Contest Starts NOW!

[dynodon]

As someone that has put on or helped put on 16 car conventions, I can say that Southern Indiana is a great place to hold an event.

 

Smooth roads for the most part, and the entire southern half of the state is virtually all state park, or looks like it.

 

It isn't mountainous, but does have hills, and oh so delicious curvy roads, and traffic is light. Camping? Did I mention all the state parks?

 

There is fun in Nashville, IN and for a home base, you could consider French Lick IN. Home to Larry Bird (NBA star from a while ago) but also home to two of the most spectacular resorts in the country, French Lick and West Baden Springs.

 

And you are a short hop from Louisville and all the river activities. Jump up to Indy for the 500 track and museum, and some great go-karting if you wish.

 

I have put on two conventions there, and can give you a rally type route that will amaze anyone.

 

Easy to get to, great roads, friendly people and generally low prices.

 

And centrally located. I would offer my help if needed.

 

Oh, and I live in Illinois, and am recommending Indiana! I love Illinois, but Indiana has always been special to me.

[Dragonslayer]

My Vote is Copperhead Lodge in Blairsville, Ga. www.Copperheadlodge.com Copperhead Lodge is a great motorcycle venue/Resort within easy stricking distance and happens to be located smack Dab in the middle of the "Golden Riding Triangle" (a phrase I just made up). The area that I refer to includes the world class motorcycle ride roads twisting throught the beautiful Southern Applachian Mountains of Eastern Tenneessee, Western North Carolina and North Georgia. Some of these world class rides include Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Foothills Parkway, Southern Blue Ridge Parkway, Helen, Ga Shamrock Tour. But you'll find that wherever you are in the triangle any route taken from destination to destination, is really a world class ride in itself. The Golden Riding Traingle should really be experienced during the Fall Leaf Season. Where the mountain fall foliage colorations will take your breath and the seasonal temperture range and weather make for perfect riding conditions.

 

The lodge features Cabin/room rentals as well as tent camping with a outdoor amphitheater stage that would be perfect for a ride-in Jam session for the Biker/Musicians of the group. They also have a great restuarant and lodge for indoor group activities should weather require. They also have a pool and outdoor Jacuzzi, loads of porch style rocking chair areas and totally cater to motorcycles and bikers. I believe the Lodge would be an ideal venue for this type of event.

 

And should this be the 2009 site selected it would be close enough for me to attend and participate in the organization and orchistration of the event.

Edited July 15, 2008 by Dragonslayer

[gibvel]

what's wrong with going back to Ft Collins?? All the mechanics are in place, we had great hosts in the Moose Lodge, and we didn't even scratch the surface as far as riding goes.

 

I don't believe the Moose lodge is there any longer. Could be wrong but I'd have to check on that.

 

Since this is a Contest Thread, maybe we should limit this to just listing our choices and the reasons why and not get into discussions about why one place would be preferable over another. We could start another thread for that.

[friesman]

Some random thoughts. The problem we run into is the topographics of the US. Everything in the middle is flat as a pancake. They don't call it 'The Great Basin' for nothing. Great mountains East of it and great mountains west of it, but nada in the middle. If I wanna to ride on flatlands I'll get on a freeway... Heat is another factor. Anything in the southern US is going to be plain HOT that time of the year. I don't want to spend 10 days riding in an oven. So... the only places that make sense in July... to me at least... is north and middle..ish US..., or change the date to something earlier or later in the year?? Brownsville TX in the winter?? OR...what's wrong with going back to Ft Collins?? All the mechanics are in place, we had great hosts in the Moose Lodge, and we didn't even scratch the surface as far as riding goes. We wouldn't have to start from scratch to organize the thing...

 

The only issues with moving the dates are with us northern ppl. In my area, you cant rely on the weather being warm enuff for a long ride much before mid may and by mid sept we are below freezing at night at times. But as its been said before, ya cant please everyone all the time, the best you can hope for is pleasing some people some of the time

 

Brian:2cents:

Edited July 15, 2008 by friesman

[46motox]

I would like to post Asheville NC as my ideal place to have the gathering! Anything that you can think of can be done here, GREAT riding , excellant tourist area, great views and perfect weather. What more could you ask for!.....coach

[Brake Pad]

Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida

Dinsey give great group rate packages

part your bike and take the trams, or boats anywhere you'd like to go.

and you get to see MICKY!!!!! & Mimi, But not are Mini. Unless, she shows up...

[Mikealiasmike]

Could'nt have said it any better than this so I won't try. Eck's got my choice.

 

Sorry if this is long winded:

 

 

I suggest we have the 2009 International rally at the “Four Corners”, located in Durango, Co.

( Durango- located in Southwest Co.)

 

http://www.durangoreservations.org/durango

 

Durango

Elevation - 6,512 feet above sea level.

Climate : Daytime temps in the 70's and 80's, night time lows in the 40's. (summer)

Population: Approximately 14,700 in Durango.

National Forest - San Juan

Mountain Range - San Juan Mountains

 

A suggested ride:

 

The San Juan Skyway

The 236-mile loop called The San Juan Skyway is one of the most spectacular drives in the world and should be on your list of "must-dos" when you visit Durango. Starting from Durango, the drive goes up to Silverton, Ouray, and Ridgway then loops through Placerville, Telluride, Rico and Dolores before returning to Durango via Mancos and Mesa Verde.

 

NOTE:

We could schedule this ride in "parts" one day we ride from / to and stop to spend the night in a NEW place, then continue on the next day to another point or continue on to Durango…

 

 

 

Silverton: For a small town (500 year-round residents), Silverton has plenty of charms. Completely surrounded by mountains. There used to be seven towns in San Juan County. Silverton is the only town still standing.

 

Ouray: Ouray is an amazingly picturesque little town - its nickname is "Little Switzerland." Located in a mountain valley and surrounded by waterfalls, aspens and soaring peaks, Ouray is a great place to spend some time. You might want to try soaking in the numerous hot springs, eating at a gourmet restaurant, or window shopping if you're not in the mood for strenuous recreation.

 

Ridgway: Ridgway lies just to the northwest in a valley that's reminiscent of the Animas Valley near Durango. Geologically they're very similar - red rock cliffs, a lovely river (the Uncompahgre) and similar elevations. The town of Ridgway itself is mellow, but the surrounding area is full of recreation possibilities.

 

Telluride: Gold was struck in Telluride in 1858, putting Colorado on the map. Telluride is home to some of Colorado's best skiing in the winter and is a haven for some of the most exuberant concerts and festivals in the summertime. Almost every weekend year-round there is something big going on in this little town. Situated in a box canyon at the base of Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride is an Historic National Landmark with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and beautiful Victorian style houses and buildings. The Ute Indians were the first residents of Telluride. Setting up camp along the San Miguel River.

 

PagosaSprings: Originally home of the Ute Indians, Pagosa Springs was named for its hot springs said to have healing qualities. Pagosa is an Indian word meaning "boiling water."

 

Cortez / Mancos / Dolores: Where the canyonlands meet the mountains sit the towns of Dolores, Cortez and Mancos. Home to Mesa Verde National Park, this part of Southwest Colorado is rich in cultural and natural history. Other area attractions include the Anasazi Heritage Center, Crow Canyon Archeological Center,

 

Photos:

http://www.godurango.com/multimedia/photogallery.asp

 

 

They are not new to bikers in town either:

Main Avenue Between 7th & 8th - Main Avenue Between 6th & 7th

[Guest Jarhead]

I suggest Nashville, TN - home of Country Music and fantastic Roads. The Opryland area is a great staging place with many hotels located in a small area. Plenty of tourism for those that cannot find enough riding to do. The roads have beautiful Scenery and it is just a hop and a skip to the Great Smokey mountains and some of the most famous motorcycling roads including the Cherahola Skyway and Deals Gap - The Dragon.

[Wrongway]

I like Arkansas as well, I have stayed at the hub before and they seemed to be a good bunch of folks. Excellent riding all over too. Essentially centrally located.

Two Wheels Only in Suches Ga. is a good spot too but a little south and east for some. I wouldn't mind heading out west either but the thousand miles of flat, hot, nothing may be an impediment to some.

[glue2u2001]

I would favor the South Dakota or Ohio locations, SD because that area is one I would like to explore and Ohio because there are some nice rides in the area and for personal reasons since I'm originally from the area but have lived out west the last 30 years, presently residing in Idaho. Frank

[CO.Rider]

I would like to suggest Grand Junction, Colorado. Located on the mild side of the Continental Divide. Easy access via Interstate 70. Between Denver and the Utah border designated the most scenic Interstate in the U.S. Easy access from Canada and all other points of the U.S.

 

In the heart of some of the best riding in the U.S. Biker friendly town, great accommodations, large selection of eating establishments, & scenery galore.

 

Close to the Colorado National Monument, Grand Mesa and highway 65 scenic byway (10,000 ft elevation). The scenic byway to Gateway, CO [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvipmB-v2YU]YouTube - Riding Unaweep-Tabeguache Byway[/ame]

and a NEW auto museum http://gatewaycanyons.com .

Location of many great wineries with curvy roads through the orchards of Peaches, Apricots, Grapes, Cherries, & more.

Not that far from the Million Dollar Highway, & the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

 

Motorcycle mini tours already set up: http://fruita-co.home.bresnan.net

 

Location of successful motorcycle rallies in the past (Sierracade 2000, GWTA 2005).

The Grand Junction Visitors Center knows how to get a Rally set up and has volunteers to help. http://www.grand-junction.net/

 

Be sure to view all the web pages above!

[skidrow]

southern MO / the ozarks, or southern IN / northern KY ?

[Squidley]

Personally it really doesn't matter to me, curvy roads are nice, but the rally should be about the comeraderie of the group. Most folks will travel a few thousand miles to attend a rally so burning up the miles isn't an issue. From a personal standpoint, I would like to see a lot more BSing and getting to know folks as opposed to pounding out the miles on the bikes.

That being said, I am partial to Tennessee, east or west, Memphis or Chattanooga. You have the Smokies on the east and your not far from hills and curves on the west. This would also be close to Arkansas. It really doesn't matter to me where it is, because we'll be there. But I would like to see a more central or west destination to help the west coasters with the milesage thing.

I was talking with SofaPilot a bit ago and he mentioned the Ring of fire in southern Colorado/Northern New Mexico. The 4 corners is also a good option, Perhaps seeing it was central the 1st one, more east on the second one, the 3rd should be more west Regardless of the ideas, it will take someone to step up to the plate and swing for the fence, nothing will happen if someone wont volunteer their time.

[Kandaje]

Greetings...

 

Ft. Collins, CO - If that's where it all started. - And then it should stay there...

 

It's fairly centrally located. Drive time is important. Weather is also an issue. Especially in July. Southern coast states are usually in a rainy season June/July, Hurricane season Aug/Sep - and next year isn't going to be any better than this year - that's for sure...

 

But really, the most important issue - is that it shouldn't move around. A random location every year - eliminates any possibility of the local population of the location getting into "Dependant Support Mode". A good example of this effect is the Annual Rainbow Gathering. They move around every year and have been doing so for decades now - and encounter resistance from the locals wherever they go - Even necessitating a legal team just to deal with it. Contrary to say - Sturgis or the various annual Poker runs. Those kinds of events, while they might, at first surprise a local population, eventually get dependant on the annual economic injection - as the event gains popularity and begins to grow every year..

 

Dependant Support Mode also simplifies the jobs of the organizers. It gives them some economic barganing power when negotiating terms, and helps promote new economic opportunities for the locals if they can actually DEPEND on the annual influx...

 

If the event continually moves around - it will only ever get smaller.

If you think THIS year -Our economy is in the tank - Just wait till next year!

 

Ft. Collins.

[JDT57]

Myrtle Beach would be a wonderful place to hold the 2009 Venture Rally since it has so many wonderful attractions (i.e. the beach, Hard Rock Park, wonderful weather, etc). The area has beautiful roadways for spectacular cruising and many hidden treasures to discover on two (and three) wheels.

There has been talk recently about doing away with the Harley Rally and the Sports Bike Rally (both held in May) due to the supposed problems with the locals and the riders. I think that we could demonstrate to Myrtle Beach what a great Rally could be with the Venture Riders.

 

JDT57

[Carbon_One]

Lots of great choices already spoken of. I like the idea of the Black hills area, Col again or Four Corners area as Eck suggested. My reasons for those areas are cooler temps, awesome scenery & roads. I do love the Golden Triangle area suggested by someone too. But it can get mighty hot as well.

I suppose the deciding factor will be whomever will decide to do the lions share of setting up and organizing the rally itself. Lots of work there but doable when many hands are helping.

Anytime in the summer months should be the date as those who have kids at home won't be free to go till after Memorial Day and before Labor Day.

Larry

[FutureVentures]

I vote for Chicago-land!

 

More specifically, how about down near Starved Rock State park.

 

http://dnr.state.il.us/Lands/Landmgt/PARKS/I&M/EAST/STARVE/PARK.HTM

 

It's also close to the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial, where the Freedom Ride ends at every year.

http://www.villageprofile.com/illinois/illinoisriver/

 

And yeah, it's closer to home!

 

[thirdbike]

I'd like it to be somewhere central. Ohio is on good access roads and easy to get to from all ends of the continent.

[Guest BlueknightWI]

LaCrosse, WI area. You can do day trips to WI, MN, IA and IL. Fabulous roads and scenic bluffs all over that region. You won't find friendlier people than those in WI, either. :wel_4Wa: TO WISCONSIN!!! Galena, IL has a riverboat casino, too. This area is unglaciated and has gorgeous scenery.

[wyomingkid]

I would hold the rally on the west coast. Seattle area would be a wonderful place. The weather is temperate and it would give members a chance to see a part of the country that they possibly have not seen before.

[yamahamabev]

I know that most of us don't like riding in the oven! Nor do we like riding in a steam bath!

Ft Collins sounds interesting & so does the Dakotas, Durango, Montana & Western Canada!

[BuddyRich]

I have to agree with Brad. Its really not about pounding out a bunch of miles on rides during these meets. A lot of people will have already put on a bunch of miles getting there. We had more fun just sittin around and workin on, or talking about other peoples bikes. Then some short rides fell in place. Ft Collins had some mild weather for the summer which was nice.That's probably about as far as the guys on the west coast would care to go east for a meet. That was a 2 day ride for them.

But it did seem there were a lot of folks that made it to CO.

[jonesy]

Kentucky, Tennessee area would be center north-south, east-west, also not so hot in summer months.

[bugfish69]

:fishin:I have aways wanted to visit the home of Bass Pro Shops! Selfish I know.

[yamastar4]

I agree with "Wilcruise" on West Tennessee.. Some very nice roads to ride, and Memphis or Jackson has some nice hotels and campgrounds near by.. Also Arkansas has been mentioned, and West Tenn, is just across the mighty Mississippi river.