Rally Town

[coacha]

Since the original idea of the 2010 Rally (June 15, 16, 17) site was posed, it seems about every other week someone chimes in with a different idea for a host city, hotel, etc. We need to make a firm decision on these elements so that arrangements can start to be made.

In this thread, please post your thoughts on what city/town in the Shenandoah Valley area should be our take off point. Please remember that some people will want to stay in hotels and some people will want to camp, so we need to make sure accommodations for both are close by.

I would like ideas posted in this thread over the next 2 weeks, then I will compile the information and we will have a vote and be done with that process.

[trosco]

Ron, I suggest that we locate home base somewhere in the Staunton, Waynesboro and Harrisonburg area. I really don't care where with in say a 50 mile radius we pick. I just think that puts us close to I-81 and I-64 so for the people coming longer distances being near major interstates will help. Beyond that it also make skyline and blue ridge parkways easy access and also let's us run over to WV side of VA stateline where more get riding and site seeing (Seneca Rocks for example)is available. So that is my 2 cents worth, might not be worth the whole 2 cents but then, what is?

[mrfuni]

Coach Ron,

Don't know the area that well and June '10 is so far away. Still not riding yet, stitches out tomorrow . Only suggestion would be a location to satisfy the wusses ;) like me and others who prefer a hotel and those who prefer to camp. Would lean on members near the area of the meet place for local advice. If I was doing it today, would probably trailer up from South Florida, or at least a majority of the way. 7 hours each way running up I-75 is no fun just to get out of Florida, but then again I flew out to Custer :-/ .

Looking forward to hearing what others have to say... Joe

[coacha]

When we go up from FL, I know I am staying off the Eisenhower Interstate System for as much of the ride as possible. We will have 3 days to go 900 miles (+/-) so that is doable.

[mark]

I am fortunate to live in the Staunton,Waynesboro, Hrrisonburg area.Many people in the group want to camp, others like the hotel. The only area that I know of that can put the entire group close together(3miles+-) is the Days Inn/Walnut hills Campground combination south of Staunton. Both are just off I-81 and Both are 2 exits South of I-64(5miles)
You would be 15-20 from the Blue Ridge Parkway,(was riding up there today) 20minutes by way of rt 11 and the Staunton Bypass to 250W heading into WVa.
Harrisonburg would offer more hotels due to the colleges in Hburg but the campers would be quite a distance away from what ever hotel was used. Where ever we go it would be in my back yard, so I don't care, but I would like for those traveling long distances to have a good time, not have the group split up more than necessary, and have the opprotunity to do the best rides the area has to offer which are numerous. . My 2 cents.

[trosco]

Hey, this is sort of hy-jacking the thread but.... give some thought to one of the rides being to DC to the Cemetary-tomb unknown soldier/Viet Wall/Smythsonian etc... I don't know if anyone would be interested but if someone already lives in the mountains maybe they might want to see something different?

[coacha]

Ross, we will get to the ride end of things after we everyone to come to a consensus about the site.

[bigdave]

I agree with Mark i have stayed in the Staunton area before very nice area

[poppy]

So far, after reading all the threads, it seems Staunton makes the best sense. Camping and hotels. If I come up I may bring my cargo trailer and camp a few nights. I will vote for the Staunton area.......

[classic1]

+1 with Mark. We only live about 12 miles apart. I contacted a few hotels and the Days Inn that Mark mentioned is $55 a night ( block price ). Others were around $89 a night. I want to go by there and look at their rooms.

[kawgirl]

I like the Days Inn/Walnut Hills Campground idea. Makes the most sense to me if the rooms check out. $55 is a good price.

[Todd]

What ever ya'll decide is fine with me.

[mark]

just to clarify, when I said you were 15-20 away from the Blue Ridge pkwy thats minutes not miles.

[mrfuni]

Somebody has to check out the Day's Inn. They can be pretty seedy and gghost specified a GOOD hotel :)

[kensam]

I vote for Staunton! Convenient and great riding in all directions.