Big ride coming up, need some suggestions

Uncle Phil said:
If you go with this device, just let me know and I'll be glad to help! Be sure you use the security screw in the cradle as the clip is a little weak. I have reason to believe that a good strong crosswind could blow a unit out of the cradle when you are doing 70+ mph and send it crashing to the ground ... :doh1:
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Thanks a lot Phil, really appreciate the help. I'll make sure I get it mounted well... don't want to lose it like I did my new sleeping bag a few weeks ago! ;) BTW, glad you were one of the Rok Strap winners... those look pretty handy. I plan on getting a set for my upcoming trip.

I am seriously considering that Chinavision 5" GPS but have a few questions before I pull the trigger...

1. I understand the Chinavision device comes with WIN CE as the OS. Do I need to purchase the iGO program AND the maps separately? If I purchase the micro SD from gpsmapstore.com or that email address you gave me, is it just the maps or does it also include the iGO software?

2. I assume when purchasing maps, if you want a new map update, you have to pay the same price again?

3. Should I go with iGo8 or Primo? Is Primo is just the next version after iGO8?

FWIW, I've been using a Nuvi for years, although many moons ago I had a Dell Axim PDA that I installed GPS software and maps that connected with a BT receiver so I'm somewhat familiar with the general process.

Thanks again for all your help!

Paul

Edit: One more question.... the gpsmapstore has Primo for $37 and your guy has iGO8 for $52. If I'm reading that correctly, why would I not get Primo for $15 less?
 
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The IGO8 I purchased included the maps, so I would check with the PRIMO offer just to be sure. If the PRIMO includes the maps, I'd go with it and if it is version 2.4 (IIRC), I'd do the motorcycle upgrade. Yes, my contact sends an email when new maps come out and they are usually somewhat cheaper than the original purchase if you bought from him. AFAIK, PRIMO is a later version/rewrite of IGO8.
 
Thanks Phil, that's helpful.
 
Hey Phil. Does the Chinavision 5" unit run iGO Primo 2.4 well with only 128MB RAM?
 
Thank you for all the help Phil. I'm leaning towards the 5" Chinavision and Primo 2.4.
 
Just a side note....if all that "high tech" stuff fails, you can always stop in a Welcome Station and pick up a FREE map of that state. The screen is large too. Just thought I'd mention that....from a VERY challenged technical person.
 
Thanks for all the comments, really appreciated. As stated in the first post, I'm travelling from NJ to TX and plan on camping most nights, will probably motel it one night. I'm trying to minimize highways so will take 4-5 days for the trip. One route is Skyline Dr. from Front Royal, VA all the way down right into the Blue Ridge Parkway, then as much of the way down BRP as I have time for. Anyone have suggestions for good camp spots along the BRP? One place I'm targeting is the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground but I think I need a spot or two in between Fort Royal and there. I've searched for hours for good routes and camp spots but would appreciate some advice for those that have BTDT. TIA!
 
DeanR said:
http://www.willvillebikecamp.com/

Not quite where you are talking, but a good place near the BRP.
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Thanks Dean. That one's on my list of potential stops... just trying to work it in. I really wish I had about 10 days to do this ride!

Edit: that's very near to my proposed 2nd night stop area and I didn't even realize it. Thanks again!
 
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Looking at these camping spots...

Night 1: Mathews Arm Campground along Skyline Dr.
Night 2: Willville Motorcycle Campground near the BRP
Night 3: Punkin Center Motorcycle Resort (staying here so I can ride the Dragon and Cherohala fresh the next morning)
Night 4: motel along I20
Night 5: home!

The first 3 days are less than 300 miles each. The last two are just under 500 miles each. Thoughts?
 
paulcb said:
Looking at these camping spots...

Night 1: Mathews Arm Campground along Skyline Dr.
Night 2: Willville Motorcycle Campground near the BRP
Night 3: Punkin Center Motorcycle Resort (staying here so I can ride the Dragon and Cherohala fresh the next morning)
Night 4: motel along I20
Night 5: home!

The first 3 days are less than 300 miles each. The last two are just under 500 miles each. Thoughts?
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Not gonna try a 1000 mile day? :D
Looks good, The roads I rode on in WV, VA and NC, SC were just backroads I took because there was some HD gathering near the Dragon and folks said it was best avoided that week, and they were great fun. Even the interstate in WV had me scrape the pegs (once without the MCL brackets ... with I thought I was going to wear the bolts off). Phone signal is spotty. You either have great signal or None, and it can change in a mile or less. I stayed at Kanawah State Forest and you had to go down the valley to get a HAM signal out via a repeater, and you might find a sattelite phone didn't work all the time (I got warnings from the Rangers on that). Also when you search for stuff on GPS it says 5 miles away, and when you route it it turns out to be 14 or 15 miles drive. 7 miles turned into 25 miles.
I took the tunnel on I77 and watched the altitude climb as I dropped into the tunnel. that was cool. The repeaters on the mountain are broadcast to allow the gps to work underground.
 
paulcb said:
Looking at these camping spots...

Night 1: Mathews Arm Campground along Skyline Dr. ...
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Somewhere in the back of my mind I'm hearing a faint alert to the effect that it's advisable to check with the NPS regarding availability at Mathews Arm, especially during peak season. Would hate for you to get there and find no welcoming spot to pitch up for the evening. The fortunate thing is, that there are alternatives fairly ready to hand in such an eventuality.

From the Shenandoah NP website I found this:

1st come-1st served and reservations.
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Reservations available 5/23 - 10/25 through:www.recreation.gov
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If no luck there you can try Skyland (lodge and cabins, but not camping) or Big Meadows (camping + lodge). They are about 20 and 33 miles farther down the Drive, respectively.

Good riding to you!
 
If you plan to travel all the way down the BRP (My wife and I did and would highly recommend it), 300 miles is a big day. Certainly doable though. You need to take the 45 MPH speed limit and all the great scenic pull offs you will take advantage of into account.
I can recommend the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge and resort near the Dragon.
As everyone says, there are lots of great roads in the Smokeys, but if you want to ride the Dragon, don't be discouraged to do so. Its a great road and visiting the Deals Gap resort at the NC end is like going to a rally with all the bikes.
Sounds like a great trip.
 
If you want to enjoy the Dragon, I would try to hit it during the week, not on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The police like to stay at pull off past the end of Dragon down in the flats near the lake, since you are coming down a big hill and figure you are out of the 'patrol area'. A nice loop is run the Dragon from the Gap, stay on 129 until you can turn left on 72, 72 to left on 411/Vonore, 411 to left on 360 which will take you to the western end of the Cherohala. Then the Skyway will take you back to 129. Unless you plan on west after the Dragon, then it's a run up and back. Also, the speed limit on the Skyline is painfully slow, and watch it on the BRP as in either spot it is a Federal ticket and the settling of it can be onerous.
 
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JP, I've got an SS1k planned for my future but not this trip... probably from home to Roswell, NM (or Big Bend) and back. This will be a leisurely camping trip for me... it will be my first motocamping trip.

sgio, Thanks for the lodging tip. I'm plan on staying at Punkin Center since it's the most direct route for me (I think) and lets me start fresh the next morning for the dragon and cherohala.

Keith, thanks. I'll check into the reservations and call a few days ahead just to verify. I'm travelling during the week so that should help.

UP, thanks for the speed limit tips. I plan on taking it pretty easy but will now pay close attention to my speed on the skyline and BRP. I plan on the dragon and then west to cherohala. Then hit the slab asap all the way home to the Dallas area.

Again, anyone that's near my route, maybe we can get together for a bite to eat. Would love to meet some more STOC members. My travel days are Sunday June 14 through Thursday June 18.
 
Mellow said:
hmmm... well, looked ok until chatanooga... I would head towards memphis and try to go across Northern AR and then through SE OK on the way home... if time permits. But, it's not my trip it's yours so whatever works for YOU is all that matters.
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Agreed. I prefer your route but I think it would add another day and I'm trying to get back by Thursday night. We'll see how it goes... I'm sure some route deviations will come along, for whatever reasons although nothing's set in stone, I'm flexible on this trip.
 
paulcb said:
Agreed. I prefer your route but I think it would add another day and I'm trying to get back by Thursday night. We'll see how it goes... I'm sure some route deviations will come along, for whatever reasons although nothing's set in stone, I'm flexible on this trip.
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Yup, I've done the 59 to I-20 thing many times to 'just get home'... Roosevelt SP just before Jackson, MS is an okay campground.
 
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