Re-titled: this ino longer and official ESTN event idea

[chornbe]

Edited without Chris' consent or knowledge  

If we do something like what is listed below, it'll be it's own, stand-alone event. The ESTN thread will be unlocked and an official ESTN event can be planned there

**************************
So, what's the deal with ESTN 2011?

Have you ever considered a regional meet and thought that if it was only 200 miles closer, you could do it without taking that extra day off work? Or maybe thought the roads around Such-n-Such-burg are nice, but it's really only a one-day area? Or thought that riding farther to get somewhere, while making your way home as part of the meet experience was a good option? Or maybe thought that it would be good to catch up with folks, only to find that they're the ones who couldn't get that extra day off work and had to cancel?

The idea being presented for ESTN 2011 can help with some of those concerns.

The suggestion is a "run" rather than a "meet-n-greet". ESTN attendees spend up to three nights and four days having a mobile meet. Probably starting in the North and working South and West. Each evening will see the ST.N members who wish to join up or continue on with the next leg of the run all gathering at one place in one town, then doing the same the next night at a new location.

So far, the thinking includes Lake Placid for the first night, Central or Southwestern PA for the second night, and West Virginia or parts South (North Carolina ?) for the third night.

Having the meet spread out across a long weekend and in such a diverse geographical area may allow more people to attend at least a portion of the meet, while also providing the opportunity to spend more time riding different roads as part of the meet. Since attendees have to ride from one point to the next, and they have all day to do so before the evening's parking lot festivities, riders are free to pack up and go at their own pace, select a route from suggestions or from their own experience or curiosity, and of course to ride with others who they may not get to see very often.

Stay tuned for more details concerning the 2011 ESTN Rallye!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 

[Cablebandit]

I put the page count over/under at 10.

[scottzilla]

I like it.

[JReazor]

Just to get the obvious question out of the way:

Why not let ESTN be what it always has been and make this run a separate event?

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I like it.

Asshole.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I can see the appeal of the Run vs Meet; a lot more scenery to see, a lot more geographic variety, a bigger chance to get more people involved from various states...


I like the idea of moving from one place to another. What if we did something more like a "circle tour"? Pick out 2-3 places that are within a day's ride, but more centrally located to somewhere random, like Kentucky  That will keep it more centralized (like the current ESTN Meets) yet give us some variety of the roads seen day-to-day.

Also, depending on where the circle is, it might be easy for people to jump in for only a couple of days if their time is limited  

[shil]

What about the beer?  And provisions?
And agreeing on three hotels?

[MrsCablebandit]

ESTN 2010 was my first meet and I thoroughly enjoyed the "format" since Cablebandit and I were able to turn it into a five-day trip.  We took our time (and the scenic routes) to get there and back again, meeting up and heading home with others as our travel plans overlapped.  

It's easy for me to say this is what I would prefer, since I don't know any better...however, I can also see the appeal of the "run."  I am interested to see where discussion about this goes; if this idea is pursued and Central PA does become a stop, I (we  ) could help with some of the logistics for this area.  

[garry]

For me, ESTN is usually a multi-day "loop" ride anyway. I'm not sure how this idea would work in practice as a three-day weekend if it takes someone a day just to get to the official "loop". But a rolling rally sounds like an interesting idea, so continue discussing the possibilities.

As someone else mentioned months ago, we are not limited to one eastern event a year. We can have several long weekend get-togethers or loop rides. Just post up and idea and see who is interested...

[falcofred]

Any excuse to ride

[R Doug]

What about the beer?  And provisions?
And agreeing on three hotels?

There you are, I haven't seen you around in awhile.

Anyhow, regarding your point, this has the potential of a hotel logistical nightmare the way we hem/haw around on just one.  

Other than that, I really like the idea.  

[beachy]

it might be like doing the wave at the stadium you just get in there when its your turn but even better you get to ride

[Guy]

Just to get the obvious question out of the way:

Why not let ESTN be what it always has been and make this run a separate event?

Yeah, I've always felt that there was a dearth of eastern meets.

Call it the Rolling Roadblock Meet, and set it for the beginning of summer instead of the end. Maybe May or sumtin'. Gives more of an option for peeps to make a meet in this neck of the woods.

[maddjack]

As far as agreeing on Hotels, hey, my 2 cents is the organizer should pick , there can be disscussion , but somebody has to make a call, if people want to join up they will. We are way too poll/ democracy oriented for events when nobody can ever agree.
chris do it, maybe look at a loop of 4 or the open ended thing could work.
The only disadvantge is you lose leverage to get a group hotel rate with one night stays.
Just my thoughts folks

[Mrs. DantesDame]

As far as agreeing on Hotels, hey, my 2 cents is the organizer should pick

We did something like this over in BC (the Banff Run). The organizer there picked (more like "suggested") the hotel and restaurant and then everyone made their own arrangements. Only in one particular location was there a choice, as the main hotel of choice was quite spendy, so an alternative was named. Dinner was still at the chosen location. It seemed to work out very well  

[Skee]

16 posts without any negativity - that's rare here's my take.

I like it.  But I'm flexible, don't mind riding under any conditions, and don't bitch when the weekend or location doesn't suit my personal schedule; although I may occasionally whine annoying at higher RPM!  STN is such an anarchic democracy that achieving any sort of consensus on dates an times is likely improbable.

I still like the idea.  

We start by agreeing on a core date & location - just sayin' - Sparta on Sat night, then expand with links forward & back.  For example, Lewisburg WV Fri night, Hocking Hill OH Thurs night, Lake Placid WED; then Maggie Valley NC Mon Night, etc.  

Alternatively - I'll just throw this out there - What about doing 3 ESTNs: Spring Summer Fall.  Each one a weekend in a different locale, maybe VT mid-summer, Spring in NC/WV, and fall in OH.  I already know I won't be able to make all 3, but it gives everybody an opportunity to make at least one sometime.

[maddjack]

In truth we have been doing 2, with the meet and eat a spring ESTN although its not called that, I put foreward the multiple Idea earlier in the year and I agree 3 would be good, call what you like

[MrsCablebandit]

In truth we have been doing 2, with the meet and eat a spring ESTN although its not called that, I put foreward the multiple Idea earlier in the year and I agree 3 would be good, call what you like

ThreESTN, perhaps?!?

[maddjack]

Spring out meet
Mid summer meet
 ESTN
My 2 coppers

[JReazor]

Ya know, this kind of multi-day, multi-locaton deal could work really well for people looking for a group ride to The National.

[shil]

I like that idea.

[HappyRiding]

Ya know, this kind of multi-day, multi-locaton deal could work really well for people looking for a group ride to The National.

 

But a rolling ESTN would end up turning it into more than a week for me so I'd have to skip it or skip National. I didn't make it to ESTN last year because the location was too far for the vacation time I had left. I was looking forward to it being in WV again. Personally, I like to get my hard riding on a loaded bike over with then enjoy what the local area has to offer. I'd rather not ride a mini iron-butt rally. I'm not saying that I wouldn't go but I would rather have a fixed location so I can ride as little or as much as I want each day.

Just my $.02

[maddjack]

 

But a rolling ESTN would end up turning it into more than a week for me so I'd have to skip it or skip National. I didn't make it to ESTN last year because the location was too far for the vacation time I had left. I was looking forward to it being in WV again. Personally, I like to get my hard riding on a loaded bike over with then enjoy what the local area has to offer. I'd rather not ride a mini iron-butt rally. I'm not saying that I wouldn't go but I would rather have a fixed location so I can ride as little or as much as I want each day.

Just my $.02

And you make some good points, Often the allure of a location's local roads is a great reason to pick a single spot.Another thing is distance between motels on a rolling rally ,how far, and is there a good set or SETS of roads to the next location,. I am NOT condemning the idea just bringing up thoughts others may be thinking. I think this should be an event in Addition to a more Traditional type ESTN

[Mrs. DantesDame]

in Addition to a more Traditional type ESTN

Will you volunteer to plan this "traditional type" event?

[marc11]

I like this idea a lot.  The biggest merit is that you can join in and exit out whenever or where ever you want or make it part of an overall destination ride.  For me, the few ESTN events I attended were always about the ride there and back, the "event" was really just a destination to route great roads to and from; this idea expands on that and makes the RIDE the event.  

Now, come up with an "ESTN - The Adventure Ride" down in WV and you may be on to something  

[chornbe]

Ok, so it sounds like the best choice here is to let ESTN be ESTN, and this "run" kind of thing will be a separate event.

Cool.

[maddjack]

Ok, so it sounds like the best choice here is to let ESTN be ESTN, and this "run" kind of thing will be a separate event.

Cool.

Chris I take it as in addition to , meaning ( and as I have said before ) a Multi ESTN event Schedule during the year,  IE  , A spring  , mid summer , late summer / fall, just add a name to ESTN like the Mid Summer Meet or  ESTN Rolling ride Get it my brother?  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Ok, so it sounds like the best choice here is to let ESTN be ESTN, and this "run" kind of thing will be a separate event.

Cool.

 Chris I take it as in addition to , meaning ( and as I have said before ) a Multi ESTN event Schedule during the year,  IE  , A spring  , mid summer , late summer / fall, just add a name to ESTN like the Mid Summer Meet or  ESTN Rolling ride Get it my brother?  

Um, you guys are saying the same thing  

[chornbe]

Ok then. How about this: someone else can plan up the 2011 ESTN, and Dante and I will work on this ride for July 2011.  

[maddjack]

Um, you guys are saying the same thing  

Quiet woman , men folk is talkin.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Quiet woman , men folk is talkin.  

Watch it, mister!!!  

[maddjack]

Watch it, mister!!!  

[cooter]

I can see the appeal of the Run vs Meet; a lot more scenery to see, a lot more geographic variety, a bigger chance to get more people involved from various states...


I like the idea of moving from one place to another. What if we did something more like a "circle tour"? Pick out 2-3 places that are within a day's ride, but more centrally located to somewhere random, like Kentucky  That will keep it more centralized (like the current ESTN Meets) yet give us some variety of the roads seen day-to-day.

Also, depending on where the circle is, it might be easy for people to jump in for only a couple of days if their time is limited  

Whatever you do, do not come to Kentucky.

The roads are horrible. The cops are on crack.

All around a great place to avoid.


Honest.........


Really..............

 

[Spanky]

I like the idea of having both. The more rides to great locations the better. If we can harass Chris along the way, that's just icing on the cake.

I would be more than willing to help with planning ESTN. I had a blast at ESTN and the National. More than happy to contribute if I can.

[maddjack]

I like the idea of having both. The more rides to great locations the better. If we can harass Chris along the way, that's just icing on the cake.I would be more than willing to help with planning ESTN. I had a blast at ESTN and the National. More than happy to contribute if I can.

I thought that was why we had meets  

[Spanky]

I am kinda new to this, I thought the meets were really tech sessions to work on Chris's trailer!    

[chornbe]

I am kinda new to this, I thought the meets were really tech sessions to work on Chris's trailer!    

The hazard flashers on my trailer are just fine, thanks!

[Cablebandit]

Right, it's the bike that had the flasher issues.  Perhaps water in the wiring due to the excessive washing.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Right, it's the bike that had the flasher issues.  Perhaps water in the wiring due to the excessive washing.  

[chornbe]

oh. snap.

[Huron52]

Interesting ideas guys and gals.... I can't think of a thing to add but I will check back as time goes on to see what develops. I might join in.

[ConPilot1]

Wouldn't this roaming ride cut in to the drinking/hangover recovery time too much?

Not that I would go anyway, but just thought I'd throw that out there............

[kyzrex]

just in case anyone is interested....

If I remember correctly, the first 2 ESTN meets were held in Kentucky.

1st year (2003? 2002?)  meeting hotel was just outside of Lexington.  First day saw some great riding up in NoKy including routes 10, 22, 62, 25.  Second day was the Bourbon Tour and included stops at about 6 or 7 different Distilleries.  Since it was held over Memorial Day weekend, most were closed, but still a cool ride, even with some late day showers.

2nd year was held in SoKy, just outside London, Ky and near Cumberland Falls State Park.  We used a great campground at Laural River Lake and a Travelodge just off I-75.  Had TORRENTAL rain storm the 2nd night that a few of the campers sat though in the womens bathroom.  However, had some GREAT riding over a couple of days including rts 92, 1193, 192 and more.  Included a run over to Middlesboro to see the Glacier Girl (sadly, no longer there).


I like the idea of a cental location for 2-3 days.  Why not organize a mini 12hr rally for those that are so inclined? Hold it 1 of the days while there?

[servicerifle]

KY and SE OH are good places to ride, and not far from WbygodV, which is heaven for a motorcyclist.  I still think Breaks Interstate Park is a great place to have ESTN, but the life support is a challenge (restaurants/gas must be ridden to).

Another place that as far as I know has not been used for ESTN is TWO in Suches, GA.  Great roads there too, and WNC is well within range...

[lionlady]

Wouldn't this roaming ride cut in to the drinking/hangover recovery time too much?

Not that I would go anyway, but just thought I'd throw that out there............

I was thinking the same thing. Had hoped to make it to one of these sometime.

P

[Shrike]

Just decide something so I at least have a chance of getting time off!!  

[maddjack]

Just decide something so I at least have a chance of getting time off!!  

+1,000000

[Guy]

KY and SE OH are good places to ride, and not far from WbygodV, which is heaven for a motorcyclist.  I still think Breaks Interstate Park is a great place to have ESTN, but the life support is a challenge (restaurants/gas must be ridden to).

Another place that as far as I know has not been used for ESTN is TWO in Suches, GA.  Great roads there too, and WNC is well within range...

Marietta,OH seems to be the sweet spot for riding in the SE OH and NW WV area. Just a hop skip and jump away from the triple nickel (OH555) and there is great riding in WV just across the river. Plus Marietta is a (small) college town, so there are things like good restaurants and bars, with all the things that go with them in college towns.

[maddjack]

Marietta,OH seems to be the sweet spot for riding in the SE OH and NW WV area. Just a hop skip and jump away from the triple nickel (OH555) and there is great riding in WV just across the river. Plus Marietta is a (small) college town, so there are things like good restaurants and bars, with all the things that go with them in college towns.

Thats why the Mail pouch flyby is there every august for MSTA

 To me if its not a rolling meet ,Kentucky would be a new fresh idea

[Proprioceptor]

I'm in for the Lewisburg WV - Sparta NC leg if it happens.  

[falcofred]

Just decide something so I at least have a chance of getting time off!!  

 

[Oilhed]

I was only at the Lake Placid in '09 but had a great time.  I like the rolling rally idea but would probably commit easier to specific location in the Northeast.  I wish I could make the Nat'l or ESTN every year but just can't because of work and family.  So what's happening this year?

[roc66]

Has anything been decided on?

[servicerifle]

No.  

Seems to work best when one person saddles themselves with the responsibility and just says, "unless someone complains, it's gonna be ___________"

If I were in the US I'd do it again, I really enjoyed it.

[st2sam]

No.  
 If I were in the US I'd do it again, I really enjoyed it.

I (we) could only hope.
That was the best, most fun, well organized ESTN meet ever.

[servicerifle]

One day...  

As long as STN doesn't dry up I will do it again.  I'll also host an ADV gathering too.  My new land has access to a lot of dirt trails AND some of the county's best roads...AND great whitewater rafting.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

That was the best, most fun, well organized ESTN meet ever.

Care to share what made it that? It'll help with future endeavors...

[vulcanbill]

Wouldn't this roaming ride cut in to the drinking/hangover recovery time too much?

Not that I would go anyway, but just thought I'd throw that out there............

This is the only thing that makes my eyebrow raise.  Unlike many, for me riding is about riding.  I don't drink, smoke, or find large gatherings of people who do appealing.  I especially don't want to be on the road with hungover sorts or wait in the parking lot for people to drag themselves into the ready position.  I like the idea of actually having to make 3 or 400 miles each day, finding kindred spirits who have no issues with this and knowing that they'll be prepared when the early morning comes.  

Oh and  

 

[garry]

Care to share what made it that? It'll help with future endeavors...

I was the original organizer (polls on dates, locations, etc) of that ESTN, then Steve offered to jump in with both feet because he had lots of free time and needed a project to keep his mind off personal stuff. And he did an awesome job. IMO what made that ESTN particularly good was due to:

1) He spent many days scouting roads/routes. He published 3 or 4 high quality routes for people to choose from
2) He hunted down a caterer that served some fine BBQ and made sure the group dinner (at the hotel) went off without a hitch. And managed the money for the dinner too.
3) Most amazingly, he beat the bushes for prizes to be given away. There was a ton of good stuff for the raffle. That had be a huge amount of time and effort.

So in a nutshell I think people value being directed to the best roads the area has to offer (local knowledge required), the group dinner is a plus if it can be pulled off because it's more time to mingle and BS without riding somewhere, and prizes make it extra fun after the dinner. Who doesn't like to get free stuff? Picking a hotel with a banquet room that could be rented/used was key to pulling off the group dinner.

[servicerifle]

Garry said it.

#1 reason is because I couldn't stand to look at my four walls due to issues in my life at the time.

That said, I do have some experience with starting clubs and such, I also founded a large 4WD club in Colorado which is still going strong on my original set of by-laws.  I do enjoy being an organizer, and when an organizer's personal life goes to hell, well, if works if he has an outlet.  I'd do it again, even with a stable life though.  

A good team helped.  Members Sprint_ST and MCH assisted with maps and we blind-verified the gpx files to make sure they actually worked.  MCH and I developed a large spreadsheet that tracked attendees, their dinner/hotel/t-shirt reservations to include size and color of shirt, how many dinners, everything.  Once we got that working error free it was pretty easy to just read the tally at the bottom.  T-shirts were so easy, they had a 1 week turn around I think.  Sprint_ST used the plotter at work to print D size prints of our routes so people could pore over them after dinner.  The hotel let us use their dining hall for all of one evening, which gave us a "ride organization area."

Most surprising was that we'd planned to use the extra $1 per entry "slush" on beer if we had any $$ left over. People didn't drink all the beer!  I was flabbergasted.  

I'm not sure if I could beat the bushes for door prizes again...who am I kidding, I would in a heartbeat.  Some parts sucked, but we got some good stuff.  Still can't believe we had a SET OF TIRES donated.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

So in a nutshell I think people value being directed to the best roads the area has to offer (local knowledge required), the group dinner is a plus if it can be pulled off because it's more time to mingle and BS without riding somewhere, and prizes make it extra fun after the dinner. Who doesn't like to get free stuff? Picking a hotel with a banquet room that could be rented/used was key to pulling off the group dinner.

So pretty much "what's been done for the Nationals"  

[garry]

I think the group dinner w/ prizes and a T-shirt helps make it feel more like an event than just having 50 or 60 people descend on the same hotel for a couple days. But it's much less work to organize a "show up and ride" gathering.

[Oilhed]

I think the group dinner w/ prizes and a T-shirt helps make it feel more like an event than just having 50 or 60 people descend on the same hotel for a couple days. But it's much less work to organize a "show up and ride" gathering.

In Lake Placid a bunch of us got together in the parking lot for Fri dinner, for Sat ride and for Sat dinner.  It was three different groups for me so I got to meet a lot of people and it was much more social than a big dinner.  I like the parking lot full of bikes, riders and beer on Sat night.  It's only second to a big campfire.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

In Lake Placid a bunch of us got together in the parking lot for Fri dinner, for Sat ride and for Sat dinner.  It was three different groups for me so I got to meet a lot of people and it was much more social than a big dinner.  I like the parking lot full of bikes, riders and beer on Sat night.  It's only second to a big campfire.

To me, those are the best meets. Sure, the Nationals can be fun with the prizes and banquet halls, but I'm more into the whole "get together for dinner and then hang out in the parking lot" scene. But hey, different bikes, different ideas of an ideal Meet, right?

[maddjack]

In Lake Placid a bunch of us got together in the parking lot for Fri dinner, for Sat ride and for Sat dinner.  It was three different groups for me so I got to meet a lot of people and it was much more social than a big dinner.  I like the parking lot full of bikes, riders and beer on Sat night.  It's only second to a big campfire.

Its the best type of meet for me, get to meet a larger group of folks and socialize even more than an organized dinner thing. Its easier to move around the knots of people that way

[Mr.Awesome]

Are there any real plans in the works for an ESTN this year? Rolling rally or fixed meet. I see Chris has locked the original ESTN 11 thread. I would definetly be game for a S/E OH or KY meet as was suggested before.

[servicerifle]

Colleen, luckily our venue for ESTN 07 had both.  The parking lot was a great meeting place and was really the focus of the "gatherings."  There were usually 30+ people in the parking lot talking bikes and BSing.  Having the banquet hall (and we actually ate out back in their bbq area) just gave us a place for the caterer and big prints of maps.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Are there any real plans in the works for an ESTN this year? Rolling rally or fixed meet. I see Chris has locked the original ESTN 11 thread. I would definetly be game for a S/E OH or KY meet as was suggested before.

Chris and I thought that we could do a Run instead of a standard Meet, but it's not going to happen. I've unlocked the ESTN 2011 thread for continued planning. This thread will hang around in case Chris and/I get off our butts and plan a run (as a stand-alone to the Meet)