Big Mike
Member
    
Posts: 353
I can not remember my last bad day
Taylor MI
|
 |
« on: January 12, 2011, 05:19:29 PM » |
|
I know several riders that live in the Shanty Creek area. these guys know all the back roads, forward roads, best little places to eat and so on. Many have lived up here their whole lives. They have expressed an interest in offering guided tours. These could be anywhere from a couple hours to all day. If you had a destination you wanted to visit, lets say the Mac Bridge. They could get you there the quickest way, most senic way, or some of both. This would eliminate the need for a map, or constant viewing of your GPS when you could be enjoying the sights and the ride. We have not discussed any type of pricing yet, most of these guys would be happy with gas and lunch or something like that though. There are no real details yet, just want to get an idea if this interests anyone or not.
My thinking about a cost was that if someone was going to take the time to do this the least that the participants could do was buy them some gas and lunch. Who knows maybe they will do it for nothing. This is not meant to be any type of business venture. It has not been decided yet either. I think of it as leaving a tip.
The key here is offering participants an option. Someone may not enjoy trying to find there way around the area. It can be confusing if you get off of the beaten path.
You are right this may be a first for INZANE and some may find it helpful. Hence the reason for this little survey if you will. I want to get a feel for the thoughts of the participants.
Your input is appreciated! Mike Terry
|
|
« Last Edit: January 12, 2011, 07:39:00 PM by Big Mike »
|
Logged
|
Big Mike VRCC 23871 VRCCDS 0200 With GOD and a good attitude, there is no circumstance that I can not overcome.
|
|
|
Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
    
Posts: 13833
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
|
 |
« Reply #1 on: January 12, 2011, 05:47:39 PM » |
|
I know several riders that live in the Shanty Creek area. these guys know all the back roads, forward roads, best little places to eat and so on. Many have lived up here their whole lives. They have expressed an interest in offering guided tours. These could be anywhere from a couple hours to all day. If you had a destination you wanted to visit, lets say the Mac Bridge. They could get you there the quickest way, most senic way, or some of both. This would eliminate the need for a map, or constant viewing of your GPS when you could be enjoying the sights and the ride. We have not discussed any type of pricing yet, most of these guys would be happy with gas and lunch or something like that though. There are no real details yet, just want to get an idea if this interests anyone or not.
Your input is appreciated! Mike Terry
Pay someone to go ridin' ....Now thats a job I would dig ....Y'all hiring ? 
|
|
|
Logged
|
 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools.
|
|
|
Super Santa
Member
    
Posts: 1907
VRCC #27029
Houston, Texas
|
 |
« Reply #2 on: January 12, 2011, 05:48:21 PM » |
|
My one thought I had would be having a choice of many different rides with sign-up sheets ahead of time. Also, limiting each ride to about 10 riders. Larger groups tend to multiply problems and compromise safety.
Just my two cents.
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Oss
Member
    
Posts: 12614
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
|
 |
« Reply #3 on: January 12, 2011, 06:06:20 PM » |
|
One of the many highlights of InzaneX was our ride with you and Chili, and going thru the road with those great trees along the lake....was our great pleasure to meet you both Timbr Just leave out the traffic waiting for that drawbridge next time We actually stopped in the middle of the forest just to dig on the surroundings and that restaurant on the end was also pretty cool
|
|
« Last Edit: January 12, 2011, 06:09:51 PM by Oss »
|
Logged
|
If you don't know where your going any road will take you there George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
|
|
|
John Schmidt
Member
    
Posts: 15224
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
|
 |
« Reply #4 on: January 12, 2011, 07:25:43 PM » |
|
Not sure about that Mike, if memory serves.....paying someone local for leading a ride would be a first for InZane. I've been on a few guided rides in the past and it was never even considered. The leaders did it because they like to ride and enjoyed showing the local area to us visitors.
One ride I went on out of Johnson City was more like a road race, so I just pulled over and stopped. When asked why, I simply said I wanted to be able to see/enjoy the new surroundings. At the speeds being traveled, a person had to keep his eye on the road and was totally unable to look around. That's something a local leader often will do....they've seen it all numerous times and have a tendency to buzz through an area when those following want to slow down and look a little.
Just a thought.
|
|
« Last Edit: January 12, 2011, 07:30:52 PM by John Schmidt »
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Big Mike
Member
    
Posts: 353
I can not remember my last bad day
Taylor MI
|
 |
« Reply #5 on: January 12, 2011, 07:39:21 PM » |
|
My thinking about a cost was that if someone was going to take the time to do this the least that the participants could do was buy them some gas and lunch. Who knows maybe they will do it for nothing. This is not meant to be any type of business venture. It has not been decided yet either. I think of it as leaving a tip.
The key here is offering participants an option. Someone may not enjoy trying to find there way around the area. It can be confusing if you get off of the beaten path.
You are right this may be a first for INZANE and some may find it helpful. Hence the reason for this little survey if you will. I want to get a feel for the thoughts of the participants.
|
|
|
Logged
|
Big Mike VRCC 23871 VRCCDS 0200 With GOD and a good attitude, there is no circumstance that I can not overcome.
|
|
|
..
|
 |
« Reply #6 on: January 12, 2011, 07:50:43 PM » |
|
I know several riders that live in the Shanty Creek area. these guys know all the back roads, forward roads, best little places to eat and so on. Many have lived up here their whole lives. They have expressed an interest in offering guided tours. These could be anywhere from a couple hours to all day. If you had a destination you wanted to visit, lets say the Mac Bridge. They could get you there the quickest way, most senic way, or some of both. This would eliminate the need for a map, or constant viewing of your GPS when you could be enjoying the sights and the ride. We have not discussed any type of pricing yet, most of these guys would be happy with gas and lunch or something like that though. There are no real details yet, just want to get an idea if this interests anyone or not.
Your input is appreciated! Mike Terry
Pay someone to go ridin' ....Now thats a job I would dig ....Y'all hiring ?  Me too. I do it because I like showing riders roads they woudl never find themselves. If people like Joe and me got paid for this we could have retired years ago.
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
..
|
 |
« Reply #7 on: January 12, 2011, 07:52:46 PM » |
|
My one thought I had would be having a choice of many different rides with sign-up sheets ahead of time. Also, limiting each ride to about 10 riders. Larger groups tend to multiply problems and compromise safety.
Just my two cents.
That's a good idea. When you get riders of varying capabilites who have never ridden together it can be a recipe for disaster.
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Devl
|
 |
« Reply #9 on: January 13, 2011, 05:18:06 AM » |
|
I think there a plenty of folks who live in Michigan that would be happy to lead rides and not charge a penny. I know Bob & I will be happy to lead a few if he is able to ride this year. We just enjoy our state and enjoy showing it off. Michigan Maps are plentiful and very easy to read, just pick a gray road and you are in for an adventure of some sort. Just about any restaurant you pull into will have something good on the menu and a story to be told by the chef/owner or a waitress. Its not like anyone can get truly lost, we are a peninsula you know, and there are plenty of places to stop and get directions from the great folks that live in them parts. If there is a Michigan table this year, like last year, there was sign up sheets for a few guided rides that were free. And there was free information available there for restaurants and things to see off the beaten path. I would hate to think with all this available, free of charge, that anyone would have to pay to be shown some good ole Michigan Hospitality!!
|
|
|
Logged
|
Devl
|
|
|
Hoser
Member
    
Posts: 5844
child of the sixties VRCC 17899
Auburn, Kansas
|
 |
« Reply #10 on: January 13, 2011, 05:22:03 AM » |
|
One of the many highlights of InzaneX was our ride with you and Chili, and going thru the road with those great trees along the lake....was our great pleasure to meet you both Timbr Just leave out the traffic waiting for that drawbridge next time We actually stopped in the middle of the forest just to dig on the surroundings and that restaurant on the end was also pretty cool You must have stopped at the nature stop just before the "tunnel of trees". MP and I and another stopped there, also at the restuarant with all the table legs. Hoser
|
|
|
Logged
|
I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle  [img width=300 height=233]http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/
|
|
|
John Schmidt
Member
    
Posts: 15224
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
|
 |
« Reply #11 on: January 13, 2011, 08:22:35 AM » |
|
KW....Jerry, three of us made a run over to the lighthouse north of Traverse City and I bought a small bag/box of cherries. You have to be careful eating those things.....you think prunes work good?????  PS: Apparently you're not going to visit us down here this winter? Also....the Yalaha Bakery is waiting.  March 4-13 is Bike Week this year so you have about 6 weeks to get down here.  As for InZane, if Rita can make it to Columbus, OH again(or someone can come stay with her), I plan to make it again this year.
|
|
« Last Edit: January 13, 2011, 08:27:34 AM by John Schmidt »
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
John Schmidt
Member
    
Posts: 15224
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
|
 |
« Reply #12 on: January 13, 2011, 08:34:50 AM » |
|
...In Mikes defense, I know for a fact that when he spoke of "how much to charge" it was not with any intent on his part to seek "profit" of any kind from anyone attending IZ this year. Alot of you know Mike, and have done business with him in the past with his "Valkyrie Bling" Business. And although I personally have never bought anything from him, I have heard time and time again, what a stand up, honest guy he is, who usually bends over backwards to go that "extra mile", and make sure his customers are 100 % satisfied. I have hung out with him at different Michigan Events, and I agree with everyone that has said what a stand up guy he is.  I think you,ll find that just about all Michigan Members are good folks, who want nothing more then to show all of you a great time, and show you how proud we are of our great home state of Michigan. You're right Timber, all stand-up good folk and I don't believe there was any intent to cast aspersions. It was most likely the concept of paying a leader in some fashion....a rather new idea in an otherwise free organization.
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
T-Bird
Member
    
Posts: 2487
A friend is one who takes me for what I am.
Cleveland, Tennessee
|
 |
« Reply #13 on: January 13, 2011, 11:47:46 AM » |
|
The only problem I had with Inzane 10 was there wasn't two of me to go on all the rides offered by so many people. Ended up going on some good ones with Beekeeper, Rainman, & Painter leading the groups....and I don't think any of these guys are even from Michigan 
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
fudgie
Member
    
Posts: 10613
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
|
 |
« Reply #14 on: January 14, 2011, 04:41:03 AM » |
|
Beekeeper, Rainman, & Painter leading the groups Thats a scary group! 
|
|
|
Logged
|
 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR
|
|
|
MP
Member
    
Posts: 5532
1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar
North Dakota
|
 |
« Reply #15 on: January 14, 2011, 09:11:45 AM » |
|
One of the many highlights of InzaneX was our ride with you and Chili, and going thru the road with those great trees along the lake....was our great pleasure to meet you both Timbr Just leave out the traffic waiting for that drawbridge next time We actually stopped in the middle of the forest just to dig on the surroundings and that restaurant on the end was also pretty cool You must have stopped at the nature stop just before the "tunnel of trees". MP and I and another stopped there, also at the restuarant with all the table legs. Hoser That was a really cool break, wasn't it hoser? Nice to sit there, and rest a few minutes, enjoying the scenery, and especially the company I was keeping. Could not have a better riding partner! MP
|
|
|
Logged
|
 "Ridin' with Cycho"
|
|
|
|