General
Info
The All Aero Ride (AAR) is a non-commercial group riding event led by members of the All Aero Forum (AAF) and the Shadow Aero 750 Forum. It accepts no corporate sponsorship and there are no commercial vendors present. The organizers and support personnel volunteer their time and efforts to provide several safe and fun group rides for the attendees. No one is paid for their efforts and no fees are charged to any attendee by the organizers. The only costs associated with the event are those which each attendee incurs on his own behalf.
History
Created by Captain Ron of the All Aero Forum, the AAR began as a way for members of the AAF to meet in person and ride together in the mountains of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. The first three AAR’s were based in Knoxville, TN, which offers convenient access to some of the best motorcycling roads in the United States. In 2006, Woodhauler and Steamworks from the AAF organized the event. That year the AAR was based in Townsend, TN, in the midst of the mountains. The AAR:TN returned to Townsend in 2007 and 2008 and will again in 2009 the weekend immediately BEFORE to the Honda Hoot. (NOTE: The 2009 Honda Hoot has been cancelled.) Townsend has proven to be a great central location to the fantastic roads that the Smoky Mountains offer to motorcyclists.
In General:
This year’s event will be held from Saturday, June 13th through Thursday, June 18th. Once again we’ll be staying at the Highland Manor Inn in Townsend, TN, which provides convenient access to the roads of eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This year’s ride was timed to coincide with the Honda Hoot which begins on Wednesday, June 17th and runs through Saturday, June 21st. (NOTE: The 2009 Honda Hoot has been cancelled.) You can enjoy two different biking events in one week!
The Rides
We expect the routes to be in the 150 to 175 mile range and with stops, run about 6-7 hours. However, the group dynamics will determine how long gas, rest, and food stops last and, thus, how long is required to complete the daily ride. Weather will dictate what days we do some of the higher elevation rides, but we are shooting to cover all the best riding in the area, i.e. The Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, New Found Gap, etc…. If we happen to return earlier than expected, there are great roads close for those who may want to make some shorter runs in smaller groups at their own pace. No alcohol will be consumed during nor before the ride as there will be plenty of party time after at the Motel. We want riders to ride in their own comfort zone. Like last year, the Ride Captain will pace no faster that 5mph over the speed limit so we would ask that those riders that would prefer not to get caught up in the slinky effect of trying to catch up, ride at the front of the group. Likewise, newer riders and those who have never ridden in this area are encouraged to position themselves towards the front of the pack.
YOU! Riders of all makes and models of motorcycles are welcome. The event is a family friendly function though alcohol may (will) be consumed and more than a few colorful jokes will be told. However, ALL alcohol consumption will be post ride and no one consuming any alcohol prior to or during the ride will be allowed to accompany the group rides. This is necessary for everyone’s safety.
While the event is “family friendly” I feel compelled to add that in past years some attendees have tried to mix bringing along non-riding spouses and children and have found it hard to mix family vacation obligations with riding. That said, there are ample family oriented recreational opportunities in and around Townsend, and all spouses and children are more than welcome to attend the ride. Just don’t hold it against some of us big mouths if we tell an off color joke at the wrong time. Hey, we just can’t help ourselves.
Fun! It’s a great opportunity to meet people you’ve jabbered with on the forums and ride together, BS, and just clown around together. There’s nothing quite like it!
Based on past years experience and current plans a typical day at the AAR:TN should go something like this:
7:30 am -- Up and showered and on the way to breakfast at a local pancake and eggs joint. Nothing is organized but most folks show up at one or two of the local restaurants.
8:45 am – Pre-ride meeting time! Prior to this time everyone assembles in the motel parking lot, bikes fueled, bladders emptied, bikes lined up, and the pre-ride meeting begins at 8:45. The meeting each day will provide a ride description, procedures, safety hand signals, and address any questions. Please do not be late.
9:00 am – Kickstands up as the group rolls out for a group ride.
Noon-ish – We attempt a noon lunch but the realities of group travel sometimes stretch that to 1 pm, or later. While we usually all eat at the same lunch stop, it may be necessary to split up and hit several nearby food joints if we can’t find a single restaurant that can handle a group our size. If that is the case then see the Ride Captain or Tailgunner before leaving to find out what time the group will resume the ride.
3:30 to 5:00 pm -- We try to end the day’s ride in time for everyone to clean up for supper. Other than a possible BBQ dinner all meals will be on-your-own. However, it’s quite common for groups of riders to make dinner & breakfast plans throughout the day.
7 pm on… The best part of the AAR! After dinner sit back and consume a cold, frosty beverage of your choice while relaxing around the pool. This is the perfect opportunity to ask Sparky what bugs taste like.
What should I expect/NOT expect?
What You Should Expect:
 | You will meet great people and enjoy their company tremendously. |
| You’ll see many gorgeous Aeros; both 1100 and 750. |
| There will be a safety/orientation meeting before each ride. Be there; it’s important to understand the hand signals we use, get updated on changes in plans, etc. We have planned these meetings will be 8:45 a.m., with the rides starting at 9:00 a.m. |
| We are big boys and girls. Each of us will be expected to assume responsibility for his/her own safety, riding skills, and general conduct. Safety is top priority while we’re on the bikes. (Once we’re off the bikes, though, expect a of laughs and clowning around.) |
| At No Time will we ever ask or expect anyone to ride beyond his/her skill level. If at any time you feel that you’re pushing your luck, please DON’T. Nobody will ridicule you or think less of you. |
| We will follow a No Alcohol policy during riding hours. (Various cold refreshments will no doubt be enjoyed at the evening BS sessions.) Drink responsibly. Illegal substances will not be acceptable at any time. |
| Ride speed will be moderate to accommodate average riders. If your riding skills are less developed, tell us. |
| Expect to ride a lot of terrific, twisty, fun roads and enjoy gorgeous scenery. This is some of the best motorcycling in the country. You will go home a better rider. |
| We’ll be riding at some altitudes (sometimes higher than 5000 ft.) in the mountains and it can get pretty cool. It’s a good idea to have a jacket with you on the rides. If nothing else, your rain suit jacket will be nice to have. |
| We’re not going to be hardcore; we’ll to stop for restroom breaks and saddle breaks occasionally. |
| Cell phone service will be marginal in most areas where we ride. That said, most people were able to get cell service at the motel last year. |
| We may get rained on. Although this isn’t something we want, the past attendees will tell you that your riding skills will improve as a result. Bring your rain suit for sure. If you’re uncomfortable with riding in the rain, you’ll need to make that call. |
| Ice cream will be sought, procured, and devoured. |
What You Should Not Expect:
| Everyone should understand that this event is being put together and led by volunteers. It’s not a cruise with a large paid staff on duty. Don’t expect anyone else to make sure you have a great time or to make sure your needs are attended to. |
| Don’t expect perfection in the rides or ride planning. Every effort will be taken to plan fun rides that cover a variety of terrain and destinations. However, road closures and last minute changes are sometime necessary. We’ve found in the past, though, that the impromptu aspects of the trip can be a lot of fun and even result in “forum legends”. |
| Don’t expect the weather to be perfect. In the Smokys one occasionally finds it raining on one side of a mountain and brilliant blue sky on the other. Be prepared. |
We'll be staying at the Highland Manor Inn, located at the northern edge of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We have a block of rooms reserved HOWEVER we will be attending at a very busy time of year so please make your reservations early! A group rate starting at $69.50 per night (5 night minimum stay. $79.50 per night for less than 5 nights) has been negotiated. (Discounted rates are also available for rooms with a whirlpool. WHOO HOO!) To get the group rate you need to tell the motel you are with the “All Aero Ride” group. Some folks have had a problem using the online form so we suggest you contact the Inn directly to make your reservation. (800-213-9462 or office@highlandmanor.com)
The following is a list of bike and
personal items compiled from forum posts over the last few years.
Add/subtract to suit your needs. If you find something missing please post
a note on the
AeroPals Forum so we can update this list.
Bike Related/On Bike
Basic Tool Kit
Spare Parts (specialty wrench sizes, electrical tape, extra fuses, bag of spare nuts and bolts, tiny can of WD-40 for dog bone, etc.)
Cleaning Supplies (Soap, chamois, flannel rags, baggie with ArmorAll wipes, extra ArmorAll, whitewall cleaner, spray polish, wax and applicator, chrome polish)
Kickstand Pad (for hot asphalt)
Textile Riding Jacket (w/zip out liner)
Riding Gloves
Rain Gear! (Don't say we didn't warn ya)!
Waterproof Boot Covers (Ever wonder why we keep mentioning rain related items)?
Chaps
Ball Cap or Visor (for time off the bike)
Tie Down Straps (if towing)
Bike Lock
Registration Papers and Proof of Insurance
Honda Riders Club of America (HRCA) card
AAA Card
Camera & additional film/media cards
BATTERIES for camera!!!
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Spare Bike Key
Road Maps (every effort will be made to provide riders with State Maps of the area but ultimately it will be the rider's responsibility to know where he is)
Cell Phone (Note: Due to the terrain cell reception is spotty at best and non-existent most of the time. Be sure family knows you may only have reception in the evening--last year most everyone was able to get reception in Townsend).
Personal
Clothes – Shirts, jeans, socks, underwear, belts, extra boots/shoes, bandanas
Shaving kit/Toiletries
Riding gloves (spare set in addition to gloves on bike)
Extra goggles or riding eyewear (i.e. both clear and shaded)
Extra eyeglasses or contacts and contact supplies
Cell phone charger
Phone card (motel phone charge adders can be criminal)
Any specific medicines or prescriptions needed
Wristwatch and any jewelry wanted
Bathing suit (Ladies please bring string bikinis)
List of phone numbers from home (Sure, they're all in your cell phone but happens when you lose your cell phone? We can't keep all numbers on the top of our head).
Kevlar Riding Thong
Did we leave something out? Post to us on the AeroPals Forum and share your ideas!
Additional Packing Resources: Here is a great online interactive packing checklist that was designed by long distance touring riders. You can adapt it to your needs and print it out for packing.
We've added a "More Info" page with, well, more info about both Townsend and other communities we'll be riding through.
Still More Questions???
Check out our "The Dragon" page for info specific to Deals Gap and the Tail of the Dragon.
Credit for this information goes to the members of the All Aero Forum (AAF) and
contributors to the Aero Pals Forum.
A special thanks to Woodhauler and
Steamworks of the AAF!
Remember: RIDE
YOUR OWN RIDE
ONLY
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY!
Copyright © 2009 L4H. All rights reserved.
Revised: 01/05/09.