NW Region - Looking Ahead to 2014

[Netnorske]

I know everyone is looking forward to the upcoming 2013 VBA National Rally this coming June in Estes Park, Colorado....certainly me included...but let me take a second here and look beyond to the summer of 2014. My new right-hand-man Charlie (Ballast) and I have decided that we are going to host our own NW Regional Rally in 2014. The last (only) true NW Rally was held in 2010 in Kalispell, MT. Since that time, we have held several combined rallies, the 2011 Rally in the Redwoods with the SW Region, and the 2012 Canadian Rockies Rally with the Western Canada Region. With the National in 2013, 2014 will again be Regional Rally time.

The SW group once again inquired about doing another combined rally with them in Logan, Utah in 2014, but we felt the time would be right for us to hold our own true NW Regional Rally in 2014. By doing so, it will allow for additional flexibility for those who may not be able to make one, but might be able to make the other....and for those with more time on their hands...will have two rallies to enjoy instead of just the one! It will most likely be held in or very close to Washington State.

The Pacific NW has some great riding and sites to be seen. Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Grand Coulee Dam, the Washington coast, the Palouse...all have different topograghical traits and allures. Washington is like two States in one, as the eastern portion is very different from the western side. Seperated by the Cascade Mountain Range, the western part is green and lush with milder summer temps, while the eastern side is more arid with sometimes blazing summer temps. Both have their draws and it will be tough to decide exactly where we wish to hold our rally.

That said, I have identified five locations (including lodgings) that I feel best represent the different flavors of the region. The Base lodging is important in order to keep an intimate feel to the gathering. Sometime after the New Year, Charlie and I will get together and kick the tires around on the various locations and pick one that we feel will best represent the opportunity to share some great times and rides. We are hoping along with all of the NW clan, that many of our friends from the SW, Canada, and any other regions for that matter will join us as well. As soon as we have identified a location, I will post it and begin the planning process from there.

In the meantime, I wish everyone a safe and joyous Christmas and New Years....!