Set to begin my first Epic Spyder Journey

[SpyderWalter]

Day 2 Lots of Rain on the Blue Ridge Parkway

A rainy, foggy ride on the BRP today, had to pull back the speed. Saw several deer and turkey, very few cars and even fewer motorcycles (and no Spyders). One of the park rangers told me that it is dead quiet on rainy days. The rain kept it just a good ryde instead of the great rides I have had on this road in the past. Josephine performed admirably on the wet roads but had to be thoroughly wiped down afterword because of all the leaf detritus plastered on her. Tomorrow, the Dragon - my fifth time through. Hope it is not raining!

 

[Deanna777]

First day ryde from NYC to Waynesboro VA went well but had rain for the last half hour. Will have it again tomorrow for start of ride of BRP. That's OK as long as my stop in Craggy Garden, my favorite spot on the Parkway is clear. Using a Biker's Friend large bag on the pillion seat. Using the back section to hold it in place (as nice back rest for me) but only loosely attached straps. This allows me to pop the seat during refueling and use the attitude backrest pad as wedge to hold it open. Someday I'll spring for a seat with a fuel door but this works for now.

Keep those site suggestions coming. I'm adding them to my list and will do as many as I can.
SpyderWalter

Awesome color spyder, and Welcome to Cognac Club! Here is an other farkle suggestion paint your dashboard. Go To Deanna777 " my album, look at the farkles that I have done.

I also, have a 2014RTS-SE6 Cognac, you can send me a pm "on how I painted my dashboard.

Congratulations!
Ride Safe,

Post pictures of your trip, and be sure to stop @ Pitbulls Powersports in Springfield, MO and Lamonster Garage. Deanna

 

[SpyderWalter]

Tail of the Dragon

Josephine on the Tail of the Dragon which she slew with ease. What a great ryde, the best that I have had so far on this fun road. Had a great time...

 

[thereverend]

I would

The Trace is a beautiful ride - peaceful, easy paced, tree covered. I've never been on the Trace when I didn't see plenty of deer, turkey and other wildlife. The speed limit on most of the Trace is around 50 - stick to it so you can enjoy the scenery, enjoy not getting a ticket, and so that you have lots of time to react to deer.

If you make it as far as MS, stop at French Camp at have the world's best BLT at the Council House Cafe. Also a nice bed & breakfast with cabins made in the 1800s (obviously with some updates!)

Like to make the [h=2]Natchez Trace ride someday[/h]

 

[OverHillAndDale]

Like to make the Natchez Trace ride someday

Let me know if you get down this way - I'll meet you and do the Trace with you.

 

[SpyderWalter]

Springfield and Pit Bull and LaMonster was amazing!

I very much enjoyed my first visit and very short time in Springfield Missouri. I went because the folks at the Drury University Theatre Department selected one of my new plays to produce in an evening of short works. It was the very first production of the work and it was done very well by the young cast who are pictured below with myself and the director.

But when I first started planning this trip I did not own a Spyder and had no knowledge of what a center of Spyder culture Springfield was. WOW! I figured it out as I assembled things to do in my various stops but still just thought, oh look, a Can-Am dealership and this outfitter shop is in town. Guess I'll take a look while I'm there. WOW!

Pit Bull is not just another dealer. They are terrific, kind, attentive folk who satisfied my newbie Spyder concerns with a quick check up to be sure all was well, I bought some cool Can-Am goodies while there and since I knew I eventually wanted a GoPro, got one while I was there.

But the best part was a visit to LaMonster. I knew of them only vaguely through this forum and had glanced at their website but WOW! Met a fascinating gentleman by name of Jacob who was friendly and showed me around their small establishment. But while there I got Highway Pegs, a SpyderCuff and handlebar ends helmet lock (and two patches to add to my vest). Only stopped because I had limited time and needed to get back on the road. WOW! I am now a dedicated LaMonster fan/customer and will be back on the web to buy more and hopefully attend SpyderFest next year.

A very surprising and rewarding visit.
New Farkles pictured below!

Now on to Cincinnati to visit friends and family and enjoy me some Gold Star, Goetta and Graeters!
SpyderWalter

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Do come to Spyderfest next spring. You'll meet lots of other Spyder folks there and spend lots more money on farkles!

Don't forget the Skyline chili in Cinci!

 

[SpyderWalter]

Doing the Trace

Let me know if you get down this way - I'll meet you and do the Trace with you.

If plans hold, I will be doing the Trace next Wednesday, October 7. Start after breakfast at Loveless Cafe and ride to Clinton.
SpyderWalter

 

[SpyderWalter]

Nashville Today, Natchez Trace tomorrow

Cincinnati was great (got my Goetta, Gold Star and Graeters) and I have the best extended family. IMHO.

Today Nashville. As I was Ryding toward my beloved Cafe Loveless I knew I would pass the old Barn Dinner Theater where I performed in the early 80's. With all the development nearby I was certain I would find it demolished and turned into a parking lot. Surprisingly it is still there and still a dinner theater just as I remembered it. Shame there was no show tonight as I must move on tomorrow

On to the Cafe Loveless, where I also loved to eat decades ago (though then it was still a motel, now just delicious food and gift shops).

Tomorrow I start bright and early on the Natchez Trace. Looking forward to that!
SpyderWalter

 

[SpyderWalter]

The Natchez Trace was fun at the beginning and shall we say slow and languorous by the end. Flatlands can get pretty repetitive but I am happy on a two lane ribbon through farm or forest.

Later tonight, the second of my two plays I came to see on this trip, this one in Oxford MS.
SpyderWalter

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I've drive the Trace from Jackson to Tupelo and found it kind of boring.

 

[Dan McNally]

Here in the NorthEast it is our trusted EZ Pass system where some toll roads are slightly cheaper for (M)otorcycle riders. Wish I could place it somewhere hidden and still be read but that's a whole other thread!
Spyder Walter

My EZ Pass is mounted on the inside of my frunk lid and it reads with no problem.

 

[SpyderWalter]

What a fantastic Ryde!

Back safely in Manhattan, now to unpack.

Trip was 4,518 miles long

On riding days averaged 410 miles per day and are than 7 1/2 hours in the saddle

Rode through two days of rain, no problem

Did Blue Ridge Parkway (fourth time), Tail of the Dragon (Sixth time), Natchez Trace (first time)

Saw two of my recent stage plays in performance

Visited family for a great weekend

Went through 14 states

Got new Farkles (Highway pegs, Handlebar end helmet locks and SpyderCuff that all are great from LaMonster), GoPro from Pit Bull, Givi 40L waterproof luggage from Sport Tour in Cincinnati. All great additions to Josephine.

Josephine (my new 2014 RTS) rode beautifully the entire trip. She was a dream and we had a great time together. Epic road trip. Now plotting my next one. Thanks to all the advise I got here since I bought her in July, I had a spectacular time. Thank you all. I developed more questions I will post on days to come.

Thanks...
SpyderWalter

 

[Texasranger]

What to use.

Great trip. Thanks for the updates. Would you please tell me what rain suit you use and where to get the helmet locks.
Thanks Paul

BTW we've Been riding in the Boone NC (blue ridg pky)area the past 10 days. Awesome colors. We trailered from Texas. My daughter lives here.

 

[SpyderWalter]

Great trip. Thanks for the updates. Would you please tell me what rain suit you use and where to get the helmet locks.
Thanks Paul

BTW we've Been riding in the Boone NC (blue ridg pky)area the past 10 days. Awesome colors. We trailered from Texas. My daughter lives here.

I use the Rev'It one piece high visibility rainsuit and only thing I still need to work out is securing well around the ankles. May try a rubber band or to alter it. No leakage as I also have waterproof riding boots (Tourmaster) which kept my feet very dry, just irritating dragging of extra fabric. I use Firstgear water proof gloves with nylon interior. Discovered previous gloves wicked moisture in through cloth cuffs, these are great.

I envy you having so much time on the Parkway. Enjoy and be sure to stop by Craggy Gardens near Asheville. My favorite spot on the BRP
Spyder Walter

 

[SpyderWalter]

Forgot to mention I got the helmet locks at LaMonster Garage in Springfield MO. Great shop and you can get them online
SpyderWalter