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| BlueNose | | Thor |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 09 Dec 2014 - 21:10 Post title : Thunder to the Blues - US Tour | | | A few of the UK gang are heading for a biking/music tour of the U.S. Southern States.
Starting in Atlanta, then the Dragons Tail and onto Gatlinburg for an overnight stay. Accommodation has been booked for Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans and Destin before returning to Atlanta.
We have some music planned for the evening but would appreciate some tips on places to go and routes to take.
Travelling in early March so fingers crossed for good weather.
Thanks in advance
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| RatDog | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 10 Dec 2014 - 01:56 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Wow. Sounds fun. Sure someone more local to that area than I will chime in but I could not resist plotting a possible route on google maps to get the conversation started. That's 1400+ miles. How long you guys planning to be over here for?
Would add a stop in Maggie Valley NC on your way from Atlanta to the Dragon but could be a bit out of your way and you have a big loop planned
If you want to hit any portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway you will need to do that in NC too.
Northwest GA and eastern TN are going to be hilly and curvy and fun. Probably some of the best riding along the whole route. Spend time here!
For reference, the ride from Knoxville to Nashville is about 3+ hours by car on the interstate - and you will be further east, on bikes, and taking the scenic route I presume.
If you are overnighting in Nashville, I recommend stopping in at this place: Link
If you happen to catch them on a night when "The Don Kelley Band" is playing I promise you won't be disappointed - and here's proof: Link
Would also recommend a stop at NASA in Huntsville - but then again I am space geek and just into that kind of stuff.
Sure there must be a better way to go than the superslab routes shown on my map for the rest of it but I don't have have any experience to offer for those sections.
Enjoy the BBQ and southern cookin!
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
| | Post edited by RatDog on 10 Dec 2014 - 02:51 |
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 10 Dec 2014 - 08:40 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: RatDog) | | | Brilliant thanks RatDog!
I will look into your recommendations and see what we can do to accommodate them. Maggie Valley looks great!
Here is the route, although it has been modified already to accommodate the Dragon's Tail.
Overnight for one night in each location apart from New Orleans and Atlanta when we have two nights booked. All hotels, bikes and flights taken care of. 9 nights in total although we are overnight on the plane on the way back therefore 10 nights total.
What we have also booked (so far) are tickets for the Grand Ole Opry (had to be done). Preservation Hall, New Orleans is another evening taken care of.
We are also planning a ride out to Lafayette from New Orleans via Morgan City. In total we will have about 2,000 miles under our belt by the time we hand over the bikes at the end of the trip. Bike riding, music, great food and maybe a few beers along the way.
Again, thanks for the tips.
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 13 Dec 2014 - 19:16 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Hi BlueNose.
Just checked in with my nextdoor neighbor who happens to be a transplant direct from Natchez, Mississippi. He recommends the Natchez Trace Parkway, see: Link Apparently in the old days folks used to flatboat down the river and cross overland back to Nashville via the trace.
Another option especially if you love the blues would be Highway 61: Link
He highly recommends Vicksburg and Natchez for their history. Natchez was founded by the French and is the oldest city on the Mississippi River as was a gateway to the southwestern frontier. Of course Vicksburg was a very significant battle site during the civil war.
Damn, this trip is sounding so good I might have to gather up some of my pals and organize a fly and ride too!
Cheers,
Paul
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
| | Post edited by RatDog on 13 Dec 2014 - 19:17 |
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 13 Dec 2014 - 20:47 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: RatDog) | | |
RatDog wrote:
Hi BlueNose.
Just checked in with my nextdoor neighbor who happens to be a transplant direct from Natchez, Mississippi. He recommends the Natchez Trace Parkway, see: Link Apparently in the old days folks used to flatboat down the river and cross overland back to Nashville via the trace.
Another option especially if you love the blues would be Highway 61: Link
He highly recommends Vicksburg and Natchez for their history. Natchez was founded by the French and is the oldest city on the Mississippi River as was a gateway to the southwestern frontier. Of course Vicksburg was a very significant battle site during the civil war.
Damn, this trip is sounding so good I might have to gather up some of my pals and organize a fly and ride too!
Cheers,
Paul
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Oh man!!
I owe you a beer, that is really cool. Thank you (and your neighbour). Perfect route, scheduled in.
If you fancy it, come along we get into Atlanta on 4th March flying back out late on 13th. My buddies big birthday bash so we are gonna make it count.
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 13 Dec 2014 - 22:29 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Cheers  and oh how i wish I could get away with such a get away.... I do appreciate the offer and would gladly join if not for these two very cute small hungry unemployed people living with my wife and I - I could be tempted.
BTW: If you were to adjust your dates and extend your trip a bit you could squeeze this little event in: Link 
Now I am just makin trouble aren't I 
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
| | Post edited by RatDog on 13 Dec 2014 - 22:36 |
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| AZCactus | | Taranis | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 14 Dec 2014 - 01:04 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Sounds fun and I've not been to New Orleans. 
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 15 Dec 2014 - 09:11 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: RatDog) | | |
RatDog wrote:
Cheers and oh how i wish I could get away with such a get away.... I do appreciate the offer and would gladly join if not for these two very cute small hungry unemployed people living with my wife and I - I could be tempted.
BTW: If you were to adjust your dates and extend your trip a bit you could squeeze this little event in: Link
Now I am just makin trouble aren't I
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Yeah, that would be nice but I would be coming home to an empty house and a lot of expensive paperwork if I enjoy myself too much.
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| bnz433 | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 10/06/2011 | | Posts | : | 1,842 | | Location | : | Clifton Park (Upstate), NY, United States |
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| | Posted : 17 Dec 2014 - 18:05 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Bluenose....right smack dab in the middle of your route is Birmingham, Alabama. If timing were different you could witness any number of racing events, but short of that, you must include this stop....somehow:
Link
It is on my bucket list to be able to ride down for a visit!
Cheers!
Jamie
| Bennington Triumph Bash - 31May-2June 2019. Home of the (tied in '14 & '15) US RECORD T-BIRD FLOCKING!!!!!
Link
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 17 Dec 2014 - 18:33 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: bnz433) | | | Ooh ah! Don't mean to hijack this thread but Jamie - we might have to plan a Birds Fly South tour for that sometime! 
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
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| bnz433 | | Jupiter | | | | Reg. Date | : | 10/06/2011 | | Posts | : | 1,842 | | Location | : | Clifton Park (Upstate), NY, United States |
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| | Posted : 17 Dec 2014 - 18:55 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: RatDog) | | | Yep. That's in my cards for next winter. This winter I may be shipping my Bird out to Vegas with some power plant folks from the snowbelt. Company trip, too!!!!
But I may just fly down and rent a bike to link up with these boys!!! Looks a blast!
Jamie
| Bennington Triumph Bash - 31May-2June 2019. Home of the (tied in '14 & '15) US RECORD T-BIRD FLOCKING!!!!!
Link
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 17 Dec 2014 - 19:52 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: bnz433) | | |
bnz433 wrote:
Bluenose....right smack dab in the middle of your route is Birmingham, Alabama. If timing were different you could witness any number of racing events, but short of that, you must include this stop....somehow:
Link
It is on my bucket list to be able to ride down for a visit!
Cheers!
Jamie |
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Cheers Jamie, was on the list of potentials. Looks like it has been promoted!
Appreciate the heads up.
Ivan
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| RatDog | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 09/12/2012 | | Posts | : | 516 | | Location | : | Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 04 Jan 2015 - 14:41 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Hey Ivan.
Your travel agent here again... This just came up on my fb feed and made me think of the trip you and your mates will be taking in just a few short weeks from now....
Link
Paul
| Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)
Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
| | Post edited by RatDog on 04 Jan 2015 - 14:42 |
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 05 Jan 2015 - 21:34 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: RatDog) | | |
RatDog wrote:
Hey Ivan.
Your travel agent here again... This just came up on my fb feed and made me think of the trip you and your mates will be taking in just a few short weeks from now....
Link
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You are the best travel agent in the world. Trouble is, I could spend at least a month in each area. The Smokies look quite something. Not many more sleeps left before we roll.
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| intimidator32 | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2012 | | Posts | : | 913 | | Location | : | lexington, ky, United States |
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| | Posted : 07 Jan 2015 - 11:50 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | I'll keep an eye on this thread as i'm only 2 plus hours north of Knoxville. If weather will cooperate and i can get away from work would love to meet up with you guys and ride a couple of days at least. Ivan, are you guys renting bikes? Harleys i trust as not many places here rent proper English bikes
| currently on a slow Harley but will have another Triumph eventually 
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 07 Jan 2015 - 13:57 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: intimidator32) | | |
intimidator32 wrote:
I'll keep an eye on this thread as i'm only 2 plus hours north of Knoxville. If weather will cooperate and i can get away from work would love to meet up with you guys and ride a couple of days at least. Ivan, are you guys renting bikes? Harleys i trust as not many places here rent proper English bikes |
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It would be great if you could join us Ron and yeah I am hoping the weather is kind to us. HD's are booked as the alternatives were Japanese or German and I have no interest in them. Hope they don't mind me riding it with Triumph logo on the back of my jacket 
The format is simple, ride some great roads, visit fabulous places, listen to some fantastic music, meet interesting people, drink some beer and repeat. We'll worry about sleeping when we get home.
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 20 Feb 2015 - 00:39 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Weather looks interesting!
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| mat1600 | | Thunderbird | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 06/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,596 | | Location | : | Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 21 Feb 2015 - 21:46 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Snow is always interesting. Good luck.
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
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| intimidator32 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2012 | | Posts | : | 913 | | Location | : | lexington, ky, United States |
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| | Posted : 22 Feb 2015 - 00:44 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: mat1600) | | | totally snow-iced in at the moment  let me know if you guys make it. if weather breaks i'll try to meet up.
| currently on a slow Harley but will have another Triumph eventually
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| AZCactus | | Taranis | | | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 22 Feb 2015 - 01:50 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: mat1600) | | |
mat1600 wrote:
Snow is always interesting. Good luck. |
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Hey, maybe hangout at the Grand Canyon. 
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 22 Feb 2015 - 10:38 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: AZCactus) | | | Forecast encouraging, thankfully!
We'll be on the road on 5th March. Ice and snow are the obstacles to parts of the route but plenty of back-up plans.
Hope to catch up with some of you guys along the way.
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 17 Mar 2015 - 13:53 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | 
Epic trip!!
Southern hospitality, fine food and great riding.
Pick of the Cities - Nashville - Music City - loved it!
Pick of the roads - Nachez Trace Parkway (Tupelo to Nachez) - fantastic!
Pick of the food - Catfish - fried (how else)
Having done 2,000 miles on a HD I know why you guys ride Triumph!! The Electra Gluide did a job but that's it!
Only negative - the weather is form Chattanooga to Nashville and Memphis was FCOLD!! Ice rocks falling from the trucks made life interesting.
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| Linkdog | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 10/02/2011 | | Posts | : | 2,923 | | Location | : | Groveland, FL., United States |
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| | Posted : 17 Mar 2015 - 16:15 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | What, no Memphis ribs, no Carolina BBQ, South Carolina low country seafood???? Ivan you need to get out more . Nice trip, more pics. please.
| Never drink from a cow with one udder! 2010 1600 Blue&White ( of course ) Long TORS and HP filter.
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 17 Mar 2015 - 18:52 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: Linkdog) | | |
Linkdog wrote:
What, no Memphis ribs, no Carolina BBQ, South Carolina low country seafood???? Ivan you need to get out more . Nice trip, more pics. please. |
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Just for you buddy....
Breakfast Nashville Style
Ribs
Catfish Po Boy
Nuts
As for music...
The King
The Grand Ole Opry
The Big Easy
And an old dog looking for cats..
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| Linkdog | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 10/02/2011 | | Posts | : | 2,923 | | Location | : | Groveland, FL., United States |
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| | Posted : 17 Mar 2015 - 19:08 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Looks tasty except the old dog, Haven't heard you mention anything about our wonderfull beer.
| Never drink from a cow with one udder! 2010 1600 Blue&White ( of course ) Long TORS and HP filter.
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 17 Mar 2015 - 19:34 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: Linkdog) | | |
Linkdog wrote:
Looks tasty except the old dog, Haven't heard you mention anything about our wonderfull beer. |
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Erm, well the best I could find was Flat Tyre by the New Belgium Beer Company otherwise Sam Adams for a safe drinkable beverage. Now I probably didn't look hard enough! I had a few late ones and a real blast. Met plenty of fantastic people. Fantastic part of the world.
Best music - these fellas....
Fantastic!
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| Linkdog | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 10/02/2011 | | Posts | : | 2,923 | | Location | : | Groveland, FL., United States |
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| | Posted : 17 Mar 2015 - 20:26 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | |  Sort of an oxy-moron, a Brit that likes Sam Adams
| Never drink from a cow with one udder! 2010 1600 Blue&White ( of course ) Long TORS and HP filter.
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| BlueNose | | Thor | | | | Reg. Date | : | 29/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 2,478 | | Location | : | United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 17 Mar 2015 - 20:33 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: Linkdog) | | |
Linkdog wrote:
Sort of an oxy-moron, a Brit that likes Sam Adams |
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I wouldn't go as far as like but your point is a good one, irony not lost on me (in particular)!
There must be better beers over there.
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| mat1600 | | Thunderbird | | | | Reg. Date | : | 06/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,596 | | Location | : | Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 18 Mar 2015 - 19:15 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Will be round to see all the pics. Looks good.
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
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| intimidator32 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2012 | | Posts | : | 913 | | Location | : | lexington, ky, United States |
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| | Posted : 20 Mar 2015 - 04:00 Post title : Re: Thunder to the Blues - US Tour (Re: BlueNose) | | | Sorry i missed you guys but the snow,ice,salt all made it impossible for me to get the bird out. Maybe next time you fellas will visit in a better month.
| currently on a slow Harley but will have another Triumph eventually
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