ATTENTION...Hillbilly Highway Run...Please Read

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 05:22:11

" The Hillbilly Highway Run " for the weekend of June 10-11-12 sold out the 33 rooms we had blocked off in 8 hours. I'm getting e-mails from folks that are going 25 to 35 miles away from ground zero ( Franklin,WV ) just to get a room.If you have reservations or you plan to attend please take the time to vote . Also if you already have reservations DO NOT CANCEL until we get this figured out as we may not have a option for lodging that many people under one roof if that's the case the ride will remain based out of Franklin,WV . I welcome any thoughts and comments to this thread. If we do change locations we'll make the announcement here on the VRCC on Saturday March 12.Something to keep in mind and why we chose Franklin it's right in the middle of some of the best motorcycling roads West Virginia has to offer and if we move locations it will add some miles to the Saturday June 11 ride we have planned.Just for the record we've already checked with a few of the ski resorts that would be perfect for a large group however they want a contract signed that would guarantee we fill the blocked off rooms and I've seen too many times how some folks react to a cloud in the sky . Another fact I'd like to state here is we are going on a ride if you'd like to join us that's your call we are NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYONE other than ourselves these are mountain roads we'll be riding and yes curves are involved.
Here's your chance to be heard if you already have reservations or if you plan to join us on this ride.

flamingobabe #44 · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 07:03:28

we're up for what ever you guys decide....

Ice · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 07:26:54

Joe,

If we could you know we'd be there, and I agree that you and the folks that put on any ride are not responsible for anyone asides yourself. With regards to the accomodations, how in the world can you ensure that all will be in the same hotel/motel? Since every ride depends on participation and that is not always guranteed, remember when we spoke about this ride, Petra and I both said we were in, but as the date got closer it interferes with my Daughters Graduation so we cannot make it. So in the long run if for next year you block off a bigger motel you probably wont have enough folks riding to fill it.

ptgb · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 07:29:29

Well, I got a reservation at ground zero in Franklin and everyone else in my riding group coming from Ohio have rooms at the Star Motel, so I don't really have a dog in this match.

That being said, 42 miles away is Harrisonburg VA, which I know NOTHING about except that Google Maps shows a quantity of chain Hotels there which I would imagine could accommodate a bigger group without a contract.

As far as the 42 miles "extra" to the great riding area (84 round trip)... I have commonly ridden 42 miles to get good pancakes (as most would), so I don't think that would be too much of an issue.

Again, it's not my rodeo and I will be happy with either choice (easy to say, for a guy with reservations).

Hotrodwing · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 07:57:30

Joe I was not able to land a room in Franklin so I am anxious to seeif you can get a bigger place.You mention ski resorts, as i stated in my email I stayed at snow shoe last Aug and there were plenty of rooms a little pricey for the condo we stayed at but I figured after cranking through some of those turns with my wife she deserved it.The village at the top of the mountain felt like a ghost town there were that few people. They also have a Lodge at the bottom of the mountain that look pretty nice and was alot less you may want to check that out. Whatever you decide I'll be ok with it if it means hooking up along the way that will be ok too. And yes those roads are nice and twisty not for the faint of heart. Can't wait. Keep me posted. Mike

Dubsvalk · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 08:27:42

I'm in no matter where we stay! I do have reservations but could stay with my sister if I had to. Lets ride!
Dubs

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 08:39:00

Quote from: Hotrodwing on Fri 04, Mar 2011, 07:57:30
Joe I was not able to land a room in Franklin so I am anxious to seeif you can get a bigger place.You mention ski resorts, as i stated in my email I stayed at snow shoe last Aug and there were plenty of rooms a little pricey for the condo we stayed at but I figured after cranking through some of those turns with my wife she deserved it.The village at the top of the mountain felt like a ghost town there were that few people. They also have a Lodge at the bottom of the mountain that look pretty nice and was alot less you may want to check that out. Whatever you decide I'll be ok with it if it means hooking up along the way that will be ok too. And yes those roads are nice and twisty not for the faint of heart. Can't wait. Keep me posted. Mike

Snowshoe was the first place we checked and even with a 30 to 50 room block the price was still around $100.00 a night with tax. Snowshoe also wanted a contract signed that is not going to happen if the weekend turns to rain folks will be dropping this ride like a used condom ( it's happened before ) . We also checked out The Canaan Valley ski resort what a beautiful place this is right in the heart of motorcycling dream roads. They also wanted a contract signed and again the price was all over $100.00 a night with a 30 to 50 room block. I wish the ski resorts would have worked with us but they would not $:-\$ Same story with Marlinton Motor Inn they burned us for $100.00 a room on the night we stayed with them on our scouting trip a couple weeks ago.

thumper · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 08:47:21

Let's stay put. Things will work themselves out. Of course, I have a reservation so it's easy for me to say.

Relax bro...it's all good.

MP · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 09:22:10

What I have found out Joe, based on experience, is to let it be.

Make the plans, and then live with them. It just seems like every time you change something, it usually winds up making it worse.

Have fun!

MP

Jess from VA · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 10:37:49

Joe, you already did a very decent job of setting this up, with plenty of notice. Leave it where it is.

The existing cheap price is appreciated; a new place at twice the price is not a happy result. IMHO

BTW, the ride from Harrisonburg VA to Franklin on 33 is spectacular and challenging over two mountain ranges. But common to get behind trucks with only chance to pass on double yellows.
Harrisonburg is not a good place to have ground zero....crowded traffic everywhere.

bigfish_Oh · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 10:54:56

Quote from: MP on Fri 04, Mar 2011, 09:22:10
What I have found out Joe, based on experience, is to let it be.

Make the plans, and then live with them. It just seems like every time you change something, it usually winds up making it worse.

Have fun!

MP

I kinda agree with this, but you do have plenty of time to get it all together for change if you need the stress. My only comment on changing it would be to insure that the original 33 get first choice on rooms before opened to everyone. I'm happy where I am.

hubcapsc · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 11:39:16

I put my two cents in the poll, but would like to add here... in case we do move, I know
that there's a bunch of Jamison Inn type park at your door places in Lewisburg where
219 crosses 64... not an alternative if we don't move, of course, cause it is two hours
away from Franklin...

-Mike

Bob E. · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 11:41:23

I voted leave it as-is, but chalk it up for next year to try and get a bigger hotel like we had for the Gettysburg and Kentucky rides. 33 rooms is a pretty small hotel for a ride like this. I seem to remember we had about twice that many last year, and maybe even more at Gettysburg. So I originally questioned why such a small hotel was chosen, especially when I didn't get a room at ground zero the day after the ride was posted. But I did land a room at the Franklin Inn/Fox's Pizza motel just down the road. And for the very cheap price of just $40 a night, I'm fine with that.

rainman · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 15:02:12

my vote is to just stay put. Things will work themselves out joe your see it is hard to plan a one day run everyone says I be there and then like some as ready said if a cloud shows up they stay home. You have done a great job before and I am sure that this one is no driffent.

T-Bird · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 15:06:03

Leave it as is Joe......

like you said, If it rains you might have rooms left over at ground zero

I've learned a long time ago if riding with you I better like riding in the rain

Let's Do It!!!

hal47 · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 15:39:48

What ever you guys decide is find with me ,but i do agree about the weather being a factor. again tho i have a room at star motel.

Highbinder · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 17:52:30

There are motels in Monterery, Va. which is 22 miles from Franklin and all flat road right to ground zero....US 220 right to ground zero...the motel is Montvallee Motel right where US 220 and US 250 cross....phone number 540-468-2500...that makes it about a 20-25 minute ride from motel to motel...

bigfish_Oh · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 18:57:49

Quote from: rainman on Fri 04, Mar 2011, 15:02:12
my vote is to just stay put. Things will work themselves out joe your see it is hard to plan a one day run everyone says I be there and then like some as ready said if a cloud shows up they stay home. You have done a great job before and I am sure that this one is no driffent.

I have nothing to prove by riding 350 miles their in the rain, that would free up a queen suite, "sugar cookie" might melt anyway(bigfish can swim). Many years ago we were going to Gettysburg for a CBX rally and a forgot to tell her the rules before we left, no stoping when it rains. She had to have a motel for 6 hours.

3fan4life · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 20:14:40

Hey Joe,

I looked Franklin, WV up on the map and found Harrisonburg, VA to be 41 miles away.

As long as that's not graduation weekend for JMU, Harrisonburg has several hotels that should be able to put everyone under one roof.

Also there are many great rides in VA and WV that are easy from there.

If you want to entertain the idea of moving ground zero to Harrisonburg, I'll be glad to do some of the legwork for you.

Just let me know.

scoobydoo · Fri 04, Mar 2011, 21:18:04

Joe, I'm good with where we are at. (easy said I have a room) To be honest I kind of liked the low price being it's right before Inzane.
Remember my first post asking why I didn't have to give them a credit card and you said they were country folk that where taking our word. I kinda liked that in this day and age, so I vote to keep my word and stay put.
Thanks for all your effort, Rainman and I are planning a ride this fall in Southern Indiana, it's not as easy as some think.
See ya all there!
Scoobydoo

Rams · Mon 07, Mar 2011, 17:38:57

Was planning on going but couldn't commit before I cleared it through work. Now, there are no rooms at the Inn. Heard that some where before. Regardless, I agree, keep it where it's at. I'll either find another place to stay or won't go.

blackrams

thumper · Mon 07, Mar 2011, 18:42:27

Stay or go????
Stay or go????
Stay or go????

Yup! That's what I think we should do!

Problem solved.

Jeezum, do I have to think of everything?

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Mon 07, Mar 2011, 19:20:23

I was going post when I said I would next saturday the 12th however since this was put back on page 1 I'll do it now. The whole reason behind this was more folks than we ( Don ) Highbinder and I thought would showed interest in this ride and we wanted everyone to be pleased.We all know you can't please everyone. Fact is we made a deal with Mr. Thompson at Thompson's Motel in Franklin,WV on a hand shake and this fact was eating at both Don and myself if we did'nt stick to our end. Just for the record we was'nt going to just call and cancel we planned to go back face to face and explain that " WAY " more people than we thought wanted to join us on this ride. Don and I talked last saturday and it's true I'll say it again " You Can't Please Everyone " The ride will remain in Franklin , WV at the Thompson's Motel and when we see Mr. Thompson we can look him straight in the eye knowing we held up our end.This is going to be a outstanding ride on some nice roads made for motorcycling with beautiful mountain scenery around every turn. I'm looking forward to it and hope we have blue skys and dry roads.

.. · Mon 07, Mar 2011, 19:21:49

bigdog99 · Mon 07, Mar 2011, 19:32:52

Joe,
i am really believing you when you say the south is better than the north. i know that a man's handshake is worth something when i read this.
i think you made a great descision and would be proud to shake your hand. Too bad i cant make the ride.
!!!

Reb · Mon 07, Mar 2011, 20:01:04

Hey Joe, you probably mentioned this earlier, but is there a liquor store available near bye the motel, or do i need to carry my Yankee beer with me. Also, do they allow Lynard Skynard music to be blaring in the parking lot

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Simple Man

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Mon 07, Mar 2011, 20:14:42

Quote from: Reb on Mon 07, Mar 2011, 20:01:04
Hey Joe, you probably mentioned this earlier, but is there a liquor store available near bye the motel, or do i need to carry my Yankee beer with me. Also, do they allow Lynard Skynard music to be blaring in the parking lot

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Simple Man

Preston a liquor store is just up the road and a quickie market next door sells beer however I'm not sure if they have PBR $:-\$ I will check it out for you and let you know. Skynyrd is always welcome it's a southern thang

Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 · Mon 07, Mar 2011, 20:15:50

Quote from: bigdog99 on Mon 07, Mar 2011, 19:32:52
Joe,
i am really believing you when you say the south is better than the north. i know that a man's handshake is worth something when i read this.
i think you made a great descision and would be proud to shake your hand. Too bad i cant make the ride.
!!!

If you can make InZane I'll be proud to shake your hand as well

Skinhead · Mon 07, Mar 2011, 21:40:56

Joe,

You made the right choice to stay with Franklin.

hubcapsc · Tue 08, Mar 2011, 06:01:30

Quote from: bigdog99 on Mon 07, Mar 2011, 19:32:52
i am really believing you when you say the south is better than the north.

The South is an awesome place to be, but some of our Northern friends will be likely to chime in
about which one is better...

I saw this this morning... probably not a real quote, but I like it...

Abraham Lincoln once asked General (Winfield) Scott the question: "Why
is it that you were once able to take the City of Mexico in three months
with five thousand men, and we have been unable to take Richmond with
one hundred thousand men...

"I will tell you," said General Scott. "The men who took us into the
City of Mexico are the same men who are keeping us out of Richmond."

-Mike "let's ride..."

Dubsvalk · Tue 08, Mar 2011, 06:55:53

Joe, I'm proud of you and Hibinder wanting to honor your word to the people in Franklin. Makes me proud to ride with The Wild Bunch! I too hope for clear skies and dry roads. And I hope that everyone that can, come and join us!
Dubs

Hotrodwing · Tue 08, Mar 2011, 08:33:02

Joe I hear what your saying I would not feel right if I had to make the cancelation. I am sure I will find something close. Can't wait to ride with you guys. Mike

Dubsvalk · Tue 08, Mar 2011, 09:12:52

I have a room all to myself. I have no idea if it is a double or not. If it is I can share it if someone needs it.
Dubs

thumper · Tue 08, Mar 2011, 20:15:27

Quote from: Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005 on Mon 07, Mar 2011, 19:20:23
I was going post when I said I would next saturday the 12th however since this was put back on page 1 I'll do it now. The whole reason behind this was more folks than we ( Don ) Highbinder and I thought would showed interest in this ride and we wanted everyone to be pleased.We all know you can't please everyone. Fact is we made a deal with Mr. Thompson at Thompson's Motel in Franklin,WV on a hand shake and this fact was eating at both Don and myself if we did'nt stick to our end. Just for the record we was'nt going to just call and cancel we planned to go back face to face and explain that " WAY " more people than we thought wanted to join us on this ride. Don and I talked last saturday and it's true I'll say it again " You Can't Please Everyone " The ride will remain in Franklin , WV at the Thompson's Motel and when we see Mr. Thompson we can look him straight in the eye knowing we held up our end.This is going to be a outstanding ride on some nice roads made for motorcycling with beautiful mountain scenery around every turn. I'm looking forward to it and hope we have blue skys and dry roads.

You did the right thing.

Rams · Tue 08, Mar 2011, 20:43:28

Quote from: Dubsvalk on Tue 08, Mar 2011, 09:12:52
I have a room all to myself. I have no idea if it is a double or not. If it is I can share it if someone needs it.
Dubs

If you've got a double and are willing, I'd be happy to split the cost of the room with you. If not, that's OK. Anyway you can find out whether it's a single or double?

blackrams

bigfish_Oh · Tue 08, Mar 2011, 23:49:51

That's kinda funny you mention NORTH - south, When we had CBX rallies in Gettysburg they were called
North - South Rally

robin · Wed 09, Mar 2011, 04:38:46

Joe,
i am really believing you when you say the south is better than the north. i know that a man's handshake is worth something when i read this.
i think you made a great descision and would be proud to shake your hand. Too bad i cant make the ride.
!!!
If you think this doesn't happen in the "NORTH" you are sadly mistaken my friend

Dubsvalk · Wed 09, Mar 2011, 06:50:55

Blackrams, I will call them today and see if it is a double. If it is we will share it.
Dubs

Dubsvalk · Wed 09, Mar 2011, 08:12:01

Blackrams,
The room is a double so you are welcome to share it. I sent you an email.
Dubs

Rams · Sun 13, Mar 2011, 21:04:34

Quote from: Dubsvalk on Wed 09, Mar 2011, 08:12:01
Blackrams,
The room is a double so you are welcome to share it. I sent you an email.
Dubs

Yep, got and we'll be rooming buds.

Oh yeah, bump for a good thread.

blackrams

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ATTENTION...Hillbilly Highway Run...Please Read