Crazy Idea: Riv National Jamboree

[Liesl]

Do you think we could do it?  Plan it out far enough ahead of time (like a year), figure out a place that people from far way and not the whole summer to ride can get to by plane or train or car and figure out how to get their bikes there...a place with good riding country...an organizing group that's local...I just think it would be so utterly fantastic to meet everyone and ride and sit around a campfire.  I used to do this kind of thing back in my motorcycling days and made some very dear friends that i'd only see once a year or two.  Whatcha'll think?

[Deacon Patrick]

I love it, but until God decides to heal my bludgeoned brain could never attend it save in spirit. Sounds like a blast though!

With abandon,

Patrick

[Liesl]

But Deacon, you're one of the people I want to meet!  We'll just have to figure out another way.

[Christopher Chen]

Colorado is a fine place to visit.

On Wed, Jul 31, 2013 at 8:29 AM, Liesl <li...@smm.org> wrote:

But Deacon, you're one of the people I want to meet!  We'll just have to figure out another way.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

--
"I want the kind of six pack you can't drink." -- Micah

[Deacon Patrick]

Likewise, Liesl. Brain injury gets in the way of a lot of good things, though the gift in it is I get a lot of time for contemplation. The smaller the event, the more likely I can attend. If you or others find yourselves near Colorado Springs and want to see if a ride is possible, let me know. I'm always game to see if I'm game (or gamy).

I am tossing all caution to the wind and planning an S24O ramble training for a new branch of Mind Your Head Co-op this Autumn. I suspect I'll learn a lot from all my failures there! The amusing thing is I'm teaching it, so if my brain goes down, that'll be it's own teaching moment. Sardonic grin.

With abandon,

Patrick

[Reid]

Hmmm. I also used to do motorcycle rallies, by brand. The biggest problem was: holding it in the Eastern one-third of the country always attracted the most people as the East generally is more densely populated, while having it in the wide-open more sparsely populated West cut down on attendance. We have a BIG country here. Could Riv do a mapping of where they know their bikes live? Give some idea of where the greatest concentrations of owners live? That would be only an estimate, of course. It's hard to make a rally in this country much more than regional.

 

Oops, I think I'm being a wet blanket! But I would like to see bigger Riv gatherings than we've had so far. Maybe more planned and organized regional gathers?

 

Reid

 

[Jim M.]

On Wednesday, July 31, 2013 11:38:58 AM UTC-7, Reid wrote:

Could Riv do a mapping of where they know their bikes live? Give some idea of where the greatest concentrations of owners live? That would be only an estimate, of course. It's hard to make a rally in

Someone created a Google map where owners could pin their location: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/rbw-owners-bunch/mdwfFaPMOfY
It does not seem to be available any longer, though.

A national jamboree would be a great idea.

jim m
wc ca

[dougP]

This sounds like a great idea, and a chance to meet new people (or old friends but in the flesh!) and see new country.  Colorado in the summer...excellent biking, hiking, all sorts of stuff to do.  And kinda-sorta in the center of the Lower 48.  From experience, MN & WI also have good places to ride.  I've never biked on the East Coast & would look forward to that experience.  Just about anywhere can be interesting. 

The Key will be the local organizers, at least for scoping out venue & routes. 

dougP

[Bruce Herbitter]

I'd love to try it. Of course, the time/distance/whatnot will keep some from coming, but for whoever could do it, wow! You gonna set it up, "List rules apply?"  :)

On Wed, Jul 31, 2013 at 9:40 AM, Liesl <li...@smm.org> wrote:

Do you think we could do it?  Plan it out far enough ahead of time (like a year), figure out a place that people from far way and not the whole summer to ride can get to by plane or train or car and figure out how to get their bikes there...a place with good riding country...an organizing group that's local...I just think it would be so utterly fantastic to meet everyone and ride and sit around a campfire.  I used to do this kind of thing back in my motorcycling days and made some very dear friends that i'd only see once a year or two.  Whatcha'll think?

--

[bo richardson]

Bellingham is on the Washington Canada border and has great food and salmon to barbeque in the summer.

We have world class wine and micro brew beers although that pleasure is denied me these days.

 

the riding here is beyond belief

 

people who wanted to stay longer than a weekend could hit the san juans or the canadian gulf islands

or go over the mountains to eastern Washington

 

I bet bellingham and seattle together have as large a riv density as anywhere in the country

judging from my riv sightings and the contributors to the listserv.

 

many people would not buy the idea that bellingham is centrally located

even though it is half way between seattle and vancouver bc

[Anne Paulson]

I can't say Bellingham is centrally located. But that area would make
a great location for a Riv jamboree.

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>
>

--
-- Anne Paulson

It isn't a contest. Enjoy the ride.

[Peter Morgano]

It's pretty obvious this will be a west coast thing. Weather and lower density of Riv owners here out east pretty much dictates it. One year I will feel well enough for riv rally east though. You west coasters have it good!

[Jim M.]

How about a Riv tour down the Great Divide bike route? Mixed terrain, self-supported, and a rider could choose a particular part or the whole route.

just thinkin'
jim m
wc ca

[Manuel Acosta]

If it's in the summer I'm in. 

Lets pick a date for this 2014 Jamboree

I say July 12-13 2014

Usually a quite week after the July 4. Let's make it happen!

-Manny

[hsmitham]

Liesl,

I think it's a brilliant idea! I for one would love to meet other Riv riders. I really, really, like the Bellingham notion as it would meet my desire to go to PDX then up to the rally! The added benifit is that my wife has family in Bellingham so I could sell her on that aspect of the trip, he,he...not central unless you live in Whistler or Seattle...let the planning begin..."Rivendell Rally 2014" woo hoo! 

~Hugh

On Wednesday, July 31, 2013 7:40:24 AM UTC-7, Liesl wrote:

[dougP]

International Rivendell riders also invited!  I can think of 3 guys in Chiang Mai, Thailand, that would be welcome, and I'll bet there are some others scattered around. 

dougP

[Marc Irwin]

It's not a crazy idea.  I have been involved in similar plans before.  It is really important to establish a date and place early and, as was mentioned geography can make a difference.  FYI  the Geographical Center of the Conterminous States is a park near Smith Center KS almost equidistant from Omaha, Kansas City and Denver.  

Marc

[Anne Paulson]

If we are serious, we should have a procedure like this:

People "bid" by offering their area at a certain time, so for example,
someone might "bid" Juneau, Alaska on the December 27-29, 2012.

A "bid" in this case should be interpreted as volunteering to do the
local organization, such as it is, which in our case would be
reserving campsites and preparing some suggested routes.

Then everyone who cares about this would vote (lobbying and
campaigning allowed, of course), and the winning selection would win.
And the winning bidder would reserve campsites.

[Liesl]

good to see some excitement!  My guess is that just about anywhere besides our own respective home states would involve some sort of driving/flying/training--so as long as it's near a major airport, etc, location actually is less critical than one might think.  That said, location has to have a critical mass of local organizers.  It might be, given some folks are jazzed, that we let this thread go long enough to gather ideas, have "committee members" (and please oh please come up with an alternate term because that sounds way too much like work) and then move to an off-list group that takes it further and reports back with updates.

Seems July 13-14, 2014 is in contention.  One question could be for those interested:  early summer, mid summer, late summer?  I'm guessing we might not have a lot of folks (for example, teachers) going for fall?

Seems Bellingham and Colorado Springs are in contention. I would also think that Bay Area—perhaps Marin?—could be a contender.  Would be great to have as many Riv staff there as want to be there but not be a time or financial burden on them (cause I think of them more as guests of honor)

[allenmichael]

I would be an especially poor organizer, but I would love to participate. bidding system seems like a good idea but we should settle on a date and location early while the idea has some momentum. 

Michael Allen

On Wednesday, July 31, 2013 7:40:24 AM UTC-7, Liesl wrote:

[iamkeith]

 

Oh!  I like this idea.  Either Bellingham or Colorado Springs both work well for me  (As well as any two places I could think of, actually.  East coast would be pretty difficult.)   A couple of suggestions:

 

1.  Plans/itineraries, if this actually happens,  should be firmed up by early- to mid-winter  (ie.: Feb 1),  in order for people to plan vacation time around it.   That's partly just the reality for us working stiffs, but also is the time when many other events and activities (like organized bike tours and permitted rivers) hold their lotteries or have their entry deadlines for summer activities.   At some point, I'd have to choose one or the other.

 

2. I'd love it if some of the (presumed) activities/rides could be kid-friendly.  So longer rides or days might need SAG support.

 

3. It would be nice to do it where camping is an easy option, to keep costs down, but where there are hotel accommodations too, for those who prefer.  Kind of dictates doing it in a smaller satellite community or rural area, where you wouldn't have to worry about locking your gear or bike all the time, either!

 

4.  For the above two reasons, a hub-and-spoke type ride-based event might be nice, to accommodate as many personalities and riding tastes as possible.  It sure doesn't need to be an endurance, count-the-miles sort of thing, like a regular bike tour, and not having to pack up every day would give us more opportunity to meet and mingle with each other.

 

5.  I think there should be a small entry fee, which could go to providing air fare to get Grant and possibly a couple other Riv employees there.   

[Montclair BobbyB]

I think it's a great idea.

Speaking from this person's perspective, the things (to me) that make for a good location for a rally:

- First and foremost, the allure of the location (in terms of adventure, natural beauty and rideability).  If it lacks grandeur, so will the ride (I'm afraid)  

- It's driveable (which we of course can't expect for a national rally)... some will obviously be able to drive; others will need to fly and ship bikes. But if we can somehow maximize attendance with the least amount of travel hassle, that's important

- A location with basic amenities (ie lodging/camping, restaurants/provisions, emergency services, etc.)

- Location is well suited to serve either as a hub (for out and back day-rides), or can accommodate point-to-point, self-supported travel (with provision for shuttle service IF necessary, or a route that loops on itself).  Logistics cannot be the weak point; one poorly coordinated shuttle pickup can ruin your whole day.

- It's great to have local help from someone who knows the area and who has connections to help out in a pinch.

I stand by the first rule... The location must be outstanding and offer adventure, beauty and rideability.  Let's kick around some ideas.

Peace,
Bobby 

[Manuel Acosta]

Bay Area is always a good place in the summer. What better place to have a Rivendell Jamboree then in the place where Rivendell Bicycle Works. I place my bid for China Camp beautiful campground that leaves the option of plenty of different level riding abilities for those not looking to go crazy. Take the ferry and ride super short or take the road and ride to the campgrounds. 

The morning afterwords there's prime dirt loops around the area. 

soooo for more official statement.

Manny's Bid.

China Camp, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94901

July 13-14 

[Steve Palincsar]

On 08/01/2013 11:29 AM, Montclair BobbyB wrote:
> I think it's a great idea.
>
> Speaking from this person's perspective, the things (to me) that make
> for a good location for a rally:
>
> - First and foremost, the allure of the location (in terms of
> adventure, natural beauty and rideability). If it lacks grandeur, so
> will the ride (I'm afraid)

Depends on what you mean by "grandeur." There's certainly nothing like
the Grand Canyon or Niagra Falls (both high on the "grandeur" scale) in
Salisbury MD, but the League Annual Rally in 1989 was one of the most
successful bike rallies of all time, and the riding was so well regarded
the Seagull Century kicked off shortly afterwards. I wouldn't consider
the Great Allegheny Passage to be especially rich in scenic grandeur
either, but it's one of the nicest places to tour that I know of.

> - It's driveable (which we of course can't expect for a national
> rally)... some will obviously be able to drive; others will need to
> fly and ship bikes. But if we can somehow maximize attendance with the
> least amount of travel hassle, that's important
> - A location with basic amenities (ie lodging/camping,
> restaurants/provisions, emergency services, etc.)

And note that "lodging" is NOT synonymous with "camping." For some,
clearly camping is the way to go, but there are many others whose
camping days are long since over.

> - Location is well suited to serve either as a hub (for out and back
> day-rides), or can accommodate point-to-point, self-supported travel
> (with provision for shuttle service IF necessary, or a route that
> loops on itself). Logistics cannot be the weak point; one poorly
> coordinated shuttle pickup can ruin your whole day.
> - It's great to have local help from someone who knows the area and
> who has connections to help out in a pinch.
>
> I stand by the first rule... The location must be outstanding and
> offer adventure, beauty and rideability. Let's kick around some ideas.

And "adventure" doesn't necessarily mean you have a good chance of dying
and being eaten by wolves. We're not talking Rapha-style "epic" here.

[Michael Hechmer]

I really like the way this is developing.  To me "central" has nothing to do with geography and everything to do with access.  From where I am in Vermont it's easier to get to Seattle than it is to Ashville, even though it's three times as far.  I like the idea of the PNW.

As much as I love the Bay area ( and have a son & granddaughter there) I think the Bay area crowd could also travel a bit.  Weakening cliques would be helpful. 

To pull this off the destination will need 4 or 5 people in the area who are willing to put some significant amount of work into it.

Lodging - getting a group rate at a local hotel or resort, prepared to deal with all the bikes, and a nearby campground would be ideal.  People like Adventure Cycling or a tour agent might be helpful in this regard.

I'm excited about the prospect of pulling this off.

Michael

[Tonester]

The BMW Moto guys have rallies every year and tend to bias towards one coast or another on alternate years.  A great idea! I think that a train ride to a cool location would be the bomb!

[Anne Paulson]

I like the idea of the Pacific Northwest too. We've already heard from
Bellingham, but what about the Portland folks?

[Montclair BobbyB]

You know, I should have anticipated a response from you, Steve :)

First, I did include rideability in my location criteria... I should probably have also included cultural/historical significance, too.  For example, the Great Allegheny Passage has the romance of old train lines, industrial revolution history and massive tunnels built through mountains... I'd call that scenic beauty, but to each his own.

For the record I did list lodging before camping... I love to camp, but equally enjoy a comfy bed in a charming inn,

And as for this nonsense of being eaten by wolves, they will always go after younger meat... you've got nothing to worry about :)

Peace,

BB 

On Thursday, August 1, 2013 11:49:12 AM UTC-4, Steve Palincsar wrote:

[Steve Palincsar]

On 08/01/2013 12:44 PM, Montclair BobbyB wrote:
> You know, I should have anticipated a response from you, Steve :)
>
> First, I did include rideability in my location criteria... I should
> probably have also included cultural/historical significance, too.
> For example, the Great Allegheny Passage has the romance of old train
> lines, industrial revolution history and massive tunnels built through
> mountains... I'd call that scenic beauty, but to each his own.

Agreed, definitely scenic beauty, but perhaps not "grandeur" in the
sense of "the sublime".

>
> For the record I did list lodging before camping... I love to camp,
> but equally enjoy a comfy bed in a charming inn,

I clarified that basically for the S24O, camping-obsessed Riv
community. Seems like camping is all you hear about on the RBW list,
and some of us do not camp.

>
> And as for this nonsense of being eaten by wolves, they will always go
> after younger meat... you've got nothing to worry about :)

"Epic" and "adventure" do not have to mean you're risking your life, as
Rapha et al. would have you believe. Again, a clarification aimed at
others. You do a very civilized event without the threat of being
eaten by wolves or camping.

:-)

[Peter Morgano]

Agreed, I love a nice long ride but there had better be a shower and comfy bed on the other side. Even as a boy scout I hated camping. I just don't get the appeal but to each their own.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.

[dougP]

The transportation issue can be a bit daunting for those who've not traveled much with their bike.  However, there are several options:

1.  Fly & take your bike as checked luggage.  Most expensive; requires partial dis-assembly of the bike; hazards of baggage handlers.
2.  Fly & ship your bike via ground service.  Saves a few bucks, same issues with handlers.
3.  Drive & carry your bike.  Most convenient; a bit slow if going long distance. 
4.  Amtrak.
5.  Host the event:  no travel!

My touring buds & I have done a lot of combos of renting a van (mini up to 7 bikes; cargo up to a dozen) & having a couple of people drive all the bikes & gear while everyone else flies in.  A mini will fit 4 people + 4 bikes + gear but you need to be good friends.  A 15 passenger with back seats out can haul up to 8 people plus more bikes.  When you take the rental cost plus fuel & divide it out, it becomes affordable.  I have friends who hate flying & love driving, so they'll go long distances.  I'm happy to split the van cost & fly in to avoid a couple of long days in a box.  YMMV.

So please don't let distance or logistics dampen your enthusiasm for this event.  It can be done. 

dougP "liking this idea even better now"

[Reid]

On Thursday, August 1, 2013 8:41:32 AM UTC-7, Manuel Acosta wrote:

Bay Area is always a good place in the summer. What better place to have a Rivendell Jamboree then in the place where Rivendell Bicycle Works. I place my bid for China Camp beautiful campground that leaves the option of plenty of different level riding abilities for those not looking to go crazy. Take the ferry and ride super short or take the road and ride to the campgrounds. 

The morning afterwords there's prime dirt loops around the area. 

soooo for more official statement.

Manny's Bid.

China Camp, 101 Peacock Gap Trail, San Rafael, CA 94901

July 13-14 

 

Yes! Here's my vote for Manny's Bid. And yes, this is somewhat self-serving as I also live in the Bay Area. Is that strengthening a clique? I like to see it as a direct challenge to the PNW people to get off their duffs and make a really strong, exciting bid/case for the PNW. Also self-serving, though as the PNW is about my favorite piece of the world.  :-)

 

Reid

[Anne Paulson]

It sounds like some people want motel lodging. If we go to China
Camp, where would those people stay, and how expensive would it be?
The Bay Area is a pricey area.

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an

> email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.

> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>
>

[Lee Chae]

There's a Motel 6 and a Travelodge in San Rafael, about 4 miles from the campgrounds. There's also an Embassy Suites less than 2 miles away from it. The first two seem to be around $70/night for a king bed, and the Embassy Suites about $170 (all current rates).

Admin Jim Cyclofiend has been known to lurk in the trails and roadways in that area, so maybe he can chime in at some point about local motels, etc? :)

Also, the campground has pay showers, just fyi. And if you use it as a base, you will have access to many great rides from there.

I like how this is shaping up!

Lee

[Christopher Chen]

I think the Portland group is strong enough to possibly bid for something next year. ODOT is working to complete the sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway so we can ride from Portland to Hood River without using the interstate: I think that would be an excellent option--there are nice hotels+beer+food in Hood River, and there's plenty of camping too.

Like I said, no formal bid, but it's an interesting option.

And I *am* camping obsessed.

"I want the kind of six pack you can't drink." -- Micah

[JL]

This is a great idea. It would be wonderful if it caught on and rotated cities like NAHBS does. I am from the bay area but bellingham gets my vote. July dates work well.

Jason
SF,CA

[Anne Paulson]

How about if we say that we'll vote on the place and time one week
from today, or something like that? That gives everyone a chance to
offer different alternatives, so we don't settle on the first idea
that is suggested. Manny's China Camp proposal sounds great, but a
Pacific Northwest gathering would also be great.

Bellingham Washington is reachable by Amtrak, for Bay Area folks,
though the connection in Seattle might not be great.

[Robert F. Harrison]

I'd try to go if it's Portland as I have family there. The Bay Area is possible as well and perhaps even Bellingham (it's trickier for me). I have to be in Boise, ID on July 11-13 so I'd love the Jamboree to be the next weekend as I could make it an extended trip and cycle both in Boise and at the meet up. That's about the only way I could make it though in July though.

Aloha,

Bob

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

--
Robert Harrison

Honolulu, HI
rfhar...@gmail.com
statrix.com

[Andy Smitty Schmidt]

I wonder if we could find some sort of B&B type place that would have rooms for those who want to sleep indoors and a lawn for those who want to throw a sleeping bag on the ground.

The Coastal Mountain Sport Haus is in the coast range west of Portland, so not really near Bellingham. But if there's interest I'd be happy to call and at least find out if they could/would accommodate something like this.  

My vote regarding date would be earlier the better... to maximize the cool and green. Although by mid-July the berries are ripe. 

--Smitty

 

[Andy Smitty Schmidt]

Another similar but different idea... Bridal Veil Lodge in the Columbia Gorge. Once upon a time they had a campground, but now it's only indoor lodging. I spoke to them last year and they said they've talked about opening up for camping but haven't gotten the ball rolling. I could call and float the group lodging + camping idea there. 

--Smitty

[Jim Mather]

For the Bay Area, there are hostels in the Marin headlands and in Pt. Reyes. You can reserve them as a group, but you'd need to do it soon, I'm sure.

jim m
wc ca

 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/i87JbNYav-A/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

[Anne Paulson]

I suggest that we provide an actual motel/inn option, rather than
hostels. Some people prefer privacy. Also, if we have a motel option,
people can reserve on their own, rather than an organizer reserving a
block at a hostel and then finding people cancelling.

> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an

> email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>
>

[franklyn]

My wife and I just came back from a trip to the San Juan Islands, and many riding options are available. On Lopez Island, we stayed at a private campground that also has cabins for those who would like to sleep on real beds. At least one county park is also close by that has a good number of camping spots. On Orcas Island, we stayed in our tent on the lawn of a B&B. The lodge is just outside Eastsound, and Moran State Park, which has amazing lake side and near-lake camping spots, is a beautiful 4 or so miles away. So I endorse the idea of doing something near Bellingham/Puget Sound.

Another great place is Pt Reyes here in the Bay Area. There are multiple campsites in the National Park; the Hostel, including its large-group facilities, can accommodate up to 40 folks who want real beds. "overflow" folks can head east on Sir Francis Drake and camp in Samuel P Taylor state park. Several B&B also exist in Olema and Pt Reyes Station.

I help to organize an overnight bike ride every year and at the end of the first day the group stays at the KOA campground near Cloverdale, CA. Our group is usually 120-150 people, with 90 of them cyclists riding up from San Rafael in the morning. The campground is clean and comfortable, and has enough facilities, including a kitchen, outdoor pool, and jacuzzi, and a great view of Lake Sonoma. The KOA campground also has several cabins of different size for people who want or need to sleep on a bed. The riding--both paved, dirt, or mixed-terrain--around the area is amazing. Several Bay Area paved and mixed-terrain brevets go through cloverdale, which is also a launching pad for the Mendocino Coast, not to mention the beautiful hills and roads of Napa County. For out-of-town folks coming by AMTRAK, you can buy your ticket all the way to Cloverdale, the thru-way buses will carry your bike-box all the way to Cloverdale, and the campground is a mile away. Those in the Bay Area can ride a flattish 85-mile route from San Rafael to Cloverdale. Hills, dirt, ocean, forest, Napa--quite a combination.

The more I type, the more I think Sonoma County, with overnight at the KOA campground is a good idea.

Franklyn
Berkeley, CA

[Cecily Walker]

I'm just up the road from Bellingham in Vancouver, BC and I'm willing to help however I can. And hey - maybe by the time the rally happens, I'll have my Betty Foy! ;-)

Cecily (frequent lurker who pops her head in now and again)

[David Hays]

I'm also a BMW motorcycle rider. I go to the Watkins Glen, New York finger Lakes rally every year Labor Day weekend. It's run the the Finger Lakes BMW Club.

The national rally  run by the BMW Motorcyles Owners of America(BMWMOA) moves across the country in three consecutive years I believe-East, Middle and then West.

David

[Liesl]

On Thursday, August 1, 2013 2:15:51 PM UTC-5, Anne Paulson wrote:

How about if we say that we'll vote on the place and time one week
from today, or something like that? That gives everyone a chance to
offer different alternatives, so we don't settle on the first idea
that is suggested.  Manny's China Camp proposal sounds great, but a
Pacific Northwest gathering would also be great.

I like Anne's suggestion.  But the nominations would have to come from folks willing to pitch in some local effort.  Any suggestions for voting platform?  There's doodle polls...
I also like the idea of some registration fee because there are costs

Back to Anne's idea...Might we agree on a few criteria items? I propose:

beautiful riding
both camping and cabin/motel/B&B type options
near enough to a city with an airport/train station
several different kinds of riding options (short/ long, dirt/paved, wicked hills/gentle hills, etc)
some local RivListServ members who are interested in putting in some time

(Heavens, what did I start?????)

[Patrick Moore]

If this is to be a national get together, can we have it in the exact geometrical center of the country? Just kidding about that, but somewhere more or less accessible to the majority of participants would be nice to consider.

Colorado?

Of course, if most of the interested parties are in the PNW, then that would over-weigh a national distribution.

--Smitty

 

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
 
 

--

http://resumespecialties.com/index.html

patric...@resumespecialties.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmooreresumespec/

Albuquerque, NM

[Marc Irwin]

I was going to chime in on that also.  If it is to be a national get together, picking a place in one distant corner will rule out a lot of people just because of the travel.  It will be a regional get together as a result.  As I mentioned earlier the geographical center of the country is in northern Kansas almost equidistant from Kansas City, Omaha and Denver.  I'm not familiar with Omaha but Kansas City and Denver both have a lot going for them and a lot of very interesting riding to be chosen.

Marc

[Anne Paulson]

IF we are looking for geographical centers-- and I don't know that we
are-- we should look for the geographical center of the rider's home
towns, not the geographical center of the US. I suspect the
geographical center of riders would be something like Denver.

[Patrick Moore]

The Great Divide passes through NM about 100 miles west of ABQ ...

Patrick "just hoping" Moore

[Robert F. Harrison]

Actually the geographic center of the contiguous US is in Kansas. The geographic center of the US including the Riv owners in Hawaii and Alaska is near Belle Fourche, South Dakota. :-) And if we go by population it's either in Missouri (mean) or Indiana (median). 

There are at least a couple of Rivs here in Hawaii (besides my two) so let's have no CONUS only bias. :-) [Don't even get me started about shipping.] :-)

Having said that, I'm pretty sure the middle of nowhere in Kansas is a bit easier to get to than the western edge of South Dakota from Hawaii though I could be wrong on that one. 

Aloha from Oahu!

Bob

[Peter Morgano]

Well played Bob, my mom the Social Studies teacher would be proud! I think again its obvious this will be another Portland or Bay area thing, because they are starved for Riv get togethers..... :)

[Eric Platt]

Hmm.  Belle Fouche would be close enough to the Mickelson Trail.  Kansas would get the Katy trail.  Both being former rail-trails wouldn't be overly challenging.  Mickelson might be tougher to do weather wise.  Do believe a lot of places are no longer catering to tourists by mid October. (1880's Train stops running after Columbus Day weekend).

 

These are just suggestions.  Honestly, I'd probably not attend as am realizing that as a rider, am too fat and slow to ride with others anymore.  The price I'm paying for playing more music this year.

Eric Platt

St. Paul, MN

[Jim M.]

It sounds like some folks conceive of this outing as a point-to-point tour, while others think of it as setting up a base camp from which to do rides. That may be something else the group needs to decide. I'm good with either, though the logistics of lodging would be easier for the base camp option.

jim m
wc ca

[Patrick Moore]

Oh, c'mon -- we need an old, fat and slow contingent. I'll keep you company.

[Anne Paulson]

Hey, I thought we were going to have an entire section of our
campsites for old and slow!

[Robert F. Harrison]

I'll ride with you Eric. I'm too slow for everyone as well - though as it turns out, I was not the lanterne rouge on this year's RAGBRAI. :-) [I'm pretty sure that honor would fall to someone who spent too much time passed out from all the beer folks were drinking.]

Aloha,

Bob

[Joe K]

I'm not sure I'm going to be a participant, but isn't it true that, given the way airfares are computed, if many people are coming by air, it may actually be cheaper to fly to a major city on the coasts than to a smaller place in the middle of the country?

Just a thought.

Joe K

On Wednesday, July 31, 2013 10:40:24 AM UTC-4, Liesl wrote:

Do you think we could do it?  Plan it out far enough ahead of time (like a year), figure out a place that people from far way and not the whole summer to ride can get to by plane or train or car and figure out how to get their bikes there...a place with good riding country...an organizing group that's local...I just think it would be so utterly fantastic to meet everyone and ride and sit around a campfire.  I used to do this kind of thing back in my motorcycling days and made some very dear friends that i'd only see once a year or two.  Whatcha'll think?

[Robert F. Harrison]

Yep,  at least for me coming from Hawaii. :-) I'm all for the west coast as I'm probably have enough Hawaiian Airlines miles to make it by then. Just did RAGBRAI on United miles so those are used up.

Aloha,

Bob

--

[Jim M.]

On Thursday, August 1, 2013 6:59:44 PM UTC-7, Joe K wrote:

I'm not sure I'm going to be a participant, but isn't it true that, given the way airfares are computed, if many people are coming by air, it may actually be cheaper to fly to a major city on the coasts than to a smaller place in the middle of the country?

From what I've experienced with business conferences, the cheapest place to fly to is Las Vegas, which would be a miserable place to bike in the summer.

[Lee Chae]

I was thinking that way, too, Anne. I actually started out an exercise querying round-trip airline fares for various destinations from a variety of cities (SF, NYC, DC, Seattle, Portland, LA, San Diego, etc.). I thought I'd try Denver as a destination first. So far, it looks like Chicago O'Hare would be the cheapest average round-trip flight from most of the points of origin I checked.

Lee

[Marc Irwin]

Chicago is the cheapest to fly to or from, but Denver ain't bad, and also has Amtrak service from the midwest and Bay Area.  Denver has by far the most dramatic scenery and perhaps Rocky Mountain National Park for a base camp?

Marc

[Michael Hechmer]

I think we are on the right track here...central means easy for most people to get, which probably wont be either geographic center or population center.  Kansas, Indiana, Missouri and N, Dakota do not qualify as easy to get to, except maybe St Louis.  If we're doing this in July it would be nice to have some routes with trees.

Michael

[Pondero]

I hope this idea materializes.  I'm jealous of all the meet-ups that I've been missing.  With some advance planning, I might be able to finally join in.  I'd be driving from north Texas, so the Denver (central US) suggestion has feasibility appeal for me.

[cyclotourist]

Marc, I think Denver/Boulder is the best location put out. But as
others have mentioned, it needs a critical mass of locals that want to
do the leg-work to get it going. Majority of the conversation seems to
be coming from Bay Area and PNW in that regard.

On 8/2/13, Marc Irwin <irwi...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Chicago is the cheapest to fly to or from, but Denver ain't bad, and also
> has Amtrak service from the midwest and Bay Area. Denver has by far the
> most dramatic scenery and perhaps Rocky Mountain National Park for a base
> camp?
>
> Marc
>
> On Friday, August 2, 2013 2:38:40 AM UTC-4, Lee Chae wrote:
>>
>> I was thinking that way, too, Anne. I actually started out an exercise
>> querying round-trip airline fares for various destinations from a variety
>>
>> of cities (SF, NYC, DC, Seattle, Portland, LA, San Diego, etc.). I thought
>>
>> I'd try Denver as a destination first. So far, it looks like Chicago
>> O'Hare
>> would be the cheapest average round-trip flight from most of the points of
>>
>> origin I checked.
>>
>> Lee
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 5:58 PM, Anne Paulson

>> <anne.p...@gmail.com<javascript:>

>> > wrote:
>>
>>> IF we are looking for geographical centers-- and I don't know that we
>>> are-- we should look for the geographical center of the rider's home
>>> towns, not the geographical center of the US. I suspect the
>>> geographical center of riders would be something like Denver.
>>>
>>> On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 5:50 PM, Marc Irwin

>>> <irwi...@gmail.com<javascript:>>

>>> > email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com <javascript:>.

>>> > To post to this group, send email to

>>> > rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com<javascript:>
>>> .

>>> > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
>>> > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>>> >
>>> >
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> -- Anne Paulson
>>>
>>> It isn't a contest. Enjoy the ride.
>>>
>>> --
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>>>
>>> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>>>

>>> email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com <javascript:>.

>>> To post to this group, send email to

>>> rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com<javascript:>
>>> .

>>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>
>
>


--

Cheers,
David

"it isn't a contest. Just enjoy the ride." - Seth Vidal

[Marc Irwin]

Another issue nobody wants to bring up is money.  Being a financial advisor, I know nobody likes to talk about it so I will once.  Making the possible accommodation and travel expenses as cheap as possible for a bottom line will include more people without having to discuss it.  In other words, spend more if you want but...   It's kinda like weight, you just don't discuss it in public.   That being said, most state and national campgrounds provide group sites for around #2-5 per person per night with few restrictions on the number of people in the site.  

Marc

[Montclair BobbyB]

I think it all depends on the location.  Riv Rally East 2011 was a hub and spoke setup because Wellsboro PA had great rides leading out of town.  RRE 2012 (on the Great Allegheny Passage) was point to point because it seemed more appropriate.  Both can be awesome, although for a large group like this I definitely would recommend a hub and spoke (with options for different types of rides)... Hopefully we can find the right location that gives us such options.

BB

[Andy Smitty Schmidt]

Hub and spoke certainly seems like the preferred design for a larger gathering of this type. 

Denver area would be great, but I'm not there so wouldn't be much help for organizing. 

I will be among the camping contingent.

I hope this happens.

--Smitty

[Anne Paulson]

If we want to talk about money, campground fees will be dwarfed by
airfare plus bike shipping, for those who have to fly. If I'm flying
to Kansas, no cheap campground fees will make up for the expensive
airfare to get myself and my bike to Kansas.

If money is the issue, we should have the Rally on the west coast of
the US, because the majority of Riv riders are on the west coast of
the US judging by posts on this list.

[Michael Williams]

I live on the west coast and Im gonna shake it up and put a bid in for the Midwest,  specifically the Minneapolis area,  possibly Northwoods?    I bet it would be pretty good up there in the summer except for the skeeters.    one bid for the Midwest!   -Mike

[Steven Frederick]

I'll tolerate camping if I need to to be where I want to be but would take a nice hotel room given the option.

Just weighing in!

On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 1:01 PM, Peter Morgano <uscpet...@gmail.com> wrote:

Agreed, I love a nice long ride but there had better be a shower and comfy bed on the other side. Even as a boy scout I hated camping. I just don't get the appeal but to each their own.

On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 12:55 PM, Steve Palincsar <pali...@his.com> wrote:

On 08/01/2013 12:44 PM, Montclair BobbyB wrote:

You know, I should have anticipated a response from you, Steve :)

First, I did include rideability in my location criteria... I should probably have also included cultural/historical significance, too.  For example, the Great Allegheny Passage has the romance of old train lines, industrial revolution history and massive tunnels built through mountains... I'd call that scenic beauty, but to each his own.

Agreed, definitely scenic beauty, but perhaps not "grandeur" in the sense of "the sublime".

For the record I did list lodging before camping... I love to camp, but equally enjoy a comfy bed in a charming inn,

I clarified that basically for the S24O, camping-obsessed Riv community.  Seems like camping is all you hear about on the RBW list, and some of us do not camp.

And as for this nonsense of being eaten by wolves, they will always go after younger meat... you've got nothing to worry about :)

"Epic" and "adventure" do not have to mean you're risking your life, as Rapha et al. would have you believe.  Again, a clarification aimed at others.   You do a very civilized event without the threat of being eaten by wolves or camping.

:-)

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.

Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[Christopher Chen]

I think the consensus is to find a destination that allows for those who want a nice bed to have a nice bed and for those who want to camp to camp.

--
"I want the kind of six pack you can't drink." -- Micah

[Deacon Patrick]

Uh, wolves go for the weak, sick, or slow, so generally the very young (the real reason I camp with my daughters) or the very old (still not sure how to handle that one should I be blessed to arrive there). Ahhh-- by then we'll be empty nesters, and my wife robbed the cradle (she's six month's older). Problem solved! Grin.

Folks keep naming Colorado as a great place to meet (and it is), but I won't be doing any organizing of anything and our Colorado Contingent isn't responding much to the S24O call, so host lethargy should perhaps be a factor in weighing options.

With abandon,

Patrick

On Friday, August 2, 2013 11:58:36 AM UTC-6, stevef wrote:

I'll tolerate camping if I need to to be where I want to be but would take a nice hotel room given the option.

Just weighing in!

On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 1:01 PM, Peter Morgano <uscpet...@gmail.com> wrote:

Agreed, I love a nice long ride but there had better be a shower and comfy bed on the other side. Even as a boy scout I hated camping. I just don't get the appeal but to each their own.

On Thu, Aug 1, 2013 at 12:55 PM, Steve Palincsar <pali...@his.com> wrote:

On 08/01/2013 12:44 PM, Montclair BobbyB wrote:

You know, I should have anticipated a response from you, Steve :)

First, I did include rideability in my location criteria... I should probably have also included cultural/historical significance, too.  For example, the Great Allegheny Passage has the romance of old train lines, industrial revolution history and massive tunnels built through mountains... I'd call that scenic beauty, but to each his own.

Agreed, definitely scenic beauty, but perhaps not "grandeur" in the sense of "the sublime".

For the record I did list lodging before camping... I love to camp, but equally enjoy a comfy bed in a charming inn,

I clarified that basically for the S24O, camping-obsessed Riv community.  Seems like camping is all you hear about on the RBW list, and some of us do not camp.

And as for this nonsense of being eaten by wolves, they will always go after younger meat... you've got nothing to worry about :)

"Epic" and "adventure" do not have to mean you're risking your life, as Rapha et al. would have you believe.  Again, a clarification aimed at others.   You do a very civilized event without the threat of being eaten by wolves or camping.

:-)

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[Jim]

I'm the wrong guy to lead the charge here (trust me on that....) but I would certainly lend my mass to the pursuit of criticality (read that:  will help organize and plan) and would love to meet y'all.

 

Jim in Boulder

[Patrick Moore]

I don't know what all is involved in one of these gatherings, or what prep I could do from ABQ, some 450 miles south of Denver, but if such an event be planned for Denver, I am willing to help with whatever it is that is doable from a distance if the event should be scheduled for our rough N-S axis. Mother, clients, and daughter permitting, I would come.

[NWAJack]

Vote for CO also.

[hsmitham]

> Majority of the conversation seems to 
be coming from Bay Area and PNW in that regard. 

Ahhh I'd have suggested Los Angeles but I just figured Hollywood and Vine would be to gritty... then again maybe some would like a Riv urban jamboree,  we could do the home of the stars tour.

Did I just do a Steve P. thing there? 

Seriously, most of the suggestions are on my top 5 list of places to ride a bike, I tend to favor the PNW, and PDX seems like a reasonable place as any, hint, hint, PDXers get ready to make a strong bid... but any of the a fore mentioned  locations work for this Riv-rider, Bellingham works and Franklyn's description of the the San Juan islands sounds ideal, San Francisco no problem you want places to ride this is where bikes like ours were born and breed. And the idea of Colorado well after seeing Deacon's photographs...this is fun!

~Hugh 

[Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery]

I volunteer to host, northern Wisconsin or perhaps my ancestral homeland of Upper Michigan. Dates are flexible, but I prefer late Sept for splendid Fall color. Lots of northwoods adventure. A real possibility of encountering wolves (they probably won't eat you). Probably more camping-centric than B&B centric, and not much for yuppie cafes and quaint gift shops, but nothing is perfect for everybody. Of course, if it's just two or three days, we could rent cabins and do day trips.

[Pondero]

Jim, good suggestions, and it might be the Texas heat talking but the fall timing is especially appealing. I saw positive feedback on your country bike events and have regretted missing out ever since.

Having a volunteer host is a significant development.

[Bruce Herbitter]

Speaking of the UP, I back packed Pictured Rocks Lakeshore a few years back and saw bears. In fact, all campsites have bear poles to hang your food up high on. No wolves though.

On Sat, Aug 3, 2013 at 7:51 PM, Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery <thil...@gmail.com> wrote:

I volunteer to host, northern Wisconsin or perhaps my ancestral homeland of Upper Michigan. Dates are flexible, but I prefer late Sept for splendid Fall color. Lots of northwoods adventure. A real possibility of encountering wolves (they probably won't eat you). Probably more camping-centric than B&B centric, and not much for yuppie cafes and quaint gift shops, but nothing is perfect for everybody. Of course, if it's just two or three days, we could rent cabins and do day trips.

[Marc Irwin]

On the other hand, the upper part of the lower peninsula has some of the most beautiful forests and shoreline you can find anywhere, and there's no shortage of yuppie cafe's, gift shops, winerys and micro brews.

Marc

[Manuel Acosta]

Lost. Who else has a bid for this Jam? 

If Bay Area wins. I don't mind trying to provide options for lodgings. China Camp is close enough and far away enough to find places in between. 

[Liesl]

Yes, I am curious as to who has a bid in for this Jam as well.  As far as can tell, Jim Thill has the only close-to-formal-bid.  Fall in Northern Wisconsin/Michigan Upper Penninsula/Northern Lower Penninsula with camping.  While I can vouch for the beauty of these areas, I can also vouch that they are another day's drive from a major airport (MSP, Milwaukee, or Detroit)

I'd like to assist with a Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) bid during the summer but because this is the busiest time for me at work, I can't take the lead.  How many could do the week after Labor Day?  I would suggest a home base that's an hour or less from the airport along the st. croix river or mississippi river, etc.  (for MSP locals:  Stillwater, Redwing, Scandia, Marina on St. Croix, etc.)  There could be hotels, B&B's, close camping, etc.  A good retreat center could be a good idea.  Anyone want to work on this with me?

liesl

[Marc Irwin]

I'd be glad to help, but I am in lower Michigan down by Chicago, I would be better able to help with that area.  Jim Thill is in MSP and definitely knows the countryside.

Marc

[Manuel Acosta]

Bump because this would be great if it happened

[allenmichael]

I'm offering to assist with Manny's bay area bid.

Michael Allen

On Wednesday, July 31, 2013 7:40:24 AM UTC-7, Liesl wrote:

Do you think we could do it?  Plan it out far enough ahead of time (like a year), figure out a place that people from far way and not the whole summer to ride can get to by plane or train or car and figure out how to get their bikes there...a place with good riding country...an organizing group that's local...I just think it would be so utterly fantastic to meet everyone and ride and sit around a campfire.  I used to do this kind of thing back in my motorcycling days and made some very dear friends that i'd only see once a year or two.  Whatcha'll think?

[Anne Paulson]

So we now, if I have gone through the messages correctly, have three bids:

Jim Thill volunteers to host a gathering in late September in northern
Wisconsin.

Michael Williams volunteers to host a gathering in Minneapolis, no
time specified

Manny Acosta volunteers to host in at China Camp, which is just north
of San Francisco July 13-14. (I volunteer to help with organizing if
this is the winner. Someone else, whose name I forget, also volunteer
to help with organizing.)

Let's discuss these three bids and pick one.

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[Robert F. Harrison]

Unless I'm mistaken, July 13-14 is a Sunday/Monday date. I think 12/13 is the weekend. :-) Any chance this could be modified to be July 19/20? I have to be in Boise Idaho on 12/13 and would seriously consider taking the week and flying back through the Bay area and taking the extra time for a Jamboree.

Aloha, Bob

Robert Harrison

Honolulu, HI
rfhar...@gmail.com
statrix.com

[Manuel Acosta]

19-20 sounds good to me. I don't mind changing it.

[allenmichael]

19/20/21 in case a few can stick around another day? 

[James Warren]

This is a little bit cool: If the Jamboree gets off the ground in 2014, it will coincide with the year of Rivendell's 20th Anniversery.

[Hugh Smitham]

I think as Manny say's just pick a date and place, everything else will fall into place. Jim that is cool 20 years. Liesl we should start with voting of the three locations. I'm still wishing for that fourth location. Mr Gifford Pinchot has a nice place.

~Hugh

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/i87JbNYav-A/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

[Anne Paulson]

Gifford Pinchot in 2015, I guess, but let's pick a location and time
for next year.

So far Manny's bid of China Camp (just north of SF), July 19-20, is
the only specific proposal. So, faute de mieux, I guess we have to
pick it?

[Mike Williams]

Hey Anne and group, I guess I was confusing in my post. I was just putting in a good word for the midwest. I live in San Fran and would have no way of hosting in the midwest. -Mike

Sent from my iPhone

[Liesl]

There is a Minneapolis/St. Paul sleeper cell noodling up an idea although our "meetings" have been adhoc at best...

Liesl-can-you-tell-i'm-working-too-hard-since-I-haven't-posted-recently?

[Deacon Patrick]

Are you wanting active NSA surveillance on this list, Liesl?

With abandon (obviously),

Patrick

[Marc Irwin]

That MSP cell has a location advantage.  They are at least close to the center of the country and Minneapolis has really good service from Amtrak, people of both coasts could take a train which has full baggage service which means Amtrak can provide boxes to bring full sized bikes along.   That is a major logistical problem for most people traveling.

Marc

[dougP]

The Twin Cities harbor a number of subversive elements...approach with caution.

BUT there is a Rivendell dealer there so you could save half the transport hassle by just buying a new bike from him :-). 

dougP

[cyclotourist]

That place and date works well with me, at least on my currently empty
calendar for 2014.

> So far Manny's bid of China Camp (just north of SF), July 19-20, is
> the only specific proposal. So, faute de mieux, I guess we have to
> pick it?
>

[allenmichael]

I would likely vote for a.MSP destination. Some of my forebears left Minnesota to come to California. I've always been curious to get out there and look around.

Michael Allen