It's that time of year again - dates for ST.N National (preliminary discussion)

[DredheadV2.0]

The 2008 ST.N (inter)National will be held in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, per the 4-year rotation thingie.  Everyone who attended in '04 had a blast, except for Basket, who was "attacked by a cougar."  Once we get four potential dates hashed out here, there's going to be poll to pick the winnah.

As in previous years, it will not be an anonymous poll (you will post stating your date preference), and sockpuppet votes will be discounted.

Per tradition, obvious choices present themselves: June 10th/11th, June 17th/18th and June 24th/25th fit the "June, and mid-week" criteria.  There's usually a push-back from people in the education field regarding the earlier week.  Earlier in the year seems to work well for regional events (ESTN on Memorial Day, etc) but not so well for the (inter)National meet.

This discussion will run for a few weeks, then we'll begin the polling.  It would be best to have the date set before the new year, so people can plan their vacation time accordingly.

So - tell us what dates you think would be best, and why.  

[miles]

Well, the two earlier dates wouldn't work for me because of the school issue.  Also, they fall pretty close to our West Coast Regional (5/30-6/1), and it's hard to get two chunks of time off in rapid succession.  My vote would have to be the latest of the three dates, if those are the only choices.


miles

[DredheadV2.0]

My vote would have to be the latest of the three dates, if those are the only choices.


miles

They are the only choices until someone suggests another.  So - suggest another date, and rally people to your cause.

[Corbeau]

I have to start a sub-forum... "Educators of STN (and not of the MSF-RiderCoach kind)".

So, obviously, the later the better for me. (hint: four-letter month that ends in 'y') But I know I'm part of a very small minority of STNers who have to take their vacation at the same time as 1/2 of.

[Capirex]

Hasn't been mentioned yet but the ideal week for me would be the first week of June.  Ill be at Miller for the WSBK races until 6/1 and could hit the national on my way back East.
I would guess others will be in the same boat?

[basket]

Firstly, let me say this. I had a blast in 2004.
 
Now, I like June because it is not too hot yet. I like early june cause the kids are all in school still, meaning less traffic and lower motel rates. I like the June 10 week because my SO does not have her wee ones that week so she can come with me. The Elkhart Lake superbike races are on the June 6-8 weekend and we would like to hit them on the way down.

I hate cougars.

Bill

[Stargzrgrl]

I like the later dates in June as The Super Munchkin™ is still in school the first week of June.

And Bill, I know where the cougars live.   I can take you there so you can bribe them with nanaimo bars and poutine.  

[JoBu]

I'd prefer the earlier dates due to the munchkins still being in school, but quite honestly, I'm good with all three.  I'm just looking forward to my first ST.N National.    (Does this put me in the dreaded "undecided" category?).

Cheers,

Joe

[RickC1957]

May :headscratch:early June July I do the annual run with Jammin, TCrides, Kaos968, Gasguzzler and others....August I'll be doing China:D Is September too late? I did the area in May this year with Gypsy8...it was so humid I can't imagine what it would be like in late June or July.

Sorry I'm babbling, I'll go sit in the corner now

[veefer800canuck]

The 2008 ST.N (inter)National will be held in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, per the 4-year rotation thingie.  

Kin sumbuddy clue me into the "4-year rotation thingie" please?  

[garry]

Rick brings up an interesting question, what is the weather like that far south in mid-June?

I guess any of the three options work for me. If I had to pick, I would go later in June rather than earlier to help with teachers getting free, plus leaving more room between the national and ESTN08 in late May (wild speculation).

[RickC1957]

Rick brings up an interesting question, what is the weather like that far south in mid-June?

I guess any of the three options work for me. If I had to pick, I would go later in June rather than earlier to help with teachers getting free, plus leaving more room between the national and ESTN08 in late May (wild speculation).

Garry just an FYI....I can handle the heat....humidity sucks

[Guy]

Garry just an FYI....I can handle the heat....humidity sucks

The humidity is not bad, the trick is to not stop. At all. Ever.

[Stargzrgrl]

The weather down there wasn't so bad when we were there in '04.  I think we had temps ranging from mid 60ºF in the mornings and evenings to about mid to upper 80ºF mid afternoon.  

I don't remember how humid it was as I don't think it was all that bad.  

[stefrrr]

The Eureka Springs Chamber has a calendar of events. I'm up for any of the weekends. Whichever has as little traffic as possible is my vote.

[Tyrroneous]

The weather down there wasn't so bad when we were there in '04.  I think we had temps ranging from mid 60ºF in the mornings and evenings to about mid to upper 80ºF mid afternoon.  

I don't remember how humid it was as I don't think it was all that bad.  

Aside from a little rain on the way up and on the way back, I thought the weather was just about perfect.  The humidity was certainly tolerable, but then again, I'm from Mississippi.  

I think once you start creeping into mid-late July the weather (heat and humidity) would start to get on the unpleasant side and could certainly be a factor in many people deciding to attend.  I've been riding up there in August before and, of course, it was darn near unbearable.  The worst part about that trip was that I was camping, so there was no break from the heat and humidity.  


D'oh!  Forgot to mention a date.    Put me down for an early June timeframe...although I'm flexible.  

[Huron52]

I'll add my two cents....(Canadian of course)  For me there is Friday the 13th in Port Dover that I gotta go to and then the weekend after that I'll be in the East Coast of Canada.  I suppose I could miss the 13th but not the east coast.
 Plan it and I'll see if it fits in.

[maddjack]

My 2 cents is the later dates work for me,it helps space some of the other stuff going on .
Question has a hotel/motel been picked or will it also be a point of disscussion on a seperate thread?

[miles]

I'll add my two cents....(Canadian of course)  

What's that- about a US Nickel these days?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Kin sumbuddy clue me into the "4-year rotation thingie" please?  

1st Meet - Custer, SD
2nd Meet - Eureka Springs, AR
3rd Meet - Montrose, CO
4th Meet - Canaan Valley, WV

Rinse and repeat.


Also, tradition holds that the Nationals are during the middle of the week, giving all riders 9 days to get there/back, with a day "there" for riding/socializing/drinking. Plan accordingly!

[RRA]

How about the week before Memorial day? 5-20,21,22

Pros:There would be little traffic that week.
       Hotel rates would still be low.
       Weather would be a bit cooler.
       Everyone would get one extra day to get home. It could even be a 3 day event instead of two.

Cons: Traffic could get intense on the way home.

RRA

[JoBu]

How about the week before Memorial day? 5-20,21,22

Pros:There would be little traffic that week.
       Hotel rates would still be low.
       Weather would be a bit cooler.
       Everyone would get one extra day to get home. It could even be a 3 day event instead of two.

Cons: Traffic could get intense on the way home.

RRA

That's not a bad idea, although it might affect folks attending the EST.N.  But RRA is absolutely right.  I always head up to the mtns either just prior to the Memorial Day weekend or just after the Labor Day weekend.  The difference in traffic is staggering.  On my latest trip to Whittier, NC, we had an entire campground to ourselves (other than the seasonal folks who stay there six months out of the year).  Although, I don't know how that will work for everyone, but its a winner for me.

Cheers,

Joe

[stefrrr]

That works too. If we do ESTN at all this year it could always be later in the year, in September or so. We haven't set a date yet. (Or a location, or anything for that matter.  )

[DredheadV2.0]

Keep 'em coming    

[mxvet57]

I'm in for 2008 what ever the date's are. since i could not make it last year due to getting really sick a week b/4 the national i definitely want to make this one.

 as far as time of the year, end of may or early June would be the best b/c of the lower temps and lighter traffic. but what date is  decided I'm in.

 getting time off of work for me is no problem i just need a reasonable time to get the days off.

[shil]

I'm all for earlier souther, particularly if ESTN happens later and norther.  

[DredheadV2.0]

Just to let everyone know why Arkansas was picked back in '04:  It's about as close to the geographical center of the lower 48 states (from whence the bulk of STNers hail) as one can get and still have roads to enjoy.  We weren't about to have it in Kansas.  Likewise, the Dakota locale for the 03/07 meet is centrally located.  Colorado (05/09), although not coastal, is pretty far west.  West Virginia takes care of the east (although there was strong feelings that it should have been closer to the BRP area to be more in keeping with the pattern).

This is the South Central stop of the rotating National meet.  And it really was a good time: BBQ and blow-up dolls, boy howdy.

[Scoop]

Early June (10th, 11th) is best, I think.  Kids are still in school.  Weather is not too hot.  Timing is right for Elkhart Lake for racing.  I hate when school is out and there is lots of traffic.  Much nicer early in June.
Bill

[Acadian Rider]

Earlier in June for me because of traffic and temperatures.    

[Condor]

Mid June works best for me but I could do any week in June.
The last week of May would be OK too.
I can also do July but am concerned with high humidity in July and August.

I will be back to the states for good by then so whatever date you come up with; I'll be there.

[kmkirlin]

My vote:  June 17-18

[traveler]

1st Meet - Custer, SC
2nd Meet - Eureka Springs, AK
3rd Meet - Montrose, CO
4th Meet - Canaan Valley, WV

Rinse and repeat.


Also, tradition holds that the Nationals are during the middle of the week, giving all riders 9 days to get there/back, with a day "there" for riding/socializing/drinking. Plan accordingly!

1st Meet - Custer, SD, not SC. I know, I was there.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

1st Meet - Custer, SD, not SC. I know, I was there.

 fixed

[miles]

Well, scratch my vote off the list.  I won't be able to attend after all.  I'll be sailing in Alaska with my dad and my son during that time.

Here are some pics from our last trip up there.  My dad has since bought a bigger boat, though, so it'll be a bit roomier.

[JoBu]

Very cool (no pun intended), Miles.  I hope you guys have a great trip.  I'm hoping to get up there during the summer of '09.

Cheers,

Joe

[fasterbusa]

UH, Eureka Springs is in AR.
There is no Eureka Springs in Alaska (AK), although there is a city named Eureka.

[garry]

So when is thing going to a real vote/poll? Or do National poobahs just pick based on the content in this thread?

It appears West Virginia will be the site of ESTN 2008 and we are ready to start hunting down lodging and picking a date. We don't want to conflict with the National though, so the sooner this gets nailed down the better. There seems to be preference for a late May ESTN (weekend before MDW), but that won't be good if the National is early  June.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

UH, Eureka Springs is in AR.
There is no Eureka Springs in Alaska (AK), although there is a city named Eureka.

Sheesh    Maybe I was secretly hoping we'd have it in Alaska? Didja ever think of that? Huh?  

[maddjack]

So when is thing going to a real vote/poll? Or do National poobahs just pick based on the content in this thread?

It appears West Virginia will be the site of ESTN 2008 and we are ready to start hunting down lodging and picking a date. We don't want to conflict with the National though, so the sooner this gets nailed down the better.  

+1000

[sprintrock]

I would prefer an earlier date, due to the better weather.  I went backpacking at Buffalo National River last May and it was humid there, and it is in the same area of ES.  So I vote for an earlier date.  But whatever date it should be a blast.  I will probably camp again at the KOA, it is really nice, clean, and inexpensive.  The bathrooms were cleaner than most motels.  Just make sure our time doesn't coincide with the HA's national tour  

[sprocket]

If you want cool weather for riding in Arkansas better make it early May, or push it back to late September or October. I'll go whenever, as long as I can have a shower, hose or something.
Is there going to be only one day for group rides? If so, you can ride some of Arkansas best (which are all pretty much east of E.S.) in a 400 - 450 +/- day, and all in the twisties!
Who else may be interested in a route like this for the day ride? This would be a leave early and stay on the gas kinda of ride!

[JoBu]

Who else may be interested in a route like this for the day ride? This would be a leave early and stay on the gas kinda of ride!

Whoo-Hoo!!  Count me in on that one.  

Cheers,

Joe

[RRA]

Is there going to be only one day for group rides? If so, you can ride some of Arkansas best (which are all pretty much east of E.S.) in a 400 - 450 +/- day, and all in the twisties!
Who else may be interested in a route like this for the day ride? This would be a leave early and stay on the gas kinda of ride!

One of the advantages of having the nat'l the week before Mem Day is one extra day. We could have 2 days for group rides.

Count me in for an on an "all in the twisties, on gas" ride anytime.

RRA

[blackbuell]

The last meet at Eureka Springs was very cool; nice weather, very friendly and convenient accomodations, and outstanding roads. I will definitely make it to the national if it is held before June 20. If it is later, I am less likely to attend; can't control when my critters are active.

Regardless of when it is held, attendees need to pitch in and give Dred some assistance, as he carried too much of the burden last time.

Jon

[stefrrr]

One of the advantages of having the nat'l the week before Mem Day is one extra day. We could have 2 days for group rides.

Count me in for an on an "all in the twisties, on gas" ride anytime.

RRA

Are you suggesting that we have the National on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday immediately prior to Memorial day(Monday)??? We may get one extra day, but there would be twice as much traffic. No thanks.

The weekend before Memorial Day weekend would be good - we may only get one day but the roads will be so less travelled by idiotic tourist cages it'll be 5 times better.

I'll be heading up from Florida on the preceding Tuesday or Wednesday and starting the ride from N. Georgia Wednesday or Thursday (hopefully with a couple other people).

The last meet at Eureka Springs was very cool; nice weather, very friendly and convenient accomodations, and outstanding roads. I will definitely make it to the national if it is held before June 20. If it is later, I am less likely to attend; can't control when my critters are active.

Regardless of when it is held, attendees need to pitch in and give Dred some assistance, as he carried too much of the burden last time.

Jon

I'll help out any way I can - just don't ask me till after December ends - this semester is killing me.

[sprocket]

OK Dred if its not against the rules or anything, I would be willing to create some route maps (real ones, don't own a GPS). Routes would consist of "Long Route 400 -450 miles" "Medium Route 200 - 250 miles" and "Short Route 100 - 150 miles". Give or take a mile. I could plan it so we all meet at same lunch location at noon, then head back to E.S. My preference would be 6-7 riders per group, but whatever. Each rider could break off from the group, if the group was too fast, slow or if they ran out of gas!  
There are a lot of neat lunch locations to choose from, and I would be willing to buy my own lunch!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

OK Dred if its not against the rules or anything, I would be willing to create some route maps (real ones, don't own a GPS). Routes would consist of "Long Route 400 -450 miles" "Medium Route 200 - 250 miles" and "Short Route 100 - 150 miles". Give or take a mile. I could plan it so we all meet at same lunch location at noon, then head back to E.S. My preference would be 6-7 riders per group, but whatever. Each rider could break off from the group, if the group was too fast, slow or if they ran out of gas!  
There are a lot of neat lunch locations to choose from, and I would be willing to buy my own lunch!

Against the rules?? Hell, that's exactly what is what makes for a great meet! Feel free to go for it - and thank you for offering!!  

[RRA]

Are you suggesting that we have the National on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday immediately prior to Memorial day(Monday)??? We may get one extra day, but there would be twice as much traffic. No thanks.

No, that's not what I'm suggesting. The original idea was to have the rally in the middle of the week, Tue-Wen. Go back and read the initial posts.

This gives folks from all over travel time to get to the party, a day or two to ride together and time to get home. Doing the week before Memorial day would mean less traffic, cooler weather (in theory) and an extra day to ride together. However it might mean bad traffic on the way home.

RRA  

[DredheadV2.0]

OK Dred if its not against the rules or anything, I would be willing to create some route maps (real ones, don't own a GPS). Routes would consist of "Long Route 400 -450 miles" "Medium Route 200 - 250 miles" and "Short Route 100 - 150 miles". Give or take a mile. I could plan it so we all meet at same lunch location at noon, then head back to E.S. My preference would be 6-7 riders per group, but whatever. Each rider could break off from the group, if the group was too fast, slow or if they ran out of gas!  
There are a lot of neat lunch locations to choose from, and I would be willing to buy my own lunch!

   No rules, just right.

Oi.

[JoBu]

That works too. If we do ESTN at all this year it could always be later in the year, in September or so. We haven't set a date yet. (Or a location, or anything for that matter.  )

Hey...wadda ya mean "if"???      You've seem to drum a bit of interest in the EST.N  I'm sure it will happen.

Cheers,

Joe

[stefrrr]

No, that's not what I'm suggesting. The original idea was to have the rally in the middle of the week, Tue-Wen. Go back and read the initial posts.

This gives folks from all over travel time to get to the party, a day or two to ride together and time to get home. Doing the week before Memorial day would mean less traffic, cooler weather (in theory) and an extra day to ride together. However it might mean bad traffic on the way home.

RRA  

Well, since you explained it so clearly, I don't need to go back and read the initial posts, now do I?  

Personally, I like the idea of pre-Memorial day.  

ESTN could be May, could be September. The national won't conflict with it no matter when it is.

Hey...wadda ya mean "if"???      You've seem to drum a bit of interest in the EST.N  I'm sure it will happen.

Cheers,

Joe

Yeah, now - but two weeks ago when I posted that there were no public organization volunteers.  Now we have a committee! That means everything will go extra-smoothly, right?  

[sillyhillbilly]

my vote of july 1/2 is so i can attend two different group international rally's, returning from colorado on the 28/29th on june, i could also make the ES rally

[JoBu]

Yeah, now - but two weeks ago when I posted that there were no public organization volunteers.  Now we have a committee! That means everything will go extra-smoothly, right?  

Oh, absolutely.  Transparent to the end user, right?  

On a side note, I hope you and Ray had a great weekend.  Terra and I thoroughly enjoyed riding with you guys.

Cheers,

Joe

[Pete ST]

  I was in that area in June this year and it was a little toasty for me.
   Howz about late Sept when it's in the 70's
http://www.weather.com/weather/climatology/monthly/USAR0183
For those traveling from the West I'm not sure where yer crossing the Rockies but here's one datapoint.
http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/USWY0140_f.html
   Purely selfish, but i find it easier to get motels on the fly and the traffic's lighter when school starts..
For those travelling from the West and North and doing backroads, less chance of leftover sand and crap on the roads in the Rockies and up North in the Fall than Spring.

  Pete

[twist]

And it really was a good time: BBQ and blow-up dolls, boy howdy.

Proof:

[RoadRat]

BTW, it's really hot and humid around here from June through August.  

I posted this in the vote poll, but might as well say it here too:

I live about 3 hours east of Eureka Springs, so anyone wanting or needing information on routes in northern Arkansas or southern Missouri can PM me. Also, those traveling from north or east of here that might be interested in a hot shower and a bed on their way to the meet is welcome, we have some extra space for guests, and I wouldn't mind some company on the ride over to Eureka Springs.  

[Krismark]

I think we should plan it so that the greatest number of Canadians can come, as they are hilarious.


Just my $.02  

[Scoop]

I think we should plan it so that the greatest number of Canadians can come, as they are hilarious.


Just my $.02  

Well, I can guarantee a good contingent of funny people from Thunder Bay!!

[Mr Sunshine]

Proof:

I reconize that ass anywhere....its BUBBA!

[twist]

I reconize that ass anywhere....its BUBBA!

Yes it is  

John needed some padding on the seat for the trip back:

[Scoop]

Yes, that was Basket's sheepskin.  He didn't need it after the cougar incident.  The sheepskin never returned.  Musta got completely flattened!

[DredheadV2.0]

Yes, that was Basket's sheepskin.  He didn't need it after the cougar incident.  The sheepskin never returned.  Musta got completely flattened!

Ooohhh...  snap.

[Scoop]

Ya, he never stops talking about that sheepskin!

[stk0308]

Well, I can guarantee a good contingent of funny people from Thunder Bay!!

Remember your cougar repelant!  The local cats seem to like Canadians.

[DredheadV2.0]

Ya, he never stops talking about that sheepskin!

Are you sure he's not Welsh?

[Scoop]

Well, he claims to be from northern Italy, but I am not so sure anymore!