Etowah and FOOLS RUN

[PYG RYDR]

FYI-Fools Run joins Etowah this year.

DS and Street riding.

See information below from Jim Randall's post:

Etowah TN dual sport in March? and Fool's Run
Galen and I have made an executive decision to postpone the Etowah Adventure weekend until the March 30 - April 1 backup date. Several people need to make vacation / travel plans and waiting another week to decide makes that a little tight for them. And, while the weather might be OK the first weekend of March, it's just a little too iffy with the volatile weather patterns we have right now.

Since the first weekend in April is traditionally when Fool's Run has been held and Galen is the organizer for that non-event, we've decided to combine the two gatherings this year at Etowah, TN. Many of us will be dual sport riding, of course, but as most know the street riding in the Etowah/Tellico Plains area ain't half bad with some excellent paved roads such as Cherohala Skyway, TN68, NC28 and US129 (Deal's Gap) within easy reach of our lodging at Etowah.

The Red Roof Inn in Etowah is offering us a slightly discounted rate from the normal $59.99. But, you'll have to call them directly to get the discounted rate (i.e. you can't use the website or toll-free number). The direct number there is: 423-781-7459 - Ask Pam for the MSTA discount

Our rate for 2 queen beds (specify smoking or non) is $53.99 + tax
FYI Cancellation policy is 6:00pm day of arrival

This is NOT an MSTA "event". There will be no registration, no meals provided, no maps nor door prizes - just some friends getting together to ride. However, there are GPS files of the DS routes already available in the members-only section. FWIW I plan to arrive by mid-day Thursday 3/29 and weather permitting will ride Thursday afternoon.

[bldrman]

Hey Galen, I will try to make it! It sounds like a great event. Syd

[TN2Wheeler]

...However, there are GPS files of the DS routes already available in the members-only section.

Since there is no longer a members-only download section, just email or PM me through the forum and I'll send you the route file.

[Treemuncher]

I'm not sure if anyone is aware of it or not but March Moto Madness will also be held in Tellico Plains the weekend of March 29th.

There will be a lot of dual sport traffic that weekend in the area. I bet it will all be a great time. I plan on trying to be there that weekend if my schedule allows for it.

[TN2Wheeler]

We're aware of MMM; however, that's largely a different crowd... not much overlap. Should be interesting though, particularly on the single track FR81 and FR82 since there aren't many places wide enough to pass by another rider.

The routes have been massaged a bit from 2009 and a GPX file is available upon request to those planning to attend.

I'll quote my email re routes below:

"Alrighty then. I added Doug's "single track" route as DS5 with 3 parts. I split it into parts because I don't have routable topo maps and I doubt that many others do either and its not possible to route the single track sections on street maps. So, DS5 PT1 takes us to the single track FR82. Part 2 starts at the end of 82 and goes to single track FR81. Part 3 goes from the end of 81 back to the motel. Obviously, this will be the most difficult route but have no fear, it's possible to simply ride around the single track.

I also modified the loop up to the Cherohala Skyway in DS4 based on Geoffrey's comments about Mud Gap Rd being gated.

I inverted a couple of the routes (1,4 and 5, I think it was) for variety.

Now, let's keep our fingers crossed on the weather! Good thing we weren't there last Friday as the area was struck by tornadoes."

[dpippin]

I'm not sure if anyone is aware of it or not but March Moto Madness will also be held in Tellico Plains the weekend of March 29th.

There will be a lot of dual sport traffic that weekend in the area. I bet it will all be a great time. I plan on trying to be there that weekend if my schedule allows for it.

Here's a link to the March Moto Madness that treemuncher referred to;

http://www.marchmotomadness.com/

Doug

[BlueRidgeGal]

Not sure if the "Just for Fun" event will be effected, but please take note that downtown Tellico Plains was hit hard by a tornado on March 2, 2012 (Murphy was hit hard too). I feel sure the clean up will have taken place by the end of the month, but not sure how many businesses, etc. were damaged or destroyed.

[Brick]

Yea, this is different to the MSTA's MMM = Michigan Mountain Madness.

Here's a link to the March Moto Madness that treemuncher referred to;

http://www.marchmotomadness.com/

Doug

[TN2Wheeler]

Well, alrighty then. Two days out and the weather looks ok. Not great but ok at least. Looks like Friday will be the best day weather-wise with some chance of rain on Saturday but at least the temperatures look decent all weekend.

Eight dual sporters have told me they will be there for sure. I'm guessing more will show up unannounced. Not sure about street riders. There are at least 3 who indicated interest but I don't have any confirmations on those.

I plan to arrive around noon on Thursday and will check into the motel and head out for an afternoon ride. Join me if you'd like.

[PYG RYDR]

BikerBill, Jon and I will be arriving ~ 10 pm Thursday.

Will see you late Thursday or Friday for breakfast.