Ninja 250 Rally - Deals Gap, Aug 4-7

[Raybot]

I'm also part of another ninja 250 forum and we are kinda starting to plan a 250 gathering for next year! I pretty much copied and pasted the original post from there.

I figure the more the marier, and it would be awesome if we had a huge turn out. so mark your calenders.

here is the original post:

So, im just thinking outloud, and i wanted to start setting some concrete plans for the 2011 deals gap trip!

Lets put it on our calendars for next year. I think we can definatly get a good group together this year, and hopefully we can explore the area around deals gap.
WHEN
August 1 to August 10 of 2011

WHERE TO STAY

There are Inns and Hotels in Robbinsville that we can stay at. Dablue1, stayed below. 75$ a room. Id recommend sharing to keep the costs down.

http://www.microtelinn.com/MicrotelI...4&brandInfo=MT


If you are camping, you can stay where i stayed
KOA Kampgrounds - www.koa.com
7310 Highway 360, Tellico Plains, TN - (423) 253-2447

that campground was extremely clean and had pools etc.. 25$ a night, still expensive for camping. But beggars cant be choosers.

[bob706]

Throw out some more reminders as the date gets closer but I would love to go

[Raybot]

I'm sure I will. I just thought I would throw it out there pretty far in advance to get people thinking about it.

[scorch]

Hi Folks, anyone want to meet up and organize a trip for the ninja 250 brothers? Im planning a trip to the dragon on august 1 to the 10, and id love to have everyone from all forums including this one ninjette.org, ninja250forum.com and even ninja250.com.. damm thats alot of forums.

But if you are interested in going lets all get together

Im hoping we can get some sponsors even from kawasaki.

this 2011 will be 25 years that the ninja has been in production, so lets show our love and support for this bike.

[Alex]

Sounds like fun! One of these years I'll make it back east to Deals Gap, not sure if this will be the one, but it's on the list.

[Alex]

Oh - also saw another thread here that might be about this same event:

link to related thread

[scorch]

Originally Posted by Alex

Oh - also saw another thread here that might be about this same event:

link to related thread

yup thats the same one. Thats raybot, you can see the old ninja250forum pics on this site

http://www.ninja250forum.com/forum/i...p?topic=3231.0

hopefully that will work, but lets try to get this rolling.

[Alex]

Coolio...

/threads merged

[DaBlue1]

Keep in mind, in 2011 the 250 Ninja will be 25 years old in the United States. 2011 is also the time Honda re-enters the 250cc sportbike market in the U.S. This is in most places a milestone. So a big gathering of dedicated 250 Ninja Owners, I think would not only be great but proper and in order. What better place to showcase the Ninjas greatest assets than at the mecca of motorcycling, The Tail of The Dragon. If you are involved in or know someone involved in marketing, races, motorcycle events, rallies or shows, give Scorch a holla'. Also lets put the idea out to all the other forums too so that if others have plans on or near the same time to be at Deals Gap, one big gathering can be planned. I believe if we push the idea hard and good enough to Kawasaki and have the commitment and support of the forum members and other 250 owners it could be an awesome event.

So give us some feedback or if you have some ideas so we can get it right.

[wild-bill]

I'm trying to get a few folks in SE Texas rounded up to make the trip to the Dragon next year. Would it be okay if some members rode bikes other than a Ninja 250? If I don't feel I can comfortably go that far on the Ninjette, I'll have to take the 650R.

[slolane]

Great idea! Marking my calendar and looking forward to going, thanks for the post. I will try to bring out a few others... I know 3 others with 250's... but as asked above are we trying to keep this just to 250's or everyone?

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by wild-bill

I'm trying to get a few folks in SE Texas rounded up to make the trip to the Dragon next year. Would it be okay if some members rode bikes other than a Ninja 250? If I don't feel I can comfortably go that far on the Ninjette, I'll have to take the 650R.

I believe this will be an event open to all bikes. Others are planning to come with other family and friends that ride sport tourers.

It's just that the 250 Ninja will be the star and center of attention.

Don't worry about the Ninja. I clocked over 1000 miles over the Labor Day weekend going to Deals Gap this year. I got tired before the bike did.

[Apex]

Don't know if my butt can stand a 15 hour ride out to TN...and also vacation days play a part of it too. I also feel that my wife would have something to say about my wanting to ride from here to TN by myself. hahahahahahah

Worth keeping an eye on though!

[rceezy]

Subscribed. I've yet been to The Dragon on my own bike, can't wait to hear more details as the time nears.

[Apex]

Originally Posted by slolane

Great idea! Marking my calendar and looking forward to going, thanks for the post. I will try to bring out a few others... I know 3 others with 250's... but as asked above are we trying to keep this just to 250's or everyone?

I don't see why others couldn't be invited...as long as they aren't d-bags trying to show off.

Oh hang on, to cars, we all are a bunch of d-bags!

[rceezy]

I won't be riding to the Gap alone and I don't know many people with 250s. So if I am able to make it, an R1, a VFR and a FJR will be coming with.

[slolane]

Originally Posted by Apex

I don't see why others couldn't be invited...as long as they aren't d-bags trying to show off.

Oh hang on, to cars, we all are a bunch of d-bags!

LOL, sounds good. Thanks for the info.

[Apex]

Makes me want to get a Corbin seat now. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

[nate-bama]

I'm game

[spooph]

In!

[wild-bill]

Has anyone considered trailering their 250? But I don't want to trailer all the way-that would be kinda boring. What about 2 or 3 riders getting together and trailering most of the way. Example-3 riders in TX. Someone has a trailer that holds 3 bikes(or we rent one). Trailer to Birmingham AL and rent a storage unit to store the car/truck and trailer. I called Public Storage. With the $1 1st month special, you just pay $1 plus $19 administrative fee. If you need it less than 30 days, it's just $20. Then we ride the last 300 or so miles to the Dragon. Then after having great fun, we go back to Birmingham, load up, and go home. What about this idea?

[Momaru]

I'm in! It's only about 300mi down I-81 for me and in two years I haven't managed to make it down there yet.

[oroboros]

So I am a little obsessed with Deal’s Gap at the moment.

Since I have just recently relocated to East TN and got my baby Ninja, I have been to The Dragon a few times now. The first time I went I had no expectations. Sine before moving to the area I had heard about Deal’s Gap but really did not know much about it. In fact, in my wayward youth in 1994 I was hiking the Appalachian Trail and had been through Fontana Dam…anyway, I took my bike with about 100 miles under my belt for a nice ride down the Foothills Parkway to RT129 to check out the curves. Like I said, without any expectation I was really surprised to see all of the bikes! Not to mention the really cool cars. Funny thing was rounding a curve and having like 10 people take my picture. It was weird and I was just trying to look at the road so I did not fall over.

I road through the gap and then turned around and went back through. I had pulled over for a bit just to take it in and watched a TN state cop pull over an S2000. After a great ride I just went home and thought it was a cool ride and a pretty area. It had been 20 years since I had been to Fontana Dam.

Just the other day my memory was jarred by reading some thread on ninjette.org and went to find out who the photographers were. A short time later with Lord Google and I came across www.killboy.com and found some pictures of me! Did I buy one? Hell ya! How cool. If you have some time and have not checked out the website it is really fun.



So, I went back today with my wife and her Mini Cooper S. She really did not want to drive so I had the fun of winding the little car through the curves. The Mini ate it up! It was like it was saying “finally! This is what I was made to do.” Unfortunately the passenger was made ill from the rapidly changing scenery. Sorry Madge!

Here is something to consider… while making our way back through the dragon a tractor trailer (with an oversized load carrying a giant Caterpillar!) was f***ing flying through. I could not believe this guy. It was disturbing to think if someone was on a bike and coming around a corner this d-bag would have made them flat. I yanked the steering wheel and pulled all the way over and the truck was still taking up the entire road. I think the guy was having a go at the dragon with a head full of Meth. I was happy to see up at the look-out point that a guy on a super moto made it through the death trap.

THIS IS NO PLACE FOR TRACTOR TRAILERS

I know that this is a public road and should be treated with respect but there is no room for trucks.

The long and short of the story is that I am happy to help facilitate a Ninja 250 gathering next year. It would be cool to perhaps host something here in Townsend as well. For those considering the trip you may want to look at the Townsend area for places to stay. It is called “the quiet side of the Smoky Mountains”. The ride from here to Deal’s gap is only about 30 minutes and to get there is a beautiful ride down the Foothills Parkway. We are on the edge of the Smoky Mountains National Park and there are many options from camping, rustic cabins, nice cabins….gigantic homes with majestic views, you get the idea.

I am new to the area but willing to start looking into possibilities for anyone who is interested.

[spooph]

oroboros, that's awesome! Thanks for the heads-up!

Yes, I'm interested in something with a shower and a bed. The cheaper the better, that's about all I'll be doing there...

I'll be looking too, and we can compare notes. I like the idea of Townsend, unless there's already a designated town the 250's are gonna crash during the trip...

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by oroboros

I am new to the area but willing to start looking into possibilities for anyone who is interested.

Thanks!
That's good to know. I went by one of the Cycle Gear stores a few weeks back. While I was in there I asked the manager if they sponsored or participated in motorcycle events. I told him about Deals Gap and he said that he does support events. Basically if the event was closer to his store he'd help organize what we wanted (fund raiser, promo items, etc.) He said the Knoxville TN store is closer and it is highly likely that that store would participate, however someone has to do the leg work and ask them. Do you think you could see what they are willing to do? (if you can) Keep us posted.

[oroboros]

I can check into this. Also there is a Kawasaki dealer in Alcoa.

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

Thanks!
That's good to know. I went by one of the Cycle Gear stores a few weeks back. While I was in there I asked the manager if they sponsored or participated in motorcycle events. I told him about Deals Gap and he said that he does support events. Basically if the event was closer to his store he'd help organize what we wanted (fund raiser, promo items, etc.) He said the Knoxville TN store is closer and it is highly likely that that store would participate, however someone has to do the leg work and ask them. Do you think you could see what they are willing to do? (if you can) Keep us posted.

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[nerobo]

First post! It's on my calendar. Went to the Gap with my 250 this past summer from Atlanta. I have four bikes and I like them all but the 250 has the most comfortable riding position (and best mpg!). There's lots of great rides and POI's in north GA. A favorite off-beat place to check out is Camp Merrill near Dahlonega where Ranger candidates do their mountain phase training. The camp is in a national park. Not exactly opened to the public, but the front gate guard has let me ride down to the drill field both times I've been there. Each time I was fortunate enough to see America's finest being put through some pretty sucky stuff. Got to the Gap late in the day. Just made one trip, down and back, as it was getting dark. Real late getting back home. Awesome!

[oroboros]

Originally Posted by nerobo

First post! It's on my calendar. Went to the Gap with my 250 this past summer from Atlanta. I have four bikes and I like them all but the 250 has the most comfortable riding position (and best mpg!). There's lots of great rides and POI's in north GA.

Welcome! 4 bikes North GA mountains into TN/NC is beautiful. See you in August

[jax]

Well since the wife and I only live an hour or so away we will prolly have to visit. Also I know a couple of people that work at Kaw Corporate in Cali and they help me out with Vulcan rallies so I will tell them about this

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by jax

Well since the wife and I only live an hour or so away we will prolly have to visit. Also I know a couple of people that work at Kaw Corporate in Cali and they help me out with Vulcan rallies so I will tell them about this

That would be great. Thanks and keep us posted.

[DaBlue1]

Looks like August 4th-7th 2011 will be the dates to pencil in on your calendars. Saturday the 6th will probably be the large meet & greet and group ride day.

Currently there are a few folks working behind the scenes to get some things done for this. Your help is greatly appreciated. Hopefully the new dates will help in the planning. What ever it is you do, keep us posted

For those that are planning to go on the trip to Deals Gap, here is some information about the area.

Deals Gap Recommended Area Accommodations

http://www.dealsgap.com/area-information.htm

Hotel and Camping

http://www.dealsgap.com/motel.htm

Maps and Directions

http://www.dealsgap.com/maps.htm

[TenaciousD]

I have been there several times in my cars, and have been planning a bike trip up there in 2011. I might just have to make this my week to go. August can be REALLY hot and uncomfortable up there, but lots of groups do rallies there in the summer so I guess we'll survive. LOL.

[wvninja]

Originally Posted by TenaciousD

I have been there several times in my cars, and have been planning a bike trip up there in 2011. I might just have to make this my week to go. August can be REALLY hot and uncomfortable up there, but lots of groups do rallies there in the summer so I guess we'll survive. LOL.

Not hot so much as humid Its only 80f and you sweat like you've just run a mile while sitting on the bike doing nothing. Your skin gets really sticky. I suggest bringing a lighter well vented jacket so the air can pass through and a camel back.

[TenaciousD]

Originally Posted by wvninja

Not hot so much as humid Its only 80f and you sweat like you've just run a mile while sitting on the bike doing nothing.

Exactly!
Of course I live in Tampa so I'm pretty used to that.

EDIT: I was there on the last weekend in July a few years ago and we were DYING until we found a lake to go swimming in. It was in the high '90's.

[scorch]

hopefully we will get a good turn out!

Im hoping we get some people from all over the place, it would be great to have a few people from the west coast. Maybe get a prize together for the ninja 250r rider who rode the most to get to deals gap.

[oroboros]

As I am considering reaching out to some local companies for possible support I wonder what other sponsorship ideas you all might have. I like the idea that is the 25th year for the Ninja and it seems logical that Kawasaki would get behind it. Bottom line is how will the support/donation sell more of what ever product/service they offer.

Is there a core group of poeple working on this that I should communicate with so that anything that I might do is not redundant?

It looks like there are other forums talking about this as well... though I am only on here, as it is I probabaly spend more time than I should

Also, the folks at Deals Gap are sure to be wealth of information as they host these kinda things for a living.

This morning here in East TN there was ice and snow covered roads and by noon it was 54 degrees. If it was not raining I would have pulled the bike out for quick ride.

[Blackwidow]

Originally Posted by Alex

Sounds like fun! One of these years I'll make it back east to Deals Gap, not sure if this will be the one, but it's on the list.

why don't you start something for the west coaster?

I'd do it, but I don't have much pull around here.

[Cedilla]

Thats a really long time from now, but If I still have my bike next August I will be there.

[scorch]

it will be here before you guys know it!

[oroboros]

Originally Posted by scorch

it will be here before you guys know it!

The weather warmed up in East TN today and melted away all that nasty snow so I took a ride out to Deals Gap. There were lots of bikes out today enjoying the weather. I have a feeling that I am not going to park my ninjette for the winter but just wait for these choice days to get out while I can.

So, keep these dates on your calendar. Deals gap is a great ride and every time reminds of my lack of experience. I got out of the way for a couple larger bikes (and more experienced riders) and also for a pick up truck that was riding my butt. It's funny how after you go through the Dragon a few times that the "regular" roads seem so straight!