2013 Rally

[skuuter]

I fully understand the Membership wanting a New Area for the Rally, especially a more "Centralized in the USA" Location. This would definetly make it possible for Members, that in the past, have found it difficult to travel the distance required from Their Locations to get to Maggie Valley.

Sometimes these reasons have been health, expense, or work related. Maggie Valley has worked really well for Mitzie and I because with Our particular jobs, we can be Home in a few hours if we get a call that there is a problem(s). So far, this has never happened at the TRIKE TALK RALLY IN THE VALLEY, but it has happened to us at Past Motorcycle Events in the Smokies Area. Being the sole Managers of two seperate businesses, and still fully employed, we find it extremely difficult to ever get away for more than just a weekend. I also have the added burden now of my Mom's failing health, and my Father having to tend to Her 24/7, leaving me added work, and responsibilities that used to be shared between us.

A change in Location, and Longer Travel Time will take Mitzie and I out of the next RALLY at this time. Things may change someday, but right now, we have to work with Our present situation(s). As I first stated, this will definetly help Members from the "Non-East" and "South" attend Future Rallies. I fully hope this is the case, and fully support the decision to move it for the Full Betterment of the RALLY and Membership, since the voting tends to be leaning heavily in that direction. The main goal needs to be to mirror the success of the Past Rallies. Having attended the Last Three, They have been Great, and getting Larger and Better each time.

Eureka Springs has some Great Riding and Roads. I have ridden there twice in years past. Very centrally located also, for more westernly located Members, and within easy striking distance of a Lot of eastern Members. So, even if it moves Folks, for sure, make Your Plans to attend.....ThumbUp :10:

 

[Pegasus1300]

although I was unable to attend the rally in Reno this year because of a prior commitment I liked the idea of a rally in the West and one in the Central or East.

 

[Saltywheels]

IMHO, Both points of view have their unassailable merits. Here are my thoughts, after having just attended & being involved in the Reno Rally:

You keep it where it is (Maggie Valley) & you effectively preclude all the "left-coasters", since it makes for a 12 day 'vacation' & a costly one at that! It's abt 2k miles one way. Consequently, the Maggie Valley rally will essentially be populated by mostly the same riders i.e., the east coasters, who undoubtedly are in the majority.

IF you opt for regional Rallies (like the one in Reno) you limit the attendance to "locals". And again, the same players. Hopefully of course, the Western rally will grow in numbers as the word gets out. Here also, location & time of the year are critical. We learned some lessons & will improve on it for the nxt go around. No reason why we cannot have a 'central rally' & regional rallies!

Having said all that, I still believe a central location like Branson or Eureka Springs makes it more accessible to the Forum as a whole, rather than catering to the 'majority'. And new faces to boot. TT V may lose some of the regulars to Maggie Valley but could concievably end up with a whole host of 'newbies' to the Rally.

Lastly, is the question of who? Why not a team? You don't have to be a local to book block space in 2-3 motels? But you would certainly need 'local pilots' who know the lay of the land, to set-up & organize the rides.

 

[Papa Zook]

As we all know, what we actually have is a big, annual "Meet and Greet" and is not really a rally by definition. I agree that we could have several regional "Meet and Greets" each year in various locations, hosted by locals in their given area. I personally love Maggie Valley and will continue to go there as time and money allows. It wont be every year, but I will be back, that I know.

As for regional meet & greets, I know that there is already another gathering being planned in Florida by some of our Florida members.

 

[skuuter]

As well all know, what we actually have is a big, annual "Meet and Greet" and is not really a rally by definition. I agree that we could have several regional "Meet and Greets" each year in various locations, hosted by locals in their given area. I personally love Maggie Valley and will continue to go there as time and money allows. It wont be every year, but I will be back, that I know.

For example, I know that there is already a gathering being planned in Florida by some of our Florida members.

Yep, Regional Meet-n-Greets are a Really Good Thing.....ThumbUp

 

[deanone98]

Just remember that we had 250 members attend at Maggie Valley and we want to grow. Where can you find places for that many members + and find great riding and motels for $80.00. You won't find a motel in Branson for that price unless it is out of season. Just saying.

 

[Saltywheels]

In talking with others who have actually organized such get-togethers, the key seems to be: number of motels, off-season in riding friendly (diverse rides possible) small towns.

Once we have narrowed down the possible locations to say one or 2 places, what about putting out a poll to see how many rider would come to either of these prospective locations versus Maggie Valley ??? That will give you your answer where to host the nxt Rally.

FYI: For the last Rally in Maggie Valley, I asked around to see if any one would join me in the 4 day ride out to NC but couldn't find a single taker. 2300 miles one way is not everybody's cup o'tea.

 

[KRUZR]

Since this year was our first Rally, I would love to go back to Maggie Valley. To be able to get those two motels in Maggie Valley at the end of June, Wow! Biggest issue I see in moving the Rally around is the amount of leg work/volunteers needed to get it set up, let alone at the time of the year it's been held. That being said, we spent a week in "Marble Falls, Arkansas" at a place called "The Hub", http://www.hubinfo.com/. Branson, MO has a lot to offer but it's also very busy and difficult to get through town. We enjoyed everyone we met this year and will try to make the Rally next year no matter where it is held. Ride Safe!

 

[John Luciano]

Unless it was moved to Ohio, V Virginia , Penn , it is tooo far for Us.

 

[oldman]

Live it alone there a lot in different part of the country that have rallie that i cannot go to so i go to the one i can that the way it is and i thank that a lot of other people thank the same way.

 

[clint44]

About an hour from Branson and bit to the west and just across the Arkansas border is Eureka Springs, also great riding, interesting shops in town, motorcycle friendly, and some interesting places to visit in the general area.

I'll second this location. Eureka Springs hosts a number of events and has great riding all around it. Just south is Hwy23 that offers one of the best m/c roads in the USA.

 

[Lucky]

Seems strange to me that 1200 people have read this and only 92 voted.Sounds like we still have a great silent majority.RIDE SAFE

 

[skuuter]

Seems strange to me that 1200 people have read this and only 92 voted.Sounds like we still have a great silent majority.RIDE SAFE

A Really Silent Majority.....:Shrug:.....I really figured the Western and Central USA Members would be all over this.....ThumbUp

 

[Gold Rush]

A Really Silent Majority.....:Shrug:.....I really figured the Western and Central USA Members would be all over this.....ThumbUp

YUP, I'm just a bit surprised also. Maybe they are out riding... :Trike1:

I was reading through some of the posts since I threw my nickel in (use to be only 2 cents). There are good pros and cons.... As I said before I'm not much on Rally attendance but what we have isn't really the same.....

Zook makes a good point. These "Meet and Greet" get togethers might be more successful as well publicized regional TrikeTalk functions with an open invitation to all members.

For many of us, it's a lot easier to ride a few hundred miles then a couple thousand so just maybe there would be better participation. If a member was wanting to visit another regional event I'm sure they would be very welcome...

Any of that make sense????...

 

[BenO]

Hello Everyone,

I haven’t responded to a posted in a very long time. So Iguess it is time. I had planned on attending the last get together but ended uphaving another surgery on my jaw and could not attend.

I love the travel to and from the rally’s as attending themand getting to put faces to names and visit. The heat gets to my better halfeven with infused Air conditioning to her riding attire so I have to attendsome alone. I prefer to be able to attend events together then by self.

Do to the fact my stallion has been dead for over a yearnow. I just bought a trailer to winch it onto so I hope to be able to findsomeone that can get it fixed so we can get out and about again. I will be ableto trailer it to some of the events when it is so hot so she can attend no Ihad to buy this trailer. So that is a plus buying the trailer we will be ableto attend more together.

I am an old Iron Butt so don’t mind the rides to the rally’sor events. (usually but the age is starting to make me give a little more LOL)

Any place in the Ozarks is great as it is on the east coast.Yes it would be nice to have it more in the central area but you need to keepit in the early summer if you do because of the heat being so high out hereanymore. There use to be a tri State rally in Branson in the Aug that weattended but the heat was high and that affects the little gatherings to visitand BS with each other.

The BIGGEST problem is the help in arrangements for theevent as it has been mentioned here in other post. As I have firsthandknowledge on what it takes to get things put together. That can make or breakan event no matter its location. The rides are always good. But it really getsdown to the structure. There is a lot of time in arrangements for lodging,group meal, rides, supplying area info for the groups that want to venture offand planned events.

There is a lot and I mean a lot of hours of foot work andtime on the phone and in person making arrangements hoping it will keep themajority happy. Having it in the same place and time helps usually with making arrangingwith the lodging and some of the eating establishments for the next year.

If you move it for 1 time or as much as 2 or 3 years in oneplace there is still need folks needed to help with the arrangements. And withover 250 people showing the lodging usually is more eager for that business andtries to sweeten the pot. But you have to have folks willing to dedicate a lotof time for the planning.

Now you got volunteers willing to help. Now you have to getthem all to agree on what each other’s input is and how much actual time they really can supply to make it all cometogether. This is can really take a toll on friendships and sometimes it hardto keep the help as a whole.

Good Luck with the decision and I will do my best to attend whereever it is held.

 

[skuuter]

Lookin' like Eureka Springs/Branson Areas are gettin' tossed out there the most as a Maggie Valley Replacement so far..."NEXT".....ThumbUp

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

I would love to be selfish and vote to keep it where it is now. However,That isn't fair to others who would love to attend. I would love to one day get out to MO or Ark. but don't see it feasible for us in the near future, mainly because we also run two businesses, with one involving livestock.

The reason we love MV so much, is the small hometown feel, no traffic to speak of and of course, the museum that George loves so much. Also, the hotels are so reasonably priced.

 

[Papa Zook]

Thats the same feeling I have Joan. Honestly, I would rather leave it where it is indefinately because for one I dont like change, its a much shorter drive for me to get there and most all the bugs have been worked out, but keeping it so far east is not in the best interest of the membership as a whole. We have a huge Texas membership and I know its a very long, hot ride for those folks. Try as I might, I have yet to talk Scalphunter into trailering and I fear BlondieGal might expire from heatstroke and I'd hate to have that guilt on me.

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

I googled the milege from our house to Branson and Eureka Springs and it is right around 1200 miles. I would certainly do that if I were fully retired, but if I am going to take a two week vacation, we let's just say, it would be somewhere cooler that time of year. It would be great for John and Nancy though and they deserve that!

 

[skuuter]

Keep Voting and expressing Your opinions Folks...ThumbUp.....


...................."NEXT"

 

[rmrc51]

Can I vote twice? lol

Just kidding.

 

[RdKnB]

I am very new here and will not even have Bike converted till just after Christmas. That being said I like the idea of regional rallies and then with a National if need be. It would be hard to take 2 weeks off and that is just about what it would take, 3-4 days there same back and of course the time there. Just my 2 cents

 

[dmccord]

Well, since I am from Mo I would vote for Branson or Eureka Springs. We are going to Branson this weekend and have reservations at a Choice Hotel for around 50.00. The Springs would be less traffic and has some of the most beautiful bike rides, imo, in the nation. The Springs is also a very biker friendly community. I feel like they would welcome us with open arms. I'm all for it and would definitely attend.

 

[TNTriker]

I appreciate everyone's input. What I am hearing is that having the main rally in a more central location and possibly moving it every 2-3 years might be the best soulution as it would be accessable to a majority of members. It would also keep it "fresh" as far as variety of different rides, scenery, dining, entertainment, etc. Eureka Springs, AK has been suggested so we are exploring that option.

I have a good friend from LA and recommends Eureka Springs as a great area for riding. it is not too far from Branson, but according to Mac it is the premier riding area for all of Arkansas! I would love Eureka Springs!

 

[Woolie]

Looks like there are several motels in Eureka Springs and the rates don't look that bad.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas Lodging Directory

 

[Nana]

Thats the same feeling I have Joan. Honestly, I would rather leave it where it is indefinately because for one I dont like change, its a much shorter drive for me to get there and most all the bugs have been worked out, but keeping it so far east is not in the best interest of the membership as a whole. We have a huge Texas membership and I know its a very long, hot ride for those folks. Try as I might, I have yet to talk Scalphunter into trailering and I fear BlondieGal will die of heatstroke and I'd hate to have that guilt on me.

It's been interesting to me to sit back and watch the votes as they come in. As Randy says, for us as administrators, it is simplest, within a 1-day ride for both of us, and most convenient to stay in Maggie Valley--not to mention we love that area. But it is also important to us to accommodate the majority of members if possible. Eureka Springs area seems to have some real advantages in that way, is a 2-day trip for both Zook/Marge and Mike/me, and offers rides that promise to be as enjoyable as those in the Smokies. So while it is less convenient for both of us, it is still doable; and with the poll results as they are, I think we really need to work our way in that direction.

 

[Papa Zook]

Tom (Trikeleader) has recently spent several days in Eureka Springs scouting the area and getting quotes on lodging, looking at various facilities, etc. Based on his findings and a majority vote, we have made the decision that 2013 TTR-VI will be held in Eureka Springs. Tom will be starting a new thread with details on accommodations, area attractions, etc. Thank you for everyone's input.

 

[greyfang]

Eureka Springs would be very doable from Colorado.

 

[Papa Zook]

Also, I wanted to say, the town of Eureka Springs is all about motorcycles and hosts numerous major rallys year round. The Mayor and Chief of Police and the Hotel owner (the former Mayor) all ride and have planned a LOT of great activities just for TrikeTalk / T.O.I. members. When Tom makes his post with the details I think everyone will be very impressed and excited.


Not to totally let the cat out of the bag, but I will share a few highlites:

• The host hotel will be the same $80 rate as Maggie Valley
• The hotel is large enough to house our entire group
• The Mayor and/or Chief of Police will personally host a parade for us through the city
• The hotel will host bingo on premises with prizes donated by local merchants
• There is a nice miniature golf course on the hotel premises
• There will be poolside big screen movies hosted for us nightly
• Our catered meal will be held in the hotel's air conditioned ballroom
• Secure enclosed storage will be available for your pull behind trailer
• A variety of outstanding rides are planned
• ....and much more!

 

[Ironhorsepilot]

That really sound Awesome, Randy! I am sad, too, because more than likely we won't be there. It does sound like an ideal place.