2010 Rally

[ponch]

North Central Members:
Trip has asked that we decide the date for the 2010 regional rally. Greg and I thought that we should put it out here and get some input from all of you. That being said, June 17-20 of 2010 has been taken by the SE region. Trip wants the rallies to not overlap, as he would like to make some of them if not all. On top of that, we have to decide where. If we tried to make it equidistant, the location probably would be in Iowa somewhere, but it might not be near anything worth traveling to. Any ideas?

[phenrichs]

You're right it would have to be Northern Iowa to Southern Minnesota somewhere to be central I think. I know that southern MN has some nice lake regions that provide some twisty roads. I think we have at least one member from MN and multiple from IA (ponch). I agree that a central location would be preferred. I wonder what the possibility would be of ABATE of Iowa letting us use the Algona campground. Algona is a pretty central spot. I have never been there but they have pics of the place on their site and it is way bigger than we would need but I have heard that that area is very biker friendly.

[ponch]

There's also Okoboji. If you want to go a little further south, Ledges state park is nice. I can't speak for ABATE, as I don't belong to that organization. If someone here does, may be they can contact someone there and find out. There is always Hawgstock in August: http://www.hawgstock.com/ or http://www.biker-events.com/2009/04/...interset-iowa/

Of course that may be too risque for some. :) Anyway, lets hear from the constituency on this.

[stretch]

I vote for Illinois, perhaps Galena?

[glwilson]

We will have to see who is even interested in a rally at this point. Thus far it seems few are expressing any interest in riding anywhere in our region... which is extremely disappointing.

If my vote counts; I vote for the northwestern area of Illinois for a rally -- specifically the Galena, IL area.

Excluding the outer region's areas, such as Custer, SD; Northern, WI; and Southern, IL where "top-quality" riding areas are found -- this area is the most centrally located based on membership while still providing a great place to ride.

The Galena area is at the top of the list in our Central Region in the category of the "best riding-topography" to be found -- and the accommodations are more than adequate to hold a regional rally.

Just my two cents... maybe we can get some others to chime-in... I hope.

[ponch]

For the most part, Iowa is pretty flat and the roads straight. I would think Wisconsin would be pretty good too and I agree, the response has been tepid.

[phenrichs]

I suppose it is a year away and everyone is still centered on Custer or finances. I mentioned it to my wife and I think she is up for it. I suppose it will depend on when and where rather than how much. As long as I have a year to save up for it money is no issue (unless I get fired).

So unless she tells me different.
COUNT ME IN FOR 2010!

[ponch]

Another thing to consider is that we have 4 VROC clubs in Iowa: Des Moines, Okoboji Loess Hills and Sauk Valley. Good people in all of them, and some even ride Nomads. :) I would also add that Indianola has a huge bike night every third friday from April to October and it is not unheard of to have 2000 bikes there.

[kioti]

I vote for the 2010 regional rally to be in Boscobel, Wisconsin or somewhere around La Crosse.
You can't ask for better area to ride.
Date choice I will leave up to the group, if I have date issues I will have to work with them. My job keeps me on the road so who knows what 2010 will bring.

[ponch]

It's a good idea, but isn't it normally the third week in June? I think that may be already taken, and they haven't set the 2010 date yet. On the other hand, the WWR in the 4 corners is around that time. I think it is a good idea though. http://www.boscobelvroc.net/

Originally Posted by Kioti

I vote for the 2010 regional rally to be in Boscobel, Wisconsin or somewhere around La Crosse.
You can't ask for better area to ride.
Date choice I will leave up to the group, if I have date issues I will have to work with them. My job keeps me on the road so who knows what 2010 will bring.

[ponch]

Next year it would start the thursday before father's day which is the 20th of June. So June 17-19.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Kioti

I vote for the 2010 regional rally to be in Boscobel, Wisconsin or somewhere around La Crosse.
You can't ask for better area to ride.
Date choice I will leave up to the group, if I have date issues I will have to work with them. My job keeps me on the road so who knows what 2010 will bring.

I would agree... from Savanna, IL to Galena, IL and up to the LaCrosse area has the some of the best riding to be found in the region.

If we meet in one of those general areas; we can take long day-rides and cover a lot of the areas up and down the Mississippi.

Sounds like Ponch has the handle on other group's dates to avoid. I don't believe I would have any problem with any date picked; thus will leave it up to whomever wants to vote. I just suggest keeping weather temps in mind when choosing. Likely between June and early September would be the best weather months.

[ponch]

Yeah, South East nabbed June 17-20. We are not ready for a poll yet, as the dates are wide open right now.

Originally Posted by glwilson

I would agree... from Savanna, IL to Galena, IL and up to the LaCrosse area has the some of the best riding to be found in the region.

If we meet in one of those general areas; we can take long day-rides and cover a lot of the areas up and down the Mississippi.

Sounds like Ponch has the handle on other group's dates to avoid. I don't believe I would have any problem with any date picked; thus will leave it up to whomever wants to vote. I just suggest keeping weather temps in mind when choosing. Likely between June and early September would be the best weather months.

[ponch]

One of the groups suggested a group ride to Alaska. Now that is cool.

[phenrichs]

Yeah unless you have ever had a DUI. Then you have to ship you bike up there.