Valhalla 2018...Report & link to pics on BC regional board

[msb]

Well, our 2018 Valhalla rally came and went this past weekend in Merritt BC, where it was moved to at the last minute from our scheduled Johnny's Motel in Grand Forks BC due to the disastrous flooding they had there last month. Special thanks to the Quality Inn in Merritt for the last minute accommodation for our group, having 21 rooms available at a great rate (especially for our American "cousins" with that exchange rate ). Some new attendees this year were welcomed and had a great time along with our regular crowd consisting of folks from Western WA (that would be those infamous Vermin rabble-rousers ), the regular pack from Eastern WA, us BC'ers, and the "Buns of Steel"all the way from Regina SK...young Beardo on his fancy brand spanking new Wing.

An absolute downpour greeted the groups showing up later on Thursday, however this did pass in time for our traditional gathering around the bikes and firepit that evening to plan the rides for the next two days. Trying to appear organized, your's truly had printed out packages for everyone with nice colourful maps showing 6 different ride options, suggesting folks may want to head out in smaller groups to different parts of the region from Ground Zero (the great thing about being located in Merritt is that in less than two minutes, you can be on a great route East, West, North, or South). Alas, this effort to appear organized was all for not, as apparently one or two of my routes included some pretty long stretches of off-roading (probably the last couple I threw in there at the last minute so I could look REALLY organized)    In addition, this close knit group of ours decided we all wanted to head out in the same direction, so new routes were made up, with scheduled stops for lunch so we could all meet up if separated.


New to our Valhalla event this year were a few awards...the aforementioned Buns of Steel awarded to Beardo for his trek from Regina SK; show 'n shine Classic Valk vote went to ....ME ; and show 'n shine Non-Valk vote went to Steve from Spokane for his mean lookin' flat black/grey F6B with the Cobra pipes (photos to be added to the linked thread later).
A few drinks were drank (seemed to be a few more bottles of that darn Fireball around this year ) lots of stories told, and a special tribute was paid to our Vermin friend Redline, whose propensity for wearing Hawaiian shirts to Valhalla gatherings was honored...wish I had a photo of the look on his face when we all wandered out)  
Aside from the one minor mishap shown in the photo thread, there were no wrecks, or breakdowns (we were all riding Hondas ) and everyone made it home safe & sound....heck, I even made it through the 4 days without a speeding ticket this time


Below is the link to the picture thread on the BC regional board from this year's Valhalla... it will be added to as more attendees post up their pics. This event just keeps getting better each year...great riding, and great, great friends. Was really nice to welcome a few newcomers this year as well, while we missed a few regulars who could not attend. Going back to Grand Forks BC next year, to support our friends at Johnny's Motel who are undergoing a complete restoration after the devastating floods last month that forced our move to Merritt.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,101824.0.html

[The emperor has no clothes]

Very nice ! The Valhalla has been on my to do list for quite some time now. Looks like you guys had a good time. 

[DDT (12)]

WOW! Mike!

Really great report! Outstanding photos and narrative... I'd really enjoy riding those roads again... The group of folks, too, appears to be having a wonderful time! You make it look so inviting, I may be tempted to drop in on y'all one of these days... Hey, you know, every party needs a pooper... perhaps that's something I could help with...?

DDT

P.S. Rob, reckon that would be far enough away from Arizona for us to meet-up again?

[The emperor has no clothes]

WOW! Mike!

Really great report! Outstanding photos and narrative... I'd really enjoy riding those roads again... The group of folks, too, appears to be having a wonderful time! You make it look so inviting, I may be tempted to drop in on y'all one of these days... Hey, you know, every party needs a pooper... perhaps that's something I could help with...?

DDT

P.S. Rob, reckon that would be far enough away from Arizona for us to meet-up again?

Sounds like the beginning of a plan. Wait ! You are not Bruce. Who hijacked DDT's account ?  I really do think it would be fun 

[Beardo]

WOW! Mike!

Really great report! Outstanding photos and narrative... I'd really enjoy riding those roads again... The group of folks, too, appears to be having a wonderful time! You make it look so inviting, I may be tempted to drop in on y'all one of these days... Hey, you know, every party needs a pooper... perhaps that's something I could help with...?

DDT

P.S. Rob, reckon that would be far enough away from Arizona for us to meet-up again?

Sounds like the beginning of a plan. Wait ! You are not Bruce. Who hijacked DDT's account ?  I really do think it would be fun 

While it would mean I'd lose my extremely prestigious "Longest distance ridden to attend" award, it would be great to see DDT again and meet you as well. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

WOW! Mike!

Really great report! Outstanding photos and narrative... I'd really enjoy riding those roads again... The group of folks, too, appears to be having a wonderful time! You make it look so inviting, I may be tempted to drop in on y'all one of these days... Hey, you know, every party needs a pooper... perhaps that's something I could help with...?

DDT

P.S. Rob, reckon that would be far enough away from Arizona for us to meet-up again?

Sounds like the beginning of a plan. Wait ! You are not Bruce. Who hijacked DDT's account ?  I really do think it would be fun 

While it would mean I'd lose my extremely prestigious "Longest distance ridden to attend" award, it would be great to see DDT again and meet you as well. 

When you guys figure your dates and place, if you guys would be kind enough to post it in the general board. I don't check the NW & BC chapters very often.  I'd love to do it.

[f6gal]

WOW! Mike!

Really great report! Outstanding photos and narrative... I'd really enjoy riding those roads again... The group of folks, too, appears to be having a wonderful time! You make it look so inviting, I may be tempted to drop in on y'all one of these days... Hey, you know, every party needs a pooper... perhaps that's something I could help with...?

DDT

P.S. Rob, reckon that would be far enough away from Arizona for us to meet-up again?

Sounds like the beginning of a plan. Wait ! You are not Bruce. Who hijacked DDT's account ?  I really do think it would be fun 

While it would mean I'd lose my extremely prestigious "Longest distance ridden to attend" award, it would be great to see DDT again and meet you as well. 

When you guys figure your dates and place, if you guys would be kind enough to post it in the general board. I don't check the NW & BC chapters very often.  I'd love to do it.

Their dates are typically on the heels of InZane, making it a bit difficult to do both... at least for folks with limited vacation time.

[The emperor has no clothes]

WOW! Mike!

Really great report! Outstanding photos and narrative... I'd really enjoy riding those roads again... The group of folks, too, appears to be having a wonderful time! You make it look so inviting, I may be tempted to drop in on y'all one of these days... Hey, you know, every party needs a pooper... perhaps that's something I could help with...?

DDT

P.S. Rob, reckon that would be far enough away from Arizona for us to meet-up again?

Sounds like the beginning of a plan. Wait ! You are not Bruce. Who hijacked DDT's account ?   I really do think it would be fun  

While it would mean I'd lose my extremely prestigious "Longest distance ridden to attend" award, it would be great to see DDT again and meet you as well.  

When you guys figure your dates and place, if you guys would be kind enough to post it in the general board. I don't check the NW & BC chapters very often.   I'd love to do it.

Their dates are typically on the heels of InZane, making it a bit difficult to do both... at least for folks with limited vacation time.

well, that would be me

[gordonv]

Actually our current time is the weekend after Father's Day in June. We used to do the Father's Day weekend, but more of use needed to spend that time with family at home.

2015 InZane was the 1st full week in June. 2017 was the last week, just on the heel of our "long weekend", and most tapped into that InZane in Billings, making Valhalla a half way point and a group ride in, it worked out great.

2019 was voted in to try again for Grand Forks BC (which was flooded out earlier this year), to support them. It should be June 20 - 23. We'll reserve the whole Hotel for those dates, you'll just need to announce that your there for the Valhalla Rally. Information should be the same as what was first posted for this years, just with updates on the repairs for the Hotel.

[msb]

WOW! Mike!

Really great report! Outstanding photos and narrative... I'd really enjoy riding those roads again... The group of folks, too, appears to be having a wonderful time! You make it look so inviting, I may be tempted to drop in on y'all one of these days... Hey, you know, every party needs a pooper... perhaps that's something I could help with...?

DDT

P.S. Rob, reckon that would be far enough away from Arizona for us to meet-up again?

Sounds like the beginning of a plan. Wait ! You are not Bruce. Who hijacked DDT's account ?   I really do think it would be fun  

While it would mean I'd lose my extremely prestigious "Longest distance ridden to attend" award, it would be great to see DDT again and meet you as well.  

When you guys figure your dates and place, if you guys would be kind enough to post it in the general board. I don't check the NW & BC chapters very often.   I'd love to do it.

Their dates are typically on the heels of InZane, making it a bit difficult to do both... at least for folks with limited vacation time.

well, that would be me

First weekend after Father's Day in June every year. I made both in 2015, 16, and 17...the 3 Inzanes I've attended, and would've made both if I had been in Roanoke this year. Valhalla is a much smaller and much more casual event with a few traditions but otherwise very organic. The riding and the people can't be beat... that's what it's about. We've grown from several separate groups of strangers when it started about 10 years ago to one group of great friends that newcomers who show up find very easy to fit in with.  

[The emperor has no clothes]

WOW! Mike!

Really great report! Outstanding photos and narrative... I'd really enjoy riding those roads again... The group of folks, too, appears to be having a wonderful time! You make it look so inviting, I may be tempted to drop in on y'all one of these days... Hey, you know, every party needs a pooper... perhaps that's something I could help with...?

DDT

P.S. Rob, reckon that would be far enough away from Arizona for us to meet-up again?

Sounds like the beginning of a plan. Wait ! You are not Bruce. Who hijacked DDT's account ?   I really do think it would be fun  

While it would mean I'd lose my extremely prestigious "Longest distance ridden to attend" award, it would be great to see DDT again and meet you as well.  

When you guys figure your dates and place, if you guys would be kind enough to post it in the general board. I don't check the NW & BC chapters very often.   I'd love to do it.

Their dates are typically on the heels of InZane, making it a bit difficult to do both... at least for folks with limited vacation time.

well, that would be me

First weekend after Father's Day in June every year. I made both in 2015, 16, and 17...the 3 Inzanes I've attended, and would've made both if I had been in Roanoke this year. Valhalla is a much smaller and much more casual event with a few traditions but otherwise very organic. The riding and the people can't be beat... that's what it's about. We've grown from several separate groups of strangers when it started about 10 years ago to one group of great friends that newcomers who show up find very easy to fit in with.  

I used to occasionally eavesdrop over on the old Vermin board. I have no doubts of the caliber of people at Valhalla. I'm going to do my best to make it. You guys may regret letting me join in though.  Now I've got to go look up when Fathers Day is next year. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

So if I'm not a complete moron, it's June 21-23 @ Grand Forks BC ?

[Redline +]

The riding and the people can't be beat... that's what it's about.

It is hard to beat riding through this kind of country!










Redline

[Redline +]

So if I'm not a complete moron, it's June 21-23 @ Grand Forks BC ?

Your not a complete moron... The plan as of now, Thursday June 20th - Sunday June 23rd 2019 at Grand Forks, BC.

Redline

[The emperor has no clothes]

So if I'm not a complete moron, it's June 21-23 @ Grand Forks BC ?

Your not a complete moron... The plan as of now, Thursday June 20th - Sunday June 23rd 2019 at Grand Forks, BC.

Redline

Maybe not complete. But I didn't realize it was 4 days. Thank you 

[Bighead]

Yep 20=1, 21=2, 22=3, 23=4 .......4 the way I count....

[The emperor has no clothes]

Yep 20=1, 21=2, 22=3, 23=4 .......4 the way I count....

thanks 

[Beardo]

Yep 20=1, 21=2, 22=3, 23=4 .......4 the way I count....

thanks 

Basically 2 days of riding and fun. Arrivals Thursday, leave Sunday morning.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Yep 20=1, 21=2, 22=3, 23=4 .......4 the way I count....

thanks 

Basically 2 days of riding and fun. Arrivals Thursday, leave Sunday morning.

[Bighead]

Yep 20=1, 21=2, 22=3, 23=4 .......4 the way I count....

thanks 

Glad i could help

[DDT (12)]

At the risk of appearing totally off my 'usual' and possibly totally off my rocker, I do like the sound of making that gathering! Many of y'all I had the pleasure of meeting at Billings, and, of course, a couple of you at other IZs and such over the years... like MSB.

All the folks in that group I've met have impressed me very much as stand-up, thoughtful, and just plain nice folks! Meeting up with y'all in such an amazing locale would be way beyond awesome!!! I can't say I'll be there for sure, and I can't bring myself to actually commit to start 'planning' on it this early, but... You can bet the farm I'll be pondering on it from now on!!!

DDT

P.S. Beardo, I'd sure hate to cost you an award, my friend... perhaps I could compensate you with a tankard of ale or two... or ten... Looking forward to seeing all y'all again!

[Beardo]

  no problem Bruce. I've never done or thought I'd enjoy group rides before I met this group. More of a solo or with 1 other co-rider kinda guy. But these guys and gals are great. I do question their selection process as to who they allow into their group a bit...not sure why they were so welcoming to this flat-lander...but I'm glad they did.

The group rides are small, brisk but sane. If you want to carve a bit, you ride up front behind Steve...where I try to selfishly insert myself on every ride. With this location, as you're more than aware, just getting there and back is a great ride.  Would be great to see you again. If you got meathead to join us, all the better. 

[gordonv]

So if I'm not a complete moron, it's June 21-23 @ Grand Forks BC ?

Your not a complete moron... The plan as of now, Thursday June 20th - Sunday June 23rd 2019 at Grand Forks, BC.

Meathead, you've got your answer, it was both Yes and No.

The Valhalla Rally is the Fri & Sat night. The Rally used to start from Kelowna BC with Fri morning breakfast, and a ride out to New Denver. Ergo our 2 nights at GZ.

This has turned into those arriving early Thurs night (just like those at IZ on Sun), a hello dinner, so we can be in place for that Fri morning group ride out together.

Without our Rally being in the same place every year (New Denver), this turned into further rides to get to GZ for some, therefore a casual ride in on Thurs and our meet & greet dinner. Now being at GZ on the Fri morning, we start our rides then.


After this little history, here is the first official post on Valhalla 2019.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,101932.0.html

At the risk of appearing totally off my 'usual' and possibly totally off my rocker, I do like the sound of making that gathering! Many of y'all I had the pleasure of meeting at Billings, and, of course, a couple of you at other IZs and such over the years... like MSB.

Bruce, Thank you for your words on our group. I think we would all be pleased to see you again, and honored with such a well known rider and bike showing up at our Rally, and enjoy a few drinks around our nightly fire. Which ever direction you would be planing on coming from, if you do, Spokane or Seattle, I'm sure you could meet up with some like minded people, before you need to cross the 49th Parallel.

[Wizzard]

Rode through there on my way back from Alaska. Looks just like I remember it. Thanks for the report