2011 F800 Riders Rally Discussion Thread

**Wild Bill** · 06-05-11

Rob should have the registration info posted shortly. I thought it would be up by now..... But Rob was working on my F650GS today. You know how that goes right.

**Wild Bill** · 06-06-11

Rally registration is open @ f800depot.com, it is in the section F800.org items, last icon on the right.

**Rob** · 06-06-11

http://f800depot.com/2011-f800-rider...istration.html

**glenn2ns** · 06-06-11

I'm registered and living vicariously with the prospect of the rally. I don't think I'll be able to make it, but want the shirt. Please ship the fish and chips, separate from the shirt.

**Mike in Ohio** · 06-06-11

Any of youse peeps out west there know of a good place to rent motorcycles in the Denver area or in the vicinity of the rally?

**santa fe rider** · 06-06-11

Originally Posted by Mike in Ohio

Any of youse peeps out west there know of a good place to rent motorcycles in the Denver area or in the vicinity of the rally?

Sunny, Just Googled the Grand Junction area and came up with these two. They both have websites also. Hope this helps.

Rocky Mountain Rent-All
569 25 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO
(970) 245-0709 ‎

All Terrain Motor Sports Inc
3080 I-70 Business Loop, Grand Junction, CO
(970) 434-4874

**santa fe rider** · 06-06-11

Originally Posted by Wild Bill

Rally registration is open @ f800depot.com, it is in the section F800.org items, last icon on the right.

Thanks for the info, Bill!

Thanks, too, Rob!

**jammer** · 06-06-11

I have fallen behind the 8-ball here because of a lower back injury that I have been dealing with but I'll leave the violin in the case. I see that three volunteers have come forward to lead rides. That's awesome. Thanks guys. If anything comes up I can be available as an alternate. I'm registered, booked, and really looking forward to this. I'm three hours from Junction but let me know if I can help in any way.

**TheMeteor** · 06-06-11

Sunny, if renting from Denver, try tour www.tourbikes.com. I am renting from them in July and they have been very good to work with. Eagle Rider was less accommodating.

**Roadpizza** · 06-06-11

You got it dude! I have always thought it should be the guys from Colorado that should be showing off the state... You have it if you want it.

Originally Posted by jammer

I have fallen behind the 8-ball here because of a lower back injury that I have been dealing with but I'll leave the violin in the case. I see that three volunteers have come forward to lead rides. That's awesome. Thanks guys. If anything comes up I can be available as an alternate. I'm registered, booked, and really looking forward to this. I'm three hours from Junction but let me know if I can help in any way.

**Wild Bill** · 06-06-11

OK, so Roadpizza is abdicating the throne of ride leader, and has placed Jammer into that elevated status. I sure hope he takes the position... What say you "Steve" yea or nay........

**glenn2ns** · 06-06-11

how long of a ride is this. . . 200 miles??

**Roadpizza** · 06-07-11

I'll pass the role on to someone else from the area... If there is no takers, I'll stay on at the helm....so to speak.

Originally Posted by Wild Bill

OK, so Roadpizza is abdicating the throne of ride leader, and has placed Jammer into that elevated status. I sure hope he takes the position... What say you "Steve" yea or nay........

**jammer** · 06-07-11

Originally Posted by Wild Bill

OK, so Roadpizza is abdicating the throne of ride leader, and has placed Jammer into that elevated status. I sure hope he takes the position... What say you "Steve" yea or nay........

No problem but like Al I'm new to this so how about a little advice. What do you think is a comfortable milage to shoot for? Most of the loops that I can come up with off hand are about 300 miles. Is that too long? If so I'd hope to come up with something shorter.

**Roadpizza** · 06-07-11

It's all yours. I was thinking of just a 1/2 day ride around the Monument and back over it again. I figured everybody would have been riding a bit just to get here. there is plenty of scenic rides to and from the area.....but, that was just me. Besides, I plan on riding in a bit. early and hit all the spots I wanted to hit.

Those from out of the area might think about a day at Glenwwod in the hot springs pool... nothing like soaking the miles off....

**owl** · 06-07-11

I'll plan on a GS dirt/paved combo ride, maybe something up on Grand Mesa or down through the Uncompraghre Nat Forest. It will be a while before I can actually ride some options as some high places still have close to 300% of normal snowpack.

If anyone wants to come through Crested Butte on the way and do a nice ride over to Grand Junction on Friday, you're welcome to camp at my place or grab a motel in Crested Butte or Gunnison. We can ride the Black Canyon and Grand Mesa, or go the long way and ride Cottonwood pass and Independence pass into Aspen and then over. Or we could ride Kebler Pass and McClure Pass, or catch some back roads over the Mesa. Or we could . . . well, let me know if you're interested.

**Roadpizza** · 06-07-11

i haven't been to Crested Butte in ages......Hmmmm.

**jaherbst** · 06-08-11

For those who have not ridden to Silverton I would consider Silverton and back over the "million dollar highway". 5-6 hours with lunch and stops. Another would be to Telluride and back. 4-5 hours. Over Grand Mesa north to south Delta then GJ.5-6 hours with stops. Many day trips out of here but most good trips will be about 200-250 miles round trip.

Jack

**jammer** · 06-08-11

What I'll probably work on through the summer is getting accurate milages and checking road conditions, construction zones, etc. I know I'll ride a lot of these roads by Sept. Is the "gallery" the best place to upload any relevant photos?

**jaherbst** · 06-08-11

Thanks Steve, Distance to Silverton is 120 miles (240 round trip). Black Canyon and Grand Mesa loops would be a little shorter depending on stops. I will be one of the leads and I think Owl will be the third. Perhaps we could meet Thurs or Fri for details. Dinner Sat. night so we do not want to miss that. Good venue for dinner. I have been there several times.

If those attending could google these areas and give us some input we would know better on how to do the planning. I have ridden all these areas many times and am a Colorado native. Each area is different in it's own way but but they are all worth it. I would hope we could have three different rides and each could choose which route he would like to go on.

Colorado Monument could be a short ride either Fri or Sun.

Jack

colorado Monument

**notacop** · 06-10-11

but most good trips will be about 200-250 miles round trip.

3 1/2-4 hours tops. You here to ride windy roads or talk about it? If I make it I'm going back up on the Mesa to take out a few more of those Whistle Pigs!
If anyone does do the Mesa ride. Just above Cedar Edge, on Hwy 65, is a little camp ground that has a sandwich shop with good food and great ice cream. Well, at least it was good a couple years ago.

**jammer** · 06-10-11

Like Jack mentioned each ride has it's own flavor. I may be wrong but I figure Al will put something together around the Mesa or Gunnison National Forest area...and from the sounds of it he'll be doing GS stuff. Sounds like Jack has his favorite rides as does anyone who has been out here. Since he's moved to AZ he would probably want to visit one of those while he is here? I'm open for any third alternative whether it's a loop or not. I rode to Ouray yesterday via the MDH and it was fantastic. Lots of waterfalls running because of the great snowpack we've received this year. The orange cones are starting to make their appearance. Some chip seal (argg!) projects on 550. Also just south of Ouray (toward Silverton) they are working on a pretty major road repair which just may last into early Sept. It's in one concentrated area but if traffic gets stopped and backed up it may put a damper on a great stretch of riding. Ouray should be quite crowded on our weekend because of a marathon over Imogene Pass. It draws a large crowd. So at least for now I'll just ride, observe, and see how things look to be playing out nearing Sept. Weather may play a role also and for anyone who dosen't like riding in rain maybe a desert ride would suit them better. Plenty of twisties to suit everyone no matter which way you go. I'm not at all familiar with anything N-NW of GJ.

**RAD** · 06-11-11

Originally Posted by Roadpizza

i haven't been to Crested Butte in ages......Hmmmm.

STRONGLY recommend Crested Butte, fantastic little place, I was just there, best pizza ever, bicycles abound.

**Roadpizza** · 06-11-11

Pizza!? Did you say pizza!

I have not been to Crested Butte since I lived for a time in Ouray.....time for a re-visit....

Telluride ( To hell you ride) is a good spot too. Free gondola ride from downtown area to the top of the mountian.

**TireIron** · 06-13-11

Back from vacation and saw the thread update. Just registered; I'm excited, one other rider will be registering with me. -TI

Your order # is: 500000574

**RAD** · 06-14-11

Originally Posted by Roadpizza

Pizza!? Did you say pizza!

I have not been to Crested Butte since I lived for a time in Ouray.....time for a re-visit....

the house special, with figs of all things, blew me away. get there early....

http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl...ed=0CDkQ4gkwAQ

**Roadpizza** · 06-14-11

...

....

As soon as I saw the picture of the building I recognized it as being Crested Butte.

**glenn2ns** · 06-14-11

figs - go figure

**Wild Bill** · 06-16-11

Has everyone registered? Hurry, rooms are limited and being booked quickly.

**Roadpizza** · 06-19-11

I just got back from the Rally in John Day and completed the room booking as of this very minute.

**Rob** · 06-20-11

Originally Posted by Roadpizza

I just got back from the Rally in John Day and completed the room booking as of this very minute.

Did you register on the Depot yet?

**satxbiker** · 06-20-11

Man that sounds really fun, but we are talking about an 1100 mile ride for me from San Antonio. That is 2-3 days up and 2-3 days back just to spend 1 day meeting you guys. I wish this rally were at least a 2 day venture. Right now this trip would be more about the trip up and back than the actual rally itself. Someone post up if they are coming from the San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, El Paso area and I may consider it if I have people to ride up with. I have done multiple day trips before but always with a group. Being female I am still a bit leary about trying to do a trip like this by myself.

**Roadpizza** · 06-20-11

Like I said in my e-mail, i can't get Paypal to work. I got a notice this morning that they are having some kind of trouble on their end....

Originally Posted by Rob

Did you register on the Depot yet?

**Roadpizza** · 06-20-11

Rally's are like fish... they both stink after three days. Of course it is about the trip there and back....ask Bilbo Baggins.

Originally Posted by satxbiker

Man that sounds really fun, but we are talking about an 1100 mile ride for me from San Antonio. That is 2-3 days up and 2-3 days back just to spend 1 day meeting you guys. I wish this rally were at least a 2 day venture. Right now this trip would be more about the trip up and back than the actual rally itself. Someone post up if they are coming from the San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, El Paso area and I may consider it if I have people to ride up with. I have done multiple day trips before but always with a group. Being female I am still a bit leary about trying to do a trip like this by myself.

**Rob** · 06-20-11

Originally Posted by Roadpizza

Like I said in my e-mail, i can't get Paypal to work. I got a notice this morning that they are having some kind of trouble on their end....

You can pay via Credit Cart, Check, or PayPal. It's all through the Depot, not Supporting Memberships like on here.

**jammer** · 06-20-11

Nothing to do about nothing but pretty crazy...
June 20,2011 weather forcast from NOAA at 5 AM for the San Juan Mts. "Winter snow advisory until 6 PM tonight. 3"-6" expected above 10,000 feet." Snow level hit 9000' last night then it got to 80 deg. in town today.
You gotta love this shit!

**Back Roader** · 06-20-11

Curious, how many are expected to attend ? Anyone from Canada ?

**Wild Bill** · 06-21-11

We have around 25 registered attendees as of 6-20-11. In prior years we see a greater influx or registrations as the rally date nears. Rob estimates around 35 to 40, but he tends to be pessimistic

**Wild Bill** · 06-21-11

I think there are 2 from Canada so far.......Of course I could be wrong.

**Roadpizza** · 06-22-11

OK, I'm in...

Originally Posted by Rob

You can pay via Credit Cart, Check, or PayPal. It's all through the Depot, not Supporting Memberships like on here.

**owl** · 06-22-11

Man that sounds really fun, but we are talking about an 1100 mile ride for me from San Antonio. That is 2-3 days up and 2-3 days back just to spend 1 day meeting you guys. I wish this rally were at least a 2 day venture. Right now this trip would be more about the trip up and back than the actual rally itself. Someone post up if they are coming from the San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, El Paso area and I may consider it if I have people to ride up with. I have done multiple day trips before but always with a group. Being female I am still a bit leary about trying to do a trip like this by myself.

Come join us in Crested Butte Thursday night. Lets see, so far there's, ahh, me, and Philip mentioned some interest. Anyone else want to extend this rally, let me know.

Lynn, as far as doing the ride by yourself, I'll encourage you to go for it. What is it you are leary of?

**Bren29** · 06-23-11

Since that's not too far from me and if I can swing the time off from work along with my soon to be husband, we could be able to make it, plus that's near my dad's birthday time and he lives there in Grand Junction. SO as long as everything pans out on my end (work, baby sittter, etc) should be able to make it. Will know more in the next month or so. Western Colorado is Beautiful especially in September. No as hot in the desert over there, the Mesa is a beautiful trip along with the Colorado National Monument. Good place to eat there if you like BBQ is Rib City if you want to stop and get a quick bite to eat - two locations one in Fruita at one end of the Monument, the other off north avenue in Grand Junction itself. Best possible places for hotels are on Horizon drive out near the airport ifyour still looking, some restuarants out there as well.

**Roadpizza** · 06-25-11

I'll be needing to store my bike in Grand Junction a week prior to the rally. Anybody got suggestions? Otherwise, I'll be investigating the local storage facilities near the Airport.....

**Back Roader** · 06-27-11

I don't think I can fit this rally onto my ride schedule this year. Maybe next year. Have fun, enjoy, ride safe!

**Rob** · 06-28-11

Originally Posted by Back Roader

I don't think I can fit this rally onto my ride schedule this year. Maybe next year. Have fun, enjoy, ride safe!

The Thrashers / Jets season doesn't start that early, does it??

**Back Roader** · 06-28-11

They're Back !!!!!!.........Go Jet's Go....

**macsmith777** · 06-29-11

OK, I am registered and booked! I am comparatively new to riding (very long hiatus) and doing the ride over the rockies to GJ from metro Denver is a bit of an adventure! I am excited to meet you all and compare, er, bikes...

**Roadpizza** · 06-29-11

Mine's bigger....

**notacop** · 06-30-11

Phil's may be shinier than yours, he loves to polish it...in public.
Hey, ho, is there gonna be a cut off date to registration? I don't think I'll know about making the jaunt until I get back from a prior trip to Colorado and Idaho. I'll have to work hard to convince myself that going through the Nevada desert and Utah in the heat is a good thing.

**macsmith777** · 06-30-11

This is going to be a hoot! I am excited to see what everyone has been doing to their bikes customization wise, as well as general travel/gear ideas. I am hungry for information and love the enthusiasm of the posts I read on this site. I am a little taken aback by how much I have enjoyed my bike and riding in general. Seem to have caught the bug big time. GJ is a neat place for those who have not been. The town itself is, well, just a town. But the back drop is remarkable.

Thread Tools

Display

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions