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News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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Chapter Directors
Dave & Judy Hurd
828-369-5918
Assistant Chapter Directors
Jeff & Connie Overbay
407-474-4699
Treasurer
Barb Schleicher
706 379-3018
Ride Coordinator
Roger LeRoy
706-781-1046
Assistant Ride Coordinator
Gordy Tomb
706-219-2281
Assistant Ride Coordinator
Nestor Morin
706-379-3126
MEC Coordinator
Nick George
706-897-2247
Activity Coordinator
OPEN to have activities, we need
someone to plan them.
Sunshine Lady
Sandy Tomb
706-219-2281
Chapter Ride Educator
Jeff & Connie Overbay
407-474-4699
Chapter Photographer
OPEN to have pictures, we
someone to take them. Roger has
been filling in real good.
Newsletter Editor
OPEN I NEED a break.
We are also looking for a
MA Coordinator
I can’t fill ‘em all.
REGION A - GOLD WING ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION
GWRRA, GEORGIA DISTRICT HIAWASSEE,
GA November 2016
CHAPTER GA ‘J’ ‘BLUE NOTES’
We meet the 3rd Sat of the month @Daniel’s Steakhouse, 273 Big Sky Drive, Hiawassee, GA
(706) 896-8008 Call Dave and Judy @ 828-369-5918 to confirm
Here’s Your District Newsletter And Here’s Your Region “A” Newsletter
==========================================================================================
Dave’s Drivel: We will start losing, well we’ve already lost some, our Snowbirds as they will be
leaving for warmer climates. Safe travels folks and we are already looking for your return.
Once again (believe it or not) I don’t have much to say but like last month WE DO HAVE
OUR TRIKE BACK!!! HOWEVER, we now have the Wing Bling installed and back from Florida and
ready to RIDE. Our Chapter website is back up and running (hoping software will continue to
work). I attempt to keep this somewhat up to date as I receive info. If you have questions,
Please check the Website for answers as they ‘might’ just be there.
News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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==========================================================================================
I apologize to Mel and Candace for not being around to get the message out about the
ride they were going to lead on 13 October. I was in Florida w/o internet getting the Wing Bling
installed and Judy was busy and hadn’t had time to check her email to receive it to forward.
Our October Dinner Ride was held @ Asiano's in Hiawassee, GA. There were not nearly as
many attending this month because I failed to get the information out in a timely fashion.
Better Luck next time, as we have a backup person. Please check Our Chapter Calendar on the
Website as once again I “TRY” to keep it up to date.
If you (like me) were not able to join in on all the rides this last month check out the
Reports below to get just a glimpse of what we missed. I was among those not able to ride due
to previous commitments and Dr appointments. Rides can happen at ANY TIME so Please stay
abreast of your email daily. ==========================================================================================
Rides Coming Up:
Our October Dinner Ride Was held @ Asiano's in Hiawassee, GA
Weekend "PLANNED" Rides are ’suspended’, not terminated, until further notice. This does NOT mean there will be no riding, just nothing ‘planned’ at this time. Plan a ride and I bet
folks will show. Just get word to Roger for announcement.
Wednesday we rode to lunch at Pasqualino's restaurant in Bryson City, NC.
DATE: Wednesday, October 5th PLACE: Hiwassee Citgo Station (corner of Hwy. 76 & Hwy. 515)
TIME: 9:30 AM RIDE LEADERS: Roger & Dottie LeRoy Please reply so we can alert the
restaurant.
Johnson City Ride Mon, October 10 – Wed, October 12 Get your reservation NOW!
Chapter J Annual Yard Sale Sat, October 15, 7am – 11am Eller’s Garage, Hiawassee, GA
Mississippi District Rally Gulfport MS, Thu, October 13 – Sat, October 15
*Cherohala Mystery Ride: Oct 19th Leaving Blairsville Marathon @ 10:00 AM
*Central, SC Ride: Oct 26th Central Station Café’ Leaving Blairsville Marathon @ 10:00 AM
The Steel Pony Rally, Eufaula, AL Thu, October 27 – Sat, October 29, Lakepoint Lodge and
Convention Center
November Rides:
November 2: Nestor & Iris will be leading a 'Brown Bag Lunch' ride to Georgia's Cloudland
Canyon State Park. Leaving Blairsville Marathon at 9:00 AM There is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle.
November 5th: Wind Down in Fayetteville, GA. Event starts at 10:00 AM and runs until COY elected.
Plan ahead for a Polar Bear Ride: Please let us know if there is any interest in your Leadership
planning for this.
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News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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==========================================================================================
Ride Report
Ride to Pasqualino’s in Bryson City, NC
October 5, 2016
By Roger LeRoy
It was a cool morning when we gathered at the Hiawassee Citgo Station. Temperature in the mid
50’s – something new for those of us that had been riding in the summer heat that started in the 70’s
and reached mid 90’s by 2:00 PM. However, we had 10 riders that had layered up and were looking
forward to a cool ride into the North Carolina hills. These included Dick & Diane Schmidt, Fred & Carol
Henige, Tom McDaris, Nestor & Iris Morin, Jeff Overbay and Roger & Dottie LeRoy.
We headed north, picked up Hwy. 64 west and then Hwy. 141 to Fairview Road taking us into
Andrews, NC the back way. A short pause at the Andrews rest stop and we were onto Junaluska Road
riding along scenic Junaluska Creek. Reaching Wayah Rd., we turned left and rode some fun curves along
scenic Nantahala River. Hwy. 74 through the Nantahala Gorge offered us limited sightings of the
News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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rafters and kayakers, as it proved too cool and too early for most of the rafting enthusiasts. The
sightseeing train from Bryson City was in the Gorge and numerous tourists were in the area of the
River’s End Restaurant. We continued on to Bryson City and our lunch destination – Pasqualino’s Italian
Restaurant.
The parking lot adjacent to the restaurant was so full that some of us had to find parking on the
street. Pasqualino’s did not disappoint us. There were plenty of items to choose from and the prices were
easy on the wallet. Also, the expected crowd (full Parking Lot) was not in Pasqualino’s.
After a pleasant lunch, we mounted up and rode back along Hwy. 74 to Hwy. 28 north. Crossing
over branches of Fontana Lake, we noticed the trees in the area just starting to show some color.
Turning right at the Stecoah Dinner onto Lower Stecoah Rd., we arrived at the Ironhorse Motorcycle
Lodge. A short stop here let us check out the facilities and discover that they plan to close the Resort
on November 1st until April 1st next year. Leaving the Resort we took the loop road into the wilderness
above the Lodge and circled back to Hwy. 28. Soon on Hwy. 143, we arrived at Robbinsville, NC, and our
scheduled ice cream stop.
Our return travel took us back to Andrews, Hwy. 141, Old Hwy. 64 through Brasstown, NC and
into Young Harris, GA. We traveled a total of 165 miles and the weather could not have been nicer –
reaching a high of 77 degrees. Great ride – with great riders.
==========================================================================================
The WOW Ride!
Johnson City, TN
October 10, 2016
By Gordon Tomb
On Oct 10 at 8:00 AM, four couples began a ride we will never forget. Meeting at the Citco
station in Hiawassee at 8:00 AM everyone had one question, why so early. No good answer was available
from the leader!
Roger and Dottie, Bill and Barb, Fred and Carol and Sandy and Gordon then headed for Johnson
City. The Rt. taken was the usual Waynesville to 209 then the Rattler highway to our destination
Johnson City.
After checking into the Sleep Inn we road Rt 91 N from Elizabethton to Shady Valley, where we
connected to Rt 421 the Snake and rode to Bristol. No WOW factor yet!!!!!
Tuesday found the fearsome eight leaving Bristol Tn. for the eighty mile ride to Marion, Va. Now
the WOW factor began!!!!
Our Goal: Rt 16 the "Back of The Dragon" When I first decided to do the "Back" I thought it was
a 10 or 15 mile ride, was I ever wrong !! It became a 36-mile ride over three different mountains.
Rt 16 was the Tail of The Dragon if someone pulled each end of the Tail and softened the curve! Soft
turns, long sweeping curves with a fair sprinkling of switchbacks. May I remind you it was 36 miles of
motorcycle heaven.
On Wednesday morning at breakfast, impromptu B Day party was held. The three couples
presented Gordon with a card, piece of red velvet cake and a gift card. Thanks again gang!!!
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In between each of the three mountain tops where high mountain valleys equipped with
beautiful farms, livestock, and scenery. Around every corner, we said "WOW"!! The ride back to the
motel was accomplished by taking the next turn. No Rt. Numbers in-cumbered our riding. After dinner,
we played 99 with Gordon and Dottie spanking the competition.
On the ride home, we stopped at the Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park. His original cabin is
still there. The ride home was via. Rt.70 to 208 Waynesville.
This was the "WOW" ride. Everyone agreed it was the best ride in our area.
Thanks to those who rode with Sandy and me.
Pictures from the WOW Ride.
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Ride Report
Dennis Bible, 10/16/16
Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Drive Run
Since I've ridden the southern portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway many times and done Skyline
Drive a few years ago I've been wanting to "connect the ends" for my own satisfaction. Having
discussed this ride with my good friend, Bill Rutledge, for several months, we decided to make the
run starting Sunday, October 16th. At our October Chapter gathering on Saturday 10/15, Bill
Schleicher, fresh off a multi-day trike ride to Johnson City, TN, and needing to blow the carbon
out of his 2013 Harley Ultra-Limited decided to join us, so we became a group of three.
We left Blairsville about mid-day Sunday, 10/17, and headed for Asheville, NC., fastest way
which meant the 4 lane and I-40. There was a wreck on I-40 that had all eastbound lanes closed
so we had to pick our way to Asheville via alternate routes which cost us some unanticipated time
and got us to our Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center starting point East of Asheville later than we
expected.
With the sun going down in the West and three hours of riding ahead of us to get to our hotel in
Boone, NC., we were all of a sudden in a hurry. The good news is the setting sun lit up the Fall
colors and provided an awesome show as we climbed toward Blowing Rock! The bad news is full
darkness overtook us at Blowing Rock and we had to navigate through 5 o'clock traffic to Boone,
but made it safely.
Day 2 saw us up, refreshed and after a "complimentary" hotel breakfast we were back on the
Parkway headed North. It's impossible to describe the beauty of the mountains, ridges, Fall
colors, rural countryside, overlooks and valley view's encountered all along the Parkway in a
sentence or two. The Parkway and Skyline Drive are engineering and construction marvels that
every American should be proud of! You just have to see and experience it for yourself! Be aware
there are limitations such as 35 - 45 mph speed limits, mostly 2-lane road with very limited
passing opportunities and plenty of slow moving, rubbernecking traffic. So plan plenty of travel
time and try to be patient (something we ran out of on day 3). Continuing North we made
Waynesboro, VA., for our second night at mile "0" or the North end of the 469 mile Parkway
(again in full darkness).
Day 3 we opted for a Mc Donald's breakfast then headed for Rockfish Gap which is the Southern
end of the 105 mile Skyline Drive and the entrance to Shenandoah National Park. The plan was to
ride 55 miles up to the visitor center at Big Meadows and get some pictures. The visitors center
there has some great displays on the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) history and construction of
Skyline Drive as well as a fine video narrated by some of the men who actually worked on the
project during The Great Depression! Very interesting! Like I said, our fun meters were pegged by
News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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now with the slow traffic, so we beat it back south about 15 miles and headed west to Beckley,
West Virginia. We were forced to get on the Interstate System to cover the miles to Beckley but
after fighting the truck traffic south on I-81, we found I-64 West to be a beautiful ride through
mountain after mountain and no trucks (mountains)!
Day 4 Schleicher planned a scenic ride south on Hwy 16, but first he led us north to the New
River Bridge across the New River Gorge. The New River area is a Mecca for whitewater sports,
hiking trails, fishing, kayaking and lots of festivals. The bridge itself is the longest single steel
arch span in the US and at almost 900' above the river, the third highest in the country!
Heading back south on Hwy 16 we picked our way thru the southern West Virginia coal country.
Hwy 16 is a fine M/C road but it almost hurt to see how poor those coal towns are in this day and
age. It's like going back to the 50's. We worked our way south on'16 to Tazewell, VA., for lunch,
then hit the "Back of The Dragon" which is still Hwy 16, but switchbacks itself over 3 mountains
on its way to Marion, VA. Great road and beautiful countryside. Back on I-81 south to I-26 south
to the hotel and a fine pizza in Johnson City.
Day 5 it was time to head home, so it was I-26 south to I-40 west, then Hwy 441 to Franklin,
NC., and Hwy 64 to Hayesville. Stopping a Ingles in Hayesville for fuel and supplies, there were
smiling handshakes and shoulder slaps all around before splitting up on the last few miles to get
home!
Good roads, good friends, good weather, three riders on three units and 1,250 miles over 5 days!
Dennis Bible
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Central, Carolina Ride - 10/26/2016 Led by
Gordon Tomb
Report By:
Judy Hurd
On cool, crisp October day we headed out from our place in Franklin to meet up with "the gang" in
Blairsville. It was 39 degrees going over the Mountains, but soon started warming up.
We took some of the roads less traveled and headed toward Central, South Carolina. Our
destination was The Central Station Cafe'. They have a buffet on Wednesday and we were not
disappointed. It was great just getting to visit with everyone as this was my first ride since the
accident back on May 21st.
Several tried their luck at shooting for a hole in one. Sadly no one made it! You see, if one does
get the hole in one, they get a dollar off their bill.
After removing layers we headed back out. Joe split off a ways in while the rest of the Group
continued on to Warwoman road then headed back into Clayton. Dave and I headed home via
Highlands Road.
A great ride with great friends and good food. What more could anyone want?
Joining us on this ride were Gordon, Jill & Tom, Mel & Candice, Joe, Dutch, Roger & Dottie, Mark
& Carol, and Dave & Judy. We had a total of 6 trikes and 4 bikes.
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Our ACD’s And Ride Educator’s Corner:
Well another month has rolled by and it just seems to be more things
to do than we have time to do them! Connie & I just returned from the
Region A Rally in Eufaula Alabama and it lived up to our expectations; there
were vendors, there was planned activities and then there was the local
riding. We took the sometime to work the Hospitality Suite and enjoyed the
various conversations that happened by some being serious and then there
was the jokers and nonsense. But it was all for fun!
We also had the opportunity to take a Trike riders course earlier in the month and were
pushed to the edge of our abilities; yes, you can put a trike up on two wheels, but the co-rider
will not be so happy about it and that when the mute button come in handy! If you haven’t taken
this course it is well worth the time.
It truly was a busy month, the yard sale went well and we had a great turn out of members
to set up and to help sell the tables galore of collectable items, there were some interesting
things in the closet for sure that were given up to be sold! Then we all went over to the
Gathering where we had a good turnout there as well. Well, hope to see you soon…
From Riders Ed……Rider’s Block Next time you take to the road, think about a few of these statistics:
1.) Smartphones are on the rise among adults over the age of 40….
2.) As of 2014, there were an average of 169,300,000,000 text messages sent monthly:
source: CTIA That’s about 680 text messages a day by everyone one in the US
3.) At any moment 660,000 drivers are using a cell phone or manipulating an electronic
Device
4.) 5 seconds is the average time your eyes are away from road while texting…. At 55
miles per hour that’s 80 feet per second for a total of 403 feet, Image you’re on I-
75 just keeping up with traffic you would cover nearly 2 football fields while you were
blindfolded.
5.) In 2014, 3,179 people were killed and 431,000 were injured due to a distracted
driver: source NHTSA
6.) 10% of all teenage drivers 15-19 involved in fatal crashes were reportedly were
distracted and are also the largest proportion of drivers who are distracted while
driving: Source NHTSA
7.) More than 50% of us have had a walking encounter with a distracted walker!
Just some things we all see every day, a survey by an insurance company reported that 80% of
drivers have witnessed distracted behavior. Let’s be safe and put the devices away or pulling off
the road including trying to reprogram that aftermarket GPS when you’re lost…
Let’s be safe!
Jeff & Connie
News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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Treasurer Report: Did you know that the Chapter Treasurer is not only responsible for handling the financials of the
Chapter but is also to be very active in the Chapter?
The Chapter Treasurer proactively supports GWRRA and its programs.
Attends and participates in District and Region rallies and in Wing Ding
Proudly wears the Official GWRRA 10” patch on a vest or jacket
Encourages Members to wear the 10” patch.
As your Treasurer, I have a performance review at least once a year.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATION: Both Towns and Union Counties were very appreciative of the $502.16 in school supplies donated by
Chapter J. The school supplies were purchased from our February 2016 Valentine Day’s Chinese Auction
fundraiser and from money donated directly by Chapter J Members.
Editor’s Note: Here’s one of the Thank You letters we received. The reason I don’t have two is because I must have
misplaced one in the wastebasket. I’m so disorganized and sorry.
Can anyone tell me how I got these in here and how to get them out?
News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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=========================================================================
==========================================================================================
News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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=========================================================================
Jingles from Jill Our Events Coordinator:
We will certainly miss you Jill. You have done a WONDERFUL job! Jill felt, and
we understand, she needed to step down due to recent events in her immediate
family.
==========================================================================================
Roger’s Rangers – Ride Coordinator:
Did you miss the reports above? This is your Editor in Chief. Roger and
his crew have been doing a WONDERFUL job! Thank You guys!
=========================================================================
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News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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Support Our Membership’s Sponsors
News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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=========================================================================
Items from Jeff, give him a shout out!
Kuryakyn chrome transformer passenger floorboards, fits 01-16, asking
$125.00 OBO pictures available...
Kuryakyn Louvered Chrome Battery Box covers, fits 2012 - 2016 asking $75
OBO pictures available...
My contact info:
Jeff Overbay
407-474-4699
=========================================================================
News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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=========================================================================
ITEMS FOR SALE Contact: Ray Hansen:727-743-5108 Cell or 706-745-8918 Home or email:[email protected]
Men’s:
HJC Helmet: $75
· Large
· White
· With Intercom
· Removable Full Face Mask
· Aviator Lens Partial Mask Retractable
Tour Master All Weather Suit: $50
· Men’s Large
· Intake Series 2
· Jacket/Pants are Multi-Layers All Weather Water Proof.
· Black and White
Rain Booties: $5
· Black Zippered Over Boot Style
Leather Chaps (New): $75
· Medium
· Black
Leather Jacket: $50
· Size 42
· Gray
· Medium Weight
Women’s:
HJC Helmet: $75
· Small
· White
· With Intercom
· Removable Full Face Mask
· Aviator Lens Partial Mask Retractable
Tour Master All Weather Suit $50
· Women’s Medium 10/12
· Intake Series 2
· Jacket/Pants are Multi-Layers All Weather Water Proof
· Black and White
News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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==========================================================================================
Rain Booties: $5
· Black Zippered Over Boot Style
Shift Leather Jacket: $50
· Red/Black Trim
· Ladies Small
Boiled Wool Jacket: $35
· Medium
· Red/Black Trim
Black Leather Riding Boots $15
· Size 7 Medium
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October 2016
Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat.
1 Chapter "J's"
Annual Picnic @ Meek's Park Noon - Bring games
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lunch at
Pasqualino's, Bryson City, NC
Ray Hansen
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Johnson City Ride
Get reservations in NOW
Johnson City Ride Nick & Sandy Anniversary
Johnson City Ride Gordon Tomb
Mike Epperson Art & Gloria Lecours Anniversary
Mississippi District Rally Gulfport MS 13th-15th
Gloria Lecours Chapter J’s Annual Yard Sale Meeting
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Let’s Ride! Bill Tribble Randy Siniard
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Elizabeth Dickey
Mo Rodgers Let’s Ride! The Steel Pony
Rally, Eufaula, AL Peg Jones
The Steel Pony Rally, Eufaula, AL
The Steel Pony Rally, Eufaula, AL
30 31 Ted Hart
Art Upchurch
no
tes
News From The Mountain Blue J’s Nest
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November 2016
Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thu. Fri. Sat.
1 2 3 4 5 Leaving Blairsville
Marathon @ 9:00 AM
Ron Freeman
Wind Down, Fayetteville, GA 10:00 AM
Richard & Diane Schmidt Anniversary
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Jan Upchurch Chapter J Dinner
Ride: Italian Life in Blairsville, GA 6 PM – 7 PM
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Bill Rutledge Chapter J meeting
@ Daniel’s Steak House eat 11 AM Meet 12 PM
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Jerry & Jet Eads Anniversary
27 28 29 30 Kathy Kryder Sandy Tomb
no
tes
Plan on a Polar Bear Ride if you’d like one we’ll start making plans.
