Riders Of Vision

Vision Meister (Craig) suggested that a North American ROV meet would be a great idea to mark the 25th anniversary of the introduction of the XZ550.  I wholeheartedly agree.  Because the 2007 riding season is 18 months away, we have time to plan well ahead so the maximum number of Visionaries can attend.  However, 18 months is still a fairly short time to find a site & set aside enough rooms for everybody interested in attending.

Once the general area is selected, we can have another vote to decide on the specific location & a third poll for time of year.  Maybe having it in conjunction with a Venturers or Star national meet could be arranged.  Another possibility could be to have it at one of the races where TDub & the Memphis Shades bike will be racing. 

Figured I'd get the ball rolling & hopefully it will gain some momentum over the next few months.  If you have a specific place in mind, go ahead & let everybody know.  We can discuss the pros & cons of various places.  Looking forward to hearing from everybody interested in attending!

H2O

North and west from St. Louis, on a river or mountain ridge for twisties.
We are in regardless if it's in the continental US.

coil

I'm game for just about anywhere in the US, except for Kansas or Nebraska. (There aren't too many squiggley lines on the maps there...)

The choices in the survey are somewhat limiting, so I figured I'd expand a little on my choice.

I live in San Jose, CA, and know that California has some of the best motorcycling roads I've experienced anywhere. The number and variety of appropriate roads is astonishing. The weather is agreeable just about any time of the year. I also realize that it's a bit of a trek for those of you on the East Coast.

I also know that there are some great roads in New England. I have personal experience in the Adirondaks of New York, but I'm sure Vermont and New Hampshire have some great riding as well. It's also a bit of a trek for those of us on the Left Coast.

I attended a 10th anniversary GTS rally in Frisco, Colorado a couple of years ago. It was a fairly centralized location from just about anywhere in the US and Canada, and there are some GREAT roads to explore in the area (as we've all heard from Rob).

I've heard that the Ozarks (Southern Missouri/Northern Arkansas area) have some great riding. I would imagine that the Black Hills area of South Dakota would provide some good riding. The Smokey Mountains area of western North Carolina would be a great area to meet up, and allow ALL of us to have a go at the Dragon.

Due to the geography of the US, I think that any location that is chosen is going to be a long distance trip for somebody. That's just the way it is, and we'll have to expect that not everybody will be able to attend.

I also think that the scheduling is important, and should be mentioned. Obviously, the weather can be a factor for just about any location other than California. School schedules are also a factor, as there are many among us that are attending college, and so the rally should be scheduled sometime between semesters/quarters.

Food for thought,

Greg

Okay, I voted for Eastern Area, but that's only because I know there are some really great roads here in the Appalacian Mountians that stretch from Georgia to Vermont. It doesn't matter to me, I am going to try my damnedest (is that a word) to make it no matter where it is. I would just like to see it some place where there are some twisties and limited traffic. Smack dab in the middle of the country might have limited traffic, but it very flat and straight.

How about something around the blue ridge parkway, I think the dragon is near there?

Might be best to see who's interested, then look for something central. Where is the centre of the US anyway ? Theres a good population of V's in Cali and the north east, this would allow for a bit of travel for most, and certainly some good roads down there would be a must.

I'd be willing to make the trip, (as long as the salt is off the roads, lol)

Brian B

I was either thinking the dragon. I know the dragon and surrounding area has much riding to be had.

It must be good if the miata club meets there every year and people from alaska drive down for the event.

My ability to make an event is very flexible. I look forward to experiencing a new part of the country that I haven't been to previously.
I would still go with one of my original suggestions: Timed with an AMA National event at Pikes Peak, Brainerd Minn. or Mid Ohio.
Arriving early for a riding rally or staying after the weekend event.
Each of these appear to have good riding in the immediate area and all have both lots of lodging and camping accomodations.
Mid-Ohio has had a two weekend event with vintage bikes the first weekend followed by the National the following weekend.
I like Colorado because I wouldn't have to travel as far.
I'm sure the AMA calander won't be confirmed until winter 06. So still lots of time to lock in a date if.
I think the only downside to these suggestions would be the increased traffic associated with the race events.
Be assured, I will make it to whatever event we end up planning.

I agree with Lead_Deficiency. We should get at least some firm/hard commitments so we'll know where the bulk of the riders will be coming from.
Having said that.......I'M IN!

I have some time on my hands for research/coordination. If everyone that wants to attend would send me their Name/City/State/Province/Country locations I'll research sites based on the bulk. My email address is XZ550@nc.rr.com

Someone should call Cycle World too just to make sure they're aware that we're still out there! Maybe invite them to the event?? :)

Mutt

you got to know im in, i anit afraid of a long trip. bring it on! it would be great to top my 1400 mile dragon trip. as long as the riding is good and im still alive. (miata owners will chase you down if you nail them with a rock) yes i found this out the hard way recently. (had a flash back from the gap).

im in michigan so im some what centralized. but its all about the trip and the adventure and second the destination.

live to ride, ride to live.

PS2! Good to hear from you! It's been a while. I'll add your name on the growing list.

PS2 Martin, MI

Mutt

Hey guys, I've already received several email responses for people interested in a national ROV meet. I will be out of town for the next 4 days attending a band competition in Indianapolis. Please keep the emails coming! I will respond to your emails when I return Sunday afternoon.

Mutt

Depending on where it is I am in. I would do my best to get there even if it was far away. I would probably just triler the Vision then and ride it once I got there.
-Heather

mid ohio  vintage days is a good time, also Davenport Iowa has a vintage swapmeet and dirt track racing.We will try and attend with 3 visions.KEVIN C

Im in!! 18 months is lots of time for me to plan a trip to the US. only been over the border once lol but loved the east coast ;D I really think it will be a blast and to see soo many vision's at once,,,I cant contain my excitment now!!! :D ;D :D ;D :D

with the snow now falling here in michigan now all i can do is dream about our last gap run. oh how i yurn to feel here between...

sorry having withdrawls again. i havent had time to even to work on the v lately. i let a buddy talk me into buying a jacked up blazer and i have been working my ars off to get it readdy to hit the trails this winter. hopefully i dont roll this one.

back to the subject, as long as we dont schedual it during a miata or harly meet im up for some fun again.

No Miatas this time but, the Harleys are always going to be there and in the way. Just make sure you take care of the Cracker Jack electronics on your V this time and no throwing rocks! I say we meet up at Motorplows and ride down together this time.

Mutt

Quote from: Mutt on November 21, 2005, 12:01:08 AM
No Miatas this time but, the Harleys are always going to be there and in the way. Just make sure you take care of the Cracker Jack electronics on your V this time and no throwing rocks! I say we meet up at Motorplows and ride down together this time.

Mutt

That works with me....  We can actually take the Blue Ridge Parkway all the way to the Smokey Mountain National Park. However, the speed limit is only 45mph.

Count me in - my biggest problem will be deciding which bike to bring.

Dan

Quote from: VisionaryDan on November 24, 2005, 11:46:23 AM
Count me in - my biggest problem will be deciding which bike to bring.

Dan

Dan -

Here's a hint:  It is a VISION rally!   ;D

H2O

It's been awhile since I've written (I've been out riding in our ridiculous great weather here!!!) but I must say I am getting pretty excited about a big event with visions and visions and more visions!  I would like to add an idea.  A couple of years ago I went with my brother to the biggest air show in the country.  He had a Beechcraft Bonanza airplane and all the owners of like aircraft met the day before the show at an airport about 1/2 hour away.  We all flew in formation to the show together and it was an awesome sight to see!  We could find a big show or event and all meet the day before.  We could get a short briefing and ride together, maybe 50 or 100+ visions on parade to arrive together and park together for the event?

Quote from: h2olawyer on November 24, 2005, 01:34:56 PM

Quote from: VisionaryDan on November 24, 2005, 11:46:23 AM
Count me in - my biggest problem will be deciding which bike to bring.

Dan

Dan -

Here's a hint:? It is a VISION rally!? ?;D

H2O

H2,

Which Vision to bring - was what I meant, the one with the fairing or the one without. There's always a wise guy.... ::)

To quote zore: "a real man rides naked"
But a fairing keeps the June bugs from hitting you like a bullet at 60 mph.

Dan

Quote from: VisionaryDan on November 25, 2005, 05:54:10 PM

Quote from: h2olawyer on November 24, 2005, 01:34:56 PM

Quote from: VisionaryDan on November 24, 2005, 11:46:23 AM
Count me in - my biggest problem will be deciding which bike to bring.

Dan

Dan -

Here's a hint:? It is a VISION rally!? ?;D

H2O

H2,

Which Vision to bring - was what I meant, the one with the fairing or the one without. There's always a wise guy.... ::)

To quote zore: "a real man rides naked"
But a fairing keeps the June bugs from hitting you like a bullet at 60 mph.

Dan

Man, I'm glad H20 stuck his neck out there! I was thinking the same thing he was, just didn't put it in writing. Heck, trailer em and bring both visions if you don't plan on riding down. I would use the fairing bike though if your riding down. If you ride down you can meet up with us at Motorplow's house.

Mutt

Dan -

Since you have the luxury of choice among Visions, I'd have to agree with Mutt's suggestion - trailer both or ride the fairing equipped one.  Rain riding sucks but at least you stay drier with the fairing.

Had to make the S/A remark.  Forgot you had Vision choices.  Most multiple V owners have the extras just for parts.  The rest of us have to rely on just one & hope to find parts as necessary!   ;D

H2O

Hey H20, I wanted to bring this subject back to the top of the stack.
I was jst browsing the AMA Superbike site and saw that Pikes Peak had been dropped but a brand new track added at Salt Lake.
Also information about this years Vintage bike meet at Mid-Ohio Which will feature MV Agusta.
Gotta say I think I prefer Mid Ohio as a 25 year anniversary site.
We could rent a vintage bike swap meet site for all Vision riders to congregate at exchange parts and bench racing tales of danger, bravery and general underdog superperformance crushing modern bikes.
This in addition of course to riding the general area and possibly visiting the AMA Hall of Fame Museum.

I like the idea of Mid Ohio and am also looking at what's happening in Elkhart Lakes Wisconsin.  Thinking the riding may be more fun farther north.  The Pikes Peak track either is closing or has closed for many events.  Not sure if they're keeping the oval for IRL and other auto / truck series.

The track in Salt Lake (Tooele) is indeed brand new & supposed to be a very good one.  I've spent some time in that area & the riding is good.  Provo Canyon would make a real fun ride.

Overall, though, the Mid Ohio site is most interesting.  Fairly central to many V owners - if a bit east for you west coasters.  We may even be able to get some favorable press about the ROV & Visions if we have it in that area.  Plus, there's lots to do in that vicinity for family members that don't want to hang around us warped Visionaries the whole time.

H2O

Mid Ohio works for me. I could definately do Mid Ohio.

  I would go for Mid-Ohio, what a neat spot ! I saw more bikes at this site last summer than I've ever seen in one location before.(also saw 3 visions) It takes about 10 hrs via the 401 from here. ;D
                            Cheers Ken S.

Just so I know waht date are we looking at.

Quote from: Kenny on January 26, 2006, 08:04:44 PM
? I would go for Mid-Ohio, what a neat spot ! I saw more bikes at this site last summer than I've ever seen in one location before.(also saw 3 visions) It takes about 10 hrs via the 401 from here. ;D
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Cheers Ken S.

I would love to go to the national meet, could use a Guide for the trip. Have never been to Ohio, have rarely ever left Ontario! ::)

mid-ohio is perfect for me. would be the closest spot for me. plus ive never ridden throught that area and its always good to ride to a new place.

Kiawrench and myself vote for Myrtle Beach!? :P

Actually Ohio sounds alright to me. Ironically enough I will be taking a trip to Dayton next month then in April to Columbus. Then back to Columbus again early summer. My daughter is in high school band and she's been accepted to drum corp international's "Capital Regiment". She'll be traveling around the country to competitions/shows all summer. Can you tell I'm proud of her?? ::)

Yep, Ohioooooo works for me too. In fact I run right by Motorplow's house on the way. We could just ride up together. That is if I can keep up!? :)

Mutt

Yup, Ohio is just a short jaunt across West Virginia. West Virginia is an incredible State to ride through... Wild and Wonderful.  I think when they came up with that motto, they were talking about riding the roads on a motorcycle.

Can you guys make it any further away for the west coast? :-\

West Virginia as Wild and Wonderful makes me think of the Dueling Banjos theme from Deliverance.
Hope your Stator is fresh (know what I mean, Vern?).

Actually I know the roads there are wonderful. Just don't want to run into any moon shiners.

I'll throw a vote to central Ohio

is that clock right? ? 2:47 pm? it's more like 5:50pm est, did the forum go Ohio time?? :)

oh yeah, Akron used to be (or is) where the Soap Box Derby Nationals were (are) held.
we could boot leg a run over there and race? :D

        If we go to the Soapbox track then I'm bringing an XS360. With drum brakes and chain drive, when powered by gravity, the XS360 has turbo-like acceleration compared to any modern sportbike.  ;D

         I learned this watching Ron McCoy disappear ahead of us down Lion's Trail one afternoon we had a coasting race.  :-[

8)
coil

Hmm I got to thinking a bit. I am not making any promises here what-so-ever but... My boss owns a tire manufacturing plant (no motorcycle tires) in Akron OH. Maybe I will see if we can somehow work something out to meet up in say the parking lot, invite the local press, and give us and him some free publicity at the same time. Before I speak to him about this what do you gang think? Is it worth trying for or did you all decide on meeting up somewhere else? Now I don't know where I am going to be at life wise at that point (starting to try to get pregnant sometime next month) but even if I didn't end up making it, it still would be do-able. Let me know!
-Heather

We've finally decided on Fraser, Colorado (near Winter Park).  I am working on finding enough house or condo space to handle everyone who wants to come.  After dad broke his hip & had other health problems, I kind of fell behind in getting things rolling again.  The tentative date is the second or third week of June, 2007.

After studying maps for a while, the geographic center of the US is northern Kansas.  Unfortunately, there isn't a ton of great riding in that area.  The next nearest place I could think of was Colorado.  If we held it in Ohio, the California folks would have an extremely long trip.  It's about 23 hours driving time from my house to the Bakersfield area.  Getting from California to Fraser would be a little quicker for them but not much - maybe an hour.

Coming from the east, the roads are good - at least I know they are from Indianapolis to Denver & there isn't nearly as much mountain driving which slows driving time down even on interstates.  Winter Park / Fraser are about 2 hours west of Denver so it is about 1/2 day's drive farther for the east coast folks than the left coasters.

I've put together a bunch of possible rides and will be riding each one personally this summer to figure out the best ones.  There's lots of stuff for the non-biking family members to do as well.

H₂O

I have to warn you that as of now with the move & all, i have absolutly no idea what my situation will be in a year, i'll leave the date open, but can make no promises... :(

--Lucky

Hmmm. 18 hour drive for me, from Chicago. Assuming I have a running V next year (hey, now I can say "still have a running V next year") I'd love to make the trip if someone who's more mechanically inclined wants to ride together. I doubt I'd want to do it alone, unless my mechanical knowledge improves drastically. I know PS2 and Haunter will be doing pretty much the same route if they come, so it could work with a little coordination. And I might be able to meet up with any East Coasters who are driving this way, if I swing a little south first.

Sounds like fun...I'd probably want to bring my girlfriend, and turn it into a two-day trip to get there with a night camping in the middle, same for the way back.

  Dave.

Lucky, barring family issues, I think it is safe to say that no matter what is going on in your life YOU ARE GOING to the rally!!! Even if we have to hog-tie and make you ride pillion all the way to Colorado!!!! LOL

Quote from: Serendipity on June 21, 2006, 05:30:56 PMEven if we have to hog-tie and make you ride pillion all the way to Colorado!!!! LOL

Like THAT will happen, lol

hey dave that would be cool to get me you and hunter to all meet up and ride in together. i just sold hunter my spare motor and he said he would have it in tommarow. so unless somthing major goes wrong he should be good to go. i still got a little work to do to mine and i want to repaint it yet. lucky gave me some good ideas on plastering it with tickets and court papers. that would totally fit me. i wonder how much that would cost to have that air brushed on.

any way. i cant wait till then. i hope we get a big turn out. that would be so cool.

and we have totally got to get a group logo going so we can all be sportin our (gang colors)

There is nothing wrong with Ohio but If I am going to go on a long trip I rather go the extra distance and be in the mountains! H2O I have full faith in you putting together a great event! The Date and Place works well for us!
Dave

Where are the south central riders  ???

 ;D ;D A date and place!!! something to look forward to!!! hopefully if all goes as planned I will be there!!

Perhaps we will need to open a special thread next spring for coodinating rides and riders so as many people as possible can meet up on the rode somewhere. Riding in the Rockies, hope I can make it!

Ok Colorado then it is!

Serendipity, you better be careful what you tell Lucky... He might take you up on that hog tying offer.  ;)

I think it is a great idea to try to coordinate rides. I know one one of the other forums that I belong to coordinates legs of trips for transporting ferrets. They arrange a time and place to meet (usually someones house) and then if someone doesn't show up that is supposed to it also acts like an emergency chain. They start calling ato find the people and if something has happened they can go out to them or make other arrangments. Also on a bike ride this would allow for pee breaks, rest breaks, and a few minuts of BSing before getting back on the road.

Not to mention any newbies or inexperienced riders wouldn't have to travel that far alone.

Great Idea!
-Heather

Yeah, newbie + inexperienced rider = me, for sure. After my recent heart attack thinking I poured a gallon of engine oil into the wrong hole, I'm definitely thinking I need company if I'm going outside my *block*, let alone to CO.

This will hopefully improve in a year's time, with any luck.

;D

Quote from: hfarley on June 22, 2006, 11:14:01 AM
Serendipity, you better be careful what you tell Lucky... He might take you up on that hog tying offer.  ;)

you can tie me up but..oh wait, wrong board... :-[

Will see you all in CO.

Hey Lucky,
Maybe this is the wrong board for that and maybe it isn't...... :P

Colorado? I'm up for that. While June of '07 is a long ways away, I'm pretty sure I'd be able to make a fun few days of it for me and the missus.

Got to find a backrest/luggage rack for her first, though.

You guys should make this thread a sticky. I've been hanging around here for about a month now and only just found it.

Vince

Quote from: dchakrab on June 23, 2006, 01:26:53 AM
Yeah, newbie + inexperienced rider = me, for sure. After my recent heart attack thinking I poured a gallon of engine oil into the wrong hole, I'm definitely thinking I need company if I'm going outside my *block*, let alone to CO.

This will hopefully improve in a year's time, with any luck.

;D

well, I will see if I can head out there too and if so, we can head out in a small pack, if visoin_chris goes he's on the way, and PS2 is up your way a little bit

Hey H2O, as this summer season starts to end, what is the status of Colorado? Did a specific date get picked, any tentative costs lined up yet, anything new to report on this?

Thanks.

The group property management specialist I'm working with is on a ski vacation sales trip this week & will get back to me on Friday (probably).  We're working on either the second or third week of June in the Winter Park / Fraser / Granby area.  Looking for economy condos or townhouses with large vacation homes as a third possibility - if they can be located near each other.  They are also looking into some cabins near Grand Lake as another option.  When they let me know what's available, I will post it here & see how everyone feels about the various options.

There are numerous motels in the area for those who would prefer that option.  From Winter Park to Granby, it's about 25 miles.  Fraser is just a few miles West of Winter Park, between Winter Park & Granby.  Grand Lake is about 15 miles North of Granby, on US 34 which is also Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park.

I have been working with a tentative group size of 25 but they know it may be anywhere from 15 to 40.  With this size group & a seven night reservation, there are some great deals.  Most of them make it cheaper than 6 nights so if we only want 6 nights, getting the lodging for 7 may actually be cheaper - even if we don't use the last night.

Did one of the probable loop rides in June - it was fantastic.  Pavement in great shape.  Going on another ride Sunday - a loop into Southern Wyoming & the Snowy Range Road.  Will have some video of it posted next week.  (Assuming my video equipment & operator function properly!)  The video of lower trail ridge road shows a small part of the June ride.

http://rovmedia.dyndns.org/public/index.php (http://rovmedia.dyndns.org/public/index.php)

Sorry it has taken me so long to get this info - the sales folks have been a little slow & with my dad's health problems this summer, I haven't been as diligent as I should have been.  I'll have things soldified by early September at the latest for dates, costs & location.  For those of you who need to plan a long time in advance, plan on the second or third week of June.

Would a Sunday - Saturday stay be preferred or would you rather start & end midweek?

H₂O

H2O,
Thanks for working on the details of the 25th year get-together. Colorado sounds great! I just got back from the CROV Fall Run where had about 20 people attending ( with 12 Visions) and it was incredible! Great riding and even better comraderie. I'll plan for the 2nd or 3rd week in June 2007.
best regards,  Vic

Quote from: smknjoe1964 on June 21, 2006, 09:41:52 PM
Where are the south central riders  ???

Us South Central Oregon riders are North of CROV

;D

coil

After the great experience we just had at the Fall CROV Run, and the large turnout, I have a feeling that there's going to be at least twice as many people/Visions at the 25th Anniversary shindig in Colorado. So, I'm guessing that we should plan on the upper end of your estimate.

Let us know when you have some specific details about logistics, etc

Vince

I'm moving my V's to Colorado next week, ya know just to get ready for the trip next year.  Oh yeah guess I'll bring my stuff too.

H20.. any up-date?   
GlennW

Nothing to report yet.  Have had some conversations with property managers & it will be doable - just trying to get dates & decent (yet economical) rates worked out.  Will post when I've got some definite news.

H₂O

H20
Pencil me in. I would love to make the trip. Keep us posted.

               _-Dempsey-_

Darn! Colorado's 3-4 days ride for me now!  I'll still be there, pending conflicts with the dates.
-Rex

Starting to put together my possible summer rides and didnt want to overlap any possible ROV dates....
Are we still up in the air about which week in June would be best?

The dates ARE set.

H₂O

that's actually the question...
what are those dates

June 17 - 23, 2007.

http://ridersofvision.net/forum/xzindex.php?topic=5732.0 (http://ridersofvision.net/forum/xzindex.php?topic=5732.0)

H₂O

:'( BUGGER...I won't be able to make it and my birthday is June 21st ::) Ah well, you can all "Toast the Tiger"...errr, as in have a beer or two for me ;D ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D :D :D :D
I'm sure, with all the work that has gone into organizing this, that a good time WILL be had, by all. Well done "H".