Sparta Trip Fri. 6-14

[Bob]

Ed, Yarbi, Ducatibob, and I headed out for Sparta by way of NC16, Brushy Mtn Rd, and NC18. Weather was perfect, forecast high was for 70F in the mtns. Nice ride up thru Brushy Mtns. Just north of Wilkesboro Ducatibob developed a sharp pain in his side and stopped for a break. The pain wasn't really going away and seemed to be worse at times so ducatibob decided to break away and head back home. The remaining 3 of us headed on to Sparta for lunch, figuring Bob was having a burrito attack or something. Late afternoon, after we rode some really nice foothills-of-the-Mt. Rogers-area, Don finally got a text that Bob was "at a hospital" but no more details. So we headed back to town, arriving around 7. Don then got the word--Bob had a KIDNEY STONE. Dayum! Well, he's doing much better now and if he wants to share any more details I'll leave that to him. Just thankful he's ok.

I only took 3 pics, at the restaurant, and they are posted below. The Cuban sandwich was tasty!

[Yarbi]

Great pics but there must be something wrong with your camera. Ed and I couldn't have that much gray hair!!!!

[Bob]

Great pics but there must be something wrong with your camera. Ed and I couldn't have that much gray hair!!!!

At least you GOT hair.

[Ed]

'Twas indeed a nearly-perfect sorta day (other than ducatibob's woes, of course!), got exactly 375 miles door-to-door.

Can't say I'm a big fan of Brushy Mountain Road, at least on the Bandit... I mentioned that to Bob, who then (all innocent-like) took us right back over it again on the way home

I got my "revenge" later, at least when Bob thought he might could lose me on a straightaway

[Bob]

'
Can't say I'm a big fan of Brushy Mountain Road, at least on the Bandit... I mentioned that to Bob, who then (all innocent-like) took us right back over it again on the way home

Put a sticky note on the bandit's dash: "Ride SV if taking Brushy Mtn. Rd.".

[Ed]

An even better solution would be getting a bike with another 4" of suspension travel.