NERDS 2013 Poll

[Fred W]

I asked during this year's grand and glorious NERDS extravaganza banquet barbeque on Friday night what people thought about next year's location. The straw poll seemed to indicate that folks really like it there in Stowe and wanted to come back, but it was pretty close to a split, and that was the folks that were there this year. I'm thinking that some of the people that showed up last year but didn't return, and some of the people that haven't been able (or willing) to attend yet, might have alternate opinions.

So here's the Poll to find out what you'se NERDS wanna do next year. There are no promises from this end, nor strings attached from yours... but we want to know what the desires are of the general NERDS at large. Last year we started planning this year's NERDS '12 in early winter. Yeah... that's just a few months from now. Time to get humpin'

Please only vote if you have some minimal amount of desire to attend one of these things. If you think that this is just too far or too weird for you to be involved, it's really quite OK to abstain. But if you think that there would even be the faintest glimmer of a chance that you would attend NERDS '13 if it was just held at XYZ location, then by all means voice your opinion!!

Figure that it will be at approximately the same time of year (late August time frame) for the same reasons it has been for the past two years, and the geographical limits will be the northern New England States of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, plus Upstate NY north of the thruway. North Western MA (like in the Berkshires) would be considered if you could make a a really good argument.

One thing to keep in mind, and that surely had great impact on the prior straw poll, was that it will be really hard to replicate the "over the top" motorcycle group friendliness of The Commodores Inn in Stowe. The owners there really get it.

If there were to be a "three-peat" at the The Commodores in Stowe, the assumption should be that we would come up with some new and exciting ride routes to add to those already in existence. Not entirely sure that we would do another "THaPS rally" as so few folks who signed up actually participated, and it was a butt load of work to arrange. But hey... if the pubic outcry is loud enough anything is possible.

So... lets see where this takes us.

 

[Intech]

I am up for any of of the northeast states, so I chose the write in. Janet and I are planning on that direction next year, so we will see where NERDS ends up. I also posted elsewhere that I amy be incorporating a business visit at some point and that would be Colchester, VT. It would be great to expense part of a trip!

 

[08FJR4ME]

I always wanted to go to North west of Maine but the logistics would be tough. Second choice would be upstate NY. Some darn time I will be able to make a NERDS event.

Dave

 

[yamafitter]

I'm more than happy to see the event stay in Stowe but Lake Placid would also be a fine location. If you can't find fun things to do in Lake Placid you just don't know how to have fun! Everyone should visit 'Where Did You Get That Hat' Store in Lake Placid.

 

[bluejag]

Great post Fred as it is still fresh in the mind's of who attended this year or last. Your comment on the Stowe location being hard to beat is true and not many would be so accommadating, I think that with two very successful NERDS events, the concept and value that was the initial intent is clear. If I am correct,

in both years we had groups going to N.H.,N.Y.(dak's)and to Canada on posted routes or on their own. That said the area regardless of the main host hotel location has what people want (great riding within a days ride,good accomodation's/services close by and most important a really good value.)If those points were found at another location (closer to someone's favorite New England area (and Dak's) I think it would be a great opportunity for those who have idea's to do a little research and suggest a different host location. You and Ed have done a tremendous job in putting this together and the numbers speak for themselves (great attendance both years) I would like to see folks really think about this and post up/and reply to the poll so that whatever the location, the NERDS tradition will continue with great success. Bluejag

 

[Sno Cat]

In the interest of exploring new (for me anyway) & newer (for others?) areas, 2-wheeled throttle jockeys & others speak of the 'Daks very favorably & so my vote for such was cast.

I just hope next year's NERDS doesn't spark Farkle Fever like this year's did. The new GPS is handy, now it's on to a fork kit & rear shock........

 

[airboss]

I'm not familar enough with the area, so I'm not going to vote. I'm going to leave that to the people that know.

What I do know is I have been to two outstanding NERDS events in Stowe, and it will be very hard to beat the Commodores service.

 

[El Toro Joe]

Only been to Vermont once to ski Killington/Pico for a week, and that was a long time ago. I'd like to try and make this trip next year...I can ride SE Ohio anytime .

 

[GinaMcD]

Glad to see the poll up already! As Fred mentioned, it takes a lot of time and a lot of work to pull these events together. But it was also a lot of fun since we did it as a group, with everyone pitching in to make it happen. A lot of the groundwork had been laid the year before by Fred and Ed, so other than the THaPS, the hard part was already done!

I'd be okay with it being in another location, but it will be tough to beat the Commodore's as a home base. The owner and staff were absolutely amazing! That being said, maybe someone knows of a possibility in ME, NH or NY (personally can't see the Berkshires providing as many varied riding opportunities as we had within spitting distance of Stowe) that will work just as well.

Then again, there is that legal passing on a double yellow aspect to keep in mind...

 

[Mr Bill]

So... lets see where this takes us.

I voted keep the same old. It seemed there was very little traffic that far North. Well except for the tourist town traffic.

Don't throw away the THaPS sheets of things to see. Post it on the next website as a taste of Vermont things to see and do!

I hope the dates work for me next year.

 

[0Face]

I'm not familar enough with the area, so I'm not going to vote. I'm going to leave that to the people that know.

What I do know is I have been to two outstanding NERDS events in Stowe, and it will be very hard to beat the Commodores service.

+1 to what he said!

Being in charge of getting the Swag for CFO, I know the amount of work it takes to put this on, even with the totally relaxed event. So, for me if someone else is doing all the work, I'll show up, ride, have fun, and never complain unless I'm willing to step up to the plate and do the work. I had so much fun, and the atmosphere was so awesome, I'll do everything I can to attend again and stay longer, wherever you guys put it on.

:bike:

 

[MEM]

I'm not familar enough with the area, so I'm not going to vote. I'm going to leave that to the people that know.

What I do know is I have been to two outstanding NERDS events in Stowe, and it will be very hard to beat the Commodores service.

+1 to what he said!

Being in charge of getting the Swag for CFO, I know the amount of work it takes to put this on, even with the totally relaxed event. So, for me if someone else is doing all the work, I'll show up, ride, have fun, and never complain unless I'm willing to step up to the plate and do the work. I had so much fun, and the atmosphere was so awesome, I'll do everything I can to attend again and stay longer, wherever you guys put it on.

:bike:

DANG!!! I hate those silly + - ratings but oFace made such a good post (I like the way you think, oFace ) that I wanted to + it and I touched the - on this }#%^ iPad :glare:

Would someone please 'plus' it to negate my 'minus' ?

 

[graytaz]

I've voted for Stowe specifically because of the facilities provided by the Commodores and also Ed and Grace. You can't beat the services provided at Ed's on Tech Day and bringing in his tire changing equipment for Scott and Ryan on Friday is an absolute cut above. I know there are areas mentioned that provide new riding opportunities but Paul and Scott showed that you can make a run to the Maine coast and back in a long day and still throw in a lengthy stop at Whitehorse Gear so maybe some just need some routes centred a bit farther away to provide additional variety. Just as long as I have opportunity to ride roads like those at the Notch and Gaps, Ensign Pond Rd and Tracey, and reminisce with other riders at the end of the day I'll be happy. :yahoo:

 

[Top_Speed1]

I'm more than happy to see the event stay in Stowe but Lake Placid would also be a fine location. If you can't find fun things to do in Lake Placid you just don't know how to have fun! Everyone should visit 'Where Did You Get That Hat' Store in Lake Placid.

Agree with Stowe and Commodores.

Lake Placid is already in (and maybe can be home based for 2013?) with Art's 'DAKS ride in early June. Now if Art isn't planning the 'Daks ride then I would definitely vote the Lake Placid/Saranac Lake area for NERDS.

 

[Fred W]

I'm more than happy to see the event stay in Stowe but Lake Placid would also be a fine location. If you can't find fun things to do in Lake Placid you just don't know how to have fun! Everyone should visit 'Where Did You Get That Hat' Store in Lake Placid.

Agree with Stowe and Commodores.

Lake Placid is already in (and maybe can be home based for 2013?) with Art's 'DAKS ride in early June. Now if Art isn't planning the 'Daks ride then I would definitely vote the Lake Placid/Saranac Lake area for NERDS.

That's a good point, KJ. If we already have a weekend group ride in the 'Dacks it might not make much sense to have a NERDS there. And I'm pretty sure that Art wanted to make it a tradition. We'll have to communicate and coordinate with Art on that.

 

[snikr]

I voted to stay in Stowe. But if you decide to move NERDS I vote for the coast of Maine.

Tom

 

[RossKean]

Somewhere in NH has some appeal. Its a little more central and makes some nice rides in NH and Maine more accessable. Some of the "official" Vermont rides might also be do-able with some modifications and an early start. This has particular appeal if there is going to be a separate 'Daks gathering. As with previous NERDS events, the venue and organizers make the rally. Something less than the treatment we receive at the Commodores would put a damper on the event. If there isn't a great "ground zero" location to be found, I would switch my vote back to Stowe.

Ross

 

[FJRPittsburgh]

My vote is to keep NERDS in Stowe. The accomodations at the Commodores Inn is hard to beat. It's nice to have a venue that knows how to handle a motorcycle event and goes the extra mile to make us comfortable. That said, I would travel to where you decide the rally will be held in 2013 provided I can get the time off. If you move the event to NH or Maine, what's another few hundred miles from Pittsburgh.

 

[BikerGeek99]

Hell - it doesn't matter to me. Sure the Commodore Inn is very accommodating to us but the Commodore Inn isn't the sole reason why we go.

I like all of the suggestions... Maine, NH, the Adirondacks, Stowe.... Doesn't matter to me - if we're able, we'll be there.