This is cross-posted in the NW and the Canadian forum.
I see that the Eastern Troopers V-Strom Rally is set for 2020, for nigh on its 20th year. It lead me to thinking that this is something that might do well out west. Sure, we have Touratech, but that's "hey, wow, another V-Strom!". What about the idea of a Western one in BC / WA / ID / AB / OR? I can think of one or two great locations to ride where there are some motorcycle friendly camping / hotel sites, and I'm sure others can chime in.
Would there be interest? Ironically, I might not be able to do it this year (natch!) as I'm blowing my holidays on my wedding and honeymoon (riding motorbikes in Ireland!). But I'm just gauging interest. Anyone? Can we get 20 of us together?
There was also a Western gathering in Ventura, Ca in 2013. I attended both. As a matter of fact, I was one of the organizers for the Fortuna gathering.
Seattle based so have territorial bias, but the Olympic Peninsula is heaven for moto camping and has maybe a thousand miles of Forest Service roads that are ride-able for most skill levels. It is convenient to Western BC troopers as well.
And Vancouver Island offers about the same (sans all the National campgrounds of the Olympic) with fabulous small towns on the rugged west side.
A venue focus would probably draw a crowd and these two are really varied and fun.
The old fisherman in me has learned that persistence pays off when the lure is right.
I would sign up for either of these venues!
That's 2 full days' ride each way for me, mostly on slab. While it's interesting, I'm thinking something that I can do while only blowing one day of holidays.
"I'm up for anywhere within easy riding distance."
Just list the closest KOA to your house so you can go home for lunch.
I understand the wanting to not use up all you vacation for something as frivolous as a Strom camp out but the ride to and from is what makes the rally worthwhile. Fine for the PNW folks to have it in Washington or on Victoria Is. But that's a 1000 mile run for me. But then it's close to that for me to go to the several Cache rallies I've attended. Most of which the go home was one day affair.
Get on the bikes and ride!
That wasn't my point, actually. It was an issue only for *this year*. My wedding and honeymoon riding motorbikes in Ireland will eat up my holidays this year. Any other year, and I'm so in. And Vancouver Island is a glorious destination for many. Plus, my closest KOA is about a 6 hour ride...
I can still make it this year - change my plans for my week long camping trip to go to the Strom Rally. But if it was close I could do both.
I completely agree that it's organizer dependent as far as location goes. (Hint!)
There was also a Western gathering in Ventura, Ca in 2013. I attended both. As a matter of fact, I was one of the organizers for the Fortuna gathering.
Dates are important in the PNW. Needs to be when it is not completely overcast and raining. I made the mistake of moving the western gathering at The Dalles a month to early and most of the scenery was not visible due to clouds and heavy rain. Had a very cold and wet ride through the what would have been the beautiful WA passes.
We have good and bad experiences, but mostly good when a dealership agrees to co-host. At The Dalles they even put on a technical session on how to adjust engine valves. A lot of humor involved (at my expense).
Congrats on the wedding and Moto trip in Ireland.
We were so poor when we got married 48 years ago our honeymoon was at the Potrero Grande Dump cleaning out the house for a possible move.
Change of plans and we are still in the same house. We did do some moto touring. The wife made an awesome sidecar monkey. Motor on!
Speaking of dealer sponsored rallies, the Suzuki dealer in Lake Havasu put on a rally a couple times. Not huge attendance but a really pleasant time. Then he sold out and no mo rally. Phooey.
I've been to many of the Western rally's and enjoyed them, even Richland Rick's rally in the rain. I'm game for going almost anywhere. Camping is out for us. But there's almost always a motel somewhere around. We've had one in Utah before and the riding was wonderful there. We do have some good riding areas here in Western Washington. We could likely get a discount for the group if they wanted to do a track day in Shelton WA at "The Ridge" raceway. Eastern Washington is warmer, as is Oregon. Coastal areas are chilly, even in the summer from San Francisco North. The "inside" of Vancouver Island BC can be warm too. As well as inland from there. Then there's the border crossing. Not fun. That and the passport requirement or enhanced driver's license would likely reduce attendance. I'm game for helping whomever organizes it if it's in the Northwest somewhere.
New guy here, but am definitely down for a PNW meetup of some sort. I'm a freelancer, so long breaks require either not being paid, or rearranging things so as to work ahead before going...just saying all I need is enough notice and I'm there!
Would also be down for assisting in organizing something should it be local *enough*.
Glad you posted the western gathering idea. I'm not much of an organizer, and never having been to any event like this I doubt I'd know the first thing about it. But I'd love to have a semi-local meet up. Should have my nexus pass by the time the weather gets good so that will ease the madness at the border. I could probably do a day or two to get somewhere, but perhaps we start with a spot within a day of Vancouver / Seattle? Or somewhere not much south of Seattle? Depends if people want to camp (and how rustic they are feeling) or if it is easier to get victims with a one or two-day commitment.
Martin; maybe also we cross reference with ADV rider for a visit at the Vancouver MC show? A different event but we might get a wider group of folks, even if not all do both.
A location in the middle of WA state would allow for loops that covered:
Ride 1 option, the eastern Oregon scenic byway
Ride 2 the Columbia Gorge
Ride 3 the North Cascades Highway
Ride 4 The Olympic Peninsula
Ride 5 and my personal favorite, the four volcanoes ride, Mt Adams, Mt St Helens, Mt Rainier, and Mt Hood on some of the best roads that exist anywhere.
Ride 6 Hell's Canyon, Idaho.
Anyone coming from Canada could hit the north Cascades highway and maybe Blewett Pass.
Highway 1 up the coast from California and Highway 101 in Oregon.
Things to see on the way there from the east include Yellow Stone, Bear Pass, Sawtooth Mountain pass, Great Tetons, Highway 12 across the Blues Caution (winding road next 86 Miles) and then the palouse of Easter WA state.
There was a BMW rally in John Day this summer, great riding around there. Years ago I crossed Washington skimming the south side of Rainier, richlandrick's ride #5 sounds pretty epic.
Highway 12 across Idaho into WA, and Highway 36 in CA, and the Tail of the dragon may have a lot of curves, but this ride IS EPIC.
Just an example of one of the views. You come around a corner and there is Mt Rainier standing 14,000 feet in air so clear you feel like it is right in front of you. Mt Hood can be seen from about 75 miles way. And poor old St Helens. Some off pavement to get to old west ghost towns and eat the blue bird Cafe (circa mid to late 1800s).
Pic to come.
You also get to see where telephone poles come from. The trees there are TALL.
BMW rally almost every year in John Day, Chief Joseph Rally. If you check the BMW MOA site you'll find a list of the rallies. I've taken my non BMW's to the rallies quite a bit.
Most of the rallies are a good time. some have great door prizes. I've won an Aerostich suit twice, you might get lucky too. They are not over crowded event either. 100 to a few thousand participants at most. The big number is at the National rallies. It moves from state to state every year. East-West, North-South so all regions get a whack at it. BMW RA puts on rallies too.
I'd bet if you talked to Mary at Toad Rock you could arrange something. There are lots of good rides in every direction from there.
They have camp spots, tents, some shacks, and even some converted vehicles for camping in. The place is awesomely different.
Do it in Late June or into July.
With that you could announce the dates, give contact info to book camp spots etc., and They have a great Social Pavilion for the evenings that I promise will provide a first night most never forget
Thanks for pointing Toad Rock out to me. That looks like a neat place.
I agree with you, Jay, except for the point mentioned by someone else earlier - lots of our friends south of the border don't have passports or e-licences. Although we could alternate...
@richlandrick, I'd be glad of your leadership on group rides.
Now I"m worried this is actually starting to become more than just a "So I was thinking..." moment.
I almost forgot.....I don't much about the gravel travel in the area, being mostly a slabber, but I bet there's a few reading these forums will chime in about local opportunities in the area as well
I don't want to "diss" anyone's idea for a location, but have to agree with the idea that many more Canadians have passports than US citizens.
Regarding gravel and off pavement. The ghost towns I mentioned are reached off pavement. Also, Raven's Roost is located close to one of the most epic rides, is off pavement, and provides a spectacular view of MT Ranier. It is in the Little Naches area. There are also off pavement stretches that connect the major passes. Nearly every mountain road is next to a beautiful river.
Anyone approaching from B.C. should consider rolling through Leavenworth long US Highway 2. I have never seen a more beautiful stretch of rolling river. Stop and check out the land locked salmon in the still waters and the 59-er diner.
We don't have quite as much need to go to Mexico in the winter as those who live in the great white north.
I have to say that I think there is some fantastic riding and scenery in Canada though. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed are dual sport ride through B.C. And the Canadian Glacial Park looks epic.
I would suggest though that gatherings need more than just a fantastic destination to be successful. They also need to be within reach of the masses. It one of the reasons the eastern gathering has been so successful. While it is in a remote location, it is located close to the demographic center of the largest part of the US population. https://www.google.com/maps/place/U...x1c3bb99243deb742!8m2!3d37.09024!4d-95.712891
Personally I have a passport and both my wife and I would welcome an epic trip to Canada or just about anywhere that provides for a pleasant memorable trip. I would really love to see another gathering as successful as the "North American Rally" that was held in South Dakota. About 250 attendees as I recall.
Pass ports are bad things. We are taught that everyone to the South is a rapist and drug pushing fiend. People who reside on the Group W bench. Those to the North are just trying to take advantage of us, But do pipeline your oil to us. So evil. Best we stay below the 49th parallel and above the Rio Grande river.
That Lodge place is reminiscent of Grand Jean in Idaho. River with hot springs and piney woods.
Hey. We're just sittin' here on the Group W bench, playin' with our pencils and smokin' cigarettes. Some of us, true, are bad guys. Mother rapers. Father killers. Father rapers. But some of us are only there for littering, fined $50, and told to pick up the garbage... and for causing a public disturbance.
By the way, @richlandrick - your ad in your signature looks awesome in the new format, especially in dark mode.
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