XS East 2012

[MartyA]

I have absolutely nothing against camping, as long as I don't have to do it. I spent my entire youthful vacation life in the woods, at some campground, on some beach, in a tent sometimes after putting it up in a hurricane, or hanging our sleeping bags over tree branches the next day hoping they dry after the hurricane took the tent.... foraging for nourishment (illegally) for 3 days after the branch on which we hung our provisions didn't survive the bear's weight....

I like the great outdoors, as long as I see it from the other side of a window or windshield....

As DeanR mentioned, "...that pesky period of time getting between the parking lot and the camp spot...". Typically following the ride and supper, we enjoy complimenting each other on our fine motorcycles, our riding ability, and sometimes our drinking ability in the parking lot. In some cases some of us try to exceed at one or the other, sometimes at the same time, so after the ride, the bikes are parked; when the day is done we have only a short walk (not illegal) from the parking lot to our respective motel rooms, as opposed to a short or long ride (possibly illegal) to a campsite.

Having a second group having to ride some distance away at that time of night is worrisome to some of us, so we just don't make separate camping arrangements. One is certainly welcome to find camping accommodations as close as they can to the planned motel, we don't consider those folks outcasts.

When Mark scouts for suitable motel locations he can watch for nearby camping places also.

[Brent]

I will only go to XSeast if it is held...Somewhere

In Ohio,
Now, to see what I have to do to arrange a holiday weekend away on the bike. Gave up a pint of blood last week, and plain out of spare ribs.......hmmmm

Bring something good to eat back home; Like maple syrup from Canada or Vermont, cheese from WI, or Amish home made jams, apple butter, etc. Works for me! and if it was really good, when it is gone I get a good send off for another trip there again. (Souveniers that you do not eat last too long and you may never get sent back.)

Of course Southern Ohio is fine with me for an XSeast location. I hope they have some local, transportable, delecacies.

CU in the spring,
Brent in GA

[MaximPhil]

Bring something good to eat back home; Like maple syrup from Canada or Vermont, cheese from WI, or Amish home made jams, apple butter, etc. Works for me! and if it was really good, when it is gone I get a good send off for another trip there again. (Souveniers that you do not eat last too long and you may never get sent back.)

Of course Southern Ohio is fine with me for an XSeast location. I hope they have some local, transportable, delecacies.

CU in the spring,
Brent in GA

Hi Brent,
The secret it out now. How about Buckeyes in a white wine sauce
Phil

[mastan]

WTF? I come home from a long week at work to find out I'm co-hosting XSEast next year? Marty and I have been talking about this location for a couple of years and I don't think you guys will be disappointed in the routes at all. I'm going to go down either tomorrow or next week to scout out some hotel options and eateries. Look for an update next week on my progress.
I've never done anything like this before, so any input that you former hosts could provide would be greatly appreciated. I'll do my best to make it a great rally.
Mark

[mastan]

Sounds excellent Marty..

Maybe a camping option?

I seem to remember waking up Brent who was sleeping on his HD under a tarp. Does that count?
There are a lot of campgrounds in the area.

[DAVINCI]

Mark, it's really not as hard as it may seem. Just do....um...everything!

[dpotter58]

Mark, it's really not as hard as it may seem. Just do....um...everything!

right. Then on the group ride, get in front and haul ass leaving the rest to wonder where ya went.

[earl G]

right. Then on the group ride, get in front and haul ass leaving the rest to wonder where ya went.

and that was the slow group.

[Jerry]

Mark:
Every rally has its own character, so there is not a defined list of "what to do" as a host. Here are a few things that I would recommend:

If possilble, get a preliminary count of attendees.
Designate a Host Site which will be command central. Those of us who like to camp can then find campgrounds around that site. People who hotel it can look for nearby accomodations.
Check nearby hotels to see if they offer group discounts.
Check eateries to see which one can handle groups well.
Find a couple of good breakfast spots.
Pre-run possilble courses to check for fuel stops, as Specials need fuel every 75 - 80 miles. Should not be a problem in that part of the country.
Find public restrooms along the route. Plan to stop at them.
Plan a short meeting before the first ride to review group riding protocol.
Get cell phone numbers from different riders, and prepare to give yours out to attendees.

Food is generally each individual's responisbility, but historically the hosts provide beverages for relaxing after the main ride.

If you would like, I can host a rally page on my web site as I did with our Colorado Rally. This gives a 1-stop source for dates, hotels, route info, contacts, any other information that would be of interest to potential attendees.

Most rallies end up with a T-shirt or other momento of the event. Not required, but can be a lot of fun if you want to take the time and effort to come up with something.

Nothing fancy is needed, but some planning is essential. Most of the fun of these rallies is personal interaction, with rides providing a common experience. A good place to gather, meet, and talk is probably the most important element.

[madmax-im]

Mark has been to his fair share of XSEast rallies and will prolly enlist the help of other XSives who have traditonally help plan and scope out routes.
Just remeber one very important detail...The person hosting the rally is NOT responsible for your personal safety...before during or after any given "organized" ride. It is each person's responsibility to ride their own ride. What this means is you do not compel yourself to keep up with the pace if its beyond yor skill set. Its your responsibility to ride within your means and ride safely.

[3Phase]

Helpful Tip #13: Count noses and bikes before you take off for the group ride!

[mastan]

Check out the new Rider. There's a nice review of the area we will be visiting.

[madmax-im]

Check out the new Rider. There's a nice review of the area we will be visiting.

I have and the writer is a fellow ST-Owner that I know and have ridden with on occaisions...There are no lack of options in SE oHIo

[madmax-im]

I started this thread on ST-O a week ago..lots of ofolks willing to show us around...
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/show......&highlight=

[MartyA]

jeez, Ben, ya gotta stop feeding the strays... Pretty soon they'll want to follow you everywhere! We don't need no STinkin' jokers showing up and slowing us down.

Har har har Just kidding!!

That Rider article was well written, but most "ride" reports are more about the scenery and places to stop, and only a little detail about the many roads there. Fortunately, I do have a LOT of road information for that area. We won't be able to cover ALL of the great roads in that neighborhood, but we should get in a couple of noteworthy days.

Also, most ride report writers are in very small groups, so the "fabulous luncheonette" that served the "best whatever pies" might be way too small for a large group of 30 or more.

So for now we need to ID our motel first, and soon, so we can get reservation information. Then we'll get the routes developed from there, with all the proper stops.

Just be sure your tires are in good shape when you get there...