FJR's in the Green Mountains

[snikr]

If anybody is local and has current road conditions, sites to see on the route I'd love to hear from you.

Bungie,

Here's a suggestion for a slightly revised route.

Come up 9N along Lake George instead of 149/22. 9N is a much nicer ride. There are some nice views as you ride up along the Lake. The only issue with 9N along the Lake is the tourist traffic can be a pain sometimes. It depends on what time you'll be going through. If you hit it early in the morning, you should be OK.

There is a bridge closed on Rt.2 between Middlesex and Waterbury so you can not go that way. I changed your route to make a loop up through Smugglers Notch on Rt. 108, across Rt. 15, and back down Rt. 12 through Montpelier. That way you avoid the section of Rt. 2 that's closed. It adds some distance, but Rt.12 is a decent road.

Ed.

And if anyone is planning on using RT 4 be aware that there is MAJOR work being done between Woodstock and Bridgewater Corners. Last I heard a couple of weeks ago it was down to dirt and delays were bad! I'd avoid it for now.

Tom

 

[road runner]

And if anyone is planning on using RT 4 be aware that there is MAJOR work being done between Woodstock and Bridgewater Corners. Last I heard a couple of weeks ago it was down to dirt and delays were bad! I'd avoid it for now.

Tom

I was planning on using RT 4 to go to WRJ on Aug. 23. Any other ideas. I'm coming from the Great Sacandaga Lake.

Art

 

[Bungie]

Here's a suggestion for a slightly revised route.

HUGE thanks Ed! I'll forward the revised route and your notes to all that are coming (8 of us). This will be a day ride out of Lake George for us, were there Monday to Friday - we'll probably end up doing this route on Wed. We've got some other short jaunts planned, but if you can add any the refreshments are on me.

 

[snikr]

I did a "motel run" today and found out some prices. The Fireside Inn in W. Lebanon, NH gets $140 a night but the Director of Sales wasn't there and the desk clerk said we could get a better rate if I talked with her. Could be $120. Then I checked with the Comfort Inn in White River JCT, VT and they get $129 a night. But with the Comfort Inn you can book online and get an AAA or AARP or AMA discount. The AMA discount is 15% but I would book that online as some of the hotels in Choice Hotels had not heard of that discount. I booked online and got the AMA discount on our BRP trip a couple of weeks ago.

Both places have Continental Breakfasts and both have plenty of other places to eat. In fact the hotels are only 3 miles from each other. So what I need to know is where do you want to stay?? Then I'll get in touch with the place and tell them we are coming. That way you can all be in one place. I only live an hour and 15 minutes away so I'll be driving over.

Tom

 

[VanHarlan]

I did a "motel run" today and found out some prices. The Fireside Inn in W. Lebanon, NH gets $140 a night but the Director of Sales wasn't there and the desk clerk said we could get a better rate if I talked with her. Could be $120. Then I checked with the Comfort Inn in White River JCT, VT and they get $129 a night. But with the Comfort Inn you can book online and get an AAA or AARP or AMA discount. The AMA discount is 15% but I would book that online as some of the hotels in Choice Hotels had not heard of that discount. I booked online and got the AMA discount on our BRP trip a couple of weeks ago.Both places have Continental Breakfasts and both have plenty of other places to eat. In fact the hotels are only 3 miles from each other. So what I need to know is where do you want to stay?? Then I'll get in touch with the place and tell them we are coming. That way you can all be in one place. I only live an hour and 15 minutes away so I'll be driving over.

Tom

Thanks for the leg work - Comfort Inn is always a winner with me. I'll need Friday & Satruday night.

VH

 

[road runner]

I did a "motel run" today and found out some prices. The Fireside Inn in W. Lebanon, NH gets $140 a night but the Director of Sales wasn't there and the desk clerk said we could get a better rate if I talked with her. Could be $120. Then I checked with the Comfort Inn in White River JCT, VT and they get $129 a night. But with the Comfort Inn you can book online and get an AAA or AARP or AMA discount. The AMA discount is 15% but I would book that online as some of the hotels in Choice Hotels had not heard of that discount. I booked online and got the AMA discount on our BRP trip a couple of weeks ago.Both places have Continental Breakfasts and both have plenty of other places to eat. In fact the hotels are only 3 miles from each other. So what I need to know is where do you want to stay?? Then I'll get in touch with the place and tell them we are coming. That way you can all be in one place. I only live an hour and 15 minutes away so I'll be driving over.

Tom

Thanks for the leg work - Comfort Inn is always a winner with me. I'll need Friday & Satruday night.

VH

+1

Art

 

[FJRed]

The Comfort Inn AAA rate is $116.99 per night. If the Fireside can beat that, I'd vote for the Fireside. If not, the Comfort Inn is fine with me.

Ed.

 

[snikr]

The Comfort Inn AAA rate is $116.99 per night. If the Fireside can beat that, I'd vote for the Fireside. If not, the Comfort Inn is fine with me.
Ed.

The Comfort Inn AMA discount was $110.49 plus taxes of course. I'll call Fireside Inn tomorrow and talk with the Director of Sales and see what she has to say. If the price is in the ball park I'll set things up with them and post the info. How does that sound?

Tom

 

[ShawnKing]

And for those of you who are put off by the "FJR ONLY" ride August 23rd you can hook up with me August 1st or 2nd

Still waiting to hear an answer as to why you feel you need to exclude other bikes in the first place. Still curious to see/hear what you'll do if a Harley/BMW/Kawasaki/Honda shows up...

If my wife (on her BMW) and I happen to be in the area and happen to be on the roads you've mapped out, would you ignore us?

And why would my wife want to hook up with the guy who excludes her? That doesn't seem to make a great deal of sense to me.

 

[VanHarlan]

And for those of you who are put off by the "FJR ONLY" ride August 23rd you can hook up with me August 1st or 2nd

Still waiting to hear an answer as to why you feel you need to exclude other bikes in the first place. Still curious to see/hear what you'll do if a Harley/BMW/Kawasaki/Honda shows up...

If my wife (on her BMW) and I happen to be in the area and happen to be on the roads you've mapped out, would you ignore us?

And why would my wife want to hook up with the guy who excludes her? That doesn't seem to make a great deal of sense to me.

Based upon the reactions - that I'm sure you've read - I don't think most of the people interested in the ride really care. On the recent Adirondack ride we had a BMW and a Honda show up - it should be more about the "people" than the bike.

I'd say stop stirring the pot and just show up if you want to make the ride. Just my $.02 - but then again I'm not in charge.

 

[sullivan]

Have to agree with VanHarlan, Shawn. You gotta loosen up, man.

Not too often one gets a chance to ride with FJR's in bulk. That's why we all read FJRForum, right?

Bottom line, I agree with "biker first, brand second" to live by. Glad your wife rides. Any brand, flavor, color, c.i.d., style of two-wheeled mechanized transportation is a good thing. I just don't see enough postings for group rides in the northeast so jumping on this one.

Take care.

 

[ShawnKing]

I'd say stop stirring the pot

Not "stirring the pot". Someone posted a ride and specifically said that my wife's bike was not allowed to participate. I'm trying to find out from the organizer of the ride why the exclusion.

and just show up if you want to make the ride.

Easy to say - we have FJR's. But my wife is excluded from riding this ride. I'm simply asking why that is. I'm sure the ride organizer has a perfectly good reason. He/they haven't articulated it though, even when asked multiple times.

 

[ShawnKing]

Have to agree with VanHarlan, Shawn. You gotta loosen up, man.

LOL You don't know me but if you did, you'd know I'm the "loosest" guy in the world.

Not too often one gets a chance to ride with FJR's in bulk. That's why we all read FJRForum, right?

To ride with FJR's in bulk? No, not really. At least, it's not why I read it.

Bottom line, I agree with "biker first, brand second" to live by.

I agree 100%. Which is why it's so odd that the organizer of this ride has made it a point to say, "*Brand* first, biker second." I'm just trying to understand the reasoning behind the decision.

Glad your wife rides.

Me too. So few women ride that I'm *really* lucky that my wife enjoys it almost as much as I do. And, that being the case, why exclude her?

 

[jatect]

The Killington Classic Rally on Sept 4-7 has four different rides thru the Vt countryside. One of these self - guded rides is a Mountain Gaps Tour. There is no registration fee for this event. The Classic will include -- pig roast, casino nite, bike show, a great parade from Killington to Rutland w/ welcome party in the downtown, admission to the Vermont State Fair and more. For more info: www.killingtonclassic.com or call 800-337-1928. This event is being put on by the Killington Chamber of Commerece and the Town of Killington. They will be going all out to make sure everyone has a great time.

 

[snikr]

To answer Shawnking and everyone else that thinks this ride was put together to "snub" riders of other brands that is far from the truth. Nice Rumble was doing this to get some FJR riders together to enjoy a good ride and see what others have done to their bikes. Nice Rumble has done this before with the NH Covered Bridges rides. One ride for FJR's and one for bikes IIRC. I went on the FJR ride and EVERYONE had a good time. Plus I said in the thread if anyone didn't like the FJR only thing I would be more than happy to get a Green Mountain ride together. Anytime in September works for me.

If I continue to get "grief" about it being a FJR only ride I too will pull the plug on the whole deal and get one of the Admins to close the thread. That would be too bad as I know you'd miss a good time and a good ride in "back yard". Ball is in your court now.

Tom

 

[VanHarlan]

If I continue to get "grief" about it being a FJR only ride I too will pull the plug on the whole deal and get one of the Admins to close the thread. That would be too bad as I know you'd miss a good time and a good ride in "back yard".

That would suck indeed.

OK everyone: "STFU & Let's Ride!"

 

[FJRed]

I have nothing against non-FJR riders and I'm not really bothered one way or the other whether this ride is for FJR's only or not. The point is, the organizer of the ride made a decision about how he wanted this ride to work and that should be it. No bitchin' about how it's not what you'd like, or "it'd be so much better if only...". It seems as though people think there is some unwritten law that says everyone is entitled to participate in anything planned by anyone else. More and more these days, everything has to be "politically correct" and not offend anyone. Let's paint everything a neutral "Beige" color so it suits all occasions and pleases everyone.

I appreciate the fact that Tom has taken it upon himself to pick up this cancelled ride and do the planning and organization by himself. As the organizer, he gets to choose how it's going to go. If you want to make the choices, step up and plan an event the way you'd like to see it. The people behind the scenes like Tom, often spend a great deal of their own time (and sometimes money) to put together an event for others, and then do not get the recognition and credit they deserve. The last thing they need is grief because they aren't doing something the way someone else wants them to.

This event is about having a good time with people who share a common interest in the FJR. If this ride doesn’t meet your expectations or you don't want to play by the ground rules established by the organizer, then don't go. There will be other opportunities to ride. Tom has already offered to organize a separate ride later in September for all makes. I, for one, am looking forward to riding among a string of FJR's zooming through the twisty back roads of Vermont.

So,

Thank You Tom.

Ed.

 

[08FJR4ME]

I may be interested if is late august or september. I hope i don't have to go over the floating bridge!!!! :dribble:
I also have a friend with a VTX1300 who might me interested or is this just for FJR's?

I am sorry I ever asked this question!!!! I follow FJred's sentiments exactly. It just wasn't that clear up front and my friend lives in New Hampshire. I just thought we may hook up for the day. If its a FJR ride only that's O.K. with me also. I just want to ride. If I hurt anybody's feelings I am sorry. I certainly hope this ride doesn't get cancelled. Hope to see you all there.

 

[snikr]

I have nothing against non-FJR riders and I'm not really bothered one way or the other whether this ride is for FJR's only or not. The point is, the organizer of the ride made a decision about how he wanted this ride to work and that should be it. No bitchin' about how it's not what you'd like, or "it'd be so much better if only...". It seems as though people think there is some unwritten law that says everyone is entitled to participate in anything planned by anyone else. More and more these days, everything has to be "politically correct" and not offend anyone. Let's paint everything a neutral "Beige" color so it suits all occasions and pleases everyone.
I appreciate the fact that Tom has taken it upon himself to pick up this cancelled ride and do the planning and organization by himself. As the organizer, he gets to choose how it's going to go. If you want to make the choices, step up and plan an event the way you'd like to see it. The people behind the scenes like Tom, often spend a great deal of their own time (and sometimes money) to put together an event for others, and then do not get the recognition and credit they deserve. The last thing they need is grief because they aren't doing something the way someone else wants them to.

This event is about having a good time with people who share a common interest in the FJR. If this ride doesn’t meet your expectations or you don't want to play by the ground rules established by the organizer, then don't go. There will be other opportunities to ride. Tom has already offered to organize a separate ride later in September for all makes. I, for one, am looking forward to riding among a string of FJR's zooming through the twisty back roads of Vermont.

So,

Thank You Tom.

Ed.

Ed,

Thanks for the kinds words. I now feel a little better.

Tom

 

[ShawnKing]

To answer Shawnking and everyone else that thinks this ride was put together to "snub" riders of other brands that is far from the truth.

We had no idea why it was put together. It wasn't explained and so folks like myself were simply asking questions.

Nice Rumble was doing this to get some FJR riders together to enjoy a good ride and see what others have done to their bikes. Nice Rumble has done this before with the NH Covered Bridges rides. One ride for FJR's and one for bikes IIRC.

Those of us new to the forum did not know this.

If I continue to get "grief" about it being a FJR only ride I too will pull the plug on the whole deal and get one of the Admins to close the thread. That would be too bad as I know you'd miss a good time and a good ride in "back yard". Ball is in your court now.

You're kidding, right? You realize this is the 12 year old's equivalent of "I'm taking my ball and going home!" Just a little childish, don't you think?

No offense intended but you brought whatever "grief" you perceive on yourself. As riders, we are always told about the "brotherhood" we all belong to and how great it is that we can all get together as a group. Then this post comes along that says, "Only [certain members of the brotherhood] are allowed to join."

Well, don't be surprised when someone stands up and asks, "Why?" Don't get upset when someone questions what you are doing. If it had been explained in the beginning, there wouldn't have been any "grief".

And don't for a second try to pin this ride's possible cancelation on *me* just because I question *you*. If you don't want what you do to be publicly question/criticized, don't do things in public that can be questioned/or criticized.