Lone Eagle

Sounds like a great trip - John! Looking forward to meeting up with you in The Dalles!

Possibly as time grows closer, we can figure out a meeting place around Sacramento - a little further north - and ride up together.

Hey, Bob - that's awesome! Going to be a great ride and fun - for sure! Depending on routes we're taking there and back - maybe we can meet up and head up together!

ROOMS AT COUSINS ARE BLOCKED FOR US - UPDATE: I have a quantity of rooms blocked at Cousins - mention VENTURERIDER RALLY when calling to make a reservation. Here is the information from the event coordinator I am working with: "2 queens $95.00/night + tax (an example here could be splitting a room would be $47.50 _ per night - per person) Single queen or king $85.00/night + tax Deluxe $109.00/night + tax (splitting a room here would be $54.50 per night + tax) We also will have the pool and spa open at that time, free wireless internet, free passes to The Dalles Fitness and Court Club, discount breakfast vouchers, complimentary DVD rentals, great specials in the Saloon, and best of all, freshly baked every morning, chocolate chip cookies in the lobby. " I will be setting a block of rooms aside @ Motel 6 this week - though a couple of folks have already made their reservations there as shown in earlier posts.

Cowpuc - I think I did read about the hamburger place you are speaking about. We will find it!!

The initial rates shown at the top of this thread were based upon initial discussions / negotiations I had with the various properties in setting up a block of rooms for us. Based on the feedback / interest shown from everyone, I am going back to both Motel 6 and Cousins and finalize some hard rates for a block of rooms at both properties - I hope to have this finalized within the next week -stay tuned.................

To answer couple of questions: How many bikes: At our last Venture West - we had approx. 50 bikes - 60+ people in attendance if I recall correctly (the event was couple of years ago - too long:crying:): Captain Joe: you are correct on the dates: realizing many will be coming from various directions and miles to get to the event, some may come in earlier - but - figuring most might be pulling in Weds - then leaving on Sat / Sunday (like myself - I will be riding straight through on Sunday - about 670 miles for me). This is a casual event - flexibility and fun being the operative words. Tent camping - there are couple of parks I believe within 10 miles of the "base sites" - I haven't had a chance to look into that yet. Should have some info within couple of weeks. SilvrT -your boss needs to have a) a sense of humor, b) change plans, c) allow you to "work remotely" - Ride Routes: so far I have I have penciled out a ride up Mt. Hood to Timbercove Lodge - backdrop for the movie "The Shining". Over the next couple of months, we are going to be putting together shorter rides around The Dalles, routes to the various mountain ranges within riding distance of The Dalles. Motels: Cousins will be the "base camp" - Motel 6 is right next door (is what I was told) - I will be getting in touch with both properties and setting aside some rooms. More to come on this as those plans now get finalized.

AWESOME NEWS: The Dalles is ranked #7 among True West Magazine's 2014 Top Western Towns. Our town will be featured in the February 2014 issue, on newsstands on January 7, 2014. Woot Woot! Be sure to check out The Dalles Chronicle article on the amazing distinction our town has received: www.thedalleschronicle.com/news/2014/jan/02/dalles-listed-among-2014-top-western-towns/

Venture West V - The Dalles, Or. June 18 - 21. A great, extended casual gathering - to share stories, get in some awesome rides around the Hood River / Mt. Hood area. All are welcome - you won't want to miss it!

You and Jean our in our thoughts and prayers.

It is time to start thinking, and making / penciling in plans for the 2014 Venture West Gathering and Rally - June 19 - 21 - The Dalles, Oregon. Who all is thinking they will be able to attend this? Condor and I would like to get somewhat of a "pulse" on a headcount. I have looked into lodging in the area; I checked out Hood River and The Dalles. As anywhere on the West Coast, room rates between Memorial Day and Labor Day go up - especially in the popular areas. Between the two cities, The Dalles does offer a little better pricing choice. Motel 6 - http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.aspx?num=4268 - would run approx.: 2 queen beds – 2 adults - $59.39 + tax per room 1 adult 50.39 + tax. This is a (3) story building - so you wouldn't be able to park your bike in front of your room. Cousins - is more expensive - but there is a gas station, restaurant, saloon, and if we wanted, meeting room for a closing buffet on the property which we would be able to use. We can also park the bikes in front of the room - there is room to gather around and tell tales, etc. This is a much nicer location, but truth be told, approx. 1 block away from Motel 6. 2 queens – 105.00 + 9% 1 queen – 96.90 + tax Deluxe rm – bigger rm – 119.00 + tax . I may be able to get a slightly better rate for this property - these rates quoted are about 25% the normal rate. Personally, I will be staying here - (as I have had many hit and misses with "other places mentioned above). I also checked the Super 8 - 2 queen beds 94.49 + tax / 1 queen – 85.49 + TAX. Pricing in general - in Hood River - was slightly higher than the pricing shown above. What is everyone's thoughts?

Prayers sent for your family and Darin - wishing a healthy and speedy recovery.

Great control!

:thumbsup:Great idea!

WOW - couple of them got really close! Great video.

Dave, good call on Cortez - I had thought about that place as well. From a lodging standpoint, just from doing an initial "look around town" - they had the EconoLodge and a KOA 1 mile out of town, Denny's / Walmart across the street (can see the martians now - LOL). I didn't get to deep into looking at other possibilities. If the move if to have the IR "East" for 2014, I would definitely be open to putting together - i.e. hosting - a West Regional Rally next year. Everything will play out over the next month I'm sure, and we can all starting counting down the days to looking forward to planning for fun in 2014!

I totally get why some of the other National organizations (STAR / GWRRA come to mind amongst others) and VR have the various meets / IR's "East" - a greater number of folks live there - and it doesn't take "day's" to get somewhere. Having said that, I would like to see - or be up for - something "out west" next year - be it the IR or another Venture West round up. For a Venture West - I could see heading to Oregon / Washington - if the IR - somewhere around the 4 Corners maybe? And if needed or requested, work with some heading that up.

I like it - wished they would have considered a trunk for it, I could see maybe Corbin jumping on that for an aftermarket idea. I do like the fairing - and was reading all those lights are LED's - good planning on their part. Wish them well in the market.

great photo's!

Sounds like a fun ride!

Who said Condor is riding any of them????

Thanks for the Hagon info - I"ll probably give them a call tomorrow. The Sonic info is interesting - I'll have to check that out - never heard of that one before - thanks, RSTDdog!

Thanks, guys. I have looked at the Hagon today - may give them a call on Monday. At my dealer today, he was talking about a Progessive shock (not sure if there is a specific brand?) for around $500.00. I'm OK with that (I guess - ) . Sounds like great info on the front forks! Thanks for the offer on the 06 shock - I'm one of those guys who prefers new if possible.

Several bikes in our chapter run with Hyperlights - you can really see those from far away - just an additional idea to the one already posted.