Author Topic: ESTx 2014 Discussion (Read 24288 times)

garry · « **on:** April 08, 2014, 08:35:57 AM »

Now that riding season has kicked off we should probably start thinking about ESTx. Typically in September.

Marlinton? Lewisburg? Sparta? Some place new?

Discuss...

R Doug · « **Reply #1 on:** April 08, 2014, 08:50:45 AM »

I have a vacation conflict and won't be able to make ESTN. But, what's that to stop me from a suggestion or two?

Since the Spring Meet will be in the southern part of WV, could we look to make it somewhere further north IF it's going to be in WV? Blackwater State Park and North Bend State Park are two good options.

But, if it's going to be elsewhere, Sparta is a great location and doesn't provide much overlap to the National Meet in Maggie Valley.

And, for "something completely different," how about something near Kingdom Come State Park in KY?

http://parks.ky.gov/parks/recreationparks/kingdom-come/

Nearby lodging options include...

http://parkway-inn.com/

http://www.comfortinn.com/hotel-big_stone_gap-virginia-VA295?source=gglocaloz

garry · « **Reply #2 on:** April 08, 2014, 09:35:29 AM »

Cumberland is a really long haul from the population centers of the east coast (600 slab miles from Philly for example). The large majority of people do ESTN as a 3-day weekend, so it should be within one travel day of your target audience. I know there is no place that can cover the entire east coast, so some group will always be facing a two-day trip each way.

That said, the Cumberland / Appalachia / Big Stone area has some great riding

SWriverstone has always wanted to have a meet at Peaks of Otter lodge on the BRP. Maybe this is a good year to put it on the short list...

Max Wedge · « **Reply #3 on:** April 08, 2014, 10:33:06 AM »

Many things in a state of flux for me this year.....so ya never know. Watching.

kneescrubber · « **Reply #4 on:** April 08, 2014, 06:31:43 PM »

ESTN?

Max Wedge · « **Reply #5 on:** April 08, 2014, 07:03:46 PM »

Quote from: kneescrubber on April 08, 2014, 06:31:43 PM

ESTN?

N - National

SLK50 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 08, 2014, 07:53:51 PM »

Quote from: Max Wedge on April 08, 2014, 07:03:46 PM

Quote from: kneescrubber on April 08, 2014, 06:31:43 PM
ESTN?
N - National

Uh-uh. E = Eastern

kneescrubber · « **Reply #7 on:** April 08, 2014, 08:03:46 PM »

Got it. Carry on.

R Doug · « **Reply #8 on:** April 08, 2014, 08:49:24 PM »

ESTO.

Sounds weird when I say it. But, I don't really care for my voice.

garry · « **Reply #9 on:** April 08, 2014, 08:52:51 PM »

ESTx (Ess-Tex). EST* (Ess-star). Bubbles. Whatever...

kneescrubber · « **Reply #10 on:** April 08, 2014, 09:07:33 PM »

Wasn't trying to start anything.

Max Wedge · « **Reply #11 on:** April 08, 2014, 09:12:13 PM »

ESToN?

R Doug · « **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2014, 09:42:58 PM »

Quote from: garry on April 08, 2014, 08:52:51 PM

ESTx (Ess-Tex). EST* (Ess-star). Bubbles. Whatever...

I vote the Eastern Bubbles Meet (EBM)!

chornbe · « **Reply #13 on:** April 09, 2014, 06:22:34 AM »

Quote from: garry on April 08, 2014, 08:52:51 PM

ESTx (Ess-Tex). EST* (Ess-star). Bubbles. Whatever...

Dammit. That shit will follow me to the grave!

garry · « **Reply #14 on:** April 09, 2014, 07:10:05 AM »

Quote from: R Doug on April 08, 2014, 09:42:58 PM

Quote from: garry on April 08, 2014, 08:52:51 PM
ESTx (Ess-Tex). EST* (Ess-star). Bubbles. Whatever...

I vote the Eastern Bubbles Meet (EBM)!

Or given our luck with rain, the East Coast Bubble Bath :-)

R Doug · « **Reply #15 on:** April 09, 2014, 07:28:04 AM »

Quote from: garry on April 09, 2014, 07:10:05 AM

Quote from: R Doug on April 08, 2014, 09:42:58 PM
Quote from: garry on April 08, 2014, 08:52:51 PM
ESTx (Ess-Tex). EST* (Ess-star). Bubbles. Whatever...

I vote the Eastern Bubbles Meet (EBM)!

Or given our luck with rain, the East Coast Bubble Bath :-)

Sounds good!

(don't expect me to purchase the t-shirt and wear it)

maddjack · « **Reply #16 on:** April 09, 2014, 08:48:14 AM »

Quote from: garry on April 08, 2014, 08:35:57 AM

Now that riding season has kicked off we should probably start thinking about ESTx. Typically in September.

Marlinton? Lewisburg? Sparta? Some place new?

Discuss...

Blackwater or NY again would be my picks.

garry · « **Reply #17 on:** April 09, 2014, 09:03:56 AM »

The weekend of Sept 12- 14 would be my personal preference (off that Friday).

Blackwater Falls is a nice location. Tons of dual sport opportunities from there too. Some decent restaurants in Davis plus the state park lodge is nice.

tankhead · « **Reply #18 on:** April 09, 2014, 12:38:59 PM »

I realize that it is usually the beginning of Sept but could we for once (for the teachers)have it on the last weekend in August? Since it is an ST-O meet and not the other forum maybe we can start a new trend. That would be neat.

chornbe · « **Reply #19 on:** April 09, 2014, 12:46:15 PM »

If it's close enough, I could probably ride in for a day, but I'm pretty certain I won't have the budget for any more trips after the Spring Meet. I'll keep watch, though.

motormike · « **Reply #20 on:** April 09, 2014, 01:57:51 PM »

I don't know what "ESTx" is but I laughed at the Bubbles comments.

chornbe · « **Reply #21 on:** April 09, 2014, 03:18:21 PM »

Quote from: motormike on April 09, 2014, 01:57:51 PM

I don't know what "ESTx" is but I laughed at the Bubbles comments.

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oilhed · « **Reply #22 on:** April 26, 2014, 09:41:58 PM »

OK I think I stumbled into the bar, I mean forum. Since I'm here already....

I'm on S-T mostly for ESTN and Spring Fling. Missed one already. I'd like to try PA this year seeing it's less than a day away and all I've ever done is blow thru.

I can't help with planning cuz I know nuttin!

P. S. ESTM = Eastern S-T Meet

Mark F.
aka OILHED
Central CT

MrsCablebandit · « **Reply #23 on:** April 28, 2014, 07:55:28 AM »

Quote from: tankhead on April 09, 2014, 12:38:59 PM

I realize that it is usually the beginning of Sept but could we for once (for the teachers)have it on the last weekend in August? Since it is an ST-O meet and not the other forum maybe we can start a new trend. That would be neat.

Would the weekend of August 22-24 suffice?

oilhed · « **Reply #24 on:** April 28, 2014, 07:57:58 AM »

Well my wife is a teacher and that's why I prefer Sept. We tend to do all our together stuff in July/Aug. I do my me time in May/June & Sept/Oct.

Mark F.
aka OILHED
Central CT

garry · « **Reply #25 on:** April 28, 2014, 08:41:14 AM »

Quote from: oilhed on April 28, 2014, 07:57:58 AM

Well my wife is a teacher and that's why I prefer Sept. We tend to do all our together stuff in July/Aug. I do my me time in May/June & Sept/Oct.

Mark F.
aka OILHED
Central CT

And the members that are teachers have requested we move it from Sept to Aug so that they can go. Can't please everyone not matter what you do...

FWIW, I don't have a problem with the Aug 22-24 weekend, but that might still be too late to avoid impacting teachers (some districts may start that week).

MrsCablebandit · « **Reply #26 on:** April 28, 2014, 08:56:23 AM »

Quote from: garry on April 28, 2014, 08:41:14 AM

And the members that are teachers have requested we move it from Sept to Aug so that they can go. Can't please everyone not matter what you do...

FWIW, I don't have a problem with the Aug 22-24 weekend, but that might still be too late to avoid impacting teachers (some districts may start that week).

Based on our conversation from Saturday night, I started poking around Stowe and found out that there's a classic car show 8/8-10 and a Celebrate Vermont festival 8/15-17. We may be limited to that 22-24 weekend if we're looking to do S-T.O in Stowe, which I still think is genius. I already have RFPs out to five properties.

oilhed · « **Reply #27 on:** April 28, 2014, 08:58:54 AM »

Quote from: garry on April 28, 2014, 08:41:14 AM

Can't please everyone not matter what you do...

that might still be too late to avoid impacting teachers (some districts may start that week).

I don't expect anyone to schedule around me. Just saying if it's a summer thing I might be out. That's what happened with the RA rally. I used to love those but they moved to summer to piggy back the MOA. I haven't been since. True, most teachers in the northeast start Mon the 25th next year.

Skee · « **Reply #28 on:** April 28, 2014, 04:16:41 PM »

Quote from: garry on April 28, 2014, 08:41:14 AM

Quote from: oilhed on April 28, 2014, 07:57:58 AM
Well my wife is a teacher and that's why I prefer Sept. We tend to do all our together stuff in July/Aug. I do my me time in May/June & Sept/Oct.

Mark F.
aka OILHED
Central CT

And the members that are teachers have requested we move it from Sept to Aug so that they can go. Can't please everyone not matter what you do...

FWIW, I don't have a problem with the Aug 22-24 weekend, but that might still be too late to avoid impacting teachers (some districts may start that week).

True that - no date will suit everyone - was not the only reason for looking at August.

With the Spring Meet in WV and Nationals in NC, Vermont sounded like a good northern alternative (as opposed to the Daks or Finger Lakes). There's some jaw-dropping scenery between the Green and White mountains.

It has the same drawbacks as some other locations suggested. It's 650 miles from Pittsburgh, 750 miles from Lynchburg Virginia, and it's still about 800 km from Toronto. I wasn't really thinking about commuting distance in my drunken stupor; it's not that far a ride for me.

Leaf-peeping starts September. August is usually drier. So August seemed like a logical choice.

I applaud Mrs. CB for looking into it. Hopefully, cost will not become a barrier; New England is expensive. There are a lot of factors that go into selecting a venue. Meanwhile, if somebody has a better idea...

SLK50 · « **Reply #29 on:** April 28, 2014, 04:38:18 PM »

The Commodore Inn is probably the most motorcycle
friendly accommodations in Stowe. Worth a look.

It's unlikely I'll make this one. 600 mile days are no
longer in my repertoire.

Skee · « **Reply #30 on:** April 28, 2014, 06:42:51 PM »

Quote from: SLK50 on April 28, 2014, 04:38:18 PM

The Commodore Inn is probably the most motorcycle
friendly accommodations in Stowe. Worth a look.

It's unlikely I'll make this one. 600 mile days are no
longer in my repertoire.

For you it's prolly same distance as Hawks Nest, maybe less ... is this something new

SLK50 · « **Reply #31 on:** April 28, 2014, 09:27:41 PM »

Hawks Nest was about 340 miles each way.
Seemed longer in Friday's rain.
At this point in my riding life my "comfort zone" is
about 250 miles per day. ( Non-interstate. )
This allows me to ride without feeling rushed,
have an occasional meal break, do a little
sightseeing, etc. and still make a destination.
600 miles in a day leaves little time for any of that.

chornbe · « **Reply #32 on:** April 29, 2014, 04:58:52 AM »

The 440 interstate miles home SUCKED. Not that long and I've done double that on many occasions. I was younger and it was warmer, generally. Toss a few injuries and age related body mechanical issues into the mix and it gets worse. Food for thought.

Skee · « **Reply #33 on:** April 29, 2014, 05:26:20 PM »

Believe me, I understand the feeling. 12 to 14 hours is about my limit, and the last few are never as good as the first ones.

What I like to do sometimes is leave the evening beforehand and take a 120 miles or so off the next days ride. When I can.

Quote from: SLK50 on April 28, 2014, 09:27:41 PM

Hawks Nest was about 340 miles each way.

Didn't realize you are that close. It's over 500 for me. I typically lay over in Lewisburg on longer trips.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #34 on:** April 29, 2014, 05:37:13 PM »

maddjack · « **Reply #35 on:** May 03, 2014, 08:42:23 AM »

To get to Vermont, I may not have enough vacation, without stupid long days in the seat on a 3 day weekend, will have to see what shakes out and what the work schedule looks like.The older I get the less I like anything over 500 a day.It is however a good location scenery wise.

garry · « **Reply #36 on:** May 03, 2014, 10:43:33 AM »

Stowe is two days each way for me.

tankhead · « **Reply #37 on:** May 03, 2014, 06:16:01 PM »

Quote from: MrsCablebandit on April 28, 2014, 07:55:28 AM

Quote from: tankhead on April 09, 2014, 12:38:59 PM
I realize that it is usually the beginning of Sept but could we for once (for the teachers)have it on the last weekend in August? Since it is an ST-O meet and not the other forum maybe we can start a new trend. That would be neat.

Would the weekend of August 22-24 suffice?

Yep.

Cookie · « **Reply #38 on:** May 03, 2014, 06:27:36 PM »

Stowe is 3.5 hours from me. I could pop up for the day!

I will however, be working.

MrsCablebandit · « **Reply #39 on:** May 03, 2014, 08:37:17 PM »

Only two of the five properties I queried have responded and I'm unimpressed with their responses. If the August 22-24 weekend is suitable for many, toss out some locations and I'm happy to make the inquiries.

maddjack · « **Reply #40 on:** May 04, 2014, 10:53:06 AM »

The date is good for me. I myself could do Hancock NY again or something in the area.The original Blackwater suggestion is ok too, although another WVa meet might be pushing it.I assume More East is wanted?? Other wise SE Ohio??

Skee · « **Reply #41 on:** May 04, 2014, 12:30:24 PM »

Quote from: MrsCablebandit on May 03, 2014, 08:37:17 PM

Only two of the five properties I queried have responded and I'm unimpressed with their responses.

I'm not surprised; I was suspecting that might be the result.

While Hancock was nice - I could ride those roads again - we pretty much covered it all in one day.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll suggest SE Ohio again. It's 500+ for me but easily doable in a day.

Mt. Storm/Blackwater Falls area is closer and every bit as interesting. Either would be good choice from my perspective.

oilhed · « **Reply #42 on:** May 04, 2014, 12:46:08 PM »

What about the northern part of PA? Grand Canyon, etc.? Not sure of any touristy motel areas.

Mark F.
aka OILHED
Central CT

Scratch · « **Reply #43 on:** May 04, 2014, 12:50:30 PM »

^Tammy & I had a nice stayover in Wellsboro PA on the way up to Hancock last year. Several hotels available; good restaurants, including a relatively new brewpub that had good food & beers.

Also, ADV had a 'do this weekend in Romney WV -- a couple good hotels there.

jimmy · « **Reply #44 on:** May 04, 2014, 01:32:23 PM »

For what it's worth, I'm from the north and would still rather ride WV.

R Doug · « **Reply #45 on:** May 04, 2014, 01:58:35 PM »

Quote from: jimmy on May 04, 2014, 01:32:23 PM

For what it's worth, I'm from the north and would still rather ride WV.

Less traffic, less patrolled, twsities in any direction.

SLK50 · « **Reply #46 on:** May 04, 2014, 03:30:07 PM »

Since people are making suggestions I'd like to make a case for Staunton, VA.
I's got the perfect Trifecta:
1) Motorcycle friendly accommodations at the Howard Johnsons.
Last time I stayed there it was only 59.00 a night.
2) Great restaurants within walking distance.
How many places even have a top 100 list of restaurants?
3) Immediate access to outstanding roads.
Who could fault a loop that includes 250, 28, 39 and the BRP?
And there's lots more to and from Staunton to choose from.

Skee · « **Reply #47 on:** May 04, 2014, 04:16:33 PM »

True that. It's only 57 miles to the border.

I'd sooner spend my money in another state. F Virginia.!.

SLK50 · « **Reply #48 on:** May 04, 2014, 04:54:54 PM »

While we're at it:
F-NY for conducting motorcycle only traffic stops.
F-PA for allowing local PDs to use radar.
AND
F-PA for OK'ing warrantless vehicle searches.

SLK50 · « **Reply #49 on:** May 04, 2014, 04:57:25 PM »

On the other hand, thumbs-up to WV for a 62 in a 30
that was only 147.00 and no points. Whew!