Relocating the 08 convention?

I wanted to ask if anyone else felt perhaps we should relocate the 08 conventoin elsewhere? Though I love the roads near the gap I must admit that they are getting far too dangerous for a lot of different reasons. The cops writing tickets there is also getting pretty bad these days. What do you guys think? Ian

I wanted to ask if anyone else felt perhaps we should relocate the 08 conventoin elsewhere? Though I love the roads near the gap I must admit that they are getting far too dangerous for a lot of different reasons. The cops writing tickets there is also getting pretty bad these days. What do you guys think? Ian Where would you want to go?

It's been discussed before on this, and it's been shot done previously. I agree with relocating it to be more centralized so more people can attend. But, was told that Deal's Gap is where it's at. Personally, I'd like to see it held at a track. This way, people can come out and experience first hand what a track is like and compare it to street riding. It's a safer environment, and given the amount of people, a full track rental wouldn't be unreasonable. :thumbup Now, being that I'm slightly biased to location, Brainerd International Raceway is in the process of being revamped. They are repaving a good portion of the track, putting up sleeping areas (not sure if cabins, hotels, campsite expansion), as well as will be building an MX/Supermoto track in the middle of the paved track. For those who don't know about BIR, it has the fastest two corners in North America. :boobies

I think it would fun to rent out a track for 3 or 4 days to run.....

Well, there is also another Gap in Arkansas and I'm told that it's really nice and that it's perfect for sport bikes. I'm open to ideas Ian

Well, there is also another Gap in Arkansas and I'm told that it's really nice and that it's perfect for sport bikes. I'm open to ideas Ian If you think about your argument for safety, tickets, etc. What do you gain by moving it from one public location to another that's similar to it? The police are there to. It's most likely just as dangerous, etc... See where I'm going with it? If you're truly concerned about safety, it's best to move it off of public land and onto a closed course such as a track. However, by doing so, you've now added an additional expense if people want to ride the track. There's no easy solution to this, and as mentioned previously to me, there's other attractions to Deal's Gap than just the riding.

Guys I suggested a change a few years ago, but have thought about it. This is really considered an east coast convention, and Deals gap looks to be centrally located. A track would be great, but I wonder if everyone would want to do that. Some people may not feel comfortable doing a track day , and this would basically eliminate them from participating in any events. Another good thing about Fontana is its location to the gap, and lots of lodging opportunities. I think any popular sportbike road is going to have it problems with the Popo. I ve suggested the Snake road in Bristol Va/Tn area, but it also has problems with police. Its a tough call, and I m not sure what the answer is.........:dunno

I think we should have it at Platinum Plus in Memphis. Then hit Beal St. for wheelies, stoppies and barbecue after we're tanked on Wong's!

I think we should have it at Platinum Plus in Memphis. Then hit Beal St. for wheelies, stoppies and barbecue after we're tanked on Wong's! :thumbup........I think thats it.........:lol:lol WHATSSSSSSSSSUP Ned......hows the motard coming along?

I think we should have it at Platinum Plus in Memphis. Then hit Beal St. for wheelies, stoppies and barbecue after we're tanked on Wong's! you know, I was going to quote Larry's response with a :stpd: but then I read your offering Ned and I"m voting for you now. :hammer: :tocoo:

you know, I was going to quote Larry's response with a :stpd: but then I read your offering Ned and I"m voting for you now. :hammer: :tocoo: I would have to vote on the side of leaving it where it is. :yesnod If it did move I can actaully see my self making a trip to Deals Gap during the year anyway. :fact The area is just amazing. :thumbup

might be a good idea to open up a poll and see if people would like a change....just an idea :dunno

I don't know about relocating it, but I think it would be pretty interesting to make a long distance ride out of it. Start at the Gap and work our way north to hit the best roads in the east up through the northeast, then back. Ride all day, stop and party some place new each night. Just a thought, I realize participation would be a lot less.

What about have it on the West Coast this time...Why does it have to be on the East coast lol?...Lots of people especially Cali cant attend the GAP man...

What about have it on the West Coast this time...Why does it have to be on the East coast lol?...Lots of people especially Cali cant attend the GAP man... There was to be a west coast and an east coast convention last year, with a west coast trackday, that included Graves Motorsports riders, and There was NOT enough interest from the West coast members to even attend the trackday. Logistics would prohibit a nation convention I would think.......

you know, I was going to quote Larry's response with a :stpd: but then I read your offering Ned and I"m voting for you now. :hammer: :tocoo: :stpd: ........Eddie, I think Ned has the right idea IMO...........:fact:yesnod:lol:lol

What about have it on the West Coast this time...Why does it have to be on the East coast lol?...Lots of people especially Cali cant attend the GAP man... There was an attempt to start a West Coast convention, but there wasn't anyone confirmed on it really. Track day, events, prizes, etc. I think the convention is far more than just an "East Coast" event. It is considered "the" event of the forum. IMO, it's only called "East Coast" because of where it started and it's location. Trying to coordinate multiple events for one forum throughout the year in different locations is going to be to difficult. The interest will drop. Chad (gawarrior) is attempting to make this the largest convention ever, which IMO means it's now no longer an "East Coast" only thing.

There was to be a west coast and an east coast convention last year, with a west coast trackday, that included Graves Motorsports riders, and There was NOT enough interest from the West coast members to even attend the trackday. Logistics would prohibit a nation convention I would think....... I thought it was '04 or '05 where the West Coast was going to have the convention? As to logistics, it's not prohibitive. Chad is already making the convention larger by wanting to get more people interested. Unfortunately, if he really wants to do it, it needs to be more centrally located so that it's more readily accessible to a much larger group of people.

There was an attempt to start a West Coast convention, but there wasn't anyone confirmed on it really. Track day, events, prizes, etc. I think the convention is far more than just an "East Coast" event. It is considered "the" event of the forum. IMO, it's only called "East Coast" because of where it started and it's location. Trying to coordinate multiple events for one forum throughout the year in different locations is going to be to difficult. The interest will drop. Chad (gawarrior) is attempting to make this the largest convention ever, which IMO means it's now no longer an "East Coast" only thing. Yeah, I agree Shawn, Its really open to anyone, and East coast, is just a term, but, It wouldnt bother me if the West coast guys planned something also. It would just be to difficult for most of the west coast guys to attend the gap, and visa versa on the east coast guys going to one there.

I thought it was '04 or '05 where the West Coast was going to have the convention? . Yeah, it may have been those years, not sure..:lol But i do feel that 2 conventions would be needed to make it accessible to everyone, even a more central location for one convention would exclude some people from making it. Thats why it would be nice to see 2 IMO.....:dunno

Yeah, I agree Shawn, Its really open to anyone, and East coast, is just a term, but, It wouldnt bother me if the West coast guys planned something also. It would just be to difficult for most of the west coast guys to attend the gap, and visa versa on the east coast guys going to one there. Exactly Larry. So, what's the best way to alleviate the problem of one coast or the other? Centralize it. ;) I just think that attempting to make multiple forum events as large as what the annual convention is will be nearly impossible. Look at the turnout for the West Coast convention, wasn't much there and it was known about for months in advance and stated so. Unfortunately, hardly anyone will look at any other convention held during the year as anything other than secondary. IMO, focus should be put on one convention here in the US. It's talked about all year long, and receives far more attention than anything else could ever have. If there's interest for more, such as what the Ausralians do for another country, then it'd be something else as it's located there. IE: Europe, Australia, US/Canada conventions

Yeah, it may have been those years, not sure..:lol But i do feel that 2 conventions would be needed to make it accessible to everyone, even a more central location for one convention would exclude some people from making it. Thats why it would be nice to see 2 IMO.....:dunno Think about it though. Logistically speaking, it's already difficult enough to get one convention together. Look at all the time and effort that goes into it. Would spnsors be willing to put up twice the amount of giveaways? Probably not. Not to mention that one will always get more press time than the other. I'm on another forum for weight lifting, and they do one convention a year. The first two years, it was in CA. Then it went to Las Vegas, Florida, New York, Chicago, Texas, etc. The idea of it is to make it as accessable for as many people over the years. There's always smaller local conventions, but it's never touted as being any kind of official event.

It started as the R1 East Coast Convention. Must have been a good location to start with or it wouldn't have grown to this point. Post up some pictures of the 1st Convention if you have some.

Old school R1 East Coast Convention memory.

Old school R1 East Coast Convention memory. :lol:thumbup...........I still have think about you grilling Pork chops under the tent Ned...........best damn chops i ever had.........:fact:yesnod

Leave it at the Gap. Its the best location for so many in the Venom Squadron.. :fact

There was a BIG push that invovled Yamaha factory mechanic track day and a TON of prizes and really cool stuff and in the end out of the tens and thousands of page views no one would confirm.. We've toyed around with different locations in the past since it started and the most centralized and well known place to have it is Deals Gap.. Everyone expects it there and fontana village caters to us there. We couldn't have asked for a better venue then we get there last year.. There was a few unfortunate events so to say but it would happen anywhere.. Thanks for the suggestion though.. :)

Well, I must say I really enjoy the Deal's Gap area. There are so many other roads to ride than the actual Gap run itself. Last year I did several loops starting at Fontana and riding to the CROT to talk smack with everyone. From there I went the other way on 129 past Wheeler's on into Robinsville. Got a bite to eat then took out on 28 {I think} past the Ingles Supermarket back to Fontana and the cabins. Still lot's of nice curves, but not as technical as the Dragon. I didn't even do Blood Mountain last year. Really, I'm open to anything, but as stated earlier you will have the same problems anywhere it's held. Getting to the Gap early in the week is the key to some of the best riding the area offers without the crowds and heavy LEO presence. As for holding it at a track that would be nice, but I don't think we would get near the people to attend. Our Jennings Track Day we did a few weeks ago turned out pretty nice and we all had a blast. It was like a mini convention. Next year I'm going to see about renting the track for a day so we can have it all to ourselves if enough people are interested.

Well, I just got a chance to read everything and reply. Shane (SpidermanSS) and Larry (Ducatiwv) have pretty much answered all the issues. and I will re-iterate. The R1 Forum East Coast Convention started in 2003 at Deal's Gap. I took over putting it together in 2004 and we moved it to Fontana Village. Each year it has gotten bigger and bigger and also better than the previous year. Fontana Village has also come a long way since we first started doing this. They have always gone out of their way to help us with anything, including giving us some KILLER deals on food and lodging. This year Fontana is really stepping it up and doing more than ever for us. We are one of the biggest events they have up there. That brings me to one of the main reasons we don't move the convention...there may be good roads in other places in the country, I have no doubt. But I do doubt they are any "better" than the ones at the Gap or around the Gap. But that is not even the main reason, I would find it very highly unlikely that we would find another place as accomodating to us as Fontana Village is, or as large and can accomodate all our people and growing size each year! You know the riding is really cool, but for me and a LOT of the others the hanging out and meeting up with everyone is really what the convention is about. And I can't imagine any other place being better than Fontana Village for us to do that. Heck, they let us do whatever we want. We shoot fireworks at night, ride 4 wheelers, dirtbikes, and pit bikes all over the place with no trouble at all. Another reason we don't move the convention is that the area in and around Deal's Gap is not only great sportbike riding roads. The whole area is gorgeous! There are a TON of things to do. There is dirtbiking at several different areas within an hour and a half from Fontana. Fontana is an amazing Family oriented place as well that allows our forum members with Families to bring their family and have a lot to do. Horseback riding, putt putt, archery, arts and crafts, swiming pools, fishing, waterslides, boat rentals, just to name a few. There is also White Water rafting not far away as well. Shopping in Cherokee N.C. is very close as well as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Maggie Valley N.C. has the Wheels Through Time Museum that is amazing. These are all just things I can thing of off the top of my head. There is more stuff I can't think of right now. Now let's talk about the riding roads. Now riding a sportbike on any road in america is dangerous...that is part of it. we all know that. We buy these bikes knowing that and take the risk each and everytime we throw a leg over the bike. But that is life! Life can be dangerous. Those of us that choose to do this choose to live our life to the fullest and we get the most out of it!! I see it on every face each year at the convention!! Riding great roads like Deal's Gap, Hwy 28, Cherohala Skyway, make a day trip to Blood Mountain in Ga and ride hwy 180, hwy 60, Richard B. Russell, or head north towards Boone and ride Shadey Valley and the roads around there. That is just to name a few that are unbelievable roads to hit with Fontana Village right smack dab in the middle of all of them. And the greatest thing is you don't have to be draggin a knee or pushing your limits to enjoy all of this. You can take a leisurely ride and enjoy it just as much! We all preach riding in your limits and staying safe. WE all want to make it back each night to grab some great food and great laughs with our Forum brothers and sisters! Now, as for the trackday thing. Unfortunately that is not realistic to have as a Forum Convention. THere are just to many riders that don't ride the track and WAAAAYYY to many people that will not commit. To rent a decent track like Barber, Road Atlanta, or VIR costs around 10,000 per day! And guess what, none of them are available on weekends. THey get booked a couple years out. While it is a great idea in theory, it just isn't possible to do right now. What IS a possibility is that Yamaha could pull off something at some point like they were going to do for the WEST Coast and rent the track for just R1 And R6 Forum members only. That could happen one day, but guys you have to prove your support buy us having great turnouts at the East Coast Convention. Yamaha comes to the Convention every year and trust me, they see the excitement and know that it is also something that could be good for them. I could see in the future having an R1 Forum only Trackday event with maybe a couple days at the track. but that would be probably the most. Most wouldn't want or could afford to do more than a couple days no matter what. I could also see Yamaha maybe helping us to rent a track like Road Atlanta during the Convention. Road Atlanta is only about 2 hours from Fontana Village. It could be done one day during the week. But like I said, having Yamaha on board to support something like that would be huge and make it really happen. Us doing it ourselves would be really hard because of the logistics and cost. Plus something like that would require committments ahead of time. No waiting until the last minute to decide. To much money and effort would be involved to just "wing it". As I said, we need to continue to grow the East Coast Convention where it is now and that will help us show Yamaha that this is for real and it would be worth their time and money to become even more envolved. The idea of moving the convention may sound like a good thing, but in reality it would hurt the Convention. It has taken us years to get the Convention to where it is today and to up and move it would be like starting all over again. Like the old saying goes, if it isn't broke don't fix it! Sorry for the long post but I hope it explains some things.:thumbup

Well, I just got a chance to read everything and reply. Shane (SpidermanSS) and Larry (Ducatiwv) have pretty much answered all the issues. and I will re-iterate. The R1 Forum East Coast Convention started in 2003 at Deal's Gap. I took over putting it together in 2004 and we moved it to Fontana Village. Each year it has gotten bigger and bigger and also better than the previous year. Fontana Village has also come a long way since we first started doing this. They have always gone out of their way to help us with anything, including giving us some KILLER deals on food and lodging. This year Fontana is really stepping it up and doing more than ever for us. We are one of the biggest events they have up there. That brings me to one of the main reasons we don't move the convention...there may be good roads in other places in the country, I have no doubt. But I do doubt they are any "better" than the ones at the Gap or around the Gap. But that is not even the main reason, I would find it very highly unlikely that we would find another place as accomodating to us as Fontana Village is, or as large and can accomodate all our people and growing size each year! You know the riding is really cool, but for me and a LOT of the others the hanging out and meeting up with everyone is really what the convention is about. And I can't imagine any other place being better than Fontana Village for us to do that. Heck, they let us do whatever we want. We shoot fireworks at night, ride 4 wheelers, dirtbikes, and pit bikes all over the place with no trouble at all. Another reason we don't move the convention is that the area in and around Deal's Gap is not only great sportbike riding roads. The whole area is gorgeous! There are a TON of things to do. There is dirtbiking at several different areas within an hour and a half from Fontana. Fontana is an amazing Family oriented place as well that allows our forum members with Families to bring their family and have a lot to do. Horseback riding, putt putt, archery, arts and crafts, swiming pools, fishing, waterslides, boat rentals, just to name a few. There is also White Water rafting not far away as well. Shopping in Cherokee N.C. is very close as well as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Maggie Valley N.C. has the Wheels Through Time Museum that is amazing. These are all just things I can thing of off the top of my head. There is more stuff I can't think of right now. Now let's talk about the riding roads. Now riding a sportbike on any road in america is dangerous...that is part of it. we all know that. We buy these bikes knowing that and take the risk each and everytime we throw a leg over the bike. But that is life! Life can be dangerous. Those of us that choose to do this choose to live our life to the fullest and we get the most out of it!! I see it on every face each year at the convention!! Riding great roads like Deal's Gap, Hwy 28, Cherohala Skyway, make a day trip to Blood Mountain in Ga and ride hwy 180, hwy 60, Richard B. Russell, or head north towards Boone and ride Shadey Valley and the roads around there. That is just to name a few that are unbelievable roads to hit with Fontana Village right smack dab in the middle of all of them. And the greatest thing is you don't have to be draggin a knee or pushing your limits to enjoy all of this. You can take a leisurely ride and enjoy it just as much! We all preach riding in your limits and staying safe. WE all want to make it back each night to grab some great food and great laughs with our Forum brothers and sisters! Now, as for the trackday thing. Unfortunately that is not realistic to have as a Forum Convention. THere are just to many riders that don't ride the track and WAAAAYYY to many people that will not commit. To rent a decent track like Barber, Road Atlanta, or VIR costs around 10,000 per day! And guess what, none of them are available on weekends. THey get booked a couple years out. While it is a great idea in theory, it just isn't possible to do right now. What IS a possibility is that Yamaha could pull off something at some point like they were going to do for the WEST Coast and rent the track for just R1 And R6 Forum members only. That could happen one day, but guys you have to prove your support buy us having great turnouts at the East Coast Convention. Yamaha comes to the Convention every year and trust me, they see the excitement and know that it is also something that could be good for them. I could see in the future having an R1 Forum only Trackday event with maybe a couple days at the track. but that would be probably the most. Most wouldn't want or could afford to do more than a couple days no matter what. I could also see Yamaha maybe helping us to rent a track like Road Atlanta during the Convention. Road Atlanta is only about 2 hours from Fontana Village. It could be done one day during the week. But like I said, having Yamaha on board to support something like that would be huge and make it really happen. Us doing it ourselves would be really hard because of the logistics and cost. Plus something like that would require committments ahead of time. No waiting until the last minute to decide. To much money and effort would be involved to just "wing it". As I said, we need to continue to grow the East Coast Convention where it is now and that will help us show Yamaha that this is for real and it would be worth their time and money to become even more envolved. The idea of moving the convention may sound like a good thing, but in reality it would hurt the Convention. It has taken us years to get the Convention to where it is today and to up and move it would be like starting all over again. Like the old saying goes, if it isn't broke don't fix it! Sorry for the long post but I hope it explains some things.:thumbup Very well said Chad!!! :bow :bow :bow http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q60/vmaxman06/appl.gif

Sorry for the long post but I hope it explains some things.:thumbup Explains a lot, and I do remember all of this from prior discussions as well which I touched on earlier in the thread. :yesnod The only suggestion I would make, which I mentioned to Shane is to change the name. Instead of being billed as the "East Coast convention" I'd suggest generalizing it to simply "R1/R6-Forum Convention" due to the fact that it really is the only official "unofficial" convention of the forum. Nothing else gets as much air time as this does, and anything else really is only secondary to Fontana/Deal's Gap. :thumbup

Hey Shawn.. Since your the official "EFF OFF" guy for the convention.. How about I bring you the sling shot this year and make you in charge of shooting all the people that don't pay for food but show up and eat it.... :fact :lol

Hey Shawn.. Since your the official "EFF OFF" guy for the convention.. How about I bring you the sling shot this year and make you in charge of shooting all the people that don't pay for food but show up and eat it.... :fact :lol Better idea: How about I bring a compound bow, and play dueling banjos in the background? :flex: :lol :lol

Better idea: How about I bring a compound bow, and play dueling banjos in the background? :flex: :lol :lol Shawn, had you gone on the White Water Raft Trip in '05 you could have done that. :eek: Look forward to meeting you this year.

Shawn, had you gone on the White Water Raft Trip in '05 you could have done that. :eek: Look forward to meeting you this year. :lol :lol Looking forward to meeting you as well Randy. :thumbup

Awwwe......Feel the love in this thread!! :lol :lol

Well, I just got a chance to read everything and reply. Shane (SpidermanSS) and Larry (Ducatiwv) have pretty much answered all the issues. and I will re-iterate. The R1 Forum East Coast Convention started in 2003 at Deal's Gap. I took over putting it together in 2004 and we moved it to Fontana Village. Each year it has gotten bigger and bigger and also better than the previous year. Fontana Village has also come a long way since we first started doing this. They have always gone out of their way to help us with anything, including giving us some KILLER deals on food and lodging. This year Fontana is really stepping it up and doing more than ever for us. We are one of the biggest events they have up there. That brings me to one of the main reasons we don't move the convention...there may be good roads in other places in the country, I have no doubt. But I do doubt they are any "better" than the ones at the Gap or around the Gap. But that is not even the main reason, I would find it very highly unlikely that we would find another place as accomodating to us as Fontana Village is, or as large and can accomodate all our people and growing size each year! You know the riding is really cool, but for me and a LOT of the others the hanging out and meeting up with everyone is really what the convention is about. And I can't imagine any other place being better than Fontana Village for us to do that. Heck, they let us do whatever we want. We shoot fireworks at night, ride 4 wheelers, dirtbikes, and pit bikes all over the place with no trouble at all. Another reason we don't move the convention is that the area in and around Deal's Gap is not only great sportbike riding roads. The whole area is gorgeous! There are a TON of things to do. There is dirtbiking at several different areas within an hour and a half from Fontana. Fontana is an amazing Family oriented place as well that allows our forum members with Families to bring their family and have a lot to do. Horseback riding, putt putt, archery, arts and crafts, swiming pools, fishing, waterslides, boat rentals, just to name a few. There is also White Water rafting not far away as well. Shopping in Cherokee N.C. is very close as well as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Maggie Valley N.C. has the Wheels Through Time Museum that is amazing. These are all just things I can thing of off the top of my head. There is more stuff I can't think of right now. Now let's talk about the riding roads. Now riding a sportbike on any road in america is dangerous...that is part of it. we all know that. We buy these bikes knowing that and take the risk each and everytime we throw a leg over the bike. But that is life! Life can be dangerous. Those of us that choose to do this choose to live our life to the fullest and we get the most out of it!! I see it on every face each year at the convention!! Riding great roads like Deal's Gap, Hwy 28, Cherohala Skyway, make a day trip to Blood Mountain in Ga and ride hwy 180, hwy 60, Richard B. Russell, or head north towards Boone and ride Shadey Valley and the roads around there. That is just to name a few that are unbelievable roads to hit with Fontana Village right smack dab in the middle of all of them. And the greatest thing is you don't have to be draggin a knee or pushing your limits to enjoy all of this. You can take a leisurely ride and enjoy it just as much! We all preach riding in your limits and staying safe. WE all want to make it back each night to grab some great food and great laughs with our Forum brothers and sisters! Now, as for the trackday thing. Unfortunately that is not realistic to have as a Forum Convention. THere are just to many riders that don't ride the track and WAAAAYYY to many people that will not commit. To rent a decent track like Barber, Road Atlanta, or VIR costs around 10,000 per day! And guess what, none of them are available on weekends. THey get booked a couple years out. While it is a great idea in theory, it just isn't possible to do right now. What IS a possibility is that Yamaha could pull off something at some point like they were going to do for the WEST Coast and rent the track for just R1 And R6 Forum members only. That could happen one day, but guys you have to prove your support buy us having great turnouts at the East Coast Convention. Yamaha comes to the Convention every year and trust me, they see the excitement and know that it is also something that could be good for them. I could see in the future having an R1 Forum only Trackday event with maybe a couple days at the track. but that would be probably the most. Most wouldn't want or could afford to do more than a couple days no matter what. I could also see Yamaha maybe helping us to rent a track like Road Atlanta during the Convention. Road Atlanta is only about 2 hours from Fontana Village. It could be done one day during the week. But like I said, having Yamaha on board to support something like that would be huge and make it really happen. Us doing it ourselves would be really hard because of the logistics and cost. Plus something like that would require committments ahead of time. No waiting until the last minute to decide. To much money and effort would be involved to just "wing it". As I said, we need to continue to grow the East Coast Convention where it is now and that will help us show Yamaha that this is for real and it would be worth their time and money to become even more envolved. The idea of moving the convention may sound like a good thing, but in reality it would hurt the Convention. It has taken us years to get the Convention to where it is today and to up and move it would be like starting all over again. Like the old saying goes, if it isn't broke don't fix it! Sorry for the long post but I hope it explains some things.:thumbup wow....I can tell this is like your baby :bow I can't wait to attend one of these years

Hey Shawn.. Since your the official "EFF OFF" guy for the convention.. How about I bring you the sling shot this year and make you in charge of shooting all the people that don't pay for food but show up and eat it.... :fact :lol LOL..... Hey Shawn..... bring those boots you have with the spike in the front and kick'em in the ding ding!!!!!!!!

What IS a possibility is that Yamaha could pull off something at some point like they were going to do for the WEST Coast and rent the track for just R1 And R6 Forum members only. That could happen one day, but guys you have to prove your support buy us having great turnouts at the East Coast Convention. Yamaha comes to the Convention every year and trust me, they see the excitement and know that it is also something that could be good for them. Hit the nail on the head Chad!!!!!!!

I wanted to ask if anyone else felt perhaps we should relocate the 08 conventoin elsewhere? Though I love the roads near the gap I must admit that they are getting far too dangerous for a lot of different reasons. The cops writing tickets there is also getting pretty bad these days. What do you guys think? Ian Im not going to touch the dangerous part of the gap because its only dangerous if you ride past your own abilty. As far as the tickets go, I cant think of any of us that recieved a ticket on the Gap....I believe the tickets recieved were on the surronding roads, Shane got one on 28, by the nicest officer ever, and the other 4 got thiers on the Skyway for being in the "slow group" as they put it....I came around the corner at the overlook once and didnt know there was a deputy sitting there, I grabbed a handful of brake and pulled in, he was nice enough to give me a nod a nd waving of the finger to slow down. As far as a track, more people would go down on the track because of it being a controlled enviroment and uncontrolled ego's!

oh, and if Yamaha wants to rent out Barber for us to play at, Im bringing my ego and we are all going at it:lol

Logistics would prohibit a nation convention I would think....... ahem... INTERnational... thanks :sing:

Pick the middle of the us and you will double the size of it.... driving 2500miles is out of the question.............. but 1200 or so is doable.

oh, and if Yamaha wants to rent out Barber for us to play at, Im bringing my ego and we are all going at it:lol LOL..... now that would be fun!!!!!!!!!

ahem... INTERnational... thanks :sing: Whats up Matt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:hellobye

Look at the turnout for the West Coast convention, wasn't much there and it was known about for months in advance and stated so. This is not true.......... people waited forever with no confirmed info, then in the last few weeks it was confirmed, then they pulled out a week or two later. It's all in the threads if you look.

ahem... INTERnational... thanks :sing: then the Aussies and thier Fosters will show up, we have a hard enough time with your Canucks and your hard liquer:thumbup :fact

then the Aussies and thier Fosters will show up, we have a hard enough time with your Canucks and your hard liquer:thumbup :fact LOL....anyone heard from those guys...... worst hangover I ever had!:drunk:

Explains a lot, and I do remember all of this from prior discussions as well which I touched on earlier in the thread. :yesnod The only suggestion I would make, which I mentioned to Shane is to change the name. Instead of being billed as the "East Coast convention" I'd suggest generalizing it to simply "R1/R6-Forum Convention" due to the fact that it really is the only official "unofficial" convention of the forum. Nothing else gets as much air time as this does, and anything else really is only secondary to Fontana/Deal's Gap. :thumbup already done. I did that right after I posted. check my sig now.

wow....I can tell this is like your baby :bow I can't wait to attend one of these years Yes it is....and no better time than the present:rock

Im not going to touch the dangerous part of the gap because its only dangerous if you ride past your own abilty. That's only half of the danger. The other half is the people coming the other way who are riding past their abilities and take you out along with them. I'd bet that on over half of the runs up and down the Gap I saw at least one off road incident where someone crossed the oncoming lane. This won't keep me from riding it though (work might, but personal decision won't).

ahem... INTERnational... thanks :sing: HOLY CRAP!! Its MATT!! :hellobye

already done. I did that right after I posted. check my sig now. :mad: :rant Now I have to fix mine!! :finger :lol :lol

:mad: :rant Now I have to fix mine!! :finger :lol :lol hahaha, get on it! lol. It really has become "The Convention" and we have guys come from all over now, not just and East Coast thing anymore.

It's obvious this is quite a passion for Chad considering the commitment he makes to making this all happen. VOLUNTEER work for clubs, groups, etc....is always a thankless job and will usually jade somebody quickly. It's impressive to see Chad still does it, still wants to do it, and does a better job at it each year. the fact that is is still going on, and growing each year is against very tall odds. Most events like this usually die off after a couple of years. It would be a great loss to see a major change turn the success of the Convention around the other way.

hahaha, get on it! lol. It really has become "The Convention" and we have guys come from all over now, not just and East Coast thing anymore. Hell yeah!! Midwest in the house here!! :rock :cool: :lol

Well why dont you have a cannon ball starting at deals gap and ending in ????Tronto?

already done. I did that right after I posted. check my sig now. I was already way ahead of you.....check your hat from last year. :fact

I was already way ahead of you.....check your hat from last year. :fact :sing: :sing: http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q60/vmaxman06/Gap%20Trip/PictureMedium.jpg

It's obvious this is quite a passion for Chad considering the commitment he makes to making this all happen. VOLUNTEER work for clubs, groups, etc....is always a thankless job and will usually jade somebody quickly. It's impressive to see Chad still does it, still wants to do it, and does a better job at it each year. the fact that is is still going on, and growing each year is against very tall odds. Most events like this usually die off after a couple of years. It would be a great loss to see a major change turn the success of the Convention around the other way. thanks...I really enjoy seeing it grow each year. The first year I did it because no one else would and I wanted it to happen again! I met so many great friends the first time I went in 2003... Guys like BKR1, Gaprider, and Zrider! I still talk to them on a weekly basis to this day! And each year I have met more great friends. And I am not talking just riding buddies, I am talking about true friends. I just wanted everyone else to have this same chance. I really was wondering what I was getting myself into at first, but I am really really glad I decided to do it now! and I have plans to keep it going for many many years to come and for it to grow each and every year:rock

I was already way ahead of you.....check your hat from last year. :fact haha, you did good! I still wear my hat all the time too!

Pick the middle of the us and you will double the size of it.... driving 2500miles is out of the question.............. but 1200 or so is doable. I would bet that it wouldn't. Several people that go now would probably not go if it were in the Mid-US, while several from the west would attend.

oh, and if Yamaha wants to rent out Barber for us to play at, Im bringing my ego and we are all going at it:lol Ego????? Naw, not you..... :lol :lol :lol Um, I bet some of it will show March 11th. Is Beafer going to be there with us?

I have to admit I had reservations about getting together with a bunch of Sportbike riders with big egos. I've been to Deals Gap and have seen people ride beyond their limits just to keep up. It's probably the only reason I didn't attent the Warrior meet last year. As a moderator on that site, I was leery that some of the members would ride over their heads as challange to others and create a bad situation. As far as the R1 convention goes, last year my work schedule interfered with this event and this year a family vacation might screw me out of a good time, (funny huh?). After meeting with some of the riders from this forum (several of them moderators BTW) I was assured that there are gonna be people there who share my same concerns and that for the most part it's the off bike time that's the best part of the event. I'm still trying to work this into my schedule and hope to attend this. As far as location goes, there's alot going for it already in it's current location and moving something of this magnitude will take more than just a few people to achieve. If your really wanting a centrally located GTG it's your call. You have to act, not just say what you would like. I'd be willing to go anywhere as long as the details are worked out.

I would bet that it wouldn't. Several people that go now would probably not go if it were in the Mid-US, while several from the west would attend. Ya, you could be right..... I did think about loosing people because they had to drive some distance, when they normally have it pretty close.

Hey Rhett... I know of a VERY reputable transport company that I can get to transport bikes from the west coast with. They haul in secured crates. They did an extroidinary job with some of the metric tv bikes. I'm sure if enuff are interested I can get the whole truck secured and available to stop at 5-6 spots across the west coast. From there everyone could fly into knoxville, tenn. and Fontana Village has a buss that would meet everyone on a certain day and time. Honestly it would be a great alternative .. The gap is luckily only 6 hours from me but if it's become famous for our site there and I want you to come and at least think about that option.. Hit me up if you want to talk about it more...

thanks...I really enjoy seeing it grow each year. The first year I did it because no one else would and I wanted it to happen again! I met so many great friends the first time I went in 2003... Guys like BKR1, Gaprider, and Zrider! I still talk to them on a weekly basis to this day! And each year I have met more great friends. And I am not talking just riding buddies, I am talking about true friends. I just wanted everyone else to have this same chance. I really was wondering what I was getting myself into at first, but I am really really glad I decided to do it now! and I have plans to keep it going for many many years to come and for it to grow each and every year:rock I just gave the west coaster a HUGE plus too...

That is a great option shane! I hope some guys take you up on it!!

Ego????? Naw, not you..... :lol :lol :lol Um, I bet some of it will show March 11th. Is Beafer going to be there with us? Naw, Beafer got all wifed up on us and has a kid on the way....But his girlfriend Bmax did pay up and will be joining us. Besides, if Beafer shows up, thats one session thats gonna get red flagged

Hey Rhett... I know of a VERY reputable transport company that I can get to transport bikes from the west coast with. They haul in secured crates. They did an extroidinary job with some of the metric tv bikes. I'm sure if enuff are interested I can get the whole truck secured and available to stop at 5-6 spots across the west coast. From there everyone could fly into knoxville, tenn. and Fontana Village has a buss that would meet everyone on a certain day and time. Honestly it would be a great alternative .. The gap is luckily only 6 hours from me but if it's become famous for our site there and I want you to come and at least think about that option.. Hit me up if you want to talk about it more... That sounds like a great idea.......... This year is out though as I only have so much vacation time and it's been booked. I do think this is something we should plan for for next year though.... I think it may work if we can get a few others to join up... the tight wad's we can just crate them up for the free trip with the bikes.... :lol :lol I will remember this for next year and hit you up to see what we can get done. If nothing else, just flying out for a few days even without the bike would still be cool.

Well, I have taken the intelligent method in this discussion and chosen not to read all the previous posts but to just state my opinion: Why mess with a good thing? GapRider... get it GAP rider

Naw, Beafer got all wifed up on us and has a kid on the way....But his girlfriend Bmax did pay up and will be joining us. Besides, if Beafer shows up, thats one session thats gonna get red flagged Bmax will do. :thumbup

hey Randy, you suck!!!!!!:machinegu :flex: :2bitchsla :ugh :dunno :tocoo:

Well, I have taken the intelligent method in this discussion and chosen not to read all the previous posts but to just state my opinion: Why mess with a good thing? GapRider... get it GAP rider Thanks for the input eddie...that was very deep!:lol

Well, I have taken the intelligent method in this discussion and chosen not to read all the previous posts but to just state my opinion: Why mess with a good thing? GapRider... get it GAP rider I agree Eddie. This time "Please" don't throw burnt rubber bits all over my truck on Saturday night. Last year I had to stop in Robbinsville early Sunday morning to clean the windshield on my way back to Florida. :sing:

Thanks for the input eddie...that was very deep!:lol of course

hey Randy, you suck!!!!!!:machinegu :flex: :2bitchsla :ugh :dunno :tocoo: Sup Edward. :sissy:

I agree Eddie. This time "Please" don't throw burnt rubber bits all over my truck on Saturday night. Last year I had to stop in Robbinsville early Sunday morning to clean the windshield on my way back to Florida. :sing: Randy, I had all those rubber bits in my pocket and had to do something with them.

Sup Edward. :sissy: oh just messin with one of my friends named Randy:riding

hey, who can't wait to get to Talladega this weekend?

hey, who can't wait to get to Talladega this weekend? Well, I won't be there. What's going on? NASCAR? Randy, I had all those rubber bits in my pocket and had to do something with them. LOL... I was cussin' your a$$ all the way to Florida. By the time I got South of Atlanta I got over it. :lol You and your wild burn outs. I think you were half lit anyway. :beer

The legend of Eddie Bobby and Chad Rickey.. :fact

i vote for the gap. cops arent to bad out there, only if your doing something that looks like you need to be given a ticket you prob should. i went 3 times last year and i will be at the convention this year. as far a as track day, sounds likea good idea but i dont think that everybody rides like a badass. esp for 3-4 days straight. i vote gap. its still 7:43 min drive from livonia michigan to punkincenter resort, with a trailer of 4 bikes i dont really want to go anyplace further.

That sounds like a great idea.......... This year is out though as I only have so much vacation time and it's been booked. I do think this is something we should plan for for next year though.... I think it may work if we can get a few others to join up... the tight wad's we can just crate them up for the free trip with the bikes.... :lol :lol I will remember this for next year and hit you up to see what we can get done. If nothing else, just flying out for a few days even without the bike would still be cool. If you make the trip!!!!! I will give you a bike to ride!!!!!

If you make the trip!!!!! I will give you a bike to ride!!!!! That's awesome of you to offer, not many people would do that and I appreciate it very much... thank you. It woudl be really tough for me to make it this year as I have things setup already.... but it's worth a try to ask for another week of vacation. I will post back up next week after I see if I can get another week of vacation this year. After 13 years they should bend the rules a little........... but you never know.

Didn't read all the post... But did any one mention colorado or south dakota? I like south dakota. b/c people can ride through the bad lands, the "hills" , mt. rush more.... And there's TON'S of camping out there.... I Wouldn't want to do a track day either.... But i think that the convention needs to be more located in the center on the states....

I can't wait!!!! 3 days at the track...It's about time, whaaahhoooo!!!

ahem... INTERnational... thanks :sing: Sorry Matt..........Can't forget about you Darn Canadians, and your hard Liquor..........:fact:lol:yesnod For anyone that doesnt know..........NEVER leave your drink cup unattended or better yet, without your hand over it around the Canadians..........:drunk: :lol

If you make the trip!!!!! I will give you a bike to ride!!!!! Are you just planning on Dan's bike showing up without him as usual!! :fact :lol :lol

The legend of Eddie Bobby and Chad Rickey.. :fact that's right:thumbup

I can't wait!!!! 3 days at the track...It's about time, whaaahhoooo!!! guess I need to hurry up and get my bike ready. I'm still messing with that camera setup.

guess I need to hurry up and get my bike ready. I'm still messing with that camera setup. :cool: Get some good footage Eddie!! I'm gonna make the trip through the sub-zero temps to my climate control unit today and start putting on some of the goodies that Shane and the boys have gotten to me so far!! :fact :rock

Well, I won't be there. What's going on? NASCAR? LOL... I was cussin' your a$$ all the way to Florida. By the time I got South of Atlanta I got over it. :lol You and your wild burn outs. I think you were half lit anyway. :beer Randy, it is little Tally Gran Prix. Road Racing course. First Wera race of the year!!! Oh, and you have to be careful around eddie, he is always causing trouble:sing: hahahahahaha guess I need to hurry up and get my bike ready. I'm still messing with that camera setup. yeah, that might be a good idea being that we only have 4 days before you leave, lol.

Randy, it is little Tally Gran Prix. Road Racing course. First Wera race of the year!!! Oh, and you have to be careful around eddie, he is always causing trouble:sing: hahahahahaha Well, good luck guys. Have some fun and be careful. Oh, I know all about Eddie. :sing:

thanks...I really enjoy seeing it grow each year. The first year I did it because no one else would and I wanted it to happen again! I met so many great friends the first time I went in 2003... Guys like BKR1, Gaprider, and Zrider! I still talk to them on a weekly basis to this day! And each year I have met more great friends. And I am not talking just riding buddies, I am talking about true friends. I just wanted everyone else to have this same chance. I really was wondering what I was getting myself into at first, but I am really really glad I decided to do it now! and I have plans to keep it going for many many years to come and for it to grow each and every year:rock Nobody but a TRUE friend , lets you scuff their knee pucks :fact

Speaking of Chad's kneepucks: He made me take this pic the first time his little pucks got scratched at the GAP. http://www.gaprider.com/gap0306/chadfirst.JPG

Hey Randy, you mean this?http://www.gaprider.com/gap0306/burnout.JPG

oops! http://www.gaprider.com/gap0306/burnout2.JPG

Hey Randy, you mean this?http://www.gaprider.com/gap0306/burnout.JPG :lol:lol:thumbup............GOOD TIMES Eddie.........:fact:lol

. :lol You and your wild burn outs. I think you were half lit anyway. :beer no, here I was half lit: http://www.gaprider.com/gap0306/troubletimes3.JPG

:cool: Get some good footage Eddie!! I'm gonna make the trip through the sub-zero temps to my climate control unit today and start putting on some of the goodies that Shane and the boys have gotten to me so far!! :fact :rock that's my plan Brian! Although at first I'm going to have the camera aimed at me so I can learn just what the heck I'm actually doing on the bike and try to get faster/smoother

The legend of Eddie Bobby and Chad Rickey.. :fact :lol

no, here I was half lit: http://www.gaprider.com/gap0306/troubletimes3.JPG LMAO..... everybody was lit that night!!!!

LMAO..... everybody was lit that night!!!! :no Not me.........:sing: :lol:lol

:no Not me.........:sing: :lol:lol where's my waders?

where's my waders? :lol:lol:lol:dunno:drunk: ......BUSTED!!!!..........LMAO

The EAST COAST convention should stay where it is at. If anyone in the south or west want to start another convention, then go for it. Cops don't bother us too much during the week at Deals Gap. I've gone there the last 5 years and never earned a ticket. Knock on wood! :lol

Ya'll do drink alot... :fact

Ya'll do drink alot... :fact LOL...takes one to know one.......:drunk: :drunk:

The EAST COAST convention should stay where it is at. If anyone in the south or west want to start another convention, then go for it. Cops don't bother us too much during the week at Deals Gap. I've gone there the last 5 years and never earned a ticket. Knock on wood! :lol It's the R1-forum.com / R6-forum.com Convention :) No easty or west anymore everyone is WELCOME !

It's the R1-forum.com / R6-forum.com Convention :) No easty or west anymore everyone is WELCOME !Technicalities... it's still near the EAST COAST... you call it what you want... I'll call it what I want!!! :p

Ya'll do drink alot... :fact This is from the guy, that said and I quote........circa 2005 convention " errrrr, do you mind making me another drink, pops and mike took my last one" this happened about sixty twelve times..........:fact:yesnod:lol

Ya'll do drink alot... :fact :confused: :sing:

You was stingy with the DRINKS thats why Lawrence... YOU gonna sell out tonight and not show up for ENCHILADAS and superbowl party... ?

You was stingy with the DRINKS thats why Lawrence... YOU gonna sell out tonight and not show up for ENCHILADAS and superbowl party... ? there's dishes to be done. :fact

You was stingy with the DRINKS thats why Lawrence... YOU gonna sell out tonight and not show up for ENCHILADAS and superbowl party... ? :bs Since when do Kentucky hillbillies know how to make enchiladas?

there's dishes to be done. :fact Looks like yer volunteering. :sing:

Looks like yer volunteering. :sing: oh no, Ang likes the dishes done Larry's way. :yesnod

sixty twelve Exactly, just how many is this??? :dunno

oh no, Ang likes the dishes done Larry's way. :yesnod Larry doesn't have the strength nor the stamina to stand in one place and do dishes. Nevermind the fact that he has to get a step stool to be tall enough.

Exactly, just how many is this??? :dunno 72?? :dunno

72?? :dunno I was thinking more like.... 60 x 12 = 720 :sneaky

I was thinking more like.... 60 x 12 = 720 :sneaky That does seem right since we are talking about them drinking!! :lol :lol

oops! http://www.gaprider.com/gap0306/burnout2.JPG Yep, that would be it Eddie. :2bitchsla

Yep, that would be it Eddie. :2bitchsla i'll give em a run for his money with the Max next year!! :lol :lol But with the Kerker 4 into 1 system that just arrived for it......it might get a bit noisy!! :lol :lol

Larry doesn't have the strength nor the stamina to stand in one place and do dishes. Nevermind the fact that he has to get a step stool to be tall enough. You was stingy with the DRINKS thats why Lawrence... YOU gonna sell out tonight and not show up for ENCHILADAS and superbowl party... ? there's dishes to be done. This should cover just about all that needs to be said........:fact:yesnod If you guys dont know how much sixty twelve is, I m certainly not going to tell you....:lol

This should cover just about all that needs to be said........:fact:yesnod Sorry Larry, I swing that way. I hear Brian and a few others would love for me to do that to them though. :secret:

If you guys dont know how much sixty twelve is, I m certainly not going to tell you....:lol Translation......" I DON'T KNOW EITHER!! " :lol

Sorry Larry, I swing that way. I hear Brian and a few others would love for me to do that to them though. :secret: :confused: :confused: :lol

:confused: :confused: :lol HELL NO!!!! :no :mad:

Translation......" I DON'T KNOW EITHER!! " :lol :dunno...........:)

:confused: :confused: :lol To bad it shows that my post was last edited by you Larry... :fact

To bad it shows that my post was last edited by you Larry... :fact Not me.........:dunno........:lol:lol:crash

Not me.........:dunno........:lol:lol:crash :bs :bs :bs :lol :lol

Nobody but a TRUE friend , lets you scuff their knee pucks :fact that is exactly right! lol.

i'll give em a run for his money with the Max next year!! :lol :lol But with the Kerker 4 into 1 system that just arrived for it......it might get a bit noisy!! :lol :lol Just don't do it in front of my truck. :machinegu

Speaking of Chad's kneepucks: He made me take this pic the first time his little pucks got scratched at the GAP. http://www.gaprider.com/gap0306/chadfirst.JPG ahh, what good times! seems like it was such a long time ago! lol

i barely get my knee down at the gap anymore. i have to say i can go through ther equicker not getting my knee down sometimes theni can if i get it down every corner but i am working harder trying to get it down and be smoth so i think i get alittle quicker.

Just don't do it in front of my truck. :machinegu :lol :lol :sing:

and i have to say the idea of moving the convention sucks the best part of going up ther eis hanging out with all the motorcycling enthusist up there. i could care less how much riding i do that week becuase i go up there ride alittle hang out. i get my riding in other times of the year up there.

ahh, what good times! seems like it was such a long time ago! lol I know man! The GAP was a majical place back then.

I know man! The GAP was a majical place back then. yes it was!!! we learned a lot up there didn't we!

The Gap or Bust....:fact

Well, I just got a chance to read everything and reply. Shane (SpidermanSS) and Larry (Ducatiwv) have pretty much answered all the issues. and I will re-iterate. The R1 Forum East Coast Convention started in 2003 at Deal's Gap. I took over putting it together in 2004 and we moved it to Fontana Village. Each year it has gotten bigger and bigger and also better than the previous year. Fontana Village has also come a long way since we first started doing this. They have always gone out of their way to help us with anything, including giving us some KILLER deals on food and lodging. This year Fontana is really stepping it up and doing more than ever for us. We are one of the biggest events they have up there. That brings me to one of the main reasons we don't move the convention...there may be good roads in other places in the country, I have no doubt. But I do doubt they are any "better" than the ones at the Gap or around the Gap. But that is not even the main reason, I would find it very highly unlikely that we would find another place as accomodating to us as Fontana Village is, or as large and can accomodate all our people and growing size each year! You know the riding is really cool, but for me and a LOT of the others the hanging out and meeting up with everyone is really what the convention is about. And I can't imagine any other place being better than Fontana Village for us to do that. Heck, they let us do whatever we want. We shoot fireworks at night, ride 4 wheelers, dirtbikes, and pit bikes all over the place with no trouble at all. Another reason we don't move the convention is that the area in and around Deal's Gap is not only great sportbike riding roads. The whole area is gorgeous! There are a TON of things to do. There is dirtbiking at several different areas within an hour and a half from Fontana. Fontana is an amazing Family oriented place as well that allows our forum members with Families to bring their family and have a lot to do. Horseback riding, putt putt, archery, arts and crafts, swiming pools, fishing, waterslides, boat rentals, just to name a few. There is also White Water rafting not far away as well. Shopping in Cherokee N.C. is very close as well as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Maggie Valley N.C. has the Wheels Through Time Museum that is amazing. These are all just things I can thing of off the top of my head. There is more stuff I can't think of right now. Now let's talk about the riding roads. Now riding a sportbike on any road in america is dangerous...that is part of it. we all know that. We buy these bikes knowing that and take the risk each and everytime we throw a leg over the bike. But that is life! Life can be dangerous. Those of us that choose to do this choose to live our life to the fullest and we get the most out of it!! I see it on every face each year at the convention!! Riding great roads like Deal's Gap, Hwy 28, Cherohala Skyway, make a day trip to Blood Mountain in Ga and ride hwy 180, hwy 60, Richard B. Russell, or head north towards Boone and ride Shadey Valley and the roads around there. That is just to name a few that are unbelievable roads to hit with Fontana Village right smack dab in the middle of all of them. And the greatest thing is you don't have to be draggin a knee or pushing your limits to enjoy all of this. You can take a leisurely ride and enjoy it just as much! We all preach riding in your limits and staying safe. WE all want to make it back each night to grab some great food and great laughs with our Forum brothers and sisters! Now, as for the trackday thing. Unfortunately that is not realistic to have as a Forum Convention. THere are just to many riders that don't ride the track and WAAAAYYY to many people that will not commit. To rent a decent track like Barber, Road Atlanta, or VIR costs around 10,000 per day! And guess what, none of them are available on weekends. THey get booked a couple years out. While it is a great idea in theory, it just isn't possible to do right now. What IS a possibility is that Yamaha could pull off something at some point like they were going to do for the WEST Coast and rent the track for just R1 And R6 Forum members only. That could happen one day, but guys you have to prove your support buy us having great turnouts at the East Coast Convention. Yamaha comes to the Convention every year and trust me, they see the excitement and know that it is also something that could be good for them. I could see in the future having an R1 Forum only Trackday event with maybe a couple days at the track. but that would be probably the most. Most wouldn't want or could afford to do more than a couple days no matter what. I could also see Yamaha maybe helping us to rent a track like Road Atlanta during the Convention. Road Atlanta is only about 2 hours from Fontana Village. It could be done one day during the week. But like I said, having Yamaha on board to support something like that would be huge and make it really happen. Us doing it ourselves would be really hard because of the logistics and cost. Plus something like that would require committments ahead of time. No waiting until the last minute to decide. To much money and effort would be involved to just "wing it". As I said, we need to continue to grow the East Coast Convention where it is now and that will help us show Yamaha that this is for real and it would be worth their time and money to become even more envolved. The idea of moving the convention may sound like a good thing, but in reality it would hurt the Convention. It has taken us years to get the Convention to where it is today and to up and move it would be like starting all over again. Like the old saying goes, if it isn't broke don't fix it! Sorry for the long post but I hope it explains some things.:thumbup After listening to your points I'll agree that Fontana is probably the best place for the convention. I only wish I had an idea of how to keep the LEO's off of us while we break it down all week. Ian

Well, I just got a chance to read everything and reply. Shane (SpidermanSS) and Larry (Ducatiwv) have pretty much answered all the issues. and I will re-iterate. The R1 Forum East Coast Convention started in 2003 at Deal's Gap. I took over putting it together in 2004 and we moved it to Fontana Village. Each year it has gotten bigger and bigger and also better than the previous year. Fontana Village has also come a long way since we first started doing this. They have always gone out of their way to help us with anything, including giving us some KILLER deals on food and lodging. This year Fontana is really stepping it up and doing more than ever for us. We are one of the biggest events they have up there. That brings me to one of the main reasons we don't move the convention...there may be good roads in other places in the country, I have no doubt. But I do doubt they are any "better" than the ones at the Gap or around the Gap. But that is not even the main reason, I would find it very highly unlikely that we would find another place as accomodating to us as Fontana Village is, or as large and can accomodate all our people and growing size each year! You know the riding is really cool, but for me and a LOT of the others the hanging out and meeting up with everyone is really what the convention is about. And I can't imagine any other place being better than Fontana Village for us to do that. Heck, they let us do whatever we want. We shoot fireworks at night, ride 4 wheelers, dirtbikes, and pit bikes all over the place with no trouble at all. Another reason we don't move the convention is that the area in and around Deal's Gap is not only great sportbike riding roads. The whole area is gorgeous! There are a TON of things to do. There is dirtbiking at several different areas within an hour and a half from Fontana. Fontana is an amazing Family oriented place as well that allows our forum members with Families to bring their family and have a lot to do. Horseback riding, putt putt, archery, arts and crafts, swiming pools, fishing, waterslides, boat rentals, just to name a few. There is also White Water rafting not far away as well. Shopping in Cherokee N.C. is very close as well as Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Maggie Valley N.C. has the Wheels Through Time Museum that is amazing. These are all just things I can thing of off the top of my head. There is more stuff I can't think of right now. Now let's talk about the riding roads. Now riding a sportbike on any road in america is dangerous...that is part of it. we all know that. We buy these bikes knowing that and take the risk each and everytime we throw a leg over the bike. But that is life! Life can be dangerous. Those of us that choose to do this choose to live our life to the fullest and we get the most out of it!! I see it on every face each year at the convention!! Riding great roads like Deal's Gap, Hwy 28, Cherohala Skyway, make a day trip to Blood Mountain in Ga and ride hwy 180, hwy 60, Richard B. Russell, or head north towards Boone and ride Shadey Valley and the roads around there. That is just to name a few that are unbelievable roads to hit with Fontana Village right smack dab in the middle of all of them. And the greatest thing is you don't have to be draggin a knee or pushing your limits to enjoy all of this. You can take a leisurely ride and enjoy it just as much! We all preach riding in your limits and staying safe. WE all want to make it back each night to grab some great food and great laughs with our Forum brothers and sisters! Now, as for the trackday thing. Unfortunately that is not realistic to have as a Forum Convention. THere are just to many riders that don't ride the track and WAAAAYYY to many people that will not commit. To rent a decent track like Barber, Road Atlanta, or VIR costs around 10,000 per day! And guess what, none of them are available on weekends. THey get booked a couple years out. While it is a great idea in theory, it just isn't possible to do right now. What IS a possibility is that Yamaha could pull off something at some point like they were going to do for the WEST Coast and rent the track for just R1 And R6 Forum members only. That could happen one day, but guys you have to prove your support buy us having great turnouts at the East Coast Convention. Yamaha comes to the Convention every year and trust me, they see the excitement and know that it is also something that could be good for them. I could see in the future having an R1 Forum only Trackday event with maybe a couple days at the track. but that would be probably the most. Most wouldn't want or could afford to do more than a couple days no matter what. I could also see Yamaha maybe helping us to rent a track like Road Atlanta during the Convention. Road Atlanta is only about 2 hours from Fontana Village. It could be done one day during the week. But like I said, having Yamaha on board to support something like that would be huge and make it really happen. Us doing it ourselves would be really hard because of the logistics and cost. Plus something like that would require committments ahead of time. No waiting until the last minute to decide. To much money and effort would be involved to just "wing it". As I said, we need to continue to grow the East Coast Convention where it is now and that will help us show Yamaha that this is for real and it would be worth their time and money to become even more envolved. The idea of moving the convention may sound like a good thing, but in reality it would hurt the Convention. It has taken us years to get the Convention to where it is today and to up and move it would be like starting all over again. Like the old saying goes, if it isn't broke don't fix it! Sorry for the long post but I hope it explains some things.:thumbup Very well said Chad!!! You are one hell of a guy for setting this up every year. I'll get streetjester to make out with you to show our appreciation!!! :sneaky

I only wish I had an idea of how to keep the LEO's off of us while we break it down all week. Ian if your really that worried, ride the speed limit and dont pass over the double yellow.

The Gap or Bust....:fact :yesnod As my Title states!! :fact :rock I'll get streetjester to make out with you to show our appreciation!!! :sneaky :confused: :no Well.....So much for an 08 Convention then!!! :( :lol :lol

:secret: What about the fact there is no cell phone service and just a couple pay phones for so many people, especially if the convention continues to grow. You are hundreds of miles from civilization deep in the montains. You think your close than you have to drive a few more hrs thru the mountains.:eek: Also there is only a couple of stores which close at 12 noon sharp.It's not exactly the place to tell the wifey to go shopping as you ride with the fellas.:lol The closest grocery store is like 49568598421 miles away and takes atleast a half day for a round trip. Oh ya it's also a DRY county.:sing: It's always cold and sometimes rainy.Wheres the beach and bikini's:ncont: Evey single road is very technical for the beginner/average rider. R.I.P k-flexx, but a rider has already died with the first few conventions, as well as countless crashes. It's not really a place to relax and cruise. it's always up,down, left,right. Yes the scenery is great but whos looking around when your riding? your eyes should be on the road. I don't even know what it looks like there because I'm to busy concentrating on riding. :lol I haven't heard of a death nor accident at bike week's r1 forum meet and greet.

:secret: What about the fact there is no cell phone service and just a couple pay phones for so many people, especially if the convention continues to grow. You are hundreds of miles from civilization deep in the montains. You think your close than you have to drive a few more hrs thru the mountains.:eek: Also there is only a couple of stores which close at 12 noon sharp.It's not exactly the place to tell the wifey to go shopping as you ride with the fellas.:lol The closest grocery store is like 49568598421 miles away and takes atleast a half day for a round trip. Oh ya it's also a DRY county.:sing: It's always cold and sometimes rainy.Wheres the beach and bikini's:ncont: Evey single road is very technical for the beginner/average rider. R.I.P k-flexx, but a rider has already died with the first few conventions, as well as countless crashes. It's not really a place to relax and cruise. it's always up,down, left,right. Yes the scenery is great but whos looking around when your riding? your eyes should be on the road. I don't even know what it looks like there because I'm to busy concentrating on riding. :lol I haven't heard of a death nor accident at bike week's r1 forum meet and greet. man you just listed all of the reasons why the GAP is so great!

After listening to your points I'll agree that Fontana is probably the best place for the convention. I only wish I had an idea of how to keep the LEO's off of us while we break it down all week. Ian In the past 4 years we really have not had any issues with the popo. There is always that chance but there has not been a problem to date. As Aron said, be smart and you will be fine. Very well said Chad!!! You are one hell of a guy for setting this up every year. I'll get streetjester to make out with you to show our appreciation!!! :sneaky :ugh :lol :secret: What about the fact there is no cell phone service and just a couple pay phones for so many people, especially if the convention continues to grow. You are hundreds of miles from civilization deep in the montains. You think your close than you have to drive a few more hrs thru the mountains.:eek: Also there is only a couple of stores which close at 12 noon sharp.It's not exactly the place to tell the wifey to go shopping as you ride with the fellas.:lol The closest grocery store is like 49568598421 miles away and takes atleast a half day for a round trip. Oh ya it's also a DRY county.:sing: It's always cold and sometimes rainy.Wheres the beach and bikini's:ncont: Evey single road is very technical for the beginner/average rider. R.I.P k-flexx, but a rider has already died with the first few conventions, as well as countless crashes. It's not really a place to relax and cruise. it's always up,down, left,right. Yes the scenery is great but whos looking around when your riding? your eyes should be on the road. I don't even know what it looks like there because I'm to busy concentrating on riding. :lol I haven't heard of a death nor accident at bike week's r1 forum meet and greet. Ok prnstar123, let me address some of those things. Fontana doesn't have cell service, you are correct. But they do have wireless internet in most of the village now, they also have added phones to many of the cabins, if not all of them by now. The county is dry, but Fontana is not anymore!! It is a resort so they got an exemption to sell allkeehol:rock Fontana actually has a small grocery store with pretty much anything you need in it. And you don't need much because we have dinner every night. And as far as cold and rainy...last year is was in the 90's several days and if I remember correctly it didn't rain all week. You do have to pay attention when you ride, no doubt about that. But if you do slow down and don't ride over your abilites you greatly reduce the risk of an accident or crash. As far as crashes, we actually have not had very many. Yes we do have a few every year but for the amount of guys we have riding on those roads, to have only 2-4 crashes each year is not bad at all....although I would much rather it be ZERO crashes!!!!!

man you just listed all of the reasons why the GAP is so great! :lol you live right there. I'm sure you want the convention there every year. I've been there a couple of times. Don't get me wrong it is a nice place to go and ride and it is beautiful when your able to actually stop and look around. Like the look out , where last years group pic was taken. What a view. :bow

:lol you live right there. I'm sure you want the convention there every year. I've been there a couple of times. Don't get me wrong it is a nice place to go and ride and it is beautiful when your able to actually stop and look around. Like the look out , where last years group pic was taken. What a view. :bow you coming back this year???

Ok prnstar123, let me address some of those things. Fontana doesn't have cell service, you are correct. But they do have wireless internet in most of the village now, they also have added phones to many of the cabins, if not all of them by now. The county is dry, but Fontana is not anymore!! It is a resort so they got an exemption to sell allkeehol:rock Fontana actually has a small grocery store with pretty much anything you need in it. And you don't need much because we have dinner every night. And as far as cold and rainy...last year is was in the 90's several days and if I remember correctly it didn't rain all week. You do have to pay attention when you ride, no doubt about that. But if you do slow down and don't ride over your abilites you greatly reduce the risk of an accident or crash. As far as crashes, we actually have not had very many. Yes we do have a few every year but for the amount of guys we have riding on those roads, to have only 2-4 crashes each year is not bad at all....although I would much rather it be ZERO crashes!!!!! :sing: Thats great that they added internet access aswell as phones. Have they celebrated the turn of the millinium there yet?:ncont: Maybe by next year they will have cable.:D Just kidding. Like I said in my last post It's a nice place and great riding. I just think some folks who read the forum and might want to go to the convention would feel intimidated to go because of the technical aspect of riding up there. Aswell as understanding how far from civilization/help you really are.:thumbup

you coming back this year???as of now I don't have any plans made, but that doesn't mean I won't make a gametime decision.:thumbup I definetly would like to go. I had a blast just hanging with everyone and putting faces to screen names. Oh ya I loved putting on the fireworks display for everyone.:rock This time if I do go i want to bring my quad and do a lil dirt riding up there with you guys.:riding :rock .

I'm going to get one of the locals to draw and scan a map for everyone showing all the road options... There is tons of different routes within reasonable rides and all very in degrees of difficulty (ie: easy rides compared to the dragon itself)... :)

I'm going to get one of the locals to draw and scan a map for everyone showing all the road options... There is tons of different routes within reasonable rides and all very in degrees of difficulty (ie: easy rides compared to the dragon itself)... :) :iamwithst There were so many roads to explore out there. I didn't even come close to seeing everything. I myself hope it never moves locations and I'm driving 12 plus hrs to get there. :fact

I'm going to get one of the locals to draw and scan a map for everyone showing all the road options... There is tons of different routes within reasonable rides and all very in degrees of difficulty (ie: easy rides compared to the dragon itself)... :) I actually think the Cherahola Skyway is relatively tame compared to the gap, just a few corners you have to watch out for. But i even think some of those are marked now.

as of now I don't have any plans made, but that doesn't mean I won't make a gametime decision.:thumbup I definetly would like to go. I had a blast just hanging with everyone and putting faces to screen names. Oh ya I loved putting on the fireworks display for everyone.:rock This time if I do go i want to bring my quad and do a lil dirt riding up there with you guys.:riding :rock . well, don't forget to pay your food money by may 10th then:) Actually this post that you made is the real reason we have the convention. The great roads and and views are just a plus. I know there are a lot of guys that are probably intimidated by the roads so I am really trying to make an effort to appeal to those guys to not worry about that. Our main reason for doing this is exactly what you said, to meet forum members and hang out an have a really good time! I think it is safe to say that 95% of the guys that come back that come back for that reason. I hope you can make it! btw, you won't be the only quad up there either...312R1 will have his as well:rock

I'm going to get one of the locals to draw and scan a map for everyone showing all the road options... There is tons of different routes within reasonable rides and all very in degrees of difficulty (ie: easy rides compared to the dragon itself)... :) great idea shane.:thumbup

One more +1 ... it's taken a few years to get the LOW DOWN on fontana but there is a TON of kid oriented stuff. My wife does a ton of "KID" oriented stuff with our children there and they love it. crafts trail hiking fishing (keep HOOKS away from TREVOR!) Horse back riding Swimming Pool Water Park (slides etc.) PutPut Gold Small Game Room (pool tables and video games) Boat / Pontoon Rentals softball She also would meet up with me at the cross roads for lunch every day so we could hang out some more. I've mentioned it to a few people but I think that the Saturday before the convention I'm bringing the family to Dollywood if anyone is game.... I think there will be quite a few others and there kids with us, should be FUN.. I think we need to have a forum Softball game also.. That would be HELLA fun.. lmao I'm just posting this up cause there is alot of stuff that gets outta site outta mind..

Why not T.W.O.?? I know most of my Venom brothers have been there!!! They have a great a great meeting place. Rooms close by and there's Wolf Pen Gap, Hwy 129, 180 and 60 among other Great roads.... It would be a change of scenery and its not that far from the original location... Oh and BTW... T.W.O. rents out the whole lodge for weekends and they will even cook for us or they have good places for us to cook our own food... I've never herd anyone say anything bad about the roads up there... Plus it's like 20 minutes from my house on a slow riding day. :riding

One more +1 ... it's taken a few years to get the LOW DOWN on fontana but there is a TON of kid oriented stuff. My wife does a ton of "KID" oriented stuff with our children there and they love it. crafts trail hiking fishing (keep HOOKS away from TREVOR!) Horse back riding Swimming Pool Water Park (slides etc.) PutPut Gold Small Game Room (pool tables and video games) Boat / Pontoon Rentals softball She also would meet up with me at the cross roads for lunch every day so we could hang out some more. I've mentioned it to a few people but I think that the Saturday before the convention I'm bringing the family to Dollywood if anyone is game.... I think there will be quite a few others and there kids with us, should be FUN.. I think we need to have a forum Softball game also.. That would be HELLA fun.. lmao I'm just posting this up cause there is alot of stuff that gets outta site outta mind.. I like the softball game idea!!! that would be fun!! I played college baseball so it woudl be fun to get back out there on the field again!

Why not T.W.O.?? I know most of my Venom brothers have been there!!! They have a great a great meeting place. Rooms close by and there's Wolf Pen Gap, Hwy 129, 180 and 60 among other Great roads.... It would be a change of scenery and its not that far from the original location... Oh and BTW... T.W.O. rents out the whole lodge for weekends and they will even cook for us or they have good places for us to cook our own food... I've never herd anyone say anything bad about the roads up there... Plus it's like 20 minutes from my house on a slow riding day. :riding TWO is cool, but just not big enough with enough amenities for us. And I think Fontana and Deal's Gap is a little more Central for everyone.

Chad's on my TEAM !

Chad's on my TEAM ! :thumbup

:thumbup Well this has the potential to turn out like Grade School!! I'm gonna get picked last!! :( :cryin :lol :lol I'll bring a couple softball gloves that I have just incase!! :thumbup

Im not sure if some of the members here should be allowed to have bats at a forum get together.... Shane thats a great idea about the maps, it would be great to get away to find some of those little localy known roads.

I'll get with svtlightning and crankshaft they are both locals to confirm the mapping .......

Im not sure if some of the members here should be allowed to have bats at a forum get together.... Shane thats a great idea about the maps, it would be great to get away to find some of those little localy known roads. It could get ugly with those bats!!!!

It could get ugly with those bats!!!! brian might try to plug you up scott

It could get ugly with those bats!!!! http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q60/vmaxman06/SMILES/PDT_nunu.gifhttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q60/vmaxman06/SMILES/PDT_nunu.gifhttp://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q60/vmaxman06/SMILES/PDT_nunu.gif :lol :lol

brian might try to plug you up scott Damn you James!! :finger :lol

Damn you James!! :finger :lol i cnat help how you tried to plug him last year atleast this year you might try a bat instead of your bat

i cnat help how you tried to plug him last year atleast this year you might try a bat instead of your bat :finger :rant :finger :lol

I'm going to get one of the locals to draw and scan a map for everyone showing all the road options... There is tons of different routes within reasonable rides and all very in degrees of difficulty (ie: easy rides compared to the dragon itself)... :) there ya go:thumbup

I like the softball game idea!!! that would be fun!! I played college baseball so it woudl be fun to get back out there on the field again! just please, don't let any kids out there, we wouldn't want them to get run over would we Chad:sing:

just please, don't let any kids out there, we wouldn't want them to get run over would we Chad:sing: oh that is messed up, hahahaha. I take no mercy!!! hahahaha

oh that is messed up, hahahaha. I take no mercy!!! hahahaha I ll be sure and tell the boys that Chad........Chew dog is gonna be MAD.........:lol:yesnod

here is a good general map of the area.

here is a good general map of the area. :thumbup

I ll be sure and tell the boys that Chad........Chew dog is gonna be MAD.........:lol:yesnod Tell them to just stay out of my way on the MX track and they will be fine, lol.

so many roads out there to ride but have to say i love the gap early morning or right at dusk. i can ride it all day and be happy

Tell them to just stay out of my way on the MX track and they will be fine, lol. OK, can't wait to show them this thread.......I think you just lost 2 boys........hahahahahaha..........:lol

:lol OK, can't wait to show them this thread.......I think you just lost 2 boys........hahahahahaha..........:lol man you are wrong:nforc: :chair:

When we went to the Gap in October, you could get Cell service at Gavity Cavity............

When we went to the Gap in October, you could get Cell service at Gavity Cavity............ never tried there but you also can get service by the power lines sometimes or the picnic tables also. but i could careless i will ride into robbinsville to make a call once a day and be done with it

never tried there but you also can get service by the power lines sometimes or the picnic tables also. but i could careless i will ride into robbinsville to make a call once a day and be done with it To me thats the beauty of Fontana, NO CELL phone service, its great not to have to constantly answer the phone.........:yesnod:lol:lol

To me thats the beauty of Fontana, NO CELL phone service, its great not to have to constantly answer the phone.........:yesnod:lol:lol i agre with that and that is why i turn the phone off when i am up ther eand turn it on once a day and that is about it

To me thats the beauty of Fontana, NO CELL phone service, its great not to have to constantly answer the phone.........:yesnod:lol:lolI had net access from my room last year, thats what counts.....:)

To me thats the beauty of Fontana, NO CELL phone service, its great not to have to constantly answer the phone.........:yesnod:lol:lol what the heck are you talking about...you don't even have a cell phone!! LOL

what the heck are you talking about...you don't even have a cell phone!! LOL :finger:finger..........then how did i call you at Road Atlanta last ama race then.........hmmmmmmmmm..........:dunno:lol:lol

Im changing my vote....I say we do it in Florida, and we can all just cruise the interstates, the family people can go to Disney, the girlfriends go to the beach and we riders can just be bored as hell

:finger:finger..........then how did i call you at Road Atlanta last ama race then.........hmmmmmmmmm..........:dunno:lol:lol Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...........Ang's Phone:sing:

Hey Guys-- Just finally getting thru 10 pages of a thread that just popped up within the past couple days of :moto: Anyway--I agree that the gap is the best around--coming form the north, there is just no where that I have found with this many activities either already on the grounds, or a close 1 hr drive away. Anything from Dollywood to huge shopping malls to casinos. I have met a great group of friends at the gap over the past few years that I talk to at least once a week. Sure the police will be there, but as soon as they are, it spreads like wildfire on the hill. Everyone knows within minutes of their arrival. I have been at the gap about 10 times within the past 3 years, and have only got 1 ticket back in 04, and one last year on the charhola. But what do you expect when you pass on a double yellow?? :chair: Moving the convention to anywhere else would not get the type of response from everyone. This is the first trip that I plan on attending each year, and they keep getting better and better. :thumbup to Chad and Shane for making this happen each year. This event is definatelly something you can be proud of!

They best place to use the net was the lodge but they are working on setting up a link or booster point out near all the cabins... :)

Thanks Marty :fact I appreciate that !

Hey Guys-- Just finally getting thru 10 pages of a thread that just popped up within the past couple days of :moto: Anyway--I agree that the gap is the best around--coming form the north, there is just no where that I have found with this many activities either already on the grounds, or a close 1 hr drive away. Anything from Dollywood to huge shopping malls to casinos. I have met a great group of friends at the gap over the past few years that I talk to at least once a week. Sure the police will be there, but as soon as they are, it spreads like wildfire on the hill. Everyone knows within minutes of their arrival. I have been at the gap about 10 times within the past 3 years, and have only got 1 ticket back in 04, and one last year on the charhola. But what do you expect when you pass on a double yellow?? :chair: Moving the convention to anywhere else would not get the type of response from everyone. This is the first trip that I plan on attending each year, and they keep getting better and better. :thumbup to Chad and Shane for making this happen each year. This event is definatelly something you can be proud of! Thanks marty!

South Dakota is about as central as you can get. with Sturgis in August, why not do it before that. theres tons of things to see around here, and the roads are pretty bad ass too,,,once you get into the hills,,and for the kids and wives, Mt Rushmore. Deadwood, Custer State park. 6 hours from Denver, and tons of lodging. and beer :) they say this is a "Harley" city, but these roads were made for sportbikes and R1's

Holy shite my head hurts after readin through all 10 pages that just popped up out of nowhere.... I have to agree with keeping the Convention at the Gap, although there are great roads and areas elsewhere (i.e., Snake road, Northern Arkansas, Southern Missouri, Cali, Arizona, etc.,etc., etc.). Make it when/if you can and then you'll see why it's held where it is.

and with all the little cities around here,,maybe a r1 poker run????????????????????????? oh,,and theres an Air Force base right here too, now how is that for supporting the troops? (ME)lol:sing: to be honest, even if it was in south dakota,,ill probably be in the sand box that time of year.thats my luck. alwyayas chillin at the beach with no water that time of year.

and with all the little cities around here,,maybe a r1 poker run????????????????????????? oh,,and theres an Air Force base right here too, now how is that for supporting the troops? (ME)lol:sing: to be honest, even if it was in south dakota,,ill probably be in the sand box that time of year.thats my luck. alwyayas chillin at the beach with no water that time of year. If you are not you need to come to the Convention this year. We had a guy ride his R6 from North Dakota last year:rock

Here is another reason we have the R1 Forum convention on the East Coast http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=17439

Here is a pic....

i wish i could, originally from Paintsville, Kentucky, and since i been in the air force, havent been home in 4 years. (didnt even Know McCoys existed, til i got my 1) seen deals gap and McCoys on Superbikes last night, lets just say, my wife has been pissed off since. thats all i been talking about:riding

i wish i could, originally from Paintsville, Kentucky, and since i been in the air force, havent been home in 4 years. (didnt even Know McCoys existed, til i got my 1) seen deals gap and McCoys on Superbikes last night, lets just say, my wife has been pissed off since. thats all i been talking about:riding wow, you would really have a good time. Wish you could make it!

i like the density/population map. all i can say,,,,,"less people = less cops"

Bottom line... the Convention is staying at Deals Gap. So everyone needs to stop trying to convience us to move it.

and with all the little cities around here,,maybe a r1 poker run????????????????????????? oh,,and theres an Air Force base right here too, now how is that for supporting the troops? (ME)lol:sing: to be honest, even if it was in south dakota,,ill probably be in the sand box that time of year.thats my luck. alwyayas chillin at the beach with no water that time of year. Welcome to the club.... coming home is just a time share for me! But if we're voting for locales close to bases, then bring it to the STL... can't beat the LONG, STRAIGHT roads of southern IL...:bs

They best place to use the net was the lodge but they are working on setting up a link or booster point out near all the cabins... :) They had wireless connections at the lodge last year?? :confused: :dunno :sing:

:secret: What about the fact there is no cell phone service and just a couple pay phones for so many people, especially if the convention continues to grow. You are hundreds of miles from civilization deep in the montains. You think your close than you have to drive a few more hrs thru the mountains.:eek: Also there is only a couple of stores which close at 12 noon sharp.It's not exactly the place to tell the wifey to go shopping as you ride with the fellas.:lol The closest grocery store is like 49568598421 miles away and takes atleast a half day for a round trip. Oh ya it's also a DRY county.:sing: It's always cold and sometimes rainy. Sounds like some perfect reasons to stay at the Gap. :yesnod Not to mention, I plan on moving away from as many people as possible when I can. Less chances of my having to tell people to "Eff Off". :sing:

Sounds like some perfect reasons to stay at the Gap. :yesnod Not to mention, I plan on moving away from as many people as possible when I can. Less chances of my having to tell people to "Eff Off". :sing: Your like one step away from moving into the mountains somewhere and living off the land aren't you Shawn!! :fact :lol :lol Doesn't sound bad sometimes though. :yesnod

I wanted to ask if anyone else felt perhaps we should relocate the 08 conventoin elsewhere? ........ What do you guys think? I say we have the convention at Larry's house next year. He can make us drinks while we ride his bikes for him.....:riding :vanish

Your like one step away from moving into the mountains somewhere and living off the land aren't you Shawn!! :fact :lol :lol Doesn't sound bad sometimes though. :yesnod You know it. As soon as I get enough money together, it's off to the hills and off the grid. :fact

I say we have the convention at Larry's house next year. He can make us drinks while we ride his bikes for him.....:riding :vanish :iamwithst :yesnod :lol You know it. As soon as I get enough money together, it's off to the hills and off the grid. :fact It's not a bad plan bro!! Sometimes I'd like to leave society behind myself!! :fact

I say we have the convention at Larry's house next year. He can make us drinks while we ride his bikes for him.....:riding :vanish Wong. But, he could give us free dental check ups...:D

It's not a bad plan bro!! Sometimes I'd like to leave society behind myself!! :fact No phone, no internet. No one around for miles. :rock Just don't step foot on my property, and you'll survive. :fact

I actually think the Cherahola Skyway is relatively tame compared to the gap, just a few corners you have to watch out for. But i even think some of those are marked now. I second that Larry. Once you learn the Skyway it's a blast with 10x the views and stop off overlooks vs the Gap. As with the Gap you don't have to ride it super fast to have fun. We only had two mishaps last year all week long on the Skyway. One involving a DumbAss and the other being a cool moderator.

no power up on the TOP lol..... I had a 30 hp R6 up there... hahahaha.... All kidding aside it was an AWESOME RIDE..

I say we have the convention at Larry's house next year. He can make us drinks while we ride his bikes for him.....:riding :vanish Thats not a bad idea!!!!!!!

Doesn't sound bad sometimes though. :yesnod I would move to the Gap in a heartbeat if I could afford it :fact

I would move to the Gap in a heartbeat if I could afford it :fact It has crossed my mind many times bro!! :fact Move to the Knoxville or Asheville area. :yesnod

It has crossed my mind many times bro!! :fact Move to the Knoxville or Asheville area. :yesnod The beauty of being a self-employed computer consultant: I can use my job to travel the world if I want, and will be in a few years once the kid's left the house. :rock

It has crossed my mind many times bro!! :fact Move to the Knoxville or Asheville area. :yesnod We are originally from about an hour NE of Knoxville in the Tri-cities area, right now it's the military that's keeping me away from home...(home in TN and here too)

The beauty of being a self-employed computer consultant: I can use my job to travel the world if I want, and will be in a few years once the kid's left the house. :rock That will be fun for you and the wife Shawn!! :fact :thumbup