Custer National Next Time

[Mr Sunshine]

Just a thought. Could the 2015 National that would be at Custer be somewhere else like Lewiston or northern California?

The thought is that perhaps moving it will get those who have gone to go again.

This year we had 18 for dinner. The last time it was at Custer there were over 60.  Something needs to be changed up to attract more people the next time it comes due.

The other thing is the Custer location and the Colorado location are only a day apart from each other. Shouldn't it be more spread out?

[Andrew]

I know a great place in Fortuna CA


OK in all seriousness, maybe in Sonora Or Reno

[Mr Sunshine]

I thought that was for your WCRM announcement.

But yeah I guess those locations for a national could work.  Just wish Nevada had something.

[Orson]

Just a thought. Could the 2015 National that would be at Custer be somewhere else like Lewiston or northern California?

I can't see a Nor Cal location benefiting east coast or Midwest ST.Ners  

[miles]

I can't see a Nor Cal location benefiting east coast or Midwest ST.Ners  

Yeah, but the western National location being a thousand miles away from the left coast is a bit ridiculous, too...

[Orson]

pshaw...westerners drive 50 miles for a quart of milk  

[miles]

Heck- the West Coast Regional meet is in my state, and it's a thousand miles of riding just to get there, so maybe you're right.

[garry]

The mid-week scheduling of the National (to give people time to get there) means taking vacation and making a week of it (9 days with the weekends). Not everyone is willing to devote a week of vacation to STN when there are other interests (family stuff, etc) vying for the same time.

If I'm taking vacation, I don't want to piss away valuable vacation days (since I don't get many) riding across the plains from PA for a couple days of fun on the other side. Four days of sucky riding (there and back) for a couple days of National seems like a bad value proposition to me. So short of an extended trip to make good use of getting across the plains, you probably won't ever see me very far west of the Mississippi river. Well, I did make it to Eureka Springs (only a half day of sucky riding) and will do that National again for sure. But burning those 5 vacation days in one block means that I can't use them to make long weekends, so doing one big trip actually reduces my total moto trip days for the season.

Personally, I prefer the regional meets. The long weekend format fits into most people's schedules better but it limits where you can draw from. I like the way ESTN moves around. Yes, it makes planning more of an exercise in cat-herding and consensus building, but it doesn't get stale. There are so many great places to ride and things see within a 500 mile radius of Pittsburgh, that I don't think I'll get bored any time soon. Variety is good, even if it takes more work.

[the frenchman]

+1 Garry. Having ridden across the middle of this great country and somehow living through the experience I can say with certainty it's not something I'll ever choose to do again.

[maddjack]

I thought WCRM was the western national.... just sayin

[miles]

+1 Garry. Having ridden across the middle of this great country and somehow living through the experience I can say with certainty it's not something I'll ever choose to do again.

and I guess that's my issue with the National locations. Of the four rotating locales, all but three require that Midwest grind for us here on the west coast. Even Colorado involves crossing Nevada, which is its own version of suck.
When Attpical1, DagoR6 and I took a week to get to Eureka Springs, we rode almost 6000 miles in seven days to do it. That was including a direct slab beeline home, part of which was a 1000+ miles stretch of I-40. Looking a a GPS that says "next turn 1,148 miles" gets a bit depressing.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

and I guess that's my issue with the National locations. Of the four rotating locales, all but three require that Midwest grind for us here on the west coast.  

There is no solution, so you guys can just quit now. Not that you will    The reasoning behind the rotating Nationals was so that those who did have the time/inclination to make a National could do so. Those who can't/won't, can make whatever National is in their back yard when the rotation comes.

Montrose (Colorado) - sure, a distance from the West Coast, but it's a fun ride.
Custer (north central US) - see Colorado
Eureka - haven't been there myself, but it seems to be reachable by the southern states by most
WV (or there abouts) - Also do-able for those on the east coast, but like the western meets, it mean committing time.


There don't have to be any Nationals. Regions seem to be pretty good at putting their Regional Meets together and its not like other region members are excluded   It's been eight years since the first one - maybe the novelty is over?  

[Mr Sunshine]

I can't see a Nor Cal location benefiting east coast or Midwest ST.Ners  

There is always the Colorado National.

[Mr Sunshine]

There is no solution, so you guys can just quit now. Not that you will    The reasoning behind the rotating Nationals was so that those who did have the time/inclination to make a National could do so. Those who can't/won't, can make whatever National is in their back yard when the rotation comes.

Montrose (Colorado) - sure, a distance from the West Coast, but it's a fun ride.
Custer (north central US) - see Colorado
Eureka - haven't been there myself, but it seems to be reachable by the southern states by most
WV (or there abouts) - Also do-able for those on the east coast, but like the western meets, it mean committing time.


There don't have to be any Nationals. Regions seem to be pretty good at putting their Regional Meets together and its not like other region members are excluded   It's been eight years since the first one - maybe the novelty is over?  

There is no National for the West Coast people that is in their backyard.  3 WESTERN states over is NOT in somoene's back yard.  So we should make one of the two in our backyards.  Custer or Montrose, choose.

Custer and Montrose are only a days away from each other.  The other meets are more than a days away from each other.

Figure out how to make it so Custer has more than 18 people next time and I'll listen.

While I had fun and it was nice to meet the people who came, it was smaller than the last WCRM I went too...and it mostly had Canadian's from the PNW there.

[Raptormn]

why not rotate colorado with a spot in Utah? a little closer to the west coast and cool riding in that area. imo from a new guy.

[zer0netgain]

Locations are tricky.

I find it odd that Colorado and South Dakota are choices given how close they are to each other.  However, what are the alternatives?

Oregon would be a very good "west" location.  Not great for those in the southern side of the country, but California's Nazi-like police enforcement make Oregon a better choice, IMHO.

SD has more than ND.  Maybe Montana, but you're going to be limited to the MT/ID border region for the good roads, and even then I'm not sure how much variety or short loops you can plan in a day.

Colorado remains a good choice for a "central" US location, but it does compete a little with the Ozarks/Oklahoma area.

WV isn't the only "east" option available.  You do have NC/VA/SC as well, but if you are from Maine or Florida, nothing is going to be close to you.

[maddjack]

The east location has moved a bit, and it in truth should as  limiting it is wasting a lot of good options, Colorado has also moved a bit , not far (from Montrose to Gunnison) but maybe Utah should be looked at. IMHO if you want a western meet a 5th location might need to be added to the rotation. And to you western people crying about flatland rides to SD and Colorado, try it from the east, you'll find out what suck is. To SD from PA  Western Ohio, IND, ILL Iowa, Nebraska or the W. Ohio, Michigan,Wisconsin,Eastern SD flatlands.
Then to Colorado, Yeah you can run WAAAAY south( not realistic on a working person's vacation limits) or, Again Western Ohio, Ind, ILL, Missouri( midsection FLAT) Kansas .So crossing oneor two flat western state's would be a blessing to US here in the east
Look folks ,unless the meets were all in the Appalachian Mts or on the west coast you will have to cross flatlands to get to a mid USA meet.

Regional meets are great I go to them,and if you don't want to committ the time or a flatland ride to a national its a great alternative, but don't poo poo the National because you don't want to go across the flats or time or whatever. go to the regional and leave it be.. BUT I still enjoy the nationals, whomever shows , shows, and in truth would moving them bring more people? I feel the economy has far more to do with the low turn out more than anything else, it was a financial strain for me to get there , but I was able to swing it, and a different location isn't going to make a difference to my pocketbook or to my ability to get there or not.


In truth  I wouldn't mind a west coast National, but very few Eastern people would be able to make it, and that kind of defeats the whole idea doesn't it?? It would be the same as a National in Lake Placid or Vermont.Ponder upon that for a while, the idea (originally) was centralized meets in decent riding locations.

And please don't take my response Personal , it isn't intended as such , just my ramblings to a screen about the whole thing, no offense intended.

[birdrunner]

Just a thought. Could the 2015 National that would be at Custer be somewhere else like Lewiston or northern California?

The thought is that perhaps moving it will get those who have gone to go again.

This year we had 18 for dinner. The last time it was at Custer there were over 60.  Something needs to be changed up to attract more people the next time it comes due.

The other thing is the Custer location and the Colorado location are only a day apart from each other. Shouldn't it be more spread out?

Although I really LOVE going to Custer, the reality is, except for one day, I ride the same route there.  

It seems BOTH "Western" meets are in reality more of a "Central" meet.
In addition,  almost everyone who rides to Custer from the east, continues to either Glacier or Colorado either before or after the meet anyways.

Sadly, I must concur with Sunshine.  

[birdrunner]

why not rotate colorado with a spot in Utah? a little closer to the west coast and cool riding in that area. imo from a new guy.

Utah was my first choice,  that or Southern Idaho  (Sun Valley anyone ??)  

[Mr Sunshine]

Personally I don't think the economy is why only 18 people showed up. Location being the same was.

As to a more western meet causing no east coasters to come I have to ask, how many west coasters go to the Eastern met in WV?

The idea of the rotation was to put a national close to people so they would go. Not having one near the west coast is not fair to the west coasters.

I feel like someone is getting their butt hurt with my suggestion on how to increase the number of people and are not willing to flex.

[greench440]

We could always skip the rotation and have it in the same place every year since each region now has its own meet, and I don't recall seeing any laws against attending a meeting in another region.

I propose the Geographic Center of the United States, Lebanon Kansas. http://www.kansastravel.org/geographicalcenter.htm

Of course, the riding might kinda suck, just look at that horizon.

[birdrunner]

We could always skip the rotation and have it in the same place every year since each region now has its own meet, and I don't recall seeing any laws against attending a meeting in another region.

I propose the Geographic Center of the United States, Lebanon Kansas. http://www.kansastravel.org/geographicalcenter.htm

Of course, the riding might kinda suck, just look at that horizon.

Yup,  and the meets closest are both "Western".   Time to move one of the two.

[greench440]

By road:
 Eureka Springs to Lebanon - 515
 Gunnison to Lebanon - 552
 Custer to Lebanon - 524

so Lebanon is pretty much the center.  Problem solved, leave a dollar in the jar on your way out.

I do agree that the "western" national location should be closer to the coast.

[maddjack]

Personally I don't think the economy is why only 18 people showed up. Location being the same was.

As to a more western meet causing no east coasters to come I have to ask, how many west coasters go to the Eastern met in WV?

The idea of the rotation was to put a national close to people so they would go. Not having one near the west coast is not fair to the west coasters.

I feel like someone is getting their butt hurt with my suggestion on how to increase the number of people and are not willing to flex.

More than you realize, I think we did pretty well last two times, last being Lewisburg and I know there were western people there,not saying there shouldn't be a west coast meet . And maybe you a TAD oversensitive to folks who don't bandwagon jump, hey show me how its going to get more people (other than all west coasters ) and I'll 100% back the idea instead of the 50/50 I am now.
I thought you guys liked to ride, now you want it a day away.

[bubba zanetti]

We could always skip the rotation and have it in the same place every year since each region now has its own meet, and I don't recall seeing any laws against attending a meeting in another region.

I propose the Geographic Center of the United States, Lebanon Kansas. http://www.kansastravel.org/geographicalcenter.htm

Of course, the riding might kinda suck, just look at that horizon.

The geographic center of North America is Rugby SD IIRC ... But Inguess that is why it is called the NATIONAL ... eh?

[Mr Sunshine]

FYI: Sonora is a good three day ride for me or a bad two day ride.  It all depends on the roads I take. The important part for me is zero interstate there and its still a reasonable time line.

And so what if there are more Californians. Its more people.

How many people from the western states showed up in the last eastern meet?  I know you said you did ok. But what is ok?

[Mr Sunshine]

Yeah it's called a national but if it continues like this it should have been called an International meet. 

[bubba zanetti]

Yeah it's called a national but if it continues like this it should have been called an International meet. 

Sorry that we watered down the event to such a degree  
I was not aware that the horsepower to Canuck ratio was such an issue?!

St.n IS international after all.  

But, I tend to agree with Chris, that the western national is a bit much too east. Baker comes to mind or the area south of Logan UT. East west must be juxtaposed with the reality of travel time/distance.

There ... Chris.  How did I do ?  Can I still borrow the Duc next weekend as you promised ? ?  Oh , after you put on new rubber of course.  

[Mr Sunshine]

There ... Chris.  How did I do ?  Can I still borrow the Duc next weekend as you promised ? ?  Oh , after you put on new rubber of course. 

Did I promise something after you rufyed me? 

[Orson]

moving the national to the west coast would make it easier for pussies to attend when, we're supposed to be weeding out the pussies from our ranks.

if sport touring wuz easy, everyone would be doing it.

 

[Croak]

6 Canadian riders and me (I just happened to ride from Canada, but I don't come from there).  Bump it up to 8 Canadians if you add the pillions.  So I'd say us Americans still outnumbered the Canadians.  

The geographic center of North America is Rugby SD IIRC

That's the geographic center of the United States (if you factor in Hawaii and Alaska).  I know this because it was on a menu at a restaurant in Bell Forche, SD, so it had to be true.

Lebanon KS is the center of the "lower 48" IIRC.  But there's no way you'll get me to go back to anywhere named Lebanon, great roads or slab. Been there, done that, got the Purple Heart.

[birdrunner]

Did I promise something after you rufyed me? 

Yes,  apparently Bubba was pretty good.  

[Guy]

Check out this map of population density, and figure out where the best place is to travel to that is equi-distant for the most people (you're gonna lose West Coaster's   )

[Mr Sunshine]

Check out this map of population density, and figure out where the best place is to travel to that is equi-distant for the most people (you're gonna lose West Coaster's   )

On that note is there a map that shows the density of ST.Ners across the US?  I know there are tools where you can feed it a ton of citys and it'll produce a map for you.   I'm highly curious of this information cause it would help National meet planning.  If it turns out they are all in Florida...then while I won't like it...I'd agree to the national being closer to there.  But I have a feeling that isn't the case.  

[Croak]

Good roads are generally in inverse proportion to the amount of population in a given area.  Has little to do with geography, and much to do with traffic.

[Mr Sunshine]

Good roads are generally in inverse proportion to the amount of population in a given area.  Has little to do with geography, and much to do with traffic.

Can you explain California then?  

[stromgal]

The western meet could be in Utah.  

[Croak]

Note the "generally" in there, and the fact that I said area, not state.  That said, from the population centers in Cali, other than a few crowded exceptions, it's still a bit of a ride to get to the tasty bits.

[Guy]

So maybe move Custer location west to WY/MT/ID region, and move the CO meet location further south to New Mexico. The first move will pander to PNW's and the second move should make the SoCal'ers happier.

Eureka Springs is about as close as you can get to the center of ST.n crowd that also has good riding

[birdrunner]

Eureka Springs is about as close as you can get to the center of ST.n crowd that also has good riding

Actually I remember planning the first Nat'l.  At that time we looked for a location central to the majority of members.  Custer was a very good choice. (Colorado was 2nd).  With the addition of other locations not as central, the need for a central location  isn't as critical.  Colorado could get moved a bit West to Utah  (could be bloody hot there),  Custer could go west to Idaho

But like I've said,  I love riding the Black Hills and would go (for my fourth time) if it was there again.

[Mr Sunshine]

So its settled...the 2015 National will be in Sonora, Ca.  It will be combined with the WCRM for some extra special fun.

Hurray for a decision!

[Mrs. DantesDame]

So its settled...the 2015 National will be in Sonora, Ca.  It will be combined with the WCRM for some extra special fun.

Hurray for a decision!

You never cease to amaze me, Chris  

[Mr Sunshine]

You never cease to amaze me, Chris  

This isn't a democracy....someone's gotta make a decision and our leaders don't...so I made it for them.    

[R Doug]

If people would just suck their your pride and trailer the bikes to the meets, there wouldn't be any problems.  
 

[Mr Sunshine]

If people would just suck their your pride and trailer the bikes to the meets, there wouldn't be any problems.  
 

Actually I joked to the Wife about doing just that to next year's National in Arkanasa.  But I would park the trailer somewhere a few hundred miles away so I can "ride" in.  

[Andrew]

Actually I joked to the Wife about doing just that to next year's National in Arkanasa.  But I would park the trailer somewhere a few hundred miles away so I can "ride" in.  

Poser


OK on a side line; Who has attended all 4 regional STN Nationals.

I have attended 3 out of 4, family business forced me to skip only the southern point. Been to Colorado, SD & WV, and I come from CA.

I can't believe I am agreeing with Sunshine, But I must second Sonora CA.
Considering how STN is like herding cats two votes is almost a slam dunk.
So Sonora IT IS  

If you feel like riding out please do, if not there are other options (fly and rent, trailer and ride, Fly and Buy and probably a few more)

[R Doug]

Actually I joked to the Wife about doing just that to next year's National in Arkanasa.  But I would park the trailer somewhere a few hundred miles away so I can "ride" in.  

I am actually considering shipping my bike to Denver in  two years so I can get in some quality riding in the area of the meet then ride it home.  

[greench440]

Make it 3 votes for Sonora

[Mr Sunshine]

For those who doubt Sonora we'll test drive it at WCRM next years meet. 

[zer0netgain]

For those who doubt Sonora we'll test drive it at WCRM next years meet. 

Just remember that LEO presence is also a factor.

Many places we pick aren't looking to bust a bunch of tourists enjoying the roads.

Only CA would be backwards enough to impose a statewide 55 mph speed limit considering the size of their state.  

[Reddog*]

Just remember that LEO presence is also a factor.

And along with that the cost of lodging and food.

[miles]

Just remember that LEO presence is also a factor.

Many places we pick aren't looking to bust a bunch of tourists enjoying the roads.

Only CA would be backwards enough to impose a statewide 55 mph speed limit considering the size of their state.  

My guess is you've never actually been here.    

[Mrs. DantesDame]

My guess is you've never actually been here.    

That's my guess, too

[zer0netgain]

My guess is you've never actually been here.    

They've changed it lately?

Last time it seemed every road in the middle of nowhere had a 55 limit on it.

[stew71]

They've changed it lately?

Last time it seemed every road in the middle of nowhere had a 55 limit on it.

Nahhh...we have some 70's now....

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/70mph.htm

[Andrew]

Just remember that LEO presence is also a factor.

Many places we pick aren't looking to bust a bunch of tourists enjoying the roads.

Only CA would be backwards enough to impose a statewide 55 mph speed limit considering the size of their state.  

And this is from a guy who lives in Virginia  

THoes who live in glass houses should not throw stones

[Croak]

Seriously. In my trips through the BibleBeltWay, I was under the impression that speeding was a capital offense, what with the detector laws and all.

[zer0netgain]

And this is from a guy who lives in Virginia  

THoes who live in glass houses should not throw stones

IIRC, I was not suggesting Virginia as a meet location.  

[Andrew]

IIRC, I was not suggesting Virginia as a meet location.  

And I was not saying there is anything wrong with virginia, as you were not insulting California  

[bubba zanetti]

   Sonora    ... Big hill road    108 and 88.  

[Mr Sunshine]

And I was not saying there is anything wrong with virginia, as you were not insulting California  

I read virginia as "virgins"  

[zer0netgain]

I read virginia as "virgins"  

So, how do you read "virgins?"  

Noteworthy trivia....Virginia was named in honor of Queen Victoria...who was a virgin.

[maddjack]

If people would just suck their your pride and trailer the bikes to the meets, there wouldn't be any problems.  
 

 

 

[birdrunner]

So, how do you read "virgins?"  

Noteworthy trivia....Virginia was named in honor of Queen Victoria...who was a virgin.

well she wasn't really ugly, and could execute anyone who displeased her, so who know if she really was,  I doubt anyone would talk.

[Oxblood]

Sonora sounds good to me. The topo looks amazing from the map I found. When is the WCRM next time round? Might have to run down to Sonora for it.

[Andrew]

Sonora sounds good to me. The topo looks amazing from the map I found. When is the WCRM next time round? Might have to run down to Sonora for it.

The 2012 WCRM will be held in Sonora CA (as voted on by all 2011 WCRM attendees) Just need to pick a hotel/place to hang our hats at.

[Oxblood]

So, how do you read "virgins?"  

Noteworthy trivia....Virginia was named in honor of Queen Victoria...who was a virgin.

Um, I doubt it was named for Queen Victoria. The Colony of Virginia was founded by The London Company in 1607. over 200 years before Victoria was born. And unless you really believe in miraculous conception, the fact that Victoria and her husband, Albert, the Prince Consort had several children would kind of rule out Victoria being a virgin.

[Oxblood]

The 2012 WCRM will be held in Sonora CA (as voted on by all 2011 WCRM attendees) Just need to pick a hotel/place to hang our hats at.

I gathered it would be Sonora. But that does not address WHEN. I remember the discussion in Custer between you and Mr. Sunshine about when to hold it as well as where. Is there a concrete set of dates yet?

[zer0netgain]

Um, I doubt it was named for Queen Victoria. The Colony of Virginia was founded by The London Company in 1607. over 200 years before Victoria was born. And unless you really believe in miraculous conception, the fact that Victoria and her husband, Albert, the Prince Consort had several children would kind of rule out Victoria being a virgin.

You are correct.  It was Elizabeth I that I was thinking of.  

[Andrew]

I gathered it would be Sonora. But that does not address WHEN. I remember the discussion in Custer between you and Mr. Sunshine about when to hold it as well as where. Is there a concrete set of dates yet?

No the date for the 2012 WCRM is not set in stone YET. Tentatively the week after the National.

More details will follow ........

[miles]

No the date for the 2012 WCRM is not set in stone YET. Tentatively the week after the National.

More details will follow ........

When it's nice and HOTT.

[Mr Sunshine]

No the date for the 2012 WCRM is not set in stone YET. Tentatively the week after the National.

More details will follow ........

The weekend following is the 23rd/24th of June.

[miles]

[Oxblood]

No the date for the 2012 WCRM is not set in stone YET. Tentatively the week after the National.

More details will follow ........

Thanks. I think next year I will do WCRM. Sonora looks like a fun area to ride in.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

The weekend following is the 23rd/24th of June.

And what do you have going on the weekend of the 23rd/24th?  

[Mr Sunshine]

And what do you have going on the weekend of the 23rd/24th?   

Andrew wasn't sure what the weekend following the national was so I was saying when that is.

[Andrew]

Andrew wasn't sure what the weekend following the national was so I was saying when that is.

More like the date is not set (the week after the national could be a possibility)
The week after the national should have little snow left in the hills, maybe even HOT.
Truth be told I love riding the area around Fortuna, but lets face it A good New York Steak is mighty fine but would not like to eat one Every Day.
Change is good, and Maybe Rob & Gill will actually get to ride somewhere besides their backyards

[beatnikmike]

I agree with Mr. Sunshine and others the Western National should be in the "West"  not the Mid West (Colorado). Like Mr. Sunshine said: "The idea of the rotation was to put a national close to people so they would go. Not having one near the west coast is not fair to the west coasters."

The Eastern National is generally within a few hundred miles of the Atlantic Coast is this not correct? It seems only fair that the Western National should be within the same parameters. Not a thousand miles from the Pacific coast (Montrose, CO.)  Would you have the next East Coast National in (St. Louis, MO.) which is more or less than a thousand miles from the Atlantic coast, "sure it's a distance from the East Coast, but it's a fun ride."!  

Other than that two cents.......  I have more... when planning a National or a Regional  one of the top concerns should be camping. The location should  include a nearby  campground, for those of us who like to camp and I like to camp.  

On the  subject of Sonora, Ca. it's a  great area with some great roads, to far south, but it's OK. (I would prefer Oregon)  I went through their last March going from Grass Valley to Oakhurst on Hwy. 49 which at times is one amazingly  hillacious steep and twisty road, it really gave me a workout.  I like the nearby town of Angels Camp and New Melones Lake has some nice campgrounds. Any meet in the area should be after all the mountain passes have opened.... just say'in.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

The Eastern National is generally within a few hundred miles of the Atlantic Coast is this not correct?  

The Eastern Seaboard is about 1,800 miles long. The West Coast is about 1,200. Just because you're near the Atlantic does not mean that you're near the National (just pointing out that some east coasters are not near a National no matter how close it is to the ocean)

Other than that two cents.......  I have more... when planning a National or a Regional  one of the top concerns should be camping. The location should  include a nearby  campground, for those of us who like to camp and I like to camp.  

I always made it a point to plan a National with camping nearby. I don't recall if I succeeded with Montrose, but I feel that the others were adequate. Or at least no one complained loud enough for me to hear

On the  subject of Sonora, Ca. it's a  great area with some great roads, to far south, but it's OK. (I would prefer Oregon)  

Why Oregon? Is it because you don't want to travel too far from home or because the roads are great?

[DredheadV2.0]

I thought that was for your WCRM announcement.

But yeah I guess those locations for a national could work.  Just wish Nevada had something.

Shit, you and me both.

[DredheadV2.0]

Actually I joked to the Wife about doing just that to next year's National in Arkanasa.  But I would park the trailer somewhere a few hundred miles away so I can "ride" in.  

Some folks did that in 2004, if memory serves.

I would fully support a Utah meet, by the way.

[maddjack]

My Suggestion is to work in a 5th location into the rotation, possibly the next year Custer rolls around, Or Colorado then go from there ,  Ie if it was Custer  used to make a spot
1) New west Coast meet
2) Arkansas
3) Colorado or Utah meet
4)Eastern Meet
5) Custer meet

Or If Colorado's spot was used
 IE
1) New Western Meet
2) Eastern Meet
3) Custer
4) Arkansas
5)Colorado
Or move the rotation around
 
Just a suggestion  

[DredheadV2.0]

The rotation was established to give the most number of people the most opportunity to attend, and it's worked for a while.  But if attendance is dropping, why not throw it out for a free-for-all for 2012?  Let the majority pick the location, try to make it the biggest one ever (coz the world's gonna end anyway).  If that whole process ends up sucking, we can go back to the rotation in 2013 and maybe add the 2012 location (if it was a new one and well-loved) to the stable as a replacement or a fifth destination.

[sammyseaman]

The rotation was established to give the most number of people the most opportunity to attend, and it's worked for a while.  But if attendance is dropping, why not throw it out for a free-for-all for 2012?  Let the majority pick the location, try to make it the biggest one ever (coz the world's gonna end anyway).  If that whole process ends up sucking, we can go back to the rotation in 2013 and maybe add the 2012 location (if it was a new one and well-loved) to the stable as a replacement or a fifth destination.

Won't work   Too logical.

[Cvergi01]

How about Snohomish, WA!  

sorry, I'm just posting to subscribe to the thread

[bubba zanetti]

Stillaguamish ?  Unless someone sold the still ??  

[Cvergi01]

Bozeman, MT?  Ride into yellowstone?  I imagine somebody has thought of this and there is a good reason why not, but seeing as how i only have 3 states on my map, I don't know it.

[Croak]

Nobody rides into Yellowstone for the ride.  

[bubba zanetti]

Nobody rides into Yellowstone for the ride.  

Yep, that is painful. Pretty in a few places .. but painful on a bike.  Over rated MC ride in my opinion.

[Orson]

maybe there's a hotel on Utah Highway 12 in the middle of nowhere.

Being in the middle of nowhere would give the event an aura similar to the one felt by the characters in Close Encounters of a third Kind who were drawn to the mashed potato mountain in South Dakota  

[stromgal]

Boulder View Inn in Torrey, at the top of the wonderful Hwy 12. 24 to the east is great as well.  Actually, the Boulder only has 11 rooms, but there are many other hotels in town.

http://boulderviewinn.com/site/Home.html

[Guy]

Lochsa Lodge near Lolo Pass? Camping, cabins and a lodge. Good food, beautiful location.

http://www.lochsalodge.com/

[stromgal]

View from the Boulder Viewl in Torrey; Capitol Reef Inn and Cafe (neat old place with great eats, it was on Roadfood) is just down the street.



Hwy. 12 from Hwy. 12

[JimWilliamson]

Those pix could be Highway 141 in western Colorado  

[st2sam]

Boulder View Inn in Torrey, at the top of the wonderful Hwy 12. 24 to the east is great as well. Actually, the Boulder only has 11 rooms, but there are many other hotels in town.

http://boulderviewinn.com/site/Home.html

DING DING DING,,, ladies and gentlemen we have a winner!!!

I went to the first National in Custer, once was enough.
I kinda like BJ's & Dred's idea, (seems like) "go BIG or don't go"!!!  

[birdrunner]

DING DING DING,,, ladies and gentlemen we have a winner!!!

I went to the first National in Custer, once was enough.
I kinda like BJ's & Dred's idea, (seems like) "go BIG or don't go"!!!  

Utah 12 may be my firstest bestest ride ever.

And chances are, It'll be HOT.

[maddjack]

Utah would be fine by me, I can hit some tasty stuff on the way out there. We would have to hear the crying from certain people about having to cross some flatland from the west coast to get there  ( like nobody from the east has to cross flatlands   ) Great location BTW

[DredheadV2.0]

Utah would be fine by me, I can hit some tasty stuff on the way out there. We would have to hear the crying from certain people about having to cross some flatland from the west coast to get there  ( like nobody from the east has to cross flatlands   ) Great location BTW

Yeah, fer reals.  When I lived in IL, I couldn't go ANYWHERE without crossing Flatlands.

[Mr Sunshine]

Yep, that is painful. Pretty in a few places .. but painful on a bike.  Over rated MC ride in my opinion.

+1  and dangerous due to wildlife.

[bubba zanetti]

View from the Boulder Viewl in Torrey; Capitol Reef Inn and Cafe (neat old place with great eats, it was on Roadfood) is just down the street.



Hwy. 12 from Hwy. 12

Win !

[Oxblood]

Man, that looks awesome! It's been years since I was in Utah, and that time was for mountain biking and not motorcycling.