Valhalla 2019 - Merritt BC (updated)

[gordonv]

Changed Jan 9, 2019

Seems after a very short discussion with some of the guys in the main group, it was a very quick decision to change the venue from Grand Forks BC, back to Merritt BC. There was every reason to believe that Johnny's Motel would not be running in time for our annual Valhalla Rally.

The venue will be the same as last year, the Quality Inn, but there is an increase to the price, an increase to a whopping $85 CAD, which still includes the $10 credit for breakfast on site.

More information in a later post.




Here is the first official post for our 2019 Valhalla Rally, for BC & the PNW and beyond!!

We will be trying for Grand Forks again, same weekend after Father's Day, and same days, Thursday thru Sunday.

Johnny's Motel, Grand Forks BC
June 20 - 23, 2019

I just spoke with Jim yesterday, at the Lazy Bear Lodge in Cranbrook BC, which is their sister hotel, inquiring about the possibility of having our rally at their hotel next year. The hotel will NOT be ready for at least 6 months, between adjusters and then construction work. I did give him our dates for the Rally, and our wish to support them, therefore our wish to reserve the hotel again for our annual Valhalla Rally.

Due to this, I'll be calling them back the end of Feb 19', and find out their current expected date of opening. At which time we can hopefully start to reserve our rooms.

[NautiBrit]

You've got my interest as my girlfriend and I drove through Grand Forks today in our motorhome on our way from Kettle Falls, ID to Vernon, BC. This area is a must see on a bike.

[Madawg]

Thanks Gordo. We are looking forward to it so I hope it works out!

[nogrey]

Sounds like a great place to visit. I’m going to have to keep this in mind!

[msb]

Sounds like a great place to visit. I’m going to have to keep this in mind!

We'll get you all signed up next month in Joseph 

[Redline +]

The hotel will NOT be ready for at least 6 months, between adjusters and then construction work.

During the construction work, I sure hope they add on to room number 6.

Redline 

[msb]

The hotel will NOT be ready for at least 6 months, between adjusters and then construction work.

During the construction work, I sure hope they add on to room number 6.

Redline 

[gordonv]

The hotel will NOT be ready for at least 6 months, between adjusters and then construction work.

During the construction work, I sure hope they add on to room number 6.

Redline 

 

Oh No! Are we starting that again?? 

Sounds more like they need to add a grotto or a hot tube.

[msb]

Passed through Grand Forks yesterday, looks like no one's touched the place since it dried out. Kind of eerie, all the sand bags and river silt still everywhere.
Wasn't even much going on in Room #6 with the carport 

[david.milne]

Looking forward to it.  Thanks Gordon.

[gordonv]

There was talk on the radio yesterday, about Grand Forks, and how the river direction was changed during the flood, straight into town. That's why it flooded so much there. So the future worries are now about the rivers course being changed, they now need to fortify and/or redirect the river, to prevent future flooding.

So the future is up in the air, as there may not be any restoration until the river/flooding has been figured out. Also with their property right along the river, who knows.

I'll make an effort and contact them soon, and see if they have any plans yet.

Dec 14th
I just got off the phone with Jim again. He suggested calling back in a couple of weeks, and the owner should be back from being away, and we might hear if they will even open next year or not.

It doesn't sound good for them at all.

[gordonv]

Well it's now official, Johnny's Motel in Grand Forks will not be up and running in time, so after a very quick discussion with the main groups, it was decided to go back to Merritt again. The same weekend as already posted.

June 20-23, 2019
Quality Inn
4025 Walters Street
Merritt BC V1K 1K1
(250) 378-4253

Reservations are now open. As always announce that you wish to make reservations on the above dates for the Valhalla Rally, and you will get the room you want for $85 CAD/night. $20 per extra person above 2.

Just an FYI, room 6 is already taken.  

There is new management of a Japanese restaurant on site, so we all hope this will be to everyone's liking.

https://www.newtownsushi.com/

Breakfast is to be the same, a $10 credit from the room towards the basic breakfast (was per person for  my wife and I). Cereals, toast, coffee/juices, and an egg cooked the way you want it.

[SteveH]

Booked!!

[msb]

Got our room booked (got #6, I think) 

Preliminary agenda is as follows:

Thursday June 20:
 - Arrive afternoon/evening...meet & greet at Ground Zero

Friday June 21:
- Breakfast at Ground Zero restaraunt
- Planned ride in the AM to a destination with lunch stop included.
- Arrive back at Ground Zero late afternoon for Happy Hour and 2nd annual Show & Shine - categories will be Classic
   Valkyrie and Non- Valkyrie. Plan is to have a local group arranged to do the judging.
- Campfire, refreshments, and BS session in the parking lot

Saturday June 22:
- Breakfast at Ground Zero Restaraunt
- More riding.Will plan to have multiple routes set up so folks can choose to head off in smaller groups if interested.
- Arrive back at Ground Zero late afternoon for Happy Hour
- World famous campfire and gift exchange on the outsidel deck. All wishing to participate in the gift exchange are to
  bring a gift....maximum  $20.00 value.
- Awards, acknowledgements, and perhaps an appearance by the Valhalla Mens' Choir,  resplendent in their Redline
  Tribute Smocks
- Tons of fun, stories, and refreshments  (and Fireball) well into the night.

Sunday June 23:
- Breakfast at Ground Zero restaraunt
- Goodbyes, well wishes, and head for home

NOTES:
- We will try to have Valhalla 2019 T- Shirts available....details for ordering and purchase will be added to this post in a
   couple months
- There will be copies of printed agendas available at check in for all attendees, which will include planned ride routes as
   well as other options of places to explore for those who wish to head out separately from the main group
- The restaraunt on site will be able to accommodate us for breakfast (included with your room cost) and dinners . We'll
   try to include other options in the attendee packets as well.
- Other events may be added, depending on ideas submitted
- Weather is usually pretty good in Merritt in late June, but as experienced last year, a sudden shower (or downpour) can
   happen, so come prepared.

Should be a good turnout, so get your rooms booked early.  

[Beardo]

Thanks for all your work guys.

I’m 95% sure I’ll be going but just have to wait til my daughter’s grad schedule is ironed out.  

Edit: I booked in with the hotel. Can change it if something comes up.

[SteveH]

Organizers .... don't forget , the  annual Peach City Car Show in Penticton runs June 21-23 . Not sure what you are planning for ride destinations, but you may want to incorporate a ride to Penticton like last year 

[msb]

Organizers .... don't forget , the  annual Peach City Car Show in Penticton runs June 21-23 . Not sure what you are planning for ride destinations, but you may want to incorporate a ride to Penticton like last year 

Steve, we are not planning much...we'll just tell everyone to follow you as usual 

[gordonv]

Organizers .... don't forget , the  annual Peach City Car Show in Penticton runs June 21-23 . Not sure what you are planning for ride destinations, but you may want to incorporate a ride to Penticton like last year  

Steve, we are not planning much...we'll just tell everyone to follow you as usual  

I've been busy putting together information sheets, which I'll be forwarding to Mike for his feed back when done. I'll make these into map books, and will post later in this thread, maybe April/May, so people can look them over, and we'll have a few copies at the Rally, so those who want to travel together will have an itinerary to follow.

The Penticton Beach City auto show, I've got posted. Along with our other scenic options, Manning Park, Othello Tunnels, Hell's Gate and Harrison Hot Springs. Will be looking for more, maybe even a run over to Whistler for more adventurous riders.

[SteveH]

Hey Mike ...LOL ...Yup !! I'm blind in one eye , can't see out the other. .... hard of hearing   ???.... old and grumpy   .... FOLLOW ME 

[Beardo]

Hey Mike ...LOL ...Yup !! I'm blind in one eye , can't see out the other. .... hard of hearing   ???.... old and grumpy   .... FOLLOW ME 

You could drive right off and cliff and I’d probably follow you...thinking...well if Steve can make it, I probably can too. I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.   

[SteveH]

Hey Mike ...LOL ...Yup !! I'm blind in one eye , can't see out the other. .... hard of hearing   ???.... old and grumpy   .... FOLLOW ME  

You could drive right off and cliff and I’d probably follow you...thinking...well if Steve can make it, I probably can too. I’m sure he knows what he’s doing.  

Beardo .....LOL ....If you see air under my tires, then things have gone terribly wrong  ... abort... abort....

[gordonv]

15 rooms registered so far, 5 of which had double beds, so I'm hoping that means more than 15 bikes showing up. A very good showing so far I think.

I've been suggesting to my brothers son-in-law, who picked up his HD bike last month, to come along and hang out with some real bikes. Enjoy the riding and comradery of a group of great people. Learn some things by riding with others. We'll see... the niece is liking the idea, I even offered her to drive up my BMW convertible there, this might open up a great ride for me on Sat then, Tess can hang with her and have her drive them around. Can someone say Whistler or Pemberton?

[msb]

15 rooms registered so far, 5 of which had double beds, so I'm hoping that means more than 15 bikes showing up. A very good showing so far I think.

I've been suggesting to my brothers son-in-law, who picked up his HD bike last month, to come along and hang out with some real bikes. Enjoy the riding and comradery of a group of great people. Learn some things by riding with others. We'll see... the niece is liking the idea, I even offered her to drive up my BMW convertible there, this might open up a great ride for me on Sat then, Tess can hang with her and have her drive them around. Can someone say Whistler or Pemberton?

I may have a couple neighbors come along....HD and Rocket 3. Also met a guy in Hope last Fall who had just picked up an Interstate...he may come as well.

[murraypeart (bandit)]

I have booked reservations. Doug will be coming again this year and a friend (not a valk rider) is also coming

[Beardo]

I was hoping I’d be able to make Valhalla and be back in time for my daughter’s grad...but it looks like the grad stuff is sooner than I had expected. Had to call and pull my hotel reservation this morning. 

Will have to try and win back my Iron Butt award next year.

[msb]

I was hoping I’d be able to make Valhalla and be back in time for my daughter’s grad...but it looks like the grad stuff is sooner than I had expected. Had to call and pull my hotel reservation this morning. 

Will have to try and win back my Iron Butt award next year.

Crap... so much for keeping our average age for attendees down closer to 60. Actually, we'll miss ya in more ways than just that Jason. I guess I have to get another gift for the exchange now... had those  nice Chrome fender accents all picked out for you   

[gordonv]

Thanks for the notice, and enjoy it while you can.

We'll miss you. I don't know about Mike, but I'm below that average age, 56 this year. 

[Beardo]

Yeah, Gord...you’re right about enjoying it while you can. My youngest is graduating, can’t miss any of that. 

Mike... damn...that Chrome was mine. I’ll still take that T-shirt if it’s ready by the time you come to Regina. If not, I’ll pay for shipping.

I want to see lots of pics and hear some stories.

Will miss being on Steve’s ass all weekend. Wait, that sounded bad.

[SteveH]

Hey Jason !... We're going to miss you !!   .

Gordon ... I raise you 72 against your 56 to keep the average of 60 . That leaves me 8 to counteract any more of you young whippersnappers 

[gordonv]

For work I ran up through Kamloops/Vernon/Kelowna & Penticton. Decided to drop in to our Ground Zero in Merritt and say Hi and warn/remind them next month is coming. All is well there, 2 cancellations (Beardo & ?), but the area was nice and they are ready for us.

I also stopped in to the restaurant I'm riding too in Vernon for lunch. Warned them that I might be bringing a crowd of 20 bikers on the Friday, if the same thing happened as last year's Valhalla ride to Lillooet. They just bought out the office next door to them, and expect the expansion to be completed by Father's Day.

[Beardo]

I’m glad you checked. Cancelling my room was a bit of an ordeal. Gave him my name and the dates, he couldn’t find me. I mentioned Valhalla, then he found it. I was a bit worried he cancelled the whole Valhalla group and not just me. 

[msb]

I’m glad you checked. Cancelling my room was a bit of an ordeal. Gave him my name and the dates, he couldn’t find me. I mentioned Valhalla, then he found it. I was a bit worried he cancelled the whole Valhalla group and not just me. 

Sure...the old "I can't go, so nobody's goin" play, eh? Nice try  

[gordonv]

Garage Sale? I know I'm the one with the trailer, and I have been taking my chrome off my bike, and expect to remove more before I'm done. But should I bring my extras with me, and others can do the same, and see about selling some items Friday might during the Show-n-Shine?

I remember promising George some of the Super Bright LED for the Std/Tourer I bought incorrectly. I also have an extra set for the IS.

[gordonv]

No one interested in a garage sale yet?? Anyone reading this yet??

Well, here is am important Doc to look over. You'll find information for the Valhalla 2019. Things and points of interest. Routes/rides that you can take.

Then the route I'm taking Fri and Sat. Any and everyone is welcome to join me on this ride, but it is a free for all. I'm expecting SteveH might be going to Pentictin for the auto show, like last year. Murry has suggested a trip to his area of the Okanagon Valley, up around Armstrong and Salmon Arm.

Rides and groups can be arranged the night before, or the morning during breakfast.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jXzMsmKJyCsPyf6M0JduceY0Fq7aPqPm/view?usp=sharing

It should be a fun time for all, remember to keep it safe, but please let others know which way you're going.

As of today, talking with Yvonne, there is 18 rooms reserved, of the 30 Queens we had on hold. The hold is off the end of the month, Jun 1. If you're planning on coming, now is the time to book your room.

[SteveH]

OK, Saturday June 22, I am planning on riding from Merritt to Penticton  to take in the "Peach City Car Show". I have incorporated a bunch of circuitous great motorcycle roads that I have discovered this spring , as well as the now famous "Green Mountain Road" which dumps us into Penticton . Everyone is welcome to join me! ........... will be returning to Merritt via Hwy 97C .... bonzai !

[SteveH]

I would love to do a garage sale . But, too much stuff to organize and cart around !!! 

[gordonv]

I would love to do a garage sale . But, too much stuff to organize and cart around !!!  

Make a group ride home to your Man Cave, and have the garage sale there!    Make the rest of us envious while you're at it too.

Saturday June 22, I am planning on riding from Merritt to Penticton  to take in the "Peach City Car Show"

Going via the same way as last year, through Princeton? My Sat ride, I figured we'd follow you there to gas, and separate after.

I didn't think of it till now, I should have looked for some eateries on the East side of town. Would make more sense to park somewhere over there for food, and still be closer to the cars. My Loc I go to in Pentiction for the laundry machines, is only 1-2 blocks from the water, but I feel it's too far from the cars.

[gordonv]

Saw a rider today, 2000 IS blue/silver, saw where he pulled over in front of me, so I followed. Got out of the work truck and said hi, gave him my personal card and mentioned the Rally next month. Suggested he come here and read up about it, and we'd love for him to show up.

I was busy working, and he was busy too, so I just said Hi/Bye, and went back to work so I could finish on time.


I also forgot to mention when I was working last week in the interior, I saw 3 Valkyries. Tues May 14 an IS west bound on Hwy 1 leaving Kamloops. Then 2 May 15. I say one north bound Hwy 97 out of Penticton on a Tourer (?), but I forget where the other one was. I pulled my dash cam card, so I could look for pictures, but I had left it too long, and it was all over written.

[Dusty]

Room's booked so I guess I'm going   . I gave the girl a $10 tip to put me in Room #6.   .  A new valk owner may be coming with me .

Mike  and Gordon when are you leaving on the Thursday? Scenic  route or straight thru ?

Dusty

[msb]

Room's booked so I guess I'm going   . I gave the girl a $10 tip to put me in Room #6.   .  A new valk owner may be coming with me .

Mike  and Gordon when are you leaving on the Thursday? Scenic  route or straight thru ?

Dusty

Great...what would a Valhalla be without ol' Dusty being  caught on camera napping in the middle of festivities

Lisa and I are leaving Thursday not too early in the AM,  probably up the Canyon and then over to Merritt. Depends if any of our US friends are coming through our way,  we may try to meet up with them.