ESTN 2011

[Skee]

...and it appears we still don't have a plan for ESTN yet. This is not acceptable :-) I need a good trip for September.

...Charleston, WV looks like a good option.

+1  Any other suggestions?  Should we have a plebisite?  

I approve.

Make it so

Hail Ceasar, or Your Ceasarinaness as the case may be.  That would like make you Cleo, woouldn't it?  

[garry]

Possibility: Days Inn - Charleston East. Rates may be as low as $64/night. On the river. Free WiFi. Right near the interstates, so not a very scenic area, but there are some restaurants, gas stations, etc nearby. Gets decent reviews for a budget motel.

More info at: http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=07766

[Scratch33]

   Good location.  I'll prolly miss this one if it coincides with my Newfoundland ride.

[garry]

I sent an email asking about group rates (guessed at 20 rooms). Probably goes through some national/center office. I'll let you know what I hear back.

[Oilhed]

OK, so officially when and where?

[Mr.Awesome]

NO! A plan has been formed. No committees. No votes. No "what do you think about..."

Feathers always get ruffled. Decisiveness wins!  

Agreed.   Somebody take the ball and run with it. Name the place and time and people will show up.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

NO! A plan has been formed. No committees. No votes. No "what do you think about..."

Feathers always get ruffled. Decisiveness wins!  

+1

Garry - you've just volunteered! Might want to start a new "Official" thread once you have the location/dates pinned down  




Weren't expecting that, were you?  

[MrsCablebandit]

Possibility: Days Inn - Charleston East. Rates may be as low as $64/night. On the river. Free WiFi. Right near the interstates, so not a very scenic area, but there are some restaurants, gas stations, etc nearby. Gets decent reviews for a budget motel.

More info at: http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=07766

There's a Bob Evans nearby.  I'm in!  I just love being the youngest in the restaurant by an average of 30-40 years!  

Seriously, though...ESTN 2010 was so awesome (esp. our Saturday night group dinner!) that I definitely want to make it to the 2011 event...it's on our calendar!

[Max Wedge]

The Pace is hosting a ride to Barber in September. Not sure I'll make an ESTN.

But will Chornbe be there? He started this after all.

[sammyseaman]

But will Chornbe be there? He started this after all.

Exactly! I'd probably commit if I knew Chronbe was gonna be there but nobody's heard from him in a looooong time.  

[SLK50]

Let's see. ESTN is at Barber's in September. Got it.

[garry]

+1

Garry - you've just volunteered! Might want to start a new "Official" thread once you have the location/dates pinned down  

Weren't expecting that, were you?  

Actually, I kinda was. The squeaky wheel usually gets put in charge. But I enjoy ESTN meets too much to not see *something* happen.

[02VFR]

Not going to make it this year.
We are planning a run down to the Dragon the last week of August into the fist week of September.  2 days to get down, 2 days riding and 2 days to get home.

Never been to the Dragon, so once I go I can check it off the to do list....

Have Fun...

[garry]

Here is the reply on a group rate (from the national office):

Location: 6400 MacCorkle Avenue SE, Charleston WV 25304
Arrival date: 9/9/11
Number of nights: 2
Rooms: 20 non-smoking with two double beds
Rates: 1-2 adults $71.40, 3 adults $75.65, 4 adults $79.90 + tax
Individual Guarantee: credit card
Individual Cancel policy: 7 days prior to arrival by 4 pm
Block Release: 7 days prior to arrival
Hotel amenities: free continental breakfast, outdoor pool, free wireless internet

Note: The rates and availability are subject to change. The rates quoted are per room per night prior to tax. Other charges may apply for local amenities like safe warranties and telephone access. The minimum qualifications must be met for a booking to occur. When a credit card is required a valid number must be provided with an expiration date.

Personally, I think the rate is OK, but when I checked online, I saw "promotional specials" for $64. Can't say I like the 7-day in advance cancellation policy. If the weather turns to crap, you're screwed for the reservation. Might be better to find your own "best deal" (AAA, AARP, whatever) and have the usual Days Inn cancellation policy (day off by 6pm or whatever).

Still hunting down options. Will do more research tonight from home.

[servicerifle]

I like it.  

[hurtin]

Here is the reply on a group rate (from the national office):
Personally, I think the rate is OK, but when I checked online, I saw "promotional specials" for $64. Can't say I like the 7-day in advance cancellation policy. If the weather turns to crap, you're screwed for the reservation. Might be better to find your own "best deal" (AAA, AARP, whatever) and have the usual Days Inn cancellation policy (day off by 6pm or whatever).

Still hunting down options. Will do more research tonight from home.

Thanks for doing this.  I agree the rate is fine.  When I check the website I get the same rate for AAA as your rate above with no restrictions on cancelations.  So in effect the group deal is no deal at all.  Or you could pay $64 with no option to cancel.

[st2sam]

  When I check the website I get the same rate for AAA as your rate above with no restrictions on cancellations.  So in effect the group deal is no deal at all.  

Agreed.
Thanks for stepping up to the plate Gary, first beer is on me.
Oh, and as far as the date goes, it's AOK by me. Run with it.

[R Doug]

 

[Mr.Awesome]

 

Cool!  Doug's bringing the popcorn.  

[garry]

I spent a few hours plotting routes last night and am now second-guessing the Charleston suggestion. It makes for some long days (350 - 400 miles) to get to the good stuff. So I started dragging a 75 mile radius circle around to see where the best concentration of riding could be hosted from. Huntington/Ashland lets you hit eastern KY (wonderful) and the Hocking Hills of OH. Marietta/Parkersburg/Belpre offer the amazing twisties of southeast OH, the Hocking Hills and western WV (16, 20, 15, 74, 33, etc). I'm liking this option a lot more for road choice and there should be lots of hotels to choose from. The MSTA "Mail Pouch Fly-By" is hosted in Marietta every year (Aug 19-21 this year). Southeast OH offers the best twisty riding in the region IMO. Yes, even better (more twisties, more technical) than WV. But you don't get the views from the big elevation changes.

North Bend State Park (just west of Harrisville, WV) is a great location with affordable rooms ($90?), on-site restaurant and on-site camping but the official state park rules are no alcohol. I've stayed there several times for another meet and they seem to be OK with discreet, quiet consumption out of the public eye (like on the back porch). But that would kill the usual ESTN parking lot party so I suspect it's a deal-breaker. Route 16 is right there and southeast OH is less than an hour away. Ferry ride across the Ohio River optional.

Maybe some southwestern WV locals could offer up route suggestions in the Charleston area to help make a decision. I passed through there last year (94, 3, 10 en route to KY). 16 and surrounding roads are good south of Beckley to Tazewell/Bluefield.