Region 2 Spring Meet and Greet Location?

[sprintrock]

I don't know who is going to plan it, but I was wondering where we might end up.  There was talk before of the TX hill country.  Throw some ideas out.  

Texas seems like the most central place for a good meeting point.  

[rocketbunny]

I dunno - I still think we're better off in NM or west Texas. I'd really like to try to keep the event accessible to the AZ members.

I think Big Bend/Study Butte was a popular idea under discussion at the meet last April.

[sprintrock]

New Mexico sounds like the best option.  It is a good mid point for all, and has some of the better roads for our region.

[Orson]

How about Silver City, NM near the Gila Wilderness?

[Fred]

Ft Davis, Texas is another location that may have possibilities. It's equally distant for all, has some enjoyable roads - the loop past the McDonald Observatory (They let you look thru their telescopes Friday and Saturday nights http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/visitors/programs/#starpartypass) through the Davis Mountains and the newly surfaced River Road (FM170). Big Bend is relatively close (we're talking West Texas miles   ).

The Fort Davis Motor Inn (http://www.texbesthotels.com/fort_davis.htm) is~was clean and reasonably priced and there are several good places to eat in town.

[sprintrock]

How about Silver City, NM near the Gila Wilderness?

Are you coming...I have always wanted to meet an international man of mystery!

[sprintrock]

Fred,

How far of a drive are we talking from OKC?

[Orson]

Are coming...I have always wanted to meet an international man of mystery!

errr...uhm....well...I doubt it  

I used to live in New Mexico and thought I'd throw out a suggestion  

[Fred]

Fred,

How far of a drive are we talking from OKC?

589 miles by Google, if this link works....

http://tinyurl.com/25huqy

(it's still 589 miles even if the link doesn't work   )

 

[rocketbunny]

Which is still an improvement over last year... considering I rode over 700 miles each way to NM. (and I'd do it again).

The distance from Phoenix to Big Bend, for example, is 746 miles. It's around 600+ from Houston.

Phoenix to Kerrville, TX (Hill Country) is 920 miles... or totally unfair to the western portion of our region.

It's a big region, unfortunately.

[cricketmrs]

1st post - finally decided to pick up my own log in (Cricket has slowly been evicting me from the GT and his STN site since I got my own bike)  Well, the newbie made it 300 to Eureka, so I'm thinking that it's time to extend it...  Cricket really seemed to enjoy the NM trip, though he moved on into a few other states before finding his way home, part of that being Big Bend.  He had a great time all the way.  So, as usual, we're probably in no matter where in the region it ends up.  That is, as long as it doesn't conflict with a spring break trip already in the works for the family.

[GilaMonster]

I dunno - I still think we're better off in NM or west Texas. I'd really like to try to keep the event accessible to the AZ members.

I think Big Bend/Study Butte was a popular idea under discussion at the meet last April.

I'm open to almost anything that's interesting.  Silver City has some great roads, but a haul for those from central Texas.  Big Bend is fine.  So is the Hill Country.  Fort Davis is closer, but I don't know anything about it.  Ummmmm, some of us will have to cross west Texas one way or the other.  Maybe the others should buy the beer.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

What about the Santa Fe NM area? A bit of a trip for southeast Texas riders, but otherwise more or less central.

I'm also a fan of the Big Bend idea. Some how I still haven't been down there, so it's on my list of places to go.

[sprintrock]

I would really like for a Santa Fe area meeting place.  Maybe we could get some NM STNers to show and lead us to some good local roads.  I didn't go last year, but I heard NM had a poor showing.  The only thing I would dislike is crossing west Texas, but it is worth it.  

[Rocket_Cowboy]

I would really like for a Santa Fe area meeting place.  Maybe we could get some NM STNers to show and lead us to some good local roads.  I didn't go last year, but I heard NM had a poor showing.  The only thing I would dislike is crossing west Texas, but it is worth it.  

Do a Route 66 tour on your way through OK and West Texas, and it might not be so bad. Actually, you'd only have to cross the panhandle, not "actual" West Texas.  

[lobo10s]

What about the Santa Fe NM area? A bit of a trip for southeast Texas riders, but otherwise more or less central.

I'm also a fan of the Big Bend idea. Some how I still haven't been down there, so it's on my list of places to go.

NM would be great. I was born and raised there and the riding is very good. I do have to say that Santa Fe would not be my #1 choice. The main reason being the hotels are not cheap. To much traffic

Silver City, Gila Nat forest is awesome. Some great riding in that area and you can hit some sweet roads in AZ as well from there. whoo hoo lets go!

[QuienSabe]

My first vote would be for Fort Davis, and my second vote would be Silver City. Both are new destinations and easily reachable from the Phoenix area.

I realize I am "wuss", but it is a 3 day trip for me get to the "Hill Country", I just returned recently from a trip to East Texas and back. I suppose I could make it in two days, but I find little joy dodging 18 wheelers on interstates.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

My first vote would be for Fort Davis, and my second vote would be Silver City. Both are new destinations and easily reachable from the Phoenix area.

I have no problem with either of those suggestions.

I realize I am "wuss", but it is a 3 day trip for me get to the "Hill Country", I just returned recently from a trip to East Texas and back. I suppose I could make it in two days, but I find little joy dodging 18 wheelers on interstates.

3 days?   It's about a day for me. Then again, I use the 18 wheelers as deer blockers on the interstate through hill country, so that I can make better time.

Just giving you a hard time.

[Duc OT]

I would really like for a Santa Fe area meeting place.  Maybe we could get some NM STNers to show and lead us to some good local roads.  I didn't go last year, but I heard NM had a poor showing.  The only thing I would dislike is crossing west Texas, but it is worth it.  

OK, I have been thinking about this a few days and I'm in.  I live in Albuquerque and can plan an awesome Santa Fe weekend.  I just did a 400-miler up there yesterday and had a blast.  Everyone get your calendar out and propose some dates.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

The only weekend I'm pre-comitted at this point is April 18-20 for the Cape Fear 1000 over in Wilmington NC. Other than that, I'm pretty open.

[sprintrock]

I vote for 11-13 April.  What will the weather be like, and will two weeks make a difference since last years was on the 21st? 

[Fred]

I vote for 11-13 April.  What will the weather be like, and will two weeks make a difference since last years was on the 21st?

Average April Temps:

Santa Fe 63 & 31
Taos 61 & 30
Fort Davis 79 & 43  

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Something tells me Fred is interested in Fort Davis. I can't put my finger on what it is, but there's something ....

[GriffbsXX]

Not sure what my year looks like and don't even have my new bike yet, but if things go as I'm planning, I'll be in. Otherwise, Have a great meet.

[tjbrandt50]

Don't know what the dates for this event are, but if it's early April and in New Mexico, I'm a likely attendee.  I've wanted to visit the Trinity Site for some time, and it's only open two days a year:  first Saturday in April/October.  

OK, so I'm a likely attendee even if it's some other week and just about any location in the Region.  Preference is farther from Houston the better.

Regards,

Tom

[sprintrock]

Lets start to hammer out some details and dates on this thing.  Anyone volunteering to help out speak up.

[rocketbunny]

Basically, we need to decide where we're going. Dates were being discussed.

It's between Ft Davis and North Central New Mexico, in April. This event WILL happen.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Basically, we need to decide where we're going. Dates were being discussed.

It's between Ft Davis and North Central New Mexico, in April. This event WILL happen.

I think the coordinator just volunteered.  

Becca ... just don't charge us an entry fee to attend.  

[rocketbunny]

I think the coordinator just volunteered.  

Becca ... just don't charge us an entry fee to attend.  

Hehe.... not a chance...

[rocketbunny]

Ok - after re-reading the thread, looks like (early) April 11-13 in Silver City, NM is a popular option. It's kind of far west for me, so I'd still like to look at northern NM too. Let's use the rest of November for comments on this date and locations and I'll post final details in the beginning of December.

If anyone has hotel/dining suggestions in the area of either Silver City or north of Santa Fe (not necessarily there, but in those regions of NM) post up (or you may get stuck with my uneducated choices)! We'd prefer moderately priced dinner/breakfast options within walking distance of the hotel. Also, quick access to a fun 200-300 mile or so base-riding-loop is important.

For example, I'm not sure how others felt, but I liked the tiny little pedestrian feel of Cloudcroft right in the middle of some great riding area. Are there other towns like it in NM?

[Attack Pug]

Ruidoso NM ?

[bikerider]

Silver City is farther west than I would want to go on a 3 day weekend.

[Fred]

Silver City is farther west than I would want to go on a 3 day weekend.

waa-waa-waa  

[rocketbunny]

Silver City is farther west than I would want to go on a 3 day weekend.

+1!!!! Exactly. Which is why I'd still like to hear more about options in northern NM.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Cloudcroft. It only just because I was looking at going through there this weekend, but the temps are in the single to low double digits with a 100% chance for frozen precip. Guess I'm going to have to ride a little further north.

[bikerider]

Cloudcroft would be fine again. I'll put in another vote for Ft Davis since it is pretty centrally located.

640 from Phoenix
600 from Oklahoma City
600 from Houston
500 from Dallas
475 from Albuquerque

Last year there were 3 bikes from Arizona, the rest came Oklahoma and Texas.

[Orson]

Ok - after re-reading the thread, looks like (early) April 11-13 in Silver City, NM is a popular option.

I'm thinkin' anywhere in New Mexico in early April will be cold   Most nice places to ride in New Mexico are at higher altitudes.

If it's gonna be early April I'd shoot for somewhere further south (Big Bend or Ft. Davis).

[Little Johnson]

I'm thinkin' anywhere in New Mexico in early April will be cold   Most nice places to ride in New Mexico are at higher altitudes.

If it's gonna be early April I'd shoot for somewhere further south (Big Bend or Ft. Davis).

Here is a picture of my drive way April 13th 06. I'm in the Albq/SF area. Early April can be nice but you can also have a blizzard.

[cricketmrs]

Cricket looked at "Streets & Trips" while we were watching the posts.  We agree that Ft Davis seems to be the most centrally located.  I haven't made a trip that far, but it wouldn't be bad for him.  I could always put the little bike in the back of the truck and follow him down, which would alleviate my biggest concern-the return trip to OKC.  But we may be able to plan two days back if we start picking out vacation time now.  I also like the weather odds better at Ft Davis.  As far as hotels go, in post #4 Fred recommended the Ft Davis Motor Inn, website:  (http://www.texbesthotels.com/fort_davis.htm)

[Fred]

......  As far as hotels go, in post #4 Fred recommended the Ft Davis Motor Inn, website:  (http://www.texbesthotels.com/fort_davis.htm)

Downside of the Ft Davis Motor Inn - no restaurants within what I consider to be comfortable, i.e. a mile or so, walking distances....

[Rocket_Cowboy]

But with all that trunk space in the ST, couldn't we just send you out for take out?

[cricketmrs]

I'd vote for that!  We could send Cricket along - I think he could pack half the planet in that massive "trunk" on his GT...    Maybe that'll get him to post - self defense... hee hee hee

[stinky93071]

Well if I am in town and free I might be up for this.

[S179]

Watching the posts. I agree Ft. Davis. date?

[soonerstan56]

I liked the Cloudcroft location last year,however it was late April,and if we go in early April I think Northern N. Mexico is kinda iffy weatherwise.
Later the Red River-Taos area would be great,not only weatherwise but also for off season lodging.
If we are going to plan it for early April I think farther south would be better.

Soonerstan

[Jetboy]

If Silver City holds out the Super 8 there is decent with a large parking lot and walking distance to a number of fast food and mom and pop type places.

[rocketbunny]

Ok. It's December.

Ft Davis is a good location, but a little sparse on amenities.

How about moving a few miles down the road to Alpine? I've stayed at the Alpine Inn. I know that there are 2 restaurants right by the inn (Mexican and Italian?). There is also a great German place (local landmark) a few miles away downtown that would work great for Saturday dinner.

[bikerider]

Alpine works for me.

[Fred]

Alpine works for me.

Me too. Alpine is a good central location if you want to make the Ft Davis/Macdonald Observatory loop, the River Road, or stop for a moment and let the quiet of Big Bend NP overwhelm you - or do all three!

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Alpine works for me.

Works for me too.

[GilaMonster]

Looks like 550 miles from Tucson.  Works for me.

[soonerstan56]

Only 26 miles south of Ft. Davis so no big deal and it does seem to offer more options for lodging.
Can anyone farmiliar with the area tell me if there are establishments that offer libations to wash down the road dust after a long ride?
Someone ,(ahem!) I know, who is interested in attending enjoys a frosty beverage at the end of the day.

Soonerstan

 

[Fred]

Only 26 miles south of Ft. Davis so no big deal and it does seem to offer more options for lodging.
Can anyone farmiliar with the area tell me if there are establishments that offer libations to wash down the road dust after a long ride?
Someone ,(ahem!) I know, who is interested in attending enjoys a frosty beverage at the end of the day.

Soonerstan

 

Yes - well I should qualify that answer. There's a good selection of frosty beverages available in the main grocery store and the convenience stores, which may be partaken in liberal quantities in respective motel parking lots - or so I've been told....am not familiar with established indoor facilities...., and as RB mentioned, there is a serious German restaurant in down town Alpine.

[rocketbunny]

Fred,

Where did you stay when you were in Alpine? The Alpine Inn is 1.5 miles away from what I think of as "Downtown". If there is an affordable motel closer in, I'd be interested. I was planning to call the Alpine Inn to negotiate on group rates tomorrow (and set up a block), but if you know of a better place?  

I know there's a Ramada and a Best Western, but I'm generally inclined to try to keep room rates for this meet in the "less than $60/night" range. The Alpine Inn was $55 when I stayed there last December.

Yes - well I should qualify that answer. There's a good selection of frosty beverages available in the main grocery store and the convenience stores, which may be partaken in liberal quantities in respective motel parking lots - or so I've been told....am not familiar with established indoor facilities...., and as RB mentioned, there is a serious German restaurant in down town Alpine.

[Fred]

Fred,

Where did you stay when you were in Alpine? The Alpine Inn is 1.5 miles away from what I think of as "Downtown". If there is an affordable motel closer in, I'd be interested. I was planning to call the Alpine Inn to negotiate on group rates tomorrow (and set up a block), but if you know of a better place?  

I know there's a Ramada and a Best Western, but I'm generally inclined to try to keep room rates for this meet in the "less than $60/night" range. The Alpine Inn was $55 when I stayed there last December.

Stayed at the Alpine Inn three-four years ago, and at the Motel Bien Venido last year. The Bien Venido is closer to downtown, but I'm not comfortable recommending it - it was barely ok; somewhat rundown. I think they may have been doing some remodeling?? Wonder if there are any ST-N'ers close enough to Alpine to check out the Bien Venido now?

Unless conditions at the Bien Venido have changed, I think the Alpine is the better of the two. Just my opinion....

[tjbrandt50]

Not a recommendation as such, but for informational purposes:

Last March I was in Alpine for a Concours event that was based out of the Antelope Lodge on the west side of town.  They have individual "cabins" with prices that were negotiated to the $40 - 90 range depending on size/amenities of each cabin.  There was a lighted central courtyard area with barbecue grills and tables available.  I don't remember their parking surface being very good other than the area in front of the main office.  I think one of the two liquor stores in town was within staggering, oops, I mean walking, distance.  I don't think the food establishments were very close, though.  I didn't stay at the Antelope, but spent a fair amount of time in one of the rooms helping prepare stuffed jalapenos for the grill.  The rooms were older, but seemed OK.  

I stayed at an "overflow" motel east and across the street from the Antelope that was new and very clean, if  a little sparse on comforts.  It also wasn't a very large place.  Can't remember the name off the top of my head, but I'll check later. ==>> La Loma Inn, 402 Peach Lndg, Alpine, Texas 79830, $45/night, call if arriving after 18:00.   Phone: 432.832.9567, 432.294.1625

Expect there's a good chance I'll be out there again this March, and April, too, now!!

Regards,

Tom
Kemah, TX
2006 Kawasaki ZG-1000