Maggie Valley 2015

[Lucky]

Sure hate not being there. I know ya'll are having fun. RIDE SAFE

[Chaplain Dave]

Good group already here, with more just hours out! Going to be a great day, lots of new friends and renewing old ones.

We went to the TrikeTalk.com triker "gathering" over in Maggie Valley, NC yesterday, and went some 300 miles in the process with our trike! We saw old friends and met new ones, and were GREATLY impressed with the "TrikeTalk.com" gathering event! I admit that I was skeptical that any trike event could replace the East Coast Trike-In event previously held over the Labor Day weekend for the past 14 years in NC. But surprise to Sara and I, there were as many trikers in Maggie Valley as there ever at the ECTi event, and the friendly laid back atmosphere of the TT gathering set the backdrop for us to have a great time, and hate to leave.

While in Maggie Valley, Sara and I visited Dale Walksler's "Wheels through Time" museum. (Dale is also known for his "What's in the barn" TV show.) Dale came out, examined my trike, sat in it, and exclaimed, "this is what TrikeTalk.com is all about!" Needless to say, Dale helped make my day! I had prayed for good weather and no rain, and except for our going home over the Smokies, the weather was cloudy but clear. We ran into a couple of rain showers in the mountains that sent those with bikes scurrying for cover, but we stayed dry in our yellow Toyota Corolla trike and discovered a couple more spots on the trike that needed to be "rain-proofed!" To all the TrikeTalk trikers we met on Monday, you guys also helped make our day! We enjoyed bantering with you, and you accepted us as perfect strangers, well, maybe not perfect, but you accepted us as strangers!

You can be sure that Sara and I will be more involved in the TrikeTalk.com Website, and we will be looking forward to seeing everyone again next year, at the same time and at the same place!Red Patch Marine, AKA, CD & Chaplain Dave

[rwhgme]

For those of you not with us..we rode out on a clear, cool, 60° morning at around 9:45. We held a good steady pace with 26 trikes. We split them up in 2 groups. CB radios were used and tuned to channel 25. I won't bore you with shopping and "10-100" breaks...but we all did about 180-195 miles depending on whose odometer you believed.

We did the "Dragon" from South to North...then turned around at a Harley dealership about 7 miles North of the Dragon...and did it again from the North to the South! We ran into a little rain shower...and some of us were blamed because we chose to put our rain gear on! After the Dragon, some went to Harrah's buffet..others went to a restaurant a little closer to Maggie Valley.

One humbling thing we all witnessed...a bike was being dragged out of the ditch, and we think the rider was sitting next to a pickup, looking a little despondent. It reminded us that a second's inattention could lead to a lifetime of pain..or worse.

Many thanks to the ride leaders and sweepers for keeping us all safe and sane...well as sane as when we started! I am sure others will add to this thread!

[retdpd]

Sounds like everyone is having a great time. Lila (the queen) and I (retdpd) just couldn't fit it in our schedule.
Here's hoping everyone rides safe and enjoy....lets keep the mirrors up and the bugs in your teeth (they taste like chicken)...and the rubber down..

[Bikerbozo]

Kudos for those wrangling us (cool) cats, I mean trikers. It was a great ride both ways on Dragon.

Couldn't take any pictures since I was concentrating while on 2-wheels. Sold Dianne to highest bidder. Thanks Road Dog for letting her ride with you. Hopefully she wasn't too comfortable. Otherwise, she will be after me to get a Goldwing.

[dawingrider]

Unfortunately, Lisa and I had to leave this morning headed back to Bama. There's this thing called a j.o.b. I have to get back at tomorrow.

We really enjoyed meeting everyone and had a wonderful time. Putting faces with names and getting to know some of the "characters" that make "Because everyplace else just sucks!" such a true statement.

A very special thank you to Zook, Marge and their helpers for making this an outstanding event and making us feel like family, even though they were unable to control the weather.

Till next time, ride safe and live hard!

[ROAD DOG]

Made it home today about 11:30 it was a long ride home with so many big rigs , 94 degree heat & rain storms along the way , But it was a great time Thank you RANDY & MARGE , SKUTTER & everybody else that made it a great time . it was good meeting so many GOOD people . THANK YOU AGAIN total of 2468 miles round trip

[mtn rider]

Well we checked out a day early due to in coming wheather and headed back across the mountains. However I think a great time was had by all. As always a fantastic rally and a fine opportunity to re-connect with old friends. Thanks Randy and crew for a great week with old friends, especially one.

[olddawg]

First,Thanks to all who organized and helped with M V.Second what a great group,my first time and everyone made me feel welcome.Thanks to all trike talk members.Hope everyone gets home safe.. Roger (olddawg)

[Bikerbozo]

Great time had by all. Nice to see everyone old and new. Kudos to those leading various rides. All fun. Final day threatened rain, but never caught me on final 80 mile ride.
Outa here Fri morning. Mostly loaded up. Feels like cheating to be trailering. Hopefully new TG engine will be left under my pillow by the Harley Fairy!

[KeithsBMW]

Thank You for a great experience RANDY & MARGE !!! Ride led by Mike and Shirley and new friends.

[Big Dog]

Well everyone was pulling out this morning, I think it is safe to say that a good time was had by everyone. Seeing old friends and making some new ones is always good. Next year my Stallion will be up and running, so no driving Mr. Monroe! Ray, I had a great time, don't you worry a bit!!
As always we pray that everyone makes it home safe and sound, and look forward to seeing you all at the Snowbird Who-Haaa

[Ret1SG]

Wife and I made it home safe a couple of hours ago. We had a good time meeting new riders and riding in some beautiful country. Hope all get home well and unharmed.

[Trikindan]

Well we made it home safe from MV, Drake slept most of the way home and came in jumped in his bed and cut some more ZZZZ's. He was a tired little fellow. LOL!!!!

We had a GREAT time and I want to Thank Randy, Marge, and all that worked so hard to organize and make this event happen.

We met so many really GREAT people and I Thank each and every one of you for being so nice and friendly to Myself, Arlana, and Drake. We will always remember this event and the New friendships that were made.
We are already looking forward to next year.

It still amazes me that no one saw the Rattle Snake in the road while others saw a LAMB???

[rwhgme]

We are in Mt. Vernon,Ill. We left Maggie Valley almost in tears. We will miss all of you desparately. We made it to Nashville dry. After that..it come a rain like none I have EVER seen. A wall of water with HUGE lightning bolts. One was SO close, the thunder was instantaneous. If you can hear thunder over the sound Vance and Hines Big Ovals make...THAT IS LOUD! Also, we hit swirling winds to between 40-60 mph.

When I stopped to get gas, the cashier said that we just missed the hail! After a little over 500 miles..we deserve a good night's sleep! Ride safe and we sure miss all of you! More tomorrow!

[philmcc]

Gerry and I made it home today at 5:15 today 3000 miles. We had a great time with old friends and meeting new ones. Until next year when we meet new new friends.
Phil

[Bikerbozo]

Me and Dianne made it home at 11pm. Drove through straight in 14 hrs. Would have been nice riding weather (note engine on TG coming apart in next couple days, allegedly). Didn't need my horn until crossing over bridge to NYC and then LI. Really great view of Empire State Building lit up for 9/11 in red, white and blue. Also saw giant spotlight from location of twin towers.

[Trikindan]

If you didn't have a good time....It's your own fault!!!!

[keepinon]

Made it home about an hour ago, decided to just iron-butt it on in. 1050 miles. Took a couple of hour long breaks at rest areas, two meal stops, and thunderstorms from Meridian MS to the Louisiana state line. The GW handled beautifully in the rain, and the new helmet & visor did too (for a cheapie).

I really enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones, tho I believe Drake made the most friends! And, that is some beautiful riding country. So much to see, it'll take another year just to continue where I left off.

Thanks to Randy for his work in putting it together, thanks to Stan for leading us cats around the Tail and thanks in advance to Scott & Caroline for the photos!

[jaxbobg]

Made it home yesterday afternoon, 500 miles in 8 hours with pit stops. Lots of fog through South Carolina, but sunny the rest of the way. In the low 90's by the time I hit Florida, but not a drop of rain along the way.

This was my first Trike Talk event and I was soooo impressed with the people and how Bazooka and Marge really keep it interesting for everyone. Also, thanks to Skuuter for his warm welcome and Bikerbozo for the jello shots (and a ton of laughs). Met so many folks that were just posting names before and have never felt so welcome at a gathering of people I had never met before.

The TT community is the best ever!