I'm just saying... STN needs to step it up.

[Cobalt]

The attached pic was from a recent Busa rally. STN has never had quite a turnout like that. Let's step it up, kids.  

[Sport-Touring]

[Hell's Bella]

I'd probably not be alone in saying that I wouldn't show up to any one location with that many STNers. Nothing good can come of that.

[Cobalt]

 

[Orson]

I took my first bike trip in 1978.

I've always been more about riding twisties and seeing what's on the other side of the horizon, rather than kickin' tires  

but that's just me. I'm an introvert  

[greench440]

Most of us aren't worth meeting anyway.  

[ConPilot1]

Well we are certainly not as organized and anal about the placement of our bikes.

I'd be bored with a rally with 100 of the same motorcycle. One of the reasons I like STN rather than
bike specific forums/clubs.

[MrsCablebandit]

I think we're doing OK.

IMHO, I think the National Meet has become tougher to attend for many folks in recent years. I blame the economy - lack of funds plus an "I'm afraid to take that much vacation at once for fear of my job" chaser.

Where I think ST.N excels is at the regional level, where a week's worth of travel isn't required. My home region (Region 6), for example, has several events/meets throughout the year, including a spring meet, the "Ride to the Rides," a fall camping trip, and a winter meet. Not to mention ESTN is either IN or close enough to Region 6 that many of us make that trek, as well. Most of these events are a weekend at most.

For our Spring 2012 Meet, we had a total of 59 riders and passengers for a weekend in West Virginia. (We were close to 50 bikes...we just didn't photograph them altogether.) Attendees had the option of a motel room or camping, which I think a lot of folks appreciated. We've already got the 2013 Spring Meet scheduled so everyone has ample time to put it on their calendars! I'm hopeful that with enough notice, we'll be able to grow that Spring Meet well beyond our 2012 numbers.  

Another great example of a regional meet/camaraderie is the Clay-B-Que in Region 4. It's even drawn a few of us Region 6-ers in recent years.   (And our Region 6 Spring Meet drew a few Region 4-ers as well!)

Beyond that, I think the regions have great little networks where perhaps folks aren't doing formal meets, but they're still getting together in pairs and small groups to do what this site is all about: Sport-Touring.

It would absolutely be VERY COOL if we had a meet with 100+ attendees. But I don't think there's anything wrong with ST.N if we fail to do so. As long as we're all out riding and having fun - whether solo, two-up, in a small group, or at a meet - and have ST.N here waiting for us when we get back, it's all good!  

[sleazy rider]

pfffft!  We had 3/4 of the other forum I belong to show up in June at Spearfish.  Yeah, 7 of the 10 members made the cross country trek.    No two bikes alike either.  KLR650, FJR, Road King, GL1000, ST1100, XS750 and my Daytona.  The missing members ride a CBR600, Ultra Glide and a Strom.  We're an eclectic bunch.

[ConPilot1]

Some 'Busa showoff squid coming round that sweeper at a high rate, lowside it and take out 40 bikes at a clip with the domino effect.

I could see that.  

[vulcanbill]

Prolly a great group of folks...but I wouldn't want to be in the same STATE as that many Busas in that type of concentration.  Anyone calculate the amount of horsepower represented in that picture?

[Cobalt]

The one I went to was quite fun; nice cross section of folks and I watched them spend ~8 hours rebuilding a bike that had spent four hours in a river, and getting it running again. Big, very well-done, well-organized meet. Basically took up every available bit of lodging in Robbinsville. Great time.  

[ConPilot1]

 Anyone calculate the amount of horsepower represented in that picture?

Don't. The C14 crew will be all pissy and pout if you do that.  

[Cobalt]

Don't. The C14 crew will be all pissy and pout if you do that.  

   

[Dan K]

That is impressive.

[sleazy rider]

Some 'Busa showoff squid coming round that sweeper at a high rate, lowside it and take out 40 bikes at a clip with the domino effect.

I could see that.  

The attached pic was from a recent Busa rally. STN has never had quite a turnout like that. Let's step it up, kids.  

If you look closely, all them bikes are set up for solo riding.  Just sayin'.  ST.n at least has women and two ups participate.

[Cablebandit]

Don't. The C14 crew will be all pissy and pout if you do that.  

Nope.  We'll be out riding instead of posing for pics.  

[DogBoy]

I've never been to an ST.N meet where there were that many people idle during the day. All were off riding.

And Connie, thats obviously a parking lot for a scenic overlook and not a sweeping turn.  

[ConPilot1]

I've never been to an ST.N meet where there were that many people idle during the day. All were off riding.

And Connie, thats obviously a parking lot for a scenic overlook and not a sweeping turn.  

True, with the one I went to anyway.


I knew that. Just was a fun thought that's all.

[Cobalt]

I've never been to an ST.N meet where there were that many people idle during the day. All were off riding.

And Connie, thats obviously a parking lot for a scenic overlook and not a sweeping turn.  

It's near the dam on Rt. 28 outside Robbinsville.

[ConPilot1]

It's near the dam on Rt. 28 outside Robbinsville.

Been there. Don't remember that particular pull over though. Robbinsville's the end of the Cherohala coming west to east if I remember correctly, top of the Dragon?

[JavaD]

moving regions myself, look forward to whatever events my schedule can allow

[2RR2NV]

actually, i noticed there is a Gixxer in there and not all of those are set up for solo, but yes, there are QUITE a few set up for solo. if i had been there with my 02, mine would have been without the cowl. I showed my wife that pic and she started drooling...  and whimpered.."i wanna Busa"   LMAO

[Dewey]

Well we are certainly not as organized and anal about the placement of our bikes.

I'd be bored with a rally with 100 of the same motorcycle. One of the reasons I like STN rather than
bike specific forums/clubs.

+1

[malbojah]

Prolly a great group of folks...but I wouldn't want to be in the same STATE as that many Busas in that type of concentration.  Anyone calculate the amount of horsepower represented in that picture?

Give or take because I can't tell between Gen 1 and Gen II, but figure about 10,000HP (65 bikes x 150hp = 9700hp, adding an extra 300 to make up for Gen II, never mind and turbos)

[Blunder]

And Connie, thats obviously a parking lot for a scenic overlook and not a sweeping turn.  

Makes it far more likely for Connie's dark fantasy to come true then, eh?

[Bill-Z]

I"d recommend starting smaller and work on a state rally and then do a regional followed by National.  Personally, I like meeting people that I'm gonna see again, and become riding partners with over a period of time.  I don't mind traveling and love a long ride.  Hell, it's usually less than an hour from the time that I arrive anywhere to when I start wondering when we're leaving.  But, I like to ride with people I know and can develop a relationship by riding together.

I wanted to hit ESTN this year, but my personal schedule prevents my attendance.

A state rally could move around within the state and I envision each group picking a month: state in May, region in July, national in Sept.  Keep 'em split up so no one gets in trouble for "always being gone" but still enable you to hit all three rallies, or pick and choose.  I'm ususally wrong about this kind of stuff, and I haven't suggested this concept before, but you asked...

[Cablebandit]

"State Rallies" end up being riding with folks you've met at other gatherings (ESTN, Nationals, Etc)  None of my "normal riding partners" live within 3 hours of me.  We're all in PA and ride together all the time.  I like to ride all day and you're only going to find like minded people by going to places that are a bit of a ride from home.

The locals here in the middle of PA like to ride 1.5 hours at most, eat and make a beeline home before the wife and kids start yelling.  That's great if that's your mentality but I don't even like getting geared up unless I'm going to be out most of the day.

[Spanky]

The attached pic was from a recent Busa rally. STN has never had quite a turnout like that. Let's step it up, kids.  

Said the dude who is not going to estn.  

[sleazy rider]

With that second mouth on the back of his neck, I'd say he gets a pass.  

[JonS]

That Busa Rally is ok, but kind of small compared to these guys.





Not that I would go to something like that.

[nnjhawk02]

The only good peeps @ the MOA National are the Airheads

[sleazy rider]

That Busa Rally is ok, but kind of small compared to these guys.



Not that I would go to something like that.

Why are they in an auditorium and not out riding that expensive butt jewelry?    I ran into that with the GWRRA's National Rally too.  They hold the rally in the worst urban areas!

[UFO]

The attached pic was from a recent Busa rally. STN has never had quite a turnout like that. Let's step it up, kids.  

Never understood why guys modify their bike to have the grabrail on with the rear hump installed.  Looks dumb, and why do you want on if you can't strap anything to it or take a passenger.*





*Note:  This criticism comes from a former Hayabusa owner.

[Windblown]

I took my first bike trip in 1978.

I've always been more about riding twisties and seeing what's on the other side of the horizon, rather than kickin' tires  

but that's just me. I'm an introvert  

+1

I've never been to any large MC event. Most motorcycles I've ever seen at one time is a trackday.  Maybe one day when I get old I'll start attending mega meets...  

[Justin]

The one I went to was quite fun; nice cross section of folks and I watched them spend ~8 hours rebuilding a bike that had spent four hours in a river, and getting it running again. Big, very well-done, well-organized meet. Basically took up every available bit of lodging in Robbinsville. Great time.  

Is that a .oRg rally? Some really good folks on that forum, one of these days I'll actually make it to one of the rallies.

[Cobalt]

Is that a .oRg rally? Some really good folks on that forum, one of these days I'll actually make it to one of the rallies.

Dude, I've been two two of the .org rallies in Robbinsville, and they were top-notch events. The memorial for the guy who died a few years ago (damn it, I'm forgetting his name, worked at a big Zuke dealer down there and well known in the community) was freaking epic. His family came out and spoke, massive BBQ and food thing. They basically take over Robbinsville, and there wasn't one spec of trouble. I had the pleasure of joining in a ride led by Steve (the OK state trooper on the state police Busa) and had a grand ol' time running the Dragon with those guys on my Sportster.

I *might* have even passed one or two during a Dragon run or two.  

I'm pretty good friends with Omar and Michelle (Ohmslaw and VABusa) and now that he's living out East here, I intend to hit more of the Busa rallies with them. They put on a seriously fun rally.  

And after the way 20-25 people fished the crashed bike out of the river and spent all day and night tearing it down and getting it running again, I was *really* impressed with the "community".  

[Cobalt]

Never understood why guys modify their bike to have the grabrail on with the rear hump installed.  Looks dumb, and why do you want on if you can't strap anything to it or take a passenger.*





*Note:  This criticism comes from a former Hayabusa owner.

I think I'd probably get a custom-made hump if it was financially feasible that could hold a little more stuff. I mean, if you're going to give up the seat, that hump could just be a slight bit taller and wider and become a whole lot more useful without changing the aesthetic too much. It's not like most guys have the hump on there and ride well/fast enough for its intended purpose. Might as well make it useful.

I like the 'Busa a lot.  
I even like how it looks.  

[Breaker19]

Don't. The C14 crew will be all pissy and pout if you do that.  

It's not about size, it's how you use it!  

[Justin]

Dude, I've been two two of the .org rallies in Robbinsville, and they were top-notch events. The memorial for the guy who died a few years ago (damn it, I'm forgetting his name, worked at a big Zuke dealer down there and well known in the community) was freaking epic. His family came out and spoke, massive BBQ and food thing. They basically take over Robbinsville, and there wasn't one spec of trouble. I had the pleasure of joining in a ride led by Steve (the OK state trooper on the state police Busa) and had a grand ol' time running the Dragon with those guys on my Sportster.

I *might* have even passed one or two during a Dragon run or two.  

I'm pretty good friends with Omar and Michelle (Ohmslaw and VABusa) and now that he's living out East here, I intend to hit more of the Busa rallies with them. They put on a seriously fun rally.  

And after the way 20-25 people fished the crashed bike out of the river and spent all day and night tearing it down and getting it running again, I was *really* impressed with the "community".  

Cool stuff  

I think you are referring Don (Rayabusa08180? That was quite sad.

I remember the pics from the bike in the creek and reading some funny stories  . Michelle seems like a cool girl, want to meet her one of these days, as well as a lot of the other org folks.

[Cobalt]

Michelle is awesome. She hates pink, so every year the requisite "screw with Michelle's bike by bolting on something pink" happens with all hands on deck.  

[Baz]

You know, this.....





Looks similar to this.....

[Cobalt]

Well, considering neither of those are applicable to the kinds of rallye we're discussion, color me confused on what you're saying, why you're saying it, or your motivation in doing so.

Clearly my attempt at some light-hearted stuff in this thread put people in a position where they feel they need to defend their riding choices.  

That was not my point. I like to ride alone, too. I like small groups, or riding with one or two friends who I ride with all the time. I like kicking back on a motel porch with a beer and the moonlight. We all like these things.

I guess I was saying that Sport-Touring.NET, home of the "triple digit sightseeing" and home of the "I'll ride 900 miles for three fries and a whiff of a hamburger" clan, has a "big" showing with 50 people, yet several of the bike-specific rally/gatherings I've been to have been 3 and 4 times that with people coming from much, much farther away.

I just though it was chuckle-worthy.

[Justin]

Can't make everyone happy

I like to ride, and sometimes I like to hang out with a bunch of fellow riders.

[Cobalt]

Can't make everyone happy

I like to ride, and sometimes I like to hang out with a bunch of fellow riders.

 

[Oilhed]

Why are they in an auditorium and not out riding that expensive butt jewelry?    I ran into that with the GWRRA's National Rally too.  They hold the rally in the worst urban areas!

Because they sit for over an hour while the politboro slaps each other on the back and tells some inside jokes.  Why you say?  Cuz they give out some really great door prizes and you must be present to win!  Never again...

[1KPerDay]

The attached pic was from a recent Busa rally.

That's a whoooooole lotta fugly right there...  

[SWriverstone]

All I can say about that 'Busa photo is...



 
Scott