2015 National: Crunch Time

[DrMikey]

It's 3 weeks until the 2015 National in LaCrosse.  As of now, there are 3 definites (one is me).  There are 7 maybes of varying degree.  As of now, the dinner is planned for Wednesday night September 9. The question is, do we need the banquet room?  It's going to cost $200 (minus anything we order from the menu).  If only three of us dine, that ain't gonna cover.  There are plenty of places to find a good meal that won't cost anything extra.  

Soooo...

What I'm asking is in the next couple days, PM me and let me know if you are definitely attending. If you are on the maybe list and won't make it, please change your vote.  Requesting the same if you are changing to a definite, too.  

[Sport-Touring]

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Honestly, I wouldn't plan anything that requires plans, especially plans that require money     If six or even ten people show up, that's not too much to just take over a corner in a restaurant.

[naustin]

I'm still planning on being there - but I'm coming in Monday later afternoon and plan to ride all day Tuesday and hang out Tuesday night, but I will have to leave Wednesday morning early and won't be there for dinner Wednesday night.

Hope others show up for a beer Monday or Tuesday evening, but I'm used to riding alone and have a good day ride route programmed in my Zumo already - so I'll be fine regardless.  

[bucktownbilly]

I'm still a strong maybe.  If the weather is decent I should be there.  Not for dinner on Wednesday, however.  Still plan on heading over from Chicago Tuesday morning, heading back the next day.

[Cricket1]

I'm out, other plans have come up.  

[garry]

I was a <30% maybe, but am OUT.

[DrMikey]

OK, we don't seem to have too many riders committed to attending this year.  
One last time:

You have to go west to the Rockies, east to the Alleghenies, or south to the Ozarks to find riding that equals what you will find in the Driftless Region.  Believe me: other places I've lived include California, South Carolina, and Georgia. I have ridden in 45 of the lower 48 states.
I've been here eight years, and know most of the backroads in Vernon, Crawford, and LaCrosse Counties.  I know quite a few in the Minnesota and Iowa parts, too.
We have lots of gas stations with ethanol free premium.
Food- prices are good, and portions are Large.
The weather should be fine.
People are friendly. Motorcycles are welcome in nearly every venue.
Other motorcycle organizations that have had national rallies in the region include the National Moto Guzzi Owners, BMWMOA, BMWRA, and the International Brotherhood of Motorcycle Campers.
There is still time!

[mxvet57]

Mike, I'm not committed but that could change.

[garry]

Mid-week rallies eat too much vacation time (for me), so I generally stick to long weekends. I have to really, really, really want to attend a particular meet to consider blowing a week of vacation on it. I fully understand the logic about people riding cross-country, but it seems there is little interest in a national meet (regardless of location) any more. Attendance is down at the weekend regional meets too (from 50+ to 30s). STN is dying.

Riding the alphabet roads is still on my 'bucket list", but not going to happen this season. It will probably be part of a cross-country ride when I retire in 10 years.

[Jetpilot5]

DrMikey, I think you've done an admirable job taking this on and I agree with everything you posted above.  I was up there over the three day July 4th weekend and it's great riding.  I don't think it's the location, organization, time of year or anything else, there's just doesn't seem to be enough activity on STN anymore to support a National Meet. I wonder how many members are even aware of this gathering.

Unless something happens to increase participation on the site I'll be surprised if another National happens regardless of location.  Kind of a shame as I got to meet some great people and ride fantastic roads at other meets over the years.

[Blue is Best]

^^^^^^^

I hate to read this stuff. For me, I can swing 4/5 day trips but more now is very tough with my current situation. It's two days there and a day or two there and two more days back. That's a good six days or week or more.

Good luck and good riding.

[jay547]

We would've come except my wife lost her job    and just took a new one. No vacation until next year. We were actually looking forward to it as she has family in the area that we don't often get to see.

[Cheddarhead]

I'm still planning to attend...but can't commit to being there wire -to- wire.

But I'm local, so showing up isn't going to cost me 2 days of slab-riding.

Given the (tepid) level of commitment from the collective, I'd be much more comfortable with doing without a formal banquet reservation...it would be different if we had 40 - 50 folks signed up for a meal.

And, as others have stated, kudos to the Good Dr. for his efforts in herding cats to get this organized...hopefully, it won't be the "last" Nationals for ST-N.

[bucktownbilly]

Call me crazy but I just upgrade bike #3 ....the FZ6 is now a FJR.  Not sure I'll be on that or the FJ09 if I make it.  

You think I'm drinking the Yamaha Koolaid?  Hard to argue the value proposition, got great deals on all of them, FZ8, FJ09, FJR.

[naustin]

Sounds like a great opportunity to get to know the new bike.  

[stromgal]

Doc, I'd be there if I could! But school is back in session and I'm on grandbabes duty. Thank you for your work on this.