So, it's now 2008, and my mind is already wandering to warmer days and the prospect of riding some fine Tennessee / North Carolina roads.  I'm already planning a trip to Deals Gap, and I have a suggestion.

The last couple of years, the 'rally' that we've planned hasn't drawn many of our members (last year I was in Tennessee for the meet, but had to return home unexpectedly due to my grandmother's death).  However, I had the opportunity last year to meet with members of thegsresources.com at their Brown County Rally in Indiana.   

It was a great experience, and there was a wide variety of bikes, mostly classic GS Suzukis, and people there.  There were about 30+ people in attendance, and the experience was fantastic.  I found out about their Brown County rally mere days before the event started, and I didn't have time to register, so I just 'crashed' the rally at the meeting point for the first days ride.  They welcomed me right in, grouped me with four or five other riders, gave me a route map, and we rode all day.  They accepted me in like we'd known each other for years.  Great people.

Anyway, my suggestion is to combine our rally with theirs (June 5th - 8th).  They've already done a lot of planning, scouted routes, and worked out accomodations.  Obviously, we newer GS people (1999-2007) could opt to ride together, or we could join in with the collective, but it would give us many more options.

If you guys are interested their meet and greet threads are located at http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/forumdisplay.php?f=107
That page also discusses several other rallys that they are hosting in different parts of the country.  Check them out if their in your area.

btw, this is not a plug for thegsresources, it's simply an idea for a more unified and successful rally this year. 

So, whattaya think?  Anyone up for the Dragon this year? 

I'm absolutely in, my schedule is rather flexible overall.

you know, haven't been on the forums in like 6 months and haven't been on any group rides for probably two years.  i was just thinking that it would be pretty awesome if i could round up some folks and hit the dragon.  i'll mark my calendar.  hopefully i can make it.

Just thought I would say hello here.  I'm Al Jones, I ride a 1982 GS850 and I'm one of the rally coordinators for Brown County, as I only live about one hour from the southern Indiana twisties.  I just bought a 2001 GS500 for my wife to ride.  She rode her Honda 400 at last years rally and has sadly (for her) outgrown it.  I believe the GS500 will be exactly what she needs to experience the road more fully.

I also to point out that the group of us over at thegsresources.com have quite a few rallys throughout the year.  Brown County Starts it off in May, then we have one in North Carolina, West Virgina, New York, one in the Western States, and last but not least (one of my personal favorites), one in Wisconsin in October.  If any of you guys are interested in attending one of these events please do.  Thats what this is all about. Talking about tires, stators, and oh yeah, lots of corner carving.

We run all of these events pretty loose.  We are not a very organized bunch, but then again, i think thats what makes it work.  Its a vacation for me and my wife to enjoy.  Map and a loose agenda is usually offered but you ride the road you point that bike down.

Feel free to contact me at awjonesii@gmail.com if your interested in attending or jsut simply go to the site.

Now with that said - anyone have a crankshaft that would fit a 2001 GS500.  The one I have seems to be locked up.

Thanks,

Al Jones

i have it in my head to make it too as many rides as i can this year.  the reason being is that i may not have many more rides left in me.  so if i can i will be there

if i can get ahold of a bike, im in. lol but as of now, im bike-less 

Ok, so for those of you that are more action than talk, you can sign up for the Southeastern GS rally here:  http://northcarolina.gsrallies.com/?page=signup

for all of yall north of me , are any of you coming through VA? I gotta double check my schedule but I should be in . and I am sure I can bring a long fed ex mike. he has moved on to a R6 but he is still fun to ride with

depending on the dates I would be in, I reside in Blacksburg so its not that much of a hike for me.s

I missed last years meet at deals gap because of a wreck.I was almost there and traffic stopped.I sat on the highway for 2 hours waiting for traffic to move.I can't make any promises but I plan to be there.My bike is currently going through service and upgrades.I'm in upstate SC,so I'm about 2 hours from Deals Gap.

maybe we can get together a big convoy

Anythang is possybil. 

Less than three months away.  Time to start making definite plans if you intend to stay in the area.  C'mon guys and gals, who's going to make the trip this year?   

considering it..... 

If I talked a friend into it, who doesn't have a GS500 (he's got a GSXR), how out of place would he be? Are there other sport bikes that show up?

Quote from: ecpreston on March 20, 2008, 04:04:56 PM
considering it..... 

If I talked a friend into it, who doesn't have a GS500 (he's got a GSXR), how out of place would he be? Are there other sport bikes that show up?

Not everyone on here rides a GS.Some have moved on to other bikes,GSXR being one.I stepped down from a GSXR750 to a GS.There will be alot of bikes there.Mainly Aisan sport bikes.So he shouldn't be outta place.The GS in the GSXR's little brother.

I'm going to go and i'm going to bring a another GStwin rider who moved up to a 06 R6

Hey, for those of you that are going, follow this link to sign up:

http://northcarolina.gsrallies.com/index.php?page=index

It's not necessary to sign up, but it makes it easier than going back through all the posts to see who was planning to go. 

JUST OVER TWO MONTHS AWAY!   

Quote from: ben2go on March 20, 2008, 07:04:19 PM

Quote from: ecpreston on March 20, 2008, 04:04:56 PM
considering it..... 

If I talked a friend into it, who doesn't have a GS500 (he's got a GSXR), how out of place would he be? Are there other sport bikes that show up?

Not everyone on here rides a GS.Some have moved on to other bikes,GSXR being one.I stepped down from a GSXR750 to a GS.There will be alot of bikes there.Mainly Aisan sport bikes.So he shouldn't be outta place.The GS in the GSXR's little brother.

f%$k you and your 'mainly asian sport bikes'   I'll be there and I don't have a GS, a Suzuki or anyother JapBike for that matter

        

OK, Oramac, I signed up

Hey Ben, I think I have to ride right by you on my way up there.