Move the National from Montrose

[Thundergod]

I respect the decisions of the Admins who plan the National meet.

But as an Avid Motorcyclist and  NATIVE COLORADAN, I have to say that MONTROSE IS HOT HELL.
Set in the west-plateau at the end of the valley...Montrose is just hell plain and simple...always hot, always flat.

Please consider moving the National ONE HOUR EAST to Gunnison or Paonia.
In doing so you will gain the following OVER Montrose.

1. Cool daytime temperatures. (80 instead of 100s)
2. Beautiful Scenery surrounding the entire town
3. Biker Friendly town
4. Biker Friendly Restaurants/Hotels for large groups
5. ** Most importantly** There are at least 5 Major Day Routes within moments of Gunnison. ALL are perfection for motorcyclists. Twisty river canyons, rolling sweepers etc. Montrose has ZERO. You ride in and ride out to get anywere.

PLEASE...I BEG OF YOU....MOVE THE NATIONAL OFF THE PLATEAU and INTO OUR BEAUTIFUL COOL MOUNTAINS

[Leanintree]

What 5 day routes are you talking about? I'm a Gunnison native (30 years although I'm now in Grand Junction), and I sure don't see the others that you are referring to... They all tie into one another really...

East Hwy 50 to Monarch, Southeast down 141, south 149, west Hwy 50 to Montrose, West NW down hwy 92 OR Kebler Pass west out of Crested Butte.

If you want to make a super short loop, Monarch and 141 are tied together, or one must be bypassed (and will make a loop through Montrose anyway) for a longer ride.

South to lake City, through Creede, Durango up 550 and returning to Gunnison via Montrose is good ride, but no points for that since it can start from Montrose as well.

Hwy 92 is halfway between Gunny and Montrose, and the only outlet there won't lead easily back to Gunny (over McCleur pass, over Independance, Salida, Monarch pass, Gunny). Only one option there though. If you go the other way, its slab to Glenwood, Grand Junction,  Montrose and back to Gunny (although, there is a possible side trip over the Grand Mesa).

Basically, multiple day trips lead to riding the same roads there and back for half the time. Out of Montrose, there are all these routes, and multiple others in the southwest corner of the state to make into round trips.

Not that I'm complaining though, If it's in Gunny, I have a place to crash within 20 miles and probably could offer camping to any and all ST.Ners that wanted it . With a hot tub.  

Leanintree

[DredheadV2.0]

I know Gunnison was in the running last time, along with Moab.  I don't know why Montrose was chosen overall - I mean, I knew once, but have long since forgotten.  All the polling and discussion disappeared when the old board died.

[sprintrock]

I heard discussion at the National about southern Utah.  From pictures and stories, I think that I'd prefer Utah.

Rockford

[Orson]

I don't know why Montrose was chosen overall - I mean, I knew once, but have long since forgotten.  All the polling and discussion disappeared when the old board died.

I seem to remember it was bantied about quite a bit.

I'm thinking it had something to do with hotel choices and availability.

[twist]

I don't remember either.  Just a quick search shows a bunch of hotels in both Montrose and Gunnison.  Where we stayed at Montrose, there was an awesome dealer walking distance to the hotel, Davis Service Center.  They had Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki/Kawasaki/KTM.  Gunnison has Sun Sports Unlimited - Yamaha/KTM/Kawasaki - are they any good?  Where's the nearest Suzuki and Honda dealer?  The nearest BMW dealers are still Grand Junction and Colorado Springs.

Assuming Gunnison has all the same amenities as Montrose, it's beneficial to move there just for the temperature drop, even if all the rides are the same.

[DredheadV2.0]

I wish there was SOMETHING from the old board left, on a CD-ROM somewhere.  Just one day's worth of archiving in the spring of 2005.  SOMETHING.

With the old board gone, I cannot brain.

[SWriverstone]

So...Thundergod sounds like he knows what he's talking about. Is STN so dogmatic and inflexible that this can't be opened up for discussion again?

 

Just wondering.
Scott

[Orson]

So...Thundergod sounds like he knows what he's talking about. Is STN so dogmatic and inflexible that this can't be opened up for discussion again?

maybe only the locals notice the heat.  

I seem to remember a lot of people coming away thoroughly "chuffed" (had to throw that word into conversation) after the Montrose national.

Throw up a poll and see which way the shingle tilts  

[Thundergod]

What 5 day routes are you talking about? I'm a Gunnison native (30 years although I'm now in Grand Junction), and I sure don't see the others that you are referring to... They all tie into one another really...

East Hwy 50 to Monarch, Southeast down 141, south 149, west Hwy 50 to Montrose, West NW down hwy 92 OR Kebler Pass west out of Crested Butte.

If you want to make a super short loop, Monarch and 141 are tied together, or one must be bypassed (and will make a loop through Montrose anyway) for a longer ride.

South to lake City, through Creede, Durango up 550 and returning to Gunnison via Montrose is good ride, but no points for that since it can start from Montrose as well.

Hwy 92 is halfway between Gunny and Montrose, and the only outlet there won't lead easily back to Gunny (over McCleur pass, over Independance, Salida, Monarch pass, Gunny). Only one option there though. If you go the other way, its slab to Glenwood, Grand Junction,  Montrose and back to Gunny (although, there is a possible side trip over the Grand Mesa).

Basically, multiple day trips lead to riding the same roads there and back for half the time. Out of Montrose, there are all these routes, and multiple others in the southwest corner of the state to make into round trips.

Not that I'm complaining though, If it's in Gunny, I have a place to crash within 20 miles and probably could offer camping to any and all ST.Ners that wanted it . With a hot tub.  

Leanintree

Here are four that are worth while, all originate from Gunnison. But these could be easily expanded.


View Larger Map

[DredheadV2.0]

So...Thundergod sounds like he knows what he's talking about. Is STN so dogmatic and inflexible that this can't be opened up for discussion again?

 

Just wondering.
Scott

We're having a discussion right now, Scott.  Did you miss it, somehow?

[Scoop]

I move that we form a subcommittee to ride to both areas and do an exhaustive comparative evaluation.  Based on those findings, and on pure whim, we can then select a location.

[stefrrr]

I think that's a great idea! Who volunteers?

[Scoop]

I forgot to mention that it needs to be a subcommittee with an expense account......

[stefrrr]

Sure. Just turn in your receipts.  

[twist]

Sure. Just turn in your receipts.  

If you're paying, I'll go book my plane tickets, 5-star hotel accomodations and motorcycle rental right now

[stefrrr]

All I said was turn in your receipts. I never said anything about giving anything back.  

[greench440]

Second the motion to move to Gunnison.

[bobnflorida]

This discussion is taking on a very political feeling :lol:I would mention names but then all hell would break loose. Scoop - how are things up north?

[DredheadV2.0]

I'm all for throwing it up for another vote.  Montrose worked out really well, but we'd all agreed that another Rockies location might be cool for the 2008 meet also.

The voting last time was between Gunnison, Montrose, Moab, and... crap.  Can't think of the fourth option.  No matter.  We'll throw it up for a vote after people voice their choices and make their cases over the next few months.

[greench440]

I vote for the place with the lowest temperatures.  Some place up in the mountains.

[DredheadV2.0]

I vote for the place with the lowest temperatures.  Some place up in the mountains.

Banff?

[twist]

I vote for the place with the lowest temperatures.  Some place up in the mountains.

Lower temperatures are good, but we should also consider the availability of hotels/food/repair shops/etc.  All else being equal, I'd pick the lowest temperature too.

[DredheadV2.0]

Lower temperatures are good, but we should also consider the availability of hotels/food/repair shops/etc.  

Which is, I think, why Montrose won out last time.

All else being equal, I'd pick the lowest temperature too.

But to TG's point, if one can roll out of the hotel parking lot and onto a curvy-ass road, that counts for something over having to ride a few miles of hot n straight before engaging in something fun.  How much of that does Gunnison have over Montrose or Moab?

[DangerMoney]

Please consider moving the National ONE HOUR EAST to Gunnison or Paonia.

Regarding Paonia, much research is already on the web.

http://www.coloradobeemers.org/content/view/2/25/

There's already links to lodging, resources, local rides and more.  They've been hosting M/C gatherings for 35 years.

[spinalator]

And  plot thickens as the other shoe drops

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I'm all for throwing it up for another vote.  Montrose worked out really well, but we'd all agreed that another Rockies location might be cool for the 2008 meet also.

+1  I'm up for a poll. I'd suggest limiting the choices to 2 or 3, though. Having 7 different locations will really cause some issues.  

[greench440]

Banff?

No. Beautiful scenery, and lots to do and see, but only one good road through there and mega expensive as it's a tourist town.  I was there for 5 days at the end of June.

[spinalator]

+1  I'm up for a poll. I'd suggest limiting the choices to 2 or 3, though. Having 7 different locations will really cause some issues.  

I agree with her and would like to congratulate her on 4K posts once again!  

[Scoop]

This discussion is taking on a very political feeling :lol:I would mention names but then all hell would break loose. Scoop - how are things up north?

Things are normal here.  Straight roads, cool weather but no hurricanes!

[Thundergod]

Moab is absolutely beautiful....but in June/July/August expect 100+ temperatures during the day.
Ride early, hide during the day. Moab and Canyonlands/arches is a just an amazing spot. But I would
say that Moab is more suited for Dirt-Riders, than for sport-touring. Moab is a bit isolated, look at the map.
Not too many roads in/out....and they all lead into desert.

[R.Markus]

I know Gunnison was in the running last time, along with Moab.  I don't know why Montrose was chosen overall - I mean, I knew once, but have long since forgotten.

I'm all for Moab.

[sprocket]

I just spent 10 days in Colorado, got home last Monday. Did my first SS1000, all of it in Colorado, 18 hrs, what a day!
Since I plan on making the national next year, I guess that gives me the right to open my mouth.
The twisties are frekin unreal, that southwestern part of Colorado is by far the best stuff. The twisties on hiways 149, 146, 141, 92 and 550 will be more than most can do(or want to do) in a few days. The loops will be big 400+ miles if you wanta ride all the good stuff while your there.
Hey thats what "Sport Touring" is all about right!
Come prepared to ride..... leave early, get back late and I dont think you'll ever notice day time heat in Montrose.

Even though, Montrose is certainly hot during the day. IMO Gunnison would be a better choice, either way I'm a coming.
Please keep it in Colorado, I cant wait to get back there!

"Regarding Paonia, much research is already on the web.

This little town probably has the biggest open arms towards riders in Colorado, especially for those that like camping. heck they open up there school gym for the free use of showers.

[Nodaclu]

"Regarding Paonia, much research is already on the web.

This little town probably has the biggest open arms towards riders in Colorado, especially for those that like camping. heck they open up there school gym for the free use of showers.

 

To me at least, these days ANY town that welcomes a group of riders with open arms is every bit as important as all of the other necessities that have been mentioned in this thread. (See West Fest '08 on ADV for what the opposite of this looks like. What a mess.)

[sprocket]

 

To me at least, these days ANY town that welcomes a group of riders with open arms is every bit as important as all of the other necessities that have been mentioned in this thread. (See West Fest '08 on ADV for what the opposite of this looks like. What a mess.)

You might have to give the Readers Digest version on the mess, thats alot of stuff to look through!
I'm curious to what happened.

[Nodaclu]

You might have to give the Readers Digest version on the mess, thats alot of stuff to look through!
I'm curious to what happened.

Sorry...forgot how big that thread has gotten.

Here's the best starting point. (Be prepared for some seriously colorful language.)  

Going from that point forward for a few pages will give you an idea of what happened. Note that this occurred just 3 weeks before the event was scheduled to kick off. I believe the original contract was signed way back in January.

They've since solved a few of their issues, but some features of the event have been scaled back or eliminated entirely, and lots of tension seems to be surrounding this thing now. It just seems so much easier to spend your time (and money!) in an area that welcomes you with open arms.

[basco]

I remember some saying eastern Utah wasn't that bad. I'd go for that.

[stefrrr]

Sorry...forgot how big that thread has gotten.

Here's the best starting point. (Be prepared for some seriously colorful language.)  

Going from that point forward for a few pages will give you an idea of what happened. Note that this occurred just 3 weeks before the event was scheduled to kick off. I believe the original contract was signed way back in January.

They've since solved a few of their issues, but some features of the event have been scaled back or eliminated entirely, and lots of tension seems to be surrounding this thing now. It just seems so much easier to spend your time (and money!) in an area that welcomes you with open arms.

Holy shoot, that's bad.  



I'm nervous to see how it went.  

[yotes65]

Any idea what the dates would be for this gathering?

Never mind... I'd found the answer on another thread...

[Orson]

and lots of tension seems to be surrounding this thing now.

That kinda describes ADV.com, doesn't it?  

 

[Nodaclu]

That kinda describes ADV.com, doesn't it?  

 

  Abso-friggin-lutely!!  

But this has been bad, even for them. I think their event starts August 8th. I'll be VERY interested to see how it all pans out.

There was also a post in that thread (I'll try to find it) that talked about Gunnison, and how a proprietor at one of the resorts there loves to see the riders come in - says they are her best customers.

That's the kind of place I'd want to frequent and spend my money!!

Edit: Here's that post I was mentioning...

I just got off the phone with the nice lady at the Island Resort in Gunnison, where I'm staying Thursday Nite. She says bikers are her nicest, best customers. Arlen needs to have a chat with her. By the way, "the Trough" in Gunnison has an "adult happy meal", available in the bar only, consisting of a beer, a burger and fries, for like $6.

Where do I sign up for that!!  

[Leanintree]

Edit: just read the whole ADV rider thread and spoke to locals in the know. There's a lot of misunderstanding regarding ADV's WestFest and the expectations on both sides. Best for me not to comment.

However, I wouldn't discount Lake City as a possible ST.N destination. The issues ADV is experiencing are because of non-disclosure on both sides between organizers and resort ownership. If Lake City is an option, I'll personally put in a hand to make it happen the right way by starting at the correct end.

Leanintree

[Nodaclu]

I have a hunch where you're coming from. From what I've read, I imagine West Fest has earned a bit of a reputation too. On the other hand, it's not exactly Sturgis or Burning Man either.  

But I know there's definitely two sides to every story.

I didn't mean to hijack the thread, so I'll drop back into lurk mode for awhile. But as someone who swelters in 110+ degree temps all summer and barely has a chance to get out and ride during June, July and August, I'd certainly welcome the opportunity to spend time at a National where the entire event was in cooler weather - particularly a location with trees, water, and no sand, cactus or big time heat.  

[yotes65]

....as someone who swelters in 110+ degree temps all summer and barely has a chance to get out and ride during June, July and August, I'd certainly welcome the opportunity to spend time at a National where the entire event was in cooler weather - particularly a location with trees, water, and no sand, cactus or big time heat.  

+1... although I do ride 30+ miles each way everyday to work in this damn oven called Phoenix. With a National this close to home, I should be able to join.  

[Firedog]

 

[wheatonFJR]

I just spent 10 days in Colorado, got home last Monday. Did my first SS1000, all of it in Colorado, 18 hrs, what a day!
Since I plan on making the national next year, I guess that gives me the right to open my mouth.
The twisties are frekin unreal, that southwestern part of Colorado is by far the best stuff. The twisties on hiways 149, 146, 141, 92 and 550 will be more than most can do(or want to do) in a few days. The loops will be big 400+ miles if you wanta ride all the good stuff while your there.
Hey thats what "Sport Touring" is all about right!
Come prepared to ride..... leave early, get back late and I dont think you'll ever notice day time heat in Montrose.

Even though, Montrose is certainly hot during the day. IMO Gunnison would be a better choice, either way I'm a coming.
Please keep it in Colorado, I cant wait to get back there!

...

I'm here rarely...but I did go to the National in WV.

I was just out at NAFO and spent three days of riding based out of Gunnison.  Everytime going through Montrose it was just frakin' HOT.  

...and there was plenty of stuff in Gunnison...we stayed in the Comfort Inn and know there were other motels about.

If the choice was between Gunnison and Montrose...I would pick Gunnison EVERY time.

Also congrats on your SS1000 instate.    You didn't happen to ride with TriggerT didya?

[sprocket]

Also congrats on your SS1000 instate.    You didn't happen to ride with TriggerT didya?

Thank You, and, as a matter of fact I spent the better part of that day push'n and pullin with TriggerT!
I enjoyed that week so much, that I hope to make plans for a trip to Colorado every summer.
I agree, Gunnison is the place to be!

[Ant]

Just going to stick my two penneth in here... I am very seriously considering coming to this meet (I will probably know before the end of the year whether I can afford it or not - something is either going to happen or won't happen and that will dictate my funding!).

I have no idea about any of the places you guys are discussing so I'll leave it up to the people who know more about the area, I'd just like to add my vote for somewhere where it isn't too "touristy" a location and therefore costs an arm and a leg. I'm sure there will be a few people at the meet next year who've tightened their belts because of fuel costs and so on. A cheaper trip means that more people will be there  

Here is hoping that I'll be there!

[mxvet57]

I agree with her and would like to congratulate her on 4K posts once again!  

didn't we like congratulate DD on 3000 posts a couple months ago.

[greench440]

Ant, the US is going to seem cheap compared to UK prices.  I was paying in pounds what I was paying in dollars and the exchange was $1.99=1L (can't find the squiggly L)

Example, I was used to paying $4 for a pint in the US and paid 4L for a pint in Edinburgh.

[Ant]

Ant, the US is going to seem cheap compared to UK prices.  I was paying in pounds what I was paying in dollars and the exchange was $1.99=1L (can't find the squiggly L)

Example, I was used to paying $4 for a pint in the US and paid 4L for a pint in Edinburgh.

That is what I just figured out after a PM from Andrew
Yeah the $/£ real-world exchange rate has been around 1:1 for a while now, it makes me sick when I see what you guys are paying for things and I try and think up cunning plans to have stuff shipped across without getting hammered for customs duty.

[DredheadV2.0]

Example, I was used to paying $4 for a pint in the US and paid 4L for a pint in Edinburgh.

Was the beer just as good?

[greench440]

Same stuff you get here - Bass Ale, Guiness, Harp....

[Mr Sunshine]

Ant just have me bring it over...I'll accidently get it stolen while I'm there. :P

[bikerfish1100]

Same stuff you get here - Bass Ale, Guiness, Harp....

that's just "ferrin stuff" in CO. we make real beer here (and no, Coors is not even close to being on the list). check out these guys http://www.oskarblues.com/brew/! Just a short days ride from Gunnison or Paonia (either of which is a nicer locale than Montrose, btw).

all locations are close enough to the same roads that it's no real issue. The town park in Paonia is delightful for camping (assuming arrangements for use can be made), and the townies are just real hospitable to biker types.