Why Come to a Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Meeting?
You can meet people who don't think you're crazy for wanting to ride your bike to South America or Africa or across Asia, or even around the world! Admit it, all your 'normal' friends and most of your family fears for your sanity! So, this is your opportunity to meet the people who will encourage you in that craziness, share their experiences and advice on how to do it, and maybe you'll meet them again in Mongolia or Timbuktu!
Robbinsville, North Carolina, USA, June 17-19, 2005
"The ride I mapped out is 140+/- miles. It is very tight both gravel and paved roads for the most part except for a couple 6-8 miles sections. There will be a number of 'bail out' points to return to Ironhorse. Best suited for XR650, KLR, 640 Adventure, DR650, DRZ400. I have riden all these roads on 950 Adventure as well and the big Tigers, GS's etc should be fine for anyone but novice off-roaders. All on roads, no single track. Plan on min moving time of 4-5 hours. The roads are tight and mostly 2-3-4 gear stuff."
And there were lots more rides!
Friday night
6:00PM
Dinner
7:00 pm
Speakers presentations
Saturday morning – late check in
8 – 10 am - Breakfast
10:00 – Self-guided Ride details (see sheets at check-in for times for guided rides) and tech sessions.
Saturday afternoon,
Tech sessions:
Grant Johnson, 3 hours of everything you could want to know to ride in another country, or around the world.
Photo Composition
Saturday night,
6:00 pm Dinner (Buffet)
7:00 pm
Speakers presentations
Sunday,
Time to slowly ride off into the sunset, err, rise...
Photos from the Meeting by Bob Barron
Bob spent the whole weekend photographing and documenting everything, did a great job, and very generously made a CD available at only US$5 (and spent half the night Saturday and Sunday morning burning them for those smart enough to order in advance) They sold so well we're planning on doing it again next year!
You can get your copy of the CD with 71 photos from the meeting
Bob can also supply high quality prints at a reasonable price.
Bob is also interested in doing similar work at other events, so if you're interested, ; I think he did a great job.
Iron Horse is located in Graham County, North Carolina, on Lower Stecoah Road just north off Highway 28. A short 30 minute ride to the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and the scenic Cherohala Skyway, two of the best motorcycle destinations in the United States.
Can you supply us with links, and other info on the places to ride, and interesting things to see in the area? Let us know here.
Ironhorse is in Graham County, NC. www.grahamchamber.com promotes the county and has driving directions to Graham County from Asheville, Atlanta and Knoxville. Even though the directions are not directly to Ironhorse, this site might be useful.
Great information on the "Tail of the Dragon" - otherwise known as US129, near Deal's Gap, with 318 curves in 11 miles, can be found on the "official" Tail of the Dragon website. An awesome road! We will have a few maps from the website, but it would be wise to print your own in advance. Available here. There is also info on Deals Gap, Cherohala Skyway and 2 Dual Sport rides.
North Carolina's 'Scenic Byways' website has a lot of great information on various scenic roads in North Carolina. They also sent Karen a book she says is great. It will be on display at the Meeting. Viewable online in pdf format or can be ordered from their website for only $5.00 each.
Wheels Through Time Museum a "35-year collection of rare American motorcycles and automobiles...230-vehicle collection in the lovely community of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, located just a few miles off of I-40 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Maggie Valley is a quiet community of 400 people nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains." Owner Dale Walksler has very generously donated door prizes for our meeting, and wants to invite you to come visit the museum - he'll be delighted to meet you!
Local Hosts
Karen and Richard Fawcett are co-organizers of this event. Thanks!
If you have any questions, they can be contacted here:
live in the area and will be at the meeting, and since they're in the tourism industry, have offered "local knowledge" if anyone has any questions.
And a special thanks to all the local sponsors and supporters!
Atlanta Triumph Ducati in Atlanta, GA. - " a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts to hang out and discuss bikes with like minded fanatics."
Franklin Motorsports in Franklin NC. - A new Honda dealer that has been very generous! No website yet...
Precision Cycle & ATV Sylva, NC. - a full-service shop - "Mechanics are the backbone of the business"
Smith Power Sports "products to make your outdoor living easier and more enjoyable. We offer experience, fair prices, and a friendly atmosphere." Kawasaki and KTM."
Mortons BMW, Fredericksburg, Virginia. Mortons have been a long-time Horizons Unlimited supporter, so a special thanks to them, and for coming all the way to the meeting! Say hi to Steve, he'll be wandering around...
BMW Motorcycles of Atlanta, "the leading BMW dealer in the southeast, with all the latest models, genuine BMW accessories and your exclusive source for BMW clothing in Georgia"
Please drop in for a visit and thank them for their support.
Check out the Books pages for Travel books and videos. Remember if you go to Amazon from our books page, we get a small percentage of every purchase.
Thanks!
Grant and Susan
Editors note:
We accept no responsibility for any of the above information in any way whatsoever. You are reminded to do your own research. Any commentary is strictly a personal opinion of the person supplying the information and is not to be construed as an endorsement of any kind.
