InZane XV... preliminary info

[olddog1946]

I didn't make it to this year's shindig as it was 2500 miles away and there were other events I was attending. I hope to make it next year wherever it is, but would love to see it a bit closer to the west coast. So, yes SD would be good. I feel for those with less then enough time or too far away but no matter where it is held some will be too far away or not have the time.  IF YOU can make it, be there, if YOU can't make it, try for the next one.

[donaldcc]

  I liked Black Hills area.  Might also give some thought to somewhere in Colorado Rocky Mtns.  Some nice places there that are cooler up in elevation.

[BobB]

This country is just to wide.  Perhaps we need an Inzane East and an Inzane West scehduled at different dates.  That way, some of us might make it to both.   

[Daniel Meyer]

My only question is...how many active members are a days ride to SD?

I'm a day's ride from pretty much anywhere in the lower 48...but my definition of a day's ride may differ from some folks' 

And to add a relevant 2 cents... Woot! Inzane! Somewhere I get to ride to! (east, west, easter, wester...s'all good!)

[thedon]

Connie, Really nice that you keep everyone informed.
If you need help cooking for the early bird cookout (that is if its off-site) Barb and I would be glad to lend a hand.
By the way, SD or NC we will be there. Either one is good.
Thedon and Barbo

[John Lane]

SD is a lot less travel for us in the PNW. If I could swing 3 weeks off the east coast would be possible. I guess a flight into NC and find a GL to rent is also a possibility...

John
1998 black tourer

[T.P.]

The way I see it !

We have two of our best old timers in Florida,  You know who they are.
Maybe these two need to team up,  put both bikes in the toy hauler and make sure they both get to the Black Hills for INZANE XV 

Hell,  On your way up stop by and get Wayne in the truck also.     T.P.

[The emperor has no clothes]

The way I see it !

We have two of our best old timers in Florida,  You know who they are.
Maybe these two need to team up,  put both bikes in the toy hauler and make sure they both get to the Black Hills for INZANE XV 

Hell,  On your way up stop by and get Wayne in the truck also.     T.P.

We could start an old-timers fund, like the Ali fund

[HayHauler]

The way I see it !

We have two of our best old timers in Florida,  You know who they are.
Maybe these two need to team up,  put both bikes in the toy hauler and make sure they both get to the Black Hills for INZANE XV 

Hell,  On your way up stop by and get Wayne in the truck also.     T.P.

Great idea TP.  Thought we had convinced Wayne to come this year.  But we missed him a lot!

Hay
Jimmyt

[nerider2]

Thanks for posting the dates.  It makes it easier to plan.  I love the Black Hills, Asheville is nice too.  Either place, Christy and I will be there.

[Rams]

This country is just to wide.  Perhaps we need an Inzane East and an Inzane West scehduled at different dates.  That way, some of us might make it to both.   

That's been suggested but never got off the table.    Hopefully it will get serious consideration some day.    I sincerely believe it's a viable option and would have some riders attend both.     Most likely those riders would be retirees but, their money spends well also.     I know this, give me a couple of years and I'll be available for two Inzanes.

[f6gal]

This country is just to wide.  Perhaps we need an Inzane East and an Inzane West scehduled at different dates.  That way, some of us might make it to both.  

That's been suggested but never got off the table.    Hopefully it will get serious consideration some day.    I sincerely believe it's a viable option and would have some riders attend both.     Most likely those riders would be retirees but, their money spends well also.     I know this, give me a couple of years and I'll be available for two Inzanes.

It has been done... twice.  It hurt the attendance of both.  The first year was sort of ok, second year total flop.  The idea of InZane is to get as many of us together as possible, most folks made a choice between the two (that sucked).  The West side of the country, who were feeling ignored by IZs in the east, felt like we were just throwing them a bone (because we didn't really move it west).

[John Schmidt]

I recall in 2006(believe that's the year), the first InZane in Frisco, CO took place. Then a short time later that summer we had DOTS(Dragons Over The Smokies) in Johnson City, TN. That year I attended both and had a great time but left Colorado early due to family issues. I have no idea what the attendance was at either event, just know I had a good time. The DOTS event had to have been a younger crowd that year, reason being....I got the "Old Farts" (Oldest Rider) award at age 68.  Good memories of both but doubt I'd be able to do it again. I guess if I were to make the trip to SD, I'd trailer the bike to a friend or relative's place in the midwest, then ride the rest of the way. I figure from Florida I would need to consider at least one week for travel to/from, then add a week on location. Not sure I can make that happen, but we'll have to see.  

Next year, wherever it may be, I'll be there in spirit if not in person. In the mid-50's I was stationed at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, SD. I'd love to see what's changed with the town in the nearly 60 yrs. since, doubt I'd see anything familiar.

[ugelstad]

If you are looking for a charity to support, there is a small wounded warrior charity in Custer, SD.  It was started by some friends of mine who are Harley riders and veterans.  It is Called Operation Black Hills Cabin and it provided free vacations to severely disabled veterans and their families.  Their web site is http://operationblackhillscabin.org/ .  Even if they are not the official charity of INZANE, some of our members might be interested in it.

[Rams]

This country is just to wide.  Perhaps we need an Inzane East and an Inzane West scehduled at different dates.  That way, some of us might make it to both.  

That's been suggested but never got off the table.    Hopefully it will get serious consideration some day.    I sincerely believe it's a viable option and would have some riders attend both.     Most likely those riders would be retirees but, their money spends well also.     I know this, give me a couple of years and I'll be available for two Inzanes.

The West side of the country, who were feeling ignored by IZs in the east, felt like we were just throwing them a bone (because we didn't really move it west).

Hmm, well it would appear you know why it was a failure.    Maybe the western Inzane should be "futher" west.     

I really believe this country is too big to expect large numbers of folks to travel coast to coast for an event.   It simply takes more travel time and money than most of us have available.   That is why (IMHO) very few west coasters attend the east of the Mississippi events and why few east coasters are going to attend a west coast event.     I doubt you'll ever get huge numbers of west coasters to attend east of the Mississippi or large numbers of easterners to travel west of the Rockies.     That's why I really think two Inzanes are appropriate.   

As much as I like the idea of the Black Hills of SD, I'm betting east coast attendance will be down and I'm not convinced west coast attendance will be huge.   I'll still try to be there but, there's a lot of travel time involved.    But, the staff already knows that.    Just suggestions, not trying to ruffle any feathers.    IMHO, a west coast event should occur in Central CA, I don't know how many members are on the west coast but if it was ever going to fly, that's what I think is needed.    I doubt many east of the Mississippi would attend.

Does any one have a geographic/population map of where most of our members are from?   
If one could plug in that information onto a US map, the answers would be obvious.    Again, just my opinion.

[Black Dog]

Does any one have a geographic/population map of where most of our members are from?    
If one could plug in that information onto a US map, the answers would be obvious.

This was done years ago, and it pointed out that the events held in the Ohio (Zanesville), Kentucky (Paducah), and Tenn (Johnson City), were all very close to the 'population center' of the country (within a few hundred miles)...

Black Hills or Ashville, I'll do my best to attend.

Black Dog

[fudgie]

West coast can also do some VRCC events like we have over yonder like the DRU, Joe & Dons, ride, etc. Events dont have to be done by the Admins.

[michaelyoung254]

We'd love to attend, and hope to be able to do so. As a school teacher here in Texas, the last week of school is the first week of June. We had planned on attending Inzane last year in Ashville, but due to some bad weather days, the last day of school (for teachers anyway) was on June 9th. Needless to say, that made it pretty much impossible for us to attend.

Next year, the last day of school (for the teachers) is set for June 5th. Sure hope we don't have to use any bad weather days again because if we do, that will carry over to the 2nd week of June which will once again rule out being able to attend Inzane XV.

Sure wish y'all would consider perhaps the 3rd week of June whereas teachers or parents of kids in school will not have to worry about conflicts with school.

[f6gal]

This country is just to wide.  Perhaps we need an Inzane East and an Inzane West scehduled at different dates.  That way, some of us might make it to both.  

That's been suggested but never got off the table.    Hopefully it will get serious consideration some day.    I sincerely believe it's a viable option and would have some riders attend both.     Most likely those riders would be retirees but, their money spends well also.     I know this, give me a couple of years and I'll be available for two Inzanes.

The West side of the country, who were feeling ignored by IZs in the east, felt like we were just throwing them a bone (because we didn't really move it west).

Hmm, well it would appear you know why it was a failure.    Maybe the western Inzane should be "futher" west.     

I really believe this country is too big to expect large numbers of folks to travel coast to coast for an event.   It simply takes more travel time and money than most of us have available.   That is why (IMHO) very few west coasters attend the east of the Mississippi events and why few east coasters are going to attend a west coast event.     I doubt you'll ever get huge numbers of west coasters to attend east of the Mississippi or large numbers of easterners to travel west of the Rockies.     That's why I really think two Inzanes are appropriate.   

As much as I like the idea of the Black Hills of SD, I'm betting east coast attendance will be down and I'm not convinced west coast attendance will be huge.   I'll still try to be there but, there's a lot of travel time involved.    But, the staff already knows that.    Just suggestions, not trying to ruffle any feathers.    IMHO, a west coast event should occur in Central CA, I don't know how many members are on the west coast but if it was ever going to fly, that's what I think is needed.    I doubt many east of the Mississippi would attend.

Does any one have a geographic/population map of where most of our members are from?   
If one could plug in that information onto a US map, the answers would be obvious.    Again, just my opinion.

It was in Prescott, AZ (before we had the Colorado InZane).  What I meant by "we didn't really move it west," was that it was felt that we did not move the "actual" InZane event, rather we split it up and didn't give the "actual" event a chance in the West.  Because of the flop of east and west events, we had the next InZane in Colorado... which was a huge success... it fact the record attendance, until Michigan in 2010. 

[f6gal]

Does any one have a geographic/population map of where most of our members are from?    
If one could plug in that information onto a US map, the answers would be obvious.

This was done years ago, and it pointed out that the events held in the Ohio (Zanesville), Kentucky (Paducah), and Tenn (Johnson City), were all very close to the 'population center' of the country (within a few hundred miles)...

Black Hills or Ashville, I'll do my best to attend.

Black Dog

The geographic center of the country is Lebanon, Kansas; the population center is Texas County, Missouri.  Believe me, we have looked!
Paducah was, in part, chosen because of its proximity to the population center (at that time, Phelps County, Missouri); Zanesville and Johnson City were not.  Zanesville was chosen because of its proximity to the Honda plant and DirectLine.  Johnson City was chosen because we went West (Colorado) the year before.

[RainMaker]

No matter where you pick, there will be people who don't think it's in the right spot, is too far away, etc.  The closest Inzane for me was Eureka Springs and I could not make it due to scheduling issues.  

If you had it in Washington State and it fit my schedule, I'd ride there.  In Maine - I'd ride there. The journey to Inzane is half the fun, exploring new areas or new ways to get to old places.  So recognizing you can't make everyone happy, go for the Black Hills out of Wisconsin if the South Dakota folks won't play ball.  

If you had Inzane in North Central Texas, I'd be disappointed due to missing out on the journey.  So the further away, the better.  The further north, the better.

That's my 2 cents and I appreciate all the admins do to make Inzane a great experience.

RainMaker

[Rams]

Does any one have a geographic/population map of where most of our members are from?    
If one could plug in that information onto a US map, the answers would be obvious.

This was done years ago, and it pointed out that the events held in the Ohio (Zanesville), Kentucky (Paducah), and Tenn (Johnson City), were all very close to the 'population center' of the country (within a few hundred miles)...

Black Hills or Ashville, I'll do my best to attend.

Black Dog

The geographic center of the country is Lebanon, Kansas; the population center is Texas County, Missouri.  Believe me, we have looked!
Paducah was, in part, chosen because of its proximity to the population center (at that time, Phelps County, Missouri); Zanesville and Johnson City were not.  Zanesville was chosen because of its proximity to the Honda plant and DirectLine.  Johnson City was chosen because we went West (Colorado) the year before.

OK, maybe I'm confused on what you're saying but, what I asked about was a geographic map that pinpoints where the Valkyrie population is.    Not where the center of the US is or, where the major population centers are.    I'm not computer literate enough to do it but, I would think the data base could be used to show where all your Valkyrie membership calls home.     Maybe that's what you've stated and I'm just not getting that message.   If so, I apologize for being a little thick.  

[Jess from VA]

The problem with that Ron, is that of the 20K registered members, only a percentage of those are active and would travel to an event.

[RainMaker]

The problem with that Ron, is that of the 20K registered members, only a percentage of those are active and would travel to an event.

Beat me to it. Maybe if those active on the forum and facebook could renew or verify their membership, we could come up with an accurate center of the Valk population. There is probably a way but a big project.

[Rams]

The problem with that Ron, is that of the 20K registered members, only a percentage of those are active and would travel to an event.

Yeah I know.   

The science of data collection is at best a guess.    Even surveys are +/- 3 to 7%,

[T.P.]

I think we are missing out on something big here.   

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11486

[Jess from VA]

And, even if we could find a fairly accurate geographical center of actual active members wanting to attend, that spot on the map would not likely be a good location with great riding.

I enjoy meeting with members and renewing and making new friendships, but my reason to attend a rally is the riding.  If the riding geography is flatlands, I probably won't be there.

[f6gal]

And, even if we could find a fairly accurate geographical center of actual active members wanting to attend, that spot on the map would not likely be a good location with great riding.

Exactly!!

[Rams]

And, even if we could find a fairly accurate geographical center of actual active members wanting to attend, that spot on the map would not likely be a good location with great riding.

Exactly!!

Oh, I understand that but, I thought we were talking about attendance.   I've ridden the flatlands of KS, OK, NE, TX and many other places and had a great time doing it.

I can ride just about anywhere I want to ride when I have the time and resources.    Honestly, I don't go to Inzane to ride a bunch, I can do that own my own and really don't enjoy large group rides anyway.    I go to Inzane to see my Valkyrie friends both old and new.     We all have our reasons to attend.   

It doesn't matter (almost) where it's held, I'll try to come but, up to this point, the discussion has been in reference to attendance.     I do appreciate the early warning for dates and potential locations.     

[wiggydotcom]

This country is just to wide.  Perhaps we need an Inzane East and an Inzane West scehduled at different dates.  That way, some of us might make it to both.   

That's been suggested but never got off the table.    Hopefully it will get serious consideration some day.    I sincerely believe it's a viable option and would have some riders attend both.     Most likely those riders would be retirees but, their money spends well also.     I know this, give me a couple of years and I'll be available for two Inzanes.

Ron, not trying to pick an argument, but I would think planning ONE IZ takes a tremendous amount of time and travel. I couldn't imagine asking the staff to plan a second event in the same year. Are you suggesting you'd step up and plan the east one? Probably the end of conversation, huh?

[Rams]

This country is just to wide.  Perhaps we need an Inzane East and an Inzane West scehduled at different dates.  That way, some of us might make it to both.   

That's been suggested but never got off the table.    Hopefully it will get serious consideration some day.    I sincerely believe it's a viable option and would have some riders attend both.     Most likely those riders would be retirees but, their money spends well also.     I know this, give me a couple of years and I'll be available for two Inzanes.

Ron, not trying to pick an argument, but I would think planning ONE IZ takes a tremendous amount of time and travel. I couldn't imagine asking the staff to plan a second event in the same year. Are you suggesting you'd step up and plan the east one? Probably the end of conversation, huh?

End of Conversation?   Hardly, but there is a huge difference between being a member of staff/"Owner of VRCC shares" and decision maker versus being one making suggestions attempting to help.   

[BobB]

Yikes, I didn't mean to start a something.  I just observed that East/West distance was a prevelant concern in a lot of the postings here.  I've only been to two Inzanes, 12 and 13, but intend to get to Inzane XV.  I missed you gals and guys this year.  For the most part, it's not about the distance.  For the working slobs, it's time away from the source of their income.  For us retired gentlemen, it may be about the money on a fixed income.  After all, putting miles on our fantastic Valkyries is pure pleasure.  The planing of two Inzanes per year would have to be done by and expanded staff but it would also have to pass many more common sense tests. 

For what it's worth, I approve of the stated locations for Inzane XV.  The Black Hills is 600 miles from me and I have been there five times on the Valk for Sturgis Bike Week.  Returning to Ashville would be great.  I passed on this year because I rode in that region the week after Inzane 12, two years ago.  It's 1050 miles from home. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Thanks for the very timely heads up, this allows me planning for my work schedules.

I agree 

[santa]

1350 miles for me, wish it was a little farther, maybe take the long way out there. Love a long ride to Inzane.

Santa

[T.P.]

http://www.blackhillsvacations.com/vacationplanner/weather/

[MP]

I live two hours north of the Black Hills.  The VOAI has had two Reunions in the Hills, based in Keystone.  The members keep asking when we are going back!  The riding is great.

June is the month to go!  Cooler, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived.  Bike week (s) are a ZOO!  And, quite often HOT.  And storms.  It will not be HOT, and the storms are unlikely in June.  It may rain, but not likely the STORMS with HAIL!

Try to make it, if at all possible.  It is a GREAT location.  Just ask all the bikers that keep coming in August!

MP

[fudgie]

  It is a GREAT location.  Just ask all the bikers that keep coming in August!

MP

Yup! Now to decide to go in June or Aug. 

[Goo-Goo Magoo]

I say we go West of Mississippi. Lets say Misfit's house. He just added on to his place and Lil'Bit moved out. So there should be lots of room.

[Tailgate Tommy]

+1. Good times and food at Damon's house!

[Misfit]

Bring it on. It's been awhile since Tom's been to my house and even longer since Magoo has been here. Watcha hungry for?