Valhalla 2018 - last minute relocated to Merritt BC

[gordonv]

The restaurant at the Quality Inn is the New Town. By their menu, they are more Asian style.
http://newtownrestaurant.net/

The breakfast included with our nightly stay is from 6:30 - 9:30, consists of the cereal and breads placed out, and then you are given a selection of the 2 egg breakfasts that you can order from, if I understood correctly.

The Home restaurant is more like a Rickey's or Denny's type, and is just a short walk to the next block.

During our meet up, Mike suggested a Show & Shine. Only question would be, would this be Thurs or Fri evening, after dinner, say 7 pm, in the parking lot. I feel Fri, after everyone is there.

We'll just get the bikes in a row, and have a local "celebrity" come by and look them over.

We'll supply some informational packets, showing routes/distance/time. Points of interest. You decide on the ride you wish to take and when. For those showing up on Thurs, I expect they will be out riding on Fri, then again, everyone on Sat.

Sat night, will be our group get together after dinner. The gift exchange. Discussions of our fall rally, and Valhalla 2019.

And don't forget about the indoor swimming pool. I know I'll be bringing my Speedos.  

[Redline +]

During our meet up, Mike suggested a Show & Shine. Only question would be, would this be Thurs or Fri evening, after dinner, say 7 pm, in the parking lot. I feel Fri, after everyone is there.

Will there be a category for the bike with the most bugs? After my last 400 mile ride and the large swarm of bees we rode through, I might have a chance in that class.

Redline

 

[Beardo]

During our meet up, Mike suggested a Show & Shine. Only question would be, would this be Thurs or Fri evening, after dinner, say 7 pm, in the parking lot. I feel Fri, after everyone is there.

Will there be a category for the bike with the most bugs? After my last 400 mile ride and the large swarm of bees we rode through, I might have a chance in that class.

Redline

 

Let’s do it!  I’ve got a 15 hour ride. You’re going down.


PS...anyone had any luck calling Johnny’s?

[Redline +]

PS...anyone had any luck calling Johnny’s?

I gave up, and sent them an email, that way there is a record of the attempt to cancel the reservation.

Redline

[msb]

During our meet up, Mike suggested a Show & Shine. Only question would be, would this be Thurs or Fri evening, after dinner, say 7 pm, in the parking lot. I feel Fri, after everyone is there.

Will there be a category for the bike with the most bugs? After my last 400 mile ride and the large swarm of bees we rode through, I might have a chance in that class.

Redline

 

Let’s do it!  I’ve got a 15 hour ride. You’re going down.

mmmm.... not sure if new $30,000 fancy-schmancy Wings should be allowed to compete

[Beardo]

No competing. I’m just happy I still get to hang out with you old guys...I mean old bikes.

[msb]

Hey all... just to let everyone know, 18 of our 20 blocked rooms at the Quality Inn in Merritt have been filled. So 2 rooms left, which will be held until June 4. So if you're  coming and haven't booked a room yet , or know of someone else who may want to join us.. now's the time.
If we need extra rooms I can try to get a few more this weekend.

[gordonv]

I'm sure that the hotel will be glad to fill there rooms as long as they have some empty.

I was thinking of calling them tonight and see how things where going. Good to hear we are almost the same # of rooms that where filled at Grand Forks.

As for Johnny's, I hadn't mentioned (I think), I called the city because we where having no luck contacting Johnny's, and they said defiantly Johnny's was under water. After repeated calling with no answer, emails not being replied too, I would say it's guaranteed a bust.

[gordonv]

If anyone is interested, I carry the digi-sync in my trailer, so it will be at the Valhalla Rally, if anyone wishes to sync their carbs. I have never done it myself yet.

[Dusty]

 I might take you up on that Gordon.          I don't think the carbs have been synched on this bike for 15 years. 

Dusty

[John Lane]

What hotel in Merritt BC?

[msb]

What hotel in Merritt BC?

Quality Inn...rooms held under Valhalla Rally . See info in a previous thread here

[gordonv]

I have some items I would be interested in selling. How about a little for sale table while we're there?

I have some new and used items. Trying to decide which items I'm going to offer up on the gift exchange.

I've a new Valk air cleaner, GW GL1800 K&N used (dirty), clutch/brake reservoir cap, new pack of star washer (5 pcs), balancing beads, some light bulbs (H4), and more.

[murraypeart (bandit)]

I have some items I would be interested in selling. How about a little for sale table while we're there?

I have some new and used items. Trying to decide which items I'm going to offer up on the gift exchange.

I've a new Valk air cleaner, GW GL1800 K&N used (dirty), clutch/brake reservoir cap, new pack of star washer (5 pcs), balancing beads, some light bulbs (H4), and more.

I think that is a great idea. I don't have anything to sell at the moment, but I am always looking for Valk parts. At the moment I am looking for

• a standard/Tourer speedo, it doesn't need to be working (mph or kph)
• Always looking for chrome
• VTX Headlight (I know it's not a Valkyrie part, buy maybe someone has one.)
• Super Charger

[SteveH]

Just a thought ..... the Penticton Peach City Car Show is on the weekend of June  22/23/24 . Penticton is about 1 3/4 hours from Merrit . The car show is a GOOD one with hundreds of cars from Hot Rods to Muscle Cars to you name it .  One of the rides could be a loop which takes in the car show ??? .... just saying 

[msb]

Just a thought ..... the Penticton Peach City Car Show is on the weekend of June  22/23/24 . Penticton is about 1 3/4 hours from Merrit . The car show is a GOOD one with hundreds of cars from Hot Rods to Muscle Cars to you name it .  One of the rides could be a loop which takes in the car show ??? .... just saying 

YES!!! Great idea Steve. I'll look up the details like times, etc and include it in our options. Was looking for something like that in Merritt or Kamloops but never thought to check out Penticton.

[gordonv]

Could be very nice, take the long way through Princeton to Penticton. Check out the show, then the fast way back to Merritt.

Steve, seems the women are planning a Spa Day in Merritt on Sat afternoon.

[SteveH]

Hi Gordon ..... or we could just do the the ride down in reverse since the roads are way more interesting . The fast way "Connector " is straight, boring, cold at elevation, and actually not a hell of a lot faster overall. .... just saying  ..... so we have options !

[gordonv]

One week away.

Just bumping it to the top.

Should be in before 5pm. Haven't decided on route or time yet, due to morning rush hour leaving the city.

[msb]

Weather forecast has improved...looks like we'll have 30 + for most of the 3 days with lots of sun 

[Dusty]

 Started packing   

 Ready for some warm weather and good roads.

Dusty

[SteveH]

Just ran Green Mountain Road ( it is now open with only a very small section of gravel) from Penticton and hooked into 3A, 97, and then WHITE LAKE ROAD all the way to Oliver ....... it is miles and miles of BRAND NEW TWISTY PAVEMENT  ......... perhaps we could tap into this if we take in the Penticton car show ??

[jbrooks]

A good ride for those of you heading back to Vancouver or there abouts is the Coldwater road out of Merritt. It comes out south at the Coldwater exit on the Coq.

[Redline +]

WHITE LAKE ROAD....... it is miles and miles of BRAND NEW TWISTY PAVEMENT

Hmmm..… the Vermin Club "Long Way 'Round Ride" crosses at Osoyoos. It looks like this White Lake Road might be "on the way" to Merritt! We would appreciate any cool route options from you locals.

Redline

[SteveH]

Here's an option  ..... ride to OLIVER .... turn left @ FAIRVIEW RD. ( traffic light) .... turn right @ WILLOWBROOK.... turn right @ WHITE LAKE RD ( definitely NOT LEFT!!!!!)..... turn left onto 97 .... turn left onto 3A to KEREMEOUS .....go WEST on 3 to PRINCETON  ( after HEDLEY look for OLD HEDLEY RD on the right .... you can take this or just stay on #3) ..... take 5A north to MERRITT ........ this is longer than just taking 3A out of Osoyoos , but more interesting .

Another option ..... follow the directions above . But after you turn left on 3A to KEREMEOUS look for GREEN MOUNTAIN RD on the right . Ride GREEN MOUNTAIN RD all the way to PENTICTON ( there is one small section of gravel, not bad though)..... take 97 north....take 97C .... take 5A to Merritt.

97 C is the infamous CONNECTOR and has a higher speed limit ( 70mph and 75 mph) . Fast, but not twisty, and can sometimes be quite cold at elevation ( 5,670 ft) .

[msb]

WHITE LAKE ROAD....... it is miles and miles of BRAND NEW TWISTY PAVEMENT

Hmmm..… the Vermin Club "Long Way 'Round Ride" crosses at Osoyoos. It looks like this White Lake Road might be "on the way" to Merritt! We would appreciate any cool route options from you locals.

Redline

Just remember some of these routes will be options for the Friday and Saturday rides as well, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to  catch several great riding options. Just be careful especially on any of the more regular highways on the way up.... beginning of the Summer season will see a few more radar locations in place... the Mounties especially like ticketing vermin from the US

[Redline +]

Here's an option  ..... ride to OLIVER .... turn left @ FAIRVIEW RD. ( traffic light) .... turn right @ WILLOWBROOK.... turn right @ WHITE LAKE RD ( definitely NOT LEFT!!!!!)..... turn left onto 97 .... turn left onto 3A to KEREMEOUS .....go WEST on 3 to PRINCETON  ( after HEDLEY look for OLD HEDLEY RD on the right .... you can take this or just stay on #3) ..... take 5A north to MERRITT ........ this is longer than just taking 3A out of Osoyoos , but more interesting .

Another option ..... follow the directions above . But after you turn left on 3A to KEREMEOUS look for GREEN MOUNTAIN RD on the right . Ride GREEN MOUNTAIN RD all the way to PENTICTON ( there is one small section of gravel, not bad though)..... take 97 north....take 97C .... take 5A to Merritt.

97 C is the infamous CONNECTOR and has a higher speed limit ( 70mph and 75 mph) . Fast, but not twisty, and can sometimes be quite cold at elevation ( 5,670 ft) .

Thanks Steve, we'll see how the ride goes and how adventurous we feel at that point in the day. I've learned what the name Russell Day-Long means, Day-Long seems to be 300 miles!

Redline  

[Redline +]

Just remember some of these routes will be options for the Friday and Saturday rides as well, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to catch several great riding options. Just be careful especially on any of the more regular highways on the way up.... beginning of the Summer season will see a few more radar locations in place... the Mounties especially like ticketing vermin from the US

Thanks Mike, but I have no issues with riding great roads more than once!

Won't have to worry about the Mounties with my wife on board!

Redline

[SteveH]

Redline .... know what you mean My behind starts screaming at me at around the same mileage or less   

[SteveH]

Home , safe and sound from Valhalla rally 

On the return trip we had a bit of a heart stopper on Green Mountain Road    . Some idiot on a Harley couldn't hold his lane on a blind curve and met us head on . At the last second, I was able to give him just enough real estate without putting us into the ditch . 

Had a great weekend and it was super fun to see all of our friends again.

[gordonv]

Glad to hear you avoided what could have ruined the end of what was a great trip, and got home safe.

[gordonv]

It's the end of another Valhalla Rally, and I hope I can say, that a great time was had by all.

1st, I had neglected in formally Thanking the Vermin for buying the pizza for last nights dinner, during our evening events. I wasn't there as the pizza was being delivered, so I hope individuals there, who where enjoying the pizza, had thanked the Vermin at that time.

I hadn't found time to set up any kind of swap meet, but had sold a few of the items I had brought (usually carry in my trailer) to Murry and Doug. I'll try again next year.

We've decided on trying again for Grand Forks for next years Valhalla 2019 Rally, to show them some support after the flooding. I'll be contacting them and trying to set some things up.

Seems that the only complaints we had, where about the service in the onsite restaurant. Most had already spoken with Heidi on the desk, we also had chatted about it. But I had only heard praise about how good the food was. Coming from Richmond, we have a major China Town type community here, about 10 Asian restaurants every block. All kinds, and Tess and I found the food very nice. The staff where very obliging about our events, the fire pit, drinking in the parking lot, late night chatting around the fire pit keeping people warm. The local police did drop by while I was out buying some stock for my weekend, to say Hi, as I had contacted them to inform them of our event. No one reported any run ins with them while on duty, so who knows, maybe it was worth it?

Our ride on Thursday turned into a single group ride. Everyone came alone to the same place. We road over from Merritt to Lillooet, to Dina's Place, Greek Food. I found the calamari lunch Tess and I had was perfectly cooked. Complaint from our table mates, was no yellow mustard for their burgers. Surprisingly the food came out fairly quickly, no one was left behind eating while the rest had left, after no warning to Dina's and about 20 people descending upon them.

A couple of spots where the road was being fixed up from a slid and paving being done. Some rain outside Ashcroft on our drive by Logan Lake on the way back to Merritt. But after the rain stopped, 15 minutes down the road, and most reported arriving back at the hotel dry. One reason I was looking forward to riding in the Merritt area, a semi-arid desert means less moisture/humidity.

While the ladies had arranged to stay behind in Merritt on Saturday, and make a spa day, the guys and one Brave lady, drove down to Princeton and then over to Penticton for an annual Show & Shine that was going on at the same time.

A nice detour Steve H showed us, was a back road ride between Keremeos and Penticton, the Green Mountain Road. For those who have been to the New Denver Valhalla Rally, I liken it to the road between Kaslo and New Denver.

Our only report of a mishap was a rider from WA, whom unfortunately had somehow had his Valk fall on him and pin his foot under it. Foot was bruised and sore, but he was still able to make a good show of it and walk an hour at the Penticton Show & Shine.

A nice lunch off site in Summerland, then up to the Hwy 97c connector between the Okanagan Valley and the Nicola Valley.

Then the usual final night events. We had the Show & Shine votes from the day before for the best traditional Valkyrie, won my msd (Mike) black/red IS. The best non traditional MC, won my Steve from Spokane, F6B. And lastly a Buns of Steel, given to Beardo (Jason) from Regina Saskatchewan, 18' GW.

Our trophy Valkyrie Standard, which is given out to the "attendee" who had a mishap, was given to the above mentioned WA member for his foot injury.

Again for those who have attended, we started a new tradition. Redline (Cal) from the ex Seattle Vermin, always has a nice Hawaiian style shirt at these rallies. So the guys all came out at the event night wearing theirs too. It made for a nice lite moment for all, and got a big smile out of Redline.

And talking about Redline, Thank you for bringing out your better half, Linda, to our event. She was a pleasure to meet and talk too, and fitted in nicely with our crowd.

Thanks again Mike for helping out so much in organizing this event, along with all the others who have put time in, from behind the scene to just showing up and enjoying the time with like minded individuals. Everyone has smiles and hugs from the women, and are pleased to attend the Rally.

If I have forgotten anyone, I'm sorry, but I don't take notes, as I'm also trying to enjoy myself as much as the rest of you all. In helping in setting up and cleaning up before, during and after the Rally. In just attending.

I had neglected in not counting all the attendees, but we had 16 MC and our pace car on the ride to Lillooet. Warren and his wife showed up for Friday night.

Did I miss anything? Hope not.

Thank you again, everyone. I had a wonderful time, made everything worth doing. Now lets see what we can do for next years Valhalla Rally!

gordonv and Tess.

[Redline +]

Another great Valhalla Rally! On behalf of the Washington State Chapter, a big thanks to the BC Chapter for hosting another great event. Looking forward to returning next year... don't forget your shirts.


Redline

[Beardo]

Home , safe and sound from Valhalla rally 

On the return trip we had a bit of a heart stopper on Green Mountain Road    . Some idiot on a Harley couldn't hold his lane on a blind curve and met us head on . At the last second, I was able to give him just enough real estate without putting us into the ditch . 

Had a great weekend and it was super fun to see all of our friends again.

Glad you were able to maneuver around him. If anyone could, it would be you. I really enjoyed being on your six once again, some of the most enjoyable riding I’ve ever done. It’s a privilege being behind someone with your experience and road-reading skills. 

Thanks again Gord and msb for all the organizing and to the whole gang for letting me tag along with your amazing group.

Had a great day of fly fishing with msb today. He didn’t even laugh (out loud) at my (lack of) fly fishing skills.