InZane XX

[f6gal]

As most of you know InZane XX will be somewhere in the east.  Last year, after InZane in Roanoke, we had a number of requests to hold it there again.  I'm leery of holding InZane in the same location, due to historical drops in attendance when repeating a location.  So please let us know on this poll.

Thanks!

[LTD]

how about the mountains In western pennsylvania

[f6gal]

how about the mountains In western pennsylvania

You need to be more specific... Western PA covers a lot of territory.

[Jess from VA]

You bet.    (I went back to Johnson City too.)   (And yeah, it's in my back yard)  

[vanavyman]

   Roanoke is such a nice area in the mountains, the GWRRA of VA has held their state rally there for over 20 straight years. Lots to see and ride. Draw a big circle around the Smoky Mountains and almost anywhere within it would be nice. We loved the InZane’s in Asheville, Morgantown, and Roanoke in the east, but I’d think you would be looking every year for a location to draw the folks from further away from your desired area. With Billing we loved the idea so much we had to come. With Taos I loved the idea of riding in Colorado and Utah but Trish was just OK. I probably could have talked her into Colorado. You all do a great job of finding nice areas to visit and we look forward to attending next year.
Dan & Trish

[MarkT]

Haven't been to PA since I was a kid.  Love to see it anew and especially I'd like to be able to visit Gettysburg though that's further east.

[Serk]

Within the known confines of certain types of states I won't traverse or go to, wherever it is, if I can make it happen, I'll be there. And I'll stretch pretty far to make it happen...

[Jess from VA]

I've been to Gettysburg several times, once with our own VRCC Blue Gray ride.

It's certainly worth seeing, but man is it often really crowded with traffic and people.

On the Blue-Grey, as we moved around to the various locations (it's all spread out), we really bunched up tight in the limited parking spaces, and the park rangers were still unhappy with us.

We also took rooms several towns away, to avoid the seasonal price gouging.  

[f6gal]

Within the known confines of certain types of states I won't traverse or go to, wherever it is, if I can make it happen, I'll be there. And I'll stretch pretty far to make it happen...

But, you were just in Hawaii... j/s.   

[Serk]

Within the known confines of certain types of states I won't traverse or go to, wherever it is, if I can make it happen, I'll be there. And I'll stretch pretty far to make it happen...

But, you were just in Hawaii... j/s.   

Yup... And I almost didn't go because of that, but the persuasive power of the spousal unit is strong...

(Also less of an issue when traveling by air vs. long hours riding a motorcycle cross country...)

[Ron]

I'm getting old and I need to see as many new places as I can before I depart this world. Gettysburg would be nice. 

[vanavyman]

Somewhere in Harrisburg, PA area would be nice. Close to Gettysburg, Lancaster, and mountains.

[Romeo]

How’s the riding around Delaware Water Gap? MAYBE SOME OF THE NJ and NY folks could chime in?

[RP#62]

how about the mountains In western pennsylvania

You need to be more specific... Western PA covers a lot of territory.

When we lived in da burgh, Boss Hoss used to hold their big rally out at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, near Donegal, in the mountains east of Pittsburgh.  I haven't been there in several years, but it might be worth checking out.  There's a lot of nice riding in the vicinity - Falling Water, Ohiopyle, etc.

-RP

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm getting old and I need to see as many new places as I can before I depart this world. Gettysburg would be nice. 

You don’t look a day over 84 Ron.  (I want to see Gettysburg also)

[Disco]

As most of you know InZane XX will be somewhere in the east.  Last year, after InZane in Roanoke, we had a number of requests to hold it there again.  I'm leery of holding InZane in the same location, due to historical drops in attendance when repeating a location.  So please let us know on this poll.

Thanks!

I voted that I'd love to go back to Roanoke.  (I'd even overlook the failed A/C in the Sheraton's common areas.)  There is so much good riding, both around there and getting there from Texas.  A close second is that I will go no matter where it's held.  There are places I don't want or need to go, but I doubt those will be hosting any InZanes.  

I also understand being leery of returning to a previous location as the list below illustrates.  

For me, a flatlander from Texas, a long motorcycle trip needs to include friends, a break from the heat (elevation and/or higher latitudes) with mountains, trees, curvy roads, rivers/streams/waterfalls, and places I've either never seen before or passed through quickly and made the mental note to come back to.  Roanoke, or somewhere similar would fit that bill.  

I've also said I'd be happy with Rockies, Smokies, Rockies, Smokies...  

Combined quotes from f6gal (edited to update registration numbers at 14-18):

"We require a hotel with 150 to 200 rooms and a banquet facility that will seat 300-400 and we do our best to get the basic room rate below $100 per night.

Based on our bike count, hotel bookings, and the number of ppl served at Sat. dinner, we’ve estimated the attendance IZ1 at about 475 and IZ2 at 445.  So with all that said, this is my best calculation for each InZane:
IZ1 -  475 - Zanesville, OH
IZ2 -  445 - Zanesville, OH
IZ3 -  310 - Zanesville, OH (This is why we started moving it around the country)
IZ4 -  436 - Paducah, KY
IZ5 -  296 - Paducah, KY
IZ6 -  526 - Frisco, CO (First year we went West)
IZ7 -  415 - Johnson City, TN
IZ8 -  326 - Johnson City, TN
IZ9 -  318 - Frisco, CO
IZ10 - 515 - Bellaire, MI
IZ11 - 351 - Bellaire, MI
IZ12 - 320 - Eureka Springs, AR
IZ13 - 312 - LaCrosse, WI
IZ14 - 362 - Asheville, NC
IZ15 – 364 - Spearfish, SD
IZ16 – 403 - Morgantown, WV
IZ17 – 308 - Billings, MT
IZ18 – 319 - Roanoke, VA
IZ19 – 263 - Taos, NM
                    
Two years we broke 500. We seem to be dancing in the low 300s range these days.  As you can see, without fail, each successive year in the same location attendance is lower, which is why we started moving it around.  Seems folks want to see new places... go figger"

Hey Serk, check out my States Carried Map.  It's 48/49ths correct.  

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

New Hampshire?   

White mountains, lakes region, seacoast, Live Free Or Die, and Constitutional carry.

Just a thought.

[Pappy!]

Another vote for the Smokies. Did not attend Roanoke but heard it was pretty nice. Loved Ashville riding.

[baldo]

I've always thought the Ozarks area would be nice.

[Serk]

I've always thought the Ozarks area would be nice.

IZ12 - 320 - Eureka Springs, AR

Heard it was.... rather warm... Uncomfortably so...

[f6gal]

Based on our bike count, hotel bookings, and the number of ppl served at Sat. dinner, we’ve estimated the attendance IZ1 at about 475 and IZ2 at 445.  So with all that said, this is my best calculation for each InZane:
IZ1 -  475 - Zanesville, OH
IZ2 -  445 - Zanesville, OH
IZ3 -  310 - Zanesville, OH (This is why we started moving it around the country)
IZ4 -  436 - Paducah, KY
IZ5 -  296 - Paducah, KY
IZ6 -  526 - Frisco, CO (First year we went West)
IZ7 -  415 - Johnson City, TN
IZ8 -  326 - Johnson City, TN
IZ9 -  318 - Frisco, CO
IZ10 - 515 - Bellaire, MI
IZ11 - 351 - Bellaire, MI
IZ12 - 320 - Eureka Springs, AR
IZ13 - 312 - LaCrosse, WI
IZ14 - 322 - Asheville, NC
IZ15 – 294 (on participants list)  -  Spearfish, SD
IZ16 – 257 (on participants list)  -  Morgantown, WV
IZ17 – 277 (on participants list)  -  Billings, MT
IZ18 – 288 (on participants list ) - Roanoke, VA
IZ19 – 263                                -  Taos, NM

Some corrections to IZ14-18.  These numbers include late registrations and on-site registrations:

IZ14 - 362 - Asheville, NC
IZ15 - 364 - Spearfish, SD
IZ16 - 403 - Morgantown, WV
IZ17 - 308 - Billings, MT
IZ18 - 319 - Roanoke, VA

[f6gal]

how about the mountains In western pennsylvania

You need to be more specific... Western PA covers a lot of territory.

When we lived in da burgh, Boss Hoss used to hold their big rally out at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, near Donegal, in the mountains east of Pittsburgh.  I haven't been there in several years, but it might be worth checking out.  There's a lot of nice riding in the vicinity - Falling Water, Ohiopyle, etc.

-RP

Yikes... pretty spendy.

[msghughes]

A nice area in PA to consider is Wellsboro, it is near New York. Road Runner Magazine has a great review of the area in the August 19 issue. They mapped out a Shamrock tour of the area with maps and places to see. I'm not sure about the available lodging required for our event. RT 6 is listed as one of the better motorcycle rides in the country. The Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon as well as many other state parks are in the area. I'm just adding my two cents to the discussion.   

[f6gal]

I'm not sure about the available lodging required for our event.

We require a hotel with 150 to 200 rooms and a banquet facility that will seat 300-400... and we do our best to get the basic room rate below $100 per night.

[Rocketeer]

I've ridden all over our wonderful country, over many years.  Never found anywhere better than Colorado.  Elevation, low humidity, fantastic riding, reasonable tempetures.  Every corner is better than the last.

I suggest the Durango, Colorado area as a central US location that everyone can reach, if their really interested in attending IZ 20.

Yes I'm aware that hotel costs are higher in that area, but it is IZ 20, after all.

One man's opinion!  Rocketeer, Santa Maria, Ca.    Many thanks to the VRCC staff, wonderful job!

[MarkT]

I've ridden all over our wonderful country, over many years.  Never found anywhere better than Colorado.  Elevation, low humidity, fantastic riding, reasonable tempetures.  Every corner is better than the last.

I suggest the Durango, Colorado area as a central US location that everyone can reach, if their really interested in attending IZ 20.

Yes I'm aware that hotel costs are higher in that area, but it is IZ 20, after all.

One man's opinion!  Rocketeer, Santa Maria, Ca.    Many thanks to the VRCC staff, wonderful job!

It's probably going to be east because of the east-west pendulum thing.  But I don't know of a better GZ location then Montrose CO.  We used to hold the HCC annual rally there every summer.  It's central to so much great riding and is well supplied with hotels.  However I haven't looked specifically for the parameters mentioned above. I wonder if GZ could be split into 2 nearby hotels if room count isn't adequate in one but one does have the banquet facility.  I don't think Durango has a hotel with the requirements and it's not as central to the best riding in CO - not much South and west.

[Bigwolf]

F6 Gal,
I enjoyed Inzane Roanoke and would most likely attend if it is held there again.  However, I much prefer it to be held in different towns and if we do repeat in the same town, hopefully there will be some years pass in between.

In Taos, I mentioned to Motomama that Flatwoods, WV might be a good place to look into.  I believe this fits your criteria even before any negotiations: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/sutton-west-virginia/days-hotel-sutton-flatwoods/overview.  There are plenty of great roads to ride around there, Sutton Lake is nearby and it is very scenic.  It is an easy ride from there to the New River Gorge recreation area.  I mention this again here because you are asking about location and because I believe this is currently a great opportunity that will probably rapidly become more expensive over the next few years.

Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee would, in my humble opinion, be another great place for Inzane.  However, I am not sure if the new lodge/conference center there will be completed in time for Inzane XX.  If it is, it will be large enough but I have no idea what they are planning for rates.

Thank you for your effort to keep this all going and to make it fun for all.

Bigwolf

[DirtyDan]

Given the choice of New Jersey or New Hampshire I would say New Hampshire

Delaware water gap is “nice”

New Hampshire is GREAT

my .02 cents

Dan

[hubcapsc]

 
 I don't think Durango has a hotel with the requirements and it's not as central to the best riding in CO - not much South and west.

I found all of this route to be good... some of it was a strikingly alien
landscape, some of it just farm, the road ran next to a large canyon for miles, it
starts out on good mountain roads, a lot of it very remote...



A lot of the roads south and west of Durango, though, are just straight lines
that converge on the horizon and when you get there, more of the same... I
remember 160 out of Kayenta as hammer-on through the desert into the wind
for miles...

[baldo]

I've always thought the Ozarks area would be nice.

IZ12 - 320 - Eureka Springs, AR

Heard it was.... rather warm... Uncomfortably so...

Well, there's that......

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Snowshoe Ski Resort in West Virginia the place is huge. Rooms are $$$ however in the off season I'm betting a deal could be made especially taking the number of room InZane would require.

Allegheny Springs Motel   http://alleghenyspringssnowshoe.usotels.co/

Silver Creek  http://www.silvercreekwv.net/default.php


Corduroy Inn  http://www.corduroyinn.com/

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I've always thought the Ozarks area would be nice.

IZ12 - 320 - Eureka Springs, AR

Heard it was.... rather warm... Uncomfortably so...

Well, there's that......

Taos was without a doubt the best weather of any InZane I've attended 5,000 miles and my rain gear was never out of the saddlebag. Jacket in the morning then a t-shirt during the day and back to a light jacket at night. Eureka Springs was the worse ( even more so than Paducah , Ky )  it was hotter than the hinges of hell both me and my riding bud T-Bird got " heat " sick I was sunburned bad it was my own fault no doubt but I wouldn't go back if it was free.

Picture taken on The Million Dollar Highway

[9Ball]

The only thing Durango is central to is the 4 Corners....hardly central to the continental US.

I bought my Valkyrie new from Excel Motorsports when I lived in Broomfield.  Colorado was a great place to live and ride before all the California liberals discovered it and began ruining the state...my opinion solely.

Is there any reason that Zanesville area couldn’t be thrown into the mix.  I know Marysville is gone from motorcycle production, but it could draw a lot more mid-western riders that might want to stay away from the NJ and NY area. I’m in NJ and absolutely hate the politics and cost.  It was a bad move to relocate back to this state.

Anyway, VA and WV seem to be good options.

[Willow]

...
I suggest the Durango, Colorado area as a central US location that everyone can reach, if their really interested in attending IZ 20.

Yes I'm aware that hotel costs are higher in that area, but it is IZ 20, after all.
...

Durango is a really nice place to visit and would make a good base for a riding vacation but not a good option for InZane.  One condition the president didn't mention is the hotel's willingness to negotiate with a group that will virtually fill it.  Durango's hotels are overrun during the time InZane is held leaving no motivation to hold for a large group or to negotiate on room and facility costs.

The VRCC's largest concentrations are in Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Michigan.  That bears considering.

The geographic center of the continental U.S. is in mid-Kansas.  I can't find an acceptable hotel there.  We've  not held in Texas.  It's not entirely central but is reachable from around the country, especially for the Texas and Florida riders. 

Texas and Kansas are both west of the Mississippi.   

[VALKMAN]

I think Frisco is due again!!!!

Maybe Memphis!


Anything more than 3 days ride from California takes me out, limited time off.

[Rams]

...
I suggest the Durango, Colorado area as a central US location that everyone can reach, if their really interested in attending IZ 20.

Yes I'm aware that hotel costs are higher in that area, but it is IZ 20, after all.
...

Durango is a really nice place to visit and would make a good base for a riding vacation but not a good option for InZane.  One condition the president didn't mention is the hotel's willingness to negotiate with a group that will virtually fill it.  Durango's hotels are overrun during the time InZane is held leaving no motivation to hold for a large group or to negotiate on room and facility costs.

The VRCC's largest concentrations are in Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Michigan.  That bears considering.

The geographic center of the continental U.S. is in mid-Kansas.  I can't find an acceptable hotel there.  We've  not held in Texas.  It's not entirely central but is reachable from around the country, especially for the Texas and Florida riders. 

Texas and Kansas are both west of the Mississippi.   

All very important considerations.   I will attempt to attend regardless of the location, the exception being some of the West (Left) Coast states.   But, I believe it is time to remember that we as a group and our Fat Ladies are all growing long in the tooth and distance to travel is something each person must consider.   I still believe holding two InZanes a year, one east of the Mississippi and one west would garner more participants.   Some members would try to attend both events, I know I would if I were able.   I really do appreciate the efforts the staff goes to, I know it's not all fun and games.   Pretty sure there is a lot of fun in doing it though.  Yes, it's more effort for the staff but, if the staff would allow or accept assistance from the membership it could be easily accomplished.   Just my opinion.   Yeah, I know, I'll shut up now.   

Rams   

[Skinhead]

how about the mountains In western pennsylvania

You need to be more specific... Western PA covers a lot of territory.

Check out Sevens Springs ski resort or around Somerset Pa.

[The emperor has no clothes]

All very important considerations.   I will attempt to attend regardless of the location, the exception being some of the West (Left) Coast states.   But, I believe it is time to remember that we as a group and our Fat Ladies are all growing long in the tooth and distance to travel is something each person must consider.   I still believe holding two InZanes a year, one east of the Mississippi and one west would garner more participants.   Some members would try to attend both events, I know I would if I were able.   I really do appreciate the efforts the staff goes to, I know it's not all fun and games.   Pretty sure there is a lot of fun in doing it though.  Yes, it's more effort for the staff but, if the staff would allow or accept assistance from the membership it could be easily accomplished.   Just my opinion.   Yeah, I know, I'll shut up now.   

Rams   

I would disagree on a couple points. I think it is pretty well proven these bikes can make many cross country trips, regardless of their age or mileage. I also think as we ourselves get “longer in the tooth” a long trip is more doable. Getting time off from work is a big consideration, being retired takes that out of the equation. I would also disagree with your theory of dividing it up into to events, east and west. We are getting 300 plus now. I doubt splitting it up is going to increase it at all. If anything, make it 150-175 each.

Other than that, you had some great ideas. 

[Jess from VA]

I'm partial to the Eastern mountains; Appalacians, Smokies, Blue Ridge, Alleganies.

This is the best riding in the Eastern US, and also have a great chance of not being freeking hot (though they can always be freeking wet).  (Not counting the New England ranges, which though beautiful are too far NE, and pretty much require transit through hostile gun freedom territory.)

Tourist traps like Pigeon Forge need avoided.

I'm always more interested in the best local/regional riding, not the best proximity to touristy (crowded) places, even Civil War battlefields, and such.  And that proximity often leads to higher room/facility prices.  And you must be careful to never schedule an Inzane near any regional NASCAR race (that week), as the hotels in all directions for 50-60 miles can be full and gouge prices in effect (like Bristol TN).  

VA, WVa, TN, KY,  maybe western NC, or Northern GA.

There are some (little) hills in southern OH, and nice Amish Country (and grub), but there is 100 years of horsesh!t permanently making many roads slippery (esp when wet).  And that can get pretty touristy too.

That's all I got.  

  

[f6gal]

I still believe holding two InZanes a year, one east of the Mississippi and one west would garner more participants.   

I don't remember you making this suggestion before... perhaps I missed it.  Anyway, we did try that quite a few years ago.  It was a spectacular flop.

If the staff would allow or accept assistance from the membership.

We would gladly allow/accept assistance from the membership.