2020 Eastern Vstrom Rally......May 14-May 17, 2020
Guess it's time again to start planning (or, at least dreaming??) about next year's 18th Annual Eastern Vstrom Rally/Gathering. As of this posting, the Venue will again be The Iron Horse Campground/Lodge in Stecoah, NC ……...just like the previous dozen or so years. Last year, we saw (and met) the New Owners of The Iron Horse.....along with some facility changes from previous years. Some changes were viewed as "positive", some were not well received. "Change", in itself, may not always be received as a "good thing"...….but is almost inevitable in today's world. Rates will probably be a tad higher than last year's, cancellation policies may be different, we may see MORE property improvements evident than last years' event, maybe a new + improved Bunkhouse (near the pond) to replace the small existing, "weathered" unit. Maybe more RV sites/parking?? Not sure we know what will be in store by next Spring?? But, some things will NOT change: the hundreds of miles of great Georgia/NC/Tenn riding roads, the unpredictable weather forecast, lodging by most standards (i.e. we know what we are getting as far as the rooms/furnishings), the friends made (and reunited) at events like this, and the love for a certain brand of motorcycle and/or the type of riders we are.
I know a few of you who attended last year, said you may not return in 2020 to the Iron Horse. Should that be the case, I believe everyone will respect your decision. We hear mumblings every year "what if we staged the Rally at a different site next year"...….we ALL think that at some time or another, mainly to keep the event from growing "stale" or just a repeat of last year's event. But, we need concrete ideas of where else to have such an event: can accommodate 100 riders, have primative camping, has cabins/rooms for rent, RV parking, a Lodge/Meeting Area for congregating, and a facility who is capable of feeding us...…..PLUS a A+++ riding area within an hour or so of the venue. If you have an idea of a place that might include all these "wants"..... contact them, see what they have to offer, get rates, and report back to the forum.
Stalky Tracker (Roy) has already redesigned the rally website for next year...…..he also starts his Christmas shopping in March, and is probably finished by June. See what he has done here, and send the website a notice if you plan to come next May. We will also start an attendee list here on this thread later, but respond to the website first, please. As usual, we need volunteers to help with the Rally: speakers, topics of discussion, events??, anything to make the rally better than last years...….and previous years!! (a hard act to follow sometimes).
https://www.easternvstromrally.com/
https://ironhorsenc.com/
This thread is just a tickler to get the Rally Juices flowing before a Long Winter's Nap. If you are planning to make reservations at The Iron Horse, please do so ASAP. Come mid-January, they open the reservations up to other groups.
Hope you/your's have a Very Merry Christmas.....and Blessed Happy New Year!!!
444
Guess it's time again to start planning (or, at least dreaming??) about next year's 18th Annual Eastern Vstrom Rally/Gathering. As of this posting, the Venue will again be The Iron Horse Campground/Lodge in Stecoah, NC ……...just like the previous dozen or so years. Last year, we saw (and met) the New Owners of The Iron Horse.....along with some facility changes from previous years. Some changes were viewed as "positive", some were not well received. "Change", in itself, may not always be received as a "good thing"...….but is almost inevitable in today's world. Rates will probably be a tad higher than last year's, cancellation policies may be different, we may see MORE property improvements evident than last years' event, maybe a new + improved Bunkhouse (near the pond) to replace the small existing, "weathered" unit. Maybe more RV sites/parking?? Not sure we know what will be in store by next Spring?? But, some things will NOT change: the hundreds of miles of great Georgia/NC/Tenn riding roads, the unpredictable weather forecast, lodging by most standards (i.e. we know what we are getting as far as the rooms/furnishings), the friends made (and reunited) at events like this, and the love for a certain brand of motorcycle and/or the type of riders we are.
I know a few of you who attended last year, said you may not return in 2020 to the Iron Horse. Should that be the case, I believe everyone will respect your decision. We hear mumblings every year "what if we staged the Rally at a different site next year"...….we ALL think that at some time or another, mainly to keep the event from growing "stale" or just a repeat of last year's event. But, we need concrete ideas of where else to have such an event: can accommodate 100 riders, have primative camping, has cabins/rooms for rent, RV parking, a Lodge/Meeting Area for congregating, and a facility who is capable of feeding us...…..PLUS a A+++ riding area within an hour or so of the venue. If you have an idea of a place that might include all these "wants"..... contact them, see what they have to offer, get rates, and report back to the forum.
Stalky Tracker (Roy) has already redesigned the rally website for next year...…..he also starts his Christmas shopping in March, and is probably finished by June. See what he has done here, and send the website a notice if you plan to come next May. We will also start an attendee list here on this thread later, but respond to the website first, please. As usual, we need volunteers to help with the Rally: speakers, topics of discussion, events??, anything to make the rally better than last years...….and previous years!! (a hard act to follow sometimes).
https://www.easternvstromrally.com/
https://ironhorsenc.com/
This thread is just a tickler to get the Rally Juices flowing before a Long Winter's Nap. If you are planning to make reservations at The Iron Horse, please do so ASAP. Come mid-January, they open the reservations up to other groups.
Hope you/your's have a Very Merry Christmas.....and Blessed Happy New Year!!!
444
