Ride Vermont 09 aka 3rd Annual BBD Ride

[CharlieVT]

Ladies and Gents,

New Year's eve here with about 6 inches of new snow. What better time to start planning the 3rd Annual Ride of the Beemer Biker Dudes?

Jerome, Fred, here's hoping we can get you back into the fold in 09.
Spiros, you are way over due to join this ride. Barney and Wilma (Fred still doesn't know), we sure hope to see you again. There's a bunch of "2-timers" I hope will make it in 09; you folks know who you are.

Last year we targeted early June. So let's throw June 5,6,7 out there and see what kind of feedback we get.

Newcomers, welcome! The tradtion of the "Beemer Biker Dudes" will be explained in time, but Ride Vermont is a guided ride of some of the nicest motorcycle roads Vermont has to offer. I seek out new pavement, the sweetest sweepers, and time tested twisties for a spirited, throttle up, ride through the hills and valleys. To steal a phase, "Scenery... what scenery?".

Last year's ride was based at the Gray Ghost Inn in Dover, Vermont and was well represented by two-up riders on LTs. Other brands are welcome, (who'd of known that a sweet Texas lady from Maine could keep the pace on a HD?), but this is primarily a BMW ride. Spinedr, you still piloting a GT?
(The only folks not welcome are the loud pipe crowd, we think you are rude.)

So, please let the dialogue begin. Gray Ghost is okay? First weekend in June okay? Hey, you've got six months to get your priorities in order.

Happy New Year, ya'll.
("Ya'll".... that's southern talk from the Deep South of Vermont.)

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=293236#poststop

[RVB1019]

You do realize that its the same weekend as Americade right?

Hmmm...couple of days of Americade, leave before the weekend chaos and then meet up with this?

[CharlieVT]

You do realize that its the same weekend as Americade right?

Hmmm...couple of days of Americade, leave before the weekend chaos and then meet up with this?

No, I didn't realize. I don't pay any attention to Americaide, did the same thing last year.

Okay, let's try May 29, 30, 31.

[RiderRay]

I hope that this year my wife and I can make it.

[CharlieVT]

I hope that this year my wife and I can make it.

We hope you can make it too!

[djfalkenstein]

This year I am not going to let no stinkin' jail cell hold me. We are there.

[wilbar00c]

We plan on making it. Dates are flexible for us as Americade is only a one day walkabout/shoparound in our case.

Regarding the Gray Ghost, Kevin also liked the lodge next door!!

A couple of questions, Curtis; If we swing by your country estate will we be greeted again by your "1 H.P. pet? Also will Gauth's GT develope an oil leak again?

[CharlieVT]

We plan on making it. Dates are flexible for us as Americade is only a one day walkabout/shoparound in our case.

Regarding the Gray Ghost, Kevin also liked the lodge next door!!

A couple of questions, Curtis; If we swing by your country estate will we be greeted again by your "1 H.P. pet? Also will Gauth's GT develope an oil leak again?

Wonderful that you hope to make it!
With sadness I have to inform you that that gentle horse, as passed. She was over thirty (a centenarian in human terms :) and the infirmities of old age had caught up with her.
I think Guathama's bike has been fixed, but it wouldn't surprise me if someone had a final drive meltdown during the ride. I mean, the odds are in favor of it, aren't they?
And I am going to try very hard not to drop the bike in front of a bunch of Harley riders this year.

[CharlieVT]

Ride Vermont 2009 will take the group up the backbone of Vermont, from the Deep South, to the far north, using sections of route 100 to access the notches, passes, and a few other detours along the way. There will be climbing and descending twisties, narrow roads along the rivers and streams. In past years we haven't made it up north due to time constraints. This year, we will head north, through Smuggler's Notch (and maybe a detour up the Mt. Mansfield Auto Road.) Then over to the Champlain Islands of northern Lake Champlain for the open roads and nice views up there. Across the Far North of Vermont where I anticipate we will spend Saturday night in Newport, VT. Newport, a veritable metropolis, offers Super 8 Motel and others, with dining options within walking distance. (I will do some research and see if there is a motorcycle friendly family inn with on site dining and libations, the Jay Peak region may have a place similar the Gray Ghost.) If I find a promising location, I'll try to negotiate a group rate for the BBDs. Please note that everyone will be responsible for making their own reservations.

Sunday will take the ride into the Northeast Kingdom, where the open spaces and sweeping turns offer vistas at speed. South from the Northeast Kingdom, down through the Upper Valley of the Connecticut River. The mileage planned for Sunday is less ambitious than Saturday, allowing for folks who want to hop on the interstate and head for home according to their time table. This route will also put spinedr in good latitudes for his/their ride back to Maine.

So plan Friday night in Dover at the Gray Ghost or nearby, but Saturday night will be in the far north of Vermont.

Microsoft Trips and Streets file of a prospective route is attached. Garmin MapSource file attached.

[CharlieVT]

Ride Vermont 2009 aka the Ride of the Beemer Biker Dudes will be the third time I have guided a ride for members of the Northeast Group on this forum.
Last year we had an increased number to two-up riders on KLTs, but all bikes and riders are welcome.
I would characterize this group as lady and gentlemen motorcyclists. We aspire to be the best representatives of the motorcycling community that we can be. (I will say again, loud pipes are not welcome, we consider loud pipes to be rude.)
While maintaining respect for law enforcement officers, and observing speed limits in towns and thickly settled areas, riders can expect that the majority of the ride will be in excess of posted speed limits. Passing on a solid yellow or double yellow line is permitted in Vermont (this does not except posted speed limits) and we may frequently pass slower traffic where conditions permit. This is generally a spirited ride, enjoying the thrill of speed that our BMWs can offer. A technical approach to the curves and higher rpms will be the norm at the head of the group.

Frequent short stops to help keep the group together are part of the routine, but slower, leisurely riders maybe asked to form their own group if their ride pace is slowing the group.

Mission Statement: A good time to be had by all, friendship, laughs, and great riding.

[wilbar00c]

And I am going to try very hard not to drop the bike in front of a bunch of Harley riders this year.

You mean those Harley riders in the background, of the loose gravel lot, where you normally do "U" turns, two up, on a dime!!

[wilbar00c]

I would characterize this group as lady and gentlemen motorcyclists.

Mission Statement: A good time to be had by all, friendship, laughs, and great riding.

Here we are!!

[CharlieVT]

Nice pics Barney, thanks for posting 'em.
Good memories.

[CharlieVT]

Ball caps this year.

[RiderRay]

Nice caps, will we be able to order them before the ride?

[CharlieVT]

Nice caps, will we be able to order them before the ride?

I have a number of hats on order, I have not actually seen one yet. My plan was to present them to riders who show up for the ride. Door prize sort of thing. :)

The front of the hat is intentionally not pictured in my msg. I'm hoping they turn out well.

Who was it that coined the name "Beemer Biker Dudes"? Kevin, was that you? Q: Can a GS do Ride Vermont? A: Of Course!

[razman10]

Charlie,

Sounds like a lot of fun. If we can make it, my wife and I will be there!

Thanks!

[KMC1]

I'm just catching up on this thread so bear with me....
First, I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your wonderful horse. She was something special for sure, and it was very moving to see how well you and Hiromi took care of her and gave her such a high quality of life. For me, meeting her was the highlight of our ride last year.
I'm going to pencil this ride in and hope for the best, as it's still a little ways out, but I'll try to keep those dates. (Let's hope it's a little warmer this year, eh?) Good thing you're a planner! :p (and btw, THANKS for taking the lead on what is now our best annual local ride)
I'm not sure who coined the BBD's, but I suspect it was one of those derelicts, Gerard or Jim :p I wasn't on the first year's ride, so you guys already had the monicker last year.
I'm not sure which bike I may take up this year, but I have the new shocks on the LT which should help me keep up with you better on those dirt roads this time! "Spirited" LOL! FAST is more like it! (and FUN too!)
I'm looking forward to getting together again for sure, it's a great time and a great group - what more could you ask for?!

[razman10]

...should help me keep up with you better on those dirt roads this time!......"Spirited" LOL! FAST is more like it! (and FUN too!)...
Dirt Roads & Fast - Hmmmm...

Uh Oh... In my experience, those two don't really mix. Especially on an LT!!!

[CharlieVT]

Dirt Roads & Fast - Hmmmm...
Uh Oh... In my experience, those two don't really mix. Especially on an LT!!!

Au contraire, the K1200LT is the most under appreciated dual-sport in the BMW line up. :)

[KMC1]

Dirt Roads & Fast - Hmmmm...

Uh Oh... In my experience, those two don't really mix. Especially on an LT!!!
Wus! LOL! :p
Ya just gotta make sure you stand up on the pegs, unless you're in a sweeper, then ya gotta keep your butt on the seat in case ya gotta put a foot down. :eek: :p

[razman10]

If I come, it'll most likely be 2up. This'll be interesting!!! :lol8:

[jvalny]

Curtis, I will be there riding my almost new 2008 LT. Missed last years ride and I don't want to miss this one. Besides, I need a new hat.

[razman10]

I'm sorry... Is it Charlie (as in the user name CharlieVT) or is it Curtis???

I'm so coooonnnnffffuuuussedddd! :o :rolleyes:

[k1201ltc]

Spiros, you are way over due to join this ride. Barney and Wilma (Fred still doesn't know), we sure hope to see you again. There's a bunch of "2-timers" I hope will make it in 09; you folks know who you are.



Charlie-

Life altering event in June for me ... Not sure If I can make it ...

I will try to see if I can :)

[CharlieVT]

....I will be there riding my almost new 2008 LT.
Missed last years ride and I don't want to miss this one.
Besides, I need a new hat.

1. Congrats!
2. Yeah! (I was hoping you'd make it this year.)
3. Okay, you've got a hat with your name on it.

[CharlieVT]

Charlie-

Life altering event in June for me ... Not sure If I can make it ...

I will try to see if I can :)

No! Getting married in June? Say it isn't so.... err, I mean CONGRATULATIONS!

(With a post like that, good buddy, you'd better confirm or deny. :) )

And for the record, the majority of riders were 2-up last year. So no reason not to put the significant other or wife on the pillion seat and bring her along. Or am I speculating up the wrong tree about your "Life altering event?"

[CharlieVT]

I got a PM from Mike in the Deep South of New Hampshire who wants my tentative route in PDF format. Seems he can't read either the MS Trips n Streets or the Garmin MapSource file.

I have software that with convert a PDF format to a .doc file but no capability that I know of to create a PDF file from Trips n Streets or Garmin.

Anyone know how I can do it, short of buying a software package?

Thanks

[djfalkenstein]

Send me the DOC. Office 2007 will "save as PDF".

[djfalkenstein]

Something like this?

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21345&stc=1

[CharlieVT]

Something like this?

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21345&stc=1

Perfect! Thanks!
(How did you do that?)

Addnl route info: Sat ride will be an estimated 9AM-5PM ride covering about 350 miles. Sunday ride about 200 miles with many opportunities for folks to jump on the slab and head for home, depending on personal schedules.

And for sure, the route is subject to change depending on the location of clouds in the sky, cars on the road, and the whims of the rider on point. :)

[Beajet]

Thanks Charlie I had a chance to look at the route. Great ride. I did a similar ride this past fall close to this route (464 miles).
Great site Thanks all for your help :wave

[spinedr]

I'm sorry... Is it Charlie (as in the user name CharlieVT) or is it Curtis???

I'm so coooonnnnffffuuuussedddd! :o :rolleyes:

Just call him muchacho. Works for me ;) Hi everyone :wave Happy new year and hope your holydays were FABULOSOS!!!! Nice picture!! I think I am loosing my hair :eek: :( No more oil spill they have been fixed (for now) :rotf: My wife and I are in, she is very exited about riding again with the BBD's. The BBD's name started after a heated conversation at the dinner table on saturday about bikers and motorcyclist. Muchacho was so serious about the definition that ended up as Bimmer Biker Dudes. :dance: :bmw:
Curtis Iam sorry about your horse. I am riding my GT and put almost 10000 miles this summer. I am going nuts due to the winter :(

[djfalkenstein]

How did I do that? Computers fear me, give me whatever I want (unlike my ex).

I used MapPoint, copied the route to the clipboard, and pasted it into this post.

[wilbar00c]

If I come, it'll most likely be 2up. This'll be interesting!!! :lol8:

That it will be, Ray. "CharlieVT" only picks the safest bridges (some built in 1870) and others down a few miles of smooth dirt (past mud season) in out of the way places!!

[CharlieVT]

Just call him muchacho. Works for me ;) Hi everyone :wave Happy new year and hope your holydays were FABULOSOS!!!! Nice picture!! I think I am loosing my hair :eek: :( No more oil spill they have been fixed (for now) :rotf: My wife and I are in, she is very exited about riding again with the BBD's. The BBD's name started after a heated conversation at the dinner table on saturday about bikers and motorcyclist. Muchacho was so serious about the definition that ended up as Bimmer Biker Dudes. :dance: :bmw:
Curtis Iam sorry about your horse. I am riding my GT and put almost 10000 miles this summer. I am going nuts due to the winter :(

Yeah!
Gauthama and Renee are gonna make it this year!
Happy New Year to you folks in the north woods. :)

Oh, oh!..... now we need another thread on the difference between a bimmer and a beemer! :rotf: BEEMER Biker Dudes!

Curtis
Charlie
Muchacho

[CharlieVT]

Background:
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=166939#poststop

Sitting at the dinner table at the Grey Bonnet Inn in Killington Vermont, the riders of the 1st Ride Vermont, were having animated conversation when I brought up the above linked thread. I had stated in that post that BMW riders aren't any kind of "Biker Dudes" they are motorcyclists. To which someone replied "Yes, they are, they are Beemer Biker Dudes" and the BBDs had their name.

WHO WAS THAT WHO COINED THE NAME BEEMER BIKER DUDES?

Deserving of honorable mention, you are.

[Lzyellodog]

I have a number of hats on order, I have not actually seen one yet. My plan was to present them to riders who show up for the ride. Door prize sort of thing. :)

The front of the hat is intentionally not pictured in my msg. I'm hoping they turn out well.

Who was it that coined the name "Beemer Biker Dudes"? Kevin, was that you? Q: Can a GS do Ride Vermont? A: Of Course!


I think it was the beer from the first or was it Gerard or me? Not sure i remember. I will check my calendar and see if I am teaching that weekend. I of course will be on the GS

[CharlieVT]

Where is WAS, "this is not a pipe", Bill.

Last post was in March 2008. Anyone know what he's up to?

[BMWphreak]

I most likely will be there, especially if Jim and Kevin go. Those guys have a way of making me laugh!

[RVB1019]

It looks like a hell of a good ride.

I wish I could commit but I think my daughter is coming home from college that weekend.

After the ferry ride, it's just 4.5 hours.

[CharlieVT]

I most likely will be there, especially if Jim and Kevin go. Those guys have a way of making me laugh!

Yes, funny guys.
And I am laughable too.

[razman10]

If I understand correctly, plans are to stay at the Gray Ghost on Friday. Where will Saturday night be spent?

What are the rates at these establishments?

[CharlieVT]

I got a PM from a fellow BBD who indicated not everyone was thrilled with the Gray Ghost last year.
FYI, much of the group ended up at the Ghost last year because one of the members of the group (I have forgotten who) had stayed there before and recommended it.

In 2007, most every one stayed in the Brattleboro area and we had breakfast at the Chelsea Royal Diner. We are going to do that again this year. So, I will post places to stay on Friday night in the Brattleboro area, and we will meet for breakfast at the Chelsea Diner at 8 AM on Sat. Ride departing time will be 9 AM.
http://www.chelsearoyaldiner.com/directions.htm

Brattleboro has many options for hotels/motels and is a little easier to get to for those heading into Vermont from the south at the end of a Friday work day. I'll post more about places to stay and plans for a possible get together on Friday night. As I did in 2007, I am willing to shuttle folks around Brattleboro so that we can enjoy an evening out, not having to worry about getting back on the bikes after dining out.

http://www.onetime.com/hotels/Vermont/Brattleboro/891426~1.html?location=891426&defaultSID=1&session=4sk5qdeu5s2r81i6qt2htbohn7

Sat night will be in northern Vermont. Jay, Montgomery, or Newport. I'll be researching a place that is motorcycle friendly, has reasonably nice rooms at reasonable prices, and has nearby or onsite dining/bar. Here are some of the options I'll be looking into:
http://www.richardsallseasonslodge.com/
http://www.stayatjay.com/
http://www.thelodgeatjay.com/

[Lzyellodog]

Thanks Curtis for being Julie McCoy on this trip. I have cleared my calendar for that weekend and look forward to riding again with you all. Not sure the misses will be joining us but we will see.

[CharlieVT]

Thanks Curtis for being Julie McCoy on this trip. I have cleared my calendar for that weekend and look forward to riding again with you all. Not sure the misses will be joining us but we will see.

Great! Glad to hear you'll try to make it. It would be nice to see both of you but we'll understand. (You may not miss the LT but I'll bet she would! :)

Just to try and avoid confusion (I am good at creating confusion :) ), we are talking about May 29, 30, 31, right?.

Curtis
Charlie
Muchacho

[razman10]

The Mrs and I run an Event Services company and we do many weddings per year (mainly weekends, obviously). Those dates are at the beginning of prime wedding season. As of right now we have nothing, so I have RideVT 09 on my calendar, and the Mrs & I are really looking forward to it.

I cannot commit yet, though! If someone comes in and is willing to pay us upwards of $1000 to do their wedding (which is the norm around here), it's an easy decision!!!! http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/xdomains/smilies/money/2.gif

[Lzyellodog]

Great! Glad to hear you'll try to make it. It would be nice to see both of you but we'll understand. (You may not miss the LT but I'll bet she would! :)

Just to try and avoid confusion (I am good at creating confusion :) ), we are talking about May 29, 30, 31, right?.

Curtis
Charlie
Muchacho
Julie McCoy


Yes May 29, 30 and 31. Looking forward to the trip and heading farther north.

[CharlieVT]

The Mrs and I run an Event Services company and we do many weddings per year (mainly weekends, obviously). Those dates are at the beginning of prime wedding season. As of right now we have nothing, so I have RideVT 09 on my calendar, and the Mrs & I are really looking forward to it.

I cannot commit yet, though! If someone comes in and is willing to pay us upwards of $1000 to do their wedding (which is the norm around here), it's an easy decision!!!! http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d19/xdomains/smilies/money/2.gif

Glad to hear it's on your calendar.
But we question your priorities. $1K for a weekend wedding, but a weekend with the Beemer Biker Dudes, PRICELESS! :rotf:

[BMWphreak]

I hope many can make this ride as it is all about the people...

[RiderRay]

Curtis:
Have you contacted the Gray Ghost Inn yet to set up a group discount? Are we too early? Let me know if you want me to handle that part of the plans.

Ray

[razman10]

Glad to hear it's on your calendar.
But we question your priorities. $1K for a weekend wedding, but a weekend with the Beemer Biker Dudes, PRICELESS! :rotf:
I'm actually considering NOT taking anything for that weekend, even if it comes up - just to go on this ride. We'll see!

[CharlieVT]

Curtis:
Have you contacted the Gray Ghost Inn yet to set up a group discount? Are we too early? Let me know if you want me to handle that part of the plans.

Ray

Ray,
Thanks for your offer of help.
I got feedback from some folks who weren't all that happy with the Gray Ghost.
I know, it's had to keep up with the changes; it pays to read all the posts in the thread to stay abreast.
Since many folks come up from the flatlands of southern New England at the end of the work day, and Brattleboro offers many lodging options, some folks expressed a desire to find a place in Brattleboro for Friday night. Of course people are free to do what ever they want. I have offered to run a taxi service for people staying in Brattleboro so that they can leave their bikes and we can have a get together at some local establishment Friday evening.

Some folks will probably plan to stay at the same place, others may seek a place according to their sensitivity to costs, others may seek amenities. I am going to leave it to the individuals in the group to work out what they want to do.

I will work on a place to stay for Sat night in the far north of Vermont for the whole group, but for Friday night I am just going to provide links for various places to stay in the Brattleboro area and let everyone work it out for themselves.
http://www.google.com/search?ned=us&hl=en&ned=us&q=accomodations+in+brattleboro&btnmeta%3Dsearch%3Dsearch=Search+the+Web


Saturday AM we will meet at 8AM at the Chealsea Royal Diner in West Brattleboro and depart on the ride at 9AM.
http://www.chelsearoyaldiner.com/directions.htm

[RiderRay]

Curtis:
Guess that will teach me to make sure I read all the posts! If there's anything I can do, let me know.

[CharlieVT]

Curtis:
Guess that will teach me to make sure I read all the posts! If there's anything I can do, let me know.

Thanks for the offer of help Ray, I can't think of anything right now.

I'm just going to sit back and see what the group does with respect to finding places to stay on Friday.
Early arrivals are welcome to stop by our homestead, so anyone who gets in the area Friday afternoon and wants to stop by for refreshments, kicking tires, and telling lies is most welcome.

We'll do a cell phone # exchange so we can make contact with folks as they arrive in the area, and all who are interested can join up for a Friday evening meal/spirits at a local establishment. As I offered before, I'm willing to run a taxi service around Brattleboro so folks can leave their bikes at the hotel/motel and have transportation for an evening out.

I have a limited number of hats with a motorcyle logo on front and "Beemer Biker Dudes" on the back. They turned out okay, but not great IMO. But, such as they are, they will be awarded to deserving BBDs who join RideVermont2009. What constitutes "deserving", will be established by me. :) Since I have a limited number of hats, I'll need to come up with some objective criteria to decide who qualifies for a hat. ;)
Criteria might include:
People who have made all three RideVermont reunions, and are thus "board certified" Beemer Biker Dudes.
People who helped me pick up my KLT when I drop it.
Other people who drop their KLT in the most crowd pleasing manner. (The greater the number of spectators, and the more Harley riders among the spectators, the greater the number of style points awarded for the drop. :rotf:
People who have ridden inferior motorcycles (like a GS or HD) to RideVermont2009 ;)
Specific acts of creative genius that please the group, such as coining the name "Beemer Biker Dudes".
Other highly objective criteria that I may choose to make up on the spot. :)

[jvalny]

Hi Curtis, I just made my reservation at the Colonial Motel in Brattleboro for Friday night 5/29/09. See you then. JV

[Lzyellodog]

Room booked at the Colonial Motel in Brattleboro as well. looking forward to May.

[jvalny]

Ok, Here We Go. Let's Hear From The Rest Of The Bbd's

[spinedr]

Ok Muchachos!!! My wife is trying to make reservations as we speak. Via internet, is that the way yawl did it, or did you muchachos call with the telefono (rrrring,rrrring) :D

[spinedr]

Done!!! reservations for friday are on for the Colonial Motel in Brattleboro. Wife and I are looking forward to see all of you and ride. Who is next?? :corn:

[BMWphreak]

I am booked next door at the Hampton Inn (it was free..)

[CharlieVT]

Ladies and Gents,
I am going to line up a dinner for Friday night at a local resturant.
Wondering what time I should shoot for?
Obviously folks will have different time tables, but those of you who are planning on being in Brattleboro on Friday night and are interesting in joining the group for dinner, can you suggest a time for dinner that wouldn't be too late, but would allow you to get checked into town and checked into your hotels before dinner?
For those who don't want to ride after dinner, I will run a cross town shuttle.

Looking forward to the 3rd annual ride of the BBDs. :)

[jvalny]

Hey Curtis, Need to hear from people who are leaving after the work day.
As for me anytime after 6pm.

[RiderRay]

Curtis:
How about 7:00? We'll still finish early enough in case you have to run a shuttle.

Ray

[spinedr]

6 PM is good for me. My wife is going to try to get the day off and we are planning to ride out around 9 am and take the long way there. :bike:

[Lzyellodog]

6PM should be fine for me as well. I will probably be up there earlier in the day. Come On MAY!!

[KMC1]

Please stand by while I travel like a maniac and have no time to get this taken care of. :mad: Also, as a sidenote, there is a Holiday Inn Express off of Exit 3 that is really nice - I suggest making your rooms there for Friday night. I may be able to get us a discount if anyone is interested. Let me know.

[RiderRay]

6:00 will work for us, we have the day off anyway, so should be up in the area early.

[razman10]

I may be the odd man out, but my vote is for 8:00. If I get out of work at 4:30 and head up for a 2:45 hour ride, 8pm gives us a chance to check in the hotel and heed the calls of nature before meeting up for dinner.

[BMWphreak]

I may be the odd man out, but my vote is for 8:00. If I get out of work at 4:30 and head up for a 2:45 hour ride, 8pm gives us a chance to check in the hotel and heed the calls of nature before meeting up for dinner.

Ray, if you turn the right grip a little more you might get there for 6:00! ;)

[razman10]

Ray, if you turn the right grip a little more you might get there for 6:00! ;)
OK, OK... You don't have to twist my arm so hard - I'll try it!!! :p

[BigGeo]

Sounds wonderful. Unfortunately will be hitting little white ball in Hilton Head. Planning on riding down this year with SO and having a blast. Previously flew and rented a cage. Enjoy the ride and hope to meet up over the summer.

[living_free]

Done!!! reservations for friday are on for the Colonial Motel in Brattleboro. Wife and I are looking forward to see all of you and ride. Who is next?? :corn:

Just made our reservations at the Colonial Motel in Brattleboro also for friday night.

Has a decision been made for Saturday night yet? Or have I not read all the posts.

[CharlieVT]

Just made our reservations at the Colonial Motel in Brattleboro also for friday night.

Has a decision been made for Saturday night yet? Or have I not read all the posts.

I have not made a decision regarding Saturday night. That will be a while yet. I am talking to a few places up north and want to get a better feel for the places before I decide.

Regarding Friday night, I've been watching posts regarding preferences for a time to meet for dinner on Friday. My goal is to make it as early as practical for the majority, understanding that it will be difficult to please everyone.
I'm thinking I'll run my "shuttle" to pick folks up at hotels around 6PM getting to the restaurant around 6:30PM. (I haven't decided on the restaurant, but have some ideas. Not too expensive, private room or at least a table big enough for all the group, and casual atmosphere are my goals.)
For those who can't make my target time, I'll provide directions and location of the restaurant so you can come directly there. Maybe we'll have a "social hour" before ordering dinner around 7PM which would give later arrivals a little more time to join.

The Colonial Motel and the Holiday Inn and Suites are about 1/4 mile from each other. Holiday Inn is newer than the Colonial. Both those places, as well as a relatively new Super 8 Motel are near Exit 3 of I-91. All are a good location for my shuttle service.

[CharlieVT]

Suffering the dread thread spread.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?p=368110#post368110

[razman10]

OK - It's official - my wife and I are coming!!!!

I bit the bullet. I just booked a room at the Colonial Motel & Spa in Brattleboro.

See everybody in May!!!

[spinedr]

Is looking good :stir: I wish May was here, we are going to have a great time :sun: :sun: :bike:

[CharlieVT]

I'm trying to get a rough idea of the size of the group so I can talk to restaurant and Sat night places with an estimate. Here's what I think so far:
Razman Ray 2 peoples
KMC1 Kevin 2 peoples
Iron Man Dave 1 people
RiderRay Ray 2 peoples
spinedr Guath and HD Renee 2 peoples
nypd Jerome 1 people
Lazyyellowdog Jim 2 peoples
livingfree Tony 1 peoples
bmwphreak GS ridin' 1 peoples
Flintstone Affair 2 peoples
RobVB ? peoples
Me and Mine 2 peoples

If the number of peoples in your party isn't correct, or you have a ? mark next to your identifier please let me know how many peoples you think maybe coming. You don't have to guarantee anything, just trying to get an estimate.

Anyone heard from FredR? He's posted recently, but I don't know if he's riding again. And This Is Not a Pipe "was" hasn't checked into the thread. Sure'd like to see you guys.

[spinedr]

I'm trying to get a rough idea of the size of the group so I can talk to restaurant and Sat night places with an estimate. Here's what I think so far:
Razman Ray 2 peoples
KMC1 Kevin 2 peoples
Iron Man Dave 1 people
RiderRay Ray 2 peoples
spinedr Guath and HD Renee 2 peoples
nypd Jerome 1 people
Lazyyellowdog Jim 2 peoples
livingfree Tony 1 peoples
bmwphreak GS ridin' 1 peoples
Flintstone Affair 2 peoples
RobVB ? peoples
Me and Mine 2 peoples

If the number of peoples in your party isn't correct, or you have a ? mark next to your identifier please let me know how many peoples you think maybe coming. You don't have to guarantee anything, just trying to get an estimate.

Anyone heard from FredR? He's posted recently, but I don't know if he's riding again. And This Is Not a Pipe "was" hasn't checked into the thread. Sure'd like to see you guys.

Muchacho!!! Living free said (Just made our reservations at the Colonial Motel in Brattleboro) Is that two of them, Tony and SO? I am glad you guys are going to ride with us. I will not be the only one North / East of Vermont. :wave

[living_free]

Muchacho!!! Living free said (Just made our reservations at the Colonial Motel in Brattleboro) Is that two of them, Tony and SO? I am glad you guys are going to ride with us. I will not be the only one North / East of Vermont. :wave

Yes, that would be two of us, myself and my bride.

[CharlieVT]

Yes, that would be two of us, myself and my bride.

Thanks Tony, good to know we've another 2 up bike.

Other good news, FredR tells me he has a new to him 05 GS and plans on making Ride Vermont 09; he's an original BBD and we missed him last year.

[BMWphreak]

2 up for me as well, but I'm on an RT not a GS... I think Jim and Kevin will be 1 up on their GSes

[Lzyellodog]

2 up for me as well, but I'm on an RT not a GS... I think Jim and Kevin will be 1 up on their GSes

Yes I most likely will be 1 up this year. We will see. I believe Kev will be 2 up.

[razman10]

2 up here - as you have listed.

Looking forward to it! Can't wait - COME ON MAY!!!!

[FredR]

Hi Curtis and the rest of you plankowner BBD's and newcomers,

Well I just checked and see that Memorial Day weekend is the weekend before VT09 as I usually do the Charter Oak Rally then.
I have not made my reservation in Brattleboro yet but as of now I plan on attending - 1 People

[djfalkenstein]

Joan and I will be there.

[RiderRay]

Yup, 2 up is right for me.

Ray

[RiderRay]

Curtis:
Just made a reservation at the Super 8 motel. Address wise, it sounds close to the Colonial.

Ray

[CharlieVT]

Curtis:
Just made a reservation at the Super 8 motel. Address wise, it sounds close to the Colonial.

Ray

Yup, just down the road a few hundred feet. Good location.

[KMC1]

Yes I most likely will be 1 up this year. We will see. I believe Kev will be 2 up.
Not sure which bike, but I'll hopefully be 2 up. Sorry for the delay in responding to the thread. :o

[spinedr]

-11 this morning :wtf: Snow tomorrow 12 to 18 inches :wack: :soapbox: We need some sun :sun: Can't wait for spring :crazy:

[razman10]

Is it May yet?

[AliMar]

I've been lurking this thread a bit and just dug in to see what's up. I can't commit just yet but certainly hope to make it. Likely a 1up deal.

[BMWphreak]

I've been lurking this thread a bit and just dug in to see what's up. I can't commit just yet but certainly hope to make it. Likely a 1up deal.

Hey! Look who came out of the house. Long time, no hear... hope all is well.

[CharlieVT]

I've been lurking this thread a bit and just dug in to see what's up. I can't commit just yet but certainly hope to make it. Likely a 1up deal.

Hi Mark,
We hope you can make it!
(Although we question your judgement in expressing an interest in joining this group). ;)
An RT huh?, great! (I think that bike can keep up with the group.) ;)
BTW, I think I heard some of those RTs have final drive problems, no?. ;)

Seriously, welcome! We hope to have a weekend of "spirited" riding on great roads, scenery, laughs and conversation with new and old friends who are the Beemer Biker Dudes.

[daddo50]

Is the get together/trip open to anyone? If so, would like to attend with my daughter.

[Lzyellodog]

Is the get together/trip open to anyone? If so, would like to attend with my daughter.

Sure, We only have two rules: 1. No loud pipes. 2. See rule Number 1.

Does your daughter ride? or will she be taking in the scenery?

[daddo50]

She is 15 and does the scenic tour, if she can stay awake long enough.

[CharlieVT]

Is the get together/trip open to anyone? If so, would like to attend with my daughter.

Hi Bob,
Yes, the group is open to everyone.
Most everyone in the group is pretty safe to be seen in public with, and is "family friendly".

(There are a couple of guys in the group that you really wouldn't want to bring home and introduce to your family, but we aren't going to tell you who they are. ;) )

Seriously, this is largely a couples ride, a father/daughter team would fit right in. Welcome.

[daddo50]

Thanks - I booked a room at the Colonial.

[Lzyellodog]

Hi Bob,
Yes, the group is open to everyone.
Most everyone in the group is pretty safe to be seen in public with, and is "family friendly".

(There are a couple of guys in the group that you really wouldn't want to bring home and introduce to your family, but we aren't going to tell you who they are. ;) )
.

Hey, I resemble that remark!!!! Oh well.... The sad news is the wife has decided to skip this year. She does not think she will have as much comfort on the GS plus someone has to take care of the dogs.

Where the hell is MAY?!!!!?!?!?!! Enough of the cold and snow. The GS has not been out of the garage since Dec 27th. She is getting lonely. Her only friend right is the battery tender.

[spinedr]

Thanks - I booked a room at the Colonial.
Welcome :wave I am glad you decided to join us. We always have a great time with this group and can say that we do behave more with the wifes and SO's along. If we don't then we get smack in the back of the head by the wifes :rotf: Looking forward on meeting you!! :thumb:

[spinedr]

Hey, I resemble that remark!!!! Oh well.... The sad news is the wife has decided to skip this year. She does not think she will have as much comfort on the GS plus someone has to take care of the dogs.

Where the hell is MAY?!!!!?!?!?!! Enough of the cold and snow. The GS has not been out of the garage since Dec 27th. She is getting lonely. Her only friend right is the battery tender.

I am sorry to hear that your wife is not coming. Who is going to keep you in line :rolleyes: I know my wife was looking forward in seeing you two. I am glad you are going to be there with your GS??? Now, are we going to have to wait for you?? Do not worry, we can go slow for you to catch up :histerica
Now the weather report change to 24 inches for today :crybaby:

[Tat_n_Telle]

Most everyone in the group is pretty safe to be seen in public with, and is "family friendly".

Well, that leaves the bald, heavily tattooed freak with the FuManchu out.

Seriously, don't know how much time off I'll have in store this riding season, since I'm pretty much burning all my vacation time now, in the snow and cold, taking care of Telle. She's not much for "spirited" riding, anyway. We tend to take our time and enjoy the scenery along the way.

[spinedr]

Well, that leaves the bald, heavily tattooed freak with the FuManchu out.

Seriously, don't know how much time off I'll have in store this riding season, since I'm pretty much burning all my vacation time now, in the snow and cold, taking care of Telle. She's not much for "spirited" riding, anyway. We tend to take our time and enjoy the scenery along the way.
We generally ride together but the people that want to ride slow stay behind and we meet down the road. Curtis is good on waiting for the group to get together. Last year we had the route on Garmin and Map source for your GPS that you can print. We are going to have a great time!!! Both ankles!!! OUCH

[BMWphreak]

Tat,

You can definitely go at your own pace and the group will wait at the turns. My wife had me going a bit slower last year than year #1 when I was solo, but we had just as much fun.

Jim, can tell you, I NEVER ride in a "spirited" manner...

And, just for the record BBDs, I believe you will find that the power to weight ratio on either an RT or GS is superior to an LT. Not that it matters...

[spinedr]

Tat,

You can definitely go at your own pace and the group will wait at the turns. My wife had me going a bit slower last year than year #1 when I was solo, but we had just as much fun.

Jim, can tell you, I NEVER ride in a "spirited" manner...

And, just for the record BBDs, I believe you will find that the power to weight ratio on either an RT or GS is superior to an LT. Not that it matters...
PLUS THEY HAVE A 6TH GEAR RIGHT? They are great bikes, BMW,s all. Including the GT BRUMMMM :) My wife won't let me go spirited either. :(

[AliMar]

Hi Mark,
We hope you can make it!
(Although we question your judgement in expressing an interest in joining this group). ;)
An RT huh?, great! (I think that bike can keep up with the group.) ;)
BTW, I think I heard some of those RTs have final drive problems, no?. ;)

Seriously, welcome! We hope to have a weekend of "spirited" riding on great roads, scenery, laughs and conversation with new and old friends who are the Beemer Biker Dudes.
Thanks Curtis. And while I have heard of RT's with final drive problems that's not been a problem here. My biggest problem recently is that Mexican Agave extract that's been aged a short time has my own final drive a bit flatulent lately. It's been tough on the family, windows open all afternoon and all. It's cold in here. :D

[AliMar]

Hey! Look who came out of the house. Long time, no hear... hope all is well. Yea, no kidding. Been in hibernation for a bit. Now that the days are lightening up a bit I'm starting to stir. Looking for a good day to clean up the bike. My last ride left the bike a mess and it's been too cold since to do anything with it.

[CharlieVT]

PLUS THEY HAVE A 6TH GEAR RIGHT? They are great bikes, BMW,s all. Including the GT BRUMMMM :) My wife won't let me go spirited either. :(

Just to clarify for newcomers:

Okay, not spirited, but fast. Let's be honest, we don't ride at typical HD or GW touring speeds. I lead the group at a pretty good clip. Those at the front of the group are typically using higher rpms, focusing on their line through the turns. This isn't a group ride where the bikes are all together like a HD parade, or a bunch of GWs where all riders can see each other going down the road. Each rider is instructed to adjust their speed so they can check on the rider behind them. If the rider behind disappears from view even on long straight-aways, it's time to slow down. This keeps the group from getting too spread out and reduces the chances that the slower riders bringing up the rear will get lost to the group. In this way, the pace of the rider in the rear, to some extent, controls the pace of the whole group. IF the pace becomes too slow and waiting times to get the group all together at intersections takes too long, I will decide to form two groups.

To keep the group together I slow or stop and count bikes in the rear view mirror, and Hiromi helps me count bikes to make sure we have everyone before we start off again. Last year we were counting 6 or 7 bikes if I recall and wait times to get the group together weren't bad.

We don't want anyone riding faster than their comfort level, and we sure don't want anyone riding faster than their skill level, and we certainly don't want an accident. I don't want to create an environment where riders are trying to keep a pace they aren't comfortable with. That said, riders should enjoy the scenery while we are stopped. While we are riding, the rider's focus is on the road, "Scenery... what scenery?". :)

[NHBMW]

The ride sounds great if work schedules permits we will be there.. :dance

[CharlieVT]

The ride sounds great if work schedules permits we will be there.. :dance:

Hi Art,
Hope you can join the group. Look forward to meeting you.
We haven't heard much from you around here (3 posts :) )

Do you have a "significant other" who rides with you, or you one-up?

[Rickkk]

Hi brand new to this club, and a brand new BMW KLT rider. bought a used one this year still trying to figure it out. I am more used to riding a smaller Honda so this will be diffrent. I would love to Join on the ride in VT and make new friends.

[CharlieVT]

Hi brand new to this club, and a brand new BMW KLT rider. bought a used one this year still trying to figure it out. I am more used to riding a smaller Honda so this will be diffrent. I would love to Join on the ride in VT and make new friends.

Welcome. Point of order: this isn't a club, it's an asylum. :histeria
Congrats on the bike. Some of us think it is the greatest touring bike going. It does take some getting used to, but if you like long rides, a fast sport-like feel, with great comfort and weather protection, this is the bike. Some LT owners coming from other types of riding don't quite get what the LT is or can do. And from many what she can do just isn't suited to their riding style. I would say that it took me 6-8K miles before I settled into the LT, and that was after having many thousands of miles on other bikes. So be patient, the LT will grow on you.

Athol isn't so far, maybe we can get a ride in even before the scheduled ride of the BBDs at the end of May.

So what year of LT do you have? And what Honda are you coming from?

[spinedr]

Hi brand new to this club, and a brand new BMW KLT rider. bought a used one this year still trying to figure it out. I am more used to riding a smaller Honda so this will be diffrent. I would love to Join on the ride in VT and make new friends.

Welcome to the LOCOS group with master Charlie as the Jefe of the Locos. He drives and we follow :crazy: We do what he tells us to do for the VT ride :brick: but the funny part is that we ALWAYS have a great time. He is a wonderful host. Welcome to the site and hope you joint the BBD's in May. I just shovel my deck with 3 feet of snow on top with my wife. Were is SPRING!!!

[yudin]

I'm in.
I just booked a room at my house for Friday May 29. Curtis, I think you should try to get us ALL in at the North Troy Inn near Newport. I think the BBD's are up for some real memories. Oh yea!

Looking forward to seeing you all again, meeting those who I missed last year, and oh, yea the hat. Good move.
SpineDr, please bring your air pressure gauge, and use it once in a while.
Joseph

[spinedr]

I'm in.
I just booked a room at my house for Friday May 29. Curtis, I think you should try to get us ALL in at the North Troy Inn near Newport. I think the BBD's are up for some real memories. Oh yea!

Looking forward to seeing you all again, meeting those who I missed last year, and oh, yea the hat. Good move.
SpineDr, please bring your air pressure gauge, and use it once in a while.
Joseph
It is nice to hear from you :wave I still have the gage that the BBD's gave me the first year and will bring it with me :rotf: Do you still have the K bike? was it a 1100S? I am glad you decided to come. We are going to have a great time this year and looks like we are going to have a few new riders and a good group. :dance:

[jvalny]

Looking foward to meeting everyone again and the 1st timers.
come on May. My snowblower has more miles than my bike

[spinedr]

Looking foward to meeting everyone again and the 1st timers.
come on May. My snowblower has more miles than my bike
:histerica yes my snowblower has plenty of miles jvalny :D I wish was my bike :(

[CharlieVT]

:histerica yes my snowblower has plenty of miles jvalny :D I wish was my bike :(

No snowblower here, but plenty of plowing. Snow lets you sneak around in the woods.....
How to you get a picture of a unique deer?
Unique on on 'em.
How do you get a picture of a tame deer?
Tame way, unique up on 'em.

Speaking of deer, we have an unusual variant of deer here in southern Vermont, these deer have only one eye. Do you have any idea what we call them? Think about it a while.....
no idea?

Cabin fever....

[spinedr]

No snowblower here, but plenty of plowing. Snow lets you sneak around in the woods.....
How to you get a picture of a unique deer?
Unique on on 'em.
How do you get a picture of a tame deer?
Tame way, unique up on 'em.

:histerica :rotf: I am glad that I am at home and I could run to the bathroom 'cus I almost pi my shots :histerica . I am not feeling very good today and had a long day at work and this made me feel little better, Thanks.
I must be loco but one eye deer and cabin fever??? MMM I do not get this one. :confused: I must be more tired than I thought :)
Speaking of deer, we have an unusual variant of deer here in southern Vermont, these deer have only one eye. Do you have any idea what we call them? Think about it a while.....
no idea?

Cabin fever....

[jvalny]

Okay BBD's. Take a look at Curtis's last post. After the snow is gone that is one of the roads Curtis led us on. :histerica

[CharlieVT]

Okay, it is a bad joke when you have to explain it.
No idea? = No eye deer?


Cabin fever is unrelated to the bad word play about one eye'd deer, cabin fever is what brought me to the point of telling these awful jokes. Cabin fever= snow bound=parked motorcycle syndrome (pms).


:histerica :rotf: I am glad that I am at home and I could run to the bathroom 'cus I almost pi my shots :histerica . I am not feeling very good today and had a long day at work and this made me feel little better, Thanks.
I must be loco but one eye deer and cabin fever??? MMM I do not get this one. :confused: I must be more tired than I thought :)
Speaking of deer, we have an unusual variant of deer here in southern Vermont, these deer have only one eye. Do you have any idea what we call them? Think about it a while.....
no idea?


Cabin fever....

[Lzyellodog]

Okay, it is a bad joke when you have to explain it.
No idea? = No eye deer?


Cabin fever is unrelated to the bad word play about one eye'd deer, cabin fever is what brought me to the point of telling these awful jokes. Cabin fever= snow bound=parked motorcycle syndrome (pms).

[QUOTE=spinedr]

Very funny. I was hoping to ride to my MSF refresh tomorrow but that aint gonna happen. Oh well. at this rate the May ride may be the first ride of the year.

[razman10]

Very funny. I was hoping to ride to my MSF refresh tomorrow but that aint gonna happen. Oh well. at this rate the May ride may be the first ride of the year.What do you mean?!?!? It's supposed to be in the upper 40's tomorrow!! Sunday may even hit the lower 50's!!! A heat wave!!! :dance:

If there's no ice left on my road, I may just take Rosie out for a quick spin and let her stretch her legs! :dance:

[living_free]

Other than Monday, it looks like we may have highs above freezing for the next week!! If the snow and ice melts off my road, and I get my seat back from russell, I might be able to go for ride!!!

[spinedr]

Other than Monday, it looks like we may have highs above freezing for the next week!! If the snow and ice melts off my road, and I get my seat back from russell, I might be able to go for ride!!!
Yep!!! lots of if's lots of snow!! Lots of cold!! lots of tears :crybaby: but in my mind I am riding :crazy:

[dznam]

Greetings from the coast of Maine! I just found this thread and the ride you're planning sounds like a real treat. I've got one challenge, though - we'll be wrapping up a ride around the U.S. in late May and while I expect to be back in the neighborhood right about the date of this ride, I can't be 100%. How much lead time would you need to avoid my creating a logistical saddle-sore. I'd be joining you as a solo rider if you can put up with one more rider from downeast...

[CharlieVT]

Hi daveski, :)
Yes, welcome. We could use another Maineiac! We are generally outnumbered by the flatlanders and need to even the odds. ;)

No problem with last minute arrival; I try to get a head count for planning but it is expected that there will be last minute cancellations and new joiners. That works fine. (A reason why I don't try to make reservations for folks, everyone is on their own to make reservations for Friday and Sat night.) If you have read the whole thread you'll know that Friday night is in the Brattleboro area, folks already have reservations at one of a few motels in the area. I'll be planning a Friday night get-together at a local resturant where I expect we'll have our own room. Sat night will be in northern Vermont and I'll be posting the location. Things are a little more spread out up there so everyone staying at the same place will work better. I'll try to get a group rate (which is another reason for an approximate head count), but again, everyone will be responsible for calling and making their own reservation for Sat night too.

So yeah, welcome. Hope you do join up.


Greetings from the coast of Maine! I just found this thread and the ride you're planning sounds like a real treat. I've got one challenge, though - we'll be wrapping up a ride around the U.S. in late May and while I expect to be back in the neighborhood right about the date of this ride, I can't be 100%. How much lead time would you need to avoid my creating a logistical saddle-sore. I'd be joining you as a solo rider if you can put up with one more rider from downeast...

[dznam]

Thanks, I've got it penciled in on my calendar - one more reason to make time from Duluth to Iroquois Falls...

[CharlieVT]

Ladies and Gents,

Here's an option for our Saturday night accomodations:
http://www.thelodgeatjay.com/page.asp?intNodeID=10725

DO NOT CALL AND MAKE RESERVATIONS AT THIS TIME, I am just looking for feedback in case anyone of you has stayed there and wants to offer an opinion.

Our Group Room Rate would be $50 plus tax. They have onsite dining and the resturant would be open for our stay.

So check the website and tell me what you think. There are other options, but I thought I'd query the group on this one for now.

[spinedr]

Ladies and Gents,

Here's an option for our Saturday night accomodations:
http://www.thelodgeatjay.com/page.asp?intNodeID=10725

DO NOT CALL AND MAKE RESERVATIONS AT THIS TIME, I am just looking for feedback in case anyone of you has stayed there and wants to offer an opinion.

Our Group Room Rate would be $50 plus tax. They have onsite dining and the resturant would be open for our stay.

So check the website and tell me what you think. There are other options, but I thought I'd query the group on this one for now.
I am OK with this place. As long as there is no cucarachas is ok. ;) And is going to be nice to have another Mainer in the group :toast:

[BMWphreak]

Looks OK to me!

[razman10]

I'm with the good Dr... As long as there are no "cucarachas" we're good to go!

By the way, is it May yet??? :dance:

[living_free]

Looks okay to me too.

[AliMar]

Cocktails at Squiddies... any Navy among us? :histerica
Keep the lights on keeps the cockroaches away (yes, i know). Nothing that I'm aware of keeps bedbugs away.

[jvalny]

I,m In Curtis. Oh, Do They Have Valet Parking? I Understand That You Dropped Your Bike Last Year At The Bbd's Weekend.

[BMWphreak]

Twice, but who's counting? ;)

Actually, he was executing a power slide (with pillion) to impress the Harley riders...

Seriously, that parking lot was not all that good!

[CharlieVT]

I,m In Curtis. Oh, Do They Have Valet Parking? I Understand That You Dropped Your Bike Last Year At The Bbd's Weekend.

Twice! :)

But I had lots of help picking it up!

[saddleman]

I Have a room booked at the colonial inn for friday night. I'm riding thursday to stay at a old riding buddies house in Atco NJ. We grew up together and have been riding since the early 70s.

I would like to ride in all the eastern states while I'm up that way. When I leave NJ I'll go to NY,CT,RI & then MA. I don't now if I should go to NH,ME & then over to Brattleboro or wait until sat. eve & ride to NH & ME & back.

I'm leaning on getting it all done on friday because I'm riding to Pittsburgh PA to stay at my brothers on sunday night.

Anybody have any route ideas from Maine to Brattleboro.

[CharlieVT]

Hey Dave,
Welcome.
You've an ambitious plan there, NJ on Thursday, get to VT, NH, and ME and back to Pittsburg for Sunday night. I'd say you're going to "ride in all the eastern states" so you can say: "done that" but I think you'll have to take some of the fast roads. I have route suggestions from ME to VT depending on where in ME you plan on visiting, but the way I go is the scenic route and generally is pretty much a full day's ride, especially if you want to get over to the downeast coast. We have a couple of Mainers who intend on making this ride, one coastal, the other in western ME. Perhaps if you give us a better idea where in ME you want to get, they'll have suggestions.

Glad you're going to join us on Friday; look forward to seeing you.


I Have a room booked at the colonial inn for friday night. I'm riding thursday to stay at a old riding buddies house in Atco NJ. We grew up together and have been riding since the early 70s.

I would like to ride in all the eastern states while I'm up that way. When I leave NJ I'll go to NY,CT,RI & then MA. I don't now if I should go to NH,ME & then over to Brattleboro or wait until sat. eve & ride to NH & ME & back.

I'm leaning on getting it all done on friday because I'm riding to Pittsburgh PA to stay at my brothers on sunday night.

Anybody have any route ideas from Maine to Brattleboro.

[saddleman]

I've been up the cost to Bar Harbor in the cage before so I just want to get in the state on my bike on I-95 And then head to Brattleboro the fastest way I can.

I'm just trying to figure out what time to leave NJ and be there in plenty of time for dinner with everybody. Usually when I'm riding alone I'm on the road between 4:00 & 5:00 am.

Having not been on the east coast for over 25yrs I can only expect a whole lot more travel delays. If need be I'll leave NJ at 2:00 am.

[wilbar00c]

Looks good to me as well.

[CharlieVT]

Okay, got it. My suggestion: After you have set foot in Maine, come south again to Porthsmouth, NH and pick up rte 4 west to Concord, NH. You'll do a little southbound on interstate 93 in Concord and then west on I-89 a few miles to rte 9 west. Rte 9 west to Keene, NH and continuing on 9 to Brattleboro. Microsoft Trips 'n Streets figures that to be about 2.5 hours.

As an alternative you could take rte 101 from Nashua, NH to Keene but I think you'd like the above route better; I would.

If you slab it to Portsmouth, NH from Atco, NJ, Trips'n Streets gives me 477 miles. That's without any mileage north into Maine. So depending on your riding speed, lenght of breaks, and how far into Maine you want to go that is very do-able.

If you join us for our Saturday ride from Brattleboro to Jay, VT and stay Saturday night in Jay, you'd have a 716 mile day on Sunday to get to Pittsburgh.

Have fun planning!




I've been up the cost to Bar Harbor in the cage before so I just want to get in the state on my bike on I-95 And then head to Brattleboro the fastest way I can.

I'm just trying to figure out what time to leave NJ and be there in plenty of time for dinner with everybody. Usually when I'm riding alone I'm on the road between 4:00 & 5:00 am.

Having not been on the east coast for over 25yrs I can only expect a whole lot more travel delays. If need be I'll leave NJ at 2:00 am.

[living_free]

Okay, got it. My suggestion: After you have set foot in Maine, come south again to Porthsmouth, NH and pick up rte 4 west to Concord, NH. You'll do a little southbound on interstate 93 in Concord and then west on I-89 a few miles to rte 9 west. Rte 9 west to Keene, NH and continuing on 9 to Brattleboro. Microsoft Trips 'n Streets figures that to be about 2.5 hours.

As an alternative you could take rte 101 from Nashua, NH to Keene but I think you'd like the above route better; I would.

If you slab it to Portsmouth, NH from Atco, NJ, Trips'n Streets gives me 477 miles. That's without any mileage north into Maine. So depending on your riding speed, lenght of breaks, and how far into Maine you want to go that is very do-able.

If you join us for our Saturday ride from Brattleboro to Jay, VT and stay Saturday night in Jay, you'd have a 716 mile day on Sunday to get to Pittsburgh.

Have fun planning!

I would second taking rt 9. It is a gorgeous ride, and has some nice twisties as well. This is the route I will be taking Friday ( I live 15 minutes from the Maine border).

[saddleman]

Thanks for the tips. 700 miles on sunday is fine with me. After all he is my brother and if I get there late I'm sure he will leave the light on for me.

I hope to get some whitewater rafting in on the New River in West Virginia on Monday.

[Lzyellodog]

Ladies and Gents,

Here's an option for our Saturday night accomodations:
http://www.thelodgeatjay.com/page.asp?intNodeID=10725

DO NOT CALL AND MAKE RESERVATIONS AT THIS TIME, I am just looking for feedback in case anyone of you has stayed there and wants to offer an opinion.

Our Group Room Rate would be $50 plus tax. They have onsite dining and the resturant would be open for our stay.

So check the website and tell me what you think. There are other options, but I thought I'd query the group on this one for now.


Looks good to me but I have low standards.

[Lzyellodog]

Twice! :)

But I had lots of help picking it up!


I was most impressed with how the Misses just sort of step off the bike as it went down, like she was used to this type of stop.

[RiderRay]

Curtis:
Looks good to me too.

[BMWphreak]

I was most impressed with how the Misses just sort of step off the bike as it went down, like she was used to this type of stop.

She is billed as "the world's greatest pillion", and I think she proved that! :)

[KMC1]

Thanks for the tips. 700 miles on sunday is fine with me. After all he is my brother and if I get there late I'm sure he will leave the light on for me.

I hope to get some whitewater rafting in on the New River in West Virginia on Monday.
Damn. Sounds like you're going to need a vacation after you get back from your vacation! :p

[CharlieVT]

I was most impressed with how the Misses just sort of step off the bike as it went down, like she was used to this type of stop.

Well, we do practice. :rotf:

[saddleman]

Damn. Sounds like you're going to need a vacation after you get back from your vacation! :p

I have yet to be tired of riding or sore after a long day on my LT. This bike is so comfortable my biggest problem is staying awake for a full tank of fuel.

I just finished my mapquest & I'm doing the maine to concord & RT 9 to brattleboro route. If we do 300 miles on sat. It will make it a 2,600 mile ride for me.

Unfortunately in order to get a good night sleep sunday night so I can go whitewater rafting on monday I'll have to leave early Sunday morning. I'll have to leave my brothers house at 3:30 am on monday to get to the new river in time to go rafting.

I am looking very forward to doing my first group ride.










;

[CharlieVT]

Ladies and Gents,

A couple of options for Friday night, both places can give us our own room. I'm gonna say social hour starts at 6:30 PM but we won't order dinner until around 7PM so as to give "stragglers" a little more time.
My first choice is the Steakout Resturant which is 0.3 miles from the Super 8 Motel and 0.6 miles from the Colonial Motel, and about 1.0 mile from the Holiday Inn Express, all walkable. I will offer a ride for those who want. Menu available on the website. We could have a special buffett set up but they'd want a firm head count, so I think we'll just order from the menu. Make it to the Friday night Soiree and maybe you'll get a custom Beemer Biker Dude hat. :)
http://www.steakoutvt.com/

An alternative would be Gillie's in West Brattleboro. This location is a few miles away would require transportation for anyone who wants to leave their bike at the motel, which complicates the shuttling process for those who want to catch a ride with me. I'll choose Gillies as a backup to the Steakout.
http://local.yahoo.com/info-34928803-gillies-restaurant-brattleboro

[RiderRay]

Curtis:
The SteakOut looks good and it's close by.

[CohesiveTechnology]

Curtis,
If you need logistical support, let me know.

DJF

[BMWphreak]

The Steak-out works for me! Thanks for arranging!

[dznam]

Got my reservation at the Colonial for fri. nite and The Lodge at Jay looks like a good spot to me. I'm getting awful tired of doing laps with the snowblower over here, too...

[CharlieVT]

Curtis,
If you need logistical support, let me know.

DJF
Thanks Dave, can't think of anything. Maybe if you join the group on Friday night by car you could help with rides from motels to the resturant. That might be a help depending on how many folks would like a lift. Folks who get to their motel late might really apprectiate a ride.

Hey, new site ID for you. Premium Vendor... sweet.

[CharlieVT]

Got my reservation at the Colonial for fri. nite and The Lodge at Jay looks like a good spot to me. I'm getting awful tired of doing laps with the snowblower over here, too...

No snowblower here, we push it around with a tractor. And frankly we need a little more, the yard is getting a little bare.

[Lzyellodog]

Steak place is cool with me.

[jvalny]

STEAK PLACE IS GOOD FOR ME :wave

[living_free]

Steak out works, walking/stumbling distance to the Colonial!!!!

[saddleman]

Steak out works, walking/stumbling distance to the Colonial!!!!
+1 I'm a meat & potato man myself. And I like a little walk after eating & doing the 99 bottles of beer on the wall thing.

[razman10]

I like steak. StyeakoutVT works well for me!

[CharlieVT]

Ladies and Gents,

You can now make reservations for Sat night, May 30th at the Lodge at Jay.

There are 25 "hotel style" rooms, 12 of which are rooms with a queen bed. There are various configurations of rooms but limited numbers of each type. There is a BBD group rate of $50.00 plus tax per room. There are a very few rooms that have full king sized beds but these are additional costs.
The restaurant will be open for Sat night dinner.
They usually do a continential breakfast but I asked for a full sit down breakfast. It may be a buffet or individual menu orders, they are working on that for us.

Give Ann or John a call to make your reservation. Idendify yourself as a member of the Beemer Biker Dudes or BBDs to get the discounted room rate.

Telephone/Reservations: (802)988-4459
email: info@thelodgeatjay.com

The Lodge at Jay
1181 VT Route 242
Jay, VT. 05859

[CohesiveTechnology]

We are in, though I told Ann to bump Curtis' room. As it turns out he had the room with the dancers.

[RiderRay]

Just made our reservation, can't wait, COME ON MAY!!!!

[Lzyellodog]

DONE. nOw I need my new seat and the bike back from Max.

[CharlieVT]

Ladies and Gents,
I have confirmed the banquet room at the Steakout Restaurant for Friday evening at 6:30 PM. No need to do anything, I just wanted everyone to know this is your destination on Friday night, 29 May.

Here's the directions page on their website:
http://www.steakoutvt.com/directions.htm

Addendum: I'll be giving my cell phone # by PM to anyone who might want a ride from their model to the Steakout so you won't really need to know where the restaurant is unless you plan on walking or riding there.

[living_free]

Just made our reservation for Saturday night, no king beds left, but got a queen. And half the price of the Colonial Friday night.

Can't wait for May!!!!

[living_free]

CharlieVT,

Just want to say a big THANK YOU for stting this all up.

Just so everyone knows, I checked the website for the Lodge at Jay, the normal room rate for friday nights (queen bed) is $139.00.

Charlie did a great job with this!!!!

[RiderRay]

Curtis:
I have a close friend who lives in Waitsfield who would like to join us for the ride. He's 91 (really) and rides a CanAm Spyder. Very interesting fellow. He would meet us on the way up north on Saturday. He lives in the Mt. Ellen ski area right off of Rt. 17. He has been riding bikes for about 75 years. Do you see a problem with him joining us?

[CharlieVT]

Curtis:
I have a close friend who lives in Waitsfield who would like to join us for the ride. He's 91 (really) and rides a CanAm Spyder. Very interesting fellow. He would meet us on the way up north on Saturday. He lives in the Mt. Ellen ski area right off of Rt. 17. He has been riding bikes for about 75 years. Do you see a problem with him joining us?

Problem? Let's see.... he lives in Vermont, is 91 years old and rides a CanAm Spyder? (Which of those are we gonna hold against him?) ;)

Well, Yeah!
He lives on rte 17? He won't even have to come looking for us, we're gonna ride right by. :)
Of course he would be most welcome to join us.

[RiderRay]

Thanks - he's looking forward to it!

[saddleman]

I just booked my room. If the weather in west virginia is going to be in the 80s on monday I'll have to leave early on sunday to go whitewater rafting. If not I'll be riding for at least half the day with all of ya before I have to start working my way back home.

Thanks for all the work Curtis.

[CharlieVT]

to set your clocks forward tonight.
We want to be an hour closer to riding season! :rotf:

[CharlieVT]

Thanks - he's looking forward to it!

Glad he's going to join us, I'm looking forward to it too.

And I think it is really neat that we'll have one of these machines in the group. I've seen 'em on the road, but never close up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s40RtrK3lN0

[BMWphreak]

I called this morning and got the last queen sized room. :) or :( depending...

[CharlieVT]

I called this morning and got the last queen sized room. :) or :( depending...
I hope this place proves to be good enough. I shopped around for reasonable price, bar, restaurant all in one place where the group would have a sense of not being spread out all over a motel, and a place small enough that the BBDs get a sense of owning the place for the night. If you look at the website and read reviews, yeah, the rooms aren't too big, but I am surprised all the queen sized bedrooms are taken already. There are a few king bedrooms and even a "family loft" which are not rooms available for the BBD special price of $50; if you are willing to dig a little deeper in your pockets for a nicer room, folks could ask if any of those are available.

[BMWphreak]

if you are willing to dig a little deeper in your pockets for a nicer room, folks could ask if any of those are available.

I did and was told "you guys have taken all of our rooms, the only thing left is one queen and the rest have two single beds". They are supposed to have 25 rooms so this seems odd, unless some of you people are hoarding rooms!!! :)

I'm sure the place will be great Curtis!

[CharlieVT]

I did and was told "you guys have taken all of our rooms, the only thing left is one queen and the rest have two single beds". They are supposed to have 25 rooms so this seems odd, unless some of you people are hoarding rooms!!! :)

I'm sure the place will be great Curtis!

There must be folks who have made reservations and not told us about it here. I was told that: "There are 25 "hotel style" rooms, 12 of which are rooms with a queen bed...." I got no indication that there was any other group staying there that night, so if we have already reserved 12 rooms with a queen bed, the group is acting faster than I thought. :)

[wilbar00c]

We also reserved one of the queen bed rooms, after 8 this AM, Curtis. John confirmed that the kings were all taken. Thanks for making the arrangements.

Barnett & Wilma

[KMC1]

Just reserved, got a queeen with a single. It's warm enough to ride today! :dance:

[daddo50]

Also, just reserved a queen with a single for Sat. and am at the Colonial for Friday.

Thanks for setting it up.

[jvalny]

I have a room for Sat night Curtis.

[razman10]

I haven't had time to call the Lodge at Jay, so today I finally asked my wife to call. We're all set with a queen room - looking forward to it!!!

I said it before, and I'll say it again... COME ON MAY!!! :)

[rwbloch]

Sorry I won't be making this ride in my backyard. Am taking the family to NEW yankee Stadium that weekend. This definitely looks like fun.

[wilbar00c]

Curtis,

I have a BMW K12GT friend and his wife that ride 2-up. They would like to join the BBDs on your "Ride Vermont 2009" event. They would start out with us in Brattleboro at the Stake Out.
He answers to the name Charlie, so I guess we'll have to call him CharlieCT. Is this OK with you?

Barnett

[CharlieVT]

Curtis,

I have a BMW K12GT friend and his wife that ride 2-up. They would like to join the BBDs on your "Ride Vermont 2009" event. They would start out with us in Brattleboro at the Stake Out.
He answers to the name Charlie, so I guess we'll have to call him CharlieCT. Is this OK with you?

Barnett

Great! Welcome Charlie from CT, CharlieCT, CTCharlie ! :)

[BMWphreak]

This is starting to turn into a rally! :)

If there are enough folks, I suggest we might want to split into two groups: spirited riders, and relaxed riders. I would volunteer to lead the relaxed group since I will be with my wife. Just a thought...

[CharlieVT]

I've always considered two groups as an option, and it may come to that. But it is fun to have the whole group together at stops. We'll probably start out as a group and see how it goes. If it gets to difficult to keep the group together we'll split up; nice of you to offer to lead a second group, that's great and I appreciate it.

I haven't looked at the proposed route in weeks but no changes have been made to the plan since I posted the Trips n Streets and Garmin files.

We're getting closer! A little more than 8 weeks away. Good thing, we need to dry out around here, worst mud season in years!


This is starting to turn into a rally! :)

If there are enough folks, I suggest we might want to split into two groups: spirited riders, and relaxed riders. I would volunteer to lead the relaxed group since I will be with my wife. Just a thought...

[spinedr]

If you need help on anything let me know muchacho. We still have 4 feet of snow on the yard of my house. No mud yet to bee seen :( But I did go out last weekend for a small ride. Is almost here :)

[CohesiveTechnology]

Alas my friends, though I'll be able to join you Friday night, I will not on Saturday.

I am starting a business and I have a fantastic invitation to join an open house in Concord NH. I have to do it for the exposure.

If anyone needs my room, please email me. I will hang on to it until 4/30.

[CharlieVT]

Alas my friends, though I'll be able to join you Friday night, I will not on Saturday.

I am starting a business and I have a fantastic invitation to join an open house in Concord NH. I have to do it for the exposure.

If anyone needs my room, please email me. I will hang on to it until 4/30.

Oh say it isn't so!
Send a surrogate to Concord and ride with the BBDs.
or.....
We'll re-route Ride Vermont 2009 to pass through Concord, NH so you can make an appearance. (You won't mind the Beemer Biker Dudes at your side as you network for a few minutes. We'll make a most favorable impression for you!) :rotf:

Jeez...., sorry you have to cancel. You know, after your Sat. networking event (is that a pun, computer guy?) you could hit I-89 north to I-91 north and it'll be a hop, skip, and a jump over to Jay for Sat night and then you could join us for Sat night and Sunday.

In any case, we're gonna let the air out of your tires if you don't show for at least some of the ride. Hey, "Cohesive" means we need to stick together! ;)

Addendum:
I was over in Marlboro, NH on Sat gathering sap, moving firewood, and helping fire the arch in a friend's sugarhouse, man... mud season on your side of the river is pretty bad too, some of those roads are impassable for anything but 4-wheel drive. Sure am glad I had the tire chains on my LT. ;)

[CohesiveTechnology]

Dude(s)! I was looking forward to this ride in a big way.

I just launched Cohesive Technology (Motorcycle and snowmobile communications and toys). Freedom Cycle in Concord was so psych'd about what we are doing that they invited me to their annual open house event. This is huge exposure; I have to do it.

I will hold out hope that I can somehow do both. I want to. But this economy means I have to grab what publicity I can get. I won't cancel my room until I hear from a fellow BBD who needs it, or until I must.

I could find you guys on Sunday somewhere....

Curtis, I was out today for burn-in testing after fitting all of the mods and farkles from this Winter. Let's get coffee somewhere; like Montreal.

[razman10]

Speaking of Sunday, is there anything on the docket for Sunday when we wake at Jay?

[CharlieVT]

Speaking of Sunday, is there anything on the docket for Sunday when we wake at Jay?
Our hosts at the Lodge at Jay will have a breakfast available for us. I told them we'd like a breakfast where we all could order eggs, breakfast meats, pancakes, etc. It will be off season for them, and they usually only offer a continental breakfast but they told me they'd work something up. When I was asked what the group would expect to pay for breakfast I said we'd like to pay about the same as what breakfast would cost at the local diner. I'll be firming up breakfast plans more with them as we get closer to the date.

There is a Sunday route planned which can be viewed in one of my above posts in either MS Trips n' Streets or Garmin Mapsource format. There will be some very nice riding on Sunday. I still think of possible changes to the route, and will be out exploring road surfaces in the next few weeks, but I expect to get in some of the Northeast Kingdom, the Upper Valley, there is some really nice riding along the CT River back into southern Vermont.

There is also the possibility of a ride up a mountian, either Mt. Mansfield on Saturday or Mt. Ascutney on Sunday depending on interest.

Since some folks will want to "jump off" depending on their timeline to get home, I expect the pack will thin as the day goes on (the Mainiacs will no doubt turn left at some point), but the planned ride ends up back in southern Vermont.

So yeah, there are plans for Sunday.

[Lzyellodog]

Well, Sounds like we will all be in on Sunday for the most part. Looking forward to it. I personally would love to ride up a mountain or two.

BTW, the misses is definitely not coming this year. We took a short ride the other day and she really does not like the seat on the GS. Just means I will have to have two bikes in the garage at some point. Maybe another LT or an RT. Maybe next year.

Come on MAy.....

Oh yeah, Curtis...Thanks again for putting this ALL together. I am really happy I will be able to spend most of Sunday riding with the BBDS this year. In past years we would beg off the SUnday ride cause it was in the wrong direction but this year we have to go SOuth. WOOHOOO.

[spinedr]

Well, Sounds like we will all be in on Sunday for the most part. Looking forward to it. I personally would love to ride up a mountain or two.

BTW, the misses is definitely not coming this year. We took a short ride the other day and she really does not like the seat on the GS. Just means I will have to have two bikes in the garage at some point. Maybe another LT or an RT. Maybe next year.

Come on MAy.....

Oh yeah, Curtis...Thanks again for putting this ALL together. I am really happy I will be able to spend most of Sunday riding with the BBDS this year. In past years we would beg off the SUnday ride cause it was in the wrong direction but this year we have to go SOuth. WOOHOOO.
Hey, What about if your wife rides with one of us. My GT is empty in the back sit, not as comfortable as the LT but better than the GS. I put this out there for there is not a yin with out the yang ;)

[BMWphreak]

BTW, the misses is definitely not coming this year. We took a short ride the other day and she really does not like the seat on the GS. Just means I will have to have two bikes in the garage at some point. Maybe another LT or an RT. Maybe next year.




RT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a hint...

[razman10]

Thanks Curtis.

I'll probably ride some of the day with the group, but then "jump off" as you said to head home and get there at a decent hour.

And +1 on the "thanks for putting this together"! :thumb:



Our hosts at the Lodge at Jay will have a breakfast available for us. I told them we'd like a breakfast where we all could order eggs, breakfast meats, pancakes, etc. It will be off season for them, and they usually only offer a continental breakfast but they told me they'd work something up. When I was asked what the group would expect to pay for breakfast I said we'd like to pay about the same as what breakfast would cost at the local diner. I'll be firming up breakfast plans more with them as we get closer to the date.

There is a Sunday route planned which can be viewed in one of my above posts in either MS Trips n' Streets or Garmin Mapsource format. There will be some very nice riding on Sunday. I still think of possible changes to the route, and will be out exploring road surfaces in the next few weeks, but I expect to get in some of the Northeast Kingdom, the Upper Valley, there is some really nice riding along the CT River back into southern Vermont.

There is also the possibility of a ride up a mountian, either Mt. Mansfield on Saturday or Mt. Ascutney on Sunday depending on interest.

Since some folks will want to "jump off" depending on their timeline to get home, I expect the pack will thin as the day goes on (the Mainiacs will no doubt turn left at some point), but the planned ride ends up back in southern Vermont.

So yeah, there are plans for Sunday.

[Lzyellodog]

Hey, What about if your wife rides with one of us. My GT is empty in the back sit, not as comfortable as the LT but better than the GS. I put this out there for there is not a yin with out the yang ;)

Hey thanks for the offer but I think she will pass. Just means I can ride a little faster :)!

[CharlieVT]

...to all you K1200LT owners:
Other bikes are nice.
It is fun to have more than one bike.
There are faster bikes than the LT.
There are lighter bikes than the LT.
There are NO bikes that are better than the LT.
So.....
before you go over the the dark side, the light side, the other side.... don't end up on the blind-side.
Keep your LT.
All bikes (except noisey ones) are welcome in the Beemer Biker Dudes, but the BMW K1200LT is the O-Fish-All Bike of the BBDs.
If you have an LT, keep the LT, and get another bike, no harm, no foul.
BUT.... if you trade in your LT, well, we still welcome you with heartfelt warmth, but you have lost a couple of valuable style points in the eyes of the truely devoted. ;)

This public service msg is brought to you in the hopes that you might learn from the mistaskes fo others, rahter than your own mistaskes. :) :rotf:

[BMWphreak]

This should be entertaining... :)

[RMoore007]

I just posted this in the NorCal forum. An Old Rumble In The Force (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45315)

If you all don't mind riding with a Vintage Goldwing, I'm in.:) I can't wait to experience riding in all of New England and be with people who know this area. I will ask lots of questions.:thumb:

[CharlieVT]

Roger,
Welcome.
That old Wing looks like a fun project. Years ago that was my dream bike, but I never ended up owing a Wing. I recently did a 1974 CB550 project, that was a fun bike. I had a new Honda CB500 in the early 70s.
Please be aware that the pace of our group is kind of fast, not your typical Wing group. We may break our group up into two groups to make the group size more manageable and give riders a choice of a group riding at a little more of a relaxed pace. I like the idea of the group staying together so that we all can socialize at stops, but we may not be able to do that. I have ridden a friend's mid-80s GoldWing and I sure couldn't make that bike comfortable at speeds that the KLT does with comfort and ease. Having owned a bunch of Beemers you're no doubt aware of the difference, and maybe you can make that Wing really fly. :)
We'd be happy to have you join us, just want you not to be surprised; the lead bikes will be riding what I call "spirited" sport touring. :)
The trip itinerary is posted in above threads, as are tentative routes. Meeting times and places are firm, routes may change.
If you are planning on joining us on Sat night in Jay, Vermont, check Cohesive Technology's post above about a room reservation that he wants to give to someone.
Stay tuned here for updates to the plan.
Welcome!





I just posted this in the NorCal forum. An Old Rumble In The Force (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45315)

If you all don't mind riding with a Vintage Goldwing, I'm in.:) I can't wait to experience riding in all of New England and be with people who know this area. I will ask lots of questions.:thumb:

[CharlieVT]

This should be entertaining... :)

Yeah, I was hoping to bait some folks with my Word of Advice post..... no takers. :(
Playing the role of a troll.
Fair warning, there may be more. ;)
All in fun. :)

[Lzyellodog]

Yeah, I was hoping to bait some folks with my Word of Advice post..... no takers. :(
Playing the role of a troll.
Fair warning, there may be more. ;)
All in fun. :)

Yeah, I guess the LT is kinda like the Wing just not as many stuffed animals on board. ;)

See I am not sure why Curtis rides the LT anyway with all the dirt roads in VT you would thing he would want a far superior machine for that purpose hence the GS. I bought the GS solely based on the BBD ride. I just did not think the LT was up for this ride anymore.




I am just kidding. I loved the LT but for me the GS makes more sense and since the wife will only let me have one bike right now then I need to make the correct choice for my riding style.

[CharlieVT]

Yeah, I guess the LT is kinda like the Wing just not as many stuffed animals on board. ;) ......

:rotf:
OUCH!


Now that's the kind of reply I was hoping, err... expecting to get!

[RMoore007]

Roger,
Welcome.
That old Wing looks like a fun project. Years ago that was my dream bike, but I never ended up owing a Wing. I recently did a 1974 CB550 project, that was a fun bike. I had a new Honda CB500 in the early 70s.
Please be aware that the pace of our group is kind of fast, not your typical Wing group. We may break our group up into two groups to make the group size more manageable and give riders a choice of a group riding at a little more of a relaxed pace. I like the idea of the group staying together so that we all can socialize at stops, but we may not be able to do that. I have ridden a friend's mid-80s GoldWing and I sure couldn't make that bike comfortable at speeds that the KLT does with comfort and ease. Having owned a bunch of Beemers you're no doubt aware of the difference, We'd be happy to have you join us, just want you not to be surprised; the lead bikes will be riding what I call "spirited" sport touring. :)
The trip itinerary is posted in above threads, as are tentative routes. Meeting times and places are firm, routes may change.
If you are planning on joining us on Sat night in Jay, Vermont, check Cohesive Technology's post above about a room reservation that he wants to give to someone.
Stay tuned here for updates to the plan.
Welcome!

Thanks Charlie.:) Appreciate it. Now I know what to expect. It's possible I may keep this bike close to home and have another sportier bike by then.

and maybe you can make that Wing really fly. :)

I'm just not that talented, really.:p I'll be glad just to get back on two wheels. And I just noticed today in the paper that Millinocket is having a Harley event where they are opening up the private Golden Road for the event. Says all bikes are welcome so perhaps I can at least sneak up there on my old Wing.:)

[CharlieVT]

... It's possible I may keep this bike close to home and have another sportier bike by then....

What ever your bike, we hope you can make it. We'll see you get to the destination no matter what the mount.
The goal is only to "negotiate all turns successfully". :)

[spinedr]

Have a room for Saturday night :check: We are expecting 2 inches of S*&^% tomorrow but nice for Saturday. Need to put some miles in my NON LT BMW bike BBD special :lol8: :bmw: Looking forward for May :) There was a Kawasaki driver that hit a 32 Lb turkey going 45 Milles per hour. Total his bike and knock him out for a while but is ok, happened last week here in Maine. OUCH

[CharlieVT]

...... Need to put some miles in my NON LT BMW bike BBD special..... :lol8: :bmw:

Is that the bike that leaked oil at the top of Applacian Gap last year? :lol8:

[spinedr]

Is that the bike that leaked oil at the top of Applacian Gap last year? :lol8:
It was not a leak muchacho, it was spiting oil at the LT's but did not make it, it was parked little to far, it was disgusted how slow they are with your 5 speed transmition at least the GoldWing has 6 peeds :histerica :histerica

[Lzyellodog]

It was not a leak muchacho, it was spiting oil at the LT's but did not make it, it was parked little to far, it was disgusted how slow they are with your 5 speed transmition at least the GoldWing has 6 peeds :histerica :histerica

Ya know, doc, come to think of it the GS even has 6 speeds, hmmmm... DO I sense a theme here?

What were they thinking when they built the Couch, I mean LT. I guess maybe they figured the old guys that own the LTs did not need 6 speeds. :wave...

[BMWphreak]

Ah, the LT does have 6 speeds... you forgot about REVERSE! :)

[spinedr]

Ah, the LT does have 6 speeds... you forgot about REVERSE! :)
I got it now, then I go to 5th gear and if I want to go fast I go to the 6 gear, The R most be for REAL FAST right? :rotf: MMM interesting :p :thumb:
Do we know how many bike in the group so far??

[CharlieVT]

...Do we know how many bike[s] in the group so far??

No. :)

My last count was 13 bikes, 21 people. :thumb:
We have additions and drops since that count and it will continue to change.

I'm now thinking after the recent flurry of bike bashing posts that we're gonna have 3 groups. The fast group, the slow group, and the group made up of old people on LTs. The old people on LTs will wait at stops for the other two groups to catch up. ;)
(Sometimes we need to wait for others to arrive because we need help picking up our bikes.) :rotf:

[BMWphreak]

I'm now thinking after the recent flurry of bike bashing posts that we're gonna have 3 groups. The fast group, the slow group, and the group made up of old people on LTs. The old people on LTs will wait at stops for the other two groups to catch up.


ZING!! That was AWESOME!

I think if Curtis was on a Honda Cub he would have to wait for us at the stops :)

For the record: I never felt my LT was too slow...

[spinedr]

No. :)

My last count was 13 bikes, 21 people. :thumb:
We have additions and drops since that count and it will continue to change.

I'm now thinking after the recent flurry of bike bashing posts that we're gonna have 3 groups. The fast group, the slow group, and the group made up of old people on LTs. The old people on LTs will wait at stops for the other two groups to catch up. ;)
(Sometimes we need to wait for others to arrive because we need help picking up our bikes.) :rotf:
Now that is funny :histerica :histerica We are going to have a great time and I am looking for it :)

[CharlieVT]

I had a nice sunny ride on the R90/6 yesterday. Today we brought in some rain clouds and are washing the sand and salt off most of the roads in Vermont in preparation for Ride Vermont 2009. ;) (Just wanted everyone to know that we are continuing our efforts to make this year's ride of the BBDs the best one yet.)

Times and places refresher:

Friday night, 29 May - starting at 6:30PM http://www.steakoutvt.com/
we will start ordering from the menu around 7:30, good spirit and spirits from 6:30 to 7:30. We have a private conference room, just tell 'em your looking for the BMW group and they'll head you in the right direction.

Saturday 30 May - Breakfast at Chelsea Royal Diner http://www.chelsearoyaldiner.com/home.php
I'll get to the diner around 7 or 7:30 AM. I'd suggest getting to the diner no later than 8 AM because there can be a bit of a wait for a table on some mornings.

Ride departs from Chelsea Royal diner promptly at 9 AM. Please don't plan on making the group wait because you are slow to go in the AM. Old Navy guy here, "don't miss ship's movement". :)

Sat Night we'll be at: http://www.thelodgeatjay.com/page.asp?intNodeID=10725
Arrival time is targeted to be around 5 PM, but who knows?
If you haven't made a reservation for Sat night at the Lodge at Jay, what are you waiting for?

[RiderRay]

Curtis:
Just wanted to make sure you got my PM. It still shows as unopened.

Ray

[BigGeo]

Hello Curtis,

Thanks again for all the assistance on Saturday. Valerie and I will be making the VT ride at the end of May. Just trying to line up the pet sitter to try to get to VT on Friday. The weather should be as enjoyable as this past weekend. We're looking forward to meeting up with this wonderful group of people again.

[living_free]

Does this mean it is time to resurrect this thread?

Only 32 days!

[CharlieVT]

Quote:Does this mean it is time to resurrect this thread?

Only 32 days!
__________________
Tony


Well time to reconsider your intentions,
would you join a ride guided by a guy who looked like this?
(Actually, this pic is for BigGeo, he had a CL350 once too.)

[BigGeo]

Quote:Does this mean it is time to resurrect this thread?

Only 32 days!
__________________
Tony


Well time to reconsider your intentions,
would you join a ride guided by a guy who looked like this?
(Actually, this pic is for BigGeo, he had a CL350 once too.)

What a beautiful bike - who the heck is that freak on it????? :histerica

My hair was darker and body broader, but bike was the same color. No one would take a pic of me on the bike.

[sperra]

Curtis That looks like my first ride 1974 CL175.

Steve

[CharlieVT]

Curtis That looks like my first ride 1974 CL175.

Steve

I'd guess many of us got our start on bikes like that in that era. That was my first street-legal bike, and the pic was probably taken the day I bought in 1971. I looked forward to that day with such enthusiasm and anticipation.

Now, looking forward to Ride Vermont with enthusiasm and anticipation. Here's hoping everyone has a rockin' good time!

[CohesiveTechnology]

OK folks. Joan and I are back on for the ride.

[living_free]

OK folks. Joan and I are back on for the ride.


Glad to here it.

See you in four weeks.

[CharlieVT]

OK folks. Joan and I are back on for the ride.

Well good!.
I didn't give you a hard time when you first announced you had better things to do.... but I did recall you had first posted: "This year I am not going to let no stinkin' jail cell hold me. We are there. DJF", and then you said, "no, we ain't gonna go." and you weren't even in jail. ;)

You're setting yourself up for teasing as the most changable BBD. :histerica

That's okay, I can't make up my mind what roads we are going to take....I'm gonna give eveyone a map, and then lead the group somewhere else. :rotf:

[garry_kramer]

I had a nice sunny ride on the R90/6 yesterday. Today we brought in some rain clouds and are washing the sand and salt off most of the roads in Vermont in preparation for Ride Vermont 2009. ;) (Just wanted everyone to know that we are continuing our efforts to make this year's ride of the BBDs the best one yet.)

Times and places refresher:

Friday night, 29 May - starting at 6:30PM http://www.steakoutvt.com/
we will start ordering from the menu around 7:30, good spirit and spirits from 6:30 to 7:30. We have a private conference room, just tell 'em your looking for the BMW group and they'll head you in the right direction.

Saturday 30 May - Breakfast at Chelsea Royal Diner http://www.chelsearoyaldiner.com/home.php
I'll get to the diner around 7 or 7:30 AM. I'd suggest getting to the diner no later than 8 AM because there can be a bit of a wait for a table on some mornings.

Ride departs from Chelsea Royal diner promptly at 9 AM. Please don't plan on making the group wait because you are slow to go in the AM. Old Navy guy here, "don't miss ship's movement". :)

Sat Night we'll be at: http://www.thelodgeatjay.com/page.asp?intNodeID=10725
Arrival time is targeted to be around 5 PM, but who knows?
If you haven't made a reservation for Sat night at the Lodge at Jay, what are you waiting for?

What happens on Sunday? I take it that The Chelsea is near the Lodge? Are forgieners allowed?

Garry

[CharlieVT]

What happens on Sunday? I take it that The Chelsea is near the Lodge? Are forgieners allowed?

Garry

On Sunday we head south again... except for those with other places to go, like you and the Mainers. I expect folks from points north will split off from the group some time on Sunday.

No, the Chelsea Royal Diner (Sat breakfast) is in the deep south of Vermont. The Lodge at Jay is in the far north of Vermont. Saturday will be spent getting from one to the other.

Foreigners are welcomed. If you were from Quebec we wouldn't consider you a foreigner, but since you are from Ontario, yeah, your're a foreigner..... :histerica

All riders are welcome, although we don't welcome loud motorcycles, consider 'em rude.
It is kind of hard to sort through this thread will all the posts and changes.
We start on Friday night in Brattleboro, VT with a get together. Sat AM breakfast at the Chealsea Royal Diner in West Brattleboro. Ride starts promptly at 0900 EST. We arrive at the Lodge at Jay, Jay Vermont when we get there on Sat. Sat dinner and Sun breakfast are planned at the Lodge at Jay. Sunday ride south for most folks who are coming from southern New England and New Hampshire. We do have a couple/few Mainers. Good riding (some of us go fast), light hearted fun; we're just looking for happy times.
Hope you'll consider going the fun.
Questions?

Addendum: holy moly, I just figured out where you are in Caledon, ON. I had assumed you were north of NY state, but if I have it right you are far west. You'll spend Friday getting here. You can do it. Niagra Falls and NY State throughway (the fast route)? Or north around Lake Ontario and through the Adirondacks for better scenery?

[jvalny]

Hey Curtis, It's getting close. I might be bringing a friend who rides a custom painted LT.
See everyone soon.

[garry_kramer]

On Sunday we head south again... except for those with other places to go, like you and the Mainers. I expect folks from points north will split off from the group some time on Sunday.

No, the Chelsea Royal Diner (Sat breakfast) is in the deep south of Vermont. The Lodge at Jay is in the far north of Vermont. Saturday will be spent getting from one to the other.

Foreigners are welcomed. If you were from Quebec we wouldn't consider you a foreigner, but since you are from Ontario, yeah, your're a foreigner..... :histerica

All riders are welcome, although we don't welcome loud motorcycles, consider 'em rude.
It is kind of hard to sort through this thread will all the posts and changes.
We start on Friday night in Brattleboro, VT with a get together. Sat AM breakfast at the Chealsea Royal Diner in West Brattleboro. Ride starts promptly at 0900 EST. We arrive at the Lodge at Jay, Jay Vermont when we get there on Sat. Sat dinner and Sun breakfast are planned at the Lodge at Jay. Sunday ride south for most folks who are coming from southern New England and New Hampshire. We do have a couple/few Mainers. Good riding (some of us go fast), light hearted fun; we're just looking for happy times.
Hope you'll consider going the fun.
Questions?

Addendum: holy moly, I just figured out where you are in Caledon, ON. I had assumed you were north of NY state, but if I have it right you are far west. You'll spend Friday getting here. You can do it. Niagra Falls and NY State throughway (the fast route)? Or north around Lake Ontario and through the Adirondacks for better scenery?

If the SO agrees, I'll head there on NY Slab on Friday. The question about the closeness of the Chelsea was because of accom on Friday night. Is there hotel or some other place (fellow LT'er) to stay? This would be a realitivley short jaunt for me to get there. Caledon is about 1 hour NW Toronto. About 2hrs to Niagara Falls Border. Mapsource says 757 km - 8 hrs riding to Battleboro.

Is it still May 29-31?

[CharlieVT]

If the SO agrees, I'll head there on NY Slab on Friday. The question about the closeness of the Chelsea was because of accom on Friday night. Is there hotel or some other place (fellow LT'er) to stay? This would be a realitivley short jaunt for me to get there. Caledon is about 1 hour NW Toronto. About 2hrs to Niagara Falls Border. Mapsource says 757 km - 8 hrs riding to Battleboro.

Is it still May 29-31?


Date is May 29-31.
Friday night we have the conference room at the SteakOut resturant. Starting around 6:30:
http://www.steakoutvt.com/directions.htm

Some people are staying nearby the Steakout at one of following on Friday night; these places are all less than a mile from the Steakout:

Holiday Inn Express
http://www.hiexpress.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/btbvt?&cm_mmc=mdpr-_-googlemaps-_-ex-_-btbvt&dp=true

Super 8 Motel
http://www.super8.com/Super8/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=03827

Colonial Motel
http://www.colonialmotelspa.com/

Saturday morning breakfast at The Chealsea Royal Diner:
They can get crowded and it is not uncommon to have to wait for a table. Get there no later than 8 AM for 9AM ride departure:
http://www.chelsearoyaldiner.com/home.php

Saturday night we are all staying in Jay at the Lodge At Jay, We have a negotiated room rate, tell 'em you are with the BMW motorcycle group:
http://www.thelodgeatjay.com/

[razman10]

If I remember correctly (I really don't want to read back through 5 pages of posts), MOST folks going on the ride, my wife and I included, are staying at the Colonial Motel.

I've been saying for months, "Come on May!!!" Well, May is finally here.

Come on 29th!!!!

[garry_kramer]

The wife & I are booked at the Colonial for the 29th and The Lodge for the 30th.
We will see you at the Steak house Friday night.

Garry & Esther Kramer

B.T.W. We will be there on the 29th!!!!! Razman.

[CharlieVT]

The wife & I are booked at the Colonial for the 29th and The Lodge for the 30th.
We will see you at the Steak house Friday night.

Garry & Esther Kramer

B.T.W. We will be there on the 29th!!!!! Razman.

Cool!
Glad you are going to be able to make it. You represent the far west contigent, and the foreigners. ;)

(Boy, are you gonna regret this!) :histerica

[garry_kramer]

Cool!
Glad you are going to be able to make it. You represent the far west contigent, and the foreigners. ;)

(Boy, are you gonna regret this!) :histerica

That's OK, we Canadians can take it...... ;)

[CharlieVT]

I wonder if we could get RealWing to make the ride.
He is in Kincardine, ON.
I would be nice to see him. Very helpful, nice guy.

Jim?

[Mikebeem]

Hi Charlie, I have been riding my Lt since 06. Just joined and found this site. Interested in going on this VT ride. Is there any dead line for signing up?

[RealWing]

I wonder if we could get RealWing to make the ride.
He is in Kincardine, ON.
I would be nice to see him. Very helpful, nice guy.

Jim?

Hi Curtis

Would really like to make this ride and see you again, however, we are booked on a Rhine River Cruise at the same time.

http://www.avalonwaterways.com/product.aspx?content=itin&trip=0WAT

Based on my (busy) summer/fall schedule, I'm planning on going to the BMWMOA International Rallye, but can't make CCR.

Thx for thinking of me.

Jim

[CharlieVT]

Hi Charlie, I have been riding my Lt since 06. Just joined and found this site. Interested in going on this VT ride. Is there any dead line for signing up?
No deadline other that the departure time!
Check the times and places post above.
You've had an LT since 06 and just found this site? How have you survived? :histerica

[CharlieVT]

Hi Jim,
Sounds like you have a fun and memorable trip planned there. Have a great time!


Hi Curtis

Would really like to make this ride and see you again, however, we are booked on a Rhine River Cruise at the same time.

http://www.avalonwaterways.com/product.aspx?content=itin&trip=0WAT

Based on my (busy) summer/fall schedule, I'm planning on going to the BMWMOA International Rallye, but can't make CCR.

Thx for thinking of me.

Jim

[Mikebeem]

I can't believe it took me this long to find this site , but here now and happy :) Plenty of info. I'll inquire on the motel's and let you know.Thank's

[spinedr]

No deadline other that the departure time!
Check the times and places post above.
You've had an LT since 06 and just found this site? How have you survived? :histerica

Well Curtis, I think this is becoming an important Eastern Rally :) The NorthEast BBD Rally for locals, Foreigners including Canadians, Mexicans, and implants. The conditions to attend are having patients for Eastern Humor and do not have a loud TOOT :histerica soon they are going to publish the date in the MOA magazine with your avatar included :wow: . We are cooking muchacho :stir: I am glad that we have a large group and lots of new friends to meet :) We are going to have a great time :toast:
I went to VT yesterday to buy EMU meat for my wifes classroom. My wife is teaching the kids international cooking and Australia was a groups choice. I got voluntier to get the meat :o I was off and was a great day to ride :) Today was the class and my wife just told me that the students loved it. :thumb: I guess Vermont has more to offere than good riding now also good food. :bike:

[living_free]

If we can make it up there by 4:30 on Saturday, Carmen Brook Farm in Swanton, VT has FANTASTIC maple syrup. Swanton is about 40 miles west of Jay.

This is the first "corner" for anyone that is doing the Minute man 1000 on June 6th. I did it last year, bought a pint for Rob Nye (rally master) and bought a pint to bring home.

[saddleman]

I got a new front tire a couple of weeks ago & a new rear last sat. I just got home with a new spare. Now I just figure out where to hide it on the bike. I'm ready to hit the road.