Spring Fling

[Rams]

Folks, it's that time of the year again.  It's time for a SPRING FLING!

It's been a long Winter and we deserve some fun.   While we've all been trying to enjoy our bikes, trikes and other wind therapy activities this long Winter, there have been efforts ongoing to organize, set up and host the Spring Fling in Hattiesburg, MS.  Spring Fling is a social event for all bikers and trikers but admittedly, it's mostly Honda riders.   You meet the nicest folks on a Honda ya know.  

We don't care what you ride or how you get here. Some folks ride in, some trailer in, some cage it, some fly in.  Just get to Hattiesburg.  

This event has grown each year.  Last year (if I got the count right) we had folks from 12 different states seeking wind therapy, seeing old friends and meeting new ones.   A good time was had by all who attended so, please circle the dates (31 March - 2 April) on your calendar and try to come.   Lots of tire kicking in the parking lot and there's always the annual Lying Contest.  

Folks ride just about every direction, but we do hope everyone will join in on the Danny McMillan Ride on Saturday.   We know there's another Danny McMillan Memorial Ride later this year, but wanted to pay tribute to the man who was a friend to all of us.  Not sure where that ride will go, that's up to the Ride Captain.

This year, the host hotel will be Millennium Inn, the former Red Lion. We've used this facility before and have been advised that most of our attendees prefer this type of facility where they can park their bike/trikes just outside their door.  The Millennium Inn is located near several eating establishments, fuel station and a Class Six (Spirits) store for those who partake.  For those who prefer to spend more, there are four other hotels within a short walking distance.  If you are one that prefers the more expensive hotel, let me know and I'll provide the contact information.  

Coordination with our local weatherman has been done and we have been guaranteed superb weather for this event.   Hey, he's right about half the time.


I've coordinated and negotiated with the Ground Zero hotel for a greatly discounted rate. Rooms at the Millennium Inn will be $55.00 per night, doesn't matter if you want a room with two beds or a king, same price.   Be sure to ask for the Spring Fling Discount.

If, you want a ground floor room, I'd suggest you make your reservations sooner than later.  While there are a bunch, they go fast.


Spring Fling 31 March - 2 April, 2023

Ground Zero:

Millennium Inn
4301 Hardy Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
601-264-8080

Angela (the manager) personal cell number.
(601) 516-2565

Please contact me directly and let me know that you're coming, I'll be keeping a tally of those attending for all kinds of reasons but coordinating this event can be a challenge if you don't know how many folks are coming.

I am going to ask each attendee to do me a personal favor, find me and introduce yourself.   I'll be easy to spot, the really good-looking dude riding a Honda Valkyrie.   Any changes needing to be announced will be on this initial posting.

Edit 1:   Cancelation Policy:   24 + hours advanced cancelation won't be a problem I'm told but, cancelation within 24 hours will depend on how good your excuse is.   So if it's not a good one and the evening of 31 March, you may have to pay for a room.

Edit 2:  
States with people who have committed in the order of commitment, not alphabetical order (obviously).
    
MS, KS, FL, AL, AZ, OH, NC, LA, TN, GA, TX, SC, MO, AR, VA, OK, KY and IL

Gave up trying to keep up with who/how many were coming from each state.

Edit: 3
I've arranged for the Magnolia Grill Food Truck to come to Ground Zero hotel on Saturday about 1800 hours (that's 6:00 PM for you civilians) and serve some pretty good food.  Here's what we've decided are their most popular items and prices that will be available.

Magnolia Grill
Meals come with 2 sides
Fried Catfish Dinner   $13.00
Fried Pan Trout Dinner $10.00
5 Pc  Grilled Whole Wings  $11.00
Rib Tip Dinner  $10.00
Pork Ribs Dinner  $13.00

Sandwiches                        
Hamburger w/side  $6.00                  
Pull Pork  w/side   $8.00
Polish Sausage w/side $7.00
Grilled PorkOR Beef Sausage w/Cheese $8.00
Hot Dogs $3.00

Salad
Chef Salad w/ Grilled Chicken  $12.00
(lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, & cheese)

 Sides extra $3.00
Cajun Rice         Potato Salad
French Fries         Cole Slaw
Load Mash Potatoes    Bake Beans

 Drinks  Included with Meal
Coke       Diet Coke             
Sprite       Diet Sprite
Orange       Strawberry
Dr Pepper    Lemonade
Deserts
Pound Cake  $3.00      
Banana Pudding $3.00


Edited 4:  I got to looking at the pricing and compared it to other pricing I asked for and received and a little better deal.   It's not a huge change but, every little bit helps IMHO.

Edited 5:   To all attendees, I just got word this morning that the rooms that were reserved for us with parking outside your room door must be changed due to construction being done on that part of the building.    I have now reserved the entire first floor of the adjacent building and any additional rooms we need on the second floor.   We will have a section of the parking lot reserved just for us.  This is unforeseen and hotel management is working with me to make this right.   No action is required of those who already registered, you'll still be getting a ground floor room.  

Seems like there's always something...............  

Rams

This is most likely the last Spring Fling I will be hosting.   I deeply appreciate your participation.  It's been fun.

Edite 6:  For reasons yet to be determined or fully understood, the Food Truck is canceled.   I don't have the full story at this point, will share what I know with those interested at GZ.

The good news is there are four other eating establishments a very short distance away.   (Like across the parking lot for two of them.)   Hooters and Outback are very close, Wendy's and another restraunt (can't remember it's name is very close.

There are other eating establishments on the south side of Hardy Street, I can provide directions if asked to most facilities.

Gas is available about a 100 yards from GZ and a Class 6 (Liquor Store) is about a block away for those who are interested.

Sorry about the Food Truck, I was told their food was really good and reasonably priced.
Just goes to show ya, there's always something that'll come up and bite ya just when you thought you had everything covered.


EDIT:  For those interested and able to attend, 3/30/2023, 1800-1830,
Buffalo Wild Wings
3 Churchill St, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
(601) 288-7777

It appears there will be several at this meeting called by Janice (Sweet Cheeks), Bruce (DDT) and Connie (f6gal), Carl (Willow) and Lori (Motomama).    I know, I'll be there.   If, you're in the vicinity, come on by.  

Rams

[..]

Ride budget constraints means I wont get to join in the fun,

[Serk]

Due to current financial situation, it's a long shot for me, but I'm gonna try to see if I can arrange things around and make it happen....

If I do make it, think I'll take Blake, he's been feeling left out of all the fun trips, maybe that would help a little bit...

[Rams]

Ride budget constraints means I wont get to join in the fun,

Well, I do hope things change and you can make it.   One never knows how things will work out.

So far, things are looking good, several folks have stated they will be there.
Very promising, would be better if you could make it also but, I do understand "financial constraints".

Rams

[Sweet Cheeks]

 My reservation is made. I’ll see y’all soon!

[f6john]

Looking forward to it! It will probably be my first chance to experience my new final drive install.

[Moonshot_1]

Its been a long winter in MISSISSIPPI???

You guys even HAVE winter???

[Rams]

Its been a long winter in MISSISSIPPI???

You guys even HAVE winter???

Sir, I'll have you know that there has been almost a week this winter that I was too cold to wear shorts and a Tee Shirt while mowing.  
Hope you're able to come join us.

Rams  

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

It's a long story, but... I'm in 'the process' of making a reservation... Dang, it sure feels funny actually making a plan... Hard to say how that might work out...

DDT (12)

[Moonshot_1]

Its been a long winter in MISSISSIPPI???

You guys even HAVE winter???

Sir, I'll have you know that there has been almost a week this winter that I was too cold to wear shorts and a Tee Shirt while mowing.  
Hope you're able to come join us.

Rams  

We don't mow our snow here in the winter. Got a machine that blows it into the neighbor's yard though.
Supposed to get 6+ inches of snow here tonight.

I'll have to try the mower. I'll cut it down to an inch.

[f6gal]

Ron,

It's a long story, but... I'm in 'the process' of making a reservation... Dang, it sure feels funny actually making a plan... Hard to say how that might work out...

DDT (12)

A planned destination isn't so bad, so long as your route remains rather arbitrary.

[Rams]

Ron,

It's a long story, but... I'm in 'the process' of making a reservation... Dang, it sure feels funny actually making a plan... Hard to say how that might work out...

DDT (12)

A planned destination isn't so bad, so long as your route remains rather arbitrary.

That's exactly how I ended up in Omaha when headed to Houston................   Gas was cheaper then. 

Rams

[Serk]

Wandering is good.... Like when Serk Jr. and I ended up in Florida while riding around Hattiesburg at last year's Fling...

[Fazer]

Reservation made.  Looking forward to it.

[Mooskee]

Good talking with ya today Ron. Reservation made. Looking forward to it.

[Rams]

Excellent, old friends coming and new friends to be met.

There's somethings better than a biker event (I'm told) but, I think they are all illegal.  

Rams  

[DDT (12)]

Ron,

Planning continues... I'm taking Connie's advice, though, and avoiding any route selections! As for the room, that deal was never concluded, so... I reckon I'll call them on that. As for the alternative arrangement... Heck yeah!!!

Sounds like it could produce some big-time merriment and mirth, so I'm looking very much forward to whatever the unknowns bring... Not sure I've ever mentioned it, but... I sure am glad you started putting these gatherings on, my friend! I'm starting to look forward to the one next year already, and that's most uncommon for this rider who normally eschews thinking much beyond the next meal...

DDT (12)

[Willow]

Ron,

It's a long story, but... I'm in 'the process' of making a reservation... Dang, it sure feels funny actually making a plan... Hard to say how that might work out...

DDT (12)

A planned destination isn't so bad, so long as your route remains rather arbitrary.

f6gal, it appears you're missing an "un" or a "not".   

[Rams]

Ron,

Planning continues...

DDT (12)

OK, first I want to know who the hell you are and then, what did you do with the real DDT?   

Rams 

Ron,

It's a long story, but... I'm in 'the process' of making a reservation... Dang, it sure feels funny actually making a plan... Hard to say how that might work out...

DDT (12)

A planned destination isn't so bad, so long as your route remains rather arbitrary.

f6gal, it appears you're missing an "un" or a "not".   

What we have here, is a Cool Hand Luke situation.   A failure to communicate.   I understood precisely what f6gal was saying.   Made perfect sense to me but then, I get lost a lot.

Rams

[f6gal]

Ron,

It's a long story, but... I'm in 'the process' of making a reservation... Dang, it sure feels funny actually making a plan... Hard to say how that might work out...

DDT (12)

A planned destination isn't so bad, so long as your route remains rather arbitrary.

f6gal, it appears you're missing an "un" or a "not".   

Are you sure? 

[Valker]

Are you sure? 

I understood it as written. DDT doesn't usually plan stuff, but Connie was pointing out that even if it's planned, it can be good.

[Willow]

Are you sure? 

I understood it as written. DDT doesn't usually plan stuff, but Connie was pointing out that even if it's planned, it can be good.

I thought she meant to say that a planned destination is not so bad so long as the route is not arbitrary or unarbitrary.

Such would fit DDT's passage through this world.

[Rams]

Are you sure?  

I understood it as written. DDT doesn't usually plan stuff, but Connie was pointing out that even if it's planned, it can be good.

I thought she meant to say that a planned destination is not so bad so long as the route is not arbitrary or unarbitrary.

Such would fit DDT's passage through this world.

Willow,
I think we all know that in DDT's case, he may get to a planned destination at some point but will most assuredly will find several other un-intended destinations enroute to wherever he thought he might be going.    He isn't known as The Coddiwomple Extraordinaire for nutt'n.  


Edited:   Noting the concern, local and statewide authorities have been notified and a APB will be issued once DDT has departed on his unplanned coddiwomple in the general direction of Hattiesburg.   Should he meander a direction un-anticipated, then all VRCC resources will be called upon to round him up.

Rams

[Sweet Cheeks]

17 confirmed attendees. Sounds like it’s gonna be a party!

[Rams]

17 confirmed attendees. Sounds like it’s gonna be a party!

Yeah, actually the numbers are greater than being shown because I won't count them until the person(s) actually make reservations at GZ.  I've had a number of PMs, emails, and a few phone calls from folks saying they intended to come.

I tell them all the same thing, if you want to ensure a ground floor room at Spring Fling GZ, get off yer arse and reserve a room. 

Rams   

[hubcapsc]

I'll try again later. Just now I got an almost  incomprehensible Indian dude who
told me "we're not booking the rooms right now. Just come here and I'll give you
the room"...

-Mike

[Rams]

I'll try again later. Just now I got an almost incomprehensible Indian dude who
told me "we're not booking the rooms right now. Just come here and I'll give you
the room"...

-Mike

Seriously? Give me a few minutes and I'll address that issue.
Sir, check your PMs.
I just spoke to the Manager; I sent you her cell phone #.   She would like to call you but, I don't have your phone number so, I gave her phone number to you.   She was very apologetic and will take care of you.   Please call the number I sent you via PM.

Rams

[hubcapsc]

I called back on the number RAMS provided and talked to the nice manager
and am good to go 

-Mike

[Valker]

I've never even gotten someone on the phone. It just rings and rings. Before I actually speak to someone on the phone, are most folks reserving starting Friday evening? If I'm coming that far, I want to be there for the whole shebang.

[Mooskee]

I called the 601-264-8080. A very nice lady booked the room for me. She was well aware of the event.

[Rams]

I've never even gotten someone on the phone. It just rings and rings. Before I actually speak to someone on the phone, are most folks reserving starting Friday evening? If I'm coming that far, I want to be there for the whole shebang.

Valker,
I'm sending you the Manager's personal phone # via PM.   Please enlighten her as to the issue.   If, that doesn't help, then PM me and I'll get more involved.

Edited:   The event is scheduled for noon on 31 March to noon on 2 April.   I fully expect most folks to arrive on Friday.   I have spoken with one person that said he and his wife were arriving on Thursday.


Rams

[f6gal]

Are you sure?  

I understood it as written. DDT doesn't usually plan stuff, but Connie was pointing out that even if it's planned, it can be good.

I thought she meant to say that a planned destination is not so bad so long as the route is not arbitrary or unarbitrary.

Such would fit DDT's passage through this world.

Hmmm, the definition of arbitrary is "based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system."

So, I stand by my original verbiage... A planned destination isn't so bad, so long as your route remains rather arbitrary (i.e. unplanned).

Arbitrary defines DDT's typical passage through this world.  

[Valker]

I've never even gotten someone on the phone. It just rings and rings. Before I actually speak to someone on the phone, are most folks reserving starting Friday evening? If I'm coming that far, I want to be there for the whole shebang.

Valker,
I'm sending you the Manager's personal phone # via PM.   Please enlighten her as to the issue.   If, that doesn't help, then PM me and I'll get more involved.

Edited:   The event is scheduled for noon on 31 March to noon on 2 April.   I fully expect most folks to arrive on Friday.   I have spoken with one person that said he and his wife were arriving on Thursday.


Rams

It all came together. Reservations made. They made note of my desire for a ground floor double. Thanks.

[Willow]

I thought she meant to say that a planned destination is not so bad so long as the route is not arbitrary or unarbitrary.

Such would fit DDT's passage through this world.

Hmmm, the definition of arbitrary is "based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system."

So, I stand by my original verbiage... A planned destination isn't so bad, so long as your route remains rather arbitrary (i.e. unplanned).

Arbitrary defines DDT's typical passage through this world.  

Perhaps your use of the language is more accurate than mine.  I've used the word to mean unsubject to change.   

[Rams]

  I've used the word to mean unsubject to change.   

Now, I'm feeling like a ground pounder, that one went right over my head.............   

Rams

[f6gal]

I'm able to upgrade from maybe to probably.

Edit: Likely arriving late Thursday.

[vanavyman]

Trish and I have reservations.  Trailering to Tom and Joyce's and riding the Bikes / Trikes down with them.
Dan

[f6john]

There’s a rumor going around that this year there will be a wet t-shirt contest for the ladies and a wet speedo contest for the guys, or was it the other way around, wet T-shirts for the guys and wet speedos for the ladies. Either way, I won’t be participating as that could cause an immediate dispersal of the general area.

I think this idea was a replacement for the moon contest posted on Facebook!

[Rams]

There’s a rumor going around that this year there will be a wet t-shirt contest for the ladies and a wet speedo contest for the guys, or was it the other way around, wet T-shirts for the guys and wet speedos for the ladies. Either way, I won’t be participating as that could cause an immediate dispersal of the general area.

I think this idea was a replacement for the moon contest posted on Facebook!

WHOA!!!!

There has been no announcement of any such thing.   Any such activities will most certainly occur after the DUNK TANK.   
No, we aren't having a Dunk Tank.


Rams

[f6john]

There’s a rumor going around that this year there will be a wet t-shirt contest for the ladies and a wet speedo contest for the guys, or was it the other way around, wet T-shirts for the guys and wet speedos for the ladies. Either way, I won’t be participating as that could cause an immediate dispersal of the general area.

I think this idea was a replacement for the moon contest posted on Facebook!

WHOA!!!!

There has been no announcement of any such thing.   Any such activities will most certainly occur after the DUNK TANK.  
No, we aren't having a Dunk Tank.


Rams

Exactly, how else will the t-shirts and speedos get wet?