California XSives "Yosemite" Rally

[planedick]

You got missing words?

LoHo I forwarded your "schpill" to KOA corp and Midpines KOA...
I have to agree, there is excuse for such contempuous behaviour - he could've been a LOT nicer with his approach...

"there is excuse"? Maybe you are refering to his lack of class as being "the excuse".

[LoHo]

I assumed that Mike had left a "no" out of that statement just to keep our interest up.

I'm not a big believer in complaining about service at commercial establishments. I assume that they provide the service they believe their customers want, so if I find it lacking, I go elsewhere. I always saw complaining as a way of asking for freebies. I've stayed in two KOAs: twice in Yosemite and once in Bozeman. Bozeman in 2004 and the 2007 version of Yosemite were great; the 2008 version of Yosemite sucked.

Figure on Grant Grove for June 12-14. There is cabin camping in the village, tent camping withing half a mile, and picnic areas (with fire pits) within a quarter mile. I made a ressie for a cabin for the 12th and 13th, but can get it all back if I need to cancel for another location. I was going to ride up to recon the area, but it might be snowing this weekend, and the Grove is at 6200 feet. I have not been to Sequoia in twenty years, but I like the idea of being in the forest and not just near it. One can go for a walk and see nature rather than the neighbor's fence. The KOA near Lake Isabella is pretty isolated from any real riding destinations, and may be a dirt patch by June.

Bug, I haul the food and cooking materials in a Suburban, and will just buy a medium trash can to use for camping and hauling firewood, then returning full of dirty clothes. I do have one of those expando-cans in my boat though, so thanks for the heads-up.

[UncleSpot]

there is excuse for such contempuous behaviour
yep, I meant ***NO*** b/w the is and the excuse

...I need to proof read my postings... huh?

[Special Ed]

Loho and others-
Wish I could give an enthuiastic "yes, I'll be there!" Unfortunately things (like my income!) are really unpredictable right now and for the forseeable future. One thing's for sure: if I make it SWMBO will be along. She's tired of hearing about my rides and just seeing the pictures!
Look for my ride report with photos on a ride Ray and I took on back roads to Monterey. It should be posted by this weekend.
Special Ed

[planedick]

I wonder

What the work load will be like by June. The problem with owning your own business is work means money, but it also means no extra time and extra time means no money.... I wonder if I will have the money or time at that time. I would love to go and if I can I will.

[Special Ed]

Precisely my quandry Planedick. I go without work for a week or two, get behind on my bills, then when I do get work the money is gone as soon as I get it. I sure hope Obama can save the economy by June.
Special Ed

[LoHo]

Gentlemen, I think the idea of planning for June in February might be too uch for this crowd. Also, I think the expense of renting cabins might be too much for our crowd. I am going to cancel my Sequoia cabin and reconsider the Lake Isabella KOA. If you guys are okay with that, I will post some choices in April and we'll go from there.

[soccer4m]

Your choice

Hey LoHo,,,,I have stayed at many KOA's and last year was unique, with the owner's attitude. That has not happened at other KOA's so any other KOA choice for the rally should be good. As long as there is something to ride through,, some food and brewskis nearby, a bunch of XSives, all is good. Its not like were living there, or baseing our life on the camp site. If it is convenient to some scenic rides, semiclean, has the usual amenities, es bueno. Camping with a tent is my choice, being thrifty and simple. SO, fearless planner and leader, pick a place and the San Diego crew will follow. Mike in Sun Diego

[LoHo]

The Lake Isabella KOA is set up well for two kinds of rides I had my eye on. There is a well known foothill-to-Kings Canyon loop of about 150 miles that might make a good Sunday ride, and it is also located near a couple of good rural highway shots over to the central coast. I will check out the area and let everyone know...

[DiverRay]

After looking at the web site, and trying to find a motel, I do NOT think I'll be going to Lake Isabella KOA. It's ALL DESERT, and too far from the place I would like to ride. Sorry LoHo, but it's just NOT what I'm looking for. If there is something closer to Sequoia I would be happier. A "day ride" too the central coast will be a trip through the oven, both directions.
I'm NOT a wimp, as I've done my 85MPH run through the 118 degree desert of Southern California. I just am NOT looking for a hot, muggy ride, and no cool place to stop for the night. If you say a desert ride, then yes, I can get my head around that. I will be on my own, as SHMBO will NOT do 150 miles, and then NO GOOD MOTEL, just camping.

[LoHo]

Ray, have you gotten into the red wine again? Instead of telling me that you will NOT do this or that and my planning is NO GOOD, just say that you'd prefer a mountain setting and that you don't relish a steaming death ride. It shouldn't be all that hot in early June, at least by Valley standards. We have some guys who want to keep costs down by tenting and others, like you, who want the creature comforts. We'll figure out a way to make it happen.

My preference is to avoid heavy tourist traffic and have rides that are interesting but not terrifying. Riding along the coast in the early summer is great. I have not enjoyed our two Yosemite rides, as it rained on one and the other was stopped by a burning truck. I was just throwing things out there, so stay loose.

This is almost, almost, more trouble than it is worth...

[planedick]

me too

I'm tired of long rides through the "OVEN" to get to the ride start and camp site. I'm like Ray, I don't camp anymore and like a nice cool place to sleep with shower etc. I didn't respond earlier because June still seems like such a long ways away yet. I vote for a ride to the coast or mountains anyway.

I stayed at a motel last time, but it had to have been the sleaziest one I have ever been in and yet the highest price too. I would have went for the cabin thing if there was air conditioning.

[soccer4m]

How about going a bit west?

Hey LoHo,,,how about going west from your house. The Santa Cruz or Moss landing KOA's are more coastal and should be cooler. They do not appear to be too far from your neck of the woods. DiverRay, or Ed should have insight into the area. Maybe a more coastal KOA could make everybody happy. I really don't care. Its nice to just ride in something different than gorgeous S.California S.Diego county. We are in for anything from N. California down. SO, pick out what you think is good and whoever shows up will enjoy. Mike in S.Diego

[Special Ed]

Change of venue?

I think I can speak for Ray and say that we would really dig getting you guys out here for a rally. We really know our way around the back roads of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties and could take you on a really nice ride... or two! I would certainly be willing to help with finding accommodations. and a BBQ site at a park. I'd be happy to do it as a joint venture with LOHO. What say you Ray?
Special Ed

[3Phase]

Yosemite
Corner of No and Where
Santa Cruz

Whatever y'all come up with is fine with me!


Regards,

Scott