cold and late start this morning. I managed to leave my keys in the jacket Mr. Foote was so kind to loan me last night. Mr. Foote left before I could return the jacket, so I gave it back to Steve and Sil last night....along with my keys . Steve, sorry for waking you and Sil up so early.

 

Mark and Christine thank you for your efforts.... it was a great weekend . Good seeing everyone .

 

Jacqueline

[Lone_RT_rider]

Just a few pics I took. For some reason I just didn't feel like taking as many pics as I normally do.

 

Enjoy..

 

 

 

Oh, and never leave for El Paeso without a new set of tires....

 

 

 

 

By the way, I have decided to skip all this "do it in the dirt on a GS" thing and step up to the big game in off roading....

 

[Calvin (no socks)]

Thanks Mark and Christine! I really liked the area. I Will need more time to explore .....Found some roads by accident....Nice

Also; I hated to bail out Saturday evening.... but with the interstate so close...and inviting.... I jammed down the slab to Roswell and spend the evening with relatives...3 hours closer to home....and missed Atlanta during the "Death Hour"....

[Foot]

Mark and Christine GREAT JOB!

 

My 1/3 El Paseo was great fun. Really enjoyed showing the Florida crew of Bob, Richard and Calvin my neck of the woods. The BBQ shop you stopped at was a mile from work in Dunlap, TN.

Both meals were great and two thumbs up for the Gerbings on my nightly drives home. Oh did I forget to mention it was COLD!!!

 

Hope to see everyone again soon.

 

Alan

[Richard_D]

These rallies get better all the time due to getting to know new people and feeling like the ones from past rides are old friends now.Calvin showed me how great a gps is and saved my ass with a patch kit. (my first flat) Bob , Alan, Rich and Andy,great ride Friday.

[tallman]

Home, nine hours, 500 miles, only a little interstate.

This was a fabulous weekend.

Great accomodations, $142

Excellent food, $18 (hooray for free third bratwursts )

Roads, weather, and most importantly participants, creating memories, priceless.

As Sean said, it was a big enough, yet still intimate, get together.

The tales and laughter around the fires were worth the trip even if I hadn't ridden the Cherohala and Deal's Gap.

 

THANKS for letting me attend, even w/out my better half.

IN x2 for Dillsboro.

[Endobob]

Wonderful to be back on a bike, and back at another El Paseo!

 

Mark and Christine you are the simply the best! We all appreciate, but most of us can't begin to understand, how much effort you all did to make this a great weekend of fellowship! Thank you, Thank you!

 

ThomK and I hit the slab at 7:30 am and got back to the DC area around 5:30 pm.

[Tom R.]

As this was my first El Paseo, and first board event, it was great to finally meet many of you. Thanks Mark & Christine for all of your efforts!

 

Since it was also my first ride on the Cherohala, I insisted we ride it again on the way home this morning. We arrived home in Cincinnati around 5:30.

 

Just a few pics.

 

Here's what El Paseo is all about, a guy from Cincinnati talking to a guy from California during a break on a really nice road. [/img]

 

Leave it to those GS riders to find those "Roads Less Traveled"

[/img]

 

On the route to the Cherohala [/img]

 

And, yeah, it's time to buy some Gerbings, or a heated seat! Man those mornings were cold!!

[/img]

 

Can't wait until Spring!!

[StretchMark]

Tom,

Glad you enjoyed your first El Paseo. Many thanks again for all your help with the cookout and other fire related activities! I thanked Chris Long for dragging you alng.

 

Hope to see you at the next one.

[StretchMark]

I just tallied up the receipts from the groceries and the BBQ. We gathered a nice little donation for the board.

 

Leslie, a $154 donation will be coming via PayPal from your friends at El Paseo. We missed you guys!!

 

I did use some of the money for the firewood and to give Jake a little money for all the beer he donated.

 

Thanks again everyone!

[randy]

In at 2:30 other than cold tires and cold roads in morning, it was great riding. roads were clean, and for the most part had great grip. Thanks to all the people who do some much, so most of us can do so little.

 

And Mark, you can leave the fire thief at home next year

[Endobob]

...Spring planning is officially underway. We hope to hold it in Dillsboro, NC in mid-April. ....

 

Mark, I just looked up Dillsboro, NC on Mapquest. While I enjoyed the riding in TN west and north west of Athens, I am looking forward to next Spring. The location will be fantastic!

[StretchMark]

Yeah, we are excited about Dillsboro too. It' right on the Parkway and there are fantastic roads in EVERY direction. Wooohooo!

 

b.t.w. Good to see you back on 2 wheels!

[Merch]

Mark/Christine, thanks for all your hard work setting this up. Brenda and I enjoyed our 1st El Paseo and I'm sure we'll be back in the spring.

 

Arrived home to a much appreciated 78 degrees at about 5:30. Had to go for a quick ride to finish the thawing out process.

 

See you soon

Dave

[TomK]

Thanks to Mark, Christine and whoever else helped on this fine event. I was able to ride the old favorites and I'd say that the venue change encourages the discovery of new favorites as well.

[steve.foote]

The Spin's got in around 7pm after detouring through Alpharetta, Statesboro and a quick trip to the office.

 

Another great El Paseo. It had the feeling of not being organized, but everything was right on que. Brats and BBQ were excellent.

 

Cannot wait for the next one.

[TENNKTM]

Sorry I missed El Paseo, but I was on Hwy 30 on Saturday in my 1982 M Benz 300SD on my way to the power line roads and someone took a picture of it......wish I had been on my bike.....

 

 

[KDeline]

In at 6:30, great time, thanks to all. Can you guys order a little heat next time though?

[StretchMark]

RightSpin and Sil,

Thanks again for making the detours to Alpharetta!

 

Folks, we would not have enjoyed those brats, the firepit and the chairs without Steve's nice big a$$ shiny new trailer

 

I think Hillary will let you write off the miles as a business expense

 

[jrlunsford]

Mark and Christine , El Paseo job well done and you should be proud of yourselves and those who assisted. Ken Smith, Big D and myself were on the road burning gas at 6:45 A.M. and in Atlanta Big D stayed on #75 and departed from us for the rest of his trip to St. Petersburg, Fl. and then Ken dropped off in Columbus, Ga. and I arrived home also at 4:00 P.M... I just wanted to say I had a really great time and it sure was good seeing everyone and also was proud and happy to know and see there were no accidents. Man that Smart Ride Class sure has done everyone a lot of good. Look forward to seeing everyone next Spring.

[StretchMark]

Glad you had fun, JR.

 

We didn't get by completely without incident, but they were very minor with no injuries.

[tpanhuis]

Marty And I got home around 5 pm--Had a great time.Thanks to you and Christine for doing such a great job. Sincerely Ted

[Aluminum_Butt]

Got back in around 6 last night. I'm glad for heated gear...I don't think we ever saw temps over 50.

 

This was my first board event, and it was a great time. The Cherohala Skyway was nothing short of phenomenal - sweeper madness and great scenery to go with it.

 

Mark/Christine - thanks for all your hard work. I can't begin to imagine how much effort goes into pulling together the food, etc. for an event like this. It went off like clockwork.

 

Nick (Deadboy) and Chris (IDS_OK) - had a great time riding with you Saturday.

 

And a compliment to the group at large: I'd have to guess that the management of the hotel was at least a little nervous about having a group of "bikers" stay there, and letting them light fires and consume alcohol in the parking lot. But there were no noise problems, no trash in the parking lot, etc. Now, I'd guess the hotel would love to see us come back.

[Huzband]

Thanks Mark & Christine. What a wonderfull event. Great to meet you, & I.m looking forward to next year.

 

P.S.

Dragons Tail is now duly spanked !

[Tom R.]

Glad I could help Mark. It was fun to meet many of those who post here more frequently than I.

 

There were some in attendance I didn't get a chance to meet. That just gives me an excuse to come back in the Spring.

 

Of course, a Ride Smart session would be great as well.

[Kraynak]

Got home around 2:00 on Sunday. Mark & Christine thanks for the escort home,awesome roads.I had a great weekend and birthday thanks.

I can not wait until Spring!!

[StretchMark]

Good to ride with you again Steve and Happy Birthday!

[catattoo]

I got home about 5:30 last night. Partially unpacked ate and fell asleep.

 

What a fantastic weekend. Weather was great, a little chilly but I like that.

 

 

 

Fantastic friends, hosts and roads. I always enjoy meeting y-all.

 

The motel had their act together and I got the room I had reserved in June.

 

I'm a tourist in that area but have been there a few times... David set Nick (deadboy) up and on Friday we showed him some of the sights. He promptly took his borrowed bike and started out by getting his tires marked by the local constable!

 

Luckily he didn't end up here;

 

We showed Him the skyway,

 

 

part of Rt. 28 and of course Deals Gap.

 

How many board members does it take to grill brats?

 

3

 

Tom and John strike a pose at Fall Creek park!

 

Some shots from the Saturday BBQ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a GREAT time!

[StretchMark]

Nice pics Chris.

 

I didn't hear about Nick's run-in with the law. The KLR must have been going downhill with a tail wind

 

Hopefully Nick will chime in soon with his stories or we will be forced to tell of his inauspicious start at Baker's house

 

How many board members does it take to grill brats?

That was actually a rescue mission for an unfortunate brat that rolled to a firey death in the coals. We saved it! Sorry for whoever got the gritty one

[Deadboy]

Home!!!!

 

The police were just chalking tires and turned down my request to pose for a shot...I will post some photos later....

 

My inauspicious start should be old news by now, but just to be clear I did drop the KLR in David's garage prior to our departure (in fact I don't even think it was running yet)....I am sure David was immediately re-considering his generous offer...but I am glad he didn't, Thanks David!!!

 

Thank to everyone, I really enjoyed myself, the great company and the scenery was of course top notch....plus I got to meet the legendary Mr. Hill (Marty Hill)...

 

All I can say is I do hope some of you guys come out west so I can return the favor....

 

Where's the Spring 07 El Paseo thread anyway....

[thebaldguyis]

Thanks to Mark and Christine and all the behind the scenes participants. Another EP to be proud of. Judi and I made it back safely, and had a great ride on Saturday, even the temporarily misdirected (I got lost) GS route done on my KRT.

 

 

This was also our 1st anniversary celebration, (marriage) and could not have been better, except the need to get a newer bike, with aux plugs. (and a GPS)

See y'all soon!

[marty mayer]

Arrived home last night at 5 pm. Uneventful ride home. Special thanks to Mark & Christine and everyone else who had a hand in making this happen. See you next time.

Marty

[StretchMark]

Nick,

Nice meeting you! Glad you made it out and had fun!!

 

All I can say is I do hope some of you guys come out west so I can return the favor....

 

Riding in the Sierras??? I'm IN!

 

Where's the Spring 07 El Paseo thread anyway....

 

Working on it

[Id's_OK]

First and most importantly, huge kudos and thank you's to:

 

Mark and Christine, for all your work planning, organizing, orchestrating, and even serving cold beer to shivering late riders twice!

Tom (one of the many Tom's, but you know who you are), for cooking up some fantastic food Friday night

Steve & Sylvia, for haulin' all the gear to make us all comfy

Tom, for cutting my lodging bill in half (great to meet you, too!)

Brews from Jake

Shawn, for the most excellent tequilla

And others...who as Randy said, 'did so much so the rest didn't have to'

 

I didn't have a camera, but Nick promised to send some of his (even the ones taken WHILE riding in traffic!) Bob, Jim, Norm and Nick, had a great time Saturday. Thanks for (whatever), it was a fantastic day, despite having to enjoy the scenery of 441 in slow-ass traffic. (ice)Cold baked beans & BBQ never tasted so good Come back in the Spring! I hope you guys make it back often, and I will surely reach out when I'm in you neck of the woods. So...

- Phil, are you feeling better?

- where the help was Tasker

- Happy Birthday Steve (great to meet you, too)

 

Cheers, everybody!

[Id's_OK]

Jim or Nick, you HAVE to post the picture of us at Deal's Gap. My cellphone photo isn't worth posting, but that has to be the motliest crue of motorcycles ever!

brand new K12GT

(almost) brand new V-Rod

my 1150

and that KLR...hilarious!