Leaving Willville Bike Camp and spending the day on the rest of the Blue Ridge Parkway - 2024 Ep 2

[@MotoGiant]

I like that inlaid rearview effect - nifty!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I've used it a few times when I can easily sync up cameera views. It can be a fun change-up.

[@garysbackroadadventures]

Loved the double view. It was like looking into a rearview mirror. Different POV's are always cool.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Always fun to play with views once you get cameras in sync.

[@jasonjohnson2597]

Love the kickstand foot on a rope trick. That's a great idea. Safe travels.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I've been carrying that for over 30 years. Saved my ass (and bike) mpre than a few times. Hot pavement and rain soaked grass fields. Best peice of scrap I ever picked up.

[@tomfillmore9710]

That was a great ride Jim beautiful scenery thanks for sharing it with us . hope things are well with you take care stay warm have a great week

[@OldGuyonaBike]

We've got a cold snap happening right now. One of the reasons I like getting some editing done to dream about warmer weather and clear roads.

[@codraven57]

A little late getting to this on Jim, work and camp in northern Alberta gets in the way sometimes....LOL. A great commentary from the Mini-Mate Jim. Probably your last tip over on that old girl Jim. A great trip back in time Jim......awesome!

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Editing is a good way to make me relive riding with the ST. I'll be done ST videos just about when I get to ride the newish Goldwing. I don't envy your northern Alberta work peeriods... bad enough here on the NL west coast.

[@DM-fs9zg]

The ghost of Dusty Hill from ZZ Top probably had you bewildered. 😂😂😂

[@southernrebel]

Jim; Good video!! Haven't rode Blue Ridge Parkway that far east. Beautiful scenery. Tip overs always scare me!! God Bless safe ridin rubber down

[@OldGuyonaBike]

The whole length of the Blue Ridge is a great ride. Relaxing too when there is not much traffic.

[@WindyTherapy]

I had a chance to drive through it in the fall and was amazing

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I'll do it again when I can.

[@lloydmoore3344]

Made the mistake of not taking enough time to enjoy the full experience of the parkway is the normal for the first trip. I have done that route a few times now and really enjoyed my time there. It amazed me that sometimes when you come off the parkway how the hustle of the world quickly engulfs you.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

It's certainly a different world up there. That's my second time touching part of the BRP... I'll ride it any time I am in the area. Will always notice something new.

[@PinksAdventures]

That pullout incedent was close!!!...rather have a crack in my pride then my bones!!...paint is much easier to fix!!🤣👍...loving this series!...stay safe out there!!😎👍🤙👍🤙🇨🇦

[@OldGuyonaBike]

With 230,000 km/143,000 miles and 16 years on her, a few scratchs are nothing. No scratchs on me even better. Thanks for coming along.

[@richardmourdock2719]

I feel especially privileged to understand that "Well.. the clock says its 5:30 so that means it is 4 o'clock." Yes, it certainly does. And of course, glad to see you back up.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Yes, bike showing time from home, phone updating to local but has to be in view and then my laptop one time zone out of sync because I have not managed to get it online. Soon I'll carry a sundial.

[@goldwingmoments]

Great video Jim. Don't stress about falling over because it's happened to all of us. I once dropped my bike twice in about 40 feet. lol, that sucked. We will be watching for your next post. Enjoy your winters work. Good times ahead..

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Some people stress over getting that first scratch on their bike... I never have. Mind you, this new-to-me Goldwing I'm picking up (weather gotten in the way of us crossing the island for her), it has so much chrome on it and not a scratch lol... will make me nervous for about 20 mintues.

[@roadtripper5553]

I thought i'd seen a black gold wing. I guess I was seeing things. Can't wait to see you on that new bike, Jim.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Gotta remember I am still editing my 2022 trip so I am still on the ST1300. We're still dealing with weather and timing to get the Wing across the island. It's an 8 hr. drive out, oveernight, get it on a trailer and 8 hours back. The earliest I will have it on the road is mid-April if I am lucky and expect it to start showing up in videos in May or June.

[@roadtripper5553]

Can't wait I just figured i'd Rib you a little bit.

[@roberttorrey7133]

I love camping at Willville's. I use it as a base camp 2 to 3 times a year. I recently purchased a retirement home in the area, but I will still use Will's from time to time.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I enjoyed it on a quiet time in October, would love to be there in the middle of summer.

[@jeanpierrebrelivet6143]

je vous souhaite une bonne annee ainsi que la santee pour 2024

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Merci. J'espère que vous avez des aventures sûres et amusantes en 2024.

[@SlappyAdventures]

Good video

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Thanks for riding along.

[@MotoGiant]

helluva way to start a video! Love the BRC - as long as there are no leafers? :)

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Gotta get that hook in... make 'em wanna know more. So little traffic both days I was on the BRP. Great ride!

[@MotoGiant]

@@OldGuyonaBike trying to up my hook game!

[@johnrichardcleland4493]

Like ur vids wondering if you might list the camp grounds you visited and your thoughts on staying there. I've been to Newfoundland twice and loved it each time , looking forward to going back one day

[@OldGuyonaBike]

It would be a very long video to list and review all the campgrounds I have stayed in. I usually try to mention where I am staying in each video I put out along with at least a few words about the campground re: showers etc. When I get to editing this past summer, I think I will cover at least half of the campgrounds in Newfoundland again.

[@johnrichardcleland4493]

Understood, would be nice to have a list though. Thanks@@OldGuyonaBike

[@billstapleton8833]

I have watched several of your videos, enjoyed them.I am 70 and wanting to do motorcycle camping,but don't want to invest n a camper.I have a Goldwing and a pull behind trailet to put a small tent and gear n.I have rode the BRP and Skyline drive and stayed n motels 2 times,once on a 97 Goldwing and a 03 1800 VTX R..... Is it worth the extra money to buy a camping trailer ??

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I think that is something people have to decide for themselves. When I was much younger, 2 weeks on the road with a tent and minimal cooking worked. About 10 years ago I was discovering that I was having issues with just getting up off the ground, was hating trying to get dressed on my knees... and it was affecting my thoughts on motorcycle travel and camping. I knew I could not afford to travel and stay in motels every night and eat at restaurants every day. I like being in campgrounds. I started seriously looking at tent trailers and watching others' videos. The Mini Mate kept looking like my best option. I mostly travel alone and don't need a king size bed. I wanted easy setup. I wanted storage. I was lucky enough to find a used one within a day's ride of me. The best thing about a tent trailer, any of them, is you are up off the ground. I opted to take out the foam and use an air mattress and I get a better night's sleep than I do at home. I have a table setup so I can eat at it if it is raining outside and I do a lot of computer work inside as well. I can sit up to get on my socks and then stand up to pull on my pants. I stayed 81 nights in the Mini Mate in 2022... only 31 in 2023 but that was in the aftermath of my bike accident. I also like to camp cook. So, being able to carry a 2 burner stove, multiple pots and pans, a pantry, a full sized cooler... those are all bonuses. Before the tent trailer, I had to budget for a motel every 4th day to save my back. A motel is usually at least 3 times the price of 1 night in even the most expensive campground. Now I budget for a motel every 2 weeks and that is for really bad weather. One can carry a large tent and a cot with a utility trailer, but your floor is still on the ground and subject to water. I didn't know how much I would appreciate the tent trailer until I have been camping with it for 2 seasons. Now, I don't know how I got along without it. After around 150 nights in it so far, I feel like it has paid for itself. Planning another 3 months on the road this year and at least 75 nights camping in the Mini Mate.

[@brianfromnh2596]

You do know that a GL1500 is heaver than the ST so you should start doing leg presses so you can pick it up :) New software or a feature you've not used before? (oval Pic in a Pic)

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Yup, by about 100 lb. If unhitched from the trailer, on flat pavement, I could pick both up. Could, but I also rely on the kindness of strangers. Friends too. At least It does have a lower centre of gravity than the ST1300.

[@billstapleton8833]

How much weight r you pulling with the trailer

[@OldGuyonaBike]

With a full cooler, total weight is about 450 lb. Tongue 60 +/- 2 lb.

[@gerrybrion9685]

Please don't drop that beautiful motorcycle again. Great video 😅

[@OldGuyonaBike]

That was the last drop on that trip.

[@loydbridges6214]

I bought a trike because I got to where I didn’t trust myself physically to hold up a heavy bike

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I know that's a decision I will have to make in the next couple of years. This was the only tipover that I fealt was due to poor riding judgement on my part. All the others were washouts in really deep gravel that I would have dropped the bike 20 years ago. One spot, a 3 wheeled Spyder washed out in earlier in the evening. RV parks don't maintain their roads for motorcycles. I'm lesning (or not leaning lol) towards a sidecar rig. So I can be old and eccentric instead of just old. Thanks for coming along.

[@ricardoneto7789]

Hate bike drops also. 😩 do you have the swivel hitch on the minimate ?

[@OldGuyonaBike]

Hate them too, but have learned to accept the possibility of them especially in deep grave. This is the only one where I thought I could or should have saved it... firstly by not being startled by seeing the car at the last minute. Things look further away in action cameras than they actually are. I do not have a swivel hitch. I have mixed feelings on them. The angle the ST has fallen over to has not taxed the regular ball joint. If I bought a trailer with one already on, I'd use it but I wouldn't buy one to put on a new trailer. That's just me.

[@ricardoneto7789]

No need to stress anymore about it😉 The Goldwings have a lower center of gravity 👍 take care Jim 😉

[@JohnDoe-qw9on]

You need a trike....prefreably gold wing.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

I'm a bit more inclined to get a sidecar rig so I can be old and eccentric instead of just old. We'll see what the next few years bring.

[@aldntn]

People in cars rushing through parking areas: make for pain.

[@OldGuyonaBike]

It could have been worse... it could have been worse.