[DavidfromWisconsin]

Hi all,



In the process of finding out if the Mountain View Camp might be available for another event I found out that Phil indeed meant it when he said he no longer wanted to arrange acquiring the camp for the Amish Rally.



It is presently reserved for August 18th through August 21st 2011. But, there is presently no one listed as being in charge.



We need someone to step up and confirm the reservations and take over from Phil. I am not volunteering due to the miles involved and the fact that I might not be able to be there with little notice.



It might be good if it was handled by someone from out East, but anyone can do it as the arrangements are made by email and phone and the money is mailed in.



The only thing necessary are keeping track of the number of people staying there each night and collecting the money due.



If the Saturday dinners are to continue that would be one more thing to handle, but it is not a necessity to having a meeting place.



Please ... step up and handle it ... if nothing else, for a couple of years and pass the torch.



I have the information on who to contact if you want to step up and take over.

 

[SteveinPA]

Phil has asked me last year and several times recently to do the honors and I have been a bit shy about taking the responsibility. I really don't have any good excuses not to do what is required, and I think I am probably capable of performing the duties involved. After reading your post and giving the matter some further fleeting thought I am willing to take the reins for the near term. Of course if another rider is chomping on the bit to do this I would have no objection. Does there have to be a consensus or does this acceptance of the duty on my part settle things? Comments anyone?

 

[MCReviver]

I was wondering if anybody wanted to try a different schedule. I like riding around here best in Late May or middle of September. It's usually a little cooler and if you time it right late May or Early June is when the Mountain Laurel blooms and the woods are beautiful. Late September (Northern Tier) early October (Williamsport area) is when the leaves are turning color but of course it means shorter daylight hours. Scheduling the meet when the Little League World Series is on means more traffic and crowded eating places. There is no way to beat the price at the current location though unless you want to sleep under a tent. There is a hunting cabin right up the road from me. Let me see if I can contact someone who is a member to inquire about renting that place.

 

[SteveinPA]

I was wondering if anybody wanted to try a different schedule. I like riding around here best in Late May or middle of September. It's usually a little cooler and if you time it right late May or Early June is when the Mountain Laurel blooms and the woods are beautiful. Late September (Northern Tier) early October (Williamsport area) is when the leaves are turning color but of course it means shorter daylight hours. Scheduling the meet when the Little League World Series is on means more traffic and crowded eating places. There is no way to beat the price at the current location though unless you want to sleep under a tent. There is a hunting cabin right up the road from me. Let me see if I can contact someone who is a member to inquire about renting that place.

Those are all good ideas Ron. You are the logical candidate to take over for Phil, being ten miles away and actually knowing the area. I think you would do a swell job!

 

[Blindstitch]

One thought would be the Twin Cities Rally is Mid May. If possible this next year I would like to make both. And I'm sure David would like to do them both too.



The reason for summer time might also be because the college students that we have will be off and I know we have some teachers and other school related people here. September depending on where you are might be getting to cold in certain areas. I know I was shooting a soccer game last october 2nd and it snowed here in Milwaukee. Nothing stuck but it was a cold ass day.



Just thoughts.

 

[DavidfromWisconsin]

Tied into what Don said, I think July or August are the best months for the Amish in that if it rains it would not be a cold rain and more people aren't afraid to ride longer distances in a warm rain.



I know I wouldn't want to ride 850 miles in a cold wet rain, but I have ridden it a couple of times now when it was warm and the rain was a nuance, but it didn't stop me like a cold rain would.



There are BMW rallies within 200 miles of me that I don't go to for that reason in May and October. Even the famous twice a year Slimey Crud Run (May and October)I don't go to if heavy rain is forecast and that is only 120 miles away.

 

[Randall-in-Mpls]

Another plus for summer is that those of us with kids find it easier to be away when the family isn't in the school morning routine.



R

 

[richnct]

Mr. Softie (Steve) is the only nominee for PA Rally Coordinator so far, I second that nonimation. Do we need a poll for this? You may vote only if you have attended at least one PA Rally, eh?

I suggest we settle that on this thread and let the question of possible date change and location be discussed elsewhere and separately. Perhaps by the next Coordinator. Can we have an Ordination Ceremony at the 2011 Rally? Just my 5 cents worth.

 

[Cobram]

Mr. Softie (Steve) is the only nominee for PA Rally Coordinator so far, I second that nonimation. Do we need a poll for this? You may vote only if you have attended at least one PA Rally, eh?

I suggest we settle that on this thread and let the question of possible date change and location be discussed elsewhere and separately. Perhaps by the next Coordinator. Can we have an Ordination Ceremony at the 2011 Rally? Just my 5 cents worth.

Since there only seems to be one guy running for the office, I say we let everyone vote.

 

[TonyG]

Although I'd be a logical candidate due to proximity to the camp and the extended time interest in the cx's/GL's and the formation of gatherings/rallies, I'll not volunteer at the present time due to uncertainties and needing to be uncommitted (similar as Dave)but even to motorcycling.



And, I approve Steve's (mr Softies) nomination. From his various experiences/responsibilites in life and his present responsibilities; its obvious that he could coordinate the registrations and so forth. And his attendance at various rallies and on the forum confirm his extended interest in the group and it's people; although as he has mentioned; he has less time on the forum since being employed full time. Having a smartphone (i phone or other) or laptop would make it easier to be a coordinator while on the road/run.



I would think/hope that you may also be able to delegate responsibilities for certain activities within the rally to others. I would think that Phil can also be a source of info/support as he has worked closely and very well with the Zeagers in the past.



As for the timing; one week earlier would escape the little league traffic, but the mid-end of July and first 2 weeks in August are usually the hottest in Pa. The third week is not that much different and can be equally as warm/humid as we found out a few years ago. The fourth week in August has traffic from the Grange fair in the state college/center hall area as well as the final week in Williamsport as well as college students returning to campuses. The 3rd week in June would be the other candidate in my mind, but wouldn't be worth changing to just to escape bill town traffic. Moving to one week earlier would be an option to consider.



There are also ways around the traffic that will likely have to be accounted for in the future. Or perhaps coordinate rides to the north to leave earlier.



Since the camp is 'booked' for next year already, I'd vote that it remains 'booked' and at the Mt View camp at least for next year and hopefully beyond while still being open to consider other options/alternatives.

If possible to move to one week earlier, a vote could be taken.



I mentioned a certain ski slope as a possible replacement and there is a new motorcycle campground in Milton called Steelsteeds; but I think these would be an option if the arrangements at the camp change or fall through.



There is also the Hotel idea to consider who may offer a great group rate. Campgrounds and tenting/cabin rentals options are plentiful in the area but curfews and other such would have to be considered.



Steve(softie) check your pm's.

 

[MCReviver]

If this country doesn't soon get its' act together, all speculation about next year might be an exercise in futility. Our economy is shakier than that bridge in Minneapolis and there are enough powder kegs in various parts of the world to rain on a whole lot of parades, if even one of them goes off. By this time next year, I could be following in my grandfather's footpegs. He was a motorcycle dispatch rider in WWI, taking messages between headquarters and the front lines. My advice is to enjoy things while you can and if next year arrives intact, start setting up another rally in the spring.

 

[SteveinPA]

I have been pulling 14 hour plus days at work all week, and I am beat:huh: I just saw I had some PMs so I will read those now before I pass out! Phil seems to think I can do what is needed as far as the Amish rally goes and he might be right, so I am going to give it a shot. Phil is even going to tell me what it is I am supposed to do, who to call etc. I might even learn something!



So far the rallies I have attended have been loosely organized, which is great. I don't think of myself as an activities coordinator or rally planner etc. at all, But I am capable of lining things up, using the phone, and using email...heck, I can even fax! Now that it is the weekend I may have a few minutes to catch up on my communications.



And Ron...I thought the world was going to end any minute back in 1970, but it just keeps spinning around. You are correct about enjoying life here and now. What can we do to make the world a better place for those around us each day? A friendly smile and a positive mental attitude go a long way. While I agree things could get a lot worse before they get better, we can't let the "nattering nabobs of negativity" bring us down. The way I look at it is If I have a warm place to shit and decent shoes, I've got it made!

 

[mikeinpittsburgh]

I think Steve will do a great job! I may even show up next year!



I would like to thank Phil for all of his efforts. He has done a great job. It is what it is because of him. What it is, is a great rally!



Ron, everything is gong to be ok. This great country of ours has been thru tough times before and survived. It will again. In the words of the late great Douglas Adams "Don't Panic!"

 

[MCReviver]

If any of you want to see the spot I wanted to take some of you on the 21st, look at this thread and go to post #61.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88842

 

[Cobram]

If any of you want to see the spot I wanted to take some of you on the 21st, look at this thread and go to post #61.

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88842

Friggin Traffic.



At least we got to eat at a restaurant whose service rivals that of eateries in the former Soviet Union before glastnos. Those ST boys would be jealous if they knew.

 

[MCReviver]

I just saw on the news that Route 15 at Rt 11 was closed today for 10 hours. Be glad you weren't in that mess.

 

[Gene McCall]

I just saw on the news that Route 15 at Rt 11 was closed today for 10 hours. Be glad you weren't in that mess.

Ron, how could any self-respecting motorcyclist admit to spending 10 hours in a traffic jam! Any biker would have wiggled his way out of there long before that.

Gene

 

[MCReviver]

Gene, I wasn't in that 10 hour mess. We got caught for about 50 minutes or so and it is against the law to ride a berm to get by traffic jams. Not that I wasn't tempted, but you never know who might take issue and open a car door in front of you. Besides, I was mother hen to 5 other riders. The biggest negative was getting passed by the pavement roller three times. Well, that and wasting fuel and time.