2008 Region 2 Meet - Alpine, TX - 4/11 - 4/13

[rocketbunny]

By popular demand, the Region 2 meet is back for a second round.

This year the event will be held April 11-13 (Friday - Sunday) in Alpine, TX, in close proximity to the Ft Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park.

Tentative Schedule:
Friday 6:30pm Early Arrivals Dinner
   (Gather at Alpine Inn - Location TBD by group consensus - one of the 2 restaurants near the hotel)
Saturday 7:45am Breakfast (gather at Alpine Inn)
   (8am always seems to be too late for these crazies!) (Location TBD)
Saturday - RIDE! Routes ideas to be posted later
Saturday 6:30pm Dinner - Holland Hotel - Edelweiss Restaurant - Yummery German Food!
Sunday 7:45am Breakfast for those who can. Goodbye to those who can't.

Lodging:
I set up a block of 10 rooms (April 11, 12) at the Alpine Inn. When you call to reserve your room, mention Sport-Touring.Net 
Reservations - (432) 837-3417

Group rate:
Single - $35/night
Double - $40/night
(rates are for one person. Additional persons in each room $3/night.

Please PM me immediately if you have trouble reserving rooms.

Definites:
~Rocketbunny, TX
~RocketCowboy, TX
~Badfast FJR, AZ
~Gila Monster, AZ
~tjbrandt50, TX
~bikerider, TX
~Cricket, OK
~CricketMrs, OK
lobo10s +1, TX (camp)
~Kwixtar, TX
~Rabidsnipe, OK +2
~S179, OK
~Repsol175,OK
~Sooner Stan, OK
~FJRmgm
FZ1pilot, TX
Bonnie-ST-Rider, TX (camp)
RobS (camp)


Definite Maybes:
Fred, OK <--wannabe 
JLG, TX (camp)
~ = room reserved

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Woohoo! Time to get this on my calendar and a reservation made.

How much is the "rally" fee?  

[rocketbunny]

Woohoo! Time to get this on my calendar and a reservation made.

How much is the "rally" fee?  

With the amount of crap I'm gonna have to deal with from you misfits, I'm thinking that my amazing organizational skills and inside knowledge of the area are worth at least $30/person for the hassle of putting on this event. Paypal only please.  




//inside (texas) joke. Please don't give me money. I really enjoy doing this.

[Rocket_Cowboy]

With the amount of crap I'm gonna have to deal with from you misfits, I'm thinking that my amazing organizational skills and inside knowledge of the area are worth at least $30/person for the hassle of putting on this event. Paypal only please.  

I dunno ... if 10 people come and take all 10 rooms, are you sure $300 will pay for the personal time it took you to get the room rate setup?

But yes, you're going to have to take a ton of crap ... not sure if it will only come from the misfits. See you in Alpine!

[GilaMonster]

Badfast FJR and I will make round 2 from Tucson.  Two questions.....What's the out of state fee, and do we need passports to get into Texas?

[Cricket]

Badfast FJR and I will make round 2 from Tucson.  Two questions.....What's the out of state fee, and do we need passports to get into Texas?

You Know it's a whole other COUNTRY!

Ken

[GilaMonster]

You Know it's a whole other COUNTRY!

Ken

Ummmmm, I've been through west Texas.  Much of it looks more like another planet.  I wonder if the moon has as many ?exciting? roads as I-10, and I-20 through west Texas.  I know, the hill country is wonderful.

[tjbrandt50]

~tjbrandt50

I have reservations (but none about riding in west Texas ). 


Hopefully by then my left arm/hand will be better and I won't feel like I need an FJR-1300 -AE.  If not, I'll have learned how to operate the clutch with my right hand.

//continuation of inside (Texas ) / bad joke//

If I pay the "rally fee", will you tell me:  whether to bring rain gear, if it will be cold, if my tires will make it, where the gas stations are, ...

//end joke//

No real rally fee involved, just a little ribbing.

Can't wait 'til April!!!

[bikerider]

Reservation made for 2 nights.

[Fred]

By popular demand, the Region 2 meet is back for a second round.

This year the event will be held April 11-13 (Friday - Sunday) in Alpine, TX, in close proximity to the Ft Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park.






Definites:
~Rocketbunny, TX
RocketCowboy, TX
Badfast FJR, AZ
Gila Monster, AZ
~tjbrandt50, TX
~bikerider, TX

Definite Maybes:

~ = room reserved

Definite Wannabes:

Me - I'm having open heart surgery Jan 15th to repair a leaky valve. I'm anticipating being back on the bike by April, so I'll have to wait and see...

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Reservations made.

[Cricket]

Cricket Mrs made reservations today.

Ken

[lobo10s]

We are in. The wife and I will be attending. We look forward to seeing everyone there. Reservations made

[GilaMonster]

Reservations made for Badfast FJR & Gilamonster...apr 11,12 Alpine Inn

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Me - I'm having open heart surgery Jan 15th to repair a leaky valve. I'm anticipating being back on the bike by April, so I'll have to wait and see...

Fred, I just saw your note about your upcoming surgery (don't know how I missed that before). Good luck there, and I'll be looking to buy you a brew out in Alpine in April.

[FJRmgm]

Been wanting to get out to West Texas for several years now so this looks like the year for me.

Put me down as IN...

Anyone looking to share a room?

[Fz1Pilot]

I'm a newbe from El Paso who is planning to attend. Are there any rooms left?

[HappyRiding]

We are in. The wife and I will be attending. We look forward to seeing everyone there. Reservations made

Are you the folks that brought the margarita machine to CSTN? I just might have to attend. How far is it exactly from NE TN to Alpine, TX?

HSTA's STAR '08 is in Kerrville April 6-9. Hmmmm I smell a road trip. Any recommendations on how to kill 24 hours and 300 miles between Kerrville and Alpine? This might work.

HappyRiding

[rocketbunny]

I'm a newbe from El Paso who is planning to attend. Are there any rooms left?

Call the hotel and find out. I can add to the block if needed....but we should have several rooms still available in the original block.

[JLG]

I'm a definite maybe and I'm actually thinking about camping out, should be decent in mid April.  I've found that the "Lost Alaskan RV" park on the edge of Alpine has a small number of covered tent sites and they have showers and restrooms so I may just camp there.  Has anyone ever stayed at this place? Of course at Ft. Davis State Park they have some really nice campgrounds but that's about 20 miles away.

[lobo10s]

Are you the folks that brought the margarita machine to CSTN? I just might have to attend. How far is it exactly from NE TN to Alpine, TX?

HappyRiding

Looks like that we will be making the trip and the margarita machine will probably make the trip as well. 

NE TN to Alpine TZ = Long ride but great fun..

[Bonnie-ST-RIDER]

Me and the other half will be there, but I'm like JLG, we'll be looking at possible camping...

[Rocket_Cowboy]

It's going to be like a Thursday night M&G, but on a Friday night instead and 500 miles away from our usual location.

[Rabidsnipe]

Me and the other half will be there, but I'm like JLG, we'll be looking at possible camping...

I camped at the last Region 2 M&E.  It was really cold... like 22 degrees.  Should be a little better in South Texas in April.

[Fz1Pilot]

Expect it to be in the low 40's at night... A bit nippy but it should warm up quick once the sun's up...

[Kwixtar]

I am a new member but I have been monitoring the region 2 forum and getting excited about the Alpine trip so I have decided to join you. Anyone interested in a group ride from the DFW area to Alpine, let me know so I can plan accordingly. If not, I might be tempted to go a day early and visit Big Bend and on my way back to Ft. Worth go down to Langtry(I lived there when I was a kid) and back up through some Pecos River canyons and ranch roads to Ozona and civilization. PS: I have made my reservation.

[Rabidsnipe]

Tried calling during lunch to reserve my room.  No one answered.  I'll call again tonight.  Rocketbunny, I'll give a shout when I get one reserved so you can update your list.

Update:

Single Room Reserved.  Put me down.

[S179]

Reservations have been made today for S179(Tony), Repsol175(Brad) and Sooner Stan. We are in!!!

[Rabidsnipe]

Hey Okies!!!

We all headed down together last year and it was a great time.  Didn't know what everyone's plans were this year.  

I'm planning on leaving Thursday afternoon and spending the night in Abilene.  Don't have reservations yet but that's the plan.  On the way back I'm thinking about taking the long way home through Austin and Hill Country.  I've got some family in Austin and plan to crash there for a night.

Anyone interested in heading down on Thursday with me?

[soonerstan56]

Chase,we were planning to leave on Thursday also, and staying in Abeline too.
Maybe we can hook up and ride down together. Our tenative plans are to take the pike to Wichita Falls and #277 to Abeline.
Streets and Trips wants to take us to DFW and West on I-20 but we thought that was too much city and slab.
What route did you have in mind?

Soonerstan

[Fred]

.....Streets and Trips wants to take us to DFW and West on I-20 .....

Soonerstan

A quick thread steal  

Stan, to make S&T go where you want instead of where it wants, left click the "green" route (it will turn blue), click, drag, and drop it where YOU want to go.

[soonerstan56]

Thank you for the tip Fred, I'm pretty sloppy with S&T. I should practice with it, I only use it before a trip.
Will you be going along Fred? I hope your procedure went well and you are feeling well.

Soonerstan  

[Fred]

Thank you for the tip Fred, I'm pretty sloppy with S&T. I should practice with it, I only use it before a trip.
Will you be going along Fred? I hope your procedure went well and you are feeling well.

Soonerstan  

Am hoping to go, time will tell!

Surgery turned out to be a lot less invasive than I was led to believe. From what the surgeon told us prior to the surgery, I went into the surgery expecting to have my chest cracked open. When I woke up, my wife told me the surgeon was able to repair my valve using "minimally invasive" surgery through (relatively) small incisions in my chest and groin. I have no idea - and not sure I want to know - what the surgeon saw after I was out that prompted him to go the minimally invasive route, but I'm sure glad he did! So healing/recovery time will be a lot faster than if I'd had traditional surgery.

[soonerstan56]

Great to hear you are doing well Fred. Hope your recovery is speedy.
As we get closer to April let us know,as you could ride down with us if you'd like.

Soonerstan

[ELP_JC]

Hi gang. Another 'newbie' (to the site, not motorcycling ) from El Paso, TX. Even forgot a was a member already; Email address declined because it was already active . Well, I plan to stay around from now on.

Anyway, I'm planning a trip to the THC and BB for early March, if somebody cares to join me. Last time I was in BB in early April was MISERABLE; 109º down there. It NEVER showed up even remotely close to that on any forecast just hours before, and the locals said there's no weather station there so what we see is really Alpine's weather, not Lajitas/Study Butte (I believe that now!). The good news is it cools quickly at night, but not again for this 'penguin'. I rode ALL the park since pretty early, and by the time I was on my way to Marathon, I was sweating like a pig again.

I also made it to the THC at that exact time a year before, and although not nearly as hot, it was approaching 90, plus it's the rainy season there. And yes, we got pounded by rain once. That's why I'm doing it in early March. Oh, and forgot April is PEAK HIGH season at BB, so you'd most likely be following RVs at 20 mph rather than having fun in the twisties. Feb is already high season at BB, but I always make my trips on weekdays, which minimizes traffic, cops, etc.

If I can get away with a 3rd trip (also planning an overnighter to Alpine, AZ for late March), I'd try to make it to meet some of you if not crazy hot again. As you can surmise, I'm not a hot weather rider, so by May my bike will be 'summernating'.

Missed my yearly long ride to CO and UT last September, due to my new '07 FJR being 'altitude sick', but as of late Nov, it's supposed to be healthy again, and am ready to start logging some miles. It replaced my wonderful K1200RS, by the way. Well, enough crap for now. I'll be around. Take care.
JC

[Rabidsnipe]

Chase,we were planning to leave on Thursday also, and staying in Abeline too.
Maybe we can hook up and ride down together. Our tenative plans are to take the pike to Wichita Falls and #277 to Abeline.
Streets and Trips wants to take us to DFW and West on I-20 but we thought that was too much city and slab.
What route did you have in mind?

Soonerstan

I too was going through Wichita Falls but don't know what highway it was after that (probably #277).  I have to work at least a 1/2 day that Thursday so I was thinking about leaving in the late afternoon and just getting down there ASAP.  There might be another bike joining us down as my dad might come along for the ride.

[Rabidsnipe]

I invited my dad along for this trip so it looks like we might have a few more.  My dad (Greg) and his girlfriend (Charlotte) are coming along; they've already reserved a room in Alpine.  There is another couple that might come along as well but I haven't heard yet.  Hope that's okay with everyone .

Anyways, since it sounds like there will be at least 6 people staying the evening in Abilene on Thursday night, I thought we might call and get some reservations together.  Maybe we can get some rooms near each other or maybe get a little bit of a discount.  I'll look around and see if I can find some decent rates in Abilene for that Thursday night.  Let me know what you guys think.  Later...


-Chase

[S179]

That's okay with me.
 
Tony

[GilaMonster]

I'm a newbe from El Paso who is planning to attend. Are there any rooms left?

Badfast FJR and I are planning to spend Thursday night in El Paso, coming from Tucson.  Perhaps we can hook up and ride together on Friday to Alpine.  We can schedule by PM as we get closer to the dates.

[Kwixtar]

It looks like all the Okies are going to Party Hardy in Abilene on their way down.
Are the DFW participants riding by themselves or are we going to group up for a full day's ride?
Safety in numbers?

[Kwixtar]

The DFW local BMW club toured Big Bend area last fall and here are some pics if interested.

http://bmwdfw.org/bigbend/index2.html

[soonerstan56]

Rabidsnipe,we made reservations at the Motel 6 at exit #282 in Abilene today. I don't know anything about the area or if it is a good motel.
The rate was $36.99 + tax, was cheap enough for us for a one night flop and they said they'd leave the light on for us.
As we get closer to time we can get together on riding down together.
I have Thursday off but the other two riders may have to work 1/2 a day also. They can probably adjust their work schedules so we can time our departure.

Soonerstan  

[Larrypv]

and do we need passports to get into Texas?

Apparently not....

if you enter through the southern part of the state.

[Rabidsnipe]

Stan,
I got my room reserved at the same Motel 6 (check-in April 10, check-out April 11).  My dad will probably be making his reservation tonight.  Give a shout the closer the date gets and we'll put our minds together to generate the best possible route between here and Abilene    

[Rob_S]

Looks like I'll be making the trip.  I'll be camping in Alpine with the usual crew.

rob

[FJRmgm]

just made the reservations at the Alpine Inn - see you there.

[Rabidsnipe]

16 confirmed so far with my dad and his gf!!! Woh hoo!!!!  That's almost double last year!!!

[Kwixtar]

Big Bend area is a busy place in the spring. See this site:
http://www.bogriffinrides.com/html/bmwbigbend.htm

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Big Bend area is a busy place in the spring. See this site:
http://www.bogriffinrides.com/html/bmwbigbend.htm

Yup, Bo is leading our local group out to Big Bend that first weekend in March. The BMWST guys are heading out the second weekend in March. Then this group is heading out the second weekend in April. I've never been to Big Bend before, but by the time June will have rolled around, I'll be able to say I've been there almost a half dozen times. and I'm ok with that.

[Kwixtar]

By the way I noticed that The Triumph truck will be back at Eurosport April 18, 19 and 20.
I want to ride the RocketIII.
A pic from 2006:  http://valentine.phanfare.com/album/39762/194210

[bikerider]

Looks like the anti fun squad will be out in force during our visit:

http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25416

[tjbrandt50]

I moved my reservation up to a Thursday arrival.  I had planned on doing both this and the COG trip in March, but somebody got such a good room rate for us (better than COG!!!  ) that I think this will be a good way for me to go.  Pro'ly still head out to Hill Country-Lost Maples camping end of March for COG event that weekend.

Think there will be two or three other Houston area riders heading out with me Thurday AM, dark-thirty.  Current plan is to come home Sunday.  If you get there Thursday and are looking for dinner company, look for a guy in a dirty (unless it rains) red riding suit on a dark blue Concours.  Don't worry, it's just the riding suit that doesn't get washed.

Is it April yet??

[rocketbunny]

Ok. It's about time to start talking routes for Saturday.

A couple of options here.

Davis Mountains + River Road - 320 miles - Davis Mountains loop to Presidio for lunch, to 170 along the Rio Grande. Return to Alpine via 118.

Or

Big Bend Park Tour - 311 miles - 118 to Big Bend Park, stops at Santa Elena Canyon, Main Visitor's Center, and Rio Grande Village (3 out and back rides, optional)

More ideas?

[bikerider]

I vote for option 1.

[Kwixtar]

I also vote for #1, I haven't been to LaJitas before. 320 miles, some windey roads, plenty of sightseeing stops, and lots-0-bears out, that should take us the better part of the day.

[Kwixtar]

I am coming down on Thurday, camping at Marathon or Stillwell's ranch thursday nite, depending what time I arrive. I hate to set up camp at night. Breakfast will be at Heath Canyon Friday Am, lunch at Chisos Basin, and see ya'll for dinner in Alpine.

[rocketbunny]

I updated the list in the first post. I have breakfast on Saturday listed as 7:45. Do we want to set a time for ride start in case some don't want to make it to breakfast? I really want to make sure that those who want to ride with a group don't get left out.

Be sure to note the times of events like Saturday dinner. I know that some people forgot to bring the info with them to CSTN last year and missed out.

For my personal ride, I'm leaning toward Option 1. But not everyone will necessarily ride together, and some people may want to actually enter the park.

[Rabidsnipe]

Another vote for option #1.

I'll be arriving (along with some other Okies) mid day Friday.  Maybe get a chance to go check out these Davis Mountains!

[Kwixtar]

For those that prefer option 1, it is a good choice because you will see a lot of the Rio Grande River, LaJitas, Terlingua, and Study Butte. If you want to take a 50 mile detour from Study Butte and go into the park to the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive you will get closer to Casa Grande Peak (7325ft) for some good pictures.

[lobo10s]

Our group is headed to Alpine: See all of the details here: http://motoadrenaline.blogspot.com

Our group from North Texas is heading that way. So far we have as confirmed for the trip: Jerry, Vern & Shelly, Rob, Jackie and Bo. The jury is still out on the following; Dave & Traci, Pete, Herman and Paul.

We have decided to camp during our trip to Alpine. We will be staying at the Lost Alaskan RV Park. It is just down the road from the meet hotel. Vern, Shelly and myself will be loading up the bikes on the trailer and heading down that direction on the evening of April 9th. We will probably stay in Abilene that evening. The next day April 10th we will hit the road and travel the remaining 320 miles to Alpine. Rob has said he will probably meet us in Abilene that evening as he has the entire day off and we can't leave until after work. This means we will not get to Abilene until after dark. The rest of the gang will be riding up to Alpine on Thursday. By the time they get there, we hope to have the tent set up with the BBQ grill fired up and the margarita machine working overtime.

On Friday we will get up have breakfast and do the Big bend loop. This will be a 300+ mile day and should be a wonderful ride. I am hoping someone in our group has the route on GPS file already. If not I will make one up in a week or so. The loop should be something like the route below.

The next day (Saturday) I think we will do the Fort Davis loop and check out the observatory. This will be a short 140 mile day. This allows for people to relax on Saturday before the long ride home on Sunday. The route will look something like this.

Sunday morning we will get up pretty early and pack up camp and head back to Big D... Ugh! This should be a great trip. I have never been in that part of Texas and I am really looking forward to the weekend.

[FJRmgm]

at the cheap rates the hotel is charging us you guys can't hardly haul your camping gear down there for those prices.

I have a room with a double bed that I would share and split the cost with someone if they are interested.

[lobo10s]

at the cheap rates the hotel is charging us you guys can't hardly haul your camping gear down there for those prices.

I have a room with a double bed that I would share and split the cost with someone if they are interested.

It is not about the cost. Thanks for the kind offer! We like the camping thing, we can bring all of the things that make these trips extra special.. a BBQ grill and Margarita machine that sort of thing. hehehe I have also heard some not to good comments concerning the hotel of choice. We always seem to have a good size group and it is cool hanging out under the stars enjoying the nice Texas sky. Besides grinding 500 + miles and flat spotting my tires does nothing for me. hehehe Those Texas roads out in those parts are long...............and straight!

Hopefully some of the STners will stop by and hang out, kinda like last year at Eureka Springs. We look forward to seeing all of you. Ride safe and again thanks for the offer.

[Rabidsnipe]

at the cheap rates the hotel is charging us you guys can't hardly haul your camping gear down there for those prices.

I have a room with a double bed that I would share and split the cost with someone if they are interested.

From the sounds of things they are trailering their bikes down.  The reason that I'm not camping is that I'm riding my bike down and I didn't want to have to deal with hauling my camping gear down there.  Camping is a lot of fun on motorcycles (and off).  But I find that it's less fun with a large group, YMMV.

[FJRmgm]

From the sounds of things they are trailering their bikes down.

Oh, I didn't know this was a Harley event.

Will they have their coon dog in the back with the bike too?

[lobo10s]

Oh, I didn't know this was a Harley event.
Will they have their coon dog in the back with the bike too?

Ha ha that is a good one..  
We can compare mileage for the last 12 months if you would like. I put on about 11,000 and that is without a day of commuting and about 5% of that highway riding. I am all about quality.. not quantity.  

Look us up at the meet, lets see if that FJ can stay with the Harley in the twistie stuff.  

No really.. look us up, come by and have a beer and we can chat about what I think this board is about.. and that is the love of motorcycling!   I am really looking forward to seeing the STN group again.  (even those Oklahoma guys and gals hehehe)

[Rabidsnipe]

Look us up at the meet, lets see if that FJ can stay with the Harley in the twistie stuff.  

I was surprised at how fast Tony (S179) was riding on his lowered Yamaha Warrior last year in Cloudcroft.  He must've been dragging parts all over the place.  Funny how my bike was the only one to have something fall off.

Oh, and FJRmgm, say what you will, but I'm going to be nice to the Texans that are trailering down a margarita machine!!!

lobo, if we bring(buy) our own tequila, can we share in the fun?

[Rob_S]

Oh, and FJRmgm, say what you will, but I'm going to be nice to the Texans that are trailering down a margarita machine!!!

.
Jerry's riding a harley now  
.

[lobo10s]

lobo, if we bring(buy) our own tequila, can we share in the fun?

We usually have plenty as we make a 5 gallon jug and can always go get more. The more the merrier. We had a good group on Eureka Springs.. should be fun again.

I want to go NOW!!

[FJRmgm]

Ha ha that is a good one..  
We can compare mileage for the last 12 months if you would like. I put on about 11,000 and that is without a day of commuting and about 5% of that highway riding. I am all about quality.. not quantity.  

OK - I've only put 51,000 quality miles on my FJR in 3.5 years so we can compare mileage if you like...

Looking forward to meeting up with you folks and spending some time around a camp fire as its been a while since I have done that.

[Kwixtar]

If your riding instead of driving..... they are all quality miles.

Jackie, from Garland, and I are meeting up at the Cracker Barrell in Weatherford
on Thurs 4/10 at 7:30 AM and riding down from there.

If anyone wants to meet up with us and share the company.

The route:
Fresh gas then ride to meet in Weatherford,
Weatherford to Brownwood  110 more miles, gas
San Angelo, 95 more miles, lunch,
Big Lake, 70 more miles, gas,
Ft. Stockton, 93 more miles where we will split up.
Jackie to Alpine, me to Marathon.

[lobo10s]

OK - I've only put 51,000 quality miles on my FJR in 3.5 years so we can compare mileage if you like...

Looking forward to meeting up with you folks and spending some time around a camp fire as its been a while since I have done that.

That is AWESOME!!   We look forward to meeting you and sharing stories.. Should be fun.

[lobo10s]

If your riding instead of driving..... they are all quality miles.  

I think we will agree to disagree on that subject.. Grinding down the interstate on two wheels staring into nothing but flatlands for mile after mile does nothing for me. Plus I am cheap, I hate wasting tire on flat roads. hehe

Glad you and jackie could hook up. See you all in Alpine.

[bikerider]

If your riding instead of driving..... they are all quality miles.

I agree completely. A bad day on the bike is still better than any day in the cage.

I commute, sport tour, tour, dual sport, and ride my vintage bikes as often as I can.

For 2007:

Total Mileage: 26,852
Days ridden: 349
Total States Visited: 13
New States Visited: Oregon, Washington
New Countries Visited: Spain, Andorra, France

In the interest of full disclosure, once in a blue moon I trailer my KLR to far away dual sport events that require full knobbies and lowered gearing. That happens 2 or 3 times a year.

[GilaMonster]

Two areas I like my trailer.

1.  It saves 'white knuckling' across LA to get to Highway 1.

2.  It saves absolute boredom from Tucson to north of China Lake heading to Reno.  Or, Tucson to Reno by
     way of Las Vegas, Tonopah, etc.  IMHO, there is no good way to get there.

Oh, and I ride about 25K a year...

[lobo10s]

Two areas I like my trailer.

1.  It saves 'white knuckling' across LA to get to Highway 1.

2.  It saves absolute boredom from Tucson to north of China Lake heading to Reno.  Or, Tucson to Reno by
     way of Las Vegas, Tonopah, etc.  IMHO, there is no good way to get there.

Oh, and I ride about 25K a year...

That is my point.. Mile after mile of nothing sucks even on a bike IMHO! I rode one time from Las Vegas to Reno and that was torture! I think it is cool that some people like that type of riding, I just don't like doing it. I will keep my trailer.

Can't wait to see everyone!

[Kwixtar]

I have a trailer. It gets most of it's use hauling manure for the yard.
When one of my old bikes (they are all old) breaks, I haul em in for repair.
My car sits out in the back, the cycles sit in the garage.
My BMW can haul 3 sacks of groceries, or a case of beer and chips.
Today is a lucky day for my old car. It will get driven for the first time in 10 days.
It usually sits out there waiting for me to drive it. I am going to the grocery store and buy more than the BMW can hold.

[Rob_S]

That is my point.. Mile after mile of nothing sucks even on a bike IMHO! I rode one time from Las Vegas to Reno and that was torture! I think it is cool that some people like that type of riding, I just don't like doing it. I will keep my trailer.

Can't wait to see everyone!

.
Will you be keeping the Harley as well, I haven't had a chance to see it.  

[JLG]

If your riding instead of driving..... they are all quality miles.

Jackie, from Garland, and I are meeting up at the Cracker Barrell in Weatherford
on Thurs 4/10 at 7:30 AM and riding down from there.

If anyone wants to meet up with us and share the company.

The route:
Fresh gas then ride to meet in Weatherford,
Weatherford to Brownwood  110 more miles, gas
San Angelo, 95 more miles, lunch,
Big Lake, 70 more miles, gas,
Ft. Stockton, 93 more miles where we will split up.
Jackie to Alpine, me to Marathon.

Well there are "quality" miles and then there are "QUALITY" miles.  This is not the most exciting 500 miles but with the right bike it's ok, and there is some nice riding once you get there.  I"m really looking forward to trip, but that 500 miles coming home on Sunday, that's the worse  

[lobo10s]

Well there are "quality" miles and then there are "QUALITY" miles.  This is not the most exciting 500 miles but with the right bike it's ok, and there is some nice riding once you get there.  I"m really looking forward to trip, but that 500 miles coming home on Sunday, that's the worse  

I can loan you my Harley, never had it on the open road yet. hehehe Rob wants to ride it as well.

[Rabidsnipe]

Well there are "quality" miles and then there are "QUALITY" miles.  This is not the most exciting 500 miles but with the right bike it's ok, and there is some nice riding once you get there.  I"m really looking forward to trip, but that 500 miles coming home on Sunday, that's the worse  

I still regret riding back from Cloudcroft, NM at last year's Region 2 M&E in one day.  That having been said, I regret the whole ride from about Yukon, OK to about 40 miles east of Cloudcroft!!!

[Kwixtar]

".......saves absolute boredom from Tucson to north of China Lake heading to Reno.  Or, Tucson to Reno by way of Las Vegas, Tonopah, etc.  IMHO, there is no good way to get there........
  After listening to all you more experienced riders, I thinkin about puttin a satelite radio on my scooter.  

[bikerider]

I have XM radio that plays through my Garmin 2730 GPS for long straight stretches.

[FJRmgm]

is it too early to leave for Alpine yet?

[rocketbunny]

is it too early to leave for Alpine yet?

hehe. Not at all. I'm leaving in 2 days. 

[bikerider]

That is not fair to the rest of us!

[Cricket]

Have fun on your ride and be careful.
Ken

[Rabidsnipe]

For anyone who is interested, I've got my route planned and loaded into Map Source if you want to load it in your GPS (includes Option #1 for the Saturday ride).  And no you can't use it to stalk me

[tjbrandt50]

Houston Area Riders

(Those that haven't already left, taking the scenic route )

I'm leaving Thursday (4/10) morning for Alpine.  Right now, I think a couple of folks will be riding with me.  We'll be leaving from the Jack-In-The-Box on FM-359 in Brookshire (just south of I-10) at 07:30.  Right now I just plan on taking I-10  (ugh!) all the way to US-67 west of Ft. Stockton, and on into Alpine.  May alter this route to go up south of Austin and through Fredericksburg depending on what others want to do.  Anyone else interested in riding along is quite welcome to meet up with us.  If you want to contact me, I'm at tjbrandt50 at hotmail dot com.

Hope everyone has a great trip.  Less than a week away!!!!

[Rabidsnipe]

Well my dad and his gf might not make it after all.  They went to a bike rally this weekend and on the way back to the house his fuel injection light starting coming on and the bike started running very rough.  He said that later that evening the accesories wouldn't come on but half the time and that when he tried to start it everything went black.  Sounded kind of like a big ground that might have shorted/broken loose.  We'll see if we can't get it figured out before Thursday.

[bikerider]

Make sure it isn't something simple like a bad battery, or loose connection.

See you Friday!

[Kwixtar]

_{As previously reported, quote - Jackie, from Garland, and I are meeting up at the Cracker Barrell in Weatherford
on Thurs 4/10 at 7:30 AM ...............If anyone wants to meet up with us and share the company}.

The meeting place has changed to McDonalds which is on the north side of I-20 to assist in easier exit and entrance to I-20.

Anyone wanting to join us, we wil be on channel 5/0 GMRS.

[Rabidsnipe]

Make sure it isn't something simple like a bad battery, or loose connection.

See you Friday!

That was the first thing that we checked (loose connection).  However, I don't know how a bad battery would be responsible for the rough running and the fuel injection light coming on   It was acting (in his words) as though it weren't getting enough/any gas.  There is a motorcycle shop that he's used before that is open Mondays; he's going to call this morning to see if he can get it in.  If I get a chance this evening I'll go over there to check it out and see if he hasn't missed anything obvious (uhh, dad, the kill switch can't be on )

[lobo10s]

Hey everyone, The big day is almost here. I just wanted to throw out an invite. We will be at the http://www.lostalaskan.com/ (camp grounds) by Thursday afternoon around 4 or so. If you all show up early come by and grab a beer and chat some. We will be doing the loop on Friday and will be back Friday evening, so if you all want to come by you are welcome. We are cooking out, so if you want to pick up some meat and slap it on the grill.. you all are welcome. (all you sickos get your minds out of the gutter)    I can't wait. Should be a great trip. Be safe everyone and we look forward to chatting with everyone.

Jerry

[Rabidsnipe]

Hopefully we'll be arriving early afternoon on Friday.  I might stop by for one of these margaritas you speak of.

[Cricket]

Thanks for the invite I will be arriving Friday might stop by on the way in. see you their.
Ken

[Kwixtar]

An invitation to campers, I will be arriving at Stillwell's Store and RV Camp http://stillwellstore.com/ which is near the northeast entrance to the park, but outside the park on hwy 2627, on Thurday evening. I will be pitching my tent there and will e down to star gazing and listening to satelite radio. Look for the RED BMW K1100LT.

I will be ready Friday AM to tour the East side of the Park, seeing sites like Rio Grande Village, Boquillas Canyon, Chisos Basin, Casa Grande, Maxwell Scenic Drive, then back up to Alpine via 118 to meet the rest of the Gang and dinner on Friday night.

For those arriving in Alpine on Thursday be sure not to miss the big Party at The Railroad Blues . At 7:00 pm it's Ladies Night with
1/2 Price Shangri-La Sangria & Happy Hour on Everything Else 'til 11pm! Great Music, Door Prizes & More!

On Friday night at The Railroad Blues, 10:00 pm it's the Tejas Brothers, A Powerful Tex-Mex Explosion! Cover=$6

Then on our final night there, Don't miss at 10:00 pm  The Long Awaited Return of :beerchug:Tribal Nation and the Tribal Horns with Professor Permananz, cover $8

Aint these exotic resorts great! See you there.

[Rabidsnipe]

Well I just finished my packing dry run.  It's amazing how much room you've got when you aren't camping .  I might have to not camp more often  Now I've got to figure out what to do what all this extra space.

[traveler]

Somebody please stop by the Hotel Limpia in Ft. Davis and have a beer in the bar for me. And be sure to feed one to Clay Henry in Lajitas.

I wish I could be there, sounds like a lot of fun. Miss riding the area.

On another note, the last ticket I had to pay was from the feds in Big Bend N.P.

[Rabidsnipe]

On another note, the last ticket I had to pay was from the feds in Big Bend N.P.

That's one of the reasons I voted for Option #1.

[FJRmgm]

Houston Area Riders

(Those that haven't already left, taking the scenic route )

I'm leaving Thursday (4/10) morning for Alpine.  Right now, I think a couple of folks will be riding with me.  We'll be leaving from the Jack-In-The-Box on FM-359 in Brookshire (just south of I-10) at 07:30.  Right now I just plan on taking I-10  (ugh!) all the way to US-67 west of Ft. Stockton, and on into Alpine.  May alter this route to go up south of Austin and through Fredericksburg depending on what others want to do.  Anyone else interested in riding along is quite welcome to meet up with us.  If you want to contact me, I'm at tjbrandt50 at hotmail dot com.

Hope everyone has a great trip.  Less than a week away!!!!

If you plan to join us please post up here so we know to look/wait for you and won't wait for you.

[Rabidsnipe]

So when my dad said that they looked for loose connections what he meant was (in my own words) "We stood beside the bike and saw no loose wires so assumed we should be good."

In fact, the first thing I noticed when I started pulling stuff apart was how loose the ground battery connection was.  "I thought you said that you checked for loose connections?"  "Well we did but we didn't actually pull anything off to look" "Ohh, whatever."

So anyways, that's what it was.  A loose ground.  His VTX had just shook it out.  Took some medium thread locker on both posts and locked it down.  Also helped him install a throttle lock.

[bikerider]

Good deal! I had a feeling that is what you would find.  

My KLR has been known to shake a few parts loose in the past. Blue Lock-Tite has been become my good friend.

[Rabidsnipe]

Good deal! I had a feeling that is what you would find.  

My KLR has been known to shake a few parts loose in the past. Blue Lock-Tite has been become my good friend.

Last year at the Reg 2 M&E I came out the 2nd day and my mirror was hanging by one bolt I guess it walked off in the night.  So I was sure to put the next one in with some Blue Lock-Tite.

[FJRmgm]

just checked and the weather forecast for this weekend is SUPERB!!

Highs in the low to mid-70s and lows in the mid to lower 40's.

LET's RIDE!!!

[soonerstan56]

Anyone who needs another room at the Alpine Inn may want to call them tonight.
They were full for the 11th and 12th but I just cancelled 1 room.
One of our party got sick and won't be able to make the ride.
See you there Friday.

Soonerstan

[bikerider]

Got in safe and sound about 20 minutes ago. What a great weekend. It was great seeing everyone and meeting some new faces.

[soonerstan56]

Made it in about 5:45.
599 miles door to door,no problems or perfomance awards.An all around great trip!
Nice seeing farmiliar faces and meeting everyone I hadn't yet.

Soonerstan

[FJRmgm]

Tom and I made it back home about 7:30 pm Sunday after a nice long ride on HW 90 to San Antonio and then I-10 to Houston.

It was a great weekend and I was glad to finally make it to the Big Bend area.

Good to meet all the folks from the forum.

[Kwixtar]

  I want to thank everyone for helping to make this the most fantastic club trip I have ever taken. Everyone I met was for the first time and you were all super. I especially thank Jerry , Rob , and Vern , but most of all, Jackie  :clap:for taking me under his wing to help get my trip started. For a young guy, he is OK.

I took my time getting back, didn't leave until after 9:00 AM; stopped often and took some more pictures, but still tired today.

[lobo10s]

It was a great weekend. the damn wind kept us from camping but life is good! We had fun, ate good and saw new things. I have posted the pictures and report here: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,24446.0.html for Part 1 and then here: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,24452.0.html for Part 2

It was good seeing everyone one! Hope everyone made it home okay.

See you all next time..

Jerry

[GilaMonster]

Well, we finally made it home....10 quarts of oil later....and fortunately two Harley pistons left at the side of the road near Hillsboro where we stopped for a biological facility break.  The S runs great as a V-twin plus it's now a full time mosquito fogger!

Actually, we had a great time this weekend and heading back.  We got back with the same quart of oil on the back of the bike.  152 was fantastic especially at the overlook summit.

[bikerider]

GilaMonster:

Glad to hear you had a safe trip back:

Have you figured out the mystery oil leak yet?

Per your request, no STN  trip is complete without some Triple Digit Sight Seeing:

[Rabidsnipe]

Got in safe about an hour ago.  More winds on the way home.  I'll post up some pics in the ride reports later tonight (it might be tomorrow, dang taxes ).

Thanks for your work Becca.

[GilaMonster]

GilaMonster:

Glad to hear you had a safe trip back:

Have you figured out the mystery oil leak yet?

Actually, according to BADFAST FJR, the boys from Waco (the Triumph Rocket rider, etc) decided to install a slick under my bike from an oil bottle that they happened to have with them.

[Cricket]

Made it home ok. Caught Soonerstan56 on Hwy 20 and we rode home together made it home by 6.00 then had fence to repair from the wind storm.
Great seeing everybody again.
Ken

[Rabidsnipe]

Actually, according to BADFAST FJR, the boys from Waco (the Triumph Rocket rider, etc) decided to install a slick under my bike from an oil bottle that they happened to have with them.

I've great a great pic of Craig's K12S doing its best Harley impression.  

That or it wet the bed  

[swimmer]

Gila, were you headed out of tucson and on I-10 about 11 or so on friday?  I think I may have seen you.  If it was you I passed you on I-10 and then got off at Rita.  On a silver 650R with Givi side cases and red jacket.  ???

[GilaMonster]

Gila, were you headed out of tucson and on I-10 about 11 or so on friday?  I think I may have seen you.  If it was you I passed you on I-10 and then got off at Rita.  On a silver 650R with Givi side cases and red jacket.  ???

Swimmer, it must have been someone else.  We left Tucson Thursday morning and spent Thursday night in El Paso.

[Rabidsnipe]

I made a little slide show the other day while trying out iMovie.  You can check it out here:

http://gallery.me.com/charles.ray#100008/2008%20Region%202%20M%26E&bgcolor=black

If the link above doesn't work for you, just go check it out in the album.

http://gallery.me.com/charles.ray/100008

It's in Quicktime....  Thanks.

[GilaMonster]

Great slideshow and great fun.

Thanx.

See you next April.

[Kwixtar]

Great Pics, good presentation, and just the right music.

I am going back to Big Bend next April and I am taking my KLX650 to see all the things my Beemer would not take me to.
That is about another 1/3 of the Park.

Anybody else want to do that??????????????????????????????

[Kwixtar]

Isn't it about time we start talking about next years Regional Meet?

Did we decide on Cloudcroft?

[Rabidsnipe]

Great Pics, good presentation, and just the right music.

I am going back to Big Bend next April and I am taking my KLX650 to see all the things my Beemer would not take me to.
That is about another 1/3 of the Park.

Anybody else want to do that??????????????????????????????

Thanks for the comments.

I'd love to head back to Big Bend; I bet it's really nice this time of year.

[soonerstan56]

Isn't it about time we start talking about next years Regional Meet?

Did we decide on Cloudcroft?

 

I think the location was Silver City N.M.
Should be getting some info together on possible places to stay though.

Stan

[rocketbunny]

True. About that time again...and weren't we thinking a little later in the year would be better for NM? Ie early May as opposed to April?

[mike goodwin]

True. About that time again...and weren't we thinking a little later in the year would be better for NM? Ie early May as opposed to April?

I dunno i take the third week of April each and every year and N.M. is pretty nice that time of year.
Usually clear days and chilly nights.
Blew thru Silver City as well then and except for a bunch of road construction all was fine.
Wait until May and you get a lot of rain.
At least that's been my past experience there.