"West Coast" Rally 2011

[blowndodge]

I'd do that ride Trip. However I was answering "Tombstone's" suggestion about shipping the bikes to the locations that are too far away...

[trip]

Oooppsss.... my bad.

[coacha]

CJ agreeing with BD. Trip needs to mark this down on the calendar because it is a red letter date in KawaNOW history. ;)

[tombstone]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

I'd do that ride Trip. However I was answering "Tombstone's" suggestion about shipping the bikes to the locations that are too far away...

Hey...can I go? I need to redo this pic with my Nomad.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Trip

Funny you bring up Tombstone, BD. I've always wanted to ride there and see the town. I'm kind of a Wyatt Earp fan. I thought about planning a trip to Tombstone in the next year or so.

Tombstone is only about 2 hours from my house.

[usranger74]

Yes, the CA left cost is nice having lived there for 10 yrs. BUT, many of those "nice" rides if done in the summer will put you in heavy traffic. Not my cup of tea but if it is yours thats OK.

Beauty being in the eye of the beholder, I will take those wide open spaces with "nothing" to see.

Having said that and living near the geographic center of the USA (it is really in KS, but that is close) and having bought my Nomad to ride, I will go to both and enjoy both.

[rickyboy]

Originally Posted by tombstone

Several years ago a group I was involved in did a tour starting from the east coast and riding west. Nearly all of the entire group of 50 bikes were from Utah or California. For those who didn't have the time off to ride to the east coast AND ride back we hired a truck to haul those bikes, while the riders and pillions flew to our starting point. It required some planning...but worked out great!

Just a thought.

I had a similar suggestion a while back. I suggested people could trailer their bikes part of the way, to make better time. If I can't get enough time where I can ride the whole way I hope to trailer the Nomad to a point where one of our members live. Leave the truck and trailer there and ride the rest of the way to the National.

Think about that Brad.

[trip]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Tombstone is only about 2 hours from my house.

I wish that were so for me. It's a good 16-17 hours for me.

[schoeney]

OK...time for me to jump in and support BD.

I overwhemingly agree that Trip's logic is not up to his usual standard's regarding the location (Deal's Gap) of the National Rally (versus Custer).

I am not here to suggest the location be changed...because the last time I took up this cause (back when the topic was supposedly open for discussion) my posts were deleted by the post Nazi.

I am actually glad Trip has decided on Deal's Gap because using his logic we could have the 2013 National Rally as far west of "center" as Deal's Gap is East of "center".

Here are some reference points;

Geographically Salina, KS is pretty much the "center" of the US.

Deal's Gap is 950 miles from center (Salina, KS)
Grand Teton NP, WY 950 miles
Custer, SD 654 Miles
Cortez, CO 724 Miles
Indian Wells, AZ 888 miles
Montpellier, ID 938 Miles
Salt Lake City, UT 959 Miles
Bangor, Maine 1838 Miles
Bellingham, WA 1833, Miles
Miami, Fl 1651 Miles
San Diego, CA 1441 Miles
Lakewood, CA 1424 Miles

These are not suggested Rally locations...just reference points.

Hopefully this info puts in perspective just how far Deals Gap is east of center. Trip I am sorry...your logic on this is weak and don't be bringing that weak stuff in here ;)

There are 2 arguments that Trip could offer that do make sense.

1) More members live in the east.
2) Trip is the King and our Creator and whatever he says is gospel.

[Netnorske]

We have pretty well decided on the dates and location for the 2011 West Coast Rally and have even chosen a rally name. We have a base motel in mind and my plan is to reserve the entire place for our KawaNOW group! They tell me it is available that week and I am working with the motel managers to try and secure us a group rate, which may or may not happen. The location is top-shelf however, so discounted rate or not, it is where we want to be. There is an off-site owner who seems to be slowing down the process, but the manager promises to be back in touch with me this week. Of course, things could change between now and then, so keep your fingers crossed. As soon as possible, we will be announcing all the particulars.... !

[Todd]

My ride to and from Custer SD from about 300 miles further east than Deal's was one of the things I will remember when I draw my last breath.....It ended up being around 4300 miles in 11 days.

I understand everyone can't make it to every rally and I am sorry for that. I think the west coast get together is a great idea......but the decision is made for 2011 at Deal's (which is about 450 miles from the east coast) ... I hope everyone has the opportunity to attend a National at one time or another....I, for one, can't wait until the next one when I can make it a long trip to get there....but I know everybody is different.

[waterman]

Todd,

I agree with you on this one. I am planning on trying to make both the National and Western Rally's. Would be roughly 2700 miles to the National and 2900 miles for the Western round trip. How's that for sitting in the middle.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by waterman

Todd,

I agree with you on this one. I am planning on trying to make both the National and Western Rally's. Would be roughly 2700 miles to the National and 2900 miles for the Western round trip. How's that for sitting in the middle.

Makes me kinda jealous!!!!!!!! Look forward to seeing you and many others in person again.....after all, that's what it's all about.

[landman]

personally i think deals gap would be a poor rally choice if it was smack dab in the middle of the good old usa.i think that the allure
of driving a dangerous road that is well known for the number of
motorcycle crashes is not a good reason to bring in members of all
skill levels riding 800+ pound cruisers and encouraging them to
try thier luck.also the area has limited lodging and food resources
which limits the good choices of places to base the rally out of.just
my opinion and i'm sure thier are many people who will attend and have the time of thier life.count me in on a western rally.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by landman

personally i think deals gap would be a poor rally choice if it was smack dab in the middle of the good old usa.i think that the allure
of driving a dangerous road that is well known for the number of
motorcycle crashes is not a good reason to bring in members of all
skill levels riding 800+ pound cruisers and encouraging them to
try thier luck.also the area has limited lodging and food resources
which limits the good choices of places to base the rally out of.just
my opinion and i'm sure thier are many people who will attend and have the time of thier life.count me in on a western rally.

its just one road in hundred's in that area....most are not nearly as technical...the blue ridge parkway comes to mind and that is consistantly voted one of the best driving roads in the country...plenty of food and lodging in the area...those mountains are vacation and resort areas........and if anyone thinks we are encouraging anyone to ride the dragon...think again.....it is entirely up to the individual.....I frankly saw some riders that I would encourage "not" to ride it unless their skills have improved greatly...not a knock at all on anyone..some folks dont have a chance to ride that way very often...and with all of the crazies and cars that are on 129...it is not for the timid or lesser skilled rider.........

But, have fun at the western rally...sounds like it's going to be a blast....if there is any way I can get away I might make it.