VentureRider International Rally 2016

[Brake Pad]

It doesn't matter where it's going to be next year I'm going

[Stache]

It doesn't matter where it's going to be next year I'm going

 

I'm not location dependent, I'm spouse dependent.

 

I'm so far east anywhere is a long way west. Once there's a location I'll start begging, wheedling, whining, asking permission.....

 

I would like to make it to one of these but, to me, the 'where' is far less important then the 'who'.

[slowrollwv]

Well I have been following this thread and have decided to through my hat in the pot for a WV rally. The place I have in mind has camping, cabins and motel all on site. Early Oct. would be a perfect time at this location.

[Brake Pad]

Dude !!!! I had to look your location up !!!!! Damn !!!!!! I can make your house in 8 days from my house if I have all good weather. ( Your like the end of the world )

 

Location: Flat Rock NL

[cowpuc]

OK...discuss as you wish but all I am saying is that it is pointless to offer up locations unless somebody is willing to host it there.

 

Ok Bossman,, I am gonna take that sentence at face value (being free to discuss openly as we wish) while totally understanding the pointlessness of it (I have a LOT of pointless conversations with myself these days )..

 

 

Having experienced a couple VR outings/events over the recent years, I have observed a few things and would like to share them. First off, I am so amazingly impressed with the dedication, kindness and tenacity of the people who have endured to put these events on - it almost leaves me speechless.. They are just some of the most AMAZING people I have ever met (this includes you Mr. Freebird). That IS brutal honesty and a FACT!!

The negative side of seeing some of those folks doing so is (and I know it goes with the territory) is that some of those same souls are in so deep at Rally time that its hard for them to relax and "chit chat" while still "owning" their accepted responsibilty to make sure the rest of us are having a good time - it HAS to be exhausting (maybe thats why relatively few folks take on the task)!!.. Kudo's and a REAL heart felt :happy65::happy65::happy65: to ALL those folks who have been there/done that!! I REALLY admire each of you!! Please dont take anything I say from here on out to sound like I dont mean what I just wrote!!

 

****** I wonder how it would go if we just chose a "Rally Point" as close to "ground zero" of the US/Canadian Border (a big open field on the back of the Badlands of South Dakota would be PERFECT for what I am talking about!!) and, sort of let each person fend for themselves concerning locating Motels/Food/Camp area's and the like? After choosing the Rally Point, we could have open discussions between each other here in the Water Hole concerning motel variety and costs.. We could also discuss with each other any experiences we may have had in those area's,, good rides to take - things to see and FOOD to eat - a virtual SMORGASBOARD OF WONDERFULNESS!! In the end, let each of us feel free to contribute idea's for rides and such instead of leaving it on a very small group of folks to figure out what may or may not make us smile..

 

****** We would then also be able to do so with NO "sign up" - nuts eay?.. Sometimes I wonder if the whole idea of committing to a Rally (be it an International or what ever) is just a little overwhelming to some folks.. Not everyone lives a "scheduled" life where they live thru planning and executing.. I have lived a very sanguine and spontanious lifestyle (been HARD on Tippy I tell ya) filled with - come home from work, announce "we are headed to Cedar Point", kids jumping up and down yelling HURRAY while the wife sneers at me and says - I thought we agreed on at least a 24 hours notice:yikes:.. I also happen to know that Tip (she is a planner!!) will also tell you that I am THE funnest person she has ever met:178:- one of the reasons she said YES when I asked her to marry me:happy34:.. I know I cant be alone on this planet in my sanguinity ..

That said, I also wonder if folks who have not officially signed up for a well planned/excellently executed rally may find it hard to just "stop in" - even just to say howdy.. Reasoning for not signing up may be financial, being a typical non-planner such as myself or even just plain over site.. I guess it really doesnt matter why, the key to what I am talking about is keeping the doors wide open to ANYONE to show up at ANYTIME during the type of Rally I am talking about and not have to feel even a tinge of reluctance in doing so or not doing - that might be eleviated because no one would know who is coming and who isn't anyway:guitarist 2:!!

This is gonna REALLY REALLY sound strange but I personally think it would be a RIOT to attend an International Rally with no idea who may or may not be there, stop at a local Burger King - share some of Tippy's $2.50 BK coupons with a dozen or so of my fellow VR members who like to eat cheap and then continue on to the Rally Point to see who else decided to make the trip!! Kind of keep attendance a surprise/secret - I LOVE surprises (weird eay)!!!

 

I think I will stop here and see how bad I get ROASTED before I go on

[cowpuc]

Ok, I waited for a longgg time and didn't get roasted or kicked off the site yet... Springing off my previous ..

 

Here's what we do.. We use the parking lot(s) at the Custom's Office's at Glacier National Park for next years International Rally.. No need to have a passport (might be some folks out there who - for one reason or another dont wanna bother getting one or, for undisclosed reasons - cant get one ). Dont even have to cross the border, we would be able to chat with those who dont wanna cross over via C.B. radios or what ever.. Those who wanna cross could cross over and meet folks from the "other side" at free will,, shake hands - :bighug:and all that stuff.. Exchange stories, look at bikes,, TAKE PICS AND VIDEO'S .. Meet folks who we may never see again:cool10:.. Make new friends - visit with old buddies ...

Then ride some of the most BEEEAAUUTIFUL country known to man.. Pet some grizzly's and feed some chipmunks!!

[Freebird]

I'll let that discussion take its course. There was also a post that suggested the rally be held on October. I have to say, we LOVE riding in the fall and the temperatures would be so much better. The problem is that though many of our members are older and have no children in school, some do. We also have members who work in the school systems. So my question is, how many people are affected by holding the rally on a date where schools are back in session?

 

Are you affected? Let us know please. I think I'll also start a poll about this.

 

You can vote in the poll here:

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?108209-International-Rally-Date-Question

Edited August 13, 2015 by Freebird

[OrlinEngh]

Something else to keep in mind that October for us Northern folks the riding season is nearing its end the weather can be one way or the other nice enough to ride or cold and wet and have had snow the second week of October. And as much as it be nice to go ride in some great country in warm weather we would still have to make our way back.

Not sure but you may lose out on some of your northern riders due to the weather. Just a thought maybe we can get some input from some other northern riders on what they think.

Orlin

[steamer]

September! best time of the year to ride.

[Marcarl]

I would be leery to commit to a later date,,, just simply because of the weather,, cold is Ok, wet I can handle, but cold and wet, that can be deadly.

[slowrollwv]

When I put my hat in the ring for the IR Oct. was just a time frame. It could be moved to late Sept. and still be a good time of year for some of the best riding any where.

[Venturous]

Hey Chuck... if WV is picked... count on me for some help planning, leading rides or whatever. Like you, I know that area quite well. You are right about Canaan being perfect. Not only is a lodge/camping/cabins all on one property, they have an on site restaurant, snack bar, and adult lounge. Plus they have many banquet/meeting rooms available. They commonly host events for HOG and WOW so are definitely motorcycle friendly. Late September would be a good choice. Peak foliage doesn't happen until mid October, but that could be a late for folks coming from the snow belt. Plus peak season brings increased traffic. Of course a traffic jam in that area consists of 6 cars... LOL

[XV1100SE]

Working out details for a S.W. Ontario entry. Details to follow.

[Bog13]

As a new rider here, I would be very happy to got to ON for a rally, Passport is ready and the exchange is great, Plus its not so stinking hot, someplace by the lakes would be wonderful...

 

Bog

[Barrycuda]

I also would participate and attend next years IR if it was to be held in Canada, WV, Wisconsin or the gulf coast of Mississippi. Quite frankly as looney as cowpuc is he does have a good point. That is meet at one central area, and then people can come and go as they wish for rides, food etc. not a bad idea. Perhaps that can be incorporated in the IR plans

[Marcarl]

I have some preliminary thoughts. Don and I have to get together to hash things over and that is starting to be a problem. My Mother-in-Law is taking up some free time right at the moment,, bad leg after a fall, so lots of trips to get her from here to there.

When we do get together, I propose some of the following for discussion.

4-5 day event.

Central place to sleep and gather, hopefully a resort that can handle a few outlandish campers.

Location to be determined but should be in the Muskoka, Haliburton, Kawartha region.

No prizes, no raffles, and everybody gets to make their own shirt.

All meals would be self 'serve' when and where you want. There should be an eating place close by.

There would be a grand meal for a total get-together.

No planned rides, but lots of destinations and things to see and do. Rides would be mapped on GPS for convenience.

The place to be chosen should be comfortable, dry in case it rains, cool if it's too hot and large enough not to be too small.

I thinking costs will be around the $110 per night mark, plus meals and such. Each pays their own costs as used or consumed. Only extra cost would be the t-shirt thing or something else that might want to be done.

just my thoughts for perusing.

[ragtop69gs]

I am a school employee and am not sure I could do a week in October AND a week in November to fill the freezer with venison. I'd sure give it a try though.

[Long Tall]

Just saying: Tom's idea of the Gulf Coast sounds GREAT. Slowrollwv's West Virginia idea is also a great riding destination. Been on a lot of the routes since WV is just next door to Ole Virginia and "HEY", I was born there. I know a lot of folks have issues with certain times of the year. To late and our Northern Members have a weather issue. To early and the Southern US is still Hot as Hell. Either way I asked in St. Charles about a Rally in Sept has a change. Also, I can't think of a reason why this just can't be an extended MEET & EAT. Find and decent priced hotel/camping and restaurant to host a large group meal on the last night and let the riding be the center piece of the event. I have only been to two IR. Galena and St. Charles. Each was different and but what the Harbours enjoyed most was the "Family Gathering, Family Group Riding, Family BSing, Meeting New Family Members, Seeing Old Family Members". Give me a nice bed to lay my head down on in the evening and with this Family I have discovered that the things I just mentioned, "JUST HAPPEN" when we are all together. Family members just starting helping out. My thoughts. Just saying.

 

Long Tall

Lynchburg, VA

[cowpuc]

IMHO, fall and late fall around here in West Michigan can get dicey. Tip and I did a wedding anniversary ride (September 12th) around the lake a few years ago and about got frost bit (kinda nice though cause the bugs was long gone - ALWAYS A SILVER LINING!!).. I think its definitely worth a shot if it would mean more folks showing up but it seems like its International Russian Roulette with the weather as far as anything north goes... Gonna go vote in that side runner poll that Don has up on this..

 

 

***************************************************************************************************************************

Sooo,, had me a strange dream this afternoon... Freebird decided to try something really different with the International. He decided to rename his MD the official International Rally.. This one took on a whole new facet, we had an International Rally fund drive throughout the year - we got enough cash together to purchase flight tickets for an off shore couple (VR Members).. A couple months before the Rally, all off shore members names were put in a hat and a guy that looked like Squidley drew out a guys name from Poland (no idea if we even have members who live in Poland - just telling it the way it happened).. The Rally committee contacted the winning member, the man and his wife flew into an airport right next to Cedar Point , we had a parade ride to greet them and escort them to Dons for 3 days of Rally Fun - meeting new friends and hearing stories about their homeland.. People came from all over North America to meet n greet with the guest(s) of honor, it was the highest attended International ever.. I woke up as discussion was taking place about all the fun we had having a chance to meet International VR family members from far away that we would probably never have had a chance to meet any other way.. The end!!

PS - cause it was a dream I have no 's to prove it happened..

[Marcarl]

IMHO, fall and late fall around here in West Michigan can get dicey. Tip and I did a wedding anniversary ride (September 12th) around the lake a few years ago and about got frost bit (kinda nice though cause the bugs was long gone - ALWAYS A SILVER LINING!!).. I think its definitely worth a shot if it would mean more folks showing up but it seems like its International Russian Roulette with the weather as far as anything north goes... Gonna go vote in that side runner poll that Don has up on this..

 

***************************************************************************************************************************

Sooo,, had me a strange dream this afternoon... Freebird decided to try something really different with the International. He decided to rename his MD the official International Rally.. This one took on a whole new facet, we had an International Rally fund drive throughout the year - we got enough cash together to purchase flight tickets for an off shore couple (VR Members).. A couple months before the Rally, all off shore members names were put in a hat and a guy that looked like Squidley drew out a guys name from Poland (no idea if we even have members who live in Poland - just telling it the way it happened).. The Rally committee contacted the winning member, the man and his wife flew into an airport right next to Cedar Point , we had a parade ride to greet them and escort them to Dons for 3 days of Rally Fun - meeting new friends and hearing stories about their homeland.. People came from all over North America to meet n greet with the guest(s) of honor, it was the highest attended International ever.. I woke up as discussion was taking place about all the fun we had having a chance to meet International VR family members from far away that we would probably never have had a chance to meet any other way.. The end!!

PS - cause it was a dream I have no 's to prove it happened..

 

You mean to tell me,,, ya just me,,, that you have no pictures that you versify into this very intriguing story? Look a little harder and make up something,,, I can't wait!!

[cowpuc]

You mean to tell me,,, ya just me,,, that you have no pictures that you versify into this very intriguing story? Look a little harder and make up something,,, I can't wait!!

 

Getting ready to lay back down here Carl,, stinking beat tired,,, anyway - had Tippy go over all the holes in my head looking for a place to hook the USB Cable up to upload pics - found nothing

Stay tuned though cause maybe this next set of strange dreams will reveal something interesting to solve the issue:big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon::big-grin-emoticon:

[XV1100SE]

Marcarl and I met tonight and we are ready to host the 2016 International. South/Western Ontario.

 

With the Cdn $ at $0.76 U.S... best time for our American neighbours to travel in Canada. It's been 7 years since the International was last held in Canada. Lots to see and do in Ontario. And right friendly Canadians !

[etcswjoe]

Got my passport and looks like Yammer is half way so could stop by and harass him on the way up.

[Marcarl]

Marcarl and I met tonight and we are ready to host the 2016 International. South/Western Ontario.

 

With the Cdn $ at $0.76 U.S... best time for our American neighbours to travel in Canada. It's been 7 years since the International was last held in Canada. Lots to see and do in Ontario. And right friendly Canadians !

 

I think I'll expand a bit on this:

 

We do not have a venue or plan yet, but here is what we have so far:

Looking for some place that has enough rooms, a place for campers, a place to eat, place for campfires, and nice country. Focus is Niagara region, or Muskoka. And Nancy did say we need shower facilities.

No prizes etc,, well maybe some mementos, but nothing big or time consuming.

Shirts will be looked into,, we're at odds as to exactly how, but I'm sure one of us will be convinced to meet on my side of the middle. lol

We don't think we'll do any 'planned' rides but instead provide for things to do, places to go, that would take no more than a total of 4-5 hours, so riding time would be in the less than 3 hr mark. If necessary and desired we would plan to be able to lead whatever rides needed guidance. All rides would be GPS laid out and ready.

There would be a 'main meal' with all the hoopla that comes with such an event,,,,, meaning,,,,, we don't know just yet.

Days we're thinking about are Tuesday thru Friday in the middle of August, which allows for '3 day' riding before and after for those who need it.

[eusa1]

I have some preliminary thoughts. Don and I have to get together to hash things over and that is starting to be a problem. My Mother-in-Law is taking up some free time right at the moment,, bad leg after a fall, so lots of trips to get her from here to there.

When we do get together, I propose some of the following for discussion.

4-5 day event.

Central place to sleep and gather, hopefully a resort that can handle a few outlandish campers.

Location to be determined but should be in the Muskoka, Haliburton, Kawartha region.

No prizes, no raffles, and everybody gets to make their own shirt.

All meals would be self 'serve' when and where you want. There should be an eating place close by.

There would be a grand meal for a total get-together.

No planned rides, but lots of destinations and things to see and do. Rides would be mapped on GPS for convenience.

The place to be chosen should be comfortable, dry in case it rains, cool if it's too hot and large enough not to be too small.

I thinking costs will be around the $110 per night mark, plus meals and such. Each pays their own costs as used or consumed. Only extra cost would be the t-shirt thing or something else that might want to be done.

just my thoughts for perusing.

 

so if I understand this idea correctly:

we all get together and make no plans to eat together anywhere (self serve), make no plans to ride anywhere together, (find it yourself) and maybe we run into each other along the way and stay at a $110.00 a night lodge for 4-5 days.

 

Carl I enjoy a good bullshirt with you and look forward to seeing you and your part of the country, but if ya don't want to show us around or make any reservations at known good grub spots or show us your favorite overlooks..... whats the reason to call it any type of gathering? the best parts of a get together is sharing a meal and telling taller tales and enjoying a favorite road with a view.

I agree the prizes are just fluff and can take em or leave them. and yes I can make my own shirt.

Last of all, thank you for stepping up rather than just pitching locations. respectfully- Mike & Cherie