Valhalla 2018 - last minute relocated to Merritt BC

[gordonv]

To catch up should be very easy, as we most likely would be heading East from Grand Forks to Nelson/Belford Ferry or some other place you could meet us at anyways.

But I'm sure most will be do their long ride getting to Grand Forks on the Thursday. Then from Mike's suggestion, a long and a short ride each day, Fri & Sat.

Sat is the usual meet up dinner. Hang and gift exchange. The BBQ was great last Sept, so we'll plan that again for Sat.

[msb]

I called Johnny's today and they gave me a couple suggestions for restaraunts to do a group dinner on the Friday night. I'll follow up on that. They also said we should have full use of most of the parking lot if we wish to do something, like a show and shine, bike games, etc. I'm working on a few routes for the Friday and Saturday rides now.
 Gord... your bike on the road yet? We should meet up one day and go over plans for that week.

[gordonv]

Gord... your bike on the road yet? We should meet up one day and go over plans for that week.

Not on the road yet and I don't know when it will be.

As for meeting up, I was going to see what next weekend is like, but I'm already busy Sat, going to go to the Orange with the guys (and brothers) from work.


May 5th? For lunch, somewhere in Chilliwack? Open it up for all who want to attend?

Suggestions? I went to a place, Jimmy J's Grill, restaurant and pub.

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Jimmy+J'S+Grill/@49.1573839,-121.9530369,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x54843f7cc8412fb5:0xaa19a81a4f44c4bc!8m2!3d49.1580594!4d-121.9527718

They put the over flow into the pub. So maybe a 11am meet.

[gordonv]

Flooding in BC.

http://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/bc-flooding-more-evacuations-road-closures-as-flooding-continues-around-province

Might we be needing to look into somewhere else?

Supposedly the rivers crested today, and should start going down. But we choose Johnny's because of it's closeness to the river. Now this might have worked against up.

Suggestions of an alternative location? I've always wanted to base it out of Merritt, good rides out of there in every direction of every type. But there was river rises there too.

[msb]

Gord, have you called Johnny's yet and asked them of their situation? There is about a month to go yet. I tried calling tonight from the airport here in Atlanta but I just get a busy signal.
I'm sure we'll be fine come June (hoping so anyways)

[gordonv]

I was thinking of calling them, but felt they would be too busy. It might be too soon to know, but from the video I've seen, I expect their units have water around them, they where a little lower than the Hwy there, but had 2 steps up to the units.

https://globalnews.ca/video/4202526/flood-waters-rise-in-grand-forks

There is also Hwy 3 wash outs, hillsides moving, outside Keromeos. It might not be just a Grand Forks thing, but the Hwy too. Also problems on Hwy 6 in Lumby.

[Beardo]

Hope they’re ok there. The news reports don’t look good. I’m sure you guys could pick one of dozens of great riding areas out there and it would be great, as long as we can get rooms.


Just throwing it out there...if we need to relocate somewhere with no flooding, we’ve got a new bypass around Regina.  We’ve got like 4 new cloverleafs to have fun on now.

[gordonv]

Took a look around for alternative locations, it's not the best, but Kamloops, and they have room enough for all who have registered.

http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/british-columbia/hampton-inn-by-hilton-kamloops-KAMBCHX/index.html

A little more expensive, but includes a decent light buffet breakfast. Amenities walking distance (Pub and coffee). I would hope we could get a better group rate with 20 +/- rooms taken.

Distance would be closer for some (straight along Hwy 1), and further for others (Idaho/WA/OR members).

But with Hwy 3 being suspect, I would expect road/lane closures, along with construction repairing the washed out roads. There is nothing worse than sitting in stopped traffic on a motorcycle.

I've looked at Kamloops before as a riding hub. There are rides out of there to all points of the compass. To Lillooet, Williams Lake, Valemont, Vernon/Kelowna, and lots of back roads and lakes to see.

I think this would work as a quick replacement if Grand Forks is a "wash out". But I really hope to still be able to stay there. There's talk of years for some areas of the community to be repaired.

Then there is also are currently planed Sept weekend rally also. That is also questionable.

[gordonv]

When considering alternatives. Hwy 3 is closed west of Keromeos. Hwy 6 currently has 1 lane open, east of Lumby. Also some road construction near the Nakusp.

https://globalnews.ca/video/4201969/highway-3-west-of-keremeos-remains-closed-highway-6-opens-1-lane-east-of-lumby/

And west of Rock Creek, Hwy 3 again.

https://globalnews.ca/video/4196540/southern-b-c-stretch-of-highway-buckles-as-hillside-slumps

[msb]

I'm sure the highways will be fine by June 21, and maybe Johnny's will be as well....although the latter may be a bit more of a "hope".
Kamloops is a decent alternative, however it would be better and more central for something along #3. Princeton would be perfect .....if space could be had.....and if routes to and from are fully open. Called the Countryside Inn in Princeton and they don't have enough rooms open. There's a few other decent places I will try this week.
Also, Hope  could be an option, although it would mean another 4 -5 hours for those coming from  the East.

Let's meet up next Saturday Gord, and see what we've come up with for a "Plan B"

[Redline +]

Doesn't sound good...

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,95913.msg1005996.html#msg1005996

Redline

[msb]

Looking at options for Princeton, Hope, Kamlooos, and Merritt BC. Anyone else have ideas for an alternate location and motel that may have 20 rooms for that weekend and good riding opportunities?

[icandoitfaster]

Hey guys. Does it have to be in BC? Kettle Falls, Washington is close to Grand Forks and has some great riding in the area. Just thought it would keep the riding distance for most attending similar to what they had already planned on. Thought?
paul

[msb]

Hey all...I've located a decent hotel in Merritt BC...the Quality Inn. Check it out here...it looks pretty nice for this motley crew.
https://www.choicehotels.ca/en/quality-inn-merritt-hotel-cna21

We can get up to 20 rooms, singles & doubles at a group rate of 83.00 (a bit less I think for a single). That's CANADIAN $$ for our US friends...so you all will have lots left to buy us poor Canucks some really expensive gifts for our gift exchange 

Merritt is high and dry, and central to many GREAT riding routes that are different from what this group has done in the past. Merritt also tends to be on the dry side, with respect to June weather.

Breakfast is included with this group rate...they are OK with the fire pit in the parking lot...they have a deck where we can gather, as well as a restaurant with a large meeting room we can use if it rains (hopefully it won't)....approx. 6 hour ride from Spokane; 4 hours from Seattle; 8 hours from Calgary; your Valk will hardly get warmed up from the  Okanogan or Lower Mainland BC; and for you Jason coming from Saskabush...it really doesn't matter if its longer because you need to put km's on that BRAND NEW WING of yours!!!

So, hopefully all will read this in the coming days...please let me know if thumbs up or thumbs down. I can probably wait a day or two (until Wednesday) before confirming with my new friend Jasmine there at the Q-Inn in Merritt if we want to book.
Any questions reply here or send me a PM

[Redline +]

Merritt works for me!

Redline 

[Beardo]

Sounds great Mike.

Looks like a nice 15 hour ride. 

Good job finding a place on short notice  

[Dusty]

Looks good Mike. Works for me.      Some good riding in that area  and a Home restaurant in the complex.

Dusty

[sherman]

I'm all for the change, just wondering if anyone has made contact with Johnnys though.

[Dusty]

I'm all for the change, just wondering if anyone has made contact with Johnnys though.

I have tried phoning no answer  and have sent an e-mail  requesting an update .No reply yet

Dusty

[msb]

I'm all for the change, just wondering if anyone has made contact with Johnnys though.

I have tried phoning no answer  and have sent an e-mail  requesting an update .No reply yet

Dusty

Ditto...both Gord & I have tried calling and sent messages with no response yet. I assume this means they are concentrating on the task at hand. I will speak with the Quality Inn in Merritt again later this afternoon to confirm how long they will hold a block of rooms for us and if there are any conditions with respect to cancelling if we hear from Johnny's that they were somehow miraculously saved or damage is minimal and can be restored in time....which I can't see. As much as I like Johnny's and the Kootenays, I'm thinking Merritt might be a good option this time, as many in our group probably haven't ridden that region before....lots of great new routes to explore for them. If I can get the Quality Inn to extend their confirmation period for that block of rooms for a couple days , I might get a chance to make a run up to Merritt to check it out in person Thursday or Friday.

[msb]

UPDATE.....Lisa and I are driving up to Merritt Wednesday  ( good excuse to go fishin')     and will  meet the Manager at the Quality Inn to confirm all the details . Will also be good to get a first hand look and ensure everything is at it seems. As soon as that is done I will post all the reservation details on here .

[murraypeart (bandit)]

I can help with ideas for rides from Merritt. I have ridden throughout the area.

I have a friend who just bought a Valk and will be joining us.

[msb]

Rooms at Quality Inn in Merritt are confirmed for June 21-24 and can be reserved at 250-378-4253 under "Valhalla Rally". 5 single King rooms, 5 single Queen rooms and 9 double Queen rooms...all at the same rate of $83.00 Cdn.  Breakfast is included served in onsite Restaraunt. These rooms are held until June 4. If you have to cancel your reservation , 72 hours notice. Nice place with everything we need and more...good location just out of town.
Don't forget to cancel your room at Johnnys .

[Beardo]

Booked. Thanks Mike.

[Redline +]

Booked. Thanks Mike, appreciate you taking the time to deal with this!

Redline  

[murraypeart (bandit)]

I have booked a room. Talking to the clerk was painful. He didn't understand the "Valhalla Rally" group at first, but eventually figured it out.

[Dusty]

Murray
Thanks for practicing with the clerk. He knew the dates and group  and got me booked in fairly quickly.

Dusty   

[msb]

The manager and staff are very friendly, and the manager is being very accommodating. I met with them this AM. Yes some of the staff may not speak the best of English and since I just set it up this AM, the late staff may just getting up to speed. I think they'll be good to us in June...patience, Grasshoppers...

[Dusty]

Rooms at Quality Inn in Merritt are confirmed for June 21-24 and can be reserved at 250-378-4253 under "Valhalla Rally". 5 single King rooms, 5 single Queen rooms and 9 double Queen rooms...all at the same rate of $83.00 Cdn.  Breakfast is included served in onsite Restaraunt. These rooms are held until June 4. If you have to cancel your reservation , 72 hours notice. Nice place with everything we need and more...good location just out of town.
Don't forget to cancel your room at Johnnys .

Mike  
 Thanks to you and Gordon for getting this figured out for us.
Is breakfast served in the Home restaurant or does the motel have their own  on site. So now the planning  a route to get there for 4:00 PM. I  would like to take Duffy Lake road and come in from the north     or take the canyon   or  go #3 to Oyossos and up     . Decisions ,decisions LOL.  

Dusty

 

[msb]

Rooms at Quality Inn in Merritt are confirmed for June 21-24 and can be reserved at 250-378-4253 under "Valhalla Rally". 5 single King rooms, 5 single Queen rooms and 9 double Queen rooms...all at the same rate of $83.00 Cdn.  Breakfast is included served in onsite Restaraunt. These rooms are held until June 4. If you have to cancel your reservation , 72 hours notice. Nice place with everything we need and more...good location just out of town.
Don't forget to cancel your room at Johnnys .

Mike  
 Thanks to you and Gordon for getting this figured out for us.
Is breakfast served in the Home restaurant or does the motel have their own  on site. So now the planning  a route to get there for 4:00 PM. I  would like to take Duffy Lake road and come in from the north     or take the canyon   or  go #3 to Oyossos and up     . Decisions ,decisions LOL.  

Dusty

 

They have a restaurant on site and they serve the breakfast there each AM. Big deck in between Restaraunt and hotel and it's parking lot.  I'll post some pics later that i took this AM. t's a really nice place, just out of town up the hill to the North. Yes, so manyou  routes to take to and out of Merritt once were there. Gord and I will try to meet this weekend to map out some Ride options for the Friday and Saturday . Lots to choose from.

[murraypeart (bandit)]

They have a restaurant on site and they serve the breakfast there each AM. Big deck in between Restaraunt and hotel and it's parking lot.  I'll post some pics later that i took this AM. t's a really nice place, just out of town up the hill to the North. Yes, so manyou  routes to take to and out of Merritt once were there. Gord and I will try to meet this weekend to map out some Ride options for the Friday and Saturday . Lots to choose from.

Mike/Gord

I can send you some routes if you want. You can use them, change them, or toss them in the trash if you want. Let me know if you want me to send them.

Murray

[icandoitfaster]

Hey Mike,
Let me know where and when you and Gord are meeting this weekend and I'll try to get out of chores and meet you.
paul

[gordonv]

Booked, room 108. Now who else has that one too???

Thanks Mike for searching Merritt for us. Kamloops was more expensive, and getting less (no breakfast).

Mike/Gord

I can send you some routes if you want. You can use them, change them, or toss them in the trash if you want. Let me know if you want me to send them.

Murray

Murray, I'll take it we'll map the main routes, will figure out some kind of Word Doc. We'll send you a copy, and ask you to add one some others you now if, I'm hoping the back roads, the slow ones. We'll add them on, then get they out to everyone.

Hey Mike,
Let me know where and when you and Gord are meeting this weekend and I'll try to get out of chores and meet you.
paul

I've breakfast with George this Sat in Langley. I'll check with him if he's up for driving out to Chilliwack instead. Tess is working Sunday, so maybe a ride out that day instead?

Paul, are you moved fully now to Abby?

[msb]

Mission is an option to meet if you're going out to Chilliwack anyway , Gord. Either Rocco's Diner or the A&W on the East end of town. Make it 9:00 - 9:30 so you have time.
I'm open to other suggestions.....just not Langley at 8.

[icandoitfaster]

Hey Gord,
Yes we're in. We're actually in Yarrow and not Abby......half way between Abby and Chilliwack. Alison loves it out here (quiet, peaceful, wildlife, run to spread out) and I now have room for all my toys. It's all good.

[gordonv]

I got ahold of George, and he's up for it. I'll meet up with him in MR, then we'll take Hwy 7 over to Rocho's. A nice 24/7 breakfast menu.

We should be there by 9 am. Guys, are you bringing your ladies too? Tess should be there unless shes working Sat (not as of now).

I'll bring my lap top, so we can look over routes, and post them.

[icandoitfaster]

I will  be riding solo. See you guys at 9:00 am.

[msb]

Not sure if Lisa will come, but I'll be there for 9:00

[longrider]

Thanks for all the hard work in setting this up.  I booked for friday and saturday.  Caroline and I are looking forward to seeing everyone.

Warren

[gordonv]

Some of the pictures from BC Hwy showing the wash outs. Some have locations.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/albums/72157668491963438/with/28089115698/

BC Hwys road conditions.
https://www.tranbc.ca/current-travel-advisories/#shuswap