2008 S-T.N National Meet, June 10/11, Eureka Springs ARKANSAS

[DredheadV2.0]

Over the next few weeks, lodging options will be investigated and extracurricular activities pondered, but for now please mark your calenders.

Look forward to seeing you all there!

[twist]

Wow, a meet in Alaska!  Awesome!!  I always wanted to go to Alaska!  

[FJR1300]

Dang... I voted for an earlier date because I thought it was going to be in Arkansas, had I realized it was going to be in Alaska I would have voted for a later date to let it warm up some.

 

[DredheadV2.0]

I know Lord of Teh Typo is a title already claimed by another, but this week I could qualify as Emperor.

Anyway.  Arkansas.  Mmmmmyep.  Nice place.

[phoenix]

just a suggestion/note-

if there is a group get-together at the restaurant where we met for the 07 Central meet, make a few reservations for 2-3 groups rather than one large reservation. The restaurant got all pissy with us and wouldn't seat anyone until Becca showed up, since she made the reservation. It was good food though.

[FJR1300]

...and wouldn't seat anyone until Becca showed up, since she made the reservation.

Why would you even think about sitting down before the host got there?  

 

 

[rocketbunny]

If you haven't figured out a hotel yet, the Texas group seems to really like the Swiss Village Inn. There are tons of hotels in that town... and tons of hotels along that stretch of road.

[bete]

If you haven't figured out a hotel yet, the Texas group seems to really like the Swiss Village Inn. There are tons of hotels in that town... and tons of hotels along that stretch of road.

               That's the one I staid at in November when I went back down. Was pretty nice. way better than the Traveler inn.  bete..

[FJRmgm]

if you have never ridden in NW Arkansas this is your chance to get in on some riding that is as good as it is anywhere east of the Rockies..

As for proof - Ark. Scenic Route 7:

[panther289]

Then route 7 it'll be.  

[atypical1]

Well, I am about 75% sure about attending this one. I am going to miss out on WCRM but need to get out for a long trip and this is just as good of an excuse as any  

james

[Fourstring]

Crap, I'm out.  Second year in a row the meet is scheduled on our anniversary, and the week after classes have started.  Catch the next one!

[maddjack]

I'm out too ,I'll use those 10 vacation days I had for this to ride later in the year to either Mt Home or maybe another extended trip,.Oh well another national miss for me

[SuperHans]

I plan on going. Can't wait.

[stefrrr]

I'm about 50/50. The cheapness of the hotel will play a part.  

Doug - that flat part along the bottom of your route - Is that slab? I have to travel somewhere along that area.

[stefrrr]

If you haven't figured out a hotel yet, the Texas group seems to really like the Swiss Village Inn. There are tons of hotels in that town... and tons of hotels along that stretch of road.

Either they're full or their online reservation thingy is broken. They had no availablity for our dates.

[R Doug]

Doug - that flat part along the bottom of your route - Is that slab? I have to travel somewhere along that area.

No slab, I have a zero slab policy.  

I plan on staying in Birmingham one night w/ friends.  Let me know if you want to connect somewhere along the route to Eureka Springs.  

[Jeff N]

Oh shit, I've put in for the time. Now I gotta show up. Is anyone from the west coast going?

[Mac]

Unless I hit another deer or break another bone, I'll be there. Hopefully not hitting deer and breaking bones.


Or cougars either.

[Scratch33]

So Dred - how goes the lodging options investigation?

Edited to add:  "Sparky's Roadhouse Cafe" seems to be THE place in town for beer aficiandoes.

http://www.pubcrawler.com/Template/ReviewWC.cfm/flat/BrewerID=2381

http://www.sparkysroadhouse.com/

[atypical1]

Oh shit, I've put in for the time. Now I gotta show up. Is anyone from the west coast going?

Yuppers. There will be at least two of us representing the west coast! Gotta go to this since I will be missing the regional meet.

james

[Scratch33]

Yuppers. There will be at least two of us representing the west coast! Gotta go to this since I will be missing the regional meet.

james

How many miles is it from your location?

[atypical1]

How many miles is it from your location?

1614 using a direct route. I plan on riding about 4300 or so miles round trip.

[Scratch33]

1614 using a direct route. I plan on riding about 4300 or so miles round trip.

It's about 1180 for me.  I'll be working up a nice FUGAWI route between now and then.

[atypical1]

Nice. I have started mine already. I think I will be spending some time in Texas hill country on the way back. The downside is my trip out there and what roads to take. I plan on southern Colorado and northern New Mexico but after that I am not sure. It doesn't look too exciting once I leave those areas  

[Scratch33]

Nice. I have started mine already. I think I will be spending some time in Texas hill country on the way back. The downside is my trip out there and what roads to take. I plan on southern Colorado and northern New Mexico but after that I am not sure. It doesn't look too exciting once I leave those areas  

Oh, you'll do OK (whether you want to or not)

[stefrrr]

No slab, I have a zero slab policy.  

I plan on staying in Birmingham one night w/ friends.  Let me know if you want to connect somewhere along the route to Eureka Springs.  

Sounds good.  

So does anyone know of any good lodging in Eureka springs?

[Scratch33]

Sounds good.  

So does anyone know of any good lodging in Eureka springs?

Not to steal Dred et al's thunder, but here's a linky: http://www.eurekaspringslodging.com/

[garry]

A hotel close to Sparkys (Best Western?) sounds like a good idea. Walking distance to Good Beer would be a major plus!

[Scratch33]

A hotel close to Sparkys (Best Western?) sounds like a good idea. Walking distance to Good Beer would be a major plus!

Mapquest shows there's at least 25 hotels/motels/B&B's within 1/2 mile or closer to Sparky's.

[DredheadV2.0]

GAH

This tour I'm doing through March is leaving me with precious little spare time.  I do have a break in a couple weeks, so I can look then.  

One thing I want to do is get a head count, with names and numbers, of who's going and how they want to sleep (camping, hotel, etc.) so we know how many rooms to book.

Sounds like another thread in the making, sadly.

[Scratch33]

GAH

This tour I'm doing through March is leaving me with precious little spare time.

Okay, how can we help?

[Mac]

arlawyer lives relatively near eureka springs. He might know a better place to stay.

[stefrrr]

As a note - the CSTN crew had some issues with the travelers inn after CSTN 07. Not with the rooms themselves - with getting refunds if they cancelled.

Here's the thread: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,15921.0.html

[rocketbunny]

Edited to add:  "Sparky's Roadhouse Cafe" seems to be THE place in town for beer aficiandoes.

http://www.pubcrawler.com/Template/ReviewWC.cfm/flat/BrewerID=2381

http://www.sparkysroadhouse.com/

The official friday night dinner for CSTN was there. The service could have been better (slow to bring drinks) but the food was good.

[RoadRat]

GAH

This tour I'm doing through March is leaving me with precious little spare time.  I do have a break in a couple weeks, so I can look then.  

Ah, take a break from stuffing all those midgets into weather balloons and chill, bra. The pink dude won't mind.

[DredheadV2.0]

Ah, take a break from stuffing all those midgets into weather balloons and chill, bra. The pink dude won't mind. :bigok:

Bwaaaaaaahahahaaaaa!!  :lmao:

[sahtt]

As long as I don't have too much work this timing might work out.  If it doesn't, I'll do my own trip towards/to the 'other' AK a little farther north.  Should be a decent ride leaving Houston, and this way I don't have to plan the route myself.

[roughcut]

I have a very busy summer planned, but this is to good to pass on. I may have to block out a four day weekend and see you all there. Since I don't personally know anyone from this group I'll have to relie on the kindness of strangers. Where is everyone staying, so I can get reservations soon.

[Krismark]

This place is the nicest, bike-friendliest place around. Unfortunately they don't have many rooms. I don't think they could accomodate everyone.  


http://www.eureka-usa.com/sherwood/cottages.html


Mark and I stayed there, and in the morning they left us towels on our bikes so we could wipe the dew off. Home-made breakfast patries and beverages (so I hear, since we never woke up that early). They even gave another group of riders a ride into town on a really rainy day so they didn't have to uncover their bikes. Super-nice people. Free wi-fi Internet!

[Krismark]

This place looks interesting. http://www.edelweissinn.com/


http://www.eurekasprings.com/lodging/details.html?id=602

[Salt]

Eureka Srpings, AR is less than 700 miles from the Twin Cities...anybody from MN thinking about this?

[2BanditsToGo]

So Dred - how goes the lodging options investigation?

Edited to add:  "Sparky's Roadhouse Cafe" seems to be THE place in town for beer aficiandoes.

http://www.pubcrawler.com/Template/ReviewWC.cfm/flat/BrewerID=2381

http://www.sparkysroadhouse.com/

Hello everyone we are new on this site... We ride down to ES once a month and Sparky's is a great place to eat as well as Cafe Santa Fe the staff at both places is great with big groups.

[motorcyclelarry]

I will be there.    Also count me in for some raffle prizes if you need them.

Thanks
Larry

[Explorer]

Oh shit, I've put in for the time. Now I gotta show up. Is anyone from the west coast going?

Yep I'm taking 16 days off for this one. what are your plans Jeff?

[R Doug]

I'm assuming the group dinner will be Tuesday evening (June 10th).  Would that be correct?

[Scratch33]

Hello everyone we are new on this site... We ride down to ES once a month and Sparky's is a great place to eat as well as Cafe Santa Fe the staff at both places is great with big groups.

Good info, thanks!  Will we see you there?

[DredheadV2.0]

I'm assuming the group dinner will be Tuesday evening (June 10th).  Would that be correct?

Correct.  

[R Doug]

Correct.  

Thanks.  I looked all over for a confirmation on that (and I most likely overlooked it).  So, I got lazy and posted up the question.  

I'm looking forward to it!

[motorcyclelarry]

Another California rider attending.  Anyone want to ride back together?

Larry

[shmily524]

I will be there two weeks earlier. Too bad I will miss the fun...

[chornbe]

I can't tell you how much I'm gonna hate missing this, but that will be one week after returning from a ~3-week coast-to-coast ride. I don't think I could even *think* about suggesting disappearing for another few days after that. The job and household would take turns whacking me over the head.

With a Buick.

[DredheadV2.0]

I can't tell you how much I'm gonna hate missing this, but that will be one week after returning from a ~3-week coast-to-coast ride. I don't think I could even *think* about suggesting disappearing for another few days after that.

BOOO!!!!

[atypical1]

Another California rider attending.  Anyone want to ride back together?

Larry

I am probably going to end up slabbing it home to see my family. Which route were you thinking?

[Explorer]

Another California rider attending.  Anyone want to ride back together?

Larry

maybe? lets talk more at the meet

[sprocket]

I have paid my ST.N registration fee, made hotel reservations, and are ready to ride Tuesday and Wednesday June 10th and 11th. Information is probably in one of these threads somewhere, has the group dinner(s) been decided yet? and where will the group meet at on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings?

I plan on bringing a couple of dozen Arkansas maps and some highlighters to help with ride preparations for both days.

[atypical1]

I have paid my ST.N registration fee,

 

Hmmmm...I haven't seen anything about a registration fee...

james

[DredheadV2.0]

'taint none.  Dinner's gonna be paid individually, and the T-shirts will be up for order online like they do for WCRM.  It avoids people showing up and having to pass them out, and take grumpy scowls from the people who didn't get the size they ordered.

Dinner may change coz Stefrrrrrrrrr wants to handle it, in which case you'll send your prepay for dindins to her.

There will be at least one really cool raffle prize, but I'll pay for the tickets out of my own pocket.  I think we actually have a bunch laying around the office somewhere.

Does there have to be a Meet Fee in order to make it feel like an official meet?

[DredheadV2.0]

I have paid my ST.N registration fee

Wait, what?

Who'd you pay it to?  O.o

[USA MEDIC]

how the hell do we register for this damn meet? I think I am going but want to spend the money and get  a t-shirt and any other cool stuff

[Stargzrgrl]

A few things...

Any more than 6 separate checks from a large group can be a nightmare for servers.  It tends to drive normally happy, easy going, fluffy bunny loving people that are waiting on your table to think violent evil thoughts involving aforementioned fluffy bunnies slaying your entire party and using your entrails to feed the next party that comes in requesting a dozen separate checks...

I STILL have two rolls of raffle tickets from the previous Nationals.  PLEASE TAKE THEM!!!

That is all.

For now.  

[DredheadV2.0]

how the hell do we register for this damn meet? I think I am going but want to spend the money and get  a t-shirt and any other cool stuff

T-shirts will be purchased ahead of time.  Design is almost done and will be up on Jimmystartup's t-shirt site (same place as the WRCM shirts) within a week, hopefully.

Raffle prizes are being donated, no need for fees there.

The only caveat is the dinner.  Yosh is right, Stef is right - it's a nightmare for the server to take a bunch of checks.  Two ways around this - we go to an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, where you pay when you walk in the door, or we arrange a set per-person cost at another restaurant, which means a fixed menu, which means buffet again.  

[sprocket]

"it's a nightmare for the server to take a bunch of checks."

I wish my business was so good.........

[bete]

I think if you tip BIG they don't mind as much.  I can't remember how many were at the Central meet last year but they didn't seem to have trouble with our separate checks. Of course there is some pay as you come in buffet's around there. bete,

[R Doug]

The only caveat is the dinner.  Yosh is right, Stef is right - it's a nightmare for the server to take a bunch of checks.  Two ways around this - we go to an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, where you pay when you walk in the door, or we arrange a set per-person cost at another restaurant, which means a fixed menu, which means buffet again.  

Either works for me.  The buffet may be the best option.  I know that's how it was done in 2006.  

[DredheadV2.0]

Another option altogether is having some catering company come out and do a pig roast for 50 at the Rodeway.  Kara said we had the meeting hall at our disposal - and this way we can BYOB without having to worry about riding back.

[bete]

Another option altogether is having some catering company come out and do a pig roast for 50 at the Rodeway.  Kara said we had the meeting hall at our disposal - and this way we can BYOB without having to worry about riding back.

                                       That's a great idea, it would solve a lot of issues. bete.

[stefrrr]

May I add that it was my idea?  

Well, not entirely. But it's a great idea.  

[DredheadV2.0]

May I add that it was my idea?  

Well, not entirely. But it's a great idea.  

It's mostly Stef's idea.    Having the stuff prepped on site -  the least practical aspect of it - was my contribution.

[stefrrr]

If we end up with BBQ, the main advantage of it is that it is excellent even if not immediately eaten after prep. It can just be brought in aluminum pans & eaten.   and eaten... and eaten...  

Did you have any luck? Need me to make some calls?

[DredheadV2.0]

If we end up with BBQ, the main advantage of it is that it is excellent even if not immediately eaten after prep. It can just be brought in aluminum pans & eaten.   and eaten... and eaten...  

Did you have any luck? Need me to make some calls?

Contacted Kara from teh hotel to get her feedback, but yeah, that'd be great.

We need to post a poll for dinner, to see how many people are going to eat Tuesday night.

[mxvet57]

BBQ is Goooooooood

[xshoeguy]

Do any members live in northwest Arkansas? I bought a house in Centerton which I plan on moving into in about 2 years. I live in southern California & just joined S-T.N so it's too late to attend the National Meet. I've been to Eureka Springs however & had a good time riding the old train there & walking down(up?) the original main street.
xshoeguy (I once owned a running shoe store)

[DredheadV2.0]

Do any members live in northwest Arkansas? I bought a house in Centerton which I plan on moving into in about 2 years. I live in southern California & just joined S-T.N so it's too late to attend the National Meet. I've been to Eureka Springs however & had a good time riding the old train there & walking down(up?) the original main street.
xshoeguy (I once owned a running shoe store)

I don't understand this "too late to attend the national meet" business.  Call and see if there's a room, or go camping.  What better way to meet your new site-mates than in person?  

[Playinthestreet]

What's a "running shoe"?

[sprocket]

What's a "running shoe"?

That's a special shoe designed specifically for riding sport bikes, they provide maximum protection from the flow of air! come on man stay caught up!

[sprocket]

A couple of questions, probably for Dred.
How many we got coming to E.S.? Is there a players list or something?

And exactly what is that new avatar Dred has, looks like a deer doing the splits while wrestling with a transformer robot?

[R Doug]

And exactly what is that new avatar Dred has, looks like a deer doing the splits while wrestling with a transformer robot?

 

It took me a few looks, but I believe it's a photoshop of a motorcycle racer on a snail.  

[twist]

And exactly what is that new avatar Dred has, looks like a deer doing the splits while wrestling with a transformer robot?

It's a snail.

[DredheadV2.0]

http://i.somethingawful.com/inserts/articlepics/photoshop/05-16-08-wheels/InfinEight.jpg

So far we have 41 people registered as coming to dinner, with at least a couple more who haven't signed up but are still coming to the Meet as a whole.

[latech70]

Geez...I've been sooooo out of the loop for soooo long.  I just log on today for the first time in quite a while and see that the National is in ES...and where do I live now?  In western TN...ugh.  Alas, I don't think I'll be able to make this one even though it's practically in my back yard.  But, I hope everyone has a blast.

The last couple of years have really taken a toll on my riding--especially for trips.  Anywho, my brother officially became a hospice patient yesterday, so I dunno how far from home I'll be straying over the next several days, weeks, months...

Hope everyone has a good time and enjoy those Ozark twisties!  

[DredheadV2.0]

Geez...I've been sooooo out of the loop for soooo long.  I just log on today for the first time in quite a while and see that the National is in ES...and where do I live now?  In western TN...ugh.  Alas, I don't think I'll be able to make this one even though it's practically in my back yard.  But, I hope everyone has a blast.

The last couple of years have really taken a toll on my riding--especially for trips.  Anywho, my brother officially became a hospice patient yesterday, so I dunno how far from home I'll be straying over the next several days, weeks, months...

Hope everyone has a good time and enjoy those Ozark twisties!  

Damn, Jerry... sorry to hear that.     But welcome back to the site, and I hope to see you out there before too long.  

[Against The Wind]

Damned job keeps getting in my way.........................

Hope everyone has a safe and fun time.  

[Huron52]

Damned job keeps getting in my way.........................

Hope everyone has a safe and fun time.  

 You work to live.... not live to work.  

I would really like to think about you back in canada.... but I will be having to much fun.... sorry...

[lobo10s]

I sure wish we could attend. But since we just got back from the Gap, I drew the short straw and have to do a trade show in Las Vegas.. You guys have fun

[R Doug]

I'm packed up, the bolts and screws on the bike and luggage rack have been checked, oil checked, tire pressure checked, and I signed up for a AAA membership with the Plus and RV package.  

After I get home from work tomorrow, I leave.  

See you there!  

[mxvet57]

 I signed up for a AAA membership with the Plus and RV package.  

are you pulling a pop up or a camper?  

[R Doug]

are you pulling a pop up or a camper?  

That's what I thought the RV package was too.  But, R (short for Recreational of course), includes motorcycles.  I get up to 100 miles towing on a flatbed and a few other features.  

[Playinthestreet]

That's a special shoe designed specifically for riding sport bikes, they provide maximum protection from the flow of air! come on man stay caught up!

I'm old and sedentary...

[mxvet57]

That's what I thought the RV package was too.  But, R (short for Recreational of course), includes motorcycles.  I get up to 100 miles towing on a flatbed and a few other features.  

just pulling your chain.  doe

[R Doug]

just pulling your chain.  doe

ummm... yea... I knew that.  


 

[garry]

I leave tomorrow from/after work too. Just about done packing the bike. Still tweaking routes and have to download them to the GPS. Discovered that one of my video tapes had stuff I hadn't downloaded yet, so I'm dumping video, tweaking routes, packing and drinking beer. Gonna be a long night...

[Mac]

I can hardly wait. I'm already getting anxious to get on the road and I don't leave till tuesday.

[Explorer]

Dam!!! I'm sorry all I will not be able to make it, and I'm less that a thousand miles away from Eureka Springs.(grand junction Co.) I just got a sad message, My friend Dan, a fellow rescue worker lost his life in a auto accident two days ago. The services will be held Wednesday morning, So I need to head back tomorrow in the am.  I hope you all have a great time and please stay safe!!

Jim

[SoPaRider]

Frank (Gburghick) and I are leaving in less than three hours; 5:00 AM or so, 2:30 AM now, should be asleep, we'll be heading down the Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway on a nice 450 mile ride in 90 degree temps, will spend the night at Doughton Park (Laurel Springs, NC/Mile Post 240).  Plan to arrive in Eureka Springs around noon on Tuesday, see ya when we get there!  Everyone have a safe ride.

Later,

Jeff

[DredheadV2.0]

Dam!!! I'm sorry all I will not be able to make it, and I'm less that a thousand miles away from Eureka Springs.(grand junction Co.) I just got a sad message, My friend Dan, a fellow rescue worker lost his life in a auto accident two days ago. The services will be held Wednesday morning, So I need to head back tomorrow in the am.  I hope you all have a great time and please stay safe!!

Jim

Damn, Jim, that's sad news.    Hope to see you at the next one.  Which will be right around where you had to turn around this year.

[R Doug]

I leave in 5 minutes for home to put gear on and fire up the bike.  Here's looking forward to a wonder ride to and from.  

See ya'll there.

[Bunbun]

Dove and I are already on the way.  Gonna camp out in the Ozarks tomorrow, visiting the fam today on the way up there.  Plan to be in Eureka Springs on Sunday evening and hit some of the touristy things around there on Monday, maybe go to Branson.  Tuesday will be morning rides and Wednesday will prolly be one of the 400 mile routes... not sure.  Y'all have fun gettin' there and we'll see you in Eureka Springs!

Bun

[DredheadV2.0]

Dove and I are already on the way.  Gonna camp out in the Ozarks tomorrow, visiting the fam today on the way up there.  Plan to be in Eureka Springs on Sunday evening and hit some of the touristy things around there on Monday, maybe go to Branson.  Tuesday will be morning rides and Wednesday will prolly be one of the 400 mile routes... not sure.  Y'all have fun gettin' there and we'll see you in Eureka Springs!

Bun

You gotta catch Yakov Smirnoff if you're going to Branson.  You owe it to yourselves, and you owe it to your country.

[twist]

Dam!!! I'm sorry all I will not be able to make it, and I'm less that a thousand miles away from Eureka Springs.(grand junction Co.) I just got a sad message, My friend Dan, a fellow rescue worker lost his life in a auto accident two days ago. The services will be held Wednesday morning, So I need to head back tomorrow in the am.  I hope you all have a great time and please stay safe!!

Sorry to hear that Jim