Food for thought...CCR '06

[BillyOmaha]

Howdy Gang,

Okay, I know a few people, myself included, that are contemplating whether it's worth the trip all the way to the OTHER Coast. Thought I'd share some musings and see if anything strikes a chord with anyone.

First off, Nancy is NOT going to give up the extra days to ride out via a direct route, let alone by a visually enticing one. New job, too big of a commitment, etc.. it's simply too far in too short a time.

Second, I don't like burning up a ton of vacation traversing the wide open spaces of this country. Already seen a bunch of it and can't afford to lazily meander all of the back roads. A couple of days is okay, but not too many more than that.

I'd love to ride the South and CCR is a great environment to operate from.... so

/start musing/ :rolleyes:

Ship out needed items ahead of CCR
Men folk depart Friday 8/28 afterwork on the LT's and get in a few hundred miles (maybe 400)
Saturday and Sunday put in back-to-back SS1070's to complete the total 2,539 miles on Sunday evening, 8/27 .
Women folk fly in on Sunday and we meet them at "A" hotel, not necessarily the Chateau Elan, that evening. Nancy and I are talking about Charlotte, or Savannah for a night or two or three before CCR.
Do our thing in the South and CCR for the week.
On Saturday 9/2 we drop the bikes at the local BMW dealer for container loading and shipping to ..... A&S?
We all fly back on Saturday night.
Pick up bikes at A&S later in the week.
/stop musing/:confused:



Airfare shouldn't be too bad. A container should hold a minimum 8 m/c without having to break them down too far. Cost to ship a container s/b around $3,000, or so, about $375 a bike. The numbers don't seem to bad. We might be able to pull this off if we plan far enough ahead.

The only way I see it happening is if we can get commitment from at least 8 of us on the concept of return shipping of the bikes.


Don't be bashful, go ahead and muse out loud :o it's :cool:




.

[DavidTaylor]

Have you identified a shipper who can get the bikes from Atlanta to Sacramento in a week? I shipped my LT dealer to dealer from Memphis to San Jose and it was about 3 weeks before it got here, and that was via the AMA and Federal Van Lines.

[WPNorton]

Careful Billy...I said something kinda similar last month, and got hammered by Messenger 13 and his flock for being to much of a wimp to make the ride....After all, the LT is a long distance touring machine don't you know....Seemed that they couldn't understand that others have jobs and other commitments and all that!!! Personally, I don't really think I'm a Frenchy Chateau kinda guy. I'll take the woods and a rustic cabin anyday. If I was closer to Georgia, I'd do it just because it's great to see the group together and the day rides will probably be real nice, But drive, ship, fly clear across the Country.....not for me this year. I'm positive that it'll be a great time for all that attend though.

Good luck with the wolves.....They can smell fear a mile away!!!

They spell real good too so don't let them catch you with Fat fingers on the keyboard.

[RaffyK]

Really thinking hard if I will make CCR 2006 based on fuel costs etc. I figure fuel will run me around $2000 based on 9 mpg hauling the trailer and current price of $3.29 per gallon for deisel. Since I'll be sleeping in the trailer, it would save me the additional hotel costs.

I plan to do this trip solo if I go.

[Tallyho]

No can do CCR 2006. :( Too many reasons it will not work next year.

I have some ideas for a West Coast Alternative. Something along the lines of a six day, six town poker run across Central & Northern California and Southern Oregon. ;)

If there is enough interest, I will start putting an outline together.

[amarider]

It's early yet and a lot can happen between now and then but I'm planning on going. Also I will ride both ways, did it for Gatlinburg and had the time of my life. It was Hot or windy or raining hard enough to wash the road away, wouldn't have missed it. Managed an SS2000, a BB1500 and a SS1000 on the trip all with great Posse friends.
Thoughts are these:
Will take the friday off before, leave Friday morning or Thursday after work. Coming home leaving Saturday and arriving home Monday Labor Day. Take the Southern route there, Northern route home both routes are about the same distance. Much of it interstate which will make the 850 mile days fairly easy. This type of riding is not for everyone and it's not for large groups. But can be split in to groups of no more than 3 to 4 alike riders that can meet other groups at the hotel at night.
Not sure if I'm going to plan any IBA rides but no matter how it's going to be done - It will be a great adventure, Just Ride it!

[WPNorton]

I like your Idea Bob....Sounds like fun. Not quite the fanfare of a CCR, but much more manageable. I'd like to do a big loop, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and back down maybe????

[DavidTaylor]

Really thinking hard if I will make CCR 2006....

I'm thinking hard about whether I'm going to go, too. It is a long ride there and back, and I don't think I personally would attempt any Iron Butt rides considering the heat and humidity through the south that time of year (a bit gun shy after getting so sick going to Gatlinburg, I guess). So if you assume 500-600 mile days and some time for "just in case" type of things, it's a 5-6 day ride to get there, 4 days at CCR, then 5-6 days back, or about 2 1/2 weeks of travel/vacation time for 4 days at CCR. Who knows, I may go, but I'm seriously debating it.

OK, while sitting here I got thinking about the east/west thing and ran a few numbers. I measured the "as the crow flies" distance from each CCR location to the Atlantic and Pacific and split them into 3 regions (I just noticed time zones work, too). Here's what I found -

CCRs east of the Mississippi (2) - 362 miles to the Atlantic (avg)
CCRs west of the Rockies (3) - 850 miles to the Pacific (avg)
CCRs in between these landmarks (1) - 888 miles to the Atlantic, 1568 to the Pacific

So when CCRs are in the east, they tend to be fairly far east. But when in the west, not so much. Yes, I know, we're supposed to ride these things, and I don't mind doing it. I just don't know if I like the idea of using 65-75% of my vacation time burning freeway getting to and from the event.

OK, I'll shut up now. :rolleyes:

[Steve_R]

I realize CCR '06 is still a long way off, but if there is anything you need me to do between now and then PLEASE let me know.

[amarider]

Here is a little travel distance information for your musings:
All milages are from sacramento.

Northern Route: I-80, I-29, I-70, I-64, I-24, I-75 - 2529 miles to Atlanta a little over 36 hours on the road at posted speed limits. Add an average of 90 miles from the Bay area.

Middle Route: I-80, Hwy 5O, I-70, I-64, I-24, I-75 - 2531 miles to Atlanta a little over 38 hours on the road at posted speed limits. (But if you know 50 across Nevada and Utah, you know you can increase your average speed) add an average of 90 miles from the Bay area.
Note: This route can be altered many ways across CO & KS.

Southern Route: I-5, 46, 99, 58, I-15, I-40, US78, I-20 - 2486 miles to Atlanta at 37 hours on the road at posted speed limits. Subtract an average of 40 miles from the Bay Area.


Any of these routes can be done in three days at an average of 844 miles per day or a little over 12 hours of riding plus stops. Four days at an average of 633 miles per day or a little over 9 hours of riding plus stops.

Life is an Adventure - Ride It!

[JetDoc]

No can do CCR 2006. :( Too many reasons it will not work next year.

I have some ideas for a West Coast Alternative. Something along the lines of a six day, six town poker run across Central & Northern California and Southern Oregon. ;)

If there is enough interest, I will start putting an outline together.

We'll have to pass on CCR 2006 as well. A west coast alternative six-day/town poker run does sound interesting.

[ltcommuter]

It's early yet and a lot can happen between now and then but I'm planning on going. Also I will ride both ways, did it for Gatlinburg and had the time of my life. It was Hot or windy or raining hard enough to wash the road away, wouldn't have missed it. Managed an SS2000, a BB1500 and a SS1000 on the trip all with great Posse friends.
I did the ride to Gatlinburg with John and Raffy. It was a blast butt, like John sez, it's not for everyone. :eek:

I'm thinking about doing it IBA style again. Perhaps a CC50 going out there and a BBG3k coming home or vice versa. The BBG3k is a ride I would really like to try. This way the additional vacation time is not an issue.

The to go or not to go question was a "no brainer" once Barbara saw the Château Élan video! She will fly both ways since she and IBA style rides are oxymoronic... (is that a word?). :D

[amarider]

The BBG3k is a ride I would really like to try. This way the additional vacation time is not an issue.:D


Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Sacramento to Fargo ND to Atlanta Ga is 3072 miles... :D
Nice Northern route, not much traffic

[Zapman]

When I see what kind of distances you guys are talking about, I get green with envy. I work in Qatar and even if I do ALL the tarred roads in the whole Country, I will not be able to do 600 Kilos and then it is all flat and straight.

Not really why I bought "The Truck". At least I can play "Water Truck" for the other guys in our normal riding group once a week.

Enjoy the rides.

[rspyder]

I will likely pass on CCR06 just due to the days it takes to get there and return.

[nelson61]

I like Billy's idea of riding one way and flying back but....it still sounds like it can be expensive
Gas..motels..bar tabs food for a week...Resort for 4 days...bartabs.....shipping bikes back..airfare..more bartabs...knickknacks...shoot looks like 2500 plus....not even sure if that includes booze :)

[jayz9705]

:p Why don't all you west coast weinies stop all the crying!


Take a bus!!


:D

[amarider]

Attaway Jay! Give it to them good...... :p

These are touring bikes right? ;)

[LodiHal]

:p Why don't all you west coast weinies stop all the crying!


Take a bus!!


:D

How do you enable "Ignore posts?"...

[varoom]

I've been watching this post since there are quite a few folks from NorCal I know. I know vacation time can be an issue, but I sure hope y'all figure out a way to make it there!

I just bought a Pace trailer that I am going to convert into a bike trailer - I need to check the weight limits on it but it's long enough to hold 3 bikes staggered. At this point, I'm not planning on trailering to CCR but if the interest is there, I could throw the GS on the trailer and haul it along w/ the LT and whatever my wife is riding to CCR. That way if a couple of you want to fly out and use the GS (or the LT for a day or - I got's to ride you know) you can - just swap out days or whaterver. Think of it as the HDDC VIP treatment ;).

If I don't end up trailering, was thinking of a CC50 to either start or end CCR - although Jacksonville to San Diego is the easiest, maybe we can do a JAX to SFO run. Any interest?

<spam> On the other hand, I have a week at a timeshare in Hawaii that I can't use since I'm going to CCR, that's for sale ;) :D - $1,500 in a Marriott property first part of June. <end spam>

[BillyOmaha]

Howdy Dave,

No shipper identified yet, but will look into it if it looks like we have some interest.

[SandM]

West Coast multi-state route sound great. Should be able to put together enough stops and sites to make it a well worth alternative

[Tallyho]

"The Nickel Squared Poker Run"

5 rides on 5 day to 5 towns in 5 states to draw 5 cards.

California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, & Nevada

Been getting a good amount of positive feedback on the alternative concept.

[WPNorton]

I think that's a great idea. Sign me up! Sounds so good, I can see it becoming an annual event?

[hig4s]

Howdy Dave,

No shipper identified yet, but will look into it if it looks like we have some interest.


I've never made a CCR, but plan to this year, if there are still openings in January,, so I may be shooting myself in the foot helping with ideas for you NorCal people but I try to be helpful..

Have you considered flying both ways to save time and renting a bike? www.eaglerider.com Eagle rentals has shops in Knoxville, in Franklin near Nashville and in Kodak near Knoxville. Price for a big bike is $750 a week.. Yes they rent mostly Harleys, but some shops also rent ST1300s, Goldwings and even K1200LTs. Not sure which bikes these shops have but Nashville to Braselton is only 283 miles and would save a lot of time for those with limited vacation available.

Of if that is too short of a ride, you could rent out of Orlando, and check out Florida. It is 529 miles from Orlando to Braselton.

[jayz9705]

OK, guys, I've had my fun, so now I can make be more realistic!

Sorry for the length, but I got carried away!

Having done the trips to Santa Fe, Breck and Jackson, twice with Gilda, Here are some observations and thoughts. Do with them as you like.

To NM and back was one of those :eek: rides. The temps were horrendous, for a New Englander! OK was 110 during the day, and TX was not much better! I holed up during the day, and rode at night. Making the adjustment resulted in 4 days travel.
I suspect if Gilda, Queen of the Jewish-American Princess, High Priestess of Creature Comfort, She-Who-Decrees "Ramada Inn Is PRIMATIVE CAMPING", had been with me, all might have been lost!
The return trip took just over 3 days.

Next up was Breck. Gilda was on the bike, this time. It did take us about a month to get there, but that was the plan:D . Little did we know that several of our friends back home had started a few betting pools based on how long it would take her to decide to fly back home! They ALL lost! No one chose the box for "make the whole trip"!:p
We started home and ran into the remnants of Hurricane Floyd, IIRC, for most of the 4 days it took to get home. We were wet for 4 solid days.

Gilda did not ride to Jackson, but it was because of unrelated situations. I found out that she had been planning to spend June, July AND August riding to WY! Circumstances were all that stopped her, and they had nothing to do with the riding part. Anyway, I meandered out in 10 days, but the return was direct, and took less that 3 days.

My point is that 4 days was the longest it has taken to make the cross country trip, usually about 3 days. Gilda was with me for the 4 days of Floyd drenching, but was ready to go again! For a much longer time!

This was a woman who was truly against my riding altogether in 1988! Swore she would NEVER get on it!

I know that time off is a problem for most people, but even 4 days travel each way, plus 5 days at CCR, only adds up to 13 days. Make it a 5 day trip with just the last 3 of CCR!

You might have good riding out there on the left coast, but we've got some good roads here, too! Besides, you'd be missed, but only 'cuz we didn't aim!

[JetDoc]

"The Nickel Squared Poker Run"

5 rides on 5 day to 5 towns in 5 states to draw 5 cards.

California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, & Nevada

Been getting a good amount of positive feedback on the alternative concept.

Bob, that sounds like a great ride! I'd love to hear more details.

[amarider]

Don't forget that we have many closer and "local" events throughout the year.
There's DVDazes in January, Red River Round Up in New Mexico in May (about 1200 miles), West Coast Rendezvous in June and Fort Bragg in October. Plus a few new ones that pop up now and then like Bob M's spring event at Kings Canyon.
Then there is the BMWMOA events like the 49er and Qunicy among may campouts and rides.

As for CCR, for those who have not been. This is a one of a kind event, and if your not the type to grind out 850 miles in a day to make this a 10 day (both weekends + the week and Labor day) event. I would really think about flying out and renting a car or M/C. You do not need your Motorcycle with you to enjoy this event. There will be so much to do and internet buddies to meet you won't have time to meet everyone.
As for me - I really enjoy riding to all parts of the country and thrive on long days in the saddle. Ending a 15 hour day, tired, soar and with the memories of al those miles is my idea nirvana.

Anyhow - Bob if you do plan an other event - It would be nice not to conflict with CCR so those of us going might make both events if possible. :D An Idea for the 5 days 5 states poker run - Make the towns Ghost towns.

[grifscoots]

Boys, If you want to go, you'll go, if there is a will, there is a way. I reckon it all boils down to what you want to do, not distance (not a prob on these bikes).

Then again, us Tejas boys have been known to ride silly distances for lunch in adverse conditions, which, I reckon, doesn't exactly make us sane.

[BillyOmaha]

Have you identified a shipper who can get the bikes from Atlanta to Sacramento in a week?

Howdy David, in short, yes....

My thought was to have a trailer dropped at a facility, maybe the sponsoring BMW dealer participating at CCR. At the end of CCR we ride over and drop the bikes for loading onto the trailer. The freight company picks up the trailer after Saturday afternoon for delivery to A&S about 5 days later, the following Friday, or Saturday, or even Monday.

I specified a Class 50 (not sure if that's correct) at 10,000 pounds, 30'L x 7'W x 7'H. With those dimensions we could carry up to 10 LT's.


A bit of research and....

YOUR RATE IS $3628.00
Marietta GA -> Roseville CA
Availability: Same day / next day
Estimated Transit: 5 days
Reference number (QID): 23777 THIS RATE IS FOR DEDICATED, FULL-TRUCK SERVICE.

I think this idea STILL has potential.....:bmw:


.

[Tallyho]

For the record, should any plan I work on come to fruition, it would not be the exact same week as CCR. In fact, I am thinking a couple weeks after CCR in mid to late September. I have received quite a bit of support for this idea thus far. The fact is for many of us on the "left coast", there isn't a way even if there is a will and it's not whining, it's reality. We have accepted our limitation for 2006 and in the finest traditions of this organization, a regional alternative is being considered. Not to be thrown in the face of this organization but to compliment it and provide a venue for the close community of riders on the West Coast this very site has created. And in return, when the CCR is at Lake Tahoe or Victoria Island or Pebble Beach or Coronado Island next year, we will be equally understanding of our eastern counterparts when they flatter us with conceptual emulation. ;)

[BillyOmaha]

For the record, should any plan I work on come to fruition, it would not be the exact same week as CCR. In fact, I am thinking a couple weeks after CCR in mid to late September. I have received quite a bit of support for this idea thus far. The fact is for many of us on the "left coast", there isn't a way even if there is a will and it's not whining, it's reality. We have accepted our limitation for 2006 and in the finest traditions of this organization, a regional alternative is being considered. Not to be thrown in the face of this organization but to compliment it and provide a venue for the close community of riders on the West Coast this very site has created. And in return, when the CCR is at Lake Tahoe or Victoria Island or Pebble Beach or Coronado Island next year, we will be equally understanding of our eastern counterparts when they flatter us with conceptual emulation. ;)

Bob, if anyone asks for a referal on a prostate exam :p ..... Must be painless with all that grease :o ;) :D


.

[Tallyho]

Word. :cool:

[BillyOmaha]

Okay Gang,

The "ride out and ship back" approach is looking more and more palatable. I got a call back from a freight broker and it looks like:

Best rate is a 40' "Container" on wheels dropped by a truck a day ahead of pick-up. We have our bikes loaded. They pick it up and it goes by rail to California and is delivered by truck to our destination. Insurance is included at $1 million. Should take roughly 10 days to be delivered. Cost is about $2,500 and pretty stable, regardless of fuel cost. At 4 bikes we're at $625.... 5 bikes is $500.... 6 bikes is $420, ..... 10 bikes is $250 :cool:

Truck is a higher rate, but faster. Trailer is 48' or 53' $100K insurance is included. Delivery is about 5 days. Cost is about $3,200 subject to change due to fuel costs. At 10 bikes the cost is $320 per...still pretty :cool:

If we were to ship both directions it would have to be the truck outbound due to reliability of delivery dates. Rail would be good for the return. If truck both ways, figure $7,000 and the bikes head out the week before CCR and return the week after. Cost would be divided by however many sign on. Again if we get 10 bikes, it's $700 which doesn't seem too bad. $630 if we use Rail for the return. Regardless, it's close to the cost of a rental and Dieter gets a to roam the hills of the South. :D :D

Is anybody out there pondering this approach? Let me know, otherwise I'll drop the topic. :confused:


PS: Checked Expedia, flights are $444 round trip with 1 stop and non-stop for $569 My guess is that there will be promotions sometime in the near future and those numbers will go down a bit.

.

[WPNorton]

Is that crickets chirping....... :o


Seriously....It sounds like a doable alternative for many. I'm sure someone will go in with you. Just to much of a hassle for my blood. I wish I had the bike when I lived out there five years ago...... then I wouldn't fell like I was missing out so much. I can just picture some of those great back-country roads getting eaten up by the LT!

[meese]

For any of you who can't take the time or money to ride out to Georgia, we do understand. It is a big commitment, but well worth it if you can swing it somehow. I actually attended Gatlinburg without a bike, and found everyone to be very generous and there was still too much to do.

As for Messenger13, he's seriously considering a trailer himself, so don't let him bother you. He says it's so he can take two bikes, but we all know the truth . . . :)

And for anyone who can take the time, or just likes those LD rides, I've gotten two people seriously discussing a 50CC ride out already. I know that large LD group rides don't work too well, but I figure at least we could share tips and strategies, and maybe set up common witnesses at either end.

[Hopalong]

One possible alternative that we're thinking about. MOA has their rally in Vermont in July-- and we're thinking about riding out to MOA and then storing our bike (for us, with a family member in the Baltimore, MD area)-- then flying home and back for CCR in late August, riding down from Baltimore to Hotlanta and then back to Oregon. Saves time ... certainly, and you get a couple bites at the apple.

[BillyOmaha]

Is that crickets chirping....... :o


Seriously....It sounds like a doable alternative for many. ... Just to much of a hassle for my blood. I wish I had the bike when I lived out there five years ago...... then I wouldn't fell like I was missing out so much. I can just picture some of those great back-country roads getting eaten up by the LT!

Howdy Wayne,

We're in October of '05 and discussing something in late August of '06. We've got time to pull something together. Sit back, relax and give me 30-60 days to come up with a definitive plan. Unless you've already made up your mind, in which case.....:confused:

You say that it's too much "hassle". To be honest, I don't see the hassle if it comes together like I envision it;

-we drop our LT's at A&S a week ahead of CCR
-we catch a plane in Sacramento
-drink heavily on a non stop flight to Atlanta singing "Tiny Dancer" :rolleyes: to the annoyance of fellow passengers:mad:
-catch a shuttle to Chateau Elan where our bikes are waiting:cool:

Spend the week riding some of the country's most famous curves and attend the Reunion.:D :cool: :D :cool:

-Load the bikes up at the hotel and catch a shuttle to the airport
-fly back to Sacramento singing "Dixie", much to the annoyance of the fellow travellers
-the Saturday after we land, we head over to A&S and pick up our bikes

Sounds simple enough to me.:bmw:

An opportunity to ride some new curves for less than $1,000 more than I paid for CCR '05. That number is for shipping, airfare and takes into account the travel expenses to and from Wyoming (no off-set for your gambling winnings;) ) not to mention saving the 2,000 miles we put on our LT's riding to and from Jackson Lake.

I guess what I'm saying, not just to you but the rest of NorCal, is give it a month or so to come together before you make decision. In the mean time I'm looking for contributions toward putting this together to help out some fellow riders that may want to attend and are looking for solutions.



.

[WPNorton]

Sounds like your really serious Billy....Hummm. So you've peaked my interest just a little bit....

[Tallyho]

It seems like a simple plan but so was Desert One. :(

Knowing something about trancon shipping I would offer four thoughts.

1. Don't "expect" specific timetables to be met. A 24-72 hour arrival window for non-critical freight is normal. Someone has to be there to receive it as well. Trucks and trains work 24 hours a day. BMW dealers don't. While the driver sits, the meter is running.

2. DOT regulations will not allow any flammable liquids and some carriers may not allow the motor oil. The bikes will need to be dry.

3. Even if crated, you can expect damage. Furthermore, ship nothing of extraordinary value with the bikes. For example: GPS units might disappear. Sure, you will have insurance but nothing will be done before the end of CCR and then you will be sending a damaged bike back into freight system a few days later.

4. Remember the simple plan of shipping items back from JLL via UPS?

How many people freight shipped their bike to JLL or Breckenridge? :confused:

Then again, if anyone can make this happen in a timely, seamless plan, I would put my money on Mr. Omaha. ;)

[BillyOmaha]

It seems like a simple plan but so was Desert One. :(

Then again, if anyone can make this happen in a timely, seamless plan, I would put my money on Mr. Omaha. ;)

Thank you for that endorsement, Bob.:D

Regarding "Desert One", I have my marketing hat on right now, Bob ;) We don't mention the potential issues during the sales cycle :o

Figuring out the details is for AFTER I've got a sale :rolleyes:

Seriously, I'll keep what you said in mind when I talk with the freight shops.


.

[Tallyho]

I know a lot of people in the freight business and I have been giving this quite a bit of thought. My background includes airfreight as well. I put a few calls in today to see if there is anyone out there that will move people and bikes on air cargo jets within the US. I know Lufthansa used to ship the bike and the rider together to Germany for about $2500 round trip. Of course, that is a commercial carrier. Just wondering if someone out there has a nice C-130 Hercules they use for trancon air freight. 12 seats, 12 bikes, 6 hours airborne, no waiting. :cool:

On the other hand, Meese echoed what my wife was saying last night. You really don't need a bike to enjoy the company and social aspects of CCR. We had some great rides at Grand Tetons but have a lot of great memories of just visiting with folks. She may yet talk me into going without a bike. :rolleyes:

[RaffyK]

Just get there. I'll guarrantee you you'll have more than one person offering you their bike if you wish to ride.

[RaffyK]

check your PM

[Steve_R]

For the record, should any plan I work on come to fruition, it would not be the exact same week as CCR. In fact, I am thinking a couple weeks after CCR in mid to late September. I have received quite a bit of support for this idea thus far. The fact is for many of us on the "left coast", there isn't a way even if there is a will and it's not whining, it's reality. We have accepted our limitation for 2006 and in the finest traditions of this organization, a regional alternative is being considered. Not to be thrown in the face of this organization but to compliment it and provide a venue for the close community of riders on the West Coast this very site has created. And in return, when the CCR is at Lake Tahoe or Victoria Island or Pebble Beach or Coronado Island next year, we will be equally understanding of our eastern counterparts when they flatter us with conceptual emulation. ;)

I had a conversation with Connie the other night about a CCR on the west coast and her comment was "Why don't we plan on making vacation two weeks back to back. You can ride out there in 3 to 4 days, do CCR, ride around the west coast for a week after and then you can ride home." Only caveat is she gets to fly both ways. :rolleyes:

[JetDoc]

OK, here's an idea for you...

A quick search on Ebay today shows 57 BMW motorcycles listed for sale within 500 miles of Braselton, GA (zip code 30517.)

Instead of trying to ship your precious LT from the west coast and back, and running the risk of damage or theft, why not just buy another BMW to ride while you're there and then re-sell it, or ship it home!

Just think... Here's your chance to pick up that classic R-80RT you've always wanted for less than the cost of shipping your LT! (Item number 4581485588, today's high bid is $1147.44), or you could be the one to show up at CCR 2006 on a classic 1927 BMW R42!

[brasters]

Has there been any more talk about shipping bikes to CCR 6, My boss is not going to allow me to take three weeks off, so shipping the bike one-way is looking pretty good, anyone else?

Just Bob.

[Way2Fast]

Why don't we talk BMW North America into renting us demo bikes for the week. We could pick them up and return to Alanta. I am sure some people may end up buying a newer bike after trying an 06 model. They could have different models and we could switch around all week.
I am up for the 5x5 in mid Sept. We could spend one of the nights in Santa Maria and have a bar-b-que in our backyard.

[graydude]

I would be all over a west coast ride. Not to fragment the group but 5,000 miles from Socal on mostly slab running just to get there and back does not move me. I'd be willing to help out anyway I can to put something together on the west coast.

[Tallyho]

Now that it's 2006 and we are about seven months out, I would like to know what sort of real interest there is for participation in the 5X5 I proposed last year.

"The Nickel Squared Poker Run"

5 rides on 5 day to 5 towns in 5 states to draw 5 cards.

California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, & Nevada

Sept 18-22. Entry: $25 per hand per rider and/or pillion

Top Hand: $300 or half the entry fees whichever is greater.

Open to all riders, all makes, all years, all ages. Riding buddies encouraged.

I would be happy to plan and organize the project if there is solid interest and commitment to make it happen. Half the proceeds will be donated to a registered charity. If you do the math, this would require a minimum of 24 paid participants. All other expenses for the ride would be your responsibility.
I have a framework ready to initiate with approprite interest levels. Please send me a PM before Feb 28th if you'd participate. :cool:

[DavidTaylor]

I would probably have to pass as I think I'll be on a cross country trip around that time. I have a sabbatical coming this year and I'll probably be leaving on some part of it mid-late September. But I think it's a great idea and if not for my existing plans I would probably do it.

Also, you may want to just start a new thread on the topic so it gets more visibility; might be easier to get/track responses that way.

[walilisseu]

Bill and all my N. CA LT brothers,

Breezed through this post and may have missed something, however:

I'll be riding one up on the way down AND back, wife will be flying RT. On the way down, I'm looking to posting the fast track and would be interested in understanding any of your final plans ... IF you'd allow me to tag along.

I plan on a southern route back and take some time to see friends I haven't seen in 20+ years, so I wouldn't be feeling bad not trucking / flying back with y'all.

Lemme know,