2009 Eastern US Rally (UPDATED! Come discuss!)

[Rob]

This one might be a little trickier with the MOA happening next year in Tennessee. What should we do here?

[3power]

Early summer, Vermont?

[Redshift]

My vote is for Blue Ridge again, only because it's central and very nice to ride. It doesn't hurt that I live within a half day, but that is not the main reason for it.

I badly wanted to make this year's meet, but with the Indy trip last month and another trip to Barber Racetrack in 'bama coming up in 2 weeks, I can't add another trip in without upsetting my pregnant wife

[BrENDURO]

Cherokee, NC. I'm riding there tomorrow on my way to Buchanan. Its the southernmost tip of the Blue Ridge Parkway and some of the very best roads known to man. Also close to Deals Gap if you're into that sort of thing.

Key West, Fl. I think this would be a great location because it would allow us to possibly have quite the caravan riding down the Florida coastline - and across the Overseas Highway...and back!

Washington, DC. Its the capitol, whynot?

[Redshift]

Cherokee, NC. I'm riding there tomorrow on my way to Buchanan. Its the southernmost tip of the Blue Ridge Parkway and some of the very best roads known to man. Also close to Deals Gap if you're into that sort of thing.

Key West, Fl. I think this would be a great location because it would allow us to possibly have quite the caravan riding down the Florida coastline - and across the Overseas Highway...and back!

Washington, DC. Its the capitol, whynot?

Cherokee - thumbs up.

Key West - thumbs down! How boring will it be for us to have to drive 10-12 hours on flat and straight roads to get there? Ugh! I'd rather remove all of my soft organs with a spoon! No offense - Key West is fantastic. I'm going there in 2 weeks to visit friends. But not for a group of guys and gals who ride great handling machines. Maybe for a Harley convention

Washington DC maybe - but traffic and parking will be a problem, plus we'd have to travel a bit to get to any sort of twisty roads.

[Herleman]

I would think that if we are going to have it on the east coast as an annual event, there might be an advantage to having it at a fixed location. Buchanan seems very good. Over the next year, we could scout it out a bit more and prepare some "Shamrock" tours. We might get five or six yearfs out of the location that way. The Wattshull folks seem to have been good to work with.

But I'd also like to se us consider someplace in the Rockies like Estes Park or perhaps Glenwood Springs in Colorado. The run through Glenwood Cnyon, back to Snowmass, down through Aspen, over Independence Pass, over Tennessee Pass on Hwy 24 and back to Glenwood has got to be one of the most scenic and enjoyable day trips anywhere, and it can be done by a rank amateur as well as a seasoned pro.

[BrENDURO]

Maybe for a Harley convention

lol

[BrENDURO]

I thought of another location I didn't mention in my earlier post: NC Outer Banks.

Now, some of the roads on the actual outer banks are quite straight as the islands are like 12 miles long by 300 feet wide, but the experience of riding out there with water on either side, having to board all the ferries to jump from island to island; the roads that lead to and from the actual outer banks are quite amazing. I do this trip myself at least once a year and it is fantastic. I mean truly fantastic. Plus you can check out Kitty Hawk (first flight ever) and all the lighthouses on the NC coast.
I made a great ride report on this very ride back in May - and most importantly IT HAS PICTURES!
Check it out:

https://f800riders.org/forum/showthread.php?t=15603

[Rob]

I thought of another location I didn't mention in my earlier post: NC Outer Banks.

Now, some of the roads on the actual outer banks are quite straight as the islands are like 12 miles long by 300 feet wide, but the experience of riding out there with water on either side, having to board all the ferries to jump from island to island; the roads that lead to and from the actual outer banks are quite amazing. I do this trip myself at least once a year and it is fantastic. I mean truly fantastic. Plus you can check out Kitty Hawk (first flight ever) and all the lighthouses on the NC coast.
I made a great ride report on this very ride back in May - and most importantly IT HAS PICTURES!
Check it out:

https://f800riders.org/forum/showthread.php?t=15603

That's an outstanding idea!

[AZ-J]

Already another Easterner, and no Westerner?

[Rob]

There is a 2009 Western Rally suggestion thread.

[AZ-J]

So there is! Thanks, Rob

[Stormin Normin]

I thought of another location I didn't mention in my earlier post: NC Outer Banks.

Now, some of the roads on the actual outer banks are quite straight as the islands are like 12 miles long by 300 feet wide, but the experience of riding out there with water on either side, having to board all the ferries to jump from island to island; the roads that lead to and from the actual outer banks are quite amazing. I do this trip myself at least once a year and it is fantastic. I mean truly fantastic. Plus you can check out Kitty Hawk (first flight ever) and all the lighthouses on the NC coast.
I made a great ride report on this very ride back in May - and most importantly IT HAS PICTURES!
Check it out:

https://f800riders.org/forum/showthread.php?t=15603

I'm Coming....

Lock the details down early and help me organise me a bike please.....

[Mike in Ohio]

If Stormin's coming, I'll go even if I get nailed by work for that week and I have to quit my job to go the rally. In this economy my job might not even exist by next year.

Even though I didn't show up, I like the Outer Banks idea and also the Cherokee idea. I've been to a little town called Franklin North Carolina 2x. It's about 30 miles or so south of Cherokee and is a great base to ride TN, NC and Northern Georgia on day trips and you can get to Deal's gap in a couple hours max as I remember correctly.

[Redshift]

I just got done planning a very nice twisty trip to Birmingham, AL for the vintage races coming up in 2 weekends. Here is our tentative plan...I will report back on how the roads were when we get home so you can use that for some planning if necessary:

*Thursday*

Highway 9 to Highway 64 to Brevard
Then 276 north to Blue Ridge to 215 south to 107 on 281
281 back to Fat Girl gas station to Cashiers, Highlands, Franklin
back to Highlands and then take 106 west to 441/23/15 (same road
according to Google) to Clayton
Clayton to Dahlonega via 76 (76 goes past Lake Burton - lots of twisties
around Burton - explore and have fun, then back on 2/76 toward
Macedonia, then Blairsville, and finally Dahlonega

*Friday*

Possibly double back, have fun, then shoot to Birmingham

*Saturday Night*

North - get close or to Chattanooga, TN (ask Doug for advice!)

*Sunday*

Chattanooga to Cleveland, TN to Ducktown, then take 68/123 north to
Telico Plains, Cherohala Skyway and back to trailer (roughly 320 miles)

[Rob]

How about a homecoming of sort to the BMW Zentrum in Spartanburg, SC? I'm sure I can arrange a group tour of the X5 and Z4 manufacturing plant.

[Luxamor]

How about a homecoming of sort to the BMW Zentrum in Spartanburg, SC? I'm sure I can arrange a group tour of the X5 and Z4 manufacturing plant.

Wow. What a cool idea.
I know it's more cage oriented, but maybe we could rent their track (?).
Any day ride possibilities in the area?

[tledford]

Wow. What a cool idea.
I know it's more cage oriented, but maybe we could rent their track (?).
Any day ride possibilities in the area?

Greenville/Spartanburg is in the foothills, there MUST be some decent riding around there. It ain't on I-85, though -- jeez, lots of hills on a two-lane interstate surrounded by tractor-trailers on all sides (gack).

[bikerdoc]

Rob, I was just on the BMW site, they actually offer a performance course for bikes...they actually offer the road course with the GS bikes!! It looks pretty awesome, check it out, maybe a group rate could be had! Its offered in South Carolina.

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/etc/ne...raining_center

[Wild Bill]

I dig that crazy town. Entertaining on Mutliple levels, Casino, Indians, close to Dels Gap & Cherahola Skyway. I can't wait to see you guys on those roads......Stayed at the Pink Hotel, Evans Hotel, and There is a pizza shop there that I love as well as a Dairy Queen.

[Herleman]

OK -- I'm back.

The BMW plant idea seems like a good one.

[conlin_cr]

How about a homecoming of sort to the BMW Zentrum in Spartanburg, SC? I'm sure I can arrange a group tour of the X5 and Z4 manufacturing plant.

Do the BMW Plant in 2010 as I'm not avail in 2009 and really jealous...

[Redshift]

Rob, I was just on the BMW site, they actually offer a performance course for bikes...they actually offer the road course with the GS bikes!! It looks pretty awesome, check it out, maybe a group rate could be had! Its offered in South Carolina.

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/etc/ne...raining_center

Perhaps they'd put together a discounted/special program for us to take on Saturday, then we can ride the surrounding areas on Sunday...they have an on-road and also an off-road course.

[zrxion]

New Jersey at the same time as the AMA Races

[veryhumid]

Another vote for Vermont. I know a bunch of good roads, and we can whore some material off the MOA rally a while ago (Champlain Valley Expo).

[Redshift]

Another vote for Vermont. I know a bunch of good roads, and we can whore some material off the MOA rally a while ago (Champlain Valley Expo).

I love Vermont, but many people who live hundreds and hundreds of miles away are less likely to make it. A central location makes more sense.

[Rob]

I love Vermont, but many people who live hundreds and hundreds of miles away are less likely to make it. A central location makes more sense.

How about Pittsburgh?

[conlin_cr]

How about the Finger Lakes region in southern NY? I was there this past weekend doing the Seneca Wine Trail, it was awesome, and I was in a cage. Watkins Glen might have a couple of hours avail to do a track day....

[Stormin Normin]

C'mon guys fix it.......

Location and dates, Virgin Atlantic here I come.

[Roadpizza]

That isn't any worse then planning a gathering in Bum&^% Wyoming....

How about Pittsburgh?

[FredRydr]

Carlisle, Pennsylvania. We've got mountains, rooms, food and a BMW dealer who I might get to sponsor something.

Fred

[Rob]

Carlisle, Pennsylvania. We've got mountains, rooms, food and a BMW dealer who I might get to sponsor something.

Fred

I think I'm going to use my uhh... executive (??) power and veto that.

[FredRydr]

I think I'm going to use my uhh... executive (??) power and veto that.

Rob,

You must know something that I don't.

This is a great location, and well located for central access by all types of roads, from twisty local roads to interstates. The popular Carlisle auto and bike shows at the fairgrounds are proof of that. The BMW dealer has had a tent there for the bikes in the past, and I have a good relationship with him. Right now, I work with COG for a weekend of self-guided and guided rides and routes that begin locally, and this is the second year for a successful event.

Fred

[windy]

O K, I'm going to suggest a return to the Watstull Inn. With enough advance notice maybe we could reserve the entire Inn,as well as the resturaunt below for Satuday nights dinner.

[TNT]

That isn't any worse then planning a gathering in Bum&^% Wyoming....

You should have just said Gillette,WY! Now Cody is nice! Richard

[Roadpizza]

But, I did say Gillette....

You should have just said Gillette,WY! Now Cody is nice! Richard

[Eddy G]

Lake Placid/Saranac Lake, NY?

[Herleman]

One consideration to keep in mind is the cost of lodging.

I'd go almost anywhere, but I'd balk a bit at $200 to $300 per night accomodations that are becoming the norm in many of the touristy areas.

[BrENDURO]

O K, I'm going to suggest a return to the Watstull Inn. With enough advance notice maybe we could reserve the entire Inn,as well as the resturaunt below for Satuday nights dinner.

I really think this is a good idea.

[Rob]

One consideration to keep in mind is the cost of lodging.

I'd go almost anywhere, but I'd balk a bit at $200 to $300 per night accomodations that are becoming the norm in many of the touristy areas.

Yup, I agree. I think I'm going to look for something in the $75 +/- $25 range with the close camping next time.

An "unofficial" return to Wattstull could be in the cards as well.

[TNT]

But, I did say Gillette....

LOL, your OK! Richard

[bicyclist]

O K, I'm going to suggest a return to the Watstull Inn. With enough advance notice maybe we could reserve the entire Inn,as well as the resturaunt below for Satuday nights dinner.

The Watstull Inn was good for a first event, but I expect that there will be more people at the next one. I think that we'll need to find a larger motel or a location with more than one.

Athens, Ohio might be good spot. It has several motels, plenty of places to eat, good riding in the area and a BMW dealer.

[Luxamor]

Rockbottom and I have been discussing what rally to attend, so I'm bumping this thread to suggest we consider the South Carolina idea again. I'd also like to consider the Johnson City, TN BMWMOA rally in July where we could meet.
I've also been considering the western rally if it isn't too far.
Any more ideas?

[Rob]

I think a Johnson City meet is a good idea. I'm thinking that I could reach out to the coordinator to have a rally within a rally for F800 folks one night. Thoughts on this would be most appreciated.

Also - we can't forget that the 2009 RA rally is going to be in Canaan Vally, WV this year the week after for what that's worth.

Perhaps a group visit and one night at the Spartanburg Zentrum + factory tour would be good for east coast this year due to the abundance of rallies? Maybe something up north so maybe our friends from eastern Canadia () can attend?

[Luxamor]

I'm up for the BMW MOA rally-in-a-rally idea for July 16-19, 2009.
Here is the MOA forum thread on that topic.
There is just so much time I can spend away from home (without bringing home some cash as a result anyway) these days, so the long weekend thing seems like a good idea.
It might be a good idea to commit soon, since we are talking as many as 10,000 people attending. My guess is hotels/motels booked fast.

[VLT]

On the rally-in-a-rally idea, why not do what the "Airheads Beemers" do and put up a tent stocked with chairs and sofas from Goodwill. "F800 Central"

[nelsonburns]

We're already in Johnson City for Friday and Saturday nights, so that would be OK, but the thing I liked most about the last rally was the fact it was a small venue with a small group, so I'd prefer something like that - and I liked meeting in the Fall.

It was so cool to have all those 800/650s in rows and see everyone's bikes. I don't think that sense of being in a unique group will endure in a rally with thousands of BMWs.

What if we met somewhere the evening of the last day of the rally (Sunday the 19th) - say at Fancy Gap (I say that because that's where we have reservations!) or somewhere on the BRP. That way you still get to the big rally, but ride out of town and have a smaller rally on the tail end - and it would only be an extra day away from home/work.

We'll be wherever the rally is!

[Rob]

We're already in Johnson City for Friday and Saturday nights, so that would be OK, but the thing I liked most about the last rally was the fact it was a small venue with a small group, so I'd prefer something like that - and I liked meeting in the Fall.

It was so cool to have all those 800/650s in rows and see everyone's bikes. I don't think that sense of being in a unique group will endure in a rally with thousands of BMWs.

What if we met somewhere the evening of the last day of the rally (Sunday the 19th) - say at Fancy Gap (I say that because that's where we have reservations!) or somewhere on the BRP. That way you still get to the big rally, but ride out of town and have a smaller rally on the tail end - and it would only be an extra day away from home/work.

We'll be wherever the rally is!

I like the idea of that Lesley - meeting up on Sunday for maybe a bit of conversation and dinner with other F800 folks. What does everyone else think?

[BrENDURO]

but the thing I liked most about the last rally was the fact it was a small venue with a small group, so I'd prefer something like that - and I liked meeting in the Fall.

Agree. I really don't care a thing about hanging out with 10,000 other bikers (whether they're on BMW's or not). Nor do I care to mess with the traffic when 10,000 bikers come into town. Lastly, I'd rather not pay the higher hotel rates because they know they can jack up the prices. July is also a blisteringly hot time of year to do a rally. I'll ride when its blisteringly hot but I feel some forum patrons may be less willing. I vote lets do our own thing. Last year was perfect with the exception of my little mishap

[TheBigDuck]

When are we planning this little hoe down?

I am on Long Island, and I am up for anywhere within a 10 hour ride....