I don’t have hard feelings about it. They need to shore up weather-related business risk, just as we need to do the same. I think they’ll eventually land on a graduated cancellation refund policy so that the risk is shared, but I’ll factor that into my plans as I figure all their customers will. With a 3-night minimum and the first night non-refundable, it’s actually more generous than most AirBnb refund policies (50%).

It’s a great location and I think the new owners really are trying to maximize the potential of the property. Clearly they’re investing in new construction, better connectivity and entertainment options. I got the impression they were genuine in hearing our feedback, and two of my network router ideas have been implemented already. Live music was new to them and I think they’re adjusting to what each group wants.

So, I’m not much of a joiner/club/large group kind of person but I do enjoy the amazing riding nearby and a group of great people I’ve met over the years. It’s nice to have seating around a fire and just enough background music so we can catch up with good food and favorite beverages, and IH has all of that except the friends that we have to provide. In the grand scheme of things, what’s a few dollars extra for meals and some deposit money on the table for the adventure it signs us up for?

Personally I know of more luxurious accommodations in the area that I may prioritize, but that’s a personal one and not based on my experiences at IH.

$150 dollars a night for a glorified tent with no bathroom or shower?

I understand their business is seasonal. I wish them well, but they won't be getting any of my money for lodging going forward with prices like that. $145 for a lodge room.....with no internet service? I stayed in those for a few years. Was $110 the last time.

I saw that one and was curious. In what group of enthusiast (motorcycle, car, horse, video game, quilt makers, cartoonist...) does $150 for a tent of any shape, make sense? I may be thinking too small and they know what group they are going after, but 1/3 that prices still seems a bit steep.



Of course I could be wrong, and maybe this is a brilliant move on their part. Good luck.

Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground was good and affordable.

So is the 2020 version of this event a go? If so is it at the Ironhorse?

..Tom

There is: See the dedicated website https://www.easternvstromrally.com/




NEVA20 Rally: Catskills NY - Cooperstown - Woodstock
Save The Dates: July 31 to August 2, 2020
WWW.NEVA20.COM
https://www.stromtrooper.com/events/...woodstock.html

Yep. May 14-17, 2020 at Iron Horse. I suspect a thread will be posted soon.

I have not attended yet and did not know the prices were that high. We own a 4 bedroom lake house on Lake Cherokee and charge quite a bit less than that per night peak season.

I would be hanging a hammock, so that can't cost too much right?

I'm out for any further gatherings at IH, I'll just say that I am not a fan now and will leave it at that. To anyone who has yet to attend, this rally is extremely well done and big kudos to ya'll who make it such year after year.

There are alternatives to staying there. I simply have to have access to internet to keep up with my business while on the road, and that has prompted me to stay in Bryson City the last few years. I get a room at the Microtel Inn for around $70 per night when I book in advance. While I might miss some action sitting around the fire, I don't drink so there is little obstacle to riding back to the very comfortable, wi-fi equipped motel room. With a tv and cell phone access. And a private bathroom.

Alternatives to a place like Ironhorse might be more expensive than you think. Down the road is the Fontana Village Resort. It costs a LOT to reserve those type of venues! But they WILL bend over backwards to take care of you. I had a Rally there a couple years back and was impressed with how that went. While there are a few motorcycle friendly motels around, most are not all that large and would not have meeting rooms. Maybe something like the Fairground in Maggie Valley? Motels and eateries close by. At the end of the day, the Ironhorse is a very good venue for a motorcycle event. This next event will tell the story about how willing the owners are to mold their common practices to what we want. Yes, there will always be some "other" non V STrom related riders there. But when we are 80+ % percent of the event, that should carry weight. Over things like the $^%& loud ass band playing right where most gathered around the campfires at night!

Bottom line is that until there are several people that want to volunteer to help with the Rally, not much is going to change.